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HappyNew YearJANUARY 4, 2007VOL. 9, NO. 1NewsBriefsVolunteer Income Taxrepresentatives neededVolunteers are needed forthe 2006 tax year.Each unit is asked toappoint two representativesand the appointment lettershould be signed by thesquadron commander.Each representative willreceive basic and/or refreshertax law training.The tax training is scheduled for Jan. 17 to 19, DeKokBuilding 210, in the contracting classroom.Limited space is available;reserve your seat as soon aspossible.Requirements: All volunteers should have basic computer skills for inputting taxreturn information and be ableto perform tasks completelyand accurately.Volunteers will do taxeswithin their unit and may beasked to assist other units.Deliver the signed letter viamessenger, e-mail, or fax to50th Space Wing JudgeAdvocate office as soon aspossible.For additional informationor to request a template of theletter, contact Master Sgt.Aleisha Thompson, 50thSW/JA, at 567-6039, e-mail:aleisha.thompson@schriever.af.mil or fax, 567-5052.TRICARE change toDental PremiumsNew premium rates havebeen announced for the activeduty TRICARE DentalProgram, for the Feb. 1, 2007through Jan. 31, 2008 benefityear.The new amounts will bededucted from military payaccounts starting with theJanuary 2007 leave and earning statement.The new rates are: 11.05for Single Premium (one family member) and 27.63 forFamily Premium (more thanone family member.)For more informationregarding payment options,check out o Springs, Colo.www.schriever.af.milThis issue marks the 366thissue of the Satellite Flyer.YEAR IN REVIEWWe start our look at thetop stories of 2006 byvisiting an articleabout the last second of 2005.The U.S. Naval ObservatoryAlternate Master Clock hereread 23:59:60 just beforeSchriever ushered in the newyear.The 2nd Space OperationsSquadron here and the USNOmade sure computer systemswithin the Department ofDefense received the leap second correctly.The operation went off without a hitch even though no onehad handled a leap second sinceDec. 31, 1998.hroughout the year, 22ndSOPS provided Air ForceSatellite Control Networksupport for several importantNASA missions. In January,22nd SOPS Airmen providedsupport for NASA’s NewHorizons probe, a spacecraft thatpassed the moon’s orbit in justseven hours on its way to Pluto.The squadron has also supportedevery space shuttle launch in2006.n April, the 50th OperationsGroup held its first Maj.Gen. Jimmey Morrell diningout in downtown ColoradoSprings to recognize Airmenwho exemplified GeneralMorrell’s leadership and vision.Maj. Theresa Malasavage, 2ndSOPS, and Master Sgt. JacobSimmons, 50th OperationsSupport Squadron, received theawards for 2006.TIphoto by Alex GrovesMore than 500 Airmen with the 50th Space Wing ran two miles during a 50th SW fun run the morning ofSept. 8. Some Airmen took turns sprinting past the front of the formation with their units' guidons.demonstration of theAdvanced ExtremelyHigh Frequency SatelliteMission Control Segmentbrought 4th SOPS one step closer to adopting a new, more capable satellite constellation.“It shows (leadership) thefuture of secure communications—where we’re heading andwhat our capabilities are,” said1st Lt. Craig Cherek, chief ofmobile plans and tactics for 4thSOPS.Aol. John Hyten, the 50thSW commander,unveiled the wing’s newvision statement in May: “The50th Space Wing will deliverimproved combat effects throughour integrated space capabilitiesby fighting our weapons systems, protecting our resources,and supporting our mission.”The change in vision meantunits shifted their focus: insteadof supporting a specific system,they would concentrate on thecombat effects they bring to warfighters downrange.“Our operators will be able tosee a problem and say, ‘I knowthat’s not a normal operation,and I can fight through thatproblem,’” Colonel Hyten said.“Our satellite operators will beour first line of defense.”irmen also becamefamiliar with new terms:Air Force SmartOperations for the 21st Century,“Six Sigma” and “LEAN” werea few of those terms that gaveorganizations a chance to take afresh look at their businessesand cut away red tape.“AFSO 21 reaches to everycorner of Schriever AFB, frompersonnel to space operations tomaintenance operations and staffwork,” Colonel Hyten explained.CAphoto by Senior Airman Jason RidderThe U.S. Naval Observatory Alternate Master Clock, located in the 2ndSpace Operations Squadron's operations center, is approximately4,000 times more accurate than the earth’s rotation. The clockshowed 23:59:60 Dec. 31, 2005 as USNO professionals added the firstleap second since 1998.FridaySaturdaySundayHigh 30Low 13High 38Low 25High 40Low 27INSIDE“How can we do it better, fasterand more efficiently?”n June, Schriever’s Airmenbore witness to the death ofan al Qaida leader in Iraq.Abu Musab al-Zarqawi diedwhen laser- and GPS-guidedbombs destroyed his safehousenortheast of Baquba, Iraq.“When our 18- and 19-yearold Airmen and our 21- to 22year-old lieutenants find out thatwhat they do keeps our countryfree and strong—when I can tellmy troops, this is what we doevery day . that’s a kind of jobfulfillment you can’t get in mostcivilian jobs,” said Capt.Matthew Brandt, 2nd SOPSOperations Flight commander.Most of Schriever’s unitsplayed some role in the successful attack: the 50th NetworkOperations Group maintainedsatellite command and controlsupport through AFSCN; 50thOG provided the combat effectsthat were essential to the strike;and the 50th Mission SupportGroup made sure Schriever wassecure and had the essentials itneeded to carry out its mission.Airmen who returned fromoverseas deployments broughtback insightful perspectives ofICommentary . . .2News . . . . . . . .3-9See YEAR, Page 10Year End .1, 10-11Classifieds .12-19
2JANUARY 4, 2007COMMENTARYSATELLITE FLYERwww.schriever.af.mil“Oh, for the love of it all”Tech. Sgt. Scott SturkolAir Mobility Warfare CenterPublic AffairsThroughout my nearly 15-year militarycareer, I’ve had many people ask me why Ido what I do. I was asked recently by acivilian friend, “Why are you still in themilitary? Aren’t you afraid of what couldhappen if they send you some where?”My response to these questions wassimple. I said, “Oh, for the love of it all.”This friend’s response was, “For thelove of all of what?”To me, the statement was like openingup Pandora’s Box. This friend obviouslyhas not experienced the same things I havethese past 15 years, and in my response Itook that into consideration. So as I startedto respond, I figured it be best to paint thewhole picture to effectively answer thequestions presented to me.“Well, for the love of family is onepart,” I responded.I explained that as an Airman, and as ahusband, father and grandfather, I have thebest family in the world. All of my family,including all of my personal extended andmilitary family, are behind the life I choseto lead.“If it wasn’t for the love my family hasprovided me, I don’t know that I could dothis,” I explained. “If you know that whatyou do takes you away from your family attimes, making decisions on a career in themilitary can be tough. However, it’sbecause of that family I remain strong andsteadfast in voluntarily serving to defendand protect the Constitution of the UnitedStates year in and year out.”The conversation didn’t stop therethough. I said, “It’s also for the love offreedom.”I went on to elaborate that as a nationfighting the war on terrorism, and especially since Sept. 11, 2001, it’s my job todo everything I can to help protect thefreedoms we enjoy today as Americans.“The attack on our soil on Sept. 11,2001, should prove my point,” I said. “Idon’t know of anybody personally whodoesn’t feel the same as me on this issue.”The friend nodded in agreement. “I’malso still serving for the love of those whoserved before me,” I said. “Think about it.There have been millions of Americanswho have fought our wars of the past andwho have served and died for our country.It is my honor to even be mentionedamong the veterans of our country.”My friend’s response to this point couldbe best categorized as “stunned silence.”My gut feeling was no one had ever comeout and explained his or her reasons to myfriend with this much clarity. However, Iwasn’t done yet.“My biggest reason,” I said, “is for thelove of country.”As a patriot in a country that welcomespeople of all races, creed, origin, religionand more, I emphatically told my friendthat it’s because I love my country somuch that I continue to serve.“I don’t care if you have political differences with me or if you want to disagree with everything I’ve just told you,” Isaid. “My point is you have that right andit’s my honor to help preserve that rightfor you (and I do so) as a member of theAir Force and the military. In my opinion,we live in one of the greatest countries inthe world and I am more than happydefending this country and the principlesit stands for.”As that conversation ended, I hope myfriend left with a newfound respect for hiscountry and, maybe, for the people he hasas friends.I say all of this because I want you allto know that if you get asked the samequestion, take the time to explain abouthow you feel about why you serve.Whether it is for the love of family, freedom, veterans or your country, we haveour reasons and I am proud to be amongyou.Preparation is key to deployingCommentary by Maj. Dave Dutcher18th Logistics Readiness SquadronWhether at home supporting the largest combat-codedwing in the Air Force or deployed in support ofOperations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, Airmen fromevery squadron continue to excel.Are you ready?You’ve got your desert combat uniforms and are awaiting your orders, but does that truly make you ready?Probably not. To truly be primed and ready you need totake care of three requirements:1. Prepare yourself to deploy: Read the reportinginstructions for the area to which you are deploying.Know what bags you need to deploy with and which oneswill be pre-positioned and awaiting pick-up when youarrive in the area of responsibility.Know which weapon you are required to deploy with.Some of you may deploy with more than one. Are youscheduled to attend Expeditionary Combat Skills Training(ECST)? Have you accomplished your physical healthassessment, dental examination, combat arms training andmaintenance, completed on-line courses such as law ofarmed conflict and Anti-Terrorism Level I training?Make sure you take the time to accomplish each ofthese actions now so that you aren’t caught unpreparedlater as you reach the critical days before you depart forthe AOR.2. Prepare your squadron for your deployment: Everyone of you is a valuable member of your squadron andwill be missed greatly. The hole left by your deploymentcan result in mission degradation in your flight if youhaven’t prepared those around you for your impendingdeployment.Are you responsible for a report that no one else does?Train a replacement! Are you sponsoring someone in andnow need a replacement? Make sure your supervisionknows. Have you completed all your mandatory trainingsuch as your fitness test and chemical warfare defenseensemble?If not, accomplish these before you leave as thesetraining requirements are reported to the wing monthlywhether you’re on station or not. Finally, when you getdownrange immediately contact your squadron. Givethem a good e-mail address and let them know what theycan do for you. And send pictures. Nothing is better thanbragging about your home station.3. Prepare your family for your deployment: Have yougone over to legal and updated your will? Do you need apower of attorney accomplished before you leave? Is yourServicemembers Group Life Insurance current/accurate?Do you have a friend or neighbor to help out yourdependents while you’re gone?Finally, make sure that you have the family deploymentseminar circled on your calendar. Bring your family tothis important seminar so that both you and they can bestprepare for your absence.Now is the time to make sure you properly prepareyourself for deployment. Ensure that you’re ready, yourfamily is ready and your squadron is ready while youserve your country in the AOR.Be safe, stay in contact and know your home stationlooks forward to welcoming you home upon your return.Snow Call reminderIt’s 5:30 in the morning and it’s snowing. You’re wondering if the base is closed or if there’s delayed reporting.You check the local television stations and theirprompters aren’t working or the information is inconsistent from station to station. How can you be sure you’regetting the absolute-no-kidding delay or closure report?Take one or both of the following two steps.567-SNOW and the Flashnews.net website are thefirst two sources to receive base snow call information,THE SATELLITE FLYER210 Falcon Pkwy. Ste. 2102, Colorado Springs, CO 80912-2102(719) 567-5040 or Fax (719) 567-5306COL. JOHN HYTEN, 50TH SPACE WING COMMANDEREd Parsons, Chief of Public AffairsCapt. Jean Duggan, Chief of Internal InformationNewspaper Staff:Senior Airman Jason Ridder, EditorSkip Grubelnik, Layout and designPublished by Colorado Springs Military Newspaper Group, a private firm in no wayconnected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with Schriever AirForce Base.and both are updated directly by Schriever personnel.Just as a note: 567-SNOW can take multiple calls at onetime. However, during busy times you may get a busysignal. If you do, hang up and try again. It might taketwo or three calls, but you’ll be able to get through.While radio and television stations are usually correct, during the early morning hours of snow days thenewsroom is a hectic place as information is pouring into these media outlets.This Commercial Enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services.Contents are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense or the Air Force. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constituteendorsement by the U.S. government, Department of Defense, the Department ofthe Air Force or Colorado Springs Military Newspaper Group.Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase,use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age,marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor ofthe purchaser, user or patron.Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the 50th Space WingPublic Affairs office. Paid advertising is accepted by the publisher at 634-5905.Deadline is Friday at noon, the week prior to publication.E-mail submissions to flyer@schriever.af.mil or call thePublic Affairs office at 567-5040 for more information.Calling 567-SNOW and checking Flashnews.net willhelp ensure you know what’s going on before you stepfoot out of your home.Remember, “Delayed Reporting” equals “DelayedStart.”All Schriever personnel need to slow down and delaytheir arrival at the base as directed so 50th Civil EngineerSquadron can get the roads and parking lots ready.Commander’s HotlineE- MAIL : C OMM G RAM HL@S CHRIEVER . AF . MILSchriever’s Commander’sHotline is brought to the base byCol. John Hyten, 50th Space WingCommander.It provides a communication toolfor people to obtain information andassistance in making Schriever a better place to work.Colonel Hyten asks that, beforeyou e-mail the Commander’sHotline, please try to resolve yourproblem through the responsibleagencies listed here.AFOSI.567-5049Chaplain.567-3705Child Development Center.567-4742Clinic.567-4455Civilian 2009Fitness Center.567-6628Inspector General.567-3764Law Enforcement Desk.567-5642Military Personnel.567-5900Public Affairs.567-5040Safety.567-4236
JANUARY 4, 2007www.schriever.af.milSATELLITE FLYER3Spotlighton JusticeThe following military justiceactions closed in the months ofNovember and December:An airman from the 4th SpaceOperations Squadron received Article15 punishment under the UniformCode of Military Justice for violationof Article 92, Dereliction in thePerformance of Duties, for willfullyfailing to refrain from consuming alcohol while under the age of 21. Thepunishment was a suspended reductionto airman basic, 15 days restriction and30 days extra duty.Courtesy photoA staff sergeant from 4th SOPS wasconvicted in Colorado Springs for driving under the influence. The individualreceived one year of probation, 48hours of community service and 460in court costs.The individual also received a letterof reprimand from the squadron.Tickets are still available for SnoFest!!!SnoFest is the military snow sports weekend being held Jan. 26 through 28 and features a variety of winter activities geared towardsmembers of the military community. This annual event includes competitive ski and snowboard racing, parties, sleigh rides, ice skating, tubing, snow biking, a cardboard derby, snowshoeing and much more. Discounts on lodging, lift tickets, equipment and foodattract more than 4,000 people each year. Services personnel from the U.S. Air Force Academy, F.E. Warren, Schriever, Buckley andPeterson Air Force bases, Headquarters Space Command and Fort Carson work year-round to make SnoFest a premier military event.Short-term cash problemsruining your long-term prospects?If you’re serious about making a change in how you manage yourmoney, then the Asset Recovery Kit (ARK) Program can help.ARK will provide military and DoD personnel and your families with ashort-term loan to help meet your immediate cash needs. As long as youagree to undertake financial counseling (located at 5262 N. AcademyBlvd., Suite 1000, Colorado Springs), you may borrow up to 80% of yournet pay to a maximum of 500. The loan is offered at a 6 flat fee withno credit report—BUT you must agree to financial couseling.Take control of your finances. Contact one of our representativesat Pentagon Federal Credit Union and ask how ARK may be able tochange your life.Come talk with us today.Colorado Springs Branch:6045 Barnes RoadTuesday–Friday, 8:30AM–5PM; Saturday 9AM–3PM
4JANUARY 4, 2007NEWSSATELLITE FLYERwww.schriever.af.milNew BOSS antenna begins testingMaj. Dean Bellamy23rd Space Operations SquadronConstruction of the radome housing the antenna finishedSept. 15, 2005. The radome’s primary purpose is to protect the antenna from the environment, keeping maintenance and downtime to a minimum.The new antenna replaces a 44-year-old antenna thatwas decommissioned in 2004 due to a bad azimuth bearing. Master Sgt. Mike Norton, a quality assurance evaluator with 23rd SOPS, recalled seeing the original antenna before it was retired.“Imagine an antenna weighing 119,000 pounds moving 15 degrees per second,” Sergeant Norton said. “Thatwas impressive for an antenna built during the early daysof AFSCN.”Increasing demand on AFSCN resources took its tollon the antenna, which was originally designed for a 10to 12-year lifetime.“We loved that old antenna,” said Randy Smith anAutomated Remote Tracking System operator.“Taxpayers sure got their money’s worth out of it.”While the new antenna was under construction,SMC’s Transportable Space Test and EvaluationResource filled in for the original antenna.NEW BOSTON AIR FORCE STATION, N.H. —The 23rd Space Operations Squadron here began operations confidence testing of its newest Air Force SatelliteControl Network antenna Dec. 14.Operational testing will verify the antenna is fully prepared to conduct satellite supports as part of 23rd SOPS’24/7 mission, said station manager Bill Rayfield.“It’s important that we do this testing right so we ca
Jan 04, 2007 · duty TRICARE Dental Program, for the Feb. 1, 2007 through Jan. 31, 2008 benefit year. The new amounts will be deducted from military pay accounts starting with the January 2007 leave and earn-ing statement. The new rates are: 11.05 for Single Premium (one fami-ly member) and 27.63 for Family Premium (mo
