April 2011 Potomac Air Monthly

D I S T R I C T O F C O L U M B I A A I R N A T I O N A L G U A R D

P

APRIL 2011
OTOMAC APRIL IS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH
AIR
MONTHLY

APRIL IS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH

P R O V E N - V I G I L A N T - R E A D Y

Strength News
POTOMAC AIR MONTHLY
Editorial Staff

Brig. Gen. Jeffrey R. Johnson
113th Wing Commander

Col. George M. Degnon
113th Wing Vice Commander

Chief Master Sgt. Chris Acostar
113th Wing Command Chief

Capt. Byron B. Coward
Editor

The Potomac Air Monthly is the official
magazine published by and for the 113th
We’re sorry. This
Wing, District of Columbia Air National
Guard. The contents of the Potomac Air
Monthly are not necessarily the official
views of, or endorsed by the U.S. govern-
page is only available
ment, Department of Defense, Air Force,
Air National Guard, National Guard Bureau
or the D.C. Air National Guard.
To submit articles or photography to the
via the 113WG
Potomac Air Monthly, send them to
PA.113WG@ang.af.mil or contact the 113
WG Public Affairs office at
(240) 857-2810.
intranet or the
The Public Affairs Office address is:
113th Wing, DCANG Public Affairs
3222 Annapolis Street
Joint Base Andrews, MD 20762
AF Portal
FRONT COVER
Master Phillip Taylor, 201 Airlift Squadron
First Sergeant participates in the flag pres-
entation ceremony during the Washington
Nationals home opener. (Photo by Tech.
Sgt. Tyrell Heaton)

Commander’s Action Line
The Commander’s Action Line gives all Airmen a direct link to the 113th Wing
Commander for any questions or suggestions regarding the 113th Wing.
The action line can be used to express constructive points of view on the policies
and procedures of the wing, as well as discuss safety and security issues. The goal is
to provide you with an accurate, timely response.
Airmen should use this tool after coordinating problems or concerns with supervi-
sors, first sergeants or commanders. If you’re not satisfied with the response or are
Brig. Gen. unable to resolve the issue, e-mail the action line at 113WG.CAGL@ang.af.mil Chief Master Sgt.
Jeff Johnson, Chris Acostar,
2
113th Wing 113th Wing Command
Commander Chief Master Sergeant

This UTA

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is only available via the
113WG intranet or the
AF Portal

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Air Force News
Guard leaders to House
Subcommittee: National
Guard should remain op-
erational reserve
by By Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Orrell
National Guard Bureau
WASHINGTON -- As part of the
Total Force, the National Guard
has successfully transformed to an
operational Reserve and must not
be put back on the shelf as a strate-
gic Reserve, the chief of the Na-
tional Guard Bureau said last
week.
"We must continue to be util-
ized as part of the operational
force ... and must maintain readi-
Maj. Brian Chamness, 332nd Expeditionary Fighter Squardon, climbs aboard his F-16
ness and continue to be a part of before a combat mission June 14. The 332 EFS is part of the 332 nd Air Expeditionary
the national security framework," Wing, which represents a total force unit with Reservists, Air National Guardsmen and
Gen. Craig McKinley said while Active Duty Air Force Airmen. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Tick Sforza
testifying to the House Appropria-
tions Subcommittee on Defense on
March 30. "From a strategic vantage point, Wyatt said the Air Guard pro-
McKinley - along with Lt. Gen. we in the National Guard believe vides a high percentage of Air
Harry Wyatt, director of the Air that care must be taken not to Force mission capability relative to
National Guard; Army Maj. Gen. break this magnificent force that the total budget the Air Force pro-
Raymond Carpenter, acting direc- has been there when needed these vides to the Air Guard.
tor of the Army National Guard last 10 years," McKinley said. "The Air National Guard pro-
and Army Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz, "We have proven that this Re- vides about 34 percent of the total
commanding general, U.S. Army serve component can be an opera- capability of the Air Force on
Reserve - spoke about the impor- tional force. We have demon- about 7 percent of the budget,"
tant role the National Guard and strated the capabilities," Stultz Wyatt said. "That's probably the
Reserve have served over the last said. "We have demonstrated the most cost-effective arm of the Air
decade. fact that we are a good return on Force that we have."
McKinley said remaining a investment." Wyatt said one of the biggest
fully operational force relies on the That return on investment can issues the Air National Guard
service components' willingness to be seen in all three Reserve com- faces in remaining a relevant op-
keep the Air and Army National ponent branches. erational force is the recapitaliza-
Guard operational. "We have created an Army that tion of older aircraft.
"I believe very strongly that has to have an operational Re- "That's the same problem that
[Chief of Staff of the Air Force serve," Stultz said. "Just in raw the United States Air Force has,"
Gen.] Norton Schwartz and [Chief numbers, 75 percent of your engi- he said.
of Staff of the Army Gen.] George neering capabilities ... 80 percent "Our goal is to continue to be an
Casey believe that access and of your logistics capability ... 75 equal partner through the Air
availability to call on the Guard is percent of your medical capabil- Force's recapitalization and mod-
vital to their future, especially in ity ... and 85 of your civil affairs ernization process.
an era of persistent conflict," he capability, which is in high de- "The proper way to do that,
said. mand, is in the Reserve or Guard." when recapitalizing the Air Force,
4

Air Force News
is to embark upon recapitalizing support civil authorities through Forces."
the Air National Guard at the same prudent investments and dual use Carpenter said Soldier resil-
time that we do our active compo- capabilities." iency is also vital to the continua-
nent proportionately and balanced McKinley broke down some of tion of the operational force and
across all three of the components the fiscal year 2012 requirements the Army National Guard looks to
so that the Air National Guard can the Guard is looking for. achieve this through comprehen-
remain relevant and remain an op- Overall we can say that the sive Soldier mental health initia-
erational force." budget request for fiscal year 12 tives and Soldier and family out-
Preparing for the future, the Air meets the critical needs of the reach programs.
National Guard must build upon Army and the Air National Guard Carpenter emphasized the im-
the lessons of the past, he said. in the era of persistent conflict portance of keeping the Guard and
"Today's Air National Guard overseas and on-going threats to Reserve operational.
integrates seamlessly into the Air American lives and property here "General Casey has made the
Force global operations because in the homeland," he said. statements, 'We've served together,
we have the same equipment with "As the FY12 budget was de- we've bled together and we can't
similar capabilities and Air Guard veloped, we worked closely with go back'," Carpenter said.
Airmen maintain the same stan- [the office of the secretary of de- "We have to be ready, we can-
dards of training and education as fense] to ensure adequate funding not sit back and wait for something
our active duty brothers and sis- for the entire [Chemical, Biologi- and then respond, so from that
ters," Wyatt said. cal, Radiological, Nuclear and standpoint the operational Reserve
"With continued support from high-yield Explosives] enterprise, is critical for this nation," he said.
Congress, we will continue to im- including standing up the remain-
prove and enhance our ability to ing eight new Homeland Response

President Signs Continuing 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009. fiscal 2011 defense budget, and
Obama said he wants negotia- will preclude many contract starts.
Resolution Extension
tions between the executive and The president wants to avoid
By Jim Garamone legislative branches to continue. continuing two-week extensions,
American Forces Press Service
He called on Democratic and Re- and wants a long-term deal with
WASHINGTON – President
publican leaders of Congress to Congress, Carney said.
Barack Obama signed legislation
begin meeting as soon as possible ―We look forward to negotia-
last night that will keep the gov-
with the vice president, the White tions on a long-term deal, through
ernment funded and running
House chief of staff and the budget the end of the fiscal year, so that
through March 18.
director. we can do the country’s business
The new continuing resolution
―We believe and hope that … an efficiently and effectively; because
cuts $4 billion from the previous
initial meeting will take place very it is no way to run a business or a
continuing resolution funding.
soon,‖ White House Press Secre- government to … wonder every
None of the $4 billion is taken
tary Jay Carney said yesterday, two weeks if we’re going to be
from Defense Department pro-
adding that there is room for com- able to keep in operation the fol-
grams. Extending the continuing
promise. lowing week,‖ he said. ―So the
resolution also means that service
DOD officials have been warn- president very much looks forward
members and veterans have until
ing for weeks of the effects a year- to these negotiations beginning to
March 18 to file for 'stop-loss'
long continuing resolution would take place towards a long-term
funds if their service was involun-
have on the department. It would deal, and he believes that common
tarily extended between Sept. 11,
mean a $23 billion shortfall in the ground can be found.‖

National Guard News now has an App for that
The National Guard News Mobile App – available for free download at www.ng.mil – keeps
readers connected with up-to-the-minute updates and enables the National Guard’s 22,000
Facebook fans and 12,000 Twitter followers to share their favorite stories with their friends on
popular social media platforms.
5 www.113wg.ang.af.mil

Capital Guardian News
D.C. Guard Members un-
furl Super-Flag on opening
day for the Washington Na-
tionals
Technical Sgt. Tyrell Heaton
113th Wing Public Affairs
WASHINGTON – More than 150
Airmen and Soldiers from the Dis-
trict of Columbia National Guard
including some volunteer Soldiers
from the National Capitol Region,
including Ft. Meyer, teamed to-
gether to unfurl an American super
-flag on opening day at Nationals
Field.
The National’s organization has
incorporated the D.C. National
Members of the D.C. National Guard hold a football-field sized American flag on the
Guard in their opening day, pre- outfield during pre-game ceremonies for Opening Day at Nationals Park in Washington,
game ceremonies for the past five D.C. March 31, 2011. U.S. Air Force Photo by Technical Sgt. Tyrell Heaton
years. Additionally, the organiza-
tion allowed the Joint Force Head- ment in Iraq. for the Nationals.
quarters, commanding general to ―It’s an honor to be recognized ―It's a privilege,‖ said Sgt.
throw out the first pitch. in front of such a big crowd,‖ said McKenna. "There's a tremendous
The flag unfurling was just one Sgt. Hall. ―There are a lot of other sense of pride being on the field."
of the many events the National guardsmen who have done a lot of As the volunteers made their
Capital Region servicemembers impressive things and I feel proud way to the stands after the opening
participated in as a tribute to the to serve with them.‖ ceremonies, many encountered
American military. Children of ―Being able to cover the field grateful fans. Soldiers and Airmen
servicemembers were allowed on with a flag at an event like this is a continually heard ―thank you for
the field to greet the starters as great way to showcase the D.C. your service‖ from fans and Na-
they ran onto the field and the National Guard,‖ said Lt. Col. tionals employees as they walked
Navy Band performed America the Dewey Wiseman, Joint Force through the concourse and sta-
Beautiful prior to the game and the Headquarters, D.C. National dium.
National Anthem in conjunction Guard. ―I felt a lot of pride when the
with the flag unfurling. The Airmen and Soldiers who crowd roared as the flag opened,‖
Two members of the National volunteered met at Nationals Field said Tech. Sgt. Stephen Zakszeki,
Guard were individually recog- eight hours before the game for a 113 MXS, Aircraft Electrician.
nized prior to the start of the game. 15 minute run-through for the 121st Fighter Squadron, F-16
Staff Sgt. Jenna Hall, Unit Train- opening ceremony. During this aircraft were scheduled to fly over
ing Manager with the 113 Mainte- time, each Airman and Soldier but low clouds prevented the
nance Group, and Bronze Star Re- were given a specific job to ensure flight.
cipient, Army Staff Sgt. Timothy the massive flag could be opened ―Hearing the roar of the fans
Huggins, 58th Infantry Brigade without touching the ground. The after the National Anthem is really
Combat Team, Maryland Army flag was large enough to cover the heartfelt,‖ said Staff Sgt. John
National Guard. length of a football field. Griffin, 113 MXS Jet Engine Me-
Sgt. Hall was recognized for Tech. Sgt. Mike McKenna of chanic. ―It makes me proud to
her service during Operation Iraqi the 113th Maintenance Squadron’s wear the uniform.‖
Freedom and volunteering to serve Avionics shop, has participated in
additional time beyond her deploy- the past five opening ceremonies
6

113th FSS FSRT recieves “Outstanding” rating at Virginia’s Collective Exercise
By 1st Lt. Daniel Keffer Force (Virginia Task Force 2) Region 3.
113th Force Support Squadron based in Virginia Beach, a Disaster Base camp was established at
The 113th Facility Search and Medical Assistance Team, a Met- Camp Pendleton (State Military
Rescue Team participated in a col- ropolitan Medical Response Sys- Reservation) and the training was
lective exercise in Virginia on tem from York County, VA Army conducted at the VA Beach Fire
March, 19. National Guard, and Joint Inter Training Center to include an all
FSRT responded with its parent agency Training Education Center day exercise.
group, the Virginia Chemical inspectors. The 113 FSRT team effectively
Chemical, Biological, Radiologi- The mission was to conduct conducted awareness level training
cal/Nuclear and Explosive En- emergency response operations in in a CBRNE level environment to
hanced Response Force Package support of civilian authorities to safely enter and operate within a
team to a simulated domestic op- include the tasks of incident sup- collapsed structure rendered safe
eration. port, mass decontamination, search by S&E element. Mission success
Partner units included a Federal and extraction, and/or medical was accomplished through the VA
Emergency Management Agency treatment and triage operations at CERFP to include outstanding rat-
Urban Search and Rescue Task any time within Virginia, FEMA ings for the 113 FSRT team.

Members of the 113th Facility Search and Rescue Team pose for a celebratory picture after completing the collective exercise. Cour-
tesy photo

SHELTER IN PLACE
Do you know where to go? Check your Wing Bulletin Board and/or Facility Monitor


Airmen from the 113 Wing runners from the 113 WG‖ said
prepare for Lincoln National Sgt. Heaton. ―Last year we were
able to fill a team for Maryland but
Guard Marathon
had to use an Airman from the 113
By Tech. Sgt. Gareth Buckland
WG (Master Sgt. Tamayo) to com-
113WG Public Affairs
plete the roster.‖
Four Airmen from the 113th
Sgt. Heaton has run the event
Wing, D.C. National Guard have
12 times. This will be his first
been busy this spring logging a lot
wearing the D. C. National Guard
of miles in preparation for the 34th
running singlet.
Annual Lincoln National Guard
Last year, 265 Guardsmembers
Marathon in Lincoln, Neb., May 1,
participated in the 2010 Lincoln
2011.
National Guard Marathon. The
Master Sgt. Irma Tamayo,
event displays community excel-
113th Communications Flight and
lence through partnership with the
Tech. Sgt. Tyrell Heaton, 113 WG
Lincoln Track Club by marketing
Public Affairs are joined by new-
and hosting the sold out Lincoln
comers Lt. Col. Reno Zisa, 113
National Guard Marathon which
WG Comm. Flt. and Master Sgt.
reached it’s capacity of 10,000
Sterlin Wilson, 113th Civil Engi- Tech. Sgt. Tyrell Heaton, 113 Wing Public
runners earlier this year. It has
neering Squadron. Affairs and member of the D.C. National
earned the reputation as a premier Guard’s marathon team, runs past the
Together they represented the
"military" event ranked with the U.S. Capitol during the Sun Trust National
District of Columbia National Marathon in Washington D.C. March 26,
USAF Marathon, USMC Mara-
Guard at the Sun Trust National 2011. Courtesy Photo
thon, and the Army Ten-Miler.
Marathon and the Credit Union
Soldiers and Airmen who com-
Cherry Blossom 10 Miler. Retention workshop for runners
pete at this event serve as mentors
―These races are good distances perform five recruiting and reten-
to fellow National Guard Soldiers/
at the appropriate time, (about a tion duties which enhance the re-
Airmen and civilians on physical
month out from the Lincoln Na- cruiting and retention force by pre-
fitness by utilizing All-Guard
tional Guard Marathon),‖ said Sgt. senting the image of a fit and
Marathon Team athletes
Heaton, Coordinator for the D. C. healthy National Guard.
and Guard Fit Challenge to in-
and Maryland National Guard ―Several runners exceeded five
crease unit readiness level
Marathon Teams. ―They serve as a events last year,‖ said Seargeant
and provide a valuable lead-
tune-up for a full-marathon and Hagen. ―Based on last year's at-
generating tool for local area Re-
give us a gauge of our fitness and tendance, direct National Guard
cruiters to utilize.
endurance.‖ lead generation exposure tops
―The All-Guard team runners
The Lincoln National Guard 1,325 events in local communities
generated more than 500 recruiting
Marathon in conjunction with the across the country.‖
leads generated in FY10,‖ said
National Guard Bureau’s Recruit- Last October, Sgt. Tamayo and
Sergeant First Class Mike Hagen,
ing/Retention workshop for run- Sgt. Heaton competed in the Army
Marathon Director for the National
ners has been held annually for Ten-Miler with the Maryland Na-
Guard Bureau. ―Additionally, the
nearly thirty years. Here, Guard- tional Guard Marathon Team
All-Guard team improves
members from around the country where their contributions helped
the image of the National Guard
compete for their state team and the team earn second place in both
by educating the public at two-day
compete for a spot on the All- the Men and Women’s National
marathon health and fitness expo-
Guard Marathon Team. Guard Division.
sitions.‖
―This year is particularly excit-
At the local level, all Soldiers
ing as D.C. is fielding a team and
and Airmen who attend the Na-
the entire team is composed of
tional Guard Bureau’s Recruiting/
8

SNCOA Class 11-5 begins at attend the classes after work. will be running this place. This
the 113WG Classes begin at 6:00 p.m. and end will be a huge tool in your toolkit
at 10:00 p.m. if you want to be successful. I
By Capt. Byron Coward ―At around the half-way point, want all of you to strive to make it
113WG Public Affairs you will hit the wall,‖ said CMSgt to that level.‖
The 113th Wing kicked off Sat- Reginald Edwards, D.C. National ―The class will be whatever you
ellite NCO Academy Class 11-5 Guard Senior Enlisted Leader. make it,‖ said CMSgt Ruthelma
March 8 in Room 201. ―That is when teamwork will be Pitts, 113 WG command post su-
For 16 weeks, NCOs from the important.‖ perintendant and SNCOA lead site
113th Wing, the Readiness Center CMSgt. Ronald Anderson, facilitator.
and the Maryland Air National 113WG Command Chief Select, CMSgt Pitts also added that
Guard will attend their NCO acad- explained that going away to a there are benefits to attending the
emy via satellite feed from NCOA had its benefits versus SNCOA course. In contrast to the
McGhee Tyson ANGB, Tenn. completing CDCs. He acknowl- solitary studying of CDCs, stu-
The first class was kicked off edged that completing SNCOA dents can interact with students
by an icebreaker that was attended would be tough, and that it was from across the country. Upon
by senior leadership and well each students’ responsibility to completion, students may have
wishers from the 113 WG, the encourage one another and be a opportunities that would not be

Brig Gen Jeff Johnson, 113WG Commander talks Master Sgt. Lorene Kitzmiller, 113MSG First Ser- Master Sgt. Linton Wilson or the 113th Communica-
to students and guest during the SNCOA Class 11- geant baked a special cake for the SNOCA Class tions Flt., connects to the conference phone bridge
5 icebreaker 11-5 icebreaker in preparation for the evening’s SNCOA broadcast

Maryland ANG and Readiness source of energy thorough the afforded to them without NCOA.
Center. weeks. ―We want to see you succeed
―We were the first unit to stand CMSgt Edwards also encour- and become senior NCOs,‖ said
up the Satellite NCOA course,‖ aged the class attendees that they Chief Pitts.
Said Chief Master Sgt. Acostar, were not here just to get promoted, The final two weeks of
current 113 WG Command Chief. but rather to obtain the skills nec- SNCOA consist of an in-residence
This is an example of the wing’s essary to become successful and a modules at McGhee-Tyson.
journey to greatness.‖ better leader.
CMSgt. Acostar compared the ―Our leaders, today, need us,
course to a typical college course (enlisted force)‖ said Chief Ed-
in the fact that it would be rigor- wards. ―It is our job and responsi-
ous, but you have great instructors bility to lead and take care of the
and facilitators that want to see enlisted personnel.‖
you succeed.‖ ―This shows a big step up for
Students are not given work you in your careers,‖ said Brig
passes or leave to attend the satel- Gen Jeff Johnson, 113th Wing
lite NCOA course. They must ful- Commander. ―By the time I retire,
fill their duties during the day and Members of SNCOA class 11-5 after completing an
the Top 3 (students in attendance) open ranks inspection


Four-ship on the Family
First lady, Dr. Biden to launch
military family awareness cam-
paign
by Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Orrell
National Guard Bureau
WASHINGTON -- Dr. Jill Biden
and First Lady Michelle Obama
will campaign to raise awareness
of military families, the vice presi-
dent's wife told spouses of Na-
tional Guard adjutants general here
today.
"In the coming weeks, we are
going to be launching a formal
campaign," said Biden, who
hosted the spouses for breakfast at
the vice president's residence here.
"We're going to reach out to all Dr. Jill Biden, the wife of Vice President Joe Biden, met with the spouses of National
Americans," she said. "Michelle Guard adjutants general at the vice president's residence, Feb. 28, 2011. Biden said
she and First Lady Michelle Obama will launch a formal campaign to raise awareness
and I are going to go on a tour for military families. (photo by Tech. Sgt. John Orrell)
around the country to create this
mass-media awareness, so that the feel like we're all family, all of us our son was deployed."
99 percent of Americans that are together. We share the same con- Biden told the spouses about a
not serving can now serve the one cerns, anxieties and sense of duty prayer his wife received from Jane
percent who are." and pride that comes along with Vavala, wife of Delaware's adju-
Biden and the first lady will being military family." tant general, Army Maj. Gen.
travel the country encouraging With thousands of Citizen- Frank Vavala, during Beau's de-
Americans to join these efforts, Soldiers and -Airmen serving in ployment ceremony.
she said. Iraq, Afghanistan and other re- "I would walk in every morn-
"Over the last couple of years, gions of the world and almost half ing ... into the kitchen, and I would
Michelle and I have been traveling the nation's military strength resid- see Jill mouthing this prayer," he
all around the country talking to ing in the National Guard and Re- said. "It's truly a personal gift of
families," she said. "We've brought serve it is almost impossible to kindness."
our stories back to the White overstate the importance they both Dr. Biden recalled that prayer -
House, and now the president and have, she said. and what she has done with it.
the cabinet ... are going to act on "In this era, when so much is "When Jane sat beside me and
it." being asked of the Guard and Re- handed me that prayer, that prayer
Biden, whose son Beau just reserve, you all have been a source meant so much to me, it was such
turned from a year-long deploy- of strength, relieving some of the a wonderful gesture of kindness,"
ment to Iraq with the Delaware burden of stress on loved ones left she said.
National Guard, has dedicated her- behind," Biden told the spouses. "When I meet families who are
self to bring awareness to "military Vice President Joe Biden made being deployed, ... I try to pass that
families' strength and courage, as a surprise stop at the breakfast to along, that act of kindness, be-
well as the challenges that they share his feelings on how state cause I know as a military mom
face," she said. senior leaders make a difference how much that meant to me."
"I am a Blue Star mom. for families during deployments. Dr. Biden encouraged people to
"I will always remember the "Don't underestimate the im- visit www.serve.gov or contact her
mixture of pride and concern that I pact that you all have," he said. "I office and share how they're sup-
felt about [Beau's] deployment. I watched the impact on Jill when porting those who serve.
10

Four-ship on the Family
What is the new TRS? How do I sign up?  Members/families disenrolled
 1 October 2007, TRS is Step 1 –Log on to the Guard and from TRS (voluntarily or in-
changed from a three tiered Reserve Web Portal at voluntarily) will be locked out
system to a single tier www.dmdc.osd.mil/Guard- of TRS for one year (any back
 Enroll during any month; cov- ReservePortal and complete the due premiums must also be
erage effective the first day of TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) paid)
the next month Request Form (DD Form 2896-1).  For more information contact
Print and sign your TRICARE Regional Con-
Do I qualify? Step 2 – Submit form with pre- tractor at (see slide three for a
 To qualify, you must be an ac- mium payment to regional contrac- list of regional contractors)
tive drilling Guard member tor
 You do not qualify if you are
eligible to enroll in the Federal Other Points
Employees Health Benefits  IRR/ING are not eligible for
(FEHB) program TRS
 Drilling Selected Reserve
What will it cost me? members are eligible for TRS
 Monthly premium of $53.16 with the exception of those eli- North Region
for individual and $197.76 for gible for FEHB
Health Net
a Guard member/family  There is no service commit- 1-800-555-2605
 Payment must be made directly ment www.healthnetfederalservices.com
to your TRICARE Regional  DEERS accuracy is critical South Region
Contractor  When a Guard member is in
Humana Military
 A missed payment will result TRS and is placed on active 1-800-444-5445
in loss of coverage duty orders for greater than www.humana-military.com
 Standard TRICARE deducti- 30 days, they are dropped
West Region
bles and co-pays also apply from TRS and must reenroll
within 60 days to continue TriWest
1-888-TRIWEST
coverage (1-888-874-9378)
www.triwest.com

Know the
Indicators

Know what to do

Know where to go for
help

SAPR News
Sexual Assault Awareness
Month encourages bystander
intervention
by Tech. Sgt. Jess Harvey
Secretary of the Air Force Public Af-
fairs
WASHINGTON -- The Air Force
is observing Sexual Assault
Awareness Month, starting April
1.
The Defense Department theme
for the month is "Hurts one. Af-
fects all," which is designed to
point out how sexual assault af-
fects not only the victim, but the
department as well. The Air
Force's slogan supporting the
DDD theme is "Real Wingmen
Act!" emphasizing the duty of all
Airmen to intervene whenever
they see questionable behavior.
"If all wingmen intervene when
someone is starting to cross the
line with another wingman, they
will play a vital role in creating an
Air Force culture in which sexual
assault is not tolerated," said Lt.
Col. Craig McCuin, the deputy
program manager for the Sexual
Assault Prevention and Response
Program. "Perpetrators of sexual
assault rely on bystander inaction
in the hopes they can commit this
crime and not get caught." rectly to an individual, but can in- around them."
The idea is one of bystander directly affect everyone in a unit, Some of the mission-related
intervention, McCuin said. as well as the victim's family and damages sexual assault incurs can
"Bystander intervention is an friends," McCuin said. include a loss of trust in the unit
all-out effort to get its people to Sexual assaults diminish the members or leaders, McCuin said.
engage in preventing sexual as- Air Force's ability to function pro- There is also the possibility that
sault," the colonel said. Not only ficiently at all levels. the victim and subjects may be
will bystander intervention prevent "The mention of mission readi- temporarily, or permanently, un-
the physical and psychological in- ness together with the toll sexual able to fulfill their obligation to the
juries that occur when an assault assault takes on the victim is not military due to physical condition,
happens, but it will also prevent meant to be callous," the colonel mental state or incarceration.
damage done to the unit as a said. "It's just that we all need to "Regardless of the extent of the
whole. understand the far- reaching im- assault or the situation in which it
That's where "Hurts one. Af- pact a sexual assault can have on happened, both the victim and the
fects All." comes in. the victim and everyone else Air Force will be greatly im-
"Sexual assault happens di-
12

The “One Situation”
In a 2008 survey on sexual assault in the Reserve components,
female respondents who were victims of unwanted sexual contact
revealed information about the “one situation that affected them
most” - information that may help determine risk factors that in-
crease the likelihood of sexual assault (Defense Manpower Data
Center, 2008, pg. 7):
Note: Results from males are not reportable due to small numbers or un-
stable estimates – but given men’s common reluctance to report being
victims of sexual assault, these factors may still apply.

 40% said it happened at their military or civilian work
 4% indicated the unwanted sexual contact occurred in their
home/living quarters, 16% indicated it occurred in the home/
living quarters of someone else, and 41% indicated it oc-
curred at some other location
 68% said it happened at a military installation
 33% said it happened while activated, and 24% said it hap-
pened during deployment
 34% indicated their experience included the use of alcohol
and/or drugs, either by them or by the alleged subject (ie.
perpetrator)
 49% said the alleged subject used force and/or threats to
make them consent, and 28% indicated the alleged subject
their authority improperly to coerce them to consent
 34% indicated the alleged subject sexually harassed them
before the incident, 2% indicated the alleged subject stalked
them before the incident, and 22% indicated the alleged sub-
ject both sexually harassed and stalked them before the inci-
pacted," McCuin said. But, if dent.
every Airman acted to stop sexual
assault, we could nearly eliminate
every case of it. The respondents who experienced unwanted sexual contact were
"The 'Real Wingmen Act' slo- also asked to describe the alleged subject in their situation. The
gan means that wingmen always majority of them described the alleged subject as a male who acted
act, on or off duty, in the certain alone. An astonishing 96% of respondents indicated their al-
knowledge that all persons possess leged subjects were part of the military community, including
fundamental worth as human be- Service Members who used their higher rank or position to intimi-
ings," McCuin said. "The key is to date victims to consent to the unwanted sexual contact.
change perceptions and help Air-
men understand that their actions Remember: Men can be victims, too. The same common factors
on behalf of another are not med- may apply, and for that reason, the same response and resources
dling, but instead are helping to are available for men who have been sexually assaulted.
keep a fellow Airman safe."


Government Travel Card News
The Controlled Spend
Account

A Mission-Driven Government Travel
Charge Card — What Cardholders
Need to Know

U.S. Army Spc. Earnest Menifee, with the 101st Airborne Division's 101st Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), waves to loved ones after
arriving at Fort Campbell, Ky., March 3, 2011. The 101st CAB returned from a yearlong deployment to eastern Afghanistan. (U.S.
Army photo by Sam Shore/Released)

The Controlled Spend Account the mission. Essentially the CSA there aren’t any approved travel
(CSA) is a unique government functions like electronic cash — orders then there is no value on the
Travel & Expense card designed to go, conquer (accomplish the mis- card. If you have multiple trips the
manage costs of travel — mission sion) and come home safely. spend limit is the aggregate of
by mission. Unlike the Govern- your estimated trip amounts. Like-
ment travel card, the CSA’s spend What are the goals of the CSA wise if you have a trip canceled
limit adjusts to meet the needs of program? The CSA must: the spend limit is decreased by the
each particular mission. 1. Meet all travel requirements for amount of the canceled order. The
all types of missions. CSA is a mission-driven travel
Why make the change? 2. Decrease workload on all func- card.
In 2009, we identified the opportu- tional areas.
nity to create significant efficien- 3. Allow all Air Force travelers to The CSA will be used for all TDY
cies by reengineering the tradi- have a CSA and use it for all travel and PCS travel expenses. All set-
tional GTC and automating most expenses tlement payments go directly to
processes. The resultant solution, Citi so they can reconcile the ac-
the CSA, was developed based on What are the highlights? count and identify any residual
feedback from airmen over the All travelers will have a CSA and funds remaining at the end of the
past ten plus years. In the past, air- no credit check is necessary. trip.
men were able to go to Finance
prior to a trip and receive cash for Spend limits on the CSA are based The CSA now is accepted at virtu-
their TDY. No one monitored how on approved travel authorizations ally all merchants. This is to ac-
they spent the money but simply — the spend limit on the card is commodate use of the card for
expected the airman to accomplish enough to cover the mission. If PCS moves and for spending re-

14

Government Travel Card News
sidual balances after a trip is com- Million Merchants Worldwide: DERS MUST BE INPUT TO PRE-
plete. Expanded acceptance enables use VENT GTC CLOSURE!
of the CSA for all types of travel
How is the CSA being rolled (including PCS) or use of the card Card Issuance Timeline:
out? to spend residual funds. 1. Government Travel Card closed
Existing GTC cardholders will be – Day 1
auto-enrolled into the CSA pro- Residual Funds After the Trip: The 2. Controlled Spend Account is-
gram beginning in December and CSA offers increased traveler sued – Day 2 & 3
continuing through March. Two flexibility since the card can be 3. CSA mailed and email notifica-
conditions must be met to qualify used to spend residual funds after tion sent to Traveler – Day 5
for auto-enrollment: zero or credit the trip is complete or the traveler 4. Traveler Receives CSA in the
balance on their GTC and no ap- can simply transfer the funds to mail Day 12 – 19
proved travel orders in the travel another personal account. Either
systems. All other accounts will way, travelers have immediate ac- Required Training: Introduc-
require the use of an application cess to any personal funds remain- tory Video, Why CSA, What’s
initiated by their base-level ing at the end of a trip. Changing, CSA 101 & 201
Agency Program Coordinator 1. Air Force Portal: via Virtual Fi-
(APC). GTCs will be closed once Cardholder Brief nance at: Life and Career: Money
auto-enrollment is initiated or the – Welcome to virtual
application is received by Citi. The CSA will be distributed Air Finance! (click ―Tools‖ tab for
Cardholders will receive an e-mail Force wide beginning December ―Controlled Spend Account Train-
notification once the CSA is issued 2010 ing icon)
to alert them the CSA was mailed. The following groups will be 2. Citi website:
Therefore, make sure Citi has your given priority for CSA issuance: www.airforcetravelcard.transactio
accurate mailing and e-mail ad- Cardholders with a GTC that is nservices.citi.com
dress. expiring within the next three 3. Air Force Knowledge Now:
months CSA Community of Practice
What are the key differences? Cardholders identified as infre-
Automated Interface to adjust quent travelers (3 trips or less Additional training modules are
Spend Limits: The CSA’s spend over past 12 months) also available for specific topics
limit automatically adjusts without Travelers assigned to the Air Staff (see training sites)
any additional intervention by the (National Capital Region – Upon Card Receipt:
traveler. Travelers simply input Pentagon) 1. Verify your card is received by
their orders (as they do today) and following the directions on the
their CSA’s spend limit adjusts CSA Auto-enrollment Eligibil- sticker
accordingly. ity: 2. Call customer service to create a
1. Must be an existing GTC card- PIN for ATM use
Increased Traveler Flexibility: The holder 3. Check DTS to ensure account
CSA offers the traveler increased 2. GTC account must be open and number is updated in system
flexibility since they can now call have a zero or credit balance 4. Ensure timely input of travel
Citi if they require assistance 3. No current or upcoming orders – at least 5 days prior to
(versus the GTC process requiring travel orders (next three travel
the traveler to contact their APC weeks)
who then would call Citi on their
behalf). Automated e-mail mes- IMPORTANT NOTE:
sages are sent to the traveler and YOUR GTC WILL BE CLOSED
their APC to confirm the increase. IMMEDIATELY UPON ELIGI-
BILITY SO IF YOU HAVE
Expanded Acceptance by over 20 UPCOMING TRAVEL YOUR OR-

How you can prevent
an incident from hap-
pening to you:

1. Avoid alcohol and
drugs, as they can
impair your judg-
ment and make
sexual assault
easier for an of-
fender.

2. Have your wing-
man/battle buddy
nearby, and plan
to arrive and leave
with that person.

3. Trust your gut - if
you think it’s an
unsafe situation, it
probably is!

4. Clearly communi-
cate your desires/
limits and don’t be
afraid to assert
yourself!

5. Have an emer-
gency contact you
can call if you’re
in a dangerous
situation.

Capt. Byron Coward
(301) 420-2132
byron.coward@ang.af.mil

IF YOU WANT TO REPORT A
SEXUAL ASSAULT
301-981-SARC (7272)
16

April 2011 Potomac Air Monthly

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