WASHINGTON (AFPS) -- A husband who championed the progression of disability policy and the exceptional family member program received the 2012 Military Spouse of the Year Award here today.

Jeremy Hilton, spouse of Air Force Lt. Col. Renae Hilton, an Air Force Office of Special Investigations agent on Joint Base Andrews, Md., received the award during a luncheon at the Marine Barracks Washington.

Upon receipt of the award, Hilton, who has a daughter with special needs, lauded fellow finalists from the other services, and shared what also inspired his efforts to advocate for military families impacted by illness or disability.

"Five of the six spouses of the year are significantly impacted by a disability or chronic medical condition," Hilton said, adding that about 54 million people, or one in six, in the U.S. are also impacted by a disability.

Hilton explained that any type of family is subject to facing the challenging circumstances brought on by illness, injury or genetic aberration.

"For some, this will happen in a split second, whether from an (improvised explosive device) or from the doctor telling you that something is wrong with your baby," Hilton said. "For others, it will be the shocking realization of the road you're about to travel as you deal with your (multiple sclerosis), cancer or Alzheimer's."

Suzie Schwartz, wife of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Paula Roy, wife of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy, attended and introduced Hilton. Deanie Dempsey, wife of Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, presented Hilton the award.

Founded by Military Spouse magazine in 2008, the Military Spouse of the Year serves as the flagship award for the nation's 1.1 million military spouses. The award recognizes leadership and initiative among military spouses, many of whom continued to bring about positive change on behalf of military families, according to Bianca Strzalkowski, 2011 Military Spouse of the Year.

"I accepted the Military Spouse of the Year award not for something I did in the past, but for something I would do in the future, so I took it very literally that I was representing 1.1 million people," Strzalkowski said.

In addition to Hilton, service-level finalists were:

- El Brown, spouse of Army Maj. Ricky Brown, Ft. Belvoir, Va.

- Stephanie Garaghty, spouse of Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Brian Geraghty, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

- Tricia Ross, spouse of Navy Lt. Jeffrey Ross, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

- Jennifer Bassett, spouse of Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Josh Bassett, Coast Guard Cutter Alert, Astoria, Ore.

- Christine Gilbreath, spouse of National Guard Army Staff Sgt. William Scott Gilbreath, Redmond Taylor Heliport, Grand Prairie, Texas

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash.  -- With JB McChord's operational readiness exercise just days away, the 627th Air Base Group provided Airmen an opportunity to practice their "Ability to Survive and Operate" skills April 30 through May 2, 2012.

According to Tech. Sgt. Troyann Ernle, 627th Civil Engineer Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of emergency management, there were 390 participants during the ATSO University.

"Most of the individuals who will be participating in the upcoming ORE were able to attend," said Ernle. "Most of them are primary players but we were able to include some alternates as well."

Airmen spent the first half of the day rotating between eight different stations of ATSO University. Each station included a briefing by a subject matter expert from the respective career field.
"We've got security forces providing weapons, logistic readiness providing training supplies and the Army even helped out by lending some equipment," said Master Sgt. Justin Malan, 627th CES emergency management superintendent. "We were able to recruit Airmen from all different squadrons and career fields so the most accurate information can be relayed."

During the wing plans and programs station, Capt. Brain Dodson, 62nd AW chief of exercises and evaluations, delivered a slideshow briefing to explain the meaning and importance behind an ORE.

"One of the notable points of feedback we received from the February mobility exercise was that people didn't understand the intent," said Dodson. "Our goal for the next one is to provide more knowledge as to why exercises are important. Also, we want to clearly define the expectations and let Airmen know what to expect."

While rotating between stations, Airmen discussed several ATSO topics including self-aid and buddy care, weapons familiarization and force protection conditions.

"This training is much more hands-on and hopefully more impactful than taking an online training course," said Ernle. "We are covering a wide range of topics. This way, we can detect our mistakes during the training portion and fix them for future exercises."

Airman 1st Class Dustin Davis, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief and alternate player in the upcoming ORE, said the ATSO University training was a great refresher.

"We've basically been taught this stuff before, but this is a good memory jogger," said Davis. "I've learned about the chemical decontamination process, but I've never actually seen it demonstrated before today. So that was a big help."

Following the morning of ATSO stations, the 627th CES conducted a mini mobility exercise, which tested the knowledge Airmen had just received.

"They learned all about ATSO this morning, and now we'll get to observe them applying they've retained," said Ernle. "This mobility exercise gives them an idea of what to expect during the actual operational readiness inspection."

Airmen from McChord Field are expected to depart later this week to conduct ORE training at Volk Field, Wis.

PHOTO: Tech. Sgt. Troyann Ernle, 627th Civil Engineer Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of emergency management, briefs a group of Airmen during “Ability to Survive and Operate” training May 1, 2012, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. “This training is much more hands-on and hopefully more impactful than taking an online training course,” said Ernle. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Leah Young)

Airmen from the 446th and 62nd Airlift Wings, along with the 627th Air Base Group, will depart Saturday for the field of battle. Exactly where that is remains to be seen as McChord Field Airmen set off on its first fly-away operational readiness exercise this year.

A second fly-away ORE is scheduled for September as active and Reserve Airmen prepare for the operational readiness inspection set for October.

More than 300 Reserve wing personnel from various squadrons will travel on C-17 Globemaster IIIs to the deployed location where they will establish 24-hour operations to simulate being in a combat zone.

"There are several reasons these MOBEXs are valuable," Lt. Col. Ray Luevanos said. Luevanos is 446th Mission Support Group deputy commander and chief of exercise evaluation teams.

"First, it allows us to get away from the everyday distractions of home station. For the most part we can minimize the impact of ‘normal' work stressors like email and phone calls when we leave McChord and allow our ORI team players to focus on the mission at hand," Luevanos said.

"Second, it allows us to test processes that are difficult to assess when we simulate them during home station exercises. Fully processing cargo and passengers allows us the opportunity to see where we can hone our skills and improve upon our processes and planning factors, especially when we remove ourselves from the conveniences of home station amenities.

"Finally, it allows us to immerse our leadership and players into more realistic scenarios. Hearing a bird cannon or a ground burst simulator go off in tandem with a smoke grenade helps instill a sense of urgency when we're doing our best to simulate conditions in a wartime environment," he said.

During the exercise, Airmen were responsible for performing their jobs as well as having required items and gear readily available to use in a moment's notice. Some of the mandatory items include: a gas mask, protective chemical suit and an Airman's Manual.

Each functional specialty will be examined and graded during the ORI in October. Luevanos said the flyaway exercises will afford Airmen the opportunity to preview the Contingency Readiness Training Centers where they may actually experience the ORI. It'll allows them to practice on the very same field that they may have to play the "big game" on.

"The main focus should be on their primary job. The purpose of an ORI is to test the wing's ability to perform its operational mission during a contingency operation. Each one of us doing our jobs keeps that mission going," Luevanos said.

Being familiar with the Airman's Manual, Luevanos said, will help Airmen to continue to do their jobs by being able to mitigate threats, injuries, and other challenges Airmen are likely to encounter in the exercise.

"Keep the big picture in mind (moving the mission) and don't be afraid to make mistakes; now is the time to learn from those mistakes and make adjustments prior to the October ORI," Luevanos said.

After serving for a few years as a Security Forces Air National Guardsman, Senior Airman Michael McCaffrey decided to cross train into the joint terminal attack controller career field.

He wanted a position that got him closer to the front lines of the battlefield, he said.

Serving with the Washington Air National Guard's 116th Air Support Operations Squadron out of Camp Murray, McCaffrey got his wish.

Last year, McCaffrey deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a Tactical Control Party to FOB Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan. While embedded with the U.S. Army Task Force Ironman, McCaffrey was responsible for providing close air support ensuring persistent, precise and lethal airpower for troops in contact. While under fire, he helped guide 26 air strikes resulting in 1,250 Coalition Forces lives saved.

For his heroic actions, Guard officials announced recently McCaffrey is one of six Airmen named the 2012 Air National Guard Outstanding Airmen Of The Year.

During one mission on May 25, 2011, McCaffrey and other JTACs from the 116th ASOS directed aerial attacks on enemy positions while U.S. and Afghan soldiers fought to drive insurgents from Do Ab, a tiny village in Nuristan province, Afghanistan.

Throughout a six-hour battle on the mission, JTACs had to dodge bullets and rocket propelled grenades while running between their cover to find out where the greatest threats were coming from and then call in airstrikes on the advancing fighters.

McCaffrey also executed an innovative strategy to employ air power to combat improvised explosive device strikes, resulting in a decrease in attacks.

McCaffrey, who works as a contractor at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., enjoys his job with the 116th ASOS so much, he commutes from California to Washington to be part of the unit.

"Everyone in the (116th ASOS) is committed to the job and loves to train together," said McCaffrey, a Las Vegas, Nev. native who was nominated for a Bronze Star with Valor after the deployment.

McCaffrey will be honored in August in Washington D.C. along with other outstanding members of the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and active-duty Air Force.

MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- After throwing the opening pitch at the Seattle Mariners' 10th Annual Salute to Armed Forces game, April 21, Tech. Sgt. Keith Sekora, a 42-year-old Issaquah resident, was on a flight to Colorado to begin training for the 3rd Annual Warrior Games.

Sekora is one of more than 200 servicemembers competing in the 2012 games, which started April 30 and will continue until May 5 at the Air Force Academy and Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

After shrapnel from an improvised explosive device struck the back of his neck during a deployment to Afghanistan in 2010, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician from the 446th Airlift Wing here, suffered a series of four strokes and was left with post-traumatic stress disorder, memory loss, vertigo and loss of feeling on the left side of his body. But that hasn't swayed his confidence in participating in his first Warrior Games.

"I'm overwhelmed with the privilege of being on the Air Force Warrior team," said the 6-foot-6 giant. "Being a member of this team proves to me, that I can still do things and play sports with my disabilities. It also allows me to represent the Air Force and the EOD community and compete against other wounded warriors in the other service branches."

In this year's games, he's scheduled to represent the Air Force Reserve in participating in: the sitting volleyball team, standing shot put and discus, the 50-meter freestyle and the combined 200-meter freestyle relay.

Sekora displayed his true warrior and team-player grit when he was forced to go back to the states early from his deployment, due to his injuries.

"My biggest concern was I felt I abandoned my team by being sent back home early," he said.

Sekora has completed extensive physical therapy and hasn't let the effects of his injuries get the best of him. Last year, he participated in the 2011 Iraq/Afghanistan Run for Remembrance on his recumbent bicycle.

For more information on the Warrior Games 2012, visit http://www.afspc.af.mil/ and click on "Warrior Games 2012." For more information on the 446th Airlift Wing, go to http://www.446aw.afrc.af.mil/ or become a fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/446thAW.

Photo" Gen. William L. Shelton, Commander, Air Force Space Command, takes a discus from Tech. Sgt. Keith Sekora, 446th Airlift Wing, McChord Field, Wash. who is competing in the Warrior Games at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. April 25. The Air Force encourages wounded warriors to reach for and achieve a rich and productive future, to defeat their illness or injury to maximize their abilities and know that they can have a rich and fulfilling life beyond what has happened to them in service to their nation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Duncan Wood)

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Airmen who serve in excess of the Secretary of Defense's established rotation goals are now eligible for additional time off, as written in the newly updated Post Deployment or Mobilization Respite Absence policy, officials said here April 25.

Contained in Guidance Memorandum 4 to Air Force Instruction 36-3003, Military Leave Program, PDMRA is intended to award extra administrative absence days to service members who exceed the desired deployment or mobilization-to-dwell ration.

All eligible Airmen can receive PDMRA for service in Combat Zone Tax Exclusion areas. Reserve component Airmen involuntarily mobilized outside of the U.S. pursuant to sections 12301(a), 12302, or 12304 of Title 10 of the United States Code can also be eligible to receive PDMRA.

Receiving PDMRA is a two-step process: eligibility and accrual, officials said.

Airmen must have exceeded the desired deployment or mobilization-to-dwell threshold in order to accrue PDMRA.

Active component Airmen are eligible to accrue PDMRA if, on the first day of their current deployment, they have been deployed in excess of 12 of the previous 36 months.

Reservists are eligible to accrue PDMRA if, on the first day of their current Title 10 activation, they had been mobilized pursuant to sections 12301(a), 12302, or 12304 of Title 10 of the United States Code in excess of 12 months out of the previous 72 months. In addition, voluntary deployments on 12301(d) orders to a CZTE area count toward breaking dwell and PDMRA eligibility.

Airmen who exceed the desired deployment or mobilization-to-dwell threshold on the first day of their current deployment or Title 10 activation can accrue PDMRA for service in approved locations.

Eligible active duty Airmen accrue two PDMRA days per month when entitled to CZTE for service in a CZTE area.

Eligible Reservists serving pursuant to sections 12301(a), 12301(d), 12302, or 12304 of Title 10 of the United States Code accrue two PDMRA days per month when entitled to CZTE for active service in a CZTE area. Reservists serving pursuant to sections 12301(a), 12302, or 12304 of Title 10 of the United States Code accrue one PDMRA day per month for active service outside of the U.S., not in a CZTE area.

For more information, reference AFI 36-3003, AFGM4 or contact the nearest Force Support Squadron Military Personnel Section.

When Jen White worked with the active-duty Air Force, she eventually wanted to pursue a career in business. But when the staff sergeant from the 446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron here came across diet technician opening with the Reserve, her long-term dream didn't change direction, it just took a slight detour.

After falling in love with her new Reserve career and developing a passion of healthcare White, who also works as a diet technician at Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, decided to hybridize her dreams of business and healthcare into one career

In order to do that, she would need help in finishing her bachelor's degree in human resource management, which she had already started while on active duty. Last week, this support came in the form of the Pitsenbarger Award, was presented to her, April 24 at the Education Center here, by a representative of the Air Force Association.

"She certainly deserves this award," said Col. Rob Richardson, 446th ASTS commander. "She's committed almost to a fault. She's a huge benefit for our Reservists to have that kind of involvement, not just to our squadron, but to the wing."

The Pitsenbarger Award is for Community College of the Air Force graduates, who are pursuing a bachelor's degree as well. The award also comes with a $400 check as an incentive to continue education.

White plans on using her award to prompt newer Airmen to follow in her footsteps.

"I am pretty dang proud to receive this award, mostly because not a lot of people know about it and now I can help out my new troops and give them another reason to obtain their CCAF," said the University Place resident.

White lays out her long-term strategy.

"I am pretty close to finishing my degree," said White, who entered the Air Force in 2005. "I plan to finish my bachelor's degree in human resource management and obtain a commission and go back on active duty. I'm also considering getting my master's in Healthcare Administration."

While education is at the forefront of her personal plan, Richardson explains why she's an asset to her unit.

"Jen single handedly took over our fitness program when she didn't have to, and ensured we'd have continuity with our fitness," he said. "She taught the nutrition class to wing Reservists, so they would have the tools to stay within the Air Force fitness standard."

Even with the tough responsibilities, White volunteers for her in squadron, she doesn't hesitate to acknowledge her fellow teammates in supporting her goals.

"I'd like to add a token of thanks to my unit and fantastic (air reserve technician) staff," White said. "They have been very supportive and it's a great environment to grow in."

Richardson gives White his stamp of approval by reciprocating.

"She's the poster child for 'service before self'," he said. "She's a dedicated warrior in all aspects!"

Photo: Staff Sgt. Jen White, a diet technician with the 446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, McChord Field, Wash., accepts her Pitsenbarger Award from Mr. Bill Striegel, from the Air Force Association, at the Education Center here, April 24, 2012. The Pitsenbarger is awarded to recent Community College of the Air Force graduates, who are pursuing bachelor's degrees White was the only Reservist at McChord Field who earned the award this cycle. (Courtesy photo)

Like any institution, there are things we do well in the Air Force. And there are others that, at times, leave something to be desired. Ask any of your peers about the formal feedback they've received throughout their career and you're sure to hear horror stories.

I remember as a young lieutenant going to my supervisor seeking feedback. I'd been in the organization for about five months and I'd already received my initial feedback. But, as a new flight commander, I was looking for some feedback on my performance. I simply wanted to know how I was doing.

I nervously knocked on my squadron commander's door and he eagerly invited me in. I asked for a few minutes of his time and told him I was looking for some feedback on my job performance.

He looked at me sheepishly and said, "You're doing great, but you should smile a little more."

He asked if I had any more questions, then dismissed me.

Really, that's it? Smile a little more? Obviously, I left his office disappointed. And, sure enough, when I got my next officer performance report, I was disappointed as well. I didn't think it accurately reflected my performance. Or, maybe it accurately reflected my performance, but my performance didn't meet his expectations. How would I know if I was meeting expectations? I didn't know, because I'd never received meaningful feedback.

In hindsight, I share the blame. In hindsight, I should've fought for it. I should've asked more questions and dug in, until I got the meaningful feedback I needed. It was his job to give me feedback, but the fact that I didn't make more of an effort to get meaningful feedback makes it my fault as well.

True enough- supervisors should always make time to give meaningful feedback to their Airmen. But, as a subordinate, if you're not getting the feedback you feel you need to meet your boss's expectations to become a better Airman, don't wait for your supervisor to react.

Be proactive. Go get the feedback you need. Fight for it. Fight for feedback. Fight for meaningful feedback. Your supervisors owe it to you, and you owe it to yourself.

Lt. Gen. Mark Ramsay, 18th Air Force commander, accompanied by Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Williams, 18th AF command chief, visited McChord Field April 26 to meet with leadership and speak with Airmen.

During his first day of a two-day visit, the general hosted an all call briefing where he emphasized the importance of the 62nd Airlift Wing mission and its Airmen.

General Ramsay shared his thoughts about achieving success in today's challenging operational environment and effectively dealing with challenges and opportunities in today's Air Force. He reminded Airmen of their importance and his appreciation for their hard work.

"You have faced countless challenges over these past months and you should be proud of the impact you've made," he said. "Whether through humanitarian response, like those following the earthquake, tsunami and reactor crisis in Japan, or leading the charge during Operation Pacific Passage, you and your fellow Airmen answered the call that fueled the fight, saved lives and ensured mission success every single time."

The 2013 budget proposal, released in February, outlines Department of Defense plans to reduce its budget by $487 billion in the next 10 years. Along with this proposal, the Air Force has identified 286 aircraft to be eliminated - 123 fighters and 133 mobility aircraft. In addition, plans also call for the force to be reduced by 9,900 - 3,900 active duty, 5,100 Air National Guardsmen and 900 Air Force Reservists.

In light of the proposed reductions, Ramsay reminded Airmen that every dollar counts.

"Fuel efficiency has to be a factor in every decision we make," he said. "It can mean 'make or break' for our missions by impacting our ability to provide the resources we need to be successful."

As one of the many all call attendees, Airman 1st Class Chad Justice, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, discussed his personal favorite topic covered by Ramsay.

"Taking advantage of resources was the part that stuck out to me," said Justice. "He spoke about the great benefits we have and it directly related to me. I'm planning on using my tuition assistance money this year while working on my degree."

After speaking of 62nd AW successes, future budget cuts and JBLM resources, General Ramsay closed with an emphasis on the Wingmanship and working together as a team.

"Build your networks and learn how to really take care of each other," he said. "Home is where the Air Force sends me. That's just a physical location. It's all about relationships; it's always about the people."

Airmen eligible for the Temporary Early Retirement Authority have until Monday to complete and submit their applications, Air Force Personnel Center officials said today.

TERA is one of several programs the Air Force is using to size and shape the force to meet current and future mission requirements.

"We expect to approve approximately 250 TERA applications this fiscal year. Airmen who are approved must retire not later than Sept. 1," said Lt. Col. Tara White, AFPC retirements and separations chief. "Approval will be based on overmanned specialties, time in service of 15 to 19 years, and grade."

In the event it becomes necessary, additional selection criteria may include active duty service commitment, time in grade, and commander recommendation, White said.

For more information about TERA, including the list of eligible career fields, and other personnel issues, visit the Air Force Personnel Services website at https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil.