The Department of Defense presented awards to two Air Force members during a ceremony here at the Pentagon, Dec. 4.

Capt. Ryan McGuire, a C-17 Globemaster III pilot with the 4th Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and Christopher Randall, a civilian test director with the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., were recognized as Outstanding Department of Defense Employees and Service Members with Disabilities for 2012.

As part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the awards honor the accomplishments and abilities of employees and service members with disabilities who have made significant contributions to their components' missions and best demonstrate the core values of their components.

McGuire, despite having a leg amputated following a boating accident in 2009, completed pilot training and has flown missions world-wide, including missions in support of Operation Endurign Freedom. He has also earned medals competing at various sporting events, to include running the Air Force Marathon in less than five hours.

Randall, having been medically retired from the Air Force following injuries sustained during combat operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom, went on to become an Air Force civilian leading a 21-man team that successfully managed the cost, schedule and performance of the remotely-piloted MQ-9 Reaper's $2.9 million operational test program. He also manages a website helping veterans find contacts for services and benefits.

McGuire and Randall were the Air Force representatives of the 17 total recipients DOD-wide.

The Air Force was also recognized as the recipient of the Secretary of Defense Award for Achievements in Employment of Individuals with Disabilities in the Best Military Department category. Daniel Ginsberg, the Air Force assistant secretary for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, accepted the award on behalf of the Air Force.

"Diversity is essential and has been a key to the success of our armed forces and civilian workforce," Frederick E. Vollrath, performing the duties of assistant secretary of defense for readiness and force management, said. "When we embrace a range of talent and perspective, our ability to defend our nation grows stronger."

Kareem A. Dale, special assistant to the president for disability policy, was the keynote speaker and expanded upon this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month's theme, "A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce: What Can YOU Do?"

DOD's Director of Disability Programs Stephen King also spoke at the ceremony.

"The bottom line is America must employ the talents, skills, and capabilities of incredibly bright and productive citizens -- both in and out of uniform -- who want to serve our country," King said. "People with disabilities often face unique challenges; we need that type of problem-solving ability and skill in the workplace."

Since neutralizing Osama Bin Laden, America's special operations forces have remained in the spotlight as high-caliber leaders entrusted with operations vital to national security. As counter-terrorism operations continue throughout the globe, the Pentagon is currently busy defining irregular warfare requirements for future forces. In response to this need, the U.S. Air Force has embarked on a unique talent search to find the next generation of special operations professionals.

On December 6, the 317th Recruiting Squadron, based in Washington D.C., will be conducting tryouts for aspiring special operations professionals at Langley Air Force Base, Va. In a program known as the AF Special Operations Orientation, applicants will have the opportunity "test their mettle" and qualify for a wide range of Battlefield Airmen, or "BA" positions in the U.S. Air Force.

Evaluation teams will be screening applicants for openings on elite pararescue, combat control, tactical air control, and survival instructor teams. At the same time, candidates will get to hear inspiring stories first-hand from special operations warriors, try out their equipment, and learn about the technologies they wield. And yet, amidst all the technology the Pentagon can place at their fingertips, from night vision goggles, space assets and drone technology--special operations warriors repeatedly demonstrate how it takes the "human touch" to get our nation's toughest jobs accomplished.

Air Force pararescue members (known as "PJs") and combat controllers fulfill key special operations roles for the U.S. military. They are responsible for conducting high-priority personnel recovery and forward control missions with their joint partners in the Navy and Army. They also fill critical humanitarian needs in times of crisis, and were responsible for conducting hundreds of rescue operations during Hurricane Katrina. PJs were most recently involved in many life-saving events on the East Coast during Hurricane Sandy.

Each applicant must meet a special blend of physical, mental and character requirements to qualify. Battlefield Airmen must pass a rigorous screening process prior to their departure for Basic Military Training in the Air Force. First and foremost, they must meet high physical standards, well above what is expected for a normal military recruit. They complete a battery of physical tests, including a 500-meter swim, mile and a half run, pull-ups, sit-ups and push-ups. Prior to joining, each applicant must be certified by a special operations recruiting liaison from the Air Force Special Operations Command.

Senior Master Sgt. Ed Edgar, 317th Recruiting Squadron, serves as the chief recruiter in the Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia region. "The NFL Combine has nothing on us. Quite frankly, we are looking for America's best--individuals in top physical condition and ready to take their skills to the next level. Our AFSOO program is specifically designed to find talent and prepare them for success in SOF."

Brawn isn't the only quality required for Air Force Battlefield Airmen positions. Many special operations applicants test at the highest mental categories for recruits, or have already completed degrees from top universities.

"We recently qualified a graduate from Virginia Tech," remarked Staff Sgt Donald Hildebrand, the Battlefield Airman monitor who executes the program at Langley AFB. He continued by stating, "The BA recruiting team is looking for the type of passion and fortitude that is characteristic of today's special operations professional. Most athletes can make it through the events if given enough time, but it is the speed and intensity of the qualifying times that makes it a challenge. In the Air Force, speed is life."

Many of the applicants do not pass the test on their first attempt. For those tenacious enough to come back, the Air Force "BA prep team" assists candidates with everything from swimming skills to running technique. Their goal is to ensure success for those applicants with the desire to meet their goal of serving their nation in the elite world of special operations.

Edgar offered a final thought: "Creating a national championship team starts with precise recruiting. That's what we are here to do--recruit special operations forces who are second to none. The United States Air Force needs individuals of strong character, with both the physical and intellectual capacity to handle our nation's toughest assignments. If you are interested, give our BA team a call, and we'll see you at the pool."

Those interested in attending the December 6 Special Operations tryout, or future events, may contact Staff Sgt. Hildebrand, USAF, at (757)499-2688 or via e-mail at:
donald.hildebrand@us.af.mil

He may be a recruiter, but this Airmen's goal is not necessarily to enlist every person he comes in contact with.

For the past couple of years of working in Washington, Master Sgt. Charles Loftland has recruited about 40 percent of his quota of new enlistees from local high schools. One way he reaches these teenagers is through the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps classes he talks to on a regular basis.

However, he doesn't go into the schools trying to gain new Air Force Reserve members.

"The result is to ultimately help a young person discover their path after high school," said Loftland. "It's not just about gaining new recruits- I think the more satisfying thing is knowing that I may have reached a few of them and helped them put a road map in place, no matter which path they take, because the Air Force Reserve is not going to be for everyone."

Loftland speaks about how to narrow one's focus when it comes to the future and created an exercise to help in the process.

"I really want to give them individualized attention and talk about their personal goals, dreams and aspirations," said Loftland. "I just use the Air Force Reserve as an example of an opportunity where they can go to reach those goals."

"We've had kids that didn't know what they wanted to do and after they interact with the military speakers they decide that they would like to do that job," said retired Senior Master Sgt. Wayne Lott, a JROTC cadre instructor. "A lot of kids just don't have any idea what they want to do."

In November, Loftland made his visit to Todd Beamer High School in Federal Way, Wash., extra special by bringing along a former Beamer JROTC cadet, Anthony Hogan. Hogan enlisted with the 446th Airlift Wing at McChord in August of 2012 and has been in the Development and Training Flight ever since.

"It's good to have someone from the older generation come back and say hey I was in your shoes at one time," said Hogan. "I was one of the screw-ups in high school. If I can inspire the kids to get somewhere and actually listen to their JROTC cadre, it'll all be good."

Both Loftland and Hogan spoke to the students about Air Force standards and the military way of life.

"I can tell them that there is hope," said Hogan. "I went from having a low grade point average in high school to having a great civilian job and joining the Air Force Reserve."

Loftland enhanced his time with the students by making the presentation a game. He made teams of students and quizzed them on everything from Air Force history to the Constitution.

"What I do is have a lot of fun," said Loftland. "I don't come in here and do a big speech about military benefits. I come in and make it about the students."

Loftland's formula for talking to the cadets brings results, he's had three enlistees from Beamer in the past two years. In addition, he's recruited six new Airmen from Federal Way High School's JROTC program.

PHOTO:Master Sgt. Charles Loftland, a recruiter for the 446th Airlift Wing at McChord Field, explains service standards to a class of Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets at Todd Beamer High School in Federal Way, Wash., Nov. 15. Loftland regularly visits high schools around Northwest Washington state to mentor students, talk about life goals and explain the benefits of joining the Air Force Reserve. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Rachael Garneau)

This year, for the first time, the annual McChord Holiday Craft Bazaar will be held on a Saturday in an effort to increase attendance. The event, which will run from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 1, is a great way to shop for the friends and family on your list this holiday season.

"We are not trying to make money - just offer an outlet for military spouses to showcase their crafts," explained McChord Community Club special event coordinator Erika Scott-Small. "So if you're looking for unique, handmade gifts come out and join us - admission is free!"

The bazaar will be inside the McChord Community Club, located in Bldg. 700 on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, McChord Field.

"This is the third year I've been involved with this and it continues to grow each year," she said. "We're hoping that this year is even bigger and better since it won't be during the week."

So far there are 25 vendors confirmed, but that list is growing and there's still time for interested vendors, crafters and artists to get involved. Cost to vendors is affordable at just $10 for one table and $15 for two tables. For more information, call (253) 982-0718 during regular duty hours, Monday through Friday.

Members of the 446th Maintenance Squadron came out on top in the Care and Share food drive competition. The members of the squadron earned the coveted Care and Share Trophy for their efforts supporting the 446th Airlift Wing's Thanksgiving Food Drive. The average donation per person, for the squadron, was worth $26.76, for a total value of $3,399, and 1,560 pounds in food and funds donated. (Courtesy photo)

An Airman assigned to the 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, currently deployed to Christchurch, New Zealand with the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, took her oath of enlistment while standing on the frozen sea ice at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, Nov. 19.

With an American flag and a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft as the backdrop, Tech. Sgt. Tara Jackson, 62nd AMXS instrument and flight control craftsman, who is deployed in support of Operation Deep Freeze, re-enlisted under the hand of Lt. Col. Brent Keenan, 304th EAS commander.

"While re-enlistment ceremonies are conducted all over the world, this event was unique in that it took place on just 81 inches of frozen sea ice over McMurdo Sound," said Keenan.

The ceremony took place while cargo and passengers were being offloaded from the aircraft, on a mission which carried 43 passengers and 61,000 pounds of cargo to McMurdo Station. Additionally, 31 passengers were transported back to Christchurch on the return leg of the mission.

"Immediately after Jackson's re-enlistment, she got right to work refueling the aircraft with 4,600 gallons of fuel needed for the 5-hour flight back to Christchurch," he added.

During this time of year, the McMurdo Sound freezes over with sea ice. However, in less than one month, the current site of the re-enlistment will be nothing but open ocean water.

Photo: Tech. Sgt. Tara Jackson (right), 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron instrument and flight control craftsman, receives the oath of enlistment from Lt. Col. Brent Keenan, 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron commander, Nov. 19, 2012, on the frozen sea ice on McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Jackson, who is deployed with the 304th EAS in Christchurch, New Zealand, took the oath on the frozen runway which is just 81 inches thick. (Courtesy photo)

As the aroma of roasted turkey, fresh cooked carrots and garlic potatoes filled the air, approximately 200 members of the Washington Wing Civil Air Patrol, filled the seats of the seasonally decorated ballroom at the McChord Field Collocated club here, Nov. 10, in celebration of their 71st Fall Anniversary Banquet.

It was the largest annual opportunity for Civil Air Patrol members of Western Washington to dine, dance and visit with old friends of the organization and to meet and greet new members.

Chartered by congress December 1941, the government thought the CAP would be a great way to use America's civilian aviation resources as an aid to the war effort. The CAP is a federally supported, nonprofit organization and is the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force.

Their mission? According to congressional mandate, it includes search and rescue, disaster relief, emergency services and homeland security operations - to save lives and to reduce human suffering. It has an all-volunteer membership of aviation minded people with backgrounds representing all socio-economic groups. Membership ranges in age from 12 to 18 for cadets, while senior leaders range from 18, to, well, way beyond in some cases.

Civil Air Patrol Lt. Col. Eleanor Baker and Lt. Col. Evelyn Lundstrom-Weiss, both of Seattle, are shining examples of how the family-like atmosphere associated with the CAP can entice some folks to remain for a lifetime.

They've both been active members for 63 of CAP's 71 years. Interestingly enough, Baker and Weiss were both born on Sept. 10, 1930 - they're identical-twin sisters.

At 82, the twins enjoyed a bit of celebrity status at the event, and having arrived to the occasion adorned in identical evening gowns, it was extremely difficult for even some who had known the two for years, to tell one from the other. At their dinner table, sisters Baker and Weiss shared many stories of the Civil Air Patrol's history, as personal witnesses to practically all of it.

"We both wanted to be flight attendants when we were very young," Weiss said, "but back then you had to be a nurse to be a flight attendant so it just wasn't in the cards financially. That's when we got involved with the Air Patrol; it gave us so many opportunities to be involved with aviation in ways we never could have expected."

The ladies said that they had begun in the CAP as two very shy, young girls, but through the years and through all of the opportunities the air patrol had given them, they were taught to have courage, and their self esteem and confidence grew strong. Today, the sisters insist that neither of them has been shy for years. In fact, they are the official historians for the Washington Wing CAP, which is headquartered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Immediately following dinner, the members were treated to inspirational and entertaining words from the evening's keynote speaker, I Corps Command Sgt. Maj. John Wayne Troxell.

Troxell spoke of how proud he was of the accomplishments of the Civil Air Patrol. He shared a few of his own experiences of younger life and of his years coming up through the ranks to arrive in the uniform that he wears today. He spoke of the importance of leadership values, traits and traditions.

"It's Americans like all of you, and like the men and women who serve in our armed services, who help to make up the one percent of our country who are willing to risk it all when duty calls," said Troxell. "Whether or not any of you younger cadets later decide to join one of the branches of the armed forces, I have no doubt that America will have no shortage of heroes thanks to people like you."

Troxell was given a standing ovation for his remarks and was called back to the podium two more times in appreciation and for questions.

As the event wrapped up, the lights went dim and music began to play, the dance commenced and took the group into the night. Laughter, conversation and good cheer could be seen and heard as members of the Washington Wing Civil Air Patrol enjoyed the remainder of their 71st Fall Anniversary Banquet.

MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- Air Force Reservists from the 446th Airlift Wing here were awarded the 4th Air Force 2011 Aircrew Excellence Award during the annual Raincross Trophy Dinner at the Riverside Convention Center, Riverside, Calif., Nov. 7.

The award winners were aircrew members, Lt. Col. Montgomery McDaniel, 728th Airlift Squadron, Maj. John Caplinger, 313th Airlift Squadron, Maj. Tim Davis, 728th AS, Chief Master Sgt. Jim Masura, 446th Operations Group, and Senior Master Sgt. Marshall Dellinger, 728th AS.

The award, which is given to the 4th Air Force aircrew who demonstrates notable dedication and commitment to the Air Force's air, space, and cyberspace mission, was presented as part of the 4th Air Force Commander's Conference events.

"(Col. Bruce Bowers, 446th AW commander) and I couldn't be more proud of the Team McChord crewmembers and their receipt of the 2011 Aircrew Excellence Award," said Col. Richard Grayson, 446th AW vice commander. "Their heroic efforts and superb performance are indicative of the outstanding Airmen we have in the 446th AW and the amazing work they do around the world, day in and day out."

In late June 2011, a civilian research contractor, working under the National Science Foundation at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, became ill. Due to the inability for the contractor to receive adequate care, the NSF, with help from U.S. Transportation Command, planned an aeromedical evacuation. Once the AE mission was cleared, TRANSCOM tasked McChord with performing the mission.

When the McChord crew, which was a combined crew of Reservists and active-duty aircrew members from the 62nd Airlift Wing here, was assembled, they were airborne less than 16 hours.

After landing at Christchurch, New Zealand, the crew prepared to embark for Antarctica immediately after the minimum flying weather conditions was met.

On June 30, the McChord crew departed for what turned out to be the first C-17 Globemaster III mid-winter Antarctic mission. After a night-vision-goggle landing at Pegasus Air Field, Antarctica, the loadmasters and critical care air transport team had the patient loaded in less than 45 minutes.

From the time the crew departed McChord Field for the 9,100-mile trip it took less than 48 hours to get the patient admitted into the hospital in Christchurch.

In addition to the AE mission, the crew also delivered supplies to the people at McMurdo Station. Mail, fruit, vegetables, and other goods were delivered in order to boost morale for the residents, who otherwise wouldn't have been resupplied until August.

Before departing back to McChord Field, the crew was also tasked to load a variety of equipment from the arctic environment and return it to the U.S.

The endeavor undertaken by the Team McChord crew proved, not only to be lifesaving, but also reiterated the TRANSCOM motto, "to deliver unrivaled, full-spectrum deployment and distribution solutions," according to Bowers.

Accepting the award at the dinner on behalf of the entire crew were Bowers and Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Mack, 446th AW command chief.

More than 1,000 officers from 10 career fields are on the calendar year 2013 squadron commander candidate list, Air Force officials announced today.

Functional developmental teams meet annually at AFPC to consider eligible officers for squadron command opportunities. Basic eligibility requirements include functional expertise, grade requirements and permanent change of station eligibility. For more specific career field requirements, officers should refer to the appropriate career field page on the myPers website at https://myPers.af.mil.

"Squadron commanders have a fundamental role in the success of our Air Force today," said Joseph Marchino, AFPC assignments manager. "It's where the rubber meets the road in terms of impacting day-to-day operations, and it's a major step in the development of Air Force leaders."

Wing hiring officials, major command functional managers and Air Force Personnel Center assignment teams will use the candidate lists to fill projected 2013 squadron commander vacancies, with those selection results tentatively planned for a late January release.

"It's important to note," Marchino adds, "not all officers on these candidate lists will get command assignments. Development teams typically select more qualified officers than projected vacancies to account for a variety of unprojected events."

Officers who are not selected for command remain on the candidate list, eligible for any unprojected command opportunities that arise throughout the year.

To see the candidate list, go to http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-121114-026.pdf. For information about command opportunities and other personnel issues, go to https://mypers.af.mil.

The 2012 civilian employee leave year ends Jan. 12, 2013, and Air Force Personnel Center officials remind civilians that those who have more than the maximum carryover hours of annual leave on that date risk losing their leave.

The maximum carryover ceiling is 240 hours for stateside employees, 360 hours for overseas employees, and 720 hours for senior executive service, senior level positions, and scientific or professional positions.

With only two months to go in this leave year, supervisors should establish or confirm their employees' leave plans, said Cynthia Dale, AFPC workforce effectiveness branch.

"We want to make sure all employees have reasonable opportunity to use any annual leave they would otherwise have to forfeit at the end of the leave year," said Dale. "More importantly, if work related issues come up that prevent them from taking leave, we want to make sure that the scheduled, documented request exists so lost leave can be restored."

According to Dale, all use or lose leave must be scheduled and approved in writing before Dec. 1.

"Scheduling leave is so important that it is a prerequisite for restoration of annual leave," she said. "If you have approved scheduled leave and an exigency arises that requires cancellation of such leave and makes forfeiture unavoidable and there is not sufficient time in the leave year to reschedule, your supervisor can request restoration."

Employees with more than 240 hours of leave accumulated who don't plan to use it, can opt to donate any excess leave to any federal employee participating in the voluntary leave transfer program, Dale said.

"If you aren't going to be able to use it and want someone to benefit from it, there are many employees who could use some help," she said. "Your local civilian personnel section employee relations specialist can explain how the leave donation program works."

For more information about civilian benefits and other personnel issues, go to the myPers website at https://mypers.af.mil.