Bagram Bullet

13 Pages·2006·1 MB·English

Vol. 2, No. 16 Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan May 5, 2006
Commander returns home to retire
By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente
Editor
The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing
commander and Air Component Coordination
Element director will say good bye after
spending nearly a year here during a change of
command ceremony Monday.
After serving 30 years in the Air Force,
Brig. Gen. Bruce E. Burda will return to Hurlburt
Field, Fla., to retire.
Since he assumed command May 15, 2005,
General Burda said the improvements here are
too numerous to count.
“Through the combined efforts of the
entire wing, I believe we have improved most
of the wing processes and much of the airfield,”
General Burda said.
Mission planning and air tasking order Photo by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente
execution have continued to improve due to Col. John R. Buckingham congratulates Brig. Gen. Bruce E. Burda
better interaction with the Combined Air on the completion of his final flight in a C-130 Hercules. General
Operations Center in Southwest Asia, he said. Burda is the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander and Air
“We have a C-130 squadron now, as a Component Coordination director and Colonel Buckingham is
result of the Karshi-Khanabad, Uzbekistan, the 455th AEW vice commander. General Burda will return home
— See ‘Retirement,’ Page 5 to retire after the change of command ceremony Monday.
Airmen to take over provisional reconstruction teams
By Maj. Eric S. Elliott “The PRTs have a threefold In remote parts of the country, PRTs
Public Affairs Officer mission,” said Col. Douglas J. Hine, 755th will often be the only representatives of
Expeditionary Mission Support Group the United States military, government
commander. “They’re going into different and people who many Afghans will ever
The Air Force will take over six provinces to assist in building and see said Colonel Hine. While the teams
provisional reconstruction teams stabilizing the economy, to promote will live in secure encampments, they
throughout eastern Afghanistan later security and to help legitimize the central will spend much of their time outside of
this month. Afghan government. The bottom line is the wire dealing directly with Afghan
The teams, each consisting of that the teams are going into some very officials and civilians, and coordinating
about 80 members, will relieve Army-led isolated and potentially dangerous areas efforts with other American government
PRTs and serve in their different to help Afghanistan become a more and international aid agencies.
provinces for about a year. secure and self-sufficient country.” — See ‘Reconstruction,’ Page 6
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Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace May 5, 2006
Air Force works with Army to provide medical care to patients
By Lt. Col. Joe Solis Jr. Since we’re very lean, we have to be efficient and smooth
455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron running. When missions are tasked or ready to be recovered, the
whole process becomes one smooth orchestrated concert, so
when the crews are alerted, the snowball begins rolling down hill,
The phone rings at the Aeromedical Evacuation Operations and though gaining speed and momentum, the team is in control.
Team. The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Command Post calls to Incredible! The current 455th AE crews have had more
give the team a “10 minutes out” call on an incoming aeromedical missions in the first four months of 2006 than have the previous
evacuation flight. They indicate “AE onboard with seven crews over any incremental six-month period in 2005.
patients, requesting a frontline ambulance from the Army’s 14th Not only have our unit members worked long hours and
Combat Support Hospital at Camp Lacey. “Copy that” is the AE done more with less, they have set the standard and the pace for
reply, and off they go to recover another AE mission. excellence.
A few minutes later, the AEOT receives another call, this After receiving the call from the command post that the
time from the Theater Tasking group. “How many crews do you aircraft is 10 minutes out, the AEOT inturn calls the Patient
have left?” Is your critical care air transportation team available? Administration Division and lets them know that a FLA is
The word goes out at the AEOT “Looks like another short-fuse needed. Now the ambulance crews begin their preparation for
tasking is on its way.” So begins the start of the incoming patients. The PAD is part of the
another AE mission while simultaneously Army’s 14th CSH who provides definitive surgical
working to recover the inbound mission coming intervention and stabilization.
back here. Fortunately, we coordinate another successful
Busy day? Actually, just another interesting phase of a Joint-partnership to bring the wounded
day, as is typical for many of us here. Who are warrior safely to the 14th CSH.
we, and why do you want to know about us in The 10 minutes are up already, and after the
the AE community? Maybe it’s because you wheels touch down, and the aircraft parks, the
know or have heard of someone who was hurt or recovery team and ambulance crew meet at the
wounded, and what they recall was being flown aircraft. Systematically, all the crews begin to take
out of the theatre into Germany or to the states. the patients from the aircraft to the ambulance.
We are members of the 455th Expeditionary Afterward, the recovery team and the AE crew
Aeromedical Evacuation Flight. Our AE remove the 800 pounds of medical equipment from
Colonel Solis
operations structure is comprised of an AEOT, the aircraft.
four AE crews and a CCATT. Our AE missions can succeed only when we continue to
Seamless, our Airmen and experts are here from units work as a team. Without the people who supply our crews and
throughout the United States and Japan. They’re from the calibrate our equipment to keep it running efficiently, we would
Guard, Reserve and Active Duty. Our crews are from units in undoubtedly not be at our best. Hats off to our conscientious
Japan, North Carolina and the Mississippi Air Guard. The logistician and biomedical equipment technician.
CCATT is an Active Duty team from Biloxi, Miss. In AE, we work with one thought in mind, to keep our
Other AEOT members are from Virginia - Active Duty, and patient’s well-being foremost.
from Guard units in California, Wyoming, Delaware and Oklahoma. After some crew rest, it’s back into Bravo alert, and yes,
We’re also represented by Reserve units from Florida and Texas. ready for the next tasking or phone call.
This newspaper is an authorized publication for Airmen
Bagram Bullet and Sailors deployed to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.
Editorial Staff, Disclaimer Contents of the Bagram Bullet are not necessarily the
official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or
Brig. Gen. Bruce Burda ….…......……..…. Commander, 455th AEW the Department of Defense. The editorial content is edited,
Maj. Eric Elliott ………….........................… Chief, Public Affairs prepared and provided by the 455th Air Expeditionary
Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente ….....… Editor/NCOIC, Public Affairs Wing Public Affairs office.
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Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace May 5, 2006
Letter from the editor
When the wheels of the C-130 you for your hard work and dedication.
touched down on the airfield here While I will be happy to return to my
Jan. 16, I was pumped to spread the family in Maryland, I will miss my Air
news of what the Airmen here were Force family here. Although, I have come
accomplishing. My goal was to cover to realize how small this Air Force is.
every Air Force specialty deployed to When I first arrived, I was happy to
this location. run into three structures troops whom I
After being bused to the terminal was stationed with at Holloman Air Force
in the rain, I couldn’t help but think Base, N.M., and my old supervisor from
about what I would be doing to pass Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C.
the time by. I soon realized this would The most surprising and what makes me
be no problem with more than 1,000 even more amazed as to how small the
Airmen deployed here. I was busy world is… was when I ran into the son of
from day one writing about the a boss of mine before I joined the military
accomplishments this wing has more than seven years ago.
contributed to Operation Enduring Realizing the people I have run into
Freedom. puts a smile on my face because it makes
From those keeping the vehicles me curious as to who I will run into from
running, to the Airmen filling planes here later on down the road. Whether it’s
with cargo and fuel, you have going to a new base, or another
represented your home stations well. I deployment, I know that with this small
can only hope the stories and photos I Air Force, I will run into a few of my 455th
have taken of my wingmen have Air Expeditionary Wing family members
reached as many as possible, so that again. Maybe it’ll be at a different duty
when you return home, someone can station, when I have to write a story
say, “hey I saw that story about what about an Airman who volunteered his
you did over there… good job.” time to the community or returning from a
I appreciate what each of you is deployment.
doing here, more then anyone will ever As we prepare to say goodbye, I
know. From the days of the engineers want to take this time to say it’s been a
working in harsh weather conditions pleasure to have met and worked with
to keep on schedule building new the members of the 455th AEW. I hope
facilities, to those who are outside the this has been as an enjoyable experience
wire mentoring the Afghanistan for you as it has for me, and I hope to see
National Army to protect their own you soon. Remember, it’s a small Air
country, I salute each and every one of Force.
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Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace May 5, 2006
Brief Bullets
Congrats to 455th AEW’s newest promotees
Services calendar
Events are hosted by Services
Promoted to airman 1st class: Promoted to senior airman: every night at 1900L in the Rec Tent.
Chad D. Cook For more information, or to make a
suggestion, contact Tech. Sgt. Hallett
Kevin Boyle Jorge A. Caballeromelchor
at 231-4360. This week’s events are as
Eric A. Hood
follows:
James Horner Today: Bingo
Promoted to staff sergeant: Promoted to technical sergeant: Saturday: Texas Hold’em
Sunday: Horseshoes
Kenneth G. Hiller Charles T. Hardy Tuesday: Spades
Marc E. Melvin Gianni C. Hollomon Wednesday: Texas Hold’em
Anthony G. Plyer David M. Kolnes Thursday: Darts
Lashawndrea M. Price Anthony Mosher MTA meeting
The next Middle Tier Association
Promoted to master sergeant: Promoted to senior master sergeant:
meeting is scheduled for 0900L Wednes-
day in Rec Tent. The Middle Tier Asso-
ciation is for staff and technical sergeants
Michelle M. Vanderbunt who want to be involved in morale func-
Dwayne E. Brown
tions here.
Brian Gilmore
ACE meeting
The next Airmen Committed to
Excellence meeting is scheduled for
Promoted to major: Madison Morris 1500L today at the Oasis.
Comm tip
of the week
April’s Top Performers
MAPPING THE
Senior Airman Rachel J. Crawford NETWORK DRIVE for
NIPR:
Staff Sgt.David G. Tingle
- Right-click on “My
Master Sgt. Daniel E. Hawkins
Computer”, Select “Map
Capt. Michael J. Gibbs
Network Drive”
Mr. John W. Sones - In the drop-down box
select the letter “S”
- Type in
455th AEW Outstanding Contributors of the Month \\BGRMA7NAFSDRIVE\S
DRIVE press “Enter”
- Ensure the “Reconnect
at logon” box is checked
Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Strnad
- Click Finish
Airman Jeremy S. Bernard
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Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace May 5, 2006
General Burda reflects on last year in Air Force
Highlights year-long improvements, joint effort of Airmen, Sailors
Retirement
rotation,” the general said.
From Page 1
“Along with our Sailors in VAQ-
closure back in August of 133, we truly have a joint team
2005,” the general said. “The with members from all aspects
number of in lieu of and request of the Air Force from units
for forces Airmen in country around the world.”
has increased significantly, and Compared to when he was
as a result, we have added the a company grade officer, General
755th Expeditionary Mission Burda said the Airmen today are
Support Group to provide more savvy and mature.
command and control over “We have pushed down a
them.” lot more responsibility to lower
With spending almost a levels over the years, and our
year here, the wing commander Airmen have really stepped up
has not only seen dramatic and met the challenge,” he said.
changes to wing’s organization, “Our Airmen and Sailors, are truly
but to the airfield as well. expeditionary and so far, have
“There have been dozens been ready to deploy anywhere
of small improvements and in the world to get the job done.
large development projects They are focused and looking
here, all adding to our to improve themselves, which
effectiveness and safe mission improves the Air Force and
accomplishment,” he said. better prepares Airmen for future
“Concrete and spall repair to challenges.”
the active runway, continued General Burda will reunite
progress of the new runway with his wife, Stacy, and take a
under construction and the little time off before out
new passenger terminal are just processing and returning to 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs courtesy photo
a few examples of the many northern California to spend Brig. Gen. Bruce E. Burda speaks at his change of
changes I have seen.” some time with the rest of his command ceremony assuming command of the
Previous deployments family before starting a new 455th Air Expeditionary Wing nearly one year ago.
have involved General Burda civilian career. General Burda will be retiring after the change of
rotating through with other air “Anytime I change duty command ceremony Monday on the flightline.
and space expeditionary force stations, I have always enjoyed
deployers, but this year-long and missed both our Airmen and
Working with General Burda
stay has given him the civilian force who serve,” he
opportunity to see three AEF said. “I think retirement will be “Whenever you volunteer for a 120-day rotation, you
teams cycle through. the same way. I will miss the do so because you want to contribute, because you care,”
“It’s been interesting,” he people in the Air Force who work said Col. John Buckingham, 455th AEW vice commander.
said. “I have really enjoyed this hard and have given Stacy and “Having General Burda as my boss made the new transition
team in 2006. They have made me such wonderful memories. I extremely easy. He is a man who genuinely cares about not
my last four months on Active wish every one in AEF nine and only the mission but also the people. I could not have
Duty a real pleasure.” 10 have a safe return home and asked for a better boss and have thoroughly enjoyed my
“We have had an even much continued success in the time working for him. I believe all of us have helped finish
larger ‘total force’ contribution Air Force.” the boss’s career on a high note.God speed sir!”
throughout the wing this
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Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace May 5, 2006
Air Force takes over
DCU disposal
PRTs in Afghanistan
Air Force desert camouflaged
Reconstruction
uniforms and other uniform items
From Page 1
are not to be thrown away. To
Each team is made up of about 30 Airmen, drawn
properly dispose of unserviceable
from more than 20 Air Force specialty codes and from
bases around the world, an Army civil affairs team and an uniform items, take them to the
Army infantry platoon to provide security.
burn pit.
The teams’ Airmen include specialists in fields like
civil engineering, contracting, intelligence and medicine
who have specific roles in rebuilding the country, said
the colonel. These are augmented by Airmen in combat
support positions, ranging from services to mechanics, Customs prohibited items
who are vital to any unit operating in the field.
However, many of the jobs will not fall neatly into a
Switchblade
typical Air Force structure.
Concealed knife
“Airmen will be expected to do things that are well
Ammunition
outside of their normal jobs as well as the Air Force’s core
Non-military weapons
competencies,” Colonel Hine said. “We have public affairs
Animals living, dead or parts
officers filling information operations positions and
Insects
security forces personnel augmenting civil affairs
Fresh fruits
specialists. All Airmen will be required to do things like
Vegetables
cook and provide perimeter security. It will be a completely
Human body parts
new experience for all involved.”
Eggs
Air Force Lt. Col. David Naisbitt, the Jalalabad PRT
Plant food
commander, said this was also a great opportunity for the
Untanned skins or hides
Air Force to participate and contribute to a joint operation.
Tatami mats
“The development of these teams shows that the
Live plants
U.S. military has a unified commitment to the
Camel saddles
reconstruction of the Government of Afghanistan,” he
Soil or earth
said. “It shows that we can come together as a single
Sand***
unit to help rebuild this nation.”
Green or bamboo sugar
Before coming to Afghanistan, PRT members
Alcohol beverages
completed several months’ extensive training conducted
Cuban cigars
by the Army at Fort Bragg, N.C. Curriculum included
Artifacts
country briefings and classes on Afghan culture,
Classified material**
weapons training, land navigation, combat skills, first
Counterfeit currency
aid, information operations, drivers’ training and courses
Gambling devices
on the PRT mission.
Controlled substances
“This wasn’t like any Air Force training we’d ever
Treasonable or seditious items
had,” said Colonel Naisbitt. “It helped us come together
Drug paraphernalia
and bind as a team. It’s still early in our deployment, but
Pornographic material
we all understand the importance of what we’re doing
Destructive devices
here.”
Corrosive liquids
In addition to the six Air Force PRTs, there are six
***Sand that is in a sealed container and marked as
Navy and nine NATO-commanded teams in northern
bleached is allowed
and western Afghanistan. New Zealand and Canada each
**Not stored correctly or without proper courier
also run a team in central and southern regions of the
country.
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Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace May 5, 2006
TThhiinnggss ttoo kknnooww bbeeffoorree ggooiinngg hhoommee
TSA provides information on carry-on and checked baggage
Prohibited items are weapons, – they contain important information about on the permitted chart is dangerous
explosives, incendiaries, and include restrictions and exceptions. and therefore may not be brought
items that are seemingly harmless but The prohibited and permitted through the security checkpoint.
may be used as weapons – the so- items chart is not intended to be all- For updates and for more
called “dual use” items. Passengers inclusive and is updated as information, call our Consumer
may not bring these items to or necessary. To ensure everyone’s Response Center toll-free at 1-866-
through security checkpoints security, the TSO may determine that 289-9673 or E-mail TSA-
without authorization. an item not on the prohibited items [email protected]. (Courtesy
If passengers bring a prohibited chart is prohibited. In addition, the of the Transportation Security
item to the checkpoint, they may be TSO may also determine that an item Administration)
criminally or civilly prosecuted, or at
the least, asked to dispose of the item. The following items may Baseball bats Aerosols other than
A transportation security officer or be checked or carried on: Bows and arrows personal care or
Cigar cutters Cricket bats toiletries in limited
law enforcement officer will make this
Corkscrews Golf clubs quantities
determination, depending on what the
Cuticle cutters Hockey sticks Gasoline
item is and the circumstances. Eyeglass repair tools including Lacrosse sticks Gas torches
Bringing a prohibited item to a security screwdrivers Pool cues Lighter fluid
Eyelash curlers Ski poles Lighters
checkpoint – even accidentally – is
Knitting and crochet Spear guns Strike-anywhere
illegal.
needles BB guns matches**
Prohibited items may be Plastic or round bladed Compressed air guns Turpentine and paint
detained for use in an investigation butter knives Firearms thinner
and, if necessary, as evidence in a Nail clippers Parts of guns and firearms Realistic replicas of
Nail files Pellet guns incendiaries
criminal or civil prosecution. If
Safety razors Realistic replicas of Chlorines for pools
permitted by the TSO or law Disposable razors firearms Compressed gas
enforcement officer, passengers may Plastic or metal Scissors Starter pistols cylinders
be allowed to: consult with the airlines with blunt tips Axes Liquid bleach
Toy weapons if not Hatchets Spill able batteries
for possible assistance in placing the
realistic replicas Cattle prods
prohibited item in checked baggage;
Tweezers Crowbars * All lighters are prohibited
withdraw with the item from the Umbrellas Billy clubs as carry-on items. Lighters
screening checkpoint at that time; Walking canes Black jacks without fuel are permitted
make other arrangements for the item, Camcorders Brass knuckles in checked baggage. Lighters
Camera equipment Kubatons with fuel are prohibited in
such as taking it to the car or mailing
Laptop computers Martial arts weapons checked baggage, unless
it; or, voluntarily abandon the item. Mobile phones Night sticks they adhere to the Dep-
Items that are voluntarily abandoned Pagers Nunchakus artment of Transpo-rtation
or confiscated by a law enforcement Personal data assistants Shocking devices exemption, which allows up
Throwing stars to two fueled lighters if
officer cannot be recovered and will
The following items properly enclosed in a DOT
not be returned to you. Property
maybe checked, but not The following items are approved case. If passengers
claims for these items will also be carried on: not allowed: are uncertain as to whether
denied by TSA. Knives Flare guns their lighter is prohibited,
The following outlines items that Metal scissors with pointed Gun lights they are asked to refrain
tips and blades four Gun powder from bringing it to the
are permitted and items that are
inches or longer Blasting caps airport.
prohibited in carry-on or checked Box cutters Dynamite
baggage. Passengers should note Ice axes Fireworks ** Up to four books of
that some items are allowed checked Ice picks Flares safety, non-strike any-
Meat cleavers Hand grenades where, matches are perm-
baggage, but not carry-on. Also pay
Razor-type blades Plastic explosives itted as carry-on items,
careful attention to the “Notes”
Sabers Realistic replicas of but all matches are prohib-
included at the bottom of each section Swords explosives ited in checked baggage.
8
Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace May 5, 2006
DFAC hours
Weekly services: FOR Breakfast Lunch
Muslim PRAYER
Fridays …………. 1800L (1330Z) Call 0530 to 0900L 1130 to 1330L
231-4755
Jewish
Dinner Midnight
Fridays ……….... 1900L (1430Z)
Seventh Day Adventist
1630 to 2100L 2330 to 0100L
Saturdays ……... 0930L (0500Z)
Roman Catholic
DCUs and Air Force physical train-
Saturdays ……… 1945L (1515Z)
Liturgical Protestant Church of Christ ing uniforms are mandatory when din-
Sundays ……….. 0830L (0400Z) Sundays ……… 1400L (0930Z) ning at any of the facilities here.
Protestant Korean Protestant
No bags, purses or backpacks are al-
Sundays …….…. 1130L (0700Z) Sundays ……..… 1545L (1115Z)
lowed in any of the dinning facilities.
Latter Day Saints Gospel
Sundays ……….. 1300L (0830Z) Sundays …….…. 1730L (1300Z)
Camp Cunningham residents who have rights to the shared drive can access other Plausible Denial cartoons at
S:/SHARED FILES/PLAUSIBLE DENIAL.
9
Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace May 5, 2006
MTA
Movie
NighT
The Middle Tier
Association hosts
Movie Night 1900L
Mondays at the MTA
Snack Shack. Mon-
day’s movie will be
When a Stranger
Calls. Rated PG-13.
While babysitting, a
high school student
is terrorized by a
stranger who calls
asking her, “have
you checked the chil-
dren lately?” The po-
lice eventually notify
her that the calls are
coming from inside
of the house.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente
Lieutenant Dan visits
While visiting Camp Cunningham residents Monday, Gary Sinise
autographs the new operations desk in the 455th Expeditionary
Security Forces Squadron while Capt. Michael J. Gibbs holds
the Plexiglas. Mr. Sinise is part of the USO tour visiting
servicemembers deployed to Southwest Asia. Captain Gibbs is
the 455th ESFS operations officer.
10
Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace May 5, 2006
Bagram’s Best
Capt.
Michael J. Gibbs
Captain Gibbs, right, 455th Expedi-
tionary Security Forces Squadron
operations officer. He is deployed from the
514th Security Forces Squadron, McGuire
Air Force Base, N.J.
He is also a full time New York City
Street Narcotics Unit Enforcement
police officer. He hopes to continue his
civilian and military education and
provide more opportunities for mem-
bers of the 455th ESFS to advance and
excel. The captain also hopes to
command a security forces squadron.
The reservist recently won company
grade officer of the month for the 455th
Air Expeditionary Wing.
Sergeant Tingle, left, is deployed
Staff Sgt. here as a force protection and
escort program manager for the
Davud G, Tingle
455th Expeditionary Security
Forces Squadron. He is deployed
here from the 514th Security
Forces Squadron, McGuire Air
Force Base, N.J.
The Edison, N.J., native hopes to
continue to make rank, and become
a team leader on future deploy-
ments and mentor younger Airmen.
He believes there are always ways
to improve. Sergeant Tingle was
the noncommissioned officer of the month. After his tour here, the reservist will return to his job as a civilian police officer in Edison.