January 17, 2010
Hello ISFAC members-
Finally we are all getting back on track after the holidays—there has been a lot happening across the state in the life of the military since the last ISFAC FACTS went out before Christmas.
The ISFAC met on January 14, 2010 in Grand Forks- sponsored by Soldiers' Angels and UND Rural Health. The theme for this meeting was "Journey of a Wounded Hero" and by far was the best meeting that we have had yet with attendance and flow of the meeting. After the success of this meeting, we decided it was important to start a theme focus for all meetings—April will bring a focus on the military child, as it is Month of the Military Child and the July meeting will have a health based focus.
A special shout out to Theresia Hersch for her terrific moderating of our meeting. Thanks also to John Hanson and Tom Slaughter (the Tom and John show), co-chairs of the ISFAC; they always do a great job! John did announce that he will be retiring from his career—now he will be able to focus full time on assisting veterans and their families. What a class act he is! Thanks John for all you do for the military. The minutes for this meeting are finished and one of the co-chairs will send them out to you within the next ten days.
I was appointed to be the ISFAC representative for the North Dakota National Guard Service Member and Family Support Advisory Council, which I am honored to be a part of this team. The Advisory Council met this past week and worked on the Adjutant General's Symposium for the Military Family (symposium committee head is Ginny Bachman) that is planned for March 19-21 in Bismarck. We also worked on the mission and vision of the council.
· Mission: To serve military service members and their families (past and present) by assessing, advising and supporting all Service Member Family Support programs.
· Vision: A caring community that builds resiliency among veterans, service members and their families during peace and conflict.
I have set the ISFAC up with a Fan Page on Facebook- announcements will be made there and overall interaction. Please FAN the page so we can start to build it for a resource to get our information out to others. I will also add administrators to the site as people join and want to assist with this resource. Facebook www.Facebook.com search for North Dakota Interservice Family Assistance Committee. We will have a vanity url built into that page as soon as we have enough people following the group.
Welcome home to Master Sgt. Kip A. Terry, Fargo, and Staff Sgt. Mark B. Paler, West Fargo, who were deployed to Sather Air Base in Baghdad in August 2009. Both Airmen served as aerospace ground equipment mechanics. Their duties consisted of maintaining and repairing aircraft at the air base. Also welcome back to Senior Airman Gregory S. Peterson, Harvey, N.D., he was deployed to Sather Air Base in September 2009. His responsibilities included overseeing third country nationals (TCN) working at the air base. A TCN is an employee who is not a citizen of the home or host country. The three Airmen serve in the Maintenance Squadron of the 119th Wing.
Welcome Home Deployers from the Minot Air Force Base- 5th Bomb Wing: 2nd Lt. Kidron Vestal, Tech. Sgt. Thomas Dow, Senior Airman Joshua Rosales. 5th Operations Group: Capt. Ruben Velezandujar. 5th Civil Engineer Squadron: Tech. Sgt. Ann McClenon and 5th Communication Squadron: Staff Sgt. Justin Lange.
A very disturbing story happened this past week in the Fargo area— an Iraqi veteran was hit and run and left for dead in the streets. Justin Bohmer is now a service member from our sister state Minnesota. He was prior 82nd Airborne Division. If anyone would like to send notes of support they would be greatly welcomed from Justin. The story is in the news section of the ISFAC FACTS.
Cards and letters to be sent to:
Justin Bohmer
c/o Dan Bohmer,
515 30th St. N.,
Moorhead, MN 56560
Another sad moment in the Guard happened this weekend—most of you have heard of, or know CSM Kevin Remington (ret); he was awarded the Silver Star years back. His 18 year old son Scott died this weekend. While funeral services are pending (Thursday), if you would like to send the family a note of support, it would be much appreciated by the family.
Kevin and Lisa Remington (Rem's other children Kevin and Kory) 321 1st Ave W Richardton, ND 58652
Another hero has been awarded the Bronze Star-- Tech. Sgt. David L. Cheney of the 319th Civil Engineer Squadron was recently awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan. Thank you so much for your heroic efforts! He is also being awarded the Army Achievement Medal, the Air Force Combat Action Medal and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization International Security Assistance Force Medal.
Gov. John Hoeven and Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk announced last week the return of the NDARNG 1-188th ADA RAID III led by Cpt. Amber Monette. The soldiers should be back in the United States by the end of January.
Gov. John Hoeven and Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk will announce the scheduled return of the Bismarck-based Detachment 42 Operational Support Airlift at noon on Tuesday at the Guard's Raymond J. Bohn Armory Theater. The detachment is serving in the Djibouti Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa that was mobilized in March 2009. The detachment has eight soldiers and is commanded by Chief Warrant Officer Travis Bridwell.
Congratulations to NDNG adjutant general, Ret. MG Alexander Macdonald, as he was named to Aviation Hall of Fame.
Any new events or changes to events on this list, I will highlight in RED so you can skim through this listing without having to look at everything on a weekly basis. I encourage every member of ISFAC to become more engaged in sharing events and activities. Please send me (shellemichaels@msn.com) your copy and paste ready ONLY (see event listing for format) information by Friday of each week and I will send this out over the course of the weekend.
Wishing you the very best of 2010.
Shelle Michaels, Soldiers' Angels
A gentle REMINDER that ISFAC members have requested to use this method of communication to share information vs. getting many emails from everyone each week.
EVENTS/MEETINGS:
Monday, January 18, 2010- Final day for service members to nominate their employers for the Freedom Award through the ESGR.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010. Gov. John Hoeven and Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk will announce the scheduled return of the Bismarck-based Detachment 42 Operational Support Airlift.The announcement will be made to family and friends at noon on Tuesday at the Guard's Raymond J. Bohn Armory Theater.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010. The Grand Forks Air Force Base Officer's Spouses club meets the third Tuesday of the month for general membership meetings. The GFAFB OSC also has several special interest clubs such as the Book Club and Bunco group. These smaller subgroups of our main membership on various dates and each year the groups change based on the interests of our membership. For more information on how you can get involved contact Jamie Linck president@gfosc.com
Wednesday, January 20, 2010The Changing Face of Flooding is the theme of the 27th Annual Red River Basin Land and Water International Summit Conference on Tuesday through Thursday at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. The public is invited from 1:30 to 5 p.m. for a discussion designed to help leaders in the Red River Basin craft comprehensive, long-term recommendations to address flooding. See full information in the news section of the ISFAC FACTS.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010- The GFAFB Enlisted Spouse Club holds social meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Community Activity Center. http://www.gfesc.com/ or contact Angela Kinneberg angela.kinneberg@hotmail.com
Wednesday, January 20, 2010- Bismarck/Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Task Force. The Military Affairs Task Force was recruited to increase awareness and support of the role of the Guard, Reserve and active-duty military in the community. Meets at the Chamber at noon. Katie Moore – (701) 223-5660 or katiem@bismarckmandan.com Guest speaker is new Task Force member Shelle Michaels of Soldiers' Angels.
Friday, January 29, 2010: Grand Forks ESGR meets with LTC Scott Fontaine at 1:00 pm at the Grand Forks Armory. Point of contact is: Jim Martini - jmartini@thevillagefamily.org.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010: Grand Forks ESGR meets at noon. Point of contact is: Jim Martini - jmartini@thevillagefamily.org.
Monday, February 8, 2010: Grand Forks, Alerus Center- 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Grand Forks Air Force Base will conduct four public hearings in February to discuss the proposed expansion of Restricted Air Space in northeastern North Dakota. Under the proposal, UAVs, or remotely piloted aircraft at Grand Forks Air Force Base would have access to realistic training conditions in the air space in northeastern North Dakota. Essentially, the proposal greatly would expand the Restricted Air Space, which is controlled by the military and is off-limits to private and commercial aircraft. UAS aircraft will fly overhead only occasionally, and the air space will be restricted only when training missions are in progress. Copies of the draft environmental impact statement are available for review at: www.grandforksuaseis.com. Comments must be submitted by March 1 to: HQ AMC/A7PI, 507 Symington Drive, Scott AFB, IL 62225-5022; Attn: Mr. Doug Allbright.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010: Devils Lake, Lake Region State College- 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Grand Forks Air Force Base will conduct four public hearings in February to discuss the proposed expansion of Restricted Air Space in northeastern North Dakota. Under the proposal, UAVs, or remotely piloted aircraft at Grand Forks Air Force Base would have access to realistic training conditions in the air space in northeastern North Dakota. Essentially, the proposal greatly would expand the Restricted Air Space, which is controlled by the military and is off-limits to private and commercial aircraft. UAS aircraft will fly overhead only occasionally, and the air space will be restricted only when training missions are in progress. Copies of the draft environmental impact statement are available for review at: www.grandforksuaseis.com. Comments must be submitted by March 1 to: HQ AMC/A7PI, 507 Symington Drive, Scott AFB, IL 62225-5022; Attn: Mr. Doug Allbright.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010: Carrington, Chieftain Conference Center- 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Grand Forks Air Force Base will conduct four public hearings in February to discuss the proposed expansion of Restricted Air Space in northeastern North Dakota. Under the proposal, UAVs, or remotely piloted aircraft at Grand Forks Air Force Base would have access to realistic training conditions in the air space in northeastern North Dakota. Essentially, the proposal greatly would expand the Restricted Air Space, which is controlled by the military and is off-limits to private and commercial aircraft. UAS aircraft will fly overhead only occasionally, and the air space will be restricted only when training missions are in progress. Copies of the draft environmental impact statement are available for review at: www.grandforksuaseis.com. Comments must be submitted by March 1 to: HQ AMC/A7PI, 507 Symington Drive, Scott AFB, IL 62225-5022; Attn: Mr. Doug Allbright.
Thursday, February 11, 2010: Langdon, North Dakota State University Extension Research Center- 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Grand Forks Air Force Base will conduct four public hearings in February to discuss the proposed expansion of Restricted Air Space in northeastern North Dakota. Under the proposal, UAVs, or remotely piloted aircraft at Grand Forks Air Force Base would have access to realistic training conditions in the air space in northeastern North Dakota. Essentially, the proposal greatly would expand the Restricted Air Space, which is controlled by the military and is off-limits to private and commercial aircraft. UAS aircraft will fly overhead only occasionally, and the air space will be restricted only when training missions are in progress. Copies of the draft environmental impact statement are available for review at: www.grandforksuaseis.com. Comments must be submitted by March 1 to: HQ AMC/A7PI, 507 Symington Drive, Scott AFB, IL 62225-5022; Attn: Mr. Doug Allbright.
February 10-11, 2010 Minot, ND 58701 The Military Child Education Coalition's™ Living in the New Normal (LINN)™ training is a two-day professional development program that prepares school guidance professionals, educators and community members to recognize and address the issues facing children dealing with separation from a loved one or experiencing trauma, grief and loss due to the loss or injury of a loved one. It provides concerned adults with information to help support children during these times of uncertainty and gives them the framework to enable them to support families to ensure that their children have the tools to bounce back from life's storms and stressors. The MCEC's LINN™ efforts are predicated on the belief that children's inherent attributes of courage and resiliency can be strengthened through deliberate encouragement. Contact SPC Tonya Sigl, North Dakota National Guard State Youth Coordinator 701-333-4803 or tonya.sigl@us.army.mil for more details.
Thursday, February 11, 2010.Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Military Affairs Committee- Grand Forks Chamber 8 am. Jerry Youngberg- Jerry@JerryYoungberg.com or info@gochamber.org.
Thursday, February 11, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact Heidi.Sanger@VA.gov for more information.
Friday, February 12, 2010 – "Support the Red, White and Blue, Give Love – Give Blood." Soldiers' Angels Nationwide blood donation project. Save the date and watch for more details coming to a town near you. ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org.
Saturday, February 13, 2010 Deadline: The Officer's Spouses' Club of Grand Forks Air Force Base is offering scholarships to outstanding high school seniors and military spouses who plan to attend an accredited college or university in the fall of 2010. The applicant must be a dependent of a military member who is active duty, guard, reserve or retired, in the Grand Forks Air Force Base or Cavalier Air Station areas. Scholarship monies are for needed books, tuition and educational fees for one academic year of enrollment. For specific requirements, guidelines, and an application, please contact the GFAFB Officer's Spouses Club at OSCKielty@yahoo.com, area high school guidance counselor offices, or call Sarah Kielty at 701-631-0241. Application deadline is to be postmarked by February 13, 2010. Application: http://www.gfosc.com/
Saturday, February 13, 2010: Military Appreciation Men and Women's Basketball. UND vs. Chicago State. Military adults and up to three dependents can gain FREE entry to this game at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. Home basketball games military adults and up to three dependents can purchase tickets at just $4 apiece. All OEF UND tickets must be purchased or picked-up at an official UND Athletics Box Office. Must present valid military ID to receive the tickets. An adult with a military ID card must be present to receive or purchase a ticket for military dependents that does not have a military ID. One person must present the military ID for the discount. All tickets are subject to availability. If designated sections are sold out of seats, the offer will no longer be available.
Tuesday, February 16, 2009. The Grand Forks Air Force Base Officer's Spouses club meets the third Tuesday of the month for general membership meetings. The GFAFB OSC also has several special interest clubs such as the Book Club and Bunco group. These smaller subgroups of our main membership on various dates and each year the groups change based on the interests of our membership. For more information on how you can get involved contact Jamie Linck president@gfosc.com
Wednesday, February 17, 2010- The GFAFB Enlisted Spouse Club holds social meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Community Activity Center. http://www.gfesc.com/ or contact Angela Kinneberg angela.kinneberg@hotmail.com
Wednesday, February 24, 2010- Bismarck/Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Task Force. The Military Affairs Task Force was recruited to increase awareness and support of the role of the Guard, Reserve and active-duty military in the community. Meets at the Chamber at noon. Katie Moore – (701) 223-5660 or katiem@bismarckmandan.com
Thursday, February 25, 2010- the GFAFB Winter Bash is open to all family members. For more information contact Linda DePaolo at (701) 747-6483.
Saturday, February 28, 2010 - North Dakota National Guard Huff Hills Family Skiing Day Please join the NDNG Youth Program Office at Huff Hills on Sunday, February 28, 2010 from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to the Military Service Center at 701-333-4800 by February 19, 2010 at 4pm.
Saturday, February 27, 2010 - Minot's premiere social event, the 22nd Annual International Military Ball with social beginning at 6 p.m. at the Minot Holiday Inn. The formal event will include a gourmet meal. Participants will enjoy an elegant evening of dancing, and dignitaries from both the United States and Canada will attend. Please reply by Feb. 24, 2010. For more information, please call 852-6000 or email chamber@minotchamber.org.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010: Grand Forks ESGR meets at noon. Point of contact is: Jim Martini - jmartini@thevillagefamily.org.
Thursday, March 11, 2010.Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Military Affairs Committee- Grand Forks Chamber 8 am. Jerry Youngberg- Jerry@JerryYoungberg.com or info@gochamber.org.
Thursday, March 11, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact Heidi.Sanger@VA.gov for more information.
Tuesday, March 17, 2010. The Grand Forks Air Force Base Officer's Spouses club meets the third Tuesday of the month for general membership meetings. The GFAFB OSC also has several special interest clubs such as the Book Club and Bunco group. These smaller subgroups of our main membership on various dates and each year the groups change based on the interests of our membership. For more information on how you can get involved contact Jamie Linck president@gfosc.com
Wednesday, March 17, 2010- The GFAFB Enlisted Spouse Club holds social meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Community Activity Center. http://www.gfesc.com/ or contact Angela Kinneberg angela.kinneberg@hotmail.com
Friday March, 19, 2010- Sunday, March 21, 2010 - Adjutant General's Symposium for the Military Family (symposium committee head is Ginny Bachman). More details coming soon.
Wednesday, March 30, 2010- Bismarck/Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Task Force. The Military Affairs Task Force was recruited to increase awareness and support of the role of the Guard, Reserve and active-duty military in the community. Meets at the Chamber at noon. Katie Moore – (701) 223-5660 or katiem@bismarckmandan.com
April – Month of the Military Child.
Thursday, April 1, 2010- Sgt Cody Mormann will receive the Purple Heart commendation at Ft. Carson, CO.
Thursday, April 8, 2010.Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Military Affairs Committee- Grand Forks Chamber 8 am. Jerry Youngberg- Jerry@JerryYoungberg.com or info@gochamber.org.
Thursday, April 8, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact Heidi.Sanger@VA.gov for more information.
April 13-15, 2010- 2010 Dakota Conference on Rural and Public Health - Grand Forks- Health Care in Transition: Creative Strategies - For more information, contact: Kylie Nissen at 701.777.5380 or Email: knissen@medicine.nodak.edu
Thursday, April 22, 2010 - Operation Military Child Theme- Month of the Military Child will be the focus of the meeting next schedule for April 22 in Bismarck. The Haugland room at the ND State Capitol has been reserved. Theresia Hersch, Tonya Sigl and Shelle Michaels will plan for the meeting. ShelleMichaels@msn.com or Tonya.Sigl@us.army.mil
Wednesday, April 28, 2010- Bismarck/Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Task Force. The Military Affairs Task Force was recruited to increase awareness and support of the role of the Guard, Reserve and active-duty military in the community. Meets at the Chamber at noon. Katie Moore – (701) 223-5660 or katiem@bismarckmandan.com
May- Military Appreciation Month
Thursday, May 13, 2010.Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Military Affairs Committee- Grand Forks Chamber 8 am. Jerry Youngberg- Jerry@JerryYoungberg.com or info@gochamber.org.
Thursday, May 13, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact Heidi.Sanger@VA.gov for more information.
Saturday, May 22, 2010- Grand Forks Air Force Base Air Show- Special presentation by the Thunderbirds. Details coming soon.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010- Bismarck/Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Task Force. The Military Affairs Task Force was recruited to increase awareness and support of the role of the Guard, Reserve and active-duty military in the community. Meets at the Chamber at noon. Katie Moore – (701) 223-5660 or katiem@bismarckmandan.com
Monday, May 31, 2010 Memorial Day
Thursday, June 10, 2010.Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Military Affairs Committee- Grand Forks Chamber 8 am. Jerry Youngberg- Jerry@JerryYoungberg.com or info@gochamber.org.
Thursday, June 10, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact Heidi.Sanger@VA.gov for more information.
Monday, June 14, 2010- Army Birthday
June 22, 2010- Grand Forks Military Affair Golf Tournament- GFAFB. Details coming soon.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010- Bismarck/Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Task Force. The Military Affairs Task Force was recruited to increase awareness and support of the role of the Guard, Reserve and active-duty military in the community. Meets at the Chamber at noon. Katie Moore – (701) 223-5660 or katiem@bismarckmandan.com
Sunday, July 4, 2010 – Independence Day
Thursday, July 8, 2010.Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Military Affairs Committee- Grand Forks Chamber 8 am. Jerry Youngberg- Jerry@JerryYoungberg.com or info@gochamber.org.
Thursday, July 8, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact Heidi.Sanger@VA.gov for more information.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010- Bismarck/Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Task Force. The Military Affairs Task Force was recruited to increase awareness and support of the role of the Guard, Reserve and active-duty military in the community. Meets at the Chamber at noon. Katie Moore – (701) 223-5660 or katiem@bismarckmandan.com
Wednesday, August 4. 2010. Coast Guard Birthday
Thursday, August 12, 2010.Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Military Affairs Committee- Grand Forks Chamber 8 am. Jerry Youngberg- Jerry@JerryYoungberg.com or info@gochamber.org.
Thursday, August 12, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact Heidi.Sanger@VA.gov for more information.
August 23, 2010- Grand Forks Military Affair Golf Tournament- Grand Forks Golf Course. Details coming soon.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010- Bismarck/Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Task Force. The Military Affairs Task Force was recruited to increase awareness and support of the role of the Guard, Reserve and active-duty military in the community. Meets at the Chamber at noon. Katie Moore – (701) 223-5660 or katiem@bismarckmandan.com
Thursday, September 9, 2010.Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Military Affairs Committee- Grand Forks Chamber 8 am. Jerry Youngberg- Jerry@JerryYoungberg.com or info@gochamber.org.
Thursday, September 9, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact Heidi.Sanger@VA.gov for more information.
Saturday, September 25, 2010. UND/Grand Forks Chamber Military Appreciation Day. Alerus Center. Meal and Football game. Details coming soon.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010- Bismarck/Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Task Force. The Military Affairs Task Force was recruited to increase awareness and support of the role of the Guard, Reserve and active-duty military in the community. Meets at the Chamber at noon. Katie Moore – (701) 223-5660 or katiem@bismarckmandan.com
Wednesday, October 13, 2010- Navy Birthday
Thursday, October 14, 2010.Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Military Affairs Committee- Grand Forks Chamber 8 am. Jerry Youngberg- Jerry@JerryYoungberg.com or info@gochamber.org.
Thursday, October 14, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact Heidi.Sanger@VA.gov for more information.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010- Day of the Deployed
Wednesday, October 27, 2010- Bismarck/Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Task Force. The Military Affairs Task Force was recruited to increase awareness and support of the role of the Guard, Reserve and active-duty military in the community. Meets at the Chamber at noon. Katie Moore – (701) 223-5660 or katiem@bismarckmandan.com
November- Month of the Military Family
Wednesday, November 10, 2010- Marine Corps Birthday
Thursday, November 11, 2010 – Veterans Day
Thursday, November XX, 2010.Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Military Affairs Committee- Grand Forks Chamber 8 am. Jerry Youngberg- Jerry@JerryYoungberg.com or info@gochamber.org.
Thursday, November XX, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact Heidi.Sanger@VA.gov for more information.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010- Bismarck/Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Task Force. The Military Affairs Task Force was recruited to increase awareness and support of the role of the Guard, Reserve and active-duty military in the community. Meets at the Chamber at noon. Katie Moore – (701) 223-5660 or katiem@bismarckmandan.com
December 2010- Last Tanker will depart Grand Forks Air Force Base.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Thursday, December 9, 2010.Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Military Affairs Committee- Grand Forks Chamber 8 am. Jerry Youngberg- Jerry@JerryYoungberg.com or info@gochamber.org.
Thursday, December 9, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact Heidi.Sanger@VA.gov for more information.
Monday, December 13, 2010. National Guard Birthday
IN THE NEWS/NOTES:
War vet run over and left for dead in Fargo
Justin Bohmer escaped injury during his two Army tours in Iraq, despite his dangerous mission of escorting convoys while dodging roadside bombs. The irony that he would be struck and left for dead on a Fargo street Wednesday by what police believe was a hit-and-run driver was not lost on his father.
"You spend almost two and a half years in Iraq, where it's supposed to be dangerous and nothing matters," an angry Dan Bohmer said. "You come back to the relative safety of Fargo and some piece of crap runs you down." "What kind of piece of crap, what kind of moral garbage, would do that?" he asked.
The former Moorhead City Council member joined police in asking for the public's aid in identifying the vehicle that ran over his 25-year-old son.
A passer-by reported seeing Justin Bohmer lying on Eighth Street South between 12th and 13th avenues at 4:43 a.m., Fargo Sgt. Mark Lykken said. Officers arrived to find him bleeding "pretty heavily" from the head, Sgt. Bill Ahlfeldt said.
Bohmer was in and out of consciousness and couldn't tell police what happened, he said. By afternoon, Bohmer was listed in serious condition at MeritCare Hospital. He remained in serious condition Thursday morning.
Doctors stitched up his head, repaired his arm's severely fractured humerus and were fitting him for a back brace for his fractured vertebrae, his father said, adding that his son will remain sedated at least for the next day or so until the back brace is in place.
"Then they can start waking him up and we can start assessing the … true neurological damage, if any," he told reporters at MeritCare.
An accident reconstruction team worked the scene. Lykken said it appeared a southbound vehicle hit Justin Bohmer and drove over him. Bohmer's personal effects, including a backpack, beer cans, a hat and gloves, were scattered on the street, Ahlfeldt said.
Lykken said it appeared that Bohmer had been walking on Eighth Street. Dan Bohmer said his son lives about two blocks from the scene and had been coming home from a friend's house downtown.
He lashed out at a reporter who asked why his son was walking in the road and not on the sidewalk, and also blasted The Forum for allowing readers to speculate on its Web site about what his son was doing there at that time.
"It doesn't matter where he was walking, why he was walking, what time he was walking or anything else," he said, later adding, "What matters is you had a human being, a decent man, get run down and left to die."
Police have no witnesses or vehicle description, Lykken said. Investigators collected evidence at the scene, but it was nothing that would help lead them to the vehicle, he said.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Fargo police at (701) 241-1405
Dan Bohmer said there is a $2,000 reward being offered for anyone supplying information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the driver who hit his son.
Bohmer, an active duty Minnesota National Guard member who resides in Moorhead but works in the Twin Cities, said he first heard the news about his son's injuries from Justin's mother, Teresa Bohmer of Barnesville, Minn.
Justin Bohmer, a 2003 graduate of Barnesville High School, moved to Fargo about 14 months ago from Fort Bragg, N.C., where he served with the 82nd Airborne Division. He works as a service representative at Shotwell Floral in Fargo, his father said.
The father of a man seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident early Wednesday morning said his son is doing "remarkably well" and that he "seems completely normal as far as his personality, the way he's talking to us."
"Obviously it looks good compared to what we expected," said Dan Bohmer. Bohmer made the comments at a Friday afternoon news conference at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo.
His son, Justin Bohmer, was found about 4:43 a.m. Wednesday bleeding from the head and lying in the middle of Eighth Street South between 12th and 13th avenues in Fargo.
Dan Bohmer joked about a connection between his son's recovery and the younger Bohmer being a "young, healthy, stubborn German." Doctors are surprised at how quickly Justin, an Army veteran who served two tours in Iraq, is recovering, his father said during the Friday interview. Dan Bohmer said it's too early to tell if his son will have any permanent physical damage.
The father has expressed anger about the hit-and-run incident. At Friday's news conference, he said he understands accidents happen. But, he added that what "I'm not OK with is driving off, leaving him to die."
Justin sustained a fractured arm and vertebrae and cuts to his head and torso when he was struck.
Meanwhile, donations and pledges are adding to a reward offered by Dan Bohmer for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver who hit his son. MeritCare spokesman Darren Huber said the total reward is up to $4,000.
"The community response has been incredible," the father said.
Dan Bohmer said that his son thinks the previously discussed time of the accident may not be right. He said Justin thinks he left his friend's house to walk home closer to 2 or 2:30 a.m., a little earlier than originally reported.
In an interview Friday evening, Dan Bohmer said he expects his son to remain in the hospital until sometime next week then move to a rehabilitation facility.
Justin's mother, Teresa Bohmer, said she's "just amazed and excited, just happy" about the upgrade in her son's condition.
She says his spirits are good and he "doesn't stop talking."I tell him he needs to rest," she said.
Fargo police continue to investigate the incident.
A man with a mission
Col. Donald Shaffer has been a man on a mission since he was a boy of 11 or 12, when he took his first airplane ride in a Cessna 150 and watched his older brother fly solo.
"Growing up, I always wanted to fly," he said. "On my 16th birthday, I told my mom to take me to the airport because I wanted to get my solo license. I didn't even have my driver's license yet. I got that a couple of months later." Shafer, who was born into a military family in El Paso, Texas, but grew up near Youngstown, Ohio, took over command of the 319th Air Refueling Wing at Grand Forks Air Force Base in November.
His latest missions are directing the transition of GFAFB from a refueling wing to unmanned aircraft — and continuing to build a cooperative relationship with the Grand Forks and regional community. It's an exciting challenge for the son of a career Army man who retired as a lieutenant colonel. His older brother turned his love of flying into a career in the Army, too, flying Black Hawk helicopters.
Shaffer acknowledges he's not the first commander to carve out a new mission in Grand Forks, and likely won't be the last. "When you look at the gate, and you see everything from a B-52, to a KC-135. There's a Minuteman Missile out there, an interceptor … all the way through the old aircraft," he said.
"It really shows you that in the brief life of the Grand Forks Air Force Base, change has been the one constant. As our defense posture for our nation changes, we know that Grand Forks is pretty flexible."
The transition from the 319th to UAS actually started in 2005, as a result of the federal Base Realignment and Closure process.
Transition time
Over the past 50 years, the base has had 2,500 to more than 7,000 active-duty Air Force personnel at any given time. Today, about 1,800 active-duty personnel are stationed at the base. Shaffer expects the number to remain at about 1,800 for the next couple of years, as the last of the KC-135 tankers leave by the end of this year.
"There's going to be about a 2½-year mission gap here in Grand Forks," he said.
In that time, the base will be building and remodeling facilities and working to bring more functions to the facility.
"We're open for business," he said.
The base has several projects in the works.
- A $12.6 million air traffic control complex that includes a two-story radar approach control building connected to an 11-story air traffic control tower. The project is being built and is scheduled for completion in September.
- The UND UAS Center of Excellence, which is awaiting final federal approval. The project will bring to the base a state-of-the-art unmanned aerial vehicle simulator, which will train UAV pilots.
· The air base also will build a new fire department this year.
· "As a base master plan, we're constantly looking at how to update facilities," he said. "It never stops."
· Other potential projects are in the works.
- MC-12 Reconnaissance aircraft. It's a twin-engine turbo-prop aircraft equipped with communications equipment.
· "The number of personnel depends on the scope of the mission," he said. "When you're talking about bringing in an aircraft, anywhere, you're talking about not just bringing in the airplanes; you're talking about the pilots, the administrative support and maintenance for them."
- Airborne Communications, a mission control element. It's a communications network designed for the Global Hawk and other aircraft. The system shares data among disparate battlefield communications systems, which is designed to enhance interoperability and battle-space awareness of aircraft. The program is still in the EIS public comment phase.
- Academy for Non-Commissioned Officers. Grand Forks and other bases around the nation have submitted information, including an inventory of facilities, including dormitory space, gymnasium and other enhancements, in bids to become the host.
"It's really a nationwide, maybe not a competition, but let's say a nationwide search to make sure the thing's in the right place," Shaffer said.
As for preparing for the Predator and Global Hawks, it's still too early to tell just how the base will change, Shaffer said. Many decisions will be made after the environmental impact statement process is completed later this year. Four public hearings are scheduled in February in North Dakota. (See accompanying story for details).
"Once the EIS is completed, we'll have people come here to do site studies," he said. "You have to look at the different facilities that you have and the plan that we have in place. They may decide to move things. Maybe something would work better over here or over there. So, we're not breaking any ground. We're not tearing out any walls just yet. We have to make sure we have it in the right place."
Getting to know you
In the meantime, Shaffer is getting to know GFAFB and the community.
Shaffer, who succeeded Col. Jon Michel as commander, also served with him at the 437th Air Wing at Charleston, S.C., before transferring to Grand Forks. They share philosophies of championing relationships and partnerships between the base and the community.
"I think the base folks here have a great working relationship with downtown Grand Forks. We're not looking to change anything with regard to that, keeping it as close and tight-knit community as we can," he said.
"We're transitioning from KC-135s to what is the wave of the future for the Air Force, so it's just another change in a long line of changes for Grand Forks Air Force Base," Shaffer said. "But the enduring principle is the relationship between the base and the airmen out here and the community. What's parked on the ramp doesn't necessarily interact with the community. It's not the iron on the ramp. It's the people. It's everybody here on the base that really plugs into the community."
The Grand Forks Air Force Base will conduct four public hearings in February to discuss the proposed expansion of Restricted Air Space in northeastern North Dakota.
The RAS expansion is necessary, the Air Force says, in order to accommodate the local air base's developing new mission — as the home to a fleet of Predator and Global Hawk unmanned aircraft.
The hearings, which run from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., will be:
- Feb. 8: Grand Forks, Alerus Center.
- Feb. 9: Devils Lake, Lake Region State College.
- Feb. 10: Carrington, Chieftain Conference Center.
- Feb. 11: Langdon, North Dakota State University Extension Research Center.
Under the proposal, UAVs, or remotely piloted aircraft at Grand Forks Air Force Base would have access to realistic training conditions in the air space in northeastern North Dakota.
Essentially, the proposal greatly would expand the Restricted Air Space, which is controlled by the military and is off-limits to private and commercial aircraft. UAS aircraft will fly overhead only occasionally, and the air space will be restricted only when training missions are in progress.
The plan calls for expanding two existing RAS areas:
- The northern region would extend from about Osnabrock, N.D., and Michigan, N.D., on the east to a few miles past a line just west of Cando, N.D., on the west, the Canadian border on the north and roughly following U.S. Highway 2 on the south. The proposed boundary is just north of the city of Devils Lake.
- The southern proposed restricted air space region encompasses an existing restricted area at Camp Grafton South, extending from south and east of Carrington, N.D., through much of Foster, Eddy, Wells, Benson and Sheridan counties.
The proposal, which lists four alternatives, also includes RAS corridors for the aircraft to fly between GFAFB and the training areas.
Here's how the system would work, under the proposal outlined in regional meetings in late 2008:
The Predator, a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft used for surveillance and reconnaissance, will make two training flights or sorties daily, Monday through Friday, and four sorties one weekend per month.
The Predator is 27 feet long and 7 feet high, with a wingspan of about 50 feet. It flies at altitudes of 10,000 to 15,000 feet above sea level at about 135 mph.
The Global Hawk, a long-endurance aircraft that can fly at altitudes up to 60,000 feet, will make one training flight daily, Monday through Friday. The Global Hawk measures 47.6 feet long by 15.4 feet high, with a wing span of 131 feet. It can fly 400 mph.
Both aircraft will be flown by pilots at the North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Air Wing in Fargo.
The first airmen associated with the UAS mission are scheduled to arrive in Grand Forks this year, but official timelines for the arrival of the Predator and Global Hawk aircraft have not been determined. The latest estimates have the Predator arriving in or about 2013, followed by the Global Hawk.
Two Predators are stationed at the air base. They're owned by the Department of Homeland Security and used by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol for patrolling the U.S.-Canada border.
Copies of the draft environmental impact statement are available for review at: www.grandforksuaseis.com.
Comments must be submitted by March 1 to: HQ AMC/A7PI, 507 Symington Drive, Scott AFB, IL 62225-5022; Attn: Mr. Doug Allbright.
Flood concerns to be heard at Red River Basin conference
The Changing Face of Flooding is the theme of the 27th Annual Red River Basin Land and Water International Summit Conference on Tuesday through Thursday at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks.
The public is invited from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday for a discussion designed to help leaders in the Red River Basin craft comprehensive, long-term recommendations to address flooding.
"We invite the public to pull up a chair and dialogue with state, federal and local leaders working on long-term flood solutions," said Lance Yohe, Red River Basin Commission executive director.
Among Wednesday's public discussion topics and issues are:
Is there enough flood protection or flood risk reduction in the Red River Basin?
- What principles should be applied in approaching flood protection policies?
- What goals should be established?
- Should people in the Red River Basin strive to reduce river flows to mitigate flooding threats? If so, by how much?
- Does the Red River Basin need an authority to work on flood and water issues that can cross political boundaries?
Among Tuesday's conference highlights will be a 2010 Spring Flood Outlook, by Mike Lukes of the National Weather Service in Grand Forks and a comparison of the spring floods of 1997 and 2009, by WDAZ-WDAY meteorologist John Wheeler.
Wednesday morning's events include: a look back at the 2009 flood and a discussion of jurisdictional flood mitigation issues.
Thursday morning will feature a panel discussion, Building Capacity for Multipurpose Land and Water Investment — Basin Partnership, by Vivek Voora of the International Institute of Sustainable Development in Winnipeg, and Henry Van Offelen, Minnesota Center for Environment Advocacy.
The IISD released a report last week that calls for a sharper focus on integrated water and land management in Manitoba, which has implications in North Dakota and Minnesota.
"It is critical that water and land issues are managed together," said report author and WIC director, Henry David (Hank) Venema. "By integrating water and land management, we can greatly improve the conservation of water resources and improve the management and health of Lake Winnipeg at the same time."
Key elements of this innovation agenda include governance reform at the water-land interface, repurposing existing resources and designing new economic instruments to support watershed management — including ecological goods and services programs in the agricultural sector.
Other events
In connection with the conference, the International Red River Board will hold its bi-annual meeting Thursday and Friday at the Canad Inn.
Sessions will be from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and beginning at 11:30 a.m. Friday.
Items for discussion include:
- The Browns Valley, Minn., flood project and its effects on inter-basin flows.
- Devils Lake issues and developments.
- The "River Watch" water quality monitoring program.
- Current trans-boundary water resource issues and activities.
The International Red River Board is an independent bi-national group established by the International Joint Commission, or IJC, under the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909.
The Board assists the Commission in preventing or resolving transboundary disputes regarding the waters and aquatic ecosystem of the Red River and its tributaries and aquifers shared by Canada and the U.S.
This is accomplished by providing a forum for the identification and resolution of existing and emerging trans-boundary water-related issues and by recommending appropriate strategies concerning water quality, quantity and ecosystem health objectives.
FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A 56-year-old military veteran who planned to use an insanity defense in his drug trial because he has post-traumatic stress disorder and depression has instead pleaded guilty. Michael Jacobson is charged in federal court in Fargo with conspiracy to deliver controlled substances and possession of a firearm and ammunition by an unlawful user of a controlled substance. Jacobson says he first became addicted to methamphetamine in 1972 and was treated in 1976. He says he relapsed after he was prescribed narcotics for Hepatitis C, which he contracted in the Army. Judge Ralph Erickson told Jacobson that there's no question about his mental health issues but that it's difficult to succeed with an insanity defense in federal court. Prison officials said the guilty plea makes Jacobson eligible for PTSD treatment.
MINOT (AP) - A number of high-level military officials are visiting Minot Air Force Base early this year. They include Andrew Weber, the assistant secretary of defense for nuclear, chemical and biological defense programs. The Minot base has B-52 bombers and also oversees Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles. On Feb. 1, the bomb wing will join the base's missile wing as a unit of Air Force Global Strike Command. The missile wing became part of the command Dec. 1. The Air Force decided to unify command of the nation's nuclear assets after several incidents involving mishandling of nuclear materials and equipment, including some at the Minot base.
North Dakota National Guard GF-based Guard unit to return in a few weeks (Grand Forks Herald): http://bit.ly/8QPt5Z
North Dakota National Guard Chaplain Millican discusses his role in Kosovo on KXMB-TV's Skype with a Soldier series: http://bit.ly/6fCbUO
North Dakota National Guard Kosovo security update from the Pentagon Channel: http://bit.ly/62AgNw
North Dakota National Guard Strong showing of unit commanders from weekend support group (from WDAY TV News): http://bit.ly/6kD9pk
North Dakota National Guard
In case you missed them, here are some more great stories from our Soldiers serving in Kosovo:
* Deployed Soldier wins top award from ND DOT: http://bit.ly/80reXP
* ND KFOR Soldiers provide vital aid to injured man in Kosovo: http://bit.ly/4Vxl0f
* School's in session for deployed U.S. KFOR12 Soldiers in Kosovo http://bit.ly/6LeTSN
* Local groups, NGO distribute donated KFOR linen to families in Kosovo http://bit.ly/8ndZRQ
North Dakota National Guard Former NDNG adjutant general, Ret. MG Alexander Macdonald, named to Aviation Hall of Fame. Congratulations, sir! http://bit.ly/4pjl0D
North Dakota National Guard Air Guard Missile Security Squadron in Minot up to 101 members; recruiting continues (Minot Daily News) http://bit.ly/6MLQvN
North Dakota National Guard ND Guard gearing up for flood response (from KFYR-TV): http://bit.ly/73UPJZ
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GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The Governor of North Dakota toured Grand Forks Air Force Base as part of the first annual Governor Appreciation Day, Jan. 14.
Gov. John Hoeven used the visit as an opportunity to see firsthand the top quality facilities the base utilizes and the programs the base implements as well as speak with and meet the Airmen of the base.
"The facilities here are incredible," said Gov. Hoeven. "The physical facilities are absolutely amazing."
During his tour, Gov. Hoeven visited the Department of Homeland Security facility which is housed on Grand Forks AFB. While there he learned the current mission and future plans of DHS. In addition, he toured the proposed space for the University of North Dakota Unmanned Aerial Systems Center of Excellence.
The level of technology of the UAS mission is amazing, said Gov. Hoeven. The governor said he believes that Grand Forks AFB will continue to develop as one of the premier centers for UAS in the world.
Gov. Hoeven was also able to see the beginning of renovations and improvements taking place around the base, including the new air traffic control complex and base housing and demolition projects.
"I'm always so impressed with the men and women working on this base," said. Gov. Hoeven. "They're intelligent, they're well-trained, they're doing a fantastic job."
SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The newest commander of the 380th Expeditionary Medical Group, Col. Kathleen Concannon, has a unique way of envisioning her time as the new commander of her group.
During her change of command ceremony Jan. 4 at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia, Colonel Concannon laid out her vision for the deployed unit aligning what the medical group brings to the deployed mission with the Airman's Creed. The colonel is deployed from the 319th Medical Group at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D.
At her home station she serves as the 319th MDG commander, which delivers healthcare services to nearly 10,000 beneficiaries in a three-state area. As the commander of the 380th EMDG, she is responsible for health care of more than 2,100 members assigned to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing and U.S. Embassy personnel. Colonel Concannon also collaborates with host nation clinical facilities and hospitals for emergency, inpatient and outpatient medical and dental care.
After assuming command of the 380th EMDG, she began by reciting the first three lines of the Airman's Creed. "I am an American Airman," she said. "I am a warrior. I have answered my nations call. Today I get to live that even more than usual."
Of the first line, Colonel Concannon elaborated, saying, "I was lucky enough to be born American. I was smart enough to choose to be an Airman. I was very fortunate for those two events."
Colonel Concannon was raised in a Navy family where she grew up around the world in locations such as Hawaii and Belgium. She graduated high school in Charleston, S.C. and joined the Air Force in 1982 after being awarded a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Villanova University, Penn.
In expounding on the second line of the Airman's Creed, Colonel Concannon said, "I may be a non-combatant as a medic, but let me tell you that in here" she said, pointing to her chest, "beats the heart of a warrior as there is in every medic on this base. We are here to make sure the fight is executed to the utmost of its ability. We will do our job."
Referencing the third line, "I have answered my nation's call, Colonel Concannon said, "Here we are in the combat zone able to really do what our nation asks us to do."
In "answering our nation's call," Colonel Concannon explained how the 380th EMDG's mission corresponds to the missions of the other groups on base. "I also want to point out that as medics we share the same goals as our other groups," she said.
To the maintenance group she said, "We are maintainers. We have the most complex weapon system the Air Force has - the human body. It is so valuable we don't put a price on it. It may be $88 million for a KC-10, and I've seen $270 million for an AWACS. But have you ever seen the cost of one human life?"
To the operations group, Colonel Concannon said, "I'm going tell you as an operator that we have time on target. Want to talk effects-base munitions? We can talk medications, we can talk hands-on care, we can talk about any number of things that make us effective."
The colonel also addressed the mission support group's Airmen. "We support. We support just as [the support group] folks support. We have to work in conjunction with them to make sure that what happens is what needs to happen at the right time."
Colonel Concannon will serve as the deployed commander of the 380th EMDG for six months. During those six months she vowed that her group will do its best for the deployed Airmen of the 380th AEW.
"We medics are here to take care of this wing," Colonel Concannon said. "I'm very proud that I'm able to lead them. I'm very proud of each of them for what they bring to this fight because what you will find over time is that we bring a whole lot more than you may have expected. What they do is allow us to live the last three lines of the Airman's Creed -- 'I will never leave an Airman behind. I will never falter. And I will not fail.'"
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The Fitness Center is now accepting nominations for the Grand Forks Air Force Base Athlete of the Year Award, which is presented to the male and female athletes with the highest level of athletic accomplishment throughout the sports calendar year.
Squadrons must submit packages to the Fitness Center director by Jan. 21. Late submittals will not be accepted.
Packages must be submitted on an Air Force Form 1206 and include the following topics: Outstanding Performance in Sports and/or Fitness, Outstanding Performance of Assigned Duties and Outstanding Performance in the Community.
Individuals will be chosen by a selection board comprised of five to seven Sports Advisory Committee members. The highest ranking member will serve as chairperson and will only vote in the event of a tie. All board decisions are final.
The Fitness Center director reserves the right to implement or to make any changes necessary for the proper management and operation of the base fitness and sports program if found to be in the best interest of all concerned.
For more information, call Carol Muir, Fitness Center director, at (701) 747-4738 (701) 747-4738 or e-mail her at carol.muir@grandforks.af.mil.
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D -- "Is anyone here a doctor?"
Sometimes, emergency situations arise when least expected. However, a Grand Forks Airman recently demonstrated his abilities to think quickly and react effectively during a life-threatening situation onboard a departing aircraft.
Capt. Matt Collins, a pilot and executive officer for the 905th Air Refueling Squadron, was on a plane en route to a temporary duty assignment when he noticed a nearby passenger who appeared to be short of breath.
"Initially, it appeared that he was simply out of breath from running through the terminal to meet the late departure time," Captain Collins said. "But within a short period of time, it progressed to extremely labored breathing."
The passenger's wife signaled to flight attendants that her husband was having trouble catching his breath, but in less than a minute, the man fell unconscious and stopped breathing entirely.
Knowing every second without oxygen is crucial, Captain Collins immediately responded to the situation by jumping from his seat and unfastening the man's lap belt. He proceeded to lift him from his seat and into the aisle in preparation for CPR, an arduous task as the captain judged the man to weigh approximately 250 pounds.
"Because of his size and his long legs, I took extra care to ensure I did not inadvertently hurt him in the process," the captain said. "To prevent any injury, I used my body to cushion him as I hoisted him into the aisle."
As Captain Collins worked to position the passenger in the aisle, a nurse who was onboard the aircraft came forward with a flight attendant and a medical emergency kit. Because he had no pulse, the nurse administered a charge from the defibrillator.
Emergency medical technicians arrived at the scene shortly thereafter and also began resuscitation efforts.
"While this was happening, I was alternately assisting the EMTs and trying to offer comfort and reassurance to the gentleman's wife," Captain Collins said. "After several minutes, the gentleman was still unresponsive, and it dawned on me that he was likely going to die."
Yet, despite the dire circumstances, EMTs were able to restart the passenger's heart and his pulse resumed. After the man began breathing on his own, the EMTs loaded him onto a gurney, taking him off the plane for transportation to a hospital.
Captain Collins credited his Air Force training for preparing him to handle the critical situation that day.
"I believe that the training I've received as a pilot enabled me to remain calm and act both decisively and expeditiously during this emergency," he said. "Additionally, this incident highlighted the importance of being proficient at Self-Aid/Buddy Care. As I learned first-hand, you never know when or in what setting our SABC training may contribute to a medical emergency."
The captain also emphasized that remaining calm is paramount, and that the first actions taken when an emergency occurs are the most important.
"I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to render assistance to someone in need," Captain Collins said. "The most rewarding aspect of my experience was the 'thank you' I received from the gentleman's wife. In a matter of minutes and with no warning, she nearly lost her spouse. The look on her face when she heard her husband's heart had started beating again was indescribable. More than anything, I believe that God has a plan, and in this particular case, I feel blessed that I was able to make a difference."
Who is Col Shaffer? GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Who is your commander? Is he a man that had a pilot's license before a driver's license, is he a golf enthusiast, or someone that is happily married with two children? Is he an Air Force Academy graduate?
Well, if you are part of the 319th Air Refueling Wing then your commander is all of these things and more.
Although, Col. Don Shaffer will tell you that he is just a normal guy from a small Midwest town.
"I'm just a run-of-the-mill kind of guy with a stroke of good luck throughout my life," said Colonel Shaffer.
The colonel was born in El Paso, Texas but claims Brookfield, Ohio, as his hometown.
"My family settled in Brookfield when I was very young. My father was an Army Lieutenant Colonel and retired there" said the colonel. "It was a small community, mostly farmers and mill workers."
It was in this small town that his passion for flying and the Air Force began. "I always loved flying, I think I had my first flight when I was 12." said Colonel Shaffer. "I had always been interested in the military and wanted to fly so, it was an easy decision to go to the Air Force Academy."
The commander's family had a history of military service, his father and brother served in the Army, which also led to his decision.
"My father's influence is a big part of the reason I've stayed in the military," said the Ohio State Buckeyes fan.
As for flying, that was even easier.
"On my 16th birthday, I had my mom take me to the airport so I could get my pilot's license," said the self-proclaimed wood-worker. "Most teenagers were rushing to get a driver's license but not me, I wanted to fly."
All of this led him on a path to Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D.
"I'd heard all the rumors about the weather before I got here," said Colonel Shaffer. "But I grew up in Ohio, so the snow doesn't bother me and you get use to the cold."
With all the weather reports aside, the commander and his family really like the community.
"It's a very friendly area," he said. "The people here really show a great appreciation for the military and the base. I'm very excited to be a part of it."
And he isn't just impressed with the things he's seen outside the gate but inside the gate too.
"I'm very impressed with our Airmen," he said. "Warriors of the North do an amazing job at executing our wing's mission. Nobody does it better."
The commander also has big goals, short-term and long-term, for the wing.
For the long-term the goal is a successful transition from KC-135s to remotely piloted aircraft.
"My main short term focus is making sure our Airmen stay focused on the mission we have today - providing world-class air refueling support to the warfighter. Long term I look to build on the successful foundation we've started to ensure the installation and the wing are ready to move forward with a smooth transition to our new mission" said the colonel.
He added that change is nothing new for Grand Forks AFB and that the wing has a storied history of continually changing missions.
"This is nothing new for this base," said Colonel Shaffer. "Just look at all the different weapons systems in the air park at the front gate." As for the short-term, he plans to get out and meet everyone in the wing.
"I'm still working on getting out and meeting everyone, seeing all of our facilities and getting involved with as much as I can," he said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 91st Missile Wing here was recently selected as the winner of the Air Force Space Command's 2009 John L. Hennessy Award in the missile food service category.
Established in 1956, the Hennessy Award program is an annual competition to determine the best food service program in the United States Air Force. This award is named after John Lawrence Hennessy, a hotel and restaurant executive who lead a special commission task group to improve military food service.
The award is based on an entire scope of an installation's food service. Evaluation factors include: food quality, management effectiveness, resource conservation and safety awareness. The Hennessy award is the highest distinction an Air Force food service program can receive and promotes food service excellence between military and industry experts.
"The entire missile chef corps in the 91st Operations Group exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and dedication in this vital support to the nuclear mission," said Lt. Col. William Klug, 740th Missile Squadron commander.
The competition began at the wing level as missile squadrons were judged using the 91st OG Missile Alert Facility of the Quarter criteria. The winning MAF, E-01, earned the opportunity to host the Hennessy evaluation team and compete at the Air Force level.
"It was an honor to be selected to participate, it's a prestigious award and I'm happy to be a part of it," said Senior Airman Ernest Gaines, 740th Missile Squadron chef. Airman Gaines went on to say, "I feel proud to accomplish something this major early in my Air Force career."
On evaluation day, the Hennessy evaluation team inspected the kitchen and dining area of E-01. They also observed food handling and preparation procedures of the E-01 team. The evaluation team noted numerous "best practice" ideas in all areas of E-01's food service operations that will be shared with other missile wings.
"The 91st OG chefs spent countless hours mastering daily excellence to ensure the missile food service operation remained above the standard," Colonel Klug said. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Maj. Gen. Roger W. Burg, 20th Air Force commander, presents Staff Sgt. Gabriel T. Masterson, 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron support flight chief, with the Air Force Combat Action Medal here Jan 12. General Burg was here for a wing visit and to support an orientation visit of Senate staff members from states involved with ICBM bases. Sergeant Masterson received the medal when he was deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq, attached to Task Force 1041 as a turret gunner on an offensive patrol off base. His patrol was ambushed by two improvised explosive device attacks within four hours where he successfully defended against hostile enemy forces. The principal eligibility criterion to receive the medal is that the individual must have been under direct and hostile fire while operating in unsecured space (outside the defended perimeter), or physically engaging hostile forces with direct and lethal fire.
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Firefighters of the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron performed a daring rescue in December which likely saved the life of a contractor.
The day, Dec. 11, 2009, started out as your typical morning at the fire station. After going over the daily tasks, all of the firefighters started training in the unit's classroom. Shortly thereafter, that's when the call came across the radio. As everyone scrambled to put their gear on and startup the trucks, they heard what the situation was: An individual had fallen approximately eight feet into an excavation site off of Glacier Dr. in base housing.
"All I could think was why me?" said Nick Reynolds, a contractor involved in the new construction in base housing and the individual who fell the unbelievable distance during the excavation project.
His company was conducting sewer-burst dig procedures to help reinforce some polyurethane piping. He repositioned a ladder they were using in the construction to make it safer to use. "It just gave way and threw me back 6-8 feet," he added.
A member of the fire department crew reflected on the events that went down that morning. He and his crew were responding to a call, just like any other call -- they were doing their duty.
"It was a warm 5 degrees out that morning," said Tech. Sgt. Matthew Luetkemeyer, 5th CES fire department assistant chief of operations and the team lead that day. "When we arrived on scene, we saw the 10-feet deep hole the contractor had fallen into. His co-workers were keeping him as still and warm as possible until we arrived to perform the rescue."
With security forces ensuring scene security, and medical technicians standing by, the 11 firefighter's, who responded to the scene, quickly formulated a rescue plan. The plan began by lowering three firefighters into the pit in an effort to check the status of the victim. The crew said, "He was alert and oriented but in pain."
"I had landed on a rod box," Reynolds said. "My lower back, my legs, everything hurt to move. They threw blankets on me to help with the shivering and my back."
The responders then determined the most expedient and safest means to secure Reynolds for transport. They used a backboard and stokes basket. A system of ropes was utilized to lift him up a ladder which was placed at a 45-degree angle so he could be slid up. "This was a fairly unique rescue that worked perfectly in getting the victim to safety," Luetkemeyer said.
In all, it took less than an hour to get Team Minot member to safety and after examination at Trinity he was cleared for duty. Reynolds returned to office duties the following Monday and after vacation he was able to get back to work at the site. The quick response and dedication to duty displayed by the emergency response team saved Reynolds from possible life threatening injury.
"All of the emergency responders did an outstanding job in safely rescuing Mr. Reynolds," Luetkemeyer said. "I'm glad I have the privilege of working with such committed professionals."
THE NEXT MEETING: Operation Military Child Theme- Month of the Military Child will be the focus of the meeting next schedule for April 22 in Bismarck. The Haugland room at the ND State Capitol has been reserved. Theresia Hersch, Tonya Sigl and Shelle Michaels will plan for the meeting. ShelleMichaels@msn.com
WHAT IS ISFAC?
The Interservice Family Assistance Committee (ISFAC) is a voluntary military cooperative partnership organized to provide multi-service networking for training and assistance to ensure Total Force Family Readiness.
Our purpose is to provide assistance to families regardless of service component.
The goal of the ISFAC is to strengthen existing family assistance delivery systems in the event of mobilization, deployment, or natural disaster through the interaction of committee members.
Many issues surrounding quality of life and family well-being can only be addressed by states. Across the nation current focuses are being developed in regards to spouse employment, including unemployment compensation for transferring military spouses, in-state tuition allowances, financial readiness, education, and the pressing needs of severely injured service members and their families. Many state leaders share our concern for the welfare of our Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve service members and their families living within their borders, and we look forward to making significant progress in the future.
North Dakota ISFAC is currently focusing on six key topics; family support, educational benefits, license and registration benefits, tax and financial breaks, state employee
benefits and other special protections.
INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA:
Interservice Family Assistance Committee
· ISFAC Blog: www.isfac.blogspot.com
· ISFAC Twitter: www.Twitter.com/ISFAC
· Facebook www.Facebook.com search for North Dakota Interservice Family Assistance Committee
North Dakota National Guard Photos, Videos & Other Updates:
· www.ndguard.com
· www.119wg.af.ang.mil
· www.youtube.com/ndnationalguard
· www.flickr.com/photos/ndguard
· www.twitter.com/ndnationalguard
· www.twitter.com/NDNGAberle
· www.facebook.com North Dakota National Guard
Soldiers' Angels:
· www.SoldiersAngels.org
· www.twitter.com/soldiersangels
· www.twitter.com/publicrelations
· www.twitter.com/maryann_sag
· www.twitter.com/valourit
· www.youtube.com/soldiersangels
· www.facebook.com/SoldiersAngelsOfficial
Local Air Force:
Grand Forks Air Force Base:
· www.grandforks.af.mil
Minot Air Force Base:
· www.minot.af.mil
United States Air Force:
· www.af.mil
· www.facebook.com/USairforce
· www.twitter.com/AFPAA
· www.youtube.com/afbluetube
· http://airforcelive.dodlive.mil/
· www.flickr.com/photos/usairforce
United States Army:
· www.army.mil
· www.facebook.com/USarmy
· www.twitter.com/usarmy
· www.flickr.com/photos/soldiersmediacenter
· www.youtube.com/soldiersmediacenter
United States Coast Guard:
· www.uscg.mil
· http://coastguard.dodlive.mil
· www.twitter.com/cgcompass
· www.youtube.com/user/USCGImagery
United States Marine Corp
· www.marines.mil
· www.youtube.com/user/MarineCorpsNews
· www.twitter.com/MarineCorpsNews
· www.flickr.com/photos/marine_corps/
United States Navy
· www.navy.mil
· www.twitter.com/navynews
· www.youtube.com/user/usnavyweb
· www.flickr.com/photos/usnavynvns
North Dakota Legion
· www.facebook.com/NDLegion
· www.couragecarrieson.org
· www.ndlegion.org/
· www.twitter.com/courageco
· www.twitter.com/ndlegion
UND Center for Rural Health
· http://ruralhealth.und.edu
· www.Twitter.com/CRuralHealth
· www.facebook.com/CRuralHealth
If you are an ISFAC member and would like your Social Media listed here- please contactShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org and send the full listing as above. If you would like assistance setting up social networking for your organization, please feel free to talk to Shelle Michaels.
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