Hawaii National Guard’s partnership showcased during exercise Balikatan 2017

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Andrew Jackson | Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines finish constructing a collapsed structure shoring system during a subject matter expert exchange in support of Balikatan 2017 at Fort Magsaysay in Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija, May 8, 2017. These skills ensure that first responders and military members can secure and remove victims during a real-life crisis. Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine bilateral military exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and counterterrorism. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew L. Jackson)

PHILIPPINES
05.13.2017
Story by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Jackson
State of Hawaii, Department of Defense, Public Affairs Office

One of the key themes of the 2017 iteration of Balikatan, the annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral training event, was Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Recovery (HA/DR). The Hawaii National Guard’s Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosive (CBRNE) - Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) Search and Extraction team has been participating in Balikatan since 2011. The CERFP’s Soldiers and Airmen have been working alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines 525th Engineering Battalion and growing each other’s mastery of search and rescue techniques through Subject Matter Exchanges.

“The main goal for me, is that we operate as a team,” said Major James Kanoholani, Officer in Charge, Hawaii National Guard CERFP. “We speak the same language. We use the same techniques so that when the event comes, it will be that much easier to react.”

Each year, both forces bring new techniques that they have learned over the past twelve months to share with each other. Once this knowledge is reviewed and discussed, the skills are then demonstrated, establishing a base-line skill set. All of the training events are very hands-on with very limited lecture. This year soldiers from the AFP’s 2nd, 7th, and 9th infantry divisions along with Sailors, Airmen and Marines from throughout the AFP, participated in the HA/DR search and extraction exercise at Fort Magsaysay, north of Manila. The training facility used this year was an disused hospital site, perfect for standing in as a collapsed structure.

The HING brought 26 soldiers and three Airmen while over 170 members of the AFP participated. Some of the HA/DR activities conducted included: rescue skills such as rope rescue, collapsed structure shoring, manual lifting and hauling techniques, breaching and breaking, and medical treatment of victims. The medical portion of the exchange and training was bolstered as well. A course was added to the curriculum and was taught by three Hawaii Air Guardsmen from the 154th Wing’s, Detachment 1, a unit that makes up the medical treatment arm of the HING’s CERFP team.

“Since this is a HA/DR exercise, and at the CERFP, that is our primary focus because we are the disaster recovery team for the state of Hawaii,” said Master Sgt. Jared Mina, 154th Wing, Detachment 1, Search and Extraction Rescue Operations. “What we bring to the table as the Search and Extraction Rescue Operations group, are full time Emergency Medical Technicians, firefighters, and some paramedics. Plus we are qualified in rope rescue and hazardous material operations. We can operate in the disaster area and in a chem-bio CBRN environment. Those are the skills we are sharing with the AFP to make their overall capability greater. In-turn they are also sharing their capabilities with us, it has been a very good Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE).”

The Balikatan HA/DR portion of the exercise is conducted in a round robin format with small groups. Each spending a day on one of the rescue skill stations performing skill checks for the rescue experts from the 525th and the HING. The next day brings another skill to the forefront.

Disaster recovery in Hawaii is the mission of the state’s National Guard and the CERFP is at the center of that effort. They spend months each year training and maintaining individual proficiency while preparing to respond to a natural disaster, both no-warning events like tsunamis and earthquakes, to hurricanes. For members of the Hawaii Army National Guard, this is actually their secondary duty. They all belong to other units and are required to keep up proficiency in both aspects of their guard jobs, which for most of them is in traditional or part-time status.

The Hawaii National Guard is a force with two main missions, Federal and State. Their federal mission is national security and the state mission is supporting the state during times of emergency. All the while, Hawaii and the Philippines share in their vulnerabilities to certain types of natural disasters, namely hurricanes or typhoons, earthquakes, and tsunamis. They also have similar climates and many members of the HING are of Filipino descent, making the partnership more like a close friendship.

“This is going to help us by not only keeping our training current but also developing a camaraderie with the AFP,” said Sgt. Kage Fergerstrom, Hawaii CERFP. “So if we need to respond here, we already have a good rapport between our two nations.”

Throughout the exchange, safety was on everyone’s mind. Making sure all the participants were properly protected and well hydrated.

“The safety of the rescuer always comes first,” said Sgt. Fergerstrom. “The safety of the team and then the safety of the victim. We always want to make sure we are safe so that we do not become an extra victim.”

During the closing days of the week long SMEE, Brig. Gen. Keith Tamashiro, HIARNG Commander, Brig. Gen. Stephen L.A. Michael, 25th Inf. Div., the AFP and leaders from other countries all toured the site to see the capabilities of the HING and AFP soldiers. This was followed by a media day where over 70 international, national and local journalists were invited to witness the types of HA/DR techniques that had been rehearsed during the 2017 iteration of Balikatan.

Dueling duo teaches TLR Airmen resilience through martial arts

Photo By Airman 1st Class Kevin Sommer Giron | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Peter Beyer, 19th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, teaches Airmen Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Monday—Thursday at the Fitness Center on Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Beyer has trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for seven years and has acquired a purple belt in the martial art. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kevin Sommer Giron)

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE , AR, UNITED STATES
05.08.2017
Story by Airman 1st Class Kevin Sommer Giron
19th Airlift Wing


“Imagine running around in a storm, not knowing what to do or what’s going on,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Peter Beyer, 19th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter. “For some people, that’s what starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training might feel like, but if you trust in your instructors and your peers, you’ll soon learn how to take cover from the storm.”

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or BJJ, is a submission-based martial art focused on groundwork and grappling. While it can be challenging, it can also lead to an overwhelming sense of confidence and physical ability.

Beyer and his wife Letia Eclavea, University of Maryland University College student, share a passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and host free training lessons Monday through Thursday at the Fitness Center on Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.

Beyer has trained in BJJ for seven years, acquiring a purple belt in the martial art. His technique is methodic and his instruction is as calm as his persona.

However growing up in Hawaii, he often found himself grappling with unwanted confrontation.

“I fought a lot when I was younger,” Beyer said. “I was bullied, and I always stepped in for others who were too. I won and lost fights until I got to a point where I needed to learn how to defend myself properly.”

Beyer eventually joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan. While living in the dormitories, he attended a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class where he not only fell in love with the craft, but also with a charismatic girl from Guam.

Eclavea, a vibrant Guamanian gold medalist, began her passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as a bucket list item. Initially thinking she would try it once or twice, the humbling experience captivated her from the start.

“It gave me a sense of humility,” Eclavea said. “I walked in my first day thinking I was better than people who had been doing it for way longer. But every single time someone beat me, I was humbled.”

Now a 16-time gold medalist who has competed in various tournaments and world trials, Enclavea dedicates her time to train others with her equally committed husband.

“Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teaches technique over strength and power,” Beyer said. “It teaches that even if you are a small guy, you can beat a bigger opponent. It’s almost like a maze. Sometimes you’ll run into a dead end, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. There is always another way around.”

They also teach life skills their students can apply both on and off the mat. The duo teaches others how to control their anger, not to take things personally and to let life take its course while having a positive attitude.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu stimulates the mind, body and spirit while creating social bonds which strengthen the four pillars of Comprehensive Airman Fitness. CAF is a program built to sustain a thriving and resilient Air Force community through mental, physical, social and spiritual fitness.

“It definitely helps you become more resilient,” Beyer said. “You get beat up sometimes, but you just have to keep coming back. A lot of people develop a drive, especially service members who are always striving to get to the next rank or complete training. It’s a really good challenge for those who are driven in their military career."

Beyer and Eclavea instruct and train as a team, providing an uplifting atmosphere filled with music and hands on instruction.

“Our main purpose for the class is to create a family environment and to open up a program where people can have an outlet to relieve stress, have fun and get them out of their dorms,” Eclavea said.

Classes are free and available to everyone from 6 -- 7:30 p.m., Monday—Thursday in the Fitness Center racquetball room.

Fort Lee emergency medic always on point

Photo By Terrance Bell | Fort Lee firefighter and paramedic Stephen Steele, Jr., stands by an ambulance he works on from fire station 2 and assists patients with medical care during transport to a medical facility.

UNITED STATES
05.11.2017
Story by Lesley Atkinson
U.S. Army Garrison Fort Lee Public Affairs
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FORT LEE, Va. (May 11, 2017) -- Fellow workers describe fifth-generation firefighter Stephen Steele Jr. as “one of the best emergency medics at Fort Lee.”

Setting aside the hard-to-overlook fact that he has been in the business since age 12, Steele’s professional qualifications speak for themselves. He is a nationally registered paramedic with certifications in nine associated specialties that qualify him as an instructor and emergency medical technician. He is a member of the HAZMAT team and serves as the supply coordinator for the department.

“Emergency response is in my blood,” said the seven-year post employee assigned to Fire Station 2. “I started as a youth volunteer working with my brother and father at a station back home in Long Island, N.Y. As soon as I turned 18, I was hired on as a regular firefighter and have been doing that ever since.”


Work associates also describe Steele as a “quiet professional” who doesn’t always get recognized for his accomplishments because he avoids the limelight. That aspect of his character became evident as he talked about his career and often opted for precise “yes ma’am” responses to probing questions. He said he views such discussions as bragging and chooses to avoid them.

Steele’s transition from New York to Virginia was a cost of living decision. He first settled down in Smithfield and took a job with the Newport News fire department. A few years later, he was hired by the Fort Lee Fire Department.

On duty, Steele works a 48-hour shifts where he alternates between a fire truck and ambulance. Off duty, he spends time with his wife and two children, while maintaining a lawn care business.

One of the aspects he likes most about his emergency response job is being able to interact with other jurisdictions within the community.

“We get many different calls on the emergency service and fireside. It is exciting,” he said. “We sometimes get requests off-post daily. Just recently, we went to Colonial Heights for a serious medical emergency and we ended up transporting the patient for them.”



At Fort Lee, Steele is responsible for the ambulances on post and ensures they are fully stocked and ready to serve the population. During a crisis, he’s in charge of the ambulance and assesses and initiates appropriate medical care and selects the appropriate receiving facility within the local community. Steele also plans EMS training for the unit monthly.

Assistant Fire Chief Christopher Steckel, Training Division Fort Lee Fire and Emergency Services, said Steele is a hard worker who is dedicated to mission success.


“No matter the task is day or night, he completes the duty giving more than what you ask for,” he said. “He is probably the best medic in the organization. He leads, instructs and mentors new medics. I have responded to many calls with Stephen.

“With a life hanging in the balance and the scene sometimes in chaos,” he continued, “Stephen’s professional, confident attitude brings calm to the chaos and reflects on everyone. This aids in scene management and can even save a life.”

Steckel also praised Steele for his commitment to the team, and ever-present smile on his face and a willingness to make time for others. The tight-knit group in the department often compares their co-workers to a family.

Steele said he has no plans of leaving and will continue carrying on his family legacy. He especially enjoys serving veterans.

“It‘s a great feeling,” he said. “They do so much for our country. They deserve the best care possible.”

This is the last installment of a Traveller story series focusing on individuals who work “behind the scenes” at Fort Lee shopping, dining, and recreational facilities.

DOD names CPEN 2016 Fire Department of the Year

Photo By Cpl. Brian Bekkala | Firefighters from the Camp Pendleton Fire Department pack the firetruck up after participating in Wildland Fire Fighting Exercise 2016, near Pulgas Lake on Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 5, 2016. Wildland Firefighting Exercise 2016 is part of an annual training exercise to simulate the firefighting efforts by aviation and ground assets from the Navy, Marine Corps, San Diego County and CAL Fire.  This event is aimed at bringing awareness to this joint capability while also exercising the pilots and operators who conduct firefighting missions.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Bekkala/MCIWEST-MCB CamPen Combat Camera/Released)

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

05.24.2017

Story by Gunnery Sgt. Lynn Kinney 

Marine Corps Installations West - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton  

The Camp Pendleton’s Fire Emergency Services Department was recently recognized as 2016’s Department of Defense Fire Department of the Year in a message released by the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, May 17, 2017.

This is the second time the department was recognized as one of the largest in the DOD and was responsible for more than 3,700 emergency responses, 156 of those being wildland fires, alone. Additionally, the staffs have been working with fire departments in the surrounding communities to maximizing the use of assets and training that lead to the 373 mutual-aid assistance calls supported outside the installation.

Chief Thomas C. Thompson, Camp Pendleton’s fire chief, credits the unit’s success to the individual firefighters and the process improvement they have been doing in the past five years.

“I am surrounded by very cool operators that get to practice their craft,” said Thompson, who is humbled by the recent recognition. “It is a testament to what they do, how they do it and the impact it has to the community.”

Camp Pendleton’s training ground support various tenants, most notably the I Marine Expeditionary Force, a 28 thousand person Marine Air – Ground Task Force, with ranges and wildland spanning over 125,000 acres. 

In addition to the department being recognized, Assistant Chief Jeff Cunliff-Owen was selected as the Fire Officer of the Year for his work as the wildland coordinator. 

The programs he leads in maintenance and suppression training throughout the year ensure each individual firefighter is getting the education and accreditation necessary to support the installation.

“They are the ones that make us look good,” said Cunliff-Owen, a 21 year-firefighter, of the firefighters and captains in the department. “We get it done here because of them. I’m just steering the bus.”

Both career firemen agree on the importance of these individuals to the team’s success, but more than anything wants to do good work. 

“We can see the impact we make every day, said Thompson. “Not every job is like that, and get satisfaction by helping our community and serving our warfighters and families.”

Fort Lee Run for the Fallen -- united in remembrance

Photo By Lesley Atkinson | Patriot Guard Rider, Bobby Lipes, rides his bike around the Williams Stadium track during the 7th annual Run for the Fallen May 20 at Williams Stadium. The Patriot Guard Riders is an organization whose members attend the funerals of members of the U.S. military, firefighters, and police at the invitation of a decedent's family. (Lesley Atkinson, U.S. Army Garrison Public Affairs) 

UNITED STATES
05.25.2017
Story by Lesley Atkinson
U.S. Army Garrison Fort Lee Public Affairs

FORT LEE, Va. (May 25, 2017) -- Williams Stadium was filled Saturday with thousands of participants as they joined in a walk/run to honor service members who have lost their lives while serving the nation in uniform.

The 7th annual Run for the Fallen was coordinated by Army Community Service Survivor Outreach Service Support Team with the help of volunteers and sponsors.

“Today is to remember those fallen heroes,” said Col. Adam Butler, garrison commander during opening remarks. “We recognize not merely their lives lost but more importantly, their lives lived.”

In the stadium, over 700 pictured banners were displayed the remembrance of loved heroes.

“The banners representing the service members are not just a statistic, but a person,” said Butler. “The photos help us consider these heroes more deeply than before.”

Speaker Brig. Gen. Jeffrey W. Drushal, Chief of Transportation, said he was glad to see everyone united in the stadium for a single purpose. He noted he was amazed and hoped this occasion warmed the Gold Star Family members who attended.

Drushal also explained how Run for the Fallen began in 2008 after 1st Lt. Michael J. Cleary was killed in Iraq. It was initiated by a dedicated team of friends and runners who organized a group to run a mile for every military member lost during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Since then, over 50,000 participants have run more than 200,000 miles to raise awareness of lives of those who fought in the war. Also to keep their memories alive, the events support wounded veterans and Gold Star Families and help the healing process of those affected by the war.

Gold Star Family member retired Army 1st Sgt. Aaron Ozbat spoke to the audience on how he is part of an exclusive club.

“However, this is a club I don’t wish on anyone. I did not choose this group, it chose me. I’m a Gold Star father.”

His son Capt. Jesse A. Ozbat was killed in action in Afghanistan five years ago, May 20, 2012, on the very day of this year’s Run for the Fallen.

He spoke about his son growing up on Fort Lee and was part of the community. He attended Prince George High School and later Virginia State University. He was commissioned as an artillery officer in 2006. He noted his son graduated in the top 10 percent of all the cadets in the country.

“I can tell you, my dreams for him were not to be a Soldier,” Ozbat said. “I wanted him to use his full potential outside the military. I told him, ‘I wore the uniform, so you don’t have to.’ His response was, ‘I want to do my part, and I want to stand for freedom. I want to serve so my little brother doesn’t have to.’ What does a father in uniform say to that?”

Ozbat said, “Jesse left his wife, family and everything behind to do his part for freedom.”

The father talked about how proud he is and the love for his son, even before the military.

“I ask you, how can a father, not love a son who gave everything for others? I cannot speak for every Gold Star Family, but there is one thing we all want for our service members … for our loved ones to never be forgotten. Every name, every face, everyone fallen is important.”

Bikers from various organizations attended the event to show their support. The riders normally attend funerals of members of the military, firefighters, and police at the invitation of a decedent’s family. They also led the march around the stadium to start the run. Biker Mel Mason from one of the clubs called Rolling Thunder said this is her sixth year being a part of the event. She noted, “I do this for every Soldier who has fallen and given their life for us. Those who have ridden before us … we ride for them. We are here to represent them.”