Medal of Honor recipients Drew Dix, left, and Jim Taylor unveil a portrait of Staff Sgt. Leroy Petry, recent Medal of Honor recipient, at the Center for American Values located at the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo, May 9. The walls inside the building are lined with more than 140 portraits of servicemembers who have received the Medal of Honor.

Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

PUEBLO — “This medal is not for me, it is for the Soldiers that did not come back,” reads the quote under the portrait of Staff Sgt. Leroy Petry, recent Medal of Honor recipient, and the latest servicemember to have his portrait unveiled in Pueblo.

Soldiers of Fort Carson and local residents who attended the May 9 ceremony at the Center for American Values interacted with Medal of Honor recipients, toured the facility that features more than 140 portraits of servicemembers awarded the MOH and witnessed the unveiling of the newest portrait.

Petry distinguished himself when he engaged an armed enemy in the vicinity of the Paktia Province, Afghanistan, May 26, 2008. While wounded from enemy fire,

Petry, with complete disregard for his own safety, picked up an enemy grenade that landed feet from him and his Soldiers. As he released the grenade it detonated, amputating his right hand at the wrist. Despite the severity of his wounds, he placed a tourniquet on his wrist and continued to communicate for support via radio.

Petry, who was not able to attend the unveiling due to back surgery, is currently stationed in Fort Lewis, Wash., and has taken on the task of helping wounded warriors and their Families.

Capt. Adam Fullerton, Rear Detachment commander, 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, said he felt honored to attend the event.

“It was a pretty emotional event with three Medal of Honor recipients there,” he said. “You could just tell what it meant to those guys and what it meant to the community. I was fortunate to be a part of it.”

Drew Dix, Medal of Honor recipient, spoke of the importance of the center.

“When (children) leave here, we know that a few of them are going to take something away from this,” said Dix.

“They are going to help carry the message that we’re trying to create here.”

Capt. Matt Anderson, Fort Carson Warrior Transition Battalion, said he appreciates the support of the community.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “It depends (on) where you live, but it’s not always as prevalent as you would like it to be. It’s always awesome to have the local community on your side.”

To learn more about the 140 Medal of Honor recipients, visit the Center for American Values at 101 S. Main Street, Suite 100 in Pueblo.

Spc. Nathaniel Harden, air traffic controller specialist, Company F, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, calibrates a scope to get the line of sight on the radar system’s antenna at Butts Army Airfield, May 14.

Story and photo by Sgt. Jonathan C. Thibault

4th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Air traffic control specialists trained on the Air Traffic Navigation, Integration and Coordination System at Butts Army Airfield, May 14.

The ATNAVIC system is a tactical radar system that provides a rapid air traffic control response for conditions — such as radio failure at the tower and inclement weather with no visibility, which affect pilots’ ability to land without equipment — that prevent the air traffic control tower from working effectively.

The Soldiers from Company F, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, find the equipment useful.

“In situations in which aircraft have low visibility due to weather, and the tower has bad radio reception, we can get the aircraft on a safe approach using the ATNAVIC system,” said Staff Sgt. Samuel Siegar, radar management supervisor, Company F, 2nd GSAB.

The Soldiers also appreciate the system’s portable nature.

“The ATNAVIC system is very mobile, perfect for tactical environments and can be set up anywhere. All you need to set it up is a runway and a tower,” said Spc. Anthony Willis, air traffic controller, Company F, 2nd GSAB.

The system is also easy to set up, with appropriate training.

“The system can be set up by four highly-trained people in one hour,” said Rahn McCullough, product management air traffic controller net trainer. “Although I haven’t seen it done in that time, it is still a rapid assembly and effective piece of equipment that can be used by air traffic controllers.”

Company F had seven air traffic controllers go through this training for the first time, and one that was already certified.

Siegar was the only ATNAVICS certified air traffic controller to go through the training.

“I have been certified for six years on this type of radar system,” said Siegar. “There (have) been three software version updates in the last two years. I needed this training to keep me up to date on all the changes in the system.”

The Company F first-time ATNAVICS trainees also found this training useful to their job.

“Getting certified on the ATNAVIC system allows air traffic controllers to become rated on radar systems,” said Willis. “We become more well-rounded air traffic controllers. We can use this knowledge when we get out of the Army and want (to do air traffic control) as civilians.”

Spc. Luke Pata, health care specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, carries a simulated casualty May 15, during the combat lanes testing portion of the Soldier of the Year competition. Pata outperformed five of his peers from across post to claim the Soldier of the Year title.

Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Henry W. Marris III

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from units across Fort Carson battled it out May 13-16, for the right to be named the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Soldier and NCO of the Year.

Spc. Luke Pata, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., rose above his peers to be named the Soldier of the Year, while Staff Sgt. Quillon Batterton, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 43rd Special Troops Battalion, 43rd Sustainment Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., was named NCO of the Year.

Pfc. Heather Scogin, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd ABCT, was the runner-up in the Soldier category, and Staff Sgt. Robert Mullins, Company C, 64th Brigade Support Bn., 3rd ABCT, was runner-up in the NCO category.

The myriad events were designed to challenge

the Soldiers and help prepare them for the next level of competition, said Master Sgt. Daryl Forsythe, Headquarters Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Inf. Div., and noncom­missioned officer-in-charge of the competition.

“I looked at the Department of the Army Soldier and NCO of the Year competition from last year, and took all those events, and that’s what we used to come up with this schedule,” said Forsythe. “Once we select the best of the best, we want to make sure they are set up for success at the next level.”

Soldiers and NCOs participated in 11 events, trying to get the highest score they could in each event. The various events tested their mental and physical capacity, as well as their basic Soldier skills. The four-day competition began with a formal board appearance, and concluded with a combatives tournament.

Batterton, a vehicle mechanic, said a wide base of knowledge was good to have, coming into the competition.

“You have to focus on studying and doing hands-on refreshers with just about everything,” he said. “Repetition and training to standard are a must to prepare for this type of event.”

Pata, a health care specialist, said he enjoyed the competition, and believed the different events were a good tool to assess the skills of each competitor.

“The competition was mentally and physically demanding, and really tested your knowledge of warrior skills,” Pata said. “But if you really put your heart and mind into it, and have a competitive spirit, then you can win anything.”

Pata and Batterton now have the opportunity to represent 4th Inf. Div. at the I Corps Soldier and NCO of the Year competition in the near future.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Nathan Federico)
Leadership from the Air Force Reserve Command’s 302nd Airlift Wing and active duty’s 52nd Airlift Squadron salute a 302nd AW C-130 Hercules as it departs here May 8 for a deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This is the first time the Peterson Air Force Base assigned Reserve and active duty flying squadrons’ deployments will coincide since the active duty’s 52nd AS partnered with the Reserve wing in October 2009 as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Total Force Integration initiative.

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — Airmen and Air Force Reserve Command C-130 Hercules from Colorado’s 302nd Airlift Wing left here for a four-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Airmen are expected to provide airlift and aerial delivery support to operations in Southwest Asia to include Afghanistan.

The Air Force Reserve and active duty aircrews and aircraft maintainers will support airlift operations for U.S. Central Command. Airlift missions are likely to include delivery of supplies, equipment and personnel as well as aeromedical evacuation missions. This is the first time the Peterson Air Force Base assigned Reserve 731st Airlift Squadron and active duty 52nd Airlift Squadron deployments will coincide since the active duty unit was associated as part of the Reserve Wing in October 2009 through the U.S. Air Force’s Total Force Integration initiative.

Discussing the active association, 302nd Airlift Wing Commander Col. Jay Pittman said, “We’ve been training and working together on a daily basis since 2009. By deploying together, we are expecting to gain efficiencies and leverage the synergy and team atmosphere we’ve developed here in Colorado.”

The active association with the Reserve wing at Peterson has allowed both Reserve and active duty aircrews to train in mountainous terrain similar to what they will experience in Southwest Asia. “The training we conduct in Colorado is critical to preparing for our real world operations. Our aircrews will use their Colorado mountain flying experience during their deployment operations in the mountains of Afghanistan and the surrounding areas of Southwest Asia,” said Lt. Col. Jason Terry, 52nd AS Director of Operations.

Air Force Reservists and aircraft from the 302nd AW have deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and New Dawn since 2005. The last time C-130s and personnel were activated and deployed from the Reserve wing was September of 2010. The active duty 52nd AS has deployed personnel and C-130s to Southwest Asia on a continuous basis since 2010.

21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — Summer is near with warm weather and sunny Colorado days ahead. For many parents here this means increasingly hectic schedules, family road trips and children’s activities. It’s also the time to remember about the dangers associated with leaving children unattended in vehicles.

Research by kidsandcars.org has shown that within 10 minutes, the temperature inside a car can rise to 20 degrees higher than the outside air. Within half an hour, the car can get 34 degrees hotter. Within an hour, the temperature inside the car plateaus at 40-50 degrees warmer than the outside air. Cracking the windows has little effect on the temperature inside the car.

On average, 38 children die in hot cars each year from heat-related deaths after being trapped inside motor vehicles. Even the best parents or caregivers can overlook a sleeping baby in a car, however, the end result can be injury or death.

About 87 percent of children who have died from vehicular heat stroke are age 3 and younger. Here are a few simple rules from a child safety organization that can help prevent this dangerous situation from happening in your life.

• Never leave children alone in cars, not even for a minute.
• Teach children that vehicles are never to be used as a play area.
• Put something you’ll need like your cell phone, handbag, employee ID or brief case on the floor board in the back seat so you are sure to check the backseat every time.
• Get in the habit of always opening the back door of your vehicle every time you reach your destination to make sure no child has been left behind. This will soon become a habit.
• Keep a large stuffed animal in the child’s car seat when it’s not occupied. When the child is placed in the seat, put the stuffed animal in the front passenger seat. It’s a visual reminder that anytime the stuffed animal is up front you know the child is in the back seat in a child safety seat.
• Keep vehicles locked at all times; even in the garage or driveway and always set your parking brake.
• Keys and/or remote openers should never be left within reach of children.
• When a child is missing, check vehicles and car trunks immediately.
• If you see a child alone in a vehicle, get involved. If they are hot or seem sick, get them out as quickly as possible. Call 911 immediately.

In addition, Peterson Child and Youth supervision guidelines state that children younger than 10 years may not be left alone in a vehicle without supervision for any amount of time on base.

If a call is made to the base defense operations center about an unattended child, the dispatcher initiates Quick Reaction Checklist number 17, which is child abuse and child neglect. Appropriate forces, including the 21st SFS, fire department, and possibly medical response will be called to the scene.

Consequences vary on a case-by-case basis but at the minimum, a notification of the incident will be made to the member’s command.

For additional information about ways to keep children safe in and around vehicles, go to http://www.kidsandcars.org/heatstroke.html.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Michael Golembesky)
A cement marker shows the starting point and meeting place for the Peterson Running Club that meets at 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday. The route marker is located along the gravel footpath between buildings 404 and 425, and runners can choose from a 3k, 5k or 10k route.

By Michael Golembesky

21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — You have just reached the three-mile marker and your lungs feel like they are on fire. Your skin is dry but your shirt is soaked with sweat. There are lots of advantages to running at altitude, and here at Peterson there are many jogging routes for you to test yourself.

Cardio, from the Greek word kardia meaning heart, is an excellent workout for overall health and well-being. With an elevation of 6,187 feet above sea level, Peterson is an ideal location for strengthening your body to high altitude jogging.

Runners at Peterson will have a new jogging course option coming later this spring. A new quarter-mile gravel oval track is being built in the open space adjacent to the Army Strategic Command Headquarters, also known as building 3. This track will be open to all personnel with base access.

In addition, there is no need to run alone. The Peterson Running Club meets at 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday behind the bowling center. The club welcomes all levels of runners and is an excellent opportunity to meet fellow cardio enthusiasts and learn about other running clubs in the Colorado Springs area.

To get the most out of jogging at high altitude, follow these simple guidelines form the 21st Aerospace Medicine Squadron:

• Hydrate. Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after your run. The goal is to have your fluid intake match the amount you lose during the run, so the more you sweat out, the more you need to replace.
• Take it easy. Start with easier runs until your body has adjusted to the altitude, increase your distance and speed as your cardiovascular fitness improves.
• Wear sunscreen. Colorado’s higher elevation greatly increases sun exposure even on those cloudy or overcast days.
• Lip balm. When you pass another runner you want to be able to crack a smile, not your lips.
• Acclimate. Because the barometric pressure decreases at higher altitudes, it feels like there is 25 percent less oxygen here than at sea level.

The Peterson HAWC can measure an overall fitness level (VO2 max) for active duty members and match specific heart rates to your aerobic, anaerobic threshold and maximum heart rate. Additionally, the HAWC offers biomechanical gait analysis with corrective exercise prescription and body composition testing. The information can help active duty members succeed in not just their Air Force physical training requirements but their specific exercise program and goals.

Jogging course options here at Peterson include:

• Oval track located behind base gym, building 560
• 3.5 mile trail run around the golf course
• Coming soon: quarter-mile oval track east of building 3.

Three routes that start at the fitness center include:

• 3k route with turnaround point at golf course club house
• 5k route with a turnaround point near the new east gate
• 10k route that loops around Peak View park

As a reminder, wearing headphones or earphones (other than hearing aids) while walking, jogging, running, bicycling, skating or skateboarding on base roadways is prohibited.

For more information about fitness facilities, workout activities and running route maps, stop by the front desk of the Fitness and Sports Center or visit the 21st Force Support Squadron website at www.21fss.com/about/fitness-center/. For information about the HAWC call 556-4292.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Michael Golembesky)
A military working dog from the 21st Security Forces Squadron looks on from the floor of the base auditorium while Lt. Col. Sean Tiernan, 21st SFS commander, addresses the audience and recalls a story of K-9 courage in combat. Service members and civilians gathered May 14 to pay respect to MWD Aio and recognize four military working dogs retiring from active service.

By Michael Golembesky

21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — A lone kennel sat empty at the center of the stage flanked by military working dog handlers and their companions. Service members and civilians stood at attention while the 21st Security Forces Squadron honored the passing of MWD Aio.

The solemn ceremony May 14 at the base auditorium also saw four military working dogs retiring from active service.

One at a time, the four MWDs being retired were led across the stage to be honorably discharged from active duty by the commanding officer. The total combined service time for military working dogs Asta, Endy, King and Paki total more than 41 years.

The ceremony continued honoring Aio, whose service was cut short when he developed cancer. His last day of watch was April 12. Aio’s handler, Staff Sgt. Albert Collister, performed the honor of packing Aio’s equipment into an empty kennel. The slamming cage door echoed through the auditorium as a haunting closure to Aio’s 8-year career.

“I spent three years with that dog (Aio), I spent more time with him than my own family,” Collister said then backed away for the podium.

The Working Dog Poem “God summoned a beast from the field” was then read aloud.

“Walk by his side: sleep in his doorway: forage for him, ward off his enemies, carry his burdens, share his afflictions; love him and comfort him.

“And in return for this, man will fulfill your needs and wants-which shall be only food, shelter and affection.

“So be silent, and be a friend to man. Guide him through the perils along the way to the land that I have promised him.” (Anonymous)

Three out of the four working dogs being retired will find a new life with their handlers. Each dog’s handler is given the option to adopt their companion before the dogs are put up for adoption.

Military service members are given the opportunity to adopt before the general public. The prerequisites for adopting one of these highly-trained and intelligent retired dogs are thorough. The military needs to assure that these dogs are going to spend the rest of their retirement with the right friend or family.

For information about adopting a retired military working dog go to http://www.militaryworkingdogadoptions.com/.

50th Space Wing Public Affairs

Senior Airman Gordon Burton from the 50th Contracting Squadron at Schriever Air Force Base was named Outstanding Junior Enlisted Member of the Year during the Armed Forces Week Luncheon Friday.

The Colorado Springs Regional Business Alliance and Business Alliance Military Affairs Council hosted the ceremony

Leaders at each of the Colorado Springs area military installations nominated 15 finalists to be recognized in junior enlisted, NCO and senior NCO categories.

“It is quite an honor to see a 50th Space Wing member win such a prestigious multi-service award,” said Col. James Ross, 50 SW commander. “Not only is this a tremendous achievement for SrA Burton, but evidence of the type of quality members we have on our team.”

Burton, one of three Airmen and two Army junior enlisted members in his category, earned the recognition as best in his category based on military awards, educational and military accomplishments and community involvement.

Burton completed his Community College of the Air Force degree shortly after arriving at Schriever, and has nearly completed his bachelor’s degree and his master’s degree is on the horizon.

In addition, Burton is involved in the community. Regularly volunteering to be part of Airmen Against Drunk Driving, Muscular Dystrophy Association events, Airman’s Council and at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, leaves many wondering when he ever has any free time. But for Burton, volunteering is one of his favorite things.

“Honestly, it’s a lot of fun,” he said. “My wife does a lot of the volunteer stuff with me. We get to spend a lot of time together doing stuff we wouldn’t normally get to do.”

The key to volunteer work, according to Burton, is enjoying what you do.

“If you don’t care for animals and wildlife, I wouldn’t recommend volunteering at a zoo,” he said. “But, if you have a passion for kids, there are many different ways you can help kids in the area. Several elementary schools right here in the area need volunteers all the time.”

Despite his hard work, Burton says he feels incredibly humbled by his recent award.

“Sometimes, you almost feel underserving because there are people out there who are in combat and doing dangerous jobs,” he said. “From the outside looking in, my job is sitting at a desk, not getting fired every day, but there are those who are risking their life every day.”

Even though Burton says there are many military members who deserve to get similar recognition, he attributes much of his own success to supportive members of his squadron.

“It’s nice to see hard work pays off. It encourages me to keep going,” said Burton. “I feel like sometimes people get burnt out on the military and volunteering and all that kind of stuff. It’s hard to juggle school, work and volunteering, but it can be done.”

In the future, Burton plans to shift his focus to bringing more Airmen with him to volunteer.

“I’d like to build up the newer Airmen who may not be in their full stride yet and help them find volunteer opportunities they’re interested in as well as encourage them to be active in school as well,” he said.

Shifting his energy to helping his peers has its own rewards as well.

“It’s kind of nice to be almost an example to them as well because it shows that your hard work can pay off,” he said. “That volunteering is more than just an [enlisted performance report] bullet and you can actually have a lot of fun doing it.”

Mirroring the words of Gen. William Shelton, Air Force Space Command commander and guest speaker at the luncheon, Burton said having a supportive community is what makes all the difference.

“In the past, military members haven’t had quite the support we have now,” he said. “It’s incredibly valuable, and I think we’re incredibly lucky to be here.”

50th Space Wing Public Affairs

ELLICOTT, Colo. — Since 2007, Ellicott Elementary School has been hosting an annual Bike Rodeo for its fourth grade students with the help of Schriever Air Force Base Airmen.

Lycrecia Ouellette began the rodeo when she observed the police department in Simla, Colo., hosting a similar event at a school there.

“I saw it and thought, our kids could do that,” said Ouellette.

After enlisting the help of Schriever Airmen, the tradition of the fourth-grade Bike Rodeo has held strong for six years.

On Monday six Schriever members constructed 28 children’s bikes donated by God’s Pantry, a non-profit organization in Fountain, Colo.

“Putting bikes together was a lot of fun,” said Staff Sgt. Jordan Barth, 50th Space Wing Command Chief executive assistant. “It was my first time volunteering for this event and it was a rewarding experience.”

After the bikes had been assembled, students from all four fourth-grade classes, gathered outside to practice riding skills at six stations, each supervised by the same volunteers who put the bikes together.

The children practiced steering, intersections and stop signs, riding a figure-eight pattern, riding small circles inside a box, navigating a serpentine course and coming to a complete stop inside a specified area.

In the future, Ouellette hopes to incorporate bike safety briefings into the rodeo.

The moment the students were all waiting for happened after the riding was complete. All 28 bikes were given away to the students through a raffle. For each class, seven bikes were given away.

“The kids are always in disbelief that we’re going to give them a bike,” said Ouellette.

The excitement in the school gym exploded after each name was pulled to announce the new bike owners. After each name was called, the students cheered each other on and ran up to claim their bikes.

Overall, the bike rodeo was considered a success.

“The bike rodeo is a really great way to end the year,” said Ouellette. “We’re really appreciative of the support we get from Schriever to do it.”

Schriever Sentinel

The 21st Medical Squadron is about to take some of the hassle out of life for Schriever Airmen, their dependents and commanders as it stands up the Schriever Mental Health Clinic, culminating a near year process.

Heather Ramos and Charity Mattingly, psychology technicians, switched on the lights and studied their new surroundings Monday as their new co-workers welcomed them to Building 220. The SMHC team will be complete when a staff psychologist arrives in September.

“This is a big deal for Schriever,” said Lt. Col. Brent Sonday, 21 MDS commander. “It’s about creating access and providing services to our mission partners. The base populace will soon have a full complement of mental health services and a three-person team on site. We’ve never had that before.”

As it stands now, mental-health patients must go to the Peterson Air Force Base Medical Clinic for treatment and services.

“This is going to save a lot of travel and mission time,” Sonday said. “As much as half a day for each patient visit.”

Roughly 100 Schriever patients visit the Peterson clinic quarterly, but once it’s up and running, the SMHC will capture those patients. The new SMHC team will bring many additional benefits to the base populace as well.

“Squadron commanders will have the opportunity to get face-to-face interaction with mental health providers,” Sonday said. “We’re talking in general terms here, but they can walk in, find out how their Airmen are doing, ask questions and seek recommendations, all a short distance from their operations centers creating a one team one fight atmosphere.”

The new SMHC will stand up in a location formally occupied by the Schriever Dental Clinic check-in area inside Building 220. That’s something Sonday said was made possible by the superfluous efforts and resiliency of the 54-member 21 MDS.

“Kudos goes out to the Schriever Medical Clinic staff for making this happen,” Sonday said. “Through an innovative process, they created this space and then sacrificed by moving out of the former dental clinic check-in area. The area where the new mental health clinic will stand up has been vacant for six months. We couldn’t just set up the SMHC in there without knowing if we could make our medical and dental clinic work effectively in a smaller space. As it turned out, centralizing our patient check-in area was one big advancement toward that goal.”

Since its inception, Sonday said the focus of the 21 MDS has been to increase medical services at Schriever while decreasing mission time spent traveling.

“Like the pharmacy we stood up recently, the SMHC will provide an invaluable service at a much higher accessibility to our base members,” Sonday said. “The process began 10 months ago, when Maj. James Hanus, 21 MDS deputy commander, and Christopher Paino, 50th Space Wing human resource specialist, worked closely to formulate the proper documents that helped bring our two new psychology technicians to the team.”

Alternatively, the new MHC capability here should also relieve a backlog of mental health services at Peterson AFB.

“They’re not losing any staff, so that’s going to free them up,” said Capt. Christine Cox, 21 MDS support flight commander. “Right now, Peterson is not able to treat dependents in part due to that back log, but we’ll be able to treat Schriever dependents as soon as we open.”

The MHC active-duty psychologist will also support several wing efforts, such as the Alcohol and Drug Treatment, family advocacy and deployment support programs. And, the new MHC staff will also be on hand to conduct traumatic stress responses in the event of a unit death or other distressing event.

“Our staff members can go out directly to the squadron and help members of a specific unit better deal with a traumatic occurrence,” Cox said. “We offer that service now, but the responders must come in from Peterson.”

An opening date for the full complement Schriever MHC is still tentative, however Cox expects the new psychology technicians to provide limited services and support in the near future. They can be reached at 567-5858.