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(HEAD)Intramural Flag Football MG scores early, often, beats TRANS, 33-0 DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - Rob Howard scored three touchdowns leading the Medical Group to a 33-0 shut out victory over the Transportation Squadron in second-round intramural football playoff action Wednesday night. The first half of the game was completely dominated by the Medics, with Jason Belcher scoring the first touchdown only five minutes into the contest. Craig Satchell followed up the play by running the ball in for an extra two points. Not long after, Steven Hyppolite found the end zone for the second touchdown of the game. The Medics finished the first half with a 20-0 lead as Howard also scored. In the second half, Howard scored two more touchdowns. An additional extra point brought the final score to a total of 33 for the Medics. "When we're on our game we play really well," said Medics coach Jamey Pierson, "We really played as a team." As for hopes of going to the championship this year, coach Pierson said, "We'd like to get in it again and win it all this time." The Medics romp began a trifecta of shutouts as the Component Repair Squadron defeated the Support Group, 12-0 and Supply bounced the Logistics Support Squadron 20-0. The winning teams all advanced to the third round of playoff action. The championship contest is scheduled for Tuesday. CTLOPEZ (Publication date, October 16, 1998)

(HEAD)Local incentive flight offers new perspective DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - Systems were checked, lap belts were strapped, engines roared, and eyes were wide open as six young airmen embarked on what for the most of them, was their first military flight aboard one of Dover Air Force Base's C-5 Galaxy aircraft. The flight was an air refueling training mission which had been additionally tasked as an incentive flight. The incentive flight program allows outstanding Dover Team members, not involved in flying career fields, to see what the flying part of our mission is really like. "I think it expands their visibility a little bit more on what's involved with flying, because they start first thing in the morning with the aircrew," said Chief Master Sgt. Jay Gross, 436th Operations Group superintendent and current administrator of the incentive flight program. "They get to see a little bit of what the aircrew goes through and what they have to do to prepare for a flight." The program was started several months ago by Command Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Lewin and Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth Powell, 436th 0G. They started researching the program back in March or April. It's been running now since about June, said Gross. Airmen are hand selected for the mission through their chain of command, said Gross. "The selection process is done through the group superintendents." "This last flight, I called the aerial port and told the first sergeant they're allocated one slot for the incentive flight. Then I let the first sergeant within the squadron do the selection. I believe they selected their Airman of the Quarter." It's not just airmen who are selected for the incentive flights either. "Anybody is eligible," said Gross, "including civilians." Those selected for the flight will see, for the most part, what an aircrew goes through on a typical flight. "It's a chance to let them see how many people are involved in the process. You start at the flying squadron and see what the loadmasters, pilots and engineers do to get ready," said Gross. Additionally, the program helps members not involved in flying related jobs realize how complex the mission is and how their own efforts fit in. "From aerial port loading operations and fleet services, to life support and maintenance, you see all the people that are involved in launching just one airplane," said Gross. "A lot of things have to be coordinated and put together. It helps an individual get a perspective of how important their little piece of the pie is in getting that airplane off the ground and on its way to where it needs to go." "It was good for an airman that doesn't spend much or any time on the flight line in the course of duty, to see what Dover's mission is," said Airmen 1st Class Johnathan Spreadbury, 436th Medical Operations Squadron, one of the six airmen selected to go on the flight. "Flying on the flight deck and hearing what the crew is doing, it's very different, as opposed to a 747." The next incentive flight, a night refueling mission, is scheduled Nov. 23. If things go as planned, the incentive flight program will continue to reward deserving team members at Dover. "The most important thing is that we're recognizing our people for the job they're doing," said Gross. "This is one way we can recognize our top performers and say thanks for the time, work and effort they put in." CTLOPEZ (Publication date, November 6, 1998)

(HEAD)Super Port assists in hurricane relief effort DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - Whether it's hauling a shipment of troops and equipment to Southwest Asia, or moving a load of humanitarian relief supplies to hurricane victims in Central America, it's all part of the job for the 486th Aerial Port Squadron here. The aerial port received approximately 250 tons of supplies Nov. 12 and 13, the equivalent of two fully loaded C-5 Galaxies. The squadron palletized the aid, which ranged from food and clothing to badly needed medical supplies. "All the humanitarian aid that came in was processed that night and ready to go," said Lt. Col. Paul Curtis, 436th Aerial Port Squadron commander. "That was in addition to supporting Phoenix Scorpion III and doing our regular work. We were pulling people from staff areas and offices just to handle this all at once." "I'm normally a safety guy," said Staff Sgt. Kevin Routzahn, 486th Aerial Port Squadron. "Cargo comes through here every day, you don't know where it's going. But, whenever it comes through and you know you're actually helping people, the flood stricken, it puts faces with the work. It puts pride with what you do." "I think they rather enjoyed it," said Curtis. "They volunteered to do it. And not just military, we had our civilians helping as well." I've never seen everyone work so hard. I was impressed," said Joseph Reilly, a 436th APS civilian material handler. "It was organized and non-stop. I don't know how we did it, but I felt good about it. We worked hard." "It's a good morale thing. It allows us to work together as a team and enjoy doing something a little different. It pulls the whole Port together," said Curtis. "It's incredible," said Brian Mulligan, of the New York Catholic Health Care Network, an organization involved with providing relief to Central American disaster areas. "We would not have been able to get our supplies down there without the military. The other option would have been a private ship. It would have taken seven to ten days in sea time. "The immediacy and coordination was fantastic in our view," Mulligan continued. "I think that the crew at Dover was very helpful in helping us to prioritize the movement of supplies. They ensured medical supplies were shipped out first even though they were on the last truck to arrive." In spite of the effort, Mulligan said there is still much work to be done. "It may take in upwards of 30 years to get the region back on track," he said. But the Dover APS is ready for the challenge. "The military's goal is defending the country and supporting the objectives of the United States," Curtis said. "It's national policy. In this case, national policy was humanitarian relief to a national ally. It's part of the mission. "This mission falls under the Denton Program and makes moving this type of cargo part of the job we do," Curtis said, referring to a 1985 amendment to the 1961 Foreign Assistance Act. "It allows the Department of Defense to transport humanitarian assistance by air or sea on a space-available basis free of charge. "Under this program, relief comes from all over the country," Curtis continued. "The government supplies the transportation, the manpower and the facilities. People donate the food, the medicine and the clothing. And a lot of it's from private citizens, out of peoples' closets and pantries." Efforts like this are not easy. It takes a lot of effort and teamwork to make it happen. "The Port is pretty much known as the 'Can do squadron,"' said Curtis. "We're well known for the amount of volume we ship, how fast we move things and how efficient our process is, so a lot of this humanitarian effort will come through here. We have motivated and dedicated people and we can get the job done efficiently and effectively. That's why they send it to the Super Port." CTLOPEZ (Publication date, November 20, 1998)

(HEAD)Civil Engineer Squadron spreads a little Christmas cheer DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - A good 200 toys, some with wrapping, some without, are piled under a tree that reaches at least half way to the top of the atrium in the building housing the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron. These gifts, intended for numerous children, mostly nice, but perhaps some just a little bit naughty, aren't from Santa. But the children will never know that. For the last nine years, said Mary-Lou Hagelberg, coordinator of the "Adopt-A-Child" program, the members of the 436th CES have been providing toys to the children of CE airmen. "Mainly it's for our senior airmen and below and their children," said Hagelberg. Hagelberg and her husband, Master Sgt. (ret.) Paul Hagelberg came up with the idea nearly a decade ago. "We both work at CE. This was a way for him to give something back after 27 years of active duty," said Hagelberg. CE airmen are selected for the program by members in their chain-of-command. "The first sergeant gives us a list of names," said Hagelberg. "He comes up with a list or their supervisors suggest them. "We put a number for each child on the list. We put their age and whether they are a boy or girl. Then we distribute the list to all the shops and the flights in the squadron. They will call up and say 'Give me number four, the two year old boy!'" After a shop or flight chooses a child to sponsor, they are required to provided at least six gifts for that child, said Hagelberg. "The entire squadron participates," said Master Sgt. Ricardo Rodriguez, 436th Civil Engineer First Sergeant. "Every flight volunteers to sponsor a child. Everybody takes it pretty seriously, and not everybody goes out and buys gifts. A lot of people hand-craft gifts, like toy airplanes and hand- made baby quilts for the dolls." This year, some 22 children and their parents will benefit from the generosity of CE members. "There are so many people that struggle during the holidays," said Tech. Sgt. Carrie Dobos , co-coordinater of the program for eight of it's nine years. "The parents appreciate it." "We really do appreciate it. It's a wonderful feeling," said Senior Airman Kimberly McKinney, a mother of two children. "When you have just one income, as in my case, CE provides almost 90 percent of my presents. In the first year it was almost 100 percent. I couldn't afford anything. I've been here for three Christmases. Every Christmas CES has provided gifts. The CES cares for each other so much." Really, the Adopt-A-Child program is as much about the children who receive the gifts as it is about their parents, active, hard-working members of the CES. "I think the squadron is a bunch of unsung heroes. And I know I'm getting on the soap box here," laughed Hagelberg, "but these kids bust their behinds fixing sewer pipes and leaking roofs. This is just our way of saying thank you, our way of saying 'We care about you.'" "We want to spread the Christmas cheer and take care of each other around the squadron," said Rodriguez. "You know, this is just a small thing we can do for our families here in CE. It's funny that Year of the Family is coming about just this year, because we've had Year of the Family here in CE for nine years." CTLOPEZ (Publication date, December 18, 1998)

(HEAD)436th SUPS encourages members to turn in deployment gear DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - It happens to most of us. You think you put three pairs of socks into the dryer and you only get two and a half pairs back out. It's bothersome to say the least. The dryer doesn't really eat them. It's simply a break in the chain of accountability. The 436th Supply Squadron is very much in tune with how personal accountability can affect mission readiness, and how certain circumstances can influence how closely accountability is maintained. For example, SUPS is responsible for issuing necessary and accountable equipment such as chemical masks, to deployable units. The squadron sometimes issues that equipment to units ahead of time. Units may then put that equipment into the hands of individuals within their squadrons in order to more effectively store it. When that happens, said Lt. Col. Edward Skibinski, SUPS commander, you are lengthening the accountability trail. The emphasis on the importance of tracking that equipment becomes fuzzy. "When somebody PCSs out, the gas mask they were given becomes the last thing on their mind, as a result," said Senior Master Sgt. Barbara Campbell , 436th Supply Squadron, "people leave them in the trunk of their car or in their apartment." Accountability is also impeded when the equipment is not from your unit. Equipment can easily be forgotten or misplaced when members from other bases come through without necessary items and Dover Air Force Base must supply that equipment to them. "We recently had two airmen come through who did not have their chemical ensembles," said Skibinski. "They were tall people, but they only had medium ensembles. Their unit probably only had that size when they left. We signed some gear out to them, and we ran it out to the airplane. I have no doubt that equipment will get back into the supply system, but probably not here. Dover will show a shortage for that equipment." "Funding then becomes a big issue," said Skibinski. "Less accountability leads to misplaced equipment and ultimately that takes money out of the pot for quality of life issues at Dover." There are solutions being considered to address the problem. "The wing is looking to set up a consolidated deployment operations center. The Aircraft Generation Squadron is moving into their new squadron operations building, and we're looking at moving the Personnel Readiness Unit into Building 582. Wing members would process out through there as a one stop shop; when they return they would process back in through there to return their items," said Skibinski. Ultimately, deployable individuals can contribute to the solution, said Skibinski. "The Air Force is becoming a mobile force, an expeditionary force. We are not forward basing as many troops as we did in years past. We rely on personal and organizational equipment to be mobile. People need to be ready personally with their shots, their weapons training, and their personal gear. The gear needs to be in good condition and of sufficient quantity. People need to be vigilant and have to remember when you sign that hand receipt you are accountable for that gear. It's really is an awareness issue." CTLOPEZ (Publication date, December18, 1998)

(HEAD)Base gears up for air show DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - The countdown to Dover Air Force Base's 1999 air show, "A Celebration of Airlift," began this month with a visit from the Navy's premier aerial demonstration team, the Blue Angels advance team. Marine Corps Maj. Bruce Shank, the Blue Angel's event's coordinator and Navy Lt. Keith Hoskins , the Blue Angels' narrator, arrived at Dover AFB in an FA18-b Hornet, a plane similar to the one that will be used by the Blue Angels in their May 15-16 air show here. The purpose of the visit was two fold. First, the team wanted to get a feel for the local airspace, and second, the team wanted to brief local air show planners about the requirements of the Blue Angels team. "This was really a chance to come to the base and familiarize them- selves with the surroundings," said Maj. Frank Smolinsky, 436th Airlift Wing, Public Affairs chief. "As they flew in, they circled the base several times. That was done on purpose to get a good view of the airfield, see how it is laid out, and locate visible obstructions that the team would need to be aware of the day of the show." Checking out the lay of the land and getting a feel for the air space is important. Sometimes, said Hoskins, they discover an area is too crowded with obstacles such as buildings or power lines, "and those areas are just inappropriate for an air show." "Once the team landed, they met with the wing air show committee to begin preliminary discussions about the requirements of the Blue Angels, so that we could begin planning, and purchasing the things they need for their performance," said Smolinsky. The air show committee, made up of representatives from the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings, is responsible for putting the show together. The committee is divided into up into subcommittees responsible for everything from taking care of the Blue Angel's billeting arrangements, to concessions and trash pickup after the air show, said Smolinsky. "They met to discuss operational issues like crowd control, parking, fueling, show line and crowd line," said Maj. Mickie S. Ho, the wing air show director. "Additionally, the Blue Angels wanted to talk to the Federal Aviation Administration and other points of contact at the base to relay their requirements for their portion of the air show." The in depth and intense planning for the event will allow the Blue Angels to come to Dover Air Force Base and do their job, without having to sweat small details. "For instance," said Smolinsky, "getting smoke oil for the show, arranging parking and refueling for the planes, and reserving accommodations for the Blue Angels team are all issues which need to be dealt with. Every detail of the Blue Angels arrival and stay here at Dover will be handled by the Dover team. All the Blue Angels will have to do is show up, unpack, get in a jet and fly." "Planning for the arrival of the Blue Angels will take a lot of organization from every group on base," said Smolinsky. "From crowd control and event security which will be provided by the Security Forces Squadron, to the ground support provided by the Aircraft Generation Squadron, the air show will involve every part of the wing in some way. "It helps showcase the excellence, talents, and professionalism of the entire Dover Team," said Ho. "All agencies on base will be involved. This is not a one-squadron show. The services squadron, maintenance squadrons, the flying squadrons and the reserves are just some of the agencies that will be represented. It really is a Dover Team effort." Dover AFB's air show May 15-16 will showcase some of the best elements of the military. "It really shows the taxpayers what they are paying for," said Ho. And from the military as a whole, "it will be a small token of thanks to the public for their sup- port." A Dover air show web site has been established and can be reached off the Dover AFB web page, located at www.dover.af.mil (the Air Show site is no longer posted here, but the Dover Web Page remains.) It will be updated as new information and details are confirmed. CTLOPEZ (Publication date, Janurary 15, 1999)

(HEAD)CSAF meets troops, addresses key issues DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - The Air Force chief of staff visited here Jan. 22 to meet with troops and to field questions on several key issues affecting the Total Force. During his visit, Gen. Michael E. Ryan addressed several topics, including retirement benefits, the 21st Century Air Force and the mission of the Dover Air Force Base and it 36 C-5 Galaxy aircraft. "One of the issues that arose, as part of the need to retain quality people, was the change in the retirement system that happened in 1986," said Ryan, during a media opportunity here. "We want to make sure that we return the retirement system to the 1986 level. This is people, after 20 years of service, where we sent them overseas multiple times, where they were separated from their families, where we've put them in harm's way, get the same retirement that the people got before 1986. And that is 50 percent, as opposed to the 40 percent they would be getting now." Ryan said President Bill Clinton supports the idea of returning retirement benefits to a pre-1986 level, allowing retirees to receive retirement pay equivalent to 50 percent of their active duty pay. Currently, the plan states retirees will receive retirement pay amounting to only 40 percent of active duty pay. The current plans affect those members who joined the service after October 1986. While the changes in the retirement plan won't affect service members until 2006, the promise of less pay to retirees has consequences on the service today. According to Ryan, affected members and their families are making decisions today about whether they should leave the Air Force now, or stay until retirement. Ryan also touched on methods of creating a more powerful and mission ready Air Force for the 21st century. First, Ryan covered funding issues. "We came forward and asked the administration for $5 billion a year more for the United States Air Force because we need it," said Ryan. "Come look at our forces that we have deployed, at our forces stationed overseas. Then tell me we don't need to help those folks do their mission better." In addition to funding issues, Ryan explained the concept of base "robusting" as a method of building a stronger, more mission ready Air Force "We have to 'robust' some of our bases," said Ryan, "to allow us to continue the operations tempo that we have, and have been experiencing over the last few years. As we respond to Bosnia's, southern Asia's and Iraq's, we have to go forward and bed down those temporary operating locations. We have to take the capability to do that forward with our existing bases. That leaves our bases back home thin." "Part of robusting our bases has to do with putting about 5,000 more manpower slots into those bases that support forward rotations and forward security. The Air Force has too many infrastructures. Our forces are spread too thin around the United States, and we need to consolidate. Quite honestly, I believe we need several base closures, and we will not be able to do that unless we have a base closure and realignment act out of Congress," said Ryan. "We want to turn around the dips in readiness we have now; we need to make this Air Force ready for the 21st century." Finally, Ryan discussed the current and future mission of Dover AFB, and the C-5 Galaxy aircraft. "Dover is one of our hubs on the East Coast of the United States, and it is a critical airlift hub for our C-5 aircraft. There is a great synergism here between the active and reserve forces who together perform this mission," said Ryan. "It's a great base, a great bunch of folks, and a great community. The Air Force is proud to be able to serve here." "The future role is that it's going to be around for another 40 years," said Ryan of the C-5 Galaxy aircraft. "It is an airplane with some unique capabilities that we don't have in the rest of the fleet. We will continue to work very hard on modernizing the C-5. We have avionics modernization and some reliability and maintainability capabilities we're going to put into the airplane to raise its mission capabilities. In this budget we're presenting to congress this year, you'll find a substantial increase in funding for the C-5, to enhance it's capability." Ryan testified Jan. 20 before the House Armed Services Committee. There, he requested an additional $5 billion a year, over the next six years, so the service could maintain mission readiness. The Department of Defense will release its budget Monday. CTLOPEZ (Publication date, January 29, 1999)

(HEAD)Eagle Wing responds to in-flight emergency DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - The Eagle Wing's ability to quickly respond to emergency situations was put to the test Saturday. The action unfolded when one of Dover Air Force Base's C-5 Galaxy aircraft, with a crew from the 3rd Airlift Squadron, and flying a routine training mission, alerted the Command Post their landing gear was not functioning properly, and declared an in flight emergency. "We started out with two landing gear problems, actually," said Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Reuning, a C-5 Galaxy systems expert with the 436th Airlift Wing Standards and Evaluation Squadron, and a key player in the assembled Battle Staff which helped troubleshoot the problem. "Initially when the air crew tried to retract the gear, one of the left main landing gear remained in transit, which means it is neither up nor down. The flight manual calls for the flight engineer to go down and look at the gear itself through an inspection port," said Reuning. "What the flight engineer looks for is mechanical damage, and there was no sign of mechanical damage. At the same time, one of the right landing gear did not indicate down and locked." According to Reuning, the aircraft would have been severely damaged had it attempted to land with its landing gear problems. "The gears were perpendicular to the runway," said Reuning. "The worse case scenario would have been to rip that wheel assembly off, and the plane would have lost braking and broke its hydraulic lines." While the lives of the fight crew were not in danger, according to Col. Felix M. Grieder, 436th Airlift Wing commander, the performance of everyone involved shows that the Eagle Wing is primed for any situation that comes along. When the commend post was informed of the situation, Grieder decided to activate the wing's Baffle Staff. The Battle Staff is made up from wing staff agency representatives and group commanders; to include 512th Airlift Wing representatives if needed. It's purpose is to direct wing emergency response actions. "In this case, based on the situation, I decided it was serious enough to warrant Battle Staff activation. I asked for the group commanders to come in, as well as representatives from Public Affairs and Wing Safety. We got together on short notice Saturday morning," said Grieder. The Battle Staff gathered at the Command Post and began looking for solutions to deal with the problem. Fortunately, one of the problems had already been solved. The flight crew was able to fix the problem with the right aft main landing gear before the Baffle Staff had actually assembled. "The fix was non-standard, it wasn't in the book," said Reuning. "The crew came up with a work around procedure and asked me if it made sense. We reviewed the landing gear schematic and decided to give it a try and that fixed the problem." While the problem with the right aft main landing gear had been corrected, the left aft main landing gear remained an issue to be solved before the plane could land. In order to correct the landing gear failure, the Battle Staff contacted several sources via conference call to discuss possible solutions to the problem. "We got with Lockheed, the manufacturer of the C-5 and with Kelly AFB, which is the depot. We got two engineers on the phone and again reviewed what had already taken place and what steps the crew had already taken. They got out their electrical, hydraulic and mechanical schematics and reviewed those," said Reuning. Meanwhile, the C-5 continued to circle the base, making several passes so wing emergency personnel could visually inspect the landing gear. "Keeping the plane airborne, to burn off excess fuel is standard procedure for an aircraft experiencing an in-flight emergency," said Lt. Col. Mark Juscius, 436th Airlift Wing Safety chief. "In this case it was the right thing to do, to reduce the weight of the aircraft and minimize damage to the airframe if it was forced to land with its damaged landing gear." After nearly five hours of constant communication between Lockheed, the flight crew, members of the Battle Staff and Kelly AFB, a solution to the problem was found, and the left aft main landing gear was returned to its correct position so the C-5 could land safely. "The air crew depressurized the hydraulic system for the landing gear and the auxiliary power unit start accumulator and then repressurized the systems," said Reuning. "Shortly after- wards, the gear extended normally." The swift actions of the air crew, Battle Staff and wing emergency personnel in the face of unusual circumstances impressed the Eagle Wing commander. "The team troubleshot this and went through the emergency procedures just as they were trained to do, proving they are ready for any situation that may occur. They came up with an innovative solution which led to a success in getting the landing gear down," said Grieder. "I am very impressed with the performance of all those involved, their ability to work together, and their ability to problem solve. Situations like this show the Eagle Wing is ready to respond to any given situation." CTLOPEZ (Publication date, February 5, 1999)

(HEAD) Air Force IDEA program benefits all DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - You've just pulled out of the parking lot at your office and onto the street. A car, not necessarily speeding, has just missed broadsiding you. This isn't the first time this has happened to you. In fact, you've heard others in your office say the same thing. "There needs to be a stop sign here!," you think to yourself. Or perhaps you have repaired that one particular part from a C-5 just one too many times. You know why it breaks and how it breaks. You also know that if a different part were used, it could save the Air Force time and more importantly, it could save the Air Force money. Since October 1997, Dover Air Force Base has been participating in the Innovative Development through Employee Awareness (IDEA) program, said Staff Sgt. Omar B. Then, IDEA analyst with the 436th Airlift Wing Manpower and Quality Office. The Air Force wide program encourages members to submit their ideas, with the hope the ideas will help save the Air Force money, which in turn will help the Air Force modernize itself. "The main purpose of the IDEA program is to solicit money-saving and work-saving programs from individuals in the field," said Then. "Primarily, it is things that will make them do their jobs better; perhaps they are an expert in their jobs and they look at their job and think 'it doesn't make sense that we do it this way' and then they come up with a better way." As an added incentive to the program, individuals submitting an idea that is approved and accepted by the Air Force are monetarily rewarded. "There are two types of ideas which may receive awards: tangible and intangible," said Then. "For the intangible idea, the award is $200 if it is approved. An approved tangible idea will get you a maximum of $10,000, based on a 15 percent first year savings." For example, a recent idea from Staff Sgt. John M. Hroncich 436th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, resulted in an improvement to a C-5 strobe light subassembly. The result to Dover Air Force Base was a first year saving of approximately $262,000 and $10,000 to Hroncich. When a member has an improvement or suggestion, it is up to them to fill out the proper form in order to submit it. Members should speak to their supervisor for assistance with finding and filling out the proper forms. "Once the supervisor fills out and signs the Air Force Form 1000, they send it on to 436th Airlift Wing Manpower and Quality Office," said Then. "Once it comes into our possession it is an IDEA. It could be approved, or disapproved. From us it goes to the office of primary responsibility or the squadrons for evaluation." While Then noted that the majority of IDEA suggestions last year came from the logistics community, you don't have to be part of the Logistics Group to make a suggestion and reap the benefits of having your idea approved. "Everybody can submit," said Then, although he noted that not everybody can get paid for it. The program appears to be working well for Dover Air Force Base and for the Air Force For fiscal year 1998, the IDEA program saved Dover Air Force Base $159,000 and saved the Air Force more than $150 million. In turn, the Air Force awarded a total of $4.3 million dollars to IDEA participants with approved ideas. "Anybody out there can do it, even though most people think it is a hassle," said Staff Sgt. Jon Wedel, an instructor with the 373rd Training Squadron, and "prolific contributor to the IDEA program," according to Then. "If you take the time to research an idea, you can do it," said Wedel, who has more than 20 IDEA approvals under his belt. "In addition to the money, the program gives young airmen the chance to be recognized by their commanders in a good light." For more information about the IDEA program, contact the Manpower and Quality office at 677- 6691. CTLOPEZ (Publication date, February 26, 1999)

(HEAD)Eagle Wing commander discusses wing priorities for the coming year DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - The 436th Airlift Wing commander has announced the 1999 Eagle Wing Initiatives for personnel assigned to Dover Air Force Base. According to Col. Felix M. Grieder , the wing's top priority for 1999 will be a renewed focus on family, fitness and readiness. "Everybody is part of a family," said Grieder, as he explained the Air Force concept of family. "Whether you are an 18-year-old single airman living in the dormitory, or a sergeant with a family living in the family housing area, we want to take care of everyone here and we want everyone to consider Dover Air Force Base as a family. "Our theme of family coincides nicely with Air Mobility Commands Year of the Family," said Grieder. "So it was not by accident that family is a priority. I consider this an important concept that will affect everybody at Dover Air Force Base, not just traditional military families." Grieder highlighted some of the more recent examples of the family atmosphere here at Dover Air Force Base. "For the single airmen in the dormitory we had 'Operation Cookie Drop,'" said Grieder. "That was an initiative by the Year of the Family committee. Due to their efforts, and the efforts of our First Sergeants, they saw to it the airmen in the dormitories had cookies delivered before Christmas. Over 400 half-dozen packages of cookies were distributed." Additional family initiatives at Dover AFB included the construction of several family oriented recreational sites on base and in the housing areas. "You'll see a lot of things geared towards family members, such as the new playground across from the passenger terminal and some new playground equipment in the family housing area. There will also be a rollerblading facility by the Youth Center," said the Eagle Wing commander. "You're going to be seeing a lot of things where you think 'This is really going to improve life here at Dover Air Force Base.'" The concept of family provides Dover Team members with a very real sense of strength through unity, but physical strength, fitness and good health, all critical to Dover's mission, are all things which must come from the individual. Grieder said several recent construction projects here have helped shape the face of fitness at Dover AFB and are providing more opportunities for Dover Team members to push them selves toward being fit. "For fitness, you'll see several things. Our civil engineers recently completed a jogging trail from the south gate area out to the Air Mobility Command Museum. It is a six-foot-wide jogging trail and I encourage people to go out and use it," said Grieder. "Our fitness center will reopen March 30," said Grieder "Additionally, a motivated team of civil engineers recently completed the renovation of the Health and Wellness Center. This is yet another opportunity for our people to use health and fitness equipment." The colonel also noted fitness involves more than equipment and facilities. "It also goes into the health aspects. I We want our people to be healthier," said Grieder. "For instance, we have a very aggressive campaign to reduce the number of smokers at Dover Air Force Base. We want to reduce the number of tobacco users here by at least one third." Grieder explained some of the changes at Dover AFB concerning tobacco use. "Last year, we went to smoke-free dormitories. Now we are entering a phase where we will designate some family housing units as smoke free. We're not going to be moving families, but as buildings become vacant due to changes of station and separations, we're going to look at those buildings where we already have a number of nonsmoking families, and convert them to smoke-free facilities." The wing commander also noted there are tobacco cessation classes available at the Health and Wellness Center. While family and fitness are both important to the Air Force mission, one doesn't have to look farther than the front page of the local newspaper to see the mission readiness of our service is fast becoming a major issue. "There are three different aspects to readiness," said Grieder "The people need to be ready, the equipment needs to be ready, and the people need to be well trained for the mission." Grieder elaborated, "In order to deploy, members need to have their affairs in order. This means having shot records up to date and having the proper equipment and uniforms to take with you. We also need to make sure those people are properly trained. "Are they trained at the minimum level? Or are people trained to be proficient so they can go and do the job?" asked Grieder. "We are looking for more than just currency; we are looking for proficiency." The Eagle Wing has scheduled several exercises to help members become more proficient in their training. "We have, an Operational Readiness Exercise scheduled for late April in preparation for June's Operational Readiness Inspection. Between the two we will have smaller readiness exercises, and also a 'Haunted House,' where people will have a chance to try out their chemical warfare training." Grieder said the April ORE would be larger than the February's ORE, and will involve more Dover Team members. "All members will focus on the exercise. Everybody will be in Battle Dress Uniform and will focus on their part of the readiness mission. Everybody will be focused on training. "I hope and have every reason to believe these initiatives will improve our readiness posture, the ability to do our mission, and the quality of life for our people," said Grieder. "Our families are important and we are committed to taking care of them. We will continue to seek ways to improve the fitness of the people assigned to the Eagle Wing. And in our preparation for June's ORI, we will stress training our people for the tasks they face in meeting our mission anywhere in the world." CTLOPEZ (Publication date, March 12, 1999)

(HEAD)3rd AS, OSS take Intramural Basketball Championshop with 54-39 win against EMS DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - The combined squad from the 3rd Airlift Squadron and the Operations Support Squadron beat out the Equipment Maintenance Squadron in what turned out to be a futile game of catch-up for EMS at the base Intramural Basketball Championship Game at the Sports and Fitness Center, March 18. 3AS/OSS began their path to victory when 3AS/OSS scored the game's first 3 points just a minute and 20 seconds into the game. It took nearly 3 additional minutes before EMS retaliated with their first score in the game, bringing the game score to 3-2. The rest of the first half was tight. EMS moved ahead of 3AS/OSS twice, at one point, a three-pointer put EMS ahead of 3AS/OSS with a 14-11 lead. Unfortunately, that lead would end up being the largest, and last lead the EMS would have during the game. The last moments of the first half left no questions about who was destined to win the championship. With a well established 5 point, 20-15 lead, 3AS/OSS managed to squeeze in yet another 4 points, two sunk by 3A5/OSS captain Millard C. Finch Jr. The first half closed out with an 24-28 lead for the 3AS/OSS. The second half of the game was dominated more by free throws and fouls than by anything else, with the 25 of the 51 points scored in the second half shot from the free-throw line. Two of those free throws were from 3AS/OSS, and were shot with a mere 1 second left on the game clock. That tense finish gave SAS/OSS a 54-39 game lead over EMS, and brought the team it's trophy. "I feel real good about this," said a proud, 3AS/OSS coach. "This is the third time we won the championship and it feels good. If we have the same team, I think we can win again next year." CTLOPEZ (Publication date, March 26, 1999)

(HEAD)Dover Air Force Base writes new policy on tobacco use DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - Some major changes are on the way for users of tobacco at Dover Air Force Base. A new policy from the wing commander was recently briefed to squadron commanders. The new policy more clearly defines what behaviors will be tolerated by users of tobacco, in addition to where and when tobacco use is permitted. While the Air Force already has an official policy on tobacco use, Air Force Instruction 40-102, the Eagle Wing has made a decision to localize that policy with it's own instruction. The supplement leaves less room for misinterpretation of the Air Force policy. "This policy clarifies the expectations of Dover a little more," said Maj. Diana Curtis, Health Promotions Manager at the Health and Wellness Center. "The Air Force policy has been left open in certain areas, to allow installation commanders to emphasize their own ideas on the policy." According to Curtis, the most obvious change in the policy states "The Air Force will no longer designate non-tobacco use areas. All areas will be considered tobacco free..." What this means is that members will not be allowed to use tobacco products anywhere on base except in areas specifically designated as tobacco use areas. "The AFI states installation commanders or squadron commanders designate a tobacco use area," said Curtis, "those areas designated for tobacco use will be clearly marked." The wing policy makes it clear that outdoor tobacco use will be limited to designated tobacco use areas only. "Even when you are out of uniform, on the weekends, or are just hanging around the dorms, you need to be in the designated tobacco use areas," said Curtis. For clarification, the policy also states members in uniform will not use tobacco products while walking, or while riding a bicycle. The rules for tobacco use indoors have also been clarified. "There are only three areas on base that allow indoor tobacco use," said Curtis. "Those areas are the Bowling Center, the Global Activities and Community Center, and the Landings. And there are specific areas within those locations that have been set aside for tobacco use." According to Curtis, smoking in base housing is still permitted, but the idea of completely eliminating smoking in those has been discussed. Curtis also added that since "tobacco" includes chewing tobacco as well as cigarettes, the rules will apply equally to both. "This means users of smokeless tobacco are not permitted to use it indoors, they must use it outdoors, in the designated areas," said Curtis. While the new policy may seem to some to be too strict, it is not the strictest in the Air Force According to Curtis, some commands, such as Air Education and Training Command, enforce a 100 percent non-tobacco use policy for students during duty hours. "We are not breaking new ground with this supplement," said Curtis, "others have done it already." "The Air Force wants its members to quit the tobacco habit mainly because of the detrimental health affects, some short term, and quite a bit of which are long term. Heart disease and cancer rates are higher in smokers," said Curtis. Dr. Thomas D. Fadell Luna, 436th Aerospace Medicine Squadron commander, says tobacco users, specifically smokers, effect mission readiness. "We know in the medical group that smokers spend a lot more time in sick call than do non-smokers," said Luna. "We know fliers who smoke spend a lot more time on non-flying status due to illness than do non-smoking fliers." "The Air Force has about 29.3 percent tobacco users among active duty members. We would like to take two to four percent off of that," said Curtis. "The ultimate long rang goal, however, is a tobacco-free Air Force" CTLOPEZ (Publication date, April 2, 1999)

(HEAD)Dover Air Force Base MARE goes well DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - Dover Air Force Base recently completed a Major Accident Response Exercise. The exercise began around 9 a.m. Friday when crash phones rang, announcing a Dover C-5 was having trouble with an engine. The exercise escalated to a simulated crash of the C-5 Galaxy aircraft, with injuries and casualties. The MARE, involving numerous civilian organizations, along with base organizations, tested the wing's ability to respond to a major on-base accident, said Chief Master Sgt. Rene Simard, 436th Airlift Wing Plans and Programs. According to Simard, the process was really intended to be a learning process for military and civilian disaster response teams to gauge how they might work together in a real world situation. "This was the first time many of us actually had to work with our civilian counterparts, the overwhelming consensus was that it went very well," said Simard. "The off-base agencies integrated very well with our folks and everybody had a great attitude." "I think it's very important that we worked together with civilians," said Airman 1st Class Jonathan Spreadbury, 436th Medical Group and MARE participant. "The planes landing here can carry hundreds of people. I don't think our medical group could handle something that large. We would rely on the civilians to help us. All the major inpatient facilities are downtown." Simard said, "Our goal was to walk through the process. We hope to do something similar in the next three to six months. Next time we will make it more of a challenge, with as little notice as possible. That will make it more of a challenge for everyone involved in the exercise." CTLOPEZ (Publication date, April 9, 1999)

(HEAD)436th Medical Group takes nine AMC level awards DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - Col. Patricia A. Buck, 436th Medical Group commander always knew her staff were some of the best in the Air Mobility Command. Her beliefs were recently substantiated when the Medical Group received nine Air Mobility Command level awards for 1998. "I'm extremely proud of the men and women of the 436th Medical Group. Their hard work, professionalism, and dedication to helping others is evident in the high quality of care they provide day in and day out," said Buck. "These awards reinforce what we already knew. They are the best of the best." Recipients of the awards included three members from the Dental Squadron, three from the Aerospace Medicine Squadron, and three from the Medical Operations Squadron. Master Sgt. Kevin Vegas, 436th Dental Squadron superintendent, received the AMC award for Senior NCO of the year. Vegas' leadership of an eleven member team, aiding the Armed Fortes Institute of Pathology in the forensic identification of 22 casualties from a terrorist bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Kenya and a helicopter crash at Nellis Air Force Base, contributed to his receiving the award. Tech. Sgt . Ursula Young being named Dental NCO of the Year is partially due to her work reducing the number of Dover AFB personnel not qualified for worldwide service due to dental health to less than 1 percent. The acceptable level set by AMC is five percent. Senior Airman Rebecca Taylor was named AMC Dental Airman of the Year for her exceptional clerical work and management of the Records and Reception Section during the six weeks absence of the Noncommissioned Officer In Charge. "One reason for the outstanding performance of the Dental Squadron may be its commitment to the enlisted force," said Capt. Elaine Dekker, 436th Medical Group Executive officer "The Dental Squadron seems to have carried out the idea of ACM's Year of the Enlisted Force, beyond just a year." In the Medical Operations Squadron, Staff Sgt. Eric Cisney was named Physical Therapy Craftsman of the Year. Some of Cisney's achievements include the creation of a new gym program, allowing one-on-one instruction on gym equipment. The program decreased patient time in the Physical Therapy Clinic and allowed patients more independence. Cisney was also involved with the Delaware State Senior Olympics Program; his instruction provided an environment, which produced zero injuries for more than 100 participants. Capt. Catherine E. McGowan, a physical therapist from the 436th Medical Operations Squadron,was named AMC Physical Therapist of the Year for her contribution to the recent high scores on the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations and Health Service Inspection inspections. McGowen prepared participants for the inspections by conducting mock survey inspections of primary teams. McGowen was also involved in the organization of Medical Group Spouse's orientation for the Year of the Family Capt. Judith Hughs , a nurse, gained recognition as AMC Nurse of the Year partly for her reorganization of the drug list for the Minor Procedure Unit. The improvement minimizes the waste of unused drugs, and improves efficiency of drug administration for nurses who rotate through the MPU. Hughs has also volunteered to teach a class on pain management at a local hospital. "Each one of these people do their job with excellence every single day," said Lt. Col. Janice I. Lee, 436th Medical Operations Squadron commander. "They are very involved with community activities in the city and the state. Each is an energetic person looking for ways to do things better. It is a validation of what we have known all along that we have excellent people here that work very hard, it is nice to see them recognized." In addition to the Medical Operations Squadron and the Dental Squadron, the 436th Medical Group as honored to have another squadron, the Aerospace Medicine Squadron, receive high honors. Senior Airman Kora G. Parks, named AMC Medical Readiness Airman of the Year, was honored in part for her ability to perform under pressure. During Phoenix Scorpion II and Phoenix Banner her coordination of the Global Reach Laydown Team deployment enabled medical clearances and weapons issuance to be performed efficiently, ensuring the team and equipment were ready to deploy ahead of time. Airman 1st Class Sarah Byron was named AMC Public Health Airman of the Year, for her work safeguarding pregnant workers at Dover AFB. Her awareness of safety issues allowed for the identification of dangerous work environments for pregnant workers and the subsequent relocation of three workers for the duration of their pregnancies. For her work with civilian work force records, Airman 1st Class Stacey S. Bonk was named AMC Aeromedical Airman of the Year. Bonk's participation in the audit of civilian medical records led to the retirement of more than 1000 files, improving record manageability and simplifying record keeping duties for coworkers. Quality performance is not limited to these nine 436th Medical Group team members, quality really is evident throughout the entire Medical Group. "We're fortunate to have a lot of young people doing super things for the Air Force and for their community," said Senior Master Sgt. Alan Wilkerson, 436th Medical Group superintendent. "For our folks to have achieved this level of recognition is significant and noteworthy of their dedication to the 436 Airlift Wing and to all of our patients and clientele." CTLOPEZ (Publication date, April 16, 1999)

(HEAD)Dover C-5 Galaxy first tested in AMC for Y2K compliance DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - One of Dover Air Force Base's 36 C-B Galaxy Aircraft was recently tested to ensure it was Y2K compliant. The aircraft was the first in Air Mobility Command to undergo such a test. Y2K, short for "Year 2000," has become a buzzword for problems created when older computer systems fail to recognize the coming millennium as 2000, and instead, because of outdated programming, misinterpret it as 1900. The tests, conducted on the ground as well as in the air, were designed to ensure the C-5's systems would be able to deal with the date change, or "roll-over" from 1999 to 2000. "This mission was intended to demonstrate the C-5 is Y2K compliant," said Capt. Huck Richard, 33rd Test Squadron, C-5 Test Director for AMC. "The C-5 was flown for the first time in a simulated Y2K environment. The tests involved watching the computer run through normal routines while in that environment." A total of nine tests were performed on the C-5, using seven significant dates. According to AMC documentation, each date has the potential to cause specific computer problems with the C-5's systems. Ground tests were performed with the aid of a testing van, loaded with special equipment designed to assist in aircraft testing. "We did seven tests on the ground, where we loaded the date and allowed it to turn over," said Capt. Michael Pakiz, 3rd Airlift Squadron. "The test van can be hooked into the plane to simulate a Global Positioning Satellite. The computer has a wire in the back that hooks into where the GPS antenna is usually input. It tricks the airplane. The airplane thinks it has a GPS satellite with a time signal, but really it is just the computer in the van simulating the GPS." While the C-5's systems are hooked into the test van, crew members were able to watch the significant dates "rollover" and then test key C-5 systems. "The two systems we were concerned with were the new navigation computer and the MADAR II maintenance computer," said Huck. "All the dates and times were accurately processed by those systems and were checked without any flaws." Once ground tests were completed, the plane was actually flown, and put through two of the same tests it had already passed on the ground. During the flight tests, the plane flew without the aid of any GPS, real or simulated. According to Pakiz, flight test dates were Dec. 31, 1999 to Jan 1, 2000 as well as February 28, 2000 to February 29, 2000. The first date is significant because that is when the year changes from 1999 to 2000. Noncompliant systems would erroneously change the date from 1999 to 1900. The second test date is significant because 2000 is a leap year. According to Huck, the plane performed without a hitch. "The aircraft we evaluated, performed effectively in a simulated Y2K environment, we will be ready for the challenges faced by AMC in the next millennium." CTLOPEZ (Publication date, April 23, 1999)

(HEAD)New commander for 436th Logistics Group DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - Col. Donald H. Stokes, Jr. assumed command of the 436th Logistics Group from Col. Timothy T. Turner, in a ceremony held Monday at Building 709. Turner relinquished command to Stokes to accept an assignment as Chief of the Traffic Management Division, HQ USAF/ILTT at the Pentagon. Stokes, a native of Hot Springs, Ark., earned a bachelor's degree in Aviation Management from Auburn University, Auburn, Ala., and a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from Webster College, St. Louis, Mo. His career includes assignments command of two squadrons at Altos Air Force Base, Oklahoma, and Deputy Logistics Group Commander, 51st Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base, Korea. Most recently, Stokes was assigned NAF Chief, Logistics Division, 19th Air Force Randolph Air Force Base, 'Texas. Stokes awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with six oak leaf clusters, an Air Force Commendation Medal, and Air Force Achievement Medal, and a Vietnam Service Medal with three service stars. As commander of the 436th Logistics Group, Stokes will be responsible for providing complete on/off equipment maintenance, supply, fuels, transportation and contracting support for 36 C-S aircraft and 7,500 personnel assigned to the 436th Airlift Wing, the 512th Airlift Wing, and 17 tenant units, and will manage off station logistics support for five Air Mobility Command European forward operating locations. CTLOPEZ (Publication date, April 23, 1999)

(HEAD)C-133 Cargomaster returning to Dover Air Force Base DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - Nearly three decades ago, Senior Master Sgt. Hank Baker, a flight engineer, regularly flew in and out of Dover Air Force Base aboard a C-133 Cargomaster. Baker has long since retired, and the C-133 was replaced by the C-5 back in 1971. But with the help of some of his old C-133 crew members, the Air Mobility Command Museum, and a C-5 Galaxy, Baker plans on returning the C-133 to a permanent home at the Air Mobility Command Museum here. "For me, this is the returning of an old friend," said Baker. "This is a challenge in my life that I want to have remembered in history." The AMC Museum began looking for a C-133 for its displays nearly nine years ago, said Mike Leister, AMC Museum director. The museum located a C-133 on display at the Strategic Air Command Museum in Nebraska. But the plane was inoperable, and the plane could not fly on its own into Dover. "It is such a large plane, and it could not be transported over the road," said Leister. "But we found out that the C-133 could be dismantled." According to Leister, the plan is to dismantle the plane and transport the pieces to Dover AFB inside a C-5 aircraft from Travis AFB in California. "We figure it will take about three trips inside the C-5 aircraft," said Leister. The Douglas C-133 Cargomaster, which made its debut at Dover AFB in August of 1958, is important to Dover AFB because it was the first aircraft designed to haul outsized cargo, specifically, Atlas Missiles. Its presence has contributed significantly to Dover's mission today. "This airplane was instrumental in making Dover Air Force Base the hub of heavy Air Force" said Baker. "It demonstrated Dover's ability to support a heavy airlift style airplane. So when these airplanes were retired in 1971, it was natural to follow them with another heavy airlift aircraft, the C-5." "Had it not been for the C-133 and the C-124 being stationed here and starting the heavy airlift, it is very unlikely the C-5 would have come here," added Tech. Sgt. (ret.) Bob Jones, a retired C-133 Loadmaster. "It may have gone elsewhere. And then it is likely that Dover Air Force Base might not be around!" Plans to get the C-133 to the AMC Museum have come along nicely. "We are at the point where we have contracted with the person who will take the aircraft apart and place it into the C-5. We've got the Air Force willing to supply the airplane, and Dover Air Force Base to supply the people to fly the C-5," said Baker. According to Leister, the last hurdle is gathering funds to put the plane back together. "We have enough funds to dismantle the plane," said Leister, "and we have the means to. get the plane to Dover Air Force Base, but we just don't have all the cash we need to put the plane back together." While the C-133 Association is still trying to locate funds to reassemble their plane, their plans to get the plane back to Dover and put back together are undaunted. "There is so much left to do, with the cost of equipment to reassemble the plane," said Jay Schmukler, C-133 Association president. "Fortunately we've had very generous people that have helped us so far. And when that plane arrives, we are going to put it into tip-top shape." The return of the C-133 to the AMC Museum here will complete a sort of cycle at Dover AFB. "A total of 50 C-133s were built," said Scmukler. "Dover received the first of those planes off the assembly line. The plane we are getting is the last production model C-133. Dover had the first, now we will have the last. In retrospect it is kind of unique." If you would like to assist the C-133 Association in returning the C-133 to the AMC Museum, contact the C-133 Association at 302-697-9058. CTLOPEZ (Publication date, May 14, 1999)

(HEAD)Dover Team assists FBI on mission to Kosovo region DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - The U.S. Ambassador at Large for War Crimes, and an FBI investigative response team left Dover Air Force Base Monday headed for Kosovo to investigate possible war crimes committed by Serbian Forces during the recent conflict in the area. The FBI agents, along with more than 100,000 pounds of equipment were transported on a Dover C-5 Galaxy in support of a request by the Department of State to assist the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia in the investigation of war crimes in the Kosovo region. "Dover is helping us now with an airlift of about 50 FBI agents," said Paul Malett , deputy commander of the mission to Kosovo. "We are accompanied by several representatives from the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology two representatives from the Physicians for Humanity, a military doctor, two emergency medical technicians, and two investigative evidence response teams." The team was also accompanied by a small security contingent. "Our Dover Team air crews and support personnel played a major role in helping secure the peace in Kosovo," said Col. Erwin Lessel, 436th Operations Group commander. "Now that the bombing campaign is over, we are actively supporting the airlift needs of our peacekeeping forces." As part of the NATO brokered peace agreement, several countries currently share the responsibility of maintaining the peace in Kosovo, each protecting a particular sector of the region. According to Malett, each sector has sites where potential atrocities have occurred. The United States, along with Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and the United Kingdom, in close cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia, headquarters in the Hague will be examining those sites for evidence. In Kosovo, the team's job will be to survey sites of possible mass atrocities in their assigned sector, and begin the collection and preservation of evidence. Malett says the investigative agents will attempt to determine the age, gender and cause of death of the victims found at these various sites. The evidence is intended to lead toward a case building against those that have committed war crimes in the region. According to Malett, while international investigations are not new to the FBI, this case is unique because it is the first time the FBI has investigated war crimes. This is an atypical mission," said Malett. "While we have been involved with the East Africa investigations, the Khobar investigations, and a number of other investigations, this is unique. It's unique because we are investigating crimes against citizens other than those of the United States. This is a crime against humanity. I think that is a source of responsibility and pride for the FBI, because we are part of that. This is an unprecedented move for us. "I think this is important, not just what the FBI is doing, but what all of the cooperating countries are doing," said Malett. This is people demonstrating a cooperative effort for a moral right. There is not much of a cloudy issue there. We all know what's right, and we all know with the extinction of the ethnic cleansing, or however you want to euphemize mass killings, is morally outrageous. The FBI has a part of the greater good, has a part of democracy, and has a part of the responsibility to bring those responsible before a tribunal." CTLOPEZ (Publication date, June 25, 1999)

(HEAD)SAV Team evaluates DAFB Y2K readiness Dover Team, base prepared for date rollover DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - A Staff Assistance Visit Team was here Sept. 14 and 15 to evaluate Dover Air Force Base for Year 2000 readiness. The team, from Air Mobility Command HQ, evaluated key areas in the Logistics Group, the Operations Group, the Civil Engineer Squadron, the Communications Squadron and the Wing Y2K office for Y2K preparedness. This was the team's second visit. During their initial visit in January, the team had evaluated the Y2K compliance of computers and other equipment. During this visit, the team focused on how Dover Air Force Base planned to deal with problems that may arise from the Y2K rollover. "This time," said Capt. Brent Glass , 436th Communications Squadron and Wing Y2K Office, Officer in Charge, "we are beyond infrastructure." The team looked at consequence management plans, pre-contingency checklists and community outreach. Consequence management is the way the base will identify any Y2K outages and institute corrective action to ensure normal base operations. According to Glass, a pre-contingency checklist is a list of concerns a group will need to address before the Y2K rollover occurs. "Development of these pre-contingency checklists is key to Y2K readiness," said Glass. "The Security Forces Squadron and Supply Squadron's checklists were cited as examples for the rest of the base to use." An example of one concern addressed on the pre-contingency list is manning. "For instance, before, during and after the Y2K rollover, the Y2K Crisis Action Team will need to be staffed," said Glass. In addition, there will be CES "ride out" teams on stand-by to deal with issues as they arise. "These teams will be ready to handle utility outages and other problems," said Staff Sgt. John Tipton, Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, Wing Y2K Office. Backup power is another example of what the SAV team was looking at from the pre-contingency checklist. According to HQ AMC/Civil Engineer guidance, areas on base which need generator power in the case of an electrical failure should be determined. "The base has already identified the mission critical facilities, and they already have generator backup," said Glass. The last area the SAV team looked at was the base's commitment on community. outreach. Because power, as well as other utilities, come into Dover Air Force Base from off-base, base Y2K officials have been working to ensure those services will remain stable throughout the Y2K turnover and beyond. "We are continually working with our of base partners to ensure all the utilities and services we gain from them are going to be available January 1st," said Col. Charles F. Schreck, 436th Support Group commander, and wing focal point for all Y2K activities. Preparations to meet requirements set forth by HQ/AMC are ongoing. "We've had close to 70 individuals as part of the Y2K working group, a field grade officer from every group, and a significant number of individuals working for nearly a year to ensure we are fully Y2K compliant. They have done an outstanding job," said Schreck. "The areas identified by the SAV team as a potential problem have already been identified by the Y2K team. Those issues are being worked by the wing Y2K team, but there can always be some small glitches," said Schreck. Even if those glitches turn out to be more than glitches, the Dover Air Force Base mission will continue. "If we do have outages in base systems such as power or computers, we can continue our mission manually," said Schreck. "The airplanes are still capable of being flown. They have been tested, as have other areas such as cargo, maintenance and the passenger terminal." "We are absolutely ready," said Schreck. "We feel certain the Eagle Wing is ready to execute the mission on January 1." CTLOPEZ (Publication date, September 24, 1999)

(HEAD)DAFB inspected for appearance, beautification competition DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - A team of inspectors from Headquarters Air Mobility Command visited Dover Air Force Base Sept.22-24 as part of AMC's Base Appearance Competition. Dover Air Force Base is one of eleven AMC bases in the continental United States in competition for the $200,000 in operations and maintenance funds awarded to the winning base. The team inspected Dover Air Force Base for general appearance, maintenance and housekeeping. Additionally, the team inspected to assured the base was in compliance with AMC building standards and regulations "The team specified what types of buildings they wanted to see," said Maj. Kyle Hicks, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron. "The focus for this year was on customer service and family oriented organizations, because this is AMC's Year of the Family." The team toured 15 family related facilities on base, including the base theater, the passenger terminal, the Child Development Center, the Family Support Center, and the Youth Center. The inspectors were looking for general upkeep, and good design. They were also looking for good flow in customer service areas to ensure customers knew where to go for help when they entered a facility, said Hicks, The team also visited all the dormitory facilities on base. "One of the things the team was looking for was a home-like environment," said Master Sgt. Angela Swartz, the Base Dormitory Supervisor, and a member of the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron. In preparation for the visit, dormitories dressed up the dorms to make them more hospitable. "We have wanted to make the dorms more like a campus, as opposed to an institution," said Swartz. Dormitory residents have appreciated the changes to their homes, "The common areas in our dorms were remodeled," said Airman Rodney Mosser, 436th Aircraft Generation Squadron. "It feels more like home now." Base Appearance Competition Team members also looked at the exteriors of all buildings on base, looking for architectural integration and appropriateness of buildings to their missions. "They look at design as well as color schemes to make sure they are in accordance with AMC guidelines for base appearance," said Hicks. In preparation for the inspection, the mulch groundcover around many facilities was replaced with red rock. "The red rock is easier to maintain, lasts longer, and over time, it costs less," said Hicks. "The red rocks will become the new base standard for Dover." According to Hicks, the addition of red rock around base facilities was the only major project done in preparation for the inspection. "There were some minor things," said Hicks. "We replaced and fixed some ceiling tiles, and some curbing. We also did some touch up painting." "I think they were impressed with our base," said Hicks. "We gave a good showing. Because Dover Air Force Base gets so many distinguished visitors due to the Super Port and the Port Mortuary, the base is always in tip-top shape, not just when the base appearance team comes to visit. We always try to keep a high standard at our base." CTLOPEZ (Publication date, October 1, 1999)

(HEAD)Base schools score well on DSTP DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - The results of the Delaware State Testing Program were recently released, and Dover Air Force Base schools did well in many areas. The DSTP tests, administered in the Spring of 1999 to third, fifth, eighth and tenth grade students measured their abilities in reading, writing and mathematics. Students at base schools attained some of the highest scores in the state. Fifth and eighth graders at base schools, along with students at Dover High School, which serves Dover Air Force Base, were among the top five highest scoring schools in the state on the mathematics portion of the test. All three base schools had students scoring amongst the top ten schools in the state for the reading portion of the test. For the writing portion of the test, the fifth graders at Welch Elementary School, did better than any other fifth graders in Delaware. But that result is really no surprise for base school instructors. "They learn to write through every grade level," said Al Bratten, a fifth grade teacher at Welch Elementary School. "We've made an integrated curriculum, which includes writing. It is no longer enough to have the right answer. They must be able explain how they got their answer." "And writing helps kids get their thoughts together in some cohesive order," said Sue George, also a fifth grade instructor at Welch Elementary. George explained that intensive writing is part of every course work for nearly every subject, from mathematics to social studies. "One of the best teaching strategies in the past ten years has been the emphasis on the writing process, said Franni Melda, Welch Elementary School principal. The increase of writing in the classroom is not the only explanation for student's academic performance, however. Another factor may be the teacher to student ratio at base schools. "If you're in a class with 21 or 22 kids, as opposed to a class with 30 kids, the teacher has more opportunity to meet with those kids that need a little extra help," said Melda. "Those students who are experiencing some difficulties can then get the help they need." A change in the learning process has also had an effect on student performance. Lynn Kilgore, Arnold Elementary School principal, explained the shift in the educational system. 'Twenty years ago, learning facts was enough, today, the amount of factual information available doubles every 18 months. It is not possible for students to learn all the facts today," explained Kilgore. "There has been a shift in the educational paradigm, students must now be problem solvers. They must know how to find the facts on their own. They must learn to learn." "There is now an emphasis on cognitive learning skills. Students are not asked to do as much rote memorization as they had in the past," said Paul Van Horn, Dover Air Force Base Middle School principal. The increase in reading, the high teacher to student ratio, and the shift in the learning process have all empowered students at base schools to perform better on the state's standardized tests. But perhaps the most important factor influencing students at base schools is not in the classroom at all. "Parents remain closely involved in the learning process," said George. "And because of the unique home situations, we do not have a lot of social problems here. At least one person in the family has some respect for authority, as a result, the kids get along much better here." CTLOPEZ (Publication date, October 22, 1999)

(HEAD)436th AW receives new enlisted leader DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - No fanfare, no parade, and that's just the way he likes it. Chief Master Sgt. William A. Scott became the 436th Airlift Wing command chief master sergeant Oct. 28 when he arrived at Dover Air Force Base from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Scott is the second chief master sergeant to hold the position, replacing Chief Master Sergeant Jeffrey Lewin who retired in August. Previously, Chief Scott was assigned in Germany as a Field Training Detachment Chief for Air Education and Training Command, where he was responsible for providing training to enlisted maintainers who are tasked with keeping the Air Force fleet of aircraft in the air. As the Eagle Wing's command chief, Scott is responsible for voicing the concerns of more than 3,000 enlisted members and their families to the wing commander, and it's a job he looks forward to. "There's nothing here for me to gain personally," Scott said. "I've made chief, the Air Force isn't going to promote me again. I'm here to help the people in the wing, and make Dover a better place." Scott believes he can best do that by getting out and meeting the constituency he represents. "I hope to meet as many of the enlisted members on base as I can, and help them with any problems they might have," the 26-year Air Force veteran said. "I'm here for them, they can come to me anytime and talk about anything they need to talk about. My door is always open." The new command chief master sergeant says he has no preconceptions about what needs to be accomplished during his tenure here at Dover. The bottom line for him is leaving the base better off for his having served here. "I need to get around and see what needs to be worked on and take on one project at a time," Scott said. "I'm here to be the eyes and ears of the commander, and a voice for our enlisted members. When an issue of importance comes up, we'll work it together." Scott and Gilbert have worked together twice in the past, and Scott says he has an outstanding relationship with the Wing Commander. "Colonel Gilbert and I go back a few bases," Scott said. "He and I were stationed together at Malmstrom Force Base in Montana, where he was my squadron commander in the 91st Air Refueling Squadron. He caught up to me again at McConnell, where he was the Operations Group commander. As we left Kansas, we left on the same day, he told me that if he ever got a wing, I'd get a phone call. That's how I was selected and that's why I'm here." Chief Scott plans to hold an Enlisted Call sometime in the near future. He looks forward to the open forum where he can address first hand the concerns of the base's enlisted corps. "Everyone can come out and take some potshots at me," he said with a small laugh. "That's the best way I have to get a feel for what's going on with our people. Hopefully, I'll also be able to pass on some important information. Sometimes our lower ranking folks don't get a chance to hear what's going on about issues that affect them." Scott looks forward to the challenge of serving as the command chief for the only active duty all C-5 base in the Air Force "Until two days ago, I'd never seen this base in the daylight," Scott said. "I've passed through here a couple of times while I was TDY, but never during the day, and it was busy then. I've been told there's a rich history here and that this is one of the busiest bases in the Air Force I know the men and women who are stationed here must work awful hard to keep the mission going, and I'll work hard to serve their interests well while I'm here." CTLOPEZ (Publication date, November 5, 1999)

(HEAD)Wing demonstrates its preparedness for Y2K DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - Dover Air Base Base experienced a planned power outage Tuesday as part of a Y2K readiness exercise. The power was turned off to test the base's ability to operate during an unlikely potential power outage due to the year 2000 rollover, midnight Dec. 31. The date presents a potential problem because some computer chips controlling power systems may contain a programming error causing them to interpret the date 2000 as 1900. The 436th Civil Engineer Squadron began shutting down base power about an hour after the start of the duty day, and most base facilities experienced, a total power loss from 9 a.m. to noon. "At 8:15 a.m. we shut down power in the dorms," said 1st Lt. William Flood, Base Y2K Office. "The Fitness Center and Communications Squadron storage area were shut off around 8:30 a.m. At 9 a.m., we shut down the base's main circuits." The exercise was conducted during the duty day so the outage would effect as many base operations as possible, to test their ability to operate without electricity. Base offices and facilities were able to function when portions of the base electrical grid were shut off. "Every squadron has a contingency plan to relocate as needed, to one of their own facilities that has backup power," said Flood. "For instance, the 3rd and 9th airlift squadrons relocated to the Base Operations building to continue their operations." Another squadron, the 436th Mission Support Squadron, relocated to Building 203 during the power outage. "The training we have been working on up until the exercise went smoothly," said Senior Airman Darren James, 436th Mission Support Squadron, Personal Readiness Unit. "We went in and did what we needed to do. We did orders manually for 65 people; there was no work stoppage." "Our section has been preparing for nearly a full year," he said. "We came up with Y2K procedures, and implemented a Y2K book for in house use. This exercise showed our procedures are in place and ready to go." While the majority of base facilities were without power during the three-hour exercise, some facilities did maintain power. According to the Base Y2K Office, certain facilities, such as the Commissary; the Base Exchange, the Child Development Center and the Patterson Dinning Facility were intentionally left on. Base Housing also retained full power during the simulated outage. Other base facilities had power because they are equipped with backup generators. According to civil engineers, nearly 60-mission critical facilities on base are equipped with such generators. These facilities include the 436th Security Forces Squadron, the firehouse, the command post, base weather, base operations, the control tower, airfield lighting, the hospital, various sewage and water pumps, and the base telephone system. While the base power outage exercise demonstrated to Dover Team members the potential the Y2K glitch could have on Dover Air Force Base, according to Flood, base residents should not be concerned. "Although unlikely, the worst case scenario is the power goes out and stays out," said Flood. "But we will be able to continue the mission. The base and the Air Force in general, have spent months preparing for Y2K. People will need to use common sense and follow the information guide we have created." The information guide contains checklists base residents can use to prepare for potential Y2K problems. It will be available at the Y2K Town Hall Meeting Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. at Welch Elementary School. The meeting will open with remarks from Col. Neal Mills, 436th Airlift Wing vice commander, and will feature community representatives from the Dover City Manager's Office, fire, sewer, electric and police services, the Federal Credit Union, Fort Sill National Bank, Bell Atlantic, Bay Health, the American Red Cross, and base finance. Col. Frank Schreck, 436th Support Group commander, will discuss how the base plans to house and feed base residents in the case of an extended power outage. "We feel sure this town hall meeting will be extremely informative and I encourage all Dover Team members and their families to attend," said Flood. CTLOPEZ (Publication date, November 12, 1999)

(HEAD)Local AFSA donates money to veterans DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - The Dover Air Force Base chapter of the Air Force Sergeants Association presented a $200 check to the Veterans Administration Hospital, Elsmere, Del. "The funds will be used for recreational purposes for hospital residents," said Chief Master Sgt. Herbert Schlecht Jr., project coordinator. "The money can be used to purchase CD's, or used toward a bowling outing for the residents," said Shlecht. The AFSA decided to donate money to the hospital as part of a Veteran's Day observance. "We have retired, as well as active duty members in the AFSA," said Schlecht. "We all felt this would be a great opportunity to give back to the veterans that served." The AFSA did more than donate money during their Veteran's Day visit to the hospital. "We took donations of books as well as personal items such is shaving cream and talcum powder," said Schlecht. '"We also brought baked goods, cookies, end cakes donated by volunteers from base." Additionally, volunteers traveled to the hospital to represent the Dover Team, and visit with patients. "We went up with about 30 volunteers representing the Dover community. There were civil servants, airmen and chiefs," said Schlecht. "We all spent time talking with veterans." While this is the first time the AFSA has gone to the VA Hospital for a visit, this won't be the last time Dover Team members will be able to visit with veterans from the hospital. "We're setting up a visit to Dover Dec. 16," said Schlecht. "About 20 patients will be coming down with volunteers from the hospital. We are going to have lunch at the Landings, see the working dogs demo, tour the Air Mobility Command Museum, and tour a C-5 aircraft." Dover Team members wishing to learn more about the Air Force Sergeants Association, or who would like to assist with the December visit from the Veteran's Hospital, may contact Chief Master Sgt. (sel.) Tom Chalk at 6774304, or Chief Master Sgt. Herbert Schlecht , Jr., at 677-4390. CTLOPEZ (Publication date, November 26, 1999)

(HEAD)CES 'Adopt a Child' Program provides toys to children of squadron's airmen DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - There's a lot of toys under the Christmas tree at the 486th Civil Engineer Squadron this year. The toys aren't early gifts from Santa Claus, however. They've all been donated by various offices and flights within the CES, as part of the squadron's "Adopt-A-Child" program. The program, now in its tenth year, provides toys and gifts for the children of airmen in the squadron. "Mainly it's for our senior airmen and below and their children," said Mary-Lou Hagelberg . Hagelberg, and her husband Master Sgt. (ret.) Paul Hagelberg, are the originators of the program. "We both work at CE, and this was a way for him to give something back after 27 years of active duty service," said Hagelberg. Airmen are selected for the program by members of their chain-of-command, and the names of their children are passed on to program coordinators. "We put a number for each child on the list. We put their age and whether they are a boy or girl. Then we distribute the list to all the shops and the flights in the squadron," said Hagelberg. Offices and flights then choose individual children from the list, and sponsor those children by purchasing gifts for them. This year there are more than 30 children on the list. Parents who are part of the program really appreciate the effort their squadron put into the program. "I like this program a lot. It gives young airmen the chance to give things to their children that they might not be able to," said Senior Airman Eli Waldon, 436th CES. Waldon's two children will find a few gifts from the CES squadron under the tree this year. "It feels pretty good that the squadron pulls together to help out the airman. Every office pulls together to collect items," said Waldon. "We'll be able to get the kids a few more items than we would be able to without it," said Master Sgt. David Gunderman, 436th CES first sergeant, has been with the squadron since August. "I've never seen something like this at the squadron level," said Gunderman. "This is the first time I have been part of something like this. It really gives me a good feeling. It is a pleasure to be part of an organization that takes it to heart when they say 'everyone is part of the CE team.' The Giving Tree is one way in the Civil Engineer Squadron that we show we really do care." Really, the Adopt-A-Child program is as much about the children who receive the gifts as it is about their parents, active, hard-working members of the CES. "I think the squadron is filled with unsung heroes. I know I'm getting on the soap box here," laughed Hagelberg, "but these kids bust their behinds fixing sewer pipes and leaking roofs. This is just our way of saying thank you, our way of saying 'We care about you.'" CTLOPEZ (Publication date, December 10, 1999)

(HEAD)Dover Team members get STEP promotion SWing commander delivers stripes over holidays DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - While many Eagle Wing members feigned surprise as they unwrapped ties or fruit cakes this past Christmas Day, three enlisted members received a real surprise they will not soon forget. Staff Sgt. Brian Bossio, a dog handler with the 436th Security Forces Squadron, Tech. Sgt. Joe A. Gahan, a jet engine mechanic assigned to the 436th Component Repair Squadron, and Master Sgt. Richard A. Brewer, noncommissioned officer in charge of anti-terrorism with the 436th SFS, were all greeted Christmas Day with STEP promotions. Col. S. Taco Gilbert III , 436th Airlift Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Bill A. Scott, 436th Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant, delivered the stripes to the three at their homes. The Stripes for Exceptional Performers program is designed to meet those unique situations where in the commander's judgment, an individual clearly deserves a promotion. Under this special program, commanders of major commands, field operating agencies and senior officers within organizations with a large enlisted population, may promote a limited number of airmen with exceptional potential to staff sergeant through master sergeant. Promotees were both surprised and excited when they learned they were promoted. "This is great," said Brewer. "It's the best Christmas present I could have had." "I was at home, and my wife saw Chief Scott outside through the window," said Brewer. "My wife and I met the chief at the door. Colonel Gilbert came forward and said I was out of uniform." Brewer then learned what the commander meant by out of uniform. He was given a brand new set of master sergeant stripes and was told they would need to be sewn to his BDUs in order that he be in proper uniform the next duty day. Tech. Sgt. Gahan, promoted from staff sergeant, works in the jet engine facility on base. His wife is a familiar face in the check-out line at the Patterson Dining facility. Both were shocked when they learned Gahan would be promoted to technical sergeant. According to Chief Scott, it is best to have both the STEP promotee and their spouse available when the new stripes are presented. Trouble brewed when Chief Scott and Colonel Gilbert learned Gahan's wife was at work and would not be available to witness the step promotion. "Well, they came over to the house and I was in boxers and a tank top," laughed Gahan. "They asked if my wife was there, but my wife was at work. They said they would come back later." Gahan subsequently called his wife home from work. The two feared there may have been some sort of trouble. Both were surprised, however, when Chief Scott and Colonel Gilbert reappeared with new technical sergeant stripes to be sewn to his uniform. "What a shock," said Gahan. "I didn't even know I had been put in for the promotion." Gahan still seems a little shaken by the whole event, but says his job will probably be unaffected by the new rank. He does plan to use the pay raise associated with the promotion to bolster his savings, and perhaps look into getting a new car. Staff Sgt. Brian Bossio , a drug dog handler with the 436th SFS, had a schedule that would make it difficult to get him his new stripes with a suitable audience available to enjoy the surprise with him. "I never would have anticipated it would be so hard to hand out stripes," said Gilbert. "I knew he would be working Christmas day. So I figured we would swing by his home Christmas Eve. I wanted the family to be part of this." "The chief and I went over about 8:30 Christmas Eve. There was nobody home but him.," said Gilbert. "I tried to explain why I was knocking on his door on Christmas Eve, but all I could say was hello. I left him quite confused." After making three failed attempts to meet Bossio on the flight line to present him with the new staff sergeant stripes, Gilbert decided on an unusual method to guarantee Bossio a large crowd of his peers for a Christmas Day presentation of the new stripes. "Like all wing commander,s homes these days, I have a duress alarm on my home. I knew how to generate a crowd," laughed Gilbert. " I went in, and hit the duress alarm. It generated more blue lights than you could imagine would be possible on Christmas morning. We got a crowd, and then called Senior Airman Bossio over and presented him with his new stripes." Bossio was quite surprised at the event. "The Colonel set off the duress alarm and had security forces respond. I was a response force leader there," said Bossio. "Colonel Gilbert had another security forces officer pin the new stripes on to my sleeve." Bossio is prepared for what comes with the extra stripe. "I will now have more responsibility," said Bossio. "There will be more of a leadership role, and my job will become more demanding." CTLOPEZ (Publication date, January 7, 2000)

(HEAD)436th Airlift Wing commander holds first Commander's Call of the Year DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - Col. S. Taco Gilbert II I , 436th Airlift Wing commander, held his first Commander's Call of the year, Jan. 5 at the Base Theater. Gilbert addressed many issues during the nearly two-hour session, including changes to Dover's mission, C-5 modernization, and the importance of education. "There are a few changes proposed for the way we fly our missions around here," said Gilbert. "Everyone is very aware of the challenges of getting the C-5 in the air, keeping it in the air until it traverses the globe, then making it home again. "Tactical Airlift Command and Control headquarters, the taskers for our aircraft missions, have seen the amount of time we spend chasing broken aircraft around the globe," he said. "What they are planning to do is go to a 'hub and spoke operation,"' said Gilbert. According to Gilbert, the hub and spoke operation will result in a change in Dover Air Force Base's missions. Instead of flying to many locations around the world, Dover C-5s will fly primarily across the Atlantic to a central location in Europe, most likely Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Smaller aircraft will then move cargo to secondary locations. "This will allow us to consolidate the maintenance and support for C-5s at Ramstein, minimizing the amount of time we spend sending people put to the far corners of the globe chasing broken aircraft," said Gilbert. Although there was initial concern about the effect the proposed changes would have on Dover flying hours, Gilbert said there will he no decrease in flying hours for Dover air crew members. "TACC assures us that will not be a problem." In addition to a change in the flying mission, Gilbert told troops there would be a very positive change in the amount of parts and money available to fix the C-5 Galaxy. Gilbert credited the change to Dover Team members' efforts during William Cohen 's , Secretary of Defense, recent visit to Dover. "When I brought Mr. Cohen into the Cann Bird (A C-5 which is routinely cannibalized for parts to be used on other aircraft) I didn't do any talking," said Gilbert. "I introduced him to the Cann Bird monitors and they took him through their airplane. When he walked through that plane, his eyes got huge. "The story you told ensured millions of dollars of appropriated funds will continue to flow into the C-5," said Gilbert. "You were able to tell the Secretary of Defense how important that money was to us. Your work produced $230 million in parts for our airplanes out there. Good work," said Gilbert. Gilbert also spoke about the importance of both military and college education. "I'd like for Dover to have a surge in promotion statistics. In order for that to happen I need your help," said Gilbert. "The most important thing for you to do to make that happen is to do your job and do it right. The second most important thing to do is to study." "It not only makes you more productive in the job you are doing now," said Gilbert, "but it also prepares you for life outside the Air Force Even those of you that elect to trade in the blue uniform early, I would like to see you be successful in what you choose to do after you leave. It is a great economy out there, but it is a great economy for educated people. Educated means you have, a diploma of some kind. We don't always make it easy in the Air Force but we make it easier than a lot of employers out there." During his commander's call, Gilbert spoke about many other issues as well, including efforts to reduce DUIs, changes to Basic Allowance for Housing, quality of base housing and changes in the pay scale. Gilbert plans to conduct Commander's Calls once a quarter. CTLOPEZ (Publication date, January 14, 2000)

(HEAD)Keep Children's Smiles Healthy in 2000 DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - A beautiful smile starts with healthy teeth, and healthy teeth start with good brushing habits learned as a child. Parents should take the time to teach children how to properly brush, floss and care for their teeth. Establishing an everyday routine as a child can help children become adults with healthy teeth and gums. Focusing on teaching children and parents how to care for children's teeth is the goal of February's National Children's Dental Health Month. "The way children care for their bodies today will have an impact on their health far into the new center," said Captain Elizabeth Beck, a dentist with the 436th Dental Squadron. "The good news for parents is that preventive dental care has dramatically improved the oral health of American children." According to Beck, it is now possible for many children to reach adulthood without ever experiencing tooth decay. Dental tips for parents and caregivers: -Take your child to see the dentist regularly, beginning by the child's first birthday -Put only water in a child's nap time or bedtime bottle -Start brushing as soon as the child's first tooth appears -Begin flossing when two teeth begin to touch -Brush and floss your child's teeth daily until the child can be taught to do this alone -Make certain your child gets the fluoride needed for decay-resistant teeth -Ask your dentist or the 436th Medical Group family practice or pediatric physicians how this should be done. It is also a good idea to ask your dentist about dental sealants. Dental sealants are thin protective barriers applied to teeth that shield the chewing surface of back teeth against tooth decay. As part of National Children's Dental Health Month, the 436th Dental Squadron will provide information to both parents and children to assist them in effective oral hygiene. One such program brings dental squadron members into the classroom to educate children about good dental practices. "We present kids with toothbrushes, stickers, mouth mirrors, and talk to them about brushing their teeth, healthy foods and how, to take care of their teeth," said Staff Sgt. April Kantner , 436th Dental Squadron. "Most kids will also get to see a video." Another exciting portion of the dental squadron's schedule of activities includes the annual presentation of a dental play that educates children on good dental care. The play, featuring such characters as Princess Cuspid and King Molar, shows the perils of eating unhealthy foods, and their effect on teeth. "The play has different things in it about unhealthy foods and unhealthy things they should try to stay away from, like smoking and candy bars. They learn the end result of choosing candy over healthy snacks could be cavities," said Kantner. "The children are real receptive to the play. When they see the evil cavity guy come out they get kind of scared, and they cheer for Princess Cuspid when she gets saved by the dentist." The play is geared to children in kindergarten through 3rd grade. "Good oral health practices should begin in infancy. In your child's early years, you must provide this care," said Beck. "Later, you will need to instruct, monitor and motivate your child to help maintain good oral health habits." "Attitudes and habits established at an early age are critical in maintaining good oral health throughout life," said Beck. CTLOPEZ (Publication date, February 11, 2000)

(HEAD)Keeping Dover's mammoth C-5 Galaxys in the air... The 436th Aircraft Generation Squadron DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - There are airmen on the Dover Air Force Base flight line just about every minute of every day of the year. They're there when the sun's up and it's 110 degrees in the shade. They're there in the middle of a pitch black winter night when the wind screams across two miles of ice cold runway over frozen fingertips clutching a torque wrench down into a loose BDU sleeve. The more than 700 troops of the 436th/512th Aircraft Generation Squadron are about as close to the mission as you can get without actually being loaded aboard one of Dover's 36 C-5 Galaxy Aircraft as a piece of cargo. These are the airmen who maintain the huge aircraft that represent our base, keeping them fit for flight and mission ready at all times. AGS troops start off their day like many remember technical school. Airman 1st Class Justin Pratt, 436th AGS, APG, also known as a crew chief, explains, "We start out each day with a roll call in formation." During formation, AGS troops are briefed by the Shift Supervisor on what types of problems the aircraft are having. Problems, also called discrepancies, can range from engine failures to inability to accept power from an external generator, to failed sensors. Discrepancies are listed by the aircraft's tail number, the identifying number printed on the C-5's signature "T-Tail." Discrepancies are quickly doled out to airmen qualified in unique specialties, and the troops are then dismissed to gather necessary equipment at CTK, or Consolidated Tool Kits, and are then free to head out to individual planes to make them flight capable and mission ready. The C-5 is a complicated piece of equipment; repairs must be made by qualified AGS airmen who specialize in the systems unique to the aircraft. According to Capt. Dennis Dabney, 436th AGS, Maintenance Supervisor, there are five unique areas where AGS troops can specialize. These specialties include: --JETS, or Aerospace Propulsion, which specializes in the repair and maintenance of jet engines aboard the C-5 --AFIN, or Aircraft Guidance and Control, which specializes in much of the control equipment found in the cockpit --ELEN, or Electric and Environmental Systems, which specializes in electrical systems aboard the aircraft as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems --HYDRAULICS, or Aircraft Pneudraulic Systems, which deals with all hydraulics aboard the aircraft --CNAD, or Aircraft Communications and Navigation Systems, which deals with communications and navigation equipment After checking in at the aircraft, individual specialists go to work immediately. The first job of the day for Airman 1st Class Rodney Mosser , 436th AGS, ELEN, was to correct an aircraft electrical problem. A C-5 had been listed as "not accepting external power." According to Mosser, this meant the aircraft would not power up when plugged into a power generator outside the aircraft. "I knew what the problem was because it was listed in the aircraft's discrepancy forms," said Mosser. An aircraft's discrepancy forms stay with the aircraft at all times, and document the aircraft's recent maintenance history. Mosser works swing shift on the flightline. The diagnosis for the aircraft had been made by the day shift, but Mosser was ultimately tasked to repair the discrepancy. "The problem was with a bus tie contactor," explained Mosser, who has been with AGS for less than a year. "A bus tie contactor distributes power from either an internal or an external power source to the rest of the plane." Under the eye of supervisor Senior Airman Frank S. Gach, Mosser was able to correct the discrepancy in less than an hour. Sure of his work, Mosser went so far as to close up the access panel, and tidy up his workspace before the fix had been confirmed. When the external power generator was properly switched on, the inside of the aircraft lit up like a Christmas tree; the fix was good. Senior Airmen James Diliberto, 436th AGS, AFIN, stood nearly 50 feet above the runway on a steel tower known as a B-2 Stand. The wind was blowing 12 mph, and the wind chill was a nippy 18 degrees. While removing a Signal Acquisition Remote from a panel on the underside of the C-5's behemoth wing, a shivering Diliberto explained the SAR is a device that gathers information from various electronic sensors on and around the jet engine and transmits that information to a maintenance computer in the cockpit. Despite the frigid air, Diliberto didn't complain for a second about the cold weather. Instead, he made it perfectly clear that this was the job for him. "I love aircraft," said Diliberto, a Long Island, N.Y. native, with a tell-tale accent. "I love working on aircraft and I love the C-5 airframe." Performing maintenance on the aircraft is not Diliberto's only passion, though. He says he is currently working on his private pilot's license and one day hopes to fly military aircraft, not just maintain them. "That is my ultimate goal," said Diliberto. For now, though, he is happy maintaining the advanced flight control, and instrumentation equipment aboard the C-5. "I love what I do," said Diliberto. "If you love what you do, that's the most important thing." Similar sentiments were expressed by first termer Airman 1st Class Daniel Maylone, 436th AGS, JETS. "This is what I wanted to do before I got into the Air Force" said Maylone. "I love working on engines." Maylone explained his job is primarily to maintain the four sophisticated TF-39-1C Turbofan engines which provide thrust for the C-5, as well as to maintain the Auxiliary Power Units located at the rear of the aircraft. The APUs can provide electricity to the aircraft while on the ground, and also provide "bleed air" which aids in starting up the four jet engines. New to the career field, Maylone explained how he might go about solving an engine problem aboard a C-5. "The crew chief and a 7-level will ultimately decide what's wrong with an engine," explained Maylone. "For instance, an engine could have a bad margin, a bad turbine inlet temperature." Staff Sgt. Robert J. Deline, 436th AGS, explained that by using the outside temperature, the atmospheric pressure, and a pre-printed table as a guideline, specialists can determine what the correct range is for the turbine inlet temperature. If the temperature slips outside that margin, it would be indicative of an engine problem. "We usually try to trim the engine, or give it a tune up," said Maylone. In addition to the five specialties, there is another specialty, "Crew Chief." Crew chiefs perform general care on the plane, to include handling fueling, oil, and changing light bulbs. The most important part of being a crew chief, according to Staff Sgt. John Ryan, 436th AGS C-5 Crew Chief, is coordinating repair work on the plane. "We coordinate all the maintenance aboard the plane," said Ryan. "We make the maintenance run smoother and safer." "We may have a specialist working the hydraulics system, servicing hydraulic fluid, oil and preparing the aircraft for flight. That specialist may need to raise or lower a flap, " said Ryan. "At the same time, another specialist aboard the aircraft may be in a position where it would be dangerous for that flap to move." Ryan explained that part of his job as crew chief is to make sure such conflicts never happen. In addition to ground based crew chiefs, there is also an elite corps of FCC or Flying Crew Chiefs who maintain aircraft on missions all over the world. While the aircraft is deployed, they perform crew chief duties and coordinate Maintenance Recovery Teams with HQ AMC if there's a problem far from home. These members of the AGS team stay on the road over 120 days a year. All other AGS specialists may deploy as well, to support presidential support missions and humanitarian relief missions. Additionally, AGS troops deploy as part of maintenance recovery teams. Like much of the Air Force the 436th/512th AGS attempts to do more with less. Senior Master Sgt. Michael Morrow, 436th AGS Flightline Superintendent, known to many AGS flightline troops only by his radio handle, "ARCHER 2," explained. "These folks do an incredible job," said Morrow. "We worked with 1,200 people four years ago. Today, we do with only half of that. The aircraft can't get the same tender loving care they did back then, but the aircraft keep flying. Our airmen keep it working by working together." Through the efforts of Chief Master Sergeant Michael McClellan, 436th AGS Maintenance Superintendent, AGS was able to combine its troops into one, unified force that could work more efficiently. As little as 6 months ago, the squadron had been divided into a "red side" and a "blue side." "The change has paid tremendous dividends to us. We have a much better utilization of manpower now," said Morrow. Efficiency is all-important to AGS, because AGS is one part of the mission where the operations tempo never seems to die off. Whether it is humanitarian missions to Africa, airlift missions in support of the president, or wartime contingency in the far corners of the globe, if something is going on in the world where military airlift is needed, AGS will feel the pinch. "You pretty much can tell if it's going to be a busy day by watching the news," laughed Morrow. "These troops, I can't say enough about working with these young troops. It's like a big team. Everyone pitches in here," said Morrow. But that's not the best part of the job for Morrow. "When you get those engines started, and the plane you've been working on taxi's out onto the runway, that's job satisfaction. And all these guys know that." Lt. Col. Robert E. Hamm Jr., 436th AGS Commander adds, "25 percent of strategic airlift comes from Dover nothing happens unless something moves and nothing moves unless these guys are doing their job 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, through cold, wind, heat, rain whatever. It's not only AGS, its all seven Logistics Group squadrons working everyday to get these jets off the ground." CTLOPEZ (Publication date, March 24, 2000)

(HEAD)Black letter initial flight AGS crew puts up first 'perfect' aircraft in nearly two years DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - Airmen with the 436th/512th Aircraft Generation Squadron spend all day on the Dover Air Force Base flight line correcting problems, or discrepancies, with the C-5 Galaxy Aircraft. Usually by flight time, most aircraft still have "delayed discrepancies" listed in their AFTO 781 forms binder. These discrepancies do not affect the safety or flight capability of the aircraft. What would happen though, if an aircraft were to go up without any discrepancies at all? Recently, that very thing happened when the first Dover AFB C-5 Galaxy left the ground with "Black Letter Initial Status." A feat that hasn't been accomplished in nearly two years for the base. The black letter initial status refers to initials on the aircraft's discrepancy report which indicates the aircraft has no outstanding discrepancies, or repairs to be made, said Charles E. Twitchell, 512th AGS C-5 crew chief. Black initial status doesn't happen by accident though, it takes hard work by all involved to make it happen. "Finding parts on base, knowing where to go, and knowing how to fix things yourself is how we did it," said Twitchell. Twitchell, who works day shift, was assisted in this accomplishment by four other Dover Team members, including Air Reserve Technician Joseph R. Moore, Airman 1st Class Mark Dexter, Senior Airman Michael Scales Jr., and Senior Airman Chris Moyer, now a Flying Crew Chief. "For instance, we had an engine with the cowl doors opened up. There was a rivet missing. In order to fix that rivet, we would have to drop the door, put a rivet in, and then put the door back on," said Twitchell. "Such a discrepancy would usually be fixed in down time, for heavy maintenance. But with the aggressiveness of this crew, we wouldn't wait. We took it down ourselves, fixed it and put it back up." While such a minor discrepancy repair may have been delayed for up to six months by another crew, Twitchell and his crew took the time to fix it themselves. It is that type of initiative and dedication that enabled these AGS maintainers to take the C-5 bearing tail number #85-50003 to black letter initial status. CTLOPEZ (Publication date, March 24, 2000)

(HEAD)Government computers are not ours Misuse can lead to UCMJ actions DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - The Internet and e-mail has made it possible for hundreds of thousands of service members all over the world to stay in touch with each other, with friends and family members at home. But these new tools have pitfalls. At the same time it is possible to send a quick hello back home to mom, it is also possible to misuse the military computer network. Such misuses include the intentional transfer, storage or viewing of sexually explicit information; transfer of or receiving of large, non-work related files through the e-mail or through the Web; the use of chat rooms or any real-time chat software; or the use of military networks for personal profit or gain. According to Senior Airman Jennifer Peterson, 436th Communications Squadron, Network Security Administration, inappropriate material includes anything that could be found offensive to anyone. Examples include anything pornographic, dirty jokes, or anything possibly considered offensive. According to Peterson, when users receive such material in their e-mail, there are appropriate steps to take. "Users who receive e-mails containing inappropriate content should save the e-mail, call the help desk and ask them what to do," said Peterson. "Do not forward it to anyone unless the help desk asks." Peterson said the communications squadron does not scan through e-mail for inappropriate content, but that doesn't mean abusers won't be found. "Most people who send inappropriate e-mail get caught," said Peterson. "One way you get caught is to download pictures over the network," said Capt. Michael Safko, 436th Legal office. "When those large files clog the network systems, the Communications Squadron is keyed into the material being downloaded. Another way is when users send inappropriate content to a user who is offended by it." One reason for the proliferation of inappropriate information on base networks is the advent of the Web. The Web gives users access to millions of pages of information and graphics. Not all of this information is appropriate for viewing on military computer networks, however. According to Peterson, sites known to contain information not necessary to the Dover mission are blocked out by special security software maintained by the communications squadron. Users of the Web are warned they have attempted to access an inappropriate Web page when they see the "Access Denied" Web page in their Web browser. "Right now, there are about 3,000 sites blocked," said Peterson, "and the security check is running all the time. When people surf the internet, the Communications Squadron can see everything they do on their individual computers, and where they search." Government computer users need to use common sense when deciding if something is appropriate. If there is a question, it probably is not appropriate. What is important to remember is the computer networks on Dover Air Force Base are government systems. "People should realize when they use a government computer network, they are subject to monitoring" said Safko. "If we get word somebody has sent a dirty joke or a pornographic picture across the e-mail, we can charge that individual with Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice," said Safko. "The range of punishments depends on the severity of offence. The circumstances could warrant a letter of reprimand, an Article 15, or even a court martial." "Recently, a particular squadron had a number of individuals involved in sending pornography over the e-mail," said Safko. "Each of them received an Article 15, and the punishments included forfeitures of pay and loss of rank." In light of the legal ramifications of misusing government computers, it is clear what direction system users should take. "The bottom line is that the government system is a tool to help you do government work," said Safko. "If you misuse it, you'll get caught, and when you get caught, career damaging consequences can occur." CTLOPEZ (Publication date, March 31, 2000)

(HEAD)Building relationships: New program matches families with their own primary care manager DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - Years ago, health care was simpler. Each family had a family doctor. Bills were paid directly to the family doctor. In some cases, the family doctor even made house calls to the home of patients sick in bed. Today, health care is more complex. There are more options. There are sometimes confusing billing options, scores of specialists in every field, and a dizzying array of health care acronyms, buzzwords and jargon. The 436th Medical Group is trying to change part of that. Beginning May, members will be assigned to an individual Primary Care Manager, a person who takes care of or personally arranges all the care needed by a member or member's family. The new system will eliminate the team concept of health care currently in place at Dover Air Force Base. "There will be no more Gold Team, Blue Team or Galaxy Team," said Col. Janice Lee, 436th Medical Operations Squadron commander. The new system ensures members can look forward to seeing the same PCM each time they require scheduled medical care, said Lee. "For example," said Lee, "If I am your PCM, and you call Sierra Military Health to make an appointment at the Dover Clinic, Sierra will call up a schedule of my appointments. Only if I have nothing available, will they look for anybody else to provide care for you." According to Lee, members were matched up with the PCM they had seen most frequently in the past. Additionally, the 436th Medical Group attempted to ensure all family members were matched with the same PCM, although because of manning and special circumstances, matching an entire family to one PCM may not be possible. Lee pointed out that members have the option to change their PCM if they choose. "People still have a choice," said Lee. "If members prefer a different PCM, and if we are able to do it, we will honor the request." The change in health care at Dover Air Force Base is part of a program being implemented at all Department of Defense health care centers because of a new directive from the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. However, Dover Air Force Base has actually been planning the change in advance of the recent announcement. Lee explained the program returns the patient/doctor relationship she became familiar with during her Air Force medical training. "When I was training, you had to have an impaneled group of patients that belonged to you," said Lee. "These were your patients. You had a real sense of ownership, both on the part of the PCM, and on the part of the patient." "When I got to Dover, it was my number one goal for my tenure here to get impanelment of patients to an individual PCM," said Lee. With that goal in mind, the 436th Medical Group began looking for ways to match individual members with individual PCMs. "Because of what we were doing at Dover, we were already ahead of the game," said Lee. "The efforts we began putting into this program, well in advance of this new directive, will make us the first military facility in all of DoD to come on line with this new program." The change to one PCM per member will provide valuable benefits to both members and PCMs, said Lee. "For the patient, they will primarily deal with the same person each time they need care," said Lee. "They will deal with someone familiar with their history and their background. Less time will be spent explaining problems of the past, and more time will be spent dealing with current problems." Dover Team members agree with the observation. "It's a wonderful idea," said Senior Airman Agnes Gause, 436th Aerial Port Squadron. Gause has two children, her husband works in the Security Forces Squadron. "My older daughter just had a rash," said Gause, "We've seen three or four different doctors. Each doctor said it was something different. If it was just one doctor, I could call back and he would be better able to help me out. "My younger daughter is now getting the same rash," added Gause. "It is the same problem with her, we get more than one story. It would be wonderful to have one name and one number to call when there is a problem. " Dover Team PCMs are just as enthusiastic of the change. "I've been at Dover for a year now, and not having a panel of patients has been the most frustrating year of my practice. I am looking forward to this change," said Dr. Duncan Hughes, 436th Medical Operations Squadron. "This is going to be a huge benefit to the patient population and to the providers. For providers, this will improve ownership of patients. You will know those are your patients and they will follow up with you. It really improves continuity of care for patients." The switch from the team health care concept to the one PCM per member concept is scheduled to begin May 3. "On that day, the switch will get flipped in the computer," said Lee. "Sierra Military Health will begin seeing those matches in the computer when they go to make appointments." A complete changeover to the new system is expected by May 12. The 436th Medical Group will notify members of their new PCM assignments. "We will send out a letter to members. If anyone does not receive a letter, they should contact us," said Lee. "If the letter addresses some members of the family and not others, they should contact us." Lee noted that only those members enrolled in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Senior Prime will be assigned to a primary PCM. Members who have chosen the TRICARE Standard or TRICARE Extra option, may continue to receive space-available care. Members should contact the 436th Medical Group at 677-2973 for information about the new PCM assignment system, or for information about changing assignments. While the intricacies of the modern day health care system remain confusing to many, the 436th Medical Group is doing what it can to alleviate confusion through familiarity. Members will receive better health care because they will have their own PCM who is familiar with them, familiar with their families, and familiar with their families health history. CTLOPEZ (Publication date, April 21, 2000)

(HEAD)Just plane history: Air Mobility Command Museum showcases airlift, Dover history DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - Technology and the modern Air Force move forward so fast, it is often difficult to remember what came before us. For young airmen it is even more difficult to remember the Air Forces rich history, heroes and the trend setters of years past. Locally, we are very fortunate Dover Air Force Base is home to the Air Mobility Command Museum, an Air Force supported facility here that keeps alive and recognizes Dover AFB, airlift, and tanker/refueler history. "Our mission is to preserve the history of airlift and air refueling aircraft," said Mike Leister, Air Mobility Command Museum director. "We try to do that by preserving not only the aircraft, but also the stories of the people that served on them and flew them, and also the memorabilia and artifacts that have to do with military history." The Air Mobility Command Museum opened to the public in 1986 and is located in a refurbished aircraft hanger at the south end of base. The hanger is, itself a piece of history, serving as the site of the U.S. Army/ Air Force s Rocket Test Center during World War II. The museum receives nearly 50,000 visitors a year from all over the world. "We see people from all over," said Lt. Col. (ret.) Harry Heist, a former airlift pilot and a volunteer at the museum. "There are tour buses, schools groups, JROTC students and veterans organizations who come through. We have had visitors from downtown Dover and visitors from as far away as Japan and China. Usually, the museum is one of the spots the wing commander will visit if he has a distinguished visitor on base." "We are the most visited museum in central Delaware," said Leister. "People come from all over the United States, and all over the world. One lady actually came into New York from South Africa, rented a car, and drove here to the museum because she had seen our museum's Web site." Visitors come to the museum to see the vast array of airlift history offered. The museum houses displays honoring the contributions of the Tuskeegee Airmen, and those participating in the Berlin Airlift. There are also collections of documents, photos and film. Additionally, visitors to the museum can see various uniforms, weapons and other military items. Some of the most impressive pieces at the museum, however, are the restored military aircraft. The AMC museum is home to nearly two dozen such aircraft, and all are related to Dover AFB, or military airlift history. Some of the aircraft even have unique histories that extend beyond wartime. "Our C-54 is a very famous and important aircraft in our history," said Leister. "It was actually given to us by the FBI. The Air Force gave it to the FBI to use as a sky-marshal trainer, a program in the 1970s where they trained guards to fly on aircraft because hijacking was a big problem. When the FBI was finished with the aircraft, they were going to cut it up into scrap, but instead they gave it to us and we were able to save the plane." All aircraft in the museum are either donated to the museum by private individuals, or are acquired as aircraft are retired. "Our PT-17 was actually donated by a local crop-duster that knew we needed one for our collection," said Leister. "He actually gave it to the Air Force Most of the other aircraft are retired out of inventory after their service life is complete." The museum has plans to add two additional aircraft to its collection in the near future. These aircraft include a KC-97 Stratofreighter, recently aquired from Beale AFB, Calif., and a Douglas C-133 Cargomaster, which made its debut at Dover AFB in August of 1958. In addition to adding new aircraft to the collection, the museum plans on adding more hands-on exhibits to make the museum more educational and friendly to children in the civilian community. "We're working now towards building more hands-on activities for kids," said Leister. "We have educational exhibits coming in next year that show children what aircraft are made of, teach them about lift, thrust and drag, the things that effect aircraft and how they fly." Educating children and the local community is a big part of the museum's mission. "One of the important things we do is to act as a window for the community, for the Air Force" said Leister. "Most people don't get to see what an active Air Force base looks like. They don't know about the military, other than