U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Siuta B. Ika
The U.S. Air Force Advanced Maintenance and Munitions Operations School celebrated another milestone recently, graduating its 11th Advanced Maintenance Superintendent Course class at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., June 4. AMMOS graduates, who come from various maintenance and munitions units across the Air Force, will go back to their bases to produce, mentor and advise others in all aspects of aircraft and munitions maintenance.

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mikaley Towle

Senior Airman Gregory Tamuzza, 823rd Maintenance Squadron rescue specialist, left, Capt. Lance Bacon, 99th Medical Operations Squadron emergency medicine physician, and Senior Airman Jerome Coley, 99th Communications Squadron knowledge operator, pose for a photo at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., June 9. The three Airmen’s swift actions helped save the lives of two unconscious passengers when their vehicle rolled over on Interstate 15, May 31 in Las Vegas.

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — For three Airmen assigned here, life is about lending a hand to those who need it most without expecting anything in return.

On May 31, Capt. Lance Bacon, 99th Medical Operations Squadron emergency medicine physician; Senior Airman Gregory Tamuzza, 823rd Maintenance Squadron rescue specialist; and Senior Airman Jerome Coley, 99th Communications Squadron knowledge operator; extended that hand to an unconscious male and female couple whose SUV rolled over on the highway.

Tamuzza was traveling northbound on Interstate 15 with longtime friend Coley, who was in a separate vehicle, when he noticed traffic was slowing down.

“I pulled up and saw clouds of smoke,” said Tamuzza. “It was the end of a roll over and I noticed the SUV came to a stop on its side.”

Being the first to arrive at the scene, Tamuzza noticed a female passenger was partially ejected and pinned underneath the vehicle. The male driver was partially slumped on top of her, but still inside the cab.

“As soon as I noticed what was going on, I got out of my car and ran to see if anyone was inside the vehicle,” said Coley. “I was on the top side of the vehicle when I heard people yelling that the engine was on fire.”

Tamuzza was the first to take action by kicking out the windshield to try and reach the couple, but he still couldn’t get to the unconscious victims.

“The door was locked and I was running off of adrenaline, so I tried punching the driver’s side window twice,” said Tamuzza. “Eventually, I just kicked the window in.”

After kicking in the rear window he could finally reach the victims, but with the SUV partially on top of the woman, he could not free either one.

During this time, another passerby stopped by with a fire extinguisher and put out the engine fire. After the fire was extinguished, Tamuzza and Coley were yelling at the passengers in the vehicle, trying to get a response from them.

“At this point, my first thought was that we needed to get the car into the upright position,” said Coley. “Two more pedestrians came up and we agreed to flip the vehicle upright again. We finally flipped the car upright and the trapped individuals, still unconscious, slid through the passenger side window.”

Bacon arrived at the accident scene just in time to assist with the injured individuals. The female passenger regained consciousness a few minutes later.

“She was in shock and started yelling and trying to lift her head off the ground,” said Coley. “I kneeled by her head and attempted to hold her still, while doing my best to hold her hand.”

The back of the male’s head was crushed; he was gasping for breath and was still unconscious. Tamuzza performed the jaw thrust procedure and removed glass from inside his mouth, which enabled the victim to breathe easier.

“Captain Bacon started prompting commands to me,” said Tamuzza. “I didn’t really hear anything else.”

Eventually Bacon took over the procedure from Tamuzza, but did call him back over to assist him. Bacon had Tamuzza perform a sternal rub while he kept the male’s airway open until paramedics and the Nevada Highway Patrol arrived.

The NHP had the three Airmen fill out police reports about the incident and thanked them for their quick actions.

The on-scene patrolman stated the victims would have died if they didn’t do what they did and they now have a fighting chance to live.

“My Air Force training helped me remain calm under pressure, to use the methods of patient triage to provide care to the more critically injured individual and work as a team to ensure the safety of the victims and those assisting until the paramedics arrived to take over,” said Bacon. “I stopped because I knew there were no paramedics on scene yet to transport the patient, and I consider it my responsibility as an emergency physician to provide whatever care in an acute situation.”

The 823rd Maintenance Squadron superintendent, Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Fife, applauded the rescuers on their swift and brave actions.

“Words cannot describe how grateful I am to serve with these U. S. Air Force Heroes. Senior Airman Tamuzza, Senior Airman Coley, and Capt. Bacon took action when lives were on the line and they held true to the U. S. Air Force Rescue motto ‘That Others May Live’ and exemplified our dedication to the civilians we protect,” Fife said. “The selfless devotion these three had to others’ lives, cements our commitment to the community in which we serve.”

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Kleinholz

Gen. Lori Robinson, Pacific Air Forces commander, delivers the keynote speech during the U.S. Air Force Weapons School Class 15-A graduation ceremony in Las Vegas, Nev., June 27. The USAFWS teaches graduate-level instructor courses that provide the world’s most advanced training in weapons and tactics employment. The goals of the courses are to train students to be tactical experts in their combat specialty while also learning the art of battlespace dominance.

The U.S. Air Force Weapons School is pleased to announce the graduates from USAFWS Class 15-A:

8th Weapons Squadron, Air Battle Manager, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada

• Capt. Ryan A. Bailey
• Capt. Tyler J. De Santis
• Capt. Shawn B. McNabb
• Capt. Brandon L. Rieker
• Capt. Alex M. Wallis
• Capt. Denise M. White

EC-130

• Capt. Kyle R. Eichorst
• Capt. Jason R. Hechler

RC-135

• Capt. Patrick J. Madden
• Capt. Kevin W. Sword

14th WPS, AC-130, Hurlburt Field, Florida

• Capt. Jared R. Butler
• Capt. Humberto J. Centeno
• Capt. Jena L. DeSmet
• Capt. Jonathan B. Vaage

MC-130

• Maj. Thomas M. Shine
• Capt. Todd J. Campbell
• Capt. Jared B. Davis

U-28

• Maj. Eric R. Bennett
• Capt. Joshua-Lee N. Lancaster
• Capt. Joseph E. Schlosser

16th WPS, F-16, Nellis AFB, Nevada

• Capt. Gregory R. Balzhiser
• Capt. Michael R. Broderick
• Capt. Grant E. Brown
• Capt. Alexander O. Esson
• Capt. Christopher J. Franks
• Capt. Anthony J. Kiggins
• Capt. Nicholaus R. Koval
• Capt. Anthony R. Norman
• Capt. Kyle R. Rutherford
• Capt. Rolf D. Tellefsen

17th WPS, F-15E, Nellis AFB, Nevada

• Capt. Kari M. Armstrong
• Capt. Timothy A. Causey
• Capt. Brian J. Leitzke
• Capt. Brent L. Peterson
• Capt. Nicholas R. Tsougas

19th WPS, Intelligence Weapons Instructor Course, Nellis AFB, Nevada

• Capt. Ben P. Fecteau
• Capt. Grant C. Gavran
• Capt. Sarah J. Grafton
• Capt. Kevin V. Hawkins
• Capt. Randy W. Jones
• Capt. Peter R. Laclede
• Capt. John P. LaMonaca
• Capt. James P. Nolan
• Capt. Brian J. Saari
• Capt. Nicholas S. Swanson

26th WPS, MQ-1/MQ-9, Nellis AFB, Nevada

• Maj. Tyson K. Sailer III
• Capt. Justin C. Henshaw
• Capt. Nicholas J. Meyers
• Capt. Scott J. VanOort
• Capt. Bradford W. Wade

29th WPS, C-130, Little Rock AFB, Arkansas

• Maj. Cade P. Keenan
• Maj. Stevie E. Rushing
• Maj. Ryan C. Stepp
• Capt. Scott J. Branco
• Capt. Jonathan P. Dixon
• Capt. Mark N. Hanna
• Capt. Lance D. King
• Capt. Tyrel J. Lyon
• Capt. Cynthia L. McKenna
• Capt. Scott C. Schavrien
• Capt. Ryan M. Wells

34th WPS, HH-60, Nellis AFB, Nevada

• Capt. Joshua P. Roberts
• Capt. Don N. Smith

57th WPS, C-17, McGuire AFB, New Jersey

• Capt. Zachary L. Coburn
• Capt. Wade M. Hetrick
• Capt. Justin L. Jarrell
• Capt. Christopher T. Martin
• Capt. Matthew D. Weinberg
• Capt. JohnRoss R. Wendler

66th WPS, A-10, Nellis AFB, Nevada

• Capt. Elijah D. Culpepper
• Capt. Joseph R. Curran
• Capt. Christopher M. Pezzini

77th WPS, B-1, Dyess AFB, Texas

• Maj. Brian A. Boland
• Capt. Michael L. Fick
• Capt. Ashley Marie Hardwick
• Capt. Ross S. Hobbs

315th WPS, Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, Nellis AFB, Nevada

• Capt. Nicholas E. Conover
• Capt. Seth W. Eastman
• Capt. John A. Grimes
• Capt. Frank G. Scopa

325th WPS, B-2, Whiteman, AFB, Missouri

• Maj. Charles W. Goetz
• Capt. Kevin J. Gadd
• Capt. Patrick A. Yanez

328th WPS, Cyber Warfare, Nellis AFB, Nevada

• Capt. Jaclyn F. Carter
• Capt. Stephanie S. Stanford
• Capt. Luke M. Travis

Space Superiority

• Capt. Earl R. Alejandro
• Capt. James D. Franciere
• Capt. Scott Y. Nakatani
• Capt. Shaun D. Phipps
• Capt. Francisco Vazquez
• Capt. Erik L. Wallace
• 1st Lt. Thomas L. Nichols
• 1st Lt. Aaron P. Summers

340th WPS, B-52, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana

• Capt. Mark R. Burley
• Capt. Shawn R. Elliott
• Capt. Austin D. Lohman
• Capt. Ryan J. Loucks
• Capt. Sarah K. Lowry
• Capt. Christopher M. Mathews
• Capt. Justin L. Silva
• Capt. Fleming R. Thompson

433rd WPS, F-15C, Nellis AFB, Nevada

• Maj. Michael P. Glass
• Maj. Nicholas A. Huet
• Capt. Tyler B. Marsh
• Capt. William T. Strohecker, IV

F-22

• Maj. Jeffrey M. Peterson
• Capt. Michael B. Kendall
• Capt. Drew R. Maulsby
• Capt. Bradley S. Roberts

509th WPS, KC-135, Fairchild AFB, Washington

• Maj. Brad D. Pactol
• Maj. Hiram C. Williamson
• Capt. Travis R. Epp
• Capt. Thomas J. Horan
• Capt. Emma G. House
• Capt. Robert E. Sheets

66th WPS, JTAC, Nellis AFB, NevadaTech. Sgt. Michael A. Brait

• Tech. Sgt. Chris R. Hopfensberger
• Tech. Sgt. David J. Maddeford
• Staff Sgt. Justin G. Geiger
• Staff Sgt. Benjamin R. Graser

8th WPS, AWDC, Nellis AFB, Nevada

• Tech. Sgt. Michael S. Pinto

19th WPS, AEMPC, Nellis AFB, Nevada
April 19-June 20

• Master Sgt. Shayvana Sartin
• Tech. Sgt. Dontrell Ford
• Tech. Sgt. Grant Hursin
• Staff Sgt. Casie Hoffman
• Staff Sgt. Tyler Leach
• Staff Sgt. Shaun Pechin
• Staff Sgt. Joseph Poehlmann
• Staff Sgt. Lindsey Rath
• Senior Airman Miguel Monroig

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — History was made June 27, when five graduates of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School’s Joint Terminal Attack Controller Weapons Instructor Course became the first enlisted Airmen in the school’s 66-year mission to be awarded the Weapons School’s graduate patch.
These graduates will now be recognized as subject matter experts on a broad spectrum of air-to-ground tactics, techniques, procedures, and the integration of theater-focused air, space and cyber power, said Col. Michael Drowley, USAFWS commandant.
“Patch wearers are humble, approachable and credible, and leaders for our air, space and cyber missions,” Drowley said. “For me as the commandant, this is an amazing and historic event. When I look at what patch wearers embody and what the Weapons School stands for, it comes down to instruction and leadership. And that doesn’t matter what rank you are — enlisted or officer — so we objectively looked at the criteria of what we want our graduates to be when they go out from here, and when we looked at our JTAC community, they embody all those objectives. So for us, it was an easy decision to say it’s time for them to be patch wearers.”
The five JTACs may be breaking through the barrier for enlisted Airmen becoming patch wearers, but these graduates will join 24 JTAC Advanced Instructor Course — the JTAC WIC’s former name — graduates from earlier classes who will also be awarded the coveted patch.
“This course, since its inception in class 12-B, has been exactly the same,” said Capt. Dennis Seay, 66th Weapons Squadron JTAC WIC flight commander. “The original seven guys that created this course, created a WIC and this process we’re going through now is the validation of their work. The course has definitely taken our JTAC ability to the next level, so the time we spend here plus the patch means we’re better JTACs, and we know we must be better JTACs when we go back into the field.”
Seay said the JTAC curriculum runs much like a standard WIC with 24 graded missions spanning five-and-a-half months, beginning with the equipment phase and finishing with advanced integration.
“One of the things we’ve been trying to emphasize throughout the course is during the next major conflict, one of these graduates will be in the planning cell and counted on to provide trusted council to commanders at the highest levels,” said Master Sgt. Matthew Tinck, 66th WPS superintendent and instructor. “That’s big picture; small picture is they’re going to go to their units and spread what they’ve learned, and try and find that next guy to come to this course.”
Tech. Sgt. Chris Hopfensperger, a JTAC WIC graduate from class 15-A, said the skills and relationships he’s built during the course will enhance his abilities on the battlefield now and in the future.
“Coming through this course definitely increased our skill of going against a near-peer type adversary and also helped us build relationships with other weapons platforms and other career fields,” Hopfensperger said. “I think this course makes us not just better tactical leaders, but also better strategic planners for that next fight.”
With JTAC AIC and WIC graduates receiving patches, the Weapons School commandant said the school’s enlisted mission has now come full circle. From 1942 to 1945, the Las Vegas Army Air Corps Gunnery School trained more than 45,000 enlisted B-17 gunners. The USAFWS’s mission roots can be traced back to the Aircraft Gunnery School, which was established in 1949 by a cadre of World War II combat veterans dedicated to teaching the next generation of soldiers.
Drowley said the future is bright for the JTAC WIC at the Weapons School, and its graduates will continue to be among the top one percent in their field.
“For the future of the JTAC WIC, I think you’re going to see an increase in demand, because we’re already getting amazing feedback about the graduates we’ve already produced,” Drowley said. “They’ll continue to evolve, and as we look at more robust adversaries, our joint terminal attack controllers are going to be integral in that evolution. I’m very proud of what they’ve done and what they’ll continue to do.”
The JTAC AIC rolled out in June 2012 with its initial seven cadre members graduating in December 2012 as part of class 12-B.
JTACs are responsible for coordinating the movements and activities of multiple aircraft and advising ground force commanders on where and how to attack enemy forces. They control attacks from aircraft and artillery — from a forward position — while keeping non-combatants and friendly forces safe. These Airmen are a powerful force multiplier that, in conjunction with skilled pilots patrolling the skies, can single-handedly change the momentum of a fight.
The following four career fields are eligible to attend JTAC WIC: Tactical Air Control Party, Air Liaison Officers, Combat Controllers, and Special Tactics Officers. The primary students for this course are TACPs and CCTs. The JTAC course is written for enlisted personnel only; however, an officer who will be filling the JTAC commander position is allowed and encouraged to come through the course as a student.
Active duty and Air National Guardsmen may apply for admission to the JTAC WIC. In order to be considered for acceptance, students must be fully-qualified instructors and submit a nomination package consisting of an applicant data sheet and a one-page nomination letter from the nominee’s wing commander or equivalent. Students are chosen by a central selection board.

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — One hundred ten Airmen completed their first professional military education milestone by graduating Airman Leadership School here July 2 as part of Class 15-E.

Eleven members of the class were recognized with individual awards.

Senior Airman Hannah C. Wendlandt, a member of the 57th Operations Support Squadron, received the John L. Levitow Award. This award is the highest award presented at all levels of enlisted PME and is given to the top graduate in the class. The recipient of this award has not only excelled academically, but also exemplifies the highest standards of a professional military member.

Senior Airman Byron D. Moraga, a member of the 99th Security Forces Squadron, received the Academic Achievement Award. This award is presented to the student who has demonstrated dedication to the core value of “Excellence in All We Do” and has achieved the highest overall academic score.

Senior Airman Byron D. Moraga, a member of the 99th Security Forces Squadron, received the Leadership Award. This award is presented to the student who displayed superior leadership, exceptional military bearing, and utilized effective interpersonal skills.

The following Airmen were the distinguished graduates of the class. These students were outstanding in objective and performance evaluations, demonstrated leadership, had superior performances as team players, and finished in the top 10 percent of the class.

• Senior Airman Byron Moraga
• Senior Airman Anthony Giampapa
• Senior Airman Jameil Sangalang
• Senior Airman Travis Patterson
• Senior Airman Brandon White
• Senior Airman Benjamin Hawk
• Senior Airman Spencer Hardesty
• Senior Airman Amanda Merritt
• Senior Airman James Klazky
• Senior Airman Kodi Jennings

Below are the names of the Class 15-E graduates and their flight instructors.

Thunderbird Flight

• Instructor: Staff Sgt. Shane Taylor
• Senior Airman Bryan Corsetti
• Senior Airman Sean Crimmins
• Senior Airman Robert Ecklor
• Senior Airman Jack Frasier
• Senior Airman Austen Garrett
• Senior Airman Anthony Giampapa
• Senior Airman Rylan Ham
• Senior Airman Carlie Hancock
• Senior Airman Benjamin Hawk
• Senior Airman Brandon Haycraft
• Senior Airman Dominique Lindsey
• Senior Airman Darri Mead
• Senior Airman Jordan Miller
• Senior Airman Peter Soares
• Senior Airman Jonathan Valdez
• Senior Airman Korey Vozar

Hunter Flight

• Instructor: Staff Sgt. Johnny O’Hagan
• Senior Airman Amanda Merritt
• Senior Airman Bruce Araiza
• Senior Airman Emmanuel Broussard
• Senior Airman Cristian Butz
• Senior Airman Christopher Clanton
• Senior Airman Joel Fields
• Senior Airman Brett Fifield
• Senior Airman Ariel Guzman
• Senior Airman Michael Morris
• Senior Airman Tyler Muckley
• Senior Airman Khalah Ravenell
• Senior Airman Esteban Rios
• Senior Airman Lucas Rutland
• Senior Airman Ty Trebing
• Senior Airman Robert Wainwright
• Senior Airman Hannah Wendlandt

Defender Flight

• Instructor: Staff Sgt. Courtney Slater
• Senior Airman Spencer Hardesty
• Senior Airman Clifford Abner
• Senior Airman Joshua Chalys
• Senior Airman Justin Cheng
• Senior Airman Peter Clark
• Senior Airman David Cohen
• Senior Airman Kyle Harvey
• Senior Airman Casey Holmes
• Senior Airman Shaun Johnson
• Senior Airman Terrence McDaniels
• Senior Airman Carson Meeks
• Senior Airman Laura Orrell
• Senior Airman Evan Thrasher
• Senior Airman Zachery Webbkeel
• Senior Airman Alyssa Wilson
• Senior Airman Zachary Zandt

Rescue Flight

• Instructor: Tech. Sgt. Jarad Guerrero-Salinas
• Senior Airman Jameil Sangalang
• Senior Airman Athela Aleta
• Senior Airman John Burke
• Senior Airman Jonathan Deacon
• Senior Airman Kalen Diaz
• Senior Airman Kirt Draker
• Senior Airman Skyler Harvey
• Senior Airman Jorge Lopez
• Senior Airman Derek Mayfield
• Senior Airman Jason Oconnor
• Senior Airman Perez Oppong
• Senior Airman Eric Pulver
• Senior Airman Matthew Sheary
• Senior Airman Sara Trussell
• Senior Airman Eduardo Vargasvazquez
• Senior Airman James Vrtis

Raptor Flight

• Instructor: Tech. Sgt. Wakisha Humphries
• Senior Airman Reena Austria
• Senior Airman Dustin Brink
• Senior Airman Aubrey Cameron
• Senior Airman Jay Connelley
• Senior Airman Thomas Crowder
• Senior Airman Amanda Fritz
• Senior Airman Tyler Green
• Senior Airman Briar Harvey
• Senior Airman Kodi Jennings
• Senior Airman Levy Ron Mercado
• Senior Airman Robert Nedley
• Senior Airman Travis Patterson
• Senior Airman Aaron Shavnore
• Senior Airman Brandon Snider
• Senior Airman Brandon White
• Senior Airman Bradley Younker

Red Horse Flight

• Instructor: Staff Sgt. Jonathan Bullock
• Senior Airman Steven Dores
• Senior Airman Kyle Brookins
• Senior Airman Christopher Burke
• Senior Airman Beau Fritz
• Senior Airman Johnchristopher Harback
• Senior Airman Kyle Hood
• Senior Airman Katherine Leathers
• Senior Airman Sheldon Marquez
• Senior Airman Maura Miller
• Senior Airman Byron Moraga
• Senior Airman Philip Pocock
• Senior Airman Adrian Ross
• Senior Airman Michael Shuler
• Senior Airman Chase Spilker
• Senior Airman Jacob Stott
• Senior Airman Joseph Valieant

Eagle Flight

• Instructor: Master Sgt. Shawn Hansen
• Senior Airman James Klaszky
• Senior Airman Mathew Benjamin
• Senior Airman Rebecca Brown
• Senior Airman Matthew Cabral
• Senior Airman Elizabeth Caperell
• Senior Airman Matthew Cason
• Senior Airman Taylor Hartman
• Senior Airman William Ingram
• Senior Airman Floyd Jones
• Senior Airman Brandon Jurgens
• Senior Airman Branden Maldonado
• Senior Airman Brandyn Peterson
• Senior Airman Joseph Ralston
• Senior Airman Garrett Sterba
• Senior Airman Sierraleann Williams

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Kleinholz
Majs. Ethan Waitte and Thomas Borrego, 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron pilots, stand with Lt. Col. Matt Allen, 422nd TES F-22 Raptor test director, after returning from a training sortie at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., July 27. Waitte and Borrego flew as wingmen throughout the sortie, during which they both simultaneously reached the 1,000 flight hour milestone in the F-22.

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — Ninety-six Airmen completed their first professional military education milestone by graduating Airman Leadership School here Aug. 13 as part of Class 15-F.
Eleven members of the class were recognized with individual awards.
Senior Airman Brant Casteel, a member of the 58th Rescue Squadron, received the John L. Levitow Award. This award is the highest award presented at all levels of enlisted PME and is given to the top graduate in the class. The recipient of this award has not only excelled academically, but also exemplifies the highest standards of a professional military member.
Senior Airman Ansel Morse, a member of the 58th RQS, received the Academic Achievement Award. This award is presented to the student who has demonstrated dedication to the core value of “Excellence in All We Do” and has achieved the highest overall academic score.
Senior Airman Ronny Epps, also a member of the 58th RQS, received the Leadership Award. This award is presented to the student who displayed superior leadership, exceptional military bearing, and utilized effective interpersonal skills.
The following Airmen were the distinguished graduates of the class. These students were outstanding in objective and performance evaluations, demonstrated leadership, had superior performances as team players, and finished in the top 10 percent of the class.

• Senior Airman Ansel Morse
• Senior Airman Gavin Fisher
• Senior Airman Rachel Riggs
• Senior Airman Jonathan Gonzalez
• Senior Airman Alexander Stephens
• Senior Airman Devon Cheatham
• Senior Airman Gail Jones
• Senior Airman Lorenzo Lucas
• Senior Airman Colin Romine

Below are the names of the Class 15-F graduates and their flight instructors:
Hunter Flight
Instructor: Staff Sgt. Johnny O’Hagan

• Senior Airman Ronny Epps
• Senior Airman Zeferino Aguirre
• Senior Airman Travis Beckwith
• Senior Airman Jordan Bradfield
• Senior Airman Robert Brown
• Senior Airman Cathleen Delacruzpaulo
• Senior Airman Christopher Dewitt
• Senior Airman Chelsea Duenas
• Senior Airman Spencer Erhart
• Senior Airman Erik Garza
• Senior Airman Zachariah Hancock
• Senior Airman Ansel Morse
• Senior Airman Andrew Nelson
• Senior Airman Misty Pergande
• Senior Airman Matthew Porto
• Senior Airman Robert Taylor

Defender Flight
Instructor: Staff Sgt. Courtney Slater

• Senior Airman Joshua Griggs
• Senior Airman Brandon Hann
• Senior Airman Daniel Hernandez
• Senior Airman Robert Hill
• Senior Airman Jacob Isgrigg
• Senior Airman Tia Jerin
• Senior Airman Gail Jones
• Senior Airman Aaron Linnean
• Senior Airman Nolan Locken
• Senior Airman Lorenzo Lucas
• Senior Airman Daniel Lutz
• Senior Airman Nigel Moore
• Senior Airman Alexandria Owens
• Senior Airman Nadja Simmons
• Senior Airman Kyle Turner
• Senior Airman Brandon Weaver

Rescue Flight
Instructor: Tech. Sgt. Jarad Guerrero-Salinas

• Senior Airman Jonathan Gonzalez
• Senior Airman Brett Barcia
• Senior Airman Samuel Camden
• Senior Airman Kelin Eberly
• Senior Airman Aaron Jackson
• Senior Airman Tamara Johnson
• Senior Airman Joseph Kindle
• Senior Airman Nathanael Klingberg
• Senior Airman Dustin Lee
• Senior Airman Jacquelyn Longar
• Senior Airman Christopher Myers
• Senior Airman John Shaver
• Senior Airman Alexander Stephens
• Senior Airman Brandon Thomas-Volkov
• Senior Airman Brant Vogelsang
• Senior Airman Jennifer Wilbanks

Raptor Flight
Instructor: Tech. Sgt. Wakisha Humphries

• Senior Airman Ranniel Macaldo
• Senior Airman Trevor Bethel
• Senior Airman Liezel Cabusao
• Senior Airman Brant Casteel
• Senior Airman Jeramy Coble
• Senior Airman Michael Demarbiex
• Senior Airman Derek Mccormick
• Senior Airman Jonathan Reyes
• Senior Airman Camille Rodriguez-Atkinson
• Senior Airman Omar Romelus
• Senior Airman Colin Romine
• Senior Airman Michelle Spurlock
• Senior Airman Kenneth Tucker
• Senior Airman Marlene Velezroque
• Senior Airman Levi Walders
• Senior Airman Daniel Zavala

Red Horse Flight
Instructor: Staff Sgt. Jonathan Bullock

• Senior Airman Eric Kianpour
• Senior Airman Eliza Allen
• Senior Airman Daniel Baldridge
• Senior Airman James Brown
• Senior Airman Darrian Burris
• Senior Airman Derrick Cabrera
• Senior Airman Daniel Collier
• Senior Airman Thalia Diaz
• Senior Airman Justin Grandizio
• Senior Airman Neil Johnson
• Senior Airman Deon McCarthy
• Senior Airman Marisa Moreno
• Senior Airman Blake Murnane
• Senior Airman Reid Nichols
• Senior Airman Jordan Pelletier
• Senior Airman Gregory Steele

Thunderbird Flight
Instructor: Staff Sgt. Shane Taylor

• Senior Airman Gavin Fisher
• Senior Airman Katrina Barrios
• Senior Airman Tobin Blatchford
• Senior Airman Nathan Brandenburger
• Senior Airman Devon Cheatham
• Senior Airman Kenneth Delongchamp
• Senior Airman Aaron Dlutowski
• Senior Airman Sierra Elliott
• Senior Airman Kevin Knight
• Senior Airman Candace Middleton
• Senior Airman Dean Mock
• Senior Airman Rachel Riggs
• Senior Airman Nathan Scheel
• Senior Airman Bryant Vaughn
• Senior Airman Skip Wilson
• Senior Airman Anton Yakovenko

CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — During the recent air-ground Weapons Systems Evaluation Program, also known as Combat Hammer, Aug. 3-7, four Airmen here distinguished themselves above their peers in both maintenance and aircrew operations.
These four Airmen of the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Staff Sgt. Charlie Loper, Senior Airman Charles Deadrick, Capt. Angela, and Staff Sgt. Trevor went above and beyond earning them the honor of outstanding performers.
During pre-load inspections, Staff Sgts. Charlie Loper and Charles Deadrick identified unique discrepancies not normally seen by weapons or munitions personnel. The two worked together to make the necessary repairs in a short amount of time, still enabling on-time take-off time allowing three of four bombs being deployed rather than only two.
“This is a great example of Airmen innovation, as this took some outside-the-box thinking to rapidly come up with the solution and quickly perform the necessary maintenance, all the while remaining safe and within tech data as verified by WSEP evaluators,” said Col. Matthew Finnegan, 432nd Maintenance Group commander.
For the aircrew, Capt. Angela, 42nd Attack Squadron pilot, and Staff Sgt. Trevor, 42nd ATKS sensor operator, executed the mission seamlessly earning them the honor of outstanding performers.
“Capt Angela and Staff Sgt. Trevor distinguished themselves with exceptional mission planning and strike execution,” said Col. Julian Cheater, 432nd Operations Group commander. “Their hard work and dedication enabled for a 100 percent hit rate with GBU-12 laser-guided bombs and an over 75 percent hit rate against challenging moving targets with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.”
Combat Hammer in an annual exercise which tests maintenance crews, pilots, sensor operators, and intelligence Airmen on operationally assessments evaluating the reliability, maintainability, suitability, and accuracy of remotely piloted aircraft munitions.
For more information on the WSEP exercise please visit http://www.creech.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123455565.

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Thomas Spangler

Staff Sgt. Sven Raemer, 34th Weapons Squadron special mission aviator, stands next to a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on an HH-60G Pave Hawk at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Sept. 8. Raemer was recently awarded the Staff Sgt. Henry “Red” Erwin Outstanding Enlisted Aircrew Member Airman of the Year Award for his actions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, showcasing his leadership abilities, and furthering his education by working towards a Bachelor’s degree. The annual award is presented to an enlisted aircrew Airman for his or her outstanding accomplishments related to flight activities, how their leadership abilities impact unit members, and what actions the Airman has taken for self-improvement through education and training.

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — Staff Sgt. Sven Raemer, a special mission aviator assigned to the 34th Weapons Squadron, was recently awarded the Staff Sgt. Henry “Red” Erwin Outstanding Enlisted Aircrew Member Airman of the Year Award.
The annual award is given to an enlisted aircrew member for their outstanding accomplishments related to flight activities, how their leadership abilities impact unit members, and what actions the Airman has taken for self-improvement through education and training.
As a special mission aviator, Raemer mans a .50 caliber machine gun on an HH-60G Pave Hawk or AC-130 Gunship, and is in charge of ensuring the safety of passengers and equipment before, during and after a flight.
While serving as a special mission aviator with the 56th Rescue Squadron, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, from January 2013 to December 2013, Raemer deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
“There was an Afghan soldier who had been shot in the head,” Raemer said. “We landed right away and picked him up. Less than five minutes later we were back at the forward operating base and we got him into the hospital. A couple of months later, we were doing a regular medivac of transferring a patient to Bagram (Air Base). While at the hospital we ran into that Afghan solider who had taken a round through the head. He survived and was learning to walk and talk again. That was pretty cool.”
According to his award citation, Raemer flew 127 combat hours over 86 missions where his technical expertise and airmanship led to the recovery of 64 casualties from the battlefield.
In addition to his actions while deployed, Raemer also showed leadership and self-improvement, furthering his education by completing four college level entry placement exams and working toward a Bachelor’s degree.
“We’re proud of him. It’s not likely that you’re going to get an award like this,” said Tech. Sgt. James Juniper, 34th WS special mission aviator. “For being new to the unit, it shows that he’s the one we wanted to hire; it shows that we picked the right person.”
Staff Sgt. Henry E. Erwin, the award’s namesake, served as a radio operator aboard a B-29 Superfortress in the Asia-Pacific theater during World War II. During a 1945 bombing mission over Koriyama, Japan, a phosphorus bomb prematurely exploded in the aircraft seriously wounding him. As smoke filled the plane, Erwin was able to throw the bomb out of a window, saving the aircraft and its crew. For his actions, Erwin was awarded the Medal of Honor.
“[Erwin’s story] just epitomizes doing everything you can possibly do for your crew,” Raemer said.

Hard-working students deserve recognition, so the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is rewarding military students in grades 1-12 who maintain a “B” or better average with the “You Made the Grade” program.

“We love it when military students excel,” said the Davis-Monthan Exchange General Manager Cathy J. Ely, “so it’s natural to encourage and reward great grades.”

For the past thirteen years, this program has rewarded schoolchildren around the world with a “You Made the Grade” coupon booklet listing a multitude of free products and discounted offers. The 2013 version includes a free Burger King Hamburger kid’s meal, Subway 6-inch combo, $2 off any new release CD or DVD at Power Zone and a complimentary haircut, among other great prizes. In addition, qualifying students can register for a drawing to win a $2,000, $1,500 or $500 Exchange gift card.

Students can receive a “You Made the Grade” booklet by simply presenting a valid military ID and proof of an overall “B” average at the Davis-Monthan Exchange at the manager’s office. Those eligible may receive one coupon booklet and submit one drawing entry each qualifying report card.

Staff Sgt. Erich B. Smith

162nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

There may have been no stream of paparazzi lining a red carpet at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa, but the Arizona Air National Guard’s own stars showed up in their service and mess dress uniforms at the 2013 Outstanding Airman of the Year Banquet (OAY) award ceremonies here March 9.

All the Arizona Air Guard’s units – from the 107th Air Control Squadron to the 162nd Fighter Wing – were present to honor Airmen who in 2012, exemplified the highest professional standards of the guard’s most valued asset – its people.

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Richard A. Smith, formerly the ninth Command Chief Master Sergeant to the Director, National Guard Bureau, served as the keynote speaker for the occasion. “They fulfill and define the greatest military organization in the world,” said Smith, referring to the 23 nominees of the evening. “These Airmen went above and beyond their AFSC or job title.”

Though the event was ultimately geared toward the nominees, OAY was an opportune moment for all attending Arizona Airmen to express their gratitude toward each other, reinforcing the “buddy” concept of being a good wingman inside and outside the confines of their respective units.

“It’s not a 9-5 thing we do at work, and we have to get each other’s backs,” said Capt. David Fitzmaurice, Assistant Director of Operations from the 107th Air Control Squadron. But the evening, according to Fitzmaurice, was about “bringing us all together in a casual setting while honoring those who are nominated.”

Juergens, the aircraft fuel systems repair shop NCOIC who won in the Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year category, credits his victory to the dedicated Airmen who surround him whenever he puts on his ABUs and reports for duty.

“As a shop supervisor, my success is a direct reflection of their success,” he said. “They’re (his crew) the engine that makes it happen.”

But in achieving excellence, Juergens points to military life-lessons that require focus and dedication.

“Set goals, learn your job well, enjoy where you’re at, and never take it for granted,” he said.

Grounded in protocol and rooted in honor, formal award ceremonies are time-honored, military traditions – connecting a modern-day fighting air power in the desert to warriors dating back to B.C times. Thus, the extravagant nature of the banquet was not lost on the attending Airmen.

During one of the many introductions of the evening, Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Irving, Arizona State Command Chief, said not all 54 states and territories were able to hold such an award ceremony, and he thanked the Phoenix Air National Guard (PANG) Patriots – a military support organization – in particular for making the function a reality.

Along with other monetary prizes from various organizations such as GEICO and AAFES, PANG presented each of the OAY winners with a $250 check. Additionally, Arizona Air Guard winners will eventually compete against other states’ Airmen, ending in final competition against the winners of other Air Force components.

Congratulations to the 2012 winners!

Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Russell Shirley, assigned to the 214th Air Reconnaissance Group.

Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Staff Sgt. William Reid, assigned to the 107th Air Control Squadron.

Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. David Juergens, assigned to the 162nd Fighter Wing.

First Sergeant of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. Marclen Polanco, assigned to the 162nd Fighter Wing.

Honor Guard Member: Staff Sgt. Ty Alan Goeken, assigned to the 162nd Fighter Wing.

Command Chief Master Sergeant Award: Tech. Sgt. Susan Koncz, assigned to the 161st Air Refueling Wing.

Major General Donald L. Owens Junior Officer of the Year: Capt. Matthew S. Hodges, assigned to the 162nd Fighter Wing.

WASHINGTON (AFPS) — In light of recent discussions concerning the new Distinguished Warfare Medal and its order of precedence relative to other military decorations, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered a review of the award, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said here today.

Little said Hagel directed Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to conduct the review and expects to make a decision about the medal’s fate after assessing the findings.

“Secretary Hagel consulted with the chairman, the Joint Chiefs and the service secretaries and knows that the decision to establish the medal was carefully and thoroughly analyzed within the Department of Defense,” Little said.

Opponents of the medal question the hierarchy of technology-driven warfare such as unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned underwater vehicles, missile defense and cyber capabilities, as the operators may not be anywhere near a combat zone.

“Production of the medal has stopped,” Little said, adding that there are so far no nominations for it, allowing time to make a final decision.

Little noted that the secretary has a long history of involvement and membership with veteran service organizations, including a stint as head of the USO.

“He’s heard their concerns, he’s heard the concerns of others, and he believes that it’s prudent to take into account those concerns and conduct this review,” Little said. “His style as a leader is to be [decisive] and also to be a ready listener.”

It has been almost 65 years since Staff Sgt. Esther Blake became the “first woman in the Air Force”, and paved the way for countless women to come after her. Women have joined the U.S. Air Force under various career fields, and many hold jobs that are genuinely considered male-only fields. This series will recognize these pioneering women who are leading the way for future female Airmen and the Air Force in general.

Master Sgt. Karen Rogers is a survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialist with the 612th Air Operations Center. She has traveled over the world training American and foreign military members in SERE techniques. She is also currently one of only five female SERE specialists in the Air Force.

For almost 16 years, she has trained personnel in the fundamentals of SERE and orchestration and planning of recovering isolated personnel. Her career as a SERE specialist began at basic military training.

“I joined the military to experience new things, and they were recruiting out of basic training at the time,” Rogers said. “They showed all basic trainees a video, and everything in the video was something that I had never done. So, I said, ‘Let’s give it a try.’”

Survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists begin their schooling in the SERE indoctrination course. They do physical training and get a little experience teaching. The potential SERE specialists also go out to the field for testing.

“The instructors get to see if you have what it takes to be a SERE specialist,” Rogers said, “You also get to see if this is really what you want to do.”

The trainees build shelters, learn how to build fires, navigate and even learn to hunt for their own food by snaring and, as humanely as possible, killing an animal.

“It was different,” Rogers said. “It wasn’t bad. It was the first thing that I had ever killed, other than bugs. It was interesting. We got to experience our first lesson in overcoming aversion.”

After INDOC, SERE specialists go to Fairchild AFB, Wash. to attend technical school. It is here that, for five and a half months, they go through several phases and environments in their training. They learn to survive in arctic, tropical, coastal, and water environments, as well as learn how to teach survival in those environments.

Survival, evasion, resistance and escape is a unique career field in which the specialists become instructors straight out of technical school.

“I love instructing,” Rogers said. “That is part of what, I think, keeps people doing what we do. You’re teaching people stuff that is going to potentially save their lives.”

After graduating from technical school, SERE specialists go through up to six months of on-the-job training. The new SERE specialists are accompanied by a trainer to ensure that students are being instructed properly and given the correct information, as well as give pointers to the SERE specialists.

All of the students that go through level C SERE training receive guidance in everything from building a fire to evading capture and resistance training.

“In every class, you get people, from places like inner-city New York, that have never seen a tree outside of a park, so they’re extremely intimidated when they go out to the field,” Rogers said. “They don’t know how to light a fire, and it may even take them the entire week they are out there to learn how to do it, but just seeing the light bulb come on when they finally get it makes our job worth it.”

Survival, evasion, resistance and escape is a very unique job and grants its specialists a distinct degree of recognition. Being one of five female SERE specialists grants an even greater level of unicity.

“It’s high visibility,” Rogers said. “When people see the beret and the arch, they tend to strike up conversation quite a bit. You have to be outgoing, which you have to be in this career field anyway.”

Rogers said the career field has opened many doors and opportunities for her. She has been to Panama, Honduras and Korea, and she even went to New Zealand as part of a six-man team to train instructors for the New Zealand army’s Resistance to Interrogation course. She was allowed to be an undershirt for the 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here, and she even gets to mentor a few females outside of her unit on base, who contact her because of her career field.

“The number one question I get from people is ‘What does your beret mean?’ followed by ‘I didn’t know females were allowed in SERE,’” Rogers said. “I get emails, probably on a weekly basis, from females here who want to cross train into SERE saying, ‘What do I need to do to get into that?’ I just try to get the word out that we need and want females in the career field. There are no differences in standards. They have to pass the same fit test as the guys, but it’s doable. I think everyone should do the job.”

Name/Squadron: Airman 1st Class Crystal Martinez, 355 Security Forces Squadron

First Sergeant: Master Sgt. Ragnone

Duty Title: Response Force Leader

When Joined the AF:  May 2011

Hometown: Tucson, AZ

Hobbies: Running, Playing Softball, Reading Books, and Watching Movies

Selection Reasons: Airman Martinez deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan where she secured 31K Coalition Forces, $50 billion in US/NATO aircraft and other resources. Her attention to detail resulted in being hand selected as TASS operator, where she oversaw 400 sensors worth $7.1 million and directed quick reaction force alarms ensuring security for the base perimeter. She also controlled security for 20 MEDEVAC missions ensuring the safe recovery of injured warriors.

She has also completed courses in Criminal Justice, Ethics, Corrections/Incarceration and Criminology at Pima Community College. Airman Martinez is currently taking courses in Writing and Math working to transfer to Arizona State University online. She is actively involved in the community, volunteering as head softball coach for El Rio Fastpitch Baja Softball 12 & under division.

The 612th Support Squadron was awarded the 2012 E.D. Jewett Award by the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, March 7.

The E.D. Jewett Award recognizes the squadron at Davis-Monthan AFB that best represents the finest tradition of military excellence and community involvement in the previous year. The award is named for Col. E.D. Jewett (Ret.), a past Chairman of the Military Affairs Committee and a past Chairman of the Board of the Tucson Metro Chamber.

The 612th SPTS was one of 49 units on base eligible to compete for the award. Submissions were based on mission accomplishments, utilization of resources, base support and community support.

Members of the 612th SPTS had numerous accomplishments for their mission, utilization of resources and base support; however, it was their community support activities that solidified their win. The squadron donated numerous off-duty hours collecting and distributing Christmas gifts for less fortunate children, cleaning up Tucson highways, working at community food banks, supporting children’s crisis shelters, volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, mentoring children at local schools and coaching Special Olympics athletes.

“This is your accomplishment and your award and I am humble to be your commander and leader,” Lt. Col. Ryan Hollman, 612th SPTS commander, said to his squadron. “I can’t tell you how proud I was to stand in front of all the great squadrons at D-M and accept this award.”

42nd ECS Diamond Sharp

Name/Squadron: Staff Sgt. Sarah Parsley/ 42nd ECS
First Sergeant: Master Sgt. James Goley
Duty Title: EC-130H Flight Engineer
When joined the AF: Aug. 26, 2003
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
Hobbies: Hiking, swimming, going to baseball games, working on cars and running.
Selection Reasons:

• Completed EC130H Flight Engineer trng crs; received 100% on final test–
• 42 ECS DTS envoy; assisted in creation of TDY vouchers and orders–reduced redeployment timeline by 30%
• Chosen above peers for RA duties; secured $350K of equipment–bolstered student combat readiness by 45%
• Hand-picked by Flight CC; revamped sq OCO cardholder program–critical member of sq’s mobility readiness

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — For the 12th time in its history, and for the sixth consecutive 2-year period, Air Force officials endorsed the 57th Wing as among the very best, as it earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for June 1, 2013 to May 31, 2015.
The mission statement of the 57th WG, the U.S. Air Force’s most diverse wing, is to “Provide advanced, realistic, and relevant training focused on ensuring dominance through Air, Space, and Cyberspace.”
“It is a well-deserved recognition of the efforts and accomplishments of the outstanding men and women of the Bullseye Wing and their significant contribution to our Air Force,” said Brig. Gen. Christopher M. Short, 57th Wing commander.
The 57th WG’s personnel provide advanced air and space training to Air Force, Joint, and Coalition warfighters while managing the fast-paced and demanding flying operations at Nellis Air Force Base.
Specifically, wing responsibilities include advanced aircrew training, tactics development and publication, maintenance and logistics, command and control training, and operational test support for U.S. and allied combat air forces the world over.
Units of the wing include the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, the 57th Adversary Tactics Group, the 57th Operations Group, the 57th Maintenance Group, the U.S. Air Force Advanced Maintenance and Munitions Operations School, the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron (the Thunderbirds), and the 561st Joint Tactics Squadron.
Thirteen geographically separated units across 12 states extend the impact of the wing.
The Air Force established the 57th WG at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, in March 1948 to provide air defense of Alaska, flying F-51, F-80, C-47, C-54, and C-82 aircraft. The unit redesignated as the 57th Fighter-Interceptor Wing on Jan. 20, 1950, before its inactivation on Jan. 1, 1951.
The service redesignated the unit as 57th Fighter Weapons Wing on Aug. 22, 1969, activating it at Nellis AFB to replace the 4525th Fighter Weapons Wing on Oct. 15, 1969. Initially at Nellis AFB, the wing flew the A-7, F-4, F-100, F-105, F-111 and T-39 aircraft.
Other redesignations include the 57th Tactical Training Wing on April 1, 1977; 57th Fighter Weapons Wing on March 1, 1980; 57th Fighter Wing on Oct. 1, 1991; and 57th Wing on June 15, 1993.

U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Dennis J. Henry Jr.

Senior Airman Caroline Rulison, 99th Aerospace Medical Squadron aerospace medicine technician, low-crawls during the 2015 Annual EMT Rodeo held at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Sept. 17 through 18. After two days of intense scenario run-throughs, the Nellis AFB Emergency Medical Technician Rodeo Team won first place in the Commando Challenge. The Commando Challenge was one of 19 categories of competition.

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — After two days of intense scenario run-throughs, the Nellis AFB Emergency Medical Technician Rodeo Team won first place in the Commando Challenge that was a part of the 2015 Annual EMT Rodeo event hosted by Cannon AFB, New Mexico, Sept. 17 through 18.
The Commando Challenge is a scenario-based obstacle course where competitors had to put a multitude of skills to use.
Team Nellis won the Commando Challenge with a perfect score and a time of 8 minutes and 57 seconds.
“Winning first place in the Commando Challenge is awesome,” said Senior Airman Caroline Rulison, 99th Aerospace Medical Squadron aerospace medicine technician. “The Commando Challenge was the main challenge during the combat-skills day. For us, this challenge was the big one — the one that really matters, because this is, ultimately, what we’ve been trained to do.
“Yes, we can wrap a broken arm or take care of a diabetic patient — and all of that is important — but if we can’t save lives down range and if we can’t be counted on to get our injured comrades to safety when situations head south, then we’re not real medics. Of all the challenges, the Commando Challenge was the one that felt most important, so coming in first place feels pretty darn good.”
The EMT Rodeo consisted of 19 categories during which 21 teams from 22 installations across the Air Force were challenged based on their EMT knowledge in simulated medical emergencies.
“The teams were to perform lifesaving maneuvers on patients in timed scenarios, while scoring points on the specific scenario based on how they performed their medical skills,” said Rulison.
The rodeo challenged medical technicians with strict guidelines, demonstration and implementation of accurate techniques all while under the watchful eye of evaluators.
“The EMT rodeo challenged me to reflect back on everything I have learned as a medic and ensured that members were performing scenarios to the correct lifesaving standards we are all taught throughout our careers,” said Senior Airman Mario Perez, 99th Surgical Operations Squadron medical technician. “Watching other members perform medical skills over and over again, I was able to gain knowledge in the way someone else was doing something that might save time or be easier than what I was doing to treat a patient.”
Not only was the competition challenging, it also showcased camaraderie amongst the teams.
“In the scenarios, you have to be able to count on the skills and competency of your team,” said Rulison. “Learning to trust each other and work together felt natural for us because we all get along and have similar mindsets, but the challenges definitely forced us to grow stronger as a team. For the Rodeo as a whole, it was great being able to meet people from all around the world. Because we were all facing the same challenges, we had a shared sense of camaraderie.”
The members of the Nellis EMT Rodeo Team were Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Villalpando, Senior Airman Caroline Rulison, Senior Airman Mario Perez, Senior Airman Aaron Olivares and Airman 1st Class Kevin Manzi.

U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nadine Barclay

Tech. Sgt. Nadine Barclay, 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs NCO in charge, took 1st place in the 2015 San Diego Shoot-Off Ken Hackman Challenge Sept. 25-27 in San Diego. She, along with 30 other members of the Department of Defense, received training from top photographers and mentors in the business and then were assigned to capture the theme of ‘service.’

CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — Tech. Sgt. Nadine Barclay, 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs NCO in charge, took first place in the 2015 San Diego Shoot-Off Ken Hackman Challenge Sept. 25-27 in San Diego.
The shoot off was a four-day photography workshop which gathers professional photographers, judges, and mentors to help provide development and training to photographers at all skill levels within the Department of Defense.
Barclay competed against 30 members within the Air Force and Navy to capture the theme of “service” in three to five photos.
“When they announced the theme, everyone kind of groaned because everyone thinks of the military as service which is what we do all the time,” she said. “The reality was we were assigned to shoot anything that was a ‘service’ so I chose transportation services.”
Barclay spent around nine hours riding the San Diego railways looking for her shots, trying to see things differently than she ever had, especially since this was her first time participating in a shoot-off.
“It was really exciting but it was also a lot of hard work and long hours,” she said. “Overall, I had a great experience and it was interesting to see the different perspectives from everyone. For me I tried to take something I didn’t normally see on a day-to-day basis and make it interesting.”
She went on to say the conference was a great networking opportunity because everyone is able to interact with other services, civilians, instructors and mentors.
“Sergeant Barclay beat the odds as only one of two Airmen by competing against 28 other service members from different branches and she soaked up the energy of the workshop and put in long hours,” said Senior Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo, 432nd WG/432nd AEW Public Affairs superintendent. “She’s transforming that knowledge and training for our Airmen to strive for excellence in photojournalism; this excellence allows our team to fully communicate how our home station protects our country.”
The San Diego shoot-off is part of a series of workshops hosted throughout the year by the National Association of Naval Photography.

The U.S. Air Force Advanced Maintenance and Munitions Operations School celebrated a milestone recently, graduating its twelfth Advanced Maintenance Superintendent Course class on Oct. 9. AMMOS graduates, who come from various maintenance and munitions units across the Air Force, will go back to their bases to produce, mentor, and advise others in all aspects of aircraft and munitions maintenance.

AMSC Class 15C graduates:

• Senior Master Sgt. Eric M. Allard, Misawa Air Base, Japan
• Senior Master Sgt. Troy Barber, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.
• Senior Master Sgt. T.J. Braithwaite, Dyess AFB, Texas
• Senior Master Sgt. David M. Hatch, Beale AFB, Calif.
• Senior Master Sgt. Timothy R. Hines, RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom
• Senior Master Sgt. Jack C. Johns III, Ramstein AB, Germany
• Senior Master Sgt. Michael J. Jovanovich, Minot AFB, N.D.
• Senior Master Sgt. Michael S. Kuhn, Beale AFB, Calif.
• Senior Master Sgt. Jason T. Levine, Offutt AFB, Neb.
• Senior Master Sgt. Seth A. Lininger, Grand Forks AFB, N.D.
• Senior Master Sgt. Erick T. Lunn, Kadena AB, Japan
• Senior Master Sgt. Eric D. Middaugh, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
• Senior Master Sgt. Arthur L. Middleton, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
• Senior Master Sgt. Daniel S. Miller, Ramstein AB, Germany
• Senior Master Sgt. Jonathan R. Mobley, Luke AFB, Ariz.
• Senior Master Sgt. David F. Penisten, Travis AFB, Calif.
• Senior Master Sgt. Stephen M. Ransom, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom
• Senior Master Sgt. Rob L. Reitz, Kirtland AFB, N.M.
• Senior Master Sgt. Erica K. Rhea, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii
• Senior Master Sgt. Spencer W. Ridgway, Holloman AFB, N.M.
• Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey B. Whiting, Tyndall AFB, Fla.
• Senior Master Sgt. James M. Williams, Dyess AFB, Texas
• Senior Master Sgt. Thomas L. Wilmoth, Andersen AFB, Guam
• Master Sgt. David M. Brown, Fairchild AFB, Wash.