Eglin Air Force Base: 2007

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Eglin AFB new hires

Eglin has one of the largest civilian work forces in the Air Force with approximately 11,000 civilians assigned. The Civilian Personnel Office in Building 210, room 134 serves all appropriated fund employees assigned to Eglin. Customer service is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To find federal civil service employment at Eglin, Hurlburt Field, or Duke Field, contact the Air Force Civilian Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. The personnel center is the focal point for Air Force civilian jobs within the United States. The Web site address is www.afpc.randolph.af.mil Job announcements are posted on the Web site. There are specific instructions on how to fill out a resume on-line and submit it for jobs at Eglin, Hurlburt Field, or Duke Field.

Applicants who believe they are eligible for the Military Spouse Preference program should contact the Civilian Personnel Office at 882-6337 for information.
There are several departments within the Civilian Personnel Office to meet the specialized needs of the civilian work force. The Classification Branch can be reached at 882-6333. The Work Force Effectiveness Branch administers performance management, awards, employee discipline, labor relations, injury compensation, and other benefit programs. Their phone number is 882-4298. The Staffing Branch provides recruitment, and refers candidates for vacancies as well as processes new hires and personnel actions. They can be reached at 882-3203.

Eglin Air Force Base Homes and Real Estate with Brandon Jordan, your Eglin Air Force Base and Duke Field Realtor serving Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa Counties, and ActiveRain featured Realtor for Okaloosa County since 2007. We provide this information and much more on our site for you at no charge, so please remember us when you're looking to buy or sell real estate.

Eglin Air Force Base ID cards

Phone: 882-3442
The military personnel flight customer service office in Building 210 room 134
administers identification cards, also called smart cards or CAC cards.
The telephone number is 882-3442.

Military members must present a military image in
accordance with Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel, although a uniform isn't required. Department of Defense civilians, dependents and retirees need to go to MPF to get an ID card before going to Pass and Registration.

Eglin AFB Finance

Phone: 882-5441

The Financial Services Office is located in Building 350. Customer service hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Customer service is dedicated to providing customers with prompt and accurate military and travel pay service. Finance personnel are available to help during in-processing and are always available to assist whenever there are questions concerning pay and travel entitlements. Phone numbers to remember are 882-5441/5442.
Military Leave and Earnings Statements are now available for review on myPay at https://mypay.dfas.mil/.
To view Leave and Earning Statements (LES), military members may go to the Air Force Portal at http://www.my.af.mil/

As always, "Customers are the focus of all we do." Keeping Finance informed of changes that may affect military pay will enable them to better serve its customers.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Education websites for area around Eglin AFB

Education

Okaloosa County School Board
Okaloosa-Walton College
Troy University - Fort Walton Beach Campus
University of West Florida - Fort Walton Beach Campus

Government website for Eglin AFB

Government
Okaloosa County
Okaloosa County Property Appraiser
Okaloosa County Tax Collector
Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections
Okaloosa County Clerk of Courts

Volunteer around Eglin AFB going on

To Do list Before coming to Eglin AFB

There are a number of things you should do to help make the transition easier:
- Give the post office a forwarding address
- Change addresses with billing agencies
- Send changes of address to magazine publishers
- Notify friends and relatives of your new address
- Obtain credit references from your bank, etc.
- Stop newspaper and all home delivery services
- Settle bills with local utility companies (gas, water, electric, telephone, etc..).

Don't forget to get deposit refunds and a written statement stating your last bill was paid in full - Transfer insurance on cars, home etc... and check to see if personal high

-value possessions are covered during the move

- Ask for a copy of or transfer children's records

- Get records from any private doctors or dentists that you and your family have been using- Notify your clergyman and obtain any necessary documents of birth, baptism, etc. that you may need- Double-check closets and shelves to be sure that they are empty

- Buy traveler's checks instead of carrying large sums of cash- Be sure to take any jewelry and valuable documents with you. Don't pack them in your household goods

- Make plans for transporting your pets. Unhappy or nervous pets can make very poor traveling companions. Here are some tips for ensuring your pet's travel on an airline goes unrestricted:

- Veterinarian-issued health certificates are required- International flights require further documentation. Quarantine requirments may apply

- Pets must travel in an airline-approved carrier large enough for the animal to move unrestricted- Food and water must be provided

- When accompanied by the owner, the pet is ususally checked in as excess baggage. If small enough, the pet may be allowed to ride in its carrier under the passenger seat

- When unaccompanied, the pet usually passes through airline freight handling systems. The cargo hold is pressurized with climate control to ensure the safety of your pet. Some airlines allow the owner to check on their pet through their 800 number tracking system

* NOTE:Check with your airline to ensure you have made all necessary arrangements for your pets' travel!!

- Let a close friend or relative know the route and schedule you will be traveling, including overnight stops. Use that person as a message center. This information should also be provided to your sponsor.Remember, there may be income tax advantages with your move, including those incurred after your arrival at Eglin. Examples of these expenses would include travel expenses, meals and lodging while you are occupying temporary quarters and expenses attributable to the sale, purchase, or lease of your residence.

After you have completed your move, consult your organization's legal assistance officer who will assist you in preparing the proper tax forms. If you experience a financial emergency enroute, you can get assistance from the Air Force Aid Society. Stop in at any military installation and request direct assistance if you are at an Air Force base or referral assistance at an Army post or Navy base.If you are not near a military installation, request Air Force Aid assistance through any American Red Cross office.

Once you arrive at Eglin, check in with the Air Force Aid office for information on the "Moving Assistance Program" which provides interest-free loans for rent and security deposits. A thank you to the Eglin AFB website for the information provided.

WI-FI spots around Eglin AFB

Holiday Inn Express Niceville106 Bayshore DriveNiceville FL 32578 Location Type: Hotel / ResortProximity: 8 miles Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->1 provider802.11b Wi-Fi

McDonald's 247291083 N. Beal ParkwayFort Walton Beach FL 32547 Location Type: RestaurantProximity: 8.6 miles Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->2 providers802.11b Wi-Fi

The UPS Store #1392117 Racetrack Rd NWFort Walton Beach FL 32547 Location Type: Store / Shopping MallProximity: 8.9 miles Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->3 providers802.11b Wi-Fi

Starbucks Eglin Pkwy & Plew Ave - Shalimar1198 Eglin Pkwy.Shalimar FL 32579 Location Type: CafeProximity: 9.4 miles Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->1 provider802.11b Wi-Fi

The UPS Store #22821114 E John Sims PkwyNiceville FL 32578 Location Type: Store / Shopping MallProximity: 9.5 miles Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->3 providers802.11b Wi-Fi

McDonald's 111841189 Eglin ParkwayShalimar FL 32579 Location Type: RestaurantProximity: 9.5 miles Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->2 providers802.11b Wi-Fi

The UPS Store 22821114 E John Sims ParkwayNiceville FL 32578 Location Type: Store / Shopping MallProximity: 10 miles Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->2 providers802.11b Wi-Fi

T-Mobile Eglin Parkway NE232 Eglin Parkway NEAFort Walton Beach FL 32547 Location Type: Store / Shopping MallProximity: 10.2 miles Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->3 providers802.11b Wi-Fi

Starbucks575 North Beal ParkwayFort Walton Beach FL 32548 Location Type: CafeProximity: 10.4 miles Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->1 provider802.11b Wi-Fi

FedEx Kinkos575 N. Beal ParkwayFort Walton Beach FL 32548 Location Type: Store / Shopping MallProximity: 10.4 miles

http://cnet.jiwire.com/wi-fi-wireless-hotspot-fort-walton-beach-florida-fl-us-starbucks-beal-pkwy-mary-esther-cutoff-1240056.htm575 North Beal ParkwayFort Walton Beach FL 32548 Location Type: CafeProximity: 10.4 miles (16.7 km) Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->1 provider802.11b Wi-Fi

McDonald's 117213201 South Ferdon BlvdCrestview FL 32536 Location Type: RestaurantProximity: 10.7 miles (17.3 km) Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->Wayport, Wayport, 802.11b Wi-Fi

Econo Lodge - Crestview FL356*3101 S. Ferdon Blvd.Crestview FL 32536 Location Type: Hotel / ResortProximity: 10.8 miles (17.4 km) Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->1 provider802.11b Wi-Fi

The UPS Store #2135550 Mary Esther Cutoff#18Fort Walton Beach FL 32548 Location Type: Store / Shopping MallProximity: 11.1 miles (17.8 km) Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->1 provider802.11b Wi-Fi

AliBaba Grill Cafe550 Mary Esther CutoffSuite 14Fort Walton Beach FL 32548 Location Type: RestaurantProximity: 11.1 miles (17.8 km) Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->2 providers802.11b Wi-Fi

Starbucks95 Eglin Parkway NeFort Walton Beach FL 32548 Location Type: CafeProximity: 11.1 miles (17.8 km) Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->T-Mobile HotSpot (US) 802.11b Wi-Fi

Jin Jin Chinese550 Mary Esther Cut Off NWFort Walton Beach FL 32548 Location Type: RestaurantProximity: 11.1 miles (17.8 km) Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->2 providers1 FREE 802.11b Wi-Fi
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The UPS Store #2135550 Mary Esther Cutoff#18Fort Walton Beach FL 32548 Location Type: Store / Shopping MallProximity: 11.1 miles (17.8 km) Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->1 provider802.11b Wi-Fi

McDonald's 03840440 Mary Esther BoulevardMary Esther FL 32569 Location Type: RestaurantProximity: 11.3 miles (18.1 km) Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->Wayport, Wayport, 802.11b Wi-Fi

The UPS Store 2135550 Mary Esther Cutoff#18Fort Walton Beach FL 32548 Location Type: Store / Shopping MallProximity: 11.3 miles (18.2 km) Map Directions Connection Options

Schools around Eglin AFB

This page lists all the schools in Okaloosa County along with their addresses and phone numbers, as well as a link to the school's "grade" issued by the state of Florida. A link to a map of each school is also included for your convenience.

Addie R. Lewis Middle School281 Mississippi AvenueValparaiso, FL 32580School Phone: 850-833-4130

Annette P. Edwins Elementary School7 Wright Parkway SWFort Walton Beach, FL 32548School Phone: 850-833-3333

Antioch Elementary School4700 Whitehurst LaneCrestview, FL 32536School Phone: 850-683-7540

Baker School1369 14th St.Baker, FL 32531School Phone: 850-689-7279

Bluewater Elementary School4545 Range RoadNiceville, FL 32578School Phone: 850-833-4240

Bob Sikes Elementary School425 Adams DriveCrestview, FL 32536School Phone: 850-689-7268

C. W. Ruckel Middle School201 North Partin DriveNiceville, FL 32578School Phone: 850-833-4142

Cherokee Elementary School200 Gaffney RoadEglin AFB, FL 32542School Phone: 850-833-4320

Choctawatchee Academy110 Racetrack Road NWFort Walton Beach, FL 32547School Phone: 850-833-3614

Choctawatchee Senior High School110 Racetrack Road NWFort Walton Beach, FL 32548School Phone: 850-833-3614

Clifford Meigs Middle School150 Richbourg AvenueShalimar, FL 32579School Phone: 850-833-4301

Crestview Senior High School1250 N. Ferdon BoulevardCrestview, FL 32536School Phone: 850-689-7177

Crestview Voc-Tech Center1250 N. Ferdon BoulevardCrestview, FL 32536School Phone: 850-689-7177

Davidson Middle School6261 Old Bethel RoadCrestview, FL 32536School Phone: 850-683-7500

Destin Elementary School630 Kelly StreetDestin, FL 32541School Phone: 850-833-4360

Destin Middle School (Regatta Bay)689 Regatta Bay Blvd.Destin, FL 32541School Phone: 850-833-7655

Elliott Point Elementary School301 Hughes StreetFort Walton Beach, FL 32548School Phone: 850-833-3355

Emerald Coast Marine Institute207 4th Street SEFort Walton Beach, FL 32548School Phone: 850-244-2711

Florosa Elementary School1700 W Highway 98Mary Esther, FL 32569School Phone: 850-833-4381

Fort Walton Beach High School400 Hollywood Boulevard SWFort Walton Beach, FL 32548School Phone: 850-833-3300
No mapavailable
Gulf Coast Youth Academy4448 Straight Line RoadCrestview, FL 32539School Phone: 850-689-7800

James E. Plew Elementary School220 Pine AvenueNiceville, FL 32578School Phone: 850-833-4100

Kenwood Elementary School15 Eagle StreetFort Walton Beach, FL 32547School Phone: 850-833-3570

Lance C. Richbourg Middle School500 Alabama StreetCrestview, FL 32536School Phone: 850-689-7229

Laurel Hill High School8078 4th StreetLaurel Hill, FL 32567School Phone: 850-652-4111

Liza Jackson Preparatory School546 Mary Esther CutoffFort Walton Beach, FL 32548School Phone: 850-833-3321

Longwood Elementary School50 Holly AvenueShalimar, FL 32579School Phone: 850-833-4329

Lula J. Edge Elementary School300 Highway 85 NNiceville, FL 32578School Phone: 850-833-4138

Mary Esther Elementary School320 Miracle Strip ParkwayMary Esther, FL 32569School Phone: 850-833-3371

Max Bruner, Jr. Middle School322 Holmes Boulevard NWFort Walton Beach, FL 32548School Phone: 850-833-3266

Milton Girls Juv. Residential5770 E. Milton RoadMilton, FL 32538School Phone: 850-689-7117

N. W. Florida Ballet Academie310 Perry Avenue SEFort Walton Beach, FL 32548School Phone: 850-664-7787

Niceville Senior High School800 John Sims Parkway ENiceville, FL 32578School Phone: 850-833-4109

Northwood Elementary School501 4th AvenueCrestview, FL 32536School Phone: 850-689-7252

Oak Hill Elementary School101 Chinquapin DriveEglin AFB, FL 32542School Phone: 850-833-4311

Ocean City Elementary School720 Essex RoadFort Walton Beach, FL 32547School Phone: 850-833-3556

Okaloosa Academy81 Roberts BoulevardFort Walton Beach, FL 32547School Phone: 850-864-3133

Okaloosa Applied Tech Center1976 Lewis Turner BoulevardFort Walton Beach, FL 32547School Phone: 850-833-3500
No mapavailable
Okaloosa Youth Academy4448 Straight Line RoadCrestview, FL 32539School Phone: 850-689-7800
No mapavailable
Okaloosa Youth Development Center4448 Straight Line RoadCrestview, FL 32539School Phone: 850-689-7800

OWCC Collegiate Charter High School100 College Boulevard ENiceville, FL 32578School Phone: 850-729-4949

Shalimar Elementary School1350 Joe Martin CircleShalimar, FL 32579School Phone: 850-833-4339

Silver Sands Exceptional Children349 Holmes Boulevard NWFort Walton Beach, FL 32548School Phone: 850-833-3364

Southside Elementary School650 S. Pearl StreetCrestview, FL 32539School Phone: 850-689-7203

Valparaiso Elementary School379 Edge AvenueValparaiso, FL 32580School Phone: 850-833-4120

W. C. Pryor Middle School201 Racetrack Road NWFort Walton Beach, FL 32547School Phone: 850-833-3613

Walker Elementary School2988 Stillwell BoulevardCrestview, FL 32539School Phone: 850-689-7220

Wright Elementary School305 Lang RoadFort Walton beach, FL 32547School Phone: 850-833-3580

Parks around Eglin AFB

Clearwater Park
Valparaiso

Eglin Wildlife Management Area
Valparaiso

Fort Walton Beach Park
Fort Walton Beach

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
Destin

Henderson Beach State Park
Fort Walton Beach

Rocky Bayou State Park Aquatic Preserve
Niceville

Twin Hills Park

Church around Eglin AFB area

Almerant Church
Laurel Hill

Antioch Church
Crestview South

Beaver Creek Church
Munson

Bethel Church
Crestview North

Bethel Church
Laurel Hill

Bullard Church
Hurricane Lake

Campton Church
Oak Grove

Canaan Church
Crestview South

Clear Springs Church
Oak Grove

Ebenezer Church
Oak Grove

Friendship Church
Crestview South

Golan Church
Baker

Good Hope Church
Munson

Hester Church
Baker

Holy Trinity Church
Mary Esther

Light House Church
Baker

Lighthouse Church
Baker

Live Oak Church
Crestview South

Magnolia Church
Oak Grove

Mount Zion Church
Laurel Hill

New Bethany Church
Munson

New Bethel Church
Crestview North

Oakland Church
Mary Esther

Old Ebenezer Church
Oak Grove

Olive Branch Church
Blackman

Parkway Church

Hospitals around Eglin AFB area

Crestview Community Hospital
Crestview North

Fort Walton Beach Hospital Extended Care
Fort Walton Beach

HSA Gulf Coast Hospital
Fort Walton Beach

Humana Hospital Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach

Twin Cities Hospital
Niceville

Airports in Okaloosa County

Bob Sikes Airport
Crestview North

Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)

30.78
-86.52
214

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport
Destin

Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)

30.40
-86.47
22

Dotson Airport
Baker

Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)

30.82
-86.69
251

Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Heliport
Mary Esther

Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)

30.45
-86.63
47

Hurlburt Field
Mary Esther

Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)

30.43
-86.69
38

Lonesome Pines Airport
Baker

Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)

30.80
-86.68
244

North Okaloosa Medical Center Heliport
Crestview South

Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)

30.74
-86.56
230

Ruckel Airport
Niceville

Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)

30.52
-86.44
67

Sky Ranch
Baker

Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)

30.85
-86.67
250

Swaney Airport
Dorcas

Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)

30.78
-86.47
210

The Funny Farm Airport
Dorcas

Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)

30.80
-86.44
200

Yellow River Airstrip
Holt

Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)

30.69
-86.75
150

Near-by Hotels to Eglin AFB

Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Walton Beach-Eglin AFB

1280 Eglin Parkway North
Shalimar, FL 32579
Nightly Rates: ( 139.00 - 139.00 )
2 StarMarriott's award winning economy hotel lodging chain features clean, convenient, quality accommodation and the peace of mind you get from Marriott consistency - all for a great value.

by Lois Walsh

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Maintaining the infrastructure of an Air Force base that's nearly the size of the state of Rhode Island and the largest in the free world is a tough and challenging job, but it is one that the 96th Civil Engineer Group is fully focused on doing in the most innovative, resourceful and efficient ways possible.

From repairing roads to fighting forest fires, the group is one of the most diverse on base with everything from firefighters to archaeologists on staff to do the job. Similar to many units throughout the Department of Defense, though, the 96th CEG must find ways to overcome budget and personnel cuts to continue its contributions to the Global War on Terror.

"Funding has been lean and from the people standpoint, we're heavily supporting the Air Expeditionary Force mission requirements," Col. Dennis Yates, 96th CEG commander, said.

That doesn't discourage Colonel Yates and the 96th CEG at all. Instead, he says it keeps them focused and true to the group's vision of being innovative, resourceful and effective in all they do in light of these challenges.

The group is comprised of the 796th Civil Engineer Squadron, the 96 Civil Engineer Squadron and the Environmental Management, Resources and Family Housing Divisions.

Lt. Col. Dave Eaton, 796th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, heads a squadron of more than 600 military and civilians who are responsible for maintenance and repair of base property. They've got everything from pest management personnel to heating, ventilation and air conditioning specialists. He agrees that limited funding and ops tempo are some of the biggest challenges his squadron faces.

"The people are great and do great things for us, always stepping up to the plate to meet the challenges head on." he said. "They take limited funding and manpower and do their magic to produce a great product. For example, when one of our shop superintendents deployed last month, an airman quickly stepped into his shoes and has been leading the shop ever since. There is no doubt in my mind that we'll see more examples like this as the deployment wears on."

The Environmental Management Division is led by Mike Applegate. The division is responsible for ensuring the base is a good steward of the environment and manages the reservation for 19 federally listed threatened and endangered species, as well as maintaining the world's largest longleaf pine forest.

Beyond the natural resources, Environmental Management is also responsible for ensuring the base stays compliant with the myriad of federal and state laws that regulate the base's air emissions, water quality programs, restoration efforts and protection of cultural resources among other things.

"We're environmental managers, not environmentalists," Mr. Applegate said. "We manage the environment for the mission, and we don't let it manage us. Our job is to make sure the base is compliant with the law as we execute the mission."

The Family Housing Division, ran by Kathy Lawhon, provides program management for housing referral services and effective use of on-base housing, including the single unaccompanied Airmen's dormitories. They are also responsible for providing input to the housing budget and the accompanying furnishings management program.

Through privatization, the quality of military family housing for both Eglin and Hurlburt Field military families stands to improve substantially.

"Our military families will enjoy contemporary homes similar to those found in the local communities," Paul Ledford, housing office manager, said. "They will have homes that are better built and equipped to endure the intense heat associated with coastal living." The Air Force hopes to attract the right developer for the job when it releases its updated Request for Proposal in September.

The 96th Civil Engineer Squadron, known as the "first-response arm of CE," boasts the largest fire department in DOD and the largest explosive ordnance disposal in the Air Force.

"If you think first response across the base or the community, fire, police and medical, we are one leg of that Eglin triad," Maj. Don Treanor, 96th CES commander, said. The 96th CES also includes the Readiness Flight. Its mission includes conducting emergency management for peacetime emergencies and natural disasters on Eglin as well as providing chemical warfare defense training for all Eglin military personnel, Major Treanor said. They also have the Prime BEEF functions which prepares CE forces for their wartime responsibilities.

So while there may be less people and financial resources to do their job these days, Col. Yates believes that if the group stays true to its vision, they'll be fine.

"It's a great group of people with a lot of pride to do the job right under any circumstances," Colonel Yates said. "Our pride and ingenuity makes us a formidable weapon system."

Eglin Airmen train Iraqis on fuel delivery

by Tech Sgt. Russell Wicke 447th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs 6/20/2007
- SATHER AIR BASE, BAGHDAD, IRAQ

-- Airmen from the 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Flight are training Iraqis here to fuel up their own C-130s without dependence on the U.S. Air Force.

Heading up the training is Master Sgt. Scott Addington, 447th ELRS Petroleum, Oils and Lubricant fuels manager, who said the plan is broken own into a "crawl, walk, run" process.

The first day of training was June 17 and involved familiarization with one of the Iraqis two fuel trucks.

"These guys are in the infancy stage of fueling," said Sergeant Addington. "We developed a six-phase process designed to ease them into this work.

" The entire Iraqi fuels shop here, consisting of three people, is now learning the fundamentals in Phase One: moving fuel. Sergeant Addington said advanced training will involve tracking and recording fuel, and eventually performing lab work.

The Iraqi airmen at New Al-Muthana will be responsible for refueling their three C-130s, their helicopters and their aerospace ground equipment, according to Tech. Sgt. Chad Wilkey, 447th ELRS fuels operations supervisor. At present, all of these are being fueled by U.S. Airmen working for Sergeant Addington.

In addition to the Iraqis' aircraft and equipment, the 13 Airmen of 447th ELRS Fuels shop have their hands full with other commitments. Approximately 300 transit aircraft funnel through Sather every week - all requiring fuel. Furthermore, the Army's 3rd Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade has approximately 115 helicopters which fly daily missions from Baghdad International Airport. They all depend on fuel from the 447th ELRS. And just to add the icing, Sather also maintains multiple generators which supply electricity to the base; they all depending on POL for clean, dry fuel.

"We provide the life-blood of the American war fighter," said Sergeant Wilkey. "Nobody goes anywhere without gas." And Sather's access to gas all passes through the conduit of these 13 Airmen. But Sergeant Wilkey was quick to point out his team does a lot more than deliver fuel.

This is where Tech. Sgt. Terrance Ladd, 447th ELRS fuels lab technician comes in. Sergeant Ladd runs the fuels lab here. It's his job to ensure the fuel is of high quality. He said he spends his days sampling fuel from their fuel trucks and the 50,000-gallon fuel bladders, and testing them for a number of contaminants.

"I test the fuel for solids, (like dirt) and trace amounts of water," said Sergeant Ladd. "If my tests indicate the fuel is too dirty, or has too much water, we have to take action to correct the problem."

Sergeant Ladd also said the JP-8 fuel he works with requires several additives to enhance engine performance. He runs lab work on the JP-8 to ensure it has the right amount of icing inhibitor and static dissipater. Without these additives, the fuel may develop crystallized ice, or build up static electricity. Sergeant Ladd also tests the fuel for proper flash point.

In addition to lab testing come the rigors of inventory and paperwork. According to Sergeant Addington, all fuel has to be received by convoy, tracked and recorded. When people depend on a product that comes by convoy in Baghdad, Iraq, problems surface fast. Baghdad features a characteristic that makes fuel supply very unpredictable: hostility.

"We have a small surplus of fuel because re-supply trucks are unpredictable," said Sergeant Wilkey. "For this reason, we limit all aircraft to 40,000 pounds of fuel, unless they arrange for more in advance."

Sergeant Addington agreed that his crew of 13 stands up under a heavy yoke: providing clean, dry fuel to the entire base and the coalition in addition to the training of Iraqis - all in a hostile environment. But he said it would take more than this and the occasional rocket attack to break the resolve of the Airmen in POL.

"We like the term 'resilient' defined by Webster's as, 'tending to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change,'" wrote Sergeant Addington in an e-mail responding to a concerned peer after a rocket attack in their area. "What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger."

Occupational Health Council Eglin Air Force Base

Commentary by Col. Joseph A. LanniVice Commander, Air Armament Center & Chairman, Eglin Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health Council - EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.

-- In less than three weeks, every Eglin unit and organization will be subject to an evaluation of its compliance with environmental laws and guidelines when Air Force Materiel Command environmental officials visit to conduct an Environmental, (and Occupational Health) Compliance Assessment and Management Program (EOHCAMP) evaluation July 9-13.

Eglin is prepared.

Thirteen protocols, which include hazardous waste management and water quality management, will be thoroughly assessed by a team who knows those processes and programs and how they should work, inside and out.

Eglin is ready.

Why so confident, you ask? Because I know Team Eglin has made all the necessary preparation for this external EOHCAMP. I know the difference between glancing at a regulation and making environmental safety and health part of our lifestyle...and I know that the lifestyle is stressed at all levels of our workforce. I know that commanders and their Unit Environmental Coordinators, all 98 of them, have been ensuring the finer details of their unit's environmental programs are in order, and are hitting the streets, stressing ownership of the program by everyone. I know they'll continue these efforts right up until showtime when the AFMC team arrives at their unit's doorstep in early July.

That's the kind of effort it will take to ensure success during this evaluation.

I believe that all of Team Eglin understands that the future of this great nation rests in our hands right now and our job #1 is to carry out our mission and protect our country. That requires us to integrate all of our efforts toward conserving our resources...that's natural, infrastructure and human resources that supports and conduct our mission. The EOHCAMP results will give us a clear picture of how well we are doing that now, as well as areas to improve in moving forward.

As we prepare for the upcoming evaluation, let's continue to improve Eglin's Environmental Management System to a benchmark that others will mimic. Our next challenge in that process will begin 9 July.

Team Eglin, continue to do what it takes to be ready for this and future challenges...our workforce, our mission and our nation depend on it.

Exchange Select quality and price registering with military families

EGLIN AFB, Fla. -- Military shoppers in search of the best value for their dollar are increasingly reaching for "private label" products manufactured under the Exchange Services' "Exchange Select" brand. The steady demand for affordably priced, quality products by the military community continues to drive expansion of the Exchange Select brand, available exclusively at Navy, Marine and Coast Guard Exchanges, Veterans Canteen Service locations and Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) BXs and PXs.

We introduced 67 new 'Exchange Select' items in 2006 including value pack diapers and baby wipes, whitening pre-brush oral rinse and smoking cessation gum," said the Eglin AFB BX's General Manager Myra Moore. "The entire portfolio now includes 557 unique items, all priced to deliver substantial savings."

Whether shopping for health and beauty care items, household cleaning and laundry products or even a single-use camera, Exchange Select products offer quality that is equal to or better than equivalent national brands at an average savings of 50 percent.

"Our Quality Assurance team actively ensures the quality of 'Exchange Select' merchandise by visiting suppliers' plants to verify 'Good Manufacturing Practices,' as set by the Food and Drug Administration as well as other governing agencies, are used," said Moore. "In fact, all over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, meet FDA established guidelines, which are the same for 'Exchange Select' and national brand equivalent products."

Name brand quality combined with "private label" pricing continues to attract military shoppers as "Exchange Select" sales have increased 30 percent since the brand was first introduced in the summer of 2002. As a result, the Exchange Services continue to broaden their "private label" assortment through line extensions in existing categories and expansion into new programs.

"Exchange Select" stock assortment additions currently in development include oatmeal based baby toiletries, women's premium triple-blade disposable razors, sugar-free cough drops, plastic applicator tampons and "custom-size-it" paper towels.

A thank you to the Eglin Military official website for this story

Eglin Airmen selected for promotion

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Air Force officials selected 15,130 of 36,608 eligible senior airmen for promotion to staff sergeant for a selection rate of 41.33 percent, up 5.46 percent from last year.

The complete list of selectees will be posted on AFPC's enlisted promotions Web page no later than 3 p.m. CDT Aug. 15.

"The promotion opportunity for this year is outstanding," said Chief Master Sgt. Rusty Nicholson, the enlisted promotion branch chief at the Air Force Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base. "This is a great day for the United States Air Force and a significant event for the Air Force's newest group of noncommissioned officers."

The average staff sergeant selectee score for the 07E5 staff sergeant test cycle was 270.71 points, based on the following: -- 131.72 Enlisted Performance Reports -- 55.99 Promotion Fitness Exam -- 54.33 Specialty Knowledge Test -- 2.15 Time in Grade -- 4.72 Time in Service -- 0.85 Decorations

There are 4,894 enlisted Airmen who will have yet to take the Weighted Airmen Promotion System test, primarily due to deployment, Chief Nicholson said. "Upon their return, they will be provided the 60-day study time prior to testing and then automatically be considered via the monthly supplemental process."

Air Armament Center Stacia Zachary

28th Test Squadron Wendy Scheibe

33rd Fighter Wing Eugene Farmer Omar Phillips Elisa Young

33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Bradley Barkley Christopher Blake Charles Bock Steven Bohler Brandon Brock Kyle Bryant William Calban Leuris Castillo Kyle Cramere Delmas Crawford Jeffery Dehaan Billy Gene Drake Kenneth Duby James Flannery Patrick Gervais Robert Hall William Haselden Eric Hilliard James Holness Ronald Jenkins Chester Johnson Craig Kelley Frederick Koval Rudolph Lange Timothy Lawson Ronald Legarde Eric Litton Danny Makowsky Even Martin Thomas Martineau Brian Mathison Nicholas Mays Dennis McKelvey Justin McLane Kevin Mickley Gerald Mitchell Michael Monroe Jesus Pena Regis Peoples Benjamin Picasio Benjamin Proffitt Brian Quinerly Jael Rivera Jeffrey Robbins Daniel Sanders Samuel Sargent Nicholas Schmidt David Shafer Alex Stinebrickner Michael Sweely Brandon Takacs Charles Taylor Randall Vander Woude Joey Vandusen Jonathan Whelan Darryl White

33rd Maintenance Operations Squadron Michael Alwood Leanna Bailon Albert Benitez Nichole Guest Crystal Perez

33rd Maintenance Squadron Nicholas Anziano Edwin Bermudez Tracie Bone Joshua Bosworth Jeremy Bowden Curtis Bracksieck Lacey Brumfield Lisa Caluag Michael Crenshaw Carlos Cruz Nathan Cumberledge Ross Currie Matthew Curtis Daniel Dallas Jessica Deangelis Michael Disori Bradford Doyon Dustin Elizondo Jason Ellison Daniel Fulghum Chad Gamache Robert Gonzales Destiny Harp Erik Harper Benjamin Hollins Robert Kawasaki David Knight Adam Koon Eugene Lofton Christopher Marcum Michael Marr Edwin Matos Joseph McGoldrick James McKay Kelli McLean Weston Miller Sharif Pryce Roderick Randolph Andrew Rauch Antonio Rivera Randy Rowell Peter Saari Patrick Spencer Daniel Swanson Phetsamo Thiravong Bradley Townsend Timothy West Matthew Wray Julian Wynn

33rd Operations Group Ricky Beasley Kaylynn Martin

33rd Operations Support Group Dominick Dellapia Jamie Linwood Lakeishea Williams Laura Yelvington

40th Flight Test Squadron Tamura Godfrey

46th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Heather Acosta Markus Anthny Matthew Cowart Derek Creary Trevor Crittendon Brian Culver Harold Cunningham Shawn Cushman Joshua Devineking Zachary Drahota Jordan Gerlofs Valerie Giampoala Andrew Glidewell David Goldsmith James Hanni Jonathan Harpe Michael Hill Austin Holen Rickurt Jackman Brandon Justics Richard King Michael Langham Bret Lowe Jeremiah McCartney William Merritt Matthew Mingee Thomas Moldenhauer Sidney Moore Wesley Mull William Nelson David Nyman Christine O'Donnell Jonathan Pruitt Matthew Quinn Christopher Riley Jonathan Robinson Bradley Schuster Micheal Scot Reyes Siniff Christopher Stewart Jesse Taska Daniel Thompson Branden Van Matre Rafael Williams

46 Maintenance Operation Squadron Mark Hanna

46th Maintenance Squadron Steven Acevedo Christopher Akin David Alday Nakevin Cain Kylentus Clark Benjamin Dartez Blake Davis David Downing John Flanagan Jeremy Frederick Cameron Hickey Bronson McLain David Meyere Eric Quintana Adam Rohrer Cale Seubert Emmanuel Smith Jeromy Smith Donna Stevens James Stinson Burt Villareal

46th Operations Support Squadron Daisha Bey Raymond Cooper Jamie Hennessey Joshua Lemay Michael Nesladek Tony Schamberger

46th Range Squadron Amanda Seagro

46th Weather Squadron Melit Laurry

58th Fighter Squadron Amanda Fisher Marvin Williams Michelle Ziebell

68th Electronic Warfare Squadron Melanie Nestle Jeremiah Ward

85th Test and Evaluation Squadron Marcus Davis 86th Fighter Weapons Squadron Alexandra Kearney

96th Air Base Wing Arionea Adams Katie Hughes 96th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Kristian Duff Nancy Martinez Amy Rauch

96th Civil Engineer Group Michael Chavarria Sterling Scales

96th Civil Engineer Squadron Kelly Badger Ali Bueshi Roy Campos Adam Cole Philip Cummings Michael Edwards Shaun Gingerella Isaiah Graham Jordan Gren Aaron Jones Abraham Lara Christopher Lewis Adam Meredith Charles Miles Kalvin Moore Errick Schafer Ronin Sullivan Crystal Yaw

96th Communications Group Ryan Dennis Latoria Glover 96th Communications Squadron Julia Barnes Michael Baustert Bobby Buckalew Rospig De La Torre Michael Fleming John Haraguchi Zachary Hill Matthew Holt Brian Lawton Kendrick Lewis Jesse Peterson Jeremy Phillips Kristy Robinson Marcie Teal Jason West

96th Comptroller Squadron Michelle Goodnight Adrian Johnson Christopher Olson Seneca Shelton

96th Dental Squadron Michael Gray Alpheus Green Audrey Hernandez Sara Kelley Robert Penn

96th Ground Combat Training Squadron Jermaine Morrow Jaclyn Privitera

96th Logistics Readiness Squadron Corey Briggs Michael Clark Raul Diazfunes Kivondra Fagg Edwin Jacobo Michael Jarvis Darryl Leytham Christopher Logue Claudio Moreta Jesse Nantkes Troy Newman William Overton Stefanie Rouse Stephen Soloman Shanell Stephens Anthony Tabano Hyrice Tomlin Leonard Wright

96th Medical Operations Squadron Michael Barnette Mozingo Chavez Tammi Fish Nicole Gillig Zachary Higgins Kristi Kendzierski Alexander Kryvenia Alexander Lee Cassandra Murphy Sabrina Richardson

96th Medical Support Squadron Charmaine Garza Juan Gomez Lluvia Gonzalez Michelle Guzman Maria Jimenez Katrina Madden Laura McKeon Brianna Mullarkey Charles Murphy Kary Stringham Brandi Stupak Karen Sweet Heather Vitolla Jolea Zuber

96th Mission Support Squadron Forrest Jones Michael Whitman

96th Security Forces Squadron Cody Braemer Keith Cleare Charles Coles Keith Corcoran Scott Cousins Angela Dotson Mark Geralesrosen Jonathan Hogue Season Kelt Derrick Kohlenberger David Leal Kathleen Lee Michael McDade Daniel Wanhala

96th Services Squadron Travis Giles Stephanie Harris Olrick Johnson Ryan Leveille John Vickery 96th Surgical Operations Squadron Karen Knight Paul Lilya Jaime Martin Leon Miller Amber Wesolowski

728th Air Control Squadron Kenneth Basaldua Caroline Braddock Justin Centola Reginald Cook Denise Diaz John Driver Dawn Dutcher Melanie Engle Timothy French Jason Gleason Steven Greenwood Garrett Hayes Andrew Heinig Brioan Jessee Bradley Johnson Patrick Johnson Brandon Jones Benjamin Koren Andy Lansdowne Evan Lee Jason Levalley Andrew Lewis Dannielle Lewis John Limon Christopher Lovelady Andrew Miller Renaldo Miller William O'Neal Claudia Paisley Shiloh Pogue Jesse Ready Erika Reynolds Joshua Ritchie Joaquin Rodriguez Antonio Santiago Keith St Laurent Demetrius Townsend Angel Vargas Todd Vetter James Wall

728th Test Squadron Robert Burroughs

796th Civil Engineer Squadron Cesar Alvarado Daniel Jones Jesse Knudtson Adrien Lomax Christopher Looney Carlo Mangoba Ben Nichols Paul Perez Matthew Phillips Tomas Sanchez Derrick Seals Robert Strohmeyer Randy Webster Kyle Whisenhunt Mark Williams 1st Special Operations Maintenance Squadron Alan Cherry Christopher Fairbairn Edward Groves Charles Hamilton Michael Lacy Lane Miller Shawn Riley Gilbert Rubio Michael Smith

9th Special Operations Squadron Michael Brown David Holcombe Joshua Huff Andrew Lewis Kentonis McGee Scott Osteen

16th Electronic Warfare Squadron Jacqueline Barker Lynette Calleiro James Campbell Lowell Edkins Stuart Melton Niicholas Turner Jason Ward

Back to School Safety

Air Armament Center Safety Office

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- As summer vacation concludes here on the Emerald Coast, students across several counties are readying themselves for the start of a new school year.

With all of the excitement this time brings, safety is not the first topic that may be discussed between students and parents. The Air Armament Safety Office encourages parents to speak with their children about safety before school begins. Here is why and some topics to help you along.

Getting to school and back home again

· Find an easy, safe way to walk to school or the bus stop. Ask your parents if there is anything you should watch out for along way. Crosswalks, stop lights, crossing guard, speed zones. · Always walk with a brother, sister, neighbor, or friend - sounds just like a Wingman. · Don't talk to strangers, go anywhere with them, or take anything from them.

· Know your phone number and address, even your area code and zip code. If you have trouble remembering them, write them down and keep them in a safe place like a backpack or notebook. Walking and biking to schoolEven if you don't ride to school in a car or a school bus, students must still protect themselves. In walking to and from school without a parent, many young pedestrians face many safety decisions, situations and dangers. Here are a few basic safety tips to follow:

· Mind all traffic signals and/or the crossing guard -- never cross the street against a light, even if you don't see any traffic coming.

· Walk your bike through intersections. · Walk with a buddy. · Wear reflective material if possible...it makes you more visible to street traffic.

· Never walk alone--always travel with a buddy.

· Pay attention to all traffic signals and crossing guards along the way.
Never cross the street against a stop light.

· Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.

· Avoid ill-fitting clothing that could get caught in spokes or pedals or restrict movements, and wear reflective colors and material to be more visible to street traffic.

· Walk your bicycle across all intersections. Riding in a car You might have heard before that most traffic crashes occur within a 25-mile radius of home ... that's true, they do.

· Safety belts are the best form of protection passengers have in the event of a crash. They can lower your risk of injury by 45%.

· You are four times more likely to be seriously injured or killed if ejected from the vehicle in a crash.

· Everyone needs to be buckled up properly. That means older kids in seat belts, younger kids in booster seats and little kids in child safety seats.

Riding the bus

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 24 million students nationwide start their school day with a trip on the school bus. Although NHTSA reports that riding on a school bus is nearly eight times safer than riding in a passenger vehicle, an average of 11 school-aged pedestrians are killed by school transportation vehicles each year. In 2006, 26 students were killed and another 9,000 were injured in incidents involving school buses. More often than not, these deaths and injuries didn't occur in a crash, but as the pupils were entering and exiting the bus.

Remember these safety tips:

· Have a safe place to wait for your bus, away from traffic and the street.

· Stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the driver signals you to enter.

· When being dropped off, exit the bus and walk ten giant steps away from the bus. Keep a safe distance between you and the bus. Also, remember that the bus driver can see you best when you are back away from the bus.

· Use the handrail to enter and exit the bus. · Stay away from the bus until the driver gives a signal that it's okay to approach.

· Be aware of the street traffic around you. Drivers are required to follow certain rules of the road concerning school buses, however, not all do. Protect yourself and watch out!

After school If you stay home alone for a few hours after school while your parents are at work, call and check in with them as soon as you get home. Ask your parents what the rules are. Are you allowed to watch TV before you finish your homework?

But these two are simple rules parents should provide their children who are home alone:

· Keep doors shut: Instead of telling kids not to let a stranger in, the real rule needs to be: Keep the door shut and locked at all times. Don't fill your child's head with "don'ts"; simply tell them to keep all doors closed. If someone comes to the door, your child can communicate with this person through the door.

· Set check-in time: Another thing parents should ask their child to do is call and let Mom or Dad know that she is home safe. Set a consistent time for the child to call each day. Give her 10 minutes plus or minus to allow for a slow bus, etc ... then start to worry if she doesn't meet this deadline. Also, find a close neighbor who is usually home around this time. If the parent can't be reached, the child knows to call this person.

Parents, please remember that kids home alone are much more likely to encounter dangers such as fire from burning popcorn or falling down the stairs than being abducted by a stranger. Parents need to consider some of these issues facing their families and deal with them accordingly. Have a safe and productive school year.

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by Lois Walsh

Eglin Airmen train Iraqis on fuel delivery

Occupational Health Council Eglin Air Force Base

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