123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard, Louisville, Ky. Vol. XVI, No. 9 ¥ Oct. 21, 2000 Rhodes, Sharpe named to fill key positions By 1st Lt. Dale Greer had made the transition to C-130s along with the Wing Public Affairs Officer rest of the wing, and he was named commander of the 165th Operations Support Flight. Lt. Cols. Paul Rhodes and Frank Sharpe were se- He is a master navigator with more than 4,500 lected last month to fill key leadership positions in flying hours in the T-29, B-52D/F/H, RF-4C and the Kentucky Air National Guard. C-130 B/E/H. Rhodes, a 25-year member of the unit, was named The New Albany, Ind., native holds a bachelor’s vice commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing, while degree in history from St. Meinrad College in St. Sharpe was tapped to command the 123rd Operations Meinrad, Ind. Group. Both moves were effective Oct. 1. Sharpe, who most recently served as com- “The leadership of the Kentucky Air National mander of the wing’s 165th Airlift Squadron, be- Guard is in good hands,” wing commander Bill Leslie gan his military career with the Army as a heli- said of the selections. copter pilot in Germany in 1972. “Paul Rhodes and Frank Sharpe are outstanding After leaving the Army in 1977, he attended RHODES individuals who bring a wealth of operations experi- Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona ence and management skills to their new jobs. Beach, Fla., where he obtained a bachelor’s de- “They also truly exemplify the Air Force core val- gree in business management. ues—integrity first, service before self and excellence Sharpe then earned a master’s in the same dis- in all we do.” cipline from Troy State University. Rhodes, who has served as commander of the 123rd He joined the Air Force in 1978 and received Operations Group since October 1999, began his Air his commission through Officer Training School. Force career with an active-duty commission in 1972. After pilot training, Sharpe’s first operational After completing navigator and bombardier train- assignment came in 1980 at , Fla., ing, he was assigned to Wurtsmith Air Force Base, where he flew MC-130s for the 8th Special Op- Mich., where he served as a radar navigator aboard erations Squadron. the B-52. Upon leaving Hurlburt Field in 1983, Sharpe When Rhodes’ active-duty tour concluded in 1976, he joined the Kentucky Air National Guard as an RF- 4C weapons system operator. By March 1992, Rhodes See LEADERS, Back Page SHARPE State headquarters awarded again for excellence By Staff Sgt. Amy Ziegler for excellence,” said KyANG chief of staff, “For the Kentucky Air Guard, Thunder Cargo Courier Editor Brig. Gen. Ed Tonini. Over Louisville has almost become routine “It’s a direct reflection of the hard work and expected event from year to year,” Tonini The Kentucky Air Guard’s state head- and dedication of the people in state head- said of the annual air show. quarters has once again been awarded the quarters,” Tonini said “But, if you look at comparable units highest possible honor. “It’s also a reflection on the entire unit around the country, you’ll find that Thunder In September, the unit received its 4th because we are a part of the command and is really something above and beyond what Air Force Organizational Excellence control structure for the entire KentuckyAir the typical organization would get involved Award. National Guard.” in.” The honor, which is given annually to During the award’s time frame, KyANG Other major projects that helped secure the the top 10 percent of headquarters units, State Headquarters successfully managed a award included an effort to forge new part- recognizes KyANG organization for its ex- wide variety of local and national events. nerships between the Air Force and United ceptional accomplishments from Feb. 1, Innovative projects, Tonini said, have Parcel Service. 1998 to Jan. 30, 2000. helped to set the unit apart from other head- “This award is consistent with our strive quarters around the country. See AWARD, Page 5 COMMANDER’S CALL Don’t get stuck with the hospital bill: Know what to do if injured in the line of duty If extended care is necessary, the MTF fter reviewing the recent case must be contacted to determine if treatment A of a KyANG member who was through them is available or feasible. injured in the line of duty, I de- If services are not available or feasible, cided it is crucial for every they will refer you to a TRICARE provider. guard member to know the proper proce- In any case, coordination must be made dures to avoid what happened to this indi- through the MTF, TRICARE and our medi- vidual. cal staff. The unit member’s hospital bills totaled The bottom line: close to $10,000, and because he did not • If it’s an emergency, go to the nearest know the correct procedures, we could do hospital. nothing to reimburse him for his medical ex- ¥Then, if the injury occurs in the line of penses. duty (and this includes injuries sustained Our lawyers here researched the issue to while commuting to and from drill), be sure find out what could have been done to get you or someone in your family immediately the individual’s hospital bills paid, and here contacts our staff, the nearest MTF and is what they found: MMSO. ¥ If a service member is on active duty Failure to obtain a referral from an MTF for less than 30 days and is injured in the or MMSO may result in your being liable line of duty, he or she should first be treated for all medical bills you voluntarily incur. by our medical staff and, if necessary, by Col. Bill Leslie the nearest military Medical Treatment Fa- 123rd Airlift Wing Commander Some important things to keep in mind: cility, or MTF. If a member has been on active duty for ¥ If no one makes the contacts, it will be more than 30 days at the time of injury, he a civilian hospital, contact the nearest Mili- assumed that you have voluntarily incurred or she may qualify for treatment through tary Medical Support Office to coordinate the cost of your treatment. TRICARE at a civilian hospital, but first he payment of medical charges. The nearest ¥ Make sure your family knows to call us or she must be referred to the nearest MTF. MMSO is: on your behalf if you are seriously injured For us, that facility is Ireland Army Hos- and unable to do so yourself. pital at Fort Knox, Ky. Military Medical Support Office Emergency treatment costs for either duty P.O. Box 886999 We can, and will, help. status may be reimbursed or covered through Great Lakes, IL 60088-6999 TRICARE if the individual for some rea- Telephone: (888) 647-6676 son cannot be taken to an MTF. In case of an injury, contact our medical Except in an emergency, our medical staff, staff first where it is feasible. along with your doctors, will determine the If that’s not feasible, or if you are sent to nature of treatment required.

This funded Air Force newspaper is published for mem- Wing Commander...... Col. Bill Leslie bers of the military services. Contents of The Cargo Cou- Wing Public Affairs Officer...... 1st Lt. Dale Greer rier are not necessarily the views of the U.S. Government, Editor...... Staff Sgt. Amy Ziegler the Department of Defense or the Air Force. Staff Writer...... Staff Sgt. Dave Tors The editorial content is edited and prepared by the pub- lic affairs office of the 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky Air Na- tional Guard, Louisville International Airport, Louisville, Ky. 40213-2678. How to contact us ☎ If you have a story idea, photo or article to submit, stop by the public affairs office, room 2117 of the Wing Head- Phone: (502) 364-9431 quarters Building. Deadline for the next issue is Nov. 3. E-mail: [email protected]

An electronic version of the Cargo Courier is available at the Kentucky Air Guard’s Web site — www.kyang.ang.af.mil

The Cargo Courier 2 Oct. 21, 2000 KyANG NEWS Matters of S T A T E

Staff Sgt. Darren Reinhardt, a ramp services specialist in the 123rd Aerial Port Squad- ron, observes as Secretary of State Madeline Albright greets airmen at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, this summer.

Reinhardt was serving in a VIP detail at Hickam as part of his annual field training.

Photo courtesy USAF

Family Day 2000 to offer Highlights 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. new food, events and fun Lunch in the fuel cell hanger 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. By Staff Sgt. Amy Ziegler must include at least two family members, Flightline displays Cargo Courier Editor Frymire said. This will be the first year for the event, ¥ F-16 Falcon After months of planning, the Kentucky and bleacher seating will be available for ¥ C-130H Hercules Air National Guard will sponsor Family Day spectators. ¥ P-51 Mustang 2000 tomorrow afternoon. Aviation artist Bob Conely also will be on ¥ P-50 Warhawk The day is expected to be filled with plenty hand to display his art work. ¥ Special Tactics displays of fun and activities, said Lt. Col. Rich A new lunch menu of chili & hot dogs will Frymire, director of the event. be served in the fuel cell hangar beginning at 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. “With so many new events and displays 11 a.m. this year, we’re hoping everyone will come Guard members have been given permis- Children’s activities & events out, relax and enjoy themselves,” he said. sion to change into civilian attire beginning (located under the tent) In addition to great food and a wide vari- at 10:30 a.m. Noon - 3 p.m. ety of games for children, Family Day will Unit members driving to drill on Sunday feature equipment displays and live military should park in Louisville’s Male High School ¥ Parachute team demo demonstrations. lot to allow plenty of parking spaces for fam- ¥ Fire team mock attack The highlight of this year’s event will be ily members arriving on base later. ¥ Firearms training a fire truck pull in which 12-person, co-ed A shuttle will transport Guard members to ¥ Child safety seat inspection teams will attempt to tug a fire engine over a and from Male between 6:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. predetermined course in the shortest amount Admission for the day’s activities is $1 per of time. family, with proceeds going to family sup- Fire truck pull (on flightline) To encourage family participation, teams port.

The Cargo Courier Oct. 21, 2000 3 KyANG NEWS Partners of the Americas Wheelchairs sent to Ecuador on the Thoroughbred Express By Staff Sgt. Amy Ziegler Cargo Courier Editor

A wheelchair can cost more than three years’ salary in some countries, making it virtually impossible for those in need to ever obtain one. To meet this need, the Kentucky Air Guard transported more than 220 wheelchairs to the South American nation in September. Partners of the Americas, a non- profit organization that works in conjunction with Hope Haven Interna- tional Ministries, refurbished the wheelchairs to send to the people of Ecuador. The Kentucky Air Guard was then asked to help deliver the equipment under the auspices of the Denton Amendment, a federal law that allows Photos by Tech. Sgt. Mark Rines/KyANG military agencies to transport equip- ment used for civilian aid. “Ecuador has problems,” said Tony Jevans, a clinical chemist at Jewish Hospital who organized and planned the wheelchair delivery. ABOVE: Senior Airman “The people are very poor, and 70 Jerome Noltemeyer, a percent of the country lives below the ramp services and poverty level. So (being able to afford cargo handling special- wheelchairs) is out of the question for ist in the 123rd Aerial some.” Port Squadron, secures Lt. Col. Bob Abell, commander of the wheelchairs being the 123rd Aerial Port Squadron, said sent to Ecuador during his personnel were pleased to help. the June UTA. “The wheelchairs are not good enough for a big hospital here, but they may be the best thing they’ll ever see in Ecuador,” Abell said. RIGHT: Senior Airman The mission also had more practical Charles Wilding and Senior Airman Jeffrey value, Abell noted. Dickson of the 123rd “The Air Guard uses this as training Aerial Port Squadron for our real-world missions,” he said. help prepare the pallets “That makes it worthwhile rather than for loading on a Ken- our simply training for the purpose of tucky C-130 transport. training.” The effort marked the second time the unit has participated in this type of mission.

The Cargo Courier 4 Oct. 21, 2000 Ky. Army Guard releases KyANG recruiters honored for 5 yr. reorganization plan excellence By Senior Master Sgt. Rose Farquhar Headquarters, KyANG Kentucky Department of Military Affairs While much of our structure will remain as it is today, the changes to be carried out FRANKFORT, KY—State Adjutant Gen- between now and 2005 will be the transfor- Members of the Kentucky Air eral John R. Groves Jr. announced Sept. 28 mation of some heavy combat organizations National Guard were recognized a sweeping reorganization of Kentucky’s into support units that offer soldiers the op- during the National Recruiting & Army National Guard that will change the portunity for training in heavy equipment Retention Conference held in Salt makeup of units in 31 communities, mark- engineering, military police, chemical de- Lake City from July 31 to Aug. 4. ing the first major restructuring of the orga- contamination and military intelligence.” Chief Master Sgt. Ron Smith of nization since the middle of the . Groves indicated that plans are already KyANG Headquarters was The transformation, however, will not in place to provide for retraining of soldiers recognized as the 1999 State cause the Kentucky Guard a loss of person- in units marked for change, saying, “a core Human Resource Advisor of the nel strength or closure of armories in any of strength of the Kentucky Guard has always Year on the regional and national the 47 communities where units are now sta- been the readiness of its men and women to level. tioned. undergo whatever training is necessary to Also, Chief Master Sgt. Bob According to Gen. Groves, the restruc- remain qualified in the military occupational Wagner was honored with the 1999 turing in Kentucky is part of a nationwide skills needed in their units.” Wing Advisor of the Year Award. revamping of the National Guard aimed at Another key element of the plan is the The Region 5 winner for the better meeting the war-fighting needs of the relocating of some units to better match the 1999 Unit Career Advisor of the Army, while enhancing the Guard’s ability demographics of the communities that they Year was given to Tech. Sgt. Bill to respond to domestic emergencies. serve, Groves said. Hall. The region consists of 10 “From the days before Kentucky became “Just as businesses must constantly ad- other states. a state, our Citizen-Soldiers have understood just their marketing and distribution plans Master Sgt. Nate Mack was they must always be ready to adapt to meet to changes in their customers needs, we have nominated for the 1999 Production shifting national security requirements. to ensure that we have the right kind of unit Recruiter of the Year. “The current reorganization had its be- in a community.” In addition, Mack and Master ginnings in 1995 when it became apparent Unit commanders last month finished up Sgt. Terry Moore were recognized that, in the wake of the Cold War, the Army the process of personally informing their as national winners of the Hard had too few support units and perhaps more soldiers of the impending restructuring. The Charger Award for exceeding their combat units than would be needed in the first changes will begin this month, with recruiting goals for the fourth future. completion of the process scheduled to oc- quarter. “Since then, we, along with other states, cur in September 2005. the Army Staff, and the National Guard lead- “By the time we are finished,” Groves ership in Washington, have studied various said, “we will have put the Kentucky Na- options for reorganization. tional Guard in the best possible position to Company-grade “The result is what we believe to be the continue serving a vital role for both the na- best mix of unit types for Kentucky. tion and our state.” officers seek to form council Another noteworthy accomplishment of Several company-grade officers Award KyANG state headquarters was its estab- are working together to create a lishment of a shadow program for Air Force Company-Grade Officer’s Council. Continued from Front Page ROTC cadets. The council is in the early stages The program, which is being modeled of development, and organizers are Ultimately, the campaign allowed reserv- nationaly, allows cadets to visit KyANG looking for interested individuals ists employed by UPS to maintain full ben- facilities and learn more about the way the to participate. efits while serving their country during Air Force and Air National Guard work. The group plans to meet to Operation Allied Force, Tonini said. Kentucky’s program is particularly im- discuss issues that concern junior “This is indicative of the nature and atti- portant to cadets in the reagion because there officers. tude of the leadership in state headquarters— are no other Air Force facilities nearby. For more information, contact the manner in which they have really gone “The Shadow Program gives cadets a 2nd Lt. Katrina Johnson at ext. out and proactively tried to make the Guard snapshot of what the Air Guard is all about 4732 or 2nd Lt. B.J. Geary at a better place, both in Kentucky and across before they ever begin on active duty,” ext.4405. the country. Tonini noted.

The Cargo Courier Oct. 21, 2000 5 KyANG NEWS Air Guard can make a difference with CFC 2000 By Staff Sgt. Amy Ziegler prove the quality of life in their home- The CFC allows contributors to chose Cargo Courier Editor towns. which agency will receive their donations. Money raised from the effort will sup- Because of this, Guard members can pick Since the early 1960s, it has become a tra- ports hundreds of community service the organization that is most important to dition for members of the local community to agencies in Kentuckiana. them, Frymire noted. come together once a year for the charity ef- “When Guard members give their time Donations can be earmarked for up to five fort called the Combined Federal Campaign. and donations to these agencies, it gives charities. The Kentucky Air Guard is kicking off CFC us a chance to help those less fortunate,” Pledge cards will be distributed today to 2000 this month and will be seeking dona- he said. unit members who are interested in begin- tions from unit members today and tomorrow. “Last year we raised more than ning payroll deductions for their donations. Lt. Col. Rich Frymire said the campaign $38,000, and this year’s overall goal is For more information, visit www.opm.gov/ gives federal employees an opportunity to im- $40,500,” Frymire said. cfc

Promotions, retirements & separations Kentucky Air National Guard

The following individuals have been ¥Ryan Schultz, ¥Col. David Moreman, promoted to the rank indicated 123rd Special Tactics Flt. 123rd Airlift Wing as members of the Kentucky Air Guard ¥Ronald Shears, ¥Chief Master Sgt. David Pope, and reservists 123rd Civil Engineer Sq. Headquarters KyANG of the : ¥Jimmy Sherwood, ¥Master Sgt. Robert Richardson, 123rd Logistics Sq. 123rd Civil Engineer Sq. SENIOR AIRMAN (E-4) ¥Gary Uebel, ¥Tech. Sgt. Pamela Wilkerson, 123rd Aircraft Generation Sq. 123rd Airlift Wing ¥Joseph Felinski, ¥Patrick Vanmeter, ¥Staff Sgt. Wayne Yurt, 123rd Aircraft Generation Sq. 123rd Special Tactics Flt. 123rd Security Forces Sq. ¥Steven Garrett, ¥Paul Vonderhaar, 123rd Medical Sq. 123rd Medical Sq. ¥Megan Hall, The following individuals have ¥George Wimsett Jr., separated from 123rd Logistics Sq. 205th Combat Communications Sq. ¥Justin Hardy, the Kentucky Air Guard: 123rd Communications Flt. MASTER SERGEANT (E-7) ¥Tech. Sgt. Richard Anderson, STAFF SERGEANT (E-5) ¥Lois Allen, 205th Combat Communicatons Sq. 123rd Support Gp. ¥Staff Sgt. Nathan Anthony, ¥Charles Rodgers, 123rd Maintenance Sq. 123rd Maintenance Sq. The following individuals have retired ¥Master Sgt. Curtis Carpenter, ¥James Tongate, as members of the Kentucky Air Guard 123rd Communications Flt. 165th Airlift Sq. and reservists of the U.S. Air Force: ¥Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Carr, ¥Laura Wilson, 123rd Medical Sq. 123rd Medical Sq. ¥Tech. Sgt. John Catlett, ¥Tech. Sgt. Angela Conner, 123rd Aircraft Generation Sq. 123rd Medical Sq. TECHNICAL SERGEANT (E-6) ¥Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth Conner, ¥Maj. Harry Downing, 123rd Maintenance Sq. 165th Airlift Sq. ¥Daniel Blevins, ¥Tech. Sgt. Michael Dionne, ¥Senior Airman Michael Johnson, 205th Combat Communications Sq. 123rd Security Forces Sq. 123rd Maintenance Sq. ¥Paul Greene, ¥Senior Master Sgt. James Everett, ¥Staff Sgt. Delando Jones, 123rd Airlift Control Element 123rd Operations Gp. 205th Combat Communications Sq. ¥John Johnson, ¥Staff Sgt. James Ferguson, ¥Capt. Lincoln Keill, 123rd Logistics Sq. 123rd Aerial Port Sq. 165th Airlift Sq. ¥Edgar Link, ¥Master Sgt. Thomas Gentry, ¥Senior Airman Kevin Koons, 123rd Maintenance Sq. 123rd Security Forces Sq. 205th Combat Communications Sq. ¥Gregory Norberg, ¥Staff Sgt. Frederick Hoyt, ¥Staff Sgt. Sean Mclane, 123rd Maintenance Sq. 123rd Logistics Sq. 123rd Special Tactics Flt. ¥Kevin Pitchford, ¥Master Sgt. George McDonald, ¥Lt. Col. Daniel Menkes, 123rd Maintenance Sq. 123rd Civil Engineer Sq. 123rd Medical Sq. ¥Darren Reinhardt, ¥Chief Master Sgt. Michael Meredith, ¥Staff Sgt. Matthew Stearn, 123rd Aerial Port Sq. 123rd Civil Engineer Sq. 123rd Special Tactics Flt.

The Cargo Courier 6 Oct. 21, 2000 AIR FORCE NEWS Aviation safety records best in AF history

Air Force Print News increased ops tempo, deployments and op- to see if this downward trend continues.” erations in austere locations such as South- Along with the aviation records comes WASHINGTON — The Air Force has west Asia,” Peppe noted. “This is a tremen- the service’s second best year in on-duty achieved its lowest numbers in major avia- dous accomplishment.” ground safety. tion mishaps and also saw its second-best Previously, the Air Force’s record was 24 “For fiscal 2000, we had six on-duty fa- year in on-duty ground safety in the service’s major aircraft mishaps in fiscal 1998. There talities, which equates to a 1.02 percent rate 53-year history. were 20 aircraft destroyed in fiscal 1998, and (per 100,000 people),” Peppe said. A “tremendous accomplishment,” says nine total aviation fatalities in fiscal 1999. Previously, the service’s lowest rate was the Air Force’s chief of safety, Maj. Gen. The general said this fiscal year’s record three fatalities in fiscal 1998. Tim Peppe. lows are evidence of a downward trend seen “Off duty,” he said, “the Air Force lost For fiscal 2000, the aviation mishap rate over the past few years. 51 airmen, compared to a previous low was 1.04 per 100,000 flying hours, com- “We are pleased to see this continuing record of 41 fatalities seen in fiscal 1999.” pared to the previous best rate set in fiscal decline overall in our safety categories but “The primary causes remain motor ve- 1991 of 1.11, according to Peppe. realize that challenges remain ahead of us. hicle accidents, alcohol use and people who “In the Air Force, we define a major avia- It may not be realistic, but we want to see a are not wearing seat belts,” Peppe said. tion mishap as an accident which results in zero in every category.” “We are optimistic that with continued a fatality or in which an aircraft is destroyed The general said one significant decline focus and commitment to make operational or exceeds $1 million in damage,” he ex- was in the logistics category, which covers risk management a part of on- and off-duty plained. mechanical failures. life, we can do better. We feel even one fa- In accomplishing this year’s feat, the Air “This year, the Air Force confirmed four tality is one too many.” Force realized records in three major avia- cases of aircraft mishaps due to mechanical Peppe said this fiscal year’s aviation tion safety categories. failures, compared to fiscal 1999’s total of record is a stellar effort that reflects the Air The lowest number of major aircraft mis- 20, a significant decline,” he said. He noted Force’s team effort. haps, 22. The lowest number of aircraft de- the number might rise to seven, due to on- “Clearly, commander awareness and em- stroyed, 14 and the lowest number of total going investigations of aircraft mishaps. phasis, increased funding for spare parts and aviation fatalities, 7, including three pilot Peppe attributes the decline to continued a commitment to make operational risk fatalities. commander involvement at all levels and in- management a part of everyone’s daily “These aviation rates are pretty signifi- creased funding in spare parts. schedule all contributed to these superb cant, especially when you account for the “We are going to keep a close eye on this aviation safety records,” he said. Veterans now encouraged to resume careers Air Force Print News arms. In previous years recruiters were given credit for enlisting people with no previous military experience. RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — The Air Force hopes In the past, military prior service members did not count against to attract thousands of former airmen, soldiers, sailors and Ma- their annual goal — although nearly 900 veterans returned during rines to return to active duty in fiscal 2001. fiscal 2000. A program that formerly complemented typical nonprior ser- The fiscal 2001 goal of 34,600 new recruits includes prior ser- vice recruiting now allows the Air Force to immediately fill non- vice members. commissioned officer shortages in certain specialties by welcom- To re-enter the active force, enlisted members must: ing back individuals with previous military experience. “The Air Force recognizes there is a pool of highly skilled vet- ¥ Be re-enlistment eligible at time of separation erans who’ve served proudly and now miss the opportunities of ¥ Have served no more than 12 years of active service military service,” said Col. Duane Deal, Air Force Recruiting Ser- ¥ Have not been separated more than four years when they re- vice commander. enter active duty “They may have spent four or more years with one of our sister ¥ Be in the grade of E-4 through E-6 services and decided to leave for the civilian work force,” Deal Reserve and Guard members are also eligible to participate with said. commander approval. “Now they miss the teamwork, discipline, and opportunities of During the early to mid-1980s, the enlisted prior-service pro- the military and want to serve again. Instead of donning Army Green gram brought as many as 3,000 veterans back on duty each year. or Marine khakis, they want to build on those skills with a career in Force reductions caused the program to be utilized only sparingly the Air Force. during the past decade. “This program allows them to do that.” However, today, members of all services may resume a career in Air Force recruiters now welcome prior-service people with open America’s Air Force without an administrative waiting period.

The Cargo Courier Oct. 21, 2000 7 MILESTONES Farewell

Master Sgt. Charlie Simpson/KyANG LEFT: Chief Master Sgt. Mike Meredith of the 123rd Civil Engineer Sq. receives the Kentucky Distinguished Service Medal from Brig. Gen. Rick Ash on Sept. 10. ABOVE: Ash awards Command Chief Master Sgt. David Pope of KyANG Headquarters with the same honor dur- Tech. Sgt. Mark Rines/KyANG ing Pope’s retirement dinner Sept. 9.

123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office Leaders Kentucky Air National Guard Continued from Front Page 1101 Grade Lane Louisville, KY 40213-2678 piloted the same aircraft as a mem- ber of the 1st Special Operations OFFICIAL BUSINESS Squadron at Clark Air Base, Philip- pines. After returning to the states in July 1986, Sharpe was stationed at , Md., where he flew B-727s. In 1988, Sharpe separated from the Air Force and became a DC9 pi- lot for Midway Airlines. He joined the KyANG in 1991 and became an aircraft commander in 1994. Sharpe is a command pilot with more than 6,000 flight hours in mili- tary aircraft and more than 5,000 hours in civilian aircraft. He has been a civilian pilot with World Airways since 1995 and cur- rently flies the MD11. In his new role as commander of the operations group, Rhodes will be responsible for overseeing all flying operations, as well as the 123rd Aerial Port Squadron and the 123rd Special Tactics Flight.

The Cargo Courier 8 Oct. 21, 2000