Q: Our forsythia bushes have not bloomed for the last several years. They are supposed to start blooming soon, and if they don’t, my husband wants to remove them. We restrict our pruning to the time shortly after they should have bloomed, so we are not cutting off the flower buds. They are growing in full sun. What can we do to force them to bloom?

A: There are a few possible causes for spring-blooming shrubs failing to bloom. As you already know, pruning in the fall or winter cuts off flower buds. Forsythias, lilacs and most other species of these shrubs prefer growing in full sun. The more shade they get, the less they flower.

If the shrubs are unhealthy for some reason, such as waterlogged soil or recurring diseases, they may not bloom. Forsythia flower buds are less hardy than the leaf buds and can be killed by winter or early spring freezes. If they only bloom near the ground where buds are often protected by snow, then the buds that don’t bloom were killed during a winter cold spell. You should get rid of them and plant a newer, hardier variety.

If they bloomed well in the past and have stopped, it may be because old stems do not bloom as well as younger ones. Most spring-blooming shrubs flower best on stems two to four years old. That is one reason we remove one-fourth of the stems at ground level each spring after they bloom. This forces the plant to grow new stems each spring, and after four years, we have a new plant of only blooming young stems.

If you have an old plant with only a few large stems, it may take a few more years to obtain the effect you want — cutting down one large stem may remove a large section of the plant. If you do not depend on the plant to screen a view, you can just cut down the whole thing. This will force the plant to grow all new stems this year. This involves more risk because some plants do not send out any new growth; they just die.

Forsythias do not have many other redeeming virtues, so that may give you the opportunity to plant a better plant. Newer varieties of forsythias contain more cold-tolerant flower buds.

A last-chance option would be to fertilize the shrubs this summer with a fertilizer that promotes blooming to see if they bloom better next year. Three numbers are always on the fertilizer package. The middle one is for phosphorus. If it is about twice as high as the first number (nitrogen), it will work. It does not matter what kind you get, but be sure to follow the label directions.

Q: Our yard is properly graded, but it is downhill from some other homes. Water takes its time to go through our drainage swale, and the puddle is killing the grass and flowers. We would like to speed it up. Can we trench it? And how should I do trenching?

A: The first question you must answer when looking into trenching is, where is the water going to go? Is your yard the lowest one, or does the water go to another yard? At some point, the water in a subdivision either ends in a retention or detention area or goes into a stream or river. Sometimes it goes into the storm sewer, but that will still go to the river.

Water traveling over land is often supposed to get to the lakes and streams more slowly than the water in the pipes. This allows the landscape architect and engineer to design the property to not flood downstream or downhill. If the water is supposed to travel on the surface in your yard, trenching may cause a problem for a neighbor.

A trench is easy to dig with a machine and harder if you do it by hand. In many yards, the drainage swale is also where all of the cables are buried in your yard.

Once the trench is dug, it can be filled with a pipe or with gravel. Either one should be wrapped in landscape fabric to prevent dirt from filling the gaps where water is supposed to flow. Tree and shrub roots can find the trench and eventually fill the drain so that it does not work well. The landscape fabric helps prevent roots from getting in. The trench should flow downhill at least 1 inch per 10 feet.

Now we must consider my first question: Where is the water going? The trench and pipe cannot just end below ground because the water must come out. Once a plugged pipe is filled, it is no better than no pipe at all — the water has to go somewhere. If the ground slopes sharply away from the low end of the pipe, it can come out of the ground and let the water out.

Planting plants that like lots of moisture may be a better solution. There are many wetland plants that will tolerate occasional drying out and will grow well in this kind of location. I have written about these plants in the past, so let me know if you want a list.

E-mail questions to Jeff Rugg, University of Illinois Extension at jrugg@illinois.edu. To find out more about Jeff Rugg and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2010 CREATORS.COM

When transporting a large load, try the heavy-duty ROK straps from PU-Products. Photo courtesy of PU-Products.

BY MARK MAYNARD

What camper among us hasn’t been thwacked by a cheap bungee cord?

Mitch Weiss of PU-Products has heard plenty of those stories.

“I can’t count the number of people I have talked with who know of someone who has lost an eye or chipped a tooth from a bungee cord that slipped out of hand or broke loose from cargo,” he said.

Most bungees, tie downs and strapping systems are poorly designed and made to be sold as cheaply as possible, Weiss said. Cheap bungees degrade from extended exposure to the elements and the metal clasps don’t stay tight. “They are rendered useless after one or two uses,” he said.

But this innovator of ways to secure cargo items has found a better product developed by an Australian company. Its ROK straps are flat stretch bands and superior to tube-style bungees because they are less dangerous and last longer, Weiss said.

A ROK strap’s solid-rubber core is wrapped by a polyester coating with box stitching at each end. The rubber-coated hooks feel heavy-duty, and the flat strap won’t roll off of cargo.

“I tested two 12-inch straps by supporting an engine block for hours — with my Rolex watch below,” he said. “After testing, the ROK Straps still looked and functioned as new.”

There are four styles of straps with weight ratings of 90, 125, 165 and 200 pounds. The straps are available in lengths of 12 inches to 60 inches for solid straps and up to 15 feet long for adjustable straps. Colors include pink, lime green, black and green camouflage. Some have loops in place of hooks so they can be wrapped around roll bars, roof racks and motorcycle rails. Pricing ranges from $4.50 to $10 for the fixed-length straps and $6 to $12 for adjustable-length straps.

“I’ve stacked boxes in my truck to impossible heights and traveled hundreds of miles without ever having to check the load,” he said. “I recently flipped my Yamaha Rhino and the fuel jugs stayed in the bed Rax because they were secured by one 12- to 42-inch (half-inch) ROK Strap,” he said.

There’s even a ROK dog leash, which has a traffic lead and a lower handle so the dog can be better controlled in a crowded area. The lower handle can be run through a vehicle’s seat-belt loop to secure the animal while off-roading, Weiss said. Prices range from $23 to $30.

Weiss got started in this business trying to find better ways to “safely transport difficult-to-secure items in trucks, trailers and off-road vehicles.” Along the way, he has designed holders to carry utility jugs, coolers, propane tanks, 11-gallon dump cans and 5-gallon buckets. Each holder is made of heavy-gauge aluminum, TIG welded and mounted with stainless-steel hardware.

The only product Weiss doesn’t source from the United States is a line of ROK Straps, which are manufactured in Hong Kong.

For more information, visit www.pu-products.com.

ECO TOUCH

Green car-care products can sometimes be like organic deodorants — they work if you don’t mind smelling a little earthy.

Eco Touch car-care products seem to be more evolved than some brands — and they smell of citrus and herbs. James Dudra and business partner Anne Ruozzi founded the New Hampshire-based company in the hopes of saving a few gazillion gallons of water from the regular washing and cleaning of vehicles. What began with Eco Touch Waterless Car Wash has grown to six cleaning and polishing solutions as well as microfiber towels.

Four of the six formulas have small amounts of water in their compositions with other vegetable- and mineral-based ingredients in the recipes.

I’m a convert in the church of waterless car washes, and the Eco Touch formulation is a good one that shines and emulsifies paint. The 24-ounce spray bottle, $10, will clean several vehicles and works well on plastic lawn furniture, painted wood and just about anything that can be washed with water. The metal polish ($8 for 25 ounces) wasn’t impressive on aluminum or stainless steel, but it puts a surreal gleam on chrome, including bathroom and kitchen faucets, porcelain stovetops, microwaves and refrigerator doors. (I can get a little carried way with some testing.)

Eco Touch Carpet (Plus) Upholstery has a pleasing orange scent and does not leave an oily residue that just gathers more dirt. The dashboard protectant (with carnauba wax) dries smooth with a satin finish.

Not all makers of car-care products offer their own general cleaner, which is always needed when scrubbing the interior and other grimy areas. Eco Touch all-purpose cleaner has an herbal-sage aroma and is effective on most surfaces. The cleaner is nontoxic, biodegradable and made without ammonia or alcohol. The same goes for the Eco Touch Window Clear, $6.49 for 24 ounces.

It seems most of the popular car-care brands use bottles that are designed to break or wear out just as the last of the product is used. The Eco Touch bottles are robust with a good handgrip at the neck, and they are not prone to tipping over. The sprayer releases a fine mist and the pump will outlast the solution, so it can be used again and again. The microfiber towels ($7 for a two-pack) are high quality, not from the cheapo bundle at the discount store.

Eco Touch products are available online at Ecotouch.net, Detailing.com, Amazon.com and VitaminShoppe.com.

ECO-FRIENDLY EAGLE ONE

Eagle One is out with a new Gel Wax it says is kind to the environment because it contains no petroleum solvents. It should be kind to the user, too, because it requires less effort to apply and buff out. Just apply the wax to one section at a time and wipe off immediately.

Gel Wax is made with Brazilian-sourced carnauba and other polishers to enhance durability and water beading, the company says. Additional benefits include no white residue and no discoloring of black trim and molding.

Eagle One Gel Wax is available at auto-parts stores. Pricing will be about $10 for a 16-ounce bottle.

For information and detailing tips, visit www.eagleone.com or call 800-432-4531.

Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at Mark.Maynard@uniontrib.com.

COPYRIGHT 2010 THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE.

DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM.

Dear Mary: Often stores offer 10 to 15 percent discounts if you open accounts. Am I better off taking advantage of these discounts, even though I would cancel the accounts as soon as I paid the bills, or should I just stay with my credit cards that I pay off monthly? — Beverly, e-mail

Dear Beverly: Both opening and closing accounts have negative effects on your credit score. However, this may be a moot point because by the time you read this, the Credit CARD Act will have become effective. The new law says the credit issuer must consider an applicant’s ability to repay the card loan before issuing a new card or increasing the credit limit on an existing account, something that cannot be done on the spot. It is unlikely that stores will continue to issue instant credit as they have in the past. They may be able to verify your credit score with a phone call, but not your income. Department stores are not happy about this new provision in the law.

Dear Mary: I have $7,500 of unsecured debt left to pay off. (I already have paid off about $15,000.) I have a chance to go to Europe this spring, and it will cost $3,500. I would have to take out a loan. Several friends and family members are saying, “You can’t pass up this opportunity. Go!” But I rather would pay down my debt and not incur more. Friends are acting as if I’m crazy. What do you think? — Jeanette C., e-mail

Dear Jeanette: A big “Congratulations!” for paying back so much debt. This is wonderful news. You have done so well; why would you think about purposely falling off the wagon now?

When you said “yes” to so many things that got you into debt, you put yourself into a position in which now you must say “no” to this trip. I guarantee that Europe still will be there once you are out of debt and have saved the money to pay for your vacation with cash. That’s the only way to go. This is not the only opportunity you will have to travel.

Dear Mary: My son spilled candle wax on the carpet, and I am unsure how to remove it. Any suggestions? — Claudia, e-mail

Dear Claudia: You can get the wax out. However, the dye in the wax might be a problem. Cover the wax with ice to get it really hard. Then use a spoon to break and scrape away as much wax as possible. Cover the spot with a clean brown paper bag, and place a clothes iron on it, set on low. This liquefies the wax and lets it transfer to the paper. Use a new paper bag as often as necessary until you get all of the wax. This can take some time. Finally, use clear rubbing alcohol to saturate and blot as much of the remaining wax as possible. If a stain remains, go to http://www.HowToRemoveCarpetStains.com for more information.

Do you have a question for Mary? E-mail her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com and author of 18 books, including “Can I Pay My Credit Card Bill With a Credit Card?” To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2010 CREATORS.COM

During the 21st Space Wing Condor Crest exercise, 21st Security Forces Squadron Airmen detain a shooting suspect (left) Feb. 25 in the wooded area behind the Peterson Shoppette. The active shooting scenario was part of the wing’s quarterly exercise. In this scenario, the gunman fired into a crowd of Airmen and civilians who had just evacuated Air Force Space Headquarters Building 1, near the north gate. The gunman was tackled and then removed from the parking lot to the wooded area by security forces. Condor Crest exercises also help ensure the 21st SW is able to complete its mission of professionally operating, supporting and protecting its personnel and resources during actual incidents. (U.S. Air Force photo/Roberta McDonald)

by Monica Mendoza

21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.  – On Feb. 25, a gunman ran out of the wooded area near the Peterson Shoppette on Kelly Street and began firing into a large crowd of Airmen and civilians.

“Get down,” Airmen shouted at the crowd, which had just evacuated Air Force Space Command Headquarters Building 1, near the north gate.

The gunman shot 13 people before a good Samaritan tackled him and security forces seized the gun.

In one of the most comprehensive exercise scenarios that has played out on Peterson Air Force Base in some years, Airmen and civilians alike were involved at all levels of exercise play for four days. Buildings were on lockdown, sometimes for several hours, as security forces and the explosive ordnance disposal team scoured hallways and stairwells for bombs and bad guys.

This quarterly exercise, Condor Crest, simulated rogue shooters on base. The exercise tested crowd control, building evacuation, public affairs communication protocols, medical and fire response and security forces’ reaction time.

Recent incidents of shootings on school and college campuses have plagued the news. But, it was a shooting on an Army base that had all of the Department of Defense questioning installation preparedness. In November, a gunman opened fire at the Soldiers Readiness Center on Fort Hood, Texas, and killed 13 people and wounded or injured 43 people. Emergency responders were on scene two minutes and 45 seconds after the 911 call and one and half minutes later the suspect was apprehended. According to the “Lessons from Fort Hood” report released in January, the quick response to the shooter was based on practice.

Gen. C. Robert Kehler, Air Force Space Command commander, directed every wing in AFSPC to run an active shooter exercise by March 1, said Lt. Col. David Hanson, deputy director of staff.

“It was Fort Hood, plus other national events that really made key leadership at AFSPC think this could happen to us,” Colonel Hanson said. “Last year, General Kehler said, ‘I want us to be ready.’”

The general said he wanted AFSPC headquarters building to be involved in the exercise on Peterson, Colonel Hanson said.

“It’s everyone’s concern,” Colonel Hanson said.

During the exercise, AFSPC headquarters employees were evacuated to the parking lot next to the shoppette. As the rogue gunman started shooting into the crowd, Staff Sgt. Austin Armstrong tried to make the scene as real as possible, he said. He hid in the ditch and watched as people moved into the parking lot. Crouching, he moved slowly up on the crowd and started firing. Suddenly, he was tackled by someone in the crowd and within 20 seconds he was surrounded by security forces.

“We can table-top all day long,” said Sergeant Armstrong, who is a member of security forces. “Until you do the real thing, you don’t know how it will go down.”

Stopping a shooter is one of the most difficult emergency situations an installation could face, said Bill Edwards, 21st SW installation exercise director. He plans the scenarios and his goal is to make them as real as possible. With 16 role players and dozens of evaluators, the team rolled out 127 events to test deployment, emergency management and compliance with Air Force policies and procedures.

“Our emergency responders normally arrive at an incident and put a fire out, protect personnel and property, without being under fire,” Mr. Edwards said. “But, in an active shooter event, that all changes. Their goal is to take the shooter out.”

To ensure maximum realism, events continued to play out past the capture of the shooter or evacuation of a building. For example, in one instance a “bomb” exploded in the 21st Space Wing headquarters building and employees from the building were relocated for an extended time to test their ability to react to the event. Also, the so called “next of kin” were notified and news releases were sent to national media outlets.

The wing has not gone that far in the past, Mr. Edwards said.

“For folks who are a little bothered by the exercise, the thing to remember is that we are putting on a scenario to protect them in the long run,” Mr. Edwards said. “They may be inconvenienced right now, but if there were an active shooter on the installation, and (installation commander) Colonel Whiting’s forces were unable to contain it, I would think the complaints would be more difficult to answer - why didn’t we train hard, why didn’t we practice realistically.”

Generally, most people have practiced evacuating a building during a fire. However, many units have not practiced a lockdown scenario, Mr. Edwards said. It is a recommended area for improvement.

“When you have an active shooter on the installation, your first thought needs to be, take cover, shelter and lockdown the facility,” he said.

Wing headquarters staff played out the scene perfectly, said Tech. Sgt. Monique Killian, 21st SW Inspector General wing readiness flight chief. When it was reported that a shooter was approaching the building from Eagle Park, the wing office went dark, employees were hidden and the doors were locked. Likewise, the command post also followed protocol.

“I went to the phone, I showed them my badge and they would not let me in,” Sergeant Killian said. “That’s exactly what they were supposed to do.”

The next quarterly Condor Crest exercise will be May 4 to 8 and an active shooter scenario will be part of it, Mr. Edwards said.

“Colonel Whiting’s direction is we will continue to do active shooter events until we are extremely good at them,” Mr. Edwards said

Capt. Jesse Johnson, 21st Force Support Squadron (left), helps Staff Sgt. Josh Kennedy, 21st Space Wing Office of the Staff Judge Advocate paralegal, into his suit of armor March 1. Sergeant Kennedy accepted the role of “Iron Mike,” the 21st Space Wing’s mascot, and will represent the wing during upcoming Guardian Challenge events on Peterson Air Force Base May 19 to 22. Held every two years, Guardian Challenge is the premier space and cyberspace competition in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Larry Hulst)

by Monica Mendoza

21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.  – Ladies and gentlemen, a knight is born.

Staff Sgt. Josh Kennedy, 21st Space Wing Office of the Staff Judge Advocate paralegal, raised his sword in victory and vowed to represent the 21st SW with honor and chivalry during the 2010 Guardian Challenge competition.

Sergeant Kennedy accepted the role of “Iron Mike,” the wing’s mascot, after a brief interview and tryout March 1. As Iron Mike, Sergeant Kennedy will don a 50-pound chain mail shirt, a suit of armor, a helmet and, of course, he will wield a knight’s sword.

“I feel like I possess those qualities - honor, duty and discipline - and I am definitely passionate about it,” Sergeant Kennedy said.

Sergeant Kennedy is just the knight the 21st Force Support Squadron was looking for, said Capt. Jesse Johnson, 21st FSS sustainment services flight commander.

“We really want someone who can get out of their shell,” Captain Johnson said.

As the wing’s mascot, Iron Mike will be part of an entourage that represents the wing during the guardian challenge events and awards ceremony May 19 to 22 on Peterson AFB. This year, cyberspace competition is new to guardian challenge, the Air Force Space Command’s space and cyberspace competition. About 300 people from nine AFSPC wings and one center will compete in events ranging from space operations and cyberspace defense exercises to obstacle courses.

Leading up to the competition, Team 21, the 21st SW booster club, will host three guardian challenge fundraisers to support the 21st SW team and host the competition.

Iron Mike has been part of Air Force events since 1966 when he was created by the 317th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. The mascot retired to the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, when the 317th deactivated in 1969. But, Iron Mike was brought back to life in 1996 when the 21st Space Wing adopted the knight as its official mascot. Iron Mike will face off with other wing mascots during the Guardian Challenge ceremonies.

“I can be the one to cheer on the competitors and encourage them,” Sergeant Kennedy said about his new role.

Guardian Challenge Team 21 fundraising events

The Team 21 booster club is having fundraiser events for the Guardian Challenge team. Events include:

n 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. March 23, bowling tournament, at the Peterson Bowling Center, Building 406. Cost is $10 a person. POC is Senior Master Sgt. Don Russell, 556-5296.

n 8 a.m. April 13, golf tournament, Silver Spruce Golf Course. Price is $50 per person and includes 18 holes of golf, cart and lunch; lunch only costs $7. String and mulligans will also be available. POC is 2nd Lt. Brian Belongia, 556-7836.

n April 27 to 30, silent auction. Items located in Building 350 lobby. POC is Lt. Col. Charles Tuck, 556-6104.

“Iron Mike,” the 21st Space Wing’s mascot, will rally the wing at the upcoming Guardian Challenge competition and ceremonies on Peterson Air Force Base May 19 to 22. Held every two years, Guardian Challenge is the premier space and cyberspace competition in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Larry Hulst)

by 21st Space Wing Guardian

Challenge Team committee

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.  – Peterson will host the 2010 Guardian Challenge competition, Air Force Space Command’s premier space and cyberspace competition, May 19 to 22.

According to Gen. C. Robert Kehler, Air Force Space Command commander, the event captures the essence of competition through rigorous evaluation and hones the team’s skills.

“The members who compete in Guardian Challenge are the best-of-the-best - space, cyberspace, security forces, and communication professionals in Space Command,” he said.

The 21st Space Wing hopes to expand its legacy of exceptional performance in this upcoming challenge.

“The 21st SW Guardian Challenge team is right on track preparing for the competition,” said Maj. Penny Haspil, 21st Operations Group. “The space operations team has already completed its training and the security forces and communications teams are on target to complete their training milestones May 14 and March 11, respectively.”

The tradition of Guardian Challenge began in 1967 when Strategic Air Command opened its first missile combat competition, nicknamed “Curtain Raiser.” In 1969, the competition was renamed “Olympic Arena” and remained under that name for 24 years. The first year Guardian Challenge took place in 1994 was also the first time space operations were part of the competition. This year’s Guardian Challenge marks another milestone for the competition with the integration of the cyber mission.

“Air Force Space Command’s cyber numbered Air Force - the 24th AF - participation in Guardian Challenge showcases the commitment to the crucial cyber mission,” Major Haspill said. “General Kehler has paired the 21st SW with the 67th Network Warfare Wing as “sister wings” to work together to ensure the new competitors have a successful and rewarding experience in their first Guardian Challenge.”

50th Space Wing Public Affairs

Master Sgt. Amber Mitchell went to work March 4 like any other day and anxiously anticipated the promotion results for senior master sergeant. As the work day came to a close, she was disappointed to tears believing she didn’t make the cut — that was until members of her squadron showed up at her doorstep later that evening with good news.

“We were getting ready to go to bed, my husband jumped in the shower and that’s when the roof sounded like it was coming off the house because my commander was banging on the door so loud,” she said.

Her husband, adorned in a bath towel, greeted Lt. Col. Lorenzo Bradley, 1st Space Operations Squadron commander, along with approximately 20 other members of her unit. Each member stood by to congratulate one of four of Schriever’s newest senior master sergeant selects. Remarkably, with only twelve years in, her selection for promotion makes her the most junior Airman throughout the Air Force to achieve a line number for E-8 during this promotion cycle.

“When I’m reading the study material, I always try to relate it to my career, some of the things that I’ve learned and some of the things I’ve seen,” she said. “When it comes to the Air Force and what I do, I take it very seriously and I always want to show everyone else who I work with that if I can do it, you can do it and if you work hard you’ll get rewarded.”

Sergeant Mitchell began basic training in 1997 and afterward went on to Space Systems Operations technical school at Vandenberg AFB, Calif. Her first duty assignment was at Patrick AFB, Fla. as an aerospace control officer for the 45th Range Squadron. Her determination to be successful was initially driven by her superintendent who she said was less than enthusiastic to have young, inexperienced Airmen in the squadron.

“It prodded me to go above and beyond because I wanted to show him ‘Hey, it is important that we’re here and just because I’m a young Airman doesn’t mean I can’t do my job well and do it better than everyone else,’” she said.

Sergeant Mitchell overcame those obstacles and used those early career challenges as a springboard for future successes. She’s managed to pin on a stripe almost every time she’s tested, with the exception of technical sergeant which she landed her second time testing. She’s gone to college to work toward her degree and dedicated herself to various volunteer opportunities such as the 5/6 council and the Air Force Sergeant’s Association. She was even chosen as one of 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year in 2005.

She said she attributes much of her success to her husband for helping her maximize her study time and being her support system. She also found inspiration in an acquaintance, retired Chief Master Sgt. Steve Parrish, who became her mentor.

“He showed us the importance of getting involved and networking,” Sergeant Mitchell said. “He showed us it was important to look outside (our career field) and see other people and see other jobs … and he showed us the value of good work ethics.”

Colonel Bradley, who’s worked with Sergeant Mitchell since July 2009, said he heard about her before taking command of 1st SOPS.

“I was told by people that had served with her how lucky I was to have her in the squadron,” Colonel Bradley said. “Everything I was told was true — she is, undoubtedly, one of the most outstanding people I have had the pleasure of working with in my Air Force career. If promotion is about trust and confidence to serve in the higher grade, then Amber’s performance thus far is proof enough she deserves this, and her time in service has nothing to do with it.”

Sergeant Mitchell said Airmen should always seize an opportunity to improve themselves. She also said her formula for success comes from three things: being involved with family, career and the community.

She added, “You’ll open up opportunities whether it’s to learn or meet new people, so be involved.”

Master Sgt. Amber Mitchell(center), 1st Space Operations Squadron, prepares for her new stripes to be “tacked on” from Col. Wayne Monteith(left), 50th Space Wing commander, and Col. Stan Kekauoha, 50th Operations Group commander, in Colonel Monteith’s office March 4. Sergeant Mitchell is one of 1,269 master sergeants selected for promotion this year. (U.S. Air Force photos by Tech. Sgt. Stacy Foster)

Staff Report

50th Space Wing Public Affairs

The Air Force released the latest list of promotion selectees March 4.

Four Schriever master sergeants were surprised to learn they had been selected for promotion to the rank of senior master sergeant.

Master Sergeants David Milne, 50th Civil Engineer Squadron, Amber Mitchell, 1st Space Operations Squadron, James Stier, 527th Space Aggressor Squadron, and Donald Lemke, 25th Space Range Squadron, were four of 73 base-eligible selected in the 2010 cycle.

Air Force-wide, 1,269 of 13,741 were selected for a promotion rate of 9.24 percent, according to Air Force Personnel Center’s Web site.

The average score for those selected was 665.85, with an average time in grade of 4.38 years and an average time in service of 20.2 years, respectively. The average score was based on the following point averages: 135 for enlisted performance reports, 21.30 for decorations, 61.47 for the Air Force supervisory examination and 394.06 board score.

For a complete list of promotions, visit AFPC’s Web site at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil.

Chaplain (Maj.) Glenn Gresham, 50th Space Wing chaplain

By Scott Prater

Schriever Sentinel

Chaplain (Maj.) Glenn Gresham is an ordained Presbyterian Pastor. He has served as the wing Chaplain for a fighter wing and spent six-months on a deployment to Iraq. He worked for a time in an Army hospital as well, but in all of those places his day-to-day function didn’t change much.

Chaplain Gresham now calls the 50th Space Wing home, and he’ll perform the same as he has in all the places he’s served.

“Primarily, most of what we do is offer confidentiality,” Chaplain Gresham said. “What anyone wants to share with us, we cannot reveal. So, we provide a safe place for people to come and discuss their problems, whether they be work or relationship related. Hopefully, we can guide them into the help they need if we can’t provide it. So those issues, no matter what the mission is, the personal issues: marriage, dating, workplace, moral and ethical issues. Those don’t change with the mission.”

Ironically, he almost never entered the chaplain profession  —  and the Air Force was responsible.

“I always felt a desire to enter the military,” he said. “I tried to go the pilot route, but my eyes weren’t good enough. Of course, many folks may notice that chaplains tend to be older folks, and I think that’s because we generally pursue other careers first.”

He also pointed out that chaplains generally earn masters degrees before being ordained into their denominations.

“I was in seminary when I found out about this chaplain candidate program,” he said. “Basically, you enter the reserves and you actually do your reserve time at various chapels, so my wife and I did that and we loved it. We ended up doing three reserve tours at different chapels.”

Once ordained by their denominations, ministers can then enter the Air Force either as reservists or active duty, and attend chaplain school, which teaches them how to function in the military environment.

“The chaplaincy is very good,” he said. “They provide continuing professional education courses and other learning opportunities along the way.”

Chaplain Gresham began his Air Force career at MacDill AFB, Fla. 13 years ago followed by Clinical Pastoral Education training at Walter Reed Army Hospital. The CPE training requires chaplains to work with patients while also studying and writing papers.

“If you want to work in a hospital as a chaplain, most if not all hospitals require you to go through CPE training,” he said. “The Air Force sees benefit in running chaplains through it and every year, we see six to 10 enter the program.”

From there, he moved on to Germany, where he served at Spangdahlem Air Base for three years. History will also show that Chaplain Gresham was the very last chaplain to serve at Onizuka Air Force Station, Calif., a base in the process of closure.

Once leaving Onizuka, Chaplain Gresham returned to one of his earliest stations, Shaw AFB in South Carolina and the 20th Fighter Wing. After three years there, he changed duty stations again, arriving at Schriever early this year.

He said the first thing he noticed about the base was the accomplishments of the Chaplain Corps.

“Chaplain (Capt.) Christopher Underwood just won the Wing Staff Agency Company Grade Officer of the Year award and was named Air Force Space Command Company Grade Chaplain of the Year,” Chaplain Gresham said. “Staff Sgt. Kimberly Swanagan is an outstanding non commissioned officer who does a great job running our chapel activities day-to-day. Tech Sgt. Scott Devine, our NCOIC is currently deployed to Khandahar.”

Airmen who see Chaplain Gresham receive a warm smile and hardy greeting. It’s clear he holds a passion for what he does.

“There is a great sense of satisfaction in helping people, and for me as a minister, this is the ministry God has called me to,” he said. “It’s not that we’re out being evangelistic and thumping people on the head with bibles, it’s an opportunity to help people who are in crises.”

His message to all Schriever Airmen is one of building awareness.

“The Schriever chaplain corps is here to serve the men and women of Schriever AFB and to facilitate their right to freely exercise their religion,” he said. “There is always a chaplain on call and our door is always open. If people need to contact us after hours they can contact the command post, who will contact us.”

Chaplain (Brig. Gen.) David Cyr, Air Force deputy chief of chaplains, addresses more than 50 Airmen and civilians during Schriever’s National Prayer Breakfast March 9 at the Satellite Dish dining facility. (U.S. Air Force photo by David Ahlschwede)

By Staff Sgt. Daniel Martinez

50th Space Wing Public Affairs

More than 50 Airmen and civilians were on hand for Schriever’s National Prayer Breakfast March 9 at the Satellite Dish dining facility.

The event included guest speaker Chaplain (Brig. Gen.) David Cyr, Air Force deputy chief of chaplains, who spoke about the power of prayer, overcoming personal challenges and supporting fellow servicemembers.

“I think we know there’s a spiritual principle built into the universe, that it’s more blessed to give than it is to receive,” Chaplain Cyr said. “And to whom much is given, much is required.”

The chaplain added that servicemembers roles have a profound and positive affect throughout the world.

“America has always seen itself as a good neighbor in the global village and we try to help as we can,” he said.

He later added, “Ancient vision of peace on earth, goodwill toward men, must always be our goal and the righteousness of our call must always underlie our strength.”

The event kicked off with the singing of the national anthem, followed by an invocation, a Hebrew and Christian scripture reading, a moment of silent prayer and the guest speaker introduction by Chaplain (Maj.) Glenn Gresham, 50th Space Wing chaplain.

Col. Wayne Monteith, 50th SW commander, also shared words of gratitude for Chaplain Cyr’s visit following his speech.

“What a great turnout and what a great Colorado morning,” Colonel Monteith said. “We would like to thank you for being such a tremendous mentor to our chaplain corps and helping to groom your replacement who will continue to tend this flock for decades to come.”

The prayer breakfast came into prominence after being established in 1953. Its origins began from a congressional prayer breakfast attended by the president, the vice president and various officials throughout different branches of government. The breakfast unifies U.S. leadership under the guise of recognizing the moral and spiritual values the country was founded on. Since its inception, the prayer breakfast has become an annual event.