COMMANDER’S CORNER: FALLEN SOLDIER – PAGE 3 Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Thursday, September 13, 2007 Vol. 51 No. 24 Stripes Pub offers new option for Airmen By Corey Dahl Space Observer Food and drink specials and prize giveaways lured Tech. Sgt. Tracey King to the grand opening of Stripes Pub Sept. 6. But, after spending a few minutes at the new pub and grill at The Club, Sergeant King said it won’t take freebies to bring him back the next time. “I’m glad this is here,” he said. “It’s good for morale, gives the troops something to do. I’ll probably come every couple weeks now.” Sergeant King, 21st Services Squadron, likely won’t find himself alone. Dozens of excited Airmen turned out to cel- ebrate the opening of Stripes, which was built at their sug- gestion after the Enlisted and Officers’ clubs were consolidated earlier this year. Geared to enlisted servicemembers but open to all ranks, the sports bar features seven HDTVs, which subscribe to the Direct TV/ NFL Network; two pool tables and Playstation 3 and Wii consoles. Stripes’ grill serves up hamburgers, sandwiches and wings alongside 99 domestic and imported beers. “All of this stuff in here, it was all suggested by the Airmen,” said Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Omdal, the 21st Space Wing’s command chief. “The voice of our enlisted was heard, and this is going to be a great opportunity for Dahl Corey by Photo everyone to be able to come and socialize with each other.” Curtis Clayton, The Club manager, serves up a drink Sept. 6 at the Stripes Pub grand opening. The Pub has a sports bar theme and features Direct TV/ Formerly a room called the O-Zone, used only occasion- NFL Network, two pool tables and video games. Stripes’ grill serves up hamburgers, sandwiches and wings alongside 99 domestic and imported beers. ally for formal banquets and functions, Stripes was renovated in about 75 days by the 21st Civil Engineering Squadron, All that effort wasn’t lost on Airmen attending the grand more,” Sergeant Ayala said. “So this is our chance to start using about $50,000 in funding from 21st Services and Air opening. Staff Sgt. Ruben Ayala, who works for the 21st some.” Force Space Command. Contracting Squadron, said he’s grateful the base went to (Stripes Pub, located in The Club, is open Monday 11 a.m. “It took a lot of collaboration and teamwork,” said Col. the trouble of opening a pub here and thinks it will be to 10 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 11 Manuel Hidalgo, commander of the 21st Space Wing’s something Airmen will be able to enjoy for many years to a.m. to 11 p.m. (enlisted personnel only from 3 p.m. to close Mission Support Group. “Our staff put in a lot of hard labor come. on Fridays), and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; closed on to get this done for our Airmen.” “We don’t have as many traditions in the Air Force any- Saturdays. For information, call 556-4181.) Working dog competition tests K9’s handler protection By Corey Dahl “It just gets all of the dogs from the area to- 21st Space Wing Public Affairs gether to show their abilities.” Police dogs and their human counterparts This year’s competition was the first to converged on Peterson Sept. 7, but they hold events at Peterson. Normally a one- weren’t here for an emergency – just some day event held completely at the Air Force friendly competition. Academy, the competition expanded to two Seven canine teams gathered at Hangar days this year with portions of the contest 119 for an afternoon of explosives detec- held at the Colorado Springs Airport and tion, part of the fourth annual Rocky Peterson Air Force Base on Sept. 7. The Mountain Canine Trials. Organized by the competition then wrapped up at the Air U.S. Air Force Academy, the two-day event Force Academy Sept. 8. pitted roughly 20 dog teams against each “Before, we were racing to get everything other to compete for titles in areas such as done in one day,” said Staff Sgt. Todge Smith, drug detection, handler protection and a canine handler at the Academy. “Breaking speed. it up gives all of the participating Colorado Drawing agencies from the Colorado Springs agencies a little piece of the pie and Springs area and up and down the Front it helped spread the competition out a little Range, including units from the Department bit.” of Homeland Security, the Florence and Photo by John Van Winkle John Van by Photo While teams who participated in the con- Pueblo police departments and Buckley Air test didn’t receive any trophies or qualify to Force Base, the competition serves mostly as move up to state or national contests, ca- a morale booster for the handlers and their nines and their handlers who placed in the canines. competition received certificates and – more Military working dog Chaky, 21st Security Forces Squadron, gets his man, who refused to exit the vehicle during “It’s a camaraderie thing,” said Staff Sgt. importantly, handlers say – an ego boost. the working dog competition at the U.S. Air Force Academy. MWD handler, Staff Sgt. Anthony Davis, 21st SFS, Jonathan Geren, a dog trainer at the and Chaky took first place in both the patrol and obedience competitions. Academy who helped organize the event. See K9 page 13 INSIDE Influenza pandemic POW/MIA week News 1-5 USNORTHCOM hosts Canada, Peterson has a week of events planned Combined Federal Campaign Briefs 6 Mexico at influenza conference in honor of POWs and MIAs kick-off Youth Program 10 Page 5 Page 11 Sports 14 Page 12 Pigskin Picks 16 SPACE OBSERVER www.peterson.af.mil Thursday, September 13, 2007 3 21ST SPACE WING 21st Space Wing Commander Col. Jay Raymond COMMANDER’S CORNER Chief of Public Affairs Capt. Toni Tones Editorial Staff Fallen Soldier Chief of Internal Information Steve Brady Commentary by Col. Jay Raymond He loved his country more than he loved him- Staff Reporter 21st Space Wing commander Col. self. His legacy of service is a tremendous ex- Corey Dahl I had prepared another article for this week; Jay Raymond ample to all. Assistant Production Manager however, an event happened recently that com- Those who have served and continue to Jeff Adcox pelled me to put that article on the shelf and serve in the Global War on Terror, as well as share this with you. 21st Space those who perished in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Published by Colorado Springs Military Newspapers A fallen hero returned to Peterson Air Force Wing are a reminder that freedom is not free. We Group, 31 E. Platte Avenue, Suite 300, Colorado Springs, 80903, a private firm in no way connected Base from Iraq Sept. 11. That hero was Pfc. commander honor Private Balcon’s memory, and the with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written con- Dane R. Balcon, who gave his life serving our memory of all those who have sacrificed in the tract with the 21st Space Wing. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized pub- country in support of Operation Iraqi name of freedom, by continuing to fight the lication for members of the U.S. military services. Freedom. Private Balcon was a member of the Global War on Terror and serving the Contents of the Space Observer are not necessarily sons for serving his country. While paying the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, and my respects, I had the opportunity to speak American public to the very best of our ability. Government, the Department of Defense or the was from the Colorado Springs area. We also continue to pray for families who Department of the Air Force. with his mother, Capt. Carla Sizer. Watching this fallen hero come home on the have lost loved ones and for the families of The appearance of advertising in this publication, She mentioned that there was a long line including inserts or supplements, does not constitute anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that those serving today. of military service in her family and that endorsement by DoD, the Department of the Air killed 2,974 other heroes could not help but In closing, I’d like to pass on my heartfelt Force, or CSMNG, of the products or services her son was very proud to carry on this tra- advertised. Everything advertised in this publication make me pause and reflect on the extraordi- thanks to all the men and women that volun- shall be made available for purchase, use or patron- dition. He always had a strong sense of age without regard to race, color, religion, sex, nary sacrifices our servicemembers and their tarily serve in our armed forces. Because of national origin, age, marital status, physical handi- families have made in keeping our nation safe service before self and it showed in every- you, we are able to live in a free country and cap, political affiliation or any other non-merit fac- thing he did. This quality was evident given tor of the purchaser, user or patron. from harm. have a certain quality of life that others do Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by It was a great honor to represent Peterson as the fact that he joined the Army knowing not enjoy. The service you provide has a direct the 21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office, 775 the risks and dangers that accompany mil- Loring Ave., Suite 218, Peterson AFB, Colo., 80914- I stood at attention next to the Army honor impact on our ability to defeat the enemies 1294, (719) 556-4351 or DSN 834-4351, fax (719) guard, as our nation brought Private Balcon itary service during wartime.