ammochiefs.com

Ammo Airmen support explosive mission

Fred OHern — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:11:42 +0000

by Senior Airman Melissa B. White 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
8/30/2010 – KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) — Members of a munitions flight here are tasked with building bombs.
It’s a job some might take for granted, or a thought that will never cross the minds of others. ‘Most people seem to think that bombs actually come preassembled, but these Airmen are out here building them with their hands,’ said Master Sgt. Robert Brown, a munitions systems specialist assigned to the 451st Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Munitions Flight at Kandahar Airfield. ‘People don’t know what it takes to put the bombs together, but we’re out here on a daily basis working around explosives.’
Staff Sgt. Misty Lowe tightens the super bolt while Airman 1st Class Anthony Anderson holds the bomb in place Aug. 23 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Sergeant Lowe and Airman Anderson are munitions systems specialists with the 451st Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Munitions Flight. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Chad Chisholm)
Even though others might look past jobs like theirs, these Airmen understand the importance of their jobs. ‘I think this job has a direct result on the warfighting capability,’ said Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Smartt, a conventional maintenance crew chief with the 451st EMXS. ‘Whenever we build these bombs and the aircrews expend them, we’re taking care of the enemy. It’s satisfying to have such a large impact on the mission.’
Since arriving here in May with the A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron, this munitions flight has supported seven different types of aircraft and built close to 200 bombs.
With at least one more month to go in the flight’s deployment, this group of Airmen has recently increased its bomb output compared to previous months.
‘It just depends on the tempo,’ Sergeant Brown said. The Taliban have stepped up their operations, so we stepped up ours, and we’ve adapted.’
In addition to building bombs, the ammo Airmen are responsible for inspecting all bomb components prior to building, and ensuring the parts don’t exceed the service life. Once they build the bombs, they then deliver the completed munitions to the flightline when needed.
‘It’s very time consuming, and it takes a lot of planning and preparation,’ Sergeant Smartt said.
Ammo Airmen are also responsible for replacing the expended 30 mm round ammunition tubes with new rounds for the A-10s. The Airmen have done this for tens of thousands of rounds throughout their rotation. They also build flares for the aircrews and rebuild them when necessary. ‘Without us they can’t complete their mission,’ Sergeant Brown said.
There is one thing that might be working against this group of Airmen: the heat. However, with temperatures regularly soaring above 110 degrees during summer months, they have found ways to cope with the conditions and work around them. ‘We usually build when it’s cooler– at night or at the beginning or end of the day — because, as you may notice, we don’t have a lot of shade,’ Sergeant Smartt said.
Nothing seems to be slowing them down as they work before sunrise, singing along to the music from the radio as they get the job done. ‘It’s the first time deploying for a lot of these Airmen, and the morale is good,’ Sergeant Brown said. ‘We’re here to complete our mission and to do it safely.’

Chief to receive Medal of Honor posthumously for ’68 actions

Fred OHern — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:00:21 +0000

9/3/2010 – WASHINGTON (AFNS) — An Air Force Chief Master Seageant who was killed 42 years ago will receive the Medal of Honor for actions he took after enemy forces overran a clandestine U.S. radar site in Laos.
Chief Master Sgt. Richard L. “Dick” Etchberger, 35, died March 11, 1968, after being shot following an overnight battle on Mount Phou Pha Thi at Lima Site 85, as the radar location was known to Americans, where he helped maintain equipment that aided the U.S. bombing campaign of North Vietnam.
Despite having received little or no combat training, Chief Etchberger single-handedly held off the enemy with an M-16, while simultaneously directing air strikes into the area and calling for air rescue. Because of his fierce defense and heroic and selfless actions, he was able to deny the enemy access to his position and save the lives of some of his crew.
Chief Master Sgt. Richard L. “Dick” Etchberger, was killed after saving the lives of some of his crew during a fierce battle at a radar site in Laos 42 years ago, will receive the Medal of Honor Sept. 21 in a White House ceremony. (Courtesy photo)
With the arrival of the rescue aircraft, Chief Etchberger, without hesitation, once again deliberately risked his own life numerous times, exposing himself to heavy enemy fire in order to place his three surviving wounded comrades into rescue slings hanging from the hovering helicopter waiting to airlift them to safety.
With his remaining crew safely aboard, Chief Etchberger finally climbed into an evacuation sling himself, only to be fatally wounded by enemy ground fire as he was being raised into the aircraft.
“He should have a 55-gallon drum full of medals,” said retired Tech Sgt. John G. Daniel, 71, of La Junta, Colo. Sergeant Daniel was one of the three rescued. “I wouldn’t be alive without him.”
Following a 2008 personnel board of review of the chief’s actions, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley nominated the Hamburg, Pa., native for the U.S. military’s highest decoration, which is awarded “for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.” President Obama approved the Medal of Honor, which will be presented in a White House ceremony on Sept. 21. The following day, an induction ceremony of Chief Etchberger into The Hall of Heroes will take place in the Pentagon.

2010 REUNION in Ft. Walton Beach Nov 4th – 7th

Fred OHern — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 18:00:59 +0000

Originally posted March 20th

Get your reservations in the 2010 reunion; (hotel room rates will range from $79-$109); activities are: Dedication of ACA Plague at Armament Museum,Thurs the 4th @ 1400; Ice Breaker for Thurs, AMMO Call for Fri and Golf, Dinner/Dance for Sat. Breakfast on Sunday. There will be an ACA General Meeting at a conveinient time. The reunion is being hosted by the Emerald Coast Chapter. Reservations are required by 15 September and an e:mail confirmation that you plan ASAP (ammobeasley@cox.net and/or bigjohn461@bellsouth.net) . Below is a sign-up sheet with details of individual events!

Start making your plans to attend and enjoy the camaraderie. This is our 10th Anniversary Reunion, lets make it the best yet.

6th AMMO Chiefs Association Reunion 4-7 November 2010
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
ACTIVITY SIGN-UP SHEET
Fellow ACA Member. If you intend to participate in the events below, please fill in the appropriate blocks, costs, and totals. The Total costs at the bottom right must be remitted NLT 15 Sep with this sheet to ensure pre-paid event costs are covered. We would like to get a head count ASAP so please send us an email to let us know you are coming. You can make reservations at the hotel under code ACR (Ammo Chiefs Reunion), 850-244-8686. Room rates are $79, $89, and $109 for the suite.
Full name of attending ACA Member: __________________________________________________________
Guest Name/s: _____________________________________________________________________________
Contact Address: ____________________________________________________Phone: _________________
REGISTRATION FEE: $25.00
ICEBREAKER – 4 Nov, 1800-2000 (Vegetable Crudites w/assorted dip, tomato basil/mozzarella Bruschetta finger sandwiches, chicken quesadillas/ guacamole)
Number attending:_____ X $10.00 = $___________
FISHING TRIP- 5 Nov, 0630-1330 (Deep Sea Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico). This trip may cancel due to changing fishing regulations, but we will still plan to go and make refunds if a no go.
Number Fishing:_____ X $70.00 = $___________
AMMO CALL – 5 Nov, 1800-2200 (Keg beer and pizza at Helen Back Bar)
Number attending:_____ X $10.00 = $___________
LADIES NITE OUT – 5 Nov, 1800-2200 (Pay as you go dinner)
Number attending:_____
ACA AMMO GOLF OUTING – 6 Nov, 0900-1200 (Gator Lakes, Hurlburt Field) Pay at the Course
Number of Golfers: _____
COAT AND TIE, SIT DOWN DINNER AND DANCE – 6 Nov, 1800-2300 Meal Choices: (Choose One Per Attendee) (Includes meal with salad, mixed veggies, garlic mashed potatoes, bread, coffee/tea, dessert.)
Prime Rib # ___________ or Chicken Cordon Bleu: # ___________
Number Dining:_____ X $30.00 = $___________
BREAKFAST, BUFFET STYLE – 7 Nov 0730-0930 (Scrambled eggs, sausage/bacon, home-style potatoes, grits, biscuits/gravy, orange juice, coffee, tea) at the hotel icebreaker room. Note: Must have at least 30 people to signup for this or it will be cancelled.
Number Dining:_____ X $10.00 = $___________

TOTAL REMITTED: $___________
Add Total costs in the right hand column and remit this amount by cash or check made out to: ACA Emerald Coast Chapter”.
Mail your check and this sheet to: Darrell Beasley
53A Country Club Rd.
Shalimar, Fl. 32579
PS-If you are delinquent on your dues, please remit an additional $25 for 2010 dues.
(Recommend you cut and paste the appropriate parts of this to your word processor and print out your sheet to mail along with your check. Thanks)

Ammo Msgt Bob Guyton Passes Away

Fred OHern — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 02:55:27 +0000

Received from Van Ray, Ammo Chief: MSgt Bob Guyton (Ret. 1995), 20+ year ammo troop, died Wednesday evening at the Chapel Hill Cancer Hospital. Joyce and I were there same day; Bob and Elaine are very dear friends of ours and we deeply mourn his passing. Services TBD.

Bob was a member of the original cadre at AFCOMAC and served many years in USAFE and PACAF. We also worked together as contractors in Iraq. One helluva good ammo troop and even better person.

Great guy and a big loss to AMMO. Link to his obituary below. RIP Bob. V/R TJ Jensen IYAAYAS

http://www.shumate-faulk.com/new_view.php?id=61467

25th Anniversary of AFCOMAC

Fred OHern — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 02:52:27 +0000

The 25th Anniversary of AFCOMAC is scheduled for 12-16 Sep 2011 at Beale
AFB. As the date gets closer, Chief Hryniewiecki will circulate a
preliminary agenda of AMMO festivities to commemorate this AF milestone.

Retroactive Stop Loss

Fred OHern — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 02:50:14 +0000

Please pass on this summary of information regarding “stop loss pay” that the DoD is offering. This pay is a “thank you” for those individuals who had an approved retirement or separation in the system but were kept in the service due to stop loss as a result of post 9/11 surge requirements.

Here are the main points:
- $500/month for each month Stop Lossed
- Not eligible if received a bonus
- AF Stop Loss Periods are 2 Oct 2001-31 Jan 2003 & 2 May – 31 Dec 2003
- Last day to apply is 21 Oct 10

DOD Stop Loss Link: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0710_stoploss/

Since these individuals have probably since retired or separated and are no longer active duty, we’re still passing the word out through active duty channels in case anyone knows anyone that would benefit from this pay and could contact them–”tell a friend” method. So please pass this out to your functional communities to help spread the word. AF/A1PPS is using civilian/social networking advertising methods as well to try and get the word out.

If you have any questions, please contact Maj Eries Gibson, Chief, Separations and Retirements Branch, HQ USAF/A1PPS, DSN 222-4532 / COMM (703) 692-4532 eries.gibson@pentagon.af.mil

Emerald Coast Chapter Meeting, 26 August 2010

Fred OHern — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 02:47:52 +0000

Members Present:
John Greer (Prez);Jim Shelingoski (VP); Darrell Beasley (Sec/Tres); Tom Zima;Nick Sims; Danny Bridges; Mark Madamba; Tom Wright; Johnny Long; Jack Shields; Sam Giardinia; Dave Oz; Brian Jones
1. Meeting was opened at Scully’s at 1700 by John Greer. Minutes from last meeting: Discuss/approve report from 1 May10. Tom motioned, sectioned by Danny. Members approved
2. Treasurers Report: Ending balance for 26 Aug10 is $5536.86 in checking, $5.00 in savings, $154.00 in cash and $1,075.00 in assets with a total worth of $6770.86.
3. Agenda:
a. AMMO Call for the Northeast Florida area. Prez thanks all who helped put this together. Everyone had a great time and look forward to doing this again in Nov for the reunion.
b. Spring picnic. Prez thanked Jim and Sam for all the work and cooking of the beer butt chickens. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the day.
c. Golf Tournament; Prez gave report of the 25 Jun Golf tournament. Still waiting to finalized last minute inputs, but looks like we made around $3,000 and $1000 will go to the Okaloosa Special Olympics. The next tournament is scheduled for 24 Sep, but Prez mentioned that is may be better if we move to Oct. The fundraiser is not necessary for the Reunion costs but will keep us in the black for the 2011 events. Motioned by Johnny/Tom to look at moving tournament to mid Oct and approved. The prez contacted the course and the next tournament is scheduled for 15 Oct 10. Now we need all the membership to get out and get sponsors, door prizes and teams.
d. 2010 ACA Reunion; We have about 20 folks signed up for the reunion and now we need all the local members to send in their signup sheets. The ACA prez will get an email out to all ACA members to signup for the reunion.
e. Okaloosa County Mental Health Association. Presented the ECC a plaque in appreciation for our support of the homeless veterans. Have invited us to join their organization. Annual Membership is $60.00. Johnny motioned and seconded by Chuck W. Discussion proceeded and Darrell questioned what the actual membership will do for the ECC and the Health Association. After further discussion motioned was tabled. Motion was made to donate to the Association by Mark/Tom and membership approved donating $100 to the Association.
4. New Business:
a. Museum ACA Plaque presentation. Johnny stated we are set for 4 Nov at 1400 to make the ACA AMMO Plaque presentation at the AA Museum. He will get the setup done and script for the presentation. Also will look at inviting an AMMO colonel to speak.
b. Mark Madamba brought up an idea to recognize members who increase membership by the ACA. ACA Prez Darrell stated that the ACA is increasing in membership with the new European Chapter.
c. Muscular Dystrophy asks for $100.00 Hole Sponsor of their tournament. Motions by Tom/Danny and approved.
d. Helen Back has asked if the ACA would like to decorate their AMMO Bar. Jim/Danny motioned to press with this but added that a committee be formed to ensure we do not add any illegal decorations. If you have any thing you would like to donate please get with Jim or Danny.
5. Income;
a. Dues collected: Shields ECC lifetime $25.00.
b. Fines collected: None.
c. Other: 2 AMMO Hitches $60.00, $10.00 Tom Zima for reunion, $25.00 Tom Zima donation for not making all the functions, AMMO Plate $25.00.
6. Agenda items for next meeting…
a. ACA Reunion.
7. The next meeting will be set up at Scully’s on the Bayou in Sep TBD, at 1700hrs.
8. Motion by Danny and seconded by Johnny to adjourn at 1815hrs.

Take care and keep your powder dry. Darrell

7TH RAF WELFORD REUNION

Fred OHern — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:04:17 +0000

Just a reminder that the 7TH RAF WELFORD REUNION is in SAN ANTONIO TX the 19th thru 23rd OCTOBER 2010. Reservations have to be made at the hotel by SEPTEMBER 19th 2010 to receive the group rate. I also need to get some idea of the numbers as to the folks interested in the bus trip to Fredricksburg to see if it is a viable option. I will be out of the loop for a few weeks as I am scheduled for surgery the 2nd July and will in hospital for 7-10 days. You can contact me on my other email of engspee@comcast.net as my earthlink box gets full rather quickly. You can also contact me either on my cellphone#707-484-2813 or 503-458-6001 after the 15th July 2010. Please don’t hesitate to call me if you have any questions.

Take care, Tina Speer

ACA Newsletter the Shell and Flame

Fred OHern — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 01:48:56 +0000

Shell_&_Flame_-_August_10Our Vice President Rich Pennington and John Mathews have worked hard to get the Shell and Flame back on track. A special thanks to John for his time and efforts. They are now working to put together the next edition targeted for Dec 2010. Inputs are needed from the Chapters, AFCOMAC, school house, and MAJCOMs. The plan is to include a few pictures of the 2010 ACA Reunion and a few bylines.

Chief Gauvin Ammo Troop Memorial Fund

Fred OHern — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 01:40:11 +0000

To apply for a scholarship with the Chief Master Sergeant Gauvin Ammo Troop Memorial Fund please request an application from AFCOMAC. The application is due back to AFCOMAC no later than 1 June 2011 for the 2011/12 school year. Point of Contact is CMSgt Kevin B. Hryniewiecki at kevin.hryniewiecki@beale.af.mil or DSN: 368-3685/2400 Comm: 530-634-3685/2400