TRAVIS TAILWIND
a ir Mobility coMM and Public a ffairS
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. — Air Mobility Command and Air Force Global Strike Command leadership recognized airmen at multiple air refueling bases Aug. 27-Sept. 5 who played a critical role in the success of Operation Midnight Hammer. Gen. Johnny Lamontagne, AMC commander, and Maj. Gen. Ty Neuman, AFGSC Strategic Plans, Programs and Requirements Director, expressed their appreciation and reinforced the strategic significance of the June strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities at events that honored airmen from Travis Air Force Base; Fairchild AFB, Washington; Altus AFB, Oklahoma; McConnell AFB, Kansas; MacDill AFB, Florida; and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.
“We are incredibly proud of the airmen who made this complex and important mission successful,” Lamontagne said. “They are a unified
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story started when our grandfather graduated West Point in 1956 and served more than 30 years in the U.S. Army,” Forlini, 60th Healthcare Operations Squadron family medicine physician said. “His character and values planted the desirability of military service in our heads at a young age. Then
Coach Gidley, the tennis coach at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), spoke about recruiting us to play on the team and become U.S. Air Force cadets, that’s when our interest was truly sparked.” Back in 2013, the twins, fraternal sisters, were invited to attend a summer seminar to learn more
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Courtesy file photo
Gen. John Lamontagne, Air Mobility Command commander and Maj. Gen. Ty W. Neuman, Air Force Global Strike Command director of strategic plans, programs and requirements, prepare to depart McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., Sept. 3.
Army & Air Force Exchange Service, Red Bull giving away $50,000
in prizes
TRAVIS AIR FORCE
BASE — Military shoppers can rev up some excitement by entering to win a Red Bull KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition bike in the latest sweepstakes presented by the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Red Bull.
From Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, authorized Exchange shoppers 18 and older worldwide can enter the Red Bull KTM Bike sweepstakes at ShopMyEx change.com/sweepstakes to win the grand prize – a Red Bull KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition Bike and a $1,000 Visa gift card. Four winners will be selected to win the bike and gift card, a prize value of $13,499 each. Ten additional entrants will win a Red Bull KTM Team back-
pack, valued at $153. “It is an honor for the Exchange to provide an opportunity to add more excitement in the lives of our shoppers,” said Travis Exchange General Manager Cathie Byrns. “The bike and $1,000 Visa gift card makes this sweepstakes especially exciting.” No purchase necessary to win. Drawings will take place around Nov. 7. Bikes must be picked up at a designated local dealership in the U.S. Department of Defense and Coast Guard civilians and honorably discharged Veterans who have confirmed their eligibility to shop online may also enter. Veterans can visit https://aafes.media/ paveterans to learn more about their shopping benefit. DoD civilians can visit https://aafes.media/ cacbenefitspa.
Serving Travis Air Force Base and the surrounding community 1250 Texas St., Fairfield, Calif. 94533 707-425-4646 | Fax 707-425-5924
Publishers: Foy S. McNaughton and T. Burt McNaughton
Advertising Manager: T. Burt McNaughton Editor: Todd R. Hansen Layout : Aaron Rosenblatt
Travis brings ‘1 Degree of Separation’ program to base
FORCE
BASE — In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, the Integrated Prevention & Response Office (IPRO) at Travis Air Force Base hosted three sessions of “1 Degree of Separation” on Sept. 4. The performances featured four comedians blending humor with candid conversations about depression and suicide. “1 Degree of Separation” uses clean comedy and personal storytelling to deliver a form of mental health first aid that teaches “how to have a conversation” through a set of five non-judgmental questions about depression and support.
Each session began with a stand-up routine that set a lighter tone before transitioning to a panel discussion where the comedians answered the five questions based on their own experiences with depression. Attend-
ees also received a card featuring these questions to use as a tool for guiding conversations with clarity and empathy.
One of the performers spoke about the importance of using humor to open the door for deeper discussions on difficult subjects.
“For me, it’s very personal because I am a veteran and in my 20 years in the Marine Corps, I never had an effective suicide prevention program,” said Kevin
Davis, a comedian with ‘1 Degree of Separation,’. “Humor relaxes you and opens a different side of your brain. People come to training expecting a dry PowerPoint, then they see comedians being themselves, they relax, and they actually take in the message. The arts, including comedy, are effective with people who have PTSD or traumatic brain injury, so humor can be the catalyst to start serious conversations like the ones we have at
‘1 Degree of Separation.’”
For many in attendance, the program offered both practical tools and reassurance that talking about depression does not have to be overwhelming.
“The show was a different take on depression and suicide,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ingrid Ramirez, 60th Air Mobility Wing occupational safety noncommissioned officer in charge. “I enjoyed the fact that it started off as a comedy show and let my mind feel more at ease to hear about the topic that can be tough and not always easy to discuss so openly.”
Ramirez said the event also gave her a new way to connect with others who may be struggling.
“I probably won’t be as funny as the guys in the show, but I have a new approach to starting a conversation with a teammate who might need it,” she said.
‘1 Degree of
Travis Exchange celebrates AF’s 78th birthday with nearly $6,500 in sweepstakes prizes
A rmy & A ir Force
exchAnge Service
Public A FFAirS
TRAVIS AIR FORCE
BASE — The Air Force is turning 78, and the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is joining the celebration with nearly $6,500 sweepstakes prizes for the military community.
“For 78 years, the Air Force has been a dominant fighting force,” Travis Exchange General Manager Cathie Byrns said. “The Exchange recognizes the dedicated service and
sacrifices airmen have made throughout history, honoring their commitment both in the past and present.”
From Sept. 12 through Oct. 12, authorized Exchange shoppers 18 years and older can enter to win one of more than 140 prizes. Enter at ShopMyExchange. com/sweepstakes for a chance at: n Seirus Soundtouch Xtreme All-Weather gloves, $47.95 value (25 winners).
n ESS Rollbar ballistic eyewear, $84.25 value (five winners).
n Outdoor Element Firebiner Black Forest multitool, Scout Feather survival knife and Fiber Light Tinder round tin bundle, $76.85 value (25 winners).
n YETI Roadie 32 cooler, $345 value (two winners).
n YETI 20-oz. Rambler travel mug 20oz, $31.00 value (20 winners). n Camelbak 50-oz. Thrive Chug Bottle, $16.50 value (five winners).
n Groove Life Ultra belt, $49.95 value (10 winners).
n Rite in the Rain
Monsoon Rapid Pouch, $32.95 value (25 winners). n Nite Ize three-pack S-Biner dual carabiner, $8.95 value (25 winners). Shoppers can find additional Air Force birthday savings at BXs and PXs as well as ShopMyExchange.com. Visit ShopMyExchange.com/ savings-center/weeklyads to view weekly sales flyers. No purchase necessary to win the sweepstakes. To apply for a Military Star card, see a store associate or visit https://aafes.media/ militarystar25.
Airmen laugh during a “1 Degree of Separation” comedy session at Travis Air Force Base, Sept. 4.
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Kenneth Abbate/U.S. Air Force file photos
Comedians with “1 Degree of Separation” answer questions during a panel discussion at Travis AFB, Sept. 4. The program provided airmen with five key questions to help start conversations about depression.
Operation Warm Heart: Helping airmen through difficult times
Staff Sgt. Scott Warner
621ST CONTINGENCY RESPONSE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
TRAVIS AIR FORCE
BASE — In August 2024, one airman’s life was forever changed when her sister passed away.
The tragedy was unexpected and sudden for Staff Sgt. Kai Stewart, 821st Contingency Response Support Squadron functional readiness manager, and throughout this hardship, Stewart was supporting her family.
“My world was shaken by the unexpected passing of my sister,” Stewart said. “I had already accumulated significant debt supporting her through her transition and helping my family throughout that emotional journey.”
Unfortunately for Stewart, just a few months later, she received another devastating call. An immediate family member, whose identity wishes to be kept anonymous, had attempted suicide.
Military Star honors Air Force birthday with
exclusive one-day savings
“I felt like there was no time to grieve or recover over my sister before receiving that phone call,” Stewart said. “I was still emotionally and financially strained, and I was left in a state of shock and
Twins
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about the academy, and after returning home from their recruiting trip, they were both convinced that active-duty military service was the direction they wanted to take.
“We realized that playing tennis at U.S. Air Force Academy was more than just being a part of a collegiate sports team, but rather we were building lifelong skills of leadership and resiliency,” Forlini said. “I think that is when we realized that a career in the U.S. Air Force would continue to foster these skills. We were excited about the prospect of being surrounded by like-minded people while serving our country in different capacities, too.”
According to USAFA’s website, “[Cadets] come for the education. Stay for the experience. [Where they] become leaders, innovators, warriors and wingmen, ready to service in the world’s greatest air and space forces.”
“We have so many fond memories of the U.S. Air Force already, most of which stems from attending the academy together,” Romine, 821st Contingency Response Support Squadron Director of Operations said. “From team tennis trips and playing doubles together, to going through the Summer Evasion Program during our freshman summer.” Although they graduated USAFA at the same
uncertainty, not knowing if they would survive their injuries.”
Stewart immediately booked a flight home desperate to be with her family, even though she was still recovering financially from her sister’s passing.
time in 2017, their USAF careers took them immediately in opposite directions as Forlini had to go to medical school in order to become a physician while Romine started her career as a second lieutenant in pilot training at Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, Texas.
“While I was continuing my education at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, it marked the first time I have ever lived somewhere separately from my sister,”
Forlini said. “After graduating USUHS, I went to Eglin AFB to complete my family medicine residency as Lily graduated pilot school and was heading to Travis AFB. Then, by some miracle of fate, a faculty position for a physician opened at Travis AFB and I got it!”
That is when Romine shared something truly rare and unique.
“I think our fondest memory together was when Chloe was able to deliver my son, Rush, last year!” Romine said. “Chloe delivering my son was the truly the most incredible and special moment for two sisters to share and something that we will cherish forever.”
Forlini agreed and reminisced how grateful she was for the experience leading her to this moment.
“I love being with and around my sister, and I remember when we arrived at basic cadet training in 2013, we were placed into separate flights and squadrons. I think that was the first time we ever
Orthodontics
This is where Operation Warm Heart changed Stewart’s life. It is run by the Travis First Sergeants Council on base, and with local donations through fundraiser events, Operation Warm Heart can give financial relief to airmen who need it most.
went our separate ways on in-processing day and didn’t know the next time we would see each other again,” Forlini said.
Forlini added that it was about three to four days into basic training before she saw her sister again.
“I remember I was marching with my flight on the terrazzo and heard a cough that sounded like Lily. Against expected marching standards, I whipped my head around to see Lily’s flight marching behind us and she had seen me and thought that if she coughed I may be able to recognize it,” Forlini said. “We both smiled so big and although we broke military bearing in that moment, it gave us the strength we needed to keep going and I’m glad we did.”
As they were reminiscing, they remembered another time they were separated and reunited.
“In 2020, Lily was on a C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft mission, and at the time, I was still in medical school and doing a fourweek interview rotation at Eglin AFB,” Forlini said. “Lily got notified…that her mission got recut to Eglin AFB and would be landing in two days and would be there for 36 hours. We were ecstatic to say the least! I remember waiting at the airfield for her arrival, and the next 36 hours were spent going to the beach with her crew and explor-
“My leadership, including my first sergeant, Master Sgt. Adam Rademacher, showed immense compassion and support during this time, reminding me that I wasn’t alone,” Stewart said. “In
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ing the town together.”
Now both sisters cherish their time together knowing their careers might take them in a different direction again someday.
“We both love our families and our time together, especially over the holidays,” Romine said. “We love to be competitive with each other and compete in any and all sports together and against each other, including, tennis, pickleball, golf, ping-pong, you name it! We also majored in the same thing at USAFA, which was biology with a French minor.”
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, the birthrate for twins is 30.7 per 1,000 births, which is about 3%.
Factor in that Department of Defense’s Defense Manpower Data Center states that less 1% of the American population serve in the military makes the odds of a twin sisters’ situation of serving in the same branch, at the same base and time as activeduty captains to be closer to one in a million.
Ultimately, this story serves as a reminder that despite the odds, that anything can happen, and getting to spend time with a loved one everyday is ultimately a gift and a blessing in itself.
a rmy & a ir force exchange Service Public a ffairS
TRAVIS AIR FORCE
BASE — Military Star
is honoring the U.S. Air Force on its 78th birthday with one-day savings for the community.
On Sept. 18, airmen and other members of the Travis Air Force Base community who use their Military Star card can enjoy:
n 10 cents off every gallon of gas at Expresses.
n 15% off food purchases at Exchange restaurants.
n $10 off a purchase of $25 or more from any Exchange concession. Coupon required. Shoppers can receive the coupon at the Exchange main store customer service desk.
n Double points for every dollar spent in store, including the Navy Exchange Service Command, Marine Corps Exchange and Coast Guard Exchange.
“It is an honor for Team Exchange to celebrate the Air Force and its distinguished history,” said Exchange General Manager Cathie Byrns.
“To thank everyone for their commitment, the one-day savings are made
in honor of those who serve or have served.” New cardmembers receive a 10% discount on first-day purchases, which can be stacked with any Military Star or Exchange promotion for even deeper savings.
The Military Star card offers fair and flexible terms, including one low APR for everyone, regardless of credit score, and no annual, late or over-limit fees. Cardmembers also receive free standard shipping on orders from ShopMy Exchange.com.
The Military Star card is accepted at all exchanges, commissaries, restaurants, Morale, Welfare and Recreation activities, and online at ShopMyExchange. com, myNavyExchange. com and ShopCGX. com. Eligible activeduty service members, dependents, retirees, Department of Defense civilians, retirees and honorably discharged veterans who have confirmed their eligibility to shop at ShopMyEx change.com can apply for a Military Star card. For more information on Military Star card offers and benefits, visit https://aafes.media/ militarystar25.
Degree
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Separation’ was created by Brad Bonar Jr. and has conducted more than 80 suicide prevention trainings across audiences including first responders, students, medical groups, corporate clients and military communities. The program emphasizes that “depression has one degree of separation: if you don’t suffer, someone you know does.”
According to their website, its structure begins with comedy to
alter brain chemistry, creating a calm safe state for deeper conversation. It then transitions into a panel where comedians share their personal struggles and responses to the five questions, leaving audiences with tools to bridge their own conversations. The event marked the first time the program was brought to Travis AFB. IPRO organized the three sessions to accommodate different shifts and ensure broad participation across the base community. If you or someone you know is struggling, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Staff Sgt. Scott Warner/U.S. Air Force file (2024)
Staff Sgt. Kai Stewart, left, 821st Contingency Response Support Squadron function readiness manager, helps an airman with their Mission Oriented Protective Posture gear at Travis Air Force Base, June 10, 2024.
KC-46 delivers airpower in Vapor Trails exercise
ALTUS AIR FORCE
BASE, Okla. — The 56th Air Refueling Squadron took off from Altus Air Force Base in support of the joint medical exercise “Vapor Trails” at Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas, Aug. 21.
Vapor Trails is a joint mass-casualty and medical readiness exercise designed to enhance aeromedical evacuation and critical care air transport capabilities. The event brings together medical teams, flight crews and support personnel from across the Air Force.
The 56th ARS worked alongside aeromedical evacuation specialists from the 137th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, and critical care air transport teams, also known as CCATT, from the 59th Medical Wing at Joint Base San Antonio. The air crew conducted rapid takeoffs and flight operations to provide CCATT members with in-flight experi-
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that moment of crisis, Operation Warm Heart stepped in and eased a heavy burden.”
For Stewart, Operation Warm Heart covered a significant portion of her travel expenses, allowing her to be with my family during one of the most delicate and fragile moments of their lives.
“Because of their generosity, I was able to hold my family member’s hand when they woke up from emergency surgery […] that is something I’ll never forget,” Stewart said.
Operation Warm Heart is a nonprofit subdivision of the Travis First Sergeant’s Council with a
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team of aircrews, maintainers, munitions experts, logisticians, intelligence, planners and support professionals coming together to provide unrivaled power projection for the joint force.”
By conducting these recognitions together, the commands showcased the long history of seamlessly integrating
ences they often would not receive until faced with a real-world mission.
“Training on the KC-46, as opposed to the C-130 or C-17, presented unique challenges for the
mission aimed at “providing morale, welfare and help when other resources are not available.”
In 2024, the local community in and around Travis AFB donated more than $33K to help airmen and their families in times of need.
“Operation Warm Heart didn’t just help with airfare, they gave me the gift of presence, peace and hope in the middle of heartbreak,” Stewart said. “I will be forever grateful to this organization and its mission. Their support made an impossible moment bearable, and for that, I will carry deep and lasting gratitude.”
In addition to helping airmen and families, Operation Warm Heart and the Travis First Sergeant Council hosted the Gold Stat Ruck March back in
the capabilities of global reach and global strike to project power for America anytime, anywhere.
B-2 Spirit aircraft that conducted Operation Midnight Hammer departed Whiteman AFB in Missouri for a 36-hour mission, reached their targets, and returned home without the need for forward staging because they were enabled by KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft that more than doubled the bombers’ range to more
teams and gave them a chance to broaden their aircraft knowledge,” said Lt. Col. Jeff Carlson, 137th AES senior flight nurse examiner. “Building those muscle memories with
May, which is a base-wide event that honors Department of Defense families that have lost a family member due to their military service.
All the proceeds from the Gold Star Ruck March are donated to the Northern California Chapter of the Gold Star Families. Additionally, 100% of the canned goods and nonperishable food collected during the event are donated to the food bank of Contra Costa & Solano as a way of giving back to the local community that helps airmen.
Operation Warm Heart continues to look for candidates to help, and hopefully, Stewart’s story can be a guiding light to let another airman know they are not alone during their own trials of hardship and tribulation.
than 13,000 miles.
“With the boundless reach our tankers provide, the free world’s only long-range penetrating bombers become unstoppable, capable of deterring aggression and defeating any adversary,” Gen. Thomas Bussiere, AFGSC commander, said. “This is how history is made.”
Editor’s note: The names of those recognized are being withheld to protect operational and personnel security.
each platform helps the teams become more proficient and deliver a higher level of patient care.” During the exercise,
the KC-46 Pegasus demonstrated its flexibility as an air mobility platform.
The aircraft was reconfigured by adding flat pallets
and removing cargo tracks to create a safe, open area for medical teams to move around. This allowed it to support aeromedical evacuation and critical care missions, showcasing how quickly it can transition from fuel operations to patient transport.
“Flying the KC-46 in this role is unique,” said Staff Sgt. Danika Vance, 56th ARS instructor boom operator. “There’s an added layer of responsibility knowing the lives of critically injured or ill patients depend on a stable, smooth flight environment. Every maneuver, altitude change or turbulence encounter directly affects the medical team’s ability to provide care.”
Exercises like Vapor Trails replicate the stress of real-world missions, forcing crews and medical teams to adapt and problem-solve together. Training side by side strengthens joint partnerships and ensures airmen are prepared to deliver safe, effective patient care in any environment.
Airman 1st Class Lauren Torres/U.S. Air Force file
on a KC-46 Pegasus aircraft during
“Vapor Trails” at Kelly Airfield, Texas, Aug. 21. The
Air Mobility Command reactivates 21st Air Force
SCOTT AIR FORCE
BASE, Ill. — Twenty-First Air Force was reactivated, Sept. 5, realigning units from the Eighteenth Air Force and U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center under the new Numbered Air Force structure responsible for Air Mobility Command’s forces.
The NAF activation and command structure realignment allows AMC and subordinate units to achieve a more effective posture, diversify mission sets and better equip airmen to project and sustain power at relevant speed, scale, and distance in support of national strategic objectives.
“Today, the USAF Expeditionary Center and the USAF Expeditionary Operations School are going to continue to thrive. Right next to it, we are going to stand up the 21st Air Force,” said Gen. John Lamontagne, AMC commander. “The vision was to take the 18th Air Force, at 30,000 strong, and the USAF Expeditionary
Center, at 11,000 strong, and bring those to about even. We are going to put flying operations at both Numbered Air Forces, put the global air mobil-
ity support system in both Numbered Air Forces, and bring unity of command, at the NAF level for the installations, to have a clear prioritization of what
needs to be done.”
Lamontagne presided over the 21st AF activation ceremony, where Maj. Gen. Darren Cole assumed responsibility for leading
the Air Force’s newest numbered air force. Cole is now responsible for nine Wings, one group, the Expeditionary Operations School and associated sub-
ordinate units that enable contingency response efforts, humanitarian aid, and global-reach operations in support of national objectives.
“For the last 13 years, the Expeditionary Center has a proud history of organizing, training, and equipping the global air mobility support system, sustaining critical powerprojection bases, and training airmen for expeditionary missions,” said Cole, Twenty-First Air Force commander. “As we consider the future, we have to change. With the activation of the 21st AF, our mission is to deliver rapid global mobility excellence. It is in our DNA, it is who we are as mobility airmen, and it is the standard. It is time to deliver.”
Cole will also lead the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center as a dual-hatted commander. No units will be physically moving and the Center’s mission will continue alongside the Twenty-First Air Force.
of The United Methodist Church™”
Courtesy file photo
Gen. Johnny Lamontagne, Air Mobility Command commander, and Maj. Gen. Darren Cole, incoming commander of the 21st AF, participate in the 21st AF assumption of command ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-
Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 5. With the 21st AF reactivated, realigning units from the Eighteenth AF and U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center under the new Numbered Air Force structure responsible for Air Mobility Command’s forces.
K aren Petitt
375TH
SCOTT AIR FORCE
BASE, Ill. — EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin joined forces with the CEO of Frey Farms, Sarah Frey, to bring over 20 pallets of produce to Scott AFB as part of a nationwide collaboration to reduce food waste, Sept. 5.
Airmen and their families here were treated to hundreds of free watermelon, corn and pumpkins and their Tsamma Watermelon Juice under the EPA’s “Feed it Onward” initiative to connect farmers with nearby military installations to share their bounty with those who serve.
As a retired Army officer himself, Zeldin first expressed his thanks to “the line of patriots” and their families, as well as retirees who were in the audience for the event.
“I’m thinking about their collective service and stories of sacrifice … at times holidays, anniversaries and birthdays missed. The decision to serve in our military may be difficult for some … and for those who continue to raise their hand [to serve] is something for the rest of America to take a step back and reflect on, maybe every day of our lives. Everything we cherish about being able to live in the greatest country in the history of the world is all made possible because of the men and women who answer the call to defend our freedom, our liberty. I’m honored to be able to say thank you for your service.” He shared how the col-
laboration came about when addressing the amount of food that is wasted in this country and how it needs to be cut down. He cited an EPA study about the cost of food waste to each consumer to be about $728 per year. The Feed in Onward program, which is also part of the America’s 250th Celebration, seeks to connect food donors with communities in need while reducing the environmental impact of food waste in landfills. He said he believes today’s event will serve as inspiration for other farms across the nation to partner with the Department of Defense to ensure that this food goes to good use instead of landfills.
From today, he said, “we can all serve as ambassadors” to talk about the many ways to address and solve this issue.
Sarah is one of those passionate ambassadors who brings a depth of understanding about this issue. What started
as a small truck route at age 16 has grown into a multi-state operation and a supplier to major retailers. Frey Farms is located about 1 and a half hours east of the base near Mount Vernon, and while they grow all types of fresh fruits and vegetables, they are the nation’s leading producer of pumpkins.
With the amount of acreage she manages, she said she sees first-hand the amount of food that gets wasted – at the consumer and the farm level. She told the audience that when they take their “perfectly delicious melons home,” to just remember that it was rejected at the grocer because it wasn’t the right size or had a small imper-
fection according to their retail standards. So, the waste, she emphasized, has nothing to do with the quality of the product, but something else.
“This food is so good and nourishes our body, and it kills me to see so much go to waste,” she said. “Through Feed in Onward, I feel we have an opportunity to connect the military bases across the U.S. with farmers, and to get fresh food to our military heroes, [and] for this to be an incredibly successful partnership that will ultimately reduce the amount of food that is wasted in our country.”
On behalf of the men and women at Team Scott, Col. Matt Collins, 375th Air Mobility Wing and Installation commander, thanked the EPA and Frey Farms, as well as those who worked behind the scenes to bring this fresh “fall-themed” produce to Team Scott.
“This exemplifies the selfless collaboration for which Team Scott is known, and highlights the amazing relationship our installation enjoys with our local community. We deeply appreciate their commitment to our service members and their families.”
First Lt. Colton Stanislawski, 458th Airlift Squadron, added, “I can’t think of a better way to use the produce that doesn’t fit the bill at the grocery stores. It’s obvious there’s a huge demand for it, and for it to go to waste would be quite a shame. As we see here, it only took about 15 minutes for it to pretty much be gone … so this is great.”
Senior Airman Violette Hosack/U.S. Air Force file photos
Members of Team Scott gather during a ceremony to launch the Environmental Protection Agency’s new nationwide program to distribute excess food, “Feed it Onward,” at
Scott Air Force Base, Ill., Sept. 5. Free excess produce was given out to the Scott Air Force Base community after the ceremony.
Frey Farms CEO Sarah Frey, right, talks with a member of Team Scott during a “Feed it Onward” ceremony at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., Sept. 5.
New Hampshire Air National Guard to spearhead KC-46A modernization with new test force
Senior
Air
Guard Air Force Reserve Command
Center established its first-ever KC-46A Combined Test Force during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sept. 5.
The milestone establishes the New Hampshire Air National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling Wing and AATC as key players in testing and fielding advanced capabilities for the KC-46, which will benefit the overall joint force.
Gathered beneath the wings of the Spirit of Portsmouth for the event were New Hampshire National Guard leaders and airmen, as well as a delegation from the AATC. Following brief remarks from Col. Nelson Perron, 157th Air Refueling Wing commander and Col. Daniel Wittmer, AATC commander, the dignitaries cut the ribbon, marking the symbolic start to the partnership.
AATC, based in Tucson, Arizona, is tasked with addressing the critical challenge of rapidly adapting existing Air Reserve Component platforms to meet evolving threats. Instead of waiting years for traditional acquisition processes, AATC uses streamlined testing and innovative partnerships to quickly integrate new technologies. This agile approach ensures that the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve remain equipped with the most effective tools to counter near-peer adversaries.
The KC-46A Combined
Test Force is a geographically separated unit of AATC, hosted by the 157th Air Refueling Wing and staffed by the men and women who fly and maintain the jet locally. As part of their modernization efforts, the CTF will explore the capability gaps on the KC-46 to develop,
iteratively test and make fielding recommendations for potential solutions.
The mission of AATC is to rapidly field new combat capabilities to meet emerging threats and maintain a strategic advantage over the nation’s adversaries. Partnering with established wings provides the
test center with a direct connection to the platforms and experienced operators.
“This new CTF, alongside the exceptional capabilities of the 157th Air Refueling Wing and its 12 aircraft, provides a critical test bed for accelerating innovation and ensuring
the KC-46A doesn’t just fulfill its original design, it delivers every capability it can possibly provide,” Wittmer said. “We’re not just maintaining legacy systems, we’re unlocking their full potential to meet the emerging threats of the future battlespace.”
Maj. Ryan Morrison,
KC-46A CTF director and 157th ARW pilot, said the wing was already working on cutting-edge uses of the platform, and the new partnership will provide the funding and resources to continue modernization efforts and make the KC-46 the linchpin in the Indo-Pacific theater.
“Employment of our organic beyond line of sight (BLOS) secure chat capabilities during recent deployments caught the attention of the broader community,” Morrison said. “Establishing the CTF was the next logical progression to continue innovating and enabling the KC-46 to help project airpower over vast distances.”
Morrison explained that the symbiotic relationship will allow the airmen at Pease to continue exploring the realm of what’s possible with the KC-46A, probing gaps such as BLOS and data passage capabilities, and bringing resources that will allow the unit to tackle larger projects and make bigger impacts at a higher level.
In his remarks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Perron said the new partnership reaffirmed the wing’s unwavering commitment to its airmen, the KC-46 and the future of aerial refueling.
“This CTF will merge our airmen’s expertise, their experience and their unique perspectives to create a truly integrated testing environment,” he said. “This partnership with AATC is essential to ensuring that the KC-46 is fully ready to support our warfighters around the globe.”
Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Huffman/U.S. Air National Guard file
Col. Daniel Wittmer, commander of the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center, speaks during a ceremony for the newly created AATC KC-46 Combined Test Center at Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H., Sept. 5.
