PERMIT No. 220

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the bird feeders, tidy up tidy feeders, bird the

Time to take down down take to Time

WAKING UP WAKING

WILDLIFE IS IS WILDLIFE

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FORCE WITH AIRCRAFT WITH FORCE

JBER KICKS OFF POLAR POLAR POLAR POLAR POLAR OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF KICKS KICKS KICKS KICKS KICKS JBER JBER JBER JBER JBER WALK ELEPHANT ELEPHANT

MARCH 29, 2019 • VOLUME 11 •NO. 12

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but soon but

Well... not yet, yet, not Well...

RIDE

AND

BIKES GET ON YOUR ON GET FEATURE It’s almost time: Motorcycle season By AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JONATHAN VALDES JBER Public Affairs

The time of year many two-wheeled travelers look forward to is quickly ap- proaching – warm weather and clear roads mean ideal riding conditions. The motorcycle season runs from May to October, and begins when the 673d Mission Support Group com- mander declares the road condition green – and after the roads have been cleared of dangerous accumulations of gravel. Road condition green is when roads are clear of snow and ice and are dry. Drivers will comply with normal vehicle operating procedures and posted speed limits. Knowing the steps to pre- A motorcyclist drives between cones during a pre-ride skills assessment at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. At pare before motorcycle sea- JBER, the riding season typically runs from May to October and motorcycle operations are only allowed when road son starts is key for all riders. conditions are green. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kyle Johnson) “Riders need to satisfy by Department of Defense der the chin and certified to to ride on base. “Service members need program requirements to Instruction 6055.04, DoD meet current federal motor Army personnel are re- to identify their intent to drive a motorcycle,” said Traffic Safety Program; Air vehicle safety standards. quired to have refresher train- ride to their supervisor and David Spellman, 673d Air Force Instruction 91-207, The • Riders must properly ing every three years, and Air unit motorcycle safety rep- Base Wing Safety Office U.S. Air Force Traffic Safety wear goggles, wrap-around Force every five years. resentative,” Spellman said. occupational safety special- Program; Joint Base Elmen- glasses or a full-face shield Army personnel can ac- “After that, the motorcycle ist and motorcycle safety dorf-Richardson Instruction designed to meet or exceed quire the 2019 JBER Motor- safety representative will program manager for Joint 91-202, Safety Standards for American National Stan- cycle Training Request form provide an initial safety brief. Base Elmendorf-Richardson. the JBER Mishap Preven- dards Institute standards. from the U.S. Army Alaska If the service member is an “Compliance with personal tion Program; JBER Instruc- • Riders must wear a long- Mission Safety Office and existing rider, they will get protective equipment guide- tion 31-118, Motor Vehicle sleeved shirt or jacket, long their unit motorcycle mon- a pre-season brief and from lines is also required.” Traffic Supervision Pro- trousers and full-fingered itor. there the safety representa- For all those who plan to gram and Army Regulation gloves or mittens. Air Force personnel can tive will verify if their train- ride their motorcycles, the 385-10, The Army Safety • Gloves or mittens must acquire the form from their ing is current. JBER Motorcycle Pre-sea- Program. be made from leather or other motorcycle safety represen- “If it’s not, they will help son/Annual Safety Briefing These documents call for abrasion-resistant material. tative or the JBER Occupa- facilitate the process to set is scheduled for April 23 at the following safety practices • Riders must wear sturdy tional Safety SharePoint. them up for training.” the Frontier Theater. for motorcyclists: over-the-ankle foot protec- Any military member For more information The first briefing will be • All motorcyclists’ head- tion that affords protection regardless of branch can about motorcycling on JBER presented at 7 a.m., the sec- lights must be on at all times for the feet and ankles. acquire the training request and road conditions, contact ond one at 10 a.m., and the when operating on a DoD Both Air Force and Army forms on JBER’s website at the JBER Safety Office at last one at 5 p.m. installation, whether on or regulations mandate mo- www.jber.jb.mil. 552-6850 or email 673abw. The Joint Base Elmen- off-road. torcycle riders receive Mo- Completed and signed [email protected], visit the dorf-Richardson Motorcycle • Riders must properly torcycle Safety Foundation forms can be emailed to JBER website or call 552- Safety Program is governed wear a helmet, fastened un- training before they are able [email protected]. INFO (4636).

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson/ JBER Public Affairs Chief 673d Air Base Wing Commander Lt. Col. John Ross (USAF) Col. Patricia A. Csànk (USAF) ARCTIC WARRIOR Public Affairs Operations Chief Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson/ The Arctic Warrior is published by Wick Communica- available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, Dana Rosso tions, a private firm in no way connected with the Department color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, 673d Air Base Wing Vice Commander of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the Department physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit Col. Adam W. Lange (USA) of the Army, under exclusive written contract with the Joint factor of the purchaser, user or patron. Public Affairs Superintendent Base Elmendorf-Richardson Public Affairs Office. To advertise in the Arctic Warrior, call (907) 352-2250 Senior Master Sgt. Matthew McGovern This civilian enterprise newspaper is an authorized pub- or email [email protected]. Editorial content Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson/ lication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of is edited, prepared and provided by the Arctic Warrior staff. 673d Air Base Wing Command Chief the Arctic Warrior are not necessarily the official views of, or Editorial office and mailing address: JBER Public Affairs, Arctic Warrior staff Chief Master Sgt. endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of Defense, the 10480 Sijan Ave., Suite 123, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richard- Chris McCann - managing editor Department of the Air Force or the Department of the Army. son, AK 99506; telephone (907) 552-2549. Charles C. Orf The appearance of advertising in this publication, includ- Send emails about news stories and story submissions Justin Connaher - photo editor ing inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by to [email protected]. Deadline for article and Ed Cunningham - webmaster Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson/ U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department photos is 4:30 p.m., Monday, for the week of publication. of the Air Force, the Department of the Army, or Wick Com- Articles and photos will be published on a space-available 673d Air Base Wing Sergeant Major munications of the products or services advertised. basis and are subject to editing by the Arctic Warrior staff. Command Information NCOIC Sgt. Maj. Jerry H. Byrd Jr. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made Submission does not guarantee publication. Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Foster 2 VOLUME 11 • NO. 12 • MARCH 29, 2019 NEWS Spartans train at Fort Greely INTERIOR DESIGNS: Mortarmen with the 4th Infantry Brigade Com- bat Team (Air- borne), 25th In- fantry Division, U.S. Army Alas- ka, prepare to fire their 120mm mortar system during live-fire training exer- cises March 21 at Fort Greely as Mount Hayes looms in the background. (U.S. Army pho- to/Sgt. Alex Skripnichuk)

MARCH 29, 2019 • VOLUME 11 • NO. 12 3 NEWS POLAR FORCE

Airmen load cargo onto a C-17 Globemaster III during Polar Force 19-4 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson March 25. Polar Force is a two-week exercise de- signed to test JBER’s mission readiness, and develops the skills service mem- bers require to face adverse situations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jonathan Valdes Montijo) Senior Airman Charlotte Gainvors, 673d Security Forces Squadron armorer, is- sues an M-4 carbine to a security forces augmentee during a shift change during Polar Force 19-4 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson March 26. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Crystal Jenkins)

4 VOLUME 11 • NO. 12 • MARCH 29, 2019 NEWS QUARTERLY EXERCISE IS GO

Service members participate in a Mission Assurance Exercise at Joint Airmen assigned to the 673d Logistics Readiness Squadron receive in- Base Elmendorf-Richardson March 21. The exercise tested the installa- dividual protective equipment for a simulated deployment during Polar tion’s capabilities to respond to a simulated biological attack. (U.S. Air Force 19-4 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson March 25. Polar Force is Force photo/Airman 1st Class Adriana Barrientos) a two-week exercise designed to test JBER’s mission readiness. Exercis- es like this strengthen and develop the skills service members require when facing adverse situations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Crystal Jenkins)

Airmen load cargo onto a C-17 Globemaster III during Polar Force 19-4 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, March 25, 2019. Polar Force is a two-week ex- ercise designed to test JBER’s mission readiness, and develops the skills service members require to face adverse situations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jonathan Valdes Montijo) ABOVE LEFT: Airmen carry their bags of gear onto a waiting bus, part of a simulated deployment during Polar Force, a quarterly readiness exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Crystal Jenkins) LEFT: Tech. Sgt. Kimberly Johnson and Airman 1st Class Carla Gonzalez, assigned to the 673d Logis- tics Readiness Squadron, issue individual protective equipment to Air Force Staff Sgt. Arroyo Gutierrez for a simulated deployment during Polar Force 19-4 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson March 25. Polar Force is a two-week exercise designed to test JBER’s mission readiness. Exercises like this strengthen and develop the skills service members require when fac- ing adverse situations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Crystal Jenkins) ON THE COVER: Aircraft perform an “Elephant walk” on the JBER flightline March 26 before taking off during a simulated deployment.

MARCH 29, 2019 • VOLUME 11 • NO. 12 5 COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

Friday out the spring carnival with For more information, call Thursday science club Lunch with a vendor long lift operations, great 384-1301. Youth are invited to the Head to Information, conditions, and the slush cup JBER Library to experiment Chapel Tickets and Travel in the – skimming a 90-foot pond in Night at the Fights and think about science from Arctic Oasis from 11 a.m. to a zany costume. For informa- The Egan Center hosts 6:30 to 7 p.m. For informa- services noon and save big on Alaska tion, visit alyeskaresort.com. Thursday night boxing and tion, call 384-1640. cruises. Specials run all day. mixed martial arts fights at Catholic Mass

For information, call 552- April 17 7:30 p.m. For more, visit Library story times Sunday 0297 or 753-2378. Ladies’ night at the range thursdaynightfights.com. The JBER Library 9 a.m. – Arctic Warrior Chapel Women of all skill levels hosts preschool story times Monday and Wednesday 11:40 a.m. – Arctic Warrior ASL class can head to the Skeet and Evening hikes Tuesdays and Thursdays Chapel Join the Library for this Trap range for this introduc- Alaska Outdoors hosts from 10 to 11 a.m.; Toddler Tuesday class which teaches elemen- tion to shotguns, safety and weekly hikes Monday and Tales Wednesdays from 10 to Noon – JBER Hospital Chapel tary school-aged children the shooting from 5:30 to 7:30 Thursday evenings from 6:30 10:30 a.m., and all-ages story Friday Noon – JBER Hospital Chapel basics of sign language from p.m. For information, call to 8 p.m. Monday hikes are time Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7 2 to 3 p.m. It’s an excellent 384-1480. easy, 3.5 to 4.5 miles and per- p.m. For more information, Confession opportunity for home school- fect for beginners or families call 384-1640. Confessions are available any- ers. For information, call April 19 with kids. time by appointment or after any mass. Call 552-5762. 384-1640. Teens’ Easter egg hunt Thursday hikes are mod- Model railroading The JBER youth centers erate difficulty. The Military Society of Protestant Sunday Saturday invite teens to search in the For information, visit Model Railroad Engineers worship services Mushrooms of spring dark for prize-filled eggs alaska-outdoors.org. meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays Spring’s on its way – learn starting at 9:30 p.m. Bring a and 1 p.m. Saturdays in Gospel 9:30 a.m. – Midnight Sun Chapel about the morel, including flashlight and a basket. For Civil Air Patrol the basement of Matanuska Contemporary how to tell real from false information, call 384-1508 Adult members of the Hall. They host an open 11 a.m. – Arctic Warrior Chapel morels and where to find or 552-2266. Civil Air Patrol meet at the house every third Saturday Traditional 11 a.m. – Heritage Chapel them. The class is free at the Aero Club Hangar the first through April. Eagle River Nature Center April 20 and third Tuesdays of each For more information, call Religious Education at 2 p.m. Easter Bunny ice cream month; cadets meet Satur- 552-5234, e-mail msmrre@ For schedules, call the For more information, Tickets go on sale April days. For more information gmail.com or visit facebook. Religious Operations Center at 552-5762. visit ernc.org. 1 for this event featuring ice or to join, call 350-7951. com/msmrre. cream, crafts, and much more Earth Hour at the Zoo with the Easter Bunny from March of the elephants Join the Alaska Zoo and 11 a.m. to noon. For informa- millions around the world in tion, call 552-8529. Earth Hour. Bring a beeswax or soy candle and enjoy a Paws to Read candlelit walk through the The JBER Library in- zoo. For information, visit vites children in kindergarten alaskazoo.org and earthhour. through 5th grade to read to org. a service dog from 10 a.m. to noon. For information, call April 13 384-1640. Ping Pong tournamnet Show off your skills and Ongoing crush the competition at the Glide Fit Warrior Zone starting at 2 Try a new way to get p.m. with this tournament in shape with this class at with prizes for the top three the Buckner Physical Fit- finishers. For information, ness Center pool Saturdays call 384-9006. from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. or Wednesdays from 5:30 to April 13 and 14 6:30 p.m. Test your bal- Alyeska Slush Cup ance while working out on Dozens of aircraft taxi along the runways at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson March 26 in an “Elephant walk” conducted as part of exercise Polar Force. The aircraft taxied, Even Alyeska’s season a stand-up paddleboard. took off, and landed as part of a simulated deployment to an overseas location, lending must come to an end. Check Open to ages 13 and older. realism to the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jonathan Valdes)

6 VOLUME 11 • NO. 12 • MARCH 29, 2019 MATTERS OF FAITH Reinvigorating resolutions, making progress By ARMY CHAPLAIN (CAPT.) half-marathon. When I was training, I was not After two hours – and a lot of BRIAN S. PHIPPS I thought, “This shouldn’t be too running alone. I met up with a group prayer – I saw the finish line in sight. 725th BSB Chaplain bad as it is only 13.1 miles and I can of people who would help push me Suddenly, I got a burst of energy. ruck 12 miles with no problem.” to meet my goal. People were cheering all around me, A few months ago, many of you I’m not sure about you, but I’m This does not mean I was always and finally I crossed the finish line. set a New Year’s resolution which not the person that wakes up in the happy about how far or fast we were As my friends and family met me, involved going to the gym, losing morning saying “I cannot wait to run running, but they were always there I was filled with joy knowing that just weight, getting in shape or becoming 6 or 9 miles today.” I’m more along to encourage me. four months before, I’d never run a better person. the lines of “God, are you sure that I In many ways, training for this more than three miles, and now I’d Each year we do this, and most of should be doing this?” race increased my prayer life. finished a half-marathon. the time these goals only last a few In preparing for this half-mara- On long run days, my prayers The reason that I stuck to my goal weeks. This doesn’t mean we weren’t thon, I didn’t wake up and just run would start with: “Lord, please help was the people around me encourag- serious about our goals when we thirteen miles; it was a process over each of us to complete today’s run ing me and pushing. They did not let started. Perhaps we went to the store several months of training my body and give each of us the strength we me give up or quit. and bought new workout clothes, to be able to run that far. need.” So, what does this mean for you? new shoes, new wireless headphones, Each day as I set out on the two-, By mile four, it would change to: Maybe today is the day you reinvig- and some new type of lo-cal snacks. four-, six-, eight-, or ten-mile run, I “Lord, please help me to finish this orate pursuing the goal you set in Maybe we even paid for a gym mem- had a lot of time to think. run.” January. bership. After mile two or three, I begin By mile six my prayer life turned Maybe today you seek the encour- We started January with high to try to convince myself I have run to: “Lord, I would be happy if you agement and help of a caring friend hopes and big dreams. The reality far enough. The conversation would came and raptured all of us right or two to get started again. for many of us is this goal lasted go something like this: “OK. Yester- now.” By mile eight: “Lord, don’t With their encouragement and until about February 15 and then we day you ran six miles, so today you worry about anyone else right now; accountability, you might surprise got tired or busy. We no longer had should take it easy. You can run a just take me home.” yourself in future weeks with the time to go to the gym. We found all little slower or even stop for today, When it came to race day I was progress you’ve made. kinds of excuses of why we couldn’t because you don’t want to overdo it.” very nervous and anxious. I had We always have excuses as to why get up early. Suddenly it’s the end of It is easy to talk ourselves out of been training for months and it was we can’t finish our goals, but I can March, and maybe we have not been our goals, so during this time, when game day. assure you if you stick with it, the to the gym in nearly a month. the training gets hard, we need people When the gun fired, we all began joy you will feel when you reach the In 2015, I set out to run my first to support us and encourage us. to run. finish line is awesome.

MARCH 29, 2019 • VOLUME 11 • NO. 12 7 BRIEFS ANDNEWS ANNOUNCEMENTS

Hospital Family Day hours reate in JBER training areas Joint Base Elmendorf-Rich- available at the JBER-E lo- 10:30 a.m., Monday through The 673d Medical Group must obtain an iSportsman ardson personnel to report cation; priority goes to those Friday. Flyers and those on is open on Pacific Air Forces permit and sign in and out potholes. For holes in hous- PCSing. For information, call personnel reliability program family days to ensure patients using the iSportsman system ing areas, contact Aurora 375-5540. status, pregnant, or under the have access to acute care and prior to recreating. A pass Housing at 753-1051. Other age of 2 are not eligible. several other services. Spe- costs $10; $5 for those 60 requests are tracked by 773d DLA Document Services The clinic offers pain re- cialty care, surgical services, and older and disabled per- CES. Note the location, in- Defense Logistics Agency lievers; cough, cold and aller- the laboratory, pharmacy and sons. Passholders may also cluding cross-streets or build- Document Services dupli- gy medications; ointments; radiology will be open on a need an installation access ing numbers. Then email cates and prints documents, constipation and diarrhea limited basis. For informa- pass. For information, visit 773ces.ceoh.potholerepair@ including color, large-format medications, and others. tion, call 580-2778. isportsman.jber.net or call us.af.mil or call 552-2994 or photos, engineering draw- For information, visit 552-8609 or 384-6224. 552-2995. Include contact ings, sensitive materials, JBERPharmacy on Face- Firewood permits information for crews. manuals and training mate- book. Firewood is $35 per cord Reserve ‘Scroll’ rials. They design, print and or $17.50 per half-cord. To Officers wanting to transi- U-Fix-It Store distribute business cards, let- ASYMCA Bargain shop receive a permit, an iSports- tion to the Air Force Reserve The U-Fix-It stores, open terhead, invitations and pro- The ASYMCA Bargain man permit is required. For must have their commission to all Aurora Military Hous- grams, and provide devices Shop, 8515 Saville Ave. on information, visit https://jber. transferred to a list called ing tenants, issue home main- to print, scan, copy and fax, JBER-E, is open Tuesdays, isportsman.net. “the Scroll” and approved tenance items. Availability is and provides maintenance Wednesdays and Fridays by the Secretary of Defense. subject to change and limits; and ink cartridges. They offer from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the Main Pharmacy hours The process averages 120 some items may have a cost. document automation and first Saturday of the month The main JBER pharma- days, but can take longer, The JBER-E location, at content services for building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For cy, on the first floor of the and must be approved before 6350 Arctic Warrior Drive, digital libraries. To register, information, call 753-6134. JBER hospital, is open from participating in the Reserve, is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., go to https://www.dso.doc- 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The which may mean a break in Tuesday through Friday, umentservices.dla.mil. For Richardson Thrift Shop pharmacy at the Exchange service. Even if you’re un- closed from 1 to 1:30 p.m. for information, visit document- The JBER-Richardson is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. sure about transitioning to lunch, and Saturday, 9 a.m. to services.dla.mil or call (808) Thrift Shop, Building 724 Mondays through Fridays the Air Force Reserve, the noon and 1 to 4 p.m. 473-1699 or (315) 473-1699. Quartermaster Drive, is open for civilian prescriptions and process can be initiated. For The JBER-R office is Tuesday and Thursday from refills, and Saturdays from 9 information, call 552-3595. at 338 Hoonah Ave., open OTC pharmacy counter 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday a.m. to 1 p.m. for refills only. from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., The pharmacy at the from noon to 6 p.m., and first Pothole repair Monday through Friday, and JBER hospital has over-the- and third Saturdays from 11 iSportsman enrollment The 773d Civil Engineer closed from 1 to 1:30 p.m. counter medication for DoD a.m. to 2 p.m. For informa- Anyone choosing to rec- Squadron encourages all A blind-cleaning machine is beneficiaries from 7:30 to tion, call 384-7000.

8 VOLUME 11 • NO. 12 • MARCH 29, 2019 NEWS Wildlife is waking up, hungry; use caution By AIR FORCE STAFF SGT. trash or in a neighbor’s, WESTIN WARBURTON call security forces,” added JBER Public Affairs Sledge. “They will notify us immediately, day or night, Spring is here and so is the and we will come out and wildlife. It’s time to be bear take care of the situation with aware, and mindful of moose. hazing.” Bear sightings have al- Along with trash, bird ready been reported on Joint feeders are an issue. Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Bears are attracted to suet This means it’s time to clean and oily sunflower seeds up yards and bring in the often found in Alaska bird trash. feeders. Feeders need to be “Our biggest problem is brought inside from April to garbage,” said Mark Sledge, October. 673d Civil Engineering Bears also love the smell Squadron senior conserva- of cooked food left over on tion law enforcement officer. grills; give yours a scrub. “We’ve seen trash in truck While bears are a big con- beds, dumpsters that aren’t cern, the JBER community A moose walks toward the Yukla Hall dormitories on Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, being closed all the way, also needs to be mindful of Feb. 22, 2016. According to the conservation law enforcement agents on base, nuisance and there have been a few the moose calving season wildlife calls increase in the spring as animals forage for scarce food. (U.S. Air Force incidents of people dumping that will start within the next photo by Airman 1st Class Javier Alvarez) grease over the back of their few weeks. worst time to have your kids them, added Sledge. ing the necessary precautions fences.” “We consider calving sea- cut through the woods to get In addition to bears and will help keep your family By keeping trash bins in son to be the most hazardous to school or any other place moose, wolves and coyotes and neighborhood safe from garages until pickup day, and time,” said Jim Wendland, they might be going.” have been known to live on the Alaska wildlife.” doing the obvious clean-up, 673d CES chief conserva- The first month after birth base. Leaving pets in back For more information neighborhoods will be safer tion law enforcement officer. is when the cow is most pro- yards unattended may result about living with wildlife, as bears will have no reason “In years past, we have had tective. in an attack or even worse. visit the Alaska Department to intrude. kids get hit by moose pro- You just have to be mind- “It’s up to you to protect of Fish and Game’s website “If you see a bear in your tecting their young. It’s the ful and learn to live with your pets,” said Sledge. “Tak- at www.adfg.alaska.gov.

MARCH 29, 2019 • VOLUME 11 • NO. 12 9 NEWS Original Rosie the Riveter visits Pentagon By AIR FORCE MASTER birthday. She said she hopes “Now that the boys had SGT. AMAANI LYLE lawmakers will not only left, we girls thought we SECAF Public Affairs recognize the day, but award would get into the act also,” them the Congressional Gold she said of the adventure she, ARLINGTON, Va. — Medal for their service. her sister and a friend took. When it comes to symbol- After all, the story of her “Before the jobs came, izing the influx of women in journey is, fittingly, a riveting we struggled, we suffered, the workforce and the wave one, decades in the making. everyone did,” she said of the of patriotism and feminism The world changed on Great Depression years. “But during World War II, few Dec. 7, 1941, as 183 Japanese that was life – and I don’t American icons are more warplanes attacked Hickam think it hurt me.” recognizable than “Rosie the Field, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Once at Boeing, Krier said Riveter.” Krier recalled coming she had no idea how much Artist J. Howard Mill- home to find her parents larger-than-life the Rosie er’s 1942 poster, featuring huddled next to the radio as icon would become. “We Ms. Gwendolyn DeFilippi (left) the Assistant Deputy a bandannaed, blue-collared the news spread; days later, worked because we had a Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personal and Services, Head- woman with the famed flex Adolf Hitler declared war on job to do … it wasn’t my job, quarters U.S. Air Force, speaks with Mae Krier, an original beneath the rally cry, “We the United States. your job, it was our job – we Rosie the Riveter during a visit to the Pentagon March 20. (U.S. Air Force photo/Adrian Cadiz) Can Do It!” grew to repre- “We were fighting wars had to save our country.” sent millions of women who across two oceans and I re- And, she noted, it was Goldfein said. “Girls and see and experience the things stepped up to fill stateside member thinking ‘I’m not only after the war the posters women of all ages can benefit I have today.” jobs once held by men. even sure I know where Pearl skyrocketed in popularity. from her extraordinary story Krier, who was married to The notable efforts of the Harbor is; I don’t think many Dawn Goldfein, spouse to and be inspired to change her husband Norm for nearly woman workforce that led of us did,” she said. “In small Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. the world as she and all the 70 years before his death, is to the eventual U.S. victo- towns the boys enlisted right David L. Goldfein, hosted Rosies did.” a mother, grandmother and ry in 1945 inspired one of away … and America was the Pentagon tour with Krier, Today, military and civil- great-great grandmother. the last remaining original full of holes, because so noting her story can inspire ian women hold positions of They met during a jitterbug “Rosies,” Mae Krier, to carry many never came back.” a “We Can Do It!” attitude power across the globe. dance in Seattle in 1944 and their story to the Pentagon On a lark, Krier, a Daw- among new generations of “It’s so amazing for our wed in 1945. March 20 to advocate for son, North Dakota, native, young women. generation to see this because When dozens of Pentagon long overdue recognition on traveled by a no-frills “troop “Mae is an American trea- my mother only got the right workers surprised her with Capitol Hill March 21, with train” to Seattle to produce sure, a true iconic legacy who to vote when I was about 4 a visit and a birthday cake, a “Rosie the Riveter Day the B-17 Flying Fortress and knows what it means to be a years old,” Krier said. “I’ve Krier wasted no time. “They of Remembrance,” inciden- B-29 Superfortress bombers part of something bigger than lived through 16 presidents never lost a B-17 because of tally aligning with her 93rd during the war. herself and give back,” Mrs. but never thought I’d get to a bad rivet,” Krier said.

10 VOLUME 11 • NO. 12 • MARCH 29, 2019 FEATURE Soldier killed in Iraq to receive Medal of Honor By DAVID VERGUN becoming an infantryman and told “I told him he’d paid his dues with He then became very apologetic, Army News Service the recruiter in so many words that the 101st in Iraq, but he wanted to go she said. if he didn’t get infantry, he wouldn’t back in. That’s where he felt comfort- Elaine told her son not to worry BOZEMAN, Mont. — Yusufiyah enlist. He got his wish, his father said. able,” Jack said. “Since he insisted on and to just focus on his mission. She wasn’t the safest place to be. The Following his enlistment in 2000, going back in, I suggested he change was sure the card would eventually Iraqi town southwest of Baghdad Travis completed infantry initial-en- his MOS to something he could use arrive. was in an area U.S. Soldiers called try training at Fort Benning, Georgia. when he got out, but he insisted on the “Triangle of Death” because so His parents, Jack and Elaine, infantry only. The engagement many had been killed there in the attended the graduation ceremony. “The military isn’t suitable for When Atkins attempted to search years following the 2003 invasion. When it was over, Travis told his par- everyone, but it was his niche. He the suspect, the man resisted. Atkins On a hot and muggy morning June ents that going through basic combat belonged,” Jack added. then engaged in hand-to-hand combat 1, 2007, Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins, 31, training was the most fun he’d ever So, in December 2005, he re-en- with the insurgent, who was reaching and fellow Soldiers were searching had, Elaine said. listed and the Army let him keep his for an explosive vest under his cloth- for a missing or captured Soldier in “I don’t think too many Soldiers former E-5 rank. ing, according to an award citation. the vicinity of Yusufiyah. would have told you that,” Jack said. He was assigned to Alpha Co., Atkins then grabbed the suicide They’d been attacked earlier in But he loved it. He loved the disci- 2nd Bn., 14th Inf. Reg., 2nd Brigade bomber from behind with a bear hug the day. Now they noticed four sus- pline and the physical and mental Combat Team, 10th Mountain Div. and slammed him onto the ground, picious-looking characters. challenges and most of all, he loved (Light Infantry), at Fort Drum, New away from his Soldiers. As he pinned As the truck commander in his to shoot.” York. the insurgent to the ground, the bomb Humvee, Atkins ordered the driver to Travis thrived, Jack said. He fo- detonated. pull the vehicle up to the intersection Air Assault cused on keeping his young Soldiers Atkins was mortally wounded by so they could interdict the suspected Following infantry training at well trained. the blast. With complete disregard for insurgents. Atkins approached one of Benning, Travis was assigned to Al- “Some of them later came to me his own safety, he had used his own the men to check him for weapons pha Company, 3rd Battalion, 327th and said that he was really hard on body as a shield to protect his three while another Soldier covered him. Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st them and they didn’t like it,” he said. fellow Soldiers from injury. They Travis understood the danger, said Airborne Division (Air Assault) at “But over time, they said they came were only feet away. his father John “Jack” Atkins. But as Fort Campbell, Kentucky. to appreciate what he did and that Soon after, another insurgent was a leader, Travis lived and breathed Jack said he didn’t know if his hard training in some cases saved fatally shot by one of Atkins’ Soldiers Army values. own service from 1963 to 1967 as their lives.” before he could injure anyone. Jack wasn’t just saying that; he a paratrooper and as a co-pilot on a Travis knew another deployment had been a paratrooper in Vietnam number of fixed-wing and helicopter to Iraq or possibly Afghanistan was Leader perspectives from 1965 to 1966, so he well un- models had anything to do with Tra- inevitable, Jack said. Owen Meehan, the company first derstood the dangers his son faced vis’ wish to become a Soldier. sergeant, said he spoke with Atkins and the Warrior Ethos that Army “I never encouraged him or dis- Second Iraq deployment 30 minutes before. They conversed professionals live by. couraged him from serving,” he said. Travis was subsequently reas- about route security and the place- Travis always wanted to be a Sol- “It would have to be his decision and signed to Delta Company in the same ment of the gun trucks in his sector. dier, his father remembered, speaking his alone to make.” battalion and got orders to Iraq again The highway they were clearing from the Montana farm house where At the time, the nation was not in August 2006. was known as Route Caprice, a Travis had lived since age 6. at war. But a year later that would “I’m not too sure I can make this supply route that connected Camp After high school, Travis did an change, following the 9/11 terrorist one,” Jack said his son told him. Stryker with other forward operating assortment of blue-collar work, from attacks. Travis steeled himself for the “Travis knew the reality of serving bases in the vicinity of Baghdad. painting and concrete work to jobs as fight he certainly knew he’d soon be in Iraq. He knew there’d be danger.” Meehan said he was visiting the a small-engine mechanic in the Mon- in, Jack said. Jack and Elaine attended the big platoon sergeant of another sector tana towns of Belgrade, Bozeman deployment ceremony at Fort Drum. when he heard the explosion. He said and West Yellowstone. He also spent First Iraq deployment “As I looked out over the formation he immediately went there. a year at Kemper Military School in Travis deployed with the 101st from the viewing stand, I realized “His platoon was devastated,” he Booneville, Missouri. to Kuwait in early March 2003 and that some of them were not coming said. participated in the invasion of Iraq back,” Elaine said. “But you hope “His men loved him,” he added. Decision to enlist as a fire team leader and later as a for the best.” “He was a damn good NCO and he One day, at age 25, Travis realized squad leader. Similar to his previous deploy- really, really took care of his men. He he wasn’t getting any younger and In less than three years’ time, Tra- ment, Travis displayed great lead- was one of the good ones.” he’d have to make a decision about vis made sergeant. Jack said it was ership qualities, this time as a squad Meehan admitted that he “was a joining the Army, his father related, because he was very competitive and leader, Jack said. “His world re- little bit of a rough and tough first so he went to see the local recruiter. competent and had all the markings volved around his troops, whom he sergeant,” and gave praise sparingly, After taking the Armed Services of an outstanding leader. called ‘my Joes.’” meaning that he thought Atkins was Vocational Aptitude Battery, which He wanted to join the 501st Para- When his platoon sergeant went exceptionally good. measures aptitude for the various chute Infantry Regiment in Alaska on leave stateside, Travis was elevat- Atkins’ company commander, military occupational specialties, after returning from Iraq, but he was ed to that position and promoted to Alex Ruschell, said “he was a phe- a recruiter informed Travis that he told no slots were available, his father staff sergeant on May 1, 2007. nomenal NCO and monumentally scored high in mechanical aptitude said. So he decided to get out. On the morning of June 1, hours inspiring.” and the Army thought he’d make a In December 2003, he was dis- before he would be going on that Ruschell, now a major working in great helicopter mechanic, Jack said. charged and returned to Montana to search mission, Travis called home, the Pentagon, had been with a mech- Travis was in fact very skilled continue the blue-collar jobs he’d Elaine said. anized unit just prior to the Iraq de- with his hands, his father said. As a previously done and to attend the “He asked me if I’d received ployment and Atkins, along with the boy, he quickly learned to operate all University of Montana in Missoula. the Mother’s Day card he mailed,” first sergeant and other NCOs, helped of the farm vehicles. But he soon began to miss the chal- Elaine said. him transition to light infantry. Travis was, however, dead set on lenges of military life, his father said. “No I didn’t, I told him.” See ATKINS, Next page MARCH 29, 2019 • VOLUME 11 • NO. 12 11 NEWS

From ATKINS, page 11 the emotional event, Atkins know him. after my birthday,” mention- Trevor recounted, adding “had the sound mind to im- “We shared a lot of time ing that his dad had called to that he complimented him At least several times mediately assign sectors and together,” he said. “He was wish him a happy birthday. on having good genes from a a month, Ruschell said he put in security.” very passionate with the sto- His father’s death was tough warrior. “That meant a thinks about Atkins and his In another incident, the ries he would share.” hard on him – and still is, he lot to me,” Trevor said. sacrifice. Later, he said he company was patrolling Atkins was also “a great said, particularly around the There were other things met Trevor Oliver, Atkins’ through a small village when team builder, very compet- holidays. that eased the pain some- son, and he keeps a picture on gunfire erupted. itive, a great person to be Trevor, who is now 22, what, he recalled. his dresser of Delta Compa- “I remember him doing all around. What a complement recalled Thanksgivings when Buddies who had served ny’s 2nd Platoon, with Trevor the right things,” Langreck he was to the outfit,” Guadar- his dad would peel the skin with Atkins told Trevor up in front of the guys. He said. rama said. of the turkey as that was his how much his father had said his own son is about the “It turned out to be just He was decisive and fluid favorite part. He also fondly inspired them and kept them same age as Trevor. some locals probably hunting in his leadership in critical recalled their camping, hunt- alive through rigorous train- Former Capt. Clint Lan- birds,” he said. Atkins’ “guys combat situations where ing, fishing and snowmobil- ing. “They treated me so greck, Atkins’ company ex- were all postured and ready most people would falter, ing trips with his dad and good. That was very, very ecutive officer, recalls him to shoot and he de-escalated Guadarrama added. And, his grandparents. sweet of them,” Trevor said. as being “the real deal. He the situation and took care of decisions and actions were Soldiers from Travis’ unit One day while fishing, certainly was mature in the it all,” meaning no Soldiers always correct. “I can’t speak were very supportive, Trev- his father had told Trevor to way he handled himself and fired weapons. for everyone,” he said, “but or said. They invited him observe the water flowing the way he handled troops. I After the patrol, Atkins sat I know that the day he was and his grandparents to Fort over the rocks and boulders. don’t remember a day when down with his men and did killed, I think a good part was Drum, where Trevor said he See how the water is moving he wasn’t positive or profes- an after-action review. “That killed inside everybody.” got to do some cool stuff like and flowing past the obsta- sional. And he always had a was the exact right thing to driving a Humvee through cles, he pointed out, telling military bearing.” do,” he said. “You talk about Notification, aftermath the forest. his son that’s what he needs In one engagement during the situation and learn from On June 1, 2007, a ser- That helped to ease the to do. Keep moving past the a route patrol, Atkins’ Hum- it. It left an impression on me geant first class in uniform pain somewhat, he said. obstacles no matter what. vee, which Langreck thinks watching that.” and an Army chaplain in Another thing that helped Atkins was the “best fa- was the lead vehicle, hit a Command Sgt. Maj. Ro- civilian clothes arrived at the was getting a call from Pres- ther a son could hope to mine, blowing the whole berto Guadarrama, Atkins’ Atkins home in Bozeman to ident Donald J. Trump re- have,” Trevor said. “He was front end skyward – fortu- platoon sergeant then, had inform the parents that their cently, informing him that also the best Soldier and nately not injuring anyone, served with him during the son had been killed. his father would be receiving leader. I wish I’ll be half the but destroying the vehicle. deployment and for many Trevor, who was 11 at the the Medal of Honor. Trump man he was and hope to do After the explosion and months before and got to time, said, “It was five days was very cordial and upbeat, him proud.”

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