Established May 16, 2003

Vol. 1, Issue 40
Tallil Times
407th Air Expeditionary Group, Tallil Air Base, Iraq Friday Feb. 6, 2004

Buyer beware:
Gifts could be titled war trophies
by Tech. Sgt. say that part of the rationale for
Bob Oldham
this prohibition is that Iraqi mili-
407th AEG Public Affairs
tary equipment belongs to Iraq.
When Americans travel, This prohibition does not
they purchase souvenirs and preclude the lawful acquisition
other goodies to take back of souvenirs that can be legally
home; it’s no different for imported into the United States.
servicemembers who deploy Examples of lawfully pur-
overseas. chased items include bayonets,
But when that travel takes uniforms, insignia and pieces
airmen to a war zone, what an of military equipment, Sergeant
airman may think is a souvenir, Rebis said.
customs agents may classify as “A bayonet is not considered
a war trophy. a weapon for the purposes of
Fortunately for airmen here, General Order No.1 and may be
the base legal office recently purchased as a souvenir if
received new guidance on war properly documented,” she
trophies and what can be le- said.
gally purchased. But there is a catch. All sou-
Perhaps the most common venirs are subject to U.S. Cus-
item airmen have questions toms Service policies, and the
about is bayonets, said Mas- Army oversees customs duties
ter Sgt. Mary Alice Rebis, the in the AOR.
base’s paralegal. “Army policy states you
Central Command’s latest may not carry Iraqi bayonets
guidance, dated Dec. 29, 2003, out of Iraq,” Sergeant Rebis
Photo by Staff Sgt. Chenzira Mallory states that the only acceptable said. “In essence, having a re-
IRON MAN: Senior Airman Rocky Cabrera, 407th Expeditionary evidence that an item was pur- ceipt and signed witness state-
Communications Squadron, performs 30 chin-ups during the Iron ment for your bayonet is not a
chased as a souvenir is a re-
Man competition Saturday. Members from the Air Force, Army and
coalition forces participated in the competition. Each member ceipt and a signed statement guarantee that your purchased
competed for the best time in performing chin-ups, sit-ups, push- of a witness to the transaction. item will not be confiscated.”
ups and running a total of 10.5 miles. See more photos on page 10. No other evidence, including The paralegal said if airmen
an affidavit from the legal of- have doubts, she encourages
fice, is acceptable. them to not attempt to take the
AF, Army to battle in 9 sports General Order No. 1, says
“no weapons, munitions, and
item out of the AOR.
She said her office has
The Air Force and Army are ing basketball, running, softball, military article of equipment sample receipts and statements
prepared to battle Saturday and flag football, volleyball and tug obtained or acquired by any airman can use to record a trans-
Sunday in a weekend sports of war. means other than official issue action to provide customs
competition to determine who’ll Saturday’s events start at 8 may be retained for personal agents.
have bragging rights over the a.m. with a co-ed 10-kilometer re- use or shipped out of the For more information about
other service. lay, which begins near the wing USCENTCOM AOR for per- General Order No. 1 or war tro-
Teams from both services will sonal retention or control.” phies, call the base legal office
compete in nine events, includ- See SPORTS, page 2 The guidance goes on to at 459-0016.
 The Tallil Times / Feb. 6, 2004 Page 2

Sports basketball court and is followed

by men’s basketball at 1 p.m.
operations center. Co-ed softball Both games are at the Air Force
takes center stage at 11 a.m. near tent city basketball court. The
the Army PX. Co-ed flag football final event of the day is sched-
Commander’s is the final event of the day. It uled for 3 p.m. when airmen and
Corner begins at 4 p.m. near the Army soldiers try to pull their teams to
U.S. and coalition forces And speaking of success dining facility. victory in the tug of war. Each
helped provide another week stories, congratulations again Sunday’s events start at 10 service will have a men’s and
of freedom for the Iraqi people. to all of our newly promoted a.m. with co-ed volleyball at the women’s tug of war team.
We here have done our part in airmen and NCOs that we Air Force tent city volleyball At 4 p.m., awards will be pre-
that accomplishment as we ‘tacked’ new stripes on last court. At 11:30 a.m., women from sented at the outdoor theater in
successfully transitioned to Saturday. Well done! each service square off on the the Air Force tent city.
the 407th Air Expeditionary Silver has done outstand-
Group. ing work and will do even more
In our new role we will con- before it’s time to go home.
tinue to operate the Air Force’s That time is nearing. However,
largest medical facility in Iraq as you have heard me say
and keep the airfield open for many times - never ever get
logistical support.
Both of these missions are
complacent here. Don’t let
your guard down until you’re
Redeployment tip
important. Our medical team at home hugging your loved Travel cards change the member’s mail-
will be vital to saving the lives ones! Base finance officials ing address to their APO ad-
of those injured or wounded Before you leave, I still urge airmen to check their dress and then order a new
throughout southern Iraq. The want you to be thinking about government travel card to card.
airfield will provide a key re- ways to make this place better see if the card expires before Cards are mailed first
supply node and emergency every day. Those who follow they are due to return to class and can take a couple
divert base for aircraft transit- you will benefit from your home station. of weeks before they arrive
ing the area. ideas just as you have ben- If a card is due to expire here at Tallil Air Base.
You all are essential to mak- efited from those who were and time permits, finance of- For additional options,
ing these missions outstand- here before you. Thank you ficials say airmen should see the finance customer
ing success stories. for all you do. contact their home station to service section.

Tallil Talks ... If you were the commander for a day,

what is the first thing you would change at Tallil?

Airman 1st Class Mario Staff Sgt. Jermeel Ford, Staff Sgt. Jason Gates, Airman 1st Class Ivonne
Anderson, 407th ESFS: 407th ECES: 407th ELRS: Castillo, 407th EMDG:
“Better phone system to com- “I’d change the procedures “I’d re-open the Air Force din- “I would put more activities
municate with loved ones.” for locals to get on base.” ing facility, so I wouldn’t for people to do at the Hot
have to go to the Army Spot.”
DFAC.”
 The Tallil Times / Feb. 6, 2004 Page 3

N E W S B R I E F S
AF to cut some airmen loose
Combat dining out RANDOLPH AIR FORCE its authorized active-duty force sergeants. The complete list of
The group’s combat BASE, Texas (AFPN) — There size by Sept. 30, 2005. The goal career fields that are excluded
dining out is Feb. 14. The is good news for thousands of is to get within authorized end from many of the waivers is
dining out will be held airmen considering leaving ac- strength while avoiding “ex- posted at
within tent city, outside tive duty who thought they treme measures” that “wreak www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/
billeting. All airmen are en- couldn’t because of existing ser- havoc” with mission and morale, retsep/shape.htm.
couraged to attend and vice obligations. officials said. “We don’t want to break any
should see a first sergenat An effort dubbed “force Active-duty airmen wanting career fields during our force-
to sign up. For more in- shaping” is opening the exit to transfer to the Reserve or shaping efforts or create prob-
formation, call Tech. Sgt. doors to officers and enlisted Guard will be able to apply for a lems in future years similar to the
Brian Lyles at 459-0484. servicemembers in select career waiver of an active-duty service ones caused by the downsizing
Pass & ID moved fields and year groups by waiv- commitment regardless of their in the early 1990s,” said General
The 407th Expedition- ing some active-duty service career field. Speigel.
ary Security Force Squad- commitments previously in- “We’re a total force, and for “Approval authority for mis-
ron Pass and Identifica- curred for events like govern- our active-duty airmen who cellaneous enlisted separations
tion office is now within ment-funded education, perma- would like to separate early and will rest at the personnel center,
tent city, near contracting. nent changes of station and pro- still retain a connection to their to centrally review applications
The office’s hours are 7 motion. Air Force, the Palace Chase pro- and ensure compliance with
a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Force shaping includes op- gram provides the perfect vehicle manning needs,” said Maj. Dawn
Reenlisting? portunities to transition to the to preserve operational capabil- Keasley, chief of retirement and
Airmen interested in Air Force Reserve or Air National ity while reducing active-duty separation policy at the Air Staff.
reenlisting here should Guard, and can relieve some end strength,” said Maj. Gen. Examples of efforts to “shape”
visit PERSCO as soon people of their active-duty ser- John Speigel, the Air Force’s di- the force go beyond waivers.
as possible after vice commitments. rector of personnel policy at the They include procedures where
inprocessing but no later Rules for leaving active duty Pentagon. those who fail to complete tech-
than two to three weeks early will be the least restrictive “We’re focusing a big part of nical schools only will be al-
before they want the re- for anyone wanting to transfer our efforts there because it keeps lowed to leave the Air Force or
enlistment to take effect. to the Guard or Reserve through (servicemembers) and their ex- to reclassify into short-manned
Address change the Palace Chase program. pertise in the total force, while career fields. In addition, high-
Airmen are reminded to Some bonus payback require- allowing them increased stabil- year-of-tenure extensions will
change their mailing ad- ments may also be waived, offi- ity and a chance to continue only be granted to those in spe-
dress with friends, family cials said. working toward a military retire- cific shortage career fields or for
and others from the 332 Applications for any of the ment,” the general said. personal hardship reasons.
AEW unit designation to force-shaping early release pro- Some applications may not be Details and career counseling
the 407 AEG designation. grams must be made through lo- approved. are available from unit career as-
In addition, airmen cal military personnel flights by Because of manning short- sistance advisors at each base.
should notify upcoming March 12. ages, 29 officer and 38 enlisted People can also call the Air Force
replacements of the re- More than 16,000 additional specialties will not qualify for Contact Center at DSN 665-5000
cent unit change, so they people — 12,700 enlisted and many of the waivers. Among or toll-free (800) 616-3775 for
can expect uninterrupted 3,900 officers — currently pro- those are pilots, navigators, air more information. (Courtesy of
mail service. jected to leave will be allowed battle managers, aerial gunners, Air Force Personnel Center
out to help the service return to fuels specialists, nurses and first News Service)

EDITORIAL STAFF
This funded newspaper is an authorized publication staff located in the Wing Operations Center
The Tallil Times Col. Kevin Williams for members of the U.S. military services overseas. (WOC) or can be sent directly to the newspaper
407th AEG commander Contents of the TALLIL TIMES are not necessarily at tallil.times@tlab.aorcentaf.af.mil
the views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the
Department of Defense, or the Department of the Air Deadline for publication is 2 p.m. Thursday be-
Capt. Mo Schumann Force. fore the week of publication. All submissions
Chief of Public Affairs are editied for content and Air Force journalistic
The content is edited, prepared and provided by the style. Submission of articles and photos does
Public Affairs Office of the 407th Air Expeditionary not guarantee publication. The editor reserves
Tech. Sgt. Bob Oldham Group. All photographs are U.S. Air Force photo- the right to publish, reject and edit all news sto-
Chief of Internal Information and graphs unless otherwise indicated. ries in accordance with the TALLIL TIMES edi-
torial policy. For more information, visit the PA
Editor The TALLIL TIMES accepts stories, photographs office located in the WOC, call 459-0002, or e-
and commentaries, which maybe submitted to the PA mail the staff at tallil.times@tlab.aorcentaf.af.mil
 The Tallil Times / Feb. 6, 2004 Page 4

IN BRIEF
All times are local.
4 p.m., Planet of the Apes
AF Worship Services For details, call 573-1107 407th ESVS News 6 p.m., Planet of the Apes
Jewish “The Hot Spot” Rec. Center 8 p.m., Planet of the Apes
Lay-Led Service: Friday, 8 p.m.
Worship is at 407th Air Expedition- Tonight, Karaoke Night, 10 p.m., Planet of the Apes
POC: Chapel staff, 459-0038
ary Group Chapel, unless otherwise 9:30 p.m., Indoor Theater Monday
noted. Muslim
(LSA Adder Chapel) S u n d a y, P l a y s t a t i o n 2 10 a.m., The Patriot
Catholic tourneys: Madden 04 at 3 Noon, Caddy Shack
Daily Mass: Tuesday through Prayer: 12:30 p.m. and sunset daily
p.m. and NBA Live at 8 p.m. 2 p.m., Funny Farm
Friday, 6 p.m. Bible Studies Monday, Uno, 2 p.m.; 4 p.m., Spies Like Us
Vigil Mass: Saturday, 6 p.m. Women’s Line dance lessons, 6:30 6 p.m., Hard to Kill
Confessions: Saturday 5-5:30 Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. (chapel) p.m., Indoor Theater; 8 p.m., Angel Eyes
p.m. in the Blessed Sacrament Catholic (RCIA) Foosball, 7:30 p.m.; and 10 p.m., Above the Law
Room Thurs, 6:30 p.m. (chapel annex) Yahtze, midnight Tuesday
Roman Catholic Mass: Sunday Catholic Tuesday, Table tennis, 2 10 a.m., Falling Down
at 8 a.m. Sunday, 7 p.m. (chapel annex) p.m., 7:30 p.m. and midnight Noon, Divine Secrets of
Call 459-0038 for information Men and Women Wednesday, Checkers, 2 the Ya Ya Sisterhood
Protestant Thursday 7:45 p.m. (chapel an- p.m.; Dominoes, 7:30 p.m.; 2 p.m., My Big Fat Greek
Traditional: Sunday, 9:30 a.m nex) and 8-ball pool, midnight Wedding
Gospel Service: Sunday, 11:45 LDS Study Thursday, Spades, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., Mixing Nia
p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. (chapel an- 7:30 p.m. and midnight 6 p.m., Child’s Play II
Contemporary Choir rehearsel: nex) Movie schedule 8 p.m., Road Trip
Sunday, 6 p.m. Christianity 101 Today 10 p.m., Matrix
Contemporary Worhship Ser- Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. 10 a.m., Uncommon Valor Wednesday
vice: Sunday, 7 p.m. Creation Science Study Noon, Vampire Journals 10 a.m., Empire of the sun
POC: Chaplain Michael Warner 7 p.m., Monday; 6:30 p.m., 2 p.m., Snow Day Noon, Greenmail
at 459-0038 Wednesday 4 p.m., What Lies Be- 2 p.m., The Color Purple
Latter Day Saints Chinese Language Class neath 4 p.m., Riding in Cars With
Lay-Led Service: Sunday, 2 p.m. 7:30 p.m., Tuesday and Saturday 6 p.m., Six Feet Under Boys
8 p.m., 13th Ghost 6 p.m., Blind Justice
10 p.m., The Daily Show 8 p.m., Bring It On
407th AEG Warrior of the Week Saturday
10 a.m., Hysterical Blind-
10 p.m., Behind Enemy
Lines
Tech. Sgt. Mark Lucas ness Thursday
Noon, Rope 10 a.m., Proof of Life
Unit and duty title: 407th AEG 2 p.m., Altered States Noon, Unchained Memo-
PERSCO NCO in charge 4 p.m., Slap Shot ries
Home unit: 374th Mission Sup- 6 p.m., The Natural 2 p.m., U-571
port Squadron, Yokota Air Base, 8 p.m., The Little Shop of 4 p.m., Tresspass
Japan Horrors 6 p.m., Toy Soldiers
Why other warriors say he’s 10 p.m., Crimson Tide 8 p.m., Freddy Got Fin-
a warrior: “Sergeant Lucas has Sunday gered
done a phenomenal job in main- Noon, Planet of the Apes 10 p.m., To Kill A Mocking-
taining 100 percent personnel ac- 2 p.m.,Planet of the Apes bird
countability during the most dif-
ficult of times — conversion of
the 332 AEW to the 407 AEG and personnel moves throughout
the AOR. He has led his team towards unprecedented success
in tracking everyone that leaves or arrives at Tallil, and he’s
Power Lift Revival
made great improvements to the processes along the way.” The Air Force’s ministry team presents
Most memorable Air Force experience: “The opportunity two nights of revival at 7 p.m. tonight
to deploy to Iraq in support of the war effort. So often, many Air and Saturday.
Force members don’t have this opportunity to see the results
of what we’re constantly training for. This deployment has given The religious event is open to everyone.
me that opportunity and I’ll always remember it.”
 The Tallil Times / Feb. 6, 2004 Page 5

Unit provides medical care at 15,000 feet

by Tech. Sgt. Bob Oldham rector, he oversees the patient treatment and fer took place. The patient, who had a coma-
407th AEG Public Affairs acts as a liaison between the medical team on producing concussion from a two-vehicle ac-
board and the aircrew flying the plane. The cident, was in guarded condition for his ride
SOUTHWEST ASIA – On the ground and lieutenant is deployed here from the Minne- to Baghdad.
in the air, airmen in this part of the world can sota Air National Guard. “From what I was told, I believe he was the
rest assured that medical care is always close He said some days can be dull when the only survivor in the vehicle he was riding in,”
by. crew sits on alert waiting for something to the lieutenant said.
If a person is injured, medical personnel on happen. On Jan. 28, though, something did The patient’s prognosis is unclear at this
the ground stabilize and treat the injured indi- happen. A Turkish national in Afghanistan time, according to the nurse. “Some people
vidual. But if that person needs to be trans- needed transport to Baghdad to receive spe- recover from these really well, others it takes a
ported by air for specialized care, a team of cialized care. little more time,” he said.
medical professionals from the 379th Aeromedi- Lieutenant Smith and his crew jumped into Watching over him every mile of the way
action, pre- on the second leg of his flight was Capt. (Dr.)
paring a C- Erik von Rosenvinge, a physician deployed
130 to airlift here from Andrews AFB, Md., as part of a
the patient to critical care air transport team. On the team
Baghdad. C- with Dr. von Rosenvinge is Capt. Lionel Lyde,
130s are a ver- a nurse, and Senior Airman Deanna Rodriguez,
satile aircraft respiratory therapist.
and can per- The doctor said his role was to monitor the
form a variety patient and treat any symptoms. In this case,
of missions, the patient’s brain had stopped making a
including chemical that affects the kidneys, a condition
aeromedical known as diabetes insipidus. As such, the
evacuation. patient was voiding around two liters of urine
The crew an hour, bringing on dehydration and low po-
loaded equip- tassium.
ment and To combat that, the doctor prescribed flu-
Photo by Tech. Sgt. Bob Oldham
supplies onto ids to rehydrate the patient and lower his so-
Capt. (Dr.) Erik von Rosenvinge, a 379 Aeromedical Squadron critical care air transport dium levels, and he prescribed extra potas-
physician, conducts an initial assessment of his patient before the C-130 cargo the plane, con-
aircraft departs for Baghdad Jan. 28. figured the lit- sium to replace what was being lost.
“Most people urinate less than a hundred
cal Squadron are just a short flight away. ters and waited for a Minnesota ANG C-130
milliliters an hour, and this guy is losing two
On any given day, they might haul patients carrying the patient to arrive from Afghani-
liters an hour. That’s a lot,” he said.
from any airfield in the AOR to collection points, stan.
About three hours later, the C-130 carrying
where they then might be airlifted to Europe As the Minnesota cargo plane taxied into
the patient touched down in Baghdad. The
or America, depending on the needs of the position on the tarmac at an undisclosed loca-
medical crew, dressed in full battle gear, trans-
patient. tion, the lieutenant’s crew put the finishing
ferred the patient to a waiting Army helicop-
“It’s very rewarding work,” said 1st Lt. Matt touches on their C-130 deployed here from
ter, which immediately took off to a hospital in
Smith, a flight nurse and medical crew director Pope Air Force Base, N.C.
Baghdad where a neurosurgeon could have
on the Jan. 28 flight. As the medical crew di- Aircraft tail to aircraft tail, the patient trans-
the patient’s brain scanned and treat him.

This
This Week
Week In
In Histor
Historyy
History
Feb. 4, 1939 -- The experi- plies for earthquake victims, the
mental Boeing XB-15 bomber crew lands at Santiago, Chile,
is flown from Langley Field, only 50 hours after leaving Lan-
Va., on an Air Corps mercy gley
flight to Chile. The flight included two refu-
Loaded with medical sup- eling stops in Panama and Peru.
 The Tallil Times / Feb. 6, 2004 Page 6

Safety First Keeping tabs on Tallilians

by Capt. Mo Schumann PERSCO teams access to the virtual MPF
Traffic vs. pedestrians 407th AEG Public Affairs for all the airmen deployed to their base. This
Our traffic environment is dan- has helped alleviate some of the communi-
They’re some of the first people airmen cation challenges.
gerous, whether as drivers, passen- see when they step off the C-130 at Tallil and
gers or pedestrians.The pedestrian “If a customer does come in here and he
some of the last they see before saying fare- wants to look into retraining, I can pull his
is much more vulnerable to injury; well.
therefore, it would be logical for any records up on the virtual MPF,” said Ser-
The responsibility of tracking every air- geant Smith. “I can see his (Armed Services
pedestrian -- especially joggers -- man who arrives or departs this base falls to
to keep their senses of sight and Vocational Aptitude Battery) scores, I can
a small crew of 407th Air Expeditionary Group see his reenlistment and promotion eligibil-
hearing at maximum operating effi- PERSCO airmen who work around the clock,
ciency and free of self-imposed ity status, his date of separation, what his
365 days a year. selective reenlistment bonus zone is. I can
distracters, such as headsets that “Our No. 1 priority is accountability, mak-
markedly diminish the sense of hear- see all these things so that I can better coun-
ing sure we know exactly who’s here at all sel him.”
ing. times,” said Master Sgt. Jeffrey Smith,
Most of us have two senses, vi- With the impending rotation of Silver air-
PERSCO superintendent deployed here from men, the PERSCO team is getting geared up
sion and hearing, that keep us out Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.
of danger when we are in the traffic for their busy season. Although they hear
The office’s main role is to give the higher numerous complaints about outprocessing
environment. Obviously, when ei- headquarters commanders and the deployed
ther of these senses is diminished the base, they say it’s one of the most im-
commanders an accurate strength picture of portant things an airmen can do.
or lost, our ability to avoid danger the forces they have and the skills of the
is significantly impaired. “I think people sometimes forget how
people here, he said. them being on or off the base affects the
Joggers, bicyclists and motor- And with more than 1,300 airmen here or
ists have increased the risks of mis- transiting through at any one time, that can
haps when they wear headsets. be a full-time job.
“I wouldn’t say it’s hard, but it is a con-
DoD policy tinual effort,” said Sergeant Smith. “As soon
Consequently, the Department of as we get to a location, we have to make
Defense has revised and published friends with services, first sergeants, com-
DoD Instruction 6055.4, which manders and the passenger terminal guys.
states: “The wearing of portable We have to get them to buy into our need to
headphones, earphones, or other know 100 percent of the time where their
listening devices while operating a people are.”
motor vehicle and while jogging In addition to running the base’s Right
walking, bicycling or skating on Start and Right Exit programs and produc-
roads and streets on DoD installa- ing rosters of personnel used by most of the Photo by Tech. Sgt. Bob Oldham
Senior Airman Blanca Trujillo, a personnel
tions is prohibited.” organizations on base, the PERSCO team specialist in PERSCO, pulls Air Force Form 245’s,
The rationale for this is, use of focuses on providing airmen here the ben- Employment Locator Processing Checklists, for
these devices masks or prevents efits of a home station military personnel airmen who are about to depart for home station.
recognition of emergency signals, flight. entire base. Whether it’s services knowing
the approach of vehicles, and the Providing customer service to the de- they have an extra tent space so that a tran-
ability to determine the direction ployed military member can range from reen- sient can get a nice tent space or if it’s the
from which sound is coming. listments and assignment processing to re- medical people knowing whether they have
training applications and base of preference to order more shots; pass and ID, force pro-
Headsets applications, according to Sergeant Smith. tection knowing who’s supposed to be in
Since the wearing of headsets is Even in the austere desert environment the tent city,” said Lieutenant Reyes. “All
forbidden when jogging, all those here, the challenges the team faces are mini- those things are really important for a lot of
who wish to continue using them mal. “We’re not off on weekends like people people at Tallil. So, if we don’t get people to
should look for and use alternative back at home station,” said 1st Lt. Christina outprocess correctly, you see a chain reac-
locations and environments Reyes, PERSCO team chief deployed here tion starting with us and our numbers and it
For more information, stop by from Mountain Home. “With the time zone branches out across the entire base.”
the ground safety office in the wing changes, if someone comes in on a Saturday So, when the plane loads of airmen begin
operations center or call Staff Sgt,. morning, we may not be able to get them an arriving for AEF 7/8, PERSCO members will
Pat Wilson at 459-0403. answer until Tuesday.” be there to meet and greet them, welcoming
Recently however, the Air Force allowed them to their new home away from home.
 The Tallil Times / Feb. 6, 2004 Page 7

aware of the envi-

ronment we’re
in,” he said.
Scanning the
rear of the aircraft
for weapons at-
tacks after depar-
ture isn’t the only
detail the
loadmasters do
while they fly.
“We assist in
monitoring air-
craft systems,”
said Sergeant
Staff Sgt. Mike Keller (front) and Master Sgt. Dennis Folk, 328th Expeditionary Folk. “We also
Airlift Squadron loadmasters, test the oxygen systems on their C-130 prior ensure the cargo
to departure. The loadmasters monitor all systems in the rear of the aircraft.
is loaded in a

Supplying the
fashion not to af-
fect the flight of
the aircraft and

front from the rear

work for the
safety of our pas-
Staff Sgt. Mike Keller, 328th Expeditionary Airlift
sengers.” Squadron loadmaster, guides a 4,000 pallet of dog
Story and photos by pound pallet of dog food onto The food into the rear of his C-130. The lodmasters play
Staff Sgt. Chris Stagner the back of a C-130 might sound, loadmasters play an intergral role in the Iraqi airlift missions.
407th AEG Public Affairs the responsibilities of an important role of the airlift mis- gers means travel. Travel means
loadmasters supporting Opera- sion in Iraq, according to Maj. seeing some interesting places.
A man stands on the back of
tion Iraqi Freedom don’t end Wayne Snyder, 328th EAS pilot, “I enjoy traveling,” said Ser-
a C-130 in the middle of the cold
there. deployed from the Ohio ANG. geant Folk. “I’ve seen some
Iraqi desert. He sees someone
“We scan the back of the air- “The crew relies on the places most people will never be
approaching him and a smirk
loadmaster for everything that able to visit.”
builds on the corner of his lips. craft for attacks,” said Sergeant
The smirk becomes a grin and Folk. goes on behind the flight deck. Moving cargo, passengers
the grin becomes a laugh as he Staff Sgt. Mike Keller, 332nd Even though the aircraft com- and watching for attacks can be
sees something that catches his EAS loadmaster, also deployed mander is ultimately respon- a long day for the loadmasters,
attention. from the Ohio ANG, looks sible, the loadmasters are the but as is the case with any job,
Dog food. Almost 4,000 around the back of the aircraft ones with the knowledge. A lot they try to find time to relax dur-
pounds of dog food. Missions as he checks the ammo of his 9 of our ability to fly safely is ing the flights as well.
in Operation Iraqi Freedom all mm pistol and dons his body ar- based on what they compute. Sergeant Folk trades a look
serve a purpose, and dogs need mor. We can’t do it without them,” with Sergeant Keller and nods.
to eat, too. “Wearing the body armor and he said. He stands up from his seat and
Behind the smirk on his face, weapon makes me feel more Moving cargo and passen- walks toward the front of the
Master Sgt. Dennis Folk, 328th cargo area. Hidden beneath the
Expeditionary Airlift Squadron seats that are down is a box of
loadmaster, deployed from the Meals, Ready to Eat.
Ohio Air National Guard, looks After looking through the box
at the pallet of dog food his air- and finding one that looks ap-
craft is going to deliver to Kirkuk pealing to him, Sergeant Folk
Air Base, Iraq, and decides the heads back to the rear of the air-
best way to load the pallet on craft, sits down, eats his food
his plane. and relaxes. Flying, travel, mov-
“Something like this doesn’t ing dog food and in-flight meals
really take too much time to … the life of a combat
plan,” the loadmaster chuckles. loadmaster.
“It’s pretty much a standard (Editor’s note: This is the
[sized] pallet.” first of a four-part series on the
Master Sgt. Dennis Folk, 328th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron loadmaster,
As simple as shoving a 4,000- surveys the Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, landscape from the rear of his C-130. C-130 aircrew mission in OIF.)
 The Tallil Times / Feb. 6, 2004 Page 8

DoD to transform Reserve, Guard by rebalancing mission

by Army Sgt. 1st Class ber of Guard and Reserve troops “We’ve got 62 percent of the “So we have looked at the stress
Doug Sample and is moving some of its mis- Guard and Reserve that we on the force. We have defined
American Forces Press Service sions and functions to active haven’t touched,” he said. it, and the message here is that
duty forces. The department has Mr. Hall said Guard and Re- it’s a small group, but it’s an im-
WASHINGTON, – A “win- looked at about 300,000 military serve members in that 62 percent portant group.”
dow of opportunity to transform manpower positions for possible who haven’t been mobilized in Mr. Hall noted that those
and change our Guard and Re- outsourcing to contractors. the past 10 years have led his Guard and Reserve members
serve forever” exists this year called most for mobilization be-
and next, and the Defense De- long to units that specialize in
partment has several initiatives Guard and Reserve members called mortuary, civil affairs, force
under way to rebalance Guard most for mobilization belong to units protection and air traffic con-
and Reserve forces, the trol.
department’s top reserve affairs
that specialize in mortuary, civil affairs, In those groups, he said,
official said here Jan. 28. force protection and air traffic control. there is a need to “rebalance so
Thomas F. Hall, assistant sec- -- Thomas F. Hall that we do not mobilize those
assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs
retary of defense for reserve af- people over and over again. And
fairs, told the Reserve Officers we’re committed to that, and
Association mid-winter confer- Mr. Hall said he wanted to department to examine its mobi- that’s going to be part of the re-
ence that Defense Secretary separate “fact from fiction” amid lization patterns and policies. balancing.”
Donald H. Rumsfeld is inter- reports that Guard and Reserve He said a review of mobiliza- Mr. Hall said DoD also is look-
ested in transforming the Guard units were being overused tions by Guard and Reserve ing into providing more predict-
and Reserve “not tomorrow, but through multiple mobilizations, troops over the past six years ability for Guard and Reserve
today,” and that the fiscal 2005 saying that some reports could revealed that only 4 percent of members prior to deployment.
defense budget will have signifi- not be further from the truth. the force has been affected by He said Guard and Reserve mem-
cant rebalancing initiatives. Mr. Hall said that since Sept. “multi-mobilizations.” bers “need to know up front”
Mr. Hall said the department 11, 2001, about 352,000 Guards- But, he added, the department when they’re going to mobilize
is studying ways to improve men and reservists have been is aware that’s small consolation and for how long.
Guard and Reserve end strength, mobilized. That number, he said, for those reserve component “We need to get to a predict-
reduce multiple mobilizations of represents only 38 percent of the members who have been de- ability, a rotational base for both
the same units and relieve stress drilling reserves, not including ploying. our active and reserve forces
on the force. Individual Ready Reserve mem- “In that 4 percent, if you are that provides that,” he said.
Mr. Hall, a retired Navy rear bers, while some media reports one of that group that has been “Whether it’s one (deployment)
admiral, said DoD is moving to- create the impression that mobilized, two, three and four in six years, or one in five, that’s
ward increasing the base num- “we’ve used them all up.” times, it’s a problem,” Hall said. extremely important.”

Contraband confiscated ensure the safety, military readiness and good

KIRKUK AIR BASE, Iraq -- A team of of- order and discipline of airmen residing in the
ficers and senior NCOs conducting, health, dorms.
morale, welfare and safety dorm inspections General Order No. 1A, which applies to
in two dorms recently uncovered several Air Force members, prohibits the posses-
General Order No. 1 violations here. sion, consumption or transfer of alcohol and
The group found and confiscated a num- the possession of pornographic and sexu-
ber of Iraqi bayonets, Iraqi helmets, an inop- ally explicit materials. Items sold through
erable rifle, pornographic magazines, ammu- AAFES in the AOR are exempt from GO 1A.
nition and assorted pieces of brass. In addition, GO1A prohibits
The inspection was ordered by the 506th servicemembers from taking or retaining war
Air Expeditionary Group commander, pursu- Photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Williams trophies, including weapons, munitions or
A helmet, broken rifle, bayonets and
ant to Military Rule of Evidence 313(b). Un- pornographic magazines were recently military equipment.
der the rule, the commander can direct an confiscated from a dorm inspection at Kirkuk Air For more information, check with the
inspection to assess living conditions and Base. base’s legal office.
 The Tallil Times / Feb. 6, 2004 Page 9

A LATE NIGHT RUN: A C-130 crew

finishes loading Predator aircraft into
a C-130.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Chenzira Mallory

BEST
— Give Us Your —

SHOT
Photo by SSgt Lisa Koerner
ZENFULLY DELIGHTFUL: Senior Airman Marigold Villa practices her Zen
technique at the Ziggurat.

Here’s How:
We want to see Tallil Air Base and the sur-
rounding areas from the inside and out and we
need your help. If you’ve got a digital camera,
then we want to talk to you!
Send us your best digital photo for the week
and we’ll chose the top shots to be published in
the next issue of the Tallil Times.
When submitting photos, make sure they
are of reasonable quality and in any PC compat-
ible format. Next, make sure you provide us with
an accurate description of the event and COM-
PLETE names of all persons pictured.
Photos without complete information can-
not be considered. Photos must be in good taste
and not compromise safety or security in any
manner.
If you have questions, contact the Public
Affairs Office at DSN 459-0002 or send your
questions directly to
tallil.times@tlab.aorcentaf.af.mil.

Photo by Master Sgt. Mark Green

MOVING TO HIGHER GROUND: Airmen from the communications squadron relocate a tent to drier land.
 The Tallil Times / Feb. 6, 2004 Page 10

Airmen compete in Iron Man competition

Senior Airman Daniel Lewis, 407th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, performs

60 push-ups during the Iron Man competition while a judge watches.

Photos by
Participants ran a
Staff Sgt. total of 10.5 miles
Chenzira in the competition.
Mallory

1st Lt. Amber Leone, 407th Expeditionary Medical Group,

performs 15 chin-ups during the Iron Man competition.

Sports briefs
Fit to Fight All-star weekend Wednesdays at 7 a.m. and Fridays at 7 p.m.
The base fitness center offers an oppor- Muscle Beach Fitness Center hosts a bas- Run, walk club
tunity for airmen to test their fitness level ketball all-star weekend noon-3 p.m. Feb. 15. The Tallil 200-mile run club and 100-mile
against the Air Force’s new fitness test at 8 Contestants can participate in a 3-point walk club is ongoing. To participate in the
a.m. Feb. 13 at the wing operations center. shootout, hoop challenge, slam dunk con- run club, run 200 miles before Feb. 28 and
Airmen will perform push-ups, sit-ups, a 1.5- test and the all-star game. The all-star team turn in a tracking sheet to the base fitness
mile run and have their waist measurement will be selected by the intramural director of center and receive a free T-shirt.
recorded. To participate, sign up at the fit- the intramural basketball season. To partici- To participate in the walk club, walk 100
ness center. pate, sign up at the fitness center. miles on a treadmill, crosstrainer, or outdoors,
Valentine’s Day run, walk Cardio triathlon turn in a tracking sheet to the base fitness
The fitness center hosts a 5-kilometer run The fitness center hosts a cardio triathlon center and receive a free T-shirt.
and two-mile walk at 8 a.m. Feb. 14. The route at 1 p.m. Feb. 15. Participants will compete Personal trainer
begins at the wing operations center. To on three of four cardio machines: treadmill, Muscle Beach Fitness Center has per-
participate, sign up at the fitness center. cross trainer, stair stepper or bike. To partici- sonal trainers on hand for 30-minute work-
3-on-3 hoops pate, sign up at the fitness center. outs 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
The fitness center sponsors a three-on- Aerobics Other times may be available, subject to
three basketball tournament at 5 p.m. Feb. The base fitness center offers aerobic the availability of the personal trainer staff.
14. Each team must have four players and at classes. Classes are: Kickboxing, Mondays To arrange an appointment, stop by the
least one must be a female. To participate, and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Step aerobics, fitness center and fill out an appointment
sign up at the fitness center. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 p.m. Total abs, request sheet or call 459-0136.