VOL. 45 NO.30 JULY 29, 2005 Inside COMMENTARY: Vice Supt rolls up sleeves, Pages 2, 3 NEWS: Cadet sentenced for theft, Page 4 Youth learn fire safety, Page 5 Scouts battle parasite, Page 6 Discovery crew’s local ties, Page 8 Cadets visit Pete, check flying options, Page 9 FEATURE: Academy medics save NCO’s life in Iraq, Page 11 March to Jacks Valley, BCT, Pages 12-13 Air Force Discovery experi- ments, Page 14 SPORTS: Hospital routs J&J, Page 15 Academy student athletes excel, Page 15 Athlete’s medicine perspective, Page 16 Long line, long march Briefly Basic cadets of the class of 2009 marched out to Jacks Valley Friday to begin their final phase of basic training.The basic cadets are living in tents for two weeks while they participate in a variety of military training exercises before returning Heat stress to begin the academic year. See story, Page 12. (Photo by Charley Starr) The base bioenviron- mental engineering office is monitoring the heat stress condition at the Academy. Academy primary site for national games The condition is deter- mined from the Wet Bulb By Wayne Amann organizations is to come here. The primary Items restricted from the Cadet Field Globe Thermometer index, Academy Spirit staff reason we do this is to further community House, Cadet Gymnasium and outdoor event which is based on air temper- relations and give us exposure to potential locations are: weapons, firearms, fireworks; ature, mean radiant tempera- While the Cadet Chapel will always be future cadets. They see what we have to backpacks (infant carrier packs are permitted ture, air speed and absolute the most definitive feature of the Academy offer here.” if infant is present); bags larger than 11 x humidity. skyline, the school’s athletic facilities take Visiting athletes will perform at the 11 x 8 inches; all hard-side briefcases (partic- The latest heat stress flag center stage this week. Academy Archery Range for archery (3-D), ipant equipment bags are permitted and are condition is on http://home- Some 9,000 athletes from around the the north baseball field for archery (target), subject to a search); (diaper bags are page/cadet. For more infor- country are here Thursday through Sunday the outdoor sport turf field for field hockey, permitted if infant is present); binoculars, mation, call 333-4825 during for the 2005 State Games of America, a the Cadet West Gym for gymnastics, the cameras and video cameras with appro- duty hours, and 440-6123 national multi-sport event, held biennially, Cadet Center Gym for martial arts, the priate bags are OK as are purses and fanny after duty hours. for all ages and skill levels. athletic fields for soccer, the Cadet Tennis packs. Academy Picnic Medal winners from 49 State Games Courts, the outdoor track stadium for track No hard-side coolers are allowed nor The Academy’s 2005 earn the right to compete against other & field and the Cadet East Gym for any sticks, poles including signs attached to Picnic will be at the Prep winners, pitting their skills and desire in a wrestling. sticks; nontransparent glass bottles, soda School Parade Ground 7:30 national setting. SGA events are today, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., cans and thermos bottles are restricted. a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 5. Nine of the event’s 24 Olympic and Pan Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, 8 Only factory sealed, plastic, transparent Tickets are $1 per person American sports take place at Academy a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is charged to all containers, 20 ounces or less, will be and are available from first venues. The rest are divided among Fort Academy events except archery (3-D) and permitted; bota bags, wine skins, camel sergeants. Children 3 and Carson, the Phil Long Expo Center, tennis. packs, alcohol of any kind, artificial noise- under eat free. Food will be Cheyenne Mountain Resort plus other sites Academy visitors are asked to enter makers of any kind, pets (unless certified served at 11 a.m. in Colorado Springs, Denver, Monument throught the North Gate. While on the service dogs for patrons with disabilities), Attendees are urged to and Pueblo. Academy they must have a driver’s license, skateboards, roller blades, shoes with wheels carpool. A shuttle bus from “Our facilities are known nationwide vehicle registration and vehicle insurance. and laser pointers are prohibited. Falcon Stadium to the site and people want to use them,” Assistant All persons, and their personal belongings, “As a military installation and for the starts at 7:30 a.m. and runs Athletic Director for Events Management Joe entering the academy are subject to a search Cadet Wing’s protection we want visitors every 15 minutes. Novak emphasized. “A big selling point for if necessary. See GAMES, Page 4 Academy Spirit 2 COMMENTARY July 29, 2005 New Vice Superintendent rolls up his sleeves
By Wayne Amman Academy Spirit Staff Spirit: How do you view patriotism in our country given current world Brig. Gen. Irving L. “Irv” Halter events? recently arrived to assume the Academy’s General Halter: When I came here new Vice Superintendent position. He in ’73 we could not go downtown by joins the Academy team following ourselves, in uniform or out, because concurrent tours as the Deputy Director your haircut made you stick out. for National Systems Operations, the I remember we were different in the Joint Staff, and Deputy Director for eyes of people who didn’t know us. They Military Support, National thought less of us because of what we Reconnaissance Office, Wash., D.C. were doing. We went to certain univer- The general is a command fighter sities for a football game and were told pilot with more than 3,100 flight hours not to go anywhere alone, stick together. who’s served as an operational Even though Vietnam had just finished, commander at the squadron, group and there was still a large anti-war movement. wing levels. General Halter is a veteran It’s a whole different ballgame now. of Operations Desert Storm, Provide Being a military member is held in such Comfort and Enduring Freedom. high esteem. The entire country knows The southern New Jersey native what we’re asking people to do. Although and ’77 Academy graduate shared his there are differing opinions about how views July 13 with the Academy Spirit. and what were involved in, it’s great to know no one is questioning the integrity, Spirit: How does it feel to return to the selflessness and character of the your alma mater? American military. It’s a wonderful thing General Halter: It’s not like the to have people behind you. It makes a good old days, even though there are a big difference. lot of similarities. I was anxious to see how much has changed. Graduating 28 Spirit: How do you perceive years ago and 32 years after basic America’s perception of the Academy? training, you get chills. General Halter: This year we’ve You watch what the young men and had well over 9,000 qualified folks apply women are going through and you go, for admission, a huge crop. The standards whew, I remember that. The concentra- have not changed. We’re still getting the tion on basic training and the compre- kind of people we want here. I see hensiveness of the training stand out. nothing but good there. You talk to fami- It’s much more deliberate and lies and there’s intense pride. thought through now. I really like that. I know this. My father passed away If anyone thinks the training has gotten last December. When we used to walk easier they need to watch what’s going Brig. Gen. Irving “Irv” Halter, Academy Vice Superintendent (Photos by Danny into an airport within 30 minutes there on. Talking to the basics and watching Meyer) weren’t 50 people who didn’t know I the cadre operate I see total profes- preparing you for the things to come, so went to the Air Force Academy. Even sionals. Graduates need to remember Spirit: What do you bring to the hang in there, it’s worth it. When I’m tired when I became a general, that’s the first it’s just as tough and in some ways table from your Air Force operational I may wonder why am I still doing this? thing he told them. To go to a service tougher because these kids come down background? Fact is, not I, my wife or family regret academy, especially for middle America, a lot further than we had to. I left three General Halter: When I arrived a moment of this. If I could do it all over is still a big deal. It’s not because the great TV channels at home on only one TV. I here right after Viet Nam we had a lot again, make 10-times the money, I education is free or the character devel- didn’t have my own phone, no computer, of folks who had been in the war as wouldn’t give it up for the world. This opment is great but because we develop most of us didn’t have cars, etc. We take pilots, navigators or support personnel. is a great way to make a living. Flying the whole person. A lot of colleges claim away a lot more things when they first They were my great motivators. They upside down is cool. Space operations to do that and a lot try, but very few can start here, so in many ways it’s a bigger would stop the English class and talk to is very cool. show they do that. We can. adjustment. me about an operational mission over the Our Air Force is doing neat, inter- The trials we’ve been through the last I’m really taken by the effort of the north. I cared about academics but in the esting things. Cadets will find a lot of two-three years have focused us even staff here. They’ve been through a lot of daily grind of what happens here those fun, even though life at the Academy more to take care of the whole person, challenges but are committed to doing guys kept my interest, they made a differ- may not always be fun. All of us are develop leaders of character. There’s this right. I’m also impressed by the ence. called upon to remind others, especially incredible cooperation here, especially graduate community. Even a lot of non- I’m very fortunate the Air Force on tough days, what it is they’re doing. at the senior level. Everyone is on board. graduates have written wishing us well gave me opportunities to command at What I’ve done doesn’t make me special, They all get it. They know why we’re and to say how much they care about our several levels. I’ve been to war, flew but it allows me to relate to folks, tell here. They’re absolutely dedicated to Academy. People may not always agree combat sorties, I know what that’s about. them I know what it’s like to be in making sure we do it right. with what we’re doing here but they sure I can look at these kids and say here’s Afghanistan. Here’s why it’s important have an interest. It’s pretty amazing. how the training you’re getting now is you do the particular thing you’re doing. Spirit: While the selection process continued next page
Directorate of Public Affairs mission: The Academy Spirit is published by Colorado Springs Military Newspaper Group, of Submissions To responsibly inform and educate the Colorado Springs Military Newspaper Group, a the products or services advertised. Everything Academy community and the public about the private firm in no way connected with the U.S. advertised in this publication shall be made Send submissions to: HQ USAFA/PAI, 2304 Air Force Academy Air Force, under exclusive written contract with available for purchase, use or patronage without Cadet Drive, Suite 318, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO Lt. Gen. John Rosa — Academy Superintendent the U.S. Air Force Academy. This civilian enter- regard to race, color, religion, sex, national ori- 80840-5016 or deliver to Suite 318 in Harmon Hall. prise Air Force newspaper is an authorized pub- gin, age, marital status, physical handicap, polit- Lt. Col. Laurent J. Fox — Director of Public Affairs Deadline for free classified ads on a space- lication for members of the U.S. military ser- ical affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the available basis is 3:30 p.m., Friday, one week prior Tech. Sgt. Gino Mattorano — Chief of Internal Information vices. Contents of the Academy Spirit are not purchaser, user or patron. The printer reserves to the desired publication date. Paid advertising is Butch Wehry — Editor necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the right to reject any advertisements. accepted by the publisher at 634-5905. [email protected] the U.S. government, the Department of Defense Editorial content is edited, prepared and pro- Deadline for all stories is noon Friday, one Wayne Amann — Staff Writer or the Department of the Air Force. vided by the U.S. Air Force Academy Directorate week prior to the desired publication date. Refer [email protected] The appearance of advertising in this publi- of Public Affairs. The editor reserves the right questions to the Academy Spirit staff at 333-7557. Eddie Kovsky — Staff Writer cation, including inserts or supplements, does to edit articles to conform to Air Force policy The staff also accepts story submissions by [email protected] not constitute endorsement by the Department of and Associated Press style. All photos are U.S. fax (333-4094) or by e-mail (pa.newspaper@ usafa.af.mil). Denise Navoy — Graphic Designer Defense, the Department of the Air Force, or Air Force photos unless otherwise indicated. Academy Spirit July 29, 2005 3 for a new superintendent is underway are home team that’s watching what’s going need to be a leader, but lead quietly, and stuff I want them to be honest with you ready to carry on what Gen. Rosa on, making sure we don’t miss anything understand your boss’s vector and be me. Tell me what their issues are. What’s established? along the way. I’m glad I’m here with the guy who translates that. You make good about your job and what can be General Halter: The reason the vice General Rosa, who I’ve known for quite sure the boss gets all he needs but no better? What resources do you need? I superintendent position was created at a while. He’s a great officer who’s done more than he needs because he’s a busy cannot promise anyone I can change this rank was to ensure the momentum great work here and is teaching me the guy. He can’t make every decision here anything. I can promise, if they convince we started the last couple years continued, ropes(along) with generals Weida and and he doesn’t want to. I’m going to me of their cause, I’ll get back to the boss through the transition of personalities and Born and Dr. Mueh. figure out what can I do to make him and maybe give him options to address because the Superintendent is a univer- I purposely got here two days before more effective in his job. issues. The bottom line mission here is sity president. A lot of his time is spent the new class arrived, less than three I told the senior staff recently as I get as important as the day-to-day mission away from the Academy. It’s hard to be weeks after I was told to be here. I wanted older I’m not going to teach cadets in Iraq, Afghanistan, or anywhere else the boss and keep that momentum going, to watch how all this went so I could be physics, that’s a bad idea. I’m not the civil in the operational Air Force. In some even if you’re a commandant or dean, if part of it. General Weida and I have been engineer who makes sure the plumbing ways it may be the most important. you’re not there. The acting Secretary of leading the 3- and 5-mile walks. With works, the person ensuring military We’re building the future of the Air the Air Force, Michael Dominguez, told everything that goes on this is an oppor- family housing is OK, the person making Force and that’s a sacred trust. There’s me to keep the continuity going. tunity for me to keep the ball rolling. sure someone gets paid or the AOC (Air no better place to do it than the Academy. If there’s a gap in the transition Officer Commanding) staying up Everyone here is part of that mission. If process the good news is I’m here. I’m Spirit: What can the Academy expect overnight with a sick cadet or a family you’re having a bad day go to one of the learning everything I can because the from the new vice superintendent? to resolve a problem. My job is to make overlooks or the terrazzo, if you’re place has changed a lot. All the folks here General Halter: I’ve been a boss the jobs of everyone who takes care of allowed to, watch what’s going on and are dedicated to developing cadets into before. I haven’t been a vice boss before. this place easier. remind yourself why you’re here. That leaders of character. My job is to be the That takes a little different talent. You still When people see me at orientations will keep you going. It keeps me going.
“To go to a service academy, is still a big deal... because we develop the whole person.”
- Brig. Gen. Irv Halter Academy Vice Superintendent Academy Spirit 4 NEWS July 29, 2005 Cadet court martialed,
• For allegation of sexual assault, the Academy has a sentenced for theft Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) and victim advocate (VA) on-call to ensure By the Academy Spirit staff books and notified their chain of the respectful and dignified care of the victim. If a victim of sexual assault confides in a fel- command, which had them report the low cadet, the victim should be directed to call A cadet was court martialed and incident to security forces investigations. the SARC immediately at 333-SARC in order to sentenced to six months of confinement The cadet was charged with violating discuss restricted (confidential) and unrestricted and total forfeitures of pay July 19. Article 121 of the Uniformed Code of (non-confidential) reporting options. Military Justice for larceny. Ref: p 4-14, para 4.10.1 Cadet 4th Class Dustin Rotbart stole • Service Before Self is a concept that motivates us six books and a coin collection from the to carry out the duties defined by our superiors Academy Library’s Gimbel Collection despite personal risk, danger, or in April, valued at more than $12,000 said inconvenience. Capt. Jeremiah Crowley, Academy Ref: p. 9, para 1.4.2
Assistant Staff Judge Advocate. The Cadet Sight Picture (Cadet Wing Rotbart ws leaving the Academy and Manual 36-3501) provides an insight on his last day, his roommates discovered into the day-to-day requirements for the books in his book bag, said the legal cadets. official. The roommates secured the
GAMES continued from Page 1
to adhere to all the security and safety requirements Mr. Novak explained. “Our events management staff previously held in St. Louis, Mo., in 1999 and 2001 because they make good, common sense,” Mr. Novak works diligently with the J & J Maintenance folks and in Hartford, Conn., in 2003. said. who help set up the facilities and different venue sites. To qualify for this State Games of America, athletes An event of this magnitude takes no less than a We coordinate with security forces about security must have won a gold, silver or bronze medal in their total team effort to pull it off successfully. The Academy issues, traffic and other concerns they may have. The local State Games in 2003 or 2004 or be Colorado resi- works administratively in concert with Colorado’s base wing is instrumental in figuring out logistics, such dents for at least 30 days prior to the competition. Rocky Mountain State Games and the Colorado Springs as signage, ensuring roadways are clear and more.” College students, U. S. military personnel and their fami- Sports Corporation. The road was cleared in 1978 for the State Games lies stationed in Colorado may also participate. Day-to-day operations are handled locally. concept in New York with the Empire State Games. “Plan on getting here early,” Mr. Novak advised “A lot of planning and coordination goes into this In 2004 more than 500,000 athletes competed in State Academy visitors. “Remember, you’re at altitude so to make sure everything is in place and ready to go,” Games nationwide. The State Games of America was stay hydrated and use sunscreen.” ATTENTION All Brides & Grooms to be: MYSTIC MEADOWS EVENT & CONFERENCE CENTER Presents: “THE ENCHANTED WEDDING FESTIVAL” Stroll 10 acres of beautiful landscape, Meet Wedding Specialists, Enter the Fun, Bridal Contests (and win cash prizes), Enjoy Free Food, Paddle Boat Rides And More! Sunday, August 21, 2005 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m. 14275 S. State Highway 115 Colorado Springs, CO 80926 Call to schedule your private tour for your wedding or party (719) 226-1700 www.mysticmeadows.biz
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By the Academy Spirit staff It wasn’t routine kids’ stuff; instruction merged fun with useful lessons. The Academy’s first Youth Fire Safety Camp The morning portion was fire safety educa- held July 18 at Pine Valley’s Fire Station 1 was tion like fire extinguisher training, exit drills anything but boring for the youngsters who in the home, having a meeting place outside, participated. checking smoke alarms and crawling low in smoke. The afternoon was the mini fire safety muster with the hose roll, fire stream compe- tition and the bucket brigade. Even Smokey Bear and Sparky showed. Children received instruction in a variety of important topics including recognizing common household fire hazards and how to correct them, proper and safe use of fire extinguishers, an explanation and demon- stration of firefighter protective clothing and recognizing and reporting emergencies. The fun side of the day was highlighted by the bucket brigade, hose rolling competi- tion and hitting a target with a water stream from a fire hose. “It is important that we reinforce these Megan Stonestreet (foreground), guided by base firefighter Staff fundamental safety practices and make them Sgt. Daniel Arens, practices the “hose roll” in the afternoon Mini a part of our children’s daily routine” said Fire Muster held at Fire Station 1 during the Youth Fire Safety Assistant Fire chief Dennis Chaltry. Camp. (Courtesy Photo)
A child attending the Youth Fire Safety Camp is competing in the bucket brigade. The children filled smaller pails with water from a large horse trough and ran to fill the smaller containers to see whose team could fill it the fastest. Some got more water on themselves than in the pails. (Courtesy Photo) The fire stream competition involved knocking a tennis ball off of the target cones. (Courtesy Photo) Lighthouse Financial Group A home mortgage beacon of trust Debt consolidation? Payment Balance $960.00 mortgage $115,000.00 $425.00 auto 1 $14,000.00 $350.00 auto 2 $5,000.00 $85.00 credit card $4,500.00 Model Home Hours $60.00 credit card $3,600.00 Mon - Sat 10 - 6:00pm Sun 1 - 6:00pm $35.00 dept. card $1,200.00 Beautiful new MAINTENANCE-FREE COMMUNITY in the desirable MONUMNET area! Single-Family RANCH STYLE HOMES with impeccable quality including $325.00 personal loan $2,200.00 stucco exteriors and tile roofs. Floor plans range in size from 1,200 –2,800 sq ft, 2-5 bedrooms, 2-3 full baths, and all have 2 car garages. With an IMPRESSIVE LIST OF STANDARD FEATURES you can afford carefree lifestyle living with unob- $2,240.00 total $145,500.00 structed mountain views! Built by ANDERSON HOMES - building homes in Colo- rado for over 35 years! New mortgage $899.00 Affordably priced from $249,900! Off Old Denver Hwy west of I-25 between Baptist Rd and Hwy 105 Monthly savings $1,341.00 Sales Center 719-481-3286 (conditions apply – call for details) www.AndersonHomesInc.com 719-578-1835 Steve McFarlane & Associates Nineteen N. Tejon Street www.SteveMcFarlane.com www.LFGLending.com Academy Spirit 6 July 29, 2005 Boy Scouts battle dwarf mistletoe in Academy forest
By Eddie Kovsky various tree species,” said Diane Strohm, natural resources saws, pruning saws, hand saws, bow saws, loppers, and pole Academy Spirit staff planner. “It weakens and sometimes kills trees by extracting loppers.” food and nutrients. Its seeds are expelled at up to 60 mph, While the scouts learned to clear the mistletoe, safety A local boy scout troop recently performed a commu- infecting other trees and limbs, sometimes up to 60 feet away. was also in mind. nity service for the Academy. Mistletoe often stresses trees, predisposing them to attack “We had a first aid kit on site, and everyone was Eagle Scout Ben Blieber brought approximately 20 boy by bark beetles. It is a serious problem across portions of required to wear closed toed shoes, leather gloves and scouts to the base Saturday to remove dwarf mistletoe the Academy in Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir.” safety goggles,” said Blieber.” from three acres of forest near the community center. For this project, the scouts worked in small groups on “Pruning the trees leaves the forest much healthier,” “I have been in Boy Scouts for about seven years,” said different parts of the forest. Before the scouts arrived, the said Ms. Strohm. “It also entailed cutting some trees that Blieber. “To obtain Boy Scouts highest rank of Eagle boundary of the area they were working in was marked are competing with others in dense pockets.” Scout, you have to do an Eagle Service Project. Since the off, and the trees that needed to be cut down were flagged. The scouts have done several annual Eagle Scout Academy sponsors my troop, I wanted to provide a service “In addition to pruning the trees with mistletoe on them, projects on the Academy, including trail work, erosion for them.” we also cut down the trees flagged in red and cut down projects, and planting. It could save the lives of trees. any dead branches on mistletoe trees,” said Blieber. “The Many cadets attending the Academy are past Eagle “Dwarf mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on tools that we used to accomplish this project include pole Scouts. New Housing Allowance Guidelines Won’t Result in Pay Cut By Army Sgt. Sara Wood remaining in the area where they already the higher amount. However, troops moving said. “We always had in our minds that we American Forces Press Service receive BAH, she noted. into that area receive the lower amount. would eliminate the protection once the Penrod stressed that the BAH rate is set Geographic rate protection was a temporary out-of-pocket (expenses) went to zero.” WASHINGTON - Defense officials at the average housing cost for the area. Rates protection put into effect to prevent troops Under the new BAH guidelines, a are eliminating the “geographic rate protec- are further set based on military rank, with of the same pay grade living in the same area servicemember moving to a new area will tion” clause that ensures servicemembers each pay-grade level having a set accept- from getting different amounts of housing receive the appropriate BAH rate for that moving to a new area receive the same able standard of housing. Servicemembers allowance. area, regardless of whether troops already housing allowance as those already there. may still have to pay some out-of-pocket Rate protection was instituted in 2000 living there are receiving a higher rate, she Geographic rate protection is expiring expenses if they choose to live above that to ensure troops' BAH rates were the same said. in January because Basic Allowance for level. Conversely, if servicemembers choose among like-pay grade individuals living in This change makes financial sense, Housing rates have reached a level where to live below the average level, they will still the same area while troops were still paying Penrod said. “We're adjusting rates to where servicemembers no longer have to pay out- receive the same BAH rate. part of their own housing expenses, Penrod they should be,” she said. of-pocket expenses for housing, said Air Troops still have “individual rate protec- explained. Now that BAH rates are high Each year, BAH rates are adjusted with Force Col. Virginia Penrod, DoD director tion” as long as they stay within the same enough to cover servicemembers' entire input from military housing offices in the of military compensation. geographic area. If average housing costs housing expenses, geographic rate protec- area, Penrod said. If it is determined the rate Any rate cut from year to year will not in a given geographic area go down, troops tion isn't necessary, she said. needs to be increased, all servicemembers negatively affect servicemembers who are already living in that area continue to receive “It was a short-term program,” she living in that area will receive the increase.
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