AIR FORCE WINS IN SHOOTOUT Keeps trophy from Army another year Page 5 FEBRUARY 22, 2019 • VOLUME 11 • NO. 7 • NO. 11 22, • VOLUME 2019 FEBRUARY 100% INSPECTION DoD pushes commanders to examine all base housing by March Page 4 CHANGING OF THE GUARD Alaska Air National Guard welcomes new commander No. 220 220 No. No. PERMIT PERMIT Page 9 FEATURE 2018 key spouse speaks at JBER By AIRMAN 1ST CLASS Although partially par- CRYSTAL JENKINS alyzed and unable to walk, JBER Public Affairs within a year and a half, she taught herself to walk again Kristen Christy, the 2018 and graduated from high Air Force Key Spouse of the school on time. Year, toured Joint Base El- “I began attending college mendorf-Richardson Feb. 11 and felt a little out of place, to 13, speaking to numerous but my military upbringing members of the community. had taught me to start looking During Christy’s tour, the for my community,” Christy Military and Family Readi- said. “I started by hanging ness Center hosted her as a out where I felt most com- guest speaker for more than fortable, ROTC gatherings. 120 attendees at a military One night I was at an ROTC spouse town hall and lun- party when I met my first cheon with the theme “Tak- husband, a cadet named Don ing Care of People.” Christy. Although his first “It is an honor to have words to me were, ‘I can the opportunity to share my never marry you because my story with the JBER spouse last name is Christy,’ it was community, because I know not long after we fell in love all of us come from different and were married.” places and each of us has our Despite a decorated ca- own unique story we bring to reer of military service, and the table,” Christy said. “The being known by his peers to Kristen Christy, the 2018 Air Force key spouse of the year, speaks to spouses during a military spouse town hall and luncheon at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Feb. 12. purpose in sharing mine is have outstanding leadership The Military and Family Readiness Center-hosted event had more than 120 attendees for you to leave here with an qualities, on April 21, 2008, with the theme “Taking Care of People.” (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Crystal encouraged outlook, know- Lt. Col. Don Christy took Jenkins) ing we have each other and his life. father’s death, Ben called me enced the anguish suicide be intentional and use your we can make a difference. I “Of course I was left feel- from college and left a tear- and its lasting effects have,” resources,” Christy said. “I want to use my hindsight as ing devastated, after 17 years filled message,” Christy said. Christy said. “The choice my have a few words I use as a someone’s foresight.” of marriage and supporting “In the message he stated, ‘I husband made had rippling reminder; FAIL stands for Christy’s speech recalled each other through every- miss Dad so much. I can’t effects. ‘first attempt in learning’ and a number of trials she has thing, I had lost my partner,” live without him – I can’t. “Our oldest son Ryan, has HOPE stands for ‘hold on, faced throughout her life, Christy said. “I thought that I need him so much. I’ve now been missing since Sept. pain eases’. emphasizing the importance he seemed withdrawn af- been mourning eight years 20, 2015. I will hold out hope “My story has opened of community and resilience ter coming home from his of my life. I’m not OK right until I see him again.” my eyes to the challenges in spite of the hardships en- latest deployment, but we now. I really need help.’ I Christy explained she others may be facing or have dured. knew when to give each can tell you as a mother that wouldn’t know where she faced,” Christy said. “I would “I was born into a military other sacred space. I would is something you never want would be today without her encourage everyone to stay family and had flourished in have never thought he was to hear.” community and the friends vigilant, reach out and do that community,” Christy suffering that badly. During Since then, Ben has gone and family she made through something for your commu- said. “I was a competitive the overwhelming days that on to graduate from college, her work and volunteering. In nity members who you might tennis player and golfer and followed, my community but still struggles with his addition to her story, Chris- see struggling.” had just won a high school showed up. I don’t remember dad’s death. ty emphasized some key Christy has since remar- golf tournament for Depart- any of the conversations, but Kristen’s older son Ryan acronyms she uses, and for ried and has stepped into the ment of Defense students in they were there and that’s has also struggled enormous- attendees to consider using, role of key spouse for her Germany. Weeks later, I had what matters.” ly with the death of his father, on a daily basis. husband’s unit – still com- a stroke, just days before my After the loss of Don, and was diagnosed with “Be sure to show up when mitted to supporting the Air 16th birthday. Although my Christy and her two sons, bipolar disorder at the age of you know someone needs Force community, as well as identity felt gone, my com- Ryan and Ben, mourned. 16. you, do something no matter Airmen and families strug- munity was there.” “Eight years following his “Our family has experi- how small you think it is, and gling with tragedy. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson/ JBER Public Affairs Chief 673d Air Base Wing Commander Lt. Col. John Ross (USAF) Col. Patricia A. 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Deadline for article and Ed Cunningham - webmaster Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson/ U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department photos is 4:30 p.m., Monday, for the week of publication. of the Air Force, the Department of the Army, or Wick Com- Articles and photos will be published on a space-available 673d Air Base Wing Sergeant Major munications of the products or services advertised. basis and are subject to editing by the Arctic Warrior staff. Command Information NCOIC Sgt. Maj. Jerry H. Byrd Jr. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made Submission does not guarantee publication. Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Foster 2 VOLUME 11 • NO. 7 • FEBRUARY 22, 2019 NEWS Keeping barracks, dorm parking lots clear By AIRMAN 1ST CLASS with better traction.” JONATHAN VALDES Informing dormitory and JBER Public Affairs barracks residents how the schedule will work is crucial. Many Airmen at the dor- For the Elmendorf side, mitories and Soldiers at the “Each Airman Dormitory barracks have encountered Leader has a listing of every difficulties in parking lots Airman in their facility and because of snow. if their parking lot is going to Whether walking to their be closed, the ADL will send cars or towards the buildings, out an email 72 hours prior, everyone should be cautious, regarding closures,” said and pay attention to residents Senior Master Sgt. Lee Pen- parking their cars which can timone, 673d Civil Engineer slide in snow. Squadron unaccompanied The 773d Civil Engineer housing superintendent. Abandoned vehicles sit in a dormitory parking lot at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Squadron for the Elmendorf Pentimone said signs are Feb. 7. Some of these vehicles have created hazardous conditions by obstructing the side and Western Company displayed in the parking lot path for snow plows. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jonathan Valdes) snow removal contractor for 72 hours before closures. telligence discovery analyst, stuck, it will affect the time Sliwa said. “If they follow the Richardson side have im- Residents are also informed said that although she owns they arrive to work, not to the schedule, we can ensure plemented a plowing sched- by signs on doors and bulle- an all-wheel drive vehicle, mention if someone gets in- clear parking lots.” ule to keep lots clear and safe.