Air Force Martial Arts
My letter is in response to Marine Sgt. Tyson Kubie's opinion about the Air Force and martial arts. It would seem that Sergeant Kubie has not been downrange a great deal of time, otherwise he would see the amount of Airmen in jobs of all types, that are out doing good things, and living in hostile areas.
I've been deployed in combat zones multiple times since Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom kicked off. I, as well as many other Airmen, have spent large amounts of time "outside the wire" in close proximity with the locals of those countries, and in situations where engaging with firearms is out of the question and some type of physical restraint was the answer. I know what Marines learn, because I am in a joint unit, which has members of every service. We take of the best of each branch's methods for physical training, including being taught by Marines.
Before you make assumptions, you should maybe open your eyes more. Tell those pararescuemen, combat controllers, tactical air control party Airmen, and other frontline Air Force personnel they do not need these skills. Every single person in the Air Force would benefit from this training. Today's troops have no idea what type of situation they might find themselves in, and who knows what skill set may save your life someday.
Staff Sgt. Troy Duran
MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
4/26/2005
Appreciation
A Few weeks ago as I was entering Scott Air Force Base, Ill, I slowed down to show my identification to the security policeman on duty. It was a two striper, with an M-16 rifle almost as big as she was. She looked at my ID, came to a stiff attention, saluted me and said "Thank you for defending our country sir".
I enlisted in 1950, graduated from Officer Candidate School, Class 58-B in June 1958 and retired in June 1972. I was overwhelmed and very, very appreciative of such a statement. These people are in the Air Force (and the other branches of the armed forces) because they want to be. We're going to win this thing. How can we not win with such people?
retired Maj. John A. Chamberland
O'Fallon, Ill.
4/25/2005
Free Health Care?
Senior Master Sgt. James Tibbetts asked "How many civilians have you heard complain about their FREE health care?"
I would say to Sergeant Tibbetts he ought to rethink his question. Last I checked, we in the military EARN our "free" health care with our service, and all to often, with our blood. And, based on the document I get each year extolling the whole pay and benefits package, informing me how much I "earn", health care is considered part and parcel of my benefits package as a military member. As far as complaining about it, I remember being the dependant of a military retiree in Europe, and was able to get a medical appointment with less hassle than I have now as an active duty military member. Could it be worse? Of course. Could it be better? Definitely. But the bottom line is that the health care is not free, but earned and paid for by each of us.
Tech. Sgt. Frank Gonzalez
Buckley AFB, CO
4/25/2005
Our grief
My son, Staff Sgt. Kelly Paul Hollier, recently told me that a part of his team was killed in the Mar. 31, MC-130H Combat Talon II crash in Albania. Since my class and I weren't aware of this until my son's return to England, it seemed as if we didn't care about such an issue. However, this letter is one of sympathy. Sometimes we live in such freedom that we forget, at times, about the wonderful men and women who defend our freedom. When my son called and told me of this tragedy, I then realized that regardless of their location, every one of the armed service people can be gone in one instance.
We would like it stated, somehow, that my students and I truly are concerned about the unknown people who fight for our right to be free. We have a moment of silence each and every day and we make sure to include all of these brave people in "our" moment.
Yesterday, as I read the names and hometowns of each of the Airmen, some tears fell, and I know mine did. I knew that I could have been reading my own son's name.
Please let it be known that we do care, even for the unnamed. It would be a very generous world if we could let everyone know that their fight for the gift of freedom was truly a great big "THANK YOU", but that isn't the reality of this world. If there is a possible way, could you let the families of these nine brave men know that we do care in Eunice, La., and we try and include thoughts about our armed services in our own life each and every day.
My heart goes out to all, and I know any given day, a designated person could be at my door giving me their regrets. We are proud of all and we are very proud to be Americans. You all count and we want all to know that. Thank you.
Cynthia Hollier and Students
Eunice, La.
4/22/2005
Crew Chiefs
I know it's been a while since I've turned a wrench as an aircraft mechanic but the memories are still fresh. As I recall, as a maintainer at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. it took an entire team to keep those jets flying. No one individual or career field was more important than the other. The Air Force is an entire team and we all have ownership in those aircraft and it's mission. It seems unfortunate that Senior Airman Christopher Leigh out of Minot Air Force Base, N.D., has such a narrow view of his and other career fields.
As I recall, a crew chief used to be a duty title. I was enlisted at a time when we cut-trained into other maintenance career fields. I was an electro-environmental troop with a good amount of jet, hydraulic and avionics training. With all that, I held the duty title of crew chief on a C-141 Starlifter, tail number 0179 with my name on the side. I am proud of that fact. I did all the same tire changes, pre and post flight inspections, towing, jacking, engine runs, cleaning, etc., that any other crew chief did on their plane besides chasing wires throughout the plane as my specialty. I wasn't any more special than the others. We all did our jobs to keep them flying.
Hopefully, Airman Leigh will see the bigger picture as he progresses in rank. I appreciate your hard work, but I also appreciate all Airmen in their hard work. As a weapons officer who flies along with enlisted technicians and deploys with the mechanics that keep them flying. I see first hand that it takes an entire Air Force of Airmen to keep 'em flying! Our jobs are different, but our goals are the same!
Capt. David Cortez
Randolph Air Force Base, Texas
4/22/2005
Crew Chiefs II: The Revenge
In regards to Staff Sgt. Keven Muse's letter entitled "Crew Chiefs". I couldn't agree more. Crew chiefs are the front man to the pilot, and why do they deserve this honor? They don't do much of anything special on the flight line while specialists are sitting in their office's playing cards or reading their magazines.
When there is a problem with the autopilot system, what does the crew chief do? He asks a specialist to actually get off his keister and do his job. When the Identification Friend or Foe, or IFF, has a problem, what does the crew chief do? Well I'll be darned if a specialist might actually have to do his or her job again. Crew chief's do what they are trained to do, and they expect specialists to do the same. Unfortunately this seems a little to difficult for some.
I am a B-52H crew chief from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., and I have to pass on to you Sergeant Muse that you wouldn't last 15 seconds as a crew chief on this flight line. This week, while crew chief's are getting their aircraft ready for deployment, working 12 hour shifts (which really pan out more like 14), what are our trusty specialist friends doing? Very little. They are sitting around their offices, staring at email, reading magazines and heading home after a hearty eight hours. Are they even lifting a finger to help the crew chiefs? I think not. Why should they? It's not their job right?
Sergeant Muse, crew chiefs take the spotlight away from the specialists for a reason. That reason is because they are hard working, professional individuals. While you have a single system to maintain and care for, a crew chief is responsible for the entire aircraft, the forms, the equipment and numerous other items.
Please, Sergeant Muse, have a seat, relax, check your email and when we need you -- we'll call.
Senior Airman Christopher Leigh
Minot Air Force Base, N.D.
4/22/2005
Decorations
Just wanted to echo what was said about the valor devices being awarded to personnel in stateside assignments. I have to agree with what the previous airman stated. Valor devices are supposed to be awarded for direct valor displayed while under direct fire/combat. Unless they served during the Civil War, no one stationed in the United States has been involved in direct combat stateside. Awards mean nothing if EVERYONE gets one.
Staff Sgt. Joseph E. Guy
Minot Air Force Base, N.D.
4/22/2005
Valor Device
In response to Senior Airman Russel Beye's letter about the award of the "V" device, I must first say I agree with him that some awards are being given out undeservedly (Bronze Stars for desk-jockey officers is one abomination I'd like to see end). However, if he were to look at Air Force Instruction 36-2803, para. A3.8, he would see that the "V" device may be authorized on an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award or Air Force Organizational Excellence Award for valor, period. There is no requirement for action in a hostile fire zone or to be "out there in combat getting dirty" as Airman Beye said.
Tech. Sgt. James King
Ramstein Air Base, Germany
4/22/2005
0-0-1-3 is not the right answer
Before you judge this program to harshly I suggest you go the following link and read up on it. www.warren.af.mil/0013
The 0-0-1-3 Awareness Program is just that, an awareness program. Yes every person reacts differently to alcohol depending on body composition and other factors. This is not a catch all program or a safe house to say "well I only had three drinks, so I am OK to drive". The key here is to create an environment were people think before they act. There was a lot of research put into this program. It was not just thrown out there for a quick fix. Who can argue with statistics? Since its inception here, alcohol related incidents have dramatically dropped. So, before you judge the program as being ineffective and wrong, please look at all the facts and results. Then you can judge it properly.
Master Sgt. Gerald Dickson
F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.
4/22/2005
RE: 36-2903 tradgedy
I couldn't agree more. I have friends who feel insulted because they have family members who have passed away or currently have cancer but can not show their support yet a bracelet is authorized that says Support the troops. We are already supporting the troops by serving in the military. Let's break the barrier and support cancer awareness and research as well!
Staff Sgt. Robert Owens
Forward Deployed Location
4/22/2005
|
Advanced Search