FROM THE COCKPIT: Notes and Ramblings...

Welcome to the inaugural issue of The TALON!

 

On behalf of the staff of AFTWS, welcome to the very first edition of your monthly online publication, The TALON - AFTWS Newsletter. Over the next few months we'll be bringing you "news you can use" along with interesting bits on and about your fellow AFTWS members.

Before I continue, let me take a few minutes to introduce myself: I'm Jon Yim, the newsletter editor here at the ol' AFTWS Ranch. I also edit the monthly newsletter for Navy.TogetherWeServed.com -- The HOIST. I've been editing the newsletter on the "wet" side of the fence since last April.

And I have a confession to make: I never served in the US Air Force. But I did serve for 17 years as a Sailor in the US Navy -- I started in the traditional Navy enlisted rating (what we call a job specialty in the Sea Services) of Boatswain's Mate for the first three years of my career, then as a broadcaster and public affairs specialist in the Journalist rating.

I have experience working with Blue Suiters -- six years of my career was spent as a broadcaster with the US Navy element to Air Force Pacific Broadcasting Squadron (AFPBS), the parent command of the Far East Network (FEN). I served at FEN's outlets in Tokyo (Yokota AB) and Okinawa (Kadena AB) in the late 70s through the early 80s. A side note: After 54 years of service to viewers and listeners in Japan, Okinawa, Philippines and Guam, FEN was dissolved in 1997 and is now known as AFN-Japan (Tokyo, Iwakuni, Sasebo and Misawa) and AFN-Okinawa.

In the late 1980s, I worked with Airmen again during my four years in Australia at Naval Communications Station (NAVCOMMSTA) Harold E. Holt. Our base in the Aussie Outback provided support services to an Air Weather Service detachment at the joint-national Learmonth Solar Observatory.

In addition to serving aboard the combat stores ship USS WHITE PLAINS (AFS 4), my assignments included duty with the public affairs staffs of Commander-In-Chief, US Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT) and Commander, US Third Fleet (COMTHIRDFLT).

I retired from active duty as a Petty Officer 1st Class (E6) in 1993 from NAS (now MCAS) Miramar, and my wife and I have called sunny San Diego home since then. It all comes full-circle...I went through boot camp here in 1976 at the former US Naval Training Center, Recruit Training Command (NTC/RTC).

As for me "wearing" Technical Sergeant rank on this board, it's so I can do my job here on AFTWS. I wear the rank equivalent with honor and respect.

But enough about my biography. Let's get back to the newsletter...

What we need from you is YOUR input. We know some of you can write out there -- now is your chance to show it off, and maybe even get a little online notoriety! It doesn't have to be Pulitzer Prize material, just jot down your thoughts -- we'll take care of the rest!

Subjects can range from professional development, travel, hobbies, fitness, service history, health matters, veteran benefits, pay and finances...as long as it's written in an informal and conversational tone. Save the "official-ese" for government letters and documents. We also like photos taken by our readers showing our members at work and play (within reasonable standards and OPSEC). And we'll even give you credit for it, too!

We also want to hear about fellow Airmen you've reconnected with through AFTWS. Whether you've been out for years or just finished BMT, we want to hear about YOUR experiences!

The focus of The TALON will always be on PEOPLE. Though aircraft, weapon systems, expeditionary units, facilities and equipment make up the world's greatest aerospace warfighting organization, it's Air Force's PEOPLE that make it all happen every day.

Drop us a line -- your stories, story ideas, comments and pictures -- anytime to: editor@airforce.togetherweserved.com or aftws.editor@gmail.com.

By the way...feel free to check out my Navy profile over at NTWS. Really. Just run my last name in the SEARCH BY LASTNAME box on that site.

One more thing: GET OUT THERE AND VOTE! It'll do your Constitution good!

Until next time...

Jon Yim
Editor

-30-

Together We Served: Not Just Another Face On The Web

In recent weeks AirForce.Togetherweserved.com became the subject of some debate as a few Air Force bases decided to categorize TWS as a general "social network" website and blocked access to its Login page. A few of these bases have since reassessed TWS's function and re-allowed access.

Actually, Together We Served (TWS) military websites are quite different from mainstream social-networking websites (Facebook!, MySpace, etc.) which are: a) open to the public, b) have no clearly-defined common ground, and c) are mainly fun sites focusing primarily on making new friends.

What differentiates a TWS website is many-fold. Our websites are branch-specific - Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and (soon) Army - and open only to those who are current or former serving Marines, Sailors, Airmen or Soldiers and not the general public. You also won't see teenage wanna-be's, Scouts, Explorers, Naval Sea Cadets, CAP cadets, Young Marines, JROTC members, or delayed-entry recruits as members on ANY TWS site.

To preserve the military flavor of all TWS sites, Members aren't bombarded with pop-up ads and other unmentionables - quite simply, no commercial advertising is allowed in any form.

TWS websites were initially conceived as military heritage websites to preserve the service stories of all men and women who proudly served the nation in-uniform for the benefit of family, other service members and future generations. With so many of the Greatest Generation leaving us (it is estimated that we're losing about 1,000 World War 2 veterans each month) this was considered our important task and mission. Thus each TWS site Login Page portrays a WW2 theme to honor their service and provide a reminder to those who have followed in their footsteps of their contribution to our freedom. Charles Lindberg and Ray Jacobs, the last two remaining Marines who planted the first flag on Mt. Surabachi during the bloody Battle of Iwo Jima, were Marines.TWS Members until their passing last year, and our Navy.TWS site is host to over 1,000 Sailors who served in WW2.

In addition, we created a unique medium whereby the posting of comprehensive service information creates a powerful means for Members to search and reconnect with others with whom they served throughout their career. No other social networking site provides this level of search capability, and our Marines and Navy websites contain many thousands of success stories of Shipmates and Buddies/Brothers found.

TWS also provides a venue for Members to network professionally, as well as socially, and are great places to share information on matters that affect everyday life -- including career progression, education, professional development, current policy issues, etc. For example, our Navy TWS site contains a popular Forum called "Ask the Chief" - a mentoring forum for junior Sailors.

Finally, contrary to the way most social networking sites are run which, by necessity, are highly-automated, TWS sites are administered entirely by a dedicated team of former service personnel to professional military standards who monitor every aspect of website function. Send a question or request to Admin and you will be responded to by a real TWS staffer within a few hours.

So, while there's a plethora of "pretty face" social networking sites on there on the Web, TWS is proud to serve those who serve -- standing a little taller -- and a bit more rugged than the competition.

New Scam Targets GIs, Families

By Joseph Giordono
Stars and Stripes

A 3rd Infantry Division soldier deploying to Iraq is warning other servicemembers of the latest scam to target troops and their families.

According to 1st Lt. David Cowan, in early December his 84-year-old grandmother received a phone call from a man calling himself J.D. Taylor. The man claimed that Cowan was on his way home on leave from Iraq for the holidays, but had gotten hung up and lost his wallet and military identification card.

Cowan's grandmother, he said, was "asked by this person to wire $800, allegedly on my behalf so that I could get back home and surprise my family for Christmas."

The claim was a scam. Luckily for Cowan and his family, his grandmother knew to be suspicious of strangers asking for money, even if they'd somehow managed to reach the relatives of a soldier whose name they knew.

"I told her to write down everything she could remember from the conversation and to immediately contact the authorities," Cowan wrote in an e-mail to Stripes. "My grandmother is 84, and still a very sharp woman. Thankfully, she immediately saw through his scam and decided to contact me directly."

Cowan suspects the scam artist will try a similar ruse with other military families. And according to federal investigators, he's probably right.

In recent years, the FBI has tracked a growing number of scams targeting military families or making false claims to prey on the public's feelings of good will for troops.

The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center has tracked scams including ones sent from purported soldiers who have found or "stolen" millions of dollars in Iraq. Those scams are similar to the "Nigerian" e-mail scams.

"The scam e-mails vary in content; however, the general theme of each is to request personal information and/or funds from the individual receiving the e-mail," according to an FBI primer on the subject.

Despite repeated warnings about these particular or general scams, FBI officials say, many people still fall for them.

Investigators say Cowan handled the situation correctly. Law enforcement authorities advise people to never provide any personal or financial information over the phone or send money to a stranger on a relative's behalf.

If contacted by a suspicious-sounding person, one should record the details of the conversation and immediately contact local and federal authorities, they say.

HOT SHOTS! Views From Around the Air Force

BATH TIME - Senior Airman Jason Ray applies a magnetic particle bath to a KC-135 Stratotanker brake plate at March Air Reserve Base, CA. He is checking the brake plate for fatigue and cracks. Airman Ray is a nondestructive inspection technician from the 452nd Maintenance Squadron.
- Photo by Val Gempis

COLD SHOULDERS - C-17 Globemaster IIIs wait to be deiced by maintainers from the 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at McChord AFB, WA. Deicing prevents the reformation of ice prior to launch.
- Photo by Abner Guzman

 

BREAKFAST IS SERVED - Airmen tuck-in to a hot breakfast from a field kitchen at the 421st Air Expeditionary Group camp for Air Force Exercise Eagle Flag 08-2 in Lakehurst, NJ.
- Photo by MSgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald

GOOD TO GO - TSgt. Kyle Gurnon checks out the window of a C-130 Hercules as it prepares to take off from Ramstein AB, Germany. Sergeant Gurnon is a Rhode Island Air National Guard loadmaster with the 143rd Airlift Wing at Quonset State Airport.
- Photo by MSgt. Scott Wagers

Troops, DOD Civilians Must Follow Rules For Political Activities

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON -- As U.S. servicemembers and Defense Department civilians ponder candidates during the election season, they should realize there are limits placed upon their involvement in certain political activities.

Political-related "dos and don'ts" pertaining to military members of all service branches are proscribed within Defense Department Directive 1344.10, titled: Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces on Active Duty.

The federal Hatch Act delineates what federal civilians, including those working for the Defense Department, may or may not do in the political realm.

For example, servicemembers and government civilians may attend political events like meetings and rallies, but military members must only be spectators and not wear their uniforms.

In addition, troops aren't permitted to make public political speeches, serve in any official capacity within political groups or take part in partisan political campaigns or conventions.

Under Hatch Act rules, government civilians may be active in and speak before political gatherings or serve as officers of political parties or partisan groups. They are also allowed to manage political campaigns; distribute literature, except at work; write political articles; or serve as spokespersons for political parties or candidates.

Military members generally aren't allowed to campaign for political office. Civilians can campaign for office in non-partisan elections. Partisan political activity is defined as activity directed toward the success or failure of a political party or candidate for a partisan political office or partisan political group.

Yet, basic rules apply to both military members and government civilians. Neither can use their position in the military or the government to influence or interfere with elections. Servicemembers and federal civilians never can engage in political activity on the job, in a government vehicle or while wearing an official uniform.

For example, servicemembers and government civilians are not to distribute political literature at work. This also applies to politically partisan electronic mail messages forwarded over the Internet.

Servicemembers and government civilians are encouraged to exercise their right to vote and participate in the democratic process. But, they should know there are rules in place that govern the extent of their involvement in political activities, officials said.

Air Force Celebrates African-American History Month

SAN ANTONIO -- In 1926, Carter G. Woodson single-handedly pioneered the celebration of "Negro History Week," during the second week in February, to coincide with the birthday celebrations for Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass

Mr. Carter's proposal later became Black History Month, and since 1976, is celebrated every February.

One purpose of Black History Month is to recognize past events that affect us today. Some events receive great attention. Others are more subtle, receiving little fanfare yet are just as important in shaping and molding America.

War Department General Order No. 143 is one of those less-remembered but important events. Issued May 22, 1863, the order established the Bureau of Colored Troops.

In his article, First to Fight, author John Raymond Gourdin wrote, "Prior to the establishment of the bureau, colored regiments were organized and supported by state governments in free states and in areas in Confederate states occupied and controlled by Federal troops. However, after the establishment of the bureau, those regiments that were previously raised by state governments and carried state designations were redesignated as regiments of United States Colored Troops and assigned a USCT number."

Many Americans of African descent continue to agree with the fundamentals and principles established by General Order 143. Accepting the opportunity to serve, defending the borders and upholding the integrity of law permeate through those who continue the tradition of military service today.

There have been many African-American pioneers who have played an integral role in air power. To learn more about these pioneers and Black History Month click here to go to a special multimedia presentation.

- MSgt. Kevin McWashington from the 301st Aerospace Medicine Squadron contributed to this story

ENJOYED THIS ISSUE OF THE TALON?

Please forward this link to other Airmen you know, your friends, and your family!

http://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/newsletter2/1/newsletter.html

As AFTWS continues to grow, so does its potential to find old Shipmates and new friends; as well as creating a vibrant and enjoyable Air Force online community representing all eras, from WW2 to present-day.

AT EASE! Escape Winter In Hawaii!

By Jon Yim
Editor, The TALON

Ahhh, winter. For most of the world, it's here -- big time. And while many will be dealing with the trials and tribulations of the season's icy grip, there's a place where military members can go for year-round sun, fun, sand and surf. And if you won't need a passport or visa to stay there.

It's our 50th State -- Hawaii.

Believe it or not, a Hawaii vacation is affordable for GIs going on-leave, whether you plan on going solo, or bringing the entire family. And there's a ton of options and locations for almost every military pocketbook.

We'll look at a few tried-and-true places...and a few hidden gems in the Islands.

Keep in-mind -- with the exception of the Hale Koa Hotel -- that service members from all branches (and in some cases, current and retired DoD civilians) are welcome to use military recreation areas in Hawaii; but at some facilities do give priority to those of the host service.

Hale Koa Hotel - Armed Forces Recreation Center
Since its grand opening in October 1975, the Hale Koa Hotel in Waikiki remains an all-ranks, all-service hotel bent on providing first-class service without regard to an individual's status. This is echoed in the hotel's mission statement that has remained unchanged from its inception: "To operate a first class hotel and recreation facility at affordable prices for military members and their families."

Today, Fort DeRussy Armed Forces Recreation Center is home to the Hale Koa Hotel -- House of the Warrior in Hawaiian -- a world-class resort hotel and continued favorite R&R destination for our country's military members.

In 1991, a major expansion project of the Hale Koa, including development of 66 acres of Fort DeRussy, a new swimming pool complex, two snack bars, a beverage bar and luau garden. In addition, Kalia Road, fronting the hotel, was also realigned and improved. By 1995, the new Maile Tower took its place beside the existing Ilima Tower increasing the number of guestrooms from 419 to 817. Also, debuting was a 1,287 stall parking garage, fitness center, adults-only pool, and an upscale restaurant, Bibas.

The Hale Koa takes great pride in operating self-sufficiently from day one, as not one taxpayer dollar is used in its upkeep or operation. The Hale Koa, one of four Army MWR-operated recreation centers worldwide (which includes the Edelweiss Resort, Germany; the Dragon Hill Lodge, Korea and Shades of Green Resort, Orlando, FL), is truly a benefit for all military personnel to enjoy. It's estimated that over one million military personnel and dependents take advantage of the Hale Koa's many facilities each year.

The Hale Koa's two towers, Maile and Ilima, house a total of 817 spacious guest rooms. Rates for all rooms are based on rank and room category desired (NOTE: Ocean-view rooms are pricier). Most rooms are furnished with either: one king, two queen or two double beds. You can also reserve one additional room for immediate family members.

Room amenities include central air conditioning, alarm clock/radio, phone answering service, complimentary bath soaps, shampoos, conditioners and lotions; hair dryer, ironing board and iron, color TV, pay-per-view movies, and high-speed Internet access ($9.95 per 24-hour period). For safekeeping valuables, the hotel offers registered guests safety deposit boxes with 24-hour access at no charge.

The Hale Koa Hotel is a first class resort hotel which offers a wide variety of facilities and services for the men and women of our Armed Forces.

Reservations:
www.halekoa.com or www.armymwr.com/portal/travel/recreationcenters/hale_koa_hotel.html
800-367-6027 Monday - Saturday 8:00am to 4:00pm HST (Closed on federal holidays)
reservations@halekoa.com


Bellows Air Force Station Cabins & Campsites
It's truly a hidden treasure. Bellows AFS is located on the northern part of Waimanalo Bay on the island of O'ahu -- which includes a stretch of white sandy beach that curves around the bay. The beach offers users a resort-quality Hawaiian setting far from the confines of Waikiki. Whether you're camping, staying in a cabin, or just spending the day at the beach, Bellows AFS is the perfect getaway for families or couples.

The installation honors the memory of Army Air Corps Lieutenant Franklin Barney Bellows, a World War I hero. Once known as Bellows Field, it was a training area for Army infantry, coast artillery, and Air Corps. At one time, Bellows Field had a single asphalt runway 75 feet wide and 983 feet long. Since the end of World War II, the runway has been abandoned and overgrown, but remnants of the airfield can be found.

With it's laid back charm, perfect beach, warm water, sugary white sand, Bellows has so much to offer military families stationed in Hawaii (as well as those from out-of-state). Amenities include cabin and campsite rentals, a Beach Club, an AAFES gas station and Shoppette, and a plethora of outdoor activities both in and out of the water.

For those wanting their activites more on the dry side, there's horseback riding, paintball, mini golf, historical and nature hiking tours, and bike tours. You can also rent snorkle gear, Boogie boards, kayaks, beach chairs, ice chests and pedal carriages from the Equipment Rental hut.

During peak season (from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day), active duty Air Force have priority and can make reservations 90 days in advance. Bellows is a very popular military vacation spot and tends to fill up quickly, especially the cabins. Bellows takes reservations up to one year in-advance during off-season. Campsites can accommodate two tents with a maximum of ten people per site.

Cabins will comfortably accommodate four people, but you are allowed a maximum of ten if you wish. Cabin amenities include kitchenettes, full size refrigerator, barbecue grill, daily housekeeping service, telephones and cable TV. Towels, linens and pillows are provided by housekeeping services.

Active duty military, military retirees, reservists, National Guardsmen, current and retired Department of Defense civilian employees are eligible to reserve cabins at Bellows. Reservations are limited to one cabin per authorized user.

Since Bellows is also an operational Air Force facility with an installation commander and active units, safety and security is paramount. A USAF Security Forces flight is permanently attached to the air station providing law enforcement and security services to guests and the command.

There are two lifeguard stations along Bellows Beach, with lifeguards on duty every day from 10am to 5pm.

For a change of pace, and to get away from it all, Bellows AFS provides a great place to relax year-round!

Reservations:
www.bellowsafs.com
800-437-2607 or 808-259-8080, 8:00am to 5:00pm HST
No reservations accepted by email or Internet


Kilauea Military Camp, Big Island
Surrounded by the dramatic beauty of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii is another best-kept military recreation center secret: Kilauea Military Camp, or KMC.

While Kilauea Miltary Camp, a Joint Services Recreation Center, only occupies about 50 acres of the national park's 300,000+ acres. Its history is as old as the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, both were established in the same year -- 1916.

Since then, the natural wonders and marvels of Kilauea Volcano have drawn millions of military members, their families and guests to stay in the rustic -- but comfortable cabins -- of KMC. In its 89 years of existence, KMC had served as an Army training facility, a Navy camp, and hosted numerous dignitaries -- including General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the WWII allied commander who would later become President of the United States.

During World War 2, KMC briefly served as an internment camp for enemy aliens, and later as a prisoner-of-war camp.

Due to its close proximity to an active volcano, KMC has experienced the power of Kilauea, but has never been threatened by its frequent tremors and eruptions.

While the camp still maintains its historical charm, renovations to the camp in the last decade have enhanced KMC's facilities and services making it one of the military's favorite -- yet little-known -- vacation resorts.

KMC offers 90 one-, two- and three-bedroom cottages and apartments with all the comforts of home. Each unit includes a mini-refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, hairdryer -- even umbrellas are provided in each cabana for those unexpected showers.

As KMC is in a cool, upcountry setting 4,000 feet above sea level, every cottage and apartment is comfortably equipped with electric heat and a fireplace. It is suggested that guests dress for fluctuating weather; wearing clothing layers and bringing rain jackets are recommended. For guests with special needs, there are ADA-compliant units.

Besides touring the national park, KMC guests can relax in the Recreation Lodge, or enjoy great meals and drinks in the Crater Rim Cafe, 10-Pin Grille or Lava Lounge. As KMC is an operational Army post, there's also a movie theater, bowling center, tennis courts, fitness center, chapel, an AAFES gas station and general store, and a meeting/conference center. Wireless internet access is available to all guests, and there's even a Starbucks on the camp to soothe your latte cravings.

KMC is open to all active and retired military, Reserve and National Guard members, current and retired Department of Defense civilian employees, dependents and sponsored guests.

Reservations:
www.kmc-volcano.com
From O'ahu: call 438-6707 (direct dial); all other locations: 808-967-8333 or 808-967-7315.
reservations@kmc-volcano.com


PMRF Barking Sands Beach Cottages, Kaua'i
Located on the scenic "Garden Island" of Kaua'i -- far from the hustle and bustle of urbanized O'ahu and the tourist glitz of Waikiki -- the Beach Cottages at the US Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) Barking Sands is another best-kept vacation secret for all service members stationed in, or visiting, the Aloha State.

Located 36 miles from Lihue Airport, it's just a 25-minute inter-island commercial flight from Honolulu International Airport and a 45-minute drive to the base. Forget Waikiki and the other touristy spots. PMRF's beach cottages will let you really get-away from it all! Nineteen beach cottages and two VIP units sit just back from the breakers at PMRF Barking Sands. These modern two-bedroom bungalows sleep six and include washer and dryer, cable television, videocassette recorder/player, and full kitchen facilities.

Each cabin also features a large veranda to watch the day's sunrise or sunset in comfy patio furnishings -- and a barbecue area just outside of each bungalow lets you cook al fresco under the West Kaua'i sky. With no city lights to drown out the stars at night, the constellations emerge brightly; showing-off the planets, stars and the occasional streaking comet.

Barking Sands is perfect for kicking back, and you can settle in for up to two weeks. At rates starting at $70 and up a night, the cottages and their sunset views are among the best military vacation deals ever, yet vacancies abound during late spring and early fall.

Caution: The surf can get high here, rip tides are common, and there are NO LIFEGUARDS. The best time to get in the water is early morning (be sure to bring a buddy).

PMRF's combination Navy Exchange/commissary is a bit larger than a convenience store and carries all things needed for cooking and snacking. Why cook, though, when a mile away there's an all-ranks Galley (which is also open to retirees)? At about $3 for lunch, including an all-you-can-eat salad bar, with entree, veggies, drink, and dessert, we're talking 1950s prices and oversized servings!

If you tire of taking-in the sights and sounds of breaking surf day after day, you can sip a cold one while sampling the menu at PMRF's Shenanigans beach club, or stop by the MWR on base to look over their well-organized booklets filled with island adventures. The folks there will point out the best deals, provide a military discount on activities on and off base, and arrange reservations and payment.

Options include canoeing or kayaking up the Wailua River to a waterfall, catamaran cruising the Na Pali north shore, backcountry horseback riding near Poipu Beach, hiking to Hanakapiai Falls, golfing at Princeville's championship course, helicopter touring in Waimea Canyon, deep sea fishing for ahi, and ocean snorkeling and scuba diving complete with gourmet sunset dinners.

A bit of Hollywood movie trivia: PMRF Barking Sands played "body double" for Subic Bay Naval Station and NAS Cubi Point, Philippines in the 1991 film, "Flight Of The Intruder." The island of Kaua'i has also been used for film backdrops in "Honeymoon In Vegas" (1992), "Raiders Of The Lost Ark" (1981), "Uncommon Valor" (1983), and "Jurassic Park" (1993).

Reservations:
808-335-4752 Monday - Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm HST
Beach cottage eligibility policy & rates
Beach cottage application form

So, if a Hawaiian vacation is just what the good doctor ordered, it doesn't have to bust your wallet or sanity...provided you plan in-advance and take advantage of the recreation resorts for the military in the Aloha State!

Most military MWR/ITT offices can assist you in booking your reservations or you can do it yourself.

Once that's done, start packing your board shorts, swimsuit, sunscreen and buy a new pair of cool shades. You're off on a well-deserved vacation in the dead of winter!

As we say in my home state: "E Komo Mai...Nou Ka Hale!" -- Come inside...The house is yours!

Sincerely,
The AFTWS Administration Team
http://airforce.togetherweserved.com