Space Observer April 8, 2021 by Colorado Springs Indy & Business Journal

V O L . 65 N O. 14

T H U R S DAY, A P R I L 8 , 2021

SPACE OBSERVER P E T E R S O N

A I R

F O R C E

B A S E

AMALGAM DART 21-02

BY LT. COL. CHRISTOPHER IAVARONE | 821ST AIR BASE GROUP

(U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Christopher Iavarone)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 from the Colorado Air National Guard’s 140th Wing takes off from Thule Air Base, Greenland, during North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Arctic air defense exercise, Amalgam Dart 21-02, March 23, 2021. The exercise will run from March 20-26 and range from the Beaufort Sea to Thule, Greenland and extend south down the Eastern Atlantic to the U.S. coast of Maine. Amalgam Dart 21-02 provides NORAD the opportunity to hone homeland defense skills as Canadian, U.S., and NATO forces operated together in the Arctic. A bi-national Canadian and American command, NORAD employs a network of space-based, aerial and ground-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighter aircraft, controlled by a sophisticated command and control network to deter, detect and defend against aerial threats that originate outside or within North American airspace. NATO E-3 Early Warning Aircraft, Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter aircraft, CP-140 long-range patrol aircraft, CC-130 Search and Rescue and tactical airlift aircraft, CC-150T air refueler, and CH-149 Cormorant Search and Rescue helicopters; as well as U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft, KC-10 Extender refueler, KC-46 Pegasus, KC-135 Stratotanker, as well as C-130 and C-17 transport aircraft will participated in the exercise.

INSIDE

AIRMAN’S ATTIC REOPENS PAGE 2

NEWS 1-12 | CLASSIFIED 13 | CROSSWORD 14

FACES OF SPACE: NATHAN LANCOR PAGE 3

P-S GAR 2020 ANNUAL AWARDS PAGE 4-5

P-S GAR CELEBRATES MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD PAGE 7

Airman’s Attic to reopen this month By Airman Ryan Prince | PETERSON-SCHRIEVER GARRISON PUBLIC AFFAIRS PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — The Airman’s Attic at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, will reopen on April 6, 2021. The Airman’s Attic is a shop of used and new items and is available to military members and their family members with the ranks of E-5 or below. The shop has been closed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. “All shop items are free and are in great condition,” said Nona Daugherty, Airman and Family Readiness Center volunteer program manager. “Stock is always changing so it’s a great idea to regularly visit the Attic.” All items at the Attic are donated and include children’s clothing, household goods, books, movies, shoes, accessories and much more. The Airman’s Attic also has a food pantry with nonperishable items for the taking. Within the Airman’s Attic is a donated military clothing section and is available to all military members, regardless of rank. The hours of operation will be every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Building 1525, off of Selfridge St. and South Peterson Blvd. For more information on donations and operations please contact the Peterson Airman’s Attic at 719-556-3215.

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(U.S. Space Force photo by Airman Ryan Prince)

The Airman’s Attic at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, will reopen on April 6, 2021. The Attic is a shop of used and new items and is available to military members and family members with the ranks of E-5 or below.

SPACE OBSERVER | A P R I L 8 , 2 0 2 1 | C S M N G . C O M

Faces of Space: Nathan Lancor By Airman 1st Class Alexis Christian | PETERSON-SCHRIEVER GARRISON PUBLIC AFFAIRS my master bedroom and bathroom, so they might be my new favorite once it’s done,” said Lancor. “Overall I enjoy building or remodeling something; turning it from old to new.” After 12 years on active duty, Lancor decided to leave the USAF. He accepted a job with the American Red Cross as a disaster program manager, supervising and coordinating disaster relief efforts, and providing hands-on emergency response. “The human kindness and compassion I

saw is something that I always carry with me,” said Lancor. As impactful as that job was, Lancor found that he still had a desire to be a part of military life. “I originally didn’t intend to join the [U.S.] Army Reserve,” said Lancor. “But after a year of being out I really missed the comradery. The reserves had the best options for me based on job options and locations of reserve centers.” Shortly after joining the reserves in 2011,

Lancor decided he wanted to serve in a fulltime capacity again, but as a government civil servant. Originally taking a job with the U.S. Army Reserve 63rd Readiness Division in Mountain View, California, he took a job with the 21st SOPS at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California in 2019. Traveling from California to Colorado Springs for reserve weekends, managing a full time job and keeping up with his kids See Lancor page 12

(U.S. Space Force courtesy photo)

Nathan Lancor, Space Delta 6, 21st Space Operations Squadron chief of security, talks about his U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and U.S. Space Force career and how he balances everything with his family life and hobbies at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Lancor loves supporting his children with their traveling sports teams. SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — What started out as a conversation with friends in high school, turned into an unexpected journey for Nathan Lancor, Space Delta 6, 21st Space Operations Squadron chief of security. He didn’t just find himself leaving his hometown of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, but found himself in the midst of a whole new frontier, the U.S. Space Force. “I was hanging out with friends, and one said he wanted to join the [U.S.] Air Force and work on jets,” said Lancor. “He asked if anyone wanted to go to the recruiter with him. A month later I was going to basic training.” Lancor started his U.S. Air Force career in security forces, and soon rediscovered his love for woodworking and building after cross training into civil engineering. His shop would often volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, cleaning yards, building wheel chair ramps and reroofing houses. The skills he learned through his job and volunteer work evolved into a personal passion. He often spends his free time on projects around the house, his favorite being the night tables he made from reclaimed materials. “I’m currently remodeling

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P-S GAR 2020 Annual Awards

CSMNG

Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Giovanni Pacheco (50 MSG) · NCO of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Andre Elam (21 MDG) · SNCO of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Voorhees (50 MSG) · CGO of the Year: 1st Lt. Kyle Brandt (21 MSG) · FGO of the Year: Maj. William Timberlake (21 MDG) · CIV Cat I of the Year: Valerie Cuevas (21 MSG) · CIV Cat II of the Year: Charity Harmon (21 MDG) · CIV Cat III of the Year: Kathrine Illingworth (GSA) · CIV Cat IV of the Year: Darris Spinks (21 MSG) · CIV Cat V of the Year: Kevin Weaver (21 MSG) · Large Team of the Year: Medical Support Squadron (21 MDG) · Small Team of the Year: Weather Flight (821 ABG) · First Sergeant of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. Gerald Morey (GSA) · Honor Guard Member of the Year: Airman 1st Class Ricky Teagle · Honor Guard Program Manager of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Michael Vialpando · Key Spouse of the Year: Brianna Sovern (50 MSG)

(719) 634-5905 235 South Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903-1246. PUBLISHER AND EXECUTIVE EDITOR AMY GILLENTINE Amy.Gillentine@csbj.com

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U.S. Space Force photos by Senior Airman Andrew Bertain

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SPACE OBSERVER PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE

Staff Writer

GRIFFIN SWARTZELL Published by Colorado Springs Military Newspapers Group, 235 S. Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, 80903, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the Peterson/ Schriever Garrison. 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. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided bby the Peterson/Schriever Garrison Public Affairs Office, 775 Loring Ave., Suite 219, Peterson AFB, Colo., 809141294, (719) 556-5185 or DSN 834-5185, fax (719) 5567848 or DSN 834-7848. All photographs are Air Force photographs unless otherwise indicated. The Space Observer is published every Thursday. For advertising inquiries, call Colorado Springs Military Newspapers, (719) 634-5905. Employees of Peterson Air Force Base who want to place a free classified advertisement should call (719) 329-5210. Articles, announcements, news briefs or feedback for the Space Observer should be submitted to the P-S GAR via space.observer@us.af.mil. For further information, to the P-S GAR at (719) 556-5185 or DSN 834-5185 or e-mail space.observer@us.af.mil. Deadline for article submission is noon the Friday one week before publication. All articles, copy and announcements submitted will be edited to conform to AFI Series 35 and the Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual. For information in the event of a Peterson Air Force Base emergency, contact the Straight Talk line at (719) 556-9154.

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ARLINGTON, Va. — In 2019, the Department of the Air Force suicide count and rate were the highest in recent history. Initially in 2020, suicide numbers declined but as the coronavirus pandemic continued, the suicide trajectory increased and returned to the high levels experienced the previous year. The Department’s efforts to address these trends focus on improving care for Airmen, Guardians and families. In 2019, the former Chief of Staff of the Air Force directed a Resilience Tactical Pause to combat the increasing suicide trend, providing the opportunity for Total Force Airmen to gather with their leaders and coworkers to focus on connectedness and resilience. In 2020, we shifted to remaining “socially connected and physically distanced” emphasizing the challenges of the COVID environment. “One suicide is too many. Our forces and families, like most Americans, experienced many stressors related to the pandemic and loss of connections,” said Brig. Gen. Claude Tudor, Air Force integrated resilience director. The Department’s suicide prevention strategy can be summarized as: ‘connect, detect, protect and equip.’ “Leaders must connect with their teammates to detect those at risk,” said Tudor. “Simultaneously, we must create protective environments that encourage help seeking and equip Airmen, Guardians and family members with the resources needed to meet the life stressors we face.” To empower families, the Department developed an online, family-based suicide prevention training to educate and equip family members when dealing with the signs and symptoms of suicide. “Families are a key sensor and solution to our care and support ecosystem,” Tudor said. “They are often the first to sense distress in their Airmen or Guardians. They are the key to finding potential solutions to prevent suicide and other issues associated with interpersonal and self-directed violence.” Additionally, the Department of the Air Force distributed more than 200,000 gunlocks in 2020. “Since 2015, personally-owned firearms are involved in more than 70% of Department of the Air Force suicide deaths,” said Maj. Jordan Simonson, Air Force suicide prevention research scientist. “Putting time and space between a person in distress and access to lethal means can make all the difference in preventing injury.” “We encourage ‘going SLO,’ said Simonson. “Using Safes, Locks or Outside the home storage options help prevent accidents and intentional self-harm.” Finding solutions to suicide is a continuous process that requires continuous refinement and collaboration. “For 2021 and beyond, it’s an all-hands-on-deck engagement strategy,” said Tudor. “It will take all of us across all levels of command alongside our Total Force teammates to get after the programs, tools and resources available and put them into practice. We need to maintain engagements with our sister services, academia, industry and other government agencies to refine our approach and implement new evidence-based solutions.” “We remain focused on suicide prevention and keeping our Airmen’s resiliency as a priority,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. “We can never stop working to find ways to combat suicide and take care of our Airmen and their families.” The Department will hold a resiliency strategy summit this April where a diverse group of resiliency experts, civilian organizations, families and military members from all Department of the Air Force components will gather to propose a new resiliency strategy to meet today’s demanding environment. “We are committed to seeking innovative ways to better care for Guardians and their families, as well as the Airmen who support our Space Force team,” said Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond, U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations. “We are establishing and distilling a unique culture across this new service, one that values help-seeking and fosters resilience.” During the summit, experts will review a vast collection of data from across the Air and Space Forces gathered by family, spouses and service members. This collection will help the Department analyze this data and continue to refine the new strategy that senior leaders will learn from to make future decisions for the Department.

P-S GAR celebrates Month of the Military Child

By Airman Kaitlin Castillo| PETERSON-SCHRIEVER GARRISON PUBLIC AFFAIRS PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — Col. James Smith, Peterson-Schriever Garrison commander, signed a proclamation to begin Month of the Military Child for the garrison on April 2, 2021. Activities for the month long celebration include a door decorating contest, a masquerade ball, a gratitude garden and community library grand opening. “It’s a time that the community can come together and support military-connected children,” said Ruth Moore, Schriever Air Force Base school liaison. “These kids deserve our support as they support their family members who serve.” In 1986, Defense Secretary Casper Weinberg established April as Month of the Military Child in order to celebrate military children and the sacrifices they make in order for their loved ones to continue to serve our country. A parent’s military career can be difficult on children; from constantly changing schools and having to make new friends, to saying goodbye to their parents for months on end. This requires an underestimated amount of resiliency and strength. “The official flower of the military child is the dandelion,” said Moore. “The plant puts down roots almost anywhere, and it’s almost impossible to destroy." The garrison community is also encouraged to participate in “Purple-Up Day” on April 16. When combining the official colors of each military branch it creates purple; which symbolizes support for military families and children. A complete list of garrison Month of the Military Child events can be found on the 21st and the 50th Force Support Squadron websites. For specific event details for Peterson AFB, please contact Victoria Henderson, Peterson AFB school liaison, at 719-556-7832 or victoria.henderson.1@spaceforce.mil and Ruth Moore, Schriever AFB school liaison, at 719-567-6176 or ruth.moore.1@spaceforce.mil.

(U.S. Space Force photo by Airman Kaitlin Castillo)

Col. James Smith, Peterson-Schriever Garrison commander, signs a proclamation to kick off Month of the Military Child for the garrison at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, April 2, 2021. The garrison will be hosting events all throughout the month of April in celebration of military children and the sacrifices they make.

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CFSCC leaders visit JTF-SD By Joint Task Force-Space Defense Public Affairs

Maj. Gen. DeAnna Burt, commander of Combined Force Space Component Command, U.S. Space Command; and deputy commander of Space Operations Command, U.S. Space Force, and Chief Master Sgt. Grange Coffin, CFSCC command senior enlisted leader, stand with leaders of CFSCC’s sister component, Brig. Gen. Tom James, Joint Task Force-Space Defense commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Jacob Simmons, JTF-SD command senior enlisted leader, during their April 1 visit to the organization at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. During the visit, CFSCC and JTF-SD leaders discussed ways to maximize their effectiveness as they execute USSPACECOM missions.

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SPACE OBSERVER | A P R I L 8 , 2 0 2 1 | C S M N G . C O M

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Honorary Commanders gain access to the forefront of space innovation By 2nd Lt. Kaitlin Cashin | 30TH SPACE WING

VANDBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — The Honorary Commander Program at Vandenberg Air Force base is a paired partnership between local leaders and base leadership. The distinction of the Honorary Commander position comes with a two-year term filled with exposure to Vandenberg missions through a series of tours, volunteering engagements, shadowing programs, and heritage celebrations. A positive relationship that has fostered through the program is with the community leader Bob Hatch, who has served as the 30th Space Wing Honorary Commander for several years. “This is not just a ceremonial position, said Hatch. ”This is a working relationship where you interface with your military counterpart, get to know them and their mission, and also introduce them to what you do.” The position offers community leaders a variety of Vandenberg connections and in some cases, to top leaders of the military. Such was the case for Hatch who conveyed pride in the relationships fostered. Military leaders value the program because it creates opportunities for Airmen and Guardians to gain industry knowledge, pursue professional development through local networks, and learn about the recreational programs in their areas. See Honorary page 12

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(U.S. Air Force photos by Michael Peterson/Released)

Mr. Bob Hatch, 30th Space Wing honorary commander, speaks to Vandenberg leadership and fellow community members involved in the 30th SW Honorary Commanders Program during a breakfast meeting Jan. 18, 2018, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The 30th SW Honorary Commanders Program is designed to foster support between the base and local communities, encouraging an exchange of ideas and experiences, and to promote public awareness of the Air Force's missions, policies and programs.

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C S M N G . C O M | A P R I L 8 , 2 0 2 1 | SPACE OBSERVER

AFIT awards 236 master’s, doctorate STEM degrees 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio — During the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management graduation ceremony March 25, history was made as this year’s class included Guardians of the U.S. Space Force. A total of 230 master’s and six doctorate degrees were awarded in the science, technology, engineering and math fields. One graduate earned dual master’s degrees. Due to current COVID-19 concerns, the commencement ceremony was livestreamed for family and friends. The graduating class included 172 Air Force officers and three noncommissioned officers, 33 Space Force officers, six Army officers, five Marine Corps officers, 11 Defense Department civilians and three defense contractors. Two international students from Australia also graduated. “Your AFIT degree will give you initial credibility with others but also establish some very high expectations of your ability to use what you learn here to help solve some of the tough challenges facing our Air and Space Forces today and in the future,” said Dr. Todd Stewart, AFIT director and chancellor. “I am confident that your AFIT program has prepared you well to make important contributions for our Air and Space Forces.” Following Stewart’s remarks, Acting Secretary of the Air Force John P. Roth relayed a message in a recorded video. “Graduates, as you relish in this moment, be proud,” he said. “Benjamin Franklin once said, ‘If a man empties his purse into his head, no one can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.’ As a career comptroller, I can tell you, he was right. “Education certainly pays the best interest, but it is up to you to invest. Going forward, I encourage you to take

10 SPACE OBSERVER

what you have learned combing over thousands of pages, hundreds of studies, and countless papers and focus on three areas: inspire, inquire and take initiative.” Lt. Gen. James Hecker, Air University commander and president, also congratulated the graduates. “You will be known as AFIT graduates now. There is only a small fraction of our Air and Space Force that can say they are AFIT graduates, and that means something,” he said. “Make sure that you always know, people will look at you differently because you are an AFIT graduate. Be the person the commander goes to when they have a hard job to get done, because that is going to be the expectation. “And guess what? You will deliver because of the faculty and everything you learned here. You are prepared to meet that challenge.” Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond, the first chief of Space Operations, was guest speaker for this year’s ceremonies and praised the graduates for their hard work and accomplishment. Raymond conveyed that the Air Force Institute of Technology has been the means by which the Air Force has enhanced the technological superiority of the nation’s air, space and cyber forces for more than a century. AFIT and its predecessor organizations have delivered world-class education to hundreds of thousands of defense professionals. “Today, we are operating in an extremely complex security environment, probably the most complex environment since the Cold War,” Raymond said. “There is a lot that can go wrong and there are many challenges that lie ahead. Now, more than ever, we need technically minded joint warfighters who are ready to meet the chal-

| APRIL 8, 2021 | CSMNG.COM

lenges of our time. “While I have no doubt that our joint coalition forces are the envy of the world, our advantage, our superiority is diminishing. Parity undermines global stability. We must rapidly evolve and stay ahead of that growing threat. The Department of Defense is primed for rapid innovation and transformation, and it is you who will inspire and lead that change. There is no moment better than now, and no one better than you to lead that effort.” Raymond urged the graduates to employ what they had learned at AFIT. “Don’t be afraid to fail, don’t be afraid to fall short,” the general said. “Trust yourself and trust what you learned. You are all ready and all of you are good enough to do great things in defense of our freedom.” AFIT’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management is a research-based institution offering programs leading to Master of Science and Doctorate of Philosophy degrees in engineering, applied science and selected areas of management. The school’s mission is to provide high-quality, graduate-education programs and engage in research activities that enable the Department of the Air and Space Force to maintain its scientific and technological dominance. At an awards ceremony earlier in the day, the following students were recognized for their exemplary performance: Capt. James Crumpacker of the Operational Sciences Department received the Chancellor’s Award for proSee AFIT Degrees page 11

AFIT Degrees FROM PAGE 10

ducing the most exceptional individual master’s thesis. First Lt. Hanna GjermoChomitz from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department received the Mervin E. Gross Award for her exceptional academic achievement and high qualities of character, initiative and leadership. The award is named in honor of Brig. Gen. Mervin E. Gross, the institute’s first commandant. Capt. Evan Fortney of the Systems Engineering and Management Department received the Louis F. Polk Award. The winner of this award exhibits the highest standards of academic and professional accomplishment — and through research — made a significant contribution toward strengthening the nation’s industrial defense base. Capt. Justin Tullos from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department received the Edwin E. Aldrin Sr. Award, presented for displaying the most exceptional leadership characteristics while in the graduate program. The award is sponsored by the Air Force

Association’s Wright Memorial Chapter and named in honor of Lt. Edwin E. Aldrin Sr., a member of the institute’s first graduating class in 1920, who upon graduation, became AFIT’s first vice commandant. Master Sgt. Arvin Bada of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department received the Secretary James G. Roche Award for demonstrating exceptional academic achievement through a combination of grade-point average and outstanding research, as well as high qualities of character, initiative, leadership and service. The award is named after former Air Force Secretary James G. Roche, whose leadership in 2002 led to the first class of noncommissioned officers in the Graduate School of Engineering and Management. The following students met all degree requirements and were approved for the designated degree (in bold): Doctorate of Philosophy Aeronautical Engineering Capt. Ruben Adorno-Rodriguez

Maj. Michael Wilkinson Applied Physics Lt. Col. James Bowers Capt. Carlos Diaz Electrical Engineering Dr. Isaac Weintraub Optical Sciences and Engineering Dr. Jonathan Slagle Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering 1st Lt. Alexander J. Brown 2nd Lt. Anthony Cabri Capt. Joshua Embrador Capt. Christopher Fassio Capt. Evan Glowiak Capt. Paul Grossi 2nd Lt. Andrej Lysak* 2nd Lt. Caleigh Nelson Capt. Jacob Olsen Capt. Torin Quick Capt. Patrick Silberberg (Marine Corps) Capt. Luke Steinberg Capt. Nathan Tedder Capt. Jake Willstatter Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering 1st Lt. Cecily Agu Capt. Layne Barrett Nathan Boone 2nd Lt. Nathaniel Enders* Taylor Foy Capt. Connor Gurley Jonathan Olsten 2nd Lt. Devin Saunders

Capt. Daniel Scala Master of Science in Materials Science 2nd Lt. Benjamin Lam Capt. Richard Reinink Master of Science in Space Systems Capt. Joseph Bacon Capt. Steven Bednarski Capt. Ranell Cavitt Capt. Jessica Horn* Capt. Carl Poole Maj. Michael Sherman Maj. Matthew Whitaker Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Master of Science in Computer Engineering Capt. Kyle Hintze 1st Lt. Robert Mellish 2nd Lt. Ryan Raettig* 2nd Lt. Dillon Tryhorn Master of Science in Computer Science 1st Lt. Mark N. Adams 1st Lt. Ricky D. Anderson 2nd Lt. Claire Badger John Beighle 2nd Lt. Vincent Bownes 2nd Lt. Brian Curran 2nd Lt. Mark Demore Capt. Matthew Eilertson 2nd Lt. James Elkins 2nd Lt. Brennen Garland 2nd Lt. Joshua Larson Capt. Ryan Nartea Tech. Sgt. Daniel Oke Capt. Connor Pipan

Capt. Graeme Roberts Capt. Luis Sepulveda Capt. Joshua H. White 2nd Lt. Robert Willburn 2nd Lt. Chad A. Willis Master of Science in Cyber Operations Master Sgt. Arvin Bada* 2nd Lt. Ryan Baity Capt. Khaled Basrawi Capt. Brenna Cole* Capt. Justin M. Durham Capt. John Hannah* Capt. Stephanie Long Capt. Enjoli Morales Master of Science in Electrical Engineering 1st Lt. Destinee Battle Kevin Chandler Capt. Henry Cho Capt. Daniel J. Clarke* 1st Lt. Benjamin W. Davis Capt. William Deberry 1st Lt. Israel Dunk (Australia) Capt. Jordan Eldridge 2nd Lt. Kyle Emery Capt. Sean Feschak Capt. Steven Frank 1st Lt. Noah Friz 1s t Lt. Hanna Gjermo-Chomitz* Capt. Grant Graupmann 1st Lt. Eulalie Grodner 1st Lt. Zackary Hewitt Capt. Tyler Hussey See AFIT Degrees page 12

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AFIT Degrees FROM PAGE 11

Capt. Ethan Jacquin 2nd Lt. Natalie Ketner 1st Lt. Justin S. Lee 1st Lt. Colton Mott Maj. Adam D. Murphy 1st Lt. Austin Nathaniel 2nd Lt. Connor Paw Capt. Christian Potts 1st Lt. Mitchell Rudy 1st Lt. John Stader Capt. Sureshan Suntharalingam (Australia) Capt. Justin Tullos Capt. Ryan P. Wilkerson Capt. Brian M. Wright Capt. Rick Yuan Capt. Aubrey Olson Capt. Kaitlin Poole Department of Engineering Physics Master of Science in Applied Physics Capt. Tyler Brewer Capt. Derek Buckley 1st Lt. Rodney Carmona Capt. Blake Galloway Capt. Seth Garland* Capt. Simeon Hanks Capt. Alexander Holstead Matthew Husk 1st Lt. Brian Kay 1st Lt. John Nguyen 1st Lt. Michael Rynders 2nd Lt. Adrian Scheppe 1st Lt. Anne Werkley Master of Science in Atmospheric Sciences

Capt. Stewart Almeida Capt. Britta Gjermo-Morrison 1st Lt. Seth Powers Capt. Andrew Siebels Master of Science in Materials Science Maj. Joshua Frey (Army) (dual degree) Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering 1st Lt. Stephen Baxter 2nd Lt. Marcus Brinker Capt. Sean Fitzpatrick (Army) Maj. Joshua Frey (Army) (dual degree) Maj. Aaron Heffelfinger (Army) 1st Lt. Zachary LaMere* Capt. Jason Seik Capt. James Stofel* Master of Science in Optical Sciences and Engineering Timothy True Department of Mathematics and Statistics Master of Science in Applied Mathematics 2nd Lt. Jeremiah Lane* Capt. Aron Wing Department of Operational Sciences Master of Science in Logistics Maj. Joshua D. Meyer Maj. Francis Rupert Capt. Phillip Wuebold Master of Science in Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Lancor FROM PAGE 3

traveling sports teams is no simple task for Lancor. He says it’s all possible thanks to his wife and children and their understanding helps him to maintain balance.

Honorary FROM PAGE 9

“Our honorary commanders provide invaluable insight to the interests and concerns of the local community,” said Col. Anthony Mastalir, 30th Space Wing commander. “Bob has made a commitment to being present for our service members in a way that goes beyond his position as the honorary commander. He is a friend to Vandenberg.” At its core, the purpose of the Honorary Commander Program, as an extension of the Air Force Civic Leaders Program, is to educate non-military members and local leaders by providing up-close and personal exposure to Airmen and Guardian missions and military customs. Hatch reflected on a time he was permitted exclusive access to viewing a rocket launch, “It was surprising to see all of the parts that came together in one room to make the mission happen,” said Hatch. He found the opportunity to participate rewarding. The 30th Space Wing mission to “launch and test

12 SPACE OBSERVER

Capt. Scott Carr Capt. Meaghan Crandell Capt. Ioan Gaitan Capt. Hunter Kalin Capt. David Portee Capt. John Ritschard* Capt. David W. Wallace Master of Science in Operations Research Capt. Justin L. Anderson Capt. Jessica Astudillo Capt. Jeremiah Bill Capt. Zachary Butcher Capt. Matthew Cornman Capt. James Crumpacker* 1st Lt. Nathaniel Dennie Capt. Stephen Donnel 1st Lt. Alex R. Gaines Maj. John Goodwill (Army) 2nd Lt. Emily Graves Julia Haines Capt. Donald Hale Capt. Kimberly Holland Capt. Benjamin Huffman Lt. Col. Joseph Liles* 2nd Lt. Michelle McGee 2nd Lt. Nicholas Pollack 2nd Lt. Matthew Scherer Maj. Camero Song (Army) 2nd Lt. Emmie Swize Capt. Erick Tello Capt. Julius Walker Capt. Andrew S. Wilson (Army) Capt. William F. Wilson Capt. Kylie Wooten Department of Systems Engineering and Management Master of Engineering in Applied Systems Engineering Capt. Raza Alyas Capt. Alex Arlint

Capt. Isaiah Bragg Capt. Robert Cline Michael Cutter Capt. John Jozsa Capt. Robert D. Rodgers Capt. Tony Zilli Master of Science in Cost Analysis 1st Lt. Evan Amato 1st Lt. Christopher Bissing Capt. Christian Erneston 1st Lt. Karina Fernando 1st Lt. James Goljan* 1st Lt. Alexander Pollack Capt. Joshua Reese 1st Lt. Colin Sandor 1st Lt. Cameron Scott 1st Lt. Erwin Spencer Capt. Thinh Tran 1st Lt. Trevor Violette Master of Science in Engineering Management 2nd Lt. Yaquarri Adams 1st Lt. Christopher Amaddio Capt. Alexander Baldwin Capt. Sarah L. Brown Capt. Joseph Chapman 1st Lt. Kelsie Crouch 1st Lt. Stephen Cunningham* Capt. Devin Depalmer Capt. Tyler Ferry Capt. Evan Fortney Capt. Kenneth Neal Capt. Mathew Nicholson Capt. Jared Pilcher Capt. John Pollock Capt. Daniel Ress Capt. Kyle Rodriguez 2nd Lt. Tyler Stout 1st Lt. Scott Weiss* Capt. Louis Zib Capt. Carlos Esguerra

Kurt Lamm Master Sgt. Vincent Olshove Capt. Kaitlyn Ryan* Capt. William Sousa 1st Lt. Adam Teston Master of Science in Environmental Engineering & Science Maj. Daniel Schurman (Marine Corps) Capt. Troy Searcy* (Marine Corps) Capt. Jacob Spaulding (Marine Corps) Maj. Jeffry P. Hart (Marine Corps) Megan Shade Master of Science in Systems Engineering 2nd Lt. Bretton Bethel Capt. Kyla Brown Capt. Foster Davis 2nd Lt. Eugene Denezza 2nd Lt. Mikaela Dimaapi Capt. Benjamin Donohoo Capt. Keith Dreyer Capt. David Feibus Capt. Ethan Gaston Capt. Tommy Hernandez Capt. Daniel Herreraramirez Mark Kassan Capt. Sean R. Kelly Capt. Jeffery King Capt. Dalton Miller Capt. Justin R. Miller 2nd Lt. Jordan Peterson* Capt. Clayton Wilson *Distinguished graduate

“Life is like a seesaw,” said Lancor. “Sometimes certain parts of life are heavier, but then when [heavier] parts lessen, I have more time to spend on hobbies. Ultimately, being a father and a husband is the middle of the seesaw, the grounding force that allows me to do what I do.” Being a part of the USSF is just another adventure for Lancor. He explained how awesome it is to be a part of history and that he’s excited to see what the future

holds for his new service. “My hope and belief is that the USSF will be a leader of all nations in the space arena just like the Air Force, Army and Navy,” said Lancor. “It is human nature to explore, and the world isn’t getting any bigger, so naturally we reach to space for that exploration. As exploration continues to grow, the U.S. needs to protect itself and the Space Force was created to make that happen.”

above the rest,” is an exciting feature for honorary commanders to witness. Another more routine aspect of the program is exposure to military customs and ceremonies. Hatch is known by many units for his attendance and support of military ceremonies. He noted that the recognition of quality performance is one of the most rewarding aspects of his involvement in the program. “The least a grateful nation can do is to recognize good performance,” he said. “It advances the notion that you’re appreciated, and it promotes the spirit of young members.” During his time as an honorary commander, Hatch supported the Annual Awards ceremony every year in conjunction with his position as chair of the Military Affairs Committee and with his networks as former Chief Executive Office of the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce. He shared how he prides himself on being able to foster a regional understanding for the base mission and members. “This relationship goes both ways. I am able to recognize our troops for the hard work they do, and these businesses are able to gain exposure to one of the most economically stimulating groups in the region,” com-

mented Hatch. Upon completion of an honorary commander’s twoyear term, Vandenberg Public Affairs hosts an annual “Hail and Farewell” change of command ceremony. While this ceremony opens the door to new partnerships for the base and its leadership, the relationships established through the two-year term do not conclude with this ceremony. When asked what advice or words he has for future honorary commanders, Hatch said, “You want people who show up, demonstrate interest, and who are invested in getting to know the Airmen and Guardians.” The Vandenberg Public Affairs office manages the honorary commander’s program. Honorary commander candidates are required to be U.S. citizens of good character with a leadership position in local, regional, or national affairs. They cannot be an employee of the federal government, an active or retired member of the military, and must not hold financial interests that conflict with their role as a Vandenberg partner. If you have questions about the program or would like to offer a nomination, please contact 30sw.pa.workflow@us.af. mil with a biography and a justification.

| APRIL 8, 2021 | CSMNG.COM

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