Laughter pierced the halls of The Club at McChord Field as people packed into the newly-reopened McChord Grill and Bar to enjoy the menu of food and the casual environment, Jan. 19.

"I'm very excited about opening and to highlight our new concept of more healthy, more gourmet and cook to fresh food," said Dorte West, the club's business manager. "The entire place has been elevated, and it's going to be a very nice place."

The restaurant reopened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony after more than a year and $500,000 in renovations. The event featured a variety of servicemembers, including a large contingent from the Air Force that broke in the new bar with a "Thirsty Thursday" special on drinks and food.

An assortment of new healthy food options, including a salad, will be a change for returning customers. The McChord Grill and Bar is also equipped with new tables, chairs, booths and a more open layout with more windows to allow natural light in the dining area.

"We have a variety of sandwiches, such as a Cuban, Mediterranean, a wide-range of burgers, and we also have chili and different soups," West said. "We want to become one of the many places around McChord that people consider for lunch."

One of the features West is most excited for is the revamped pub, which now features an expansive bar, four mounted televisions, and open space for hanging out or playing darts. The hope is to make the bar area a more well-known place to come after work and relax. The officer's dining room has also received a facelift and is now the Rainier Room - a ballroom for private events.

For many, the new club is a nice break from the continuity of other popular lunch locations around Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

"Not that there is anything wrong with the establishments off base, but it's kind of our duty to support places like this on (base)," said Master Sgt. James Niblock of the 627th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 627th Air Base Group. "I really like the atmosphere here."

One of the driving factors behind the remodel is the hope to draw in larger crowds, West said. Prior to the remodel, business was lagging and she is hoping that the new layout draws new patrons. That sentiment was echoed by Niblock who thinks people need to support the club or else they might not have the chance.

"I just hope that people around base make sure to appreciate a place like this," he said. "If you don't use it, you lose it. That is what I want to (emphasize) to my airmen; if you don't use the benefits on base then they go bye-bye." 

Congratulations to the following members of Team McChord who were named the 2016 Team McChord Annual Award recipients.

Key Spouse
Mrs. Rachel Deaton, 62nd Maintenance Group

Civilian Category I
Mr. Brandon Mudrey, 62nd Maintenance Group

Civilian Category IIA
Mr. Lowell Mooney, Jr, 62nd Operations Group

Civilian Category IIB
Mr. Mathew Zubrod, 62nd Maintenance Group

Airman
Senior Airman Brandon Reed, 62nd Maintenance Group

Noncommissioned Officer
Master Sgt. Theodore McKee, 62nd Maintenance Group

Senior Noncommissioned Officer
Master Sgt. Justin Gebhardt, 62nd Maintenance Group

First Sergeant
Master Sgt. David Follmuth, 62nd Maintenance Group

Junior Company Grade Officer
1st Lt. Erin Howell, 62nd Maintenance Group

Company Grade Officer
Capt. Alexander Morris, 62nd Maintenance Group

Field Grade Officer
Maj. Sean McConville, 62nd Operations Group

Team Innovation Award
Readiness Office, 62nd Operations Group

Individual Service Award
1st Lt. Brian McGovern, 62nd Operations Group

For C-17 Globemaster III pilots, training in the aircraft is ideal, but most of their training is performed on the ground in one of four C-17 simulators located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

McChord C-17 pilots maintain current and ready for any mission at a moments notice by conducting recurring training throughout the year in the simulator.

"The purpose of the simulator is to accomplish initial and recurring training items at a much cheaper cost than operating the airplane itself," said Capt. James Radford, 62nd Operations Support Squadron instructor pilot.  "Using the simulator gives us an opportunity to practice on things we cannot accomplish in the aircraft and with a great level of realism."

Radford said using the simulator for training is a huge advantage for the pilots.

"Not only is it significantly cheaper, but we can experience for different scenarios, and it is much safer for all of us," said Radford. "The simulator gives us a chance to go through a problem in real time so if it happens in real life, we will be able to rely on our training to fix the problem."

In the simulator, the pilots accomplish their quarterly "phase sim". The phase sim is training that goes over malfunctions, emergencies, and things that can't be accomplished in the actual aircraft that's deemed important for crew safety.

In terms of recurring training, the pilots accomplish training events both on a quarterly and semiannual basis for aerial refueling, assault landings, and emergency procedures.

"Safety is the number one rule when it comes to flying," said Robert Callahan, C-17 instructor pilot. "Every eighteen months these pilots have a check ride, and the purpose of that is to evaluate the crews' ability to fly in poor weather as well as accomplishing three engine procedures with a certain level of competence in those emergencies."

Before entering the simulator, pilots go through a pre-brief with a pilot instructor to prepare for their simulated mission. While the pilots have a general idea of what the training might include, they don't fully know, allowing the element of surprise to drive their training.

"We like to throw curve balls at them every once in a while to keep the pilots honest," said Callahan. "We want them to be confident in their abilities and know that if the unexpected was to happen, they will be prepared to take proper action and handle the situation as safe as possible."

In addition to training our Air Force C-17 pilots, McChord hosts about 350 international students per year for simulator training.

Radford stated that training in the simulator is as true to real life as you're going to get without flying the real aircraft.

"The C-17 simulator is absolutely invaluable to us," said Radford. "Its full motion and you get the same sensations as the real thing. The simulator does a real good job in replicating how the aircraft reacts to emergency situations.

If you prove efficient in the simulator, then you can go out and fly the real thing. It is that good, and because it is that good, we are allowed to accomplish our recurring training in it."

The realistic training the C-17 simulator provides pilots ensures all Team McChord pilots continue to fly safely and effectively to accomplish the 62nd Airlift Wing mission.

Teaching is something every instructor and supervisor in the 373rd Training Squadron, Detachment 12, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, takes very seriously as they provide world-class aircraft maintenance training to meet the evolving expeditionary mission requirements of the C-17 Globemaster III community.

The 373rd TRS is part of the Air Education and Training Command that is geographically separated from the 82nd Training Group at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.

Staff Sgt. Kyle Stringer, 373rd TRS field training detachment instructor, said the squadron is similar to the technical school airmen go through but with the addition of aircraft-specific and in-depth system training.

"We focus on three different types of aircraft maintenance courses," said Stringer.

The first course the squadron focuses on is the additional training crew chiefs require after completing tech school at Sheppard AFB.

"They start their technical school down at Sheppard, do a four- to five-week course down there, then come here and do the J3 course (pipeline) where they are qualified on the exact aircraft they will be working on," said Stringer. "At Sheppard they learn how to use tools and here they get trained on how to work on the C-17 aircraft."

The second type of training the squadron focuses on is training for prior service.

"Any maintenance personnel that work on aircraft that is stationed here or from other bases can come and get trained on more advanced technology," said Stringer. "They will learn flight controls, how to rig flight controls mechanically and electrically, and what all goes into those systems."

The final type of training the squadron focuses on is training international students.

"We (instructors) get the unique opportunity to train students from other countries," said Stringer. "We get to impart our knowledge skill into international students so that they can continue to maintain their own aircraft."

According to Master Sgt. Bryan Hill, 373rd TRS section chief, more than 600 students, to include internationals, graduate from their courses each year.

"I am very proud to have a full house of subject matter experts that can get really deep into the actual systems," said Hill. "We have thirty-four awesome instructors here that help provide mission-ready airmen to the Air Force."

The satisfaction that comes with teaching has been very humbling for Stringer, who previously worked on the flightline where he was teaching accelerated on-the-job training to new crew chiefs.

Stringer said that he loves teaching and wanted to teach more advance concepts and to have more influence on people and to share his knowledge.

"We have a very important job here at the detachment," said Stringer. "No C-17 will be able to fly without a crew chief. You can have all the specialties that you want but when it comes down to the basic maintenance for the C-17, you have a crew chief for a reason.

"If the planes don't fly, then there are an endless list of missions that will not get accomplished. These planes are critical to the Air Force mission and our job is to keep them in the air by teaching the individuals who are out there working the maintenance missions."

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) - A new email notification system rolls out this month for the Air Force's Disability Evaluation System that will enhance customer service and increase overall transparency in the Physical Evaluation Board process.

Instead of airmen calling their Physical Evaluation Board liaison officer or the Air Force Personnel Center, they will get automatic email notifications when their case progresses through the DES process.

"We have heard from our servicemembers that this is a source of frustration for them," said Guy Palumbo, the Air Force Physical Disability division chief. "In response to that, we have improved the process to better serve those who use it."

There are four main phases under DES: the Medical Evaluation Board, the Physical Evaluation Board, the transition and the reintegration. The email notification process begins when the airman's disability case is submitted to AFPC Physical Disability Operations.

The notification emails, sent through myPers to each airman processing through the DES, further explain each particular step in the PEB process.

"We're excited to be able to provide this service," said Gene Dwiggins, the Disability Operations branch chief. "We are committed to ensuring our airmen and their families receive the support they deserve during their service and when they separate."

For more information about Air Force personnel programs, visit myPers. Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one by following the instructions on the Air Force Retiree Services website.

Lt. Col. Brian Smith took command of the 62nd Operations Group during a Change of Responsibility ceremony Jan. 6, at the McChord Field Theater at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Smith took command from Col. David Owens, the former 62nd OG commander, who is moving on to command the 317th Airlift Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.

Col. Leonard Kosinski, 62nd AW commander, presided over the ceremony, and explained to attendees why the ceremony was a change of responsibility, rather than the traditional change of command ceremony.

"This was unexpected," said Kosinski. "I knew (Owens) would go into wing command, I just didn't know it would be this soon."

Owens will take command of the 317th AW later this year, but first he will attend training on the C-130 Hercules airframe.  Because of that, the change of responsibility occurred approximately six months earlier than planned.

Kosinski said he couldn't think of anyone better suited than Smith to take command.

"Being in charge of the best operations group in the Air Force is a huge responsibility, and he is everything you could want in a commander," Kosinski said of Smith, who was the 62nd OG deputy commander prior to taking command of the group. "I know we are in good hands."

After the ceremonial passing of the unit guidon, Smith thanked Owens for leading and mentoring him during his time as the deputy commander.

"This has been the best assignment I've ever had working for a leader," said Smith.

Smith also outlined his vision for the unit as they move forward.

"Nothing changes," he told the members in attendance. "Safe mission execution is what we do, and it's what we're going to keep doing."

JOINT BASE LEWIS-McChord - Nominations for both the 446th Airlift "The Rainier" Wing Spouse of the Year and the 446th AW Employer of the Year are due to the 446th AW/CCE org mailbox by Feb. 11.

The process only requires a simple memo or letter of nomination explaining the great support your spouse or employer has provided to be submitted to your unit commander. Please include details following this criteria:

1. Spouse must be legally married to a member of for the entire reporting period of Jan. 1, 2016 to Dec. 31, 2016. The award recognizes spouses of military members for their significant contributions to the Air Force, their community, and their spouse's career. Spouses who are a military member of any service are not eligible to be nominated for the award.

2. Employer must be associated with their 446th AW reservist for the entire reporting period of Jan. 1, 2016 to Dec. 31, 2016. The award recognizes employers for employment policies and practices that are supportive of their employee's participation in the Reserve.

Unit commanders will ensure that any reservist who submits their spouse or employer for one of these awards meets appropriate eligibility standards, and then forwards the nomination to the wing executive officer at 446AW.CCEOPR@us.af.mil.

Both the selected spouse and employer of the year will receive a congratulatory letter from the wing commander inviting them to the 446th AW Annual Awards Banquet. At the banquet they will be presented an award to recognize their support and contributions to their airman and the wing.

Commanders, please encourage your airmen to submit nominations!

Airmen from the 1st Weather Squadron earned bragging rights after recently being named by the Air Force as the most outstanding weather squadron for 2016.

"I was ecstatic for the airmen here in the squadron," said Lt. Col. Troy Kirk, 1st Weather Squadron commander. "You don't always see the fruit of your labor and we work really hard here at the 1st Weather Squadron. This award is just a combination of all the hard work, dedication and awesomeness that the airmen do every day."

The Air Force Weather Squadron of the Year award recognizes a weather organization each year for excellent support to our nation's defense.

"I believe this is the squadrons first time winning this award," said Kirk. "This award is a hard one to get because there is a lot of awesome weather squadrons throughout the Air Force. We have six detachments in operating locations across the Pacific, Japan, Alaska, and Hawaii. We are all doing great things, so to win is just a great achievement and recognition for our squadron."

Kirk said that he knew the squadron accomplished a lot of great things the past year, so he wrote the AF form 1206 and submitted it to the major command.

The 1st Weather Squadron earned top honors for its continued support to JBLM's 1st Corps and its mission.

The squadron is globally engaged; 121 airmen were deployed in search of 54 contingency and training operations, while deployed, they executed more than 2,000 man days and were awarded 10 Army decorations.

They also oversaw 1st Corps Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise weather support. First WS airmen tailored 207 briefings in search of Republic of Korea operations plans and trained 450 joint forces personnel.

The squadron also guided 30-day support during Exercise Rim of the Pacific, the world's largest biennial maritime exercise conducted out of Hawaii, ultimately strengthening the alliance with 27 joint partners.

"We provide support for the 1st Corps staff whenever they deploy on real-world humanitarian disaster relief missions," said Capt. Nick Prosinski, 1st Corps Weather Team officer in charge. "We do annual exercises with both joint and coalition partners as well as support bi-lateral exercises."

Also, throughout the year, the squadron provided weather support during a joint United States/Australian exercise. During this exercise the squadron developed 38 updates, supported 200 aircraft, enabled joint capabilities, resulting in 33,000 troops certified.

Additionally, the 1st Weather Squadron was the lead support squadron of the U.S. Army Pacific Pathways. While supporting the USARPAC, 11 airmen spread across eight USARPAC, 11 airmen spread across eight nations trained 20,000 allied personnel.

Finally, the 1st WS drove the Denali rescue mission. During the rescue mission, airmen from the squadron identified a six-hour execution window amongst four days of severe weather, saving six lives.

Kirk said these are good times for his squadron.

"Winning this award speaks volumes about the type of airmen we have working here," said Kirk. "We do a lot of good work here. We are supporting the Army in every exercise that they do and our hard work was validated with this award."

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - The Nurse Enlisted and Direct Enlisted Commissioning Programs are accepting applications from active-duty enlisted airmen through Jan. 27, 2017, for the April selection boards.

NECP offers the opportunity to earn a baccalaureate degree in nursing at a college or university with an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps detachment or a college or university with a "cross-town agreement." Applicants are required to attend school year-round in a resident-based program for up to 24 consecutive calendar months, to include summer sessions. Airmen selected by the NECP board will start school in fall 2017.

The DEC program allows airmen to commission into the Nurse Corps if they already possess a nursing degree and have passed the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX.

"Qualified, dedicated nurses are critical to the military and civilian communities," said Maj. Karen Jackson, Nurse Education program manager at the Air Force Personnel Center. "Candidates go through rigorous screening to identify those who are ready for the responsibility and highly likely to succeed in the school and career field."

To be considered for the NECP or DEC boards, applicants must be U.S. citizens with rank of senior airman or higher and no more than 10 years total active federal service (12 years for DEC) as of April 30, 2017. In addition, airmen must meet time-on-station and retainability requirements, possess current security clearances, be worldwide qualified and commissioned by age 42.

Upon successful completion of their degrees, airmen who pass the NCLEX and receive their nursing licenses will be commissioned. Both DEC and NECP candidates will then attend Commissioned Officer Training and the Nurse Transition Program, and move to a final assignment location.

For complete application instructions and requirements, visit myPers. Select "Active Duty Enlisted" from the dropdown menu and search "NECP" or "DEC."

For more information about Air Force personnel programs, go to myPers.

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD - The 446th Airlift "Rainier" Wing recently underwent a Unit Effectiveness Inspection conducted by a team from the Air Force Reserve Command's Inspector General Office Dec. 1-6.

The Rainier Wing was rated "Effective" and scored "Highly Effective" for the Major Graded Area of Improving the Unit, which is the highest rating a wing can achieve for any graded area.

"As one of few AFRC wings to earn a Highly Effective grade for Improving the Unit, I cannot tell you how proud I am of each and every citizen airman who helped make this inspection a resounding success," said Col. Scott L. McLaughlin, Rainier Wing commander.

During the Capstone event, the 41-member AFRC IG team assessed the Commander's Inspection Program as Effective. The team's Executive Summary Report stated leadership at all levels emphasized the importance of the program, making it truly effective, reliable, and mature.

Prior to the UEI, inspectors assessed Management Internal Control Toolset communicators. As part of the UEI capstone event, inspectors conducted Airmen-to-IG group and individual sessions with Airmen and civilians.

"Inspectors are looking at units through the MICT communicators well before inspections and it's a great tool for airmen to be able to communicate issues to their functional manager," explained Maj. Eric Hodges, 446th AW Inspector General, director of inspections. "Units can upload documentation that supports their responses to communicator questions, which allows the inspectors to virtually assess the program using the MICT system."

The IG team assessed unit morale to be average overall with unit members expressing enthusiasm and support for their mission and leadership, according to the UEI Executive Summary.

As part of the inspection process, the 446th Security Forces Squadron underwent an active shooter exercise at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Dec. 4.

The exercise was intended to both ensure the readiness of first responders directly involved and to heighten safety and awareness around the wing.

The exercise called upon participation and resources from several key squadrons such as the 446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, which provided medics to respond to simulated injuries.