24 February 2006

Another BTZ Winner!

Congrats to SrA(s) Luis Sanchez, CEX, for his selection as SrA Below-the-Zone! His deployed commander informed him today.

Well done Engineer!

23 February 2006

GOOD TOWARD YOUR MOVSM (Sustained Community Volunteer Performance)

The Wood’s Home for Veterans is looking for volunteers to help on the weekends with residents. Main duties would be interacting with the residents and assisting during meal time. All volunteers are required to attend a 20-hour orientation.

Wood’s Home for Veterans is located at 442 Jordan Street in Shreveport. It is an Assisted Living Facilities for veterans with psychological disorders. The Facility is home for 7 to 8 residents, many of who have lived there for more than two years. Because of the limited spaces available, Wood’s Home for Veterans has a long waiting list and hand picks it residents.

If you would like to assist or would like more information, please call April at The Wood’s Home for Veterans at (318) 425-1928.

Thank you for your assistance.
STEPHANIE REYES
Community Readiness Consultant

Family Support Center Programs

Lots of workshops and classes available (below)! These classes and workshops fill quickly so be sure to register early. Call 456-8400 for more information or registration.

Bundles for Babies: This is an Air Force Aid sponsored program facilitated by FSC staff and the New Parents Support Program. It provides expectant parents with a wealth of information to enable them to be responsible parents. The program addresses financial implications, child safety, and nurturing the child, as well as family resources available to them. Attendance incentives include a bundle of baby items.

Buying a Home: Most people have a dream of owning their own home, but many don’t know what it takes to find the right home or to secure financing. This workshop will provide those attending with sufficient information to ask the right questions of mortgage bankers and real estate agents when pursuing that dream home.

Cancer Support Group: The Cancer Support Group is a program designed to provide support to our cancer survivor’s, family members, and significant others. The group provides members the opportunity to share feelings, fears and anxieties associated with fighting cancer and is open to anyone previously or currently diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatment, as well as family members of those battling cancer.

ESL (English as a 2d Language): Adults learn to speak, read and write basic, intermediate and advanced English. ESL’s levels I through VI focus on pronunciation, speech, vocabulary, grammar, capitalization, punctuation, sentence structure, reading comprehension and writing. Each class meets twice a week for two hours. The aim of the ESL program is to provide exceptional and professional academia to our students in order to enable and ensure them successful personal and occupational entry into the American way of life.

Finance 101: Program is designed for those individuals who have questions, concerns or need guidance on how to properly and effectively handle their finances. This class will cover checkbook management, reviewing basic budgeting, learning more about credit report information and other financial issues.

Moving Off-Base Seminar: This 1½-hour workshop is designed to assist members, currently living in the dorms, to take charge of transitioning into the local community. Topics will include: How to prepare for apartment living, roommate selection, budgeting, saving, managing & reducing debt. During this workshop, individual budget assessments will be conducted; participants will also receive hands-on, interactive training on debt reduction.

Parent & Tot Playgroup: An informal program developed to promote socialization for both parents and young children through informal group interaction. Our goal is to improve social skills of pre-school children through peer group association while providing parenting and child development knowledge through group interaction.

Personal Readiness Briefing: With so many military upcoming deployments from Barksdale, it is vital to have your personal and family affairs in order. The Family Support Center’s Readiness program is available to provide information and support during all phases of deployment. This important briefing is mandatory for all active duty members and available for spouses, family members and/or significant others. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early and in uniform.

PREP: Individuals who are dating, married, or considering marriage will learn how to preserve/enhance fun, friendship, and sensuality plus, to communicate effectively, work as a team to solve problems, and manage conflicts without damaging closeness. The program includes the following topics: interactional danger signs of future problems, gender differences, using structure to promote safety, the Speaker/Listener Technique, problem solving, ground rules for handling conflict, strategies for dealing with issues versus events, clarifying core beliefs and expectations, forgiveness, and commitment.

Pre-Separation Briefing: In anticipated retirement or separation, the law directs that you attend the pre-separation briefing as soon as possible within the preceding 24 or 12 months respectively. The better you prepare the smoother the transition back to civilian life. This briefing will inform you of the resources available for you to make this transition. This is a mandatory briefing.

Relocation Briefing: Good preparation can be the key to a successful relocation experience. This briefing provides information on resources available to make this a smooth and pleasant move. According to AFI, all PCSing members must attend a relocation briefing at least 90 days prior to their departure date. Spouses are encouraged to attend.

Resume Workshop: This class leads participants to an understanding of what employers look for in a resume, how to write a resume, what information to include, how to use action words, optional information, and inappropriate information. Participants also will have knowledge of what resources are available to help them write their resume in industry terms. Cover letters, their use and content are presented.

Right Start: A must for all newcomers! This program is facilitated by the FSC team. It brings together various base and community speakers to give our new arrivals an overview of the base and local community programs, services, history, recreational and cultural opportunities. Spouses are encouraged to attend and will receive a specially prepared Welcome Basket. Selling Your Home: The objectives of this workshop are for each participant to understand and become familiar with the different aspects of preparing and selling their own home. This workshop is designed to provide basic information on marketing your home and the sales process.

Single Parents Support Group: The Single Parents Support Group is designed to promote interaction between single parents; allowing an opportunity to share parenting experiences. An exchange of resources is also a positive result of these meetings, such as: exchanging babysitting hours and “Swap & Shop” meetings. Meets the second Wednesday of each month.

Smooth Move: The workshop will focus on benefits, entitlements, moving tips and stressors associated to the relocation process. Presenters from TMO, Military Pay, Legal Claims, TRICARE and Family Support will present information on all aspects of the relocation process and be available to answer questions concerning individual moves.

Sponsorship Training: Participants in this training learn the importance of good sponsorship, as well as the responsibilities of a sponsor and the resources available for providing newcomers with the best possible relocation experience. This training is a mandatory annual training for those assigned as sponsors.

TAP Seminar: This 24-hour workshop, facilitated by the Department of Labor, is designed to help military members and their spouses make good career decisions as they move from military service to civilian life. Topics covered in this 8-hour day group environment are: personal appraisal; career decisions; applying for the job; resumes; dress for success; the interview; and job offers.

Troops to Teachers: This workshop is for active duty and DoD civilian interested in a second career in education. It is facilitated by LA Troops to Teachers Director, Education Office, and Louisiana Tech University. Participants will have understanding of the Troops to Teachers program to include program function, eligibility, and application information. Education discusses Tuition Assistance, Praxis Test, and VA Policy on Certification. The on-base teacher certification program is presented by LA Tech University

Veteran’s Benefits: This one-day workshop, facilitated by veteran representatives, is designed to assist military members understand their benefits after their military service. The Veteran Center will provide information on a continuum of quality care that adds value for veterans, families and community. A Disabled American Veteran Representative will provide valuable information for filing for compensation. Department of Veterans Affairs presentation will include information on service-connected compensation, non service-connected pension, education benefits, vocational rehabilitation and employment, medical/dental care through the VA, VA guaranty home loans, VGLI/DVI Insurance, veterans’ benefits/educational benefits for surviving spouses and dependent children, and final burial benefits.

22 February 2006

Congrats SrA(s) Mary Zografos, 2 CES Senior Airman Below the Zone!

Congrats to SrA(s) Zografos from CEC...she was selected as our BTZ winner this cycle!

Well done Mary!

21 February 2006

RUGBY ANYONE ?

Question? What game is played with an oval ball & 15 players run hard at each other for 80 minutes, but don’t wear any pads at all?

If you answered Rugby, you would be correct. This very popular European & Australasian sport has taken hold here in Louisiana, indeed Shreveport Rugby Football Club (SRFC) is the top team in the Texas Rugby Union, Division Two. They are the only undefeated team in the TRU with an impressive record of 8 wins, 0 losses, 1 tie, as well as winning the Cowtown Rugby tournament, held at Fort Worth in October 05. The SRFC team comes from many different backgrounds from all over the region, some players traveling 2 hours just to practice. The team also includes four members from Barksdale AFB, as well as three other local military members:

A1C Michael Futch - 2 CS/SCMC – Plays on the wing
SrA Edward Kelly - 2 MUNS/MXWSMM – Plays at second row
1Lt Jon C Lee - 20 BS/DOC – currently TDY but plays at fly half
Wg Cdr Cookie Cookson – 8 AF/DOT – Coach of SRFC (a Royal Air Force Exchange Officer)

So why the name Rugby? There are many stories as to the origin of the game, but what is not in doubt is that in 1823 a pupil from Rugby School, in England, named William Webb Ellis picked up the soccer ball & gave birth to the new game called Rugby, so called after the schools name. The Rugby World Cup is named the Webb Ellis Trophy, in honor of the games founder. There have been many changes – the ball is now oval & the rules have changed significantly; Rugby is a very open game with lots of attacking opportunities, but that in turn requires steadfast defence. From those early days you can also trace the origins of American Football. For example, why is a touchdown so called when the scorer doesn’t have to touch the ball down? In Rugby, the player scores by touching the ball down in the in-goal area, this is called a try in Rugby.

Rugby isn’t just a game but a way of life. Players will drive hard & tackle hard on the pitch – aggression is an important ingredient of the game but when the final whistle is blown rugby players will happily share a good time with the opposition at the post-rugby social. In sum, it fits well with our military ethos of individual strength, fitness & determination coupled with teamwork to overcome the adversary.

But it is important to understand that Rugby is a game for anyone - any shape or size, not just the big guys. The quick guy on the wing, a skillful ball handler in the midfield, a stocky guy in the forwards (called the pack) & a really stocky guy in the front row. Fitness remains a very important part of the game – players stay on the field for all 80 minutes & the clock keeps running; everyone plays offence & defense! The game is not just about brute force & grit; all players learn the skills required to play each position. How do we do this? SRFC trains every week 6.30 pm on Tuesday & Thursday evenings. We provide fitness & skills training, so why not come & see if Rugby is the game for you? Come and join us and find your place on the team & see how it can change your perspective on life.

Shreveport Rugby Football Club Military Appreciation Day – 2.00pm on 4 March at AC Steere, Youree Drive

On 4 March, SRFC will hold a Military Appreciation Day at AC Steere on Youree Drive. Military members & all guests are welcome to attend. Additionally, Fort Polk has around 200 personnel traveling including an Honor Guard. There will also be a cup game against Dallas Athletic Rugby Club (DARC) starting at 2.00pm, followed by refreshments at Mia’s Sports Bar on the corner of Stoner & Market.

A1C Michael Futch
2CS/SCMC 6-4440
Cable/Antenna Dawgs

Quote of the Week

"You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who can do nothing for them or to them."

~ Malcolm Forbes

FREE Deployed Airmen's Dinner

AADD Volunteers Needed

Our squadron is hosting AADD again on March 17th and 18th.

We are in need of 4-6 volunteers for each night.

The hours of operation are from 2200-0400 hrs and located in the “Blue Room” of BLDG 4386 (Stratofortress).

There will be Free Pizza, Xbox, Games, and also looks good on a BTZ Package!!! Anyone interested please send myself or SrA Root an email with your name and which night you would like to work.

Thanks!!!

A1C Christian C. Castillo, 456-2058

17 February 2006

President's Day

We approach President's Day this year on a four day weekend in Air Combat Command. Between the fast pace of our daily mission here at Barksdale, separation from friends, family, and comrades who are deployed, and the "clutter" of our own personal lives, it's easy to forget that President's Day is a National Holiday that honors some really great Americans.

President's Day was originally "George Washington's Birthday"...but after the Civil War, Americans wanted to honor President Lincoln as well (who coincidentally had a February birthday). After many years, and many OPM and Congressional changes, in 1971 the third Monday in February became known as "President's Day".

George Washington was a soldier and a farmer in Virginia. A loyal British subject, Lieutenant Colonel George Washington led American militia in support of British troops during the French and Indian War of 1754. He narrowly avoided being wounded during this fighting, and by all accounts led his men with distinction and courage.

When the Colonies rebelled against the Crown in 1775, General George Washington was elected as commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. General Washington would lead an ill-trained Continental Army in a fight against the most professional soldiers in the world. His personal courage and expert generalship ensured that six years later, Americans could hoist their own flag instead of the British Union Jack.

There were some who wanted to proclaim Washington "king", but he refused the crown, and instead accepted one final call to service as first President of the United States. George Washington served two terms in office, and declined a third, beginning a tradition by American presidents that was unbroken until President Franklin Roosevelt served three and a half terms in office during the '30s and early '40s. Later, the 22d Amendment to the Constitution made the two term tradition the law of the land.

After completing his public service, President Washington retired to his farm, a place where he really wanted to be anyway, and completed his years working the land.

George Washington was a man of great character and a keen "heart for service". He saw his duty and always placed it above his personal comfort and desires. So this President's Day, take the opportunity to reflect a little on the Father of Our Country, and draw a little strength from the knowledge that the same United States that produced Washington, continues to produce sons and daughters of Liberty today.

It may be laid down as a primary position, and the basis of our system, that every Citizen who enjoys the protection of a Free Government, owes not only a proportion of his property, but even of his personal services to the defense of it. - George Washington

Great Article on AF Civilian Personnel Management

Air Force Magazine, the magazine of the Air Force Association, has a terrific article about the future of personnel management in the DoD. It includes comments from Mr Blanchard, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, and others on the National Security Personnel System...as well as a look ahead at career development.

Worth a read!

Sharp Focus on Air Force Civilians
The Air Force is putting the finishing touches on its first comprehensive civilian force development training program. The Pentagon has called for turning thousands of military jobs over to civilians, rather than simply outsourcing them to the private sector. By February, the Defense Department likely will have abolished its archaic civil service personnel system in favor of new rules that promote pay for performance.

16 February 2006

Military Spouse Virtual Assistant

The Family Support Center wants to make you aware of an upcoming opportunity our military spouses may be interested in pursuing.

A Military Spouse Virtual Assistant is an independent contractor working from home. Virtual Assistants provide support services to businesses—ranging from administrative work to bookkeeping to complex corporate consulting via email, phone and fax. Military spouses find this an excellent opportunity to merge their work experience with modern technology and overcome some of the obstacles they face (e.g., frequent moves, isolated posts) in establishing their own careers.

The Family Support Center will offer the semi-annual Military Spouse Virtual Assistance Training Program on 11-13 April 2006. This program is designed to provide military spouses with the training and resources needed to build a business that is financially viable, portable and satisfying. The application deadline is 27 March 2006.

Interested? Contact the Barksdale Family Support Center!

Did You See CES in "The Bombardier" Last Week?

Our Environmental Flight's wildlife management program got a nice spread on page 12 in last week's Bombardier (.mil addresses only).

Engineer Basketballers Battle for Base Championship

It was a very close game last night, and one that kept all on the edge of their seat, but unfortunately the 2d Communications Squadron outlasted a fabulous 2d Civil Engineer Squadron team in a 45 to 40 victory to clinch the title of Base Intramural Basketball Champions.

You can be very proud of our Basketball team...they showed a lot of heart and that never-say-die attitude that characterizes the Engineers!

Well done, Engineers! We're proud of you!

15 February 2006

Heartlink

I want to let you know about a GREAT Family Support program. It is called Heartlink. It is a spouse’s orientation and is open to all military spouses, new and seasoned; it also includes military to military spouses. It is an opportunity for spouses to meet other spouses, learn about military life and receive free prizes.

Call 456-8400 to sign up.
Your First Sergeant

14 February 2006

Chili Cook Off Winners!

About 100 Engineers and friends came out to enjoy 8 entries in the CES Chili Cook Off today. Chaplain (Capt) McCafferty was kind enough to lend his palate (and stomach) as judge (thanks Padre!).

The results are:

1st Place: "Thai Sweet and Hot" - TSgt David Smith (Structures Shop)

2nd Place: "Poor Ole Lineman Chili" - TSgt Darren Miller (Electric Shop)

3rd Place: "Lean and Green Chicken Chili" - MSgt Bill Kopfman (Utilities)

Thanks to all who participated...the Top 4/Booster Club made about $100 for squadron activities!

Learn How to Make Friends...With your Spouse

Just wanted to let you know that your Family Support Center (FSC) will present the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program on 10 Mar 06 at the FSC. The seminar will be held from 0900-1600.

Please see the attached flyer (below in yellow) for more information. If you would like to sign up or if you have any questions, give us a call at 456-8400.


PREP
“Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program”

PREP is one of the most comprehensive and well respected
relationship enhancing programs in the world

When: 10 March
Time: 9-4
at
Family Support Center

(Casual Dress)

Are you dating? Are you considering marriage? Are you married?

Learn how to preserve and enhance fun, friendship, and sensuality.
Learn how to get to the heart of problems and increase your connection with each other.
Learn how to work as a team to solve problems, manage conflicts without damaging closeness, and preserve/enhance love, commitment,
and friendship.


For more information or to sign up,
please contact the Family Support Center at 456-8400.
SMSgt McDuffie
Superintendent, Family Support Center
456-8400

Thanks and have a great day
From your First Sergeant

"Hot Stuff" Cooking Today

The Chili Cook Off is TODAY in the CE Yard! We still have room for a few more entries...see MSgt Kofman.

Good luck to all the entries!

Engineer Basketball Team Poised to Take Championship!

In a thrilling 56-55 double overtime win over SFS last night, the CE Basketballers proved they have the heart to win. They will face Comm Sq on Wed for the Barksdale Championship...come out and show your support for this great team!

13 February 2006

GREAT RELATIONSHIPS ARE WORTH THE INVESTMENT!!

PREVENTION and RELATIONSHIP ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM – 10 March, 0900-1600, Family Support Center. Individuals who are dating, married or considering marriage will learn how to preserve/enhance fun, friendship, and sensuality. Couples will have the tools to communicate effectively, work as a team to solve problems, and manage conflicts without damaging closeness. The program includes the following topics: interactional danger signs of future problems, gender differences, using structure to promote safety, the Speaker/Listener Technique, problem solving, ground rules for handling conflict, strategies for dealing with issues versus events, clarifying core beliefs and expectations, forgiveness, and commitment. To reserve a seat, please call 456-8400.

POC Stephanie Reyes

Community Readiness Consultant Barksdale Family Support Center

2 MSS/DPF 318-456-8400

From Your First Sergeant

11 February 2006

Congrats to SMSgt May, Barksdale SNCO of the Year!


Warmest congratulations to SMSgt Joe "Mayday" May for his well-deserved win of the Team Barksdale Senior NCO of the Year last night at the Annual Awards Banquet!

Well done, Engineer!

10 February 2006

We Knew It Was True...But We're Glad to Hear A Soldier Say it!

Congrats ALS Class 06-B Grads!

Congrats to our four Airmen who graduated from Airman Leadership School last night!

SrA David Best
SrA Damien Guy
SrA Clifton Kirkland
SrA Tiffany Root

Well done Engineers!

Go Engineer Basketballers!

Our OUTSTANDING CES Basketball Team won again last night! This means we are only 3 games away from the championship.

1830 on Monday, 13 Feb is the next game (vs SFS)...let's come out and show our Engineer Airmen we support them all the way to the top!

Farewell for SrA Shane Wright

Come say farewell to SrA Shane Wright!
When: 10 Feb 06, 1130 hrs
Where: Hong Kong City in Shreveport.

09 February 2006

Need Child Care??

Need a Babysitter? BarksdaleServices.com Has the Answer A listing of Family Child Care Providers who offer child care to Barksdale Air Force Base families is available at Services. Those providers who provide shift, evening, and weekend care are annotated on the form. We request that you use the listing to help your troops in obtaining quality child care for their children.

Please contact the Family Child Care office if any information becomes known about any family child care provider or their family members that might impact their suitability for providing child care in their homes.
The list is updated list monthly.
Questions? Please call:
Penny HaireFamily Child Care Coordinator456-8912http://www.barksdaleservices.com/
From your Friendly First Sergeant

Let the Trash-Talking Begin!

Only 3 entries?! You all have obviously heard of my award winning Chili and fear losing. I understand that there is a decent prize for the First Loser (I mean 2nd Place) so feel free to shoot for that! As you all obviously must have read "Who's Who of Chili Cooks" I need not tell you that I have spent the last 20 years perfecting my nationally famous secret South Jersey recipe and have garnered countless Chili Cook-off awards from Guam to Sicily so I can see there being some pressure not to join in on the competition. If I were you all I would look at this as a no pressure competition, I mean after all you are simply novice chili chefs and not a Internationally recognized expert like myself. So join in the fun 2nd place is good to...well it's good for losers that is.
SIGNED
Joe "I guarantee victory" May

08 February 2006

Chili Cook-Off is Still "Hot"!

Don’t forget the 2 CES Chili cook-off is Tues 14 Feb @ 1130 hours at the CES Pavilion (weather permitting).

We have 3 entries and need more to ensure SMSgt May does not take home the 1st place trophy.

Also remember its Valentines Day so take you special friend, spouse or boss to lunch.

Contact MSgt Kopfman @ 456-8919 or email if you want to provide a 6-8 qt entry of chili to compete.

07 February 2006

Family Support Center Happenings - February

Hello all...here's a list of some of the things the Family Support Center has on tap for February. Good stuff...take advantage of what they have to offer!

There are several events taking place the month of February.

Welcome Home Dinner, 9 Feb, 1730, Chapel Two Annex – For all Airmen that recently returned from deployment and their families. There will be free pizza, activities for children, and door prizes. For planning purposes, please call 456-8400 to sign-up.

Key Spouse Meeting, 22 Feb, 0930, Chapel Two Annex

Waiting Families Mardi Gras Party, 23 Feb, 1730, Chapel Two Annex – For all waiting families of deployed. There will be food, prizes and Cajun Dancers. For planning purposes, please call 456-8400 to sign-up.

ACC January 06 Safety Awards

Congrats to the 2d CES EOD Flight for their selection for as the January 2006 ACC Weapons Safety Award fo Distinction!

Well done Engineers!

8 AF January 06 Safety Award of Distiction

Congrats to SSgt Kenyatta Zimmerman, SSgt Robert Ritter, SSgt Trinity Moen, & A1C Cordell Blair for winning the January o6 8AF Ground Safety Award of Distinction! On to ACC!

Well done Engineers!

Barksdale in the News...

AFLink carried the following photo essay today...



The rest of the pics are here

06 February 2006

2d CES "Engineer Post"

2d CES "Engineer Post" Congradulations are in order: A1C Melissa Williamson was announced as the MSG Quarterly Winner for 4th quarter 2005 and SMSgt Joseph May is the MSG Annual Award nominee going forward to the 2d BW awards ceremony to be held on the 10th of Febuary 2006.

2 CES Basketball Game Tonight

2 CES
VS.
2 MUNS

TONIGHT AT 2030 AT THE BASE GYM

WE HAVE A CHANCE FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP. SO COME CHEER US ON!!!

2 CES Chili Cook-Off

The 2 CES Chili Cook-Off is the 14th of Feb @ 1130-1230 at the CES Pavilion weather permitting. Individuals interested in participating should email or call MSgt Kopfman in the Utility shop by COB 13 Feb. 456-8919

Rules:

- 6-8 quarts of Chili per entrant
- Identify Chili with 3 X 5 inch index card listing: name, meat or no-meat, homemade or from a can, hot, warm, or mild
- Willing to donate proceeds to 2 CES Top-4

All Chili will be sold for $1.00 per cup
Combo, (Chili, soda, chips) $2.00

03 February 2006

CES Poised to Run at the Base Basketball Championship

Congrats to the 2d Civil Engineer Basketball team on a great season! They finished the season with only a single loss and now enter the base championship tourney as the number 2 seed!

Give'em Hell Engineers!

02 February 2006

The Hits Jus' Keep On Comin'!

Engineers, I'm proud to announce another award!

ACC selected TSgt Sheldon Bultman as "Outstanding GeoBase Military Member of the Year"

Next Booster Club Meeting 9 Feb 06

There will be a CE Booster Club meeting next Thurs, 9 Feb to discuss this year's officers and programs.

We look forward to seeing lots of people there to help make us successful in 2006!

01 February 2006

Congrats to SMSgt May!

Congrats to SMSgt Joseph May, our 2005 MSG Senior NCO of the Year!

We're all very proud of you, Joe, and wish you the best at the BW competition!

Engineer One sends.