Issuu

Peninsula

Warrior January 05, 2018 Vol. 8, No. 01

BLENDED RETIREMENT

J O I N T

L A N G L E Y - E U S T I S

P u b l i s h e d i n t h e i n t e r e s t o f p e r s o n n e l a t Jo i n t Ba s e L a n g l e y - E u s t i s

TWO ARMY VETERANS RECEIVE MEDAL OF HONOR — Page 4

System to Take Effect Jan. 1 —Page 2

AFOSI MENTORS YOUTH through “shop with a cop” — Page 5

For more online content, check out www.JBLE.af.mil

Air Force News

JBLE 2017 YEAR IN PHOTOS —Page 6

B A S E

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ARMY EDITION

w w w. p e n i n s u l a w a r r i o r. c o m

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January 5, 2018

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS EDITORIAL STAFF Joint Base Langley-Eustis Commander Col. Sean Tyler Joint Base Langley-Eustis Public Affairs Officer Alton Dunham III • alton.dunham@us.af.mil Joint Base Langley-Eustis Editor Areca Bell • areca.bell@us.af.mil Carlin Leslie • carlin.leslie@us.af.mil Per Air Force Instruction 35-101/Army Regulation 360-1, only stories and photos submitted by members of the Department of Defense community and DOD news services may be printed in The Peninsula Warrior. Any stories, photos or announcements must be submitted eight days prior to publication. Stories and photos should be submitted to the editor and/or assistant editor at 633abw. paedit@us.af.mil or Public Affairs Office, 601 Hines Cir., Fort Eustis, VA 23604. Announcements for the Community Section should be submitted to fteustismain@gmail.com. Announcements for the Outside the Gate Section should be submitted to fteustismain@gmail.com. For more information call 878-4920. Authors’ names may be withheld, but all letters must include the authors’ signatures and telephone number. The Peninsula Warrior is an authorized publication for all the members of the U.S. military. Contents of The Peninsula Warrior are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, Department of the Air Force or the Department of the Army. The Peninsula Warrior is printed every Friday by offset as a civilian enterprise newspaper for the Public Affairs Office, U.S. Air Force by Military Newspapers of Virginia at 150 W. Brambleton Ave. Norfolk, VA 23510 under exclusive written contract with the commander, Joint Base Langley-Eustis. MNV is a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Air Force or Department of the Army. Printed circulation: 25,000. 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. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunity by any advertiser will result in refusal to print advertising from that source. All editorial content of The Peninsula Warrior is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the Public Affairs Office Joint Base Langley-Eustis. All photographs are Air Force or Army photographs unless otherwise stated. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or MNV of the products or services advertised.

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U.S. Department of Defense Photo

Blended Military Retirement System to Take Effect Jan. 1 By DoD News,

DEFENSE MEDIA ACTIVITY WASHINGTON

One of the most wide-reaching and significant changes to military pay and benefits over the last 70 years goes into effect Jan. 1 with the implementation of the Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System, known as BRS. The new system blends aspects of the traditional defined benefit retirement pension system, with a defined contribution system of automatic and matching government contributions through the Thrift Savings Plan. All new entrants into the uniformed services on or after Jan. 1 will be enrolled in this new retirement system, Pentagon officials said. The uniformed services are the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps.

Some Can Choose Between Systems

Nearly 1.6 million current service

members will have the option to remain in the current legacy “high-3” retirement system or to choose the BRS when the opt-in period for eligible service members opens Jan. 1. Opt-in eligible service members from all seven of the uniformed services will have an entire year to make their retirement system election. The open period for the majority of service members is from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2018. Service members will need to visit one of these designated resources to opt into BRS: — Army, Air Force, Navy: MyPay (https://mypay.dfas.mil). — Marine Corps: Marine Online (https://www.mol.usmc.mil). — Coast Guard, NOAA Commissioned Corps: Direct Access (https:// portal.direct-access.us). — U.S. Public Health Service personnel should contact the USPHS Compensation Branch. Service members who believe they are eligible to opt in, but do not see the optin option available online should contact their local personnel/human resources

ofﬁce to verify eligibility, ofﬁcials said.

Decision Irrevocable

The decision to opt in is irrevocable, officials emphasized, even if a service member changes his or her mind before the Dec. 31, 2018, deadline. Eligible service members who take no action will remain in the legacy retirement system, they added. Prior to opting in, officials recommend that service members take advantage of all available resources to assist in making an informed decision on the financial implications specific to their retirement situation. The Defense Department endorses several training and informational tools to support a service member’s decision, including the BRS Opt-In Course, the BRS Comparison Calculator and numerous online BRS resource materials. Service members can receive no-cost, personal support from an accredited personal financial manager or counselor available at their installation’s military and family support center or by calling Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647.

We want to hear from you. Contact us at 633abw.paedit@us.af.mil, or call 878-4920 or 764-5701.

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Air Combat Command and 1st Fighter Wing leadership observe an F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team performance at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Dec. 18, 2017. The F-22 Raptor Team will continue to showcase the ﬁfth-generation aircraft through 25 demonstrations in 21 locations around the country, as well as in Santiago, Chile and Alberta, Canada.

F-22 Raptor Demo Team receive COMACC qualiﬁcation By Senior Airman Kaylee Dubois,

633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, VA.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Paul “Loco” Lopez, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team pilot, completed a qualiﬁcation performance for U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Holmes, Commander of Air Combat Command, to certify his capabilities as a demo team pilot at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Dec. 18, 2017. The demonstration team looks to educate current and future U.S. Air Force generations on the importance of airpower superiority, while enhancing community and international relations. In March 2018, the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team will begin their demonstrations for the 2018 show season. “We are excited to get the 2018 demonstration team out on the road,” said Lopez. “We are going to showcase the best demo possible during our tour.” The 13-member team will start the 2018 season at the Yuma Air Show at

Marine Corps Air Station, Arizona. The team will continue to showcase the fifth-generation aircraft through 25 demonstrations in 21 locations around the country, as well as in Santiago, Chile and Alberta, Canada. “We are excited to showcase American airpower,” said Tech. Sgt. James Fleming, F-22 Raptor Demo Team chief. “We hope to make the American public proud of what their Armed Forces bring to the fight.” The team, which consist of four dedicated crew chiefs, three avionics specialists, a weapons loader, aircrew flight equipment specialist, public affairs specialist, team chief, team superintendent and demonstration pilot, will take the opportunity to engage with communities to help instill confidence in the Air Force and the F-22 Raptor during their tour. For more information about the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team or their show schedule, visit http://www.acc.af.mil/Home/ Aerial-Events/F-22A-Demo-Team/.

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Government charge card required for Air Force travel “

This is a significant winwin for the Air Force. The benefits from use of the GTCC will reduce the workload in reconciling CBA invoices, limit risks associated with airline tickets, reduce DFAS processing costs and reap huge rebates for the Air Force under the GTCC program.” Darrell Haraway, Air Force GTCC program manager

By Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIOLACKLAND, TEXAS (AFNS)

A recent change to a Defense Department travel instruction strengthens enforcement of an Air Force policy that requires travelers to use a Government Travel Charge Card, also known as an Individual Billing Account. Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center’s Traffic Management team coordinated with Air Force Logistics Readiness and the Air Force Accounting and Finance Office officials to reduce the use of central billed accounts and reinforce the policy to use a GTCC for all authorized travel expenses during temporary duty, deployment and permanent change of station travel. The AFIMSC Traffic Management team provides oversight over the Air Force Passenger Travel Program with responsibilities to ensure active duty Air Force Central Billed Accounts are promptly reconciled to avoid prompt payment penalties. The team identified the excessive amounts of fees levied when utilizing » See TRAVEL | 4

President Donald J. Trump hosts the Medal of Honor ceremony for former U.S. Army Spc. 5 James C McCloughan at the Whitel House in Washington, D.C., July 31, 2017. McCloughan was awarded the Medal of Honor for distinguished actions as a combat medic assigned to Company C, 3rd Battlalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, during the Vietnam War near Don Que, Vietnam, from May 13-15, 1969. U.S. Army photo by Eboni Everson Myart

Two Army Veterans receive Medal of Honor in 2017 By Crystal Marshall, ARMY.MIL

WASHINGTON

This year, the only two Medal of Honor recipients were both Army veterans, who were receiving the medals for courageous, sacrificial actions in combat during the Vietnam War. Here are the stories of Spc. Five James McCloughan and Capt. Gary M. Rose, presented again to commemorate their courageous, sacrificial actions that earned them the highest military honor in the land. JAMES C. MCCLOUGHAN On July 31, President Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to former to former Spc. 5 James McCloughan during a White House ceremony July 31, for gallant actions in the Vietnam War. McCloughan, a medic, was one of 89 Soldiers in Company C, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division who fought on Nui Yon Hill, near the city of Tam K , from May 13 to 15, 1969. Within minutes of landing there on May 13, about 2,000 enemy soldiers had the unit surrounded and two of the unit’s helicopters were shot down, Trump related during the ceremony. Seeing a badly wounded Soldier lying in an open field, McCloughan blazed through

100 meters of enemy ﬁre to carry the Soldier to safety. When North Vietnamese forces ambushed the unit a short time later, McCloughan again rushed into danger to rescue his wounded men. As he cared for two Soldiers, shrapnel from an enemy rocketpropelled grenade “slashed open the back of Jim’s body from head to foot. Yet, that terrible wound didn’t stop Jim from pulling those two men to safety, nor did it stop him from answering the plea of another wounded comrade and carrying him to safety atop his own badly injured body. And so it went, shot after shot, blast upon blast,” the president said. As the darkness of night approached, McCloughan continued to crawl through rice paddies, dodging bullets, to rescue wounded Soldiers and bring them to a medevac helicopter. When McCloughan’s lieutenant, seeing the extent of the medic’s own injuries, ordered him to get into the medevac as well, McCloughan refused, saying “You’re going to need me here.” McCloughan would later say, “I’d rather die on the battleﬁeld than know that men died because they did not have a medic,” Trump related. Over the next 24 hours, without food, water or rest, McCloughan

fired at enemy soldiers, suffered a bullet wound to his arm and continued to race into gunfire to save more lives, the president said. “Though he was thousands of miles from home, it was as if the strength and pride of our whole nation was beating inside of Jim’s heart,” the president said. “He gave it his all and then he just kept giving.” In those 48 hours, Jim rescued 10 American Soldiers and tended to countless others, Trump said, adding that of the 89 in the company, their strength had dwindled to 32 by the end of the fighting. Following the war, McCloughan taught sociology and psychology at South Haven High School in Michigan, and coached football, baseball, and wrestling for 38 years. McCloughan was joined at the White House ceremony by members of his family, eight other Medal of Honor recipients, and 10 Soldiers who served with him during that epic battle, five of whom McCloughan personally saved. CAPT. GARY MICHAEL ROSE More than 47 years after his heroic actions in the nation of Laos, during the Vietnam War, Capt. Gary Michael “Mike” Rose was recognized with the Medal of Honor by President Trump at the White House on Oct. 23. During the Vietnam War, Rose served as a combat medic with the Military Assistance Command » See HONOR | 4

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AFOSI mentors youth through “Shop with a Cop” By Staff Sgt. Brittany E. N. Murphy, 633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, VA.

“One of the young girls told me, ‘You know when you dream that you have everything and you wake up and you have nothing? Well, this was the opposite of that,’” said Mary Midyette, Team Up mentoring supervisor after purchasing gifts during the “Shop with a Cop” event. U.S. Air Force Ofﬁce of Special Investigations at Detachment 201, with the support of the 633rd Security Forces Squadron and 633rd Civil Engineering Squadron, partnered with The Up Center’s Team Up mentoring program, a non-proﬁt organization in Hampton Roads, to mentor 13 local youth during the “Shop with a Cop” event at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Dec. 19, 2017. The event featured a show-and-tell where the service members demonstrated to the children what they do on a daily basis to ensure security at JBLE, such as K-9 handling, Explosive Ordinance Disposal and advanced investigative techniques. “The goal of this event was to build positive and lasting relationships between law enforcement and youth from our Hampton Roads community by exposing them to the Air Force and our law enforcement mission,” said U.S. Air Force Special Agent O, AFOSI member. Following the show-and-tell, each child was assigned a partner for the day, with either an AFOSI Special Agent or a 633rd SFS defender who escorted them

through the Base Exchange. Each child was also gifted $70 to purchase items they would like for themselves or their families for the holidays. Many of the children sought out the opportunity to use the donations not only for themselves, but their families for the holidays. The frost sibling for example, wandered around the Base Exchange, after finding the gifts they liked, in search of a nice smelling gift for their blind, singlemother. After purchasing the gifts and having some of them wrapped for free outside of the entrance, the children thanked the law enforcement personnel for allowing them to purchase gifts they otherwise may have missed out on during this holiday season. According to Midyette, Team Up provides caring adult role models to at-risk youth, ranging from age 6 to 17, in the South Hampton Roads area. There are currently 327 boys and 95 girls waiting for a mentor in the five cities in South Hampton Roads of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Suffolk and Virginia Beach. The program is volunteer and donation based, and each mentor commits several hours a week, for at least one year, with their mentees where they offer their mentees guidance, support and encouragement. “Amazing things happen when an adult takes an interest in a child,” said Midyette. “Studies and our own outcome assessments show that mentored Chase Frost, age 8 and Noah Frost, age 6, local youth with The Up Center’s Team Up mentoring program, a nonprofit organization in Hampton Roads, show-off gifts they purchased during the “Shop with a Cop” event at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Dec. 19, 2017. Staff Sgt. Brittany E. N. Murphy

Staff Sgt. Brittany E. N. Murphy

U.S. Air Force Special Agents Joseph Cisneros and Brandon Smith, assigned to Air Force Special Investigations at Detachment 201, partner with Chase Frost, age 8 and Noah Frost, age 6, during the “Shop with a Cop” event at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Dec. 19, 2017. The children who participated in the event were gifted $70 to purchase items they would like for themselves or their families for the holidays.

youth do better in school, are more likely to go on to college, get along better with family and peers, and they are less likely to get involved with drugs. Mentoring can transform the lives of the young peo-

ple in our community so they can reach their full potential.” For more information on the Team Up mentorship program, contact Mary Midyette at 397-2121.

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January 5, 2018

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Luke Goins, 633rd Force Support Squadron honor guardsman, presents the American Flag after a ﬂag folding ceremony at Joint Base LangleyEustis, Va., June 12, 2017. The ceremony was in honor of Flag Day, which is observed on June 14 every year. Staff Sgt. Carlin O. Leslie U.S. Air Force photo Staff Sgt.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Holden, assigned to the 30th Intelligence Squadron, does a pull-up during a Memorial Day Murph and Pararescue Workout event at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., May 29, 2017. Participants who participated in the Pararescue Workout ran a total of two miles, performed a total of 100 pullups, 400 burpees, 300 squats, 100 sit-ups and 400-meter tire ﬂip.

By Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie,

633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, VA

This 2017 Year in Photos features Airmen and Soldiers from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and readiness to support America. This yearly feature showcases the hard work and dedication of the men and women of JBLE, shown this past year.

633rd Air Base Wing

Staff Sgt. Natasha Stannard

A 1st Fighter Wing F-22 Raptor pilot secures his helmet before takeoff during Red Flag 17-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Jan 26, 2017.

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U.S. Air Force Maj. Dan “Rock” Dickinson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs during the OC Air Show at Ocean City, Md., June 17, 2017. Dickinson took-off from the Wallops Flight Facility at Chincoteague Island, Va., to perform in the OC Air Show

Staff Sgt. Carlin O. Leslie

Airmen attend the 1st Fighter Wing change of command, where U.S. Air Force Col. Peter Fesler relinquished command of the 1st FW to U.S. Air Foce Col. Jason Hinds, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, June 23, 2017. The 1st FW has a 100 year heritage that stretches back to World War I.

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Ron Torres, Floridabased K-9 training agency head trainer, takes a bite from Halo, Newport News Police Department working dog, during training at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., July 25, 2017. Local agencies from around Hampton Roads were invited to practice decoy development and canine bite-building techniques with the agency trainers. Airman 1st Class Kaylee Dubois

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot, assigned to the1st Fighter Wing, checks effective operation of ﬂight control surfaces, during night operations at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., July 11, 2017. To help increase effectiveness during night operations, the 1st FW has installed new sun shades that have solar powered lights, allowing night time maintenance and ﬂying.

to Staff Sgt.

in O. Leslie

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Matthew Boles, 633rd Security Forces team Firefighter Combat Challenge competitor, waits for his teammate to tag him in to the Keiser Sled move obstacle at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Oct. 13, 2017. The 633rd SFS brought Tech. Sgt Natasha Stannard the most competiU.S. Army Soldiers ruck march during the German tion with four teams Armed Forces Proficiency Badge evaluation at Joint Base participating in the Langley-Eustis, Va., Oct. 19, 2017. The GAFBP evaluation event this year. consisted of a basic fitness test, swim in a military uniStaff Sgt. Natasha Stannard form, pistol qualification and a ruck march.

a pull-up y-Eustis, tal s and

mand, comds, W has a I.

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Staff Sgt. Carlin O. Leslie

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Nick Whitehurst, 633rd Communications Squadron client systems technician, ollies a staircase in Hampton, Va., July 25, 2017. Whitehurst, a Hampton native, skateboards after work to de-stress and refocus his energy. Staff Sgt. Natasha Stannard

Airman 1st Class Tristan Biese

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jeremiah Clarson, 192nd Maintenance Squadron quality assurance inspector, greets his family at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Oct. 12, 2017. Clarson was part of a total-force integration deployment with the Virginia Air National Guard and the 1st Fighter Wing to the Middle East. U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Champ, 71st Fighter Training Squadron T-38 Talon pilot, boards an aircraft before ﬂight at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Sept. 14, 2017. T-38 pilots train with and study the F-22 Raptor every day to gain air combat experience. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Dakota Martin, 1st Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection apprentice, inspects cracks under a black light at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Nov. 15, 2017. The parts are soaked in liquid penetrant, which seeps into cracks, making them visible during inspection under a black light. Airman 1st Class Alexandra Singer

1/4/2018 3:47:01 PM

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TRAVEL | strengthened Air Force

travel policy

CONTINUED FROM 8 the CBA versus the IBA across the Air Force and worked diligently with Air Force officials to put in place policy and procedures to save government funds. Allowances in the DoD policy challenged officials with enforcing the Air Force policy that was established in 2008, according to Floyd Haralson, Headquarters Air Force Travel Policy office. When travelers did not use a Government Travel Charge Card, their travel expenses were reconciled through Central Billed Accounts, a more expensive process. “Now that the DoD instruction has been revised, we are able to put Air Force policy in place to ensure we meet DoD and secretary of the Air Force objectives of reducing cost to our Air Force travel program,” Haralson said. “It is important that all Air Force members, including Guard and Reserve, are aware that there are very few exemptions to using the Government Travel Charge Card for official travel.” Darryl Hamilton, AFIMSC’s chief of Traffic Management for Cargo Movement and Passenger Travel, said the Air Force has a robust mission that requires thousands of DoD military and civilian personnel to conduct travel through the Air Force’s travel program each year. “The Air Force travel program can be very expensive, and in these times of fiscal constraints, it is important for us to look for ways to be more efficient

and save costs,” Hamilton said. “One of the ways we can help reduce unnecessary expenditures is to ensure members obtain and utilize their personal GTCC to the maximum extent.” The Air Force processed 225,604 transactions for Air Force travelers in fiscal year 2017 on Air Force Central Billed Accounts, which cost the Air Force $66.86 per transaction. By comparison, the cost for travel disbursement using IBAs was 64 cents per transaction. Leaders at all levels and agency program coordinators must ensure travelers take steps to secure their GTCC before making travel arrangements, Hamilton said. “This is a significant win-win for the Air Force,” said Darrell Haraway, Air Force GTCC program manager. “The benefits from use of the GTCC will reduce the workload in reconciling CBA invoices, limit risks associated with airline tickets, reduce DFAS processing costs and reap huge rebates for the Air Force under the GTCC program.” Defense Travel Administrators, Approving Officials, APCs, along with commanders and supervisors at the wing and base level have a huge role in effective enforcement of the policy, Haraway said. “We understand people at all levels may have to adjust how they view the payment process of the Air Force’s official travel program,” he said.

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HONOR

Penisula Warrior - Army

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January 5, 2018

| courageous Army vets awarded medals of honor

CONTINUED FROM 4

Studies and Observations Group, part of Special Forces. He was recognized for actions during a four-day period that spanned Sept. 11 through 14, 1970, in Laos. The mission he was part of, called “Operation Tailwind,” had for many years been classiﬁed. Operation Tailwind was meant to prevent the North Vietnamese Army from funneling weapons to their own forces through Laos, along the Ho Chi Minh trail. The operation inserted 136 men by helicopter, including 16 American Soldiers, deep inside Laos. “Once they landed in the clearing, they rushed to the jungle for much needed cover,” Trump said. “Soon, another man was shot outside their defensive perimeter. Mike immediately rushed to his injured comrade, ﬁring at the enemy as he ran. In

the middle of the clearing, under the machine gun ﬁre, Mike treated the wounded Soldier. He shielded the man with his own body and carried him back to safety.” That was just the start of the four-day mission, Trump said. There was much more to come. As the unit moved deeper and deeper through the dense jungle, dodging bullets and explosives, Rose continued to tend the wounded during the four-day mission, even at the risk of extreme danger to himself. Rose was himself injured, Trump said. On the second day, Rose was hit with a rocketpropelled grenade, which left shrapnel in his back, and a hole in his foot. “For the next 48 excruciating hours, he used a branch as a crutch and went on rescuing the wounded,” Trump said.

“Mike did not stop to eat, to sleep, or even to care for his own serious injury as he saved the lives of his fellow Soldiers.” When the unit evacuated by helicopter on the fourth day, Rose’s helicopter crashed due to a failed engine. After being thrown from the helicopter, Rose rushed back to the scene to pull his fellow Soldiers out of the burning wreckage. At the conclusion of Operation Tailwind, thanks to the efforts of Mike Rose, all 16 American Soldiers were able to return home. During those four days in Laos, “Mike treated an astounding 60 to 70 men,” Trump said. And of the mission, which proved to be a success, “their company disrupted the enemy’s continual resupply of weapons, saving countless of additional American lives.”

In addition to members of his family, 10 of Rose’s brothers-in-arms from the operation also attended the ceremony. “To Mike and all the service members who fought in the battle: You’ve earned the eternal gratitude of the entire American nation,” Trump said. “You faced down the evils of communism, you defended our ﬂag, and you showed the world the unbreakable resolve of the American armed forces. Thank you. And thank you very much.” (Editor’s Note: This article is part of a series reﬂecting on the top Army events of 2017. This article is a compilation of two different articles, whose links are below: “President awards Medal of Honor to former combat medic,” by David Vergun, and “Medal of Honor awarded to Capt. Gary M. Rose for actions in Laos,” by C. Todd Lopez.)

President Donald J. Trump presents the Medal of Honor to retired Capt. Gary Michael Rose at the White House on Oct. 23, 2017. U.S. Army photo by C. Todd Lopez

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JBLECommunity AirPower Over Hampton Roads May 18-20, 2018

Submit Eustis Community announcements to pw@militarynews.com formalized means for installation leadership to facilitate the ﬂow of command and community information to military members, spouses and civilians. For more information, call (757) 764-3990.

related to the OCS program and OCS candidate interactions. Registration information and the reunion itinerary to follow. For more information, visit www.ocsalumni.org or call Nancy Ionoff at (813) 917-4309.

Chapel Annex under renovation

Air Force Reserve Technician recruiting

Weekly Live Fire Schedule

Transportation Museum change to hours of operation

From January to June 2018, the Langley Chapel AnIf you are looking to join the Air Force Reserve or to Tax Center volunteers needed nex Auditorium, kitchen and classroom four will under- fill a General Schedule job, both can be done as an Air Tax professionals will provide free tax preparation go renovation and are unavailable for the duration. For Reserve Technician. For information, contact Tech. Sgt. training to volunteers who will help military members, more information, contact the Chapel at 764-7847. Erin Debourg, regional ART recruiter, at erin.debourg@ dependents and retirees at the Tax Center. They will us.af.mil or (910) 237-8848. help members file their taxes via Military One Source Marriage Enrichment Program online tax programs or the IRS Volunteer Income Tax AsThe Fort Eustis Regimental Memorial Chapel is host- Wylie Theater hosts Chapel Next Sunday sistance Program. The Tax Center hours are based on ing a Joint Base Langley-Eustis community-wide Mar- services past volunteer turnout and may change dependent on riage Enrichment Program. Sessions meet Thursday Join Chapel Next at the Wylie Theater from 10 a.m. to participation levels. evenings, from 6 to 8 p.m., Sept 14, 2017 through 11:30 a.m., on Sundays for contemporary Christian worWhen: Open duty days Monday-Thursday from 8 May 17, 2018, in the RMC Lounge, 923 Lee Boulevard, ship. For more information, call 878-2257. a.m. to 12 p.m., from Jan. 30 to Apr. 13, 2018. Where: Langley Tax Center Computer Lab, Bldg 801, Ft. Eustis. The Marriage Enrichment sessions are on “Making Your Marriage Your Priority! Love, Honor, and Old Point Comfort Toastmasters Club Basement Level Required training: Jan. 8-12, 2018, in Building 768, Cherish.” The Marriage Enrichment program is for marDo you want to improve your public speaking and ried and engaged couples, spouses of deployed, Active communication skills? The Old Point Comfort ToastRoom 114 (not the Langley Tax Center location) Duty, Reserve, National Guard and Retirees. The cha- masters Club meets at 11:40 a.m., the first and third Deadline to sign up: Noon, Jan. 5, 2018. For more information contact Melissa Hudgins, at pel provides free child care for children up to 11 years Wednesday of each month, at 650 Monroe Ave. Visitors old. For more information, call (757) 218-1034 or call the are always welcome. For more information, visit www. (757) 764-3277 or melissa.hudgins@us.af.mil. RMC at (757) 878-1316/1317. district66.org or call 878-3124 or 878-2204.

Shellbank Track Closure

Beginning Nov. 27, 2017, the 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron will remove and replace the surface of the Shellbank Fitness Center outdoor track. The construction is expected to be completed by Jan. 15, 2018. Construction activities will have minimal trafﬁc impact. For more information, call 764-7766.

King Street and Armistead Gates under construction

The 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron will renovate the guard houses at the King Street and Armistead Gates. The construction will be phased to minimize trafﬁc impact. The ﬁrst phase of construction will affect two of the four inbound lanes and one of the two outbound lanes at the Armistead gate. This phase will also affect one inbound and one outbound lane of the King Street gate. Phase one of construction will last up to 60 days and begin on Nov. 27, 2017, at 9 a.m. Phase two of construction will last up to 57 days and is expected to begin Jan. 26, 2018, at 9 a.m. Phase two will affect the remaining two inbound lanes and one outbound lane at the Armistead gate, and the remaining inbound and outbound lane at the King Street gate. For more information, call 764-7766.

Community Event Council

Joint Base Langley-Eustis will host the Community Event Council from 10 to 11 a.m., Jan. 25, 2018, at the Bayview Commonwealth Center. The CEC serves as a valuable communication link to increase awareness levels of the community, concerning initiatives, programs, activities and facilities for JBLE-Langley and provides

Ranges, training areas, and associated facilities are Off Limits to personnel not engaged in scheduled ﬁring, operations, or inspections/recons unless clearance is obtained in person from Range Control Fire Desk (Bldg. 2432 Mulberry Island Road) or a designated Range Control Technician. All personnel are required to check in and out with range control before going into or departing any Range or Training area. Range schedule until January 8: Jan. 5 - BTRAC, R1 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. HUNTING R5, R6 from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 6 - POF R3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT HUNT R2, R4, R5, R6 from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT HUNT R3 from 1p.m. to 8 p.m. SMALL GAME HUNTING R1 from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 7 - POF R3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. SMALL GAME HUNTING R1 from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 8 - BTRAC, R1, R3 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

U.S. Army Ofﬁcer Candidate School Alumni Association 2018 reunion

The U.S. Army Officer Candidate School Alumni Association will host a reunion from March 25-29, 2018, at the Columbus Marriott Hotel, 800 Front Avenue, Columbus, Ga. 31901. The association represents all Army officers commissioned through any Officer Candidate School, regardless of previous locations or branch affiliation. The event will include a Hall of Fame induction ceremony, reception, and formal dinner, including the presentation of the Patterson Award. There will also be demonstrations and briefings at Fort Benning highlighting developments

The United States Army Transportation Museum on Fort Eustis hours of operation has changed. The previous hours of Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., has changed to Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Company Grade Ofﬁcer Council welcomes members

The Company Grade Officer Council will meet at 4:45 p.m., at the Bayview Commonwealth Center every third Thursday of the month and is open to all Company Grade Officers. The council has an opening for a U.S. Army officer on the council board. Join the council for professional development, social events and fun. For more information, call 764-9954.

Durand Entry Control Facility (NASA gate) changes

Security Forces personnel will no longer man the Durand Entry Control Facility (NASA Gate). Personnel will still have their credentials checked by guards at the main NASA gate, however, their credentials will not be checked again at the Durand Entry Control Facility. NASA guards will still man their side of the Durand Entry Control Facility and will only allow CAC holders (no dependent ID cards) to enter NASA property. Additionally, no commercial vehicles are allowed access to NASA property. The Durand Entry Control Facility hours are from 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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Worship hours for Catholic and Protestant services Bethel Chapel: Saturday Catholic Reconciliation at 3:30 p.m. Saturday Catholic Mass at 5 p.m. Sunday Protestant Community Service at 9 a.m. Sunday Catholic Mass at 11 a.m. Langley Main Chapel: Sunday Catholic Mass at 9 a.m. Sunday Protestant Gospel Service at 11 a.m. Catholic Daily Mass (Mon-Thurs) at 12 p.m. For more information call 764-7847

Family Meal Night

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January 5, 2018

Submit Eustis Community announcements to pw@militarynews.com that will allow those to stay at home and run a homebased business. The program is available for children ages two weeks to 12 years old. Child care providers must be at least 18 years old, be able to read and speak English, be in good health, and willing to undergo a background check. The FCC will provide training and materials to get your business started. Training may include First Aid, CPR, health, safety, developmentally appropriate practices and child guidance. All individuals providing child care in their home for more than 10 hours a week must be licensed. For more information, Fort Eustis at 5584/5726 or Langley Air Force Base 764-3585/2835.

Trespass Notice

The Langley Base Chapel will host a Family Meal Night The Langley small arms firing range, adjacent area every Wednesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m., at Bethel Chapel. and the bullet impact area to the rear of the range are The event will include free food and fellowship. For more off-limits to all personnel. The firing range maintains 24hour operations, seven days a week and is not open for information, contact the Chapel at 764-7847. the use of privately owned weapons. Due to gunfire, Manpower shortage impacts 633rd Medical trespassing in this area is illegal and dangerous. For more information, contact Combat Arms at 764-4785 or Group services 574-4785. The 633rd Medical Group strives to provide Trusted Care to all they serve, while supporting many deployed and homeLife lessons over lunch workplace study station missions. Due to contract vacancies and multiple Join the new Life Lessons over Lunch the first and third provider deployments/permanent changes of station during Thursdays of the month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the coming months, it will take longer to receive appointthe 633rd Mission Support Group Conference Room. The ments and have messages returned. In light of these staffLangley Chapel offers this marketplace initiative where ing concerns, TRICARE will temporarily enroll only Active participants meet on a regular basis to view a DVD mesDuty service members and their family members. This acsage over lunch. Life Lessons provides a unique opportution is being taken to ensure patients receive the care they nity for participants to enter an environment in the workdeserve within the established standards. There will be no place where they can consider relevant insights around enrollment changes or action taken to any patients who are personal and professional challenges. The principles are already enrolled at the 633rd Medical Group, regardless of presented from a biblical perspective but are non-denomicategory. For questions regarding TRICARE benefits, or for national and open to all active-duty U.S. service members. enrollment assistance to locate the best medical facility to A free lunch will be provided. For more information, conmeet healthcare needs, contact the TRICARE Information tact the Langley Chapel at 633abw.hc@us.af.mil. line at 1-800-TRICARE or 1-800-874-2273.

Social Media policies

All JBLE associated social media pages must be approved and coordinated through the 633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office. Pages not set up with this office will be reported as false and may face termination. If you currently manage a JBLE page that was not approved by the Public Affairs office, please gain compliance by coordinating with your unit commander and contacting the PA office at 764-5701. Per AFI 35-107, once approved, unit commanders are ultimately responsible for maintaining their social media presence(s), as well as all content posted to their site(s). Social media sites will be checked at least once every 24 hours to ensure operational security (OPSEC) and security, accuracy, policy, and propriety (SAPP) are not violated. (T-1).

Langley 5/6 club hosts monthly meetings

The Langley 5/6 club will meet at 11:30 a.m., at the Bayview Commonwealth Center every second Wednesday of every month. A guest speaker will visit the club every month to discuss various topics. Along with being a networking tool, the group meets to brainstorm fundraising opportunities and membership drives. For more information, call 764-0507.

Air Force Reserve hosts Palace Front-Palace Chase informational sessions

The Air Force Reserve will host Palace Front-Palace Chase informational sessions the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m., in the 633rd Force Support Squadron auditorium, building 15 in Wing B, room 203. Palace Front is available to Airmen within 180 days of their projected separation date. Palace Chase is reserved for Airmen over 180 days from separation who JBLE Family Child Care Program The Joint Base Langley-Eustis Family Child Care Pro- are interested in separating from Active Duty early. For gram is looking for child care providers. They are search- more information, call 751-4825 or 846-7532. ing for those interested in a professional, portable career

Fort Eustis’ Groninger Library encourages reading

Fort Eustis’ Groninger Library has implemented an ongoing Reading Program entitled “1000 Books Before Kindergarten” and “1000 Books from 1st -5th grades.” For every 100 books read, children can take their reading log to the library to receive a prize. After reading 1000 books, children will receive a free t-shirt. For more information, contact the library at 878-5017 or visit www.groningerlibrary.com.

Army Emergency Relief available online

Soldiers, military retirees and family members can now request ﬁnancial assistance through Army Emergency Relief’s redesigned website at https://www.aerhq.org. Applications can be submitted 24 hours a day via desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone. The redesigned site allows for easier navigation and authorized patrons can access their accounts, apply for scholarships, donate and utilize the new loan calculator. For more information, call at 878-5570.

Fort Eustis Education Center announces DANTES policy change

Effective Oct. 1, 2016, DANTES will no longer physically process any paper-based reimbursement. This policy change includes reimbursement of test fees for the following exams: GED, GMAT, GRE General and GRE Subject, Praxis Core and Praxis Subject Assessment, ACT and SAT. For additional information, contact Fort Eustis Education Center at 878-2083.

JBLE CAC/ID Customer Service Hours:

LANGLEY - Walk-in Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. - Appointments: Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 3:40 p.m. - CAC Only Hours: Monday – Tuesday, Thursday – Friday: 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. Commercial: 765-2270 | Fax: 764-4683 45 Nealy Ave, Bldg. 15 Wing A, Suite 114, Hampton, VA 23665

EUSTIS - Walk-in Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. - Appointments: Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. - CAC Only Hours: Monday – Tuesday, Thursday – Friday: 8 – 9:30 a.m. Commercial: 878-0948 | Fax: 878-0942 650 Monroe Ave, Room 123, Fort Eustis, VA 23604 Anyone interested in scheduling an appointment can do so by accessing the RAPIDS Site Locator at the following links: Langley: https://tinyurl.com/ycjc6uk4. Eustis: https://tinyurl.com/y8qhpryv. Additionally, there are several ID Card Issuance Ofﬁces located across the Hampton Roads Region. Use the following link to search for locations nearest you. https://rapidsppointments.dmdc.osd.mil/appointment/default.aspx. Sponsors who need dependent ID cards reissued may complete in advance the DD Form 1172-2 and have it available for family members to be seen at an appointment or during walk-in hours.

January 5, 2018

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