Inside:Inside:Inside:Inside:Inside: Commander shares lessons learned from dad - page 3 Volunteers needed to build Habitat home - page 4 Troops facing adjustment issues can get help - page 5 Women proud to serve in military - pages 10 and 11 Airman offers tips on how to stop smoking - page 15

FLYERFLYERVIKINGVIKING

934th Airlift Wing (AFRC) Minneapolis-St. Paul IAP Air Reserve Station, Minn. March 2005 Vol. 27, No. 3

Photo by Cristina Oxtra

Airman 1st Class Amy Gillette, 934th Maintenance Squadron, helps a child reach for the controls in a C-130 mockcockpit Jan. 30 at the Government on Display Expo at the Mall of America. For more photos, see pages 8 and 9.

Ready to fly

Inside:Inside:Inside:Inside:Inside: Commander shares lessons learned from dad - page 3 Volunteers needed to build Habitat home - page 4 Troops facing adjustment issues can get help - page 5 Women proud to serve in military - pages 10 and 11 Airman offers tips on how to stop smoking - page 15

2 Around the Wing

This funded Air Force newspa-per is an authorized publication formembers of the U.S. military ser-vices. The contents of the VikingFlyer are not necessarily the views ofor endorsed by the U.S. govern-ment, the Department of Defenseor the Department of the Air Force.

The editorial content is edited,prepared and provided by the 934thAirlift Wing Public Affairs Office(U.S. Air Force Reserve Command),Minneapolis-St. Paul InternationalAirport Joint Air Reserve Station,760 Military Highway, Minneapolis,MN 55450-2100. For more infor-mation, call (612) 713-1217.

The Viking Flyer is mailed toreservists’ homes. Copies of theViking Flyer are also available atvarious locations on base.

All photos are Air Force photo-graphs unless otherwise indicated.

The deadline for all submissionsis the Sunday of the UTA onemonth prior to publication.

EDITORIAL STAFF934th Airlift Wing commanderCol. James J. Muscatell Jr.

Chief of Public AffairsLt. Col. Margaret McGlinn

NCOICTech. Sgt. Jeffrey S. Williams

EditorCristina Oxtra

Staff writersStaff Sgt. Troy R.A. NovakStaff Sgt. Nicholas OlsonSenior Airman Curtis Holden

PhotographersStaff Sgt. John HerrickSenior Airman Josh Nason

VIKING FLYER

WingSenior Master Sgt. Jan Dalton

assumed the role of wing command chiefafter Chief Master Sgt. Richard Greweretired March 1.

FinanceMike Oringderff received the Air

Force Reserve Command Financial ServicesCivilian of the Year award in the GS-11and above category. Michelle Gundersonwas named AFRC Installation Level Re-source Advisor of the Year.

Military personnel flightMaj. Richard Erredge was named

Air Force Reserve Command Military Per-sonnel Flight Commander of the Year.

CommunicationSenior Airman Sao Xiong trans-

ferred to the Army.Tech. Sgt. Dave Taylor conducted

self-aid buddy care for flight members whileTech. Sgt. Crystal Bell provided infor-mation management training.

ServicesSenior Master Sgt. Shawn Ferrin

was named the squadron’s Senior Non-commissioned Officer of the Year. Tech.Sgt. Michael Gangl was selected as thesquadron’s NCO of the Year while SeniorAirman Lindsay Medin was named Air-man of the Year.

Tech. Sgt. Duane Schoenherr andStaff Sgt. Nancy Winter received a unitBivouac Superior Performer certificate.

Sergeant Winter also received the unitHennessy Traveler certificate.

The squadron said farewell to MasterSgt. Daniel Shaddrick and Tech. Sgt.Duane Schoenherr, both of whom re-tired, and Senior Airman Lindsay Medin,who will relocate to Washington, D.C.

Welcome to new members MasterSgt. Michael McGuire, Tech. Sgt. Lee

Dustin and Airman Rene Sobiech.Master Sgt. Stacy Campbell scored

90 percent on a career development courseexam.

LogisticsTech. Sgt. Michelle Szydel was

named the wing’s NoncommissionedOfficer of the Year.

The squadron bid farewell to SeniorMaster Sgt. John Maki and Tech. Sgt.David Wagoner, who are both retiring.

The squadron will participate in de-ployments to Puerto Rico in support ofOperation Coronet Oak. Squadron mem-bers will also complete an annual tour atMacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

Aerial portLt. Col. Craig Bogan received a 3rd

Aerial Port Squadron coin from Master Sgt.Jon Juliot, team chief for a recent annualtour at Pope Air Force Base, N.C. The 3rdAPS operations officer presented the cointo Sergeant Juliot in appreciation for theoutstanding job the 27th APS personnelperformed during the biggest Large Pack-age Exercise at Pope in six years.

A team of 21 squadron members wassent to McChord AFB, Wash., to partici-pate in annual tour training. Six squadronmembers provided support in Red Flagoperations at Nellis AFB, Nev.

Airlift squadronStaff Sgt. Stacey Ostendorf scored

90 percent on a career development courseexam.

Civil engineerMichael Asper died after a heart

attack Jan. 21. He was a construction in-spector for the squadron. He was a retiredmilitary member and received two PurpleHearts in Vietnam. He is survived by hisdaughter, two sons, parents, three broth-ers, one sister, his fiancee and her son.

Jan. 1 was the deadline for Air Force reservists to start using myPay,the Internet method for managing pay. The Feb. 1 leave and earningstatement was the last paper copy reservists will receive through the mail.Under the myPay program, reservists can view their LES online. Thosewho do not have access to the Web at home or at work should contacttheir respective pay offices.

Reservists switch to myPay; LES now paperless

Commentary 3

MARCH 2005

SergeantS Upp & adamSergeantS Upp & adamSergeantS Upp & adamSergeantS Upp & adamSergeantS Upp & adam

By Senior Master Sgt. Doug Johnson

By Lt. Col. Stan Sheley934th Maintenance Groupcommander

It may be three months until Father’s Day, but I am seizing this

opportunity to pay tribute tomy father and relate some lifelessons I learned from him thatapply to all of us.

My dad retired from 48years in the grocery business inJanuary 2005. He started outbagging groceries and stockingshelves, spent time as a butcher,and for the last 40 years man-aged three different stores.

I am sure a part of himwill miss the job. After all, therewere some great perks. For in-stance, he met my mom at thestore and vendors often gaveaway St. Louis Cardinal tickets,a very big deal in central Illinois.He also met and has maintainedfriendships with some greatemployees and customers.

For the most part, his jobwas extremely stressful andcould frustrate even the mostpatient person. It also entailedincredibly long work hours to

include weekends. Other thanvacations, I don’t ever remem-ber my dad being off on a Sat-urday.

Despite the tough condi-tions, he thrived as a managerand as a father. In the process,he passed along several life les-sons that I would like to share.

* A little hard work neverhurts anyone. I lead the hardestworking group of maintainersin the Air Force. But, handsdown, the hardest working in-dividual I have ever met is mydad. His work ethic is legendaryamong his family, friends andbusiness associates.

I learned early on the mean-ing of hard work and I am cer-tain my dad’s current bout withbaldness is, in part, due to mylack of enthusiasm for workwhen I was a child. I dreadedwaking up on Saturdays orweekdays in the summer to finda to-do list on the kitchen table.

But hard work does notnecessarily mean gruelingmanual labor. Working hardmeans putting your mind, bodyand soul in gear and maintain-ing a central focus on completing

the task.It is easy to get distracted

by external influences and neverget anything done. As leaders,we need to create a work envi-ronment free from unnecessarydistractions. As followers, wemust resist unnecessary distrac-tions and get the job done right.

* Treat others like youwant to be treated. When youwork in any retail business, therewill always be some unhappycustomers. Even when thosecustomers became irate and de-manded things, my fathertreated them with respect anddignity, and he expected hisemployees to do the same.

Each of us deals withsomeone else in the course ofcarrying out our jobs. Inevita-bly, someone is going to rub usthe wrong way. It could be aboss, a co-worker, someonefrom an outside agency or a cus-tomer.

We must put aside our per-sonal feelings and treat every-one with the dignity they de-serve, and we should expect thesame from our co-workers.

If treating people this way

becomes the standard whereyou work, productivity willflourish and people will haveone less stressful thing to dealwith in their lives. Sometimes,you just have to be nice.

* Do the job right thefirst time. Success in life comesnot from making shortsighteddecisions to get you throughtoday or tomorrow, but ratherfrom making good sound deci-sions that will serve you well inthe foreseeable future. Unlesshe was dealing with a crisis, mydad always based business de-cisions on what would help hisstore profit for years to come.

His ability to maintain avisionary approach to life con-stantly amazed me, and to thisday, I try to emulate his wis-dom. However, to try and tosucceed are two different things.My dad’s first year of retirementis going to be spent undoingtemporary construction fixes Ihave around the house.

Regardless of our personalshortcomings, we need to re-main visionary in our jobs. Wemust base decisions on whatwill be best for the airman firstclass for years to come, not onwhat is best for the lieutenantcolonel on his way out the door.

Some people have createdvarious processes, automatedsystems and other brilliantmechanisms to help us dealwith the time pressures we con-stantly endure. To some degree,they work well and are neces-sary in our modern Air Force.

But whenever I feel theweight of the world on myshoulders at work or at home,the things that ultimately helpme get back on track are the les-sons my father taught me abouthard work, treating people rightand looking beyond today’sproblems. Sometimes, the sim-plest solutions are the best ones.

Commander shares lessons from dad

HappySaint

Patrick’sDay!

4

VIKING FLYER

News

By Staff Sgt. Troy R.A. Novak934th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The building blocks are ready for anew Habitat for Humanity house, andfederal employees throughout the TwinCities are being asked to help build thehome.

This is the second “federal build,”said Roger Hanson, organizer for the934th Airlift Wing’s build team.

According to Mr. Hanson, morethan 540 federal employees volunteeredto build a home in St. Paul last summer.Thirty-two of those volunteers were fromthe 934th AW. Mr. Hanson hopes morewing members will volunteer this year.

Col. James Muscatell Jr., 934th AWcommander, is challenging the upperranks to team up with Airmen to accom-plish the new project.

“What an opportunity to be part ofa good cause and have time to mentorand build relationships,” he said.

Volunteers do not need any priorconstruction knowledge.

“If you can swing a hammer, youcan help build a house,” Mr. Hansonsaid.

The 934th AW will participate inthree days of the total construction.Those days are April 19, May 13 andJune 15.

At least 16 volunteers are needed tofill slots for each of the three days. Fam-ily and friends are invited to help. Chil-dren ages 14 to 18 are allowed to partici-pate with adult supervision.

If a volunteer cannot participate dur-ing the designated three days, he or shecan still volunteer at other times duringthe three-month build, Mr. Hanson said.

Margo Leslie, 934th Services Squad-ron, volunteered last year and said it was“a wonderful opportunity to build a re-lationship with the family and the fed-eral community.”

Ms. Leslie was in charge of food andbeverages throughout the construction.Her role gave her a chance to meet manyof the volunteers and speak with the fam-ily moving into the home.

“It was so heartwarming to see theresponses of the family and it was a neat

way of seeing people coming together fora common cause,” Ms. Leslie said.

Fund-raising events, such as a golftournament scheduled for May 1, will payfor the food and beverages at the build.

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanitybuilds 60 to 70 homes each year. Eachhome is built with help of the families,who are chosen based on their need, abil-ity to repay a zero percent mortgage andwillingness to work 300 to 500 hours onthe project.

Families are subject to all of the samelaws and consequences as anyone else whoholds a mortgage.

To volunteer with the wing or for

Volunteers needed for Habitat build

Photo by Roger Hanson

more information on the golf tourna-ment, call Mr. Hanson at (612) 713-1091.

To learn more about the federalbuild or the Twin Cities Habitat for Hu-manity, go to www. f e dh ou s e . o r g orwww.tchhabitat.org.

Maj. Jeffrey Higgins, 934th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander,measures a piece of trim during the federal build with the Twin CitiesHabitat for Humanity in 2004. He, along with 32 other wing members,volunteered to help construct a home in St. Paul.

April 19 - Framing RoofingMay 13 - DrywallJune 15 - Interior trim

Landscaping

Wing volunteer days

News 5

MARCH 2005

By Gerry J. GilmoreAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON — The DefenseDepartment’s senior medical advisor saidtroops redeployed from combat zonesshould suffer no stigma for seeking helpfor emotional problems.

Some troops who have returnedfrom duty tours in Afghanistan or Iraqare experiencing symptoms associatedwith posttraumatic stress disorder, saidDr. William Winkenwerder Jr., assistantsecretary of defense for health affairs.

Dr. Winkenwerder said recently thatDOD is expanding its post-deploymenthealth assessment program. It will soonrequire all servicemembers — active andreserve components — to complete a

Help available for servicemembers facingadjustment difficulties after deployment

health questionnaire and visit a care pro-vider within three to six months afterreturning from deployment.

More than 600,000 pre- and post-deployment health assessments have al-ready been completed, Dr. Winkenwerdersaid. He added that medical officialslearned that servicemembers were exhib-iting symptoms, such as chronic nervous-ness, anger or depression, months afterthey had returned to their home basesfrom deployments in combat theaters.

“If you’ve been in a very stressfulenvironment, to have symptoms like thatis normal — you’re not crazy,” Dr.Winkenwerder said.

Yet, if symptoms are not identifiedand dealt with early on, he said more sig-nificant problems could develop.

“(Some) people could turn to alco-hol or other things to try to drive awaysome of the uncomfortable feelings,” Dr.Winkenwerder said.

Servicemembers can be successfullytreated with the proper support from theunit with medical care and family servicesassistance as needed, Dr. Winkenwerdersaid.

Troops who believe they may be hav-ing trouble adjusting after returning fromcombat-zone duty should not be afraidof being stigmatized when they seek help,he said.

“If you’ve got some emotionalthings going on or psychological thingsgoing on, the best thing to do is to reachout and get some help,” he said. (Cour-tesy of Air Force Print News)

Courtesy photo

CourtsideStaff Sgt. MarcusErickson of the 934thLogistics ReadinessSquadron shakes thehand of Chris Wright,president of theMinnesotaTimberwolvesbasketball team.Sergeant Ericksonalong with LRSmembers Master Sgt.Brian Iverson, Tech.Sgt. Colleen Krampand Tech. Sgt.Michael Humennystood at center courtand were honoredwith a standingovation, cheers andapplause from theaudience during agame Feb. 4.

News6

VIKING FLYER

Congratulations to all medal recipients!

Senior airmanKevin Egan, Jesse Ingersoll, Jacob Larson, Teresa Makowski,

Paul Marcus and Daniel Piecuch

Airman first classJoshua McGuire

Meritorious ServiceCol. Jay Pittman, Lt. Col. Sharon Turovaara, Chief Master Sgt. Richard Grewe,

Senior Master Sgt. John Maki, Master Sgt. Robert Jones, Master Sgt. Wanda Kauffman,Master Sgt. David Pogatchnik, Master Sgt. Sandra Regner,

Master Sgt. Robert Swartout and Master Sgt. La Verne Terwey

Air Force CommendationMaj. Richard Goodwin, Capt. Amory Bulacating, Master Sgt. Jon Juliot,

Master Sgt. Kenneth Kruger, Master Sgt. Michael Vosen, Tech. Sgt. Michael Pierce,Tech. Sgt. Bruce Rineer, Staff Sgt. Ronald Holbeck and Senior Airman Amber Jereczek

Air Force AchievementCapt. Cory Larsen, Senior Master Sgt. Lee Traxler-Siehndel, Tech. Sgt. Alvin Greener,

Staff Sgt. Stefan Halushka, Senior Airman Sandy Anderson,Senior Airman Brandon Schrader and Senior Airman Andrew Schneider

Congratulations to everyone selected for promotion!

By Staff Sgt. Nicholas Olson934th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Recent upgrades on the base’s heating system have lead to

a big rebate for the 934thCivil Engineer Squadron.

A representative of CenterPointEnergy-Minnegasco, a local energy pro-vider, presented a check for more than$34,000 to CES recently for its cost-sav-ing improvements.

Three boilers on the base were re-placed, including two in the heating plantand one in the Enlisted Club. Improve-ments were also made to kitchen equip-ment in the dining facility.

The squadron made several improve-ments to the three boilers and the largewater tank on base. Civilian contractorsperformed the operations.

“We identified several heating up-grades that could be made around thebase and, with the funding, we were ableto replace equipment, some as much as60 years old, with high-efficiency appli-ances,” said Les Canarr, 934th CES chiefof design and construction.

With new energy-efficient compo-nents in place, the base was able to save10 percent of its total annual natural gascosts in the first year.

The project to upgrade the olderequipment began last April.

“We insulated the water tank, andthe heat from the ground has kept thewater above freezing this past year with-out having to heat it from the outside,”Mr. Canarr said.

This is not the first time the unithas been recognized for its money-sav-ing efforts. In 1996, after replacing theburners in the boiler plant, the base re-ceived a check for $20,000. In 1998, en-ergy-efficient bulbs were installedthroughout the base, which saved thebase several thousand dollars and earneda $20,000 rebate from Xcel Energy.

“This is all about saving the AirForce money and putting fewer emis-sions in the air,” Mr. Canarr said.

CE rewarded for money-saving efforts

News 7

MATCH 2005

By Cristina Oxtra934th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

T he Air Force Assistance Fund’s “Commitment

to Caring” campaign at the934th Airlift Wing starts March 1.

Airmen are encouraged to contrib-ute to the campaign, which helps fundfour official charitable organizations inthe Air Force. The charities benefit active-duty, Reserve, Guard and retired Air Forcemembers and their families.

Tax deductible donations can bemade through cash, check or payrolldeductions. Charities receive 100 percentof designated contributions. The wing’scampaign ends April 15.

This is the 32nd year of the funddrive and the Chief of Staff of the AirForce recently announced a $5.4 milliongoal. Last year, Air Force members gave$6.7 million to the fund. The 934th AW’sgoal this year is $1,000.

“The Air Force Assistance Fund isfocused on taking care of our people. Ihope everyone in the wing will contrib-ute to this worthy cause,” said 1st Lt. JulieHamiel, 934th AW campaign chairman.“Your contribution may go towards help-ing someone in the Reserve or even inyour own unit.”

Assistance fund drive underway

“As a contributor, you have the op-portunity to help your fellow comradesin our Air Force family,” added 1st Lt.Leo Moreno, campaign co-chairman.

The four charities AFAF supportsinclude the Air Force Aid Society, AirForce Enlisted Village, Air Force VillageIndigent Widow’s Fund and the Gen.and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.

The Air Force Aid Society providesAirmen and their families with world-wide emergency financial assistance, edu-cation assistance and an array of base-levelcommunity enhancement programs.Base family support centers have moredetails on programs and eligibility re-quirements. Additional information isalso available online at www.afas.org.

“The need for (Air Force Aid Soci-ety) assistance remains strong,” said re-tired Lt. Gen. Mike McGinty, Air ForceAid Society chief executive officer. “Last

year, the Air Force Aid Society helpedmore than 30,000 Airmen with $21.1million in assistance. That is a lot of help!Contributions are vital for the society tosustain this kind of help. It is truly anAirmen-helping-Airmen program.”

The Air Force Enlisted Village isin Fort Walton Beach, Fla., near Eglin AirForce Base. The facility provides rent sub-sidy and other support to indigent wid-ows and widowers of retired enlistedpeople age 55 and older. The facility’s Website is at www.afenlistedwidows.org.

The Air Force Village IndigentWidow’s Fund is located in San Anto-nio, Texas, and is a life-care communityfor retired officers, spouses, widows orwidowers and family members. Theorganization’s Web site can be viewed atwww.airforcevillages.com.

The Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E.LeMay Foundation provides rent andfinancial assistance to indigent widowsand widowers of officers and enlistedpeople in their own homes and commu-nities. The foundation’s Web site can beviewed at www.info@lemayfoundation.org.

For more information about theAFAF campaign at the wing, call Lieu-tenant Hamiel at (612) 713-1755 or Lieu-tenant Moreno at (612) 713-1106 or speakwith a unit representative.

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Twohundred fifty additional U.S. truck driv-ers per week were removed recently fromthe dangerous roads of Iraq because ofexpanded air operations that deliver cargodirectly from the U.S. to airfields in Iraq.

This, combined with existing air op-erations, now removes about 1,280 con-voy drivers per week from Iraqi roads.

Army Brig. Gen. Mark Scheid, whois in charge of U.S. Central Command’sDistribution and Deployment Opera-tions Center, has been working on notjust getting more truck drivers off Iraqiroads, but also getting convoys off theroads where the risk is the highest.

“Ninety-one percent of all U.S. ca-sualties occur in an area called the Sunni

Triangle, so that is the area all logisticianswere directed to turn their focus to re-duce driver casualties,” General Scheidsaid.

“Many cargo operations were flyinginto airfields that were located in ... themost dangerous areas of Iraq,” he said.“Truck convoys would then drive out-ward from these airfields across the mostdangerous highways in the world in or-der to deliver supplies to the militaryforces. There had to be a smarter way toget supplies to our forces.”

Air Force officials increased thenumber of aircraft available to mitigateconvoy operations, but, until now, thefocus was not in the areas where truckdrivers were facing their greatest threat.

Today, strategic airlift delivers cargodirectly to several airfields capable of han-dling the large aircraft, officials said.

A hub-and-spoke system has beenestablished to re-fly cargo to smaller air-strips where C-130 Hercules aircraft canland, but more importantly, to locationswhere the largest concentration of mili-tary forces are assigned.

According to officials, these initia-tives have not eliminated all trucks onthe roads within the Sunni Triangle.However, air support has certainly re-duced the threat for at least 250 moretruck drivers per week that once traveledthe most dangerous roads in the world.(Courtesy of U.S. Transportation CommandNews Service)

Plans to reduce risks for truck drivers in Iraq

Military, federal, state agen

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Fea8

VIKING FLYER

government ogovernment ogovernment ogovernment ogovernment oMilitary, federal, state agen

Above: Master Sgt.Anthony Staut of the934th AeromedicalEvacuation Squadrontalks to visitors at theannual Government onDisplay Expo, which washeld Jan. 29 and 30 atthe Mall of America.Left top: members of theMarine Corps help achild perform pull-ups.Left bottom: A 20-foothigh model of NASA’sSaturn V rocket towersover the expo.Right: An expo visitorwrites on a postcard thatwill be sent to deployedArmy soldiers.

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MARCH 2005

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Above: Staff Sgt. Victoria Cronsell, a singer with the Air Force band Starlifterbased at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., dances with audience members.Below: Air Force Reserve recruiters, Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Grunewald (left)and Senior Master Sgt. Brendt Traicoff, accept a trophy after the Air ForceReserve won third place for best display at the expo.

Photosby

CristinaOxtra

10

VIKING FLYER

Feature

By Senior Airman Curtis D. Holden934th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

March is National Women’s HistoryMonth. The 2005 theme, “WomenChange America,” honors and recognizesAmerican women for transformingculture, history and politics as leaders,writers, scientists, educators, politicians,artists, historians and informed citizens.

Perhaps one of the most profoundchanges women have had on Americansociety has been as military members.

As of December 2004, there were71,638 women in the United States AirForce, according to Air Force PersonnelCenter statistics. Of those women,58,161 were enlisted and 13, 477 wereofficers.

At the 934th Airlift Wing, womenproudly perform their jobs in support ofthe Air Force mission. For a number ofthem, they are the first women in theirfamily to serve in the military.

Lt. Col. Selina Petaros, 934thMission Support Group executive officer,said women deserve representation in themilitary. A number of the colonel’s malerelatives have served in the military andshe is the first female military officer inher family. Her little sister is her family’sfirst female noncommissioned officer.

Colonel Petaros has been in the AirForce for 24 years, serving the first fiveon active duty and the last 19 as areservist, and she enjoys being in the AirForce Reserve.

“I used to say, I temp for UncleSam,” she said. “It’s been a positiveexperience.”

Of the many jobs the colonel hasheld in the Air Force, she said the one sheenjoyed most was as a Civil Air Patrolcadet evaluator at Maxwell Air Force Base,Ala.

“I just got a lot out of that because Ifelt I was giving back,” Colonel Petarossaid. “I gave the cadets insight into howto get into the Air Force Academy or the

military way of life, scholarships andthings that they could do.”

Like Colonel Petaros’ family, SeniorAirman Allison Fieseler’s family also hasa long history of military service. AirmanFieseler is a medical service apprenticewith the 934th Aeromedical EvacuationSquadron. Her father was an ArmyNational Guard recruiter and hergrandfather served in World War II.

She is also the first woman in herfamily to join the military.

“No one in my generation joinedand I thought it was important for me tocarry on my family history and to be thefirst woman in our family to join,”Airman Fieseler said.

Airman Fieseler admitted that herfather was concerned when she an-nounced she wanted to join the military.

“...Because daddy’s baby girl wasgoing away and they can’t protect me. Butit’s showing them that we can be strong,too. And it is not just a traditional malerole to be in the military,” AirmanFieseler said.

She added that the Air Force hashelped her decide on a career field. She iscurrently studying her career developmentcourse to become an AES flight medic.She looks forward to getting the chanceto help her fellow military members whohave been injured while deployed.

“Air Force-wide and military-wide

Celebrating National Women’s History Month:

Wing women proud to servein Air Force, to defend nation

Photo by Senior Airman Curtis Holden

Senior Airman Allison Fieseler, a medical service apprentice with the934th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, studies her career develop-ment course and hopes to become an AES flight medic.

11

MARCH 2005

Featurewe’re bringing people home on planesand making sure they’re getting the bestmedical attention they deserve. They’reout there on the front lines and theydeserve the best that they can get,” shesaid.

Senior Airman Cassandra Carter,934th Communications Flight computerspecialist, is also enthusiastic about hermilitary career and job specialty.

“I enjoy it immensely, helping outothers and working with the networkcomputers,” Airman Carter said. “I get tomeet a lot of people, whether it’s fortraining or I’m just out and about fixingproblems and helping others with theirsystems. I love it.”

Airman Carter, who is from Zion,Ill., joined the wing in September 2004.She, too, is the first woman in her familyto join the military.

As an Air Force reservist, she saidshe serves as an example for her youngersister, who is in the process of joiningthe Air Force Reserve.

“I’ll become a role model for her.She sees the difference that it has made inmy life and she wants to be a part ofthat,” Airman Carter said.

Carter said it is an honor to serve inthe U.S. military and that women helpmake America strong.

“Women in general can multi-taskand we’re able to do many things,

whether it’s supportive or hanging out inthe background and helping out,”Airman Carter said. “Whatever the need,I think women have a strong sense ofurgency to get the job done and pulltogether as a team.”

Each year, National Women’sHistory Month celebrates the spirit,courage and achievements of Americanwomen, like Colonel Petaros, AirmanFieseler, Airman Carter as well as all ofthe women at the 934th AW andthroughout the military. Through theircommitment to duty, dedication andpride in service, and selfless contribu-tions, they continue to strengthen thediversity and vitality of the United States.

Spanish-American War 1,500

World War I 21,480 in the Army Nurse Corps;2,000 in the Navy Nurse Corps;12,000 Yeomen; 305 women Marines;200 in the Army Signal Corps

World War II era 400,000 - More than 432 were killed inhostile fire, including 200 nurses.88 were prisoners of war.

Korean War era 50,000

Vietnam 265,000 - The 7,500 women deployedin the theater included 36 Marines, 421in the Navy and 771 in the Air Force.The remainder were in the Army. Army,Navy and Air Force nurses accountedfor 80 percent of the total.

Grenada 170 (deployed)

Panama 770 (deployed)

Desert Storm 374,000

Operations Noble Eagle, more than 37,000Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom

Women in the Military

Statistics and photos courtesy of womensmemorial.org

The day before helicopter pilot Maj.Marie Rossi and her three crew memberswere killed in 1991, she told a reporter,“...this is the moment that everybodytrains for, that I’ve trained for, so I feelready to meet the challenge.”

Statistics on the number of women in the military are incomplete.Recordkeeping is tentative to eras as recent as the Vietnam War. Currently,an estimated 350,000 women comprise almost 15 percent of the active duty,reserve and guard units in the U.S. Armed Forces. Here are the approximatenumbers of women who served at specific times.

Members of the U.S. Navy’s WomenAccepted for Volunteer EmergencyService, or WAVES, train in Norman,Okla., during World War II.

VIKING FLYER

12 Feature

By 2nd Lt. Ben SakrissonU.S. Forces Japan Public Affairs

KORAT, Thailand — Militaryexercises like Cope Tiger 2005 —involving the United States, Thailand andSingapore — serve to highlight closerelationships between countries, but forsome servicemembers involved, the linkhits even closer to home.

Tech. Sgt. Siamrad Maher, a publichealth technician and translator is such aperson.

Born in Korat in 1969, SergeantMaher’s adoptive father was a U.S. AirForce supply superintendent serving atKorat Royal Thai Air Force Base in the1970s. While tending water buffalos as achild and playing Soldier at the air base,young Sergeant Maher said he neverdreamed that he would one day return asan Airman in the U.S. Air Force.

He returned to Korat in January on amission of medical goodwill as amember of the 18th Medical Groupfrom Kadena Air Base, Japan.

“I think it was part of my destiny tocome here and help people,” SergeantMaher said. “The night before I came, Icould not sleep because I was so excited.”

The mission to deliver ocular anddental aid to Thais during Cope Tiger2005 struck Sergeant Maher personally.

“I was one of the people who didnot have anything. I could have been oneof these kids lining up for the medicalcare that we are giving here,” he said. “Mygrandmother was like some of thevillagers that we will see. They have neverseen medical care in their whole lives. Iknow to them this is a big event.”

Sergeant Maher and his youngersister were adopted in 1976 and broughtto live in the United States by a manwhom he describes as a Texas cowboyliving in Thailand. After nearly a quarter-century absence, Sergeant Maher returnedto Thailand in 2000 to visit his illgrandmother.

“When I came back, I couldn’t speakThai, and I certainly couldn’t read andwrite (Thai),” he said. “I was frustratedthat I could not speak with my familymembers.”

Airman returns home to Thailand

Through intense self-study andmotivated by his desire to speak to hisfamily, Sergeant Maher reached a level offluency enough to qualify for languageproficiency pay.

“I always feel grateful to my dad andmom for adopting me and bringing meto the states,” Sergeant Maher said.

Although he was never pressured tojoin the Air Force, he said his parentsjumped for joy when he enlisted. Now,close to his family in Korat, SergeantMaher said they are really proud of himserving in the U.S. military.

“My family is happy. To them, I amreally successful,” he said.

Being both Thai and American suitshim well, Sergeant Maher said.

“I love Thailand, but I want to travelaround, and the Air Force lets me dothat,” he said. “The Thais scrutinize meas an American, (and), on the other hand,the Americans look at me as a Thai andassume that what I do is what Thais do.Hopefully, I will represent both sideswell.” (Courtesy of Air Force Print News)

Tech. Sgt. Siamrad Maher poses with children at a school in Korat,Thailand, as a part of a humanitarian outreach program during theCope Tiger 2005 exercise Jan. 27. Military medical teams from the U.S.Air Force, U.S. Navy, Thailand and Singapore provided ocular anddental care to Thai citizens. Sergeant Maher is a member of the 18thMedical Group based at Kadena Air Base, Japan.

Photo by 2nd Lt. Ben Sakrisson

Exercise Cope TigerCope Tiger is a flight training

exercise that focuses on large forceemployment, where large numbersof different aircraft fly against eachother to simulate aerial combat.

More than 2,100 people partici-pated in Cope Tiger 2005, including620 American servicemembers and1,500 from Thailand and Singapore.Aircraft and Sailors from the USSLincoln also took part in it.

The exercise also provides op-portunities to get involved with off-base civil activities. A humanitariancivil assistance mission involving Sail-ors and Airmen brought oral andeye care to local villages and treatedmore than 1,000 patients.

Trips also were taken to localschools to teach English, andservicemembers visited daycare cen-ters where they spent time with thechildren.

Feature 13

MARCH 2005

Chicago Employer’s Day 2005 - June 4934th Airlift Wing reservists with civilian employers in the Chicago area can thank their bosses for their

support during the past year through a special event.Chicago Employer’s Day 2005 will be held June 4. Activities start at 8 a.m. Employers will fly

aboard a C-130 to the Minneapolis-St. Paul IAP Air Reserve Station, where they will receive briefingsfrom the wing commander and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve officials, tour the base,have lunch with their reservist and visit the reservist’s workplace. Lunch will be provided. Employerswill arrive back in Chicago at approximately 4:30 p.m.

Nominating their employers for Employer’s Day is one way reservists can say thanks to those who helpsupport their military career. It is also an opportunity to introduce their employers to the Air Force Reserve.

A certificate of appreciation will be presented to employers who participate in this event.Space is limited. Reservists who want to nominate their employer for this event should complete a

nomination form. Completed forms must be received by the Public Affairs office by April 29.Forms can also be mailed to the 934 AW/PA, 760 Military Highway, Minneapolis, MN 55450-2100 or

faxed to (612) 713-1229. Employers will receive an official invitation and more information at a later time.

Chicago Employer’s Day 2005 Nomination FormPlease provide the correct spelling for all names and official titles. Each reservist may submit ONLY ONE employeror supervisor. No exceptions. Federal civil service employees of military organizations are not eligible for nomination.Reservists may not nominate family members, even if they are legitimate employers, or anyone who has flown with thewing for any reason.

RESERVIST’S RANK/NAME:_______________________________________________________HOME PHONE: _____________ WORK/CELL PHONE: ______________ UTA PHONE: _______EMPLOYER’S NAME: __________________________ TITLE: ____________________________COMPANY NAME: ____________________________ PHONE NUMBER: __________________EMPLOYER’S MAILING ADDRESS: _________________________________________________

_________________________________________________EMPLOYER’S SSAN: _________________________________EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME AND PHONE NUMBER: ______________________________ ______________________________I acknowledge that I am responsible for notifying my military supervisor if my employer will attend and I will beon duty status June 4. In addition, I certify that my employer has not participated in any other Employer’s Day.RESERVIST’S SIGNATURE: _____________________________ DATE: _____________________

CHECK ALL THAT APPLY. My employer:___ Is highly supportive of my service, even when I am called on short notice.___ Outwardly recognizes me as a special asset because I am in the Air Force Reserve.___ Continues my salary when I am on active duty.___ Continues my company benefits when I am on active duty.___ Hires someone to fill in for me when I am on annual training duty without penalizing me.___ Keeps in touch with my family when I am on active duty for more than 30 days.___ Should be considered for a higher-level award.

PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT: INFORMATION REQUESTED IS AFFECTED BY THE PRIVACY ACT OF 1974. AUTHORITY FOR REQUESTING THIS

INFORMATION FROM YOU IS TITLE 10, U.S. CODE, SECTION 8012 (SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE, POWERS AND DUTIES DELEGATED) AND EXECUTIVE ORDER

9397 (NUMBERING SYSTEM FOR FEDERAL ACCOUNTS RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL PERSONS). THE INFORMATION IS REQUIRED TO MANIFEST PASSENGERS FOR

THE C-130 FLIGHT. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER IS USED TO MAKE POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION OF THE INDIVIDUAL APPLICANT. DISCLOSURE IS VOLUNTARY.HOWEVER, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE DENIED BOARDING FOR THE FLIGHT WITHOUT THE REQUESTED INFORMATION.

14

VIKING FLYER

Viking VibesViking VibesViking VibesViking VibesViking VibesEmployer awardApril 1 is the deadline to

nominate reservists and theiremployers for Air Force ReserveCommand’s Citizen AirmanAward and Employer of theYear Award.

The awards recognize en-listed members and officerswho deployed in support ofoperations in 2004. The em-ployer award honors the per-son who strongly supportedthe activation and deploymentof one or more reservists.

Nominees submit a one-page narrative of the reservist’scontribution, a one-page narra-tive of how the employer helpedhis or her reservist and the AirForce Reserve, and a biographyon the reservist or employer.

Nominations should bemailed to Chief Master Sgt.Troy McIntosh, 12313 Manches-ter Way, Woodbridge, VA22192; or faxed to DSN 227-9103 or commercial (703) 697-9103; or sent by e-mail toTroy.McIntosh@pentagon.af.milto arrive no later than April 1.

LodgingNorth Country Lodging is

a nonsmoking facility. Chargesfor smoking in a guest room

has increased to $150.The fourth and last phase

of the remodeling project atlodging will be completed inmid-April and will add 55 guestrooms, boosting the totalrooms at lodging to 303.

For more details aboutlodging, call (612) 713-1983.

Spouses’ clubThe Officers’ Spouses’

Club hosts Bunny Bingo at theOfficers’ Club at 11:30 a.m.March 17. The cost is $12.

For reservations, call LoisLarson at (952) 890-9140 orStacy Michels at (952) 401-6345.

Tuesday bridge is held onthe second and third Tuesdayof each month at 10 a.m. Toparticipate, call GermaineReuterdahl at (952) 881-0107.

Wednesday bridge is onthe first and third Wednesdayof every month at 7 p.m. CallRoberta Gronemann at (763)494-3517 or Diane Lerohl at(952) 935-4437.

To join the OSC, call LeeClaar at (952) 831-5252.

BirthdayAll club members receive a

$15 certificate to celebrate theirbirthday at the base clubs. The

Briefs

offer is valid only on the monthof the member’s birthday.

Call the Enlisted Club at(612) 713-1655 or the Officers’Club at (612) 713-3678 fordetails.

StretchingFree basic strength training

and stretching classes are heldevery Monday and Wednesdayfrom 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at thefitness center. Call (612) 713-1496 for information.

KitchenThe kitchen at the Enlisted

Club will now stay open until10 p.m. and offer a full menuevery Friday night before theUTA weekend.

The club is open to all mili-tary members and their guests,regardless of rank. Club mem-bership is not required.

MugsThe Enlisted Club’s Chill

Out Lounge and Pizzeria is of-fering customized mugs.

Patrons can create theirown custom-made 20-ouncemug and have it filled for the

same price they would pay for a16-ounce drink.

Mug designs include mili-tary branch, insignias, name andmuch more. The cost dependson the type of design. Call JohnBrown at (612) 713-1796.

CGOCThe Company Grade Of-

ficers’ Council is looking formembers.

CGOC promotes profes-sional development and com-munity service and instills ca-maraderie among companygrade officers. It is open to allreservists from lieutenant tocaptain.

Call 1st Lt. PatrickMcDonald at (612) 713-1224 or1st Lt. Leo Moreno at (612) 713-1106 for more information.

All Of UsVolunteers are needed to

plan All Of Us, an event thatwill be held in July to celebratethe different cultural heritage of934th Airlift Wing members.Musicians and food are alsoneeded. To volunteer , e-mailmartha.grimes@minneapolis.af.mil.

2005 UTA schedulePrimary UTAMarch 5 and 6April 2 and 3

April 30 and May 1June 4 and 5

July 23 and 24Aug. 13 and 14Sept. 10 and 11

Alternate UTAMarch 19 and 20April 16 and 17May 21 and 22June 18 and 19July 30 and 31Aug. 20 and 21Sept. 24 and 25

Courtesy of Master Sgt. Russ Funaro934th Airlift Wing historian

FlyingFlyingFlyingFlyingFlyingVikingsVikingsVikingsVikingsVikingshistoryhistoryhistoryhistoryhistory

This month in Viking history

In March 1964, The 934thTactical Carrier Group beganpreparing for its first militaryball. It was held May 2 at theRadisson Hotel and featuredDick Kast and his orchestra.Ticket prices were $8.25 percouple and $4.25 for singles.

Health and Fitness 15

MARCH 2005

By Gerry J. GilmoreAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON — Defense De-partment officials are launching a new pre-ventive health care program called “HealthyChoices for Life,” the department’s seniormedical adviser said recently.

The purpose of the Tricare-managedprogram is “to put information in thehands of individual servicemembers andfamily members so that they can changetheir behavior,” said Dr. William

Officials launch preventive program tohelp troops establish healthier habits

Winkenwerder Jr., assistant secretary of de-fense for health affairs.

The program will focus on persuad-ing people to quit smoking, moderatedrinking habits, exercise and lose weight,he said.

Adopting more moderate health hab-its enables people “to avoid bad healthoutcomes and bad health problems,” suchas lung cancer, emphysema, liver and braindamage, diabetes, heart attacks and strokes,Dr. Winkenwerder said.

He said about $13 million has been

budgeted to fund pilot programs over thenext few years. Some features of the pilotprojects under consideration include toll-free smoking and drinking cessation phonelines and dedicated Web sites toutinghealthier lifestyles, he said.

Dr. Winkenwerder said the programis envisioned as a DOD-wide and -man-aged endeavor rather than separate pro-grams run by each armed service.

To learn more about the program, goto www.tricar e.osd.mil/healthychoices/.(Courtesy of Air Force Print News)

By Senior Airman Sarah Kinsman15th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE,Hawaii — According to the AmericanCancer Society, more than 46.5 millionAmerican citizens are in a private prison.

Afflicted with worsening health, finan-cial shackles and being publicly ostracized,these prisoners have their cell in their pos-session, but they can break out. All theyhave to do is quit smoking.

Tech. Sgt. Joanne Reed quit smokingin 2001.

“I started [smoking] when I was 17,so I had been smoking for 10 years at a rateof one to two packs per day,” she said. “Itwas not my first attempt at quitting, and Ididn’t know if it would be my last either.It seems to take us smokers five to six timesbefore we get quitting right. I was due toget it right this time.”

There were several reasons why shedecided to quit smoking.

“I was tired of the stigma, the lectures,the smell, the cost and my health,” she said.“I was a medic. I was supposed to be lead-ing the pack and setting the example. In-stead, I was a complete hypocrite.”

Sergeant Reed had to make somechanges to remain tobacco-free.

“I adopted several gradual lifestylechanges when I successfully quit,” she said.“First and foremost was to quit smoking.

Airman offers tips to stop smoking

Once I achieved that goal for myself, I slowlyincorporated diet and exercise. Runningbecame a successful outlet for me. I viewedit as swapping one addiction for another.”

Sergeant Reed offers a few tips tosmokers wanting to quit.

“Hang in there is the best tip I canoffer,” she said. “Quitting is not easy. Ittakes a lot of work, a lot of time and a lotof effort. Don’t beat yourself up if youfall off the wagon. We don’t succeed byberating ourselves into achieving. Get up,dust yourself off, give yourself a pat onthe back and jump on again. In the mean-

time, you are gaining the skills you need inorder to be successful when you do [quit].”

Smoking cessation is not just aboutstopping the act, but changing the lifestyle.

“For me, quitting smoking affected mysocial contacts and my daily routines,” Ser-geant Reed said. “I had to change my think-ing and behaviors regarding my eating andexercise habits.

Some smokers find excuses for notbeing able to quit smoking.

“Everyone has their reasons for smok-ing: to cope with stress, to relax, curb appe-tite, peer pressure, boredom.... Some peopledon’t quit because they fear the weight gain,the mood swings associated with nicotinewithdrawal, they’re unable to find alternateways to cope with stress, and some maynot quit because consciously or uncon-sciously, they’re afraid of failing,” SergeantReed said.

The most important step is makingthe commitment to quit, Sergeant Reed said.

“Individuals can start by gathering thetools and resources. Seek information, joina support group, attend a smoking cessa-tion class,” she said. “Even if you thinkyou know everything there is to knowabout quitting, I guarantee you will gain atleast one new resource to add to yourtoolbox to be a successful quitter. Anyonecan quit, anyone. It’s up to the individual.All it requires is commitment.” (Courtesyof Air Force Print News)

Courtesy photo

16

934th Airlift WingPublic Affairs office760 Military HighwayMinneapolis, MN 55450-2100

PRST STANDARDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDHelmer Printing

To the family of:

BowlingThe annual bowling tournament will be held April 2.Call Senior Airman Michael Hotter at (612) 713-1496 formore information or to sign up.BingoJoin the fun every Friday at 5:15 p.m. at the Enlisted Club$500 coverall jackpot-progressive numbersCall (612) 713-1655 or 1674 for more details.Armed Forces Vacation ClubThe club offers time share units for $249.99 a week.Go to www.afvclub.com.The base installation number is 333.Air Force TravelVisit www.aftravelonline.com.Colorado R&R U.S. Air Force Academy travelGo to www.coloradorandr.com.

SprSprSprSprSpring Sing Sing Sing Sing Stytytytytyle Shole Shole Shole Shole ShowwwwwApril 21 at 11:30 a.m.at the Officers’ Club

$20 per personSponsored by the Officers’ Spouses’ Club

and a local department storeProceeds will help support families

of deployed military members.Space is limited.

Call Phyllis Rehn at (952) 942-5405 or Stacy Michels at (952) 401-6345.

Enlisted ClubBar & Pizzeria

Bar hours4 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday with

pizza and beer specials3 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday4 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday

3 p.m. to midnight Friday4 p.m. to midnight Saturday

(until 1 a.m. on UTA)Closed Sunday and Monday

Compete in theRacquetball Ladder

and TournamentRacquetball ladder

starts March 1.The top one-third will

compete in the tournamentbeginning May 2.

Call thefitness center at(612) 713-1496.

Got game?