-Caveat Lector- WJPBR Email News List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Peace at any cost is a prelude to war! 992024. People First: Base legal offices offer services to members, families WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Air Force bases are more than acres of land dedicated to a military mission. They are communities of Air Force people and families, all with a host of personal needs. One source for finding help for personal legal needs is at the base legal office. The Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, better known as the base legal office, provides attorneys and paralegals to advise service members and their families on personal and civil legal matters as well as mission-related assistance to enhance command readiness and effectiveness. Legal services are provided to active-duty members, including Reservists and Guard members in active service; to civilian employees stationed overseas; and to their respective dependents. Services include wills, powers of attorney, notary service, advice on Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act, landlord-tenant issues, and tax assistance. Attorneys also provide help on involuntary allotment issues and other mission-related problems. The base legal office may be able to help retirees and others as resources and expertise permit. Pamphlets and brochures on a variety of legal topics are available and many base legal offices provide online information and assistance. Another significant benefit available at legal offices worldwide is the personnel claims program. This program reimburses eligible claimants for loss or damage to personal property caused by military service or by the fact that one's personal property was on a military installation. "The best example is damage or loss to one's household goods moved as a result of a permanent change of station," an Air Force official said. "When you report your damage or loss to the claims section of the base legal office, a paralegal or claims officer will help ensure you get fair reimbursement. They will instruct you on the claims process, get you the necessary forms, help you get estimates, and guide you through the paperwork to facilitate your claim." When natural calamities like floods or hurricanes strike an Air Force base, the claims team from the base legal office will be among the first to respond, so that Air Force members and their families can get the financial resources necessary to quickly snap back from damage or loss. There is a wealth of advice, service and information available from the base legal office. Take advantage of a program that puts "People First." 992017. Base transfer follows Howard inactivation by Tech. Sgt. Miconna J. Boaldin 24th Wing Public Affairs HOWARD AIR FORCE BASE, Panama (AFPN) -- Col. Roger Corbin, 24th Wing commander, completed the transfer of Howard Air Force Base, Panama, to the Republic of Panama, with the passing of a ceremonial key to U.S. Ambassador Simon Ferro, who then presented it to Panama President Mireya Moscoso. The transfer was part of the 1977 Carter-Torrijos Panama Canal Treaty. All U.S. military installations are to be transferred to the Republic of Panama by Dec. 31. The transfer of Howard ends an 82 years legacy of U.S. air power in Panama. "This airpower legacy started with Capt. Henry 'Hap' Arnold in 1917 as he off loaded two biplanes from the pier at Balboa," said Corbin. "This has been a good partnership and we leave with pride in our hearts and with a sense of accomplishment for a job well done." The wing, formally deactivated Oct. 31, supported operations including humanitarian, search and rescue, nation building and medical readiness training. But, most recently, the mission was counterdrug operations. Although all of the missions have been inactivated at Howard, they simply moved to other locations throughout North America and Latin America. In closing, Corbin said, "As we look around us in this beautiful setting, I am proud to turn over to you Howard Air Force Base and wish you continued success in the future." Corbin then passed the Howard ceremonial key to the ambassador, who, in turn, passed it to President Moscoso. In conclusion to the transfer ceremony, the president made a short speech and the Panamanian flag was raised by the presidential guards, completing the ceremony. 992019. MiG Alley moves to the valley by Susan McCarty Air Warfare Center Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFPN) -- History was made Oct. 22 as five Russian-made MiG-29 Fulcrums landed here following their first-ever trip across the continental United States. The MiGs, piloted by members of the German air force, are here to participate in the Red Flag aerial combat training exercise. Red Flag is designed to provide aircrews from the United States, allied nations and coalition forces with superior combat training. The Red Flag exercise began Oct. 17 and will continue through Nov. 6. Led by Wing Commander Col. Knut Rutze, the five MiG-29s executed a flyover for a group of U.S. and German air force members and media representatives before landing. A sixth MiG-29 made the initial flight but was held over in Colorado Springs, Colo., for maintenance. Rutze said he and his men are very excited about participating in the Red Flag exercise. "Red Flag is one of the best training exercises in NATO," he said. "To be able to take part in this, with these experienced (American) air crews, is the best training we can get in the German air force." The colonel also said he was impressed with the size and beauty of the United States, especially the countryside in the western portion of the country. "We got to look at the Grand Canyon, and it was a great thing to see. I only regret we couldn't get as close as we would have liked," he said with a laugh. Capt. Ronald Tregel, another German pilot, also said he was very happy to be taking part in the Red Flag exercises. "It's a great feeling to be here; the training is so good," he said after climbing down from the cockpit of his fighter. "We're all pretty proud about it." The team of 12 pilots, members of the 73rd Steinhoff Fighter Wing from Laage, Germany, began their journey Sept. 27, stopping in Iceland, Greenland, and Canada before reaching the United States. Three air transports carrying spare parts and maintenance equipment for the MiG-29s and more than 200 ground crew technicians arrived here before the MiG-29s. Another first for the MiG pilots is their participation as members of the simulated enemy, or "Red Force" aggressor team, in the exercise. Historically, the Red Force teams flew United States or allied air force jets against the defending "Blue Force," or allied team. During this exercise, the MiG-29 pilots are scheduled to fly four sorties a week during their two-week stay in Nevada. "This is the first time real MiGs will be used to fly adversarial tactics," explained MiG-29 pilot Maj. Tom Hahn, who said he was proud of the historic overtones of this exercise. "It's thrilling, especially in such a high-quality training environment like here at Nellis." The German squadron has a total of 23 MiG-29s, acquired from East Germany following the country's reunification in 1990. Due to its maneuvering capabilities, the MiG-29 Fulcrum is considered by many to be one of the best fighters in the air today. In addition to its speed and tight maneuvering capabilities, the MiG-29 is armed with Russian radar-guided and heat-seeking missiles and a 30 mm cannon. (Courtesy of Air Combat Command News Service) 992018. Reserve activates two new space units by Tech. Sgt. David D. Morton 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFPN) -- Air Force Reserve Command increased its role in space operations in October with the addition of two new space squadrons. The 8th Space Warning Squadron has been activated at Buckley Air National Guard Base, Colo., and the 9th Space Operations Squadron is now operating at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Oct. 4. Both squadrons are part of the 310th Space Group, Schriever AFB, Colo., the only space group within Air Force Reserve Command. With the addition of the two new squadrons, the 310th SG comprises five squadrons, including the 6th SOPS, 7th SOPS and 310th Security Forces Squadron, which are located at Schriever. The 8th SWS, an associate unit to Buckley's 2nd SWS, will operate the Space-Based Infrared System, a follow-on system for the Defense Support Program. The DSP is an early warning satellite program started in the early 1970s used to detect the infrared signature of missiles fired by enemy forces. "The SBIRS that we'll be operating at Buckley will enhance and expand the capabilities of the current system," said Maj. Jeff Ansted, 8th SWS commander. "It's the critical link for tactical front-line detection of missiles that may be fired at North America or in support theaters. Tracking Scud missiles fired during Operation Desert Storm is an example of the system in use." The 8th SWS is the first space unit to integrate Reserve and Air National Guard members into an active-duty mission from the beginning stage. The Air Force also applied the total force at Vandenberg where the 9th SOPS will serve as an associate unit to the 614th SOPS, and augment the active duty in day-to-day operations of the Air Force Space Forces Aerospace Operations Center. The AOC is a 24-hour operation center designed to provide commanders with up-to-date information on the status of Air Force satellites. The satellites provide weather, intelligence, communication and navigational data necessary for strategic planning of U.S. military operations. The AOC provides the means for tracking and monitoring the status of 141 space units worldwide, said Lt. Col. Patrick Phelps, 9th SOPS commander. These units provide the data for surveillance, space warning, satellite command and control, and space launch capabilities. "We don't operate any particular systems; it's our job to monitor, direct and integrate the systems that are already there," said Phelps. "Reservists provide a strong foundation of knowledge and experience to the mission," said Ansted. "There's continuous rollover on active duty, and our personnel provide stability because they're usually there for six years. They retain corporate knowledge of the systems and pass that along to their active-duty counterparts when they arrive." At the 9th SOPS activation ceremony, Maj. Gen. Robert Hinson, 14th Air Force commander at Vandenberg, said reliance on the Reserve and Air National Guard has increased since the end of the Cold War. "Our ability to ... maintain our nation's superiority in space is dependent upon them (Guard and Reserve) as critical contributors to part of a cohesive total force," said Hinson. (Courtesy of Air Force Reserve Command News Service) 992022. DLA accepts holiday donations for European operations WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The Defense Logistics Agency is now accepting approved bulk donations -- shipments weighing 70 pounds or more -- for U.S. troops serving in Bosnia, Kosovo and Macedonia during the coming holiday season. A primary DLA mission is to provide essential operational and life support items to U.S. forces. This special holiday donation effort involves the use of existing logistics pipelines on a space-available basis to accommodate donated items to personnel serving in Operations Joint Forge (Bosnia) and Joint Guardian (Kosovo and Macedonia). Potential donors should first call the DLA donations office, 1-800-841-0937, for specific instructions on the packing, marking and shipping of their donations. Since all bulk donations must be approved in advance of acceptance, information is available on suggested and popular items, as well as information about items that cannot be shipped. Prohibited items include: religious items, firearms, alcoholic beverages, combustibles, pornographic materials, perishable foods, glass/breakable containers, home-baked products, books, newspapers and magazines. Donors are responsible for getting their donations to the designated Department of Defense receiving facility, at which time the items will be shipped at no cost to the donor. Donations should arrive at the designated DOD facility no later than Dec. 3. Potential donors should be aware of some project limitations. For instance, donations cannot be specifically earmarked for shipment to individuals, units or locations. However, donors may use their own shipping agents to send items to specific addresses. Also, donations will not be tracked through the pipeline, which means that information regarding actual recipients of donated items will be unavailable. If, for any reason, a donation cannot be shipped to the Bosnia and Kosovo regions, it will be sent to U.S. military personnel serving elsewhere. 992020. Falcons fall to BYU 27-20, gear up for Black Knights by Dave Kellogg U.S. Air Force Academy Sports Information Director U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) -- Following Air Force's 27-20 loss to Brigham Young University Oct. 30, coach Fisher DeBerry admitted to his players and then to the media that the Falcons have no chance of winning the Mountain West Conference title this season. However, in his very next breath he said that two of the team's three goals are still within reach -- winning the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy and going to a bowl game. "We have our goals stuck on our watch crystals," DeBerry said as he displayed his timepiece following the game. "Our No. 1 goal is the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy and that is what we will be playing for next week. "The No. 2 goal is the Mountain West Conference title," he added. "I think you can strike that off our watch crystal. "The third goal is a bowl. I think this team, if we can do something about our penalties, is a bowl-caliber football team. We have four games to go and if we can be fortunate to go 8-3 then we would be a bowl-contending football team." The loss to the Cougars left the Falcons with a 1-3 record in league play and a 4-3 overall mark. The Falcons have to win their final four games to achieve their two remaining goals. A victory Nov. 6 against Army's Black Knights would secure the Falcons their third consecutive CINC trophy. The Falcons must eliminate penalties and turnovers to have a chance at finishing the season with four straight victories. That was all too obvious before a sellout crowd of 65,319 Oct. 30 in Cougar Stadium. Consider the following in the loss to the 15th-ranked Cougars: -- The Falcons' first possession was stopped at BYU's 31-yard line on an interception. -- The second possession ended in BYU recovering a fumble on it's own nine-yard line. -- At the end of the first quarter, a 70-yard Scotty McKay touchdown run was called back on a holding penalty. -- After blocking a BYU punt and recovering the ball at the Cougars' seven yard line in the third quarter, the Falcons settled for a 25-yard field goal after a second Scotty McKay touchdown run was called back on a holding penalty. "We were our own worst enemies," DeBerry said. "Against a great football team, you can't have two touchdowns called back. But I salute the way our players fought. I thought they did some things at the end and made some plays that they had to. I thought very frankly that we were going to win the football game." Fueling DeBerry's optimism was a fumble recovery by Jeff Felton at BYU's 40-yard line. Felton returned it to BYU's 10-yard line. Two plays later, McKay scored from seven yards out. The Falcons then recovered an on-side kick at their own 49-yard line. Six plays later, Jackson Whiting made it 20-27 with a 32-yard field goal with 2:37 left in the game. On their next possession, the Cougars were forced to punt on a fourth-and-seven situation at their own 29-yard line with 2:17 left in the game. The Falcons attempted to block the punt only to be called for a questionable roughing the kicker penalty, giving the Cougars new life and allowing them to run the clock down to just 16 seconds before giving the ball up to the Falcons on their own 20 yard line. Adding to Air Force's woes were several key injuries during the game. Starting inside linebacker Craig Thorstenson, who leads the team in total tackles, left the game in the first quarter with a strained abdominal muscle. Starting defensive back Jason Blevens, the team leader in interceptions, broke his collarbone and is out for the season. His backup, Tony Metters, suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter making his status questionable for this week's game. The Falcons return home Nov. 6 for a 1 p.m. game against Army. The Black Knights come into the contest with a 3-4 overall mark and 1-3 record in Conference USA. The Falcons have defeated Army nine times in the last 10 years, including a 35-7 win last season at Michie Stadium at West Point. Overall, the series stands at 20-12-1 in Air Force's favor, including a 13-2 edge to Air Force for games played in Falcon Stadium. The last time Army defeated Air Force at the Academy was in 1977 by a score of 31-6. Unlike the Falcons team, which has a 24-9 road game record dating back to 1994, Army has had a history of not being successful away from Michie Stadium. Last season, the Black Knights went 1-4. The Cadets have won just 8 of 37 games (.178) played on their opponent's home turf since 1989 and are 8-26 in those contests during the decade of the '90s. Army reversed the trend during its Poulan/Weed Eater Independence Bowl season of 1996, winning three of four away contests, but is just 1-10 on the road since that time. The Falcons players will be out to accomplish their No. 1 goal of the season --winning the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy. This season marks the 28th year of Commander-in-Chief's Trophy competition between Air Force, Army and Navy. The Falcons have dominated the series, winning 12 trophy titles, compared to six for Army and five for Navy. AFA has a 36-19-0 record since 1972, while Army is 23-30-1 and Navy is 22-32-1. A win would give Air Force its 13th outright title. The Falcons defeated Navy, 19-14, earlier this season in Washington. A win would also make the Falcons one-for-two in season goals and provide a big boost in winning their final four games of the season. 992023. Hazardous recall: Holmes heaters DALLAS (AFPN) -- The Army and Air Force Exchange Service in conjunction with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and Holmes Products Corp., of Milford, Mass., is recalling about 45,000 heaters because the thermostats are improperly positioned, which can cause them to overheat, posing a fire hazard. Holmes Products Corp. received 11 reports of these units overheating and catching fire. Six of the 11 incidents resulted in minor property damage; however, no injuries have been reported. The "Wide-Angle" portable heaters, manufactured in 1998, are approximately 12 inches high, and are in the shape of a half-circle. The front is white and the back is gray. The units have two knobs on the top. The date code, which includes the number 98, is located on the back, right-hand corner of the units just above the box containing the Underwriter's Laboratories logo. Other writing inside the UL box includes, "MODEL: HFH-297" and "MADE IN CHINA." "Holmes (r)" is also written in the UL box and on the front of the unit. AAFES sold these heaters in 1998 for $29.95. Customers in the United States should immediately stop using the heaters and contact Holmes for information on how to receive a refund. For more information, call Holmes at (888) 227-8936 any time. Customers can also access Holmes' Web site at http://www.holmesproducts.com. Overseas customers should return the product to their local base or post exchange. **COPYRIGHT NOTICE** In accordance with Title 17 U. S. C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for nonprofit research and educational purposes only.[Ref. http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml ] DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. 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