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Show Lifetimes D July 8, 2004 1 o Home front heroes From cutting grass to watching kids, Team Hill helps family by Beth Young Hilltop Times staff War is hard, but often difficult times can bring out the best in people. LeeAnna Gregaitis has learned this lesson first hand from Team Hill members. While her husband, Staff Sgt. Brian Gregaitis a 75th Civil Engineer Squadron structural craftsman, was deployed to Iraq, her family fell into some hard times. "During his deployment, we unexpectedly lost my aunt. We also recently lost his grandfather," Mrs. Gregaitis said. "I also had car troubles, my swamp cooler didn't work and I had to have surgery." As is often the case, at the time the Gregaitis family needed his support the most, Sergeant Gregaitis was halfway across ? the globe. "I guarantee", as soon as that KC-1- 0 lifts off with a grbup of deployed warriors, someone's spouse will get a flat tire," said Col. Seb Romano, 75th Air Base Wing commander. There's no way that anybody can survive except with help from people back here at home." Help came in the form of home front heroes, as Mrs. Gregaitis has taken to calling the people from Hill who came to her aid. "When tragedy struck our family so many times, it was as if these people were standing there waiting to help out," she said. One airman visited the family weekly to cut the grass and another showed up to with equipment to fix the faulty air conditioning. This is just the beginning of the generosity that Mrs. Gregaitis experienced. "During the loss of my aunt, I could not afford to fly my boys home to go to the funeral. So Jenny Kramer took our boys into her home and loved them for four days," Mrs. Gregaitis said referring to the spouse of the 75th CES com- - I come to a It was not only military members who lent a hand. When Mrs. Gregaitis' vehicle broke down, Torrence Dust, a hydraulics mechanic for the Maintenance Directorate, took the time to buy the new parts that were needed and replaced them. "I come to tears thinking about how supportive and wonderful everyone has been during this very difficult time, when my husband was gone," Mrs. Gregaitis said. The kindness of the home front heroes reached across the sea, not only helping the family at home, but also easing the mind of Sergeant Gregaitis. "It was tough being away, but I was comforted knowing the base, my shop and the comshe had a support system said munity," Sergeant Gregaitis, who recently returned home after 110 days in Iraq. "It was outstanding. It's good to know so many people out there are willing to help." As amazing as the Gregaitis' story is, what's even more tears thinking about how supportive and wonderful everyone has been during this very difficult time, when my husband was gone. LeeAnna Gregaitis mander Lt. Col. Mark Kramer. To make sure that all the families of deployed members are well taken care of the 75th CES has a system. They keep an database of each member and all spouses get a card with important squadron numbers if they should need anything. "We also request each section officially appoint sponsors to each deployed member's spouse, but usually, the appointment is preceded by someone volunteering," said Senior Master Sgt. Ernie Lhamon, 75th CES first sergeant. "The entire 75th Civil Engineer Squadron is like a big family. As such, we make sure our family members, both military and civilian alike, are looked after no matter what might come te up." Two earn MACH, Image awards Hilltop Times staff nection for the community when arranging Hill's involvement in events such as, Jazz, v electronic engineers and nicians and six contractors. His section is one of the largest and is responsible for 63 material improvement projects. "Mr. Wirick's management abilities motivate his employees to get the job done. This empowers individuals to take ,Ji V; Hill for community relations, such as the Spring Fling for Apple Village Retirement Cen- ter. ognizes a manager who exemplified exceptional management achievement. He is the Auto- 28 rently responsible fortech- : Raptor and Stinger games. She also is Instrumental in organizing volunteers from Steven K. Wirick received the MACH award, which rec- matic Test Equipment Software Engineering Section chief, for the Maintenance Directorate. Mr. Wirick has served as branch chief in four out of the five branches in the Maintenance Directorate's Software Division. During his tenure, all branches were able to cut costs and improve customer relations. He is cur- 'Feed me!' Ms. Burke is also in charge of many public events for Hill's senior staff. She is the con- by Beth Young The Hill Administrators Association recently honored two Jlill employees with the MACH "and Image awards as well as four scholarship recipients at its annual scholarships and awards luncheon. amazing is that their situation is not uncommon, says Colonel Romano. "There are a lot of stories like this," he said. "Johnny from squadron X fixed my flat tire and that was a great help or Johnny's son cut my grass for 6 weeks while my husband was gone." A mowed lawn or a couple hours of babysitting may not seem that important. However if a military member is concerned about their family it takes them away from being able to support the mission. "Our deployed personnel can not be worrying about what is happening with their families, we need them to focus on their missions so that they can support our nations objectives and come home safely," Colonel Kramer said. "We need to stop and really think about the wonderful overseas gifts we have in the military and our heroes and on the home front," Mrs. Gregaitis said. "I am forever grateful to all of them." "Valerie truly personifies the sign of a leader, a person who takes charge when cirSteven Wirck ownership of their projects," said Randy Hill, Mr. Wirick's nominator and Software Engineering Division chief. "This helps guarantee a quality product and maintains high moral within the organization. He constantly gives far more than expected." The Image award was presented to Valerie Burke, a Public Affairs specialist who handles community relations for the Ogden ALC's Public Affairs Office. Considered the most prestigious award by the Hill Administrator's Association, it recognizes a worker who presents the best image of Hill Valerie Burke to the public, the community and through accomplishments and activities. As the chairman of the 2004 Annual Northern Utah Women's Conference, which draws 200 to 400 attendees, she is responsible for overseeing the conference from beginning to end. She was also the chairman in 2003. In addition, she is involved in many community enhancing organizations, including Davis and Weber rs County Chamber of Commerce, Governor Leavitt's Patriotism Committee and Committee for Drug Free Youth of " ) cumstances demand and does it with dignity and grace all signs of a great leader," said Sylvia Le Ms. Burke's nominator. "I Mons-Liddl- e, have witnessed firsthand Valerie's gift to bring out the best in others. She remains driven by her personal mission to improve the lives of others." The Hill Administrators I 'Pi ' VVT7 . Asso-ciatio- n also awarded their annual scholarships to Gabel Taggert in the Academic category, Andrea Hersch in the Past President category, Michael Woodard in the Essay category and Jeremy Bodin in the Continuing Education category. Two Photo by Beth Young of the Hill AFB baby starlings have literally fallen into the care Veterinary Treatment Facility staff. The fledglings most likely fell out of their nest and were brought in by a Good Samaritan. Now in the good care of Carrie Long, above, office manager and Capt. Mark named Elvis and Rocky are fed Mudd, Hill veterinarian, the birds a mixture of cat food, egg, sweet potatoes and applesauce every hour. Now estimated to be 11 14 days old, the hope is to release the birds once they are fit to fly. -- Base employees receive Hispanic, govenment honors by Beth Young Hilltop Times staff Two employees of Hill AFB have been honored with Mat-ti- e Wattis Harris Awards in the Spirit of the American Woman, sponsored by Your Community Connection of Northern Utah. Hill employees have a long history with these awards that honor men and women in northern Utah who haVe demonstrated excellence in their lives. Nominated by friends, family members and the nominees are selected based on careers, community service and personal achievements, especially in overcoming adversity. This year's winners are Barbara Garcia and June Biancalana. Barbara Garcia was chosen for the Adelante Mujer award, presented to an outstanding Hispanic woman. Ms. Garcia is a labor relations liaison for the Logistics Management Directorate and also manages the Hill AFB Hispanic Employment Special Emphasis Program. She is involved in many outreach programs, with an emphasis on the Hispanic community. As the manager of the Hispanic Employment Program she has raised awareness of Hispanic contributions and worked to increase interest in employment in civil service within the Hispanic community. Her contributions reach far into Lunch and Learn the community, including workshops at the State Department of Workforce Services, helping with the Hill's Angel Tree program and supporting families during the Christmas season. rs, low-inco- ,5 H X, Q Barbara Garcia June Biancalana The Air Force is indeed fortunate to have Ms. Garcia as an employee. She consistently proves to be a wonderful example of excellence in all she does and is willing to share her expertise and time with anyone needing assistance," said Debra Schwartz, Ms. Garcia's nominator and "Since I was a little girl I have always wanted to stand out in some way." As I matured, I realized it was helping others," Ms. Garcia said. "The satisfaction of knowing I have achieved this effort has made me remarkably humble." June Biancalana was chosen for the Federal Govern ment award, presented to an outstanding Federal Government employee. Ms. Biancalana is a Logistics Program manager for the Space and C3I Systems Directorate, where she is responsible for coordinating support for the telecommunication systems. Ms. Biancalana has won many awards for her work at Hill including a Space and C3I Super Nova Peer award. She is also a talented musician and published songwriter. Her involvements in the community include serving on the Ogden ALC Special Emphasis Federal Women's Program, as an advocate for the employment and general welfare of women employed in the federal government. "Ms. Biancalana's vision is to create a mechanism where individuals can learn how to achieve their full potential," said Debra Schwartz, Ms. Biancalana's nominator and One way she accomplished this task was by organizing a series of life enhancement seminars during Women's History Month. Other community outreach she is involved with include, establishing a scholarship fund for women returning to school, participating in the Survival at the Summit cancer awareness event and sponsoring the Federal Woman's Hiking Club. "Watching my mother struggle and win her battle with alcoholism and her silent, brave, though lost, fight with cancer has been an ongoing inspiration for me," Ms. Biancalana said. "I hope that I cafPbe a similar inspiration to others whether it is through my music or work." |