January 2015

ALSO Alamo Chapter Connects With Enlisted Airmen Members Take Capitol Hill Meet Zenos Frudakis, Honor Guard Sculptor My Uncle, The Enlisted Pilot Is your health care coverage enough coverage? At a time when the health care landscape is changing and medical costs keep rising, it’s important to be sure your family is protected. AFA understands the uncertainty members may face when it With AFA TRICARE Supplement Insurance: comes to their financial security. • You and your family are guaranteed acceptance. Fortunately, to help protect against the risk of rising health You cannot be turned down. care costs, the AFA TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plans • You can take advantage of competitive group rates help provide a safety net of coverage for AFA members (age 64 specially negotiated for AFA members. and under) and their families. • You are not restricted. There are NO preferred provider lists, NO doctor or hospital networks and NO referrals Paired with your existing TRICARE plan, AFA TRICARE required for second opinions. Supplements may help you take control of your health care • You can take your coverage with you. If you switch jobs expenses. They may help pay for out-of-pocket expenses for or relocate, TRICARE Supplement Insurance goes with you.* doctor visits, hospital stays, lab tests, prescription drugs and • 30-Day Free Look Offer. If you’re not happy with AFA’s other covered expenses. Also, AFA TRICARE Supplement Plan TRICARE Supplement Insurance, just let us know during coverage is designed to be flexible, allowing you to choose the your 30-day trial period. You’ll get your premiums back, coverage that’s right for you and your family. less any claims paid.

To learn more about how AFA TRICARE Supplement Insurance may help you†, call 1-800-291-8480 or visit www.afainsure.com Request Number 72194-1-1-1 Hearing-impaired or voice-impaired members may call the Relay Line at 1-800-855-2881. *You can keep AFA TRICARE Supplement Insurance as long as the Master Policy remains in force, you pay your premiums on time and you remain an AFA member. AR Ins. Lic. #303439 † Information includes costs, exclusions, limitations and terms of coverage. Coverage may CA Ins. Lic. #0G39709 not be issued in some states. Underwritten by: In CA d/b/a Mercer Health & Transamerica Premier Life Insurance Company, Cedar Rapids, IA Transamerica Financial Life Insurance Company, Harrison, NY (NY residents only) Benefits Insurance Services LLC Transamerica companies MZ0926678H0000A 72194 (1/15) Copyright 2015 Mercer LLC. All rights reserved. 1031227

AFA TRICARE Ad 72194 (1/15) Trim Size: 8.125" x 10.875" Bleed Size: .125" all around Max Live Area: 7" x 10" Colors: 4-color (CMYK) Stock: na Misc: na Happy New Year! I hope 2015 will AFA sees great promise in having an careers in science, technology, engineer- be a safe, rewarding, and ful lling year onsite presence at the center, when it ing, and mathematics. for everyone. opens later this decade, as a means of Kristine Robbins, AFA’s director of First, I’d like to thank my predecessor, recruiting the newly minted airmen government relations, describes in “Mobi- George K. Muellner, whom I replaced in who visit there from nearby Joint Base lized and Motivated” the Fly-In initiative October, for his dedication and service San Antonio-Lackland after graduating we’ve launched to boost our ability to during his two years as AFA’s Chairman from basic military training. promote Air Force issues on Capitol Hill. of the Board. I’d also like to thank Craig Paula Roy, AFA’s director of Airmen As Robbins writes, advocacy has always R. McKinley, departing AFA president, and Family Programs reached out in our been in AFA’s DNA, so we invited a group for all he did over the past two-and-a- previous issue to ask you all to submit of members from across the country to half years. questions for the Air Force leader spouses. accompany AFA National sta on meet- We are a better organization as a She collected your questions and passed ings with members of Congress last July. result of the outstanding leadership of them on to the spouses, who provide James R. Lauducci, a former AFA vice these two individuals. All of us at AFA their responses in “Side by Side.” chairman of the board for eld opera- wish them and their families the best. In another must-read, CMSgt. Kath- tions, writes the issue’s featured heritage Muellner provided a farewell message leen M. McCool, an AFA national di- piece. It’s a tting tribute to his 94-year- that follows. rector, describes in “E for Enlisted” the old uncle, Robert A. Lauducci, who January’s issue of Wingman Magazine initiative our Alamo Chapter is testing served as an enlisted pilot during World features the usual breadth of coverage down in San Antonio to expose more War II. If the younger Lauducci’s article you’ve come to expect, but with a focus young, enlisted airmen to the work of doesn’t wet your thirst, he recommends on youth and the future. our association and the professional Lee Arbon’s book, ey Also Flew: e Leading the issue is the article by bene ts of membership. Enlisted Pilot Legacy 1912-1942 (Smith- Richard Tolley, vice chairman of the TSgt. Timothy J. Tichawa is a member sonian Institution Scholarly Press, 1998). San Antonio Airpower Heritage Foun- of AFA’s Aerospace Education Council There’s much more in the issue. dation, on the International Aerospace and an alumnus of our Emerging Leader I hope you will take it all in. Education Center planned in San Program. He writes in “Dare Mighty Thank you for your continued Antonio.  e center is the brainchild  ings” about the talk he gave to inspire support. See you again in May! % of O. R. “Ollie” Crawford, a former the sixth-grade students of Kaci Heins, AFA Chairman of the Board and AFA AFA’s 2014 National Aerospace Teacher Scott P. Van Cleef is AFA’s Chairman of National President. of the Year, in Flagsta , Ariz., to pursue the Board.

2 Wingman Magazine ︱ January 2015 Published by the Air Force Association

ISSUE 3 WINGMANMAGAZINE Publisher Craig R. McKinley Editor in Chief Adam J. Hebert Wingman Editor Michael C. Sirak Wingman Designer Kristina Parrill 2 Chairman's Welcome By Scott P. Van Cleef

Managing Editor Juliette Kelsey Chagnon 4 A Chairman's Farewell By George K. Muellner Editorial Director John A. Tirpak News Editor Amy McCullough 6 Center of Attention By Richard Tolley Senior Editor Marc V. Schanz An aerospace education center will honor San Antonio's role in military aviation. Senior Designer Heather Lewis Special Projects Manager Gideon Grudo 8 Meet the Staff By June L. Kim Assistant Managing Editor Frances McKenney Meet Mark A. Barrett, AFA's executive vice president. Associate Editors Autumn A. Arnett Aaron M. U. Church 10 Side By Side By Paula Roy June L. Kim Taking care of airmen is family business for the Air Force's senior leader spouses. Production Manager Eric Chang Lee Photo Editor Zaur Eylanbekov 14 The Story of Robert A. Lauducci, Enlisted Pilot By James R. Lauducci Media Research Editor Chequita Wood Lauducci began as an engine mechanic in World War II, but ended up fl ying VIPs.

Contributors 19 Dare Mighty Things By TSgt. Timothy J. Tichawa Shannon Aud, Larry Dilworth, Bob Gehbauer, James An AFA Emerging Leader alumnus joins AFA's Teacher of the Year to inspire students. R. Lauducci, CMSgt. Kathleen M. McCool, Benjamin D. Notzon, Mary Paltzer, Kristine Robbins, Paula 25 VIP Treatment By Bob Gehbauer Roy, Susan Rubel, Barbara S. Taylor, TSgt. Timothy Veterans Inspiring Patriotism brings vets and youth together for discussions. J. Tichawa, Richard Tolley, Jill C. Westeyn

26 Mobilized & Motivated By Kristine Robbins Advertising Scott Hill AFA's Fly-In initiative brings members to Capitol Hill to promote Air Force issues. J. G. Elliott Sales Representative [email protected] 28 Building Bridges of Support By Jill C. Westeyn An AFA scholarship program enables airmen's spouses to pursue higher education. 1501 Lee Highway Arlington, Va. 22209-1198 30 E for Enlisted By CMSgt. Kathleen M. McCool Tel: 703/247-5800 AFA-e gives enlisted airmen the chance to get to know the association up close. Telefax: 703/247-5855 [email protected] 32 Keeping the Spirit of '45 Alive! By Shannon Aud AFA helps the nation commemorate the 70th anniversary of World War II's end.

34 Air Force Memorial Spotlight By Barbara S. Taylor On Zenos Frudakis.

36 Donor Spotlight By Larry Dilworth On Christopher W. Ince Jr.

5 Talk Back 37 Benefi ts Tailored to You 20 Chapter News 38 A Message From USAA 24 Index to Advertisers 40 Design Parrill ON THE COVER: Betty Welsh, wife of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh, spends time with Air Force Magazine (ISSN 0730-6784) January 2015 (Vol. 98, No. 1) is published monthly by the Air Force Association, 1501 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22209-1198. Olivia Hassler (center) and Andrea Sekora during the Phone (703) 247-5800. Periodical postage paid at Arlington, Va., and additional mailing offi ces. Membership Rate: $45 per year; $110 for three-year membership. 2014 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., Oct. Life Membership (nonrefundable): $600 single payment, $630 extended payments. Subscription Rate: $45 per year; $29 per year additional for postage to foreign addresses (except Canada and Mexico, which are $10 per year additional). Regular issues $10 each. USAF Almanac issue $20 each. Change of address 4, 2014. See “Side by Side,” p. 10. Staff photo by requires four weeks’ notice. Please include mailing label. POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to Air Force Association, 1501 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA Caitie Craumer 22209-1198. Publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Trademark registered by Air Force Association. Copyright 2015 by Air Force Association. Wingman1 Magazine / January 2015 1 AIR FORCE YourMEMORIAL INTEGRITY | SERVICE | EXCELLENCE

Photo by Narvin Sarma www.AirForceMemorial.org Facebook.com/AirForceMemorial

CelebratingVISIT US ON THE all WEB Airmen - Past, Present and Future

For more information, scan our QR code! USAF photo by Jim Varhegyi 4 By George K.Muellner through September 2014. George K.Muellner asAFA’s served oftheBoard Chairman from October 2012 letters—and pictures and war stories—coming in! % or retired. As a former TV personality used to say, keep those cards and our support missionour and support great Air Force people, whether currently on duty Magazine staff needs those stories from the field and the staff that highlight today and Wingman Magazine will continue to recognize those activities. ing them and their families on the ground. AFA carries on that tradition airborne; it your meant supporting fellow airmen in the air and support- As a farewell reminder, Wingman Magazine Itsupport. meant more than “checking six” for your wingman while provides that camaraderie and a meeting place for the Air Force family. Jimmy Doolittle wanted to “keep the gang together,” and today AFA show that we also have fun bonding as an Air Force family. Years ago, As an Air Force fighter pilot, I grew up valuing the tradition of mutual Air Force. Wingman Magazine contribute so much of their time, money, and the energy to support focus on people caring for people. It will highlight AFA support element ofsupport the AFA mission. It will continue to members we have—those inthe eldandoursta —who do to support our airmen,do to support retirees, and their families. degree of visibility on all the great work AFA people and advocacy missions, it has not provided the same us, made valuable contributions to AFA’s education great step.great While initiation of Wingman Magazine of the Board. During my term as Chairman, the Scott P. Van Cleef was elected AFA Chairman edition ofWingman Magazine, andinthatperiod Wingman Magazine wascreated toshowcase the Several months have passed since the last will also recognize those members and the AirForce, isintheoutstanding recognizing heroes of the past. will also honor our heritage by to airmen and their families. It myriad of scholarships provided recognition programs, andthe Airmen of the Year program, local best through the 12 Outstanding tinue to spotlight the best of the programs. airmen through our many family Force, or the families of deployed Program for those leaving the Air Airmen Program, or the Transition the members supporting Wounded Wingman Magazine ︱ January 2015 Air Force Magazine The strength ofAFA, likethatof Wingman Magazine will con- depends on you for inputs. was certainly a was certainly has always A

A PLACE TO ENGAGE US —AND­ US YOU

MORE THAN MOST REALIZE STRIKING A CHORD The Doolittle Raid [“Legislative Note: A Fitting Honor,” I recently read your article, “Air Force Memorial Spotlight September 2014, p. 13] had more consequences than simply on: Honor Flight Network,” [September 2014, p. 30]. Wonder- raising morale in America and punching the Japanese in the eye. ful story. I have been to several memorials this [past] summer The idea of assaulting [Japanese] sacred ground could not and stopped and talked to many of the veterans. be tolerated nor permitted to happen again. Any place from As a retired Air Force master sergeant, I work with the local which such an attack could be launched had to be eradicated, Arlington, Va., Knights of Columbus chapter in sponsoring starting with Midway [Atoll] and, if successful, even reaching these flights for lunch or dinner meals at the KC hall when to take Hawaii. they visit. Most flights leave early in the morning and travel President Roosevelt and Churchill had prior agreed that back late at night—a one-day trip to see the World War II their combined forces would focus on Europe first, and the Memorial and all the other memorials. Pacific second. Consequently, most military shipments from In October 2014 alone, we sponsored six groups and more the United States were going to Europe and the USSR. than 500 veterans and their sponsors. … Many volunteers, If Midway and our carriers were lost and Hawaii threatened, such as Arlington, Va., Air Force JROTC members, assist. the Europe-first/Pacific-second strategy would have had to What an emotional experience for our family and the be reversed. Without our support, the subsequent battle for volunteers! Thanks for writing this story. Stalingrad might have turned out differently. In that scenario, MSgt. Rodney “Rick” Miller, Hitler would have gained enough time to develop and pro- USAF (Ret.) duce more of his “wonder weapons” that would have seriously Arlington, Va. impacted the fight for Europe. As much as we honor what the Doolittle Raiders accom- plished, they accomplished more than most realize. Robert Dubman, Lake Worth, Fla.

PROCEED AT YOUR OWN PARRILL TIME TO UPDATE YOUR MEMBER INFO January’s issue features the debut of an art-driven section A great way to start 2015 is to ensure your local AFA for kids created by Wingman Magazine Designer Kristina chapter can stay connected with you. To update your con- Parrill (see p. 40). She’s crafted a letter that young children tact information, you may call our Membership Depart- can personalize and send to their deployed dads or moms. ment at 1-800-727-3337, send an email to membership@ They just write in the missing text and color the airplanes on afa.org, or write us at: Air Force Association, 1501 Lee the page and the letter is ready to go! Highway, Arlington, VA 22209-1198. This section will be a recurring staff contribution. You may also update your contact information at any time at the members-only area of our website: www.afa.org. If you have an idea for a future page, write us at: [email protected], Attn.: Design Parrill.

Do you have a comment about an article in the current issue of Wingman Magazine? Write to “Letters,” Wingman Magazine, 1501 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22209-1198. Or send an email to [email protected]. Letters should be concise and timely. We cannot acknowledge receipt of letters. We reserve the right to condense letters. Letters without name, city, base, and state are not acceptable. Photographs cannot be returned.

Wingman Magazine︱ January 2015 5 AirpowerClassics A FUTURE AEROSPACE EDUCATION CENTER WILL HONOR SAN ANTONIO’S STORIED Staff illustration by Zaur Eylanbekov from from Eylanbekov Zaur by illustration Staff ROLE IN MILITARY AVIATION. By Richard Tolley

ate this year, construction of the portunities, including use of electronic is highly appealing, as is the chance to L International Aerospace Education tablets and ight simulators, will abound. present the association and its activities Center is slated to commence in San  e past and future will co-exist in spaces to their families. Antonio on the grounds of the former designed to intrigue, excite, and teach. O. R. “Ollie” Crawford, a lead- Kelly Air Force Base.  e facility’s promise is not lost on ing American airpower advocate who When it opens in late 2017 or early the Air Force Association, as association served as AFA’s Chairman of the Board 2018, the center will be a world-class leadership eyes a potential presence there from 1992 to 1994 and as its National aviation/space museum and state-of-the- as a means of exposing more people to President from 1990 to 1992, set out art learning facility for students. the organization. in 2009 to tell the extraordinary his-  e center will recognize the his- “Having an onsite presence from the lo- tory of the nation’s airpower from the tory of “the Alamo City” as the gate- cal chapter and potentially AFA National standpoint of Texas’ and San Anto- way to American airpower and will sta would increase our ability to recruit nio’s own remarkable roles. He formed chronicle the extraordinary events that new members,” said AFA President Craig the San Antonio Airpower Heritage have characterized the Air Force and R. McKinley. Foundation, or SAAHF, a nonprofit military aviation. Center planners envision bringing the organization to promote the develop- Encompassing some 200,000 square 700 or so new airmen who graduate from ment of a major aviation/space history feet, the center’s main structure will Air Force basic military training each museum in the city. feature soaring ceilings with aircraft and week at nearby JBSA-Lackland, along San Antonio’s relationship with mili- other artifacts hanging overhead. Exhibits with their parents, to the center. tary aviation goes back to March 2, will be cutting edge, using modern sound The opportunity to introduce these 1910, when 1st Lt. Benjamin D. Foulois and video technology. Interactive op- young airmen to AFA during their visit lifted off in a Wright Flyer from the

6 Wingman Magazine ︱ January 2015 Fort Sam Houston parade grounds. The airmen continue to come there for flight seven-and-one-half-minute flight of the training. Lackland, in addition to its wood and cloth biplane was Foulois’ training role, is home to the Air Force’s first solo jaunt—he flew three more cyber operations arm, 24th Air Force. times that day. Crawford brings a lot of experience Photo courtesy Photo Crawford Ollie of The events that day spawned decades to the job as SAAHF chairman. For of innovation in military aviation, with example, after his leadership stint San Antonio playing a central role. with AFA, he established the Air Force Among the activities over the decades, Memorial Foundation, along with Ross Army aviators trained at Kelly Field Perot Jr. and others, and was instrumen- and Brooks Field, both near Fort Sam tal in building that iconic structure. Houston, during World War I and Under his leadership, SAAHF World War II. Later, Randolph Field secured a commitment from Port San became a center of aviator training, Antonio, the current operator of the and workers at Kelly modified and land that Kelly occupied, to set aside sustained military aircraft for some 80 25-plus acres of land fronting on Kelly’s years before the installation officially runway on which to build the mu- closed in 2001. seum. The plans subsequently evolved Today Randolph, a component of to make the museum a full-fledged Joint Base San Antonio, hosts Air Edu- education center. cation and Training Command, and The center’s educational mission The International Aerospace Education will be to challenge youth in science, Center is the brainchild of aviation technology, engineering, mathematics, enthusiast and former AFA Chairman and cyberspace and to honor the his- of the Board and National President tory of the nation’s aviation and space Ollie Crawford. In 2010 at age 84, Crawford, shown here in a high- Photo by Lloyd Borguss Borguss Lloyd by Photo endeavors. By tracing events from the altitude pressure suit, became the early days of aviation history, visitors oldest person to fly in the U-2 recon- naissance airplane. By Richard Tolley will gain an understanding of how innovation and progress are made possible through the contributions The center is meant to attract visi- of many individuals building on the tors from throughout the country, but accomplishments of those who came the facility will also serve as a resource before them. for students, parents, and teachers in The interactive exhibits will explain the San Antonio area. The population the physics of airplanes and space ve- within a 25-minute drive of Port San hicles staying aloft; tell the stories of Antonio is passing the two million the people who discovered how to make mark—more than one-quarter of them them fly and those brave enough to fly students. them; and convey how it feels to break Plans include partnering with re- the sound barrier or step through a hatch gional school districts to facilitate door and float weightlessly in space. meaningful field trips that are supple- Programs will allow visitors to have mented by online resources, scheduling control over the depth and breadth weekend and vacation-time interac- First Lt. Benjamin Foulois put of the experience. They will be able tive learning adventures, and hosting San Antonio on the military aviation to meet—virtually—the amazing summer camps to stimulate interest in map when he flew a Wright Flyer people who populate aviation history. STEM studies. % biplane from the Fort Sam Houston The goal is to create a profound parade grounds on March 2, 1910. Here, retired Major General Foulois experience for visitors that creates a Richard Tolley is vice chairman of the relaxes in his apartment at Andrews momentum for learning and an excite- San Antonio Airpower Heritage Founda- AFB, Md. ment for the future. tion. He is a retired Navy commander.

Wingman Magazine︱ January 2015 7 MARK A. BARRETT, By June L. Kim, Associate Editor AFA’S EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

ark Alan Barrett was just a few for college.” During his sophomore year, months out of the Air Force Barrett thought “it might be more fun in August 2014 when the Air to fly airplanes than design airplanes,” Force Association selected him to serve so he switched to the pilot track. It was as its new executive vice president. He also at NC State where he met his future is the No. 2 staff executive, under AFA wife, Karen. The two married in 1980 President Craig R. McKinley. while he was in pilot training. Barrett spent 34 years in uniform, During his service, Barrett inter- rising to the rank of major general. He’s cepted Russian bombers over Iceland, traveled far and wide, first as the son of met President Barack Obama after an Air Force colonel and then during the flying the American flag over the lat- course of his own career. He piloted the ter’s presidential inauguration, and F-15 and the F-22, accumulating more represented the Defense Department in than 4,500 flying hours in fighters and has an impact, he said. “Those are the D-Day memorial ceremonies through- trainers. His last assignment was as US kinds of things we need to figure out, out Europe. European Command’s chief of staff. so that’s what I’m going to try to do.” One of Barrett’s more somber memo- Born on March AFB, Calif., in 1957, Introducing Wingman Magazine in ries came after the Sept. 11 attacks. Just Barrett was the second of four children 2014 was “a great idea,” he said. “This days later, he was part of a four-ship of to parents William and Joy. His father is our opportunity to tell our story a F-15s that escorted President George W. was a navigator. The family lived little better.” Bush to view the ruins of the World in Alabama, Massachusetts, Virginia, In his youth, Barrett was an Eagle Trade Center in New York. “We still Washington, Japan, and the Philippines. Scout and excelled in school and sports. didn’t know what was going on,” he Staying relevant in today’s world is He attended North Carolina State said. The nation was still grappling crucial for AFA in the face of a declin- University in Raleigh to study aero- with what had just happened. Barrett ing membership, said Barrett. AFA space engineering. He joined the Air recalled being “at about 1,000 feet right needs to attract new airmen and show Force ROTC program there because over the middle of Manhattan, at about members that the organization still he “needed to figure out a way to pay the same height where the twin towers used to be.” Looking down at the rubble “really brought home to me personally … what had just happened to our nation.” Barrett and his wife have three children: Dane Barrett, an ear, nose, and throat doctor in Charlottesville, Photo courtesy of Mark A. Barrett courtesy Photo Mark of A. Va.; Elizabeth Wenceslao, a teacher in Charlotte, N.C.; and Caroline Hepler, a special needs teacher in Winston- Salem, N.C. Barrett and his wife have six grandchildren. %

Then-2nd Lt. Mark Barrett stands in front of his T-33 at Tyndall AFB, Fla., in 1982 during his time as an instructor pilot with the 95th Fighter-Interceptor Training Squadron.

8 Wingman Magazine ︱ January 2015 Support the AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION and the AIR FORCE MEMORIAL through the Combined Federal Campaign

AFA and its affiliated Air Force Memorial Foundation are both 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organizations to which all donations are tax deductible.

L INS EL TIT CH U IT T E M AFA programs include: f s o e r i Ae ud rospace St • CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education

• Wounded Airman Program to work with Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) office to fulfill needs to care, equipment, support and quality of life items for our wounded Airmen under the expanded definition of seriously ill, wounded, or injured.

• Conference/symposium events with technology expositions to aid professional military education

• Awards, grants, and scholarships to airmen and their family members

• Outstanding Airmen Program to recognize superior Air Force enlisted members of the year

AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL • Team of the Year Program to recognize top performers in each USAF AIR WARFARE SYMPOSIUM career field AND TECHNOLOGY EXPOSITION • Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, providing PME opportunities and furthering discussion of important air, space, and cyber issues

• And more ... visit www.afa.org

Air Force Memorial Foundation AFMF provides daily Air Force Memorial management oversight and direct event planning and support to ensure your memorial remains a national place of reverence, remembrance, celebration, and pride and to help preserve the heritage of America’s Airmen.

Air Force Association Air Force Memorial CFC# 11953 CFC# 12214 Staff photo by Caitie Craumer Inset: Photo by Chester Simpson our hugely successful 2014 and Spouse successful hugely our at hearts their share them heard of us many as me, not surprise did participate to willingness Their accepted. eagerly they questions, your answer them ing devoting themselves to a life of service. to a life themselves devoting when arise that challenges the with life of family demands and responsibilities the at balancing work hard you, they Like Force family. Air our within resiliency build and to serve desire Cody. A. James J. of Cody, CMSAF Athena wife Welsh and A. III; Mark Gen. of Staff Force Chief Welsh, of Air wife L. Betty James; Lee Deborah Force Secretary Air of husband J. Beatty, Frank spouses: leader Force senior Air our to describe and Family Forum in National Harbor, Md., on Sept. 15. in October. Inset: Welsh speaks at AFA’s 2014 Spouse Warrior GamesinColoradoSprings,Colo., celebrating the end of the 2014party at the Air Force Academy tailgate warrior, and her guide dog, Moe, an Air ForceBurnett, wounded Gen. MarkWelsh posewithKyle and husbandChiefofStaff Above: Betty Welsh (center) Wingman Magazine Wingman in them 10 When I presented the idea of featuring of featuring idea the Ipresented When deep by their motivated are They a word use is I would This Passionate. and hav and

-

ing as the Secretary of the Air Force Air of the Secretary the as ing grounded? you stay do challenges has that presented? How respectively. What opportunities or Force, Air the in member enlisted highest civilian, ranking officer, and family. Force proud Air of a member toand be our mission to the dedicated I remain and me, encourage responses Their answers. insightful for their spouses nior leader you, too, se to our Thank questions. meaningful to submit such time the who took you to those Thank them. asked members, Force family Air our Harbor, Md., September. in National at Conference sociation’s & Space Air Force As Air at the Forum Family Frank Beatty: You are now spouse of the the Blessings. you, to questions answers are Below Debbie has been serv been Debbie has SIDE BY SIDE LEADER SPOUSES. AIR FORCE’SSENIOR ASK THE JUST BUSINESS. FAMILIES IS A FAMILY AND THEIR AIRMEN TAKING OF CARE - - - has been tremendous! As a part of our a part As tremendous! been has to do this chance The families. their and airmen our to support opportunity the work. it making are and careers separate of our supportive both But we are office. the work our at to leave difficult sometimes however, it is a work-life balance; tain allows. time as events and Force functions Air many as in possible much as as participating while job to work at my regular continuing role isnew completely. My challenge her support I would that for her and opportunity a great roleher new was We that agreed children. grown to our relationships our and marriage, lives, our of role on her be new would effects the what of we discussed her nomination, 2013. December late time the since At Betty Welsh: Betty to main together We working are Wingman Magazine ︱ By PaulaRoy

I’m humbled by truly January 2015 - command team, I am able to travel with Welsh: My focus is on telling the When your spouse was selected my spouse and meet with so many great amazing story of our Air Force and en- for his or her current job, what went partners: airmen, spouses, families, civic suring we’re doing all we can to support through your mind? SIDE leaders, and our foreign counterparts. our airmen and their families. I am the Beatty: Both Debbie and I were Each of them wants to find new ways eyes and ears for Mark in connecting honored and excited about the chal- to support our Air Force. our family programs as we travel and lenges that lay ahead for both of us. As for the challenges, I’ve always been visit bases. I think it’s an important part Her nomination and confirmation BY good at wrapping my arms around our of my job to connect with our military process took five or six months, which busy lives. It’s all about staying organized support network to find out how we can certainly added to the day-to-day stress and prioritizing. Sometimes Mark and I help. This complements the work of my in our lives. Now that the ordeal is over,

By Paula Roy are so busy and move at such a fast pace

SIDE that this simply isn’t possible. But on those days, we take a deep breath, rely on our awesome support network, and pull through, even on what may seem to be a rough day! Staff photo by Caitie Craumer Caitie by photo Staff

Personally, I stay grounded by starting Simpson Chester by Photo Inset: each day with counting my blessings because even on what may seem to be a difficult day, after counting my bless- ings, life is good! Athena Cody: This is an incredible honor to serve our Air Force families as the senior enlisted spouse. I am humbled every time I get to travel around our Air Force and hear our families’ stories. Having served as a military member for nearly 27 years, it has been an eye- opening experience to hear and see the challenges from the family members’ perspective. I stay grounded through the support from my own family and the airmen we call family. This is family business, and it takes all of us taking care of each other all the time. What are your key focus areas? Above: Athena Cody (right) shakes hands How do they complement the work with TSgt. Kathryn Tichawa, as TSgt. Timothy Tichawa and CMSAF James Cody converse of your military spouse? behind them, in Colorado Springs in October. Beatty: I am predominately in a Inset: Cody listens to the audience at AFA’s 2014 Spouse and Family Forum. supportive spouse role. As one of the senior spouses of the Air Force, I have military spouse, because we know, like I am honored to be one of the newest embraced that new role. My career all families, that when the families are airmen in our Air Force, as well as a requires a great deal of my time and I well taken care of, the military spouse senior leader spouse. am trying my best to support our Air can concentrate on the mission. Welsh: I thought, “Wow, Mark’s Force, its airmen, and their families. As If I only accomplish one thing as the going to be great at this! But I’m not sure I have never served in the military, I am CSAF’s spouse, I hope to have contributed how I’ll do.” It was very intimidating, taking every opportunity to learn all in some meaningful way to our airmen overwhelming, and humbling at first. about life in the service of our country, and their families in making them feel like But I was so proud and excited for especially the challenges our airmen the Air Force is their home. If I’ve done Mark, so I decided we were going to and their families face on a daily basis. that, then I consider my job well done. make this a great adventure.

Wingman Magazine︱ January 2015 11 Left: Despite his busy professional schedule, Frank Beatty participates in Air Force events with his wife, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James. Here, James and Beatty enter the child development center at JB Charleston, S.C., last May. Inset: Beatty addressing AFA’s 2014 Spouse and Family Forum.

​ Inset: Photo by Chester Simpson Chester by Photo Inset: USAF photo by A1C Clayton Cupit Clayton A1C by photo USAF

A friend shared a quote with me that get our strength from each other. You each other in times of need, illness, or really hit home and helped: “It’s not are the best! injury is part of our core values. This is what you ARE that holds you back. Cody: First I’d say, “Thank you for easier said than done, as we are all busy. It’s what you think you ARE NOT.” I your service. You have a lot to be proud Try to keep in mind how you would thought about this and decided I CAN of.” Our families are so important to like your friends, coworkers, or other do this, because as a team, Mark and what we do in the Air Force. They are families to act if you were in a time of I are stronger and more effective, and the backbone. Take out the support of need. Giving back to others, or paying this is absolutely a team sport! our family members and we may fall it forward, feels great. What words of encouragement apart as airmen and as an Air Force. Welsh: We’re grateful for all that would you like to convey to our Air I’d encourage you to stay connected the AFA Airmen and Family Programs Force family? to each other. What we do today, and team does for our airmen. In addition Beatty: You work in the best Air what we’ve always done, together and to the many support programs, such as Force in the world. It is a challenging for each other, is our legacy. We have to the AFA Wounded Airman Program, and rewarding place to work. But as keep that going. We have to continue to and helping with the Air Force adap- the world and its problems change, encourage our families to look out for tive sports camps, AFA can continue so must the Air Force. Your career is each other, and we have to get younger to support the spouses and families up to you: There are no jobs that are spouses and family members involved. at the individual bases through the for life anymore. Take control of your We have a tradition of taking care of Key Spouse Program and Airman and career and if changes need to be made, each other, and we should pay it forward Family Readiness Centers. embrace them as a path of something by passing it on. AFA can also sponsor support func- new and just as rewarding. Those of us involved with AFA’s tions, conferences, and training that Welsh: I would tell our families Airmen and Family Programs consider can help families stay connected and that despite all of the challenges with it our mission to help our Air Force feel supported by their Air Force. AFA budgets that they read about, we still support our Air Force family. What Airmen and Family Programs help make remain the greatest Air Force in the are ways we can continue to do this? our Air Force families stronger! J world! Our families are courageous, Beatty: Supporting all airmen is caring, and compassionate. And we will one of the prime duties of being a part Paula Roy is AFA’s director of Airmen continue to take care of each other and of the Air Force family. Supporting and Family Programs.

12 Wingman Magazine ︱ January 2015 “They are motivated by their FRANK J. BEATTY deep desire to serve and build Frank J. Beatty has been married since April 2013 to resiliency within our Air Force Deborah Lee James, 23rd Air Force Secretary. He was born in Scranton, Pa., and raised in northern Virginia. He family. Like you, they work hard at is an accountant and auditor by trade and is currently balancing the responsibilities and director for regulatory compliance for Engility Corp. of demands of family life with the Chantilly, Va. Beatty can proudly proclaim he’s been in the Air Force family since Dec. 20, 2013, the day of challenges that arise when devoting James’ swearing-in. themselves to a life of service. ”

­— Paula Roy on the Air Force leadership spouses

Athena Cody, Frank Beatty, Betty Welsh, and Paula Roy together at AFA’s 2014 Spouse and Family Forum. Photo by Michelle Padgett Michelle by Photo

BETTY L. WELSH ATHENA J. CODY Betty L. Welsh is married to Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Athena J. Cody is married to CMSAF James A. Cody, 20th Air Force Chief of Staff. Born in Natick, Mass., 17th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. She she was raised in Oyster Bay on Long Island, N.Y. grew up in Auburn, Wash., and entered the Air Force She has lived with her husband and children all in October 1984 as an air traffic controller. In 2006, over the world and within the continental United she earned a promotion into the top one percent of States during her husband’s 22 assignments, including the enlisted force, becoming a chief master sergeant. the Welshes’ latest adventure in Washington, D.C. Inspired She retired from Active Duty in 2011, but continues to by a call to serve, she’s dedicated her life to supporting serve the Air Force by dedicating her efforts to caring her family and the Air Force. for airmen and their families.

Wingman Magazine︱ January 2015 13 Photo by 2nd Lt. Joseph Bujalski 14 Oct. 8, 1946. him asacaptaininManila, thePhilippines, on pilot and eventually an officer. This photo shows 1980. During World War II, hewasanenlisted January 1940andservedasanairmanuntil June Robert Lauduccienlistedinthe Army Air Corps in Wingman Magazine ︱ January 2015 By James R. Lauducci

t was during my 24 years as an Air Maintaining the B-18A was hard work  e next morning, my uncle reported I Force officer that I developed a but not overly challenging. Life was to the hangar as directed and drew from close relationship with my uncle, Rob- routine until his squadron transferred supply a new Norden bombsight and a ert A. Lauducci, now approaching his to Langley Field, Va., in the fall of 1940. .45 pistol. 95th birthday. During the spring of 1941, my uncle’s “What amazed me about the whole His is a unique story in many ways. squadron initiated a call for ve vol- a air was [that] yesterday, I couldn’t get My uncle was an engine mechanic, a unteers to train as bombardiers.  is a screw from Sergeant Rose without sign- bombardier, and a pilot. He was a private, was a great opportunity for promotion ing my life away. Now, Rose hands me private rst class, sta sergeant,  ight because most of the bombardiers were the top secret bombsight and a .45 and o cer, and then a second lieutenant all sergeants and he was a private rst class. doesn’t even ask my name,” recounted the way up through lieutenant colonel. He volunteered and was selected. my uncle in a 1993 letter. He  ew 15 di erent types of aircraft and  e new bombardier trainees learned Later that same morning, the bombar- believes he is the only individual to be their trade on the hangar  oor and then diers left for March Field in California. dual-rated as a bombardier and a pilot. transitioned to the B-18s to train on the My uncle carried the Norden bombsight Born in Syracuse, N.Y., on June 30, Langley ranges.  ey were all assigned to and his .45 with him.  e rst stopover 1920, the fourth of six children, my the 22nd Bombardment Group, the “Red was Barksdale Field, La., to refuel. Just uncle enlisted in the Army Air Corps Raiders” of World War II. While this was after touchdown, the right engine quit in January 1940 at Mitchell Field, N.Y. going on, new Martin B-26 Marauders on their aircraft.  ey found themselves After basic training, he attended airframe started to dribble in to Langley and the in a brand-new airplane with no spare and engine school at Roosevelt Field on new bombardiers made the transition. parts available—my uncle stuck with a Long Island, along with many other new  e bombardiers continued bombing top secret piece of equipment. enlisted men. Following graduation, he runs on the Langley ranges until Dec. 7, At rst, the pilot directed my uncle to was assigned to a  ight line maintenance 1941.  ey learned of the attack on Pearl stay on the airplane with the bombsight. crew for the Douglas B-18A Bolo bomber. Harbor while standing in the hangar.  e crew would bring him food. After

Wingman Magazine︱ January 2015 15 the rst night, the pilot took my uncle to the local quartermaster and directed the quartermaster to secure the bombsight and the .45. My uncle was now free to relax and wait for the spare parts to Photo by 2nd Lt. Joseph Bujalski Joseph Lt. 2nd by Photo arrive. All he would tell me about this episode is that he had a fabulous time in nearby Shreveport. Several days later, the bombardiers rejoined the 22nd BG at March Field. In preparation for deployment to the Paci c theater, they continued practicing bombing runs at Muroc Bombing and Gunnery Range in southern California (now Edwards Air Force Base). Before the group deployed to the Paci c, my uncle was ordered to report to pre ight school for pilot training. Lauducci stands in front of The Liquidator, a B-17G he fl ew shortly after World War II  at’s because back in June 1941, ended, at Kiangwan Airfi eld in Shanghai, Nov. 4, 1946. He shuttled senior military of- Public Law 99 took e ect, authorizing fi cials and diplomats around the Pacifi c Theater in the modifi ed bomber. It featured a private area and bed for the VIP passengers in its gutted bomb bay. the training of enlisted pilots in the Signal Corps. Originally meant to ll essential, the aircraft, the ground crew asked me appointment as a second lieutenant, yet unglamorous, roles such as hauling about fuel requirements, thinking I e ective on the following day. He was cargo and passengers and instructing other was the crew chief. After refueling, the subsequently selected to attend the pilots, the enlisted pilots ended up  ying ground crew would ask for the pilot to Central Test Pilot School at Kelly Field, ghters, medium bombers, and transports sign for it, because only o cers could Texas, graduating on Sept. 30, 1944, in the war, as well as conducting medical sign for fuel. I couldn’t convince them and was assigned to Hill Field, Utah. evacuations and photoreconnaissance that I was the pilot, so I’d point to any As a test pilot, my uncle  ew various missions.  ey also served as test pilots. nearby o cer as a likely candidate.  e platforms including four-engine Boeing My uncle’s  ight training consisted base operations o cer would nally B-17 Flying Fortresses and Consolidated of a pre ight course, primary  ight B-24 Liberators; twin-engine North school, basic  ight school, and nally American Aviation B-25 Mitchells, Lock- twin-engine advanced  ying training at heed B-34 Venturas, and Douglas C-47 Columbus Field, Miss. Upon graduation, Skytrains; and single-engine Bell P-39 he became a  ight o cer with the rank Airacobras and Curtiss P-40 Warhawks. of sta sergeant pilot. He was assigned He was fortunate to serve under former to the newly opened Rome Air Depot enlisted pilot Maj. Fred O. Tyler who in New York. Following a short time at was chief of  ight test. My uncle spent the depot, he was transferred to Olmsted the nal year of the war as a test pilot. Army Air eld (now Harrisburg Airport) He was then selected to be the personal in Middletown, Pa., where he  ew the pilot for Brig. Gen. Franklin O. Carroll, AT-6 light attack aircraft. At Olmsted, who became commanding general of the the AT-6 served as an advanced trainer resolve the problem and accepted my Paci c Air Service Command in Manila, for new Army Air Corps pilots. signature.  e Air Corps didn’t know the Philippines. In that role, my uncle  ew My uncle proudly served as a sta how to handle us when we were transits.” a specially modi ed B-17:  e bomb bay sergeant pilot for 11 months, conduct-  at changed in summer 1943 when was gutted and turned into a VIP suite, ing many cross-country  ights. “On Congress passed a law mandating that which was a private room with a bed. many of the cross-country trips, I ran all pilots receive commissions.  us, on My uncle’s rst orientation  ight with into the problem of who would sign for Aug. 3, 1943, my uncle was discharged Carroll was a round-trip from Manila to the fuel,” he recalled. “When we exited from military service to accept an Tokyo. He  ew throughout the Paci c

16 Wingman Magazine ︱ January 2015 a series of oblique turns) 200 miles to the their di erences there wasn’t any chance north, which would give the airplane a of a resolution, so he picked up his papers considerable tailwind. On entering the and discontinued the meeting.” storm, lightning constantly ashed all On Nov. 4, 1946, my uncle was again around them.  e navigator calculated in Shanghai with Davis.  e latter was a 125 mph hour tailwind.  ey made scheduled to meet with General of the it through the storm and landed in Army Douglas MacArthur, who was Shanghai with daylight to spare. supreme Allied commander, Japan, at After that ordeal, Davis developed an the time, in Tokyo. While the original appreciation for my uncle’s ying skills. ight plan called for a direct ight, once Shortly thereafter, Davis was invited to airborne, Davis asked my uncle to y Nanking by General of the Army George over Hiroshima, where the  rst atomic C. Marshall, who, as the President’s bomb had exploded some 15 months special representative to China, was earlier, for a look at the city. scheduled to meet with senior Chinese After overflying Hiroshima and Communist and Nationalist leadership taking pictures, my uncle received

 eater to such interesting locations as Nanking and Shanghai in the Far East; Brisbane, Cloncurry, Darwin, Sydney, and Tuggerah in Australia; Palawan in the Philippines; and the islands of

Biak, Guam, Moratai, New Caledonia, Bujalski Joseph Lt. 2nd by Photo Okinawa, and Yap. In September 1946, the modi ed B-17 and crew began three months of tempo- rary duty with the State Department, reporting to Donald B. Davis, who was  eld commissioner for China and Eastern Asia. My uncle had several interesting stories to tell me about those missions. His  rst ight in support of Davis was an inspection visit to Shanghai on Oct. 9, 1946. A week later, Davis needed to return to Shanghai. My uncle Lauducci pokes his head out of The Liquidator at Kiangwan Field, Nov. 4, 1946. He returned had scheduled takeo for 4 a.m. so they to the United States in 1947, left Active Duty, and joined the Air Force Reserve. could arrive in Shanghai before dark since Kiangwan Field in Shanghai did not to obtain a peaceful settlement between notice to y over the Tachikawa Range have runway lights. Before takeo , the the two warring governments. and hold.  e aircraft held there for forecaster briefed my uncle on a typhoon My uncle’s B-17 arrived in Nanking three hours before being cleared to land north-northwest of Manila that would midmorning and Davis went straight in Tokyo. My uncle was advised that intercept his ight path. to the meeting. My uncle  gured he Haneda Airport had clouds down to 600 My uncle briefed Davis, who said, had some time to kill so he procured feet and six miles of visibility, less than “I have to be there.” My uncle replied, a jeep and visited a few historical sites. ideal conditions for visual ight. He was “If you have to be there, we’ll get you He returned to the airplane at noon to asked if he preferred a ground-controlled there, but it will be a rough ride.” Two  nd Davis waiting for him. My uncle approach. His immediate response was, hours after takeo while ying at 8,000 was surprised and asked how the meet- “GCA? Never heard of it. What’s that?” feet, they spotted a huge cloud bank ing went. Davis answered, “General  e tower controller explained that he stretching across the horizon. My uncle Marshall decided that the two warring would give my uncle the headings and my directed his navigator to dogleg (i.e., plot governments were so adamant about uncle would repeat them on his descent.

Wingman Magazine︱ January 2015 17 e tower would control his azimuth and Reserve, and returned to Syracuse Uni- Octogenarians for  ying an aircraft as elevation until the B-17 broke through versity on the GI Bill to earn his degree pilot in command after reaching the age the clouds. When my uncle did break in civil engineering. He served another 33 of 80. On June 30, 2010, he celebrated through at 600 feet, he found himself far years in the reserves and o cially retired his 90th birthday by taking his last  ight. left of the runway. He immediately put from the Air Force on June 30, 1980. e original B-17 that my uncle  ew the B-17 into a knife-edge left turn, then Lauducci and his wife, Irene, even- in the Paci c has been restored and is a knife-edge right turn, leveled out, and tually settled in Vian, Okla., and have prominently on display at the Lyon Air made a picture-perfect landing. Needless lived there for the last 38 years. ey will Museum on the west side of John Wayne to say, he wasn’t impressed with this new celebrate their 71st wedding anniversary Airport in Santa Ana, Calif. approach system. on Jan. 6, 2015. In August 2013, my uncle visited me in e modi ed B-17 and my uncle’s roughout his retired life, my uncle Alexandria, Va., to take in the National crew were transferred back to Paci c never lost his love of aviation and con- World War II Memorial and the Airmen Air Service Command in Manila on tinued to  y out of Fort Smith, Ark., Memorial Museum in Suitland, Md. Nov. 16, 1946. Davis wrote a letter of commendation to Carroll, citing my uncle’s skill, cooperation, and care, as well as his consideration for his crew. Many of his subsequent  ights with the command were designated as “milk runs,” because he often  ew from Manila Photos courtesy of James R. Lauducci courtesy Photos R. James of to Brisbane to stock up on milk, which was not available in Manila. Lauducci’s  nal  ight for the com- mand was in a C-47 from Manila to Guam on March 31, 1947. Before he Top: Lauducci (center) visited the Airmen Memorial Museum in Suitland, Md., in August 2013. left Manila, Philippine Air Lines o ered Next to him are John McCauslin (left), former head of the Air Force Sergeants Association, and him a job as the assistant to the chief James Lauducci, the author of this article. Below left: Lauducci last fl ew as a pilot on his 90th engineer and engineering test pilot, with birthday, June 30, 2010, in a Cherokee 240 at Fort Smith, Ark. a monthly salary of $1,000. at was a mostly in the Cherokee 240. He remained He had donated some of his personal lot of money in 1947 and he was tempted active with his old friends in the 22nd mementos to the museum, including to take the position. But he had a wife Bombardment Group and attended the three uniforms and his bombardier and a four-year-old daughter back in unit’s reunion in 1991 marking 50 years certi cation. My uncle tried on all three the United States and wanted to return. since the beginning of World War II. He uniforms and  t into them. It was a very So he left Active Duty in the nascent helped write Revenge of the Red Raiders, heartwarming visit and my uncle regaled US Air Force, joined the Air Force an illustrated history of the group during the museum curator with  ying stories. World War II. e Enlisted Pilots Association has My uncle also remained faded away. In a few years, it’s likely active in the Enlisted Pi- that all the enlisted pilots of World lots Association, headed by War II will have died. But the legacy of Edwin F. Wenglar, who rose their bravery and accomplishments will from sta sergeant pilot to never be forgotten. is is the story of become a brigadier general. one of them. In June 1989, my uncle at- To my uncle, I say, “ ank you, sir, tended a reunion of enlisted for your service to our country.” % pilots at Scott AFB, Ill., where a memorial was dedi- James R. Lauducci is a former AFA vice cated to the enlisted pilots. chairman of the board for fi eld operations. On Jan. 2, 2002, my uncle He served 24 years as a communications- received a certi cate of mem- electronics offi cer in the Air Force, retiring bership in the United Flying in 1988 as a colonel.

18 Wingman Magazine ︱ January 2015 I explained how Air Force Space Command delivers navigation and timing signals, weather data, satellite commu- By TSgt. Timothy J. Tichawa nications, and missile-warning reports AN AFA EMERGING LEADER ALUMNUS JOINS On the wall in my o ce at Peterson stratosphere. One year, her class designed to users worldwide and maintains the FORCES WITH AFA’S TEACHER OF THE YEAR AFB, Colo., is a poster with the words, a payload featuring a camera pointed at world’s most complete satellite catalog. TO INSPIRE STUDENTS. “Dare Mighty  ings.” President  eo- a Lego toy astronaut; the students suc- I also stressed the importance of STEM dore Roosevelt uttered these now-famous cessfully snapped a photo of the astronaut education to the highly technical space words. To me, they capture the essence against the cold background of space. career eld, and I answered the students’ of what it means to be bold, an attitude Heins also uses eld trips, live Web questions on satellites and my own that’s crucial to have—especially in the chats, and guest speakers to expose career. I am currently an instructor at engineering world. students to STEM-related careers.  at’s the Advanced Space Operations School “Dare Mighty  ings” is also a phrase where I came in. at Peterson. that Kaci A. Heins, the Air Force Associa- tion’s 2014 National Aerospace Teacher IT WAS GREAT FOR THE STUDENTS TO BE EXPOSED

of the Year, uses with students in her NOT ONLY TO POSSIBLE STEM CAREERS, BUT ALSO

sixth-grade science class at Northland HOW THEY COULD DO THESE JOBS WHILE SERVING Preparatory Academy in Flagsta , Ariz. — Kaci A. Heins, AFA’s 2014 National In October, I visited these students, OUR COUNTRY. Aerospace Teacher of the Year, on Tichawa’s visit. 101 in all, while moving to Colorado

from California. I talked to them about TSgt. Timothy Tichawa stands  e students eagerly interacted with what the Air Force does in space. I also did with AFA’s 2014 Teacher of me and seemed to love the presenta- the Year Kaci Heins during my part to inspire them to pursue careers his visit to her sixth-grade tion.  ey even asked for my autograph in science, technology, engineering, and classroom in Flagstaff, afterward! mathematics elds. It was a rewarding Ariz., Oct 1, 2014. I expect to reconnect with them experience for me, and based on the early this year for an update on feedback I received, it was worthwhile the launch plans for their high- for the students, too. altitude-balloon payload.  e class  e inspiration for my is designing sensors to measure visit came after I heard radiation through the at- Heins speak at the AFA’s mosphere.  ey hope to Air & Space Confer- send them aloft in late ence at National Har- March from Flagsta . % bor, Md., in September 2014. Both she and I TSgt. Timothy J. are members of AFA’s Tichawa is a member Aerospace Education of AFA’s Aerospace Council. Education Council and At the conference, a member of the Lance P. Heins discussed the em- Sijan Chapter in Colorado phasis she places on STEM Springs, Colo. In 2013, AFA projects in her classroom. chose him to be among the For example, each year she inaugural members of its has her students build a pay- Emerging Leaders Program. load for a high-altitude bal- See Air Force Magazine, loon that’s launched into the April 2014, p. 76. Photo courtesy of Kaci Heins Wingman Magazine︱ January 2015 19 exemplify those principles. those exemplify defense of national arena the ments in 2014 accomplish- his recipient because its as Graham chose chapter The States. United of the traditions and values the protecting in instrumental been has affairs national in leadership whose a ceremony in Washington, D.C. presented Graham withtheaward during Bruce A. VanSkiver, chapter president, Graham (R-S.C.)attheendofJuly 2014. guished AmericanAward, onSen. Lindsey its most prestigious honor, the Distin- 20 The award recognizes Americans Americans recognizes award The eNation’s CapitalChapterbestowed ACTIVITIES,OUTREACH, AWARDS, ANDADVOCACY. ON AFA’SGLOBE UPDATESFROM ACROSSTHE By JuneL.Kim,AssociateEditor and a great friend to those in uniform, proponents of a robust national defense to train, maintain, and modernize. nicantly limiting the Air Force’s ability questration’s tightening squeeze is sig- time than anticipated, he said. more capable at an and earlier surfacing ally, emerging threats are proving to be globe are Addition- stretching theservice. related to multiple hotspots around the Air Force is facing. Externally, taskings the external and internal challenges the Widely viewed as one of the strongest Internally, Graham said budget se- Graham spoke at the ceremony of at Maxwell AFB, Ala. ■ Air Force Judge Advocate General School is assigned as a senior at the instructor in the Air Force Reserve as a colonel and Guard where until 1995. he served joined the South Carolina Air National lawyer. He left Active Duty in 1989 and for six-and-a-half years as an Air Force 1994, Graham on Active served Duty times. in these trying services advocating for the Air Force and its sister and promised to continue  ghting and Graham was clearly quite concerned, Bruce VanSkiver. President Chapter and (left) McKinley Craig flChapter.He’sCapital AFAPresidentby anked American Award, presented tohimbythe Nation’s Sen. LindseyGraham displayshisDistinguished Graham hiscountry continuestoserve Prior to his election to the House in Wingman Magazine ︱ January 2015

Photo by Kip Hansen Wingman Magazine︱ January 2015 “retrospective ofAirForce art,” saidAnelle exhibit that night.  e paintings were aircraft. pieces of artwork honoring airmen and Fame and took in more gallery than 60 of Illustrators, guests toured its Hall of in earlySeptember. Hosted by theSociety dinner in Manhattan’s Upper East Side attended an Air Force exhibit and art Approximately 90 guests visited the Air Force and New York AFA o cials AFA isincorporated in Washington, D.C. This dateisobservedas AFA’s birthday. organizations have partnered with the Air Force According toitswebsite, thesocietyandsimilarart them hangsartworkdepicting Air Force activities. Illustrators inNew the Societyof York City. Behind American Illustration’sof Fame Galleryat Hallof Gate Chapterrepresentatives dineintheMuseum Air Force andcivilianguestswhoincludedIron POW in a cell grappling with his inner and MIAs,1964-1970-?,” depictsa “In His Country’s POWs Service—US while others drew byacrylic, hand. Society of Illustrators, but some used paint, said Christina Dacanay of the many do not get to witness,” said Miller. who helpon our bring artists to life what laboration with the Air Force and focus public our extraordinary 60-year col- and early female aviators. war, vintage aircraft, Tuskegee Airmen, missions, prisoners of war, scenes from tive director.  eydepictedhumanitarian Miller, the Society of Illustrators’ execu- One painting by Maxine McCarey,  e majority used of oil the artists “We get to honor and exhibit to the FEB. 4, 1946 the US Army Air Forces” becomes AFA’s official journal. Air Force Magazine, Offi “The cial Service Journal of JULY 1946 the wallbehindthisPOW. othersincaptivitycover 1964-1970-?” Namesof “In HisCountry’s Service—USPOWsandMIAs, Force Art Collection. At left isa1970painting, resulting artworkeverytwoyears totheUS Air to military installations. The society donates the since the1950s, allowingcivilian artistsaccess artwork, said Miller. ■ “a magni cent showcase” of military Force two years. exhibit every It art is  e Society of Illustrators holds the Air Command, was an honored guest. E. Johns Jr., former head of Air Mobility tended theevent. Retired Gen. Raymond from the base’s public a airs o ce at- at JBMcGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.,and from theAirForce Center Expeditionary Chapter. president of New York City’s Iron Gate the exhibit through Frank Hayes, past Region president. She hadlearnedabout said Maxine Rauch, AFA’s Northeast demons. It “continues to haunt me,” e exhibit ran until mid-October. Along withRauchandHayes, o cials 21

Photos via the Society of Illustrators NEW JERSEY AFA RECOGNIZES TEACHER OF THE YEAR Sally Snelson, a math teacher from Randolph High School in New Jersey received the New Jersey State AFA’s Teacher of the Year Award during a ceremony at its convention at Joint Base US Space & Rocket Center fi le photo le fi Center Rocket & Space US McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.  e award ceremony, held in July, highlighted Snelson’s ac- complishments in helping students engage in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics topics. Among the items she received were an AFA certi cate, a $500 check, and an AFA windbreaker, said Howard H. Leach Jr., New Jersey State AFA president. Snelson teaches geometry and algebra. In the past, she’s taught computer science, and C++ and Java computer programming. “She makes it a priority to incorporate real-world applications Tennessee Valley Chapter members want to strengthen their partnership and problems students haven’t seen before to improve the rel- with the US Space & Rocket Center. Among its programs, the center hosts Space Camp—several AFA chapters have sent their Teachers of the Year to evance of the work assigned,” said Leach. it—and the Aviation Challenge that gives youngsters like this a chance to “fl y.” One year, “students designed and wrote Java programs to play a game that launched projectiles from catapults to land Members of the Tennessee Valley Chapter, along with Alabama on speci c targets,” said Leach. Another time, her geometry AFA State President Russell V. Lewey, met with Deborah Barn- students built model skyscrapers. hardt, director of the US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Snelson is also active in AFA’s CyberPatriot competition. She Ala., to discuss the ongoing partnership between the chapter coached two teams in recent years. and center in stimulating aerospace education and honoring the She graduated from the University of Rochester in New York nation’s rich aerospace heritage. with a bachelor’s of science degree in mechanical engineering. At the end-of-July meeting in the center’s boardroom, Chapter She’s also earned a bachelor’s of science in mathematical sci- President Frederick J. Driesbach pledged the chapter’s continued ence as well as a master’s of education degree in instructional support by promoting aerospace studies and providing speakers and curriculum leadership. ■ for the center, a world-class museum that hosts one of the most comprehensive collections of US space ight hardware in the world. Sally Snelson (center) received an AFA certifi cate as the Garden State’s Teacher of the Year. State President Howard Leach holds the windbreaker Driesbach thanked Barnhardt for all the USSRC does to he presented to her. Northeast Region President Maxine Rauch (right) advance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics participated in the award ceremony, held during the state convention. education through programs like Space Camp, Aviation Chal- lenge, and Robotic Camp. Barnhardt talked about plans for expanding the center. Aviation Challenge is one of the museum activities that the chapter supports. A number of chapter members with real- Photo via Howard Leach Howard via Photo world aviation experience have worked with the instructors and the young and adult participants at the week-long challenge, which features ying simulations, classroom training, and other aviation-related settings to reinforce leadership and teamwork. Chapter member Burke Hare is instrumental in  nding new opportunities where AFA and the center can collaborate. He leads the special committee that the chapter established for this purpose. A retired lieutenant colonel, Hare is one of only two Air Force o cers inducted in the museum’s Space Camp Hall of Fame. ■

SEPT. 18, 1947 SEPTEMBER 1951 The US Air Force becomes an independent military service The US Air Force Almanac makes its debut as the “Anniversary as a part of the National Security Act of 1947. Issue,” including the “Guide to Air Force Installations Worldwide.”

22 Wingman Magazine ︱ January 2015 The Whiteman Chapter held an AFA membership drive at the base exchange on Whiteman AFB, Mo., in September. The chapter had accomplished so much in giving back to Whiteman’s airmen that MSgt. John De La Rosa, superin- tendent of aircrew flight equipment for the 509th Operations Group, decided to organize a membership drive. “We needed to get the word out about AFA and the local chapter,” he said. He and seven other volunteers manned a table for four Photo via MSgt. John De La Rosa La De John MSgt. via Photo hours a day during the week-long drive and conversed with more than two dozen people each day, he said. They passed out about 150 copies ofAir Force Magazine, along with AFA brochures, copies of the 2014 AFA Top Issues document, and membership applications. “This event was a success,” said De La Rosa. “The feedback we got was awesome. Many people were very pleased about how AFA helps our Air Force and how the local chapter If the vintage uniform didn’t catch their attention, perhaps the photo of is making an impact on Whiteman [Air Force Base] the B-2 in Air Force Magazine did. In any case, the Whiteman Chapter’s AFA personnel,” he said. ■ membership table at the Missouri base’s BX had many visitors. Photo via Betsy Gallace Betsy via Photo

Through the Altoona Chapter, these Boy Scouts fulfilled requirements for an Aviation Badge: They visited an airport, flew in the aircraft behind them, built a model airplane, and learned about flight controls. That's Chapter President Tom Baker in the back row, right. The Altoona Chapter of Hollidaysburg, Pa., held its second The scouts got an aviation lecture during the first two hours, annual Scout Aviation Day at the Blair County Airport in then toured an airplane in four groups. Ashley Sorge, a licensed nearby Martinsburg. pilot, conducted the tours, explaining the instruments inside The Aug. 15, 2014, gathering saw a sizeable increase in the the airplane. number of Boy Scouts attending compared to the previous The scouts had lunch at the airport. They then built model year. The chapter had a turnout of 10 scouts in 2013; this airplanes to fly in an exercise meant to teach them the different time there were 29. parts of an airplane that are necessary for flight. Scout leaders from the local Troop 32 and Troop 43 also Sorge then took the scouts up in the aircraft. After that, they attended, and their assistance was greatly appreciated. Five went on a guided tour of a World War II-era B-17 Flying For- chapter members also assisted in the day’s instruction. tress and a P-51 Mustang that had just arrived at the airport. ■

JULY 1956 AUGUST 1956 AFA enters the insurance business, At AFA’s 10th Annual National Convention in New Orleans, announcing the Flight Pay Protection Plan. the Outstanding Airmen of the Year program is born.

Wingman Magazine︱ January 2015 23 USAF photo by SrA. Tabatha Zarrella Staff photo by Kristina Parrill Combined Federal Campaign...... 9 Air Force Memorial...... 3 AFA PlannedGiving...... 33 AFA MembershipApplication...... Cover III AFA MemberBenefits...... 39 IV USAA...... Cover AFATricare Supplement...... Cover II Carolina onShaw Air Force Base’s website, initsMediaGallery. cadet Joseph Pastore. South thisvisittotheUnversityof Seemore photosof Maj. Gen. H. D. Polumbo cutsthe Air Force anniversarycake with AS100 24 AFA’s World Congress FlightinLas Vegas of isthefirstinternational Index to Advertisers Index air showinUShistory. Fifty-one foreign nationsparticipate. APRIL 1959 the birthday cake with the detachment’s youngest cadet. cadet. youngest detachment’s the with cake birthday the of cutting ceremony Force Air the in part he took Afterward, cadets. young aspiring the with advice and wisdom his shared Sciences. and of Arts College school’s of the dean Fitzpatrick, Anne Mary included guests Other Columbia. in 18, Carolina Sept. of South 2014,the University to the visit Force’s 67th Air on the birthday. chief, command Force Air 9th Fuller, A. Scott CMSgt. and S.C., AFB, Shaw at commander, Force Polumbo Jr., Air 9th a tremendous amount of workfor AFA,”a tremendous amountof commentedMammano. US European Command’s deputycommand surgeon. “Davehasdone down from thepositionin July 2014after three years. Mammano is Patch Barracks inStuttgart, Germany, Nov. 6, 2014. Gouinstepped presents an AFA Merittohispredecessor, Medalof DavidGouin, at Above: Col. John Mammano (right), AFA’s special assistant for Europe, building plaque unveiling. plaque building the after applaud Cody James CMSAF and Hoog, Stephen Gen. Lt. Staff of Chief Vice Assistant Hoppes, Doolittle Jonna daughter grand Muellner, Doolittle’s George Board the of then-Chairman 12, Sept. on 2014. aceremony left: during From Jimmy Doolittle Gen. pioneer aviation of name Va., in the in Arlington, building office National AFA the dedicated dignitaries Association Left: the first Chief Master Sergeant of the MasterSergeant Air of the firstChief Force in1967. AFA the proposes aSergeantAir Force, Major of which leads to MARCH 1964 Polumbo spoke about his experiences in the Air Force and and Force Air the in experiences his about Polumbo spoke on Fuller Polumbo and accompanied Skalko Mark Maj. D. H. Gen. Maj. 775 hosted Det. of AFROTC Cadets Wingman Magazine ︱ January 2015

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Photo by Michelle Henze By Bob Gehbauer Over the last few years, I have spoken to hundreds of youngsters Veterans Inspiring Patriotism brings vets and youth as part of the Joe Foss Institute’s Veterans Inspiring Patriotism (VIP) together to discuss military life, civic responsibility. program. Not only do I lecture them on my 23 years of experiences as an airman, I also discuss with them their civic role and responsibility. My participation has been quite re- Arthur by Photo Fowler warding. If you’re a vet who enjoys tell- ing stories about your military service and educating youth—especially on the Constitution and Bill of Rights—this might be just the thing for you. The program certainly gives Air Force As- sociation members the opportunity to advance our organization’s goals to educate and advocate. The late Foss, a Medal of Honor recipient and a retired Air Force briga- dier general, served as AFA’s President and Chairman from 1961 to 1963. The institute carrying his name stood up in 2001 to educate American youth on the importance of the freedoms they enjoy and to inspire them to public service. Bob Gehbauer (right) shakes hands with Keaton Grimmett, a high school student from Cabot, VIP brings a trained veteran volun- Ark., after Grimmett presented Gehbauer with a medallion of appreciation following his VIP teer together with a group of kids in presentation in Fort Worth, Texas, in July. school classrooms or other venues. The lectures include a question-and-answer (see Wingman Magazine, September To participate in VIP, you need only session and typically last up to 50 min- 2014, p. 28), and even to church to have served in the military: any utes. The material covers the freedoms youth groups. branch, any component, any length of guaranteed to Americans under our I vary my presentation slightly, de- time. The program needs veterans in founding documents as well as the pending on the specific group’s needs every part of the country. The num- sacrifices made to protect our liberties. or desires. I always include pictures ber of requests for VIP presentations I’ve spoken to groups as small as and stories about my time in uniform; is highest around Memorial Day and an American history class of some 20 I retired as a colonel. Veterans Day. students to as large as Civil Air Patrol During the Q&A period, the vast Learn more at http://www.joefossin- leadership encampments with more majority of questions I field deal stitute.org/joe-foss-institute-programs/ than 200 cadets in attendance. I have with flying, what it’s like to serve in veterans-inspiring-patriotism. If inter- also presented to Boy Scout troops as combat, and other aspects of military ested, contact Ron Banks at (214) 460- part of their Citizenship in the Nation life. At every presentation, I sense that 7173 or [email protected]. % merit badge requirements, to Youth the students are really appreciative of Leadership Conferences sponsored by my service and anxious to learn more Bob Gehbauer is the executive vice presi- the Military Order of the World Wars about what it means to serve. dent of AFA’s Texas state organization.

Wingman Magazine︱ January 2015 25 MOBILIZED By Kristine Robbins & MOTIVATED AFA’s Fly-In initiative brings members to Capitol Hill to promote Air Force issues.

Advocating has always been in the Air President Craig R. McKinley and sta in Chapter; Jacqueline C. Trotter, Georgia Force Association’s DNA. their meetings on Capitol Hill.  e volun- state president; and Leonard R. Verna- AFA’s  rst objective after its found- teers were: George K. Muellner, then AFA monti, then AFA National Treasurer. ing in 1946 was to push for the Army Chairman of the Board; William J. Begert,  ey arrived midday on a Wednesday Air Corps to become a separate service. retired Air Force general; James Connors, in mid-July.  ey spent the afternoon  is e ort proved successful with the president of AFA’s Florida Northwest listening to brie ngs from senior Air birth of the independent Air Force the Region; David A. Dietsch, then a national Force leaders and think-tank experts following year. on the service’s budget and get- Some may wonder: What does “I thought it was a very worthwhile ting updated on the state of our AFA advocate for today—and Air Force. how? day. I visited my three congressional After some time for discussion,  e AFA Government Rela- our team developed talking points tions sta regularly accompanies folks from South Dakota and one from for their meetings the next day association leadership to Capitol with lawmakers and sta .  at Hill to meet with members of Ohio and one from Pennsylvania. They night, Undersecretary of the Air Congress and congressional sta all appeared to be receptive to the Force Eric Fanning joined them to promote a strong Air Force for dinner. and champion the interests of message we were delivering.” Bright and early on  ursday, AFA members. our AFA members hit the Hill. Last spring we asked the ques- —Ronald W. Mielke, AFA South Dakota state president  eir strong message emphasized tion: With such a small sta , is a few key points: there a way AFA can have greater in u- director; Michael Haugen of the AFA Air Budget sequestration is damaging to ence on the Hill? AFA has some 95,000 National Guard Council; Tyler Johnson, our military and we must not allow it members in the  eld. How do we make executive vice president of Virginia’s Lang- to continue since it is putting our force those voices heard with lawmakers? ley Chapter; Dann D. Mattiza, Florida at risk. Further, the Air Force budget AFA leaders decided to try what Region president; Ronald W. Mielke, is stressed, forcing di cult choices be- we are calling the Fly-In initiative. South Dakota state president; James M. tween readiness and modernization. If Twelve AFA members who already had Mungenast, president of AFA’s South Congress allows sequestration to kick congressional connections volunteered to Central Region; Mark L. Tarpley, presi- back in, as current law dictates it will in  y to Washington, D.C., and help AFA dent of the Central Oklahoma (Gerrity) 2016, our Air Force will be less capable

26 Wingman Magazine ︱ January 2015 By KristineRobbins

Photo courtesy of James Mungenast Wingman Magazine︱ January 2015 beyond, scheduling more than the two to makeinlightofbudgetsequestration.” about the tough choices the Air Force has talking perspective,new particularly in and some of what we presented was a were receptive all very to our message, congressmen,” saidDietsch. “They tors from Texas and with those of ve if not senior sta members. meetings were often with the lawmaker, with theirown representatives, their Because they were constituents meeting and exceeded expectations as advocates. ciated AFA delivering ittothe lawmakers. well-received, and Air Force leaders appre- solve sequestration. them, and Congress must nd a way to best training and equipment we can give and less ready. We owe our airmen the Fly-In on Capitol Hill, July 17, July Hill, 2014. Capitol on Fly-In AFA’s her, during inaugural with here shown (R), Scott Austin Rep. including lawmakers, Georgia with issues Force Air Jacqueline Trotter State President Georgia discussedRight: Most of our team went above and “I met with the sta s of both sena- Our AFA members rose to the occasion  e message was needed, respectfully second one in the June-July timeframe budget for the next scal year, and the just after the release of the President’s will time the rst one around March, We plan to conduct two per year. We in line with what AFA has always done. conversation. up with these contacts and continue the in Washington, D.C., can now follow on the Hill, and AFA sta and leadership about, and held intelligent meetings. showed up, what they knew were talking expectations. AFA membersactually congressional sta. Legislative Liaison Oce personnel and tion on the Hill, meeting with Air Force members nished the day with a recep- up visiting more than 40 o ces. e set up, andinall,thegroup ended or three meetingswe requested they  ese Fly-Ins make sense and follow  einauguralFly-In hassetAFA apart Feedback from the Hill also exceeded learning their defenselearning portfolios. still are who members staff congressional junior with meet to Fly-In the during useful it found also Mungenast Tennessee. in district home of his Duncan John Rep. Republican with time visited president, a total of seven congressional offi ces, including Region AFA’s Central (left), South Mungenast James Left: government relations. Kristine Robbins isAFA’s director of % have. already they that those or deepen Hill, the on relationships to build willing are who and issues security low national fol- We already who members need the people from good attracting eld. to continue on ability depend our will 15 members. 10 and between level: at a manageable Fly-In future for each of participants of Defense,”the Department said Tarpley. severe cuts that have been imposed on security unless there is relief from the that there issigni cantrisk to ournational ensure our elected o cials understand year’s defense legislation. as Congress is deliberating the next scal  e long-term success of this initiative  initiative of this elong-term success We number the intend to keep “Meetings like this are important to 27

Staff photo by Lyndsey Akers An AFA scholarship program enables airmen’s spouses to pursue higher education. By Jill C. Westeyn

f you have ever attended college or bracing our Total Force family that spans the impact their continued support has on I have supported someone who has, the Active Duty, Air National Guard, scholarship recipients and their families. then you most likely have a pretty good and Air Force Reserve components along While AFA National sta manages understanding of the amount of time, with the civilian workforce. Each recipi- the selection process, the local chap- money, and dedication that goes into ent may use the $2,500 scholarship to ter—or in some cases the AFA state or completing a degree program. pay for any reasonable cost related to regional organization—takes over for In addition to students’ normal bur- pursuing a degree, including tuition, the scholarship award ceremony. e dens, military spouses have the added books, transportation, or child care. chapter is encouraged to work with the challenges of being the sole day-to-day “ is scholarship program has ben- local command to arrange a joint award caregivers for children while their spouses e ted all Air Force spouses, especially the presentation, if possible. One-third of the are deployed, or may have to continually 2014 recipients were able to take part in transfer schools during their course of “Without the scholarship, such an event. studies due to spouses’ changes of station. I would not be able to For example, Irene Johnigan, president As a result, many military spouses  nd attend graduate school of AFA’s Cheyenne Cowboy Chapter in it challenging to complete a degree in a this semester.” Cheyenne, Wyo., and Col. Tracey Hayes, timely manner, if at all. commander of the 90th Missile Wing Kelley Ribordy, 2014 Mike and Gail In 2014, the Air Force Association at F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo., presented Donley Spouse Scholarship recipient amended its Air Force Spouse Scholar- Amy Underwood, the winning spouse ship Program to make it easier for spouses spouses of our junior enlisted members from among the Air Force Global Strike from across the Air Force to apply and who have the greatest need,” said AFA Command applicants, with her scholar- better meet their needs. e renamed Vice Chairman for Aerospace Education ship during an event in the Cheyenne e ort, the Mike and Gail Donley Spouse Jerry E. White. “It is our way of focus- area in late July 2014. e chapter also Scholarship program, is designed to ing on the welfare of our airmen and invited Underwood to attend its monthly encourage Air Force spouses worldwide contributing to the Air Force family. council meeting where she met chapter to pursue an associate, bachelor’s, or Additionally, it also gives us an outlet members and shared her thoughts on graduate/postgraduate degree. e new to emphasize our values of education winning the scholarship. name is a tribute to former Air Force and personal growth.” “My husband has been encouraging Secretary Michael B. Donley and his e scholarship program does not me to go back to school for years now, wife, Gail, for their exemplary support cease its support once the scholarship and this award has enabled me to do just of the Air Force family. check is sent. Instead, it connects each that,” said Underwood. “ e experience In 2014, AFA divided $30,000 equally recipient with the local AFA chapter and of being back in a classroom after 20-plus among the 12 scholarship recipients, Air Force command, resulting in a larger years is di erent than if it was right out one-third of whom were spouses of junior and more inclusive support network for of high school. ere is a greater sense enlisted members. e winners re ect a the spouse. is also allows AFA  eld of accomplishment, ambition, and a true cross-section of today’s Air Force, em- leaders and local chapter members to see desire to learn all that I can.”

28 Wingman Magazine ︱ January 2015 By JillC.Westeyn

Photo by SrA. Kentavist P. Brackin Wingman Magazine︱ nice spotlight on what AFA does for Air for Air does AFA on what spotlight nice put a and audience on impression the an made certainly applicants. This program out were presented of 16012 scholarships that and amount scholarship the briefed when we reacted crowdclearly “The Force Base: at Vandenberg Air August Convention mid- State in California AFA winner, at the Command’s Space Force Air Berry, event for Dawn award scholarship the recapped Barnby M. August. Nev., in also AFB, ron’s at Nellis commander’s call recipient, atasquad scholarship mand’s Com Combat Air Gascoyne, Rachel ceremony for award an arrange helped Las in Vegas, Chapter Thunderbird degree. anursing pursuing is who winner, Command Operations Force Special Air Nelson, the to Daphne August in tation a presen made Force Squadron, Support of Operations Hurlburt’s 1st Special D. commander Beaty, James Col. Lt. and Field, Fla., atHurlburt Chapter Hurlburt California State AFA President Lee President AFA Lee State California president of the Cunningham, Bob president of Fred the Gross, Similarly, January 2015 - - -

Scholarship Recipients Scholarship 2014 in early August to receive her award. to receive August early in convention Abilene in state the to attend (now Force), 25th Air Agency naissance Recon and Surveillance, Intelligence, Force Air the from winner scholarship Ribordy, the Kelley sponsored cially Copsey, finan L. by Gary headed Texas organization, AFA the State For recipients. instance, the ored hon not chapters AFA possible, was of Vandy’s Wing. Space 30th commander vice Clark, Shane C. Col. and Lompoc, nearby in Chapter Goddard H. president Robert of the Cruz, E. Juan was attendance in Also Force families.” Park Service.” Park National to apply the for a position in it for possible me make that rent classes cur with my qualifications necessary because semester,” Ribordy.this “However, said school not graduate able be to attend 2014 AW Gabriela Belardo Chelsea Lyn Woodward Amy Underwood Kellie MarieSaunders Kelley Ribordy Sydney Pincheira Molly Phares Daphne Nelson Rachel Gascoyne Miriah AnnDuffney Clark Kathryn Dawn Berry “Without the scholarship, I would would I scholarship, the “Without involvement command When H. M. Nelson, at Hurlburt Field, Fla.,Aug. 6,2014.H. M.Nelson, atHurlburt DaphneNelson, ofSSgt.Marco wife to SpouseScholarship and GailDonley ofAFA’s president Gross, Fred Chapter, Hurlburt a2014 presents Mike able to, I am earning some earning ableI am to, I am RESMJRFEDO TD*SPOUSE* MAJOR/FIELDOFSTUDY* ARDEES Mike andGailDonleySpouse Human Development/FamilySciences Criminal Justice Communication Disorders(Speech) Park &Resource Management School/Mental HealthCounseling Public Health Nursing Mental HealthServices Curriculum Design/Instruction Curriculum Design/Instruction Counseling Psychology Nursing - - - -

membership. AFA a one-year with Phares provided dent Gourley. The Stephen K. also chapter Presi AFA State Colorado the including of 11 presence the in members, AFA area Denver the in September in scholarship her with winner, Command Reserve Force Air Phares, Molly presented Colo., Arvada, in Chapter High Mile awards and scholarships. and awards for AFA’s manager is Westeyn Jill C. org/spousescholarship. to www.afa. go For more information, AFA’s end website of January. at the on posted be will round scholarship program. of the them Force informing community, Air local the someone in with spoke member AFA an because occurred that tunity oppor a life-changing was Scholarship Applications and criteria for the 2015 for the criteria and Applications Spouse Donley the cases, many In president of then the Hassett, Chris r.An ead AETC SrA. ArneBelardo A1C AlecWoodward MSgt. RobertUnderwood SSgt. JeromeSaunders SSgt. Tyler Ribordy SrA. MichaelPincheira 1st Lt.BradleyPhares SSgt. Marco H.M.Nelson SrA. ShilohGascoyne SSgt. BrettDuffney Mr. MichaelClark MSgt. RichardBerry *Information at the time of the scholarship. AFFILIATION* AFISRA PACAF AFRC AFSOC ACC ANG AFMC AFSPC AMC AFGSC USAFE (now 25thAF) 29 J - -

By CMSgt. Kathleen M. McCool

AFA-e gives enlisted airmen the chance to get to know the Many times when I have mentioned the Air Force Association to my co- association up close. workers, peers, and subordinates at JBSA-Lackland, Texas, I got the same subsection of the local AFA chapter associated with a professional organi- response: “But isn’t that an officer’s in San Antonio, the Alamo Chapter, zation. Indeed, AFA offers them op- organization?” to bring enlisted airmen together to portunities to develop their leadership The answer was, and remains, “no.” discuss issues affecting them and learn skills and increase their knowledge AFA is the only organization that about AFA’s involvement in those top- of issues affecting the Air Force and represents all airmen—officers and ics. The goal was to gain more enlisted national defense. enlisted personnel—across the Active interest in AFA. The group decided to call itself AFA- Duty component, Air National Guard, The chapter promoted the gather- e, with the “e” standing for “enlisted.” and Air Force Reserve. Plus, our asso- ing as an opportunity for Lackland’s Over the last eight months, the group ciation supports the Air Force civilian enlisted airmen to be part of an AFA has focused on professional develop- workforce and our industry partners. beta test. ment, volunteer activities, and learning Yet in my discussions with other AFA The first meeting took place in April about the Alamo Chapter and AFA. volunteers, it became clear the belief 2014 with nearly 25 participants, all of The chapter has hosted several mini persists that AFA is for officers only. whom were interested in hearing about mixers and a large mixer to bring chap- It’s an issue many local AFA chapters AFA. They learned about AFA’s mis- ter members together with the AFA-e deal with. sion to educate; advocate for airpower participants. To help counter this misperception, and for airmen and their families; and “I think the forum of a mixer is a AFA’s Membership Committee, heed- support the Air Force. good opportunity to network with ing the advice of association leaders, They also learned that the benefits individuals outside my normal orga- last year devised this idea: Create a of joining AFA go beyond just being nization and is a great way to bring Photo by CMSgt. Kathleen McCool Kathleen CMSgt. by Photo

30 Wingman Magazine ︱ January 2015 together members of the total Air Force,” said SSgt. Christina Schuler, an AFA-e member. The AFA-e members have shown they are hungry to make a difference in

their community and in the Air Force. Hedgepeth Steven SSgt. by Photo In September, they conducted their first volunteer activity: greeting some 25 veterans on their return to San Antonio from Washington, D.C. The Alamo Honor Flight organization had flown the vets to the nation’s capital to visit the National World War II Memorial and other memorials and monuments on the National Mall and in its vicinity. If AFA is going to best represent the Air Force, then it must be made up of all members across the Total Force. AFA-e is helping achieve that but time will tell how well the concept is working and whether other AFA chapters adopt it. “The future of AFA is tied to new thinking and outreach programs like AFA-e,” said Alamo Chapter President Paul H. Weseloh. “Our marketing and strategic messages need to stay ahead of our potential membership groups. … AFA-e is a local example of how this can succeed.” AFA-e members’ comments thus far have been positive. Hedgepeth Steven SSgt. by Photo “The feedback and information we are getting through AFA and AFA-e is the best I have had in my career,” said TSgt. Christopher Hinds, an AFA-e member. “The opportunities are well- suited for what I want out of my future and the Air Force.” With efforts such as AFA-e, perhaps one day, I’ll face this question when speaking to others about AFA: “But isn’t that an enlisted organization?” %

CMSgt. Kathleen M. McCool is squad- ron superintendent with the 323rd Top: CMSgt. Kathleen McCool explains AFA’s CyberPatriot program at the AFA-e Training Squadron at JBSA-Lackland, launch meeting at JBSA-Lackland, Texas, April 14, 2014. Bottom: An enlisted airman Texas. She is an AFA national director is introduced to Air Force Magazine at the meeting. Left: CMSgt. Roger Towberman, and was one of the Air Force’s Outstand- 25th Air Force command chief, talks to enlisted airmen about AFA during an AFA-e ing Airmen of the Year in 2011. mixer, Oct. 17, 2014.

Wingman Magazine︱ January 2015 31 AFA helps the nation commemorate the 70th anniversary of World War II’s end.

By Shannon Aud

Jerry Yellin vividly remembers Aug. Since 2010, Keep the Spirit of ’45 York City’s Times Square on Aug. 14, 14, 1945, the final day of World War II. Alive has celebrated them with a com- 1945. While the Spirit of ’45 Day is in While returning to Iwo Jima with fel- memorative Spirit of ’45 Day across the spotlight, similar activities take low pilots after flying his P-51 Mustang the country on the second Sunday of place year-round. on a strafing mission over Tokyo that August each year. That day falls on or August 14, 2015—a Friday—will day, Yellin said, “I found out that my near the anniversary of the war’s end. mark the 70th anniversary of World wingman was killed.” Upon landing at Also in 2010, Congress passed House War II’s end and the start of a com- Iwo Jima, he then learned that the war Concurrent Resolution 226, supporting memorative weekend of events. AFA is had ended just hours before, making his a national day of remembrance. among the Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive wingman, 1st Lt. Philip Schlamberg, “We want to recapture the spirit of partners drumming up awareness and one of the war’s final casualties. that generation and give a reminder of support for the activities planned across Now, nearly 70 years later, Yellin wants the fact that people today share DNA the United States and overseas.​ the nation to remember Schlamberg and with those who achieved so much in “The Air Force Association is very all those who sacrificed so much to win 1945,” said Warren C. Hegg, Keep the proud to support this comemoration the war. Yellin, an Air Force Association Spirit of ’45 Alive’s national supervisor. lest we forget what this generation member who turns 91 in February, has “This is the last chance to celebrate this contributed to our freedom and the been travelling across the country as spirit while there are still surviving men freedom of generations to come,” said national spokesman for Keep the Spirit and women of this generation.” AFA President Craig R. McKinley. of ’45 Alive. This national grassroots Among the Spirit of ’45 Day activities Activities will include a continu- collaboration comprises nonprofit orga- are wreath-laying ceremonies, big-band ous around-the-world wreath-laying nizations like AFA, businesses, commu- swing dances, observances at profes- ceremony that will start in military nities, and individuals helping to honor sional sporting events, World War II cemeteries in Asia and Europe and and preserve the legacy of the Greatest aircraft flyovers, concerts, open houses culminate in Hawaii. Generation, the men and women who at senior living communities, and “kiss- To highlight airpower’s pivotal role served in World War II, including those ins” to re-enact the famous victory kiss in the Allied victory, AFA, working on the home front. between a sailor and a nurse in New with the Chennault Aviation Museum,

32 Wingman Magazine ︱ January 2015 Wingman Magazine︱ January 2015 for operations. eld manager AFA’s senior is Aud Shannon spiritof45.org. % harbor. Diego San USS carrier sioned aircraft decommis- the aboard dance swing a and guns their firing War ships II World vintage be component will naval Diego. San D.C., Washington, from tovehicles World of some 200 War military II coordinating a cross-country convoy Spirit are ofthe ’45 partners Alive 14-16, of Aug. weekend on the 2015. United States the across communities 100 more in than flyovers in participate to of World aircraft War vintage II owners inviting is others, and America, War of Birds Association Aircraft tal Experimen- Force, Air Commemorative For more information, go to www. go For more information, Among the events surrounding the surrounding events the Among To Keep Army’s legacy, the celebrate to come. strong andfreeAmericaforgenerations tremendous differenceinensuringa In doingso,theyaremakinga AFA inabequestorotherplannedgift. come fromallwalksoflifeandinclude Members oftheThunderbirdSociety to takeupthecauseoffreedom. the sametimeinspirefuturegenerations what you’vefoughtsohardfor,andat Thunderbird Society,youcanprotect By becomingamemberofthe second tonone. for freedomandanAirForcethat’s You’ve dedicatedyourlifetofighting Midway in in Briones interviews WorldBriones interviews War II pilot Saul Anshen in San Diego, Aug. 10, 2014. opportunity to learn the stories of World War II veterans. Here, Girl Scout Jenna Keep theSpiritof’45Alivesponsorsmeet-upsthatgiveyoungsters Lois S.O’Connor, DirectorofDevelopment INSPIRE. Every gift canmake a difference. the United States Air Force and theAir Force Family. Advocate aerospace power andastrongdefense; and Support national about thecritical roleof aerospace power nation; defense ofour the in Association to Promote AirForce Airpower as we Educate thepublic The you’ll Just one—yours. When you combineyour giftwiththousands ofothers, How manygiftstotheAnnual Fund doesittaketomakeadifference? Larry Dilworth,VPofDevelopment & Marketing FOR MOREINFORMATIONCONTACT: 1.800.727.3337 for ANNUAL FUNDprovides needed resources fortheAirForce www.afa.org/contributions “Writing thewords took minutes. ..but INSPIRE thefuture leadersofourUnited States AirForce. now I’llkeepAmericastrong forever.”

1.800.727.3337 •703.247.5812 more OR VISITUSONLINEAT: or [email protected] visit afa.plannedgiving.org information [email protected] us

• online 703.247.5800 contact at : : Make yours The Force Behind THE FORCE. Promoting AirForceAirpower today . 33

Photo by Linda Laurie Air Force Memorial Spotlight on:ZENOS FRUDAKIS

What other sculptures are you mentioned that he was being considered known for? to do a sculpture for the Air Force. He One highlight of our magni cent Air I think the golfer Payne Stewart had an idea for a piece that he might Force Memorial in Arlington, Va., is the sculpture at Pinehurst Resort in North like to do, but the Air Force Memorial Honor Guard sculpture at the south end Carolina with the US Open, and a Bobby Foundation speci cally wanted an Honor of the Memorial Plaza. I often witness Jones sculpture that I did for the US Guard piece. He didn’t have the time to visitors proudly standing in front of the Golf Association at the Georgia Golf take on this project so he referred me to sculpture, rendering a hand salute or Hall of Fame in Augusta. I think I am Pete Lindquist, the memorial’s former posing for a picture. best known for Freedom, a sculpture in managing director, and someone else. I When I give tours, I like to tell visitors Philadelphia. It has four gures like the showed them my portfolio of work, which that the Honor Guard “vigilantly stands Air Force Memorial sculpture, but these they immediately liked and said that it watch over our memorial, both day and are sketchy gures.  is piece comes was just as advertised by Mr. Hart.  ey night.” In my view, the sculpture depicts from an important idea that I had about asked me to do a small model of what I military excellence, pride, and strength. freedom and the struggle for freedom. It thought the Honor Guard statue would I thought it would be interesting is one gure going through four motions. look like, and then they formally invited to know a little more about the man How did you become involved with me to do the project, which took about who created this beautiful work, so I the Honor Guard project? ve years, from 2002 to 2006. spoke with 63-year-old sculptor Ze- A sculptor friend of mine who has What was the most di cult part of nos Frudakis, who lives and operates since passed away, Frederick Hart, had completing the sculpture? his studio in Glenside, Pa., north of done a work called  e  ree Soldiers for  e details. Usually with a sculpture, Philadelphia. He has been a sculptor the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the you are not trying to create something for four decades. National Mall in Washington, D.C. He exactly. I actually said to someone, ‘I Photo by Rosalie Frudakis Rosalie by Photo

Frudakis molds the visage of the one of the Honor Guard fi gures based on the face of MSgt. William Diaz.

34 Wingman Magazine ︱ January 2015 By Barbara S. Taylor

The Air Force Memorial is free to visit and open every day of the year except Christmas ZENOS FRUDAKIS Day. For more details, see www.airforce- memorial.org. Photo by Tsuyoshi Tung Tsuyoshi by Photo Photo by Rosalie Frudakis Rosalie by Photo

Left: Zenos Frudakis spent five years perfecting the Honor Guard sculpture. Here, he stands next to the Honor Guard figures in his Glenside, Pa., studio am not a tailor, I am a sculptor.’ ere be at least one woman involved and in 2005. Above: The Honor Guard was such extreme detail involved, and people of color: an African-American sculpture as it stands today at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. I wanted historical accuracy. It is very and maybe a Hispanic and a white air- important to me and something that I go man. is ultimately was the composi- after in all my pieces. With this piece, we tion. I used airmen from the Honor they were more prominent. I had to have frequently had the Honor Guard tailor Guard at Bolling and from Naval Air them sticking out. That was all very visit the studio to check the length of Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove challenging. I also really liked working the sleeves and the buttons on the coats near Philadelphia as models. on the faces and getting to know the and the medals and everything. I did What was it like working with people who were posing. I enjoyed the

Photo by Rosalie Frudakis Rosalie by Photo not want it to look like four mannequin members of the Honor Guard? human, face-to-face interaction.  gures exhibiting uniforms. I tried to get They were wonderful! They were What are you working on now? as much life as I could into the  gures. very, very easy to work with. They I just  nished a large work in bronze I did not want the uniforms to be what were disciplined. They were always called Knowledge Is Power for Rowan the people saw. Although I know that courteous. They were ideal. They were University in Glassboro, N.J. It is an idea was a big part of it, I wanted them to terrific. Pete Lindquist was actually one that I came up with based on a quote see the humanity: the people. at’s of the greatest pleasures of this project, from Francis Bacon, the scientist and what matters. too. He was so easy to work with and philosopher. e client called and said to What was the composition of the facilitated everything. He kept a lot of do something about knowledge is power, Honor Guard? it together. so I created a large book. % I went to Bolling Air Force Base in What is your favorite part of the Washington, D.C., met several Honor sculpture? Barbara S. Taylor is the director of the Guard members. I wanted a variety Those flags and campaign streamers. Air Force Memorial. in the  gures and mentioned that in That was extremely challenging to get For more on Frudakis and his a meeting. I said you want to have a the streamers in order and to have certain sculptures, visit his offi cial website: an all-inclusive project; there should ones show up more than others because www.zenosfrudakis.com.

Wingman Magazine︱ January 2015 35 Donor Spotlight recognizes the extraordinary commitment of our donors. We are humbled by their fi nancial, professional, and volunteer service contributions to the continuing success of AFA and the Air Force Memorial, and we share our sincerest thanks for their leadership. By Larry Dilworth CHRISTOPHER W. INCE JR.

ments, he has earned certifications in wilderness survival, cell phone tracking, and life-saving skills such as first aid and CPR. Ince received a CAP Disaster Relief Ribbon for assisting in mitigation and cleanup efforts during flooding in Riv- erside County, Calif., in 2011. He also received a special commendation for his service in a federal disaster. Christopher W. Ince Jr. joined the Ince first learned about AFA through Photo by CAP Capt. Michael Sullivan Michael Capt. CAP by Photo Civil Air Patrol because he wanted to its CAP Cadet of the Year Program, serve his country and community. which recognizes outstanding cadet That desire also motivated Ince, just achievement. He joined the Charles 27 years old, to become a member of Hudson Chapter in Bakersfield in the Air Force Association’s Thunderbird 2008. As he learned more about AFA, Society, where he has made generous Ince recognized the important role provisions for AFA in his estate. Ince He learned about CAP, its work that it plays as an advocate for veterans is also an AFA member and annual searching for missing aircraft and res- and Active Duty personnel and for contributor. cuing people in distress, and decided investing in airpower and safety. “The Air Force has been a major part to join. He has been with CAP for “AFA gives voice to the mission of the of my life,” he said. “I wanted to start eight years and has risen in the ranks Air Force and the military as a whole,” early in supporting AFA because the to captain. said Ince. “The more voices we have, cumulative impact over time will be Ince serves with the Bakersfield the better for positive change to occur.” greater, and I can keep increasing my Composite Squadron 121 in California. Ince would like to see more AFA rep- contributions as I’m able to do more.” Among his duties is serving as assistant resentatives visiting bases and discussing After graduating from high school to the deputy commander of the cadet the association’s work and benefits. He in Porterville, Calif., a city about half- program, which works with youth from urges others to support AFA “not only way between Fresno and Bakers eld, ages 12 to 18 to expose them to aero- for the benefits you get for yourself, but Ince enlisted in the Navy. Much to his space education; science, technology, because of what AFA does for your fel- disappointment, he received a medical engineering, and mathematics subjects; low brothers and sisters in the service.” discharge after one year of Active Duty. and CAP’s mission. “I’ve enjoyed get- We are extremely grateful for Chris- When Ince left the Navy, he con ded in ting to know the cadets and seeing the topher Ince’s dedicated leadership and his great-grandmother, who passed away change over time from young adults to devoted service to the Civil Air Patrol, recently, his sense of disappointment. a cadet commander,” said Ince. his generous support to AFA—and for She encouraged him to bounce back and While serving in CAP, Ince has his great-grandmother’s inspiration. % learn more about CAP and even drove continually been learning new skills him to his rst meeting. Without that to improve performance in search and Larry Dilworth is AFA’ s vice president push, he may never have joined CAP. rescue missions. Among his achieve- for development and marketing.

36 Wingman Magazine ︱ January 2015 AFA’s member benefi ts save me money. They’ll do the same for you. Whether it’s dental work, renting cars, buying computers, or even keeping your pet healthy, you’ll be paying less as one of the perks of your membership.

By Susan M. Rubel

Last fall, I got the dreaded news from my dentist that I needed a root canal. I Photo by Susan M. Rubel M. Susan by Photo endured the endodontist appointment to begin the process. At checkout, I was handed a bill for a whopping $2,300. As I grumbled about the cost, I remembered my dental discount card made possible through my Air Force Association membership. I handed the receptionist the card. She took a minute to research and then told me that my bill had decreased AFA’s partnership with Veterinary Pet Insurance can save you money on your pet’s visits to the vet, just like I do with to $990. Thus, I saved $1,310 on the Sera, my four-year-old Labrador mix. root canal simply by belonging to the When drafting this column, I was discount network. There was an equally my four-year-old Labrador mix that I concerned some might interpret my impressive discount on the crown that adopted from a rescue shelter when my words as paid endorsements for products followed the root canal. To learn more youngest child left for college. I thought and services we offer members. That is about the dental discounts and to sign Sera would fill the void—but not also not the case. I do not accept payment up for a 30-day free trial, go to www. empty my wallet in the process. from our benefits partners in exchange benefitservices.com/afa. I quickly learned the costs of own- for a special mention here. My words I also use AFA insurance products ing Sera, especially when it comes to are based on my actual experience. So and have taken advantage of the member medical issues. She’s been to the vet when one longtime member recently discount for Life Line medical health on numerous occasions, including for: called me, asking if I really use these screenings, a topic I covered in Wing- an initial checkup and vaccinations; products, my response was a resound- man Magazine’s May 2014 issue (p. 32). booster shots; stomach/bowel issues ing, “Yes.” When traveling, I’ve enjoyed member- (resulting in the need for expensive AFA offers a wide variety of benefit ship discounts on Avis and Budget car grain-free food); allergies and associated programs. Our goal is to have several rentals and for Budget Truck Rental medications; flea and tick killer and good options for everyone since we when one of my sons moved. When heartworm prevention ($314 per year); realize that not all are a good fit for each shopping for a new Apple MacBook ear infections; and pink eye. and every member. Go to www.afa.org/ laptop computer with another son, I Veterinarians seem to charge just as benefits for a complete list of your mem- mentioned AFA in the Apple store and much as other doctors, but you pay in ber benefits, or call the AFA Member- received $100 off the price. (There is no full as you go. The average cost of a ship Department at (800) 727-3337 and discount currently on iPhones or iPads.) visit can run from $150 to $200, so request a Member Benefits Guide. % Another membership product worthy I welcome the opportunity to save of your consideration is Veterinary money while keeping Sera healthy. Susan M. Rubel is AFA’s senior director Pet Insurance. AFA has negotiated a VPI offers coverage ranging from for insurance and member bene ts. She member discount with VPI, a national emergency care to preventive care. is a licensed insurance agent, a registered insurance company. Why would this Go to www.petinsurance.com/afa to health underwriter, and a chartered life be worthwhile, you ask? Take Sera, learn more. underwriter.

Wingman Magazine︱ January 2015 37 USAF photo by A1C Anthony Sanchelli duties keep you away from home, your must sign joint returns. But if military for refunds, and contributing to IRAs. lingreturns, payingtaxes, makingclaims for several tax-related actions, including you may qualify for a deadline extension You can’t put o ling taxes forever, but probably the last thing on your mind. ghting for freedom, your tax return is RULES EXCEPTIONS TOTHE and tax-free out is hard to beat.” counts are not taxed at all. Tax-free in quali ed distributions from these ac- that you’ve never paid taxes on because “You’ll essentially have a pot of money certi ed nancial planner with USAA. a great deal,” said Joseph Montanaro, a a Roth IRA or Roth TSP, you could get ment account. “If you put that money in Savings Plan or in an individual retire- put tax-free combat pay in the  rift Internal Revenue will Service let you COMBAT PAY PERKS your 2014 tax return. Here are sometoconsiderasyou prepare  is includes o ering them tax breaks. o ers special privileges to compensate. make andmembers of the US military 38 eoe Remote ling: Filing extensionsandmore:you’re When e Potential for retirement savings:  Uncle Sam recognizes the sacri ces Both spouses usually ment agency fees. résumé preparation fees, and outplace- Quali ed expenses may include travel, you incur while looking job. for a new be able to deduct some of the costs sitioning back to civilian life, you may duct the costs to buy and maintain maintain to buy and duct costs the reservists—you can generally de- to applies usually that rule duty—a off when uniforms certain wearing from travel expenses. generally deduct any unreimbursed reserve duties,to perform you can more than 100 miles away from home FOR GUARD &RESERVE expense deductions. irs.gov) for more details about moving- 521 at the agency’s website (http://www. deductible. Check out IRS Publication relocation, your moving expenses may be and your family. If your job requires new imbursed expenses” of relocating yourself IRS lets you deduct the “reasonable unre- required permanent change of station, the years can be expensive. If you make a EXPENSES HELP WITH le a joint return on your behalf. spouse may use a power of attorney to on uniforms: Save Travel deductions: Separation assistance: Moving deductions: If you are prohibited you are If If you’re called

Moving few every

If you’re tran- When it comes to paying taxes, military members enjoy members military taxes, paying to comes it When advantages that aren’t available to civilians. to available aren’t that advantages portant military-related tax topics.portant % www.irs.gov). It summarizes many im- Tax Guide at the IRS website (http:// load IRS Publication 3, Armed Forces’ you a penny.” and tax preparation won’t services cost coordinator. “Best of all, their advice said Kimberly Pine, a VITA volunteer tax issues,”derstand military-specific those working at our on-base sites un- by the Internal Revenue and Service, volunteers are trained and certified Income Tax Assistanceprogram. “VITA’s their families through the Volunteer members andoffer tax help to service financial hardships. financial on website for more information IRS out the Check provide accommodation. may IRS the savings, retirement his/her from funds by withdrawing hardship the addresses reservist the If for reservists. hardship a financial creates sometimes you receive. or reimbursement allowance uniform of any amount by the expenses your But reduce you must uniforms. those bene oftheAirForcet partner Association. Content provided by USAA,amember FREE TAX ASSISTANCE Online: Waived penalties: On base: Wingman Magazine ︱ January 2015

For complete details, down-

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