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Show November 21. 2001 Air Force Academy inducts squadron commander Hockey Wall of Fame in Wing asking for volunteers to build strong family support by Stephanie Johns 4 19th FW Public A fairs Ofce the initial Presidential by Stephanie in September, more Since up52.000 Reservists and Johns 419th FW Public Affairs Office ice skates to fighter jets whether or a goal, Lt. Col. From scoring a kill 1 1 Lieutenant Colonel Gary Batinich, in 1974 playing hockey for the Falcons as a freshman at the Air Force Academy. members. Even today, he ranks 5th all time in for the Falcons at the Air Force statistics scoring Academy. Although his responsibilities as a commercial airline pilot and commander of the wing's fighter 196 points. J 1 466th Batinich, Fighter Squadron commander knows what it takes to rise above the competition. In fact, few have enjoyed more success in the hockey rink than Colonel Batinich. His athletic achievements were the focus of a special ceremony on Oct. 14, 2001. That night, he and other hockey players from the U.S. Air Force Academy's past were formerly inducted in the Air Force Hockey Wall of Fame. To be chosen as one of the best hockey players in the Air Force, is certainly a great honor for me," said Colonel Batinich. "But, the real joy for me was going back and visiting with staff and trainers who were there when I attended the academy." The 12 hockey players were selected in a vote taken by the Falcon Hockey Alumni Colonel Batinich attended the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, from 1974 through 1978. During that time he played hockey at the w ing position and scored a total of Guardsmen have transitioned from their civilian jobs to active-dut- y The potential for service. hundreds of 4 9th Fighter Wing members to be mobilized has officials from the family readiness section looking for volunteers to help out on the home front. So far, the call up has affected approximately 70 members of the wing who were recently activated in support of Operation Noble Eagle. Most of these individuals have at least one family member who has been just as affected by the call up as the reservists themselves. The stress of a deployment not only affects the reservist who goes to an unfamiliar place, with unfamiliar living conditions, and for an undetermined length of time. But. it also takes its toll on the loved ones left behind. The absence of a family member can generate a variety of emotions for a spouse faced with increased limited and responsibilities resources while their loved one is away. A number of sacrifices will have to be made. He or she will have to take over all household would that responsibilities between be shared the normally squadron keep him busy. Colonel Batinich still finds time to play hockey in a Salt Lake City men's league. "I still enjoy competing in athletics. Playing sports like hockey, soccer and basketball, to name a few, teaches you the importance of team effort," said Colonel Batinich. "Not only is team effort necessary to be successful in sports, but it's just as important to be successful at your job." Air Force Aid eligibility expands to cover annual tour Personnel Data System. "We are assisting members and their families with financial concerns due to the Ms. Rosso said. "Whether recent call-ups- ," Society. In the past, reservists had access to Air the member needs extra money until she or he Force Aid if they were called to duty for 30 is paid or if there are medical bills to pay, days or more, but now assistance is available family support is providing assistance at all for those on orders for 15 days or more. The 39 major unit locations." For example, the AFAS is helping a expanded eligibility is particularly helpful for special-need- s those deployed overseas in support of deployed reservist with a child by paying the difference between Aerospace Expeditionary Force and other what TRICARE Prime pays and the actual mission requirements. "The change is recognition of Air Force costs of the medical bills. Reserve Command's increased participation "Air Force Aid Society looks at a person's in real-worbasis," Ms. Rosso missions," said Ms. Linda situation on a said. "When the wife of a reservists who was Rosso, chief of AFRC matters. not on orders had difficulty "Establishing a relationship with the Air Force Aid Society giving birth to premature twins, "...Whether the member AFAS stepped in to pay the to communicate the Air Force Reserve mission and what our needs extra money until medical bills. People who have she or he is paid or if extreme hardships should seek reservists and families need has been the focus for the past there are medical bills tO assistance ' reaardWs of- their pay, family support is year," she said. "Air Force Aid duty status." The changes in the AFAS Society has been extremely providing assistance at all 39 major unit program are new and permanent supportive of the Air Force locations." additions to the Family Support Reserve." also offices Family support program. They will not go - Ms. Linda Rosso, chief reservists offer AFAS assistance at 15 away when called-u- p of Air Force Reserve return home. more Air Force Reserve Command matters Command locations, as well as Family support offices now at Lackland Air Force Base, offer AFAS assistance at Texas. Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga.; AFAS has been on active- Grissom ARB, Ind.; Homestead duty Air Force bases since Gen Hap Arnold ARB, Fla.; March ARB, Calif.; and Westover Reservists and their ARB, Mass. founded it in 1942 Air reserve stations providing aid are Gen. families can still go to a local Red Cross International office for emergency assistance if they are not Mitchell Wis.; Airport, Paul IAP, Minn.; Niagara near a base. Minneapolis-St- . If a servicemember is deployed, the family Falls IAP, N.Y.; Pittsburgh IAP, Pa.; and must have a power of attorney to receive to Willow Grove, Pa. The other new locations are at Lackland; receive assistance. Examples of aid include money for basic living needs, emergency Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas; NAS New Orleans, La.; Portland travel, car repairs and funeral expenses. Other situations the AFAS programs help IAP, Ore.; and Selfridge Air National Guard with are family separation, child-car- e Base, Mich. and 419th Fighter Wing members who would and assistance loans emergency problems like more information about AFAS assistance grants. The society also assists called-u- p reservists with pay and medical issues until can call Master Sgt. Cindy Ross, 419th their paperwork is updated by the Military Services Flight at 777-966- Robins Air Force Base, Ga. Emergency financial aid to reservists on annual tour is now available through the Air Force Aid ld case-by-ca- se -- to Photo by Stephanie Johns Maj. Jeff Nusser, 419th Security Forces Squadron commander, greets Sheri, a wife of a deployed reservist to the 419th Family Support Group meeting held on Saturday, Nov. 17. Sheri's husband was one of approximately 50 reservists from the 419th SFS who was mobilized in support of Operation Noble Eagle. two. Kids are not exempt from the changes and for the deployed spouse so that he or she can sacrifices a military deployment creates in a focus on the situation at hand and not have to home. Younger children may suffer anxiety worry about the home front." said Maj. because they don't quite understand why their William Wales. 419th Mission Support mom or dad is leaving for an extended period Squadron commander. "This program is one of time. The older kids example of what the 419th make their sacrifices by Family Readiness section can do for our members and their to their 'normal' "This volunteer network disruptions families routines created by an will allow families to of absent parent. deployed Spouses quickly locate and receive reservists will be notified and "I think a family support needed services from invited to support group trusted sources. It will group would not only be for the but also for lessen the the adults, meetings which will be held good worry out the term of a the children, " said Sheri, so that through deployed spouse he or she can focus on the wife of a reservist from the wing deployment. 419th SFS. "The children situation at hand and not Family members will be have to worry about the will be able to meet other able to voice their concerns on how they are coping with home front." kids who they share the absent spouse. They can something in common with - Maj. William Wales, 419th also find out information on because they all have a Mission has been Support Squadron military benefits, and request parent who commander. assistance necessary in any deployed." The spouse must also dealing with the separation handle issues like paying during these meetings. "We are looking for individuals who can bills, keeping the lawn up and resolving unexpected auto or home repairs and other volunteer to help with home emergencies like emergencies which usually occur during the plumbing problems, home appliance repair, auto repair, etc.," said Master Sgt. Cindy most inconvenient times. "We These matters require a strong support Ross, 419th Family Support Group. the need skills from with different volunteers and The for their families. reservists group 419th is striving to minimize the stress and local area as well as from the surrounding strain by organizing and building this support states our reservists live for example Idaho, and Wyoming." group. If you, or a family member is interested in However, wing officials realize they must first establish a structured network of volunteering, for the 419th Family Support volunteers for the support group to be Group, complete and cut out the Volunteer, Information form below and return to 419th successful. "This volunteer network will allow families MSSMSF, 5713 Lahm Lane, Hill AFB, Utah to quickly locate and receive needed services 84056 or call Master Sergeant Cindy Ross at from trusted sources. It will lessen the worry 547-658- 5. Support group volunteer information sheet i Please provide the following information if you or a family member is interested in helping family members of deployed reservists. Indicate your , skills and availability on this form and return to : The Family Readiness I Office, Bldg. 590 or mail to 419th MSSMSF, 5713 Lahm Lane, Hill AFB, I Utah 84056-541- I 0. 1 I J Last name: First name: Address: City: State: Zip: Home phone: Work phone: 3. IWWW'Syl' $0 fctf I am available to help with (circle the items applicable to you): Baby sitting Yard care Plumbing Electrical skills Emergency Carpenterminor home repair Emergency auto repair Transportation Other: Is your If M0 $0 0 0 0 0 spousefamily member currently deployed? (YN) yes, member's name and unit: |