COME ON OUT TO PETERSON’S SPORTS AND FIELD DAY AUGUST 11

INSIDENews 1-8Commentary 10Services 17Happenings 21-22Go Get Out 23

Demonstration expectedat North GateDue to a scheduled demonstration Fridaymorning, all base personnel are encour-aged use the East and West gates..

TransitionsMaking the transition from militaryto civilian life.

Page 26

Thursday, August 4, 2005 Vol. 49 No. 31

Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado

Join the Peterson Speakers Bureau

556-6208

Air Force experimentsto return on DiscoveryBy Larine BarrAir Force Research Laboratory Public Affairs

After existing nearly four years on the InternationalSpace Station, more than 800 Air Force experiments willfinally return home with the Space Shuttle Discoveryon Aug. 7.

The space shuttle launched from Cape Canaveral,Fla., July 26 on a 12-day mission to test new flight-safetyprocedures and deliver supplies to the station.

The materials on the International Space StationExperiment were installed by the Space Shuttle Discoverycrew in August, 2001, for what was to be a one-year sci-ence experiment to learn how different materials reactwhen exposed to the rigors of space, said Michael Stropki,the initial program manager on the project in 2001. He is ascientist with the Air Force Research Laboratory’s materi-als and manufacturing directorate here where the experi-ments originated.

When the Space Shuttle Columbia exploded on re-entry Feb. 1, 2003, the experiments were forced to wait fora return to Earth aboard the recent Discovery mission.

“While the experiments were originally planned tospend only one year in space, having existed four yearsthere may have eroded away the entire material in a few ofthe specimens,” said Mr. Stropki.

“In those cases, it will not be possible to know justhow soon it took to reach failure,” he said. “While at thesame time, for other more successful candidates, the addi-tional time in space will likely show that those materialshave a greater durability and are able to survive the

By Master Sgt. Jeffrey JuligAir Force International Trap Team

A Peterson deputy commanderwas one of five Airmen who represent-ed the Air Force and competed againstmore than 130 of the nation’s top mili-tary and civilian marksman at the U.S.Olympic Training Facility on FortCarson July 17-23.

In the single-trap event, Lt. Col.John Linn, 21st Mission Support Groupdeputy commander was the top AirForce marksman finishing seventh inthe 300-target match. Colonel Linnbroke 198 out of a possible 200 targetsover the last two days of the open com-petition, including 149 straight hitswithout missing a target.

Another Front Range Airman,Staff Sgt. Mike Agee, 50th SpaceCommunications Squadron information

protection office assistant NCO incharge, led the team in the double-trapevent. In the 150-target open match,Sergeant Agee finished sixth only twotargets behind the third place competi-tor. In his first double-trap Nationalfinal, Sergeant Agee broke 43 of 50 tar-gets and held on to the sixth position.

At the end of the open match,Colonel Linn was tied for fifth with twoother competitors, including a 2000Olympic medalist from the U.S. ArmyMarksmanship Unit. Only the top sixshooters would advance to the 25-targetfinal event to determine the nationalchampion. Colonel Linn finished sev-enth after competing in a dramatic sud-den death miss-and-out shoot off tobreak the tie.

This annual event, hailed as thelargest ever, brought athletes together

Peterson marksman on target at shotgun championships

Courtesy photo Lieutenant Col. John Linn takes aim during the 2005 U.S. National ShotgunChampionships. During the two days of the singles match, Colonel Linnbroke 149-straight targets and finished with a 198 out of 200.

See Experimants, Page 11

See Marksman, Page 15

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Denise JohnsonExercise deployees respond to a terrorist attack as Brig. Gen. Richard Webber, 21st Space Wingcommander, looks on.The commander visited Camp Red Devil Thursday for a status on the wing'sparticipation in one of the most extensive exercises here to date. Air Force Space Command andthe 302nd Airlift Wing joined the 21st Space Wing as they simulated Southwest Asia scenarios inthe Fort Carson wilderness for five days.

Camp RRed DDevilCamp RRed DDevil

Related Article:Real-world Deployment

Pages 18-19

July 31, 1941The U.S. Army Air Force officiallyestablishes Tuskegee Army AirField. August 1, 1957The North American AirDefense Command, a jointUnited States-Canadian com-mand with an air-defense mis-sion, is informally established. August 1, 1960Strategic Air Command's 43dBombardment Wing at CarswellAir Force Base, Texas acceptsthe first operational B-58Hustler medium bomber. Thefirst supersonic bomber, thedelta-wing aircraft flies at twicethe speed of sound and can berefueled in-flight.

SPACE OBSERVERThursday, August 4, 20052

Published by Colorado Springs Military Newspapers Group, 31 E. Platte Avenue, Suite 300, Colorado Springs, 80903, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the21st Space Wing. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S.military services.

Contents of the Space Observer are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government,the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by DoD, the Department of the Air Force, or CSMNG, of the products or services advertised. Everythingadvertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, reli-gion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor ofthe purchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the 21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office, 775 Loring Ave., Suite 218, Peterson AFB, Colo., 80914-1294, (719) 556-4351 or DSN 834-4351, fax (719) 556-7848 orDSN 834-7848. All photographs are Air Force photographs unless otherwise indicated.

The Space Observer is published every Thursday. For advertising inquiries, call Colorado Springs MilitaryNewspapers, (719) 634-3223 Ext. 207. Employees of Peterson Air Force Base who want to place a free classifiedadvertisement should call 634-3223 Ext. 210.

Articles for the Space Observer should be submitted to the 21st SW/PAI, Attn: Space Observer. For submissiondetails call the editor at (719) 556-4351 or DSN 834-4351 or e-mail space.observer@peterson.af.mil. Deadline for sub-mission is 4:30 p.m. the Thursday one week before publication. All articles, copy and announcements submitted willbe edited to conform to AFI Series 35 and the Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual.

21st Space WingCommander

Brig. Gen.Richard E. Webber

Chief of Public AffairsCapt. Amy SufakEditorial Staff

Editor Senior Airman

Shawn ClementsStaff Writer

Tech. Sgt.Matt Gilreath

Layout and DesignJeff Adcox

FROM THE TOP

A Moment in Time

Faith, tolerance available at Air Force AcademyBy Barry FaginProfessor of computer science

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — As alongtime professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Iknow I can’t keep politics out of my job. No matterhow hard I try, political winds breach the ivory towerand chill my classroom.

But with the national spotlight upon us, thewinds threaten to become a hurricane. If that happens,all possibility of a rational approach to ensuring reli-gious tolerance on the campus will disappear.

Recent allegations that the academy does notrespect religious differences and encourages Christiancadets to proselytize classmates have stirred contro-versy around the country. Civil-liberties groups havedemanded action. An Air Force report has found thatthe academy needs to do more to promote religioustolerance. The debate has even reached Congress,where members have clashed over whether to con-demn a climate of intolerance on the campus, or todismiss the problem as mere “political correctness.”

The battle lines are being drawn, and I knowwhat team I’m supposed to play for. I’m expected tofight the evil Religious Right, whose members want totake over the government and turn America into aChristian nation. Don’t I know that they’ve infiltratedthe military? Can’t I see the sinister cover-up they’reconducting?

People on the other side are eager to do battle forGod and country, to fight for the right to be who theyare, and to oppose godless liberals who demand an endto religious expression in America. Can’t I see thatthey’re engaged in a life-and-death struggle for every-thing that is good and right?

Thus one side attacks the academy for promotingfaith, the other for banning it. One wants no establish-ment of religion, the other free exercise thereof.Caught in the middle are those of us charged with the

By Gen. Lance LordAir Force Space Command Commander

As we enter the month of August, the last full month of the101 Critical Days of Summer and historically the most dangerousmonth of the year, we must redouble our efforts and our emphasison mishap prevention. Sadly, the Air Force has already lost 17 war-riors in off-duty mishaps since Memorial Day. We must reversethis trend now.

We expect commanders and supervisors to look each Airman in

the eyes and help them embrace life-saving, common sense, riskmanagement practices. Focus your efforts on the leading contributorsto off-duty fatalities: automobiles, motorcycles and water sports.Emphasize being a good wingman and taking care of each other.

Virtually all mishaps are preventable. In many of our fatalities,a good wingman may have saved a life if he or she had only steppedforward. Let us beat the odds this season, reverse this unacceptabletrend in fatalities and show the rest of the world we know how to takecare of each other.

Remember: “Safety is an attitude – get one!”

Perseverance, mishap prevention vital for safe summer

General Lance W. Lord

well-being of the students in our care.Yes, we have problems with religious intolerance

at the academy. We have problems with religious intol-erance in America. The religious beliefs of our com-mander in chief are a source of inspiration to some, anobject of scorn to others. If religion sets Americanadults at each other’s throats, is it any wonder ouryouth have trouble with it?

We who teach at the Academy face extraordinarychallenges. Our student body possesses a geographicaldiversity most universities would envy. But many ofour cadets come from small towns with homogeneouspopulations, and they have never been exposed to afaith tradition outside their own. When Christianity isall you know, and when you have been taught to bearwitness to the Truth ever since you could walk intochurch, some overzealous evangelizing is inevitable.Not excusable, but inevitable.

Once those young people arrive at our door, wemust prepare them for a life of service to their coun-

try. In a mere four years, we must transform 18-year-olds fresh from their senior proms into young officersof character, capable of leading enlisted men andwomen many years their senior, and capable of mak-ing life-and-death decisions.

That means, while they are here, we must placethem in relationships of unequal power. The youngerones must learn to follow, the older ones to lead. Butwith power comes the potential for abuse. We knowthat from problems we have had with sexual assault ofcadets, and we know it is at the heart of most of ourincidents of inappropriate religious interaction.Religious discussions that might be innocuous oreven encouraged in the spirit of shared intellectualdiscourse in the best academic tradition must bestrictly curbed in the routine power relationships of amilitary academy. That is as it should be, but it makesour job harder.

We must also subject our students to enormousstress, far more than most college students face. Thejob of a nation’s military is to win its wars. Religiousfaith is a source of comfort and moral strength thatmany of our cadets rely on to get them through toughtimes, particularly while their friends at State U. arepartying at night and skipping class by day. Religionmatters a great deal here.

Such challenges are aggravated by regulationsthat mandate rapid turnover in our senior leadership.Academy superintendents serve no longer than threeyears. Since 1978 the average tenure of a dean of thefaculty has been less than five years, and a comman-dant of cadets normally serves only two. Congressrecently agreed to extend the superintendent’s term tofour years, the commandant’s to three. That is a step inthe right direction, but it’s not enough, especially sinceall generals serve at the pleasure of their superiors andcan have their tours of duty cut short at any time. Theacademy is fortunate to have a strong contingent of

See Faith, Page 26

COMMENTARYSPACE OBSERVER

Thursday, August 4, 2005 3www.peterson.af.mil

Preparedness is key to successful separationBy Jeff Bohn21st Space Wing Public Affairs

It must be petrifying for a newAirman to “Cross into the Blue”from civilian life to a career in themilitary, and take the initial plungeinto the ever-changing world oftoday’s Air Force.

My memory can’t recall those 20-year-old feelings when I made the com-mitment, but it surely couldn’t matchthe fear factor I experienced severalmonths ago when I dropped my retire-ment paperwork.

I went straight from high schoolinto a career where I was guaranteedhousing, food, a steady income and thebenefits that come with an Air Forcecareer. When I made the decision toleave, there was a lot of stress associat-ed with giving all of that up.

If separation or retirement is inone’s horizon, take heed, there is surelysomething in this commentary that willbenefit even the most seasoned service-member.

The family support center offersTAP, a transition assistance programgeared toward life after the Air Force.A retiring vice commander shared apiece of wisdom with me. He said he’dlike to have taken the TAP class earlierin his career. Of course I never foundthe time with a busy work schedule anddidn’t take it until a month before Iwent on terminal leave. If there isn’tenough time to capitalize on the TAPsuggestions, it can lead to more stressand regret. Fight to take TAP as earlyas possible.

Medical records are a big deal inthe after-Air Force life. Most importantis the Department of Veteran’s Affairsassessment on how disabled someoneis. If one can document all of their ail-ments and show the VA that some ofthem are service connected, one coulddraw a lifetime financial disability forthose injuries. If retiring, a service-member can get tax-exempt retirementpay. If the disability is more than 50percent, one could feasibly get a dis-ability check in addition to their fullretirement. Don’t think it’s too small toconsider for disability … everythingfrom arthroscopic surgeries to ulcerscan be considered.

Veteran disability isn’t about themoney, necessarily. Depending on thestate, members can get tax relief, recre-ation privileges, financial assistance forschooling, and no financial charges forusing the VA Home Loan Certificate –the total list of compensation is exten-sive. Personally, I’d love to be able to

fish in half of the United States for free– based on my disability.

Be ready for sticker shock.Earning about $8,000 less than mymaster sergeant pay, I’m currently pay-ing 260 percent more in taxes. I don’tknow exactly how this will pan outcome tax time, but there is a lot lesspaycheck without those tax-freeallowances. My current salary andretirement pay is equivalent to myactive-duty pay, so retirees should cal-culate their salary before making abrash decision.

The Montgomery GI Bill is agood thing to have for educationexpenses, and it’s better if there is stilla lot of it left after separating. There issome educational assistance for someVA disabilities, but for the most partone should take advantage of as manyeducation benefits being paid for aspart of the active-duty package.

Moving at government expensehas always been a norm. Once separat-ed, there isn’t as much compensation forrelocating. Out-of-pocket expenses arehigher when there isn’t a new duty sta-tion on the other end. Take the time topre-plan transition costs that would haveotherwise been paid for by the military.

Federal service can be a greatoption. Not knowing the process couldhave cost me future employment. Onecan submit a resume while on activeduty and hunt for jobs while still activeduty. The rules are complex, ever-changing and dependant on the Officeof Personnel Management, but it couldpay dividends to start learning theprocess early. Research the potentials atww2.afpc.randolph.af.mil/resweb. Itdoesn’t cost anything, and the resultsmay pay the bills for a job that you arealready a skilled worker.

Networking is underrated. Onemay someday play golf with theirfuture employer. I purposefully sacri-ficed parts of my career so I would endup on the Rocky Mountain FrontRange. Making contacts for oneself ina desired retirement area is a goodthing that one can’t put a tangible valuetoward. The OPM couldn’t pay meenough to go back to the Pentagon,however, I established a great rapportwith people who are now some of thebest contacts in my business.

Clothes … who would havethought clothing would be an issue?After 20 years of wondering if I wasgoing to wear blue short-sleeved shirts

and a tie or a camouflaged utility uni-form, I was submersed into a world offormal, business and casual attirechoices and requirements. More impor-tantly is the cost of assembling awardrobe that doesn’t consist of foot-ball jerseys and unit softball tee-shirts.If one lacks fashion sense, find reliablehelp and shop for one piece at a timerather than punching a major hole inthe savings account.

Maybe because I feel older, timeseems to pass quicker. Regardless, pro-crastinators will have a hard time withthis type of job transition. One day anAirman wakes up to find the Air Forceisn’t backing them up and they mustfend for themselves. Just by saving $25a payday under the mattress would haveaccrued $12,000 … investing in a mutu-al fund would have increased that expo-nentially. Save a few bucks now toensure a secure transition.

Owning a home can be a niceinvestment, courtesy of a militaryhousing allowance. Rather than sellingat each moving point, consider placingthe houses with a property manager.One may be able to own several housesthat can build equity and financialsecurity toward retirement.

Don’t overlook life insurance.When I joined in 1985, I could havehad an affordable whole-life policymaking me money and meeting myinsurance needs when I retired.

Of all the cool things I’ve done in20 years, the best memories are of thepeople I’ve worked with. I still keep inclose touch with my first roommate, Idon’t have to travel more than twostates to find a friend who is willing togive me couch space, and I’ve formedseveral life-long friendships. At eachbase, there has always been someonespiritual who has befriended me andkept me sane. I’ve visited all corners ofthe globe, threw a football on the tar-mac in Iran, been through arctic sur-vival training, and have enough storiesto keep me entertained when I enter theearly stages of Alzheimer’s.

The deployments were an exple-tive on wheels, but that’s what we do. Ifit was all about staying home with thefamily, then I would have taken a job atwith a civilian corporation.

I wouldn’t have traded my servicetime for another course of life. I havefew regrets. While there were challeng-ing times, the pay and hours not with-standing, I feel I served my countryfaithfully and made a difference.

I hope everyone has the samefeelings when their time is complete.

9/11 Generation9/11 GenerationServicemembers who joined the military after 9/11 ... the Department ofServicemembers who joined the military after 9/11 ... the Department of

Defense is searching for stories about what motivated people to serve.Defense is searching for stories about what motivated people to serve.

E-mail articles to the Space Observer at space.observer@peterson.af.mil.E-mail articles to the Space Observer at space.observer@peterson.af.mil.

Photo illustration by Jeff Adcox

SPACE OBSERVERThursday, August 4, 20054 NEWS

Photo by 1st Lt. Tracy Giles

Serving it up!Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Barnett, 721st Mission Support Group superintendant, serves steak, baked potatoes and beans July 28 to (left to right) Lt. Col. TerryWatkins, 21st Civil Engineer Squadron commander; Lt. Col. John Coulahan, Air Force Space Command chief of budget operations and Col. Douglas Hine,21st Space Wing Mission Support Group commander. The food and ice cream were donated by the various organizations to acknowledge the end of a week-long exercise spent in the Fort Carson wilderness July 24 through Friday. The ENDEX Picnic was held at Camp Red Devil, Fort Carson, Colo.

NEWS BRIEFSSPACE OBSERVER

Thursday, August 4, 2005 5www.peterson.af.mil

PersonnelCorner

Team Pete aroundthe globe

The 21st Space Wingoperates 15 weapon

systems, comprises41 units in 26 loca-tions in four coun-tries, and spansnine time zones

throughout the world.Team Pete has 83

deployed members sup-porting various operations

across the globe. The 21st SpaceWing makes up 20 of those members.

Pre-separation briefing available forretiring, separating members

This mandatory briefing takes place from 3 to 4p.m., Wednesday at the family support center. Thisbriefing is offered every other week for those who areretiring or separating from the military. People mustreceive this briefing no later than 90 days before sep-aration or retirement. This briefing is to ensure mem-bers have sufficient information and time to take fulladvantage of veteran benefits and to explain the serv-ices of the Transition Assistance Program.

Military personnel flight offers cellphone use clarification

Cell phones must be black, silver, dark blue orgray and must be conservative. Phones may be clippedto a waistband or carried in the left hand. Only onemay be worn on the uniform belt. Cell phones will notbe used while walking in uniform. Hands-free head-sets are not authorized.

Family support center offers trainingprograms for military spouses

The Peterson and Schriever family support cen-

ters are offering virtual assistant training from Mondaythrough Wednesday in Building 350. Virtual assistantsare self-employed professionals who provide off-siteadministrative support services to their clients. Virtualassistants work from home to provide these services.

The FSC is looking for people who have a mini-mum of two years of administrative support experi-ence, Internet access, a good working knowledge ofhow to use basic applications, a computer withWindows 95 or newer operating system and a strongdesire for employment or an employment change.

Military spouses who would like to participate inthis free training program can call 556-6141, or accessthe online application at www.msvas.com/application_Colsprings.htm.

Deployment, remote tour briefingsavailable

This mandatory briefing takes place from 11a.m. to noon Tuesdays at the family support center. The

briefing is for anyone who is deploying or going on aremote tour.

This briefing educates members on the threephases involved with separation and the programsavailable for the families left behind. Spouses areencouraged to attend.

FSC offers job orientation briefingThis briefing takes place from 1 to 2 p.m. Aug. 6

at the family support center. This briefing providespeople with an overview of information on the localjob market and how the FSC can help with job search-es. This briefing is offered every other week.

Peterson clinic staff offers sports andschool physicals

Physicals are conducted by appointment only.Appointments will be offered through Sept. 1. Toschedule an appointment, call 556-2273.

Enlisted Against Drunk Driving

Protecting you and your family members.

Please call us! Fri. - Sat. 10 p.m. - 3 a.m.

Phone: 719-556-6384 or 55 NO DUI

SPACE OBSERVERThursday, August 4, 20056

NEWS

With Eagle Eyes, any

community member can

report suspicious

activities 24 hours a

day by calling the law

enforcement desk

at 556-4000.

ShopliftingA base exchange detective

notified security forces she haddetained a civilian shoplifterattempting to take $64.98 worth ofvarious clothing items. Securityforces responded to the scene andtransported her to the control cen-ter. The Colorado Springs PoliceDepartment was notified andresponded.

The person was then issued asummons for shoplifting beforebeing transported downtown by theCSPD. People should rememberthat shopping at the BX is a privi-lege, not a right. Shoplifting fromthe BX effects the amount of totalsales and funds donated to supportPeterson Air Force Base families.

Damage to privateproperty

Security forces responded tothe BX after a servicememberreported damage to his vehicle. Hesaid he had gone into the BX forabout five minutes before he

returned to his car. When hereturned to his car, noticed a sub-stantial dent in the driver’s sidedoor. He remembered the make andthe license plate number of the carnext to him and requested securityforces check the vehicle. Securityforces ran the plate number andcontacted the owner of the vehicle.

The owner said he parkedbeside the vehicle, but was on theopposite side and the damage couldnot have been caused by his vehi-cle. No further action was taken bysecurity forces. People should becareful when opening their cardoors in close parking spaces.People should also consider windyconditions that may pull the doorfrom their hand.

Boulder causes damageto private property

A servicemember contactedsecurity forces after his vehicle hadbeen struck by a boulder when hewas driving out the North Gate. Acivilian was transporting the boul-der on a golf cart when she noticed

it rolled off the back of the cart andstruck the servicemember’s car.She pulled the cart over and fol-lowed him to inspect the damage tohis car. He looked briefly at thedamage and left to attend anappointment before coming backlater to make contact with herabout the accident. People shouldbe careful when transporting largeobjects and should make sure theyare secure in or on their vehicle.People should follow and passvehicles carrying heavy loads andfollow and pass at a safe distance toavoid accidents.

Unsecured governmentproperty

A telephone missing from adormitory prompted security forcesto respond and investigate. A ser-vicemember reported to securityforces he noticed a phone had beenmissing from a dormitory day roomno later than 8 a.m. July 25. He hadlast seen it July 22.

There are no suspects or wit-nesses at this time. There is aninvestigation pending. Peopleshould be aware and respectful ofgovernment property.

Servicemembers who chooseto abuse the privilege of govern-ment quarters and services are sub-ject to punishment under theUniform Code of Military Justice.

SPACE OBSERVERThursday, August 4, 20058 NEWS BRIEFS

Air Force AssociationState Awards Banquet

The Lance P. Sijan Chapter of the Air ForceAssociation will host the Colorado State AwardsBanquet Aug. 19 at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort.The Air Force Association will honor the outstandingColorado Air Force enlisted, officer and civilian mem-bers as well as cadets. The guest speaker will be BobLargent, AFA national president. Information on thebanquet and registration form can be found on theSijan Chapter web site at www.afasijan.com, or bycontacting Brian Binn at 472-0300 or Brian.Binn@usafa.af.mil.

Top three council meetsThe Pikes Peak Top 3 meets at 3 p.m. today at the

Enlisted Club. Membership is open to all master ser-geant selects through chief master sergeants who areassigned here. Retirees who are sponsored by anactive-duty Top 3 member are also welcome to join asassociate members.

The Pikes Peak Top 3 actively supports enlistedcauses and professional development through a varietyof activities. For information, call Senior Master Sgt.Leyda Pendergrass at 556-9022.

Housing quality survey underwayMembers of the Peterson Housing Office are dis-

tributing surveys to determine the residents’ likes anddislikes related to the property management services,the property and their performance.

The survey should take five minutes to completeand can be mailed in the pre-paid envelope accompa-nying the survey. For information, call Willie Carter at556-7174.

Auto skills center closureThe auto skills center will be closed Saturday for

a carnival and car show. The event will be from 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. at the base parade grounds.

Retirees to receive monthly combatcompensation statements

In an effort to provide improved service toretirees, the Defense and Finance Accounting Serviceis implementing the electronic delivery of CombatRelated Special Compensation account statements. Forthose military retirees who receive CRSC, the month-ly statements became available July 1 via the onlinepay account site, myPay.

Civil engineers announce newroad closures

The 21st Civil Engineer Squadron HorizontalShop is making pothole repairs base-wide from mid-July to early August. The repairs vary from the parking

lot at the shoppette to roads such as Vincent, Ent andOtis. Each closure will start at the end of the work day.Asphalt removal will occur overnight and new asphaltwill be placed in the morning, opening the area to traf-fic later in the day.

For information, or to report new potholes, callthe civil engineer customer service desk at 556-4030.

East Gate undergoes construction The East Gate is undergoing construction

through Aug. 5. There will be one inbound and oneoutbound lane open. People should use the west andnorth gates for entering and exiting Peterson AirForce Base.

Air Command Staff College SeminarMembers interested in participating in the Air

Command and Staff College Seminar group shouldplan to attend and organizational meeting from 3 to 4p.m. Tuesday at the Peterson Education Office. Forinformation call 556-4064.

Air War College SeminarThe Air War College Nonresident program is

soliciting eligible officers and federal employees forthe seminar program. An organizational meeting from3 to 4 p.m. will be held Tuesday at the PetersonEducation Office. For information call 556-4064

COMMENTARYSPACE OBSERVERThursday, August 4, 200510

Mentorship provides guidance, leadershipBy Emily Nicholson21st Space Wing Equal Employment Opportunity specialist

“Today’s employees are tomorrow’s leaders.” – VisionPoint Productions, Inc

This is a quote every leader should think ofwhen arriving to work each morning. In order toachieve an atmosphere conducive to continual devel-opment of our personnel, the required building toolsare mentorship and learning.

Anyone who knows me knows I am a huge pro-ponent of mentorship and education. If not for hav-ing mentors throughout my life, I don’t believe Iwould have achieved my personal and professionalgoals, nor would I have even set goals to worktoward. Members of leadership and managementand peers and family members can help identifywhat an individual is lacking to help them make thenext step toward a successful future, personal and inprofessional endeavors.

Mentorship is not a matter of telling a protégéwhat to do, but rather an avenue of providing guid-ance and encouragement. For instance, a mentor maybe able to encourage the protégé to further his or hereducation, learn how to interview for a job, dress forsuccess or network with individuals who are in a

career field they are interested in. An excellent men-tor is one who is living what he or she advises othersto do. A mentor is also a continual learner. Many ofmy mentors never knew they were mentoring me, butacted as a role model despite this fact.

Often heard are the many excuses for not gain-ing education: not having enough time; children;cost; and the worst one of all, that it takes too long.Takes too long? My responses are, “How old willyou be if you don’t?” “How old will you be if youdo?” Imagine that, the timeline is the same.

Distance learning eliminates some of thoseexcuses and provides options to those who want tocontinue their education. Distance learning classescan work well for the civilian employee, servicemem-ber who often travels for temporary duty, or for theworking parent with limited after-hours time.

Distance learning has become an icon of the21st Century – a key word that many of us use asthough it has always been around. Through the art oftechnology, gaining an education is easier than everbefore and available to most of us. These learningoptions are designed to reach out to a diverse popula-tion of career individuals.

There are many forms of distance learning:Correspondence courses, Internet, Internet enhancedtelecourse; and university satellite locations for class-room learning. Online degree programs are a greatway to get started.

What does this mean to you? Believe in your-self. Take the first steps to a better future by contact-ing at least one distance learning facility. Find a men-tor who exhibits continuing education abilities. Onewho will help direct you in your quest for achievingan education that will benefit you on the job or for achange in careers.

Know what your limitations are, the expecta-

tions of the course and your ability to make conces-sions. In other words, keep it real. If your grades inthe sciences were not at least a B+, then you may notwant to plan on a career as a rocket scientist. If youcannot take a particular class, find another that willhelp you meet your goals.

When taking a course subject that may relate toyour job, cooperate with your supervisor to get thetime needed to study for an exam. Your supervisormay authorize up to 59 minutes depending on mis-sion requirements.

Goals must be identified and set. Write themout. When speaking to your mentor, clearly commu-nicate and set the goal you want to achieve and listento the advice the mentor provides you.

Tips for the mentor: Mentors need to under-stand the benefits of distance learning opportunities.Gone are the days when you had to attend every classsession or suffer the consequence of receiving a lowergrade. Today’s learner has options to fit personalneeds with professional demands.

Educate yourself on the Air Force Mentoring

Tips for the protégé

Be positive and proactive

Be accountable and flexible

Be cooperative and respectful

Maintain effective communication

Listen See Mentorship, Page 15

NEWS

space environment for the longer peri-ods needed for these materials.”

The goal of the experiment is todiscover how materials are affected byexposure in an effort to develop moredurable, reliable and affordable materi-als and technologies for future spacevehicles.

“This information is crucial to pro-viding the needed space materials forthe 21st Century,” said Pat Valentino,AFRL’s current program manager.“New, affordable materials are theenablers for advanced reusable launchsystems and advanced spacecraft sys-tems, including optics, sensors, elec-tronics, power, coatings, structural mate-rials and protection.”

While at home on the orbitingspace laboratory, the experiments havebeen housed in four passive experimentcarriers, similar to suitcases, whichNASA astronauts placed at strategiclocations on the outside of the ISS.Some of the specimens include opticalmaterials and coatings, lightweight radi-ation shielding materials, thermal con-

SPACE OBSERVERThursday, August 4, 2005 11

www.peterson.af.mil

Experiments, from Page 1

Photos courtesy of NASAAir Force and NASA integrators attach experiment material samples to a pas-sive experiment container that has been bolted to the International SpaceStation since 2001. Air Force Research Laboratory scientists here are study-ing these items as part of the Materials on the International Space StationExperiment. The Discovery shuttle crew will return them to Earth.

trol coatings (flight paint), Kevlar andcarbon foams, multilayer insulationmaterials, solar cell technology and spe-cialty materials such as shape-memoryfoil and X-ray resistant coatings.

Besides Air Force experiments, thepayload carries 11 handpicked experi-

ments from six Dayton, Ohio, area stu-dents in first through 10th grades.

“Their assignment was to identifya problem associated with long durationflight, propose a solution and design apassive experiment to find a solution,”Mr. Stropki said.

Experiments to learn how con-tamination migrates in a microgravityenvironment, how materials degrade,radiation shielding tests and the effectof space on viral protein and nonpatho-genic bacteria are included.

All the specimens have faced suchgrueling perils as ultraviolet-ray bom-bardment by highly-corrosive atomicoxygen and exposure to intense solarradiation during maximum solar activi-ty, Ms. Valentino said.

On Flight Day 9 of the Discoverymission, astronauts will uninstall theexperiment containers from the exteriorof the space station and return to Earthabout three weeks after launch. Fromthere, the materials will travel to NASALangley Research Center in Virginiawhere scientists will de-integrateand disassemble the containers, thenship them back to AFRL scientists to beanalyzed.

“We are incredibly excited that(the experiments are) finally returninghome,” Ms. Valentino said. “We lookforward to analyzing the flight samplesand continuing this program for futureexperiments.”

options if they do not receive anapproved CJR, including CAREERSretraining, special duty assignment,commissioning or separation. Moreinformation and a list of constrained

AFSCs can be found on the AFPChomepage at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/enlskills/Reenlistments/CJR%20MONTHLY%20QUOTAS%20FY%2005.xls.

NEWSSPACE OBSERVERThursday, August 4, 200512

By Master Sgt Kristin ClarkPeterson Career Assistance Advisor

Air Force announcesmodifications to ForceShaping Phase II

The Air Force reached its FiscalYear ‘05 active duty end-strength goals,but still have more than 4,000 excessofficers, mainly junior companygrade ranks. The force shaping initiativeis not over, but major modificationswill impact both enlisted and officermembers.

Enlisted members are no longereligible for date-of-separation rollbacks,limited active duty service commitmentwaivers, expanded Palace Chase trans-fers or miscellaneous separations underforce shaping. Regular Palace Chaseapplications can be submitted in accor-dance with Air Force Instruction 36-3205, and miscellaneous separationrequests can be submitted to the AirForce Personnel Center via the militarypersonnel flight.

Enlisted members who decline anassignment or in-residence professionalmilitary education will be separated nolater than the first duty day of the sev-enth month from the date of declinationunless the needs of the Air Force dictatea later date.

Officers with at least one yeartime in service remain eligible for the

Expanded Palace Chase Program andROTC cadets are eligible for ROTC-to-Air Reserve Components transfers.Officer continuation restrictions willremain in effect, as will the reducedtime-in-grade requirement for lieu-tenant colonels and colonels — now twoyears. No commander, supervisor,agency, unit or organization is author-ized to delay, divert or disapproveapplications.

Recall programs for enlisted andofficers are closed until further noticeand both officer and enlisted areencouraged to consider a transfer to theactive-duty Army under the Blue-to-Green Program. Enlisted members maybe eligible for monetary incentivesunder this program. All active duty whoseparate or retire are encouraged toremain part of the total force as a mem-ber of the civil service team.

The Career Job Reservation pro-gram limits reenlistments into the careerforce by constraining Air ForceSpecialty Codes for first-term Airmen.All first-term Airmen must apply for aCJR during their eligibility window –35 to 43 months time in service for four-year enlistees, 59 to 67 months for six-year enlistees, special time lines existfor those who are serving overseas.They must have an approved CJR inorder to reenlist. Those in constrainedcareer fields should consider their

Professional Development Center schedule(Building 350, Room 2127)

First Term Airmen Center – Aug. 15 to 26, Sep. 12 to 23, Oct. 17 to 28,Nov. 7 to 18 and Dec. 5 to 16.

Right Decision Workshops – 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 16, Sep. 13, Oct.18, Nov. 8 and Dec. 6

NCO Professional Enhancement Course – Oct. 3 to 7 and Jan. 23 to 27 Senior NCO Promotion Process – 8 to 10 a.m. Sep. 29 and 1 to 3

p.m. Nov. 22 Mentoring – 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 18, Oct. 13 and Jan. 5 Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention – 1 to 2:30 p.m. for

females and 2:30 to 4 p.m. for males, Sep. 8.

People can contact the Team Pete CAA to reserve a seat.Watch for future seminars on the new Enlisted Force Structure, Study Skills,

Silver Bullets, Enlisted to Officer, Being a Better Supervisor, Your Virtual Career,and Space Familiarization.

Career ContactsSupervisor, first sergeant, commander and Virtual MPFMPF Team in Building 350Team Pete Career Assistance Advisor, Master Sgt. Kristin Clark, 556-9226, Building 350/Room 2135, kristin.clark@peterson.af.milIn-Service Recruiters – Master Sgt. James Fritzen (Air Force Reserves), 556-0151, Building 350/Room 2134, james.fritzen@peterson.af.mil or Master Sgt. Cindy Cramer (Air National Guard), 556-4623, Building 350/MPF, cindy.cramer@peterson.af.milAir Force Personnel Center, (800) 616-3775, DSN 665-5000, online at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil or e-mail at contact.center@randolph.af.milCivil Service Web sites – www.usajobs.opm.gov and www.go-defense.com

See Career, Page 23

SPACE OBSERVERThursday, August 4, 200514 CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Air Force PioneersAnswers on Page 24

ACROSS1. Pistol battle5. Tied up9. Name for USAF personnel11. Matrix13. Flight pioneer Octave; WrightBros. advisor

14. Flight pioneer R.F. ____; tro-phy namesake16. Author17. Pay during a PCS19. Middle East country20. Gather23. Osan AB host country currency

24. Plank25. Wrote fables27. Capture28. Written semantics31. Russian space station32. Morning moisture35. Help36. Bother37. ___ a Wonderful Life38. Pacific NW state39. Dirt40. USN equivalent to AFB41. Walked on43. Winter mon.44. Oak starter45. Ford flop48. Former ACC boss/actingCSAF (1995)49. USAF pioneer Maj Gen Hugh___; First GHQAF Chief of Staff53. Hawaiian city54. Pub order55. Meadow56. Western Africa denizen59. Flight pioneer Samuel P. ___;Wright Bros. competitor63. USAF pioneer Henry H. ____;Only General of the Air Force64. Comedy duo ___ & Hardy65. Camera parts66. Perfect score (two words)DOWN1. Roman goddess of hunting2. Vase3. Flightless bird4. Permit5. System or tourism lead-in6. Actor Kilmer7. WWI Air Force ace ___Springs

8. Nigerian currency9. Attention getter10. CBS, NBC, ABC, etc.11. Browse12. Admiral type13. Accountant title15. Mission for AFMC, in short18. Clip21. American “Uncle”22. Influential24. Raving26. Kitchen “wrap”27. Containing the univalentgroup NO228. Fuel29. ___ de Janeiro30. Compute31. USAF pioneer Maj. Gen.William ___; “Father of USAF”32. SECDEF’s org.33. Before, poetically34. Married42. ___ Arbor43. Actress Tripplehorn44. Internet provider45. Heart monitor, in short46. Qatar capital47. Knot up48. Touch down, as in flight50. Actress DeGeneres51. Fishing need52. Baltimore Ravens star Lewis57. Charged particle58. USAF NCO PME60. Auto club61. Bolt counterpart62. Graduate student exam, inbrief

(Courtesy of AlaskanCommand Public Affairs)

SPACE OBSERVERThursday, August 4, 2005 15

www.peterson.af.mil NEWS

from around the nation to compete for the title of National Championand a spot on the U.S. National Shotgun Team.

“The presence of Air Force members in international and nation-al-level events enhances our U.S. Air Force image,” said Chief MasterSgt. James Moody, 21st Space Wing command chief master sergeant.This event in particular demonstrates our commitment to marksman-ship as a necessary skill for today’s expeditionary Airmen.”

Shooting team Airmen train while off duty and set the standardfor marksmanship within the Air Force.

“Each Airman makes a substantial personal sacrifice for theirsport. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of leaders, co-workers, family and friends,” Colonel Linn said.

Team members help maintain public support for the Air Forceand recruit future Airmen by showing others what it means to be anAir Force member.

Marksman, from Page 1

Program, Air Force Instruction 36-3401, andhow it may help your employees. Look forways to help them achieve the goals they set.Keep it real.

Mentoring is not something that comesnaturally for all people. Just like with anygreat skill — it takes learning; trial and error.Take some time and read up on ways to be abetter and more informed mentor. There aremany books out there people can read to helpimprove their mentoring skills.

Mentorship and learning are indeedpowerful tools. The better we are as anemployee, the better we are as leaders. Themore conducive our working environment is

to employee development the stronger theorganization and the more stock we canplace in the quote, “Today’s employees aretomorrow’s leaders.”

Web sites that may help lead you onthe path to personal and professionaldevelopment:

www.atsc.army.mil/accp/aipdnew.aspwww.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/ danteshome.asp

www.usalearning.gov www.apus.edu grad.usda.gov afvec.langley.af.mil/Pages/home.aspx

www.online-degree-directory.com/ education-degrees.shtml

Mentorship, from Page 10

SPACE OBSERVERThursday, August 4, 200516 FEATURE

Hurricane brings bundle of joy to Eglin family By Lois Walsh 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

ELGIN AIR FORCE BASE, FLA –When the word came down to evacuateEglin due to Hurricane Dennis, 1st Lt.John Worley was prepared.

Lieutenant Worley, a 20th SpaceControl Squadron space control opera-tions evaluator, had been determiningthe safest route to take from his home inCrestview. His concern for his familywas ratcheted up a notch; besides histhree children, his wife Dawn wouldalso be evacuating and she was just

weeks from delivering their fourth child.“There was a lot going through my

mind,” he said. “I thought of going toAlabama, but thought the storm mightgo north, so I looked west, but it was toofar to Louisiana or Texas and the stormcould turn west.”

So Lieutenant Worley determinedthat Jacksonville, Fla., was his best bet,and he is glad he made that decision.Their third son, Justin, entered the worldJuly 10, the day Hurricane Dennis hitthe Emerald Coast.

Lieutenant Worley did his home-work; before evacuating, he called thehospitals in Jacksonville to find the best

for both high-risk pregnancies and neo-natal care. He knew from problemsencountered when their two-year-oldtwins were born that he might need ahospital with specialty care.

Lieutenant Worley was right on.Although Justin weighed in at eightpounds, 13 ounces, he needed intensivecare for a heart valve malfunction andfluid in his lungs. When planning hisfamily’s evacuation, the lieutenantenlisted assistance from co-workers andtheir wives who evacuated with them toJacksonville. They were available tobaby-sit so Lieutenant Worley could beat his wife’s side after the delivery.

Lieutenant Worley has nothing butpraise for the care received at BaptistMedical Center and the WolfsonChildren’s Hospital natal intensive careunit, although he refused to give in to thenurses’ request to name the baby Dennis.

The Worley’s were forced to leaveJustin behind as they returned toCrestview three days after his birth.However, after picking up Dawn’s par-ents in Pensacola, they returned toJacksonville July 15 and were able tobring Justin home July 19, after a four-day stay at the Ronald McDonaldHouse. The best news is that Justinreceived a clean bill of health.

SPACE OBSERVERThursday, August 4, 2005 17

www.peterson.af.mil NEWS

Services crew promotes fun By Tech. Sgt. Matt Gilreath21st Space Wing Public Affairs

Members of the 21st Services SquadronMarketing Office work hard to inform troops of avail-able activities seven days a week.

Margie Arnold, 21st SVS Marketing Officewriter, said she has been writing promotional materialfor the last 11 years.

“I’ve written for the Colorado Springs BusinessJournal, the Colorado Springs Independent, the BetterBusiness Bureau and for Springs Magazine, where Ialso work part-time and am on their editorial staff,”Mrs. Arnold said. “All those articles I wrote were mar-keting one thing or another: businesses in town, the-atrical productions and even things such as home-building trends in Colorado Springs.” She’s beenworking in the 21st Services Marketing Office forseven years.

Along with the writing, good graphics and artwork are essential to effective marketing.

Jon Brown, 21st SVS marketing office publicityspecialist said he has been doing graphic design mostof his life.

“I started in Denver, trimming windows for amajor drugstore chain and a department store,” Mr.

Brown said. “Later, marquees for theaters.”The 20-year break in the military kept me going,

but usually on my own time by creating charts anddrafting. Since retirement, I’ve been involved in manyventures, all of which involved marketing and public-ity to some extent — including a degree in marketing,another in broadcasting and a third in business man-agement,” he added.

“I’ve been at Peterson since 1991 and I’ve seenmany changes in the way we market what we do andhow we do it,” Mr. Brown said.

Mister Brown said the best part of his job washaving the autonomy to be creative.

“I enjoy the creative part of my job and seeing thefinal product match my imagination,” Mr. brownsaid.“It’s also nice to see the expressions on a facilitymanager’s face when they tell me a particular functionwas a big hit because of the publicity I created for them.”

Julia Lonsford, 21st SVS Enlisted Club foodoperations manager, said the marketing office was theclubs key to success.

“The Marketing office gets the word out,” saidMrs. Lonsford. “They get people into the club withtheir advertising and then it’s up to us to take it fromthere. They keep club members informed by mailingthem flyers and coupons about every day specials.

The enlisted club food operations manager saidthey coordinate with the marketing office up to twomonths in advance to get the word out to the troopsabout upcoming events.

“Without the marketing office, people don’tknow what we have to offer and what we do,” Mrs.Lonsford said. “If it wasn’t for the marketing officeand all the posters and flyers they make, we’d bedoomed.”

Photo By Tech. Sgt Matt GilreathJon Brown, 21st Services Marketing Office public-ity specialist and Margie Arnold, 21st SVSMarketing Office writer, work together to come upwith ideas to attract customers for upcomingevents. The marketing office works to promoteevents two months in advance.

Airmen prepare for real-world deployments at

Camp RRed DDevilCamp RRed DDevilBy 1st Lt. Tracy Giles21st Space Wing Public Affairs

CAMP RED DEVIL, Fort Carson,Colo. – More than 180 Airmen from the21st Space Wing and Air Force SpaceCommand were transported here fromPeterson Air Force Base by four C-130cargo planes July 24.

The 302nd Airlift Wing provided air-lift support carrying the Airmen to CampRed Devil, Fort Carson. More than 300members from Team Pete helped plan, exe-cute and participate in the annual Red Devilexercise, held this year from July 24 to 29,to prepare Airmen for future deploymentopportunities.

“It was an exceptional team effort withthe 302nd Airlift Wing,” said ColonelDouglas Hine, 21st Mission Support Group

commander. “We had the opportunity topractice an assault landing and have thedeployment team go through the processinglines in four different chalks.”

Colonel Hine said the C-130s kepttheir engines running while the Airmen ranout the cargo door wearing bullet proofvests and helmets, armed with M-16s. TheAirmen marched more than a mile to CampRed Devil to set up camp and rest up for theintensive combat training that would lasta week.

The exercise included M-16 firingranges, computer-generated Humvee con-voy simulators, tear gas chambers, securitypatrols with enemy ambushes, real-lifeHumvee patrols littered with improvisedexplosive devices, rocket-propelledgrenades and enemy infantry.

“This exercise is the culmination of

our training to prepare for real worlddeployments in the upcoming months,”Colonel Hine said. “We are increasing ourexpeditionary combat skills and learning toappreciate and understand what peopleexperience as they go out.”

Airman Adam Murphy, 21stComptroller Squadron customer servicetechnician, said he performed securityforces duties patrolling the base and check-ing people in and out of the SurvivalRecovery Center during the exercise scenar-ios which included bomb explosions, mortarattacks and convoy ambushes among manyother things.

“It’s been very helpful,” AirmanMurphy said. “I am impressed by how realit is and how it feels like it’s really happen-ing. It’s a great learning experience and I’llprobably end up using many of these skills

in the future.”Captain Shannon Manley, Air Force

Space Command Logistics and Communi-cations chief of network support, said thehighlight of the exercise for him was theconvoy training.

“It’s very similar to the kind ofengagements we’re involved in right now inthe Middle East,” he said. “Everyone shouldgo through this type of training before theydeploy because if they find themselves in aconvoy they will already have experienced itonce or twice in practice.

“On the other hand, if you go overthere and you’ve never done it, you’re goingto be lost,” he added.

The 2005 Red Devil Exercise focusedon real-world objectives Airmen are cur-rently facing in middle-eastern deployedlocations.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Denise JohnsonMoulage artists volunteer to make up victims forexercises. It is a painstaking process whichadds an element of reality to exercise scenarios. Photo By Tech. Sgt. Denise Johnson

Major Gen. Douglas Fraser, Air Force Space Command Air and Space Operations director, tours the deployment site asan exercise explosion goes off in the background. Master Sgt.Todd Lokey, 21st Security Forces Squadron Standardizationand Evaluation Flight, NCO in charge (left), and Col. Douglas Hine, 21st Mission Support Group commander (right),explain the exercise scenarios and objectives to the general.

Photos by Staff Sgt. Jeff SchlabsExercise protestors surround a government truck as it attempts to gain entrance onto the simulated deployed installation, CampRed Devil. Inset: A guard keeps a watchful eye the protestors as he mans the tower overlooking the main gate.

Convoy membersarm Chief MasterSgt. JamesMoody 21stSpace WingCommand ChiefMaster Sgt., (cen-ter), for his con-voy ride.Members of thewing leadershiplook on.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Denise Johnson Photo by Tech. Sgt. Denise Johnson

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Denise JohnsonAn exercise insurgent runs toward the deployed headquarters with an explosive device. Deployed membersattempt to apprehend the unauthorized man.

Members ofthe 21st CivilEngineerSquadron FireDepartmentload protectiveclothing ontotheir responsevehicle afterresponding toan exercisealarm.

Photos by Joe FischerA C-130 from the 302nd Airlift Wing lands at Camp Red Devil. Inset: Red Devil participants run out of the back of a C-130 during the exercise. Afterthe Airmen left the plane, they hiked more than a mile to set up the camp.

Story and photosBy Nel LampeMountaineer staff

The frontier town ofBuckskin Joe lookslike a real Western mining town

or a movie set. Actually, it’s a littleof both.

There was a Colorado mining townnamed Buckskin Joe, near the town ofBreckenridge. The original town wasabout 90 miles from its present sitenear Cañon City.

Buckskin Joe was named afterJoseph Higgenbottom, who started agold-mining district when gold wasfound near Alma and Breckenridge inthe 1850s. Higgenbottom was known asBuckskin Joe because he always worebuckskin clothing.

The frontier town grew steadily asprospectors, adventurers, merchants andmining-camp followers settled in thearea. Gambling halls, saloons, hotels andstores were built, along with a gold mill,an assay office and a court house.

But prosperity left Buckskin Joe inits wake. A smallpox epidemic hit thetown hard; then the gold played out.

The mill closed, people moved on,leaving Buckskin Joe as a ghost town.

A century later, three businessmen,Don Tyner, Karol W. Smith andMalcolm F. Brown, wanted to preservesome history of the Old West. Bymoving H.A.W. Tabor’s general storefrom the original Buckskin Joe toacreage next to the Royal GorgeScenic Railway, the new “old” miningtown was started. The businessmenfound 30 other historic buildings inColorado and moved them to the newsite, each building resembling and representing buildings that originallywere in Buckskin Joe. The buildingsselected were placed in a simi-

lar layout. As a result, a very realisticWestern mining town was created. Thenew Buckskin Joe is so authentic thatmore than 20 movies, documentariesand commercials have been filmedthere — movies such as “Cat Ballou,”“How the West was Won,” “TheSacketts,” “ Brothers O’Toole,”“Lightning Jack,” “Conagher” and“The White Buffalo.” John Wayne’s“The Cowboys” and “True Grit” werefilmed there. “The Duchess and theDirtwater Fox” was also filmed atBuckskin Joe.

When Buckskin Joe isn’t beingused as a movie set, it serves as a family Places to see in the

Pikes Peak area.

Visitors explore the frontier town of Buckskin Joe after watching the gunfight skits on Main Street.

Above: Visitors watcha gunfight on MainStreet of Buckskin

Joe. Right: Two cow-boys enact a con-

frontation on BuckskinJoe’s Main Street.

Brings

Old

West

to life

See Buckskin, Page 22

SPACE OBSERVERThursday, August 4, 200522 HAPPENINGS

attraction. A miniature railway is next door to thefrontier town.

Visitors to Buckskin Joe Frontier Town canwalk through early Colorado history, explore ageneral store, saloon, bank, sheriff ’s office,churche and candy store. There’s a dentist’soffice, a school, a blacksmith, a gold mine andbarns. Visitors can visit the fort, museum andride a horse-drawn trolley.

Free magic shows are scheduled severaltimes each day. Shopkeepers and local citizensdress in period costumes, lending authenticity tothe scene. Buckskin Joe’s main street, with itswooden plank sidewalks and parked stagecoach-es against a backdrop of snow-capped moun-tains, may even look familiar to visitors.

And beginning at 9:30 a.m. each day, a gun-fight re-enactment takes place on main street.The shootouts are based on actual events thattook place in the original Buckskin Joe. A narra-tor sets the scene for each gunfight. Other gun-fight scenarios follow throughout the day, everyhour and 15 minutes during summer. The re-enactment schedule is shortened in May andSeptember, but a schedule is posted at theentrance gate.

Visitors can try their hand at gold pan-ning, getting through a maze or exploring thestores and the mystery house (which costs asmall fee.)

Bring your own picnic lunch to enjoy at apicnic table in the fort, or stop by The GoldNugget dining room for a hearty lunch. A largebuffalo burger is a popular menu item, accompa-nied with fries or a salad, at around $8. Quarter-pound burgers and several sandwich selectionsare on the menu. There’s a children’s menu as

well. Live music is ongoing in the saloon.Miss Maybelle’s Sweets and Treats is next

door, featuring ice cream cones, sundaes andmilkshakes.

Adjacent to Buckskin Joe Frontier Town isthe Royal Gorge Scenic Railway. Visitors canvisit the frontier town, ride the miniature rail-road separately or buy a combination ticketfor both attractions.

The 15-inch gauge train takes visitors on a30-minute ride to the rim of the Royal Gorge.There’s an extensive gift and souvenir shop at therailway station.

Admission to the frontier town only is $12for adults and $10 for children ages 4 to 11. Thetrain ride is $9 for adults and $8 for children. Or,opt for the combination ticket which is $16 foradults and $14 for children, and includes the

train ride and admission to Buckskin Joe.Servicemembers who show a valid identi-

fication card are admitted for half price, alongwith their immediate family.

Buckskin Joe Frontier Town is open from10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, through Labor Day.After Labor Day, the hours are shortened to10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the town is closed atthe end of September.

To reach Buckskin Joe Frontier Town andRailway, take Highway 115 from Fort Carson toPenrose. Go through Penrose and turn ontoHighway 50 West to Cañon City. Go throughCañon City and stay on Highway 50 for abouteight miles. Watch for signs to Royal GorgeBridge and Buckskin Joe, turning left (south).It’s about a mile to Buckskin Joe, on the way tothe Royal Gorge Bridge. There’s free parking.

Just the Facts• Travel time: just over an hour• For ages: all• Type: natural history museum• Fun factor:

(Out of 5 stars)• Wallet damage $$ or $$$

$ = Less than $20$$ = $21 to $40

$$$ = $41 to $60$$$$ = $61 to $80

(Based on a family of four)

A horse-drawn trolley makes a trip through the streets of the frontier town of Buckskin Joe.

The Royal Gorge Scenic Railway miniature traintakes visitors on a ride to the rim of the RoyalGorge.

A visitor pretends to be a prisoner in the cell atthe sheriff’s office in Buckskin Joe.

ABOVE: Cliff Kelley tries hishand at gold panning.LEFT: Cliff Kelley picks outflakes of gold from the grav-el and sand.

Buckskin, from Page 21

SPACE OBSERVERThursday, August 4, 2005 23

www.peterson.af.mil HAPPENINGS

Broadway seasonThe Pikes Peak Center Broadway season begins

with “Chicago” Oct. 4 and 5. The 2006 season willhighlight “Oklahoma” March 29 and 30; “TheProducers” May 5, 6 and 7; and “Stomp,” is set forJune 13 to 18. Season tickets are now being sold. Thetheater is at 190 S. Cascade Ave., downtown. ColoradoSprings. For information, call 520-7462.

Colorado State FairThe concerts at the Colorado State Fair include

Hoobastank Aug. 26; Collective Soul, Aug. 28;Montgomery Gentry, Aug. 29, Uncle Kracker, Aug.30; Diamond Rio, Aug. 31; .38 Special, Sept. 1; KennyRogers, Sept. 1; Jo Dee Messina, Sept. 2; Sparx and

Lorenzo Antonio with Mariachi Tenampa, Sept. 3; andAlice Cooper and Cheap Trick Sept. 5.

Go online at www.ticketmaster.com or call 520-9090. Prices range from $13 to $33. The ColoradoState Fair grounds are in Pueblo.

Air Force Academy footballTickets are now available for the U.S. Air Force

Academy football season. Home games this yearinclude:

San Diego State – Sept. 10University of Wyoming – Sept. 17 University of Las Vegas – Oct. 15, Texas Christian University – Oct. 22 Army – Nov. 5. Call 472-1895 for ticket information. Games are

at Falcon Stadium at the Academy.

Air Force officials have ann-ounced the start ofthe FY06 NCO Retraining Program, which will targetapproximately 1,100 noncommissioned officers (StaffSgt.-Senior Master Sgt.) to retrain from AFSCs withNCO overages to AFSCs with NCO shortages.

NCOs susceptible for involuntary retraining willbe notified in early August ‘05 and can view theirstanding on the vulnerability list at the AFPC home-

page using their Virtual MPF login. It is imperativethese members consider voluntary retraining or spe-cial-duty application as soon as notified. The volun-tary phase of the program runs through Oct. 14. Aninvoluntary phase will begin shortly after in AFSCsnot meeting retraining-out quotas. Some restrictionsapply, depending on grade and AFSC.

For more information and a list of availableretraining in AFSCs, contact the MPF employmentsection at 556-7400 or the Team Pete Career

Assistance Advisor at 556-9226.

Did you know AFI 36-2618, The Enlisted Force

Structure, was updated in December? Did you know

the Air Force Benefits Fact Sheet was updated in April

and is a required part of supervisor-subordinate career

counseling during performance feedback IAW AFI 36-

2618. A fact sheet is available online at www.afpc.ran-

dolph.af.mil/afretention/AF%20Benefits%20Fact%20

Sheet.htm.

Career, from Page 12

SPACE OBSERVERThursday, August 4, 200524

Hometown news releaseThe Hometown News Release Form (DDForm 2266) allows servicemembers an

avenue to relay significant events in theirmilitary careers to people in their hometown.

Promotions, recognition, achievements,training, awards and decorations, re-enlist-

ments and retirements are all significantevents to share with friends and family intheir home towns. No other positive Air

Force news hits local newspapers as oftenas Hometown News.

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Matt Gilreath

Ready to deploySenior Master Sgt. Ty Foster, 21st Space Wing public affairs superintendent, packed his bagsSunday before leaving for Afghanistan Monday morning. Sergeant Foster spent Saturday andSunday with his wife and two sons.This is his first deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Answers from Page 14

NEWS

SPACE OBSERVERThursday, August 4, 200526

long-term civilian and military facultymembers who are vested in its health.

While dealing with all theseissues, faculty members must alsostretch the minds of students in waysthat only great educators can. Thatmeans creating an environment wherefundamental precepts are questioned,where cadets are forced to think aboutwhat they believe and why.

Our attempts to civilize religiousdiscourse must be seen in light of theextraordinary environment of a nation-al-service academy, an institution that isboth a military base and a world-classuniversity.

We need thoughtful engagementamong representatives of a wide varietyof faith traditions, including those withno religion at all, to develop principlesfor religious interaction that people ofgood will everywhere can subscribe to.They could be a model not just for theacademy, but for all the military.Perhaps even for America.

We are starting to move towardthat goal. We have completed the firstphase of a training program, Respectingthe Spiritual Values of People, and arenow learning from it and working on thesecond phase. We will create opportuni-

ties for frank and open discussion, whencadets and faculty and staff memberscan say what they believe and why in aclimate of equality, mutual respect andempathy.

Ultimately, we work for you, theAmerican people. We are accountableto you through your elected representa-tives in Congress. What they tell us todo, we will do. But before you pick aside in this battle and write an angryletter to your elected officials, considerthis:

Resident faculty members of theacademy have the experience, abilityand will to solve this problem. But to doso, we need both sides to step away fromDefcon 4 alert. Sheath the bayonets, putthe legal briefs back in the drawer. Giveus a climate where those of us responsi-ble for shaping young minds are as freeas possible.

Academy faculty members dedi-cate themselves to helping studentsanswer difficult but vital questions:How do we know what we know? Whatis the right way to affirm the truth ofwhat we believe in? And, the one mostessential to our mission: How can webest defend the freedoms embodied inthe Constitution?

Some of our students will die try-ing. For that, we owe them answers.

Faith, from Page 2

Photo by Airman 1st Class Mandy Weightman

Moving some earthCraig Weaver, foreman for Tab Construction, compresses dirt for a water lineto ensure the ground doesn’t settle once the pipes are installed for the con-struction of the new addition to Building 350.

NEWS

SPACE OBSERVERThursday, August 4, 2005 27

www.peterson.af.mil

August iis NNationalInventors mmonth

To submit information for the base calendar, e-mail

space.observer@peterson.af.mil

9-11 Memorial Service

Family Day

Team Pete Sports andField Day

Thursday, August 11Monday, August 8Friday, August 5

Sunday, September 2 Sunday, September 11 Sunday, September 14

POW/MIACeremony

Rage in the

Rangeat Rampart Range

Military Monday at SkySox Stadium

7 p.m.noteworthy

AROUND PETE