Military Clothings

Air Force Print News|by TSgt. Luke Johnson

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – “Gentlemen, start your engines.”

This familiar call is one many NASCAR fans hear each weekend as they watch their favorite drivers compete for the checkered flag.

Yet, at Beale Air Force Base, a special chase car’s pursuit down the flightline, tailing a U-2 reconnaissance aircraft at breakneck speeds, would leave any NASCAR fan screaming for more.

“The job is awesome,” said Maj. Luke Lokowich with the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron. “You get to go 110 miles per hour every day, and (the U-2 is) the only aircraft in the Air Force that has (a person in) a car driving behind it talking a pilot through a landing.”

Not all pilots can chase a U-2 down the runway at speeds of 110 mph.

“First of all, they have to be a U-2 pilot (because) they have to understand what the person in the aircraft is going through,” Major Lokowich said. “When the U-2 pilot is up there in his pressure suit, everything is exponentially more difficult and the simple act of opening a checklist can be extremely difficult and time consuming.”

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The chase car driver provides the pilot with an extra set of eyes and ears on the ground as he or she talks the pilot down from a high-altitude sortie.

“In many ways, it’s just a second crew member, a co-pilot in a single-seat aircraft, able to perform emergency checklists for him, work problems at ground speed zero where you have more time, more resources and more time to devote to any emergencies.” Major Lokowich said.

The U-2 is regarded by many as one of the most difficult aircraft to land and maneuver. By having another U-2 pilot on the ground after a long, high-altitude mission, it’s reassuring for the pilot in the cockpit to know that a fellow aviator has got his back.

“(You come) back from a long mission flying for nine or 10 hours, you are going to be tired (and) stagnant, and your visibility is really hindered in the suit,” said Maj. Pete Van Pelt, a U-2 instructor pilot. “Your ability to feel, your dexterity and couple that with the fact this plane is really difficulty to land on a good day, it’s really nice to have an extra set of eyes outside the airplane during the landing phase.”

During normal missions, the chase car driver, or mobile driver, is responsible for more than just ensuring a safe landing at the end of a long operation. He preflights the aircraft while the mission pilot is getting suited up and he also monitors the weather and provides help in emergencies.

“The plane can be a handful if you have problems,” Major Van Pelt said. “It’s nice to have somebody else read the checklists to you, communicate things to folks on the ground for you.”

Although U-2 pilots race down the runway in high-performance automobiles chasing the aircraft at speeds that would land hefty speeding tickets, they know their job ensures the success and safety of every U-2 sortie.

“It’s a vitally important job to ensure the safety of the flyer and the aircraft, and that is first and foremost,” Major Lokowich said. “(They) don’t have to be up in the aircraft to be an important part of the mission. Just like the maintenance team, the backshop specialists and crew chiefs, (who) are all absolutely crucial to the success of a U-2 sortie, the mobile is just one more aspect of that.”

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Air Force Print News|by Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Mentors touch our lives and help shape us into the people we are today. We value mentorship in the Air Force and both develop it in our subordinates while seeking it from our supervisors.

I like to think that one cannot have enough mentors, nor can one mentor enough. I’ve had many through the years, but one sticks out above the rest. This particular mentor touched my life in two important ways, separated by nearly 40 years.

While a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy, I struggled to keep my grades up. I was on the dean’s “other list” six of eight semesters. Now, in the end, I managed to defeat my academic demons and graduate with a commission in 1973, but I certainly didn’t do it alone. I owe my success in large part to my academic adviser and mentor, Col. Joe Henjum.

Colonel Henjum wasn’t what I expected when I met him for the first time in 1971. To be honest, I don’t think I knew what to expect. He had been awarded the Silver Star for heroism while flying helicopters in Vietnam. I quickly learned that Colonel Henjum was the kind of person who was easy to look up to and even easier to follow.

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When he took me and my academic worries under his wing, I was proud to be there. I knew that his guidance, combined with persistence and determination on my part, would lead me through the challenge. In the end, it most certainly did.

When I walked across the stage with the rest of the Class of 1973, I strode with the confidence that Colonel Henjum had helped build within me. He had been a crucial part of my Academy experience and, in many ways, part of who I am today. I kept in touch with Colonel Henjum over the years, often thanking him for making a difference in my life. I never imagined that his influence would impact me all over again, especially at this point in my career.

The second time Colonel Henjum touched my life began with tragic news. On Jan. 1 of this year, Colonel Henjum passed away after battling a long illness. His son, Mark, asked if I would speak at his father’s memorial service. I was touched by his request and spent hours trying to find the right words to convey how great a person had just left our earth. I wanted to make sure everyone understood the lasting difference he made in the lives of others.

When it was my turn to speak, it came from my heart. I told the crowd about a man who dedicated his life to serving and helping others. When I finished, his son rose to speak. While listening to Mark’s story, I found Colonel Henjum leading me on another journey. I was touched and want to share the story with you.

A few months ago, Mark accompanied his father to the hospital and they both knew what was about to happen. The doctor was going to tell Colonel Henjum that he only had three months left to live. It was an appointment they were both dreading. While riding up to the doctor’s floor, Colonel Henjum greeted the building janitor who shared the elevator with them. He complimented the janitor for keeping the building so clean. The janitor was shocked; no one had ever thanked him before. Colonel Henjum noticed the building and took the time to notice the janitor. His actions resonated with me. That janitor would never forget Colonel Henjum.

When getting off the elevator, Colonel Henjum introduced Mark to the receptionist. He told Mark about the receptionist’s son who was a Marine and currently flying combat missions in Afghanistan. He reassured the receptionist that her son would come home safely; Marines are excellent pilots. Not only had Colonel Henjum met and talked with the receptionist before, but also he remembered her and took precious time to introduce his son. He even thought to reassure her fears with a son deployed to combat operations.

Now, think about it. Colonel Henjum was riding the elevator to find out he didn’t have much time left. Instead of lamenting his fate, he was concerned about others. That day, he made a difference in their lives. Almost 37 years after graduating from the Academy, Colonel Henjum was once again making a difference in my life.

I always like to tell people that they should strive for two things in life: make a difference in people’s lives and leave the campground better than you found it. Colonel Henjum certainly did that throughout his 75 years. He mentored me as a cadet at the Air Force Academy and once again just this last month. I couldn’t ask for a better mentor and friend.

Go and thank those who have guided you through the years and take time to make a difference in the lives of those you mentor. Our Air Force is only as good as those of us who serve. Let’s all work hard to make each of us a little better each and every day. Just as Colonel Henjum did for me and many others.

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Air Force Print News|by LCpl. Jovane M. Holland

PATTAYA, Thailand – More than 30 U.S. Airmen and Soldiers along with South Korean marines and sailors visited an emergency shelter for small children during Exercise Cobra Gold 2010.

The military members landscaped the area and then played and ate lunch with the children of the Mercy Center, who are orphans or at risk of direct abuse or severe neglect.

“I had a blast with these kids,” said Staff Sgt. Wesley Sutton, a chaplain’s assistant assigned to the 15th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii. “The fact that they can play and show so much life despite their situation is just amazing.”

Fred and Dianne Doell established the Mercy Center in 2000 with the support of the Victory Family Church in Pattaya.

Members of all the branches of the U.S. military have volunteered at the center while participating in Cobra Gold for more than five years, Ms. Doell said. “When the Republic of Korean military asked to join them this year, we were thrilled. We love what we do, but it can be hard, and all the volunteers give us such encouragement with their service.”

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Cobra Gold 10 represents the first year of the South Korean military’s participation. Volunteering at the Mercy Center is one of several humanitarian civic assistance projects that are scheduled while the troops are in Thailand for Cobra Gold.

South Korean Sgt. Suhwan Lee, a scout leader with 6th Company, 22nd Battalion, said volunteering was one of the most important responsibilities of the military while participating in Cobra Gold.

“This day was good for us as well as the children,” Sergeant Lee said. “This is a great program. I think all of us felt excited and happy with how it went.”

Throughout the day, the 24 children of the center were all smiles as they played soccer and basketball, swung on swings, and had a water balloon fight with the servicemembers.

Although the children started out shy, by the end of the day both groups forged friendships.

“Despite the obvious language barrier between the children and the troops, they understood each other perfectly,” Ms. Doell said. “Love has its own language. You don’t have to talk to, tickle or play basketball. These children felt every volunteer open their heart to give love, and they gave it right back. They were clearly on the same page.”

Sponsored by U.S. Pacific Command and the Royal Thai Supreme Command, Cobra Gold is a three-week exercise that includes a command post exercise, a series of medical and engineering civic action projects, and joint and combined field training.

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Air Force Print News |  by Maj. Karen J. Ashley

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE,  Neb. – Forty-five years ago this month, an event took place that determined the path of my life.

This article is a tribute to that event, and I would like to recognize the efforts of American Heart Association officials in battling heart disease, the brilliant medical professionals who have made remarkable advances in cardiac surgery, the amazing Navy nurses, who bent the rules to teach a curious young girl and my mother, who had absolute faith.

Most of us think of February as a month of hearts, candy and flowers that help us celebrate Valentine’s Day. I suspect that few people know that since 1963 Congress has required the president to proclaim February as “American Heart Month.” The AHA works directly with the administration to draft and sign this annual proclamation.

The AHA staff also educates and provides community health programs to millions every year. These programs are designed to help people identify heart health risk, including stroke, heart attack and other cardiovascular conditions. Numerous support groups and intervention programs are available to assist in identifying and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

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Kicking off the 2010 American Heart Month campaign is the newest AHA program called, “Go Red For Women,” which is observed Feb. 5. Millions across America will wear red on this day, supporting efforts to educate women about heart disease and stroke.

AHA officials note that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women ages 20 years and older, killing approximately one woman every minute.

More women die of cardiovascular diseases than the next five causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. The good news is that 80 percent of cardiac events in women may be prevented if women make the right choices for their hearts. I encourage you to participate in this observance by wearing red Feb. 5.

I’ll be wearing red on that day to remember my mother and her battle with heart problems.

In 1936 at the age of 9, my mother, Joy Colbert, developed a streptococcal infection, which resulted in rheumatic fever. This event permanently damaged two valves in her heart. She was told that if she lived to be 30, she would be very lucky. Fortunately for my mother, cardiac surgery was evolving, and at the age of 38, she underwent her first open heart surgery to fix her tricuspid valve. It was the third procedure of its kind and was performed in February 1965 at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego.

In preparation for her surgery, Navy nurses brought out a model of the human heart and showed our family what was wrong and how they were going to fix it. I couldn’t stop asking questions; it was the most fascinating thing I had ever seen. These blessed nurses nurtured my curiosity and allowed me in to see my mom after surgery, even though the age limit for visitors was 14 and I was only 8.5. They got me a foot stool and put it on the other side of the bed and told me to stand tall and that nobody would say anything. They were wonderful and I fell in love with the idea of becoming a nurse.

During my first year of nursing school, my mother had her second open heart surgery to replace her mitral valve. Again, the nurses at Balboa were fantastic. I knew I had found my calling.

Fifteen years later, I accepted a commission in the Air Force nurse corps. The circle was complete. I had joined the ranks of those early nurse mentors. Three years later, my mother had her third and final surgery at Balboa. Again, there was tremendous compassion shown to our family by the nurses. This time though, she went home to be with her Lord and not us. My mother always believed that every day she had on this earth was a gift from God and not to be wasted. I try to honor that belief by continuing the mentoring process to nurses in my circle of influence.

I’m blessed every day to do the one thing I love most, work with children to help make them better. I will often share tidbits about the amazing human body, particularly the heart, with my young patients. My hope is that they too may be fascinated and find their calling in nursing or medicine. I have no idea who I have influenced throughout the 32 years of my nursing career, but I do know that when that spark is ignited, it is a tribute to those who went before me and a special gift from my mother.

The human heart is an amazing organ that begins to beat 21 days after conception. It will beat 2.5 billion times in an average lifespan of 66 years. It is the size of a clenched fist, yet pumps gallons of blood every day. As strong as the heart is, it’s also fragile. It is susceptible to congenital defects, valve disease from infections and complications of ischemic heart disease that, until a century ago, were poorly understood. A handful of surgeons from the late 1890s through the early 1940s attempted surgery on the heart, but most were unsuccessful.

Following World War II, cardiac surgery changed significantly. These early advances were wonderfully shown in the 2004 film, “Something the Lord Made,” which depicted the pioneering efforts of Dr. Alfred Blalock, Dr. Helen Taussig and technician Vivien Thomas in correcting “blue baby” defects. Surgery soon expanded from closed-heart procedures to the use of the heart-lung machine for open-heart surgery. This rapid scientific evolution culminated 20 years later with the first human heart transplant in 1967, performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard in South Africa.

Heart surgery continues to evolve and today includes “off-pump bypass surgery,” robotic “minimally invasive” surgery and laser ablation procedures. None of these innovations would have been possible without the passion and commitment of researchers and surgeons around the world, or the support of the AHA.

I hope that each of you is motivated to find out more about your heart health, and I encourage you to visit the AHA Web site at www.americanheart.org for more information.

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