176th Wing ● Alaska Air National Guard

eGuardian March 22, 2019

MARCH 23 & 24 RSD

TAG ALL CALL MARCH 24 Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Torrence Saxe will host an all call 1500 hrs on Sunday, March 24 at Hangar 1. Airmen attending should be seated at 1445.

LEADERSHIP LUNCH MARCH 23 Leadership of 176th Wing meets with Airmen 1130-1230 at the Iditarod Dining Facility.

EXPEDITIONARY SKILLS RODEO MARCH 23 Identified participants will be instructed on Mission-Oriented Protective Postures and the correct use and wear of the protective gear, as well as correct decontamination techniques from 1230-1630 at Hangar 12.

MAJ PISANO PROMOTION MARCH 23 Maj. Jessica Pisano, 176th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, will promote to lieutenant colonel during a 1500 ceremony at Hangar 21 East.

KJEC MEETING MARCH 23 The Kulis Junior Enlisted Council (KJEC) will host their monthly RSD meeting in the Kulis Theater March 23 at 1300. The briefing will cover the Thrift Savings Plan. GUEST ARTICLES

READINESS NAME OF THE GAME DURING APRIL SUPER DRILL

By Brig. Gen. Darrin Slaten 176th Wing commander

The Nov. 30 earthquake was a wake-up call. As the most powerful earthquake to hit Southcentral Alaska since the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, the magnitude 7.1 event had everyone wondering just how extensive the damage was.

Within minutes of the first shock, a 211th Rescue Squadron HC-130 Combat King II under the command of Lt. Col. Eric Budd was airborne providing damage assessment to the governor and other senior leaders. The crew captured critical imagery of sunken roads and stricken bridges that affected much of Southcentral for a few days.

Civilians and uniformed Airmen of the 176th Civil Engineer Squadron quickly responded, with drill-status Guardsmen augmenting full-time engineers in a massive effort to ,repair buildings suffering damage to glycol lines, sewer drains and flight-operations infrastructure.

Our Airmen were prepared to accomplish the mission in November, but constant vigilance is required to maintain that ready posture required to respond to a future disaster or to answer the call of a combatant commander.

As bad as the Nov. 30 earthquake was, please keep this in mind: the 1964 earthquake was more than 1,400 times more powerful and lasted much longer.

What’s the takeaway? Be ready.

We will continue testing and building readiness through the April 2-7 Super Drill, after your units lay the foundation for success during the March UTA.

In April, many units will be involved in a force-generation exercise, simulating a combat environment that will test and prove our capability to provide airlift sorties under stressful conditions. Units not involved in the central exercise will focus on AFSC and unit training.

President Trump, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David Goldfein and Alaska Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Torrence Saxe are unanimous in expecting us to emphasize readiness above all other endeavors. We meet this expectation by shifting our focus from a nearly two decade-old counterinsurgency to the challenges of a peer or near-peer conflict.

Few historical events illustrate the Air Force’s ability to rapidly and effectively meet our nation’s air mobility requirements like the Berlin Airlift of 1948 and 1949. During 15 months of around-the-clock operations, American and Allied Airmen delivered more than 2.4 million tons of food, fuel and other supplies to a West Berlin encircled by the Soviet blockade.

The Air Force met its lofty commitments then, and we will continue to accomplish any mission anywhere in the world. To that end, I ask every Midnight Sun Guardian to focus every day during Super Drill on learning everything they can about their jobs and accomplishing the wing’s mission as part of a committed, mission-focused team.

SENIOR NCO ATTENDS ENLISTED FIELD ADVISORY COUNCIL

By Senior Master Sgt. Woods Miller, III 176th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Aerial Port Flight

Recently, I had the fortune of attending the Region 6 Enlisted Field Advisory Council (EFAC) meeting in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Feb. 26 and 27.

The conference took place at the 153d Airlift Wing headquarters building at the Cheyenne Regional Airport. The ANG consists of seven total regions, comprising 54 states and territories, with 90 Air Guard Wings.

The enlisted leadership attending from Region 6 included representatives from Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota.

The purpose of the conference was to get the enlisted leaders of each state together to raise and discuss issues — and possible solutions — facing enlisted members of the Air National Guard in their region. Issues are then scrutinized to determine if they should be taken to the National EFAC — an Air Guard-wide “Field-Focused and Mission-Driven” group, which meets annually and is attended by two representatives from each state.

This year Region 6 will attend the EFAC conference and address issues such as: Federal Tuition Assistance that is only available to AGRs, not DSGs; the availability of Tricare Reserve Select to technicians; and Tricare for Life health insurance for members who have served in a combat zone. These are only the top three issues; many more relevant and important issues were discussed and are likely going forward.

The value in this organization of enlisted leaders is to promote change in our programs to better meet the needs of our enlisted members. Some of these topics can also gain support from interest groups such as EANGUS and NGAUS, which in turn lobby Congress to pass legislation making positive changes for our members.

If you get the opportunity to attend a Region EFAC conference, I highly recommend it: It is a great career-broadening experience where you meet professional leaders and gain perspective as to how the Air National Guard works, addresses and tackles problems.

EVENTS / OPPORTUNITIES

ANGOA/ANGEA Industry Day 5-6 APRIL The ANGOA/ANGEA will host its 2019 Annual Industry Day and Joint Association Meetings 5-6 April. The Industry Day will take place at the JFHQ Armory on 5 April from 0900-1500 on the Drill Hall Floor. The Annual Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, 6 April, at the Anchorage Sheraton Downtown from 1630-2000. There will be several door prizes raffled, and dinner is also included. You must register for this event. Additional details and registration: https:// angea.org/2019-angeaangoa-joint-annual-meeting/

2019 AKNG VOLUNTEER WORKSHOP 6-7 APRIL Attend the 2019 AKNG Volunteer Workshop April 6 and 7 0800-1600 both days at the Sheraton, Anchorage. Register by March 25 at https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Reg/ 79F984 . For more information, call Candice Janke (459-8705).

STEWARDS OF CHILDREN APRIL 16 Stewards of Children is a prevention training April 161100-1300 in the MSG Classroom that teaches adults how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. The program is designed for organizations that serve youth and for individuals concerned about the safety of children. It is the only nationally distributed, evidence-informed program proven to increase knowledge, improve attitudes, and change child protective behaviors. Contact: Diann Richardson (551-0283). YOUTH COUNCIL OFFICIAL APPLICATIONS DUE APRIL 19 It is now that time to submit applications for the 2019-2020 Youth Council Official roles. For those of you not familiar with Youth Council, it has eight appointed slots in which the youth have to apply and be voted into. Being a part of the leadership team allows for many chances to travel and represent Alaska and Region 10, directly brief and meet military leadership, and gain the experience of what it means to take on leadership roles and responsibilities. Applications are due NLT April 19. Voting will take place at Operation Megaphone on April 26, and winners will be announced at the final Youth Council meeting on May 17.

Please share this with any military youth that may be interested being a part of next year's leadership team. Contact: Jordan Weber (428-6218). Facebook and Instagram: @AKNG.YOUTHPROGRAM

EGG-STRAVAGANZA EASTER EGG HUNT & OTHER ACTIVITIES APRIL 20 Come out for an Easter egg hunt, food, prizes, arts and crafts, and the Easter Bunny during Child and Youth Services Egg-Stravaganza April 20 from 1300-1500. The Easter egg hunt for children ages 4-6 is 1315, 7-9 at 1345, 10-12 at 1415, and final call (ages 4-12) at 1445. Children ages 0-3 will have an opportunity during each time slot in a designated area.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR GOLDEN AGE GAMES JUNE 5-10 The Veterans Administration Golden Age Games is an event the VA sponsors every year in different communities. It will be held this summer in Anchorage. It is for veterans 55 and older and includes multiple events. It is estimated there will be between 500-800 veterans coming in. Some of the events will be hosted on base, but most will be at Dena’ina center, the Egan Center, the Sullivan Arena and Bartlett High school. Dates are 5-10 Jun. To volunteer, see: https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/ap?ap=1437975583

OPERATION PURPLE CAMP ALASKA JUNE 15-19 AND JULY 27-31 (DEADLINE FIRST WEEK OF APRIL) Operation Purple Camp is a FREE WEEK of camp where military kids connect with other kids just like them. At Operation Purple Camp, being a military kid ROCKS and we celebrate by bringing together youth from all ranks and services. This unique and memorable “purple” summer camp experience includes everything from kayaking and hiking to target sports and arts & crafts.

Camp Fire Alaska’s Camp K provides the perfect environment for youth to explore the natural world, engage in challenging activities, and form friendships that can last a lifetime. When your military child attends Operation Purple Camp, they’ll thrive in an environment with fully trained counselors and camp staff experienced in helping children adapt and overcome the stressors of military life.

Visit www.militaryfamily.org to register.

Questions? Call (907) 279-3551.

NGAUS CONFERENCE REGISTRATION DEADLINE JULY 28 Registration for the 2019 National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) Conference is underway. This year's conference is scheduled for 30 Aug - 02 Sep in Denver, CO. You must be a current member to attend the conference. Registration forms for the conference and ANGOA/NGAUS membership are available online at angoa.org. You must register NLT July 28 to guarantee your hotel reservation. ANGOA will cover the cost of hotel and registration fees for members for the length of the conference at the negotiated rate. All late registers will be responsible for additional cost and cancellation fees. More: https:// www.ngaus.org/events/141st-general-conference-exhibition-0

SERVICES / ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW VICE COMMANDER Lt. Col. Matthew Calabro is assuming duties as the 176th Wing vice commander. He previously served as the 176th Operations Support Squadron commander. He succeeds retiring Col. Scott Coniglio as WG/CV.

144th Airlift Squadron hiring loadmasters Do you dream of traveling the world? Are you looking for an exciting opportunity, or thinking of a career change? Then the Alaska Air National Guard may have an opportunity for you.

Currently the 144th Airlift Squadron will be hiring numerous new Drill Status Guardsman (DSG) C-17 loadmasters. If you are interested, or know anyone (in or out of the military) that is interested, do not pass up this exciting opportunity; who knows when it will happen again?

As a qualified 144th loadmaster you will supervise the cargo upload and download on the C-17 and then travel with that cargo to each location. You will also learn the intricacies of the C-17 aircraft, how the systems work, and what makes it fly. But best of all, YOU WILL GET PAID TO TRAVEL THE WORLD. Below is a list of information we will need from you in order to apply for this position. If you are already in the military most of this information will be in your VMPF. However we will still request you to break the information out an easy to read format as listed below. If you are missing any of the items, please attach an additional sheet explaining why you do not have the item.

If you are not in the military just submit everything that applies to you.

All information will need to be in Adobe Acrobat format and emailed to [email protected] with the subject: LAST NAME DSG LOADMASTER APPLICATION.

Application package deadline is April 5, 2019 23:59 hours. (If my email fills up try to send it again after April 1,2019)

1.Cover letter 2.Resume 3.Last 2 EPRs (if applicable) 4.Last 2 fitness assessments 5.Complete copy of your military VMPF 6.Date of separation 7.Current rank (Civilian, E-1, E-2, …) 8.Total years of service (break down of branch / active /reserve /guard, etc) (e.g. 10 years total: 4 years Active Air Force: 6 Years Air National Guard) 1.PME Status 2.Current job title and qualifications 3.Date available for hire 4.Two (2) letter of recommendation stating why you would be an asset to the 144th as a loadmaster 5.Civilian employer information (if applicable) Most positions will be E-5 and below, however higher ranks may come available. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at the cell phone listed below V/r

MSgt Michael Ralston DSG Superintendent 144th Airlift Squadron Elmendorf AFB Alaska Cell: 210.636.8020

PUT YOUR CIVILIAN BOSS ON A MILITARY PLANE For anyone with a civilian employer supportive of you as a Guardsman, here’s an opportunity to say thanks by nominating him or her for a 176th Wing Bosslift event, part of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve effort. Space is limited, so early nominations are a good idea. Though the Bosslift is scheduled for June, nominations are due at the end of March drill. Email Amy Aresenault ([email protected]) with employer name and email and company name. Contact: 334-0883. https://esgr.mil/About-ESGR/Contact/Local-State- Pages/Alaska

TAX RESOURCES We are officially in the tax season so it’s time to talk about your free military resources. Check out the DoD Tax Cuts Jobs Act Booklet, now available in an easy-to-read online format. This is a great resource for military families to go to have a better understanding of ways to save on their filing this year. The format makes the booklet simple to share via social media and is best viewed using the google chrome internet browser. Find the new tax booklet at https://issuu.com/ dodfinred/docs/finred-taxlaws-bk?e=0

Did you know you can have your taxes filed for free? Military OneSource MilTax offers free tax services, provides easy-to-use software that is designed specifically for the military community and is available mid-January through mid- October. MilTax also offers free consultations with experts trained to help military members and their families take command of their taxes. If you have not created a Military OneSource online account yet, now is the time to visit www.militaryonesource.mil.

MILITARY ONESOURCE RESOURCES Did you know that Military OneSource is bigger than a 24/7/365 toll free number? The program offers more than just free non-medical counseling. It also provides assistance for the deployment readiness cycle. Military OneSource is a Department of Defense funded program that aids eligible service and family members with building resiliency; both within the military culture and on the homefront. To help strengthen one’s resiliency skillset, Military OneSource offers many activities that you and your family members can partake in. For example:

MWR Digital Library:

• Ancestry.com Library Edition - unlock the story of your family using more than 8,000 resources. • Consumer Reports – are you looking to make a purchase? Use this online library to access 1,000+ ratings, reviews, expert buying advice, product comparisons, consumer user reviews and product video clips.

• EBSCO Audiobooks - more than 2,000 audiobooks in different subjects and categories available for free download.

• Mango Languages - check out this digital language learning program for learners of all levels, with courses in more than 70 different foreign languages, 21 English language courses, and 44 specialty courses.

• Morningstar Investment Research Center - find information and advice on mutual funds, stocks, exchange-traded funds, and market returns. Track investments, access daily market news and commentary, view snapshots on investments, and interact on the research center forums.

• PressReader Digital Newspapers - unlimited digital access to more than 7,000 newspapers from 120 countries in more than 60 different languages. These newspapers are provided in full-color, full-page format, and appear on your screen exactly as they appear on the news stand, many providing instant translation and audio.

• Stingray Qello Concerts - enjoy more than 1700 live moments in music history with the world's largest collection of full-length concerts and music documentaries streamed on-demand to just about any digital device. From the 1920s to today's hottest artists, Qello Concerts spans more than 30 genres, from classical to rock, reggae to country.

• Small Business Builder - helps patrons interested in planning and optimizing their businesses or nonprofits. Built for aspiring entrepreneurs and those with existing small businesses, it provides a step-by-step process supported by a rich variety of recognized tools that enable users to produce complete business plans and other documents essential for gaining access to capital and growing their enterprise.

• Universal Class - over 500 online courses to aid with personal and professional interests; including FREE CEUs, plus online books, movies and music for all ages. Over 40 different references to use.

• Weiss Financial Ratings - Enjoy access to financial literacy tools on retirement planning, home and mortgage, insurance strategies, and saving for your child's education. • Chill Drills: An overview of four simple drills to help reverse the symptoms of stress. Available as a playaway, these drills can help slow your heart rate, lower your blood pressure and reduce the level of stress hormones in your body. By doing these drills regularly, you can lower your baseline stress level and be better prepared to deal with stress in the future. Order yours online (free shipping) or download to your smartphone.

• MilTax - free tax services, which provides easy-to-use software that is designed specifically for the military community and is available mid- January through mid-October. MilTax also offers free consultations with experts trained to help military members and their families take command of their taxes.

Many other resources are located online with just a click of the mouse or online chat with a trained consultant to provide more guidance with your ideal topic. See: www.militaryonesource.mil

AIRMAN SAFETY APP If there was a way to anonymously and quickly make safety reports on your phone, would you use it? There’s an app for that. The Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) a voluntary, identity-protected means of reporting safety issues that increase the risk to Aviation, Occupational, or Weapons Safety. The goal of the program is to prevent future mishaps and strengthen a culture of safe, effective mission accomplishment. The two ways to submit an ASAP report are on the website (https://asap.safety.af.mil) or the smartphone app “Airmen Safety App.” Contact: your friendly safety office (551-7604, [email protected])

UPCOMING AWS DAYS The 176th Wing is essentially shut down for business on the upcoming Alternate Work Schedule days. RDs (rescheduled drills) and AT days should not be scheduled for these times. The full AWS calendar can be found on the new Wing SharePoint in the Resource Library.

March: 29 April: 12, 26 ALASKA NEWS

LEAP OF FAITH: ALASKA AIR GUARD PARARESCUEMAN HELPS ARMY PARATROOPER IN TIME OF NEED

By Lori Newman Brooke Army Medical Center Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — The hand-scribbled note taped to his dog tags simply said, “Request to go to the CFI” with a phone number. The note was written from one amputee to another.

Army Staff Sgt. Kayshawn Porterfield was following in his father’s footsteps. He joined the Army with a plan of becoming a lifelong Soldier and his Army career was progressing. He was moving up in rank quickly, had finished the basic airborne course at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

August 16, 2018, started like any other summer day. Porterfield’s unit was scheduled to complete an operational static line parachute jump, which would be his 10th career jump. This time something unexpected happened. As he jumped from the aircraft, the static line that normally deploys the parachute become wrapped around his left arm.

“It yanked my left arm above my head and I was hanging by my arm,” Porterfield said. “My arm went numb and I saw my hand detach from my body. I saw it all right before my eyes. I thought I was going to die.”

After deploying his reserve chute, he made it safely to the ground.

“God was with me and when I hit the ground I was just thankful to be alive,” he said, thinking back on that day. “I purposely landed on my right side so I didn’t hit my left arm. When I hit the ground I applied my own tourniquet from my rucksack. The medics were nowhere around me.”

There was a road guard about 50 meters away.

“I started yelling at him to call the medic,” Porterfield said. “I didn’t want to go into shock.”

Thankfully, just then the medics were coming over the hill in a Humvee. Once they arrived they placed him on a gurney and applied an additional tourniquet on his arm at his shoulder. He believes having both tourniquets saved him from losing much of his forearm. He was airlifted to the nearest hospital. Porterfield said his adrenaline kept him from passing out.

It was on the rescue helicopter that Porterfield met Air Force Master Sgt. Jeremy Maddamma, 212th Rescue Squadron, Alaska Air National Guard.

Maddamma is an above-the-knee amputee who spent three years recovering from his injuries at Brooke Army Medical Center and the Center for the Intrepid at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston.

“When we picked him (Porterfield) up I could see that his arm was missing,” Maddamma said.

Once Porterfield was at the hospital, Maddamma stuck around to make sure the emergency room personnel had all the information they needed.

“I formally introduced myself to Kayshawn, tapped on my socket and showed him my X3 calf (prosthetic leg). I wanted to assure him that everything was going to be ok.”

Maddamma also gave Porterfield some advice from one amputee to another.

“I told him he should request to go the CFI and I wrote it down for him along with my phone number,” Maddamma said. “I made a request to the nurses to ensure that the note stayed with his possessions and I watched the nurse attach it to his dog tags.”

Porterfield took his advice and called the CFI.

“The CFI staff started giving me exercises and talking to me about the things I needed to do before I even got to San Antonio,” Porterfield said.

As Porterfield continues with his recovery at the CFI, Maddamma hopes that he will receive the same care and healing he did.

“The personnel at the CFI are amazing,” Maddamma said. “I am forever grateful for the love, support, care and respect that I received from everyone at the CFI, Warrior and Family Support Center, the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program and BAMC. I am also forever grateful for the relationships and friendships created with the staff and fellow patients at the CFI.”

Porterfield said he agrees.

“I think it will be a nice journey here,” Porterfield said. “I’m trying to take it day by day. It’s been a process but I’m loving it so far and I can’t wait to see what happens.” ARCTIC GOLD 19-4 AT EIELSON HOSTS RESCUE GUARDSMEN

By Airman 1st Class Eric M. Fisher 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska — Eielson held a major accident response exercise to better prepare the base for possible aircraft incidents March 6-7, 2019.

“This exercise scenario involved a mid-air collision resulting in a downed aircraft,” said Master Sgt. Bradley Moore, 354th Fighter Wing inspector general and exercise superintendent. “It was designed to test the wing’s ability to respond to aircraft mishaps in austere locations and conduct personnel rescues during cold- weather situations.”

Arctic Gold (AG) 19-4 highlighted improvements that can be made to better respond to incidents and ensure all first responders are able to communicate effectively during a crisis situation.

“The results of the exercise allow us to look at our mishap response plan and validate the procedures within it,” said Moore. “If there are limiting factors, we can adjust our plans to fill any gaps which will enable us to better respond in the future.”

One exercise scenario required responders from the 210th Rescue Squadron and 212th Rescue Squadron out of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, to find and identify a surviving aircrew member before providing emergency medical treatment and transporting him back to safety.

Once the crash site was secured by 354th Security Forces Squadron Airmen and cleared by 354th Medical Group bio-environmental engineers, other emergency response agencies began the process of searching the crash site and recovering simulated human remains and aircraft debris.

“Most practices for search and recovery teams aren’t as realistic as this scenario,” said Maj. Benjamin Quigley, 354th Force Support Squadron mortuary affairs officer. “We had to come out and dig through waist-deep snow which highlights how difficult search and recovery can be. It helped give a better idea of how we need to operate in a real-world event.”

AG 19-4 provided an ideal training ground for responders and support agencies to test and improve their skills so they will be prepared in the event of a real-world accident. ALASKA AIR GUARDSMEN BRIEF AIR COMBAT COMMAND OFFICIALS

By David Bedard 176th Wing Public Affairs

Alaska Air National Guardsmen briefed Air Combat Command senior officers during a Feb. 12, 2019, tour of 176th Wing rescue units at Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson.

ACC is the primary provider of air combat forces for the Air Force and is located at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

Representing ACC was Air Force Maj. Gen. Kevin Huyck, director of operations; Maj. Gen. Scott Pleus, director of plans, programs and requirements; and Brig. Gen. Aaron Prupas, director of intelligence.

Alaska Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Darrin Slaten, 176th Wing commander, said he and his leadership advocated for ongoing improvements to the wing's HC-130J Combat King II and HH-60G Pave Hawk fleets.

“We were happy to host ACC's leadership from A3, A5 and A2 to discuss requirements in the Arctic,” Slaten said. “Specifically, we talked about the ongoing challenges with the modernization and conversion of the HC-130J and the HH-60G.”

The Combat King II, the Air Force’s only dedicated fixed-wing personnel recovery platform, replaced older 211th Rescue Squadron HC-130N aircraft in 2017.

The HH-60G originally entered service in the early 1980s and is scheduled to be replaced in the 210th Rescue Squadron by the HH-60W Pave Hawk II in the coming decades.

Slaten, a Pave Hawk pilot, told the ACC officers it is becoming more difficult to source replacement parts because the G-model is based on the Army's older UH-60L, which has largely been replaced by the Army's M-model. Consequently, there are fewer parts in circulation.

The ACC generals also visited the warm storage facility for the wing's Arctic Sustainment Package, which is a rapidly deployable air-droppable package, including combat rescue officers and pararescuemen, that can provide shelter, heat, transportation, fuel and food for 28 people for up to six and a half days in extreme Arctic conditions. Airmen representing several wing units and career fields designed, resourced and built the ASP. Aircrew Flight Equipment Airmen said they put in extra time to ensure the ASP is always ready to deploy at short notice.

During the ACC visit to the 212th Rescue Squadron, combat rescue officers and pararescuemen briefed the generals on the benefits of having health and fitness professionals embedded in the unit as part of Special Operations Command's Preservation of the Force and Family initiative. Pleus said he agreed the cost of employing the professionals was negligible when weighed against increased unit readiness and the cost savings associated with preventing acute injuries and chronic conditions that can lead to disability compensation.

Airmen of 212th Rescue Squadron talked about several search-and-rescue missions they carried out across Alaska, which demonstrated the unique challenges of operating across the vast distances of the state while combatting inclement weather.

Slaten highlighted a 2006 mission rescuing 23 crewman from the Singapore- flagged Cougar Ace cargo vessel that had severely listed to one side. HH-60G crewmen and pararescue flew more than 1,000 miles over ocean waters to execute the mission, refueling several times to make the distance.

MIDNIGHT SUN GUARDIANS LEAD PRECISION JUMPMASTER TRAINING IN HAWAII

By David Bedard 176th Wing Public Affairs

Alaska Air National Guardsmen of the 176th Wing's 211th and 212th rescue squadrons as well as 144th Airlift Squadron led the Precision Jumpmaster Course during January and February 2019 at Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii.

Alaska Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Jeremy Diola, a pararescueman with the 212th RQS Combat Development Team, said the course qualified 12 precision jumpmasters with the ability to jumpmaster a group of military parachutists to land precisely at an identified objective landing zone.

“Once we get to the objective area, we have to worry about so many other things,” Diola said. “We have to worry about water survival. We have to worry about technical rescue.”

Alaska Air National Guard Master Sgt. Chris Bowerfind, a pararescueman and 212th RQS Silver Team noncommissioned officer in charge, said participants included pararescuemen from the 131st, 308th and 212th Rescue Squadrons as well as combat controllers and pararescuemen from the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron. Other Special Warfare Airmen from the 3rd and 25th Air Support Operations Squadrons participated as well as 211th RQS and 130th Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II crewmen, 144th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III crewmen, Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules crewmen, Navy parachute riggers and Army paratroopers.

Bowerfind said the training expanded beyond its origins as a rescue-exclusive course.

“It's evolved from a rescue-centric jumpmaster course,” he said. “The reason why we call it precision jumpmaster now – specifically under Air Force Special Warfare – is because it's no longer relegated [solely] to pararescuemen.”

Previously called Battlefield Airmen, Air Force Special Warfare Airmen include pararescue, combat rescue officer, combat control, special tactics officer, special operations weather team, tactical air control party personnel and non-rated air liaison officer.

Precision is the name of the game, and jumpmasters learn how to use instruments like wind-drift indicators, a disco-ball-like device that measures wind speed and direction in real time, to accurately predict how parachutists will descend to their objective.

Bowerfind said one aspect, which differentiates Precision Jumpmaster from similar training in other services, is the close integration between the jumpmaster and the aircrew.

“Crucial is actually an understatement,” he said of aircraft pilots, combat systems officers and loadmasters. “The mission is not doable without them.”

During a standard parachute drop, traditional jumpmasters are accustomed to sending out a stick of parachutists after the pilot activates a light indicating the aircraft is generally over the objective. Bowerfind said the training can be an eye- opener for otherwise experienced military parachutists.

“They're used to the green-light-go method of the standard jumpmaster programs,” he said. “What they're seeing now is we have more accuracy and more team cohesion. All of our guys land in the water 10 feet apart from each other.”

When it comes to continually achieving precision results, Bowerfind said pararescuemen of the 212th RQS have a particular advantage at their home station of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, because they are stationed meters away from their partner flying squadrons.

“We are extremely fortunate in the 176th Wing to be able to literally walk across the street and talk to any aircrew on any given day about any operation – whether it's just a basic training sortie around the local area or a real-world mission in the middle of the night,” he said.

RSD SCHEDULE

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR REGULARLY SCHEDULED DRILL WEEKENDS

2019 02-07 Apr 07-08 Sep 04-05 May 19-20 Oct 01-02 Jun 02-03 Nov July make-up drill 07-08 Dec only 03-04 Aug

RECURRING RSD EVENTS

DTS AND GTC TRAINING Defense Travel System and Government Travel Card Program training will be offered every Saturday of drill at 1400 hrs in the MSG Classroom of the 176th Wing Headquarters (Bld 17441).

Hands-on assistance for Defense Travel Administrator and members is available every drill Sunday at 1300 hrs in Hangar 18, 3rd Floor, Computer Lab. Contact: Finance (551-0129)

PROMOTION BOARD VOLUNTEERS Any E-6 through E-9 who wishes to ensure the quality of their soon-to-be peers may volunteer for the 176th Wing monthly promotion boards. Submit your name to CMSgt Tiffany Gregory ([email protected])

ALASKA NATIONAL GUARD OFFICER’S ASSOCIATION (ANGOA) MEETING The Alaska National Guard Officer's Association (ANGOA) typically holds a monthly meeting the first Thursday of every month at 1700 at the JFHQ-AK, Room D202. Please join us during our next meeting. Can't make it to the meeting in person? Attend by phone: Email the contacts below and get the dial-in number and PIN, plus be added to monthly meeting notifications. For more information about ANGOA please visit our website at www.angoa.org. Contacts: [email protected] or [email protected].

ALASKA NATIONAL GUARD ENLISTED ASSOCIATION (ANGEA) MEETING The Alaska National Guard Enlisted Association is a professional organization that is the voice of Alaska’s Enlisted Airmen and Soldiers to Alaska Legislature and the United States Congress. Join us for our next meeting to get involved and help make our voices even louder!! For more information about ANGEA or upcoming events please visit our website: www.angea.org, or on Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ANGEA49.

“PAIN & GAIN” WORKOUT The 176th Sustainment Services would like to invite you to join Saturdays of drill at 1500 in Hangar 5 for Wing PT "Pain & Gain" full body workout with cardio. Civilian PT Gear authorized. Contact: 176 FSF Sustainment Services (552-2947)

CHAPEL SERVICES Several chapel services are available across base on Sundays:

Protestant Liturgical Service 9 a.m. - Heritage Chapel

Gospel Service 9:30 a.m. - Midnight Sun Chapel

Community Worship Service 10:30 a.m. - Heritage Chapel

Contemporary Family Service 11 a.m. - Arctic Warrior Chapel Catholic Mass 8:30 a.m. - Arctic Warrior Chapel 11:30 a.m. - Midnight Sun Chapel

Jewish Services Call the JBER Religious Operations Center (552-5762) for current schedule

Chapel addresses: Midnight Sun Chapel (Formerly Chapel One) 7137 Fighter Dr JBER - Elmendorf (Next to the Polar Bowl)

Heritage Chapel (Formerly Chapel Two) 9431 Luke Ave JBER - Elmendorf (Across from the C-17 simulator building)

Arctic Warrior Chapel Building 3, Headquarters Loop JBER - Richardson (Across from the USARAK Headquarters building) (907) 384-1461

RSD SHUTTLE SCHEDULE

RSD ROTATOR PROCESS Members sign up directly via Facebook, as well as check flight updates. Rotator riders can request access to the Facebook group by searching “AKANG RSD Rotator” and requesting membership.

Log Plans will post events for each flight a week prior to departure. New riders fill out a new rider request form (LGRDX Share Point under the RSD Rotator folder) and send to the Log Plans shop ([email protected]) to be filed. Logistics Plans office cell: 947-4395

PLEASE NOTE: the SOUTH UTA SHUTTLE has been CANCELLED until further notice. The North UTA Shuttle will still be scheduled on a monthly basis.

JBER show time is two hours prior to take off at the passenger terminal. 176OSS CURRENT OPS Number: 551-5208 JBER ATOC: 552-2104 (Call to update gates) EDF PAX TERM: Fax 552-3996 / Office 552-3781 (Call to update gates)

Eielson show time is three hours prior to take off at the passenger terminal EIL PAX TERM: Fax 377-2287 / Office 377-1250

RSD Rotator Share Point: https://jber.eis.pacaf.af.mil/176WG/176MSG/ 176LRS/LGRD%20Log%20Plans/Forms/AllItems.aspx? RootFolder=%2F176WG%2F176MSG%2F176LRS%2FLGRD%20Log%20Plans%2F UTA%20Rotator&FolderCTID=0x01200074092A9858D1664D86D7BCF8C1287C0A &View=%7BC246B693%2DEB0F%2D4968%2DAEF8%2DD89451AEDCAA%7D

WEEKEND DINING FACILITY HOURS

BREAKFAST: 0630-0830 GRAB-N-GO: 0900-1030 LUNCH: 1030-1330 GRAB-N-GO: 1330-1630 DINNER: 1630-1830 MIDNIGHT: 2300-0100

GATE HOURS

For latest gate hours, visit https://www.jber.jb.mil/Units/673abw/673SFS/

POINTS OF INTEREST

176th Wing Website: http://www.176wg.ang.af.mil/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/176thWing Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/176thwing Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/176wg/ DVIDs: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/176WPA SharePoint (requires CAC): https://cs2.eis.af.mil/sites/12468/Pages/ 176%20Wing.aspx

Alaska National Guard Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AKNationalGuard Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/alaskanationalguard Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alaskanationalguard Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/NationalGuardAlaska Twitter: http://twitter.com/AKNationalGuard

JBER Website: http://www.jber.jb.mil/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JBERAK Newspaper: http://www.dvidshub.net/publication/397/arctic-warrior

Fulltime Job Opportunities: http://dmva.alaska.gov/employment.htm

HRO – Alaska National Guard: http://dmva.alaska.gov/HRO

ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION

The eGuardian is a service of the 176th Wing Public Affairs Office. See: http:// www.176wg.ang.af.mil/units/wingstaff/pa/eguardian.asp

EXTERNAL/COMMERCIAL LINKS: The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the 176th Wing, the Air National Guard, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense, of the external Web site, or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sites, the United States Air Force does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links are provided with the stated purpose of the Web site.