combat excellence-always on mission
TRANSCRIPT
Combat Excellence-Always on Mission
April 2017
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Combat Excellence
Warriors of the 124th Fighter Wing-It is hard to believe we are halfway through
this fiscal year. We are finally getting a reprieve from the harsh winter, but with that reprieve comes all the crazy spring weather, along with flooding as the Boise River is hitting record breaking water levels. We continue to maintain a constant state of readiness for our federal mission, while standing by to support our state mission if called upon. Serving our state and communities is one of the many reasons that make serving in the guard so rewarding.
Sun Tzu once said “The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war”. Our return from such a phenomenally successful combat tour is a perfect example of that. We have had an extremely impressive beginning to this year, with an exciting second half in front of us! We are officially out of our formal AEF reconstitution phase with our mission capable rates well above the guard average and our pilots and maintainers back up to combat ,ission ready rates. All of our members are back from the RCP reconstitution and are hitting the ground running. Our Warrior Celebration committee just finalized the Dining Out details for May 19, our culture of compliance and empowerment is on track with our September Captstone right around the corner. The Gowen Thunder Open House is continuing to gain momentum for the weekend of Oct 14, and it will be no time at all before the USAF Thunderbirds are performing aerobatics over Boise. Our exercise schedule is ramping up as we continue to maintain readiness - you’ll see this in our exercises with Mountain Home and with first responders from downtown. Everyone is doing an amazing job of asking “where can I help”, which embodies the essence of the Idaho spirit and the great mutual support the 124 FW is known for.
I’m ecstatic to tell you that after many months, and a great deal of coordination and work from our engineers, contractors and contracting staff, our main gate will be up and running by the end of April/early May. It is great to see a project of this magnitude near completion, and with all the lessons learned on how to build. As we continue to push our projects and aggressively build for our future, we’re learning how to put it all together. Well done by everyone and thanks for your patience!
There is certainly a lot of sweat flying around Gowen Field these days, and no doubt in my mind it will prevent Sun Tzu’s alternative. In addition to all of our efforts here and those of our traditional guardsmen in their civilian careers, we can’t forget the most important thing in life. This week, Lt. Gov. Brad Little signed a proclamation declaring April as the month of the military child. This is a great reminder for us to take the time to recognize the important role military children play in our lives and community. Idaho is home to nearly 10,000 military children, from all components and branches. The sacrifices our children make along with the vast amount of challenges they overcome is not an easy task, but many times we take it for granted they “have it all figured out”. Please take time during this month to talk to your kids - thank them for their service and consider enjoying some of the great events our Family Support program has lined up over the summer. These always get great reviews from the kiddos that attend.
I look forward to sweating alongside you this great spring, whether at the gym, in the field, or on the flight line!
From TheWING COMMANDER
COL. TIM DONNELLAN
Attack! Donut
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Always on Mission
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MAY 15-19 OCT 16-20
N C O E I S A F I V E D A Y C O U R S E D E S I G N E D T O F U R T H E R D E V E L O P N C O S A S I D A H O A I R N A T I O N A L G U A R D P R O F E S S I O N A L S A N D L E A D E R S . T O P I C S C O V E R E D I N C L U D E P E R F O R M A N C E C O U N S E L I N G , E F F E C T I V E L E A D E R S H I P , B U L L E T W R I T I N G , M E N T O R I N G , A N D M U C H M O R E . O N L Y 3 0 S E A T S P E R C O U R S E .
REQUIREMENTS-BE A STAFF SGT OR TECH SGT (NEW MASTER SGTS MAY BE CONSIDERED)-
-HAVE SUPERVISOR OR COMMANDER'S ENDORSEMENT- -NEED TO BE PLACED IN A MILITARY STATUS TO ATTEND-
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT CHIEF MASTER SGT. LYONS
WING COMMANDERCol. Tim Donnellan
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER2nd Lt. Cassie Morlock
PUBLIC AFFAIRS NCOICMaster Sgt. Becky Vanshur
PUBLIC AFFAIRS STAFFMaster Sgt. Joshua Allmaras
Tech. Sgt. John WinnSenior Airman Skyla Child
THE BEACON is the official newsletter/magazine of the 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho Air Nation-al Guard. It is published monthly by the wing public affairs office. Views expressed may not be those of the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, Department of Defense or U.S. Government.
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6 commanders callCOL DONNELLAN RALLIES THE WING
8 BURNING THE MIDNIGHT OILHIGHLIGHTS FROM MARCH’S NIGHT FLYING
10 PURPLE UPAPRIL PROCLAIMED MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD
11 ANY QUESTIONS?CHIEF PAGE IMPARTS WORDS OF WISDOM
12 IN THE COMMUNITY124TH AIRMEN VOLUNTEER IN THE COMMUNITY
13 EARNING THEIR WINGSCOS AIRMEN GRADUATE IN FIRST ANG CYBER COURSE
14 food for the mind and body LUNCH AND LEARN TEACHES ABOUT SLEEP
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C O N T E N T S THE BEACON
This month’s cover photo was taken March 20, 2017 by Master Sgt. Joshua Allmaras during night flying operations.
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Combat Excellence
P R I M A R YU TA E V E N T S APRIL DRILL CALENDAR Saturday
***REMEMBER*** This schedule is subject to change. Check the current Fragmentory Order for updates.
0730 - FWS/CC call, Bldg. 400, Basement0830 - Enlisted promotion board, Bldg. 6000900 - Strategic planning meeting, Bldg. 600, CG Conf Rm0900 - Fitness Assessment, Bldg. 15301000 - QRA, Bldg. 600, CG Conf Rm1130 - Lunch and Learn: Debt Collections, Base Chapel1300 - CDC testing1300 - Officer promotion board, Bldg. 6001500 - Essential 6, Bldg. 400, Wing Conf Rm1500 - Honor Guard practice, Bldg. 1521500 - Retirement - TSgt Bradford Terry, Indoor Pavillion1530 - Promotion - SMSgt Rosin, Bldg. 1451530 - Rising Two Working Group, Bldg. 400, DFAC1545 - Promotion - TSgt Charlton Medina, Bldg. 1500
SUNDAy0700 - MXS/CC call, Base Theater0800 - Initial WIT Training, Bldg. 400, Wing Conf Rm0800 - MSM - MSgt Gates & TSgt Bermensolo, Bldg. 15000800 - ANG Newcomer’s Orientation, Bldg. 400, Basement0830 - CDC testing0930 - Promotion - Capt. Bruner, OP-B Sayler Creek1000 - MSM - SMSgt Hobbs, Bldg. 400, Foyer1300 - HRE/POSH Training, Bldg. 400, Basement1400 - MSM - MSgt McDonald, Bldg. 280 (ASOS)
SATURDAY ($5.55)
Main Line: -Jambalaya -Southern fried catfish -Baked beans-Macaroni and cheese -Corn on the cob -Mixed vegetable-Chicken gumbo soup-Chili soup-Corn bread
Short Order Line:-Cheddar brats-Grilled chicken sandwich-Jalapeno poppers -Burgers/cheeseburgers-French fries
WHAT’S FOR LUNCH? SUNDAY ($5.55)
Main Line: -Sweet and sour pork-Spinach lasagna-Scalloped potatoes -Steamed white rice-Key Largo blend veggies -Lemon sesame veggies -Salmon chowder soup-Chicken noodle soup
Short Order Line:-Pot stickers-Egg rolls-Fried shrimp-Burgers/Cheese-burgers-Onion rings
Desserts: -Macadamia cookies -Assorted pies-Strawberry shortcake-White cake
Desserts: -Dessert bars-Assorted pies-Pecan pie-Chocolate chip cookies
MAY 15-19 OCT 16-20
N C O E I S A F I V E D A Y C O U R S E D E S I G N E D T O F U R T H E R D E V E L O P N C O S A S I D A H O A I R N A T I O N A L G U A R D P R O F E S S I O N A L S A N D L E A D E R S . T O P I C S C O V E R E D I N C L U D E P E R F O R M A N C E C O U N S E L I N G , E F F E C T I V E L E A D E R S H I P , B U L L E T W R I T I N G , M E N T O R I N G , A N D M U C H M O R E . O N L Y 3 0 S E A T S P E R C O U R S E .
REQUIREMENTS-BE A STAFF SGT OR TECH SGT (NEW MASTER SGTS MAY BE CONSIDERED)-
-HAVE SUPERVISOR OR COMMANDER'S ENDORSEMENT- -NEED TO BE PLACED IN A MILITARY STATUS TO ATTEND-
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT CHIEF MASTER SGT. LYONS
MAY 15-19 OCT 16-20
N C O E I S A F I V E D A Y C O U R S E D E S I G N E D T O F U R T H E R D E V E L O P N C O S A S I D A H O A I R N A T I O N A L G U A R D P R O F E S S I O N A L S A N D L E A D E R S . T O P I C S C O V E R E D I N C L U D E P E R F O R M A N C E C O U N S E L I N G , E F F E C T I V E L E A D E R S H I P , B U L L E T W R I T I N G , M E N T O R I N G , A N D M U C H M O R E . O N L Y 3 0 S E A T S P E R C O U R S E .
REQUIREMENTS-BE A STAFF SGT OR TECH SGT (NEW MASTER SGTS MAY BE CONSIDERED)-
-HAVE SUPERVISOR OR COMMANDER'S ENDORSEMENT- -NEED TO BE PLACED IN A MILITARY STATUS TO ATTEND-
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT CHIEF MASTER SGT. LYONS
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Combat Excellence
A sea of sage green uniforms begin to flood into the aircraft hangar. Airmen are anxiously waiting to start their day off by hearing from their wing com-mander. The clock strikes 0745 and the wing stands silently as the wing commander makes his way to the stage. As the com-mander’s call goes on, Airmen’s emotions can be felt flowing throughout the hangar. During the deployment recap, some are in tears while others are energet-ic after hearing of the wing’s suc-cess. This is the first command-er’s call of the year for the 124th Fighter Wing, and the Airmen exit the commander’s call feeling motivated and prepared for the rest of the year.
Col. Tim Donnellan, 124th Fighter Wing commander, gath-ers all Airmen from the 124FW for a commander’s call, March 12.
“I can’t tell you how proud I am of you,” said Donnellan.
Airmen listened to their wing commander speak on topics like
the wing’s most recent deploy-ment and the future for the 124FW. Though the wing just completed a major deployment, Donnellan spoke of major events coming up that the wing needs to prepare for.
“I know in my heart that we are doing the right thing,” said Donnellan. “What you all just
did is making the world a better place, and will continue to make the world a better place, and we’ll start right here at the 124th Fighter Wing.”
The wing will start preparing for an open house and airshow, Gowen Thunder, that will be this fall, and also a wing inspection.
During the deployment recap, Donnellan covered how more than 10,000 rounds were shot each day, and how the defend-ers from the 124FW were first to have their boots on the ground in Syria.
“Our security forces were handpicked for a very pres-tigious mission for a flyaway team out of Kuwait. They flew all over Iraq and Syria,” said Donnellan.
“Please take every opportunity to enjoy every second of what you do, because you do phe-nomenal stuff,” said Donnellan. “Each one of you can write a book, and maybe should write a book on everything that you have done.”
Commander’s Call
By Senior Airman Skyla Child124th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
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Always on Mission
During the commander’s call Col. Tim Donnellan rec-ognized five Airmen from the wing for their outstanding accomplishments at home station and deployed. Airmen were afforded the opportunity to ask Donnellan ques-tions at the end of his remarks.
Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Hupp Capt. Gregory Kirk
Staff Sgt. Jon Summers
Airman 1st Class Charles Updegraff
Staff Sgt. Essanie Waldo
Burningthe
Midnight oil
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Combat Excellence
PURPLE UP
Lt. Gov. Brad Little, lieutenant gov-ernor of Idaho, signed a proclama-tion April 4 declaring April as the month of the military child. Across the nation there are approximately 2 million military children and Idaho is home to nearly 10,000 of them. Military-connected kids are located in every Idaho county and are an integral part of the Idaho military community. It is encouraged to wear the color purple to show support for military children every Friday during the month of April. Purple signifies the colors representing each branch of the Armed Forces.
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Always on Mission
The morning meeting, lunch, round tables, discussions with peers and supervision, TAG Leadership Day, commander’s calls and staff meetings allow for communication with senior leaders throughout the Idaho Air National Guard.
In the spring of 2014, the chief of staff of the Air Force visited Gowen Field to discuss our possible move to Mountain Home Air Force Base and the divestiture of the A-10. During the question and answer portion, I realized I had not gathered enough information to properly frame a question, so I sat quiet. This was an opportunity missed.
When attending any type of event I challenge those reading this to have a question, present an issue and potential solution or ask for the assistance you need to get the job done more efficiently and safely. Ask, “what about family day” or “how much is the dining out going to cost?” These are all questions I heard immediately after the March wing commander’s call. When presented with the opportunity, I challenge each of us sitting at that lunch table or in the large forum to present to the speaker or leader meaningful questions with potential solu-tions instead of stewing or griping. Read the Air Force In-struction or technical order prior to asking how do we do this, both change too often to rely on hearsay.
We owe it to our peers, supervisors and senior leaders to present solutions to issues we face and ask for assistance when needed. We shouldn’t walk away from a commander’s call or staff meeting thinking, “I should have asked.”
Make your seat at the table have purpose and don’t miss an opportunity to speak up in the crowd.
ANYQUESTIONS?
By Chief Master Sgt. Mark Page, Special to the Beacon
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Combat Excellence
In theCommunity
The Idaho Air National Guard recruit-ers and the 190th Fighter Squadron, amongst many others, gave back to the community that supports them so well. The recruiters volunteered their time at the Ronald McDonald House making meals for families who are enduring medical treatment here in Boise, Idaho. The 190th Fighter Squadron sent a pilot to volunteer with the Courageous Kids Climbing program. This program gives special needs children the opportunity to experience the exhilaration of rock climbing.
earning their wings
The 224th Cyber Operations Squadron had three Airmen graduate in the first Cyber Skill Validation Course March 29, 2017, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.
From left, Tech. Sgt. Mark Wasfy, Senior Master Sgt. Michael Heninger, and Master Sgt. Erik Knox represented Idaho during the seven-week long course. There was a total of 20 Airmen who graduated.
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Combat Excellence
Food for the mind and body
A lunch and learn about sleeping was held March 11, 2017 at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. More than 40 Airmen and Soldiers attended the free event to learn more about the health benefits of good sleep. They also were taught about techniques on how to improve the quality of their sleep. The lunch and learn events are slated to be held monthly during drill and are open to both guardsmen and their families.
UPCOMING LUNCH AND LEARN - April 8, 2017
STRUGGLING WITH DEBT?If you want to learn more about managing your financial well-being consider attending April’s event. Free lunch to the
first 20 registered attendees.
To register or if you have questions please contactSteve Stech at (208) 473-8494
