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Show 419th Fighter Wing Mission: To Fly, Fight and Hill AFB, Utah 84056-541- 0 Win! 3 Volume 17 Number 9, October 4, 2001 Newsbriefs B Re-enlistl- ng Recently several members put their careers in jeopardy by waiting until the last minute to In doing so, individuals leave themselves open to the possibility of involuntary separation in certain situations. While reasons for delaying may seem valid at the time, no reason is worth putting one's career in jeopardy. When an enlistment expires that particular slot is considered vacant and can be filled. Members must then go through recruiting channels to try to get their job back. There are no guarantees the member will be able to get back in the unit, grade or position. For more information see your unit career " o advisor. &f ? M i; Friend or foe? Tech. Sgt. Catherine Clifford, 419th Combat D Employer Appreciation Day Due to world events, the 419th Fighter Wing Employer Appreciation Day scheduled for Oct. 13 has been canceled. The list of employers who were confirmed as guests for October will be used for the next scheduled employer day. Employers scheduled to attend have been notified of the cancellation. Support Logistics the Squadron, checks identification badge of Staff Sgt. Jeremy Hanson before entering the 419th Fighter Wing's secured area. Sergeant Clifford is one of several reservists to assigned guard the gate area and entrance to the wing's facilities. SGLI Forms decline to who want Reservists Servicemembers Group Life Insurance for their spouse and dependent children may do so now. The form SGLV 8286A is now available in 419th Fighter Wing Military Personnel Flight. This form must be completed and submitted before Nov. 1,2001. Contact the 419 MPF customer service office at 3 for more information. 777-002- fl Awards banquet The 419th Fighter Wing Outstanding Airman of the Year for 2001 is scheduled for Jan. 5 at the Ogden Marriott. Cost is $ 1 8 per person. The guest speaker is Gail Halvorsen, also known as the "Candy Bomber" for his role in the Berlin AirliftOther special guests include retired Lt Col. Chase Nielsen of the Doolittle Raiders and retired Maj. Alden Rigby, World War U Ace. The menu includes a choice of Chicken Picatta or Horseradish Encrusted London Broil. Members are encouraged to attend in support of the wing's outstanding airmen. Tickets are available through unit First Sergeants. CFC funds to aid relief efforts Department of Defense civilian and military members can donate funds to victims of the terrorists attacks at the World Trade Center and Pentagon as part of this year's Combined Federal Campaign. The annual campaign, which is managed by United Way, allows Air Force members the option of giving to hundreds of voluntary health and welfare agencies. According to the Office of Personnel Managment, there are 51 organizations seeking donation to aid workers involved in the relief efforts. The list can be viewed on the Internet at Traveling in Uniform Due to the heightened security posture following the events of Sept 1 1, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force has directed effective immediately that wear of the military uniform while on commercial travel is prohibited. O Tuition assistance Air Force Reserve Command increased the maximum amount of assistance and level of course work offered through its Tuition Assistance Program on Monday. The maximum aid reservists may receive annually has increased from $2,500 to $3,500, and the program has expanded studies from bachelor's degree up to master's degree. For more information, Education and Training section of the 419th Military Personnel Flight, at 777-793- 1. Kudos Congratulations to Maj. Dillon McFarland, 466th Fighter Squadron. Major McFarland scored a 91 on his latest Air Command & Staff College exam. D OPSECCOMSEC 419th Fighter Wing members are reminded to refrain from discussing classified or confidential information over an unsecure telephone. Good OPSEC practices are important, especially in light of the recent terrorists attacks on the United States. For more information on OPSECCOMSEC guidelines, contact unit security managers. i. - ll in II iN fm 1 Photo by Stephanie Johns Security tightens, enlistments surge following attacks on Pentagon, World Trade Center by Capt. James R. Wilson 419th FW Public Affairs Office terrorist attacks in New York and in September took place 2,200 miles away from the 419th Fighter Wing and Hill Air Force Base. Its impact, however, would lead one to think the tragedy occurred just next door. "The events of Sept. 11 are unprecedented in the history of our country," said Brig. Gen. EC. "Pink" Williams, 419th FW commander. "While we are all saddened, I believe we all also share a resolve to make sure that such an event never again occurs on our soil." That commitment was evident when members began increasing security and sealing off access to key areas immediately after the attacks took place. "I'd like to thank all of the 419th members for their efforts over the past several weeks. Many have worked long hours, made smart The decisions, and conducted themselves with a positive attitude in the face of uncertainty." Following the attacks, Hill Air Force Base implemented Force Protection Condition Charlie and remained in that posture for nearly, two weeks before transitioning to Condition Bravo. This heightened level of security and its associated inconveniences are necessary to protect the base's most valued resources its people. "This effort will require time, patience and all the resources of our country," said General Williams. "It is a battle which will take place l, on many diplomatic, economic and of course military. At this time, it is unclear what our role as reservists will be, which only emphasizes the importance of training hard and staying ready." The increased security was the most obvious response locally to the largest terrorist attack ever committed on United States' soil. In recent weeks, President George Bush has activated more than 16,000 fronts-politica- Guardsmen and Reservists in support of national defense leaving many 419th members wondering if they too would get the call. Early indications are that the initial wave of Presidential recalls isn't likely to have an immediate impact on members of the 419th, according to the commander. "In the short term, I expect that our unit will fulfill its AEF Air Expeditionary Force obligation in the Middle East," said the general. "I do not anticipate any tasking which will supercede our upcoming deployment." The general advised members to stay flexible in the days and weeks ahead as he expects many rumors to circulate regarding the possibility of the 419th being activated. Those who hear such rumors are asked to See SECURITY, page President authorizes more Reserve by Gerry J. Gllmore American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON President George Bush called more than 16,700 Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members to active-dut- y status during the month of September. were in The activations response to the Sept. 11 airliner hijackings and terrorist attacks on New York's World Trade Center and the Pentagon. More than 6,500 people are feared dead as a result of the attacks. Senior U.S. officials believe terrorist Osama bin Laden is responsible. The Presidential recalls affect members serving in a variety of career fields to include air defense, port security, military with airlift and logistics, military police, engineering, intelligence, and chaplains. The President has authorized up to 50,000 guard members and reservists be brought onto active duty for as much as two years. President Bush said his call up of Guard and Reserve troops "is a strong symbol of this nation's resolve" in its fight to defeat world terrorism. He went on to say that he understands that the reserve component mobilization "affects the lives of thousands of Americans." "After all," President Bush said, "We're talking about somebody's mom, or somebody's dad, somebody's employee, or friend, somebody's somebody's neighbor." The President said reserve component troops affected by his order, and the thousands who sprang into action immediately after the attacks, "will serve in a number of essential roles." "... a mobilization affects the lives of thousands of Americans. But the world will see that the strength of this nation is found in the character and dedication and courage of everyday citizens." George Bush President Bush said he appreciates and thanks employers of Guardsmen and Reservists, especially those "who understand that there is more to corporate life than just profit and loss." "Freedom has a cost," the President emphasized, adding that service members understand this "better than most" Americans. The mobilization will entail "a lot of sacrifice for those who will be called up, and their families," he said. "America, he added, is willing to bear the cost of freedom." "An act of war has been committed on this country," President Bush said, "and the dedication of our Guardsmen and Reservists will serve not only as a strong symbol to all that we are prepared to take the necessary actions; it will be a part of helping to find the spirit and courage of America, and I'm grateful." The President declared a state of national emergency Sept. 14, and he has been entrusted by Congress to use all force necessary to protect Americans and eradicate the threat of global terrorism. DoD officials had said that the order could affect some 35,000 reservists and noted thousands of National Guard and Reserve members were already in action, in rescue and recovery efforts, for instance. DoD called 5,131 Guard and Reserve airmen in fighter, air refueling and air control units to active duty on Sept. 20. "Our mobilized reservists need the support of their fellow reservists," said Lt. Gen. James B call-up- s Sherrard III, chief of Air Force Reserve and commander of Air Force Reserve Command. "I urge everyone to show their support for our reservists and their families throughout this national challenge." "Our men and women are trained and ready. I have total confidence in their skills and dedication and what they bring to the Total Force." A list of the major units and duty stations impacted by the recall is on the Internet at www.defenselink.milnews. Family toolkit Service members being called up for active service or those deploying have a new tool kit to help their families, thanks to the Department of Defense. The Guard and Reserve Family Readiness Programs Toolkit offers a variety of resources and is available at www.defenselink.milrafamily toolkit Some of the items included in the kit are financial management plans, deployment checklists, member benefits, and a listing of available support groups. The toolkit is DoD's attempt to standardize information between services and the reserve components, so they can all use the same language when preparing for deployments. Unless otherwise indicated, all photos are U.S. Air Force photos. Advertisements contained herein do not constitute an endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or Hill AFB, Utah. Everything advertised is available without regard to race, color, religion, sex or other nonmerit factors of the purchase, user or patron. COPY |