OCR Text |
Show Fightes Country Page 3A General satisfies airmen's hunger for information ByAIC Ail nee Groben that concern them most. One staff sergeant asked the question burning in everybody's minds, "What about the new uniform, will it ever stop changing?" Griffith answered, "I think we've seen the last of the changes for the next four years. I know I've spent a fair amount of money on the different changes, but that doesn't bother me so much. I just know those costs rs have trickled down to the and that does bother me. We're back to the name tags and patches and that's it for now. I'm old fashion that way, I like the name-tapand patches and I'll insist on it as long as I live." He also insisted that the feedback portion of the enlisted promotion system needs work. "When a supervisor gives feedback they really need to sit down with that person and let them know exactly what's going on. You see, human beings have a hard time telling each other how they're doing, especially if it's mediocre or less than standard," said Griffith. "If someone's not cutting it, the supervisor has got to let them know but they also have to tell them how they can do better, and that's what we need to work on," he said. The lunch-tim- e clock was ticking but nobody seemed to get their fill of the general. He talked about temporary duty in Southwest Asia, saying that he hopes it will not turn into a permanent rotation but he didn't rule it Griffith let out a hearty out. "They don't want us to go chuckle but answered seriously, home. If we did, they'd be in I liked it over there, "Actually, really trouble, our presence Is very imporit's not that bad. I wish every tant over there," said the general. American could go," he said. He answered questions about "When you're standing eighthe dorms, computer systems and 1 teen inches away from the North possible closure of the base library. Korean border, looking at the other With a full schedule ahead, the general had to bring things to a close. person's jugular vein, it makes you remember why you wear the uniHe left the group of airmen with a form," he said. "We're all recruiters, challenge Amidst the clanking of forks it or not. Keep whether realize Photo by George Whetton you and slurps of soda, the airmen seized Surrounded by a crowd of curious airmen, Griffith munches on chips while answer- up the good work and remember, the chance to ask the general things ing questions and joking during the lunch at the dining facility. what .you do has an impact." Editor, Fighta Country During a visit to the 388th Fighter Wing April 4, the 12th Air Force commander, Lt. Gen. Thomas Griffith, was seen everywhere from the engine shop to the Turkey Shoot awards ceremony. One of the highlights of his tour was his visit to the "chow hall' where he was joined by about 20 active-dut- y people for a meal. He began the meal with a turkey sandwich and chips, but was given a lot more to digest. "Is everybody happy? What can I do for you?" the general asked, opening himself up to an onslaught of questions. In jest, an airman said, "Yes sir, can you do anything about orders to Korea?" 19-2- two-stripe- es viJir if 'JJKIi By SrA. J.C. Woodring Staff writer When Capt. Kurt Gallegos graduated from Layton High School in 1980, he was a star athlete feared by competitors from around the state. Today, Gallegos pilots an F-- 1 6 for the 34th Fighter Squadron and is admired as a role model for what he's accomplished. "I've always wanted to fly an said Gallegos of his dream. His hard week and dedication made the dream a reality. Gallegos is the new Dempilot for the 12th Air Force F-onstration Team. Beginning May 14, he and a team of three narrators and eight aircraft maintainors will travel throughout North America performing aerial stunts for millions of spectators at civilian and military airshows. Last year, the demo team performed for more than 3 million spectators in the United States, Canada and Mexico. F-1- 6," 16 rf;i- i- I'm here to let them know that they can Taking it on the road Local boy turn demo pilot gives back to community Gallegos stayed in Utah until he graduated from Utah State University in 1985 and was commissioned in the Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps. From there, he spent six years in Texas and one in Arizona before returning to Utah where he's been stationed with the 388th Fighter Wing ever since. During his career, the Air Force sent Gallegos to Europe, Southwest Asia and all over North America. While at home or away, Gallegos a huge heart and makes in little a stuffed every attempt to speak to schools Smith, principal of and group homes for troubled teens about "We're very proud professional and moral goals."I grew up in this area and know what's out mere. "It's great doing what you love in your home town," said Gall egos, who now lives with his wife, Renee, and their two children, Karlee and Kole in a house less than five miles from where his parents still live. While he was in high school, the state champion wrestler, football and baseball player received the Ken Call Award given to the top athlete of the senior class. 119-poun- d, "'Kurty' has strong commitment package," said Paul Layton High School. of him." Frock Continued both Colonel Lloyd and Colonel Murphy and for the wing as a whole. They are both in positions that require the rank of full --colonel and they've both already been selected for the next rank. It's certainly appropriate for them to receive the honor and privileges of wearing that rank," said Col Mike Brake, wing vice commander. With Lloyd, and soon Murphy, wearing colonel rank on their uniforms, they are afforded full protocol for that rank. However, some official documents like EPRs and OPRs will not be signed with the higher grade and their pay will not increase. The common reaction of people throughout the wing to the frockings was typified by the response of one technical sergeant: "We don't frock in the Air Force, he said. "Indeed .this is not something you sec every day," said Brake. "We're just lucky two such talented and for the deserving people from our wing were approved he said. early pinning-on- , I nncJhot & conference attended by students from Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada and across Utah. Gallegos' speech on respect making a difference followed the theme for the conference, "Reach for a Natural High and Make a Difference." In his speech, Gallegos asked, "How much respect do you think the Oklahoma City Bomber has for human life or authority?" The crowd hushed. "I wouldn't be where I am today if I didn't respect others," said Gallegos. "Most of you can't wait until you graduate so you can stop being told what to do. Let me tell you, it doesn't stop there. Everyone has someone to answer to, and if you can't do what is needed of you, you won't last long." Fifteen years after graduating, Gallegos is still a star. Competition teams aircrews, simulates 'hotspot' strike force By TSgt. Darla J. Ernst NCOICPubSc Affairs Components of the 34th and 42 1st Fighter Squadrons competed in the annual Long Shot competition at Ncllis AFB, Nev., April 27. The competition offered batraining not available to the 388th on a day-to-d- ay sis. The training was excellent, said Capt Kirk Alvord of the 42 1st Fighter Squadron. "It was the best one-da-y exercise I've participated in in my career. Alvord was one of eight pilots from the 3!fJl four from the 42 1st and four from the Fighter Wing selected as part of a 12th Air Force team to 34th participate in the quick reaction force competition. Along with the eight Hill F- -l 6s, their team consisted of and three from locations four F- -l 5 $, four 12th Air Force. Five other teams partici throughout A-1- 0s keep clean and survive," said Gallegos. Friday, Gallegos addressed a youth B-5- 2s pated in the competition. Although the 12th Air Force team didn't bring home a trophy, the opportunity to fly and train with other units made it worthwhile. The realistic scenario and the integration of forces makes for great training, said Alvord. On the day of competition, the teams took off from their respective bases and met in the skies just ouside of the Ncllis Range. From there they formed up and went in for the kill, striking their targets and then at Ncllis. The competition simulates a package of aircraft going to a hotspot somewhere in the world for a short-notistrike," said Maj. Mac McCormack, 42 1st assistant director of operations. "It's a competition designed to test our quick reaction abilities, he said. hrng ce comc-as-you-a- re |