Vol. 2, No. 16 Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan May 5, 2006 Commander returns home to retire By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente Editor The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander and Air Component Coordination Element director will say good bye after spending nearly a year here during a change of command ceremony Monday. After serving 30 years in the Air Force, Brig. Gen. Bruce E. Burda will return to Hurlburt Field, Fla., to retire. Since he assumed command May 15, 2005, General Burda said the improvements here are too numerous to count. “Through the combined efforts of the entire wing, I believe we have improved most of the wing processes and much of the airfield,” General Burda said. Mission planning and air tasking order Photo by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente execution have continued to improve due to Col. John R. Buckingham congratulates Brig. Gen. Bruce E. Burda better interaction with the Combined Air on the completion of his final flight in a C-130 Hercules. General Operations Center in Southwest Asia, he said. Burda is the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander and Air “We have a C-130 squadron now, as a Component Coordination director and Colonel Buckingham is result of the Karshi-Khanabad, Uzbekistan, the 455th AEW vice commander. General Burda will return home — See ‘Retirement,’ Page 5 to retire after the change of command ceremony Monday. Airmen to take over provisional reconstruction teams By Maj. Eric S. Elliott “The PRTs have a threefold In remote parts of the country, PRTs Public Affairs Officer mission,” said Col. Douglas J. Hine, 755th will often be the only representatives of Expeditionary Mission Support Group the United States military, government commander. “They’re going into different and people who many Afghans will ever The Air Force will take over six provinces to assist in building and see said Colonel Hine. While the teams provisional reconstruction teams stabilizing the economy, to promote will live in secure encampments, they throughout eastern Afghanistan later security and to help legitimize the central will spend much of their time outside of this month. Afghan government. The bottom line is the wire dealing directly with Afghan The teams, each consisting of that the teams are going into some very officials and civilians, and coordinating about 80 members, will relieve Army-led isolated and potentially dangerous areas efforts with other American government PRTs and serve in their different to help Afghanistan become a more and international aid agencies. provinces for about a year. secure and self-sufficient country.” — See ‘Reconstruction,’ Page 6 2 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace May 5, 2006 Air Force works with Army to provide medical care to patients By Lt. Col. Joe Solis Jr. Since we’re very lean, we have to be efficient and smooth 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron running. When missions are tasked or ready to be recovered, the whole process becomes one smooth orchestrated concert, so when the crews are alerted, the snowball begins rolling down hill, The phone rings at the Aeromedical Evacuation Operations and though gaining speed and momentum, the team is in control. Team. The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Command Post calls to Incredible! The current 455th AE crews have had more give the team a “10 minutes out” call on an incoming aeromedical missions in the first four months of 2006 than have the previous evacuation flight. They indicate “AE onboard with seven crews over any incremental six-month period in 2005. patients, requesting a frontline ambulance from the Army’s 14th Not only have our unit members worked long hours and Combat Support Hospital at Camp Lacey. “Copy that” is the AE done more with less, they have set the standard and the pace for reply, and off they go to recover another AE mission. excellence. A few minutes later, the AEOT receives another call, this After receiving the call from the command post that the time from the Theater Tasking group. “How many crews do you aircraft is 10 minutes out, the AEOT inturn calls the Patient have left?” Is your critical care air transportation team available? Administration Division and lets them know that a FLA is The word goes out at the AEOT “Looks like another short-fuse needed. Now the ambulance crews begin their preparation for tasking is on its way.” So begins the start of the incoming patients. The PAD is part of the another AE mission while simultaneously Army’s 14th CSH who provides definitive surgical working to recover the inbound mission coming intervention and stabilization. back here. Fortunately, we coordinate another successful Busy day? Actually, just another interesting phase of a Joint-partnership to bring the wounded day, as is typical for many of us here. Who are warrior safely to the 14th CSH. we, and why do you want to know about us in The 10 minutes are up already, and after the the AE community? Maybe it’s because you wheels touch down, and the aircraft parks, the know or have heard of someone who was hurt or recovery team and ambulance crew meet at the wounded, and what they recall was being flown aircraft. Systematically, all the crews begin to take out of the theatre into Germany or to the states. the patients from the aircraft to the ambulance. We are members of the 455th Expeditionary Afterward, the recovery team and the AE crew Aeromedical Evacuation Flight. Our AE remove the 800 pounds of medical equipment from Colonel Solis operations structure is comprised of an AEOT, the aircraft. four AE crews and a CCATT. Our AE missions can succeed only when we continue to Seamless, our Airmen and experts are here from units work as a team. Without the people who supply our crews and throughout the United States and Japan. They’re from the calibrate our equipment to keep it running efficiently, we would Guard, Reserve and Active Duty. Our crews are from units in undoubtedly not be at our best. Hats off to our conscientious Japan, North Carolina and the Mississippi Air Guard. The logistician and biomedical equipment technician. CCATT is an Active Duty team from Biloxi, Miss. In AE, we work with one thought in mind, to keep our Other AEOT members are from Virginia - Active Duty, and patient’s well-being foremost. from Guard units in California, Wyoming, Delaware and Oklahoma. After some crew rest, it’s back into Bravo alert, and yes, We’re also represented by Reserve units from Florida and Texas. ready for the next tasking or phone call. This newspaper is an authorized publication for Airmen Bagram Bullet and Sailors deployed to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Editorial Staff, Disclaimer Contents of the Bagram Bullet are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or Brig. Gen. Bruce Burda ….…......……..…. Commander, 455th AEW the Department of Defense. The editorial content is edited, Maj. Eric Elliott ………….........................… Chief, Public Affairs prepared and provided by the 455th Air Expeditionary Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente ….....… Editor/NCOIC, Public Affairs Wing Public Affairs office. 3 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace May 5, 2006 Letter from the editor When the wheels of the C-130 you for your hard work and dedication. touched down on the airfield here While I will be happy to return to my Jan. 16, I was pumped to spread the family in Maryland, I will miss my Air news of what the Airmen here were Force family here. Although, I have come accomplishing. My goal was to cover to realize how small this Air Force is. every Air Force specialty deployed to When I first arrived, I was happy to this location. run into three structures troops whom I After being bused to the terminal was stationed with at Holloman Air Force in the rain, I couldn’t help but think Base, N.M., and my old supervisor from about what I would be doing to pass Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. the time by. I soon realized this would The most surprising and what makes me be no problem with more than 1,000 even more amazed as to how small the Airmen deployed here. I was busy world is… was when I ran into the son of from day one writing about the a boss of mine before I joined the military accomplishments this wing has more than seven years ago. contributed to Operation Enduring Realizing the people I have run into Freedom. puts a smile on my face because it makes From those keeping the vehicles me curious as to who I will run into from running, to the Airmen filling planes here later on down the road. Whether it’s with cargo and fuel, you have going to a new base, or another represented your home stations well. I deployment, I know that with this small can only hope the stories and photos I Air Force, I will run into a few of my 455th have taken of my wingmen have Air Expeditionary Wing family members reached as many as possible, so that again. Maybe it’ll be at a different duty when you return home, someone can station, when I have to write a story say, “hey I saw that story about what about an Airman who volunteered his you did over there… good job.” time to the community or returning from a I appreciate what each of you is deployment. doing here, more then anyone will ever As we prepare to say goodbye, I know. From the days of the engineers want to take this time to say it’s been a working in harsh weather conditions pleasure to have met and worked with to keep on schedule building new the members of the 455th AEW. I hope facilities, to those who are outside the this has been as an enjoyable experience wire mentoring the Afghanistan for you as it has for me, and I hope to see National Army to protect their own you soon. Remember, it’s a small Air country, I salute each and every one of Force. 4 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace May 5, 2006 Brief Bullets Congrats to 455th AEW’s newest promotees Services calendar Events are hosted by Services Promoted to airman 1st class: Promoted to senior airman: every night at 1900L in the Rec Tent. Chad D. Cook For more information, or to make a suggestion, contact Tech. Sgt. Hallett Kevin Boyle Jorge A. Caballeromelchor at 231-4360. This week’s events are as Eric A. Hood follows: James Horner Today: Bingo Promoted to staff sergeant: Promoted to technical sergeant: Saturday: Texas Hold’em Sunday: Horseshoes Kenneth G. Hiller Charles T. Hardy Tuesday: Spades Marc E. Melvin Gianni C. Hollomon Wednesday: Texas Hold’em Anthony G. Plyer David M. Kolnes Thursday: Darts Lashawndrea M. Price Anthony Mosher MTA meeting The next Middle Tier Association Promoted to master sergeant: Promoted to senior master sergeant: meeting is scheduled for 0900L Wednes- day in Rec Tent. The Middle Tier Asso- ciation is for staff and technical sergeants Michelle M. Vanderbunt who want to be involved in morale func- Dwayne E. Brown tions here. Brian Gilmore ACE meeting The next Airmen Committed to Excellence meeting is scheduled for Promoted to major: Madison Morris 1500L today at the Oasis. Comm tip of the week April’s Top Performers MAPPING THE Senior Airman Rachel J. Crawford NETWORK DRIVE for NIPR: Staff Sgt.David G. Tingle - Right-click on “My Master Sgt. Daniel E. Hawkins Computer”, Select “Map Capt. Michael J. Gibbs Network Drive” Mr. John W. Sones - In the drop-down box select the letter “S” - Type in 455th AEW Outstanding Contributors of the Month \\BGRMA7NAFSDRIVE\S DRIVE press “Enter” - Ensure the “Reconnect at logon” box is checked Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Strnad - Click Finish Airman Jeremy S. Bernard 5 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace May 5, 2006 General Burda reflects on last year in Air Force Highlights year-long improvements, joint effort of Airmen, Sailors Retirement rotation,” the general said. From Page 1 “Along with our Sailors in VAQ- closure back in August of 133, we truly have a joint team 2005,” the general said. “The with members from all aspects number of in lieu of and request of the Air Force from units for forces Airmen in country around the world.” has increased significantly, and Compared to when he was as a result, we have added the a company grade officer, General 755th Expeditionary Mission Burda said the Airmen today are Support Group to provide more savvy and mature. command and control over “We have pushed down a them.” lot more responsibility to lower With spending almost a levels over the years, and our year here, the wing commander Airmen have really stepped up has not only seen dramatic and met the challenge,” he said. changes to wing’s organization, “Our Airmen and Sailors, are truly but to the airfield as well. expeditionary and so far, have “There have been dozens been ready to deploy anywhere of small improvements and in the world to get the job done. large development projects They are focused and looking here, all adding to our to improve themselves, which effectiveness and safe mission improves the Air Force and accomplishment,” he said. better prepares Airmen for future “Concrete and spall repair to challenges.” the active runway, continued General Burda will reunite progress of the new runway with his wife, Stacy, and take a under construction and the little time off before out new passenger terminal are just processing and returning to 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs courtesy photo a few examples of the many northern California to spend Brig. Gen. Bruce E. Burda speaks at his change of changes I have seen.” some time with the rest of his command ceremony assuming command of the Previous deployments family before starting a new 455th Air Expeditionary Wing nearly one year ago. have involved General Burda civilian career. General Burda will be retiring after the change of rotating through with other air “Anytime I change duty command ceremony Monday on the flightline. and space expeditionary force stations, I have always enjoyed deployers, but this year-long and missed both our Airmen and Working with General Burda stay has given him the civilian force who serve,” he opportunity to see three AEF said. “I think retirement will be “Whenever you volunteer for a 120-day rotation, you teams cycle through. the same way. I will miss the do so because you want to contribute, because you care,” “It’s been interesting,” he people in the Air Force who work said Col. John Buckingham, 455th AEW vice commander. said. “I have really enjoyed this hard and have given Stacy and “Having General Burda as my boss made the new transition team in 2006. They have made me such wonderful memories. I extremely easy. He is a man who genuinely cares about not my last four months on Active wish every one in AEF nine and only the mission but also the people. I could not have Duty a real pleasure.” 10 have a safe return home and asked for a better boss and have thoroughly enjoyed my “We have had an even much continued success in the time working for him. I believe all of us have helped finish larger ‘total force’ contribution Air Force.” the boss’s career on a high note.God speed sir!” throughout the wing this 6 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace May 5, 2006 Air Force takes over DCU disposal PRTs in Afghanistan Air Force desert camouflaged Reconstruction uniforms and other uniform items From Page 1 are not to be thrown away. To Each team is made up of about 30 Airmen, drawn properly dispose of unserviceable from more than 20 Air Force specialty codes and from bases around the world, an Army civil affairs team and an uniform items, take them to the Army infantry platoon to provide security. burn pit. The teams’ Airmen include specialists in fields like civil engineering, contracting, intelligence and medicine who have specific roles in rebuilding the country, said the colonel. These are augmented by Airmen in combat support positions, ranging from services to mechanics, Customs prohibited items who are vital to any unit operating in the field. However, many of the jobs will not fall neatly into a Switchblade typical Air Force structure. Concealed knife “Airmen will be expected to do things that are well Ammunition outside of their normal jobs as well as the Air Force’s core Non-military weapons competencies,” Colonel Hine said. “We have public affairs Animals living, dead or parts officers filling information operations positions and Insects security forces personnel augmenting civil affairs Fresh fruits specialists. All Airmen will be required to do things like Vegetables cook and provide perimeter security. It will be a completely Human body parts new experience for all involved.” Eggs Air Force Lt. Col. David Naisbitt, the Jalalabad PRT Plant food commander, said this was also a great opportunity for the Untanned skins or hides Air Force to participate and contribute to a joint operation. Tatami mats “The development of these teams shows that the Live plants U.S. military has a unified commitment to the Camel saddles reconstruction of the Government of Afghanistan,” he Soil or earth said. “It shows that we can come together as a single Sand*** unit to help rebuild this nation.” Green or bamboo sugar Before coming to Afghanistan, PRT members Alcohol beverages completed several months’ extensive training conducted Cuban cigars by the Army at Fort Bragg, N.C. Curriculum included Artifacts country briefings and classes on Afghan culture, Classified material** weapons training, land navigation, combat skills, first Counterfeit currency aid, information operations, drivers’ training and courses Gambling devices on the PRT mission. Controlled substances “This wasn’t like any Air Force training we’d ever Treasonable or seditious items had,” said Colonel Naisbitt. “It helped us come together Drug paraphernalia and bind as a team. It’s still early in our deployment, but Pornographic material we all understand the importance of what we’re doing Destructive devices here.” Corrosive liquids In addition to the six Air Force PRTs, there are six ***Sand that is in a sealed container and marked as Navy and nine NATO-commanded teams in northern bleached is allowed and western Afghanistan. New Zealand and Canada each **Not stored correctly or without proper courier also run a team in central and southern regions of the country. 7 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace May 5, 2006 TThhiinnggss ttoo kknnooww bbeeffoorree ggooiinngg hhoommee TSA provides information on carry-on and checked baggage Prohibited items are weapons, – they contain important information about on the permitted chart is dangerous explosives, incendiaries, and include restrictions and exceptions. and therefore may not be brought items that are seemingly harmless but The prohibited and permitted through the security checkpoint. may be used as weapons – the so- items chart is not intended to be all- For updates and for more called “dual use” items. Passengers inclusive and is updated as information, call our Consumer may not bring these items to or necessary. To ensure everyone’s Response Center toll-free at 1-866- through security checkpoints security, the TSO may determine that 289-9673 or E-mail TSA- without authorization. an item not on the prohibited items [email protected]. (Courtesy If passengers bring a prohibited chart is prohibited. In addition, the of the Transportation Security item to the checkpoint, they may be TSO may also determine that an item Administration) criminally or civilly prosecuted, or at the least, asked to dispose of the item. The following items may Baseball bats Aerosols other than A transportation security officer or be checked or carried on: Bows and arrows personal care or Cigar cutters Cricket bats toiletries in limited law enforcement officer will make this Corkscrews Golf clubs quantities determination, depending on what the Cuticle cutters Hockey sticks Gasoline item is and the circumstances. Eyeglass repair tools including Lacrosse sticks Gas torches Bringing a prohibited item to a security screwdrivers Pool cues Lighter fluid Eyelash curlers Ski poles Lighters checkpoint – even accidentally – is Knitting and crochet Spear guns Strike-anywhere illegal. needles BB guns matches** Prohibited items may be Plastic or round bladed Compressed air guns Turpentine and paint detained for use in an investigation butter knives Firearms thinner and, if necessary, as evidence in a Nail clippers Parts of guns and firearms Realistic replicas of Nail files Pellet guns incendiaries criminal or civil prosecution. If Safety razors Realistic replicas of Chlorines for pools permitted by the TSO or law Disposable razors firearms Compressed gas enforcement officer, passengers may Plastic or metal Scissors Starter pistols cylinders be allowed to: consult with the airlines with blunt tips Axes Liquid bleach Toy weapons if not Hatchets Spill able batteries for possible assistance in placing the realistic replicas Cattle prods prohibited item in checked baggage; Tweezers Crowbars * All lighters are prohibited withdraw with the item from the Umbrellas Billy clubs as carry-on items. Lighters screening checkpoint at that time; Walking canes Black jacks without fuel are permitted make other arrangements for the item, Camcorders Brass knuckles in checked baggage. Lighters Camera equipment Kubatons with fuel are prohibited in such as taking it to the car or mailing Laptop computers Martial arts weapons checked baggage, unless it; or, voluntarily abandon the item. Mobile phones Night sticks they adhere to the Dep- Items that are voluntarily abandoned Pagers Nunchakus artment of Transpo-rtation or confiscated by a law enforcement Personal data assistants Shocking devices exemption, which allows up Throwing stars to two fueled lighters if officer cannot be recovered and will The following items properly enclosed in a DOT not be returned to you. Property maybe checked, but not The following items are approved case. If passengers claims for these items will also be carried on: not allowed: are uncertain as to whether denied by TSA. Knives Flare guns their lighter is prohibited, The following outlines items that Metal scissors with pointed Gun lights they are asked to refrain tips and blades four Gun powder from bringing it to the are permitted and items that are inches or longer Blasting caps airport. prohibited in carry-on or checked Box cutters Dynamite baggage. Passengers should note Ice axes Fireworks ** Up to four books of that some items are allowed checked Ice picks Flares safety, non-strike any- Meat cleavers Hand grenades where, matches are perm- baggage, but not carry-on. Also pay Razor-type blades Plastic explosives itted as carry-on items, careful attention to the “Notes” Sabers Realistic replicas of but all matches are prohib- included at the bottom of each section Swords explosives ited in checked baggage. 8 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace May 5, 2006 DFAC hours Weekly services: FOR Breakfast Lunch Muslim PRAYER Fridays …………. 1800L (1330Z) Call 0530 to 0900L 1130 to 1330L 231-4755 Jewish Dinner Midnight Fridays ……….... 1900L (1430Z) Seventh Day Adventist 1630 to 2100L 2330 to 0100L Saturdays ……... 0930L (0500Z) Roman Catholic DCUs and Air Force physical train- Saturdays ……… 1945L (1515Z) Liturgical Protestant Church of Christ ing uniforms are mandatory when din- Sundays ……….. 0830L (0400Z) Sundays ……… 1400L (0930Z) ning at any of the facilities here. Protestant Korean Protestant No bags, purses or backpacks are al- Sundays …….…. 1130L (0700Z) Sundays ……..… 1545L (1115Z) lowed in any of the dinning facilities. Latter Day Saints Gospel Sundays ……….. 1300L (0830Z) Sundays …….…. 1730L (1300Z) Camp Cunningham residents who have rights to the shared drive can access other Plausible Denial cartoons at S:/SHARED FILES/PLAUSIBLE DENIAL. 9 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace May 5, 2006 MTA Movie NighT The Middle Tier Association hosts Movie Night 1900L Mondays at the MTA Snack Shack. Mon- day’s movie will be When a Stranger Calls. Rated PG-13. While babysitting, a high school student is terrorized by a stranger who calls asking her, “have you checked the chil- dren lately?” The po- lice eventually notify her that the calls are coming from inside of the house. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente Lieutenant Dan visits While visiting Camp Cunningham residents Monday, Gary Sinise autographs the new operations desk in the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron while Capt. Michael J. Gibbs holds the Plexiglas. Mr. Sinise is part of the USO tour visiting servicemembers deployed to Southwest Asia. Captain Gibbs is the 455th ESFS operations officer. 10 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace May 5, 2006 Bagram’s Best Capt. Michael J. Gibbs Captain Gibbs, right, 455th Expedi- tionary Security Forces Squadron operations officer. He is deployed from the 514th Security Forces Squadron, McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. He is also a full time New York City Street Narcotics Unit Enforcement police officer. He hopes to continue his civilian and military education and provide more opportunities for mem- bers of the 455th ESFS to advance and excel. The captain also hopes to command a security forces squadron. The reservist recently won company grade officer of the month for the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing. Sergeant Tingle, left, is deployed Staff Sgt. here as a force protection and escort program manager for the Davud G, Tingle 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. He is deployed here from the 514th Security Forces Squadron, McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. The Edison, N.J., native hopes to continue to make rank, and become a team leader on future deploy- ments and mentor younger Airmen. He believes there are always ways to improve. Sergeant Tingle was the noncommissioned officer of the month. After his tour here, the reservist will return to his job as a civilian police officer in Edison.