The top generals from the U.S. Air Force and Iraq Air Force united here March 9 to award silver wings to 23 of the countries' newest pilots.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Iraqi Air Force Commander Staff Lt. Gen. Anwer Hamad Amin Ahmad were the keynote speakers at the graduation ceremony for Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 12-06, which included one Iraqi officer -Anwer's son Capt. Mohammed Hama Ameen.

"I am proud of him today because he is new," said Anwer, who presented Hama his wings. "He is of the new Iraqi group from a new generation who will do his best to play a great role to build his country."

As part of this new generation, Hama will transition to Iraq as Laughlin's first SUPT graduate for the Iraqi Air Force F-16 program.

His father currently serves as commander of the Iraqi Air Force and is responsible for organizing, training and equipping Iraq's air force. As a decorated pilot, Anwer has 4,500 flying hours in a variety of aircraft.

During his keynote speech, Anwer expressed great appreciation for everyone at Laughlin, and to the U.S. military for its assistance in building a new, democratic Iraq. Schwartz reciprocated Anwer's appreciation of American servicemembers in his keynote speech.

"You have every reason to be proud of the accomplishments of your noble country and certainly your son, who will receive his well-deserved wings from you in just a few moments," said Schwartz. "We are honored to consider you both fellow airmen."

Schwartz, who graduated from SUPT here in 1974, was making his second return to Laughlin since receiving his wings. Schwartz offered words of encouragement to the new pilots preparing to embark on their next journey.

"No one knows what tomorrow will bring, but this is most assuredly an exciting time to enter the ranks of Air Force pilots," Schwartz said. "You must be ready to serve a nation that depends on its Air Force, and Air Force capabilities and skills that you have developed here."

Schwartz concluded by reflecting on the unique nature of military service.

"Commitment to military service is distinct from all other forms of commitment in other professions for it is unqualified and it is unlimited," Schwartz said. "This level of commitment is not to be taken lightly but rather deliberately, and with clear mind and heart."

Photo: LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Iraqi Air Force Commander Staff Lt. Gen. Anwer Hamad Amen Ahmed pins pilot wings on his son, Capt. Mohammed Hama Ameen, after graduating from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training here March 9. Upon graduating, Hama will be the first Iraqi pilot from Laughlin to attend the Iraqi Air Force F-16 program. Laughlin’s International Student Program currently hosts 28 students from nine different countries. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Scott Saldukas)

One of the selling points for Reserve duty is the ability to serve in one location an entire career. In order to "sell" Reserve duty though, Senior Master Sgt. Kristyn Ervin has had to PCS - five times.

Ervin, senior recruiter for Officer Accessions East at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., will make her fifth relocation in June to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., to serve as the 446th Airlift Wing senior recruiter.

"This was an opportunity that came up that I was very excited to have," said Ervin during a visit here March 2. "Not too many people get this opportunity to be here; it's a unique mission, essential to the Air Force Total Force mission."

Ervin says she is thrilled to work in recruiting for an airlift wing because the Air Force can't survive without the combat airlift mission.

"I also like how we work so closely with the active duty and just how essential we are in the mission; Total Force in action. That means a lot to me, especially in recruiting for the Air Force Reserve."

As senior recruiter, Ervin will train, coach, and mentor 10 Reserve recruiters scattered throughout the states of Alaska, Washington, and Oregon.

Moving from a warm climate like Georgia to the cool climate of Washington is no deterrent for Ervin.

"I'm originally from Youngstown, Ohio, so I'm used to not so warm weather," explained Ervin. "I happen to think rain is cozy. Coming from a warm environment, this will be a welcome change."

While Ervin sees a change in environment as a good thing, change will not necessarily be her mantra once here.

"I can tell already just being here these couple of days that Chief (Chief Master Sgt. Scott) Terpening has done great things as far as wing involvement and taking care of our people and I'm going to continue on doing that," she said. "We're all one team and I love how he has incorporated what we do with the active duty."

Terpening is moving on to become the superintendent, Central Recruiting Region at Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas.

Ervin's priorities will be working with Col. Bruce Bowers, 446th AW commander, to ensure the 446th AW is effectively manned, and to continue his efforts to assist in the Air Force Reserve Command meeting its end-strength goal.

"What I'm going to be doing first is just getting in where I fit in," she said. "I'm here for you. We're (recruiters) here for you."

Ervin first enlisted in the active-duty Air Force in 1989 as a surgical services specialist. After her initial enlistment was up, she joined the Air Force Reserve as a medical services technician. In 1998, she joined the Reserve recruiting team.

Photo: Senior Master Sgt. Kristyn Ervin, left, speaks to Chief Master Sgt. Scott Terpening, 446th Airlift Wing outgoing senior recruiter during at training meeting at McChord Field, Wash., March 1. Ervin will be moving into the 446th AW senior recruiter position in June from Moody Air Reserve Base, Ga. (U.S. Air Force photo by Sandra Pishner)

 "Lead, follow, or get out of the way!"

This is the theme for the 2012 446th Airlift Wing Professional Development Seminar here, June 4-5, in Hangar 9.

Like previous seminars, there is no cost and both enlisted and junior officers are encouraged to attend.

This year, will feature Chief Master Sgt. Kathleen Buckner, Air Force Reserve Command command chief as guest speaker.

"Chief Buckner is a prior first sergeant," said Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Mack, 86th Aerial Port Squadron first sergeant. "With her experience, she can easily tailor her message to reach all of the enlisted ranks. We welcome her to our seminar with open arms in taking the time to spread her message and talk about the enlisted development plan," added Mack, who will take over as 446th AW command chief, April.

Chief Master Sgt. Karilyn Graham, 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant and wing Yellow Ribbon Program representative, will give a class on resume writing as one of the seminar's highlights.

"Many employers recognize that candidates with a military background have valuable experience," she said. "But it's often difficult to decipher that information from a military resume. This class will teach you how to describe your experience in a way potential civilian employers will understand it."

In addition to resume writing, there are a myriad of other topics which will be covered during the two-day event, including:

· Choosing your direction
· Time management
· Family resiliency
· What to expect when you deploy
· Servant leadership
· Decision making
· Military education
· Falling forward

"The whole concept of the seminar is to develop Airmen to become better leaders," said Mack. "This is an ongoing process to help Reservists lead, develop and perform so they can, in return, develop younger Airmen.

Monday's uniform will be any combination of blues. The uniform of the day will be Tuesday's attire.

For more information on the Professional Development Seminar, contact your squadron first sergeant or unit career advisor.

Air Force safety officials here today announced that since Feb. 17, 2011, the Air Force has now gone for more than 12 months without an on-duty ground fatality.

After an exhaustive search of the Air Force Safety Center's safety mishap database, officials confirmed the service reached this milestone for the first time in its history.

On-duty ground safety includes industrial, occupational, sports and recreation and traffic-related activities while on the job.

"This wonderful feat is due to the unrelenting commitment by commanders, supervisors, safety professionals and Airmen at all levels to accomplishing the mission safety and effectively," Maj. Gen. Greg Feest, Air Force chief of safety, said. "It's truly a team effort."

Bill Parsons, Air Force chief of ground safety, echoed the Air Force's commitment to a safe work environment.

"The Air Force's investment in creating safe workplaces and procedures, managing risk and eliminating hazards clearly demonstrates that it's possible, even under tough situations, to protect our Airmen from harm," Parsons said. "Airmen work more confidently and efficiently, and tragic loss to co-workers, friends and family is avoided when organizations emphasize safety."

"I applaud the work done by all in keeping our Airmen safe," Feest added. "Let's apply the same vigilance when you're off-duty as well."

Your shift doesn't end for another two hours and your stomach is growling so loudly that you can hear it over the aircraft engine. As a flightline worker, you find it challenging to sneak away from work and grab a snack before dinner.

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service has found a solution to this obstacle by opening the Flightline Express, which is essentially a mini Shoppette.

The new store is located on the first floor of building 1182, commonly known as the 10th Airlift Squadron. Operating Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., the facility offers flightline workers a plethora of snack options.

"We serve everything from sandwiches and hot dogs to chips and candy bars," said Patrick McGhee, Washington AAFES general manager. "If you've got a case of the munchies, you've got a choice here."

Even though the store offers a wide variety of products, employees say specific snacks get more attention than others.

"Our busiest time is early morning, around 7:30 a.m.," said Claudia Mitchell, AAFES employee. "Coffee and breakfast sandwiches are probably the most popular items. Beef jerky is also a big seller. "

According to Mitchell, customers often express their appreciation for the one-stop snack shop located closer to their work centers.

"It's difficult to get away from work at all, let alone long enough to run to the Shoppette," said Staff Sgt. Vincent Anderson, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "This location makes it so much easier to grab a bite to eat during my shift."

The shop is expected to expand and improve based upon demands and needs of customers.

PHOTO: Staff Sgt. Vincent Anderson, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, purchases a snack at the Flightline Express March 14, 2012, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. The new store is located on the first floor of building 1182, commonly known as the 10th Airlift Squadron. It’s open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Leah Young)

Congratulations to the 627th Logistics Readiness Squadron who earned first place during the 2012 intramural basketball champions held at McChord Field.

The team defeated the 373rd Training Squadron 41 to 44 in the final round of the tournament March 14. The 62nd Maintenance Squadron finished in third place.

The 627th LRS team will go on to play in the JBLM Lewis Main championships March 15 at 6 p.m. at Soldier's Field House.

Eligible Airmen, veterans and their beneficiaries now have until midnight Oct. 21 to apply for retroactive stop loss special pay following an extension in the continuing resolution authorized by Public Law 112-74.

The new Oct. 21, 2012 deadline extends the original cutoff for applications and allows eligible recipients more time to apply for the benefit.

Airmen eligible for the benefit include active, retired and former members as well as guard and reserve component members who served on active duty while their enlistment or period of obligated service was involuntarily extended, or whose eligibility for separation or retirement was suspended as a result of stop loss. Legally designated beneficiaries for Airmen affected may also apply.

To file a claim, eligible individuals may download a stop loss claim application at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/stoploss. Applicants who were serving in the Reserve or Guard at the time of stop loss may apply by visiting vPC-GR via the Air Force Personnel Services website.  

Air Force officials used stop loss for Operation Enduring Freedom from Oct. 2, 2001, through Jan. 31, 2003, and Operation Iraqi Freedom from May 2 through Dec. 31, 2003. Individuals who were deployed during either operation may be eligible beyond the inclusive dates depending on their Air Force specialty and deployment return date. The Stop Loss Program may have affected approximately 39,000 Airmen.

For more information on program eligibility and claims instructions, call the Total Force Service Center - Denver at (800) 525-0102.

Reservists with the 446th Airlift Wing, in partnership with their active-duty brethren from the 62nd Airlift Wing, complete a record-setting season for Operation Deep Freeze. ODF C-17 airlift support began Aug. 20, 2011 and ended with the return of Team McChord here March 4.

As the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, Team McChord aircrews and maintainers conducted 74 missions in support of Operation Deep Freeze, six more than any previous season. On the unofficial side of this temporary duty, the team donated a record $10,000 to charities in Christchurch, New Zealand, where they stage ODF C-17 Globemaster III missions.

Operation Deep Freeze is a joint service, inter-agency activity that supports the National Science Foundation, which manages the United States Antarctic Program.

ODF 2011-2012 late winter flights, known as WINFLY, began Aug. 20 when a C-17 from Joint Base Lewis-McChord began delivering passengers and cargo to the National Science Foundation's McMurdo Station, Antarctica.

Continuing the theme of firsts for this season, Team McChord conducted the first-ever C-17 operational South Pole airdrop and a mid-winter medical evacuation out of McMurdo using night-vision goggles. And for the first time in ODF, a Reservist was commander of the 304th EAS.

The 446th AW first began supporting ODF in 1997 with the C-141 in a presidentially-mandated mission to support the National Science Foundation's experiments at the South Pole.

Lt. Col. Bill Eberhardt, 728th Airlift Squadron here, commanded the squadron of 35 people, including Reserve and active-duty Airmen from McChord Field.

"Aircrew wise it's a 50-50 split (between 446th and 62nd AWs)," said Eberhardt. "Generally, the 446th Operations Group mans the staff of the 304th EAS. We (the 446th AW) have the DO (director of operations), superintendent, and chief loadmaster. The only non-Reservist on the staff is from the 62nd Airlift Wing, the commander of the squadron. This year I had the privilege of being the first Reserve commander of the 304th EAS."

The 304th EAS was busier than usual this season; busy as in 2,524 passengers flown south, 2,631 passengers flown north and moving 6 million, 329 thousand pounds in cargo.

"Pretty impressive for one small squadron with one airplane," said Eberhardt.

While the aircrews are an even mix of active-duty and Reserve Airmen, according to Eberhardt much of the maintenance team is active duty.

"Our goal is to have as many Reserve maintainers as the active duty, but the numbers tend to lean more to the 62nd Maintenance Group. The 22nd Special Tactics Squadron (from McChord Field) provides the satellite communications operator," he said.

Maintainers and aircrew alike were extended two weeks this season as more missions were added to the schedule to accommodate cargo typically shipped to McMurdo.

"The challenges at the end of the season involved an ice pier. Toward the end of last season, there was a big wind storm that broke up the ice pier at McMurdo station," Eberhardt explains. "So this year they could not use that ice pier."

A ship brings fuel to unload at the McMurdo pier. Another ship carries in cargo and then uploads trash and outgoing cargo. When the ice pier became unusable, the National Science Foundation hired an Army unit to bring in a portable pier to use for the cargo offload and upload.

"Because that ship had the portable pier on it and it was going through the southern ocean, some of the roughest seas on the planet, they had to download some cargo off the ship at Christchurch before it went to McMurdo Station. They did this to change the center of gravity of the ship for the rough seas," said Eberhardt. "So that cargo we, in the C-17, had to fly south. That extended our season by two weeks and added several more missions to our schedule."

At the end of the season the McChord contingent was extremely busy, flying almost every day, according to Eberhardt.

"This creates a challenge, mostly for the maintainers, because they are launching the aircraft in the morning and recovering it at night," he said.

Challenging is the word for ODF regardless of extra missions.

"Weather and fuel planning are the primary challenges of flying ODF missions," said Eberhardt. "When you go down there to McMurdo or airdrop on the South Pole, there's only one runway within about 2,200 miles you can land on. So you have issues with mission planning; if you lose an engine or something like that you don't have a lot of options."

The South Pole sits at 10,000 feet above sea level. When you're over the South Pole at 90 degrees south, every direction is north. Navigation takes an experienced crew to know what to expect and get it done properly, said Eberhardt.

The South Pole was on Master Sgt. Scott Terra's itinerary while deployed for ODF. Terra, a loadmaster with the 728th AS, was on loan to the Air National Guard at McMurdo Station - in an administrative support position.

"They're trying to run a pilot program that allows the C-17 guys to have exposure to what the C-130 guys do there and vice versa," said Terra.

The 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard supports ODF with ski-equipped LC-130 aircraft. Terra spent about 40 days working in administration, but learning all he could about the ODF mission of the Guard squadron.

"They do some pretty amazing work, operating in an austere environment their entire tour," said Terra.

Rounding out the monster machine of ODF airlift are the cargo handlers.

"Cargo handling is done by a civilian contractor," said Eberhardt. "Phenomenal group of people. Extremely professional and very, very good at what they do. And the best thing about those guys both in Christchurch and McMurdo is they optimize our load planning."

This season, says Eberhardt, was one of the most successful to date. And they get to do it all again Aug. 20, 2012.

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Air Mobility Command holds its annual recognition ceremony here, March 21, to celebrate the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year.

In a message to the men and women across the command, Gen. Ray Johns, AMC commander, announced the ceremony which will have family members and nominees in various categories visiting Scott AFB from March 18-21, 2012, to honor the nominees and winners.

"With great pride and honor, Chief (Master Sgt. Andy) Kaiser (AMC command chief) and I announce Air Mobility Command's Outstanding Airmen of the Year and First Sergeant of the Year finalists, Air Mobility Command's CMSAF Honor Guard Member and Program Manager of the Year nominees, and Air Mobility Command's First Sergeant Council and Honor Guard Team of the Year Award winners," the message from Johns states. "These awards recognize individuals whose exceptional achievements and leadership qualities set them apart and distinguished them from their peers."

Following are the categories and nominees for the annual AMC awards:

Junior enlisted finalists:
- Staff Sgt. Matthew James, 9th Air Refueling Squadron, Travis AFB, Calif.
- Senior Airman Ryan Smith, 3rd Aerial Port Squadron, Pope Field, N.C.
- Airman 1st Class Jamila Tanada, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Directorate of Communications, Scott AFB, Illinois

NCO finalists:
- Tech. Sgt. Serita Baysmore, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Directorate of Manpower and Personnel, Scott AFB, Ill.
- Staff Sgt. Jeremy Rivera, 375th Air Mobility Wing, Scott AFB, Ill.
- Tech. Sgt. Shannon Webster, 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing, Ramstein AB, Germany

Senior NCO finalists:
- Senior Master Sgt. Donald Breitkreutz, Headquarters Air Mobility Command Test and Evaluation Squadron, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
- Senior Master Sgt. Laura Callaway, 60th Medical Operations Squadron, Travis AFB, Calif.
- Master Sgt. Joseph Neubauer, Mobility Operations School, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey

First sergeant finalists:
- Master Sgt. Jeffrey Gilbert, 436th Operations Support Squadron, Dover AFB, Del.
- Master Sgt. Steven Hart, 628th Security Forces Squadron, Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
- Master Sgt. Jamie Jordan, 721st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Ramstein AB, Germany

In addition to the Outstanding Airmen of the Year, following are the nominees for other annual awards.

AMC's Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Honor Guard Member of the Year nominee
- Senior Airman Robert Romero, 19th Airlift Wing, Little Rock AFB, Ark.

AMC's Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Honor Guard Program Manager of the Year nominee
- Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Moore, 627th Force Support Squadron, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

AMC's Honor Guard Team of the Year Award winners
- 87th Air Base Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

AMC's First Sergeant Council of the Year winners
- 319th Air Base Wing, Grand Forks, North Dakota

The message also noted that "competition this year was fierce."

"All of the candidates demonstrated tremendous leadership and dedication," the message from the AMC commander states. "Please accept my sincere congratulations to the nominees, and thanks to all the mobility airmen for making a positive difference around the world and across the entire spectrum of operations.

"To all of our mobility airmen, thank you! Your commitment, sacrifice, and leadership make a tremendous difference around the world. Congratulations again to our finalists and winners, and my best wishes for your continued success."

WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. (AFNS) -- For one aspiring singer at Westover, 15 minutes of fame stretched out over weeks as a contestant on American Idol.

The television show broadcast to millions gave Tech. Sgt. Blaire Sieber an opportunity to stand in front of the world and live out her dream.

"It's really hard to describe the experience," she said in a telephone interview. "You feel like you're on top of the world."

The American Idol contestant from Medford, Mass., received marks of approval from global icon Jennifer Lopez, rock legend Steven Tyler and Grammy Award-winning producer Randy Jackson.

This 11th season heard vocalist hopefuls from several states, including Missouri, Oregon, California, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Colorado and Texas. Sieber said she traveled to Georgia for her audition.

"I wasn't sure that I was going to make it, so I turned it into a vacation just in case," she said of her audition in the antebellum city of Savannah.

The audition process, however, was not a vacation. American Idol contestants endure at least three sets of cuts. The number of people auditioning can exceed 10,000 people in each city, but only a few hundred make it past the first preliminary auditions. Those who are chosen then sing in front of producers. After another cut, contestants audition in front of the judges, which is the only audition phase shown on the show. Those selected by these judges are then sent to Hollywood.

Sieber said her experience consisted of many long days.

"It's the first round that takes the longest. I got there at 5 or 6 in the morning," she said. "I don't think I auditioned until 4 in the afternoon, and some people might not have auditioned until 2 the next morning."

The odds of being selected are slim. Between 10 and 60 people in each city have a chance to make it to Hollywood.

"We all put American idol on a pedestal because it has been going on for so long," Sieber said. "You feel like you're on this rollercoaster that is perpetually moving."

Sieber made it to the top 42 performers out of more than 100,000 contestants who had auditioned and hundreds who had advanced. However, more impressive than making it as far as she did is the fact that it wasn't her first time making it onto the show.

"This is my third time auditioning, and second time on the show," said Sieber, a certified nursing assistant who is studying to become a nurse. "I didn't make it to Hollywood the first time."

Last year, she received the coveted golden ticket to Hollywood but was unable to advance past that first round in Tinsel Town.

This year, Sieber was one of only 330 American Idol hopefuls sent to Hollywood week from a pool of more than 100,000 other aspiring entertainers. She advanced through three "Hollywood Week" rounds and one performance round in Vegas, which got her into the top 42. Shortly thereafter, she bowed out gracefully.

Sieber said she would do it again if given the opportunity.

"You have to keep high hopes and say 'it is going to work out in the end,'" she said.

After all, she said it's a surreal experience to receive pointers from international superstars, referring to Steven Tyler and his remark about her "growl."

"He told me to 'get comfortable with that growl in your voice and become friends with it,'" she recalled.

Actor/singer Jennifer Lopez told the aspiring singer to open up more.

"She told me that she wanted more from me," Sieber said. "The way I interpreted it was that she wanted more emotion in my singing."

Sieber said it was a challenge to compete in front of such musical luminaries.

"Before my first critique from J-Lo, I tried not to focus on whether the judges were dancing in their seats or not," Sieber said. "They are still people you idolize, but you have to focus on your performance."

Sieber is a C-5 loadmaster with eight years' experience. When she puts on the uniform to serve in the Air Force Reserve at Westover, she said it's all military business.

"I'm really lucky because I'm aircrew, and they've given me opportunities to reschedule my unit training assemblies, volunteer for missions and manage my Reserve schedule with a week here, a couple weeks there," she said. "That has really helped me get the hang of balancing the Reserve with my school and work schedules."

The 337th Airlift Squadron loadmaster said striking a balance between service to her country, her medical career, educational and singing aspirations was tough, but not impossible.

(Senior Airman Kelly Galloway, 439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, contributed to the article)