top air force stories for march 1, 2012 · 3/1/2012 · united states air force sent this bulletin...

Top Air Force Stories for March 1, 2012

http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDODAF-3171b3[2012/03/02 23:58:49]

Top Air Force Stories for March 1, 2012United States Air Force sent this bulletin at 03/01/2012 03:09 PM CSTToday's stories include:

Andersen concludes Asia-Pacific SMEE http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123292107

Former POW shares reintegration tips with reservists, families http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123292095

Services officials announce teen summer camps http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123292069

White House honors Iraq veterans during dinner http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123292039

AF leaders: FY 13 budget maintains quality, ready force http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123291948

All stories in this message as well as any referenced images are in the public domain and donot require copyright release. Story submissions should be sent to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this service, scroll to the bottom of this message for instructions.

America's Air Force... Integrity, Service, Excellence

Andersen concludes Asia-Pacific SMEE

by Airman 1st Class Whitney Tucker36th Wing Public Affairs

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFNS) -- As part of U.S. Pacific Command's TheaterSecurity Cooperation Program, a multilateral subject-matter expert exchange co-hosted bysenior civil engineer and security forces personnel from Headquarters 13th Air Forceconcluded here Feb. 23.

The exchange, called Pacific Unity and Pacific Defender, allowed officers from regional Asia-Pacific partner nations to exchange views related to civil engineering and security forcesoperations, tour 36th Wing facilities and programs, and establish international andinterpersonal relationships.

The SMEE is a joint and combined military information-sharing forum designed to enhanceregional partnerships and promote interoperability between the U.S. and its Asia-Pacificpartner nations.

"The SMEEs are great because while Airmen and noncommissioned officers are showcasingour tactical capabilities, they are making a much larger impact on a strategic level," said Maj.Tara Opielowski, the 736th Security Forces Squadron commander. "The lessons learned andrelationships built are invaluable to all nations involved. We are meeting higher headquarters

Receive Updates 0

http://www.af.mil/

mailto:[email protected]



objectives for building partnership capacity and it is truly an enjoyable experience."

The exchange included officers from the Philippine Air Force, Royal Cambodian Air Force,Royal Lao Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force, Mongolian Air Force and Vietnam People's Air Force.It focused on key facilities and programs, training, tactics and techniques utilized by 36thCivil Engineer Squadron and 736th SFS personnel.

"My country will be better prepared for any future contingencies," said Philippine Air Force Lt.Col. Fidel Igmedio Cruz Jr., a civil engineer. "Knowing that the U.S. is willing to provide uswith technical expertise helps to further our relationship. Learning about each other'saspirations and expectations shows we are working toward a peaceful world.

"In regards to contingency measures," the colonel continued, "there are many I would like toimplement, and I was given viable options on how to accomplish them within our currentcapability."

During the delegates' visit to Andersen AFB, they toured the 36th Contingency ResponseGroup, 554th RED HORSE Squadron, 36th CES, 736th SFS and North West Field. Throughoutthe week, attendees conducted discussions on emergency management preparation,weaponry and utilization, surveying and data collection as well as antiterrorism and forceprotection.

"We have learned a lot from our U.S. counterparts, like antiterrorism and base defense," saidMongolian Air Force Maj. Enkhzorgol Baatarkhuu, a training officer. "It was all very importantinformation. We hope to return in the future and learn more about airfield defense as well."

The civil engineer and security forces community have conducted SMEEs for more than 40years as their responsibilities have grown in number and complexity with more subject matterexperts participating in exchanges to share the depth of knowledge required in specific areas.

"Conducting multinational engagement with our foreign partners in this atmosphere enabledour allies to better understand, and potentially benefit from, the inner-workings of the wing's36th CES, 554th RHS and the 736th SFS," said Col. Theodore Corallo, the 36th CRGcommander. "The SMEE also served as a platform to build relationships, allowing us tofurther our understanding of each other's military capabilities while advancing our mutualinterests."

Former POW shares reintegration tips with reservists, families

by Bo JoynerAir Force Reserve Command Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (AFNS) -- Having spent more than five years in prisoner-of-war camps during theVietnam War, Lee Ellis knows how difficult it is to reconnect with family and friends after along military separation.

Ellis shared his experiences and tips for reintegration with about 450 Air Force reservists andtheir family members during a Yellow Ribbon event Feb. 25-26 here.

"War damages you," the retired Air Force colonel told his audience. "It damages you mentally,emotionally, spiritually. Except for anger, I know I totally shut down emotionally while I was aPOW. That works great during war, but it doesn't work when you get back home. You have toreconnect with your emotions when you get home."

Ellis said there were some challenges connecting with his family and friends until he was ableto reconnect with his own emotions.

"I was not always easy to live with," he recalled. "I was controlling. I was hyper-vigilant. Iwas hyper-sensitive to criticism. And I was also dealing with feelings of guilt because a lot ofmy friends never made it home. It took a lot of time to get a handle on all of the things Iwas feeling and to reconnect with the people who were closest to me."



Ellis urged the reservists on hand, all of whom are either facing a deployment in the nearfuture or are just returning from a deployment, to be patient when they begin thereintegration process.

"Don't expect perfection," he said. "It's going to take some time for things to be the sameway they were before you left, but you will get there."

Ellis also encouraged the reservists and their family members to have a support system inplace.

"The Navy Seals have a saying that they never fight alone, and you shouldn't try to fight thisbattle alone," he said. "You need to have someone in your life you can tell anything to,someone who can help you deal with the emotions you are going to be feeling when you gethome from your deployment or when your loved one gets home. And if you don't havesomeone like that, you need to know there are a lot of resources available right at yourfingertips."

Like other Yellow Ribbon events held throughout the country each year, the event in SanDiego was designed to let reservists and their family members know exactly what helpingresources are at their disposal.

"Our main goal is to let our people know help is available and how to find it," said Mary Hill,the director of Air Force Reserve Command's Yellow Ribbon program. "We have chaplains,military family life consultants, psychological health advocates, (Veterans Administration)specialists and a host of other experts on hand at every Yellow Ribbon event to helpreservists and their family members deal with any problems they may be experiencing.

"Things have changed quite a bit since Colonel Ellis came home from the Hanoi Hilton," shesaid. "We're doing a lot more to try and take care of those who serve and those whosupport."

Ellis was 24 years old and flying his 53rd combat mission over enemy territory when his F-4Cwas taken down by enemy fire. He spent the next 5 1/2 years in various prisons, includingthe infamous Hanoi Hilton. He spent his first year in a 6 1/2-by-7-foot cell with three otherprisoners, surviving on a diet of either pumpkin or cabbage soup and bread.

"We had a strategy for resistance based on the power of honor," he said. That strategyrevolved around being willing to take torture to resist; realizing that everyone can be broken;minimizing the enemy's net gain; bouncing back; and staying united throughcommunications.

Ellis and his fellow POWs developed a tap code and a hand code so they could keep in touchwith each other during long periods of separation.

"Communication was critical," he said. "Being able to communicate with the people in theadjoining cells helped us be more resilient and let us know we could get through mostanything."

Ellis said another thing that helped tremendously during his confinement and in hisreintegration into life back home was the fact that toward the end of his time as a POW hewas moved into a large holding area with 55 other prisoners.

"During those last few months, the torture stopped, and we were grouped together," he said."This gave us some time to decompress before we went home. Today, I don't think we get alot of time to decompress, and it makes it a little harder to reintegrate into society."

After his return home from the Hanoi Hilton, Ellis went back to flying and assumed positionsof leadership, including flying squadron commander. He was awarded two Silver Stars, theLegion of Merit, the Bronze Star with valor device, the Purple Heart and the POW Medal. Heretired with 24 years of service.



Reservists who are facing a deployment or who have recently returned from a deployment areeligible to attend a Yellow Ribbon event. For more information, they should contact theirunit's Yellow Ribbon representative.

Services officials announce teen summer camps

by Erin TindellAir Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs

SAN ANTONIO (AFNS) -- Air Force Services Agency officials recently announced the call forthree Air Force teen summer camps for 2012.

The annual camps are designed to help Air Force youth build leadership skills and aspire tocareers in space or aviation.

The Teen Aviation Camp is scheduled for June 2-7 at the Air Force Academy in ColoradoSprings, Colo., and is designed to give youth an experience that will help them decide ifaviation or the Academy is a career choice. Participants will get to fly inside a Cessna 145among other aviation activities.

The Teen Leadership Camp is scheduled for July 8-13 at the University of Texas at SanAntonio. This camp will give youth a glimpse of what university life is like while developingtheir leadership skills. Activities include team building, rope courses, conflict resolution andpublic speaking.

The Air Force Services Space Camp is scheduled for July 22-27 at the U.S. Space and RocketCenter in Huntsville, Ala. The camp allows youth to experience, imagine and interact throughspace shuttle mission simulations, tours of the space center and the chance to witnesseveryday challenges faced by astronauts.

All applicants must be a dependent of an active-duty Air Force member living on an Air Forceor joint base installation or a dependent of an Air Force guardsman, reservist, retiree orcivilian. Applicants must be entering their sophomore or junior year in the fall of 2012 toapply for the aviation and leadership camps. The space camp is open to youth ages 12-18.

Teens interested in applying must complete a nomination registration form and submit theform to their installation youth program by April 2. Selected participants will be notified byApril 20.

Attendees will only be responsible for transportation costs; all lodging, meals and programcosts will be at no charge to participants.

For more information about each camp or other Air Force youth programs, visitwww.afyouthprograms.com.

White House honors Iraq veterans during dinner

by Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (AFPS) -- President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted aWhite House tribute to Iraq War veterans and their families last night to honor them for theirservice, sacrifice and commitment to the nation.

Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, and Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta,Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, along with seniorofficials from all branches of service joined the president and the first lady at an eventdubbed "A Nation's Gratitude: Honoring Those Who Served in Operation Iraqi Freedom andOperation New Dawn."

http://www.afyouthprograms.com/



Airmen representing nine states from throughout the U.S. were honored at the dinner fortheir service in Iraq. "The opportunity to meet other members from other branches of serviceand hear their personal sacrifices is an honor," said Master Sgt. Kevin T. Bullivant, anexplosive ordnance disposal NCO assigned to the 151st Air Refueling Wing, an Air NationalGuard unit in Salt Lake City, Utah. "I am also proud to represent the explosive ordnancedisposal community and share some of the sacrifices that fellow EOD technicians haveendured."

Master Sgt. Shane A. Lacaillade, a clinical operations NCOIC from Whiteman Air Force Base,Mo., represented the state of Missouri for the dinner. "Admittedly, receiving the official WhiteHouse invitation in the mail felt a bit surreal. I feel immensely honored to stand for my fellowAirmen at this event. It is no simple task to represent the caliber of men and women who Iserved alongside with in Iraq. There are the ones I'm thinking about tonight."

Other Airmen representing their states included Maj. Erik J. Jacobson, from Nevada; Tech.Sgt. Cristian Bennett, representing Wisconsin; Master Sgt. Jessica Coombs, representingMichigan; Senior Master Sgt. Donnie Bolton, from Illinois; Staff Sgt. J.H. Smith, representingGeorgia; Master Sgt. Jeremy Coombs, from Maine and Staff Sgt. Andrew Piiainen, anotherEOD technician, representing Massachusetts.

"In one of our nation's longest wars, you wrote one of the most extraordinary chapters inAmerican military history," Obama told the more than five dozen Iraq veterans and theirguests. "Now, the Iraqi people have a chance to forge their own destiny, and every one ofyou who served there can take pride in knowing you gave the Iraqis that opportunity -- thatyou succeeded in your mission."

The vice president lauded service members for their ability to adapt to challenges, the captureof former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and the opportunity they gave the people of Iraq tohave a self-governing, self-sufficient nation.

"You're incredible. You adapted, you succeeded and you defeated," Biden said. "You defeateda tyrant, [and] you beat back violent extremists. And the most remarkable thing you did,because of the breadth of your capability, you enabled a country that had not been governedin any reasonable way for over four decades, you actually helped them set up institutions andtrain a military and a civilian corps that gives them a real fighting chance."Panetta expressed his gratitude to all in attendance as well as the million-plus servicemembers they represented for fulfilling their duties, for their dedication and for their serviceto the nation.

"To all who fought in Iraq, we thank you for your service," he said. "You've earned ournation's everlasting gratitude. We are indebted to you for your willingness to fight [and] yourwillingness to sacrifice for your country.

"We are [also] indebted to your families and your loved ones for the sacrifices that they madeso that their loved ones could help defend this nation," Panetta said.The chairman, who was first to speak, thanked the president and first lady for paying tributeto veterans and families of the Iraq War.

"Mr. President, Mrs. Obama, thank you for recognizing the service and sacrifice of the militaryfamily in this very special way," he said. "We really appreciate the support that you, the vicepresident and Dr. Biden, and those that they bound together in the 'Joining Forces' initiativeand the nation provide us."

The first lady and Dr. Biden have championed the Joining Forces effort, which seeks tomobilize tangible support for service members and their families in all sectors of Americansociety.Just before dinner began, the president emphasized how proud he is of the U.S. military forworking together to achieve success in Iraq.

"As your commander in chief, I could not be more proud of you," Obama said. "As anAmerican, as a husband and father of two daughters, I could not be more grateful for your



example [of] the kind of country we can be, [and] for what we can achieve when we sticktogether."

Obama paid tribute to "courageous" troops who served despite the likelihood of being sentinto harm's way and to fallen service members and their families.

"You taught us about sacrifice -- a love of country so deep, so profound, you're willing to giveyour life for it," he said. "Tonight, we pay solemn tribute to all who did."

Obama recalled five service members who were the first casualties of the Iraq War, and thelast U.S. casualty there, who was killed Nov. 14.

"Separated by nearly nine years, they are bound for all time among the nearly 4,500American patriots who gave all that they had to give," the president said. "To their families,including the Gold Star families here tonight, know that we will never forget their sacrifice,and that your loved ones live on in the soul of our nation, now and forever."

AF leaders: FY 13 budget maintains quality, ready force

by Tech. Sgt. Richard A. Williams, Jr.Air Force Public Affairs Agency

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief ofStaff Gen. Norton Schwartz met with members of the House Armed Services Committee hereFeb. 28 to discuss key components of the service's fiscal 2013 budget request.

"The budget request represents the culmination of many hard decisions taken to align ourFY13 budget submission with the new (Department of Defense) strategic guidance and cutsrequired by the Budget Control Act over the next 10 years," Donley said "Finding the properbalance between force structure, readiness and modernization is our guiding principle."

Air Force leaders have determined that the service's best course of action is to trade size forquality, the secretary said. As a result, the Air Force will become smaller to protect a high-quality, ready force that continues to modernize and grow more capable in the future.

"We have no illusions about the road ahead being easy," Schwartz said. "We have confidencein our ability to manage this tight fiscal circumstance."

The Air Force is structuring the future force to be agile and responsive as part of the DefenseDepartment's strategic guidance and must accept some risks with a smaller force, he said.

"While maintaining quality, we will divest nearly 230 fighters, mobility, and intelligence,surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft in FY13, toward a total of 286 aircraft retirementsover the future years defense plan," Schwartz said.

The Air Force's force structure plans will affect manpower numbers, said Donley, highlightingthat the service's budget proposal calls for a reduction of 3,900 active-duty, 5,100 AirNational Guard and 900 Air Force Reserve members, bringing total force end strength downto 501,000 by the end of FY13.

"Fighter, mobility and other force structure changes have been strategy-driven based onchanged requirements," Donley said. "Consistent with that strategy, especially where the AirNational Guard units are affected, we have proposed to re-mission units where feasible."

The secretary told HASC members that the Air Force has carefully balanced its active andreserve component changes to make sure that the service can meet its demanding operationstempo, including both surge and rotational requirements that are part of the current andprojected strategic environment.

"As our force gets smaller, all of our components get smaller together and will become even



more closely integrated," he said.

"We remain fully committed to our total force capability and have proposed several initiativesto strengthen integration of effort, including increasing the number of active reservecomponent associations from 100 to 115," Donley added. "Our intention is to protectreadiness at any force level because, if we're going to be smaller, we have to be prepared."

Schwartz echoed the secretary's comments about the importance of the total force.

"Clearly, the Air Force's vitality and effectiveness is dependent on the strength of the totalforce, and therefore the leadership of both the active and the reserve components workclosely together in all deliberations and decisions affecting the total force," he said.

He explained that the comprehensive nature of the Air Force's FY13 budget request includes aholistic interstate approach to Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve force structure - apreferred strategy from both an operational effectiveness and fiscal responsibility perspectiveversus a piecemeal state-by-state approach.

"Our proposed efforts will correct several manpower disconnects, rebalance forces andimprove sortie generation and aircraft utilization rates, thereby improving the total force'sreadiness and responsiveness across the spectrum of operations," said Schwartz.

During the hearing, Donley emphasized that identifying $487 billion in defense cuts to complywith the current requirements of the Budget Control Act had been difficult and that furthercuts through sequestration would put at risk the Air Force's ability to execute DoD's newstrategy.

"To get this far, we've made tough decisions to align structure and balance our forces in away that can meet the new strategic guidance," he said. "If substantially more reductions areimposed on DOD, we will have to revisit the new strategy. We cannot afford the risk of ahollow force."

Schwartz agreed, saying that any "salami-slicing" of the budget would send the Air Forceback to the drawing board and nullify the carefully considered and responsible reductions thatpreserve Air Force readiness and effectiveness.

Donley said that he and Schwartz have an obligation to preserve their service's status as theworld's best air force.

"It's our obligation to keep it that way so that our joint and coalition partners know they cancount on the United States Air Force to deliver the capabilities that we need to meet thesecurity challenges ahead, and so that our future airmen remain confident, as we are today,that they are serving in the world's finest air force," he said.

http://www.govdelivery.com/portals/powered-by

Andersen AFB concludes Asia-Pacific SMEE

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123292107[2012/03/02 23:59:35]

Delegates visited the explosive ordnancedisposal unit at Andersen Air Force Base,Guam, Feb. 23, 2012, where Airmendemonstrated various techniques andprocedures utilized by the 36th Wing. Thedemonstration was part of U.S. PacificCommand’s Theater Security CooperationProgram, a multilateral subject-matter expertexchange co-hosted by senior civil engineerand security forces personnel fromHeadquarters 13th Air Force. (U.S. Air Forcephoto/ Capt. Grant Harwell)

Download HiRes

Photos 1 of 2

JOIN THE AIR FORCE

News > Andersen AFB concludes Asia-Pacific SMEE

Andersen AFB concludesAsia-Pacific SMEEPosted 3/1/2012 Updated 3/1/2012 Email story Print story

Like

by Airman 1st Class Whitney Tucker36th Wing Public Affairs

3/1/2012 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFNS) -- As part of U.S.Pacific Command's Theater Security Cooperation Program, a multilateralsubject-matter expert exchange co-hosted by senior civil engineer andsecurity forces personnel from Headquarters 13th Air Force concluded hereFeb. 23.

The exchange, called Pacific Unity and Pacific Defender, allowed officersfrom regional Asia-Pacific partner nations to exchange views related to civilengineering and security forces operations, tour 36th Wing facilities andprograms, and establish international and interpersonal relationships.

The SMEE is a joint and combined military information-sharing forumdesigned to enhance regional partnerships and promote interoperabilitybetween the U.S. and its Asia-Pacific partner nations.

"The SMEEs are great because while Airmen and noncommissioned officersare showcasing our tactical capabilities, they are making a much largerimpact on a strategic level," said Maj. Tara Opielowski, the 736th SecurityForces Squadron commander. "The lessons learned and relationships builtare invaluable to all nations involved. We are meeting higher headquartersobjectives for building partnership capacity and it is truly an enjoyableexperience."

The exchange included officers from the Philippine Air Force, Royal Cambodian Air Force, Royal Lao Air Force, Royal Thai AirForce, Mongolian Air Force and Vietnam People's Air Force. It focused on key facilities and programs, training, tactics andtechniques utilized by 36th Civil Engineer Squadron and 736th SFS personnel.

"My country will be better prepared for any future contingencies," said Philippine Air Force Lt. Col. Fidel Igmedio Cruz Jr., a civilengineer. "Knowing that the U.S. is willing to provide us with technical expertise helps to further our relationship. Learning abouteach other's aspirations and expectations shows we are working toward a peaceful world.

"In regards to contingency measures," the colonel continued, "there are many I would like to implement, and I was given viableoptions on how to accomplish them within our current capability."

During the delegates' visit to Andersen AFB, they toured the 36th Contingency Response Group, 554th RED HORSE Squadron,36th CES, 736th SFS and North West Field. Throughout the week, attendees conducted discussions on emergency managementpreparation, weaponry and utilization, surveying and data collection as well as antiterrorism and force protection.

"We have learned a lot from our U.S. counterparts, like antiterrorism and base defense," said Mongolian Air Force Maj. EnkhzorgolBaatarkhuu, a training officer. "It was all very important information. We hope to return in the future and learn more about airfielddefense as well."

The civil engineer and security forces community have conducted SMEEs for more than 40 years as their responsibilities havegrown in number and complexity with more subject matter experts participating in exchanges to share the depth of knowledgerequired in specific areas.

"Conducting multinational engagement with our foreign partners in this atmosphere enabled our allies to better understand, andpotentially benefit from, the inner-workings of the wing's 36th CES, 554th RHS and the 736th SFS," said Col. Theodore Corallo, the36th CRG commander. "The SMEE also served as a platform to build relationships, allowing us to further our understanding ofeach other's military capabilities while advancing our mutual interests."

Comments

No comments yet.

Add a comment

Inside AF.mil

Search

General Images Video

View All RSS

Subscribe AF.MIL

Sign up for Email Updates

More Headlines

AFPC automates civilian educationapplication submission process

AF leaders: FY 13 budget maintainsquality, ready force 2

Schwartz: Smaller Air Force willconcentrate on key capabilities

TRANSCOM continues mission despitechallenges, commander says

Ohio Airmen help F-16 go 'green' 2

German, U.S. officials meet to discussproposed new KMC Medical Center 1

USAFE team, senior NCO win nationalaward

Going 'where no African-American hadgone before'

Airman lives his American dream

Air Force issues flight release for EglinAFB F-35A

Air Force announces OTS selectionboard results 4

Injury compensation team saves AFmillions

National Museum USAF to receiveretired NASA space shuttle crewcompartment trainer

Air Force firefighter saves policeofficer's life

Commentary

Leave your shell behind; the lesson ofthe lobster 3

Turning change into opportunity to buildnew CE enterprise

The Official Web site of the United States Air Force AF Portal Site Map Contact Us Questions Security and Privacy notice E-publishing

HOME NEWS INFORMATION PUBLIC WEB SITES

http://www.af.mil/

http://www.airforce.com/

http://www.af.mil/news/index.asp

http://www.af.mil/news/story_email.asp?id=123292107

http://www.af.mil/news/story_print.asp?id=123292107

http://www.af.mil/rss/


http://www.af.mil/rss/TopStoriesByTab.asp?tabId=122

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123292018
































https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp

http://www.af.mil/sitemap.asp

http://www.af.mil/main/contactus.asp

http://www.af.mil/questions/

http://www.af.mil/main/disclaimer.asp

http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/

http://www.af.mil/index.asp


http://www.af.mil/information/index.asp

http://www.af.mil/publicwebsites/index.asp

http://www.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/120223-F-XX000-0013.jpg[2012/03/02 23:59:46]



Retired Air Force Col. Lee Ellis shares his tips forreintegration with Air Force reservists and theirfamily members at the Air Force ReserveCommand Yellow Ribbon event in San Diego onFeb. 25, 2012. Ellis spent more than five years asa prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. (U.S.Air Force photo/Bo Joyner)

Download HiRes

Photos 1 of 2

Related Links

• Yellow Ribbon Program

JOIN THE AIR FORCE

News > Former POW shares reintegration tips with reservists, families

Former POW sharesreintegration tips withreservists, familiesPosted 3/1/2012 Email story Print story

Like

by Bo JoynerAir Force Reserve Command Public Affairs

3/1/2012 - SAN DIEGO (AFNS) -- Having spent more than five years inprisoner-of-war camps during the Vietnam War, Lee Ellis knows howdifficult it is to reconnect with family and friends after a long militaryseparation.

Ellis shared his experiences and tips for reintegration with about 450 AirForce reservists and their family members during a Yellow Ribbon eventFeb. 25-26 here.

"War damages you," the retired Air Force colonel told his audience. "Itdamages you mentally, emotionally, spiritually. Except for anger, I know Itotally shut down emotionally while I was a POW. That works great duringwar, but it doesn't work when you get back home. You have to reconnectwith your emotions when you get home."

Ellis said there were some challenges connecting with his family andfriends until he was able to reconnect with his own emotions.

"I was not always easy to live with," he recalled. "I was controlling. I was hyper-vigilant. I was hyper-sensitive to criticism. And I wasalso dealing with feelings of guilt because a lot of my friends never made it home. It took a lot of time to get a handle on all of thethings I was feeling and to reconnect with the people who were closest to me."

Ellis urged the reservists on hand, all of whom are either facing a deployment in the near future or are just returning from adeployment, to be patient when they begin the reintegration process.

"Don't expect perfection," he said. "It's going to take some time for things to be the same way they were before you left, but you willget there."

Ellis also encouraged the reservists and their family members to have a support system in place.

"The Navy Seals have a saying that they never fight alone, and you shouldn't try to fight this battle alone," he said. "You need tohave someone in your life you can tell anything to, someone who can help you deal with the emotions you are going to be feelingwhen you get home from your deployment or when your loved one gets home. And if you don't have someone like that, you need toknow there are a lot of resources available right at your fingertips."

Like other Yellow Ribbon events held throughout the country each year, the event in San Diego was designed to let reservists andtheir family members know exactly what helping resources are at their disposal.

"Our main goal is to let our people know help is available and how to find it," said Mary Hill, the director of Air Force ReserveCommand's Yellow Ribbon program. "We have chaplains, military family life consultants, psychological health advocates, (VeteransAdministration) specialists and a host of other experts on hand at every Yellow Ribbon event to help reservists and their familymembers deal with any problems they may be experiencing.

"Things have changed quite a bit since Colonel Ellis came home from the Hanoi Hilton," she said. "We're doing a lot more to tryand take care of those who serve and those who support."

Ellis was 24 years old and flying his 53rd combat mission over enemy territory when his F-4C was taken down by enemy fire. Hespent the next 5 1/2 years in various prisons, including the infamous Hanoi Hilton. He spent his first year in a 6 1/2-by-7-foot cellwith three other prisoners, surviving on a diet of either pumpkin or cabbage soup and bread.

"We had a strategy for resistance based on the power of honor," he said. That strategy revolved around being willing to take tortureto resist; realizing that everyone can be broken; minimizing the enemy's net gain; bouncing back; and staying united throughcommunications.

Ellis and his fellow POWs developed a tap code and a hand code so they could keep in touch with each other during long periodsof separation.

"Communication was critical," he said. "Being able to communicate with the people in the adjoining cells helped us be more resilientand let us know we could get through most anything."

Ellis said another thing that helped tremendously during his confinement and in his reintegration into life back home was the factthat toward the end of his time as a POW he was moved into a large holding area with 55 other prisoners.

"During those last few months, the torture stopped, and we were grouped together," he said. "This gave us some time todecompress before we went home. Today, I don't think we get a lot of time to decompress, and it makes it a little harder toreintegrate into society."

Inside AF.mil

Search


View All RSS

Subscribe AF.MIL


More Headlines















Commentary




http://www.yellowribbon.mil/

http://www.af.mil/














































After his return home from the Hanoi Hilton, Ellis went back to flying and assumed positions of leadership, including flying squadroncommander. He was awarded two Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with valor device, the Purple Heart and thePOW Medal. He retired with 24 years of service.

Reservists who are facing a deployment or who have recently returned from a deployment are eligible to attend a Yellow Ribbonevent. For more information, they should contact their unit's Yellow Ribbon representative.

Comments

No comments yet.

Add a comment








http://www.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/120225-F-BJ515-001w.jpg[2012/03/03 0:00:39]

Services officials announce teen summer camps


Morgan Erikson, an Air Force teen from Nellis AirForce Base, Nev., is strapped into her harness byKaren Hudson, a youth program specialist fromJoint Base Charleston, S.C., during a high-ropeschallenge at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, atthe 2011 Air Force Teen Leadership Camp onJuly 12, 2011. The camp is one of three annualteen summer camps designed to help youth buildleadership skills and aspire to careers in space oraviation. (Courtesy photo)

Download HiRes

Photos

Related Links

• Air Force Youth Programs

JOIN THE AIR FORCE

News > Services officials announce teen summer camps

Services officials announceteen summer campsPosted 3/1/2012 Email story Print story

Like

by Erin TindellAir Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs

3/1/2012 - SAN ANTONIO (AFNS) -- Air Force Services Agency officialsrecently announced the call for three Air Force teen summer camps for2012.

The annual camps are designed to help Air Force youth build leadershipskills and aspire to careers in space or aviation.

The Teen Aviation Camp is scheduled for June 2-7 at the Air ForceAcademy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and is designed to give youth anexperience that will help them decide if aviation or the Academy is acareer choice. Participants will get to fly inside a Cessna 145 amongother aviation activities.

The Teen Leadership Camp is scheduled for July 8-13 at the Universityof Texas at San Antonio. This camp will give youth a glimpse of whatuniversity life is like while developing their leadership skills. Activitiesinclude team building, rope courses, conflict resolution and publicspeaking.

The Air Force Services Space Camp is scheduled for July 22-27 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala. The campallows youth to experience, imagine and interact through space shuttle mission simulations, tours of the space center and thechance to witness everyday challenges faced by astronauts.

All applicants must be a dependent of an active-duty Air Force member living on an Air Force or joint base installation or adependent of an Air Force guardsman, reservist, retiree or civilian. Applicants must be entering their sophomore or junior year in thefall of 2012 to apply for the aviation and leadership camps. The space camp is open to youth ages 12-18.

Teens interested in applying must complete a nomination registration form and submit the form to their installation youth program byApril 2. Selected participants will be notified by April 20.

Attendees will only be responsible for transportation costs; all lodging, meals and program costs will be at no charge to participants.

For more information about each camp or other Air Force youth programs, visit www.afyouthprograms.com.

Comments

No comments yet.

Add a comment

Inside AF.mil

Search


View All RSS

Subscribe AF.MIL


More Headlines















Commentary






http://www.af.mil/



















































http://www.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/110802-F-WF252-001.jpg[2012/03/03 0:01:29]



(U.S. Air Force graphic/Sylvia Saab)

Download HiRes

Photos 1 of 4

JOIN THE AIR FORCE

News > White House honors Iraq veterans during dinner

White House honors Iraqveterans during dinnerPosted 3/1/2012 Updated 3/1/2012 Email story Print story

Like

by Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.American Forces Press Service

3/1/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFPS) -- President Barack Obama and FirstLady Michelle Obama hosted a White House tribute to Iraq War veteransand their families last night to honor them for their service, sacrifice andcommitment to the nation.

Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, and Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey,chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, along with senior officials from all branches of service joined the president and the first lady atan event dubbed "A Nation's Gratitude: Honoring Those Who Served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn."

Airmen representing nine states from throughout the U.S. were honored at the dinner for their service in Iraq. "The opportunity tomeet other members from other branches of service and hear their personal sacrifices is an honor," said Master Sgt. Kevin T.Bullivant, an explosive ordnance disposal NCO assigned to the 151st Air Refueling Wing, an Air National Guard unit in Salt LakeCity, Utah. "I am also proud to represent the explosive ordnance disposal community and share some of the sacrifices that fellowEOD technicians have endured."

Master Sgt. Shane A. Lacaillade, a clinical operations NCOIC from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., represented the state ofMissouri for the dinner. "Admittedly, receiving the official White House invitation in the mail felt a bit surreal. I feel immenselyhonored to stand for my fellow Airmen at this event. It is no simple task to represent the caliber of men and women who I servedalongside with in Iraq. There are the ones I'm thinking about tonight."

Other Airmen representing their states included Maj. Erik J. Jacobson, from Nevada; Tech. Sgt. Cristian Bennett, representingWisconsin; Master Sgt. Jessica Coombs, representing Michigan; Senior Master Sgt. Donnie Bolton, from Illinois; Staff Sgt. J.H.Smith, representing Georgia; Master Sgt. Jeremy Coombs, from Maine and Staff Sgt. Andrew Piiainen, another EOD technician,representing Massachusetts.

"In one of our nation's longest wars, you wrote one of the most extraordinary chapters in American military history," Obama told themore than five dozen Iraq veterans and their guests. "Now, the Iraqi people have a chance to forge their own destiny, and everyone of you who served there can take pride in knowing you gave the Iraqis that opportunity -- that you succeeded in your mission."

The vice president lauded service members for their ability to adapt to challenges, the capture of former Iraqi dictator SaddamHussein and the opportunity they gave the people of Iraq to have a self-governing, self-sufficient nation.

"You're incredible. You adapted, you succeeded and you defeated," Biden said. "You defeated a tyrant, [and] you beat back violentextremists. And the most remarkable thing you did, because of the breadth of your capability, you enabled a country that had notbeen governed in any reasonable way for over four decades, you actually helped them set up institutions and train a military and acivilian corps that gives them a real fighting chance."Panetta expressed his gratitude to all in attendance as well as the million-plus service members they represented for fulfilling theirduties, for their dedication and for their service to the nation.

"To all who fought in Iraq, we thank you for your service," he said. "You've earned our nation's everlasting gratitude. We areindebted to you for your willingness to fight [and] your willingness to sacrifice for your country.

"We are [also] indebted to your families and your loved ones for the sacrifices that they made so that their loved ones could helpdefend this nation," Panetta said.The chairman, who was first to speak, thanked the president and first lady for paying tribute to veterans and families of the IraqWar.

"Mr. President, Mrs. Obama, thank you for recognizing the service and sacrifice of the military family in this very special way," hesaid. "We really appreciate the support that you, the vice president and Dr. Biden, and those that they bound together in the'Joining Forces' initiative and the nation provide us."

The first lady and Dr. Biden have championed the Joining Forces effort, which seeks to mobilize tangible support for servicemembers and their families in all sectors of American society.Just before dinner began, the president emphasized how proud he is of the U.S. military for working together to achieve success inIraq.

"As your commander in chief, I could not be more proud of you," Obama said. "As an American, as a husband and father of twodaughters, I could not be more grateful for your example [of] the kind of country we can be, [and] for what we can achieve when westick together."

Obama paid tribute to "courageous" troops who served despite the likelihood of being sent into harm's way and to fallen servicemembers and their families.

"You taught us about sacrifice -- a love of country so deep, so profound, you're willing to give your life for it," he said. "Tonight, wepay solemn tribute to all who did."

Obama recalled five service members who were the first casualties of the Iraq War, and the last U.S. casualty there, who was killedNov. 14.

Inside AF.mil

Search


View All RSS

Subscribe AF.MIL


More Headlines















Commentary




http://www.af.mil/














































"Separated by nearly nine years, they are bound for all time among the nearly 4,500 American patriots who gave all that they had togive," the president said. "To their families, including the Gold Star families here tonight, know that we will never forget theirsacrifice, and that your loved ones live on in the soul of our nation, now and forever."

Comments

No comments yet.

Add a comment








http://www.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/120301-F-BZ728-001.jpg[2012/03/03 0:02:24]



(U.S. Air Force graphic/Sylvia Saab)

Download HiRes

Photos 1 of 3

JOIN THE AIR FORCE

News > AF leaders: FY 13 budget maintains quality, ready force

AF leaders: FY 13 budgetmaintains quality, readyforcePosted 2/29/2012 Email story Print story

Like

by Tech. Sgt. Richard A. Williams, Jr.Air Force Public Affairs Agency

2/29/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force MichaelDonley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz met withmembers of the House Armed Services Committee here Feb. 28 todiscuss key components of the service's fiscal 2013 budget request.

"The budget request represents the culmination of many hard decisions taken to align our FY13 budget submission with the new(Department of Defense) strategic guidance and cuts required by the Budget Control Act over the next 10 years," Donley said"Finding the proper balance between force structure, readiness and modernization is our guiding principle."

Air Force leaders have determined that the service's best course of action is to trade size for quality, the secretary said. As a result,the Air Force will become smaller to protect a high-quality, ready force that continues to modernize and grow more capable in thefuture.

"We have no illusions about the road ahead being easy," Schwartz said. "We have confidence in our ability to manage this tightfiscal circumstance."

The Air Force is structuring the future force to be agile and responsive as part of the Defense Department's strategic guidance andmust accept some risks with a smaller force, he said.

"While maintaining quality, we will divest nearly 230 fighters, mobility, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft inFY13, toward a total of 286 aircraft retirements over the future years defense plan," Schwartz said.

The Air Force's force structure plans will affect manpower numbers, said Donley, highlighting that the service's budget proposalcalls for a reduction of 3,900 active-duty, 5,100 Air National Guard and 900 Air Force Reserve members, bringing total force endstrength down to 501,000 by the end of FY13.

"Fighter, mobility and other force structure changes have been strategy-driven based on changed requirements," Donley said."Consistent with that strategy, especially where the Air National Guard units are affected, we have proposed to re-mission unitswhere feasible."

The secretary told HASC members that the Air Force has carefully balanced its active and reserve component changes to makesure that the service can meet its demanding operations tempo, including both surge and rotational requirements that are part ofthe current and projected strategic environment.

"As our force gets smaller, all of our components get smaller together and will become even more closely integrated," he said.

"We remain fully committed to our total force capability and have proposed several initiatives to strengthen integration of effort,including increasing the number of active reserve component associations from 100 to 115," Donley added. "Our intention is toprotect readiness at any force level because, if we're going to be smaller, we have to be prepared."

Schwartz echoed the secretary's comments about the importance of the total force.

"Clearly, the Air Force's vitality and effectiveness is dependent on the strength of the total force, and therefore the leadership ofboth the active and the reserve components work closely together in all deliberations and decisions affecting the total force," hesaid.

He explained that the comprehensive nature of the Air Force's FY13 budget request includes a holistic interstate approach to AirNational Guard and Air Force Reserve force structure - a preferred strategy from both an operational effectiveness and fiscalresponsibility perspective versus a piecemeal state-by-state approach.

"Our proposed efforts will correct several manpower disconnects, rebalance forces and improve sortie generation and aircraftutilization rates, thereby improving the total force's readiness and responsiveness across the spectrum of operations," saidSchwartz.

During the hearing, Donley emphasized that identifying $487 billion in defense cuts to comply with the current requirements of theBudget Control Act had been difficult and that further cuts through sequestration would put at risk the Air Force's ability to executeDoD's new strategy.

"To get this far, we've made tough decisions to align structure and balance our forces in a way that can meet the new strategicguidance," he said. "If substantially more reductions are imposed on DOD, we will have to revisit the new strategy. We cannotafford the risk of a hollow force."

Schwartz agreed, saying that any "salami-slicing" of the budget would send the Air Force back to the drawing board and nullify thecarefully considered and responsible reductions that preserve Air Force readiness and effectiveness.

Donley said that he and Schwartz have an obligation to preserve their service's status as the world's best air force.

Inside AF.mil

Search


View All RSS

Subscribe AF.MIL


More Headlines















Commentary




http://www.af.mil/














































"It's our obligation to keep it that way so that our joint and coalition partners know they can count on the United States Air Force todeliver the capabilities that we need to meet the security challenges ahead, and so that our future airmen remain confident, as weare today, that they are serving in the world's finest air force," he said.

Comments

3/1/2012 4:27:08 AM ETStory title was obviously a typo. Should have read FY13 Budget maintains General officers, cuts quality Airmen.

Mike, WA

2/29/2012 8:55:10 PM ETSo we are going to trade size for quality, eh? In the great majority of Air Force functions the quality comes from the people. How manytimes have we been told that people are our greatest resource? My section was cut by sixty-six percent in recent rounds of restructuring.Without a doubt quality will suffer. You can do more with less, but eventually people will get burned out, the mission will fail or someone willdie. I hope it is not either of the latter.

Realistic, CONUS

Add a comment








http://www.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/120229-F-BZ728-002.jpg[2012/03/03 0:03:15]

top air force stories for march 1, 2012 · 3/1/2012 · united states air force sent this bulletin...

Documents