Sound of Freedom - July/August - 2021

JULY/AUGUST 2021

Changing Lives

Buckeye’s Cassandra Pietz is now a recruiter

Taking a

‘PAWS’

Drive-Thru Baby Shower

K-9s retire after honorable service

JULY/AUGUST 2021 | Sound of Freedom

1

Sound of Freedom is published bimonthly by Times Media Group, a private publishing company. Times Media Group is in no way affiliated with Luke Air Force Base or the United States Air Force.

F I G H T E R C O U N T R Y PA R T N E R S H I P

The golfers can’t help but have fun out on the course. (Photos courtesy of Fighter Country Partnership)

Gratitude for

Golfers enjoy shade with the 56th TRS from Luke.

GOLF

Fighter Country Partnership thanks its supporters

BY BROOKE CHRISTIANSON Fighter Country Foundation Program Director

Fighter Country Partnership likes to start the tournament differently each year. This time, a bugler kicked off the festivities.

Fighter Country golfers are ready to tee off.

2

F

ighter Country Foundation would like to thank everyone involved in making the 12th annual Fighter Country Foundation Honorary Commanders Golf Classic a huge success.

It takes a small army to make this event happen.

From the diligent staff at The Wigwam to the committed airmen from the base to the dedicated Blue Blazer volunteers to the gracious vendors such as Chick-fil-A, Rudy’s and Haymaker, to, finally, the amazing golf sponsors, this tournament embodied the best of the best.

The golf classic is the primary fundraiser for Fighter Country Foundation and its support of the men, women, families and mission of Luke Air Force Base.

Through it, we continue to build long-term positive relationships between the Luke Air Force Base community and the Valley of the Sun. Thank you to all who made this happen.

Sound of Freedom | JULY/AUGUST 2021

Several games were set up throughout the course. Nicole Warren is ready for a game of Beersbee.

Contents

JULY/AUGUST 2021 Publisher Steve T. Strickbine Vice President Michael Hiatt Associate Group Publisher Laura Meehan, 623-777-1042 lmeehan@star-times.com JULY/AUGUST 2021

Changing Lives

Buckeye’s Cassandra Pietz is now a recruiter

Taking a

Drive-Thru Baby Shower

‘PAWS’

Staff Photographer Pablo Robles

K-9s retire after honorable service

JULY/AUGUST 2021 | Sound of Freedom

Executive Editor Christina Fuoco-Karasinski 480-898-5631 christina@star-times.com

1

Sound of Freedom is published bimonthly by Times Media Group, a private publishing company. Times Media Group is in no way affiliated with Luke Air Force Base or the United States Air Force.

RETIRING

18

Maj. Kimberly Guest and Tech. Sgt. Zackery Hons with Rango.

(Photo by Staff Sgt. Amber Carter)

Contributors Zach Alvira, Brooke Christianson, John P. Curtis, Leala Marquez, Joe McHugh, Bill Quehrn, Dominic Tyler Graphic Design Veronica Thurman vthurman@timespublications.com Production Manager Courtney Oldham production@timespublications.com

24 2

8

28

36

Gratitude for Golf Fighter Country Partnership thanks its supporters

27 K-9s Retire After Honorable Service Dogs’ handlers can request to adopt the animals afer they retire

Revolutionary App On March 24, Luke AFB unveiled new technology

28 Danish Debut Denmark F-35A embarks on first training flight over Luke Air Force Base

12 Changing Lives Buckeye’s Cassandra Pietz is now a recruiter 14 A New Legion Post North Glendale welcomes city’s second group 18 Hoping for a Home Run Veteran needs help for his batting cages 21 Awaiting Visitors The TBM Avenger is on display at Airbase Arizona Museum in Northeast Mesa

34 Showing Support Credit union and Arizona Coyotes donate $8,000 to Fighter Country Partnership 36 Up for the ‘Challenge’ Luke AFB hosts track and field training camp 41 Military Moms Fifty women participate in drive-thru baby shower hosted by Operation Homefront

24 ‘Nobody Else Does’ Retired colonel honors fellow Vietnam veterans

4

Sound of Freedom | JULY/AUGUST 2021

Advertising Representatives Barbara Duran, 623-847-4608 bduran@star-times.com Connie Williams, 623-847-4601 cwilliams@star-times.com Circulation

Sound of Freedom is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegratedmedia.com

Sound of Freedom sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable manner. This issue was printed on recycled fibers containing 10% post consumer waste, and with inks containing a blend of soy base. Our printer is a certified member of the Forestry Stewardship Council, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and additionally meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards.

Statements, opinions, and points of view express written consent by the writers and advertisers and are their own, and do not necessarily represent those of the publishers, editors, or Sound of Freedom staff. Although Sound of Freedom has made every effort to authenticate all claims and guarantee offers by advertisers in the magazine, we cannot assume liability for any products or services advertised herein. No part of Sound of Freedom can be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the express written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising matter at any time.

Postmaster: Please return all undeliverable copies to Sound of Freedom, 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219, Tempe, AZ 85282. All rights reserved. ®2021 Affluent Publishing LLC. Printed in the USA.

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F E AT U R E

Changing

LIVES Buckeye’s Cassandra Pietz is now a recruiter

BY JOHN P. CURTIS Mass Communication Specialist, 1st Class NTAG Phoenix Public Affairs

N

ine years ago, Cassandra Pietz started her Navy journey out of Buckeye. Pietz, now 29, she has since returned to her home state of Arizona as a Navy recruiter.

Pietz enlisted in the Navy in 2012 as a machinist’s mate, and after her tour on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), she decided to become a recruiter at Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Phoenix’s Talent Acquisition Station (TAS) Flagstaff.

“I am very outgoing and have a bubbly personality, and I wanted to use that to inspire and talk to people about how the Navy changed my life,” Pietz says. “I’m hoping to inspire others and help them change their lives.”

Before joining the Navy, she was going to college and working, but that wasn’t enough for her.

“I was just going through the motions of working and going to school, but I wasn’t really going in any direction,” she says.

Though her family members had served in other branches of the military, Pietz wanted to be the first to join the Navy, which is what drove her to seek out a recruiter and change her life.

“The Navy has given me perspective on what I want,” Pietz says. “I decided I wanted to finish school and start a family, and I’ve done that now. The Navy has allowed me and my husband to move to Arizona to be with our families, and it has now given me the opportunity to stay here as a hometown recruiter in Flagstaff, where I can raise my daughter and still help the Navy mission.”

Even with her hometown of Buckeye being 150 miles away, some of her family is close by, and she gets to share her Navy experience with them.

“It’s really nice being here with my family, and even though I don’t see them every day, it is nice to be close to them,” Pietz says. “It’s super cool because they are always wondering what I’m up to, and I’ll bring them in the office and show them around.”

12

Sound of Freedom | JULY/AUGUST 2021

Navy Counselor (Recruiter) 1st Class Cassandra Pietz, assigned to Talent Acquisition Station Flagstaff, was recently honored as a Recruiter in the Spotlight. (U.S. Navy photo/released)

Since beginning her recruiting tour in 2016, Pietz has contributed to TAS Flagstaff receiving Small Station of the Year four years in a row. She has also been awarded Naval Special Operations/Naval Special Warfare Recruiter of the Year, earned a promotion to petty officer first class and converted her job rating to Navy counselor (recruiter). She humbly credits her early successes to the team she’s worked with including her former supervisor whose spot she now fills since he transferred.

“I had great leadership and a great leading petty officer, and he trained me very well,” Pietz says. “He was really motivating, and it just made me want to be out all of the time and talk to people. He prepared me well, and I try to do the same for the recruiters I work with now.”

When asked about the people she has recruited or helped recruit, she proudly points to two large boards in her office filled with 60 photos of sailors now serving the Navy.

“I truly love this job and love getting to meet all types of people and getting to hear their stories and about their lives.”

Navy Recruiting Command consists of a command headquarters, three Navy Recruiting Regions and 26 Navy Talent Acquisition Groups that serve more than 1,000 recruiting stations across the world. Their combined goal is to attract the highest quality candidates to assure the ongoing success of America’s Navy.

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F E AT U R E

Legion Earns a Charter North Glendale welcomes city’s second group

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Sound of Freedom Executive Editor

D

ick Metz is dedicated to helping veterans.

An Air Force retiree, Metz was elected to helm North Glendale’s new American Legion Post 115.

The city’s second Legion Post was established to serve the West and Northwest valleys, including ZIP codes 85304, 85306, 85308, 85310 and 85053. It meets at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month.

The June meeting is at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 17, in person and via Zoom at 6:45 p.m. Attendance and reservations are not mandatory. District Cmdr. Bobbie Kimelton will install recently elected and appointed officers.

Prospective members are not required to live in Glendale. Members hail from Litchfield Park, Tempe, Surprise and Peoria, among other areas.

Dick Metz, commander of American Legion Post 115, left, displays the organization’s Previously, Post 115 was in Scottsdale, but Metz charter with Angel Juarez, the American Legion Department of Arizona adjutant. (Photo said, it “fell by the wayside for lack of participacourtesy of Dick Metz) tion.” Metz was a member of Post 143, which was post home. We have folks who are out in North Glendale who don’t in Litchfield Park and then Goodyear.

“They wanted to reactivate 115 and move it to North Glendale,” want to go to the Downtown area. They smoke over there. We don’t says Metz, who lives in an unincorporated area near Litchfield Park smoke.”

“As long as they meet the eligibility criteria and they can pay and Luke Air Force Base.

“The post that was in North Glendale had a lot of problems and (dues), they can join the post,” Metz says.

Like other posts, 115 welcomes veterans or active duty from all moved out. In January, I was called and asked if I would be willing branches of service. to transfer to 115 and take over as commander.”

“Basically, the American Legion has changed its eligibility critePost 115 meets in a real estate office near 59th Avenue and the ria,” Metz says. “Before, members had to serve during periods of Loop 101. Annual dues are $45.

“Our primary function is to provide services to the veterans in conflict. Now that is not the case. It’s open to anyone who has an the area,” Metz says. “Right now, we’re taking a look at some of the honorable discharge or is active duty.”

Veterans are required to show DD Form 214 discharge paperLegion activities. We have not decided what we should do.”

Metz has been a Legion member “off and on” since he retired from work, which shows if they were honorably discharged. Those who the Air Force. He enlisted in 1968 and “came up through the ranks.” are on active duty must present their military ID. Besides the ID or paperwork, prospective members must request He was commissioned in 1978 and retired in 1989. an application from Metz or another member. Post members then His first duty assignment was at Luke Air Force Base.

“There’s another post in Glendale, Post 29,” Metz explains. “It’s vote.

To join, call the Post at 480-438-7582. a big post and very active. It’s in Downtown Glendale. They have a

14

Sound of Freedom | JULY/AUGUST 2021

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“But we are looking at ways to reduce the time it takes to do the returns and we are researching the possibility of being open on Saturdays.”

However, he stressed these plans are preliminary and dependent on whether AARP Foundation officials allow the program.

Training volunteers could also present a problem due to space. Last year training was conducted at one of the Recreation Centers of Sun City facilities.

“Plus at this point I don’t have any idea how many of the volunteers will return if we do have a program,” Mr. Graff said.

When the Tax-Aire program returns, whether it be in 2021 or the next year, res-

Other services

Sun City CAN’s other services remain available, including the water rebate for condo owners and help with electricity bills for low-income residents.

Mr. Duncan said officials are in the process of applying for grant funds from Arizona Public Service Co. for the electricity program.

Southwest Gas, which does not have a grant application process, donated $1,000, double the company’s normal amount, for the Crisis Assistance program.

Funds from that program are used for the water rebate, electricity, gas, taxi ticket and “Paint the Town,” a new program just added.

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F E AT U R E Marine Corps veteran Roc Rothchild, owner of Home Run Stadium Batting Cages in Mesa, is seeking help from the community to pay for needed repairs to his business after lost revenue from the light rail project and pandemic. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

Hoping for a

Home Run Marine Corps veteran needs help for his batting cages

T

BY ZACH ALVIRA Sound of Freedom Staff Writer

he owner of a local batting cage that has become a staple in the Mesa is asking for help to fund much-needed repairs after losing money because of light rail construction and the pandemic.

Home Run Stadium Batting Cages is owned by Marine Corps veteran Roc Rothchild, and located near Gilbert Road and Main Street in Mesa. It has long been a go-to destination for amateur and professional baseball enthusiasts.

Local high schools, including nearby Mountain View, have used the cages in previous years for batting practice. Several pro players have come through at various times, most commonly when preparing

18

Sound of Freedom | JULY/AUGUST 2021

for spring training both in the Valley and in Florida.

But perhaps most importantly, it’s become a destination for families to enjoy time with their loved ones while getting a small sample size of America’s greatest pastime.

“People love it,” Rothchild says. “I’ve had people reach out to me and tell me some of their favorite memories from the batting cages. It means the world to me to hear that.”

Home Run Stadium opened in Mesa in 1986. Rothchild, the current owner, took over in the 1990s while looking for a business venture after retiring from a bank.

According to Rothchild, Home Run Stadium was an easy choice to purchase. Not only did he enjoy baseball and play growing up, but he saw an opportunity for those in the community to enjoy the venue together.

But, after over three decades of service, the cages have suffered wear and tear.

Rothchild in the last year repaved the concrete behind the pitching machines — which are still the originals from when Home Run Stadium first opened.

He’s also had to replace some of the netting on the dome, which serves as the largest of its kind in the state and country. That alone has become an attraction to many as it allows the balls to carry farther, simulating what could be a home run on an actual field.

Rothchild also recently replaced all the baseball and softballs for the machines, about 2,000 in total.

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F E AT U R E

Phil Stenholm, a 66-year-old Tempe resident, has been going to Home Run Stadium at least three to four times a week since the 1990s. To him, it’s a community gem he doesn’t want to see go away any time soon. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

BATTING CAGES FROM PAGE 18 But there is still more to be done.

“There’s a lot of routine things you would normally keep up every year,” Rothchild says. “We are working on some electrical repairs now and then will work on some of the netting.”

Typically, Rothchild would have no problem making the necessary repairs in a timely manner. But business has slowed considerably since 2017, when the light rail project began.

The start of the light rail project, which ends near Home Run Stadium, made it difficult for everyday batters to navigate through construction and into the cages.

Rothchild says it was a daily battle keeping the machines and cages clean while dust was kicked up into the air during construction. As a result, Rothchild says his business saw a 50% drop in revenue.

When construction finally finished in 2019, Rothchild began to see more traffic into his venue. Then the coronavirus hit.

“It was hard on the batting cages,” Rothchild says. “I even have a T-shirt that says, ‘I survived the light rail.’ Now I’m looking

20

Sound of Freedom | JULY/AUGUST 2021

for one that says, ‘I survived the pandemic.’ Nobody wanted to come out of their homes. It was a difficult time.”

Despite virtually no customers throughout much of the start of the pandemic, Rothchild managed to keep Home Run Stadium in business and pay his three employees.

But as traffic has once again begun to pick up, he recognizes the need to complete repairs to not only provide a safe environment but an enjoyable one.

Rothchild set up a GoFundMe for community members to donate toward repairs.

So far, over $10,000 of $45,000 has been raised — all of which went toward the new balls and other small repairs.

The donations have been a welcoming sight to Rothchild and several of Home Run Stadium’s faithful customers.

Phil Stenholm, a 66-year-old Tempe resident, has been a regular customer of Home Run Stadium since the 1990s.

During his 27 years working the night shift as a dispatcher for the Paradise Valley Police Department, Stenholm would routinely go to the cages as a way to workout in between his sleep schedule.

Stenholm retired in 2015 but has continued his tradition of hitting balls in the cages at least three to four times a week.

“This is a unique place where people can come here of all ages,” Stenholm says. “If you came out here and started doing this regularly, you would realize how special this place is. This is something, as a community, you don’t want to lose.”

An avid baseball lover growing up, Stenholm’s father played semi pro ball for several years in the 1930s.

Stenholm will take batting practice in various throwback uniforms.

“I like to honor the memory of the old players,” Stenholm says. “This is what they wore when they were playing, and I like that. It’s a way to honor the difficult path they took to get to the majors.”

The batting cages at Home Run Stadium bring families, teams and the community together to create memories.

“People are coming back now,” Rothchild says. “But of course, as people come back, things start to break down. It means everything to have support from the community.”

To help: gofund.me/16ad0fb6.

F E AT U R E

Awaiting Visitors The TBM Avenger is on display at the Airbase Arizona Museum

BY BILL QUEHRN Commemorative Air Force, Airbase Arizona Museum

O

n January 15, 1942, just over a month after Pearl Harbor, the WWII Supplies and Allocations Board ordered most U.S. companies to cease making consumer goods, ordering it into war material production.

For General Motors Co., it meant auto workers jobs and automobile production was halted literally overnight.

GM executives scrambled to find government contracts to produce things they knew how to make like metal airplane or truck parts.

That scramble brought them into meetings with Grumman Aircraft Corp.

Grumman, already swamped with orders for its Wildcat fighter, lacked plant capacity to fill the avalanche of new orders. They simply had no room to build “The Avenger” — the biggest carrier-based torpedo bomber ordered by the Navy.

Talks with GM leaders ensued, and soon the company was ready to launch into building not just parts but planes.

GM formed its Eastern Aircraft Division to begin stripping miles of conveyers and tons of automaking machinery from five East Coast

auto plants and installing equipment to build airplanes.

As the refitting proceeded, GM engineers began meeting with Grumman staff to learn how to make products that fly. Grumman even produced several full-sized Avengers with removeable fasteners to help GM’s transition to building planes.

The next challenge for GM was finding employees. With so many men off to war, GM actively recruited women, older and younger workers, minorities and others previously not considered employable.

After intensive training and with the unique commitment American workers brought to their jobs during WWII, Avenger airframes began to appear on GM factory floors by summer.

On November 11, the first TBM Avenger to indicate GM construction lifted off the runway at the Trenton, New Jersey factory. By the end of the following year, GM workers had produced 1,000 Avengers.

Avenger torpedo bombers served from Midway to the end of WWII becoming one of the most effective anti-shipping and shore tar-

The TBM Avenger is among the many exhibits at the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum in Northeast Mesa. (Photo courtesy of Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum)

get bombers for the United States and its allies in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Arizona Museum in Mesa has an Avenger in its main hangar exhibit area. Visitors can get close to the plane to experience its massive size and appreciate what it took for housewives, waitresses, former auto workers and other people who had never even seen a plane before to learn to build one.

The GM workforce became part of what President Franklin Roosevelt called the Arsenal of Democracy that would supply the allied world with the tools to win World War II. Airbase Arizona Museum is brimming with exhibits from WWI through the Vietnam era, along with those that recall the WWII period in U.S. history when Americans banded together to achieve a common goal.

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Discounts for seniors, veterans and groups INFO: 480-924-1940, azcaf.org JULY/AUGUST 2021 | Sound of Freedom

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EVENT

‘Nobody Else Does’ Retired colonel honors fellow Vietnam veterans

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Sound of Freedom Executive Editor

R

etired Col. Joe Abodeely does not mince words when he speaks about the Vietnam War. He’s tired of the mistreatment of Vietnam veterans. He’s frustrated that these soldiers and airmen are not remembered accurately nor often.

“We celebrate all the other veterans,”

At Arizona’s Vietnam Veterans Dinner, retired Col. Joe Abodeely will show a video about the Air Cavalry Division and the Marines at Khe Sanh. (Photo courtesy of Retired Col. Joe Abodeely)

says the Maricopa resident. “We do all this stuff for Memorial Day. We don’t say anything positive about those who served in Vietnam. It infuriates me. I’m a Vietnam veteran and I’m proud of it. I try to honor those guys who served in Vietnam.”

For 10 years, the former Maricopa County deputy county attorney has hosted Arizona’s Vietnam Veterans Dinner with the Arizona Military Museum, a Vietnam War Commemoration Partner. Abodeely runs the Arizona Military Museum and heads there on Wednesdays.

The $50 tickets are on sale for the Saturday, October 2, dinner at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort, 7200 N. Scottsdale Road. It begins with a no-host bar at 5:30 p.m. followed by 6:30 p.m. seating and 7 p.m. program.

To purchase tickets, make checks payable to Arizona Military Museum for $50 per person and mail check to Arizona Military Museum, 9014 N. Wealth Road, Maricopa, before September 24. Guests are Retired Col. Joey Strickland, the veterans affairs secreasked to legibly print names, tary for the state of Louisiana, is the keynote speaker. addresses and contact phone (Photo courtesy of the state of Louisiana) numbers of attendees.

24

Sound of Freedom | JULY/AUGUST 2021

Retired Col. Joey Strickland, veterans affairs secretary for the state of Louisiana, is the keynote speaker.

“He is a true friend of all veterans,” Abodeely says.

Educating the public Abodeely, who turns 78 in July, is a Tucson native, who studied at UA. After he graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts in English, he changed his course of study from law school to business.

“In those days, if you changed your course of study, you’re in the Army now.

I was sent to the Fort Benning School for Boys,” he says in jest.

Eventually, he received his orders to go to Vietnam in January 1968 in the 1st Air Cavalry Division during the Tet Offensive.

According to his biography, he was an infantry lieutenant with the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). The 1st Air Cav, as they called themselves, was the only airmobile division and the first full Army Division deployed to Vietnam.

“It was a new concept for the Army deployment of light infantry troops, their artillery fire support, supplies and equipment — primarily by helicopter,” he says.

“We had mobility and firepower that the other Army units simply did not have.”

Upon his return, he earned a juris doc-

tor from the University of Arizona Law School in 1971. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1969 to 1995. As a judge advocate general legal officer, he provided legal advice and training on issues relating to terrorism, the law of war and international law to law enforcement and military personnel in the National Guard, Army Reserve. He also worked as chief legal officer for the MP Operations Agency at the Pentagon.

“I try to educate people,” Abodeely says. “I’m a highly literate guy. I understand what went on. When we do these dinners, I show a video about the Air Cavalry Division and the Marines at Khe Sanh.

“The mass media — and worse, yet, academia, the guys who didn’t go to Vietnam and stayed in school and got their history degrees — put their spin on the history of Vietnam.”

The video theme and challenge coins relate to USMC at Khe Sanh and 1st Air Cavalry.

Vietnam remembrance This year’s dinner will be held outside due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Abodeely says there will be “nice ambiance.”

“We have a dais and a podium,” he says. “We’ll have risers out there. We’ll have Joey and his wife at the head table. My wife and I will be there. Betsey Bayless usually shows up. There will be five at the head table.”

At 7 p.m. the Vietnamese and the American Legion Post 58 color guards will post the colors.

“We have a mixed color guard,” Abodeely says. “It’s the American Legion Color Guard with a couple Marines in it.

They will do rifle drills and come down the aisle.”

Afterward, DK Orchestra will perform the Republic of Vietnam and U.S. national anthems.

From 7:15 to 7:20 p.m., Father Virgil Petermeier will say the invocation and immediately following, Abodeely will welcome attendees and recognize veterans.

During dinner, from 7:40 to 8:15 p.m., the DK Orchestra will return to entertain. Abodeely’s video presentation is from 8:15 to 8:45 p.m., followed by a tribute to Lam Bui, a toast to the fallen and Vern West will play “Taps.”

Strickland will speak from 9 to 9:20 p.m., service songs will be performed and challenge coins will be distributed from 9:20 to 9:40 p.m.

“I honor Vietnam veterans because nobody else really does,” Abodeely says.

“They’re jumping over to the new guys. Now. I do what I do to honor Vietnam veterans because I don’t think other people do. They camouflage Vietnam veterans.”

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NEWS

K-9s Retire After HONORABLE Service Maj. Kimberly Guest, left, 56th Security Forces Squadron commander, and Tech. Sgt. Zackery Hons, 56th SFS military working dog handler, honor Rango, 56th SFS MWD, as he retires at Luke Air Force Base. Rango, an 8-year-old Czech German Shepherd, leaves behind the legacy of taking first place at the 2019 Desert Dog Trials for narcotic detection, beating 70 other K-9 teams, and will retire into the care of his former handler. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Amber Carter)

proud to support reedom. rt

pport Rango, left, and Boss, right, 56th Security Forces Squadron military working dogs, participate in the ceremonial tennis ball throw during their recent retirement ceremony at Luke Air Force Base. Both dogs are highly decorated working dogs. MWD Boss has multiple deployments and MWD Rango has assisted on several criminal apprehensions and located over $20,000 in narcotics. As the Air Force prepares to retire an MWD, the dog’s handler can request to adopt the dog enabling it to live the remainder of its life as a family member. Boss and Rango will retire and live at home with their respective handler. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Amber Carter)

contract. Our SNPs also have contracts with State contract renewal. See Evidence of Coverage for a ations and conditions of coverage. Plan features ontracts with State e of Coverage for a Maj. Kimberly Guest, left, 56th Security Forces Squadron commander, and Staff aage.

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Sgt. Elizabeth Pedroza, 56th SFS military working dog handler, honor Boss, 56th

o have contracts with State SFS military working dog, as he retires at Luke Air Force Base. Boss, who was reEvidence 2018547 of Coverage for a with cancer, served in the Air Force for seven years, completing cently diagnosed of coverage. Plan two features deployments to Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, and will live with Pedroza, his handler. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Amber Carter)

2018547

JULY/AUGUST 2021 | Sound of Freedom

27

NEWS

Danish Debut

A U.S. Air Force, a Royal Danish Air Force and a Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighter jet assigned to the 308th Fighter Squadron, Luke Air Force Base fly in formation May 5 over Bagdad.

The flight marked the first training sortie featuring a Danish pilot flying a Denmark-owned F-35. Denmark is one of many countries participating in Luke AFB’s F-35 training program, which is designed to integrate pilots, foreign and domestic, into a common set of tactics and advanced technologies and enables them to execute the mission as one unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dominic Tyler)

Denmark F-35A embarks on first training flight over Luke AFB

BY DOMINIC TYLER Airman 1st Class, 56th Fighter Squadron

T

he Royal Danish Air Force achieved a milestone in the F-35 training program by using a Denmark-owned F-35A Lightning II for the first time in a training flight over Luke Air Force Base in early May. During the flight, a Danish pilot flew alongside pilots from the U.S. Air Force and Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35s. U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Matt “HAIL” Cisar, 308th Fighter Squadron commander, says this mission underscores the cooperation between the allied countries.

“Today is yet another milestone in the progression of training for all our F-35 partners,” Cisar says. “Now that we have the Danish flying their own jets, we will continue receiving more of their aircraft to instruct the next generation of pilots in Denmark.”

Two Danish officers, enrolled in the F-35 program since November 2020, have been training in U.S. and RNLAF aircraft. The first two RDAF jets arrived at Luke AFB for pilot training April 13.

RDAF pilot “MON,” 308th FS F-35 test pilot, shares his experience flying the first RDAF F-35.

“I’m truly humbled to be chosen as the first Danish pilot,” says MON. “This is the beginning of a new era for the Danish Air Force and our partnership with the United States. Since I arrived at Luke, I have received truly amazing support from the 308th and everyone here on base.”

According to Cisar, two additional Danish F-35s are expected in May 2021. Luke is projected to have seven RDAF F-35s for Denmark

28

Sound of Freedom | JULY/AUGUST 2021

Goodyear Mayor Georgia Lord greets Royal Danish Air Force pilot “MON,” 308th Fighter Squadron F-35 test pilot, after his first flight in a Danish F-35, May 5, 2021, at Luke Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dominic Tyler)

pilot training by 2023.

Luke is training fighter pilots from other countries such as Italy, Norway and Singapore.

“It’s truly remarkable to come into a fighter squadron in which a U.S. pilot might fly a Danish jet alongside a Dutch pilot flying a U.S. jet,” Cisar says. “It shows all the work that’s gone into the F-35 program, the partnerships and how much we rely on each other to get the mission done.”

The F-35 training program is designed to integrate pilots, foreign and domestic, into a common set of tactics and advanced technologies enabling them to execute the mission as one unit. ”

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NEWS

g n i t i d e p x E s r i a p Re

Daniel Villela, left, and Staff Sgt. Daniel Ward, 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle management technicians, work at the 56th LRS Rapid Maintenance Annex at Luke Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leala Marquez)

56th LRS increases productivity through Rapid Maintenance

BY LEALA MARQUEZ Senior Airman, 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

T

o help increase the efficiency of flightline maintenance operations, shop for minor maintenance, the 56th Logistics maintainers can now use the Readiness SquadRapid Maintenance Annex ron opened a Rapid Maintenance to avoid longer wait times for Annex located near the flight line. quick fixes.

With the addition of the annex, “At the (Aerospace Ground airmen from the vehicle mainteEquipment) shop, our vehicles nance flight can expedite minor go down for small fixes (often),” repairs or services for flight line says Staff Sgt. Taylor Garcia, vehicles ensuring those vehicles 56th Equipment Maintenance rapidly return to duty.

Squadron AGE programs man1st Lt. Yamil Jonilonis, flight ager. commander of the 56th LRS Vehi“We could wait anywhere cle Maintenance Flight, explained from a few days to a couple of the 56th LRS created the rapid weeks depending on the probmaintenance element to decrease lem and the people available to travel and maintenance time for Daniel Villela, 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle managework the problem with the old ment technician, works at the 56th LRS Rapid Maintenance Annex flight line vehicles and personnel at Luke Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leala Marquez) system. With the new system, while increasing the emphasis on I have turned in a vehicle first flightline operations. thing in the morning and [reWith a 517-vehicle inventory, the 56th “The idea is if it takes less than 30 to 60 LRS manages the Air Education and Train- trieved] it a few hours later. This has helped minutes to fix or update and the vehicle ing Command’s second largest vehicle fleet, our flight immensely and has aided our 24primarily operates on the flight line, we and airmen from the LRS Vehicle Mainte- hour support of the flight line.” are here for you,” says David Maytes, flight nance Flight performed 9,200 repairs last Keeping flightline vehicles on the flight chief of the 56th LRS Vehicle Maintenance year for 52 organizations. Instead of taking Flight.

SEE REPAIRS PAGE 32 vehicles to the base vehicle maintenance

30

Sound of Freedom | JULY/AUGUST 2021

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31

NEWS REPAIRS FROM PAGE 30 line will save travel time for airmen who maintain the aircraft.

“I would like to make a comparison to say a flight line kitchen as opposed to the base dining facility,” Maytes says. “The faster and easier we can make it on airmen making the aircraft fly, the more time they can put hands on the mission.”

The Rapid Maintenance Annex supports the 56th LRS’ ongoing effort to improve its relationship with the 56th Maintenance Group and addresses the needs of maintenance professionals to ensure the success of Luke AFB’s mission to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready airmen.

“The shop is going to be a great asset for the base and the mission specifically for our partners in the maintenance group,” Jonilonis says. “We are doing so many things to make sure our relationship improves so they can do their jobs and keep the mission going, (and) this rapid maintenance shop is just going to make it better.”

MONDAY NIGHT 10pm- Close OWL

Staff Sgt. Daniel Ward, 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle management technician, works at the 56th LRS Rapid Maintenance Annex at Luke Air Force Base. The annex is an expansion of the vehicle maintenance flight and is used to expedite minor repairs or services for flight line vehicles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leala Marquez)

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NEWS

Showing SUPPORT

Conor Garland of the Arizona Coyotes celebrates after a goal. (Photo courtesy of the Arizona Coyotes/Getty Images)

Credit union, Coyotes donate $8K to FCP

BY JOE MCHUGH Sound of Freedom Staff Writer

T

he Fighter Country Foundation received an $8,000 check from its partners, the Arizona Coyotes and Mountain America Credit Union, to help fund the nonprofit’s events.

During the Coyotes’ season, the team granted $50 for every goal scored and, with 160 goals on the season, it was successful.

They have donated $18,000 since 2019.

Fighter Country Partnership supports military members and their families at Luke Air Force Base through events and other programs. But its support does not end with the Air Force. Fighter Country Partnership also helps active Navy members as well, through Navy Operational Support Center, which helps more than 800 sailors in the desert and 450 Marines on base.

The Coyotes regularly support Fighter Country Partnership. Players and staff have cleaned buildings, performed community

34

Sound of Freedom | MAY/JUNE 2021

service and hosted a deployed family skate event at Gila River Arena. The team and Fighter Country Partnership were instrumental in the ice rink project at the base.

“Our relationship with the Coyotes is exceptionally strong, to the point where they are no longer a supporter, but a partner,” says Ron Sites, Fighter Country Partnership’s president and executive director.

“We bring programs and services out to games, just as much as they support us with funding and resources.”

The Coyotes and Fighter Country Partnership are longtime partners. The goals promotion started in September 2019, when the Coyotes entered a multiyear partnership with the credit union. The following month, the credit union partnered with the Arizona Coyotes Foundation to create the goals promotion. Since then, the Coyotes have scored 360 goals, which have all gone toward helping Fighter Country Partnership in its mission.

“When I asked Mountain America Credit Union, ‘How did you come to learn about us and select us as a charity to support?’ They said it was because the Coyotes introduced them to our mission,” Sites says.

The Coyotes Foundation works to enhance the lives of Arizonans by helping organizations like Fighter Country Partnership. The

foundation also raises money through the 50/50 raffle and scoreboard messages.

“I think it’s a great partnership for us,” says Brittani Willett with the Arizona Coyotes.

“Our missions align of supporting servicemen and women and they are right here in our neighborhood. They are a part of our community at Luke Air Force Base. To honor and serve the men and women protecting our country, I do not think there is anything better than that.”

During the pandemic, the Coyotes allowed Fighter Country Partnership to use its (parking lot or arena), where it set up tables to safely pack school supplies “Because of the growing support that we are getting from our donor base, like the Coyotes and MACU, we are able to expand our program offerings,” Sites says.

Thanks to the community, Fighter Country Partnership performed well during the pandemic. It looks forward to helping servicemen and women and their families. The Coyotes have a similar outlook on the partnership, hoping for a strong relationship to continue.

“We are always coming up with creative new ways that we can support as needs change on the base,” Willett says. “We are always thinking about what is the need, and how we can help.”

AIRMAN & FAMILY READINESS CENTER MILITARY MEMBERS, DOD CIVILIANS*, RESERVE, GUARD, MILITARY RETIREES & ELIGIBLE FAMILY MEMBERS SERVICES AVAILABLE:

• Transition Services (Active Duty to Civilian)

- Mandatory Separation\Retirement\Preseperation Counseling - Mandatory 5 Day Department of Labor TAP Employment Workshop - Employment Assistance - SBA quarterly Boots to Business Workshop - Higher Education Training - Resume Writing and Federal Employment Workshops

Monthly Dept. of Labor TAP Employmen t Workshop

• Discovery Center - Resources for relocation, transition, employment, housing, schools, and more!

• AMVETS – Provides medical records screening and assistance with VA disability claims • Personal Development Information & Resources - Like us on Facebook: Luke A&FRC • Military & Family Life Counselor Assistance • Financial Counseling Education • Relocation & Sponsorship Services • School Liaison Officer - Addresses educational issues involving military children and youth in the local school community

Contact us for further information: (623) 856-6550 Email: 56fss.fsfr@luke.af.mil 7282 N. 137th Ave. Bldg.1113 Luke AFB, AZ. 85309 “We’re never the wrong place to go!” *Limited Services for DoD Civilians and their families

Happy 4th of July

LAND OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE The City of Litchfield Park Proudly Supports Luke Air Force Base 623-935-9040 litchfield-park.org

Thank you for your service!

WE INVITE YOU TO CONSIDER EL MIRAGE JUST 2 MILES FROM LUKE AFB!

Gateway & Gentry Community Parks featuring Splash Plaza, Community Garden, playing fields and skate park Award-winning Dysart Unified Schools

Housing choices are varied and affordable Mayor Alexis Hermosillo Vice Mayor Monica Dorcey Councilmembers: Roy Delgado Mike Hutchinson Anita Norton David Shapera Donna Winston

JULY/AUGUST 2021 | Sound of Freedom

35

SPORTS

Participants, trainers and coaches of the annual Paralympic Desert Challenge Track and Field Training Camp pose for a group photo at Luke Air Force Base.

The Paralympics track and field participants have competed with various countries worldwide such as China, Russia, England and Brazil. The Bryant Fitness Center hosted a four-day, annual Paralympic training camp that enabled retired, former and current military members to gain an officially sanctioned result that is required for entry in the U.S. Paralympic Games.

Up for the ‘Challenge’ Luke AFB hosts track and field training camp

BY DOMINIC TYLER Airman 1st Class, 56th Fighter Wing

T

he Luke Air Force Base Bryant Fitness Center hosted the annual Paralympic Desert Challenge Track and Field Training Camp on May 23.

The four-day training camp enabled retired, former and current military members to compete in sports and recreation events to potentially earn eligibility and compete in the U.S. Paralympic Games. Luke’s fitness center, selected by the U.S. Paralympic division of the U.S. Olympics, has hosted eight training camps since 2011.

“We have a duty here at the fitness center to support our military members, and we have the resources to do it,” says Antonia Bazan Espinosa, 56th Force Support Squadron assistant fitness and sports manager.

36

Sound of Freedom | JULY/AUGUST 2021

Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Anthony Pome throws a shot-put at Luke Air Force Base. The Bryant Fitness Center hosted the annual Paralympic Desert Challenge Track and Field Training Camp. The four-day annual Paralympic training camp enabled retired, former and current military members to gain an officially sanctioned result that is required for entry in the U.S. Paralympic Games. (Photos courtesy of Luke Air Force Base)

SPORTS

Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Gallardo throws a javelin during the Desert Challenge Track and Field Training Camp at Luke Air Force Base. The Bryant Fitness Center, selected by the U.S. Paralympic division of the U.S. Olympics, has hosted eight training camps since 2011 for retired, former and current military members. The camp is an opportunity for injured service members to excel after their military career.

“Some of the members did not only serve, but have paid great sacrifices supporting our country. This is an opportunity for us at the fitness center to give back to the members that have given so much.”

Espinosa says she appreciates the airmen in the 56th Mission Support Group and the 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron for providing lodging, transportation and dining facilities for participants, as well as help from volunteers and professional training from U.S. Paralympic Games coaches.

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Bill Godina, track and field coach, has been a Paralympic trainer for over 15 years. Godina has been at every Desert Challenge since the beginning and explained why he supports these athletes.

“It’s fulfilling to be a part of the Paralympic training program because our athletes are willing to work so hard to compete after serving our nation,” Godina says. “It’s truly inspiring to see these men and women excel after their military career. Some of these participants are Olympic medalist winners, so the training is always high intensity.”

The Paralympics track and field participants have competed with various countries worldwide such as China, Russia, England and Brazil. This summer, the athletes are training to qualify in the National Paralympic events in Tokyo, Japan.

“I love participating in these events because of all the people I get to meet from all over

Retired U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Max Rhome throws a discus at Luke Air Force Base. The annual Paralympic Desert Challenge Track and Field Training Camp, hosted by the Bryant Fitness Center, prepared participants for the National Paralympic events in Tokyo, Japan. The four-day annual Paralympic training camp enabled retired, former and current military members to gain an officially sanctioned result that is required for entry in the U.S. Paralympic Games.

Retired U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Beth Grauer throws a discus during the Desert Challenge Track and Field Training Camp at Luke Air Force Base. The Bryant Fitness Center hosted a four-day, annual Paralympic training camp that enabled retired, former and current military members to gain an officially sanctioned result that is required for entry in the U.S. Paralympic Games. The camp is an opportunity for injured service members to excel after their military career.

the world,” says Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Gallardo, U.S. Paralympic athlete. “The Desert Challenge brings so many people with disabilities together to share their stories, and show the population that no matter what life throws at you, you can still accomplish anything.”

U.S. Army Lt. Col. French Pope, Secretary of Defense Joint Staff J36 special events manager, supports Paralympic athletes all over the

U.S. He explained why it is so important for bases like Luke to continue hosting events like the Desert Challenge.

“At the end of the day, it’s about leaving no man behind, whether it be active duty or veterans past their time in the service,” Pope says. “These athletes come out to represent not only the military but the United States by continuing to fight and showing that they will never quit.”

JULY/AUGUST 2021 | Sound of Freedom

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EVENT All volunteers assemble at Runbeck Election Services to put on the Star-Spangled Babies event for military moms.

Military Fifty women participate in drive-thru baby shower

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Sound of Freedom Executive Editor

I

n honor of Military Appreciation Month, 50 new and expecting military moms were treated to a baby shower.

Operation Homefront hosted a Star-Spangled Babies shower recently at Runbeck Election Services’ headquarters in Phoenix.

“Due to deployments and frequent relocation, military parents-to-be often live far from their extended families and sup-

Hoot Hoot onesies provided by Origami Owl in Chandler were gifted to attendees.

Moms

port systems,” says Leticia Pena, Operation Homefront program manager.

“Our Star-Spangled Babies showers provide these new and expectant parents with early childhood education tips and a support system when loved ones are far away.”

The event was open to military moms in all ranks of active duty, Guard and Reserve families, and families of wounded, ill and injured veterans. Parents received donated gifts and educational information to help them in their new role as a mom.

“Partnering with Operation Homefront to host the Star-Spangled Babies shower was a truly wonderful experience; all of the military moms and moms-to-be were so grateful for the opportunity to participate,”

says Elizabeth Sommers, human resources manager at Runbeck.

“We are always eager to offer our facilities and volunteer power to support important community causes.”

In addition to the signature Star-Spangled Babies event, Operation Homefront provides critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing and family support services to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles.

Operation Homefront is prepping for its annual Back to School Brigade, providing hundreds of military children a backpack and school supplies as they prepare for the 2021-2022 school year.

To donate, visit operationhomefront.org.

The Vets Jam Band of the Creative Drill Sergeants nonprofit organization perform for military moms and their families.

Child of Runbeck Election Services volunteer helping at the Raffle station.

Baby bundle basket station with Cindy from Armed Forces Bank.

A guest waits to receive her baby bundle for baby No. 2.

A snack station with donations from Armed Forces Bank.

JULY/AUGUST 2021 | Sound of Freedom

41

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