2007 Jul 16 - Uplink

Published on July 2016 | Categories: Types, Magazines/Newspapers | Downloads: 31 | Comments: 0 | Views: 264
of 8
Download PDF   Embed   Report

Comments

Content

Vol. 3 No. 10

RAF Croughton, England

July 16 , 2007

422d Commander farewell Page 2, 3 Changing of the Guard Page 4, 5 Chernobyl Children Page 6, 7

2 July 16, 2007

From the Top

The Uplink

Commander gives final message to Team
Col. Vincent D’Angelo 422nd Air Base Group, Commander Greetings team Croughton! I have spoken to you many times in these last two years and soon it will be time for me to go. But before I do, I wanted to share some thoughts, some of which I’ve been saving for a good while. One of the things about command is that you’re always somewhat separated. You spend a lot of time moving very fast, particularly standing up a new organization, and see the people through glass and not nearly enough. So, many times I stopped to reach out from behind the glass to connect. I wish to do a little more of that in this article. I took a drive around the base last Monday morning and saw many of you out picking up and tidying the base – such pride in keeping our standards high – it is so wonderful to see first hand. When you hear so much criticism about our nation, it is truly inspiring to look out onto our patch and see our Airmen - visible proof of what is very “right” about it. People ask how I feel about leaving. The old clichés could not fit better. “Bitter sweet”. The sweet part is Colorado, the mountains, and a new life. The bitter—all the goodbyes, of course, and leaving this beautiful place. I’ve been thinking a bit about some hallmark events, reflecting on what the past two years have meant and mean. The image that immediately came to mind is the ship analogy I have used in my commander’s calls. The small “carrier” that was in need of new paint and a new heading. This image led me to think of that first two weeks when we power-washed the children’s playgrounds on base housing and the bench on the entry to the base. Such a powerful vision when you look at the base today – a shining example of ingenuity, good will, hard work, and l-e-a-d-e-r-s-h-i-p! My first Commander’s hotline email was from a lady exclaiming how wonderful it was to be able to actually sit on that bench – it was a small moment, but with big meaning. There are many other hallmark events that happened in our two years – our successful deployments, infrastructure improvements, our QOL initiatives, our successful programs, our many Squadron Awards to name just a few. see Message on Page 3

Commander’s Action Line
The Commander’s Action Line is a direct line for comments and suggestions to make RAF Croughton a better place to live and work. It is also an avenue to address issues that have not been resolved through the responsible agency or your chain of command. Items of interest to all Croughton readers may be published in The Uplink. If you leave your name and telephone number or email address, you will receive a reply. Your contact information also provides a means for us to get more information if needed to work the issue To submit an Action Line, call 236-8017 or e-mail 422abg.commanders.actionline@ croughton.af.mil.

Col. D’Angelo

Cover:

The RAF Cadet band performs during 4th of July celebrations outside the Consolidated Club. The cadet band marched parade style with base children to welcome home the most recent deployment returnees.
Photo by Tech Sgt. Keith Houin, Graphic by Tech.Sgt. Robert Ashley

Bring on the Band

422nd Air Base Squadron Lt. Col. Jim Ryan , Squadron Commander Editorial Staff Tech. Sgt. Keith Houin. Public Affairs NCO Multimedia support is provided by Tech. Sgt. Robert Ashley This funded Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services overseas. The Uplink content is not necessarily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of De-

fense or the Department of the Air Force. Content is edited, prepared and provided by the RAF Croughton Public Affairs office. All photographs are Air Force photographs unless indicated. Public Affairs can be reached at 422nd ABS/ PA, Unit 5855, APO, AE 09494, or DSN 2368468 or 01280708468; or e-mail 422abs.pa@ croughton.af.mil. The submission deadline is close of business the Thursday eight days prior to the desired publication date. All material is edited for accuracy, brevity, clarity and conformity to regulations. The Public Affairs office strives for accuracy. If an error is noticed, contact The Uplink staff.

July 16, 2007

From the Top

The Uplink

3

Message...continued from Page 2
All made their mark and changed this base for good. In many ways, it is simply a rediscovery of our military values, discipline, and good application of our common sense. Our ship is steaming beautifully – “Always Forward”. I think we have stopped a lot of what needed stopping, and got back to basics. And I believe we have reminded people that we are an Air Force Base with a real mission and very much in the fight. Because we’re an Air Force Base, our challenges seem complex, however, we have tackled everything that has come our way with great success and learned many lessons as well. I believe it will always be this way. But as long as we remember our principles and believe in ourselves, anything is possible. I’ve been asked if I have any regrets. Well, I do. Getting out from behind “the glass” with the Airmen and the people a couple times a week is not enough. I regret there is so much change at once, and as we all seek stability know that change is a prolific constant right now. I am so impressed at how you all handle it and so very proud of the pride that I see on base. That feeling and sense is great, and to make it last we must ground it in thoughtfulness, lessons learned, and knowledge that we have gained. Finally, I regret these tours are so short! Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to be part of the last two years with you. Make no doubt about it, there have been significant changes over these two years and changes will continue as our Air Force moves into the next decade. This last two weeks have been very, very challenging and the next two look just as busy! The types of challenges we have had over the last two weeks have tested your character and you have come through outstandingly, risen to every test, accomplished every goal, exceeded every objective. In retrospective, the group has accomplished so much. Your leadership, the hard work, the untiring efforts of the staff, and the airmen made a significant and measur-

able contribution to the global war on terrorism, and while it’s true, no one can predict the future, we are certainly, through tough and focused leadership, more prepared for it and all the change that will come with it. Our Air Force and RAF Croughton, remains an exclusive club. We are bound by our traditions, our values, and our family atmosphere. We will share lifetime friendships based on common experiences, the challenges we meet together, the pride that swells in our bosom when we see the flag, a deployment, or just the thrill of seeing our young people shine that we are training, briefing, or mentoring. These and many other relatively small events are part of what bonds us together as Airmen for life. In what other organization can you call upon people you have not seen in years, pull into their driveway while driving cross country on a PCS, and spend the night at a moments notice? Think about it. When I arrived here, many people told me about this term called being “Croughtonized”. It had a negative connotation to it, a matter of fact, a “this is how it’s done here”, much of which was out of regs, OIs, AFI’s, and IOUs. Today, that term means doing the right thing, professionally, with pride as part of our Air Force and the Wing, leading the pack from deployments to sports, setting the standard for the Wing and leading the way – something I take great pride in. We’ve done our part. And as I walk off into the mountain trails of Colorado, a final word to the men and women of the 422nd – my teammates – I have enjoyed it a ton! We succeeded -- you succeeded. We weren’t just marking time here. We made a difference. We went first class, we are proud, enthusiastic, a family who always looked out for each other. We are American ambassadors to our community, We didn’t walk past a problem, we are the solution… We are TEAM CROUGHTON… And we made the base stronger, better, nicer, respected, and we leave her in your very good hands. And so, as we say in the USAF, “see you later”, God bless you all. Col D

Are You Ready?

The UCI is coming!

4 July 16, 2007

Changing o
Spring 2007 witnessed the first changing of the guard for the 422nd Air base Group. In a few short weeks each of the first commander’s to lead their respective squadrons passed the guard to a new com-

Col. Vincent D’Angelo, 422 ABG Commander, transfers command of the 422nd Air Base Squadron from Lt. Col. Jim Ryan to Lt. Col. Richard Miller

Col. Vincent D’Angelo, 422 ABG Commander, transfers command of the 422nd Air Base Squadron from Maj. Gary Dorman to Maj. James Romasz.

The Uplink

5

of the Guard
mander. Much was accomplished under their watch. This a final tribute to the leadership that helped stand up the group and wing, and a welcome aboard to our new squadron leaders.

Col. Vincent D’Angelo, 422 ABG Commander, transfers command of the 422nd Communications Squadron from Lt. Col. George Lamont to Lt. Col. Christopher Keeton

Col. Vincent D’Angelo, 422 ABG Commander, transfers command of the 422nd Security Forces Squadron from Maj. Chris Deguelle to Maj. Kareem Brooks.

6

July 16, 2007

News

The Uplink

Chernobyl children visit RAF Croughton, other local attractions for fun and relief
In 1986 the Chernobyl disaster released more radioactive contamination than the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs combined, producing more than 200 times the cesium contamination of two nuclear bombs. Ten chidlren from the Chernobyl area visited RAF Croughton and the surrounding area June 17 through July 15 to get some much needed reilef from the fallout area in which they live. The visit was spearheaded by Ms. Emma Pratley an employee at RAF Croughton. For the past 6 years Ms. Pratley has rallied citizens of the Brackley area and base members to make a difference in the lives of the “Chernobyl Children.” It is now 20 years since the accident and the true effects are being seen in record numbers -- deformities, thyroid cancers and leukemia are common among the children of the area. As the president of the local chapter of the Chernobyl Children Lifeline, she has organized annual month-long visits to the local area for 10 children from the Belarus area each year. Around 70% of the fallout settled in this area where more than 3,500 settlements, including 27 towns, and more than 2 million people were exposed to contamination. “It has been medically proven that the children’s life expectancy can be increased by two years by visiting the U.K. for one month, ” she said. “The fresh air and uncontaminated food and water have such a dramatic effect on their depleted immune systems by helping to purge toxins present in their bodies,” she explained. Local families host the children in their homes for approximately one month, feeding, caring and providing entertainment for them, Ms. Pratley said. During the day, Ms. Pratley and the Children’s Lifeline volunteers take the children to various activities, like the British Grand Prix, Camping, Canal Boating Trip, Wicksteed Park, Honda F1 and Royal International Air Tattoo to name but a few. “The visits are therapeutic physically, emotionally and mentally, and have lifelong affects on every child, as well as those who host children and help with the daily activities,” she said. Ms. Pratley was recently recognized by the British Government for her charitable work.

Security Forces personnel and the Chernobyl Children’s Group pose together after a day of fun with the 422nd Security Forces Squadron. The visit was part of the Annual Chernobyl Children’s visit to the Brackley area, heade by base employee, Ms. Emma Pratley

July 16, 2007

Happenings
Tops In Blue DSN 236-8706

The Uplink

9

Tops In Blue 2007 takes center stage Saturday July 21 at 7.30 pm (doors open at 6.45 pm) at RAF Croughton Fitness Center for one performance only. The Shows theme, “The Fly By”, commemorates 60 years of air Force history through a high-tech multimedia extravaganza. Audiences will be taken back as the show visually and musically winds its way through six decades of history with historical footage laced with songs from each era. Tops In Blue 2007 is sponsored in part by AT&T and Coca-Cola. Be sure and register at the show for a chance to win a prize of 550-unit calling card from AT&T. Admission is free. Call DSN 236-8706 for more details.

is Buy one and get one ½ price!! Family Night and Bingo – The Club will be holding a Family Night & Bingo on Wednesday July 25 from 5.00 – 7.00 pm. They will be serving Pizza and Ice Cream Sundaes. For more information call the Club.

Fitness Center DSN 236-8449
Wimbledon @ Croughton – Can you serve like Sampras or volley like Venus? Wimbledon @ Croughton will take place at the Fitness Center Tennis Court on Thursday August 9 starting at 8.00 am. All authorized personnel are welcome to take part in the event. Please sign-up with the Fitness Center by COB Wednesday August 8. Moms & Tots Exercise Class – This is an instructor led fitness class that enables Moms to exercise using a circuit format. Tots are catered for utilizing a safe/controlled area in the Fitness Center. The weekly classes are held on Fridays at 9.30 am. Please sign-up in advance with the Fitness Center as spaces are limited. Fitness Test Preparation Class – The Fitness Test Preparation Class involves three different fitness tests that replicate the Annual Military Fitness Test. The class is instructor led and incorporates a multi-stage bleep test, a sit-up test and a push-up test. This class is Fitness Improvement Program (FIP) Approved. The weekly classes are held on Tuesdays at 10.00 am. Please sign-up in advance with the Fitness Center as spaces are limited.

Extreme Summer Role Model Visit William Gregory (Former NASA Astronaut)
DSN 236-8706 Former NASA Astronaut William Gregory Visit – William Gregory will visit RAF Croughton on Friday July 27 as part of the USAFE Services Extreme Summer Program. Come out to meet William at the Community Center from 6.30-7.30 pm, ask questions, obtain his autograph and receive 50 Extreme Summer Points. Bowling Center DSN 236-8140 Sundays are Family Dollar Days – Every Sunday from June 3 to September 2, 2007, the bowling Center will be offering: $1 Games (per game, per bowler); $0.50 Shoe Rental; $1 Hotdogs or Grilled Cheese Sandwiches; $1 Fries, Crisscuts or Wedges and $1 Nachos. What a great way to spend some time with your family and friends! Red Pin Special – Every Monday through Friday between 11 am and 5 pm come in to the Bowling Center for Red Pin Bowling. Bowl a strike with the red head pin and get a free game coupon to use another day! This offer is valid from June 1 to August 31 2007.

Library DSN 236-8365
Summer Reading Program – Get a Clue @ Your Library – The Library Summer Reading Program runs until Friday August 17. The program is open to all children (0-18 years). The program goal is to read 15 hours and prizes are awarded for each three hours read (or read to for the pre-readers). Story and Craft hours for 1st-3rd graders will be held July 24, 26, 31 and August 2 at 2.00 pm in the Library. Regular story hour for 2-5 year olds will continue on Tuesday mornings at 10.00 am. Stop by the Library to pick up your registration form or for further information.

Community Center/ITT DSN 236-8706
Mildenhall Job Fair – The Community Center/ITT has a trip to the annual Job Fair at Mildenhall on Wednesday July 25. You will have the opportunity to talk to people about the jobs and see for yourself what different jobs will be available. Over 30 companies will be in attendance including US Contractors and local UK companies. For those that would prefer not to attend the job fair you are more than welcome to come along and do some shopping at the BX and enjoy a day out. Cost is $20 adults/$10 children (transportation only). Transport will depart Caversfield at 8.30 am and Croughton at 9.00 am.

Outdoor Rec DSN 236-8419
Deep Sea Fishing from Poole, South Coast - Outdoor Rec will be taking another Deep Sea Fishing trip on Wednesday July 25. This is an extremely popular trip so get signed up quickly or all the spaces will be gone (first to pay goes)! Space is strictly limited to 10 people for this trip. Cost for the trip is $115 and includes all tackle, bait and instruction will be provided. Transport will depart Outdoor Rec at 5.00 am. Local Riverside Family Walk – Outdoor Rec, in conjunction with the Fitness Center, are offering a local family walk on Wednesday August 1. Join us for a lovely riverside walk along the River Cherwell and the Oxford Canal. The walk is along hard packed paths which are suitable for buggies and small active children. This is a FREE! trip. Please see the Fitness Center staff for further information or to sign up.

Club DSN 236-8432
Croughton Crust Now Open – The Croughton Crust (pizza parlor) hours are: Wednesdays and Thursdays – 4.00 – 7.00 pm and Fridays – 4.00 – 9.00 pm. Pizzas can be eaten in or are available for pick-up. Wednesdays at the Croughton Crust

The Uplink would like to bid a fond farewell and happy retirement to Tech. Sgt Robert Ashley. For 2 years “Ash” has produced the PhotoLink and various other photos and graphics for the Uplink.

Sponsor Documents

Or use your account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Forgot your password?

Or register your new account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link to create a new password.

Back to log-in

Close