ALASKA POST · Events have been held throughout the month of April at military installations around...

Mel SlaterFort Wainwright Public Affairs

April is Month of the Military Child. Hav-ing a carnival to recognize military children seemed like a really good idea.

Child and Youth Services turned that good idea into action Saturday when they hosted a MoMC Carnival for military Families at the School Age Center here on Fort Wainwright from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., April 22.

Events have been held throughout the month of April at military installations around

the world. This recognition of military chil-dren demonstrates the importance of children in the Army community and brings attention to the sacrifices they make in supporting America’s Army.

“Military children really are a cornerstone of their Families. And we know for our Sol-diers to be ready, they need to know that their Families are taken care of. So, here at Fort Wainwright we like them to know how much we appreciate them,” said Bobbie Jones, par-

Staff ReportOffice of Governor Bill Walker

Governor Bill Walker today signed into law Senate Bill 46, which designates October 25 of each year as “African American Soldiers’ Contribution to Building the Alaska Highway Day.” The bill recognizes the contributions of African-American Soldiers in building the Alaska Highway, and commemorates their extraordinary efforts, which served as a catalyst for the desegregation of the military in 1948. The legislation was sponsored by Senator

David Wilson (R-Wasilla), and carried in the House by Representative Geran Tarr (D-Anchorage). Governor Walker signed the bill in ceremonies at Shiloh Baptist Church, and the Anchorage Park Strip Veterans’ Memorial.

“The accomplishments of the regiments of African-American soldiers and their work on the Alaska Highway are truly extraordinary,” Governor Walker said. “These men overcame incredible barriers and hardship as well as abject racial discrimination to complete one of the

May 5, 2017Vol. 8, No. 18 Fort Wainwright, Alaska

ALASKA POST RECYCLED

Recycled material is used in the making of our

newsprint

an edition of the

FREE

The Interior Military News Connection

WEEKEND WEATHER EXERCISE NORTHERN EDGE 2017

SaturdaySunny. Highs near 60. Lows near 35.

SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 60. Lows near 35.

See ALASKA on page 2

Approximately 6,000 U.S. military personnel are participating in exercise Northern Edge 2017, a joint training exercise hosted by Alaskan Command and scheduled to run until May 12, on and above central Alaska ranges and the Gulf of Alaska. Major participating units include U.S. Pacific Command, Alaskan Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pacific Air Forces, Marine Corps Forces Pacific, U.S. Army Pacific, Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command, Air Force Materiel Command, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and U.S. Naval Reserve. Find out more, at https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/NorthernEdge2017.

Military Appreciation Banquet carries tradition of thanks, service

Mary RallU.S. Army Alaska Public Affairs

Individuals from throughout Interior Alaska gathered to honor military service and family members April 28, at the 49th Annual Military Appreciation Banquet at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks.“This event started over 50 years ago when Jim and Rosemary Messer began hosting dinner parties in their home for their friends in the military,” said Bill Bailey, the event master of ceremonies. “They encouraged others in the community to do the same.”Many Fairbanks residents followed the Messers’ example, Bailey said, with the home-based events growing into what has become the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce’s Military Appreciation Banquet.According to Bailey, the event has developed to include more than 600 participants, with about 300 members of the Fairbanks community hosting some 300 Army and Air Force service and family members, carrying on the tradition the Messers began decades before. “This is no longer an effort of just a few civic leaders,” Bailey said. “We now have a highly anticipated, annual community event—a night to honor and recognize the sacrifices of our

Army and Air Force key leaders show their appreciation for Jim Dodson, the Fairbanks Economic and Development Corporation President and CEO, April 28, at the 49th Annual Military Appreciation Banquet at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks. The leaders presented Dodson with the Messer Award at the event to honor his efforts to improve community-military relations and service on the Save Eielson Committee during the Base Realignment and Closure Commission testimonies in 2005. (Photo by Mary Rall, U.S. Army Alaska Public Affairs)

See MILITARY on page 9

Governor Walker signs bill recognizing African-American Soldiers’ Alaska Highway contributions

Staff Sgt. Christina J. Turnipseed1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

Early April 11th found over a dozen Arctic Wolf Soldiers rushing through the darkness, with heavy burdens on their backs, at Fort Wainwright, Alaska grinding out a 12-mile ruck march for the hope of being recognized as one of the best warriors in the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

The 70th Brigade Engineer B a t t a l i o n " K O D I A K S , " 1SBCT planned and executed the event for the purpose of identifying the best warriors to represent 1SBCT at the next

echelon. “We are searching across the

Brigade to find the very best of the best to represent the Arctic Wolf Bde. in the Army's best warrior competition,” said CW2 Dan Schwab, Kodiak competition facilitator.

The best Arctic Wolf Warriors

Sgt. Brett Nicholls of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team and winner in the non-commissioned officer category of the Arctic Wolves Best Warrior Competition is formally recognized by Col. Kevin Lambert, 1SBCT commander at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, April 14. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Christina J. Turnipseed, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs)

Governor Walker signed into law Senate Bill 46, designating October 25 of each year as “African American Soldiers’ Contribution to Building the Alaska Highway Day.” Walker t the Shiloh Baptist Church in Anchorage, Alaska. (Photo courtesy of the office of Governor Walker)

See WARRIOR on page 9

Child and Youth Services host carnival for Military Children

See CARNIVAL on page 2

Johansen Expy Lazelle Road

D S

treet

Canol Service Road

Lazelle Gate

Steese H

ighway

Access to Fort Wainwright through Trainor Gate will be closed to traffice starting May 18, for construction through Aug. 15. The gate area will be receiving upgrades to improve traffic flow, replacement of the guard building, addition of security cameras, widening of the road and incorporating a turn-around lane. To mitigate traffic congestion entering post, the Lazelle Gate, located off of the Johansen Expressway, will be open for inbound traffic only. Gate hours will be; Monday thru Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and weekends, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., for Government ID card holders and personnel with passes. The only exception is no commercial vehicles will be allowed access through Lazelle Gate and will need to utilize either the Main Gate or Badger Gate to depart the installation.

Trainor gate closer, Lazelle gate opens

FridayMostly cloudy, with 50. Lows near 30.

2May 5, 2017

ALASKA POST�e Interior Military News Connection

EDITORIAL STAFF

Garrison CommanderCol. Sean C. Williams

Fort Wainwright PAO Mel Slater

Command InformationBrian Schlumbohm

The ALASKA POST is authorized by Army Regulation 360-1 and is published by the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Army, and is under exclusive written contract. Contents of the ALASKA POST are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the Department of the Army. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Wainwright Public Affairs Office. The ALASKA POST welcomes responsible comments from its readers and will publish letters, articles or photos submitted at least one week prior to the next publication. The ALASKA POST reserves the right to edit or reject submissions. All submitted material will become official Army property unless otherwise indicated. To advertise call (907) 459-7548 Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. The Editorial office is located on Ft. Wainwright in Building 1047 #1; Mailing address is Public Affairs Office, 1060 Gaffney Road, 5900, Fort Wainwright, AK 99703. Call 353-6779 or 353-6760, or send emails to

[email protected] ALASKA POST – The Interior Military News Connection

NEWS

NUTRITION 101

With the thousands of nutritional products for sale, social media and magazine articles, news headlines, and advice from well-intended friends and family, it can be a challenge to separate fact from fiction when it comes to what you should be eating.

Nutrition is a science and there are professionals who have had the proper schooling, training, and testing to use the “Registered Nutritionist Dietitian” (RDN) credential. Keep in mind that the term “nutritionist” does not mean that the person using it has any type of formal education in nutrition- anyone can call them self a nutritionist. Unfortunately, many of these people are trying to get you to purchase their products (shakes, supplements, meal plans, exercise routines, wraps, etc.). While they post inspiring stories and before/after pictures, most of these products will not help you achieve you long term health goals and

will only cost you money. The safety of these products can also be questionable.

Supplements are not regulated like food and medication so consumers should be educated from reliable sources prior to taking these products. When you are looking for good nutrition guidelines to follow, I highly encourage you to seek out a RDN. There are two that work right here on Fort Wainwright. There is also nothing wrong with doing some research on your own as well but be on the lookout for nutrition information that is not based on evidence. Here are some “red flags” to look for that should make you suspicious of following a diet or program:

• Is this person or company trying tosell something?

• Do they reference single researchstudies with a small population?

• Do they reference research studiesthat have not been peer reviewed?

• Does the diet cut out entire foodgroups?

• Do they use terms like “detox”?• Does the diet progress in “stages”?• Do they recommend less than 1200

calories per day?• Are they telling you that you do not

need to exercise?• Does it give a list of good and

bad foods or do and do not eatingredients?

• Do they only give you the pros offollowing a diet and not the cons….

• Does it promise a quick fix for morethan one to two pounds per week?

• Overall, doe it sound too good to betrue?

RECIPE SPOTLIGHT: Quinoa and Black BeansServes 10

INGREDIENTS:2 tsp olive1 onion, chopped3 cloves garlic, chopped3/4 quinoa1/5 cups vegetable broth

1.5 tsp ground cumin1/4 tsp cayenne pepperSalt and pepper to taste1 cup corn kernels(2) 15 ounce cans of black beans,

rinsed and drained1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

DIRECTIONS:1) Heat oil in saucepan over

medium heat; cook and stir onion and garlic until lightly browned, about 10 minutes

2) Mix quinoa into onion mixtureand cover with vegetable broth; season with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until quinoa is tender and broth is absorbed, about 20 minutes

3) Stir corn into saucepan andcontinue to simmer until heated through, about five minutes; mix in the black beans and cilantro.

Nutrition Corner: Healthy cooking

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Emergency: 91124 Hour Nurse Advice Line: 1-800-874-2273 Opt. 1Appointment Line: 361-4000Behavioral Health: 361-6059Benefits Advisor: 361-5656Immunizations: 361-5456Information Desk: 361-5172Patient Advocate: 361-5291Pharmacy Refills: 361-5803Substance Abuse/Clinical Counseling: 361-4054Tricare On-Line: www.tricareonline.comUnited Health Care: uhcmilitarywest.com, 877-988-9378.

PERFORMANCE TRIAD TIPEating healthy, freshly prepared food helps reduce the risk of preventable disease including obesity, heart disease & diabetes. Take care of your body with good, fresh food.

SPORTS AND SCHOOL PHYSICALSOur May Sports Physical clinic is full! Don’t miss out on our June clinic June 7, which is already filling fast. Call 361-4000 to make an appointment for your child ages 3 to 18.

BILLING QUESTIONSThe Uniform Business Office located at Bassett Army Community Hospital is here to assist you with any billing questions you may have. UBO bills patients and insurance accompanies for medical and dental services provided. To ensure your private sector insurance is properly billed, please ensure your information is correct in DEERS and submit your insurance information at your next appointment. For questions regarding billing call 361-5343.

BASSETT ACH 10TH ANNIVERSARYJune 9, MEDDAC-AK will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Bassett Army Community Hospital and our Annual Organizational Day. Acute care appointments will be available from 7:30 to 9:20 a.m. only.

ANIMALS NEED LOVE TOOThe Fort Wainwright Veterinary Treatment Facility is available for wellness visits and basic sick call visits 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment or for more information on services, call 361-3013.

TRAVELING?If you plan to travel internationally this summer season make an appointment to make sure you are taking all the necessary precautions to stay safe. We recommend you visit the office 6 weeks before your travel date. Make an appointment by calling 361-5182.

MEDDAC Minute

engineering marvels of the world in just over eight months. Their efforts and sacrifice deserve recognition, and I am proud to sign Sen. Wilson’s legislation, which finally gives them their due.”

Four regiments of African-American Army Engineers – soldiers from the 93rd, 95th, and 97th Engineer General Services Regiments, and the 388th Engineer Battalion – were deployed to Alaska to assist in building the roughly 1,500-mile road during World War II. In addition to facing racial segregation and discrimination, the African-American soldiers were provided poorer quality materials and tools to complete their work than other regiments. They nonetheless exceeded expectations, and completed their sections of the highway faster than any others. On October 25, 1942, the 93rd and 95th regiments met at Contact Creek to connect the two segments of the highway. Because of its ultimate impact on racial desegregation, the Federal Highway Administration has called the Alaska Highway “the road to civil rights.”

ALASKA

ent and outreach services director.There were plenty of activities for the

children and youth from zero to 12 years old. Most of the School Age Center and some of the area outside was decorated with varied stations for children to en-gage, play and learn.

“We have activities that are fun. We have anything from bouncy houses, to a money machine, we have craft activities, building activities, but we also have in-formation available for them,” said Jones.

Installation partners played a large role in the event by providing booths, ac-tivities and information for the children.

“What we did with this event is that we asked people to bring both activities and information for Families. So, the USO was holding an obstacle course and providing information about sleep depri-vation, the ASYMCA was doing Ring Toss and providing information on their activities, and the Fairbanks Children’s Museum and we have information about their programs, MAC Federal Credit Union was working the money machine and Subway donated cookies, and so we

just have a lot of different organizations come together to be able to give the most information possible for them,” said Jones.

The MoMC Carnival included other agencies like, Ft. Wainwright Cultural Resources, Imagination Library, Reli-gious Support Services, and Focus Ho-meschool Group. MWR partners includ-ed the Library, EFMP and New Parent Support and the Climbing Wall by the

PFC. For more information on any of these programs please contact CYS Par-ent Central Services at 907-353-7713.

“We hope everyone was able to learn about the great programs that will be

offered through CYS this summer,” said Jones.

Month of the Military Child obser-vance began in 1986. It is a month that the military has chosen to honor children in the military community.

“Military children make up a very special part of our nation’s population. Although young, these brave sons and daughters stand in steadfast support of their military parents. To honor their unique contributions and sacrifices on behalf of our country, each April is des-ignated the Month of the Military Child,” https://www.defense.gov/News/Spe-cial-Reports/0417_militarychild/

The Month of the Military Child Car-nival here at Fort Wainwright was a big success with an attendance of over 650 children.

“I took my two children as well as our neighbor’s child, to the MoMC. All three kids had a great time. The activities were varied enough to keep all the age rang-es engaged and entertained,” said Carrie McEnteer. “I also appreciated how there

were so many organizations from across the installation as well as external part-ners participating in the event. It made for a nice community feel. And as al-ways, the DFMWR staff were so friendly and helpful.”

The Month of the Military Child is coming to a close, but as with many cele-brations that we have during the year, we can continue to show appreciation for our military children all year long.

CARNIVALContinued from page 1

Bobbie Jones, parent and outreach services director speaks to a News 13 re-porter about April’s Month of the Military Child event. Child and Youth Services turned that good idea into action Saturday, April 22, when they hosted a MoMC Carnival for military Families at the School Age Center on Fort Wainwright. Nearly 650 children attended the event that honors their unique contributions and sacrifices on behalf of our country. (Photo by Mel Slater, Fort Wainwright Public Affairs)

(Photo courtesy of the office of Governor Walker)

Continued from page 1

3May 5, 2017 NEWS

L. Amber PhillippeFort Wainwright Landscape Historian

On August 4, 1942 Capt. Ira F. Wintermute was piloting his B-24 Liberator through the Aleutians, bound for Umnak. His plane had been badly compromised by a squad of Japanese Nakajima fighter planes. Though two of the four Liberator’s engines were on fire and the plane had lost altitude, Wintermute was determined to keep her going.

Limping along with his navigator, Lt. Paul A. Perkins who kept chanting, “We’ll make it – We’ll make it.” Wintermute maintained confidence…until one of the engines fell off. Feeling the Liberator begin to lose control, Wintermute ordered everyone to bail out.

The eight crewmen got in line to jump with Lt. Perkins in the first group. As he bailed out, his chute got caught in a crosscurrent and it threw him in the water 300 yards from

the Semisopochnoi volcano where he was pulled under and drowned. Wintermute watched in horror, and again as his gunner jumped from the plane and got his shroud lines tangled in one of the dead propellers. Both the gunner and the doomed Liberator dove into a fatal spiral, exploding against the side of a nearby volcano.

Shaken, the remaining six crewmen holed up on the nearest island and made a shelter with their parachutes. Three days later they were picked up by a PBY Catalina, Patrol Bomber, and taken to Dutch Harbor.

Like Historic Photos? Check out our Pinterest page for more, visit www.pinterest.com/fwacultural/.

If you have any stories or photographs to share with the Cultural Resources Management program please call, (907) 361-9329 or email [email protected].

History Snapshot: Last flight of a B-24 Liberator

Capt. Ira Wintermute on the left and Lt. Paul Perkins on the right. (U.S. Army Photo)

SSgt. Christina J. Turnipseed1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

Master Sgt. George Cabrera, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team equal opportunity non-commissioned officer in charge, the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1SBCT and the Fort Wainwright Equal Opportunity Office welcomed over 100 Soldiers and civilians to the 2017 Fort Wainwright Days of Remembrance Observance Ceremony at the Northern Lights Chapel on Post Thursday, April 27.The Days of Remembrance Ceremony was dedicated to the more than six million Jews and other targeted groups who were exterminated during the Nazi regime from 1939 to 1945. Cabrera further clarifies that the purpose of the ceremony was, “To honor and memorialize American men and women affected by the Holocaust”.The program included guest speaker Jack Waid, retired U.S. Airmen and present historian for the 354th Fighter Wing at Eielson Air Force Base. The program also featured Waid’s wife Jamileh, who delivered the invocation and also involved the reading of President Donald Trump’s proclamation acknowledging the persecution of the Jewish people. “The Holocaust was the state-sponsored, systematic persecution and attemptedannihilation ofEuropean Jewry by the Nazi regime and its collaborators,” Trump said. However, Waid was consistent in stating that Jews were not the only persecuted people. According to Waid, the elderly, disabled, homosexuals, Russian prisoners of war, Jehovah’s Witnesses and those not of the Aryan race were killed too. Yet another point Waid made was the malevolent collecting of shoes of Holocaust victims. “In their perverted agenda, Nazis confiscated the personal belongings of their victims before marching them into gas chambers to kill them en masse. The plan was to have the shoes fixed by some of their prisoners at the camps and then have them taken back to Germany for reuse.” According to the Shoah Visual History Foundation online at www.vhf.org.

During his speech, Waid wondered if he would have been “man enough to just put on one of those shoes, let alone a pair. My family torn from me, our families torn from us, our wives, our children, in other lines, walking their last footsteps on this earth in those shoes and experiencing the absolute cruelty of humanity perpetrated upon them.”Waid’s speech clearly had a powerful effect of those in attendance as Soldiers remembered the shocking images of thousands of shoes.“I guess when he [Waid] brought up the shoes and you see the big pile of them and the numbers of everybody,” said Pfc. Maisie Voigt of the 25 Brigade Support Battalion, 1SBCT with an amazed expression. “They don’t really teach that in school.”Waid also paid tribute to the survivors of the Holocaust. “There were many who survived the death camps and upon leaving, they had to find a new pair of shoes,” he stated.

The Holocaust, never to be forgotten

A 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Soldier examines the Holocaust remembrance displays at the 2017 Fort Wainwright Days of Remembrance

Observance Ceremony April 27, at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Christina J.

Turnipseed, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs)

Staff ReportU.S Army Civilian Workforce Transformation

In early May, the window for the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) will open. This survey is of crucial importance not only to Army but also to your command, installation and unit.

FEVS is an annual survey that measures employees’ perceptions of whether, and to what extent, conditions that characterize successful organizations are present in their agency. The survey results provide valuable insight for agency leaders into the strengths and challenges of the agency in ensuring it has an effective civilian workforce.

The survey is issued by the Office of Personnel Management and contains multiple choice responses. The survey itself takes only 20 minutes to complete but provides Army leadership with a tremendous amount of insight into the culture and environment of its civilian workforce.

“I encourage every Army employee who receives notification about FEVS to take the survey,” said Sue Engelhardt, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civilian Personnel. “FEVS provides a crucial insight for the Army to share what we are doing right and what we can improve on.”

The FEVS is not just used for senior Army leaders. Results are reported to leaders at all levels down to the unit level. This is great for leaders and employees because it allows decision makers across the Army to see how their specific organization is doing, and they can influence change within their own organization. The survey respondents will remain completely anonymous.

“Engaging employees is the biggest part of this whole survey,” said Mario Rodriguez, Information Assurance Security Officer. “As an employee I appreciate it, I like knowing that people want to know what I think about my job and whether I am going to stay and whether I am happy.”

The President’s Management Agenda set a goal for all federal agencies to have 67 percent positive responses to the Employee Engagement Index.

In 2016, the Army scored 64.3 percent. With everyone’s help and participation, this number will increase as we continue to focus on the importance of creating a culture of engagement across our Army.

“Army employees do great and amazing things on a daily basis,” said Engelhardt. “Army leaders want to hear from you, so we can continue to make this organization and institution even stronger.”

The Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey is just one of many avenues that the Army fostering engagement with its employees. For more engagement opportunities please visit (CAC Enabled): https://www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/employee-engagement.

Your Army Your Voice

May 5, 20176 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Eielson Air Force BaseFriday – 5thLAP SWIM, 6 to 8 a.m., and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pool inside Baker Field House, Eiel-son AFB, Call 377-1925.

FREE BOUNCE, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Eielson City Center, Eielson AFB, Call 377-2642.

BALLISTICS, 11 a.m., Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.

OPEN SWIM, 5 to 8 p.m., Pool inside Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.

TEEN BREAK, 7 to 10:40 p.m., Eiel-son Youth Center, Eielson AFB, Call 377-6336.

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 (R), 7 p.m., Ernie Walker Theater, Eielson AFB, Call 377-2269.

Saturday – 6thLAP SWIM, 10 a.m. to noon, Pool in-side Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.


PIYO, 9 a.m., Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925

TABATA, 10 a.m., Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL, 11 a.m., 354 Sports Bar inside Yukon Club, Eielson AFB, Call 377-5219.

GIVE PARENTS A BREAK, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., CDC, Eielson AFB, $30/child, Call 377-3237.


THE SPACE BETWEEN US (PG-13), 7 p.m., Ernie Walker Theater, Eielson AFB, Call 377-2269.

Sunday – 7thLAP SWIM, 10 a.m. to noon, Pool in-side Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.



WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (PG), 2 p.m., Ernie Walker Theater, Eielson AFB, Call 377-2269.

Monday – 8thFREE BOUNCE, 10 a.m. TO 7 P.M., Eielson City Center, Eielson AFB, Call 377-2642.


RIPPED, 5:15 p.m., Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.

TABATA BOOTCAMP, 6:30 p.m., Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.

Tuesday – 9thSPIN, 5:30 a.m., Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.

LAP SWIM, 6 to 8 a.m., and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pool inside Baker Field House, Eiel-son AFB, Call 377-1925.

REUNION BRIEFINGS, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Airman & Family ReadinessCenter, Ei-elson AFB, Call 377-2178.


PIYO, 10:30 a.m., Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925

LADIES BOOK CLUB, 5 p.m., Eielson Library, Eielson AFB, Call 377-3174.

SPIN, 5:30 p.m., Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.

Wednesday – 10thLAP SWIM, 6 to 8 a.m., and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pool inside Baker Field House, Eiel-son AFB, Call 377-1925.




RIPPED, 5:15 p.m., Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.

TABATA BOOTCAMP, 6:30 p.m., Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.

Thursday – 11thSPIN, 5:30 a.m., Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925

LAP SWIM, 6 to 8 a.m., and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pool inside Baker Field House, Eiel-son AFB, Call 377-1925.


STORYTIME, 10 to 11 a.m., Eielson Library, Eielson AFB, Call 377-3174.

DEPLOYMENT BRIEFING, 1 to 2 p.m., Airman & Family ReadinessCenter, Eielson AFB, Call 377-2178.


SPIN, 5:30 p.m., Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.

ZUMBA, 6:30 p.m., Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.

Friday – 12thLAP SWIM, 6 to 8 a.m., and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pool inside Baker Field House, Eiel-son AFB, Call 377-1925.




TEEN BREAK, 7 to 10:40 p.m., Eiel-son Youth Center, Eielson AFB, Call 377-6336.

RINGS (PG-13), 7 p.m., Ernie Walker Theater, Eielson AFB, Call 377-2269.

Saturday – 13thLAP SWIM, 10 a.m. to noon, Pool in-side Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.


PIYO, 9 a.m., Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.

TABATA BOOTCAMP, 10 a.m., Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL, 11 a.m., 354 Sports Bar inside Yukon Club, Eielson AFB, Call 377-5219.


FIST FIGHT (R), 7 p.m., Ernie Walker Theater, Eielson AFB, Call 377-2269.

Sunday – 14thLAP SWIM, 10 a.m. to noon, Pool in-side Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.



THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (G), 2 p.m., Ernie Walker Theater, EielsonAFB, Call 377-2269.

MONSTER TRUCKS (PG-13), 7 p.m., Ernie Walker Theater, Eielson AFB, Call 377-2269.

FINANCE TIPGetting married or making a change to your

dependency status? Be sure to visit your local Finance office as well as MPS so that the change is reflected in both your pay and personnel records.

NUTRITIONAL TIPCook with others and enjoy foods from many cultures.

Explore ways to improve the nutrition of some of your own family favorites.

ENDEX PARTYMay 12, at 9 p.m. in the 354 Sports bar. Come out and

mingle with visiting Northern Edge participants! Enjoy complimentary snacks and drink specials! Contact 377-5219 for more information.

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCHBring your special lady to the Yukon Club for a

delicious brunch. Choose from a variety of breakfast items including omelet bar, carving stations with ham and roast beef, and assorted desert bar. May 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free for children under 4, $9.50 for children 5 – 12, and $16 for ages 13+. Call 377-5219 for more information.

FISHING CHARTERS IN VALDEZJoin us for a Halibut or Salmon fishing excursion in

the Prince William Sound and the Gulf of Alaska aboard the “Chinook” and “English Maiden”. Charters run April 15 and Sept. 4. Call 377-1232 to register or for more information.

WEEKLY KIDS SEWING CLASSJoin the Arts and Crafts Center Wednesdays from 10

to 11:30 a.m. and Saturdays, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. for a kids sewing class! The cost is $11 per person. Each class focuses on different projects gears toward different age groups. Three children at a minimum are needed to hold the class each week and basic sewing supplies will be provided. Call 377-4880 for more information.

STORYTIME AT THE LIBRARYThe Eielson library holds story time every Thursday

from 10 at 11 a.m. for children 5 years old and younger. Come out and enjoy listening to themed story’s read by the Library staff or volunteers! Call 377-3174 for more information.

MEDICAL GROUP OFFERS SLEEP ENHANCEMENT CLASS

The 354th Medical Group provides sleep enhancement education classes on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. The class is four weeks long and begins the first Tuesday of every month. For any questions or to register for the class, please call 377-6354.

EIELSON CHAPEL SERVICESThe Eielson Air Force Base Chapel team offers a

variety of services. Your Chaplain Corps offers Catholic and Protestant worship services each week and our multi-faith worship center can support the needs of other faith groups. For more information, call us at 377-2130.

Catholic Community:Religious Formation, 9 a.m., SundaysCatholic Mass, 10:30 a.m., SundaysSacrament of Reconciliation by appointment

Protestant Community:Contemporary Service, 9 a.m., SundaysKids Church, 9 a.m., SundaysAWANA, 4 – 6 p.m., SundaysJr./Sr. High Youth Service, 6 p.m., Wednesdays

BRIEF

Kat Bailey Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

Female Airmen now have up to 12 months after having a baby to request separation from the service under the Air Force’s new Diversity and Inclusion initiative.

This policy change, effective April 26, 2017, gives female Airmen more time to better understand and assess how they can balance a military career and family needs, ensuring they have the opportunity to contribute to mission success.

“To succeed in meeting current and future mission requirements, the Air Force relies on access to the best talent our nation has to offer,” said Daniel Sitterly, the acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. “To compete for that talent in the future, we must place consistent emphasis on diversity and inclusion in order to attract and retain talent.”

The previous policy only gave pregnant Airmen the option to leave the service before childbirth if they made the choice to separate.

The change in policy allows female Airmen to apply for separation within the 12-month period after delivery via the virtual Military Personnel Flight, with the date of separation set for no more than 12 months after the date of application. This policy is not retroactive. However, female Airmen who delivered a child on or after April 26, 2016, are also eligible to apply for separation up to 12 months after childbirth under this provision. This policy does not apply to adoptive parents.

Pregnant Airmen can still separate before the baby is born by submitting an application with a requested separation date between 30-90 days prior to their projected delivery date.

In addition, new parents may find other Airmen who have successfully balanced work and family demands

via the MyVector online mentoring system in order to provide further support and guidance.

“Our country has a natural advantage in our incredibly diverse population – we just need to maximize it,” Sitterly said. “This is another initiative which allows Airmen flexibility in making decisions for their careers, their families and their futures.”

Stay informed on the most current separation information on the Separation page on myPers. Click the Separation link on the far left from the active duty, Reserve or Guard landing pages or select “Any” from the dropdown menu and search “Separation.”

For more information about Air Force personnel programs, go to https://www.mypers.af.mil. Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one by follow the instructions at www.retirees.af.mil/myPERS/.

Female Airmen gain time to make separation decision when pregnant

May 5, 20177NEWS

Col. Christopher Jarvis, Medical Department Activity – Alaska commander and 1st Sgt. Jimmy Moore lead from the front during the 3rd Annual Denim Day Run hosted by MEDDAC-AK April 26, in support of victims of sexual assault. Jarvis addressed the over 200 runners from across Fort Wainwright before the start of the event. There is no room for sexual assault in our workplace, in our formation, said Jarvis. Denim Day was originally triggered by a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped her rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. Denim Day was developed in response to this case and wearing jeans during this annual event has become a symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault. (Photo by Brandy Ostanik, Medical Department Activity – Alaska Public Affairs)

Col. Kevin Lambert, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team

commander, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Bartlett, 1SBCT command

sergeant major plus Soldiers and Families of the brigade observe Sexual Harassment and Assault

Prevention Awareness Month with an esprit de corps run on April

26. (Photo by SSgt. Christina J.Turnipseewd, 1st Stryker Brigade

Combat Team Public Affairs)

8May 5, 2017

Weekly Events May 5 – 12Story WalkMay 5 through 31Discover a world that only a story can share. Throughout the month of May, pages from “Gossie” will be displayed along Fort Wainwright walking paths, and it’s up to you to follow along from start to finish. This is a great way to get outside while reading with the family. At the post library, building 3700. Call 353-2642.

Cinco de Mayo CelebrationMay 5, 6 p.m. to MidnightGet the fiesta going at Nugget Lanes Bowling Center and enjoy traditional Mexican dishes, Mariachi music, and Latin dancing. This celebration is for all ages. Niños and niñas, whack the piñata for some sweets and treats! At the Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

ATV Safety CourseMay 6, 1 to 4 p.m.If you plan on taking an ATV excursion with Outdoor Recreation this summer, be sure to sign up for the ATV Safety Course. This 3-hour class introduces you to the machine, how to safely ride it, and what do it if you encounter a problem when out riding. At the Outdoor Recreation Center, building 4050. Call 361-6349, reservations required.

Canning Safe and High Quality Alaskan FishMay 11, 6 to 8 p.m.Get ready for summer and learn how to preserve your Alaskan fish harvest. Canning allows for easy to use and shelf stable meals for years to come. This demonstration will show you how to make a safe and high quality product. At the Army Hotel: Holiday Inn Express, building 3402. Call 353-4227, registration required.

Strong B.A.N.D.S. Yoga Off the VineMay 12, 5 to 7 p.m.May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, and Army garrisons worldwide are banding together for the 7th annual Strong B.A.N.D.S. campaign. Grab your yoga mat and meet your friends for an evening of yoga paired with a fine glass of wine. At the Last Frontier Community Activity Center, building 1044. Call 353-7755, reservations required.

Mother’s Day Float & Picnic May 14, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Enjoy a change of pace this Mother’s Day with a picnic and a float down the Chena River. The restaurants in town will be crowded, but the river won’t be!

Let Outdoor Recreation pamper you with a day on the water and a nice picnic. Outdoor Recreation Center, building 4050. Call 361-6349, reservation required.

NEWS

9May 5, 2017

military service members and their families and to say ‘thanks’ for all you do.”In addition to an evening of notable speakers, dinner and entertainment by U.S. Army Alaska’s 9th Army Band, a total of 15 service members, family members and Department of Defense employees were honored at the event for their service in support of the military and civilian communities, said Marisa Sharrah, the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Present and CEO.Among the four U.S. Army Alaska awardees was Sgt. Jeremy Rigby with Fort Wainwright’s 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, U.S. Army Alaska Aviation Task Force.Rigby serves as an Apache crew chief maintainer and said he was recognized at the event as a result of his performance during a recent gunnery mission at Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson and his unit’s latest training rotation to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif.“I led a couple battalion-level missions that were outside what a person of my rank would normally do,” Rigby said, explaining he safely managed his unit’s parts, supply, maintenance and personnel operations in support of the operations. “It’s usually somebody with a lot more experience or rank that’s running something like that.”Rigby said he was humbled to be selected as an awardee at the banquet.“It’s a great honor,” he said. “It’s great to be in a community that respects and honors military service members and stands behind them.”

In addition to the recognitions given to the awardees for their service as members of the military community, the military also honored Jim Dodson, the Fairbanks Economic and Development Corporation President and CEO, with the Messer Award to honor his efforts to continually improve community-military relations. Col. David Mineau, 354th Fighter Wing and Eielson Air Force Base commander, led the award presentation, noting the military community continues to benefit from Dodson’s service on the Save Eielson Committee during the Base Realignment and Closure Commission testimonies in 2005.Ensuring the longevity of Eielson has helped the Air Force to continue to grow and develop in the Interior, Mineau said, to include the installation’s being selected as the base of operations for the Air Force’s first operational overseas F-35 Lightening IIs. “After hearing that list of accomplishments, I’m indeed tired,” Dodson said with a laugh, adding he’s benefitted from his service in support of the military community as well. “It’s an honor to work with the military here,” Dodson said. “I tell people all the time, Fairbanks is a military town.”The evening’s keynote speaker, Lt. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, North American Aerospace Defense Command; Alaskan Command; and 11th Eleventh Air Force commander, agreed with Dodson’s sentiments.“Being stationed here in Alaska is just special. Things like what they started in Alaska 49 years ago still happen. You don’t get that in other states,” Wilsbach said of the tradition the Messers began by inviting the military community into their home and lives.

“It’s so meaningful for you to put on this event every year,” Wilsbach said. “The warmth you display way overcomes the minus 55 we sometimes have to experience.”

Lt. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, North American Aerospace Defense Command; Alaskan Command; and 11th Eleventh Air Force commander, congratulates Sgt. 1st Class John Ryle April 28, at the 49th Annual Military Appreciation Banquet at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks. Ryle serves as a scout platoon sergeant with 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and was one of four Fort Wainwright Soldiers honored at the event for their service in support of the military and civilian communities. (Photo by Mary M. Rall, U.S. Army Alaska Public Affairs)

MILITARY Continued from page 1

WARRIOR Continued from page 1

The participants completed a series of challenges including a standard physical training test, land navigation, a written essay and exam, M4 qualification, a 12 mile ruck march and a board in full dress uniform before a panel of first sergeants and sergeants major.

“The board questions were defiantly the hardest part of the competition,” said Sgt. Brett Nicholls winner in the non-commissioned officer category.

The first place winner in the junior Soldier category was Spc. James Harris.

Second place was Sgt. Hee Park and Pfc. Emilio Salazar with Sgt. Eduardo Villanueva, and Spc. Jacob Phillips in third place.

Winning at the next level was not the only reason for the competition according to Schwab.

“As far as the competition,” he said “it is designed to test the fundamental skills and overall training readiness of the Arctic Wolf Soldiers. We assess basic skills of our troops by enabling tough realistic training opportunities. This is just one example.”

The 1SBCT, however, plans to shot for the

top of the arctic world at the next level. “We are going to win!” Schwab exclaimed. “As Arctic Wolves, we are very competitive in nature and expect only victory!”

Nicholls also expressed an intention to rise to the top at the USARAK competition. “I’m really confident that I am prepared for the next level,” he said.

First Stryker Brigade Combat Team Soldiers plot land navigation points on a map during the 2017 Arctic Wolves Best Warrior Competition at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, April 10. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Christina J. Turnipseed, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs)

Petty Officer 3rd Class Joey MontemaranoCommander, U.S. 3rd Fleet

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) arrived in Homer, Alaska, April 29 for a scheduled port visit prior to their participation in Exercise Northern Edge 2017.While in port, the crew of Hopper will have opportunities to participate in community service projects, experience local cuisine, and compete in sporting events, as well as explore Alaska’s culture and beauty, while on local excursions.Northern Edge is a biennial training exercise conducted in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, which includes the area within the Gulf of Alaska, as well as land and airspace within the state.Northern Edge includes participation from several commands, including Alaskan Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet, Marine Corps Forces Pacific, U.S. Army Pacific, and others.The exercise is planned to involve approximately 200 aircraft at Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson and

Eielson Air Force Base, along with Hopper, USS O’Kane (DDG 77), and USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200).USS Decatur (DDG 73) was the last ship to visit Homer in June 2011, while O’Kane visited in June 2006 and USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) in July 2004. During Exercise Northern Edge 2015, approximately $13 million was brought into the state of Alaska due to the additional military personnel, support contracts, and port visit.Hopper is a multi-mission surface combatant, capable of anti-air, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare missions. It can operate independently or in support of carrier and expeditionary strike groups. Hopper is homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy. U.S. 3rd Fleet constantly coordinates with U.S. 7th Fleet to plan and execute missions based on their complementary strengths to promote ongoing peace, security, and stability throughout the entire Pacific theater of operations.

For more information for the USS Hopper, visit: www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ddg70/Pages/default.aspx

USS Hopper visits Homer, Alaska

HOMER, Alaska (April 29, 2017) USS Hopper (DDG 70) prepares to moor in Homer, Alaska for a scheduled port visit. Hopper is visiting Homer in conjunction with its participation in Northern Edge 2017. Northern Edge is a biennial training exercise conducted in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, which is comprised of the area within the Gulf of Alaska, as well as land and airspace within the state, and includes participation from units assigned to Alaskan Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet, Marine Corps Forces Pacific, and U.S. Army Pacific. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joseph Montemarano)

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