Vol. 2 No. 1 RAF Croughton, England Jan.

13, 2006

Photo by Lt. Col. George Lamont

‘And with this piece of equipment, I can see into the future’
Senior Airman Jason Barker (right), 422nd Commu- Support Wing commander, about SATCOM opera-
nications Squadron SATCOM journeyman, briefs tions during the general’s December visit. The gen-
Maj. Gen. Paul Fletcher (middle), 16th Air Force vice eral came to RAF Croughton to visit the base and
commander, and Col. Blake Lindner, 501st Combat provide mentoring for its NCOs and CGOs.

Air Force releases new mission statement

Master Sgt. Mitch Gettle
Air Force Print News
WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The re-
alities of the world have changed dra-
matically since the creation of the Air
Force in 1947 and continue to change
almost daily.
With these changes in mind, Air
Force leaders released a new mission
statement Dec. 7 that defines the current
and future direction of the Air Force.
“Today, our world is fast paced, con-
stantly shifting and filled with a wide
range of challenges,” Secretary of the
Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air
Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael
Moseley wrote in a joint Letter to Air-
men. “Our mission is our guiding com-
pass, and it must be clearer than ever
before.”
The mission statement defines the
See Mission on Page 4

F-22A Geo Bee

Inside Air Force declares CAS Students com-

The F-22A Raptor opera-

tional.
pete in geography bee.

Uplink 3 9
2 Jan. 13, 2006
Editorial Staff
Lt. Col. Jim Ryan
422nd Air Base Squadron
commander
Staff Sgt. Chris Stagner
NCO in charge of Public Affairs
Multimedia support is provided by
Tech. Sgt. Robert Ashley
This funded Air Force newspaper is
an authorized publication for members
of the U.S. military services overseas.
Contents of The Uplink are not neces-
sarily the official view of, or endorsed
by, the U.S. Government, the Depart-
ment of Defense or the Department of
the Air Force.
The editorial content is edited, pre-
pared and provided by the Public Af-
fairs office of RAF Croughton. All
photographs are Air Force photographs
unless otherwise indicated.
The PA office can be reached via
mail at 422nd ABS/PA, Unit 5855,
APO, AE 09494, via telephone at 236-
8468 or 01280 708 468; or via e-mail at
422abs.pa@croughton.af.mil.
The deadline for submissions to The
Uplink is no later than close of busi-
ness the Thursday eight days prior to
the desired publication date. Briefs are
due no later than 3 p.m. the Wednesday
nine days prior to the desired publica-
tion date.
Articles must be submitted elec-
tronically with contact information
reference the article directly to the
422nd Air Base Squadron Public Af-
fairs Office via e-mail to 422abs.pa@
croughton.af.mil.
All material is edited for accuracy,
brevity, clarity and conformity to regu-
lations.
Corrections: The 422nd Air Base
Squadron Public Affairs Office strives
for accuracy in each edition of The Up-
link. If an error is noticed, contact The
Uplink staff, 422nd Air Base Squadron
Public Affairs at 236-8468 or 01280
708 468 or via e-mail at 422abs.pa@
croughton.af.mil and a correction will
be published.
Commanders Corner
From 2005 to 2006 …
Col. Vincent D’Angelo
422nd Air Base Group commander
Welcome back and happy New Year
to all! As we start this new year, I want
to share some thoughts with you.
During the holiday period, I made a
number of visits all over the base with
shift workers, gate guards and Airmen
in other functional areas during both
morning and evening hours. I had the
opportunity to talk with our proud Air-
men and am amazed, humbled, hon-
ored and, most of all; thankful for all
that we have here at RAF Croughton.
I am amazed at the great progress
we have made getting our facili-
ties squared away, the big strides in
standardizing, understanding and
tackling head-on our Combat Special
Interest Programs; particularly Combat
Fitness, Combat Intro/Exit, Combat
Proud, and Customer College. I am so
pleased at how well we perform our
primary mission. I am so very proud to
tell you we get very high marks from
the wing commander in all areas!
Many of you have heard me at
commander’s calls and in other venues
talk to our motto of “Raising the Bar”
and “Always Forward.” By stand-
ing up a new wing and transforming
Croughton to a group we have written
a new history for this installation, and
you are all a part of that.
“Always Forward” means continu-
Commander’s Action Line
The Action Line is your direct line
for comments and suggestions on how
to make RAF Croughton a better place
to live and work.
It is also an avenue to resolve is-
sues you have been unable to resolve
through the responsible agency or your
chain of command.
If your concern still can’t be re-
solved, please call the Action Line or
send your concern via e-mail.
Items of interest to all RAF
Croughton readers may be published in
The Uplink.
If you leave your name and tele-
The Uplink
ous improvements in ourselves, the
mission, our processes and the base.
Make no mistake, over the last eight
months we have turned the corner. The
normalization of our processes, orga-
nizations and the effective changes
we’ve made have absolutely made the
difference in our success – we know
there is no turning back.
We’ll continue to train hard, teach,
mentor, perform the missions, deploy
the troops, protect this base, work the
CSIPs, and look for improvements to
all these areas, continuously, so we
can always provide the most effective
support we can to the warfighter.
To have a realistic and relevant
impact on our combat Air Forces, we
must take our missions and under-
standing of them to the next level.
That’s where “Raise the Bar” really
hits home. We’ll keep analyzing our
mission areas, focus on maximizing
our impact to the warfighter and to
raise it to a level that everyone can ap-
preciate at first glance. We’ll continue
to integrate our CSIPs with our limited
manpower, volunteers and organiza-
tions to meet the main objectives set
forth for Croughton by our leadership
in USAFE and the wing.
2005 was a great inaugural year for
the 422nd Air Base Group and Team
Croughton! I look forward to working
with each and every one of you for an
even better year in 2006!
phone number or
e-mail address,
you will receive a
reply. Anonymous
inquiries will not
be published.
Including your
contact informa-
tion will also give Col. Vincent
us a chance to get D’Angelo
more information if needed to solve
the problem.
To submit an Action Line, call 236-
8017 or e-mail 422abg.commanders.
actionline@croughton.af.mil.
Jan. 13, 2006 News
USAFE gets new commander
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) – Gen.
William T. Hobbins assumed command of United States Air
Forces in Europe from Gen. Robert H. “Doc” Foglesong to-
day at a ceremony on Ramstein AB.
General Hobbins, who previously worked as Warfighting
Deputy Chief of Staff for Warfighting Integration, Headquar-
ters U.S. Air Force, and acting Chief of Information Officer
for the office of the Secretary of the Air Force, will begin his
term as USAFE commander just five years after he last left
the command as its director of Aerospace Operations.
“Robbin and I are absolutely thrilled to be back in Ger-
many,” the general said. “We look forward to rekindling the
friendships we shared just a few short years ago.”
During today’s ceremony, General Hobbins shared his ad-
miration for the command’s previous commander, as well as
spoke of his plans for the future.
“In my last function, I found inspiration in the under-
standing that decision superiority is not narrowly about tech-
nology, but broadly about the emerging military response to
the information age,” the general said. “Our history of air
dominance using agile deployability and geographically dis-
persed forces makes complete battlefield awareness essen-
tial for success. My goal is to lead a command instilled with
these world-class information capabilities.”
After assuming command, General Hobbins spoke in
English and German to thank his distinguished guests, in-
cluding Gen. James L. Jones, U.S. European Command
commander; Gen. T. Michael Moseley, chief of staff of the
U.S. Air Force; General Foglesong and his family; as well
local community, state and federal workers, in addition to
the men and women of USAFE.
In his farewell speech, General Foglesong expressed his
admiration for USAFE’s Airmen and the tremendous job
they’ve done during his term as commander.
“We have done great things and I have been privileged
to work with such a fine group; not only of Airmen, but of
Marines, Soldiers, and Sailors as well as our European Al-
lies. We have continued the incredible legacy of accomplish-
ments that NATO has achieved over the last five decades,”
General Foglesong said.
During General Foglesong’s tenure, USAFE stood up the
Air Force’s Warfighting Headquarters and established Cen-
The Uplink 3
ters of Excellence for Expeditionary Operations, Air Domi-
nance and Joint Fires. The general also led a robust theater
security cooperation effort, visited more than 60 countries
and established new relationships in USAFE’s area of
operations. Since taking the USAFE flag, he instituted 15
Combat and Special Interest Programs that have significant-
ly improved mission readiness and quality of life throughout
the command.
As the new USAFE commander, General Hobbins also
has three other titles: commander, Allied Air Component
Command Ramstein; air component commander, U.S. Eu-
ropean Command, Ramstein AB, Germany; and director,
Multinational Joint Air Power Competence Center, Kalkar,
Germany.
General Hobbins is a 1969 Officer Training School gradu-
ate and command pilot with more than 4,275 flying hours.
He entered the Air Force in December 1969 as a graduate
of Officer Training School. He has commanded two tactical
fighter wings and a composite air group. He has served as
the Director of Plans and Operations for U.S. Forces Japan,
Director of Plans and Policy for U.S. Atlantic Command,
and the Director of Operations for U.S. Air Forces in Eu-
rope. As the USAFE Director of Operations, General Hob-
bins was responsible for the planning, beddown and execu-
tion of combat forces in Europe for Operation Allied Force.
While serving as Commander, Air Forces Iceland, he led the
composite wing in the intercept of 80 Soviet bomber aircraft
in nine months. During his tenure as 12th Air Force Com-
mander, General Hobbins deployed the 12th Air Force’s Air
Operations Center to Southwest Asia as operations Endur-
ing Freedom and Iraqi Freedom’s alternate AOC prior to
the beginning of the hostilities. He was confirmed for ap-
pointment to the grade of general and assignment as USAFE
commander on Oct. 28, 2005. General Hobbins now leads
USAFE, which includes more than 32,000 active-duty, re-
serve and civilian members.
USAFE’s mission is to plan, conduct and coordinate of-
fensive and defensive air operations based on tasks assigned
by the U.S. EUCOM commander. The command’s diverse
responsibilities also include in-theater airlift and air refuel-
ing operations, and encompass 23 million square miles, from
Greenland to Russia and Norway to Africa.

Air Force declares F-22 operational

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE,
Va. - The Air Force’s most advanced
weapon system is ready for combat,
Air Force officials here announced
Dec. 16.
In reaching initial operational capa-
bility, the F-22A Raptor has been certi-
fied ready for employment.
Declaring the transformational
fighter IOC means the Raptor’s proven
capabilities are now available for use
in combat around the globe and are
supported by a properly trained and
equipped force. It also means the air-
craft is qualified to perform homeland
defense missions when required. In
the words of Gen. Ronald E. Keys, Air
Combat Command commander, “If we
go to war tomorrow, the Raptor will go
with us.”
“F-22A IOC means our warfighters
now have an unprecedented lethal mix
of air-to-air and air-to-ground capa-
bilities at their disposal,” General Keys
said. “The Raptor’s cutting-edge tech
See F-22 on Page 4
4 Jan. 13, 2006
News Briefs
New clinic hours
The RAF Croughton Clinic
will start new operating hours
Wednesday. They are as fol-
lows:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
and Friday the clinic will be
open from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.
and again from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday the clinic will
open at 7:30 a.m. and close at
12:30 p.m. for training.
Patients are reminded to
dial 911 on base for emergen-
cies and 999 off base. The
Nurse Advice Line is available
at 0800 896 409. After hours
medical providers can be con-
tacted at 07718 512 741.
Commanders call
The 422nd Air Base Group
will have a commanders call
Feb. 3 at 8 a.m. in the Commu-
nity Center.
Retiree office
The Retiree Office is now
located in Building 72. The of-
fice is open Tuesday through
Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information, contact
the office at 236-8182.
CAS information
Information for Croughton
American School is now avail-
able online at www.crou-ems.
eu.dodea.edu.
Property marking
Ministry of Defence Po-
lice Constable Keith Herring
is offering a property marking
scheme to help recover lost or
stolen property. For more infor-
mation or to make an appoint-
ment, contact Constable Her-
ring at 01869 360 693 or at 14
Davis Garden in Caversfield.
News
Mission
Continued from Page 1
“where and what” the Air Force accom-
plishes on a daily basis:
The mission of the United States Air
Force is to deliver sovereign options for
the defense of the United States of Amer-
ica and its global interests -- to fly and
fight in Air, Space, and Cyberspace.
The statement includes two new con-
cepts, “sovereign options” and “cyber-
space,” which the secretary and chief
defined.
They said having sovereign options is
the essence of being a superpower.
“Our task is to provide the National
Command Authority and the combatant
commanders with an array of options ...
options that are not limited by the tyr-
anny of distance, the urgency of time, or
the strength of our enemy’s defenses,”
they said.
“With one hand the Air Force can de-
liver humanitarian assistance to the far-
thest reaches of the globe, while with the
other hand we can destroy a target any-
F-22
Continued from Page 3
nology brings us continued joint air
dominance despite advancing enemy
threats.”
Reaching the IOC milestone culmi-
nates a collaborative effort between Air
Force organizations and the service’s
industry partners over the past 25 years.
The road to IOC included the F-22A Sys-
tem Program Office turning Air Force re-
quirements into a successful acquisition
program; developmental flight test and
evaluation, simulation and ground test-
ing at Edwards AFB, Calif., and Eglin
AFB, Fla.; engine testing at Arnold AFB,
Tenn.; missile testing at Holloman AFB,
N.M., and over the Pacific Test Range;
tactics development at Nellis AFB, Nev.;
pilot and maintenance training at Tyndall
AFB, Fla.; and deployability here.
“The F-22A fulfills a long quest to
bring fifth-generation capabilities of
stealth, supercruise and precision to the
warfighter today and 30 years from to-
The Uplink
where in the world.”
The term cyberspace includes net-
work security, data transmission and the
sharing of information.
“We have quite a few of our Airmen
dedicated to cyberspace ... from security
awareness, making sure the networks
can’t be penetrated, as well as figuring
out countermeasures,” Secretary Wynne
said. “The Air Force is a natural leader in
the cyber world and we thought it would
be best to recognize that talent.”
Adversaries of the United States will
use any method or venue necessary to
contest America, and it is an Airman’s
calling to dominate air, space and cyber-
space, the leaders said.
“If we can decisively and consistently
dominate our assigned commons, then
we will deter countless conflicts,” they
said. “If our enemies are foolish and un-
derestimate our resolve, then we will fly,
fight, and destroy them.”
Using past air power pioneers as ex-
amples of understanding the mission,
they said, “Our new mission statement
has evolved over time, but it does not
change the nature of who we are or what
we do.”
day,” General Keys said. “Now that we
have met our first promised milestone of
a fully capable, multimission platform
ready for combat, we are already fo-
cused on furthering our integrated tactics
development, refining our deployability,
and growing and training our force.”
Designed to ensure America’s air dom-
inance, the F-22A will ensure U.S. joint
forces’ freedom from attack and freedom
to attack, even as adversaries advance
their weapons and technologies.
“As I told (Air Force Chief of Staff)
Gen. (T. Michael) Moseley, he and I have
spent our lifetime executing, instructing,
and providing air dominance for the joint
force. Lamentably, we have never been
privileged to hold a weapon like this in
our hands. After reviewing our test re-
sults, seeing our operational deployment
performance and talking to the pilots that
will go to war with it, I am confident that
the F-22A joins the combat force at a far
more mature and capable level than any
of our previous great aircraft, and will
take its rightful place in a long line of
U.S. Air Force legends of the air,” said
the general.
Jan. 13, 2006 Recognition The Uplink 5
Unit and job title: 422nd ABS, NCO
in charge of military pay

Time in service: 5 years, 2 months

Time on station: 1 year, 6 months

Family: None

Hobbies: Going to the gym

Supervisor’s quote: “Sergeant Tilman Staff Sgt. Sophia Tilman

continually exceeds all my expecta-
tions. She is solely responsible for
ensuring every military member
stationed at RAF Croughton is paid
correctly. If you have a problem with
your pay, she’ll fix it.”

How do you support the RAF

Croughton mission? By giving the
best customer support possible and
ensuring each military member here
and in the London area receives proper
pay entitlements on time.

If you could do one thing to improve

Croughton, what would it be? “I
would expand the Base Exchange to The Spotlight On ... is intended to recognize technical sergeants and below who
allow for a great selection, especially epitomize what it means to be a part of Team Croughton. Submissions must be
in our uniform items.” sent to 422abs.pa@croughton.af.mil by squadron superintendents.

Congratulations to the following Airmen for the promotions

they will receive in January

Airman 1st Class Staff Sergeant

Miguel Almenara Delia Menchaca
422nd Communications Squadron 422nd CS

Adriano Delgado-Garcia
422nd CS Technical Sergeant
William Stevens
422nd SFS
Senior Airman
George Gregg
Jonathan Cissna 422nd Civil Engineer Squadron
422nd CS
Joseph Carter
422nd CS
6 Jan. 13, 2006
SAINT OR SINNER? Airman drives, receives fine
Paul Kyberd
422nd Air Base Group
In August, two Airmen from RAF
Fairford went to Swindon. During the
evening they visited a number of pubs.
They traveled from Fairford in a
private vehicle owned by one of the
Airmen. During the early evening, the
passenger noticed his colleague – the
driver – was drinking. The Airman
voiced his objection, warning the
driver of the consequences of driving
under the influence. When the driver
had another drink, the passenger de-
manded the car keys.
The remainder of the evening was
spent enjoying themselves in the
town, and just around midnight they
departed Swindon to return to base.
The sober passenger drove the vehicle,
intending to prevent any DUI involv-
ing his colleague.
The Airman is a Saint! All the edu-
cation the military give us relating to
the dangers of DUIs has worked: Air-
men Against Drunk Driving and, even
more importantly, Combat Wingman.
The Airman should be rewarded for
his acts that evening and for looking
out for his wingman.
However, the story doesn’t end
there. On the way home, the Airman
was driving slowly in Swindon be-
cause he didn’t know the area and was
getting directions from his colleague
who had been driving. Because the car
was going at such a slow speed, the
police in Swindon suspected drunk
driving and stopped the vehicle.
The police officers questioned both
the driver and the passenger. The
Airmen explained the situation to the
police who in turn conducted a breath
test on both of them. The driver, who
had not consumed any alcohol that
evening, tested negative. The passen-
ger, on the other hand, tested positive.
Because he wasn’t driving, he didn’t
commit an offense. That is proof of
AADD and Combat Wingman efforts
to save an Airman from a possible
conviction for DUI.
Morally, the sober Airman did the
right thing. If he had allowed his col-
Commentary
league to drive, the other
Airman would have been
arrested for DUI, charged,
convicted, fined and
disqualified from driving.
His career in the Air Force
could have been harmed.
Is the Airman who drove a
saint or what?
Now we come to the
sinner part. On the legal
side of things, unfortu-
nately, the driver was not
covered by insurance to
drive this particular vehicle. In the UK
the vehicle is insured and only persons
named on the insurance may drive the
vehicle. In the eyes of the UK law,
driving without proper insurance is
a serious offence, punishable with a
hefty financial penalty.
So what did the police do? They
waited until the other Airman was so-
ber enough to take another breath test.
After about half an hour he was found
to be below the prescribed legal limit
and was allowed to drive his vehicle
back to the base.
The driver received a summons to
appear at Swindon Magistrates Court
for driving a vehicle without insur-
ance. He was found guilty because
the law imposes strict liability: he was
definitely driving the vehicle and there
was no insurance to cover him.
On one hand the sober Airman is a
saint following the military policy on
helping a colleague; on the other hand
he’s a sinner because he didn’t follow
host nation laws.
Attempts to get the case dropped
or waived failed. On legal advice, he
pleaded guilty to the charge. The court
sympathized with him but had no op-
tion but to fine him and give him six
points on his license. They fined him
the minimum they could: 100 pounds
plus court costs of 34 pounds.
The moral of this story has many
parts.
I f you are the designated driver
you don’t drink. Failing to follow
the plan affected both Airmen. The
Airman who drank could have com-
mitted a serious offense if his wing-
The Uplink
man hadn’t been ready to step in. At
the same time, the driver who drank
unwittingly put his fellow Airman into
a position where the sober Airman’s
good deed was rewarded with a fine
and points against his license.
M ake sure you are legally able
to drive the vehicle. The
United Kingdom Road Traffic Act of
1988 prohibits a person from driving a
car on the roads unless there is an in-
surance policy in force “in relation to
the use of the vehicle by that person.”
Most insurance companies in the UK
only insure vehicles with drivers who
are listed by name. In general, if you
have a vehicle insured with ‘liability
only’ then you will find that it is the
only vehicle you can drive.
I f you lend a car to a friend, ensure
that the friend is legally allowed
to drive it. If you, as the owner of a
vehicle, allow someone else to drive it
and he or she is not included in your
insurance coverage, then you may be
committing the offense of allowing or
permitting someone to use a vehicle
without any insurance. That can also
lead to a large fine.
T hink of alternatives if you find
yourself in an unexpected situ-
ation. Having taken the driver’s keys,
the sober Airman could have tele-
phoned Airmen Against Drunk Driv-
ing or a buddy for a ride.
If this situation ever happens to
you, be aware of the potential conse-
quences. Despite the best intentions of
helping out a friend, failing to think
ahead and ensure that a person is
legally authorized to drive a particular
car could turn a saint into a sinner.
Jan. 13, 2006 Commentary
Some thoughts for the future
501st CSW command chief shares ways to achieve, maintain resolutions
Chief Master Sgt. Bobby Dandridge
501st Combat Support Wing command chief
As we look beyond the 2005 holiday season, thousands
of military-connected people will make goals for the New
Year – many of which will quickly be forgotten. While
some resolve to do their share in helping the less fortunate,
others wish for promotion, love or more money. What
promises have you made to yourself for this year? Here are
some tips I am sure will help during your quest for success
in 2006. Understand that arriving at one goal is the starting
point to another. Here are some thoughts for the future!
Keep your spouse and personal life happy:
I believe anyone who wants to achieve their goals needs
an excellent partner on their side … whether it’s a spouse,
another family member or a significant other. Remember,
we all need someone we can share our lives with and those
special people can in-turn provide comfort, guidance, moti-
vation and encouragement.
Focus on your goals: Then work hard at obtaining
results. In 1970, Kenneth Cooper came out with his well-
known point system for figuring out how much aerobic
exercise we get for jogging, swimming and other exercises.
We could go and run around the block and say, “Boy! I re-
ally feel great!”
But Cooper changed that. Suddenly, there was an easy-
to-understand, foolproof way to determine how much
cardiovascular benefit we were really getting from those
jogs around the block. He told us how many points we got
for every exercise and how many points we needed each
week to maintain good cardiovascular fitness. No ifs, ands
or buts. Cooper’s goal changed the way our Air Force ad-
dressed fitness. If this is your goal, consider visiting the
Health and Wellness Center to better prepare yourself for
2006.
Work hard to attract mentors: Getting a mentor
means more than saying, “I want you for my mentor.” By
working hard and performing well, you’ll be amazed at the
number of people who will want to make themselves avail-
able to you. Do your duty in all things and it will determine
your destiny.
Learn different leadership styles: Take the
example of Alexander the Great, who in the year 331 led
his troops across a hot and desolate plain. After 11 days out,
he and all the soldiers were near death from thirst. Alex-
ander pressed on. At midday, two scouts brought him what
little water they had been able to find. It hardly filled a cup.
Alexander’s troops stood back and watched as he poured
the water into the hot sand. He said, “It’s of no use for one
to drink when many thirst.” Being a leader, Alexander gave
his followers the only thing he had: inspiration.
In 1940, Winston Churchill took command of a nation
The Uplink 7
that had drifted into
near defeat. With his
resolve and eloquence,
he turned it into a
fighting force. Britain
under Churchill had no
more tanks or planes at
first than it had un-
der Chamberlain. But
Churchill’s Britain was
a far more formidable
nation because of his
leadership.
My last point: work
to become a life-long
student of leadership. Chief Master Sgt.
Use your personal Bobby Dandridge
knowledge, experi-
ence and education to become the leader your supervisor,
co-workers and commanders know you will be. We trust
you to lead our number one resource [your people] toward
successful completion of tasks, mission, family and com-
munity dealings.
Keep learning about people and life: Just be-
cause you’re out of college or reached the highest rank you
may obtain doesn’t mean learning should stop. People who
realize this tend to succeed and manage better than others.
People seldom improve when they have no other model but
themselves to copy.
Take care of others: Many of us have been TDY
during the holidays or will go in the near future. However,
their children, spouses and friends are here at home. Show
your concern by helping them the same way you would
your own family. No, it isn’t a mandatory thing, but it is
the right thing to do. If the shoe was on the other foot, we
would want to know that someone cares about our family
and us. Take the time to be there for them. This is espe-
cially true for personnel who just arrived in the United
Kingdom. For some, it’s their first time away from home.
Show them you care by accepting them as a member of
Team 501st’s finest.
Be thankful for what you’ve received: Holidays
are a time for rejoicing and sharing time with family and
friends. If someone gives you a gift, it’s the thought that
counts. Not the price tag on the gift. Everyone’s budget
isn’t the same. Some can afford to do things better than oth-
ers … that’s a part of life that will never change. Again, we
should focus on why the gift was given and what it really
meant. In 2006 let’s resolve to have a better knowledge of
others and ourselves. By acting on what we learn we’ll trust
ourselves and others more, and we can make our base a bet-
ter place to call home!
8 Jan. 13, 2006 Commentary The Uplink

CSIP AF Mission statement changes

POCs Michael W. Wynne the other we can destroy a target anywhere
Combat Education Secretary of the Air Force in the world. This is the meaning of sov-
Tech. Sgt. ereign options and the essence of being a
Ronald Tucker Gen. T. Michael Moseley superpower. We will be the best at what we
Chief of Staff of the Air Force do, and we will accomplish our mission as
236-8620
part of a joint, coalition team.
Combat Fitness Almost 60 years ago the president and Our adversaries will contest us across
Master Sgt. Congress created our Air Force. The world all of the domains: land, sea, air, space and
Dan Gallagher we live in today has changed dramatically cyberspace. As Airmen, it is our calling
236-8541 over those six decades. Today, our world to dominate air, space and cyberspace. If
Combat Intro/Exit is fast paced, constantly shifting and filled we can decisively and consistently control
Master Sgt. with a wide range of challenges. Our mis- these commons, then we will deter count-
William Franklin sion is our guiding compass, and now more less conflicts. If our enemies underestimate
236-8228 than ever we need it to be clear and pre- our resolve; then we will fly, fight and
Combat Nighthawk cise. Therefore, we have rewritten the Air destroy them.
Force’s mission statement to define where The pioneers of airpower – Billy Mitch-
1st Lt. Chad Johnson
and what we do … ell, Hap Arnold, Curtis LeMay, Bennie
236-8191 The mission of the United States Air Schriever – knew what their mission was: to
Combat Proud Force is to deliver sovereign options for fly and fight wherever our nation calls. The
Master Sgt. the defense of the United States of Ameri- Air Force’s mission statement has evolved
Martin Jimenez ca and its global interests – to fly and fight over time, but it does not change the nature
236-8754 in Air, Space and Cyberspace. of who we are or what we do. Our heritage
Combat Touch Our task is to provide the president, the has given us a limitless horizon. Just as
Chaplain (Capt.) combatant commanders and our nation our predecessors did in the past, we will
Eddie Jones with an array of options … options that continue to fly, to fight and to win wherever
236-8287 are not limited by the tyranny of distance, we are called.
the urgency of time or the strength of our We are the greatest Air Force in the
Hidden Heroes
enemy’s defenses. With one hand the Air world, because of you … because of your
Master Sgt. Force can deliver humanitarian assistance to sacrifice, dedication and skill. Keep up the
James Foreman the farthest reaches of the globe, while with great work!
236-8584
Project CHEER Free speech doesn’t mean careless talk
Hannah Slatter
236-8294 2nd Lt. Daniel Fulk tive mission-related information be sent to a
Project Wizard 501st Combat Support Wing personal e-mail address. For a copy of your
Evette Pearson CIL, contact your OPSEC manager.
The conclusion of the Cold War fostered Shred 100 percent of paper containing
236-8245
a perception that security practices are not as personal information such as social security
Project SMART important as they once were. That is simply numbers, addresses, etc. Our adversaries are
Tech. Sgt. Justin Grant not true. Operations Security is just as criti- not only the ones who would like to sabo-
236-8580 cal now as it was in the days of superpower tage our military operations. Criminals can
Customer College confrontation. Potential adversaries may be use your personal information to gain access
2nd Lt. Amanda Phelps different, but intelligence collection efforts to your finances.
236-8375 against the United States continue. Adhere to USAFE’s electronic device
Combat Care The following are steps we can take to en- policy which states: “Cellular phones, two-
Capt. Michele Ashley sure the integrity of our operations: way radios, beepers and any other electronic
236-8371 Use the “OPSEC Check” mental button equipment that can receive and transmit a
before sending an e-mail. Information from signal are prohibited in all staff offices where
Project Connect
Critical Information Lists may be discussed sensitive information may be discussed.”
Col. Vincent D’Angelo via NIPRNET when restricted to your base Refrain from discussing critical infor-
236-8974 domain. However, information sent to ad- mation in public. Personal Web pages, res-
Combat Wingman dresses outside the base firewall is more taurants and nightclubs are not secure envi-
1st Lt. Tim Soehner vulnerable to interception, thus e-mails con- ronments. However, they are prime targets
236-8220 taining CIL data must be communicated via for our adversaries to obtain desired infor-
SIPRNET. Finally, at no time should sensi- mation.
Jan. 13, 2006 Sports The Uplink 9

Photo by Staff Sgt. Chris Stagner

Devin White, son of Terri and Tech. Sgt. Darrin Ryan Bond, son of Karen and Master Sgt. Roger
White at RAF Fairford, writes down the answer to a Bond at Fairford, won the bee. He will now com-
question on his way to finishing as the runner up at pete at the DoDDS level. If he wins there, he will go
the Croughton American School Geography Bee. to the national championship in Washington D.C.

Students compete at Geography Bee

Staff Sgt. Chris Stagner
422nd ABS Public Affairs
The imperial cities of Fez, Meknes
and Marrakech attract tourists to
which country in North Africa?
Community gardens dot the land-
scape in Ljubljana, the capital of which
European country?
Which country is bordered by the
Guld of Gdansk to the north and the
Carpathian Mountains to the south?
These were some of the questions
that were asked or could have been
asked at the Croughton American
School Geography Bee on Monday.
Ryan Bond, son of Karen and Mas-
ter Sgt. Roger Bond from RAF Fairford
won the bee, earning him the privilege
of representing the school against all
Ryan and Devin White, son of Terri and
Geo Bee Finalists Tech. Sgt. Darrin White from Fairford.
With both finalists having already
answered one question each incorrectly,
Austin Ryan Rowe
the format at the end changed. The stu-
Bailey Unique
dents were asked three questions and,
Sarah Pace Pumphrey
the one with the most correct answers
Devin White Isaac Combs
of the three won.
Mark Tallent Alexes
After Ryan won, he was presented
Jordan Liggins
with a medal, shirt and game. With a
Rowe Ryan Bond
large smile on his face, the 11 year old
said, “I feel great. I feel really lucky.”
It wasn’t all luck for him, though,
other Department of Defense Schools. some of it was pure guts.
The competition started Dec. 9 with “Answering the questions was tough,
30 students and was narrowed to Mon- because I was real nervous,” he said.
day’s field of 10. Students were elimi- Now that Ryan has won the bee lo-
nated after answering two questions cally, he will take a written test to com-
incorrectly. pete against other schools. If he scores
After the elimination of the other high enough, he will represent DoDDS
eight competitors, it came down to at the national championship.
10 Jan. 13, 2006
School Age
Program
236-8545
Read By Mail
The School Age Program
is providing a no-cost pro-
gram for children in kinder-
garten to 8th grade. Children
can choose from 1,000s of
titles to create their own
reading lists. They earn
points and rewards for liter-
ary progress. For more infor-
mation, contact Janet Evans.
Chapel
236-8287
Catholic services:
Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
Monday through Wednes-
day and Friday at noon
Communion Service is
Thursday at noon
Religious education is ev-
ery Sunday from 11 a.m. to
noon at Croughton Ameri-
can School.
Protestant services:
General Protestant Wor-
ship is every Sunday at
11 a.m.
Sunday school is every
Sunday at Croughton Amer-
ican School from 9:30 to
10:30 a.m.
The Protestant Youth
Group meets every Sunday
at 2:30 p.m. in the Chapel
Annex. For more informa-
tion, contact 1st Lt. Chad
Johnson at 236-8191.
General Chapel Infor-
mation:
Christian Men’s Lun-
cheon and Bible Study meets
in the Chapel Annex every
Wednesday at noon.
The Dorm Dinners are
held the fourth Tuesday of
each month at 6 p.m.
Catholic Parish Council
Meetings take place every
month on the Monday be-
fore the last Sunday.
Community The Uplink
Photo by Staff Sgt. Chris Stagner
‘I want to hear Feliz Navidad!’
Master Sgt. Cindy Swanson, member of the USAFE Woodwind Quintet,
plays the oboe at the Consolidated Club. The quintet provided Christmas
background music for a Project Cheer event at the club and played at an
assisted living home in Brackley.
Protestant Parish Advi-
sory Council Meetings take
Community Vet Clinic
place every other month on Center 226-7097
the second Sunday. The next
meeting is Nov. 13.
236-8706 Veterinarian
Protestant Parish Advi- The Feltwell Vet Clinic
sory Council Meetings take Great Western De- will visit RAF Croughton
place every other month on signer Outlet Village on Feb. 15 to provide ani-
the second Sunday. The Community Center mal health care appoint-
will host a trip to the Great ments. Services offered in-
Consolidated Western Designer Outlet clude vaccinations, micro
Village in Swindon on Jan. chipping, health certificates,
Club 22. The cost for the trip is de-worming and heartworm
$12 for adults and $6 for preventive medication.
236-8432 children. Transportation will
Croughton Idol depart RAF Croughton at Human
‘Croughton Idol’ will be 9 a.m. and Caversfield at
Jan. 20 at 8 p.m. Admission 9:20 a.m. Resources
is free. To register to com- Chinese New Year 236-8298
pete or for more informa- The Community Center
tion, contact the club. will host a trip to the China- The 422nd Air Base
Football Frenzy town area of London on Jan. Squadron Services Flight has
The club hosts Football 29 to celebrate the Chinese job opportunities available.
Frenzy every Sunday at New Year and the ‘Year of Jobs are currently available
6 p.m. NFL games will be the Dog.’ Cost for the trip at the Child Development
played on big-screen TVs. is $20 for adults and $10 for Center, Consolidated Club,
Prizes will be given every children. Transportation will Bowling Center, Youth Cen-
week with the opportunity to depart RAF Croughton at ter and Lodging. Pay rates
win a trip to the Super Bowl 8 a.m. and Caversfield at range from $6.97 to $9.01
or Pro Bowl. 8:20 a.m. per hour.
Jan. 13, 2006 Lighter Side The Uplink 11
ACROSS 30. Approves 4. Rose
1. Fringe 31. Atlantic Ocean sea in north- 5. Beetle Bailey’s
4. Cable movie channel ern Europe Walker
7. Swab 33. Mocked 6. Mass. politician
10. Fancy mushrooms 36. Forget Rufus
11. Law & Order actress Elisa- 37. Brook 7. West Africa
beth 40. Neither’s partner country
13. Undoing 42. Bad review 8. Atop
14. Rope plant 43. Unused 9. Slave
15. Car racing league 45. AFRC commander 10. 1, 2, Step sing-
16. Singing voice 49. ___ Domini er
17. Dab 50. Hearing instrument 12. AMC com-
18. Banister 51. Western Saharan river Rio mander
20. Anger de __ 13. Thai currency
21. Quaff 52. Roman garb 14. ___ and Span
23. Tense 55. Lullaby cleaner
24. AFMC commander 57. Mork’s home world 19. Gitmo home
26. Wane 58. Grad 21. Question
27. USAF Intel org. 59. Obstruct 22. ___ Angeles
60. Lake transport 25. Deposit
62. ACC commander 27. Cash machine
63. Zeus’ wife 28. 3, to Julius Cae-
64. Dutch colonist in sar
South Africa 29. Perform
65. Goddess of the 32. AFSPC com-
dawn mander
66. Boat handling term 33. Cleo killer
67. Cunning 34. School org.
35. Sea bird 44. AFSOC commander 53. Margarine
DOWN 38. Actress Heche 45. Panhandler 54. ___ and Dolls
1. PACAF commander 39. Person having admirable 46. AETC commander 56. Northern Lights writer
2. Federal environmen- characteristics 47. Mistake Roberts
tal org. 40. Gun lobby 48. Coupling 60. NBC rival
3. Singer Torme 41. Paddle 49. Item for 45 DOWN 61. Eathlink competitor
Dec. 9 Solutions 52. Grab

And the survey says ...

What is your New Years resolution?

Tech. Sgt. Natalie Reyes Kevin Bartolf Staff Sgt.

Robert Ashley
422nd CS
“I quit making New
Year’s resolutions a long
time ago, because I never
stuck to them. I decided to
quit lying to myself.”
Scott Baker
422nd ABS Royal Air Force Ministry 422nd ABS
of Defence Personnel
“My New Year’s resolu- Office “My main focus for the
tion is to save money and New Year is to make tech.”
invest more aggressively.” “I don’t even bother
with them actually. I just
don’t think about them.”