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Show HILLTOP TIMES flMES 11 October 11,2007 Air Force Reserve stands up first F-22 Raptor unit mission happen," Overturf said. One of the unit's top priorities is to continue attracting highly qualified candidates, unit officials said. The 477th FG currently has approximately 35 people assigned. By the end of this fiscal year that number should be 163, with incremental rises the next four years bringing the group's total to 426 by fiscal 2012. Ultimately, the group is scheduled to have 160 Air Reserve technicians and 266 traditional reservists. He is first going to focus his efforts on filling the almost 270 traditional reservists positions, Overturf said. For the Tliskegee airmen on hand, having this new unit with the Air Force's newest fighter is an honor, they said. "The highlight of this is the continuation of our legacy we started in the '40s," said retired Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Robert Ashby. "To have our unit flying the newest most sophisticated aircraft in the world and adopt the unit here is truly outstanding." BY MASTER SGT. CHANCE BABIN Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs E LMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska — Air Force Reserve officials activated the first F-22 Raptor unit, the 477th Fighter Group, in a ceremony here Oct. 2, giving the Reserve a valuable part of America's newest and most sophisticated weapons system. "This is a most wonderful day for the AFRC because we have officially stood up our first F-22 associate squadron and its group," said Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, the AFRC commander. "I'm really proud of this day. This will be something that our command will be proud of for 50, 60, 70 years I believe." The day also honored the unit's fabled heritage, with the 477th FG and the 302nd Fighter Squadron both having Tbskegee Airmen lineage. Hiskegee Airmen were present to add to the momentous day. "It's priceless, there's no other way to put it," General Bradley said. "This is their SENIOR AIRMAN GARRETT HOTHAN/U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Paul Hennig unveils the newly painted 302nd Fighter Squadron tail markings Oct. 2 following the 477th Fighter Group activation ceremony at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. The 477th FG, and its subsequent squadrons, are now the first and only Reserve F-22 Raptor unit in the Air Force. heritage; we're standing on their shoulders. We're very proud to have their name and heritage in our 477th FG and 302nd FS." For Col. Eric Overturf, 477th FG commander, having the unit stood up means it's time to get to work. "Now we ean go from the planning phase to the execution phase. The first thing we're going to do is start flying airplanes, start fixing airplanes and make the Transition time can be challenging for veterans, families the group, including Transition Assistance Adviser Bart Standard-Examiner Davis Bureau tbusselberg@standard.nel Davis. He can be reached at bart.o.davis@u.s.army.mil or at GDEN — The transition 523-4937. Myriad support services are from military life can available, including counseling be far from easy. That message was relayed to veter- services from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs ans, their families and others, recently, at a symposium held and various veterans services here. offered through what is now But that plight is not forgot- the Utah Department of Veterans Affairs. ten, said officials addressing BY TOM BUSSELBERG O This date in history OCTOBER 12, 1977 The first class of five U.S. Air Force women navigators graduates, with three of the five assigned to Military Airlift Command aircrews. VA vocational and educational counseling can help with career choice and preparation, school or job training and job selection and search, among other possibilities. The Veterans Affairs regional office can be reached at (800) 827-1000. State services in this area are available from the Ogden South Employment Center at 480 27th St., call Steve Hadley at 626-0338 or Daryl Lytle at 626-0373. There are other of- - City, 584-1294. The Disability Law Cenfices across the state, including a downtown Salt Lake City of- ter is at (800) 466-5245 while the number to verify veteran fice at 524-9121. status and apply for benefits is Other numbers that can be useful include: Department of (800) 827-1000; application for Veterans Affairs Medical Care: a VA home loan is available at VA Health Care benefits, (877) (888)349-7541. 222-8387; VA Pharmacy RX Re- At Hill Air Force Base, the fill, (800) 579-0540; VA Hospital Medical Clinic can be reached Emergency, 584-1205; Counsel- at (800) 453-2388, civilian pering and Personal Assistance, sonnel office at 777-5508 or genVeterans Center in Salt Lake eral information at 777-7221,.,: SERVICE IS OUR MIDDLE NAME Your Heating Specialist Commited to your comfort Over 30 years of quality service and customer satisfaction. Let the Sunshine in! GRAND OPENING HUGE MILITARY & GOVT. EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS 12 months no payments/deferred interest. Offer ends 12/7/07. EVERYTHING WIRELESS! 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