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Show HILLTOP TIMES COMMANDER TIMES 3 May 20, 2010 PUTTING DOWN ROOTS Hill Air Force Base and Utah Division of Forest Fire and State Lands representatives finish planting a pine tree in front of the Warrior Health and Fitness Center to recognize the base as a Tree City USA for the 17th year in a row. The tree was the 1,001st planted on base this year. With volunteer help from across the base, the Environmental Management Division planted 1,000 trees at the base's tree farm and cleaned up a walking trail. Pictured (left to right) are: Bob Elliot, 75th Civil Engineer Group Environmental Management Division chief; Harry Briesmaster, director of the 75th CEG; Col. Patrick Higby, 75th Air Base Wing commander; and, Meridith Perkins and Tim Garcia, Utah Division of Forest, KIM COOK/U.S. Air Force Fire and State Lands. From page 2 you have is the variable, and it's free. Thinking positively doesn't cost anything." Hoffman ended his Commander's Call with a reminder to apply safety to all we do and take care of one another, saying that being a good Wingman is everyone's responsibility. Participation in a half-day Wingman Stand Down 2010 is mandatory for all Air Force units in May. In a jointly signed letter, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy noted the reasons for the stand down. 4jf "Sadly, 18 Airmen, eight guardsmen and Reservists, and three civilians, of all ranks and specialties, have taken their own lives so far this year," the senior leaders noted. "Additionally, approximately 50 Air Force members annually are killed in motor vehicle accidents." The stand down is an opportunity for Airmen to discuss suicide prevention, learn about motor vehicle safety and improve wingman skills. part of the human condition, and facing and overcoming these additional hurdles is in no way a failure. Team Hill members with special From page 2 needs families — active duty, governcommander and as a dad of a special ment civilian and Reserve component — I urge you to openly discuss your needs child, I am telling you that, yes, this isolation and those stigmas exist. personal circumstances with your coOur Airman's Creed says, "I will never workers and supervisors. They may leave an Airman behind and I will not have had no direct experience with persons with disabilities. Your experifail." The uniformed Airmen are Amerence will help them better appreciate ica's warriors, sworn to give their lives in our nation's defense. We're not used the additional challenges you face and to admitting any weaknesses to anyone, how they can be Exceptional Wingmen including our spouses, supervisors, com- to you. As a "Special Needs" dad who manders or our Wingman. We "do not resisted for many years the facts in his son's case, I also encourage all of you fail," and unfortunately our culture and society continue to partially associate Airmen who know in your heart that Reusabilities and special needs with weak- "something is different," but refuse to ness and failure. They're not. They are admit it, to look in the mirror and consid- HICKMAN er what is most important. I know now, that my son and my family are most important, and I know that the Air Force can and will take care of my family and my career. The Air Force cannot provide to you and your child all the available support resources if you haven't enrolled your family member in the Exceptional Family Member Program. Commanders, directors, first sergeants and supervisors you have a duty and a responsibility to know and understand these challenges so that you can ensure the morale and welfare of all unit personnel. Use the resources available to you — the key spouses, the special needs navigator, the medical group and the Airman and Family Readiness Center — to better understand the needs of the special needs families in your units. In so doing, you will be better prepared to ensure that all Team Hill Airmen can perform their mission with the sure knowledge that leadership fully supports them and their family. Another recent author offered us this quote, "Nobody cares how much you know ... until they know how much you care about them." As Airmen and Wingmen, we have a duty to watch out for our fellow Warriors and the Team Hill family. As "Exceptional Wingmen," we all can step outside of our comfort zones, and become actively engaged in taking care of our special needs families. For more information about the base's Special Needs Resource Center, please contact Tammy Custer at 801-586-4735, or the 75th Medical Group Special Needs Office at (801) 777-1237. •^i*..: USAA believes those who serve deserve more. That's why we offer low auto insurance rates that most insurers can't match. Plus, USAA provides exclusive benefits for military personnel, including: DOES YOUR INSURER BEAT USAA? • 90% savings when your vehicle is in storage.2 • On-base garaging discount, in most states.3 • With USAA Mobile, you can initiate claims and get proof of irfturance anytime, anywhere. $940 Compart these average auto premiums (fix-month policy)1 Switch to USAA Auto Insurance today. 800-CAR-USAA I usaa.com/car 'Average auto premiums based on countrywide survey of new customers from 10/01/08 through 9/30/09, who reported their prior Insurers' premiums when they switched to USAA. Savings do not apply in MA. 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