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Show B K • Cuinitn December 9. 2004 Holiday message from 388th FW commander and ready for what lies ahead — more than 300 wing members will depart shortly after Christmas for Air Expeditionary Force 3. Roughly the The holiday season is here! This time of year same number will return in January at gives us all a chance to pause and reflect on the the conclusion of AEF 1 to be reunited many blessings we've been given, such as living with family members and squadron in the world's longest-standing and greatest "Karen and I mates after a nearly 5-month absence. democracy, serving our nation, bringing liberty send our heartThis is a very emotional time for a and education to oppressed people across the large part of the wing. People are our globe, and, for many, celebrating major religious felt thanks for all most precious resource and we can't holidays. you do to keep succeed in our nation's victorious purWe have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to suit of those who use terror as a celebrate. I'm thankful for the great success you this nation strong weapon without you and what you do, have achieved in 2004. The 388th has answered and free." and your incredibly supportive family the nation's call in a professional, consistent manmembers. ner throughout this past year. Numerous homeCol. Charlie Lyon As I meet with members of the local land defense commitments, sitting air defenses 388th Fighter Wing communities and travel across America, alert at home and at Nell is, flying air defense commander missions in support of our President, maintaining I am constantly reminded of how you air surveillance for the Vice President, deploying , and your service to our nation are to Southwest Asia as we continue the fight for the strain that can sometimes be associated with appreciated by the American people and by others future of democracy...all while honing our skills bringing joy to their families. who benefit from your military service and comat home station and preparing to answer the next mitment to freedom. General John P. Jumper, Air Force Chief of challenge that lies ahead. Staff, has urged us to be good wingmen in order Karen and I send our heartfelt thanks for all "to provide our Airmen with the support they you do to keep this nation strong and free, and for Thanksgiving marked the beginning of our need to carry their load." Being a good wingman the sacrifices you and your family make to afford busy holiday season, which undoubtedly means other countries the same opportunities. You give there will be more parties for everyone to attend, means taking care of yourself and the people around you, and stepping in when your wingman great strength to us and others because of your shopping to do. and trips out of town to visit needs help — its about taking an active part in the dedication. Enjoy this time of year and take full loved ones. While this month provides a great lives of others. advantage of the Air Combat Command no-fly time of celebration, it can also be a time for In celebrating the holidays, whether you stay in days on Dec. 22-27. I expect only mission-essenincreased stress. Let's all take the time to make someone else's Utah or venture someplace else, I encourage all of tial personnel on duty during that time, liberal leave is authorized, and I highly encourage everyholiday season brighter. The season can be a try- you to enjoy your holiday season safely and smartly, while applying the same professional one to take time off, relax and reflect on the many ing time for people who are away from their famistandards you exhibit during each duty day. blessings we have. lies during the holiday's festivities. Spend time with your loved ones to get refreshed Have a safe and happy holiday season. Others are overwhelmed with the financial By Col. Charlie Lyon 388th Fighter Wing commander Commentary Deployed Airman receives phone call from President incoherent and severely injured. Airman Arnaud's self-aid and buddy care training kicked in and he quickly applied a tourniquet to the Airman's wrist. Soon after he got the tourniquet applied, a BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq - During the medic arrived on the scene to take over. Thanksgiving season we talk with a lot of family and friends we don't normally hear from. For Airman Arnaud's quick reaction, along with one Airman deployed here, the holiday brought a the heroics of several other Airmen, played a phone call from someone he's never heard from key role in helping save the Airman's life. before, and probably never will again. About a week before Thanksgiving, Airman Arnaud learned he would be getting a phone call On Thanksgiving day. Senior Airman Eldon from the commander-in-chief to thank him for Arnaud. who is an assistant dedicated crew chief his efforts and for his service in Iraq. Air with the 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Combat Command ha^d fpr^yarded his name as_a Maintenance Squadron, took a phone, call .from potential candidate to receive a call from the the President of the United States, George W. President. • ':' Bush. President Bush called to thank him for his efforts on Sept. 11 of this year, for serving his "I was shocked," Airman Arnaud said. "Then country and wish him a happy Thanksgiving. I got nervous. What could I possibly talk about with the President of the United States?" As the day arrived, the phone call came in and President Bush was on the other line. "Once I got the call I was really nervous," Airman Arnaud said. "Both of us wished each other and our families a happy Thanksgiving, and he asked how my dinner was. I replied, *it was a great meal."' The President also asked about the morale of the personnel serving with him. The call lasted only about a minute-anda-half, but Airman Arnaud said he would cherish it forever. "I will never forget him saying to me how proud he was of me for helping save another Airman's life," Airman Arnaud said. Airman Arnaud wasn't the only one excited about the call. His family back home was thrilled, too. "My family was extremely excited for me," Airman Arnaud said. This year's Thanksgiving will be one to remember for Airman Arnaud. Above everyAir Force photo by Tech. Sgl, Bill Schoror thing, he's grateful to have been Senior Airman Eldon Arnaud, 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, talks with the President George W. Bush on among those able to help. Thanksgiving from his deployed location, Balad Air Base, Iraq. Staff Sgt. Ryan Hansen 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs As it started out, Sept. 11 was a typical day, just like any other day here in the AOR. Airman Arnaud, who is deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, was walking to a friend's tent with his mind wandering from place-to-place. But what happened at that point made it anything but typical. A rocket blast from insurgents hit the living quarters and Airman Arnaud was one of several Airmen who reacted heroically. "When the rocket hit, it knocked me to my knees, and I temporarily lost my hearing," Airman Arnaud said. "When I got up I saw a female that was just in front of me running over to an./yjrjnan tftat was hit. I then.started to run over to him." Lying on the ground was a member of the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron who took the brunt of the rocket blast. He was Published for People Like... Staff Sgt. Michael Salopek Unit: 388th Component Maintenance Squadron Job: Aircrew EGRESS AF member shares father's suicide, encourages people to seek help By 2nd Lt. Shannon Collins 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany — As I hear songs like "Butterfly Kisses" and "Daddy's Hands," and as I watch a movie like "Father of the Bride," the words "self-inflicted gunshot wound" echo in my mind. I will never have that special relationship between a father and a daughter. I won't have anyone to walk me down the aisle or to celebrate Father's Day with. And, it isn't because of a tragic automobile accident or a physical disease; it's because of suicide. In fiscal 2004, the Air Force had 57 suicides. Fifty percent of those cases involved Airmen between the ages of 17 and 24. My father was 30 when he did it — the age I am now. His death certificate reads "massive laceration of brain" and "shotgun wound of the face." He shot himself Dec. 12, 1979, and lived until Dec. 29, 1979. He was buried New Year's Eve. Not only did he punish his family members with his loss, but with the sight of him bloody and broken in the hospital for 17 days. Suicide ranks third as a cause of death among young Americans age 15-24, behind accidents and homicides, according to the American Association of Suicidology. It is the 1 lth leading cause of death overall. Capt. Ruth Roa-Navarette, from the Spangdahlem Air Base life skills clinic, said though most Air Force suicides occurred between July and September this year, people should be extra mindful to reach out to those who may be at risk or alone during the holiday season. The death certificate also reads "acute ethanolism," which means ,he .was, very, intoxicated at the time. In 2004, alcohol" abuse accounted for about 19 percent of ''"' suicides across the Air Force. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence states that "alcoholism is a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by continuous or periodic impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial." The jury is out on why my father did what he did. We will always wonder. I will have to live with what he did for the rest of my life. No matter how overwhelming a situation can be — whether it is financial difficulties, receiving punishment in the military, or personal life twists and turns, anyone who considers suicide as the only way out should think of his or her parents, of the family and friends who may be far away but who care for him or her. Chaplains, life skills representatives, coworkers and supervisors are also there to listen. With a little research, you can find a number of Web sites that provide information on suicide, suicide statistics or support groups for survivors of suicide. For immediate help, call a base chaplain or the life skills center. Most importantly, get help. (Courtesy of Air Force Print News Service) Fighter^Country Edilorinl Staff Col. Charlie Lyon Commander Capt. Monica Bland Chief. Public Affairs Staff Sgl. Nakita Carlisle Editor Airman Stefan ie Torres Staff Writer Time In Service: Seven years Most recent accomplishment: Finished 7-level upgrade training Goals: Getting my bachelor's degree If I could change one thing at Hill AFB what would it be: More funding for the wing to improve the quality of life for Airmen The Fighltr Country is " supplement lo ihe Hilltop Timrt, published by MorMedia. Inc., a private firm in no way connected wiih [be U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with ihe Ogdcn Air Logistics Center Public Affairs Office. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorised publication for members of the U.S. military service;. Content* of f-'tghirr Country- arc not necessarily the official views of. or endorsed by the U.S. Govemmcni. the Department of Dcfcn&e or lite Dep.inment of the Air Force. Unles* otherwise indicated, all photos arc U.S. Air Forte photos. Ad venomous contained herein do not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the U.S. Air Force of Hill AFB. Everything advertised is available without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or oilier nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user oi patron. The Fighter Country is edited, prepared and provided by the 388lh Klghter Wing Public Affairs Office, 5887 D. Avc., Suite 113.KillAFUUT,S4056-5O17. Story submissions (or the Fighter Country am be brought by the office, e-mailed to the editor at fighter.countr>tcf.rul]..Tf.iiiil or faxed to 777-292.1. Deadline for submissions to Fishier Country in no later than Monday, noon, two weeks prior to publication. For more information, call the public affairs office at 777-3200. |