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PETERSON’S NEWEST REENLISTEES – PAGE 3

INSIDENews 1-8Crossword 14Sgt. Hazard 17Feature 18-19Calendar 22

Operation Iraqi FreedomAir Force officers and Army spacesupport teams work together connect-ing fighting forces.

Page 4

Deployed civilianFirst deployed civilian SARC arrivesin Southwest Asia.

Page 8

Thursday, April 6, 2006 Vol. 50 No. 14

Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado

Sexual Assault Preventionand Response

556-SARC

Guardian Challenge competition continues at different time, placeBy Lt. Gen. Frank G. KlotzAir Force Space Command Vice Commander

Over the years, Guardian Challengehas played an important role in sustain-ing and enhancing the combat readinessof our space and missile forces. It hasalso served to promote the competitivedrive and esprit-de-corps so important todeveloping world-class professionals.However, as we fight the Global War onTerror, the task of staging GuardianChallenge has come face-to-face with therealities of limited funds, scarce militaryairlift, and competing demands on thetime and attention of our people. To meetthese challenges, we are making somechanges to Guardian Challenge, both thisyear and in the future.

The first and most significant

change is a shift in location and dates ofthe competition. This year’s GuardianChallenge will be held atPeterson AFB from 14–18Aug instead of atVandenberg AFB inMay. The close prox-imity of four of ourSpace Wings toPeterson AFB wills ave us moneyand help us avoidpotential problemsin securing military air-lift. In subsequent years,we may return to VandenbergAFB, or host the event at other loca-tions depending upon conditions atthe time.

Another significant change in-volves the manner in which the competi-

tion will be conducted. Fourteenth AirForce has traditionally conducted their

competition at the local units.Conversely, Twentieth Air

Force has always con-ducted their competi-tion at VandenbergAFB. This yearhowever, all compe-tition events, withthe exception ofSecurity Forces and

helicopters, will beheld at their respective

units. Evaluations in 14AF are currently underway;

the 20 AF evaluators’ travel schedule isalready being actively worked. SecurityForces will hold their competition inColorado Springs during GuardianChallenge, while our helicopter crews

will compete at Camp Guernsey, WY.Finally, we will continue to recog-

nize our finest professionals with all theceremony that has become a traditionalpart of Guardian Challenge. This year’sCurtain Raiser, Contractor Expo, SeniorLeader Panel, Score Posting, AwardsCeremony, and Banquet will be held atPeterson AFB. We are excited about thisopportunity to transform the way weconduct the competition, meet ourreadiness objectives, and carry on ourtradition of camaraderie and teamworkthat have served us so well for over 35years. I encourage all units to maintainthe true spirit of the competition byshowing off their competition uniforms,mascots, “specialized equipment” (e.g.bully sticks) and, most of all, theindomitable spirit that characterizes thismagnificent command!

By Senior Airman Jessica Switzer21st Space Wing Public Affairs

The 21st Services Squadron has a chance toshow the whole Air Force just how good they are whenan evaluation team arrives Saturday.

The Gen. Curtis E. LeMay Services Award rec-ognizes excellence in services programs. This year the

21st SVS is up against Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.;Nellis AFB, Ariz.; Luke AFB, Ariz.; Yokota Air Base,Japan; The U.S. Air Force Academy and MacDill AFB,Fla., for the Air Force level 2005 large base category.

The five-person team will look at each servicesactivity on base to determine the squadron’s ability toperform its mission and meet customers’ needs andexpectations.

“The LeMay Award is important to us becauseour staff works so hard to take care of everyone onPeterson,” said Maj. Jessica MacDonald, 21st SVScommander. “Winning this would prove the 21st SVSis the best, serving the best.”

In order to prove their motto, “The best, servingthe best,” the 21st SVS is pulling out all the stops, saidMargie Arnold, 21st SVS marketing director.

“What the LeMay team will find at Peterson arethe enthusiastic men and women of the 21st SVS whocan’t wait to show off how exceptional their squadronis,” she said. “While they’ve worked especially hard toprepare for this evaluation, their extraordinary effort,topnotch professionalism and quality customer serviceare what the services activity managers and staff deliv-er up every single day.

“They do it because they love it, because they’regood at it, and because they have forged relationshipswith their customers who, over the years, have becomefamily.”

The 21st SVS supports the 21st Space Wing mis-sion by focusing on the specific mission of providingworld class installation support.

“We support the war on terrorism with our 81military members who deploy around the globe,” said

Time to shine: 21st SVS puts bestfoot forward for evaluation team

Photo by Senior Airman Jessica SwitzerShaun Underhill, pool lifeguard instructor andtrainer, keeps a lookout while Team Pete membersswim laps at the pool Monday. See Services, Page 3

Photo by Senior Airman Jessica Switzer

Golf anyone?Dariel Baker, 22nd Satellite OperationsSquadron, Schriever Air Force Base, Colo.,takes a swing at the Silver Spruce GolfCourse Sunday. For more information onwhat the course has to offer, see pages 18-19.

bowlers! Theyhave receivednumerous MAJ-

COM-level awards,including the

“Excellence in YouthSports” award from theNational Alliance of YouthSports, and our ticket officeis ranked third in the AirForce! This is just a sampleof the hard work our Servicessquadron does daily to serveits customers.

Even with the bestteam members, our serviceswould not be where they aretoday without you, the cus-tomers. On behalf of theservices squadron, thank you

for your support, feedback and contin-ued patronage. We have invested morethan $1 million in services programsand facilities in order to serve you.

Services has taken that job seri-

ously and strives to do its best for you.Their motto was “Serving the Best;”however, in honor of all that they’veaccomplished and to show pride in thepeople, they have changed their mottoto, “The Best Serving the Best.” Justanother way they show their dedicationto “providing world class installationsupport” and to “Saving the Nation!”

Please join me in congratulatingour services professionals and welcom-ing the LeMay evaluation team toPeterson Air Force Base. They will beat Peterson from April 8 to 13. You willsee signs and banners prominently dis-played at our facilities.

While this award is truly anhonor, giving our customers the“LeMay experience” every day is moreour style and philosophy. We aredeploying more warrior Airmen fromservices to fight terrorism in the nearfuture and even while they’re gone, the21st Service Squadron pledges to con-tinue their world class support to you.

By Col. Jay G. Santee21st Space Wing commander

“Providing world class installa-tion support” is what the 21st ServicesSquadron does everyday, and I amexcited to announce them as the 2005AFSPC Curtis E. LeMay winners,which makes them the best largeServices squadron in AFSPC.

The LeMay trophy is named forGeneral Curtis E. LeMay, who was saidto have been the greatest air command-er of all time. He exemplified leader-ship, customer service and optimalresults. After his retirement in 1965,the order of the Daedalians establishedthe award in his honor. We are veryproud to be AFSPC’s nominee.

It is undoubtedlythe outstanding and dedicatedpeople in our squadron whoearned this award. While wedeployed 71 percent of ourservices squadron last yearall over the world supportingthe warfighter, those whostayed behind were quitebusy. The 21st SVS has host-ed President Bush – notmany Services squadronscan say the president slept intheir lodging operation. Theyearned two 5-star awards infitness and aero club, hosted the U.S.Golf Association Senior QualifyingTournament, started a Bingo program,taught parent and teen defensive drivingand winter driving, and hosted Olympic

21st SVS leads the wayin installation support

April 3, 1999During Operation Allied Force,NATO missiles struck centralBelgrade for the first time anddestroyed the Yugoslav andSerbian interior ministriesApril 6, 1924Air Service officers begin thefirst round-the-world air tour. April 6, 1980The stretched C-141B flies itsfirst operational mission. Anaircrew from the 443rd MilitaryAirlift Wing flies it nonstop fromBeale AFB, Calif., to RAFMildenhall, England in 11 hours,12 minutes with only one aerialrefueling.

SPACE OBSERVERThursday, April 6, 20052

Published by Colorado Springs Military Newspapers Group, 31 E. Platte Avenue, Suite 300, Colorado Springs, 80903, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the21st Space Wing. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S.military services.

Contents of the Space Observer are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government,the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by DoD, the Department of the Air Force, or CSMNG, of the products or services advertised. Everythingadvertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, reli-gion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor ofthe purchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the 21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office, 775 Loring Ave., Suite 218, Peterson AFB, Colo., 80914-1294, (719) 556-4351 or DSN 834-4351, fax (719) 556-7848 orDSN 834-7848. All photographs are Air Force photographs unless otherwise indicated.

The Space Observer is published every Thursday. For advertising inquiries, call Colorado Springs MilitaryNewspapers, (719) 634-5905. Employees of Peterson Air Force Base who want to place a free classifiedadvertisement should call 329-5236.

Articles for the Space Observer should be submitted to the 21st SW/PAI, Attn: Space Observer. For submissiondetails call the editor at (719) 556-4351 or DSN 834-4351 or e-mail [email protected]. Deadline forsubmission is 4:30 p.m. the Thursday one week before publication. All articles, copy and announcements submittedwill be edited to conform to AFI Series 35 and the Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual.

21st Space Wing

CommanderCol.

Jay G. Santee

Chief of Public AffairsCapt.

Amy Sufak

Editorial Staff

Editor Senior Airman

Jessica Switzer

Layout and Design

Jeff Adcox

A Moment in Time

Col.Jay G. Santee

Off-duty interests and hobbies:My hobbies/interests are music,DJing, snowboarding, travel andAsian culture.Why did you join the Air Force?I joined the US Air Force toserve my country while travelingthe world.What inspires you to do whatyou do?I am inspired to perform by all thegreat people surrounding me. I

have been blessed to constantly besurrounded by the best peoplewho give me the support and moti-vation to be the best that I can be.What is your favorite part ofyour job?I enjoy Services because there areso many facets of our career fieldthat positively impact our commu-nity in so many ways.What goals have you set?My goals are to retire with a

PPeak Peak Performererformer

Photo by Senior Airman Jessica SwitzerStaff Sgt. Michael Fogle

Name: Staff Sgt. Michael FogleOrganization: 21st Services Squadron

Duty title: Readiness and Mortuary NCOTime in Service; 12 years, 6 months

Home town: Lockport, N.Y.

Master of Arts degree inInternational Marketing after 20or more years of service and then

start my second career with aMulti-National Corporation whilehaving a fun time doing it!

SPACE OBSERVERThursday, April 6, 2005 3

www.peterson.af.mil

Volunteer ffor EEarth DDay aactivities

Crew lleaders aare nneededin ssupport oof NNational YYouthServices DDay iin wwhich vvolun-teers wwill wwork oon bbuilding ccheckdams aand fform bbucket bbrigadesto mmove rrocks aand ddirt aalong tthetrail tto ccheck ddams iin tthe ggullies. For iinformation, ccall SSenior MMaster SSgt. KKeith RRoche aat 5554-22506 oor vviae-mmail aat [email protected].

Earth DDay aactivities: A ccleanup oof tthe GGarden

of tthe GGods PPark.Clean-uup oof 330th SStreet

and tthe MMesa OOverview.The RRocky MMountain

Field IInstitute iis cconductinga RRestoration PProject iin ttheSprings CCanyon AArea.

Volunteers aare nneeded fforEarth DDay aactivities aatGarden oof tthe GGods ffrom9: aa.m. tto 33 pp.m.April 222.

The Military Officers Association of America wants you!

The Military Officers Association of America, the Pikes Peak Chapter invites allactive-duty, retired, National Guard, Reserve Officers and all other military officerswho have had a commission to join our local Military Officers Chapter.

The local chapter is devoted to fostering fellowship among military officers andtheir families, and to support civic and charitable organizations. The chapter isalso dedicated to preserving the earned entitlements and benefits of all membersof the uniformed services and their families.

Chapter activities:Officers Placement Service: Helps members search for a second or third careerThe Paint and Hammer Gang: Helps senior citizens make repairs to their homeChapter ROTC and JROTC support: Provides support for both organizations atthe University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and local high schoolsPikes Peak Cemetary: Leading efforts to establish a local Veterans cemetarysouth of Colorado Sprtings USO Club: Actively supports the creation of a USO Club at the Colorado SpringsAirport as well as one in the city of Colorade Springs

Local chapter affiliated organizations:Colorado Council of Chapters The Retired Enlisted AssociationPike Peak Veterans Council United Veterans Council

For information or to join, call Max Borysko at (303) 647-0405.

Peterson to hostGuardian ChallengeBy Airman 1st Class Mandy Weightman21st Space Wing Public Affairs

In a change of events, Peterson AirForce Base will host GuardianChallenge 2006 from Aug. 14 through18 instead of the traditional time in Mayand location of Vandenberg AFB, Calif.

This change is a welcomed one for21st Space Wing leadership.

“With my previous assignment asthe operations group commander atVandenberg, I am very excited to havethe competition here at Peterson,” saidCol. Stephen Tanous, 21st SW vicecommander. “Guardian Challenge hasbeen a showcase event for the commandfor decades and our goal is to match andexceed the standards set in the past andmake it the ‘best ever.’”

The excitement for those partici-pating will only build with the competi-

tion being postponed two months. “Not that we need it, but now we

have the home field advantage,” said Lt.Col. Jim Wolf, 21st Operations Groupand Guardian Challenge lead projectofficer. “We are definitely going tomake sure we make this the bestGuardian Challenge yet – make the firstyear at Peterson unforgettable.”

More agencies from Team Petewill be able to play a part in GuardianChallenge than could when it was heldin California.

“Services, Transportation, andCommunications will all play anextremely large role in this event,”Colonel Tanous said. “There will beopportunities for our people to shinethrough both their primary duties andthrough volunteer efforts – and I knowTeam Pete will make this event a hugesuccess.”

As the event draws closer, moreinformation will be made available.

Major MacDonald. “We support fami-lies through our child development cen-ters, the youth center and the familyhome day care providers.”

“Services is the strongest in ourpassion for taking care of people,”Major MacDonald said. “We willimpress this team with our accomplish-ments and our wonderful attitudes.”

A little bit of those attitudes willbe used to greet the evaluation teamwhen they land Saturday.

“Our accomplishments, outstand-ing attitudes, energy and polish will putus above our competition,” said MajorMacDonald.

A few of the accomplishments thatgarnered the squadron the Air ForceSpace Command nomination included:5-star awards for the Aero Club and thefitness center. The Department of

Defense also awarded the PetersonFitness Center Premier Status.

It wasn’t just facilities that tookhome awards this last year: AlayneRavelo was named the Mission SupportGroup Category Two Civilian of the Year.

The 21st SVS is hosting a welcomereception for the LeMay team 4 p.m.Monday outside at Silver Spruce GolfCourse. The event, which features food,wine tasting and golf contests, is open toeveryone on base. Admission is $7. Incase of inclement weather, the receptionwill be at the Officers Club. For informa-tion, call Silver Spruce at 556-7414.

The LeMay Trophy evaluationteam will continue its evaluationthrough Wednesday.

The last time Peterson took homethe LeMay trophy was in 1993.

(Information for this article wasalso provided by Margie Arnold, 21stSVS Marketing director)

Photo by Joe FischerAt the March 24 commander’s call, 21 Space Wing Commander Col. Jay G.Santee, left, presented Maj. Jessica MacDonald, commander of the 21stServices Squadron, and Mr. Daniel Schofield, deputy director of the 21st SVS,with the Air Force Space Command nomination in the large base category forthe Gen. Curtis E. LeMay Services Award for the year 2005.

CorrectionThere was an error in the March 23 Space Observer article “Museum

upgrades Medal of Honor Park” in the area where there is a list of Medalof Honor Recipients. In the list under the heading for peacetime recipi-ents it listed Chuck Yeager as having been awarded the Medal of Honor.

Retired Brig. Gen. Charles Yeager is not a Medal of Honor Recipient.He was awarded a Special Congressional Silver Medal in December 1976for his conspicuous gallantry as pilot of the XS-1 research aircraft on Oct.14, 1947, when he flew his aircraft at supersonic speeds.

The new park will also only have 61 trees planted, one to honor eachMedal of Honor recipient rather than the 62 mentioned in the article.

The Space Observer staff apologizes for any misunderstandingthis caused.

Services, from

Congratulations to the following Team Pete reenlistees for the March:Senior Master Sgt. Ronnie Godley, Air Force Space Command headquar-

ters; Master Sgt. Clifford Adams, AFSPC headquarters; Tech. Sgt. StephenBurroughs, 21st Civil Engineer Squadron; Staff Sgt. Terence Tutt, JointPersonal Property Shipping Office; Master Sgt. Tiffany Maine, Detachment 4Individual Mobilization Augmentee readiness management; Senior AirmanMichael Wasson, AFSPC headquarters; Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Williams, 21stAerospace Medicine Squadron; Staff Sgt. Jason Sheppard, 21st LogisticsReadiness Squadron; Master Sgt. Mark Dedrick, 21st Security Forces Squadron;Master Sgt. Anthony Patton, Defense Courier Service, Fort Carson, Colo.;Staff Sgt. Flordeluna Tolentino, Space and Missile Center Logistics SupportSquadron; Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Plankenhorn, 614th Space CommunicationsSquadron; Master Sgt. Charles Hill, NORAD; Master Sgt. Robert Kunzar,AFSPC; Staff Sgt. Carlos Cortez, 21st Civil Engineer Squadron; Tech. Sgt.Michael Henn, 21st SFS; Tech. Sgt. Robb Dawn, 21st Medical SupportSquadron; Tech. Sgt. Jodie Briscoe, AFSPC; Staff Sgt. Mario Gonzalez, 21stCES; Staff Sgt. Maria Gonzalez, 21st Operations Squadron; Tech. Sgt. KellyStine. Detachment 2 544th Information Operations Group; and Staff Sgt. MaryGates, AFSPC.


Tech. Sgt. William SeabrookCENTAF-Fwd Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA – An Army groundpatrol in Iraq is suddenly ambushed. Pinneddown by sniper fire, the commander calls for airsupport on his satellite phone. Within momentsan F-16 is overhead. The aircraft drops a 500-pound, precision guided bomb on a two-storybuilding housing the enemy nearby, causingonly minimal collateral damage and allowingthe patrol to return safely to their camp.

Scenarios like this are routine in theGlobal War on Terrorism, but none of it wouldbe possible without the Air Force and Armyspace team at the Combined Air OperationsCenter here.

Delivering and integrating space capa-bilities, the team does everything from ensur-ing satellites are operational to ensuringGlobal Positioning System devices are work-ing properly.

The Director of Space Forces, the Combat Oper-ations Division space cell, Air Force space weaponsofficers and U.S. Army Space Support teams worktogether connecting fighting forces to space support.

“Today’s space contributions look completelydifferent and better from the way they did when OIFfirst began three years ago,” said Maj. Jeff Owens, theOffensive Space Control officer here.

“There’s direct space support integrated into thedevelopment of the air tasking order, the plans andoperations of conventional ground forces, and specialoperations forces missions.” Major Owens is deployedfrom the Air, Space and Information OperationsDirectorate, Headquarters Air Force Space Command,Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.

Some of the Combat Operations Division’s mostvisible contributions involve supporting search andrescue efforts and ensuring munitions are on target.

There have been more than 4,000 GPS-aidedmunitions expended in OIF, said Dr. Lance Blythe, U.S.Central Command Air Forces historian. Additionally,many of the more than 30 combat search and rescuemissions in Iraq, bringing more than 100 coalition peo-ple home, were supported by space assets.

Beyond this, space plays a key role in daily oper-ations and provides integral support across the modernbattlespace.

“From the vantage point of troops on the ground,space assets provide key position, navigation and tim-ing signals critical to synchronized operations,” saidCol. Marty Whelan, the DIRSPACEFOR here. “The

critical role of UAVs and electronic warfaresystems demonstrates the importance of posi-tioning and communications links.” ColonelWhelan is deployed from the 460th SpaceWing, Buckley AFB, Colo., where he is thevice commander.

Space team members also actively sup-port ground combatants.

“Fusing national space assets with con-ventional air, ground and space capabilitieshas given our forces unprecedented leverage infighting anti-coalition forces and combatingimprovised explosive devices,” said Maj. MikeHough from the CAOC Theater SpaceIntegration Cell.

The men and women at the CAOC aren’tthe only space forces supporting the effort.

“The Joint Space Operations Center atVandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., has beenpivotal in the Global War on Terrorism andOperation Iraqi Freedom,” said ColonelWhelan. “They have shown an unprecedented

willingness to expand their day-to-day mission and pro-vide additional support to the increasing space protec-tion mission.”

Additionally, daily interactions between the the-ater space team and the JSPOC has ensured that GPS,communications, missile warning and battlespace char-acterization is postured to support any contingency.

Even with these advancements, Colonel Whelansaid he wants the entire space community to rememberthat now is not the time to relax.

“I challenge each person to push harder and findsolutions to our warfighter’s problems and deliverthese results on the battlefield,” he said. “We’re truly ajoint team and it will take the maximum effort fromeach of us to beat our determined enemy.”

Space mission supports Operation Iraqi Freedom

Photo by Staff Sgt. Melissa KoskovichLeft: Staff Sgt. Neil Holdren and Capt. Kevin Mahar accomplish aperiodic maintenance inspection on an antenna feed. The spacetechnicians are deployed to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing.


www.peterson.af.mil

Year-long TDYs available for Team Pete membersA special duty extended deployment require-

ment has been identified for detainee operations inIraq.

This special duty is offered to officer and enlist-ed personnel. Commander approval is required andbackfills may be provided to the losing unit, depend-ing on availability. Duties performed will be outsidethe scope of the individual’s career field. Individualsmust have a TS-SCI clearance and, if selected, willrequire six months of training at Camp Huachuca,Ariz., followed by 365 days of duty in Iraq.

For all positions, the Air Force Personnel Centerwill initially solicit enlisted volunteers via EQUALPLUS and officer volunteers through functional chan-nels. All volunteers must get their commander’sapproval before they will be considered for the TDY.Since there is the possibility that a losing unit will notbe provided a backfill for a volunteer’s position, thelosing commander’s approval is required.

This is not a change to the Air ExpeditionaryForce deployment lengths. The Chief of Staff of theAir Force has stated that the Air Force policy for AEFrotations will remain 120 days in duration. The cul-ture of certain countries in the Middle East dictatesthat key and critical positions on joint task forceheadquarters staff remain in place longer to buildcloser, more meaningful ties with the local populaceand host governments. These requirements are notnew, and were previously being filled every 120days. Central Command requested, and Air Forceleadership agreed, to fill only these key and criticalpositions for a one year period.

If there are not enough volunteers identified,AFPC will use established short-tour selection rulesets to determine who will be selected and will usemodified short tour criteria to identify officers.Officers serving overseas long tours may be used as

a resource to fill these wartime taskings.Nonvolunteers eligible for selection must have a min-imum of 12 months time on station to be considered.Members may be exempt for up to six months fromthe date they returned from an Air ExpeditionaryForce or other contingency deployments. There maybe exceptions to eligibility requirements for volun-teers, on a case-by-case basis.

People who go on the one-year TDY may havethe option to request a follow-on assignment or electto remain at their home station when they get backfrom the extended deployment. If a member isselected and does not have an Active Duty ServiceCommitment or sufficient retainability to completethe deployment, the member may decline the deploy-

ment and separate or retire under current separationand retirement policies.

If the selected member has an ADSC or retain-ability of at least 13 months from the date required inplace, they must proceed on the deployment.Additionally, members with an established DOS orPCS must be allowed 30 days for separation or PCSprocessing upon return.

Members serving the extended deployment willreceive short tour credit.

For information on how to volunteer for anextended deployment visit theAFPC Web Site athttp://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/default and enter“365-day TDY” in the search field.

(Information from AFPC)

Air Force graphic

Private property damagedA vehicle owner reported his

vehicle was damaged while it was inthe chapel parking lot. The vehiclehad a four-foot-long scratch, possiblycaused by a key. Members of the 21stSecurity Forces Squadron verified thedamage and took four digital pictures.

Driver gets truck stuckin traffic

The driver of a commercial 18-wheeler truck became lost and tried toenter the West Gate. When he wasturning the truck, it got stuck andblocked all lanes of traffic. A memberof the 21st SFS was posted at the inter-section of Stewart Avenue and AirportRoad to redirect traffic to the NorthGate until the problem was solved.

Minor accidents resultin dents

A woman was backing out of aparking space at The U.S. Air ForceAcademy Band Building and hitanother vehicle. Her vehicle received ascratch on the bumper and a dent onthe bumper panel. The vehicle she hitsustained a two-foot by three-foot dentin the driver’s door. Members of the

21st SFS issued the woman a ticket forimproper backing.

A man was driving in the clinicparking lot when he had to swerve toavoid a vehicle backing out of a park-ing lot. When he swerved, the man hita vehicle that was illegally parked.Damage to his vehicle was limited to ablack mark on the front fender. Theillegally parked vehicle received a two-foot dent on the rear passenger doorand a six-inch dent on the passengerside rear fender. Members of the 21stSFS ticketed the vehicle for illegalparking. The driver was unable to iden-tify the car that caused him to swerve.

Hit and run removesmirror, scuffs tailgate

A witness saw the tailgate of atruck swing open and strike the sideview mirror of a sport utility vehiclein the military personnel flight park-ing lot. The driver of the truck thenfled the scene. The witness called the21st SFS to report the accident. Thewitness was able to identify the truckand driver enough to track him down.The accident dislodged the driver’sside mirror and left a f ive-inchscratch on the upper right side ofthe hood. The truck received a two-inch scuff mark on the right side ofthe tailgate. A member of the 21stSFS issued a ticket to the driver of thetruck for leaving the scene of anaccident.


Law requires additionto emergency data card

RANDOLPH AIR FORCEBASE, Texas – Airmen must designateone immediate family member as theperson authorized to direct dispositionof their remains should they become acasualty.

The PADD designation willbecome a part of the member’s Recordof Emergency Data as required by law.

Most Airmen will add their PADDinformation to their virtual Record ofEmergency Data by following theinstructions in the Virtual MPF

Organizations using the DD Form93 or the United States Air ForceAcademy Form 0143 to record emer-gency data must ensure Airmen are

briefed on this new requirement anddesignate their PADD in the remarkssection.

PADD information should includethe designated person’s name, relation-ship to member, address with zip codeand telephone number.

The PADD will be responsible forthe disposition of remains only. Themember is still required to designateseparately the recipients of any otherbenefits and entitlements.

For more information concerningthe PADD designation, call the AirForce Contact Center at (800) 616-3775or the 21st Space Wing MilitaryPersonnel Flight at 556-1716.

Emergency Data Card update:Airmen, identified by the last digit in their Social

Security number, must update their records duringthe following dates:

1 – March 28 to April 32 – April 4 to 103 – April 11 to 144 – April 15 to 195 – April 20 to 24

6 – April 25 to 287 – April 29 to May 38 – May 4 to 99 – May 10 to 150 – May 16 to 22


www.peterson.af.mil

Deployed spouses dinner setThe deployed spouse’s dinner begins at 6 p.m.,

Friday at the chapel. The deployed spouse’s dinner isscheduled for the first Friday each month. All familiesof deployed members are welcome to attend.

Guest chef visits Officers ClubThe Officers Club hosts Chef Franco Pisani of

Paravicini’s Italian Bistro in Old Colorado CityTuesday. Dinner is at 6 p.m. People can learn to makethree dishes during the evening. Cost is $28 per personand includes dinner, wine and recipes. There is limitedseating available. For information or to make a reser-vation, call 556-4100.

Asian Pacific American Heritagecommittee holds luncheon

The Asian Pacific American Heritage committeeis holding a Mosaic Culture Lunch Plate sale from11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 13 at the chapel. Tickets are $6on a first-come, first-served basis. Monday is thedeadline to purchase tickets. For information, callCapt. Susanne Crowley at 556-8145.

Enlisted and officers clubs offerEaster brunch

Both the officer and enlisted clubs will be offer-ing an Easter brunch April 16.

The Officers Club menu will feature traditionalfavorites like baron of beef, baked ham, baked whitefish, shrimp, roasted chicken, leg of lamb, several sidedishes, breakfast favorites, fresh salads, fresh fruit anddesserts. There are four different times the brunch will

be served. The times are: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m.and 1:30 p.m. For reservations, call 574-4100.

The Enlisted Club’s Easter special brunch menuis prime rib, baked ham, fried chicken, herb bakedfish, assorted vegetables and salads, traditional break-fast items and desserts. Reservations are availablefrom 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For reservations, call 556-4194.

Performance deals with dating violence“The Yellow Dress,” a one-woman play by

Deborah Lake Fortsen, will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.April 20 at the Peterson Base Auditorium. The30-minute play will be followed by an interactive dis-cussion to help audience members recognize the earlysigns of abuse and understand the cycle of abuse. Forinformation, call T. Martina Porter at 556-8943.

Charity golf tournament scheduledThe American Red Cross Third Annual Charity

Golf Tournament begins at 8 a.m. April 21st at theSilver Spruce Golf Course. The entry fee is $20 perperson plus green and cart rental fees. The registrationdeadline for this event is April 14. To register or forrules and information, visit the Red Cross office in the21st Mission Support Group, Building 350, Suite 1042or call 556-7590.

Earth Day volunteers neededVolunteers are needed for Earth Day activities

from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 22 at the Garden of theGods park. The activities will include a cleanup of theGarden of the Gods park and a clean-up of 30th Streetand the Mesa overview. Volunteers can also participatein the Rocky Mountain Field Institute restoration proj-

ect in the Springs Canyon area. Crew leaders are alsoneeded to support National Youth Services Day inwhich volunteers will work on building check damsand form bucket brigades to move rocks and dirt frompiles along the trail to check dams in the gullies. Forinformation, contact Senior Master Sgt. Keith Rocheat 554-2506.

Volunteers needed for city-wideexercise in June

The office of emergency management is look-ing for volunteers for the next city-wide exercisescheduled for June. Controllers, evaluators and roleplayers are needed for this exercise. For information,call Vic Duckarmann at 556-6489.

Black Heritage Monthcommittee meets

The Black Heritage Month committee is sched-uled to meet from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every fourthThursday at the Enlisted Club. For information callMaster Sgt. Lillian Sumpter at 556-1229 or Master Sgt.Kenneth Sessoms at 556-0432.

Racquetball reservation time changesThe fitness center has adjusted the call in time for

racquetball court reservations. Active-duty membersmay call the fitness center at 556-4462 after 8 a.m. tomake a court reservation. Other authorized users maybegin calling after 10 a.m., seven days a week.

Legal office announces closureThe Peterson Base Legal Office will close at

3 p.m. on Friday for an official function.

Visit tthe SSpace OObserver oonline aatVisit tthe SSpace OObserver oonline aatwww.csmng.comwww.csmng.com

Enlisted Against Drunk DrivingProtecting you and your family mem-

bers by providing a safe alternative to

drinking and driving.Please call us!

Fri. - Sat. 10 p.m. - 3 a.m.

Phone: 719-556-6384 or 55 NO DUI


First deployed civilian SARC arrives in regionBy Maj. Ann Knabe 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) – Airmen al-ready know the pace here is much different thanhome. “Frenetic” is the word Donna Rathbun uses todescribe the operations tempo on base.

“The mission is always in the forefront,” shesaid. “There isn’t time for outside distractions or mis-takes. Airmen are working long hours, and there’svery little time to get to know people personally.”

These factors together contribute to the possi-bility of sexual assault occurring in the war zone,said Ms. Rathbun, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing.As the first Air Force civilian sexual assault responsecoordinator, or SARC, to deploy to the region, sheoffers unique insight on the challenges facingdeployed Airmen.

“A lot of times, younger Airmen are alreadyhomesick,” she said. “(The women) miss the compan-ionship of other female friends they have back home.This makes them more vulnerable and trusting and, inturn, potential victims of sexual assault.”

This is where the SARC comes in. Ms. Rathbunsaid many Airmen aren’t aware of what the SARCdoes, because the program is so new. The Air Forcemandated a start date in June 2005, so it’s difficult toget valid statistics and data.

“The SARC is a direct help line for men andwomen,” she said. “There are several courses ofaction to take when someone is assaulted. But, themost important one is to get help.”

There are two types of reporting for victims ofsexual assault. The first, unrestricted reporting,means police and federal agents investigate allegedcrimes, and courts martial prosecute guilty offenders.

Restricted reporting is a new option for victimsof sexual assault. Under restricted reporting, victimsare offered assistance and counseling. They don’thave to move forward with an investigation. However,victims always have the option to request an investi-gation if they change their minds.

“The real goal here is to educate people andhelp resolve the issue and take the fear out of thereporting process,” Ms. Rathbun said. “Knowledge ispower and so many people are afraid of the unknown.When Airmen know they have these options, they aremuch more likely to come forward and get help.”

Ms. Rathbun hopes her civilian status lendsitself to open lines of communication.

“When Airmen don’t have to worry about rankand hierarchy, they’re much more likely to open upand talk,” she said.

But, she also understands the Air Force. Ms.Rathbun joined the military in 1979 and served fouryears on the first team of firefighters that included

women. This helps her appreciate the rank structureand dynamics of a coed force serving in a stressfulenvironment.

“I like to think of myself as approachable toenlisted members and officers alike,” she said. “And,I offer assistance to commanders too. Most impor-tantly, I feel I offer a balanced approach to a com-plex issue.”

Ms. Rathbun said she’s literally worked withhundreds of commanders who were faced with thedifficult task of how to help a victim while balancingtheir duty to the rights of the accused.

“It’s a tough issue, like nailing Jell-O to a tree,but we can’t solve the issue (of sexual assault) unlesswe discuss it,” she said.

Ms. Rathbun also spent 10 years working in avictim witness assistance program before joining the30th Space Wing at Vandenberg Air Force Base,Calif., as a civilian SARC.

“Unfortunately, I’ve seen it all,” she said. “But,that gives me the tools to help people who truly thinkthey’re alone.”

Ms. Rathbun’s status as the first civilian SARCto deploy draws more than praises from her superiorsback home. Servicemembers here often do a “double-take” when they look at her uniform.

“I’m often greeted with puzzled looks asAirmen and Soldiers try to figure out my rank,” saidMs. Rathbun, who wears the desert camouflage uni-forms like all the other Airmen on base but doesn’thave any rank sewn on.

“My uniform throws people for a loop,” shesaid. “But, it often gets the conversation going.”

Ms. Rathbun said she hopes this same conversa-tion will continue to flow in the months to come asshe assists and educates Airmen and Soldiers.

Photo by Maj. Ann KnabeDonna Rathbun, 379th Air Expeditionary Wingsexual assault response coordinator, talks with anAirman at a deployed location in Southwest Asia.Ms. Rathbun is the first civilian SARC to deploy.


www.peterson.af.mil


Prairie dogs give Peterson flight something to ponderBy Mark Mann21st Civil Engineer Squadron natural resource manager

When people in the 21st Civil EngineerSquadron Environmental Flight began seeing anincrease in the number of prairie dogs just outside theboundary line fence, they knew something would haveto be done to keep the critters from migrating ontoPeterson Air Force Base property.

For years, prairie dogs stayed outside the fence onadjoining property. A few of the animals migrated ontoan undeveloped portion of the base, but last summerthere was a significant increase in the number of prairiedogs just outside the fence line. Based on prairie dogcolonization patterns, the environmental flight membersknew it was only a matter of time before they spreadonto the base in very large numbers.

“Prairie dogs can carry diseases like rabies thatcan transfer to humans,” said Dan Rodriguez, 21stCES Environmental Flight chief. “The prairie dogs aremoving into an area by the Peterson housing area andwe’re concerned about the residents.”

The existing eastern boundary fence is adequateto deter two-legged intruders, but very soon the prairiedogs would simply burrow beneath the security fencein search of greener pastures and new home sites.

The planned expansion of the Space CommandHeadquarters Campus area and a proposal to buildadditional family housing units have made vacantreal estate at Peterson a rare commodity that must beutilized to the maximum extent possible. Allowinga prairie dog colony to become established on baseis not feasible.

Prairie dogs can create complications, such ashealth problems and bird and wildlife aircraft strikehazards, making it necessary to keep them separatedfrom residential or other areas heavily used by humans

and from flight operations. “Prairie dogs themselves aren’t our biggest

worry on the flight line,” he said. “They don’t reallyaffect the flight line much. However, predators, likecoyotes, may follow a prairie dog across the flight lineand they can really do some damage to aircraft.”

Peterson’s conservation staff was concerned that

a tract of land adjacent to the family housing area wasgoing to become a prairie dog colony. In addition,prairie dogs attract predators, such as circling hawks orcoyotes on the runways, which pose a real threat to airtraffic. The possibility of a bird or other wildlife strikeon an aircraft is a high priority within the military andcommercial aviation world and is taken very seriously.At the same time, the conservation staff is trying totake an integrated proactive approach for control andprevention now, instead of having to come in at somefuture date and try to trap and remove or exterminatethe prairie dogs, Mr. Rodriguez said.

Several ideas were considered and it was decidedthat the best option was to modify the boundary fenceto make it more difficult for prairie dogs to comethrough or burrow under the fence, hopefully deterringtheir movement enough so that they would look else-where for new burrow sites.

The project consisted of: adding another layer ofcoated wire mesh to the bottom of the existing verticalboundary fence, installing a two-foot horizontal sec-tion of fence just below and parallel to the ground sur-face perpendicular to the existing boundary fence, andcutting a two-foot deep trench two feet away from andparallel to the existing boundary fence and placinganother two-foot vertical section of fence inside thetrench below the ground surface.

All three of these fence sections are connected toform one continuous barrier. The conservation staffdoes not anticipate this to be a 100 percent barrier, butmore of a deterrent to impede or diminish the likeli-hood of prairie dogs crossing at any point where thefence is modified.

The conservation staff will continue to monitor thearea to see if there is any migration into previouslyunused areas. If the fence modification works as antici-pated, additional sections will be installed each year.

Courtesy of 21st Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental FlightThe 21st Civil Engineer Squadron EnvironmentalFlight will attach a layer of coated wire mesh, a two-foot horizontal fence and a two-foot vertical fenceto the existing boundary in an attempt to keepprairie dog colonies off of Peterson.


www.peterson.af.mil


By Louis SteinbergChapel Jewish lay leader

Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, isone of the three major pilgrimage festi-vals of ancient Israel. Originally a com-bination of a couple of different springfestivals, it is a commemoration of theExodus from Egypt – especially thenight when God “passed over” thehouses of the Israelites during the tenthplague – and of the following day,when the Israelites had to leave Egypthurriedly. Centered on the family orcommunal celebration of the Seder (rit-ual meal), Passover is one of the mostbeloved of all Jewish holidays.

The origins of Passover lie in pre-Israelite spring celebrations of the firstgrain harvest and the births of the firstlambs of the season. Within a Jewishcontext, however, it celebrates God’sgreat redemptive act at the time of theExodus, leading the Israelites out fromslavery in Egypt to freedom. Together

with Shavuot (the Festival of Weeks)and Sukkoth (The Festival of Booths),Pesach is one of the ancient Israelite pil-grimage festivals, during which adultmales journeyed to the Temple inJerusalem to offer sacrifices and bask inthe divine presence. Since the destruc-tion of the Second Temple, the focus ofPesach celebration shifted to the ritualmeal, called the Seder that takes placeeither in the home or in the community.

In anticipation of Pesach, it is tra-ditional to engage in a thorough springcleaning. During the holiday, Jews’ foodreflects the major theme of Passover,reliving God’s great redemptive act,albeit in a vicarious manner. Becausethe Israelites had no time to let theirbread rise, Jewish law forbids eating oreven possessing any food that can con-tain leaven. Therefore, a major part ofthe preparations for Passover consists ofremoving all traces of leavened foodsfrom the home and replacing them withunleavened foods. Many Jews prefer to

“sell” their unused leaven products to anon-Jew for the duration of the holiday.This necessitates both a massivecleanup and the replacement of thefamily’s ordinary dishes with specialPesach ones. It also requires a shoppingexpedition to stock the kitchen withspecial Passover-kosher foods.

The central ritual of Pesach is theSeder, a carefully choreographed ritualmeal that takes place either in the homeor in the community. A number of sym-bolic foods are laid out on the table, ofwhich the most important are thematzah, the unleavened “bread of afflic-tion,” and the shank bone, which com-memorates the Passover sacrifice in theTemple. The Seder follows a script laidout in the Haggadah, a book that tellsthe story of the redemption from Egyptand thanks God for it. Although theHaggadah is a traditional text, manypeople – particularly in the modernworld – add to it and revise it in accordwith their theology and understanding of

God’s redemptive actions in the world.The overarching theme of

Passover is redemption. This is the holi-day that celebrates God’s intervention inhistory to lead the Israelites from slav-ery to freedom. It is a time to celebrateGod as the great liberator of humanity.The divine redemption of the Israelitesthus becomes the blueprint for theJewish understanding of God and divinemorality and ethics, which can be seenin Jewish participation at the forefrontof movements for social justice.

Passover is April 13 through 20this year. To celebrate Passover there isa community-wide Passover SederMeal at 6:15 p.m. April 12 at the U.S.Air Force Academy Community CenterChapel. People of all faiths are wel-come to attend. For information or tosign up for the meal, call the SchrieverAir Force Base Chapel office at 556-4442, Louis Steinberg, Jewish LayLeader at 567-7657 or [email protected].

Passover brings history to life for Team Pete members

April 1 - A $5 per hour discount on allCessnas

April 3 – The Monday Blue Light Specialis a $20 per hour discount in Baron

April 14-15 – The manager has informa-tion on cross-country discounts for spring

break

April 24 – The Monday Blue Light Specialis a $5 per hour discount in all Arrows

April 25 – A $5 per hour discount in allCessnas

For information, call the Aero Club at556-4310

April savings at theAero Club

And that’s just the beginning. Once you enlist, you’ll also receivea good starting salary with regular pay raises, tax-free housingand food allowances. Not to mention opportunities for higher edu-cation and full retirement benefits after 20 years of service. Visitour Web site at AIRFORCE.COM or call 1-800-423-USAF.

CROSSINTO THE

BLUE

WELCOME TO THE AIR FORCE


www.peterson.af.mil

Tech. Sgt. Kerry Jackson 50th Space Wing Public Affairs

The family advocacy office here is educatingpeople on what child abuse is and how to identify itas part of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The theme for this year’s program is, “SafeChildren and Healthy Families are a SharedResponsibility”.

“Our goal at the Peterson AFB FamilyAdvocacy office is to continue building awareness,providing education, and inspiring hope to everyone

involved in the effort to prevent the abuse and neg-lect of our nation’s children,” said Tonya Porter, thefamily advocacy program outreach manager here.

Ms. Porter said the family advocacy office isactively participating in Child Abuse PreventionMonth to continue valuing children, strengtheningfamilies and engaging communities.

“Our many base-wide and local programs, pre-vention initiative and events help spread the word inthe community,” Ms. Porter said. “It creates aware-ness that prevention is possible.”

She said children need a nurturing home envi-ronment, safe places to play, good medical care andstimulating schools to help children grow to be safeand healthy adults.

The family advocacy office will provide vari-ous parenting classes throughout April as well asinformation booths around the base. There is a ChildAbuse Prevention Month Lunch and Learn BrownBag Series from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for threeweeks in April in the Schriever Family Support con-ference room.

The series is called The Essentials ofDiscipline. Individual meetings are as follows: thetoddler and preschool years on April 14, the middleyears ages 5 to 12 on April 21 and the teen yearsages 13 to 18 on April 28. For information on theseand other classes offered through family advocacy,call 556-8943.

Learn how to help stopthe abuse

In 2003, approximately 906,000 children werevictims of abuse or neglect. Everyone in a communi-ty can help prevent the abuse and neglect.

Recognize the ProblemNeglect — failure to provide for a child’s basic

needs such as food, clothing, shelter, medical care,education or proper supervision.

Physical Abuse — intentional injury inflictedupon a child. It may include severe shaking, beating,kicking, punching, or burning that results in minormarks, bruising, or even death.

Sexual Abuse — any sexual act with a child byan adult or older child.

Emotional abuse — may occur when a parentfails to provide the understanding, warmth, attention,and supervision the child needs for healthy psycho-logical growth.

Report the ProblemAll active-duty military members are mandated

to report any suspected child abuse or neglect. To report neglect or abuse during duty hours,

call the family advocacy program at 556-8943.On evenings, weekends and all other non-duty

hours, call the U.S. Air Force Academy Hospitalemergency room at 333-5000.

Protective FactorsProtective factors may lessen the risk of

child maltreatment. Some protective factors include:Supportive family environmentNurturing parenting skillsStable family relationshipsHousehold rules and monitoring of the childParental employmentAdequate housingAccess to health care and social servicesCaring adults outside family who can serve

as role models or mentorsCommunities that support parents and take

responsibility for preventing abuse

Family advocacy prepares for Child Abuse Prevention Month

The 21st Services Squadron offers some ofthe finest recreational opportunities and the

greatest value in leisure activities.

The 21st Services Squadron Web site, is agateway to fun, excitement and an incredible

array of quality services.

www.21svs.com


Acronym BusterAnswers on Page 17

ACROSS1. Tex-Mex menu item5. SECDEF’s office symbol8. Mil. acronym for base openings,closings12. Muddy up13. Actress Zadora

14. Bastion16. Ramstein, Aviano and Osan18. Snakes19. Lattice work20. Fall mon.21. USAF org. for DEERS support24. Performed

26. Fencing tool30. USAF requirements document;___ 36-2903, etc.31. ___ of responsibility33. USAF officer work appraisal34. Stymies38. Public ____ Office41. Actress and director Lupino42. Chum43. Term for placing food in a trap47. Burned51. Have pain52. Vaulted recess54. Flying method used by USAF pilots55. Type of PJ jump57. Top USAF civilian60. Mil. broadcast station61. German city64. Opera highlight65. Compensates68. Texas town73. USAF HQ echelon74. William B. Hartsfield InternationalAirport locale75. Tool found in 29 DOWN76. Adorable77. Formerly78. Minor prophet; son of Beeri

DOWN1. Scheduling acronym2. Actress Landry3. Mongrel4. Sphere5. Mil. acronym for protecting infor-mation6. Naps7. One of Santa’s reindeer8. Cop’s uniform item9. Acronym for a road10. Part of USAF11. USAF org. to support a CC14. Danger posed to aircraft15. Mil. uniform

17. Dr.’s org.21. Angry22. USAF WAPS study guide23. Tree type25. Fed. drug org.27. Hawaiian food28. USAF enlisted work appraisal29. Work locations for 17 DOWN32. USAF org. home to militaryrecords35. Army equivalent to USAF tech.school36. Dictator Amin Dada37. Actress Turner39. Fed. org. concerned with flighttravel40. Everything43. Mil. pay entitlement44. USAF intel org.45. Sick46. Tracking method for GBUs47. Conceal48. DoD intel org.49. Santa’s helper50. Mil. phone network53. USN person56. Weight measurement58. Passageway59. Website section, perhaps62. Zodiac sign63. USAF award above AFCOM65. One of 73 ACROSS66. Greek letter67. USAF acronym for learning atwork69. An EOD concern70. Fed. taxing org.71. __ Kwon Do72. Hurricane center

(Courtesy of the 71st FlyingTraining Wing Public Affairs)


www.peterson.af.mil

PDC announces schedule for second quarterThe professional development center staff offers

a new class this quarter.“Vital Effective Character Through Observation

and Reflection” is a program designed and taught byretired Chief Master Sgt. Bob Vasquez, at the U.S.Air Force Academy. He has tailored his program tooffer separate sessions for senior NCOs, NCOs, andAirmen.

VECTOR character development consists of aprocess of discovering what rules people’s daily lives– their values; finding out what really drives peo-ple to succeed – their purpose; recognizing whatguides them to achieve their dreams – their vision;and understanding how people can influence othersin a positive way. The class shows students how todevelop action plans that will enable individuals todevelop good character and employ the power theyalready own. The classes are scheduled from 8 a.m.to noon April 26 for senior NCOs; from noon to 4p.m. May 12 for NCOs and 8 a.m. to noon May 30for Airmen

This quarter’s schedule also includes a newseminar titled “Leadership … it’s a choice” targetingenlisted members who choose to embrace andexpand their leadership potential. The seminar is1 to 3:30 p.m. April 12 and 1 to 3 p.m. June 21.

Also new this quarter is a Space CommandOverview, similar to a mission briefing, to familiarizeeveryone with what Air Force Space Command is allabout. The briefing is 2 to 3 p.m. April 27, May 25and June 22.

The PDC will also offer lunchtime video ses-sions showing the strongly recommended Air Forcepromotions video or “Impaired,” a four-scenario DVDfilmed at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., focusing

on underage and binge drinking as well as sexualassault and date rape. There is no lecture or discus-sion, students can bring a lunch and watch the video.The promotions video will be shown from 11:30 a.m.to 12:30 p.m. April 24, May 24, June 2 and 19.“Impaired” will be shown from 11:30 a.m. to12:30 p.m. April 28, May 22 and June 22, all from11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Other classes scheduled are the monthly RightDecision Workshops for first and second term Airmenone year to 15 months from their date of separation.The workshop is from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. May 2 andJune 6; the Air Force Office of Special InvestigationsRecruiting Briefings are from 9 to10 a.m. Friday, May24 and June 19; An Enlisted to Officer Panel for thoseenlisted considering a commission is from 9 to11 a.m.April 24.; Be a Better Supervisor for enlisted supervi-sors from 1 to 3 p.m. April 24; a Troops and Spousesto Teachers Briefing from 2:30 to 4 p.m. April 26; theSilver Bullets seminar from 8 to 11 a.m. April 28,from 1 to 4 p.m. May 31 or 9 a.m. to noon June 23; aMentoring seminar from 1 to 3 p.m. May 30; a newFour Lenses Workshop to help E1 through E4s andtheir supervisors improve their working relationshipfrom 8 a.m. to noon May 31; and a Teambuildingworkshop for 10-person work teams on from 8 a.m.to noon June 20.

All classes, workshops and seminars are in thePDC. For information or to reserve a seat, call thePDC at 556-9226 or 556-9158 or e-mail Master Sgt.Kristin Clark at Kristin.clark@ peterson.af.mil orTech. Sgt. Sarah Sparks [email protected].

(Information provided by Peterson ProfessionalDevelopment Center)

With Eagle Eyes, any

community member can

report suspicious

activities 24 hours a

day by calling the law

enforcement desk at

556-4000.


www.peterson.af.mil

Answers from Page 14

Vanguards wield shovels, donate time at local parkBy Capt. Trevor Nolan76th Space Control Squadron

Members of the 76th SpaceControl Squadron and their familieshelped rebuild trails in the ColoradoSprings Garden of the Gods parkMarch 5.

The 76th SPCS has been active inthe park for the last three years as apart of the “adopt a trail” program.

“It’s nice to volunteer at Gardenof the Gods because unlike many of theother parks in Colorado, this one is

owned by the city and is sustainedlargely due to volunteerism,” saidMaster Sgt. Lance Brown, head of theoutreach effort. “Our trails are some ofthe most used in the park and theresponse for our effort we get in returnmakes it all worthwhile.”

More than 30 squadron and fami-ly members took part in the dayseffort by digging water bars andrepairing erosion damage to theBretag and Palmer trails. The worktook nearly two hours and was fol-lowed by a squadron picnic.

“This community gives so much

to the military, it’s nice to give backespecially at venue such as Garden ofthe Gods,” Lt. Col. Eric Holstrom, 76thSPCS director of operations. “It is alsoa great way for our unit to get togetheroutside the work area to build unitcamaraderie and esprit de corps.”

This is one of the community out-reach programs the Vanguards take partin throughout the Colorado Springsarea. In the upcoming month the unitwill also donate time at the MarianHouse soup kitchen and pick up theirhammers for Habitat for Humanity.

These efforts are examples of the

continued community support exhibitedby the 76th Space Control Squadron andfit with 21st Space Wing CommanderCol. Jay G. Santee’s key result area ofcivic and community duties.

The park, donated to the city ofColorado Springs by the Charles ElliotPerkins family in 1909, is an area usedfor outdoor activities like running, hik-ing, mountain biking, horseback riding,and picnicking.

For more information on Gardenof the Gods or to adopt a trail, call634-6666 or e-mail Harlan Hannemanat [email protected].

Sgt. Hazardstrikes againSgt. Hazard just bought a newmotorcycle and he can not getonto the installation. Can youfind five reasons why not? Thefirst five people to call the 21stSpace Wing Safety Office at556-6781, with the correctresponse will win a prize.

Regardless of the activity goingon or the location, the 21st SWSafety Office staff urges allTeam Pete members to practiceOperational Risk Managementby: identifying the hazards,assessing the risk, analyzingcontrol measures, makingcontrol decisions, implementingsupervising and reviewing.

Photo by Jeff Adcox

More than 30 76th Space Control Squadron and family members donatedtheir time to rebuild trails by digging water bars and repairing erosion dam-age at the Garden of the Gods park in Colorado Springs.

The 76th Space Control Squadron has been active in the Garden of the Godspark for the last three years as a part of the “adopt a trail” program.

Attention spouses:Interested in the new Pikes Peak Combined

Spouses Club?All spouses of the Pikes Peak

area are welcome, not just thosestationed at Peterson AFB.

Check us out at www.petersonspousesclub.com.

By Margie Arnold,21st Services Marketing

It takes a team – lots of them – to maintain a golfcourse and meet customers’ expectations. The manage-ment and staff of Silver Spruce Golf Course know thatas well as anyone.

“Our entire operation here at Silver Spruce iscompletely dependent on teamwork; without it wecouldn’t meet our customers’ need and expectations,”Don Bernal, Silver Spruce Golf Course manager said.“From the course maintenance staff to the office andpro shop staff to the staff at the 19th Hole Grill, we aresmall teams that function as one big team. We all giveour best to make Silver Spruce a great experience forgolfers so they’ll want to come back.”

Mr. Bernal suggests if people want to know thecaliber of staff and teamwork Silver Spruce is proudof, they look first at the course maintenance staff.

When Scott Anderson, Silver Spruce Golf Coursesuperintendent, had his Air Force Reserve unit activat-ed Oct. 1 he was deployed for 90 days in support ofIraqi Freedom. He said considered it the best of allpossible scenarios, given the alternatives. He requestedhis deployment during the golf course’s slow time ofyear, Nov. 20 through Feb. 21.

Before he deployed, Mr. Anderson assigned spe-cific duties to each one of his five full-time experi-enced course maintenance staff, including the coursemechanic who oversaw operations until he returned.

“I could still communicate with my staff by tele-phone and by e-mail, but communication was infre-quent,” he said. “Time on the telephone limited andemail was not always available. I relied on them to dotheir jobs and work together to keep the course in goodshape.”

Keeping the golf course in good shape took a realteam effort.

“I couldn’t have done it without them,” Mr.Anderson said. “They did really well while I was gone.Many were on the job several years already; they wereexperienced employees. The bottom line is that thingsgot done.”

Though Mr. Anderson has returned from deploy-ment to his duties as golf course superintendent, hestill puts in a full day on reserve duty at the 302nd,where he works maintaining survival equipment for theC-130’s. Then, instead of heading home, he heads overto the Silver Spruce Golf Course, where he works onhis orders, reports, and other paperwork.

There are a number of improvements planned forthe course. Moving the women’s tee boxes is high onthe list. This would decrease yardage women have toplay and thereby provide a course that that can providemore opportunities for success, he said.

“Right now,we are in the planning stage,” Mr.Anderson said. “We’re examining the course to seewhat tees can be moved to decrease yardage forwomen. That involves rebuilding some tee boxes com-pletely and creating a better alignment with the greenand the hole.”

Youth golf programs such as Link Up to Golf,Golf 4 Kids, Junior Golf, and Junior Golf Clinics haveincreased play by youth and spurred the need to makethe playing field an encouraging one for the young

golfer, too, Mr.Anderson said. Tohelp these younggolfers, locations havebeen set for junior teesas well.

Upgrading theirrigation system tech-nology, an extensiveproject that is expect-ed to span the nextseveral years, will pro-vide more controlledusage of water andoffer flexibility in how and when maintenance staffwater the course.

“An irrigation system that is more current withtoday’s technology would be more efficient and wouldsave water, and that means saving money when wehave to use city water,” Mr. Anderson said.

A couple of improvements might go unnoticed bygolfers whose shots stick to the fairway he said. Thispast year, golfers who landed in sand bunkers at SilverSpruce found themselves wedged in places a bit morepleasant than in past years. In the past, bunkers heldwater after a heavy rain and the sand was of poor qual-ity. Silver Spruce invested money and time to rebuildits bunkers with excellent drainage and with a betterquality of sand.

“It was a huge undertaking but it was worth it,”Mr. Anderson said.

The course maintenance staff has started to pruneback the treeson the course.

“We do itas needed,shaping trees tomake them aes-thetically pleas-ing and tomaintain thehealth of thetree,” he said.“It’s a projectwe tend to inthe winterbecause it’s lessdisruptive to(the golfers).”

Onechange that dis-rupted thingsfor the mainte-nance staff wasrelocating to anew buildinglast May. Theyshare the new building with landscape contractors.Since then, Anderson and his staff have found themove an improvement, with the existing building refur-bished to meet their needs.

Meeting the needs of the customer is shared inpart by Jack O’Brien, golf instructor at Silver Spruce.He took up golf at the age of 40 and realized that heloved the game.

“Golf is one of the most challenging sports I’veever played” Mr. O’Brien, formerly a professionalfootball player, said. “Playing football is easy com-pared to golf and yet golf is one sport you can playyour entire life.”

Mr. O’Brien helps adults and youth at SilverSpruce learn the game and, for those who have beengolfing for a long time, he helps them improve theirgame. He has a low key way to help people loosen upand enjoy the experience.

“I tell people, ‘KISS’, meaning keep it sweetlysimple,” Mr. O’Brien said.

Everyone from a pilot to a high school studentbrings with them their personal experiences that Mr.

O’Brien says he canrelate to.

Mr. O’Brien saidhe hopes that eachstudent can play golfand be pleased withthemselves.

“Golf is a verychallenging game,” hesaid. “After all, one ofthe greatest golfers inhistory, Jack Nicklaus,takes lessons regular-ly. If he feels he has

something he needs to learn about the game, then (youshouldn’t) be embarrassed about taking a lesson your-self now and then.”

One of Mr. O’Brien’s golf students last seasonwas Lynn Eggum a retiree who admitted he had ahandicap of 37 when he came to take a series of fivelessons with Mr. O’Brien.

“Jack has given me tools to work with,” Mr.Eggum said. “Now my handicap is 30, a big improve-ment. One of my big pleasures is using one of thetechniques that Jack taught me and, darn, if it doesn’twork! I say to myself, ‘Jack did that.’

“He has a way of showing you strokes so thatthey’re easy to catch on to. I would most definitelyrecommend taking lessons with Jack O’Brien. In fact, Iwant to bring my wife out this year to have lessonswith Jack,” he said.

Golf can bring out the competitiveness in people,but O’Brien,who playedcompetitiveprofessionalsports sug-gests, “Whenyou play golf,enjoy the day,the sunlight,the socialaspect.Rememberthat golf isjust a game.Be pleasedthat you canplay at all andbe pleasedwith what youcan do.”

In addi-tion to helpinggolfersimprove theirgame, Silver

Spruce will add a new fleet of golf carts. The cartsshould arrive by May 10.

“The new models will definitely be an upgrade,”said Larry Mullis, Silver Spruce operations assistant,who admitted that some of the 68 old carts the coursetraded in dated back to 1997. “Our golfers will feel thedifference in the ride, and these carts have sand buck-ets and club and ball washers, too.”

Silver Spruce can hand golfers another tool toimprove their game, a hand-held gadget called theSkyCaddie. The instrument, about the size of a cellphone, uses Global Positioning System technology togive golfers the information they need to get accuratemeasurements to the pin and the hole regardless ofhills, trees and other obstructions. The devices will beavailable in the pro shop for $350.

The Silver Spruce’s pro shop is acquiring newgolf clubs from six of the eight major golf club manu-facturers. Samples will include woods and irons of dif-ferent degrees of flexibility.

Every day at 11 a.m. Mr. O’Brien hosts demon-strations with interested golfers, allowing them to ‘test

drive’ the clubs. Clubs can be special ordered to fit theindividual golfer and be in the golfers hands withinthree to four days, he said.

Besides the new clubs and other merchandise,Silver Spruce Golf Course has introduced an emailclub for advanced greens fee paying golfers to learnthe latest golf course news, special savings, programsand events.

“It’s great to see some fresh ideas coming from[Silver Spruce],” said Richard Carlson, a recipient ofthe first email notices. “Keep up the good work. Theemails will be informative if they continue to containinfo on the upcoming events at the club like tourna-ments, sales and such.”

Other information out for golfers at the course isadvanced green fee payers have the option of payingfor their fee in one lump sum or having their feesdeducted monthly on their club card.

The e-mails sent to golfers includes informationon upcoming tournaments like the Military ChallengeCup Tournament in September at the Silver SpruceGolf Course.

Organized in 2005, four Colorado military instal-lations, Fort Carson Army Post, Peterson Air ForceBase, Schriever AFB and the U.S. Air Force Academy,came together for the first military golf tournament inthe Pikes Peak region. Each installation selected its topten golfers to represent them.

Anyone who wants to participate on the Petersonteam will be selected based on points accumulatedthrough participation in various Silver Spruce tourna-ments throughout the year Mr. Bernal said.

“We will host a number of golf tournamentsfrom our first Get Acquainted Four-Person ScrambleApril 14 through our fall handicap championship onSept. 16,” he said. “You earn points each time you par-ticipate in any of those tournaments and points for howwell you play in those tournaments.”

The top ten point earners will be the ones select-ed to compete in this year’s Military Challenge Cup.

Golfing for all eighteen holes may make somecustomers hungry. To feed this hunger the 19th HoleGrill is located right on the Golf Course grounds.

“Toni’s homemade egg rolls and fried rice, hasfolks lined out the door. It’s by far the most popularitem on our lunch menu,” said Mr.Bernal.

When Toni Gingrass, cook at the 19th Hole Grill,first introduced her homemade egg rolls and fried ricelunch special, lunch customers, lined up for it everyWednesday from mid-April through mid-October.,Mrs.Gingrass taught other cooks to make the egg rolls andhelp satisfy the demand.

Last year, Mrs. Gingrass and the staff at the 19thHole Grill prepared the ingredients for and carefullyrolled out 700 egg rolls every Wednesday, enough for175 orders. They still sold out.

This year, lunch customers at the 19th Hole Grillget an order of homemade egg rolls and fried ricestarting April 26.

In keeping with its goal of making all golfers feelwelcome, Silver Spruce might score especially well withjunior golfers for adding a special lunch menu for them.

“While we have appealing golf programs for thejunior golfer, we also wanted to have appealing foodsfor them at the 19th Hole Grill,” Mr. Mullis said.

Selections for the younger golfer include tatersmiles, french fries with smiley faces, dinosaur chick-en nuggets, junior hot dogs, peanut butter and jellysandwiches, and others.

When golfers can’t or don’t want to stop play,they may eat snacks from the Grill at the Turn, a sta-tionery outdoor snack bar open during the summer sea-son from 9 a.m. to about 3 p.m. behind the tenth hole.

For information about services and programs atthe Silver Spruce Golf Course, call the pro shop at556-7414.

Team efforts position Silver Spruce as leader in customer service

Terry Mick, an Air Force retiree, hits his ball past a sand trap at the golf course Sunday. Retirees, depend-ents and Department of Defense Contractors often golf at the Silver Spruce Golf Course.

Toni Gingrass, 19th Hole Grill cook, prepares a plate for a customer at theclub house grill. Each year Mrs. Gingrass, and the other cooks at the grill,prepares hundreds of egg rolls to meet the demand of customers.

Photos by Senior Airman Jessica SwitzerPerry Sumpter, 721st Communications Squadron,putts at the sixth hole at the Silver Spruce GolfCourse Sunday.

Matt Josefowicz, 21st Contracting Squadron,spends a Sunday morning out golfing with his son(not shown).

Parts of the course offer views of nearby Pikes Peak.There are several man-made lakes across the course.


By Jeff Adcox21st Space Wing Public Affairs

Most Airmen who walk through the doorof the Peterson Education Office for the firsttime have a goal – when they leave they alsohave a plan.

The counselors at the education office arealways ready to help Airmen in any way theycan, whether they are working toward aCommunity College of the Air Force degree ora master’s degree.

“How do I get my degree?” is the commonquestion future students are looking to haveanswered by the education counselors — andthey have the answers.

“Our job is simply to help people get theireducation, period,” said Lisa Simon, educationoffice education services specialist. “We pro-vide our Airmen with the information and

knowledge they need to pursue a degree bybringing together counseling resources, finan-cial aid assistance and technical support.”

Some servicemembers don’t even need toknow what they want to study before they walkthrough the education office doors.

“One of the first things we have ourAirmen do is take an interest inventory test tonarrow down their careerfield choices,” saidNora Kemp, Education Office counselor. “Ithink the most important thing members cando is get their bachelor’s degree once they havecompleted the CCAF program.”

The Education Office staff memberswork with 15 schools in the local area tomaintain information on different careers.They also advise members on ways they canuse their education when they cross over tothe private sector after retiring or separatingfrom the Air Force.

Ms. Simon said the schools they work withdo a terrific job of providing classes anddegree schedules that fit the varied needs ofservicemembers.

Educational opportunities are continuous-ly evolving and the education office must stayon top of all the trends.

“The rise in distance learning has led toour development of relationships with hun-dreds of schools across the nation,” Ms. Simonsaid. “With so many choices available, we helpAirmen learn to become good consumers withtheir educational dollar.”

Another ingredient the education officebrings to the table comes from the staff techni-cians. They train students to input courses andgrades into the online tracking system on the

Air Force Portal Web site.Once students have completely updated

their class and grade listings, they can applyfor tuition assistance online. Again, this iswhere the technicians come into the equation.

“Our technicians may field up to 100phone calls on a busy day from students need-ing assistance,” Ms. Simon said. “We even helpAirmen schedule testing times when they areon deployments.”

Almost every hand is raised high in theair when first-term Airmen are asked if theyhave educational goals they would like to meet.The education office continually provides thesupport to help Airmen reach those goals,which opens a number of doors for their futuresimply because they walked through one.

For information or to get your degreestarted, contact the education office at556-4064

Education Office Briefingschedules:First-Term Airmen (two per month forSchriever and two per month forPeterson)Airmen Leadership School (every othermonth)Transition (approximately each quarter)Newcomers Fair (once a month)Commissioning (last Wednesday of eachmonth at 2 p.m.)Briefings by request: Commanders Calls,unit briefings, Junior Reserve OfficerTraining Corps (school’s bring in theirclasses) and First Duty Station

Classroom facilities:The education office has 10 classroomsthat provide space for college courses inthe evening.Classrooms are equipped with a comput-er station and a projection system withTV, videocassette recorder and DVDcapabilities.Two of the rooms have satellite downlinkcapability to bring courses to Petersonfrom a variety of school locationsthroughout the United States.Two computer labs consist of 37 stationswith commercial Internet capability.

Education office helps Airmen achieve goals

Photo by Jeff AdcoxAirmen participate in a technical writingcourse at the Peterson Education Office.


www.peterson.af.mil


To submit information

for the base calendar, e-mail

[email protected] Condor Crest 06-03

Exercise

April 17 -20

Friday, April 14

Breakfast with theEaster Bunny

8 a.m. at the Enlisted Club.For information, call 556-4194

Common Access Cardidentity managementinformation update

deadline

Saturday, April 15 Saturday April 22

Saturday, April 8Friday, April 7

Peterson DeployedSpouse’s Dinner

6 p.m. at the Base Chapel

Federal IncomeTax Returns

due

Earth Day

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