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Show August 30. 2001 419th FW celebrates ... A ' by Capt James R. Wilson 419th FW Publc Affairs Office 419th Fighter Wing held annual Family Day Aug during the main Unit Training Assembly. The day's events began at 730 a.m. with a walk. Following the walk, wing members met up with their families and participated in a number of games and activities throughout the course of The the day. The agenda included volleyball, children's games. Karaoke, and, of course, the always popular dunk tank. However, there were several new wrinkles to this year's event The most noticeable were the various military aircraft and equipment that adorned the 419th tarmac. Family members got a chance to see such military assets 5 as a refueler, a and an AH-6aircraft, cargo Blackhawk Apache and UH-6helicopter. KC-13- C-1- 4 0 t In addition, the 12th Air Foice Demonstration Team captivated hundreds of Reservists and their guests with an aerial demonstration performed over the 419th flightline. The team, which is assigned to the 388th FW, travels to airshows around the world performing precision aerial maneuvers which highlight the capabilities of the A safety safari, which included six cars painted to resemble various exotic animals, was on hand to teach adolescents basic safety concepts. Representatives from and Rocky Young Chevrolet Mountain Raceway provided the vehicles and were on hand to discuss such topics as drugs and alcohol, bicycle safety, and seat-be- lt F-1- 6 L F-1- 6. II . safety. Family Day is the wing's way of saying thank you to the hundreds of family members whose sacrifices and contributions make Air Force Reserve mission possible. Wing officials estimate that more than 1,800 people attended this year's event s 177 DAY WITH FAMILIES -- T.sJ -t -X- , a ..... -.i'm- V'A.H '-jm.?!..'-. j Photos by Capt. James R. Wilson Ma. Bill Wales, 419th Mission Support Squadron commander, gets wet again during his venture into the mous dunk tank. Sixteen commanders (or designated representatives) spent time in the tank this year. Infa- 1 k -- ;.-- f V I. : 5 The Stratotanker from the 151 Air Refueling Wing in Salt Lake City was a hit among 419th family members young and old. KC-13- Lauren Merrill attracts a crowd (albeit a small one) while singing a popular '70s song on the dreaded Karaoke machine. Air Force by Capt. Braxton Garrett enjoys a cool drink while his mom, Stasi, shares some cotton candy with younger brother Brayden. conducts study into hazards related to jet fuel 8 at Hill Air Force Base. The fact that the 419th James R. Wilson 4 19th FW Public Affairs Office Preliminary results of a health study of exposure to JP-- 8 jet fuel have led the Air Force Surgeon General to recommend the use of more effective protective equipment for workers who come in contact with the fuel. People were coming forward with health comso the Surgeon plaints after being exposed to JP-General started to investigate worker's concerns, said Lt. Col. (Dr.) Thomas Neal, chief consultant for occupational medicine at the Air Force Surgeon General's office. Reported symptoms included dizziness, lightheadedness, skin irritation and objectionable taste and odor, records show. Medical officials with the 75th Air Base Wing, however, said there have been no health-relate- d incidents reported among those who work with JP- 8, Fighter Wing has received no health complaints validates steps the unit has taken to prevent such incidents. "We have stringent rules that govern the process said Staff. Sgt. Dennis Pearson, for handling JP-8419th Fighter Wing unit environmental coordinator. "At a minimum, our maintainers must wear clean coveralls, eyeface protection, protective gloves, and a respirator when applicable before coming into contact with the fuel." Realizing the potential for problems, the 419th does have a process in place should its maintainers notice any short-tereffects from working with the ," m fuel. "Our first priority is taking care of our people," said Sergeant Pearson. "Anyone who has health concerns related to the work environment is strongly encouraged to visit the base clinic for a medical assessment." The Department of Defense completed a 20-ye- ar phased changeover from gasoline-base- d safer and more versatile kerosene-base- JP-- 4 Information for the study, which compares health data from 169 fuel cell maintenance volunteers with 160 Air Force people who have no contact with JP-was gathered over an period at six stateside bases, Neal said. Scientists and researchers from several major universities are participating in the $3.6 million study, which is being funded by the Air Force and other government agencies, he said. health Study results so far indicate no long-terhazards from JP-- 8 exposure, Neal said. For instance, medical records show no significant difference in reported ailments between the fuels workers and the control group. But, Colonel Neal said, the study was specifically health effects in a very looking for acute, short-terfuel cell narrowly defined group of workers maintainers. meaning, tells story of service They are drawn with great angularity to emphasize the Air Force's swiftness and power, and they are divided into six sections, each of which represents one of our core competencies: aerospace superiority, global attack, rapid global mobility, precision engagement, information superiority and agile combat support. In the lower half are a sphere, a star and three diamonds. The sphere within the star represents the globe. It reminds us of our obligation to secure our nation's freedom with global vigilance, reach and power. The globe also reminds us of our challenge as an expeditionary force to respond rapidly to crises and t6 provide decisive aerospace power, worldwide. The area surrounding the sphere takes the shape of a star. The star has many meanings. Its five points represent the components of our one force and family - our active duty, civilians, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and retirees. The star symbolizes space as the high ground of our nation's in 1996. 8, th m m New Air Force symbol steeped in m&V The U.S. Air Force symbol, introduced in January 2000, honors the heritage of our past and represents the promise of our future. It retains the core elements of our Air Corps heritage - the "Arnold" wings and star with circle - and modernizes them to reflect our aerospace force of today and tomorrow. The symbol has two main parts. In the upper half, the stylized wings represent the stripes of our strength - the enlisted men and women of our force. to the JP-- 8 d aerospace force. The rallying symbol of all our wars, the star also represents our officer corps, central to our combat leadership. The star is framed with three diamonds, which represent our core values: integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. All of the elements come together to form one symbol that represents two powerful images - at once it is an eagle, the emblem of our nation, and a medal, representing valor in service to our nation. JP-- 8 Nevertheless, because short-terexposure has unpleasant and uncomfortable side effects, the Air Force is ready to move ahead to the next step investigating more effective protective clothing and reviewing procedures to ensure maximum personal protection for fuels workers, Neal said. "For many years, people exposed to solvents have experienced similar symptoms to those we're seeing in people who enter JP-- 8 fuel tanks to perform maintenance," said Colonel Neal. "But that doesn't mean we're not concerned, we need to be proactive in protecting our people. "That's not to say we haven't done so already. We have protective equipment and technical orders in place, but we're taking the initiative to explore recent advances in equipment that may provide greater protection," he said. "Our interest is our people," said Colonel Neal. "We want to do everything possible to keep them healthy and safe." (Air Force News Service contributed to this article.) m eW. WYsffi-- i II 0 V T ti, |