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Show FIGHTER (COUNTRY . ! - ... . .. 388th Fighter Wing supplement to the Hilltop Times Twice Monthly Angry Warriors get new commander By SSgt J.C. Woodring Editor, 'Fighter Country ' The Angry Warriors of the 729th Air Control Squadron get a new leader Wednesday during a change of command ceremony at 10 am. in Hangar 37. The new commander, Maj. Bruce Stork, arrives from Langley AFB, Vi., where he was executive officer for Air Combat Command's director of requirements. "My family and I are really looking forward to joining the 388th Fighter Wing and 729th Air Control Squadron. The opportunity to command this squadron is an honor and a dream come true!" said Shirk. "There are only five squadrons like this in the Air Force and the 729th is the largest and has the most He's certified from 1983 to 1986. He also commanded the 71st Air Control Squadron at MacDill AFB, Fla., from 1990-199- 2. - "The 71st was very similar to the 729th in that it too was part of the theater air control system," he said. What does Sturk expect from his troops? "Professionalism and integrity," he said. "I encourage a working environment of honesty and openness. One in which all members of the squadron can seek ways to do things better and smarter to enhance both the mis- ,1 sion and quality of life within the squadron as well as for the warfighters we support" f The major describes himself as a "professional, fair and consistent" leader. "Integrity, loyalty and a sense of duty are the cornerstones of my actions. most like commanding a with I'm people-orientsmall base." a focus on the mission. The outgoing com Maj. Bruce Sturk My responsibilities are to mander, IX Col. Steve Lisi, will serve as the special assistant to the the people I serve with as well as the Air 388th Operations Group commander until Force," he said. The new commander will get to dishe attends the Air War College, Maxwell play his leadership skills later this month AFB, Ala., in August He has been comwhen he takes his unit to Kuwait for a mander since December 1994. y Shirk's long history with the Air Force deployment "I'm really excited about the opporBoth childhood. and his father in began father-in-la- w were Air Force colonels. In tunity to deploy to the desert with the retired officers worked together 729th. This is an extremely important the fact, when Shirk and his wife, Mina, were dat- mission and the 729th's role is crucial to the operations in the area of ing. "This will be my 27th move," said the responsibility. I know the squadron is ready and able to meet the challenges and major. "I've had an opportuprovide outstanding support to both the nity to see a lot of places." Sturk began bis own military career as Joint Forces Air Component Coma distinguished Reserve Officer Training mander and our host nation armed Corps graduate from Norwich University, forces," he said. During his free time, Sturk likes to Vt, in 1980. Sturk his Since says, jog, exercise, read Tom Clancy novels commissioning, "All of my assignments have helped me and above all, spend time with his wife and their children, Cady, Emily and Braprepare to command the 729th." ' These include Professional Military dley. The former high school and college Education, various staff jobs and two comski instructor is also ready to hit the mand positions. slopes of Utah and the "Greatest Snow He served as a Headquarters Squadron commander at Scmbach AB, Germany, on Earth." challenging mission. May 9, 1996 It's al- I ed 90-da- - Pljoto by SSgL J C Woodring SSgt Blaine Wolf, aircraft metals technology shop, measures part of the 1 6 landing gear. Blaine is one of the 1 7 certified technicians assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing. Under the program, some maintenance workers are allowed to sign off their own work. F-- See Certified Technician story, Page 3A earns NCO award Protecting environment f"" for accomplishments in enCaudill was vironmental compliance, recycling, and pollution pre By Wynne Rasmussen Staff writer vention. Protecting Ac environment can be tricky when it involves potentially hazardous materials, but the NCO in charge of the 388th Maintenance Squadron Corrosion Control Flight proves it can be done. SSgt Jcffery S. Caudill won the General Edwin W. Rawlings Award for Environmental Excellence for the Air Force Material Command. The purpose of the award is to recognize outstandto the environmental program. contributions ing Corrosion control is responsible for painting air-crand disposing of what is used. There is potential harm if the materials are handled improperly so maintaining high environmental standards is top priority. Every time the flight paints something they are required to track how much paint is used, mixed, and dispensed into the atmosphere. The sergeant's com- the environment resulted in the design and mitment to implementation of a computerized air emissions tracking program for the corrosion control section. This ensures 100 percent accuracy of emission data calculated for the base and the Environmental Protec- - aft SSgt Jeffery Caudill -- .""SSSri innovation. led to an expected savings of $6,000 per year in hazardous waste disposal and $2,500 in material He also implemented cardboard and empty metal recycling programs for the corrosion control section. These curbed landfill disposal costs in addition to reducing bulky solid waste. To qualify for the general's award the nominees must be in a job where they spend less than half of their time directly working on the environmental management program, The award is offered once a year to an officer or civilian equivalent (GS--9 and above) and enlisted or civilian equivalent (GS- -t or below). Only one person from each category is able to be nominated. Caudill was not aware such an award existed until his name was submitted for consideration. Although the award is based on individual performance, he would rather see the award go to the shop. "It's a team effort and everyone works together," Caudill said. "It's not something I did all by myself, everyone in the shop contributed.'' |