COMMANDER’S CORNER: a ‘THANK YOU’ iS FREE - PAGE 3 Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Thursday, November 5, 2009 Vol. 53 No. 44 Airmen prepare for new PT culture the wing is as far as the new standards,” said Cynthia White, chief of health promo- tion. Beginning in December, the HAWC will offer classes on total fitness, running techniques and nutrition with the goal of helping Airmen get physically fit and stay fit. This month-long practice testing pro- gram could affect civilians. If there is in- clement weather, all running tests will be moved to the inside track at the fitness center. During testing hours, civilians will not be allowed to run or walk on the track. During inclement weather, the track may be closed to civilians between 8 a.m. and noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays to Fridays. “It is really for the safety of the fit- ness center patrons,” Ms. White said. “We require that the track be cleared for testing.” The new fitness test and program is of the highest priority, said 1st Lt. James Harris, Military Personnel Section chief. It is part of a total fitness program to mo- tivate Airmen to maintain top physical form and to avoid cramming for an an- nual fitness test. The new fitness program promotes a culture of proper aerobic con- ditioning, strength and flexibility training Physical fitness is a top priority for Airmen, who will face a more rigorous physical fitness test beginning in January. The new Air Force Fitness Program focuses on and healthy eating. A 2008 audit of the maintaining a culture of peak physical fitness year-around, not just for annual PT tests. The goal is to maintain trained, combat-ready and disciplined forces. (Air Force Air Force fitness program found it had photo by Rob Bussard) inconsistent standards and did not promote a lifestyle of fitness. “The goal is to be fit to fight, not fit by Monica Mendoza testing standards. fitness program in the past five years. to test,” Lieutenant Harris said. “Often, 21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer Beginning in January, Airmen will be Colonel Whiting has asked all 1,900 people will prepare for the test one month required to take a more rigorous physical Airmen to take the practice physical fit- of the year. This new program breeds a PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo., fitness test and Col. Stephen Whiting, 21st ness test this month and he will review the culture of fitness as opposed to being able — This month, all of Peterson’s Airmen Space Wing commander, wants to ensure results. The diagnostics will show Airmen to pass a test.” will take a practice physical fitness test that Peterson’s Airmen are ready. The where they need to improve. under the new Air Force Fitness Program changes are the most significant to the “Colonel Whiting wants to see where See PT standards page 9 Exercise tests wing mettle by Monica Mendoza Key events tested the wing on building evacuation, response to threats, shelter in 21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer place and response to injuries, accidents and fires. The 21st Space Wing conducts Condor PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Crest at least four times a year. Colo. -- The 21st Space Wing recently com- “A wing exercise is a fantastic opportunity pleted its Condor Crest exercise Oct. 26 to to prepare for emergency events,” Ms. Van 29, designed to test how the wing would re- Belkum said. “There will always be areas for spond to major incidents caused by weather improvement and chances to smooth out and man. communication between agencies. Overall, There were more than 150 events - around our wing did a great job.” base and throughout the 21st Space Wing One scenario called for a massive mid-day - that tested emergency response plans and protest at the North Gate. With anti-war and procedures. The most visible tests included anti-U.S. government signs and shouts of a protest at the North Gate, a shooting anger, about 20 players protested outside the incident at the base exchange and a medi- gate. However, as things do in the real world, cal emergency involving poisoned food that the protest escalated and two men and one shut down food services and left dozens of woman crossed onto the base. The 21st ‘victims’ violently ill. Security Forces Squadron stopped the three “The main theme was terrorists’ use of protesters and held them at the visitor’s a biological agent that resulted in massive center for local law enforcement to make Airmen from the 21st Medical Group provide medical attention to a Condor Crest exercise patient at the Aerospace sickness throughout the wing,” said Ms. Physiological Unit Oct. 28. The 21st MDG ran through several scenarios during Condor Crest designed to test health LJ Van Belkum, 21st Space Wing deputy services and response readiness to medical emergencies. Condor Crest ran from Oct. 26 - Oct. 29. The 21st Space Wing inspector general. See wing mettle page 9 conducts Condor Crest exercises on a quarterly basis to evaluate readiness. (Air Force photo by Roberta McDonald) INSIDE News 4 Traffic Update Commentary 3 Briefs 10 The intersection of Dover Street and Suffolk Street, located east of Building 350, is now a four-way stop. Drivers traveling on Suffolk Street are now required Feature 5 to come to a complete stop before crossing Dover Street. First Knight 12 SM T www.peterson.af.mil AND PRESEN T www.mantech.com Veterans Day, November 11, 2009 11, November Day, Veterans F THE PAS Leading the Convergence of National Security and Technology the Convergence Leading THANK YOU O TO OUR HEROES pizza? • praying for pastry? • craving for fondue? • famished for crab cakes • jonesing for java? • starving for steak? • mad for r o m f u g f f n i n s ? pin • • b e g g i n g f o r b u r g e r s Check out our new section in the clas- sifieds. Find the “Bite Me” trivia question and email the correct answer to [email protected] for your chance to win our bi-weekly drawing. You’ll find You’ll longing for linguine? • • y e a r special discounts! n i n g f o r e n c tasty sandwich? sandwich? tasty h to • i l a d a s ? • r a v e n o u s f o lusting for lasagna? lasagna? for lusting • r r a v Space ObServerSpace Thursday, November 2009 5, i o l sushi? sushi? i g guide just before the classifieds. • Looking for new spots to enjoy great food? Whether you crave a “Smothered dog” or seek a spot for a romantic rendevous, check out our new n e Certificate $25 Gift Play our “Bite Me” trivia contest for a chance to win a i free food! free a r i r t a a s g ? r a • m t a r s o t y f f y a t l a s f r e i l ? h t • g • y r ? o i s r o o r h hungry? o e d r o e n s ? a t • g s h a g n k n e i r o i n z g l f o a r t h o t n c a a k e t s ? • • ? a s l v l o r g g e e r r f o 2 Space ObServer www.peterson.af.mil Thursday, November 5, 2009 3 21ST SPACE WING 21st Space Wing Commander Col. Stephen N. Whiting COMMANDER ’S CORNER Chief of Public Affairs Mr. Jeff Bohn Editorial Staff Chief of Internal Information A ‘thank you’ is free Mr. Steve Brady PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — not until Dec. 26, 1941, only 19 days after Deputy Chief of Internal As we enter the month of November, now is Col. the United States entered World War II, 1st Lt. Jonathan Simmons a good time to reflect on the quintessential that a law was passed designating the fourth Stephen N. Whiting NCOIC of Internal American holiday of Thanksgiving. On this Thursday of November as the national holi- day, the entire nation pauses to offer thanks for day of Thanksgiving. Again, the tradition of Master Sgt. Ray Bowden the great blessings we have been given collec- Thanksgiving was closely tied to the military Staff Writer tively and as individuals. Thanksgiving reflects 21st Space history of the nation. Ms. Monica Mendoza an “attitude of gratitude” that reaches back Wing Today, Thanksgiving reminds all of us, no to the very founding of the Republic. And, commander matter what our religious beliefs, that we are Published by Colorado Springs Military Newspapers interestingly, the history of this great holiday truly blessed to be citizens of this great country, Group, 31 E. Platte Avenue, Suite 300, Colorado Springs, is closely tied to the American military and and to serve in our nation’s armed forces. As 80903, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the our country’s great wars. Succeeding presidents would continue this Airmen, we share a bond of voluntary service 21st Space Wing. This commercial enterprise Air Force As early as 1565, Spanish settlers to the New tradition intermittently in the following years. that ensures the nation is always prepared, newspaper is an authorized publication for members of World held a Mass of Thanksgiving to com- In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln, during always vigilant, and always defended in the air, the U.S.