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Show Tmit> 10 TIMES Nov. 3, 2011 HILLTOP TIMES 75th MDG using new electronic system BY TECH. SGT. MALIA L. WARE NCOIC, Resource Management Office U A robot and the software code that operates it, winner of the 390th Software Maintenance Group software demonstration contest, are slated for use at outreach events. Ben Hancey, electrical engineer with 519th Software Maintenance Squadron, built the robot in his spare time and presented it and the software code as an innovative dynamic presentation. BRIAN TRAPP U.S. Air Force ROBOT From page 9 people to work for the government," Hancey said. When the call for an exciting software field demonstration piece went out, Hancey's answer was sitting in his closet. He had created his robot after making a similar one for a college class. He built it in his spare time over the course of several years, and rolled it out as his entry into the competition in front of an audience of 309th SMXG supervisors. "The first time I saw it was when I witnessed the demonstration," said Todd Henrie, Hancey's supervisor in the 519th Software Maintenance Squadron. "I thought it was a good idea to tie it in with what we do here, and to have that visual aspect. Hopefully it will spark some interest with the kids and potential new hires." Hancey designed and built almost every part of the robot design from scratch, even developing the schematics for the circuit boards and then sending them out to a company to create them. He soldered on every component himself including the 10 infrared sensors that let the robot autonomously navigate around a room. All the hardware he assembled for the robot would do nothing without Hancey's software. He wrote the code in his spare time in C language, the predecessor of some of the software languages used by 309th Software Maintenance Group today. When he demonstrated his robot, the audience was impressed, even those who've been in the field for decades. "This was the great visualization we were looking for when we sent out the call," said Kasey Thompson, Software Organizational Development Office Outreach lead with the 517th Software Maintenance Squadron. "When we go to PROMOTIONS the schools to promote electrical engineering and software in particular, this is something where the students can see and see the software code in action. This will inspire some of the students to enter an electrical engineering program, and when they graduate, motivate them to work for the 309th SMXG." Electrical engineering is a field that is growing in need, but not in the number of students pursing it. The 309th SMXG is working to resolve that problem through outreach to high school and young college students to encourage them to enter the electrical engineering field and bring their talents to civil service. "We're lacking in engineers because the schools aren't producing enough electrical engineers anymore," Henrie said. Hancey talked about the robot with the excitement and enthusiasm that only its builder could have. He also volunteered to be part of the demonstrations himself. This will be an important part of the 309th SMXG's outreach efforts to inspire potential electrical engineers. Hancey was inspired to enter the field himself after seeing someone else's work. "Growing up I was into building, Erector sets or Lego sets," Hancey said. "Though I always wanted to be a mechanical engineer, my sister went to college before me and she was an electrical engineer. She got me into it and as a senior in high school I got into it, then even more in college." Changes in technology happen quickly and advances created by engineers drive it. Hancey's robot could someday be the turning point that brings a young person into the world of software. "The next generation of engineers is in high school and starting college right now," Thompson said. "When we do our outreach and promote the field we are building the 309 SMXG workforce for the future and inspiring students to pursue a career serving America using their unique talents." nder the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1986, all military medical treatment facilities are mandated to bill health insurance carriers for the cost of medical care provided to active duty family members, retirees and family members who are covered by other health insurance. The 75th Medical Group Clinic must comply with this law and needs your help for continued program success. In most cases, the 75th MDG is no different than civilian health care providers who need insurance information at each clinic visit. To collect benefits covered by your other health insurance, it must have the information that appears on your other health insurance identification card. A new electronic system was implemented in August. The goal is to streamline the process of collecting other health insurance (OHI) information for clinic staff and beneficiaries. You will be asked if you have other health insurance at every point of service when you use services at the 75th MDG. If you are covered by other health insurance or have a Medicare supplement, staff will ask for your insurance card to scan into the electronic database. provider. Monies collected under this program are deposited directly into the 75th MDG Operations and Maintenance account. In fiscal year 2011, $2 million was collected. This accounted for 7 percent of the 75th MDG operations and maintenance budget. The ultimate goal is to provide enhanced health care services for you — the patient. Your assistance assistance is appreciated in helping the 75th MDG Clinic keep up with these requirements and creating a health care environment all can be proud of. For further assistance with the Third Party Collections (TPC) Program, please stop by the TPC office located on the 1st floor near the pharmacy or call TPC representatives at 586-9847 or 777-6422. You no longer have to manually fill out the DD Form 2569, Record of Other Health Insurance Form, and this eliminates the use of the yellow card. Each point of service has a scanner and signature pad to expedite the process of collection. The obligation to pay medical care costs applies only to the insurance carrier. Your insurance company will pay benefits directly to the 75th MDG and you will not be billed or responsible for any uncollected charges. The benefits for the patient include no co pay, deductible or any patient responsibility charges indicated in the Explanation of Benefits received from the insurance company. This means you may pay less out of pocket expense when later seeking health care through a civilian Mon. Fri. 7:00 am - 6:00 pm Open Saturdays - Most Insurance Plans Accepted. Payment Plans, Credit Cards, Military Dental Plans. EMERGENCIES WELCOME! We LOVE New Patients! www.laytonpediatricdentistry.com Skiers Travelers Military Visitors Business Professionals " Free WiFi " Convenient to World Class Skiing " Near HAFB, Museums, Restaurants, Shopping C~HARI M oaM 116 North Main Street, Clearfield " 801-825-2221 Senior Airman Cory Feehan 75th Logistics Readiness Squadron: From page 9 729th Air Control Squadron: Tech. Sgt. Ronald Orencia, Tech. Sgt. Robert Webb, Staff Sgt. Christopher Tyminski, Staff Sgt. Christopher Wharton, Senior Airman Terrance Chadwick II, Senior Airman Jeff Fulford, Senior Airman Benjamin Gilbert, Senior Airman Christopher Giroir, Senior Airman Drew Glaister, Senior Airman Troy Lawrence, Senior Airman Rufus Mitchell, Senior Airman Thomas Van Engen, Airman 1st Class Kirk Kirby Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Larson, Staff Sgt. Dustin McCarroll, Staff Sgt. Steven Rust, Staff Sgt. Lori Thompson 75th Operations Support Group: Staff Sgt. Philip Irwin 75th Security Forces Squadron: Staff Sgt. Kent Berry, Staff Sgt. Christina Gay, Staff Sgt. Peter Ramsdell, Staff Sgt. Timothy Stanaland, Senior Airman Jennica GangWinger, Senior Airman Kendra Johnson 775th Civil Engineer Squadron: 75th Air Base Wing: Senior Airman Michael Penrod, Senior Airman Nicholas Spinicelli Tech. Sgt. David Hornsby 75th Dental Squadron: 75th Force Support Squadron: IF YOU'RE A FEDERAL EMPLOYEE, SelectHealth has a health insurance plan just for you. We provide you with access to Intermountain Healthcare* providers and facilities. Even better? Federal employees get it all with zero deductible. Its the level of quality you need at a price you'll appreciate. 84th Radar Evaluation Squadron: Tech. Sgt. Christopher Price Master Sgt. Kristy Gallagher, Staff Sgt. Mary Kramer Small deductibles are nice. Zero deductible is better. Ogden Air Logistics Center: Maj. Matthew Simpson, Capt. Jennifer Hutchison, Tech. Sgt. Jason Bullard, Senior Airman Jaimie Green Learn more selecthealth.orgnep at: selecthealth. AN INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTHCARE COMPANY This is a summary of the features of the Federal Employee Health Plan. 8efore making a final decision, please read the Plan's Federal brochure (RI 73-865). Ail benefits are subject to the definitions. limitations. and exclusions set forth in the Federal brochure. SelectHealth. All rights reserved.1640 09/11 |