5 dec 97 AFNS

[AFNS]

Celebrating the Air Force's 50th Anniversary:
The Golden Legacy, Boundless Future...
Your Nation's Air Force
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Air Force News Service
This file contains 7 stories
AFNS electronic filename: 05dec97
971551. Holiday packages will reach Southwest Asia
971545. Joint activities to transfer to U.S. Atlantic Command
971546. Special provision allows payments to flood victims
971547. Air Force to unveil 50th anniversary quilt
971548. Phoenix Raven protects assets
971549. Noncommissioned officer was first MAC casualty of Vietnam War
971550. Personnel chief discusses issues, trends during Honduras visit
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971551. Holiday packages will reach Southwest Asia
by Capt. Victor Hines
U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFNS) -- Most Christmas packages sent to
airmen in Southwest Asia should make it through rain, snow, sleet and
hail -- even customs officials. Despite a widely circulated e-mail that
indicates customs officials will confiscate all holiday items, officials
at U.S. Central Command Air Forces indicate the vast majority of all
mail should make it through.

"There are some U.S. Postal restrictions people should be aware of when
mailing packages to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other countries in
Southwest Asia," said Maj. W. D. Martin, 609th Air Postal Flight
commander. Martin is responsible for mail moving to U.S. forces,
Department of Defense, and Department of State people stationed in
Southwest Asia and Eastern Africa.

All parcel mail entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is subject to
random inspection at the discretion of custom officials.

"There's simply no truth to the rumor all holiday decorations and
wrapping paper will be confiscated," said Martin. "Last year during the
Holiday season, October through December, more than 580,000 pounds of
mail were sent to U.S. forces in Saudi Arabia, and more than one million
pounds were sent to U.S. Forces throughout Southwest Asia. During that
time period, I don't know of one instance where a Christmas item was
taken."

Martin said he was aware of three instances this season where Christmas
items were taken. "In these instances, the items confiscated were
Christmas trees. This happened once in October, once in November, and
once in December. Whenever random confiscation of this nature does
occur, every effort is made to regain custody of the item for the
intended recipient, or return it to the sender if directed by customs
officials."

"But when you look at the more than 6,400 pounds of mail to our people
arriving daily to Saudi during last year's holiday season, and you
realize we expect to deliver about the same amount every day during this
year's season, you can see these are truly isolated instances," Martin
said.

"Most mail makes it to our deployed forces quickly, and without customs
problems. As long as people mailing packages adhere to the basic
regulations and don't send items prohibited by the U.S. postal service,
our deployed airmen and their families can be confident the mail should
get through," Martin said.

Items prohibited from being sent to Saudi Arabia by the U.S. postal
service include alcohol or distillation equipment; books or magazines
depicting nude or semi-nude people; pornography; religious items
contrary to the Islamic faith such as Bibles or crucifixes; some
electronic equipment such as radio transceivers and cordless telephones;
fireworks; firearms; and pork products. However, items of a religious
nature for personal use only, may be brought with individuals when
deploying.

Items also subject to possible confiscation or censorship by host nation
officials include videotapes, records, and certain publications printed
outside of the host nation.

For more information on postal restrictions, contact your local U.S.
Post Office with the zip code of where packages are being shipped.
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971545. Joint activities to transfer to U.S. Atlantic Command

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Joint activities at several Air Force bases will
transfer to U.S. Atlantic Command as part of a Department of Defense
reform.

The defense reform initiative announced by the secretary of defense
includes in its goals the streamlining of headquarters organizations.
As of Oct. 1, 1998, the Joint Staff will transfer command and control of
the joint communications support element, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.,
and Joint Command and Control Warfare Center, Kelly AFB, Texas, to U.S.
Atlantic Command.

Other units similarly affected are the Joint Warfighting Center, Fort
Monroe, Va.; Joint Battle Center, Suffolk, Va.; and Joint Warfighting
Analysis Center, Dahlgren, Va. No physical movement of these activities
or name changes are planned as a result of this action.

This shift of command and control will enable the Joint Staff to focus
on its policy, direction and oversight duties. Realigning the joint
centers will improve joint warfighting and training by strengthening
U.S. Atlantic Command's role and capabilities for joint functional
training support, joint warfighting support, joint doctrine and Joint
Vision 2010 development.

Among the five regional commanders in chief, U.S. Atlantic Command is
unique because of its mission as the military's joint force provider,
integrator and trainer. Military planners say this role makes the
command ideally suited to oversee these joint agencies.

According to Gen. Henry H. Shelton, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff, this represents a significant change in the way the military does
business.

"It is the right thing to do," he said. "The end state is envisioned as
a force training and warfighting support organization that will
strengthen the warfighting CINCs. This enhanced organization will
provide a single source for joint training and warfighting support for
the warfighter with a strong role in lessons learned, modeling and
simulation, doctrine and joint force capability experimentation."
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971546. Special provision allows payments to flood victims

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- A small provision in the fiscal 1998 Defense
Authorization Act permits big payments to military victims of last
spring's floods in North Dakota.

Congressional and military negotiators included funds in the legislation
to pay up to $100,000 for personal property claims filed by flood
victims.

The area around Grand Forks Air Force Base suffered the worst flooding
in 500 years in April and May. About 700 Air Force members who lived
off base suffered some loss not covered under normal claims procedures.

Together, the North Dakota congressional delegation and the Air Force
drafted legislation to allow reimbursement to military people who lived
off-base and suffered losses.

The Air Force team included representatives from the judge advocate
general, legislative liaison, Air Force Space Command, Air Mobility
Command and the vice chief of staff.

The act authorized the Department of Defense to use $4.5 million from
funds already available to DOD to pay these claims. In the first few
weeks since the act became law, the 319th Air Refueling Wing staff judge
advocate at Grand Forks received 119 claims from flood victims.

Thus far, payments have been made on 108 of these claims totaling
$795,508. The wing claims office is augmenting its staff with six
people on temporary duty to handle the extra workload.
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971547. Air Force to unveil 50th anniversary quilt

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Air Force will unveil its 50th anniversary
quilt at the Pentagon concourse at 9 a.m. Dec. 5. The quilt contains
more than 85 handmade squares from virtually every Air Force base
throughout the world and measures 20 feet by 20 feet.

Thread used to join the squares together was flown aboard the Space
Shuttle Atlantis on its Sept. 22 mission. Final assembly of parts and
pieces took more than three months to complete, including more than 500
hours for hand-embroidered lettering.

Each base provided a 16 inch by 16 inch custom-made square reflecting
its mission. The quilt center features a 36-inch Air Force seal
surrounded by seals representing each major Air Force command. The
quilt will be framed in a special display case covered with Plexiglas to
allow viewers to "walk" on the quilt for better viewing.

This heritage quilt, better known as the "Fabric of the Air Force," was
created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Air Force. After a
one-week display at the Pentagon, the quilt will be permanently
displayed at the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,
Ohio.
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971548. Phoenix Raven protects assets
by Maj. Kirk Faryniasz
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFNS) -- A new initiative in Air Mobility
Command force protection has arrived, bringing security measures into
the 21st century for aircrews and their flying machines throughout the
command.

Phoenix Raven is alive and well here. The Ravens' role is to deploy
with AMC aircraft to austere locations where normal security measures
are not available.

Currently, 12 security forces personnel proudly call themselves Ravens,
after completing specialized training at the Air Mobility Warfare
Center, Fort Dix, N.J. Upon graduation, they are awarded the
distinctive patch designed for the elite group.

"This is not any easy program to become a part of. In fact only two of
the last five we've sent have completed the eight-day course," said
Master Sgt. Monte Malek, law enforcement supervisor and Raven
coordinator. "Eight days might not seem like a long time, but the
school puts individuals through some very long (16-hour) days of heavy
physical and mental exertion. The program weeds people out quickly."

Master Sgt. Michael McCasland, AMC headquarters, explained that the
physical requirements demand candidates score above the 70th percentile
on the Army Physical Fitness Test, and that this disqualifies a lot of
people in the screening stage.

Physical conditioning on a regular basis is essential for Ravens, and
keeping current on the training they've received is essential.

"Individuals have to develop a good fitness program to keep themselves
in shape. They also never stop learning the latest techniques and
tactics needed to perform their job. They can't let up," said Malek.

Dover's current Raven dozen include: Staff Sgts. James Walker, Paul
Kalp, Jerron Lampkin, Peter Mendoza Jr., and Dominic Devito; Senior
Airmen Aaron Jones, Conde McGinley Jr., Scott Smith, Thomas Versichelli
and Brian Page; Airman 1st Class Jason Weimer; and Malek.

Since March, Dover Raven teams have deployed on 11 occasions. Malek
explained, "We usually try to go out in teams of three. This allows us
to have two people on duty, while a third can rest. But we have
deployed with only two people in the past."

When deploying, the Ravens are well armed, carrying an M-16, 9 mm pistol
and a 12-gauge shotgun; however, they are trained to first use
nonthreatening methods.

"We have the firepower and knowledge to protect the aircraft and
aircrew, but our primary means in most situations is to handle problems
verbally. Nearly 99.9 percent of situations can be handled without any
firepower," said Malek.

Additionally, Ravens are uniquely prepared to assist the crew with its
mission whenever feasible. When they have on-station security, like
they have at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, the Ravens are treated as part
of the crew and billet with them.

"We can help with the building or pushing of pallets, doing anti-hijack
checks and even loading passengers. The crews that haven't flown with
us seem a little reluctant at the beginning to use us, but by mission's
end they like having us with them," said Malek, who explained that
aiding crews is also part of the rigorous Raven training.

Aircraft Commander Capt. Todd Cargle, 9th Airlift Squadron, has enjoyed
his opportunities working with the Ravens.

"They are professional and fit in very well. I enjoyed having them fly
with us."

Early in the program there were some isolated problems in AMC with crews
adjusting to having Ravens on board.

"We had a couple of problems in the early stages, but there's a strong
emphasis from the highest levels to make this program successful. The
more crews learn about what our Ravens are capable of doing, the more
widely accepted we've been. The feedback we've been getting has been
very positive," explained McCasland.

At Dover their have been no problems according to Malek.

"I went out with one crew, and now the aircraft commander would like to
have us with him all the time."

McCasland indicated that all AMC missions are evaluated for the need of
a Raven team.

"A threat working group looks over a mission to see where it is going
and what the en route airfield structure is. The group then determines
if Ravens are needed and the tasking is sent to the assigned base's
current operations shop, which coordinates with the local security force
coordinator." (Courtesy of AMC News Service)
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971549. Noncommissioned officer was first MAC casualty of Vietnam War
by Staff Sgt. Mark T. Voorhis
437th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFNS) -- The newspaper headline read,
"Charleston airman dies of wounds." The impact hit Charleston Air Force
Base hard. One of their finest was gone.

Tech. Sgt. Paul E. Yonkie, a C-141 flight engineer with the 76th
Military Airlift Squadron, had become Military Airlift Command's first
casualty of the war in Southeast Asia.

"We were just shocked by the news," said Chief Master Sgt. James
Vaughan, aircraft maintenance superintendent with the 315th Logistics
Group, then a young crew chief on the flightline.

"I remember the day we heard about him. I didn't know Yonkie
personally, but I do know he was well liked by most everybody," Vaughn
recalled. "You could tell the base was definitely affected by the bad
news."

Frank Metzger, a retired lieutenant colonel, today working with the
437th Airlift Wing Plans Office, remembers the day, too.

"I had signed into the wing the very same day Capt. Robert F. Schultz
did back in 1960." Schultz was seriously injured in the same blast that
killed Yonkie. "Before we heard the news, I think the war was a little
removed, distant. But Yonkie's death sure brought it much closer."

The year was 1968. The United States' involvement in the Vietnam War
was escalating, as was the wing's support to Southeast Asia. Wing
aircraft and aircrew helped transport airborne divisions and supplies to
Vietnam, as well as provide aeromedical evacuation flights out of the
war-torn country.

Yonkie was a flight engineer on one of those medevac missions July 26,
1968. His parked aircraft came under heavy attack by communist
guerrillas while on the ramp at Udorn Air Base, Thailand. It was the
first time communist troops had attacked the airfield.

Yonkie, along with aircraft commander Schultz and several other
crewmembers, was at the C-141 Starlifter on that hot and humid late
morning, preparing to load their cargo -- injured American servicemen.
The aircraft was just outside the base's main hangar.

As Red Guerrillas attacked the main hangar and surrounding area, Yonkie
and Schultz ran for cover behind a power cart. Yonkie had just hit the
ground when a satchel charge exploded close by. Shrapnel tore into
Yonkie's chest and abdomen. Schultz had just started to drop to the
pavement and hot metal ripped into his hands and wrists. The heavily
concentrated attack continued for almost 30 minutes before the
guerrillas were pushed back.

Yonkie and Schultz were immediately evacuated to the Air Force hospital
at Clark AB in the Philippines. Yonkie succumbed to his injuries six
days later. He was just 34 years old. He left behind a wife and three
daughters.

A special order dated Sept. 13, 1969, stated, "The 437th Military
Airlift Wing Squadrons Combat Operations Building, Charleston Air Force
Base, is redesignated The Yonkie Building, this date, in honor of (the
late) Tech. Sgt. Paul E. Yonkie, with an outstanding record of
performance of duties on behalf of the United States Air Force."

A native of Ridgeway, Pa., Yonkie began his military career in 1953 when
he joined the Army Reserve. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1956.
Yonkie was assigned to Charleston AFB in 1965 and had already completed
more than 25 combat missions over Southeast Asia. (Courtesy of Air
Mobility Command News Service)
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971550. Personnel chief discusses issues, trends during Honduras visit
by Staff Sgt. Russell Petcoff
Joint Task Force Bravo Public Affairs

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras (AFNS) -- The top personnel officer in the
Air Force was here Nov. 23 to discuss the latest personnel issues and
trends.

Lt. Gen. Michael McGinty, Air Force deputy chief of staff for personnel,
spoke to a packed audience on a variety of topics including drawdown,
retention, operations tempo, and quality of life.

McGinty said he has three priorities in his job: to support commanders
around the world, take care of Air Force people, and make himself
visible.

He also talked about past and future drawdown.

"We have come down the steepest part," McGinty said. "It's leveling
out."

Although the Air Force is looking at cutting a total of 37,442 jobs,
leaving a force of 528,875, McGinty said it doesn't mean doing more with
less.

"It's 37,000 jobs contractors can do. Most of this will happen at the
turn of the century," he said.

McGinty told the audience that President Clinton recently signed the
National Defense Authorization Bill, meaning the Air Force can implement
its fiscal 1998 drawdown program, which calls for cutting 10,000 people.
The Air Force should be able to drawdown the enlisted side with the
separations and retirements, and the officer drawdown will probably
include active-duty service commitment waivers and 1,000 15-year
retirements, McGinty said.

McGinty next spoke about retention. He explained he has three goals for
the enlisted side: retaining 55 percent of first-term airmen, 75
percent of second-termers and 95 percent of career airmen. The Air
Force retention, he said, is currently 56 percent, 71 percent and 95
percent, respectively.

Pilot and navigator retention is also a concern, he said. From
1995-1997, there's been a 16 percent decrease in pilots and 13 percent
decrease in navigators choosing to stay in the Air Force.

The Aviator Continuation Pay program, which provides pilots a bonus to
stay until at least their 14 year point, hasn't stopped the pilot
exodus, the general said. The take-rate for the bonus has decreased to
47 percent in the last two years, according to McGinty. In 1997 alone,
only 30 percent took the bonus, the Air Force goal is 50 percent. Every
one of those pilots cost $5.19 million to train, McGinty said.

The biggest loss isn't the money, but combat capability. McGinty said
numerous Air Force surveys point out the top two concerns among its
people are operations tempo and quality of life.

McGinty said the Air Force is taking steps to decrease operations tempo.
These steps include reducing the number of planes based and on temporary
duty overseas, using more power projection from the United States,
cutting the number of joint exercises and operational readiness
inspections, eliminating Quality Air Force Assessments, giving people a
week down time for every 45 days they are deployed, and using the Air
National Guard and Reserve to help fill taskings.

"We're trying to pull the throttles back based on what people are
telling us," he said. With 16,163 - or 3.8 percent of the force -
deployed, McGinty said the service is looking at ways to make
deployments easier for military people and their families.

For instance, there's currently a six-month test of an ombudsman program
patterned after a similar program the Navy offers to families of sailors
out to sea. The ombudsman takes care of the families left behind. He
or she knows how to seek assistance for family members and has access to
commanders. The test program is scheduled to end Jan. 21, 1998. The
Air Force is also looking at incorporating video link with morale calls.
The video teleconferencing concept would allow the military person and
family members to see each other.

"I have never seen a better morale booster," was a comment from a
Incirlik, Turkey, first sergeant to McGinty. The general said he'll
look into bringing video links to Soto Cano, and other overseas
locations.

"I'm the quality of life czar for the Air Force," said McGinty. He
pointed out the seven Air Force quality of life priorities are
compensation, housing, health care, personnel tempo, community programs,
retirement, and education.

The general reviewed several quality of life improvements made in the
past year. They include a 2.8 percent pay increase, $296 million for
housing, 13 dormitory projects, an increase in hazardous duty pay,
subsistence for all dormitory dwellers and an increase in the family
separation allowance.

In addition to operations tempo and quality of life, promotions are
another area of concern to Air Force people.

He pointed out that promotions are increasing. From fiscal 96 to fiscal
97, advancements went up in four of the top five enlisted ranks: 16.6 to
18.7 percent for staff sergeant, 11.2 to 15.1 percent for technical
sergeant, 19.5 to 21.6 percent for master sergeant, 7.3 to 7.6 percent
for senior master sergeant. Chief master sergeant promotion rates
decreased slightly from 19.14 to 18.1 percent.

The general's visit was the last stop of a five day "Spread the Word"
tour in the South American theater.