Wednesday, July 3, 2002 Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Vol. 46 No. 25

Photo by Staff Sgt. Josh Clendenen

Saturday...Sunny 88Weekend Weather: Friday...Sunny 90 Sunday...Sunny 88

Photo by Master Sgt. D.K. Grant

Inside This Issue: Cover Story...3 News...4-5 At Your Service...6U.S. Air Force photo Courtesy photo

SPACE OBSERVERWednesday, July 3, 20022 From the Top

Published by the Gazette, 30 S. Prospect Street, Box 1779, Colorado Springs, 80901, a private firm in no wayconnected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the 21st Space Wing. This commercial enter-prise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services.

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

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorse-ment by DOD, the Department of the Air Force or the Gazette, of the products or services advertised. Everything adver-tised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion,sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the pur-chaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the 21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office, 775 LoringAve., Suite 218, Peterson AFB, Colo., 80914-1294. All photographs are Air Force photographs unless otherwise indi-cated.

The Space Observer is published every Friday. For advertising inquiries , call the Gazette, (719) 476-1640 fordisplay ads, and 476-1685 for classified ads.

Articles for the Space Observer should be submitted to the 21st SW/PAI, Attn: Space Observer, 775 LoringAve., Ste. 218, Peterson AFB, Colo., 80914-1294 or e-mail space.observer@peterson.af.mil. Deadline for submissionis 4:30 p.m. the Wednesday one week before publication. All articles, copy and announcements submitted will be edit-ed to conform to AFI Series 35 and the Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual. For details, call the editor at(719) 556-8476 or DSN 834-7846.

21st Space Wing CommanderBrig. Gen. Duane Deal

Chief of Public AffairsCapt. Donald B. Kerr

Chief Internal Information2nd Lt. Suzy Kohout

NCOIC Internal InformationTech. Sgt. Gino Mattorano

EditorStaff Sgt. Josh Clendenen

Assistant EditorStaff Sgt. Melanie Epperson

21st Space Wing

GSUAt a Glance

Unit: 18th Space Surveillance SquadronLocation: Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.Mission: The 18th Space Surveillence Squadron is respon-sible for command and control of three Ground–basedElectro–Optical Deep Space Surveillance Systems located atDetachment 1, Socorro, N.M.; Detachment 2, Diego Garcia,British Indian Ocean Territories; and Detachment 3, Maui,Hawaii. The unit also provides command and control for theMoron Optical Space Surveillance System, or MOSS, astand-alone system located at Detachment 4, Moron, Spain.

Besides providing staffing support and quality assur-ance management to a work force of more than 150 militaryand contractors at the worldwide detachments, the unit beganoperating the Optical Command, Control andCommunications Facility, or OC3F, in February 2000.

The OC3F is the centralized node for the control of the18th SPSS optical detachments around the world. TheGEODSS and MOSS sites play a vital role in tracking some2,000 objects in space, all of which are at least 3,000 milesfrom the Earth's surface.

A Momentin Time:

Julyn On July 10, 1910, Walter

Brookins becomes the first airplanepilot to fly at an altitude greaterthan one mile.

n On July 5, 1912, Capt. C.Chandler and Lts. T.D. Milling andHap Arnold were the first to qualifyas military aviators.

n On July 8, 1966, the 21stComposite Wing (predecessor tothe 21st Space Wing) was activatedat Elmendorf Air Force Base,Alaska.

Information courtesy of Staff Sgt. TrishaMorgan, 21st Space Wing History Office

Courtesy photo

Check 1,2,3

Staff Sgt. JoseVenegas, 18th SpaceSurveillance Squadron,performs communica-tion line test using afirebird.

By Gen. Lance LordAir Force Space Command Commander

Independence Day is a day of celebration –a time when families and friends gather to spendquality time with one another. It is also a day ofremembrance – a time when we reflect on thecourage that brought 56 men from 13 statestogether to sign our Declaration ofIndependence. More than 225 years ago a groupof visionaries put forth their idea for a demo-cratic nation. They pledged their reputations andtheir lives to a republic founded on the principleof freedom.

As military members, we are charged withprotecting that vision. We often hear that theprice of freedom is not free and the events of

September 11th have reminded us just how truethat is.

Now more than ever, we know that thisresponsibility is not just a lofty concept, but areal mission. We are America’s guardians, keep-ers of the flame of liberty. Know that when youreport for duty – whether it is to an operationscenter or a dining hall, whether at home stationor a deployed location – you are serving yourcountry and all it represents.

As you spend time with family and friendsthis holiday weekend, be mindful of the legacywe are charged with preserving. I’m proud ofthe work you do every day to that end.

I want to make sure we’re all preserving apersonal legacy as well. By that, I want each ofus to look out for each other during this statisti-cally dangerous time of year.

Beccy and I hope you enjoy the long week-end, but please think about safety when you cel-ebrate.

Gen. Lord’s 4th of July message

By Brig. Gen. Duane Deal21st Space Wing Commander

As part of their “Walk the Talk” series, some 20 years ofresearch and publications led business consultants Eric Harvey andSteve Ventura to produce a notable booklet called Forget forSuccess. While other books seem to give prescription after pre-scription of how to “do” things, this simple and targeted bookfocuses on things we should “not do” as we search for excellence.

One concise list at the end of the book seemed to sum up themany brilliant pages which preceded it, and is worth sharing foryou to contemplate in your pursuit of success and excellence.

Important words to forget10 words to forget: “It doesn’t matter what I do—I’m only one person.”9 words to forget: “I’ll change just as soon as everyone else does.”8 words to forget: “Do as I say, not as I do.”7 words to forget: “That’s their opinion … what do they know?”6 words to forget: “Because I said so, that’s why.”5 words to forget: “I win and you lose.”4 words to forget: “It’s not my job.”3 words to forget: “I don’t care.”2 words to forget: “Those people.”1 word to forget: “Me”

As you consider these—just like you should do with our Core Values—the authors remindthat these people practices don’t apply just in the work setting—try it in your personal lives aswell as you strive to “walk the talk.”

Forget for Success?

Remember whatthe 4th is all about

SPACE OBSERVERWednesday, July 3, 2002 3

News BriefsSPACE OBSERVER SURVEY

Here’s your opportunity to tell thenewspaper staff what you like and dis-like about the Space Observer. Thissurvey is designed to help the SpaceObserver staff put information youwant in the paper.

Log onto tohttp://www.afnews.af.mil/internal/sur-vey/survey_index.htm

For more information on the sur-vey, call Staff Sgt. Josh Clendenen at556-4351. WATER RESTRICTIONS

Due to severe drought conditions,Peterson Air Force Base and ColoradoSprings have gone to Stage IIwater restrictions.

During Stage II, residents shouldonly water their lawns in the earlymorning or late evening. If you live inan even numbered house, you can water

on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday.Odd-numbered houses can water onTuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Watering is not permittedMondays, and excessive water use willbe closely monitored.

Also during Stage II, the car washwill be closed Tuesdays andWednesdays. If Phase III is implement-ed, the car wash will be closed.

Watch the base marquees, theCommander’s Access Channel, and theSpace Observer for the latest waterrestriction stages and changes.TAXIS AND FOOD DELIVERY

The 21st Security ForcesSquadron has developed a process toallow local city bus routes, taxis, andfood delivery drivers on base.

Provide the driver with an accu-rate phone number so the entry con-troller can call you when the food is atthe gate.

Once the delivery is verified, thedriver will be allowed on base. If youare unreachable, the delivery will beturned away.

All taxis entering base will besearched.

For more information, callSecurity Forces at 556-4000.ALS OPENING

There is a job opening at thePeterson Air Force Base AirmanLeadership School.

The school is accepting applica-tions for a Flight Chief. Applicantsmust be at least a master sergeant withan associate’s degree or the ability tofinish one within a year. Applicationswill be accepted through Aug. 15.

For more information or to findout what to include in the applicationpackage, call Master Sgt. Joey Quirozat 556-7737 or Tech. Sgt. Kevin Allenat 556-4940.

SENIOR NCO WORKSHOPThere will be a two-day senior

noncommissioned officer workshopAug. 8-9, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at theEnlisted Club.

For more information call MasterSgt. Kristin Clark at 556-8474.EMERGENCY LIGHTS

The 21st Civil Engineer SquadronFire Protection Flight has moved intoits new building which is now fullyoperational.

Among the new amenities the firedepartment has are emergency lightsplaced in different locations around thebuilding. The lights notify drivers andpedestrians when emergency vehiclesrespond to a call.

The 21st CES needs base mem-bers to suggest ways to make the lightsmore noticible. For more informationon the lights or to make a suggestion,call 556-7774 or 556-4242.

News

By Sandra Mock21st Space Wing Safety Office

2002 has been an unfortu-nate year for Air Force fatali-ties. There were 71 fatalities byJune 28, compared to 42 bythis time last year. Of the 71fatalities, three were Air ForceSpace Command members.

There have been no fatal-ities in the 21st Space Wing sofar this year.

“We’ve been preaching tothe base to look out for oneanother,” said Tom Quinn, 21stSpace Wing Safety Office.

Brig. Gen. Duane Deal, ina May safety message, saidthere is a fundamental test youshould use if you are concernedabout a task you are going totake on. It’s called the “4 D”test. The “4 Ds” are dumb, dan-gerous, different and dull.

“If the answer to any ofthe ‘4 Ds’ is ‘yes’, then scruti-nizing the task for safe prac-tices must become secondnature,” Deal said in his mes-sage.

The first weekend ofsummer brought with it threeseparate car accidents thatresulted in seven Air Force

people losing their lives. The first mishap over the

June 22-23 weekend was aweather-related single car acci-dent that occurred during astorm in Jacksonville, Fla. Itkilled a young staff sergeantfrom the Florida Air NationalGuard’s 125th Fighter Wing.

In the second accident, anairman and his two passengersdied when their automobile hita concrete overpass. All werestationed at Shaw Air ForceBase, S.C.

The third accidentinvolved a vehicle driven by alieutenant, who crossed thecenterline of a highway nearCuidad Acuna, Mexico, and hita bus head-on, killing himselfand two passengers. All threewere stationed at LaughlinAFB, Texas. Preliminary indi-cations are excessive speed andloss of control contributed tothe last two accidents.

The typical victim identi-fied in recent off-duty acci-dents is male, 26 years old oryounger. Three major factorsseem to play a big part in manyof the mishaps: speed, alcohol,and darkness.

According to Air Force

studies, younger members havelimited driving skills, in partbecause of a decrease in drivereducation classes, once a tradi-tional rite of passage in highschool.

Personal risk manage-ment needs to become an auto-matic action every time some-one plans to do something ortravel somewhere.

PRM means asking,“What can go wrong?” and“What will I do if it does?”These two questions are themost important part of PRM,and the answers could save alife. Here at Peterson, PRM istaught in briefings, articleswritten for the paper and Webpage, and by unit safety repre-sentatives and commanders.

“We constantly pusheverybody to plan before theygo away for a long weekend,”said Quinn.

Officials hope to combataccidents and fatalities with amajor overhaul of Air Forcedriving safety programs,including a curriculum cus-tomized to each individual’sdriving life cycle.

The commanders, firstsergeants, and supervisors playa vital safety role in theirorganizations. They set stan-dards, ensure personnel adhereto those standards, and takeaction if they don’t. They alsolead by example, wear seat-belts, follow the speed limit,use PRM and look out for oneanother.

“Now, with the July 4holiday coming up, it’s time topause and think ‘How can Iplan a safe weekend’,” saidQuinn. “We don’t want anyPeterson or Air Force people tobe those statistics comeMonday morning.”

Slow down, be smart over holiday weekend

Courtesy photoAccording to the 21st Space Wing Safety Office, many accidents are with privately ownedvehicles, but some do involve government vehicles.

The ‘4 D’test: Is it

... Dumb? -- Perfo-rming electrical workstanding in water comes tomind.

... Dangerous? --Any handling of weapons,driving in adverse condi-tions, and similar circum-stances come to mind.

... Different? -- Here,different means deviatingfrom normal, routine pro-cedures.

... Dull? -- Dull arethose seemingly monoto-nous tasks that may lull usinto a false sense of secu-rity.

Use this test and becareful over the 4th of Julyholiday weekend.

Courtesy photoRegardless of how careful someone is, accidents happen.

SPACE OBSERVERWednesday, July 3, 20024 News

By 1st Lt. Mike Andrews21st Space Wing Public Affairs

In the remote cornersof the globe, separa-tion from friendsand family is one of

the hardest parts of an assign-ment.

For one security forcesairman assigned to the pass andregistration shop at the 12thSpace Warning Squadron,Thule Air Base, Greenland, theseparation from family recent-ly took a dramatic turn.

Senior Airman JoniSwearson was notified throughthe Red Cross May 25 that hermother had suffered a heartattack in Minot, N.D., and wasnot expected to survive.

Swearson’s orderly roomsprang into action, preparingemergency leave paperwork.Even with the support of theChief of Security Forces, 1stLt. Rachel Orosz, the SecurityForces Superintendent, MasterSgt. Roger Sams, and the FirstSergeant, Master Sgt. CraigLincoln, the challenge would-n’t be getting the leaveapproved, but finding trans-portation to North Dakota.

Normally, there are onlytwo flights into Thule eachweek, so the very real possibil-ity of having to wait for one of

those flights jeopardizedSwearson’s chances of beingable to see her mother again.

Col. Craig Whitehead,then 12th SWS Commander,directed the AirfieldOperations Flight commander,Capt. Eric Suciu, to contact theTanker Airlift Control Center atScott Air Force Base, Ill., forany possible flights. TheTACC found a C-17 cargo air-craft on its way back to theU.S. from Europe.

Whitehead explained thesituation and, working with theaircrew, was able to divert theaircraft to Thule to pick upSwearson. By diverting, theaircrew was not only availableto pick up Swearson, thenortherly route also allowedthe crew to cut nearly fourhours from their flight time.

“Senior Airman Swear-son faced a hard challenge withthe news of her mother’s heartattack, and I’m glad that herAir Force family was able tohelp get her back to her familyand her mother,” saidWhitehead.

During the crew’s shortstopover, Whitehead briefedthe crew over breakfast at theDundas Dining Hall.

The pilot determined thatthe aircraft’s flight plan wouldtake them directly over Minot,

so the 5th Operations Group atMinot was called about thepossibility of opening the air-field for a landing. Lt. Col.Harry Bender, 5th OG DeputyCommander, received therequest through a call from theoperations center. He wasbriefed on the situation andapproved the flight to land. Butapproving the landing was justthe beginning of the challengefor the 5th. Working out thelogistics was something else.

The runway at Minot isnormally closed Saturdays andSundays, so opening the flight-line required coordination andnotification of all needed per-sonnel.

Lt. Col. John Stuwe, 5thOperations Support SquadronCommander, was responsiblefor getting airfield operations,air traffic control, and securityforces prepared to meet theplane carrying Swearson.

When the plane landed,security forces performed theircustoms duty before Swearsoncould disembark. When shestepped off the plane, Benderwas waiting there to greet herand to personally drive her toTrinity Hospital in downtownMinot to be with her motherand family.

“Our folks at Minot dis-played great teamwork by tak-

ing care of one of our Air Forcemembers during her time ofneed, from all aspects of open-ing the airfield and landing theaircraft, to performing securityand driving Senior AirmanSwearson to meet her family atthe hospital,” Bender said.

Her family was shocked,but very pleasantly surprised,to see her. From the time shereceived the emergency notifi-cation until she walked into hermother’s hospital room wasless than 27 hours.

“It was absolutely amaz-ing,” Searson said. “TeamThule really pulled togetherand showed me what team-work is all about.”

“I am so indebted, and solucky to have such caring andcompassionate leaders,”Swearson said. “People likeColonel Whitehead, CaptainSuciu, Lieutenant Orosz,

Sergeant Sams, and SergeantLincoln went above andbeyond anything I’ve ever seenbefore.

“(Support officer)Lieutenant Colonel (Lennie)Bane and Chaplain (Maj.Darrell) Clark were very sup-portive, and Major Harris(crew commander of the C-17)and Colonel Bender were justgreat.

“Without the help ofeveryone to get me home, itwould never have been possi-ble,” she said. “I want every-one to know how great the AirForce can be.”

Swearson’s mother isdoing better, and Swearson hasbeen able to return to her dutiesat Thule where she said, “I justhope one day I’ll be able torepay everyone at Team Thulefor their kindness.”

Air Force pulls out all stops

Photo by Capt. Don KerrThule Air Base, Greenland, from atop Mt. Dundas.

SPACE OBSERVERWednesday, July 3, 2002 5Around the Air Force

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Alex Lloyd

V.P. is Pete VIPVice President Dick Cheney speaks to a U.S. Forestry Service workerabout the efforts to contain the Hayman Fire during Cheney’s short lay-over at Peterson Air Force Base, June 23.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Jim Varhegyi

Finch retiresChief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Jim Finch (right) looks on as Air ForceChief of Staff, Gen. John P. Jumper (left), presents flowers to Finch's wife,Patricia, during her husband’s retirement ceremony at Bolling Air ForceBase, D.C., on June 28. Finch finished his 28-year career by serving as the13th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.

By Tech. Sgt. Michael Phillips21st Space Wing Public Affairs

Whatever your speed,whether it’s theexcitement ofcrashing head-long

through the rapids, or a leisurely floatdown a peaceful stream, Peterson’sOutdoor Adventure Program has theriver rafting trip for you.

Rafting trips to Parkdale and theRoyal Gorge are scheduled for eachweekend through September, water per-mitting. The Parkdale trips cost $45 perperson, and are recommended for ages8 and older. Raft trips to the RoyalGorge, recommended for those age 16and older, cost $55. These fees includerafting gear, camp-style meals, campfees and round-trip transportation.

“We recently got an e-mail letterfrom the Arkansas HeadwaterRecreation Authority, which handlesthe water flow,” said RandallGreenfield, director of OutdoorRecreation. “They’re no longer going torelease dam water. There’s no guaranteethat we’ll be able to hold trips as sched-uled, but it still may be a viable pro-gram.”

“It’s a day-to-day situation wherewe go to the Web site and see what thewater flows are,” he said.

The American WhitewaterAffiliation follows an InternationalScale of River Difficulty to rate eachtrip. Ratings range from Class I, thesmallest rapids, with very slow currentand no obstructions, to Class VI, whichare extremely dangerous rapids.

“Our trips are on the ArkansasRiver,” said Greenfield. “We don’t doanything that’s a Class V or greater –just for liability and risk. The Parkdalestretch (of the river) is mostly Class III,

so it’s intermediate. The Royal Gorgestretch is a Class IV plus.

“In both cases, we have trainedprofessional guides in all the boats,”Greenfield said. “These are individualsthat have numerous training certifica-tions in rescue and river rafting. Forexample, to be a raft guide through theRoyal Gorge requires 1,000 prior hoursof guiding experience – not just riverexperience, but guiding experience.”

Rafters meet in the parking lotbetween McDonald’s and theCommissary at 7 a.m. on the morningof the trip. From there, they are taken toOutdoor Recreation to be fitted with lifejackets, helmets, and wetsuits.

Prior to all river trips, profession-al river guides give an orientation and a20-minute safety talk, discussing theriver and the proper use of the equip-ment. There is also an “Assumption ofPersonal Liability” form to be read andsigned prior to the trip. Adults mustsign a form for each child on the trip.

“Customers are treated with kid

gloves but, at the same time, they haveto understand that it is a risk-takingactivity,” Greenfield said. “We makesure that all our guides are trained pro-fessionally and have certifications thatare current in all their skills – knowinghow to rescue, save, and knowing howto read the river properly.”

Customers don’t need prior raft-ing experience. “With the guides andthe equipment we provide, amateurscan go,” Greenfield said.

“There’s also a boatman’s briefinggiven at the river, just before the boat isput into the water,” Greenfield said.“That lets customers know how to oper-ate the boat, and various commands thatthe boatman will need to relay to thecrew (customer) during the trip.”

“Bring a towel and shoes that youdon’t mind getting wet,” Greenfieldsaid. “Because you’re guaranteed tohave wet feet.”

For information on the raftingtrips, call Outdoor Recreation at 556-4867.

SPACE OBSERVERWednesday, July 3, 20026

A T Y O U R

S E R V I C EThis Week

Fridayn The Teen Center will be closed.

MondaynMothers on the move exercisegroup. Call the Family AdvocacyCenter for times and locations.

Tuesdayn Sponsorship training, 7:30-8:30a.m., at the Family SupportCenter.n Headquarters Air ForceREDUX briefing, 1-4 p.m., at theFamily Support Center.

Wednesdayn Going overseas briefing, 8-9a.m., at the Family SupportCenter.n Smooth move summary, 9-9:30a.m., at the Family SupportCenter.nApplying for Federal CivilianService, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., atthe Family Support Center.

Thursdayn Job orientation, 1-2:30 p.m., atthe Family Support Center.n Play group, 10:30 a.m.-noon, atthe chapel.

July 12n PREP couples’ communication,8:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at the ArmedServices YMCA.n 5K fun run, 11:30 a.m., atCheyenne Mountain Air ForceStation.

Helpful Numbersn Family Advocacy 556-8943n Education Center 556-4064n Library 556-7462n Community Center 556-7671n Aquatics Center 556-4608n Fitness Center 556-4462n Officers’ Club 556-4181n Enlisted Club 556-4194n Youth Center 556-7220n Family Support 556-6141n Red Cross 556-9201n Aragon Menu Line 556-4782n Outdoor Recreation 556-4487

Base CALENDARS

At the

Officers’ Club

At the

Enlisted ClubAt the

BaseChapel

July 20--Gourmet dinnernight, reservationsrequired

July 10--Mongolian barbe-cue,6-8 p.m.

July 11-- Crab legs, $16.95for a pound ofAlaskan crab legs

July 3-- Mexican food buf-fet, 5-7 p.m., $5.95for members

July 24-- Oriental food buffet, 5-7 p.m.,$5.95 for members

July 18--MongolianBarbecue,5-7 p.m.

July 17--Membership night,5-7 p.m.

CatholicWeekday Mass

11:35 a.m.Saturdays 5 p.m.

Sundays 9:30 a.m.Reconciliation

Saturdays 4 p.m.

ReligiousEducation

Sunday programsresume after Labor Day

*For moreinformation

Call the chapel at556-4442 for more

information onchapel programs.

ProtestantLiturgical Worship

8:15 a.m.Traditional Sunday

Worship 11 a.m.Gospel Services

12:30 p.m.

June 28-- Live Maine lob-ster, $15.95 formembers

This Week

Weekend rafting trips offer something for all

Courtesy photoOutdoor Recreation offers white water rafting trips down the Arkansas Riverthrough Parkdale and the Royal Gorge.

SPACE OBSERVERWednesday, July 3, 2002 7Sports Feature

Health and Wellness Center fitness guru Cindy White leads agroup in an Introduction to Spinning class.

Story and photos byMaster Sgt. D.K. Grant21st Space Wing Public Affairs

If you failed your last ergometry(bike) test, raise your hand. You’renot alone. But you don’t have to beone of the crowd. With some help

from the Health and Wellness Center and theSports and Fitness Center, you can change yourergo score, and you might even change yourentire life.

If you’re rolling your eyes in annoyanceor disbelief, again you are not alone. Manymandatory fitness program clients who spintwice per week don’t do so because they wantto, and many come to the program angry,resentful, and frustrated, according to HAWCexercise physiologist Cindy White.

However, according to White, the vastmajority of spinners who follow HAWC guid-ance end up increasing their ergo score by asmany as 20 points. For many who wiped out ontheir bike test, 20 points is more than enough tobring them up to passing.

The HAWC offers an Introduction toSpinning class every Wednesday and the fitnesscenter offers 21 different spinning classes everyweek. The fitness center spinning room (nextto the free-weight room) has 30 bikes, too, sothose who need to bring their ergo scores uphave ample opportunity to get rolling.

So, what is spinning and why does it help?It’s like stationary biking with a twist or, moreaccurately, like instructor-led aerobics on a sta-tionary bike.

Spinners are led by a certified instructorwho talks them through the terrain, telling themwhen to increase the tension (resistance) ontheir bikes, when to decrease it, when to pedalfaster or slower, when to stand up and pedal,and when to sit back down (and even when tocoast).

The maneuvers are intended to mimicactual behavior riders experience when bikingaround the countryside, up and down hills, andon mountain paths.

Spinners seem better equipped to pass theergo test than people who do cardiovascularwork on their own, and that’s another source offrustration for some new HAWC clients,

according to White.Why is it that people can do a daily car-

diovascular workout and still not pass? White’stheory is that many people achieve a heart ratecomfort zone during their workout, and thenmaintain that level.

Without peaks (85 percent of maximumheart rate) and valleys in their workout, theyaren’t really developing a strong cardiovascularsystem, and it is the peak-and-valley intervalworkout achieved during interval spinning thathas consistently helped people pass their biketest.

“We were the first Air Force installation toimplement the spinning program,” White said,explaining her theory. “Initially, we startedwith 10 people who had never been able to passthe (ergo) test. Six weeks into the course, nineout of 10 passed.”

That success has been repeated time andagain, although six weeks is the minimum timethat White advises people to spin (two times aweek) before expecting to see changes.

“We recommend that people give it threeto four months before they are ready to test,”she explained. With the exception of those whoare genetically incapable of passing the test,those who diligently spin are going to see sig-nificant improvement.

How do people become mandatoryclients? Military members who fail their annu-al ergometry test twice are entered in a self-paced improvement program, during whichthey engage in whatever fitness activities theychoose.

At the end of that six months, if they stillfail the ergo test, they are enrolled in themandatory program. Those members will visitthe HAWC for an assessment, take aWednesday spinning intro class, and then mustattend two spinning classes per week.

Spinning isn’t just to help people get theirergometry scores up to par, though. Accordingto White, for many people, spinning opens thedoor to a new, healthier lifestyle and outlook.One mandatory client, some time ago, provesher point.

“He hated it. He was angry that he had tocome in for mandatory training, and one day –

Spin your way toergometry success

Cindy White, left, explains how to adjust the spinning bike seats for intro to spinning stu-dents Marge Desormeaux; Airman 1st Class Holly Krejci, 3rd Space OperationsSquadron; and Capt. Chris Hileman and Tech. Sgt. Jeffery Kustanbauter, 1st SOPS.

See SPINNING, Page 9

SPACE OBSERVERWednesday, July 3, 20028 Tip of the Sword

Unit: 21st CommunicationsSquadronHometown: Las Vegas, Nev.Time in service: Four and ahalf years.

Senior Airman Joel Orzal has been assigned to the21st Communications Squad-ron since August, when heretrained into theCommunications-ComputerSystems Planning andImplementation career field.

Prior to retraining, he wasa firefighter stationed atRamstein Air Base, Germany.

Orzal manages the three-person communications andinformation requirements sec-tion, which is responsible forreceiving, analyzing andimplementing all Peterson AirForce Base communicationsand information requirementsfor secure and non-securecommunications systems.

He monitors the status ofall base-level civil engineerwork requests for program andproject-related allied supportconstructions, and is the focalpoint for processing andapproving civil engineeringdigging permits.

He’s also expanded hishorizons and requested utiliza-tion in the project managementarena. It is there that he attendsproject review and designmeetings to ensure a communi-cations presence for all majorand minor construction proj-ects, guaranteeing the cus-tomers’ communications needsare addressed and met.

He has been involvedwith base projects like the new

fire station and space situation-al integration office, the 21stSecurity Forces administrationand reports section relocation,and the 21st Space Wing con-ference room upgrade.

Aside from work, Orzalis a role model for young air-men. He was elected as thesquadron booster club presi-dent, was instrumental inorganizing the squadron holi-day party, and ran the squadronconcession booth at FalconStadium during the U.S. AirForce Academy graduation.

He was one of sevenmembers who volunteered torepaint the gymnasium atMonroe Elementary School,and he represented the baseduring the March of DimesWalk For Babies.

He was named thesquadron airman of the quarterfor the first quarter this year.He garnered the John L.Levitow honor graduate awardwhile at Airman LeadershipSchool.

(Courtesy of the 21stCommunications Squadron)

Star Performer:Senior Airman Joel-Robert Orzal

Photo by Rob BussardSenior Airman Joel-RobertOrzal, 21st CommunicationSquadron.

SPACE OBSERVERWednesday, July 3, 2002 9Sports

after several weeks -- I asked how he liked it so farand he said he still hated it. He was honest -- and thatwas fine -- but he kept spinning,” White said.

Within a year, that client lost 35 pounds andraised his ergo score from 25 to 52. But that’s not theend of his story.

“He’s out of the Air Force now and he teaches it(spinning) downtown.”

Who shouldn’t spin? Nobody, White believes.Unless someone has a medical prohibition, spinning isa perfect cardiovascular exercise for all people, what-ever their age, ability, fitness level, or fitness focus.

White reminds spinners that they should alsocross-train (weights, sports, and other cardio pro-

grams) to round out their twice-a-week spinning.“Spinning is low impact and you control your

own resistance,” she said, “so it’s great for anyonewho has been cleared for cardiovascular exercise.”

For those who think they’ll be easily bored withjust interval spinning as a cardio outlet, other spinningclasses are offered as well, White said.

The beginners spinning class (Intro to Spinning)is not required, but highly suggested. It introducesnewcomers to the complexity of the spinning bikes(which are not like the stationary bikes in theColorado Room at the gym).

Interval spinning is good training to help devel-op the cardio system, and it’s especially useful inpreparing people for their ergometry test. It empha-sizes speed, timing, rhythm, and includes high-speed

flatland pedaling, acceleration drills, recovery stretch-es and more.

Strength spinning offers a good workout for peo-ple who are involved in sports, like skiing, basketball,baseball and others. It involves steady, consistentpedaling with heavy tension/resistance.

Finally, endurance spinning is good for high-performance athletes, like cross-country runners orclimbers. It trains the body to more efficiently metab-olize fat and to maintain a comfortable long-distancepace.

When there is so much benefit, there must be aprice, right? No. The spinning orientation at theHAWC and spinning classes at the fitness center arefree to anyone eligible to use the facilities – anothervaluable military benefit.

SPINNING: Pedaling your way to successFrom Page 7