TRAVIS TAILWIND
READY TO ROLL
Travis Air Force Base hosts POW/MIA Remembrance Week
the week, the Travis AFB’s Air Force Sergeants Association organized an opening ceremony, ruck march and valor challenge with team obstacles. Each event honored the sacrifice of service members while uniting the base community in remembrance. Nationally observed on the third Friday of September, POW/MIA Recognition Day was established in 1979 to honor those held captive and those unaccounted for from past conflicts. According to the Defense POW/ MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), more than 80,000 U.S. service members remain missing from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf War and other conflicts.
“Their legacy is etched into the hearts of our nation, inspiring us to stand tall in the face of adversity,” said Erick Fierro, 60th Air Mobility Wing executive director. “And to the families, your perseverance is a living testimony to love, loyalty and devotion.” The culminating event was the 24-hour remembrance run, which began Thursday and concluded Friday morning. Participants carried the U.S. and POW/MIA flags around the See POW, Page 6
leaders joins others at AF Academy, Lackland Air Force Base Tour
FAIRFIELD – U.S. Air Force Gen. Johnny Lamontagne, Air Mobility Command commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Jamie Newman, AMC command chief, recently concluded AMC’s fall civic leader tour.
“Our readiness relies on the support of the communities surrounding our installations,” Lamontagne said. “It’s important that civic leaders understand how we grow an airman – officer or enlisted – and the role they play in strengthening those bonds.”
The tour brought together 28 civic leaders from across the country – two from Travis Air Force Base – along with alumni from previous classes, to strengthen an understanding of how the Air Force “makes an airman.”
The group spent time with cadets and instructors at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to learn how the academy combines academics, character-building and leadership training to prepare the next generation of officers.
The civic leaders then boarded a KC-46 Pegasus and flew to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, home of Air Force Basic Military Training. There, they observed the graduation ceremony on Patriot Day, witnessing new airmen officially join the ranks of the U.S. Air Force.
The tour, held Sept. 10-12, offered civic leaders a direct connection to the heritage and pride of the service.
“The second and third days of the AMC Civic Leader tour at Lackland AFB were inspiring and encouraging,” said Zen Hunter-Ishikawa, a civic leader representing Travis AFB. “As a contrast to the prior day at USAF Academy in Colorado, this trip showcased the range of activities undertaken by students and instructors – from basic training to highly specialized enlisted in- flight airmen trades. The visit demonstrated clearly the breadth of USAF preparedness.”
Hunter-Ishikawa, the chief
Capt. Matthew Szabo, 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, prepares to taxi before taking off for a combined air operation with Egyptian air force F-16s in support of exercise Bright Star 25 at Cairo West Air Base, Egypt, Aug. 31.
Egyptian
Collett/U.S. Air Force file
Sept. 19. Team Travis honored prisoners
members still missing and their families.
Hello beautiful people,
it’s your Travis AFB
“Hype-man” checking in as we roll into one of my favorite times of year. Halloween candy, costumes and decorations are everywhere. You can feel the holiday season warming up. I know not everyone shares my excite ment; some people dread this time of year. But that’s exactly what I want to talk about today: your default position.
John Evalle Hype Man
Discovering the power of a starting point
I first heard this concept in an “Advanced
Negotiations” class during a Senior NCO PME course. The instructor shared a brilliant technique: Instead of naming your price first, let the other person set the starting point. Here’s the example they used: You’re selling a truck. You tell the buyer all about the money you’ve put into repairs and upgrades. Then, when they ask what you want for it, you simply say: “Make me an offer.”
In your mind, you might have been willing to settle for $5,000. But because you allow the buyer to set the first number, they might say
See Evalle, Page 4
Travis kids turn good grades into rewards with the BX’s You Made the Grade program
BASE — The BX at Travis is giving top marks to mil-
itary students who ace their academics, celebrating 25 years of the class-act You Made the Grade program.
Military students, including homeschoolers, in 1st through 12th grades, can bring their report cards to the BX customer service area each grading period to receive rewards.
Students with straight A’s receive a $20 Exchange gift card, while students with a B average earn a $10 Exchange gift card.
Since 2000, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service has honored military kids’ hard work in
the classroom. According to the National Military Family Association, the average military child changes schools nine times before graduating –a challenge their civilian counterparts don’t face.
“Military children inspire us with their resiliency when facing challenges such as adapting to new schools or coping with parents’ deployments,” said Travis Exchange General Manager Cathie Byrns. “Academic success is more than just grades. It’s about being ready for what’s next. It is an honor to celebrate these adaptable young scholars.”
Besides the gift cards, students also receive an Exchange coupon sheet for:
See Grade, Page 5
Incirlik airmen take part in Combat Readiness Inspection
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Türkiye — The 39th Air Base Wing conducted Exercise Titan Shield 25-09 as part of a Combat Readiness Inspection Sept. 8-11, assessing operational strengths and areas for improvement to ensure the wing remains prepared to meet mission demands in a dynamic environment.
The exercise showcased the 39th ABW’s ability to provide pacing threat-ready forces to the combatant commander, which is essential to defending vital U.S. interests, deterring aggression, and deepening relationships with allies and partners.
“I am confident our team is prepared and excited to take on any challenge,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Albert Esposito, 39th ABW commander.
and training opportunities possible to prepare them for real-world situations,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. William Yarlett, 39th ABW future operations division chief.
TRAVIS TAILWIND
“Our airmen’s dedication day in and day out, along with their professionalism and teamwork, will make all the difference in this complex scenario.”
U.S. Air Force units across Incirlik Air Base took part in the exercise, with additional support from tenant organizations, making it a
base-wide effort. Unit efforts included 39th Security Forces Squadron responding to simulated ground attacks, 39th Operations Support Squadron adapting to an alternate control tower location, and the 39th Medical and Support Groups’ response to a mass casualty incident.
The 39th ABW is currently postured to complete one wing-level exercise per month, with a large-scale exercise such as a CRI annually.
“One of the goals of the exercises that we plan throughout the year is to give [our Airmen] the most realistic scenarios
The shared challenges during exercises like Titan Shield 25-09 allow airmen to experience the kind of growth and camaraderie often associated with deployed environments. Working through difficult scenarios together enhances a sense of purpose while encouraging teamwork, resilience and tactical excellence.
“The exercise helped me grow as a medic,” said
Staff Sergeant Destiny Robles, 39th Medical Group, non commissioned officer in charge of Immunizations Clinic. “I feel more confident in my clinical skills, and it reminded me how important it is to be there for our patients when it counts.” This exercise highlighted not just the areas where personnel can improve, but also where they are exceeding.
“I think that the biggest takeaway from this exercise was that the wing is ready to sustain operations and deter threats not only for Incirlik, but the region as a whole,” said Yarlett.
engaging with adversaries during Exercise Titan Shield 25-09 at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, Sept. 9. The exercise
trains and tests the 39th Air Base Wing’s ability to maintain operational effectiveness and respond to contingencies in contested environments.
Lt. Col Mark Pomerleau, 39th Medical Group flight commander of education and training, treats a patient during Exercise Titan Shield 25-09 at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, Sept. 10. The mass casualty portion of the exercise tested the ability to deliver fast, coordinated care under pressure.
AFGSC Missile Community Cancer Study advances with burn tests
a ir forCe
global Strike Command
PubliC a ffairS
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — Air Force Global Strike Command continues its partnership with the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine in making significant progress with the Missile Community Cancer Study – a comprehensive investigation into potential health risks associated with service in the missile community.
One specific area which the MCCS is studying, is the discontinued practice of burning classified materials in launch control centers. To address these concerns, the 711th Human Performance Wing is conducting a detailed burn test to analyze emissions produced by the historic disposal process. The emissions from this controlled test will be carefully measured and evaluated. Findings will be used to inform a comprehensive health risk assessment, which is expected to be completed and released later this year. This data-driven approach aims to provide clarity and transparency regarding past practices and their potential impact on the health of service members and support personnel.
In addition to this, the next phase of the epidemiologic study is continuing. This current phase – Phase 2 – marks a substantial expansion of the study’s scope, leveraging state and territorial cancer registry data. Phase 2 includes the analysis of hundreds
of thousands of anonymized cancer cases and comparison populations, allowing researchers to compare incidence in the missile community to the rest of the Department of the Air Force and the U.S. general population. This comprehensive dataset significantly enhances the ability of the study team to detect patterns that may not have been detected in the more limited datasets used in earlier phases.
“The larger and more diverse the dataset, the more robust our conclusions will be,” said Col. Gregory Coleman, AFGSC command surgeon. “By analyzing data from hundreds of thousands of cases, we’re not only strengthening the scientific rigor of this study, but we’re also improving our ability to identify even subtle health risks associated with service in the missile community.”
The data is being reviewed in coordination with universities, scientists, and public health experts across the country to ensure rigorous scientific standards are applied throughout the process.
Air Force Global Strike Command provided an MCCS overview and its current progress during briefings to Congress on Sept. 11. The AFGSC and U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine commanders offered insight on the study’s methodology, outcomes from environmental testing, and the rigorous analysis from outside agencies.
See Study, Page 4
307th Bomb Wing arrives in UK for Cobra Warrior 2025
BARKSDALE
FORCE BASE, La. — U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 307th Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, arrived at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, Sept. 11, to participate in Cobra Warrior 2025 (CW 25-2).
The RAF-led Exercise has been hosted by the United Kingdom bi-annually since 2019, focusing on operational and tactical high-end spectrum warfighting in a contested, degraded and limited operating environment.
CW-25-2 allows participating aircrew and support elements to train in areas like joint mission planning, integration, and tactical skills, ensuring our readiness to accomplish specific military
objectives within a defined area and timeframe. It also serves as the summative event for multiple U.K. Qualified Weapons Instructor courses.
“The primary objective of our mission during Cobra Warrior 2025 is to enhance interoperability with our NATO and allied partners while executing complex, multi-domain operations,” said Lt. Col. Kenny Squires, 307th Cobra Warrior Exercise Deployed Commander.
“We’re here to train like we fight – in joint, coalition environments – so we
can respond effectively to any threat, anywhere in the world.”
The training is held at locations across England and involve forces from multiple NATO and partner nations. While in theatre, the bomber aircrews conduct complex training scenarios designed to develop tactics, techniques, and procedures that can be utilized in near-peer adversary engagement.
This is the second time the 307th BW has participated in a Cobra Warrior Exercise since 2019.
“The B-52 brings strategic reach and long-range strike capabilities to the fight. Exercises like Cobra Warrior 2025 ensure we keep a sharp edge,” said Squires. “For our team, it’s a chance to operate in a high-tempo, coalition environment away from home station and build readiness that underpins global deterrence. It also ensures our allies have exposure to heavy bomber integration and capabilities that they may not see regularly so that both of us are prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.”
An airman from Altus Air Force Base’s 97th Civil Engineer Squadron, Readiness and Emergency Management Flight simulates decontaminating a U.S. Army vehicle during an exercise at Fort Sill, Okla., Sept. 7. During the exercise, soldiers from the 3-2 Air Defense Artillery Battalion
simulated exposure to an unknown Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear agent.
Altus airmen take on CBRN training with Fort Sill
FORT SILL, Okla. — Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear – more commonly known throughout the military as CBRN – refers to the malicious use of hazardous materials or agents that can cause widespread illness, injury or death.
So, why does the military train for these types of attacks? To ensure mission readiness in environments where such hazards may be present.
Recently, airmen from Altus Air Force Base’s 97th Civil Engineer Squadron, Readiness and Emergency Management Flight traveled to Fort Sill, to support the U.S. Army’s 3-2 Air Defense Artillery Battalion in achieving its CBRN training objectives.
“Our task was to provide decontamination sites for two Patriot batteries and their accompanying reconnaissance, selection and occupation of position elements,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Alexander Trippett, Emergency Management Logistics and Training noncommissioned officer in charge. “The Army and Air Force approach decontamination differently, but thankfully, the Department of War’s CBRN tactics, techniques and procedures are captured in joint-service publications. We were able to quickly train ourselves up and conduct internal rehearsals prior to joining their exercise.”
This event not only supported operations at Fort Sill – it also gave the airmen
Soldiers with the 3-2 Air Defense Artillery Battalion are instructed on how to take off their chemical gear during a decontamination exercise at Fort Sill, Okla., Sept. 7.
Airmen from Altus Air Force Base’s 97th Civil Engineer Squadron, Readiness and Emergency Management Flight traveled to Fort Sill, Okla., to support the U.S. Army’s 3-2 Air Defense Artillery Battalion in achieving its Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear training objectives.
of the 97th the opportunity to train newer members and demonstrate their capability to lead decontamination processes for a large formation.
“In a future conflict, Air Force CBRN
specialists may find themselves operating in small teams – mobile detachments tasked with a wide array of responsibilities and minimal oversight,” Trippett added.
During the exer -
cise, Soldiers from the 3-2 ADA simulated exposure to an unknown CBRN agent. This forced them to rapidly break down their camp and move all personnel and equipment through a decontamination line before establishing a new position.
Once the teams arrived at the decontamination site, airmen from Altus AFB briefed them on the process and guided them through the decontamination of their vehicles, equipment and individual gear.
“For this exercise, I’m most proud of the speed at which the team was able to plan and mobilize, enter the simulated area of
See Altus, Page 8
571st MSAS strengthens Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response capabilities in Ecuador
621ST conTingency
ReSponSe public a ffaiRS
LATACUNGA, Ecua-
dor — Six Air Advisors from the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron (MSAS) partnered with the Ecuadorian Air Force (FAE) at Base Aerea Cotopaxi to conduct a subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) focused on strategic airlift for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HA/DR) operations, Sept. 2-4. This collaborative effort brought together Air Force mobility advisors and regional partners to enhance coordination and interoperability in crisis response. The exchange kicked off with a focus on Command and Control, where Capt. Jayson Yanamura shared best practices for managing military airfield
environments. Emphasis was placed on efficient communication between air traffic control, ground personnel, and aircrews, including streamlined Prior Permission Required (PPR) procedures to improve coordination and safety protocols for specialized operations. The FAE typically operates out of civilian-operated airfields, so the input provided through this exchange helped expand their organic airfield management capability.
Lt. Col. Luis Garcia, Director of Operations at the System of Cooperation Among the American Air Forces (SICOFAA) Permanent Secretariat, provided an overview of SICOFAA’s operational and logistical framework. SICOFAA is an apolitical voluntary organization that unites Air Forces
across North and South America to foster mutual support, friendship, and joint operations as directed by their governments.
Garcia shared the left and right bounds of SICOFAA’s capabilities and facilitated discussions on combined doctrine and the Combined Air Operations Manual (MOAC). FAE leadership shared their experiences working with SICOFAA during the 2016 earthquake in the Ecuadorian province of Manabi, where air mobility support from SICOFAA members, including the Peruvian Air Force and the Bolivian Air Force, provided humanitarian assistance support to the affected population.
“This exchange reinforced our commitment to building a resilient network of airlift capabilities,” said Capt. Valdir
Civic
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development officer of Wiseman Commercial out of Suisun City, noted that civic leaders not only observed BMT graduations, but also gained a broader appreciation of how education and training are coordinated across the force.
“The trip helped me understand the importance of coordinating education with training in any undertaking, and the resilience of airmen at all levels in this uncertain and ever-changing time,” he added.
Throughout the tour, leaders also heard from alumni participants who shared how previous engagements helped them bridge their communities with the Air Force mission. Their presence underscored the continuity and longterm commitment of the program.
“It was a blast showing them the important missions that USAFA and BMT have in making airmen ready for the Air Force we need today and tomorrow,” Lamontagne said.
Lois Cross, the other civic leader representing Travis AFB, said the face-to-face activities with other civic leaders was valuable.
“It was really special to have a chance to get to know our fellow civic leaders from around the country,” she said “We had started our threeyear assignment early this year on remote video
Evalle
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$8,000, earning you $3,000 more than you expected simply because you let them set the starting point. That clicked for me. A negotiation is a lot like life. Your attitudinal “starting point” in your day is what I call your default position. Your default position sets the tone. Think about it this way: If you start your morning in a great mood, you’re more likely to have a great day, even if a few things go wrong. Sure, you might slip from “great” down to “good,” but you’re still ahead. Now flip it around. If you wake up grumpy, it takes a lot of amazing things to turn that day around. Most of the time, you’ll just stay frustrated and have a bad day.
Your attitude is your daily negotiation starting point. It sets the temperature for everything else just like I’ve talked about before with being a “thermostat” instead of a “thermometer.” You control the climate for yourself and the people around you.
conferences, and it just wasn’t the same as being able to discuss all the ways we individually and collectively support our airmen.”
The civic leader program is designed as a three-year effort, gradually exposing participants to the breadth of Air Force training, operations, and global reach. This fall’s tour focused on the foundation of military service – officer commissioning and enlisted development – while future visits will expand into operational and mission-focused training.
The next major milestone for the class will come in April 2026, when they travel to Vance and Altus Air Force Bases to explore pilot training and the demands of aircrew preparation.
The tour reinforced the enduring partnership between Air Mobility Command and the communities that surround its installations. By opening doors to USAFA and BMT, AMC leaders highlighted the shared responsibility of building airmen, ensuring civic leaders understand and champion the development of the force that protects the nation.
AMC Civic Leader alumna Sheila McCabe, assistant superintendent of Education Services for Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District, also attended the tour.
Alex L. Haynes is the chief executive officer for A Squared, a Fairfield-based marketing company.
around happy all the time. But the way you choose to face those challenges matters. Tomorrow morning, before the day gets away from you, check in with yourself. “How am I doing?” When people ask me that question, my go-to response is something like, “Amazing!” or “Too blessed to stress.” Now that didn’t happen overnight. I trained myself to make that my default position – my starting point for the day. And it takes a lot to knock me off that baseline. You don’t have to start at “amazing.” Start at “good.” Wake up, decide you’re going to have a good day, and don’t let small stuff derail you.
Do that a few days in a row and soon you’ll find yourself having great days. And here’s the bonus: Great days are contagious. People are drawn to positive energy. You’ll attract others who want to be part of that good vibe.
Ruiz, Mission Commander for the SMEE. “By sharing expertise and standardizing procedures across our Air Forces, we’re better prepared to support each other and our regional partners during future crises.” This enhanced collaboration strengthens U.S. security by fostering a network of partner Air Forces capable of responding to regional emergencies, ensuring stability in the Western Hemisphere.
The event concluded with a closing ceremony, marking a successful step toward enhanced HA/DR readiness. The 571 MSAS continues to lead efforts in strengthening global mobility partnerships by ensuring rapid, effective cooperation and burden sharing across the western hemisphere.
Why it matters, especially for us
Let’s be real: Military life is stressful. The work you do and the sacrifices your families make are significant. I’m not suggesting you walk
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“The Air Force Missile Community Cancer Study is vital,” said Gen. Thomas Bussiere, AFGSC commander. “We are committed to understanding the risks our Airmen face and taking action based on the study’s findings. Investing in the occupational health of our missile community is not just a responsi-
Hopefully I’ll see some of you on base at Trunk or Treat. Be intentional, set your default position every morning, and above al, be the Spooky Goodness. John Evalle is a retired U.S. Air Force chief master sergeant, who works in theMilitary Affairs Office, Travis Credit Union. jevalle@ traviscu.org.
bility, it’s an imperative for ensuring they are prepared to defend our nation in an increasingly complex world.” Looking ahead, AFGSC will host its next virtual town hall, Oct. 7, to provide the latest updates on the MCCS and address questions. This event is open to current and former service members, family members, and other stakeholders who want to hear directly from Air Force leadership and medical experts involved in the study.
An M4A1 Joint Chemical Agent Detector kit sits on a table during a decontamination exercise at Fort Sill Okla., Sept. 7.
War Department continues nuclear modernization
david vergUn PENTAGON NEWS
NATIONAL
HARBOR, Md. — In light of the changing global security landscape, the War Department is considering how to approach modern-era deterrence differently, said Maj. Gen. Brandon D. Parker, director of global operations at U.S. Strategic Command.
Parker spoke Monday about modernizing the nuclear triad at the Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference at National Harbor.
“We see a lot of promise, both in the programs of record, but also in the legacy systems that we have existing today,” he said. “So, while we go through that modernization process, it’s equally important that we sustain the capabilities that we have today so that we can continue to deter and, if necessary, respond.”
The programs of record include the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile, the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, Columbia-class submarines and nuclear command, control and communica-
tions upgrades.
The legacy systems include the Minuteman III ICBM, the B-52H Stratofortress bomber, the B-2 Spirit bomber and the NC3, which links space-based capabilities.
Modernization of NC3, Parker said, will include incorporating cybersecurity, designing it to integrate with existing and future systems, and incorporating data analytics tools, automation, machine learning and artificial intelligence to aid operators.
“The nuclear triad is the bedrock of our national defense. There’s no element of U.S. military power that can replace the unique deterrence characteristics of nuclear forces,” he said.
The triad provides a wide range of options to the president, Parker added.
The 2022 Nuclear Posture Review reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to a safe, secure, effective, nuclear force posture, which includes all three legs of the triad, he said, referring to submarines, bombers and land-based missiles that can deliver nuclear weapons.
Senior Airman JeanAnn
technician with the 439th
U.S.
ACADEMY, Colo. — A group of Reserve Citizen Airmen from Westover’s 439th Aeromedical Staging Squadron completed their two-week annual tour at the U.S. Air Force Academy to help provide medical care to basic cadets during their field training at Jacks Valley.
The 439th aerospace medical technicians helped basic cadets power through their training to graduate from Basic Cadet Training. BCT is an intense six-week program that transitions incoming civilians into military cadets ready for the academy’s four-year officer commis-
More than 300 basic cadets marched out to Jacks Valley, the academy’s training site on July 13, to complete two weeks of field exercises including an obstacle and assault course aimed at teaching them leadership, teamwork, and perseverance.
unique opportunity for her unit to gain skills in a realworld environment.
“This is a really cool opportunity for us to be hands-on and do what we are trained to do in a real-world environment,” Edwards said. As a reservist, sometimes you can get stuck in the day to day of the drill weekend. But this is what we train for and it makes it all worth it. It’s been impressive to see the younger airmen really jump in and get involved. It shows we are fit to fight and are able to get right into the mission.”
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n A free small fountain, frozen or bubbler beverage.
n A free kid’s meal at participating Exchange restaurants.
n A free combo meal at participating Exchange restaurants.
n A free kid’s hair service or $15 off hair service at The Barber Shop or Hair Studio.
n 10% off any pair of headphones (excluding Apple and Beats).
n 10% off apparel and footwear.
n A $5 coupon at Exchange mall concessionaires or kiosks.
Students who are making progress on their specialized education programs can
participate too. Parents can print this downloadable form on ShopMyExchange.com and have it signed by their child’s teacher or school official each grading period, indicating the modified grades of the student’s academic progress. The signed form can be handed in at the customer service desk at the BX to earn You Made the Grade rewards.
Students who make the grade can also enter a biannual worldwide sweepstakes for a chance to win a $2,000, $1,500 or $500 Exchange gift card. The fall 2025 drawing will take place in December.
To enter the drawing, students or parents can complete the form on the back of the gift card and mail it to: You Made the Grade, PO Box 227398, Dallas, TX 75222-7398.
Westover reservists joined members of the Air Force Academy’s 10th Medical Group to treat any injuries, ranging from dehydration to sprained ankles, providing a critical resource to ensure cadet health and safety and rapid response medical care.
ASTS members worked out of a field clinic at Jacks Valley with limited resources, while treating basic cadets at their point of injury. If a basic cadet needs further treatment, they are transported to the field clinic, where Westover reservists continue to treat patients.
“This is such a great experience because this is exactly how it will feel in a deployed environment with limited resources and having to make decisions on the fly,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kevin Hernandez, 439th ASTS aerospace medical technician. “This is really giving us a unique training environment that you wouldn’t get working in a hospital setting.”
The ASTS specializes in the movement and care of patients during aeromedical evacuation. They are responsible for receiving, processing, and staging patients at a designated location before they are transported by air.
Out at Jacks Valley, reservists are participating in an En Route Patient Staging System, or ERPSS environment, which provides critical points of care before patients are transported to another facility. At the Academy, basic cadets needing further care are transported from the field clinic to the
on-base clinic located a few miles away by ambulance.
“This is very much an ERPSS environment, where we help stabilize patients and provide them care, before moving them to the next point of care if they need additional treatment,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman JeanAnn Kasune.
“We’re limited in what we can do here, but once we see someone needs more advanced care, we send them over to the on-base clinic. That is exactly
what we would be doing down range. What we’re seeing is mostly minor abrasions, nosebleeds, sprained ankles, and blisters. Mostly minor injuries associated with training.”
In total, 15 members with the 439th ASTS participated in the mission, including nine medical technicians and four health service management specialists, one clinical nurse, and one doctor.
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Rozlyn Edwards said that the training presents a
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Shelby Knight, an orthopedic surgical technician with the 10th Medical Group, said that having Westover reservists on-site has been critical to ensuring clinic staff can operate at full capacity.
“Having reservists here allows us to continue our mission in the clinic without having to pull our members to Jacks Valley,” Knight said. “Reservists have played a critical role in ensuring first response medical care to ensure the wellness of our basic cadets.”
Staff Sgt. Joseph Randolph, aerospace medical specialist with the 439th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, wraps the ankle of a basic cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Jacks Valley medical clinic in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 14. Basic cadet training is a six-week program designed to transition civilians into cadets.
Courtesy photo
Maj. Gen. Brandon D. Parker, director of global operations at U.S. Strategic Command, speaks about modernizing the nuclear triad at the Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference at National Harbor, Md., Monday.
AF undersecretary visits Scott Air Force Base
A
SCOTT AIR FORCE
BASE, Ill. — Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier met with leaders at U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, during a visit, Sept. 15.
This immersion deepened Lohmeier’s understanding of how AMC’s Rapid Global Mobility mission underpins all other Joint Force missions, particularly in the key areas of airmen, mission, and commitment as outlined by AMC Commander Gen. Johnny Lamontagne.
Lohmeier also discussed successes and challenges with AMC staff.
“Hearing directly from our staff representatives
is critical for my understanding, not only of the outstanding work these organizations do, but also of some of the hurdles we
as a department face,” Lohmeier said. “These authentic discussions help me wrap my arms how I might better provide the resources and guidance they need to accomplish their critical mission.”
Lohmeier’s visit allowed USTRANSCOM and AMC senior leaders and airmen the opportunity to highlight how the commands are ready to project, maneuver and sustain the joint force anytime, anywhere in support of national objectives.
Lohmeier departed Scott AFB to visit the Boeing plant in St. Louis, to learn about the Next Generation fighter.
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base track in continuous motion, symbolizing the nation’s promise to never forget. Following the run, the flag was transported by motorcade to Vacaville Veterans Memorial for the closing ceremony.
For Team Travis, POW/MIA remembrance carries special meaning through its historic role in Operation Homecoming. As C-141 Starlifters returned American prisoners of war from North Vietnam in 1973, Travis AFB played a key part in the repatriation effort, providing a hero’s welcome to return-
OPEN HOUSE
ing service members. David Grant Medical Center served as a primary processing facility, delivering immediate medical care and support to the POWs.
“There’s only 1% of our nation that chooses to serve,” said Master Sgt. Aaron Reddy, 60th Dental Squadron flight chief. “Some of those members over the past few generations never made it home, and today we honor their sacrifice.”
By participating in these events, Team Travis reaffirmed the enduring promise embodied in the POW/MIA flag: You Are Not Forgotten. For more information about the DPAA mission, visit www.dpaa.mil.
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Staff Sgt. Dalton Williams/ U.S. Air Force file
Maj. Kristin Drell, Air Mobility Command Surgeon General manpower and equipment force packaging system branch chief, right, speaks with Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier during a luncheon at Scott AFB, Ill., Sept. 15.
AFOSI shares mission, recruits talent at AFA
Thomas Brading AFOSI PUBLIC AFFAIRS
NATIONAL HARBOR,
Md. — As the Air & Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference
kicked off near Washington, D.C., Sept. 22, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations special agents were there to remind attendees that the future of U.S. air and space power depends on safeguarding innovation.
At this year’s conference, amid the noise of new hardware and programs, AFOSI’s message cut through with clarity.
“The battle for air and space power begins before it reaches the battlefield,” said Special Agent Rory Swafford, AFOSI Futures and Strategy Cell division chief.
Rather than showcasing equipment, AFOSI used the conference to highlight how it’s shaping tomorrow’s force by defending innovation from foreign adversaries, educating the DAF community on counterintelligence risks and raising awareness of career opportunities for those who may one day
serve as special agents.
“It’s important for us to be here and talk directly with the Department of the Air Force community,” Swafford said.
“Our mission isn’t something just happening in the background, it requires awareness from across the force.”
Recruiting special agents
Alongside its technology protection mission, special agents used the confer-
ence to raise awareness about career opportunities within the agency.
They explained that recruiting is about more than immediate job
CA www.1ag .com
filling, it’s about shaping a future force of enlisted, commissioned, and civilian professionals who bring professionalism and a commitment to national security.
“We’re always looking for the best of the Department of the Air Force,” said special agent Jennifer Holland, AFOSI 1811 recruiter. “Whether enlisted, commissioned, or civilian, learning about AFOSI is the first step for those interested in serving at a higher level and contributing directly to national security.” But their effort extends beyond AFA. In recent months, AFOSI has been active at the Pentagon during National Insider Threat Awareness Month events, highlighting its insider threat mission and fostering personal connections across the DAF, Holland said.
“Events like these give us a chance to explain AFOSI’s mission and start conversations that could lead to future opportunities,” she said. Later this month, AFOSI
Courtesy photo
Special Agents Jennifer Holland and Rory Swafford discuss the Air Force Office of Special Investigations mission
during the Air & Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference, near Washington, D.C.
See AFOSI, Page 8
Croatia,
alliance established the group’s commitment to address shared security challenges, conduct joint research and development and improve NATO interoperability.
Croatia invites United States for global health engagement
ZAGREB, Croatia —
The event brought together medical professionals from Albania, Croatia, the United States, and Kosovo to focus on developing standard operating procedures for the command, control, communications, computers and intelligence module within a deployed Role 2B medical facility.
A Role 2B medical facility is a mobile, modular military field hospital that provides advanced trauma management, emergency surgery, resuscitation, intensive care, and diagnostics, serving as a bridge between frontline care and higher-level treatment centers. Designed to be deployable in austere environments, the Role 2B is structured into functional modules like an operating theater, diagnostic lab and hospitalization ward, supported by a team of medical professionals and logistical personnel.
“Deepening collaboration with Croatia, and encompassing other allies and partners, is paramount to achieving seamless interoperability,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Kolby Parent, The United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Office of the Command Surgeon international health specialist. “This unified approach strengthens our collective ability to respond together and maintain stability in the region.”
The engagement also
aligned with the recently signed trilateral military alliance between Kosovo, Albania and Croatia. The alliance established the group’s commitment to tackle shared security challenges, conduct joint research and development and improve NATO interoperability.
“As a member of NATO and the EU, we are aware of the need for the benefits of mutual cooperation, which also includes the field of military health care,” said Col. Sime Kevric, Croatian army Role 2 medical commander. “We all have specific experiences in this area, and if we share them, it will certainly be of benefit to everyone.”
Three military medics each from Albania and Kosovo joined with their Croatian counterparts in the first-ever trilateral
Altus
From Page 4
operations, execute its tasks, and redeploy to receive a new mission,” Trippett said. “Training like this improves our agility and efficiency, allowing us to accomplish even more in the future.”
CBRN training is
extreme environments –and this joint exercise proved that cross-service collaboration enhances all three. Looking ahead, Trippett shared his vision for streamlined joint operations:
“I want us to get to the point where a mission partner can pick up the phone, ask for a CBRN specialist team and get the full package – without
From Page 7
recruiters are scheduled to join the National Cybersecurity Virtual Career Fair, where attendees can learn about AFOSI’s cyber mission and explore future opportunities.
global health engagement to exchange expertise and share operational experiences. By working together, the participants compared treatment techniques, discussed best practices and strengthened coordination among their nations’ medical teams.
“This event was a great opportunity to develop our medical capabilities and learn from each other,” said Kosovo Army Command Sgt. Maj. Ilir Rama, Kosovo Security Forces Medical Regiment senior enlisted leader. “We were able to exchange experiences, establish contacts and strengthen cooperation between our countries.”
By developing, practicing and refining unified standard operating procedures, the teams ensured they could operate
cohesively in future realworld missions.
“The engagement exposed us to a range of medical practices, technologies and doctrinal approaches that we can adapt and apply, stress testing our systems in a coalition environment,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Suzanna Gjekaj, chief of pediatric dentistry, 86th Dental Squadron. “I hope we continue to grow these relationships, not just at the tactical level, but across strategic and policy-making circles.”
This engagement showcased the power of partnership in strengthening regional medical readiness and advancing collective security. By training together, participating nations are better prepared to save lives when it matters most.
Raising awareness
Back at AFA, special agents also discussed how America’s adversaries are targeting U.S. innovation at every level, from startups seeking investment to satellites orbiting the Earth.
One topic discussed with attendees was that foreign intelligence services are actively targeting the U.S. space industry, which, according to the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC), is projected to grow to more than $1 trillion by 2030.
According to Swafford, space assets underpin everything from banking and emergency response to agriculture, and adversaries are exploiting cyberattacks, counterfeit
parts and supply chain weaknesses to gain the upper hand. That warning is rooted in experience. Just weeks ago, special agents helped secure the launch of the X-37B, a reusable, unmanned spacecraft operated by the U.S. Space Force that conducts long-duration orbital missions to test advanced technologies. By linking real-world operations like the X-37B with its outreach at AFA, special agents underscored for the DAF community that space dominance is impossible without technology protection. The materials also stressed the human dimension, offering guidance on anomaly tracking, insider threat programs and foreign travel debriefs, all tools designed to counter the risk posed by insiders with access to sensitive systems.
By distributing these materials alongside the industry’s big-ticket displays, Swafford said, “Whether guarding satellites, vetting investors, or briefing researchers, AFOSI is a force multiplier of modernization.”
Col. Suzana M. Gjekaj, 86th Dental Squadron chief of pediatric dentistry, speaks with Col. Shime Kevric, Croatian army Role 2 medical commander, during a global health engagement at the Military Medical Center in Zagreb,
Sept. 2. The
Col. Shime Kevric, Croatian army Role 2 medical commander, points to a patient tracking board during the development of the Role 2 standard operating procedure at the Military Medical Center in Zagreb, Croatia, Sept. 2.
Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux/U.S. Air Force file
An airman from Altus Air Force Base’s 97th Civil Engineer Squadron, Readiness and Emergency Management Flight stops a U.S. Army vehicle to explain the decontamination process during an exercise at Fort Sill, Okla., Sept. 7.
