October 18, 2013 Vol. 58 No. 40

Awareness:Shedding light onhidden disabilities

Page 6

I’ll say it ... this is an uncomfortable time to be a civilservant. Six days of furlough this past summer, seques-tration, government shutdown, debt ceiling impacts – it

makes me uncomfortable just writing about it.Wemay be frustrated with the current situation in

Washington; actually, to be blunt – I am really concernedwith what’s going on inWashington.This is affecting you and me personally ... our pay, the

stability of our careers, and the uncertainty of our future. Tobe honest, I had just come to grips with ‘putting the sixdays of furlough’behind me.And, now that we’ve gotten past the shutdown and the

debt ceiling mess, the question in mymind is, “What’snext?”But, if I really look at myself in the mirror – and every

morning you and I do just that – and, if we’re really honestwith ourselves, if we strip away all of the current discom-fort:We do what we do because we are obliged to do it.Long before the current political turmoil, somewhere in

our hearts, we made a choice to respond to an unstatedobligation to serve our country as civil servants.This is an obligation to all who have come before us, in

all areas and all ranks of government ... and especially tothe men and women in uniform –many of our own family,friends and neighbors – who have given so much for ourcountry ... most recently the 6,748 service members whohave lost their lives since 9/11, and the 51,587 servicemembers who have returned wounded.All of our recent improvements across this center and

all of our continued efforts to improve our operations makethis country better.Every time we streamline an operation, reduce flow

days and reduce our costs, we’re making a direct impact onthe effectiveness of ourAir Force and our country. I’m notjust talking about improving our ability to put bombs ontargets, protect our service members, or deter our enemies;I’m also talking about the business side of our operations –cost effective readiness – doing our parts to improve the

financial standing of theAir Force, the DefenseDepartment and our country.Yes, it’s an uncomfortable time to be a civil servant, but

I’m doing what I am obliged to do. It’s well documentedthat chasing meaning in life leads to more happiness thanavoiding discomfort – the meaning of what we do, theimportance of what we do – no one can take that awayfrom you, me or any other civil servant working for theUnited StatesAir Force.So as far as answering the question, what’s next? In

Washington, I have no idea. For me, I refuse to let the tur-moil inWashington define me as an employee. It won’taffect my dedication, my commitment, nor my attitude ...I am still immensely proud of what I do for theAir Forceand for our country.

20 years of civil service … and counting!

By Kevin O’ConnorOklahoma City Air Logistics Complex vice director

‘An uncomfortable time to be a civil servant’

In need of assistance?With the government shutdown behind us, some employees may need additional help. The

EmployeeAssistance Program, also known as EAP, offers DOD civilians and their householdmembers stress management training, improved coping skills, financial and legal services(through the national service center), supportive counseling and marriage counseling, help withtroubled relationships, depression, stress, emotional concerns, substance abuse and more. ForEAP assistance, call 497-7577 or 497-7683 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays – Fridays.Employees are seen by appointment only. EAP counselors are located in Bldg. 207, the Occup-ational Medicine Clinic, Room D160 and D156. For 24-hour assistance, call 1-800-222-0364.

WASHINGTON (AFNS) –Defense Secretary ChuckHagel issued a message to theDefense Department’s work-force Thursday, welcomingback employees furloughed bythe 16-day government shut-down and emphasizing theirvalue to the nation.

Here isthe text ofthe secre-tary's mes-sage:Today

(Thursday)the Depart-ment ofDefense isresumingnormal oper-ations across the world, nowthat Congress has finallyrestored funding for DOD andthe rest of the federal govern-ment.This manufactured crisis

was an unwelcome and unnec-essary distraction from ourcritical work of keeping thecountry safe.I know that each of your

lives has been disrupted andaffected in different ways. Iregret the impact that thisshutdown had on so many ofour civilian personnel, particu-larly those who I was previ-ously unable to recall fromemergency furlough.

Hagelstresses

workforce’svalue

Hagel

OONNEE WWOORRKKEERR’’SS PPEERRSSPPEECCTTIIVVEE

TTTTaaaakkkk iiiinnnngggg iiiitttt ttttoooo tttthhhheeee ssss ttttrrrreeeeeeeetttt ssss

Government open for businessBY JIM GARAMONE

American Forces Press Service

Senate leaders championed bipartisan legislation toreopen the government and remove the threat of gov-ernment default on its debts. The legislation is a continuing resolution that pro-

vides federal government spending at fiscal 2013 levels.That keeps the sequester-level budget in effect.The act will keep the government open through Jan.

15 and raises the debt limit through Feb. 7. The act con-tains a provision for a joint Senate-House committee towork on a budget recommendation for fiscal year 2014.Those recommendations are due Dec. 13.The legislation includes the provision to pay all fur-

loughed employees for the period of the lapse in appro-priations. The act calls for those employees to be paid“as soon as practicable.”Even before the House of Representatives voted,

President Obama signaled his intent to sign the bill. “We’ll begin reopening our government immediate-

ly,” he said in a White House appearance. “And we canbegin to lift this cloud of uncertainty and unease fromour businesses and from the American people.”Obama asked that all political officials take the les-

son of the gridlock to heart and work together to solvethe nation’s problems.“My hope and expectation is,” Obama said, “every-

body has learned that there is no reason why we can’twork on the issues at hand, why we can’t disagreebetween the parties while still being agreeable, and

make sure that we’re not inflicting harm on theAmerican people when we do have disagreements.“So, hopefully that’s a lesson that will be internal-

ized, and not just by me, but also by Democrats andRepublicans – not only the leaders, but also the rank-and-file,” he said.As he was leaving the Brady Press Room at the

White House, a reporter asked the president if the shut-down might not be duplicated in January. “No,” the president said and left.Editor’s note: For more information, visit

www.opm.gov.

� see HAGEL, 7

BY ROBINS PUBLIC AFFAIRS

With the end of the 16-day governmentshutdown, 'normal

operations’ have resumed here. The doors of the Museum of

Aviation and other base activi-ties which were temporarilyclosed are now open.Additionally, community out-reach events such as tours haverestarted. The annual Combined

Federal Campaign has alsopicked up where it left off. TheCFC office will open Mondayand keyworkers may pick uptheir solicitation materials inBldg. 995 (behind the formerelementary school). Officials are looking at if, or

when, similar activities such asWingman Day and TripleRibbon Month will be resched-uled. “Our entire team is back at

work providing world-classwarfighter support,” said Col.Chris Hill, installation com-mander. “Thanks to our great com-

munity for their supportthrough this uncertain time,” headded. At one point during the

shutdown, more than 4,000base employees were fur-loughed.

Robinsreturns

to normaloperations

Above left, Col. Patricia Ross, 78th Air Base Wing vice commander, talks to members of the 78thComptroller Squadron Travel and Military Pay Customer Service Section, including Airmen 1st ClassMichael Davis, Carl Wheaton and Kaylee Denning. Above right, Brig. Gen. Cedric George, Warner RobinsAir Logistics Complex commander, speaks with John Hibbard, 402nd Electronics Maintenance Squadrontechnician, about keeping the mission going during difficult times.

U.S. Air Force photo by ED ASPERABonnie Jones, 638th Supply Chain Management Group director, right, asks employees how they’re dealingwith the furlough fallout at work and with family. This week, base leaders took to the streets to get thepulse of the workforce. Leaders listened as employees talked about their difficulties and challenges sincethe furlough began Oct. 1. Pictured with Jones from left is Brian Denman, SCMG program manager; RyanEvangelo, 410th Supply Chain Management Squadron Automatic Test Systems program manager; andTerry Feagin, 410th SCMS supervisor.

President Obama signed legislation bringing federalemployees back to work after Congress resolved the

budget logjam that led to a 16-day shutdown.

U.S. Air Force photo by RAY CRAYTON U.S. Air Force photo by PAUL WENZEL

PPRREESSEERRVVIINNGGOOLLDD GGLLOORRYY

2 � The Robins Rev-Up � October 18, 2013

Military retirees fromall branches of serviceand their guests are invit-ed to attend Robins’Retiree Appreciation DayOct. 26. The appreciation day

is to inform, assist andhonor all retired militarymembers, spouses andsurviving spouses, andtheir family memberswho have base access.The event begins with

a pay-as you-go breakfastfrom 6:30 a.m. at theWynn Dining Facility. Door prize giveaways

and registration will

begin at 8:15 a.m. withopening ceremonies at 9a.m.

Col. Christopher Hill,Installation commander,will provide openingremarks at 9:15 a.m.Retiree activities and

briefings will follow untilnoon.The briefings will

include information aboutthe pharmacy, securityforces, immunizations,

Tricare and Services amongothers.A pay-as-you-go lunch

will be available in theHeritage Club’s PizzaDepot.Vendors’ tables will be

set up in the Heritage Clubfrom 12:30 to 1 p.m.

For more information,contact the RetireeActivities office via emailat robins.rao@gmail.comor call (478) 284-9879.

Robins to host Military Appreciation Day

To prep for a Voluntary ProtectionProgram assessment, the 406th SupplyChain Management Squadron had acubical decorating contest. Employees used about 11 different

safety themes as a way to gear up forfuture Silver recognition. “The people in the 406th SCMS have

taken genuine ownership and pride intheir work areas and embraced the VPPprogram,” said Denise Rogers, 406thSCMS deputy director. “In order to pro-mote safety at work and home, promi-

nent displays showed key safety infor-mation in the work areas and promotedteamwork.”Coworkers in various cubicles in the

squadron’s Technical Order OperationsFlight decorated their office space, high-lighting themes like crosswalk safety,motorcycle safety, skin care, weather-related safety during a tornado, lightningstorms and more. The winning team focused on heart

health, addressing risk factors, effects,prevention and symptoms.

Second Front

Having fun with VPP

Dave Nakayama, 559thAircraft MaintenanceSquadron director, pres-ents Col. Victoria Reed, acertificate of appreciation.Reed, former 559th AMXScommander who wasdeployed to Baghdad andwitnessed the last chap-ter of U.S. militaryinvolvement in Iraq,secured and donated theflag to the squadron.Reed is currently thecommander of the AirForce Metrology andCalibration Center inHeath, Ohio. The MXG craftsmen whoalso received certificatesare: Charlie Johnson, car-

U.S. Air Force photos by RAY CRAYTONA ceremony was conducted Oct. 11 to dedicate the 10-foot by 15-foot Americanflag which flew over the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, during Operation NEWDAWN, the occupation, stabilization and rebuilding of Iraq which ended inDecember 2011. The ceremony also honored eight 402nd Maintenance Groupcraftsmen who constructed the case to preserve the flag.

penter; Steven Grissom, carpenter; John Reynolds, painter;Jason Blount, painter; Janice Derico, fabric preparation;Rhodenia Talton, fabric preparation; Bruce Scott, certificatedesign; and Duane Price, project coordinator.

The Houston County HealthDepartment will provide flu vaccina-tions for $25 on base during October.The flu shot is free if you show proofof coverage on Medicaid, MedicarePart B, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO,Aetna PPO, or the state health benefitplan through United Healthcare orCigna. Flu vaccine schedule: �Today, FAST FORWARD facility

Bldg. 49 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (previ-ous scheduled at the HAWC)

�Monday, Fitness Center Annex

Bldg. 301 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and1:30 to 3 p.m. and the Base Restaurantfrom 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.The vaccine is now available for

active duty members and their eligiblefamily members at the 78th MedicalGroup, Bldg. 700. Vaccination hours are Mondays

through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.,except on the second and fourthThursday of each month when thehours are 7 to 11 a.m.

For more information contact theImmunizations Clinic at 497-7921.

Civilian Flu shot location change

4 � The Robins Rev-Up �October 18, 2013

AIR FORCE

COMMANDERCol. Christopher Hill

HOW TOCONTACT US

Robins Public Affairs620 Ninth Street, Bldg. 905Robins AFB, GA 31098468-2137Fax 468-9597

SUBMISSION GUIDELINESSubmissions must be received by 4 p.m. Wednesday,the week prior to the requested Friday publication.They should be e-mailed tolanorris.askew.ctr@us.af.mil andvance.janes@us.af.milSubmissions should be of broad interest to the basepopulace. For information, call Lanorris Askew at 472-0806.

DELIVERYTo report delivery issues, call 472-0802.

The Robins Rev-Up is published by The Telegraph,a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. AirForce, under exclusive written contract with Robins Air

Force Base, Ga.This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is

an authorized publication for members of the U.S. mili-tary services. Contents of the Robins Rev-Up are notnecessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, theU.S. government, Department of Defense, orDepartment of the Air Force.The appearance of advertising, including inserts or

supplements, does not constitute endorsement by theDepartment of Defense, Department of the Air Force,or The Telegraph.Everything advertised in this publication shall be

made available for purchase, use, or patronage withoutregard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age,marital status, physical or mental handicap, politicalaffiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchas-er, user or patron.

INTERNAL INFORMATIONCHIEFGeoff Janes

EDITORLanorris Askew

PHOTOGRAPHERSSue SappTommie HortonEd AsperaMisuzu AllenRaymond Crayton

STAFF WRITERSJenny GordonHolly Logan-Arrington

Civilian retiree ID card to be replacedJOINT BASE SANANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –Retired Air Force civilians who use the Air Force Form354, Civilian Identification Card, to access Air Forceinstallations have until early 2014 – when theAF354will be rescinded – to get a Department of DefenseCivilian Retiree ID Card or other access credentials, AirForce Personnel Center officials said.TheAF354 was a card-stock product that allowed

civilian retirees and their eligible dependents to enteran Air Force installation, with installation commanderapproval, but only for access to limited Morale, Welfare,and Recreation facilities (access which also applies tocurrent Air Force employees and their dependents).The card was not issued from the Defense

Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System / Real-timeAutomated Personnel Identification System, and is notrecognized by the Department of Defense under thePersonnel Identity Protection Program for DEERS orby other services for installation access, said Ed Yoder,Air Force DEERS/RAPIDS project office.“The card doesn’t meet the stringent security require-

ments established by the Department of HomelandSecurity,” Yoder said. “Installation access requires asecure card with identity vetting and online capabilities,such as bar code scanning.”Although retired civilians can get a DOD identification

card, there isn’t an equivalent for eligible dependents.“On installations where the commander has

approved civilian retiree and dependent access, theycan contact the civilian personnel office as a startingpoint for determining eligibility and for getting a secureaccess card for their family members,” Yoder said.To read more, visit www.af.mil.

FDAwarns against dietary supplementFALLS CHURCH, VA. (AFNS) – The U.S. Food

and DrugAdministration is advising consumers to stopusing OxyElite Pro, a dietary supplement, because ofsuspected links to acute hepatitis.The FDA, along with the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention and the Hawaii Department of Healthare investigating reports of acute non-viral hepatitis inHawaii where 29 cases are linked to a dietary supple-ment. The FDAurges consumers to stop using theproduct while the investigation continues. Distributed byUSPlabs LLC in Dallas, Texas, the product is soldnationwide in retail stores and on the internet.“We are urging Airmen to stop using the product until

the investigation concludes and results are confirmed,”said Col. John Oh, the chief of Health Promotion, AirForce Medical Support Agency, Air Force SurgeonGeneral.There have been a total of 29 cases of acute non-

viral hepatitis with an unknown cause reported inHawaii. Eleven of the 29 patients have been hospital-ized with acute hepatitis, two have received liver trans-plants and one person has died. The CDC is alsoinvestigating other cases of liver injury nation-wide thatcould be related.Symptoms of hepatitis include fever, fatigue, loss of

appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine,clay or gray-colored bowel movements, joint pain, yel-low eyes, and jaundice.

To read more, visit www.af.mil.

New Defense Health Agencyto streamline functions

FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFNS) – The governmentshutdown did not stop the official opening Oct. 1 of theDefense Health Agency, an effort that has been in theworks for three decades.

“This day has been a long time in coming, and rep-resents a major milestone in the history of the depart-ment and in military medicine,” Dr. Jonathan Woodson,the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs,wrote in a message to staff.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Douglas Robb heads the newagency, which is to streamline health care among theArmy, Navy andAir Force medical departments. Theagency is charged with creating common business andclinical practices for the services and integrating func-tions that each has done separately, such as purchas-ing medical supplies and equipment.

Robb acknowledged the budget challenges andgovernment shutdown that coincided with the first dayof operations for the DHA, saying, “How we deal withand overcome these challenges will be the true test ofour character and our strength.”

The military health system provides medical care onthe battlefield as well as to service members, their fami-lies and military retirees. It is one of the largest healthcare systems in the world with 56 hospitals, hundredsof clinics and 160,000 employees.

To read more, visit www.af.mil.

PACAFAirmen wrap up busy yearJOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii(AFNS) – Throughout fiscal 2013, the key aspect ofPacific Air Forces was engagement as more than45,000 Pacific Air Forces Airmen conducted a broadspectrum of operations, from humanitarian relief todecisive combat employment, in an area covering 13time zones and 100 million square miles.

These operations began with the inactivation of13th Air Force and the operationalization of theHeadquarters PACAF Staff, as the Air Force estab-lished its benchmark component major command.

This unified structure gives PACAF dual focus:support to an operationalized staff across the range of

military operations and performance of mandatedduties of organizing, training, and equipping Airmen.

Throughout the year, PACAFAirmen expandedengagements, increased combat capability andimproved warfighter integration by participating inmore than 25 exercises and humanitarian operationsthroughout the region.

“Engagement is something we are doing every dayacross the Asia-Pacific region,” said Gen. HawkCarlisle, commander of Pacific Air Forces. “I cannotoverstate the importance of working with our allies,partners and the international community to deteraggression and to maintain peace and stability in theregion.”

To read more, visit www.af.mil.NEW

SFR

OMAROUNDTH

E

TrainingflightAC-130 Hercules flies dur-ing a training mission overYokota Air Base, Japan.The C-130H provides tacti-cal airlift worldwide. Itsflexible design allows it thecapability to operate inaustere environments.C-130 aircraft are main-tained at Robins.

U.S.Air Force photo byR.J. ORIEZ

He ain’t heavy ...

U.S. Air Force photo byOSAKABE YASUO

Senior Airman Andrew Marosok, 90th Missile SecurityForces Squadron, races up a hill with a trainingdummy while he and his teammates compete in theruck and pack event in the F. E. Warren Air ForceBase Crow Creek Challenge in Wyoming. The annualcompetition challenges Airmen’s physical enduranceand job knowledge.

Airmen employ theAir Force’s other four interdepen-dent and enduring core missions through robust, adapt-able, and survivable command and control systems.

Using the specialized skills of more than 53,000 com-mand and controlAirmen, theAir Force provides accessto reliable communications and information networks sothe joint team can operate globally at a high tempo andlevel of intensity.

Air Force command and control systems give com-manders the ability to conduct highly coordinated jointoperations on an unequaled scale using centralized com-mand, distributed control and decentralized execution.

Pervasive and highly interconnected, command andcontrol networks will be extremely contested. The capa-bility to deliver airpower is intimately dependent on theability to operate effectively in cyberspace, a domain inand through which we conduct all of our core missionsand which is critical to many of our command and con-trol systems.

Operations in cyberspace can magnify military effectsby increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of air and

space operations and by helping to integrate capabilitiesacross all domains. The use of cyberspace to conductmissions is certainly not exclusive to theAir Force; how-ever, it is an essential component of how we ensure our

warfighting advantage.Getting the right information to the right person at the

right time is essential to theAmerican way of war. Thenation’s advantage in command and control is under con-stant attack with new and more capable threats emergingdaily in the areas of cyber weapons, anti-satellite systems,and electromagnetic jamming.

Our adversaries are also making advances by electron-ically linking their own combat capabilities, which createsnew military challenges that our forces must be preparedto address. To counter these challenges, theAir Force willfield advanced command and control systems that arereliable, resilient, and interoperable. More importantly, wewill recruit and train innovativeAirmen with the expertiseto build, manage, secure, and advance our complex anddiverse command and control systems, while at the sametime making them easy to use for our own forces.

Editor’s note: This is the seventh entry of a nine-part series from Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen.Mark Welsh’s office.

COMMAND AND CONTROL ... TOTAL FLEXIBILITY

U.S. Air Force file photo by MASTER SGT. ROGER PARSONSCapt. Titus, 16th Airborne Command and ControlSquadron senior director, views radar data from a simu-lated E-8C Joint STARS operator workstation during arecent exercise. (Full name witheld for security reasons.)

Airpower for America

October 18, 2013 � The Robins Rev-Up � 5

COMMANDDOWNFROM THE

BY BRANDICE O'BRIENTinker Public Affairs

TheAir ForceSustainment Center is astrategic asset that’s notonly gaining attention forits ability to generate air-power, but for its businessapproach as well.Listening toAir Force

leaders, it’s clear the cen-ter’s successes are theresult of teamwork, aguiding leadership modeland a resilient belief in theAFSCWay.In developing the cen-

ter’s strategic vision forcost-effective readiness,AFSC Director ofLogistics, Gilbert Mon-toya, said some challengeswere expected. Others,such as the furlough andsequestration, were not.Montoya was quick to

point out that the employ-ees across the center’sthree complexes, three airbase wings and two sup-ply chain managementwings have met everychallenge.“ ... the workforce

never lost sight of whatwas important,” he said.“They continued to focuson supporting the war-fighter and on pioneeringnew ways to obtainresults.“From July 2012

through July 2013, weincreased our depot air-craft production by 20 per-cent, cut critical partsshortages by 25 percent,reduced work-stoppagerelated to parts by 18 per-cent and sliced backordersby 21 percent,” saidMontoya.The logistics director

attributed those and otherAFSC-wide successes asthe product of a commit-ment to “TheAFSCWay.”TheAFSCWay is a

deliberate and standardsystems approach whichenables personnel on anylevel to strive for the bestand meet their goals.By using common

goals, each level withinthe organization shoulddetermine its path forwardwithin theAFSCWay.The three air logistics

complex commanders alsocited the importance of theAFSCWay.“Setting up theAFSC

was more than a simplerealignment of resourcesand personnel. It resultedin a whole new way ofthinking about sustain-ment,” said Brig. Gen.Gene Kirkland, OklahomaCityAir LogisticsComplex commander.“The integration of depotmaintenance and supplychain within a single com-mand created an entirelynew culture.”Brig. Gen. Cedric

George, Warner RobinsAir Logistics Complexcommander agreed.“We didn’t just com-

bine three cultures, but wecreated a new culture thatleveraged the strength ofall three depots.”Prior to merging the

supply chain managementwings and maintenancecomplexes under one cen-ter, George said mainte-nance personnel naturallyenvisioned supply chainemployees as a supportingrole.Yet, now that they

build, plan and executetogether, both organiza-tions are able to grasp theall-important partnership.“It has enhanced the

level of cooperation andteamwork from two-foldto three-fold,” Georgesaid.The change in mindset

and effort has proven to beequally successful at theOgdenAir LogisticsComplex at Hill Air ForceBase, Utah, as well.“Air Force Sustainment

Center organizationsmaintain production-basedmetrics that define howwell we are doing in meet-ing customer require-ments,” said Maj. Gen.Brent Baker, OgdenALCcommander. “Those arereviewed weekly byAFSC organizations, dur-ing theAFSC productionreview, to identify areas ofconcern as well as bench-mark best practices. Todate, these improvementsreflect a 20 percentincrease in productioncapability across the cen-ter, as well as providingdata to improve on ourproduction processes.”George said Robins

has had several accom-plishments. So far in fiscal2013, personnel produced162 aircraft. Programmeddepot maintenance hashad the lowest rate of“work-in-progress” todate. Robins has alsoreduced its C-130Hercules flow days by 32percent.“These successes rein-

force what we believe,”said George. “If we dothings the right way andcreate capacity, it willallow decision makers tomove workload into thatcapacity.”

-- Read the full story atwww.afsc.af.mil

AFSC cements statusas strategic asset, efficiency pioneer

6 � The Robins Rev-Up �October 18, 2013

USE YOUR WITS NOT YOUR WATTS

Name: Robert FrischWork title: Program software managerUnit: 578th Software Maintenance

Squadron/ Flight FHometown: Warner RobinsNumber of years in federal service: 9

What does your work involve atRobins? “Working with 15 professionalsoftware engineers/computer scientistswho are advancing state-of-the-art, web-based and mobile system applicationsused by the warfighter and support per-sonnel.”

What do you enjoy most about yourwork? “Quickly and creatively solvingproblems for the warfighter and my team.There are few things more gratifying thanputting something into their hands theycan use to make their jobs easier orsafer.”

How does your work contribute to theRobins/DOD mission? “We are demon-strating that organic software mainte-nance can do a lot more than just flip bitson 30-year-old boxes. Rather, we cancrank out well-received government off-the-shelf iPad apps and web systems oncutting edge hardware in a timely fashionusing industry standard best practices andtools while minimizing cost, schedule, andtechnical data ownership issues.”

What prompted your interest in yourcareer? “After I was introduced to a

TRS-80 and BASIC in high school, I trad-ed in my Rickenbacker bass guitar (thehorror!), bought an Apple IIe, and neverlooked back. I did a tour in the USAF backin the ’80s, went to engineering school atMercer, worked in commercial industry fora while, but eventually came full circleback to the Air Force as an engineer. It’sin my blood.”

Who has been the biggest influencein your life? “My father. He taught andreinforced in me the essentials of charac-ter and service.’”

What’s something people would besurprised to know about you? “I havenot hit 50 yet, but I have three grandchil-dren and a son who is in Air Force flightschool right now.”

What’s an accomplishment you’remost proud of?“By far, my marriage, celebrating 25

years next year, and the kids we raised. Along-term marriage is one of the mostcoveted possessions a person can have.You can’t buy it, borrow it, inherit it or fakeit. It has to be earned. And, I think thathas a lot to do with all of our kids beingsuccessful and either self-sufficient now orpoised to be. As a parent, I could not askfor anything more.”

ALLin aDay’s

WORK

U.S. Air Force photo by JENNY GORDON

BY GWEN TRIBBLE689th Supply Chain Management Group

You likely do not realizethat at Robins Air ForceBase you may work amonghundreds of folks who havehidden disabilities.

Sure, we’re all aware ofthe obvious disabilities, suchas blindness, deafness, miss-ing limbs, curved spines, orparalysis resulting in theneed for a wheelchair.

However, there are manyother conditions that areequally debilitating but aren’tso easily recognized. Thepeople who suffer from thesehidden disabilities may be inconstant, chronic pain or onnumerous medications justso they can function wellenough to be productive.

That person who smiles atyou when you pass in thehall may suffer from anautoimmune disease thatmakes every wakingmoment painful, or may begoing back and forth to thedoctor for testing in an effortto regulate the medication forbipolar disorder or schizo-phrenia.

None of these medicalconditions are obvious fromthe person’s outward appear-ance, but that doesn’t makethem any less real.

Autoimmune diseasessuch as Sjogren’s, lupus,multiple sclerosis andrheumatoid arthritis sharecommon symptoms such asfatigue, muscle weaknessand painful joints.

Then, each of them hasindividual traits. For exam-ple, Sjogren’s also causesextremely dry mouth andeyes. Try briefing when youare already nervous and yourmouth is so dry you cannotproduce saliva no matterhow hard you try. Or, as a

victim of lupus, when youhave what is known as aflare, and your nose bleeds,you run a fever, and yourjoints swell, get hot andthrob.

MS symptoms are betterknown due to increasedmedia publicity, but peoplewith this affliction eventuallyend up unable to walk and,in the last stages, bedridden.

Workers with RA will beunable to hold and manipu-late tools over time, but willbe in excruciating pain longbefore the joint deformitiesbecome visibly obvious.

Mental and behavioraldisorders are prevalent, butsocietal norms have prevent-ed frank or open discussionsregarding people who sufferfrom bipolar disorder, schiz-ophrenia, post-traumaticstress disorder or disordersalong the autism spectrum,such as Asperger’s.

Bipolar disorder is oftendifficult to diagnose andmedications have to beclosely regulated to achievemaximum benefit.

Schizophrenia medica-tions have improved duringthe past decade, but there’sstill a lot to be learned aboutthis disorder.

Counselors on every mili-tary base, as well as in mostcommunities, spend a lot oftime with both current andex-GIs suffering with PTSD.

There was a recent article

in a national magazine abouta veteran with PTSD finallybeing able to attend a fire-works celebration with hisfamily; previously, the soundand the flashing lights trig-gered painful and alarmingphysical reactions, sympto-matic of PTSD.

Workers with Asperger’smay be able to function interms of accomplishing theirjobs, but are seemingly clue-less when it comes to socialinteractions with peers, andmay be disruptive in theworkplace.

There’s an old adage thatsays, “You never really knowsomeone until you havewalked a mile in theirshoes.” That saying is alwaysgoing to be true, but onething all of us can purpose todo is to be kinder to every-one we meet because wemay not know what trial,disease or disorder that per-son is currently undergoing.

The month of October isNational DisabilitiesAwareness Month, and thiswould be the perfect time tostart being kinder to every-one you meet.

If you see a person with avisible disability, help themout when you can. But, bybeing kinder to everyone youmeet, you may be helpingsomeone with a hidden dis-ability, and your kindnesswill make their day – andtheir life – brighter.

SHEDDING LIGHTON HIDDEN DISABILITIES

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October 18, 2013 � The Robins Rev-Up � 7

THINKGREEN ...

PLEASERECYCLE

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ONROBINSIT’S THE

LAW

According to Air ForceInstruction 91-207, allmotorists and passengersmust wear seat belts whenoperating and/or riding in amoving vehicle. Individualsfound not wearing a seatbelt in a moving vehiclemay be issued a ticket bythe 78th Security ForcesSquadron.

Buckle up ...It’s the Law

Starting today (Thursday), we willbe welcoming all of our civilians backto their normal duties.

To those returning from furlough,know that the work you perform is

incredibly valued by your militaryteammates and by me. I appreciate yourprofessionalism and your patience dur-ing this difficult period of time, whichcame on top of last summer’s seques-tration-related furloughs. Your man-agers will have more information aboutthis, but I can assure you that you willbe paid in full for the time you were

furloughed during the shutdown.Now that this latest budget crisis has

come to an end, we have an opportunityto return to focusing on the criticalwork of this department. Unfortunately,Congress did not end the budget uncer-tainty that has cast such a shadow ofuncertainty over this department formuch of the year. In the months ahead,

they will have an opportunity to do so.My hope is that they will realize thatthese kinds of crises do great damage toour people, our national security, oureconomy, and America’s standing in theworld. Congress has a responsibility togovern, and it must fulfill those basicresponsibilities in order to keep ourcountry strong.

HAGELContinued from 1A

8 � The Robins Rev-Up � October 18, 2013

Staff Sgt. Mackenzie Thompson, 54th Combat Communications Squadron, RF Transmis-sion Systems, and his wife, Chelsea, portray zombies during a recent Zombie Run. The runis an annual event sponsored by the 5th Combat Communications Group Top 3 in whichsquadrons compete against each other in a 2-mile run through zombie-infested woods onbase. Active duty military, dependents and civilians participate as runners and zombies orserve in other capacities. A trophy is given to the team with the fastest time and also to theselected Zombie of the Year. Inset, a runner is confronted by a Zombie.

ZZoommbbiiee AAppooccaallyyppsseeZZoommbbiiee AAppooccaallyyppssee

U.S. Air Force photos by TOMMIE HORTON

October 18, 2013 � The Robins Rev-Up � 9

ON TAPBoss n BuddyToday4 to 5 p.m.Heritage Club LoungeJoin us for fun food,entertainment and prizes.For details,call 472-7864.

Friday Family NightToday9 to 11 p.m.Bowling CenterFor details,call 468-2112.

NFLGame DaySundayNoon to 8 p.m.Heritage LoungeFor details,call 472-7864.

Money and CreditManagementMonday1 to 3 p.m.A&FRC, Bldg. 794Help with budget andsavings planning.For details,call 468-1256.

NFLMonday NightFootball SpecialsMondayHeritage LoungeFor details,call 472-7864.

OOUUTTAANNDD

AABBOOUUTT

KUDOS Kids Understanding DeploymentOperations Rescheduled

Organizers regret to announce, that due to a lack of part-cipation, Kids Understanding Deployment Operations orKUDOS which was scheduled for Saturday, has beenrescheduled for April 26, 2014. More information will be

released when registration reopens.

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