New York 914th Fire Emergency Services personnel from the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station assist with sandbagging on the shores of Lake Ontario in Wilson N.Y.

Air Base firefighters assist community

914th ARW Firefighters carrying sandbags and assisting state & county emergency services with installing an Aqua Dam to help protect homes along the Lake Ontario shoreline.

914th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs / Published May 03, 2019

WILSON, N.Y. -- 914th Fire Emergency Services personnel from the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station assist with sandbagging on the shores of Lake Ontario in Wilson N.Y. on May 2, 2019. The air base was called by county emergency managers to assist in mutual aid to help save resident homes from rising water levels. (U.S. Air Force photo by Peter Borys)


914th Fire Emergency Services personnel from the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station  The air base was called by county emergency managers to assist in mutual aid to help save resident homes from rising water levels. (U.S. Air Force photo by Peter Borys)

Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station prime one of two pumps to be used to fill a portable dam on the shores of Lake Ontario in Wilson N.Y. on May 2, 2019. The air base was called by county emergency managers to assist in mutual aid to help save resident homes from rising water levels. (U.S. Air Force photo by Peter Borys)

Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station assist with preparing a portable dam on the shores of Lake Ontario in Wilson N.Y. on May 2, 2019. The air base was called by county emergency managers to assist in mutual aid to help save resident homes from rising water levels. (U.S. Air Force photo by Peter Borys)

(U.S. Air Force photo by Peter Borys)

FORT BENNING, Ga. – The Army at Fort Benning hosted a fun-filled day for families April 27, one that gave kids and others a chance to ride in combat vehicles, weave through an obstacle course, enjoy a cookout, meet friendly firefighters and police officers,

Family Day gives Fort Benning kin fun, food, and friendly contact with Soldiers and first-responders

Photo By Bryan Gatchell | FORT BENNING, Ga. -- A Family tours the inside of an armored vehicle during a family day event hosted by the 198th Infantry Brigade and the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Benning Directorate of Emergency Services April 27 at Sand Hill here.

FORT BENNING, GA, UNITED STATES
04.30.2019
Story by Franklin Fisher
Fort Benning Public Affairs Office 

FORT BENNING, Ga. – The Army at Fort Benning hosted a fun-filled day for families April 27, one that gave kids and others a chance to ride in combat vehicles, weave through an obstacle course, enjoy a cookout, meet friendly firefighters and police officers, and have so much fun with a police car’s public address system that the cops could hardly pry the kids loose from it all.

The event, on a bright sunny Saturday, was hosted by the 198th Infantry Brigade, part of Fort Benning’s Maneuver Center of Excellence, along with the police and fire departments of MCoE’s Directorate of Emergency Services.

The brigade provides initial entry training for enlisted Infantry Soldiers. For that reason, many though not all, of the brigade’s cadre are Drill Sergeants.
“It was a great opportunity for all our cadre to show their families part of what they do on a day to day basis,” said Maj. Jon Godwin, the brigade’s operations officer.

The event ran from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and drew more than 700 Soldiers and family members to the post’s Sand Hill section, where the 198th Infantry Brigade is located. Guests ranged in age from infants to seniors.

“Oh, they had a ball!” Kevin D. Sparks, Patrol Branch Supervisor with DES’s Police Division said of the kids especially. “The fire department put out the jaws of life. They briefed them on what the pumper truck actually does. Some of the older children, they really took a shine to the fire truck.

“And the same thing with the police car – the lights, the sirens, the public address system,” he said. “They liked that, they really liked that. It was hard to get ‘em off of it. They didn’t want to stop talking. Just saying their names, and ‘Hello’ and things like that.” Also a hit with the kids was McGruff the Crime Dog.

The brigade hosts the family day each year, partly to give Soldier families a day of relaxation and fun, but also to help kids get at least some idea of what their Soldier parents do, said Godwin.

“All they really understand is mom and dad get up really early in the morning, put on the uniform, come home, and they really have no grasp of what mom and dad do. So it’s really good family-building,” Godwin said.

So the brigade laid on plenty to see and do.

Guests got to ride for about five minutes in the back of eight-wheeled Stryker armored combat vehicles. And there was a chance to experience rappelling – a method by which Soldiers move down the side of a wall by sliding down a rope. Under careful supervision of brigade cadre, those who wanted got to don a rappelling harness, helmet and gloves and first, as practice, went down a 10-foot wall. Then came the much longer slide down the Eagle Tower, which the brigade uses to build confidence in the Infantry trainees while also teaching them how to rappel.

They also got to try out some of the obstacles used for training new Soldiers, and, inside the brigade’s Engagement Skills Trainer, to fire electronically modified rifles and pistols – no real bullets – at electronic screens displaying target silhouettes. In addition, the brigade set up a display of a weaponry, including various types of automatic weapons and mortars.

And there was the cookout, which was a big hit all by itself.

“We had a cookout going pretty much the whole time – hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks,” said Godwin. “We brought enough food to feed a thousand people and they were completely out of food. They definitely ate everything we cooked.”

Besides affording families a chance to relax, and at same time get a look at what the brigade does, the day had important benefits from the perspective of the post’s first responders – its police, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians, said Sparks.

When children are caught up in a real emergency, they may be deeply frightened, and fearful, including perhaps, of arriving first responders, he said.

But getting to have friendly time with first responders during an event like family day can help reduce that fear, and make it easier to get kids to safety in an emergency, Sparks said.

“When they actually get to come up and see a police officer or an EMT or firefighter up close, it develops a rapport, and then, when there’s some type of emergency situation, those children are a little easier dealing with us. Even though they’re scared to death, they know we’re there to help them and not hurt them. So having these types of events are critical. We have to have ‘em.”

Hill AFB Fire Department "Young cancer patient fulfills a dream as ‘Airman for a Day’"

Young cancer patient fulfils a dream as ‘Airman for a Day’

Michelle McConnell hoses a fire out with the guidance of Captain John Rice and Captain Daniel Payne, 775th Civil Engineering Squadron Firefighters, April 22, 2019 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Michelle was granted her wish to be Airman of the day by Make-A-Wish Utah and 75th Air Base Wing at Hill. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Cynthia Griggs)

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UT, UNITED STATES
04.30.2019
Courtesy Story
75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs 
 Subscribe 9

By Jennifer Eaton
75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Teenage warrior Michelle McConnell has battled bone cancer and amputation with a strength and tenacity that left no doubt among her family or the U.S. Air Force that she was tough enough to become a combat-trained “Airman for a Day.”

When the 15-year-old made the formal request through Make-A-Wish Utah, Hill Air Force Base enthusiastically mobilized to turn the dream into reality, providing Michelle and her family an unforgettable afternoon of military training, leadership and excitement.

Michelle said her desire stemmed from participating in a prior “Pilot for A Day” program on base, as well as from her admiration for those who wear the uniform.

“The Air Force is really cool and I think it’s awesome the way the military works together to protect everyone in our country,” she explained. “I was shocked and amazingly excited when I found out that my Air Force wish was going to be granted.”

The day’s itinerary began when Michelle’s limousine arrived at 75th Air Base Wing Headquarters where she was issued a personalized camouflage Air Battle Uniform and enjoyed pizza, root beer, birthday cake and gifts with her family and senior Air Force leaders.

After lunch, Michelle visited Hill AFB’s Fire Station 4 where she met firefighters, toured the facility, and received training on how to respond to structural fires. Michelle was fitted with a protective suit, gloves, and helmet before traveling by firetruck, sirens-blaring, to help douse the flames of a controlled training blaze.

“We were beyond honored when we found out Michelle wanted to spend some time with us,” said Tiana Bykowski, Hill AFB Fire Department public information and education officer. “When she arrived, she seemed quiet and shy. By the end of our time with her, she was laughing and joking just like one of us, and she stepped up and fought the structural fire as if she had been doing it for years.”

Next on the agenda, Michelle visited the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team where she learned about the critical role EOD technicians play in keeping warfighters safe at home and abroad. She and her family traveled by Humvee caravan to the unit’s proficiency range where Michelle impressed spectators with her skills in operating one of the robots used in high-tech ordnance disposal. Michelle also had the opportunity to use her command voice to issue safety instructions and initiate two controlled detonations.

Michelle’s afternoon also included a visit to the 75th Security Forces Squadron, where she was invited to ride along in a patrol car during a routine traffic stop. At each location, Michelle earned a coveted unit coin for her courage and determination. During the last stop of the day, Team Hill’s Honor Guard conducted a flag-folding ceremony and presented Michelle a flag flown in her honor over the state capitol building. She also received her final coin of the day from Col. Jon Eberlan, 75th Air Base Wing commander.

Michelle’s mother Andrea McConnell said her daughter feels a strong connection to the military and first responders because she understands “what they must feel in terms of working to save lives.”
Andrea said she was overwhelmed with gratitude for the outpouring of support from the different agencies on base.

“It makes your heart sing to watch your child take in every single moment of an experience like this,” she said. “There are no words to explain how courageous she is and we pray she can take this strength and help others to dig deep.”

Make-A-Wish Utah wish coordinator Christina Wright also expressed her gratitude, explaining that research shows children who have wishes granted build the emotional and physical strength necessary to fight critical illnesses.

“Michelle has been looking forward to her wish for a very long time, and seeing the community come together for a local child has been inspiring,” Wright said. “Hill Air Force Base took Michelle’s idea and created a magical day that is going to give her the grit to keep fighting. For that, Make-A-Wish Utah is forever grateful.”

Captain John Rice, 775th Civil Engineering Squadron Firefighter, and Tiana Bykowski, 775th CES public information officer, help Michelle McConnell with her fire protection gear April 22, 2019 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Michelle was granted her wish to be Airman of the day by Make-A-Wish Utah and 75th Air Base Wing at Hill. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Cynthia Griggs)

Captain Daniel Payne, 775th Civil Engineering Squadron Firefighter, demonstrates how to communicate with him to Michelle McConnell and her mother, Andrea McConnell, before taking a ride up in the firetruck bucket April 22, 2019 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Michelle was granted her wish to be Airman of the day by Make-A-Wish Utah and 75th Air Base Wing at Hill. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Cynthia Griggs)

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, CA, UNITED STATES

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, CA, UNITED STATES
04.30.2019
Photo by Senior Airman Tristan Viglianco
9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs 

Firefighters from the 9th Civil Engineer Squadron put away a firehose during an annual firehose certification April 30, 2019, at Beale Air Force Base, California. When inspecting the hose the fire fighters look for leaks, bulges, and other damage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tristan D. Viglianco)

The 9th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department performs an annual firehose certification April 30, 2019, at Beale Air Force Base, California. The Airmen are required to check and certify a variety of equipment every year to ensure it is ready in case of emergency. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tristan D. Viglianco)

Airman 1st Class Duronte Davis, 9th Civil Engineer Squadron fire fighter, puts away a firehose during an annual firehose certification April 30, 2019, at Beale Air Force Base, California. When inspecting the hose the fire fighters look for leaks, bulges, and other damage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tristan D. Viglianco)

Senior Airman Jonathan Hayden, 9th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, rolls up a firehose during an annual firehose certification April 30, 2019, at Beale Air Force Base, California. The Airmen are required to check and certify a variety of equipment every year to ensure it is ready in case of emergency. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tristan D. Viglianco)

“Our ultimate goal is that our workers, leaders and partners have a high level of trust in their training and in one another to provide the best cumulative response possible,” the commander concluded.

Garrison environmental, firefighters conduct HAZMAT training

Photo By Mary Davis | Defense Logistics Agency personnel apply absorbent rolls to a simulated hazardous material spill during a training scenario conducted by U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz environmental engineers and firefighters at Germersheim Army Depot, May 3. The hands-on exercise-trained DLA workers on the proper procedures to contain, absorb and appropriately dispose of liquid HAZMAT. (U.S. Army photo by Melissa Malakos) 

GERMERSHEIM, RP, GERMANY

05.03.2019

Story by Mary Davis 

U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz  

GERMERSHEIM ARMY DEPOT, Germany – U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz environmental engineers and firefighters conducted hazardous material spill training with Defense Logistics Agency personnel to hone response procedures and strengthen the installation/tenant partnership here, May 3.

Garrison members served as technical advisers during the training scenario that tested the tenant unit’s ability to control, divert and contain HAZMAT spills to ensure they were capable of mitigating these types of environmental emergencies.

Melissa Malakos, USAG RP Directorate of Public Works Environmental Engineer, emphasized how the recent exercise gave responders the opportunity to practice and critique their own performance.

“The training was very much hands on, using spill response supplies and making the required notification calls for assistance,” she said. She further explained that the DPW Environmental Management Division tends to do this type of on-site training in two parts.

“First, we play out the spill scenario with little instruction – as if it were to happen without notice during the normal work day. This allows the unit’s environmental officers and safety managers to identify areas for improvement in the training they provide their unit members,” she explained. “Afterward, we talk through what happened during the response, discuss what could be corrected and then repeat the same spill event to watch the improvements.”

This training is important to ensure personnel know how to respond during an actual spill scenario, where emergency supplies are and how they are used and to validate leader roles, said Lt. Col. Jonathan Ackiss, DLA Distribution Europe commander.

“I trust our workers have a solid base of classroom training and by combining this with hands-on training, we'll achieve a holistic training effect,” the commander said. “A critical component of this training and our HAZMAT awareness is the role of the GAD Fire Department and garrison environmental team. By working as partners, we can reduce the impact to the community and environment – you only achieve this by conducting training.”

In real-world situations, garrison firefighters stand ready to respond to HAZMAT incidents within five minutes to employ all necessary countermeasures if a major spill cannot be handled by a tenant unit’s initial responders at the scene.

“There are several measures in place to assist GAD Fire Department with HAZMAT spill containment,” said Germersheim Army Depot Assistant Fire Chief Michael Hill. “If a spill occurs, barriers are installed in facilities to prevent run off and absorbent materials are applied to contain spilled matter. There are also a variety of tools and equipment to block or shut off sewer lines. Additionally, there are sewer storage reservoirs installed to control the flow of spilled material.”

Malakos said the more responses and procedures that are practiced, the more likely a real situation will be handled well. 

“This training was a benefit to all involved. It emphasized the response of those who were truly first on the scene at the spill site,” she said. “The only way first responders can really get familiar with the emergency supplies and how they work is by using them. These types of hands-on sessions allow practice without real-world consequences.”

Keeping the environment safe is a high priority, Ackiss said.

“Our ultimate goal is that our workers, leaders and partners have a high level of trust in their training and in one another to provide the best cumulative response possible,” the commander concluded.

Thomas Heck, a contractor with U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz, spills simulated hazardous liquid during a training scenario at Germersheim Army Depot, May 3. USAG RP environmental engineers and firefighters conducted HAZMAT spill training for a tenant unit and served as technical advisers to initial responders during the containment and cleanup of simulated hazardous liquid. (U.S. Army photo by Johannes Haid)