-Caveat Lector- 1702. Air Force continues informal muscle-fitness testing
BOLLING AIR FORCE BASE, D.C. (AFPN) -- Air Force people will continue muscle-fitness testing, push-ups and crunches on an informal, non-pass/fail basis beyond Jan. 1, the Air Force Surgeon General announced. "The extra change in an already turbulent time for our Air Force was a bridge too far," said Lt. Gen. Paul K. Carlton Jr., the Air Force Surgeon General. "We will continue to test as we have, delay any mandatory enforcement until our turbulence settles down, and then re-address." "The fitness test has been discussed at some length for the entire test period," Carlton said. "We felt the Air Force was not yet ready to take on more change at this time." Physical fitness is a readiness issue and directly related to the Air Force's ability to meet its global mission, said Col. Deneice Van Hook, chief of the operational prevention division of the Air Force Medical Operations Agency in the office of the Air Force Surgeon General. "This temporary delay is only related to how the Air Force assesses the fitness of its people and in no way reduces the need for Air Force people to maintain an appropriate level of fitness," Van Hook said. All Air Force people must maintain an appropriate fitness level that allows them to perform their duties anywhere and anytime, Van Hook said. Muscle-fitness testing, push-ups and crunches will complement cycle ergometry testing, which is the best indicator for overall fitness, Van Hook said. 1701. C-17 Globemaster sets 13 world records by 2nd Lt. Katharine Schutlz 418th Flight Test Squadron Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- Looking to demonstrate the capabilities of the Air Force's newest cargo aircraft, a C-17A Globemaster III crew here broke a number of altitude and payload world records Nov. 27. A crew from the 418th Flight Test Squadron here set 13 aviation world records on the mission, bringing the total of C-17 world records to 33. "These records highlight the capabilities of the C-17, which is providing crucial airlift support to our country's worldwide operations," said Capt. Chris Morgan, mission commander on one of the historic flights. "It was not an extraordinary effort, with the exception that we flew to within a few knots of the stall speed, something an operational crew would not normally do." The crew flew three sorties to set maximum altitude records for payloads ranging from no payload to 88,200 pounds. Maximum altitudes were achieved by first burning down to the minimum fuel required to return to base and land, and then climbing the aircraft as high as possible. An observer from the National Aeronautic Association, the governing body for U.S. record attempts, was on board for all three sorties to verify the records. One altitude record set was for steady horizontal flight, in which the aircraft had to maintain a constant airspeed and altitude for at least 90 seconds. The aircraft maintained an unofficial level altitude of 44,430 feet with a 22,100-pound payload. Altitudes of 43,820 and 45,500 feet were also reached carrying payloads of 88,200 and 22,100 pounds respectively. The aircraft was ready to keep going, said Maj. Chris Lindell, one of the test pilots. "The maximum altitude achieved for the lower weights attempted was 45,500 feet, which was based on an operating restriction for the engines," he said. "The aircraft could have gone higher." On Nov. 26, the NAA representative monitored the official weighing of the aircraft here. The payload used to reach the required weights consisted of large blocks of concrete chained to pallets. The C-17 loadmasters, weight and balance hangar staff, and airdrop shop people worked together to ensure the loads and placement in the aircraft were optimized for the flight. "This effort took a great deal of coordination among multiple Team Edwards organizations," said Maj. Mark Foringer, C-17 test team director. "Overall, it was a huge success." In addition to Lindell and Morgan, the record-setting crew comprised test pilots Maj. Todd Markwald and Boeing Co.'s Norm Howell along with loadmasters Tech. Sgt. Tom Fields and Boeing's Gary Briscoe. The Federation Aeronautique International, or FAI, is the official record keeper for all aviation and space world records and oversees national aviation organizations of all member countries. World-class records are defined as the best international performances for specific classes and categories recognized by the FAI. The C-17 records were set in the category designated for landplanes with jet engines and a takeoff gross weight between 330,693 and 440,924 pounds. 1694. Rhein-Main's missions are moving by Master Sgt. Randy L. Mitchell U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Although the actual transition will not occur until Dec. 31, 2005, recent events leave little doubt that Ramstein Air Base is replacing Rhein-Main AB, Germany, as the U.S. Air Force's premier European transportation hub. Operation Enduring Freedom has increased the number of airlift missions transiting this base nearly 50 percent since the terrorist attacks Sept. 11. Only a few years ago, these same aircraft would have transited Rhein-Main AB. Since the days of the Berlin Airlift, Rhein-Main has always been the "go to" base in terms of supporting airlift contingency operations. However, with the scheduled closure of the base and subsequent drawdown, all future contingency operations will be supported by Ramstein and Spangdahlem air bases. Normally, Ramstein processes among their 80 movements daily about 20 strategic aircraft, said Maj. K.P. Haueter, 86th Airlift Wing Rhein-Main transition program officer. Since Sept. 11, the men and women supporting OEF have seen a surge to about 30 strategic, or long-range, missions per day. Haueter said this big change from normal operations is not associated with the Rhein-Main transition to Ramstein. Under normal operations, an average of eight additional aircraft movements daily are projected for Ramstein, he said. It is because of the humanitarian airlift contingency operations being processed now, that aircraft movements have grown considerably. The current aircraft surge in support of OEF has not only affected the men and women working here, but the local community as well. "We understand these contingency operations have caused us to deviate from the established quiet hours and number of aircraft flights the local population is accustomed to," said Brig. Gen. Mark Volcheff, 86th Airlift Wing commander. "I fully appreciate the support and compassion our German partners and neighbors have expressed to our military community since Sept. 11, and assure them that we are doing everything possible to minimize the impact these current contingency operations are having on them as we continue to deliver food to starving Afghans." During Operation Desert Storm, Rhein-Main hosted a military population of nearly 10,000 people. Today, the base has around 3,000 people and is no longer a wing, but an air base group assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein AB. Nearly all the airlift missions once flown through Rhein-Main are now being flown through Ramstein. "Ramstein will become the 'Gateway to Europe,'" Volcheff said. "This distinction will bring more attention and an increased mission to Ramstein, which the men and women assigned here will proudly accept from Rhein-Main -- a base with a rich tradition and history." Even though Ramstein has not seen a large increase in the number of people assigned, they have seen the wing's mission grow immensely. This will become even more apparent in the next few years as construction begins to take place for the Rhein-Main transition. "There are 14 construction projects related to the transition currently being planned and designed here," said John Thompson, Rhein-Main transition program manager for U.S. Air Forces in Europe. "These projects include a new runway, repair and lengthening of the old runway, additional ramp space, freight terminal, passenger terminal, base exchange and numerous other projects to upgrade the infrastructure of the base." The transition will be funded through several sources, including the Frankfurt Airport, USAFE, NATO and the Federal Republic of Germany. The total cost will be nearly $500 million. "The new ramp space will increase the parking capacity to handle 29 strategic airlift aircraft to include a minimum of six additional wide-bodies with the potential to accommodate 15," said Thompson. "The importance of handling larger aircraft is apparent with the recent increase in flights, especially since we may not see a decline anytime soon." A new passenger terminal is also near completion and is expected to open in the next few months. Once all phases of the new terminal are completed by 2005, it will eventually have five times the space of the current terminal and enable Ramstein to take on the Patriot Express missions currently transiting Rhein-Main. These are the Air Mobility Command operations that provide flights for people arriving and/or departing from assignments within Germany. Of course, not all of Rhein-Main's mission will be taken on here. Spangdahlem Air Base, about 85 miles northeast of Ramstein, will assume about 35 percent of the Rhein-Main mission. There are 23 construction projects at Spangdahlem associated with the transition. The remaining 65 percent of the Rhein-Main mission will become part of Ramstein's mission, as the 86th Airlift Wing becomes host to USAFE's largest airlift hub and the new "Gateway to Europe." (Courtesy of USAFE News Service) 1697. Allotment program benefits enlisted widows by Cathy Landroche Air Force Enlisted Foundation SHALIMAR, Fla. (AFPN) -- A retiree allotment program has been developed to help raise money for an assisted living facility for residents of Teresa Village in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and at Bob Hope Village in Shalimar, Fla. For more than 26 years, the Air Force Enlisted Foundation has been offering housing and financial assistance to widows of retired enlisted Air Force members at Teresa Village and for 16 years at Bob Hope Village. The nonprofit agency was formerly known as the Air Force Enlisted Men's Widows and Dependents Home Foundation and the Air Force Enlisted Widows Home Foundation. It is the only facility of its kind for surviving spouses of retired enlisted military people. Currently there are 440 residents with 625 on the waiting list. The foundation's goal for several years has been to build an assisted living facility for the residents. Both villages are independent living facilities and the capability for medical care does not exist. Therefore, when residents have requirements that make independent living impractical or hazardous, they are forced to leave their homes and friends at a time when they need help the most. An assisted living facility provides as much independence as possible for a resident, but with supervision, assistance and health-care services available as needed. In the past eight years, only $2 million of the needed $20 million has been raised toward the foundation's goal. State, federal, Medicare and Medicaid funding can not be used toward constructing this facility. Air Force Assistance Fund donations can only be used for indigent widow rent subsidy. To help in raising the necessary funds, a retiree allotment program has been developed. The idea was the brainchild of former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Jim Binnicker, Air Force Enlisted Foundation president and chief executive officer. He envisioned a program where military retiree support for the AFEF could come through payroll deduction. "We all grew up in the Air Force participating in charities using the allotment program," said the retired chief master sergeant of the Air Force. "It was painless -- didn't see it -- didn't miss it," he said of the dollars taken out monthly. "Then we retire and very few get asked to continue to participate in Air Force-sponsored charity programs. But we think this is the right road to take for our organization." The task for implementing the program went to retired Chief Master Sgt. Ken Hair, marketing director. Hair worked for nearly a year getting approval from the Defense Accounting and Finance Service in Denver, and coordinating with DFAS in Cleveland, to ensure the agency was ready to receive and process the allotments. "Our test program began in April 2001, with just a few friends of the foundation," said Hair. "It worked unbelievably well. In fact, it worked so well, we were excited about expanding it as soon as possible." Letters to more contacts went out and the allotment form was published in the August 2001 newsletter, along with a letter from Binnicker explaining the program. "So far, we have 160 participants and there hasn't been a single glitch or disruption in anyone's pay," said Hair. "People have called me and are impressed with how smoothly it's working. So we hope to expand it to a large percentage of our retired military members." The allotment program will allow the foundation to move forward much faster in achieving its goal of life care, said Binnicker. Hair said the allotment program's potential is unlimited. "If we can get a large percentage of allotments, we'll be able to not only build the assisted living facility we so desperately need, but sustain its operations as well," said Hair. Future plans also call for a four-story mid-rise with 80, two-bedroom, two-bath apartments. Retired Chief Master Sgt. John Wright from San Antonio was one of the charter participants. "I saw Jim Binnicker at an Air Force Association convention last year and told him I thought it would be a great idea if the foundation could do an allotment program for retirees just like we had when we were on active duty," Wright said. "He said they were working it and he'd love for me to participate. "I've been involved for more than six months now," he said. "I'd recommend it for anyone. It's the most inexpensive and least tedious way to give." Marie Lincoln, a resident of Teresa Village, is the widow of a retired enlisted member and a retired master sergeant. She is a recent participant in the allotment program. "I just got the notice about a week ago that the money will be coming out of my pay," she said. "I think it's a wonderful idea. You don't miss a few dollars a month. Anything I can do to help the widows, I'm all for it." Hair said the allotment program is only one way people can donate to the AFEF. "There are many ways for people to give: personal bequests, bank drafts (for civilians), bequests and annuities," he said. "But so far, the allotment program is easiest because it comes right out of a person's pay." "Giving through allotments is still painless," said Binnicker. "Many say 'give 'til it hurts.' I say give 'til it feels good!'" To make it more convenient for people, the foundation inserted a copy of Department of Defense Form 2558, Authorization to Start, Stop or Change an Allotment, in its last two newsletters. The forms are preset with the appropriate account number, and all people have to do is fill in their name, address, dollar amount, etc., and fax the form back to the foundation at (850) 651-4461. People can also visit their local accounting and finance office or contact the foundation toll-free at (800) 258-1413 for a copy of the form. 1700. December issue of Citizen Airman now available ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) -- As the American-led war on terrorism intensifies, Air Force Reserve Command's role in the wide-ranging conflict continues to grow. At the one-month point after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, almost 7,000 reservists had been called to active duty as a result of the partial mobilization authorized by President Bush on Sept. 14. Read about the many duties reservists are performing in support of ongoing operations in the December issue of Citizen Airman, official magazine of the Air Force Reserve. Also in this issue, the reigning Miss New York, an Air Force reservist, is making it her mission to promote leadership and perseverance during her travels throughout the state. Second Lt. Andrea Plummer said she is proud of her military service and is eager to show others that stereotypes -- such as the one about pageant participants being shallow, unintelligent beauty queens -- should not keep people from reaching their goals or dreams. The December issue also includes stories about a toxicologist in Ohio who is a major player in an effort to forge a relationship between the Reserve and a cutting-edge environmental technology research center; a pararescue specialist who has his sights set on becoming a doctor; a public affairs officer who is a professional water skier; an attorney who participates in ultramarathons, the ultimate test of physical and mental endurance; and a C-130 Hercules crew chief who moonlights as a life-saving paramedic. To read these stories and more, visit Citizen Airman's Web site at http://www.afrc.af.mil/hq/citamn/default.html. 4055. Commentary: Military character vital to fighting America's wars by Lt. Col. John E. Stuwe 5th Operations Support Squadron commander MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFPN) -- As members of the U.S. Air Force, we have all solemnly sworn to support and defend the U.S. Constitution and faithfully perform our duties. Such a tremendous responsibility demands individuals with strong character -- character that all who wear the uniform take great pride in. Our character is defined by our distinctive moral beliefs, ethical strengths and clear values. In his book, "The Greatest Generation," Tom Brokaw wrote that the World War II generation was the greatest because of their values of personal responsibility, duty, honor and faith. I have spoken at several veterans' functions, and a favorite recurring theme of mine is that our airmen today still believe very strongly in these same values. Today's all-volunteer force is manned with fine men and women who defend America every day -- they "stand beside her and guide her" to preserve our precious freedom. The tragic events of Sept. 11 have brought about a tremendous resurgence in patriotism. Old Glory is flying everywhere as all of America reassesses what it means to live free of fear. I'm glad to see this upwelling of support for our country and especially for all of our armed forces. Americans have responded to the tragedy in many ways, including rethinking their personal values. In many ways, they are reexamining their moral and ethical beliefs: that it is our responsibility to take care of one another, to always do the right thing and honor and respect one another. The tragedy has also forced many to simply reflect on how fortunate we are to live in the United States of America. Personal responsibility, duty and honor are all values that define the character of an American warfighter. We remain the finest military in the world because of the high ethical standards that are set and maintained by our men and women in uniform. All of us share a great pride in our country and are prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure freedom prevails. 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