Vol. 3 No.

4 RAF Croughton, England February 26, 2007

Timing vs Opportunity
Page 2
National Prayer Breakfast
Page 4
Personal fitness a base success
Page 6, 7
Volunteer Appreciation
Page 10
2 February 26, 2007
“Timing is everything” or is it “Opportunity”
by Chief Master Sgt. Peggy Savage
422nd Air Base Group Superintendent
Is “Timing” everything? There are
many interesting ways to look at this
topic. Here is a way of viewing tim-
ing when it comes to promotion testing,
CCAF, your next job and deploying. Is
Timing everything when we look close
at these topics?
Many would say, it’s timing that
helps you get promoted, but I would
have to say, it’s taking the time to stur-
dy that gets you promoted.
Dedicating enough time to study all
of the material you will test on may
mean you will be sacrificing fam-
ily time, volunteer time, or even your
personal time to start studying early
enough.
If you are hungry enough for promo-
tion, you will find yourself studying 2
or 3 hours a night for up to 6 months
in order to give your best on that next
promotion test.
Take the right amount of time on the
test, reading each question, reading the
entire answer, then choosing the best
answer. So is timing everything when
it comes to getting promoted? I’d say
it was the time you took to prepare for
that next promotion.
Timing is everything. I would like
to challenge you to take the time to
complete your CCAF degree and do it
early. Many of you know that in or-
der for SNCOs to get Senior Rater In-
dorsement, they must have completed
the Senior NCO Academy and have a
CCAF degree in their career field.
With the writing on the wall, com-
Cover: Work Out
Airman 1st Class Benjamin Leininger,
422d Security Forces Squadron gets
in a strength workout at the Fitness
Center on Presidents Day. See more
about Croughton Fitness on page 6
and 7.
Photo by Tech Sgt Keith Houin.
Graphic by Tech Sgt Robert Ashley.
Commentary
pleting your CCAF by the time you are
a TSgt is more important now than it
ever was. Waiting any longer will put
you behind your peers and the power
curve. So is timing important in this
situation? Yes it is, very important.
Timing is everything when it comes
to you taking that next job. You can
control what base you put on your
dream sheets, but do you keep them
current with the areas you really want.
Do you seek out special duty oppor-
tunities? Taking the challenge to step
outside your career field for a short
time is a positive step in your military
career.
The most important point to make
here, look for a job you are interested
in, whether it is a PME instructor, Ca-
reer field instructor, or First Sergeant
(MSgt can only apply at this time).
Once that assignment is over, go
back to your career field, you’ll bring
that experience you gained back out to
your field.
Timing is just as important as op-
portunities. The opportunity to deploy
may come your way all the time, or
your job may be one of those careers
that don’t allow you to deploy, and you
miss out on the opportunity to be in the
fight.
I raised my hand back in 1990 when
the Gulf War broke out and continued
to raise my hand every time I hear
about a deployment. The places I was
stationed and my career didn’t line me
up for a deployment until I had hit 20
years in the Air Force, while many of
you will deploy 2 or 3 times by the time
you have 12 years in service.
422nd Air Base Squadron
Lt. Col. Jim Ryan , Squadron Commander
Editorial Staff
Tech. Sgt. Keith Houin. Public Affairs NCO
Multimedia support is provided by
Tech. Sgt. Robert Ashley
This funded Air Force newspaper is an au-
thorized publication for members of the U.S.
military services overseas. The Uplink content is
not necessarily the official view of, or endorsed
by, the U.S. Government, the Department of De-
The Uplink
Was timing everything or was it op-
portunities? I would have to say it was
opportunity in this case. I would en-
courage you to be proactive and look
for the opportunities to excel. It is
planning ahead that gives you choices.
Is timing everything when it comes
to taking on more responsibilities at
work? I would encourage everyone to
volunteer to take on any additional duty
that you have not had before. By tak-
ing on an additional duty that you have
never had before, gets you into the AFI
that covers that job and makes you a
more rounded Airman.
By having an understanding of many
different additional duties, you will in
the future, understand the important
when an additional duty monitor comes
to you for help.
You’ll remember what it took to
run the program and will be better pre-
pared to provide them with assistance
or products.
Ask any SNCO and I’d be surprised
if they didn’t tell you they must have
had at least 15 different additional du-
ties over their career.
Actively seek out additional respon-
sibilities at work. Don’t wait until
you’re asked; go after the programs
you want to be in charge of, it is taking
the time to be proactive.
I encourage you to start studying
early, finish your CCAF degree before
you pin on TSgt, look for new and in-
teresting jobs during your career and
seek out all the opportunities to excel
you can find…they are out there.
This is a new year, what will you
accomplish in 2007?
fense or the Department of the Air Force.
Content is edited, prepared and provided by
the RAF Croughton Public Affairs office. All
photographs are Air Force photographs unless
indicated.
Public Affairs can be reached at 422nd ABS/
PA, Unit 5855, APO, AE 09494, or DSN 236-
8468 or 01280708468; or e-mail 422abs.pa@
croughton.af.mil.
The submission deadline is close of business
the Thursday eight days prior to the desired pub-
lication date. All material is edited for accuracy,
brevity, clarity and conformity to regulations.
The Public Affairs office strives for accu-
racy. If an error is noticed, contact The Uplink
staff.
 February 26, 2007
Distractions are culprit in childhood injury
by Gina Randa
422d ABG Safety
My earliest memory is of my second
birthday.
I was sitting patiently on the sofa
in a red dress waiting for my birthday
party to begin. My mother was iron-
ing a tablecloth when she remembered
there were cakes in the kitchen ready
to come out of the oven. She left the
living room forgetting she was leaving
a two year old alone with a hot iron and
walked down the hall to the kitchen.
Wanting to help, I pushed a chair over
to the ironing board, stood on it, put one
hand on the cloth and began to iron. I
ironed my left hand.
Luckily I can’t remember the pain,
but many years later I can still vividly
recall the incident and am still able to
People: the Air Force’s most valuable resource
by Lt. Col. Daniel Liggins
319th Communications Squadron
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE
BASE, N.D. (AFNEWS) -- Transfor-
mation. Modernization. Force shaping.
Lean reengineering. Recapitalizing the
force.
If you’re in today’s Air Force,
chances are you’ve heard one of these
buzzwords that all allude to the myriad
changes taking place across our service.
Multiple, radical changes are nothing
new to the military. Changes have been
taking place since the Air Force was
born in 1947.
Perhaps you’ve heard some form of
the old adage, “If you don’t like today’s
changes, just stick around long enough
and we’ll come full circle.” Fortunate-
ly, there is one thing that has remained
constant: People are the Air Force’s
most valuable resource. You are the Air
Force’s most valuable resource.
Sure, there are days when we don’t
feel that way. Force shaping and re-
duction-in-force boards don’t exactly
make us feel invaluable. But the fact of
the matter is, without you, the mission
would never get accomplished.
Commentary
make out the scar.
Every year in the UK, over 1 million
children under the age of 15 experience
accidents in and around the home for
which they are taken to Accident and
Emergency Units. Many more are
treated by family doctors, parents or
carer givers.
Children aged 0 – 4 years are most at
risk. Falls account for the majority of
non-fatal accidents, while the highest
numbers of fatalities are due to fire.
Most accidents happen in the living
room, however, the most serious acci-
dents happen in the kitchen and on the
stairs. Each year over 67,000 children
experience an accident in the kitchen.
Distractions and inadequate supervi-
sion are often the cause. Young chil-
dren should be supervised at all times.
Scalds and burns account for many
True enough, technology has enabled
us to perform a number of tasks with far
fewer people than we needed in the past.
It wasn’t long ago that leave forms were
filled out manually and every squadron
had a leave monitor for tracking pur-
poses. Today, LeaveWeb enables us to
accomplish everything on line, individ-
ually.
Gone are the days when the squadron
secretary typed up your temporary duty
orders and you had to bug your resource
advisor for a fund cite. Now it’s all done
electronically, through the Defense
Travel System. And 10 years ago, who
among us envisioned a “virtual” mili-
tary personnel flight?
Although we have been able to
streamline many of our processes, it is
still people who perform the mission.
Today’s Airmen are the brightest, most
talented to ever enter the military. No
modernized piece of equipment can pro-
vide the ingenuity, innovativeness and
flexibility of the human mind. Today,
we have an unmanned aerial vehicle,
but without the human controlling that
aircraft, it would wander aimlessly and
fail to achieve its desired objective.
Yes, we have information systems
The Uplink 3
accidents in the home. Children under
5 are most at risk from scalds caused by
hot drinks. A young child’s skin is sen-
sitive, and a hot drink can still scald a
child 15 minutes after being made. Hot
bath water is responsible for the high-
est number of fatal and severe scalding
injuries. Approximately 500 children
are admitted to hospitals and a further
2,000 attend Accident and Emergency
Units every year as a result of bath wa-
ter scalds. When running a bath turn
the cold water on first and always test
the water temperature with your elbow
before letting a child get into it. Run
the domestic hot water system at 46ºC
or fit a thermostatic mixing valve to
taps. Remember also that children can
drown in less than 3cm of water. Never
leave children or babies in the bath un-
supervised, even for a moment.
that can provide us with unimaginable
quantities of data, but without a person
analyzing these products, they would
never become coherent, actionable in-
formation.
It is critical that military leaders max-
imize their Airmen’s potential by foster-
ing an environment of respect and trust.
Part of this is ensuring our folks have
the training and education necessary to
perform their duties.
A piece of equipment may be able to
flawlessly perform the same function
over and over again, but only a person
has the ability to adapt and overcome
ever-changing conditions on the battle-
field. Never have these attributes been
more important than in the continuing
war on terrorism.
Machines and equipment are merely
means to accomplish the mission, and it
is leadership’s responsibility to ensure
our Airmen have the necessary resourc-
es to succeed. Force recapitalization is
helping to provide our Airmen with the
best, most modern equipment available.
But you are more than a means to an
end. You make mission accomplish-
ment possible. You are undoubtedly the
Air Force’s most valuable resource.
4 February 26, 2007
Keeping tradition: National Prayer Breakfast
First female chaplain shares her story and plan
by Tech Sgt. Keith Houin
Public Affairs
The 2007 RAF Croughton National
Prayer Breakfast was held February 14
at the consolidated club.
Approximately 115 people showed
up to take part in this annual event
which is shared by leaders from com-
munities around the Nation and where
ever citizens of the United States gath-
er.
The tradition which has its roots
in Senate and House prayer groups in
1942, is held annually soon after Con-
gress convenes and is attended by the
President, cabinet, congress, the su-
preme court and other national leaders.
Originally known as the Presei-
dentail Prayer Breakfast, the National
Prayer Breakfast received its current
titlein 1970 to more appropraietly
represent it’s purpose of gathering to-
gether in peace, then to recognize the
individuals who attend.
Chaplain, Maj., Eddie Jones, 422
ABG Chaplain said, “For many years
Training prepares Airmen to handle violent situations
by Jake Shaw
482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE
BASE, Fla. (AFNEWS) -- In most
schools, students are expected to be-
have. At Homestead, one group of stu-
dents not only fought with their instruc-
tors, but it was encouraged.
Twenty-five security forces Airmen
took part in unarmed defensive tactics
training here Feb. 10.
The focus of the course was learning
use-of-force actions to take when faced
with dynamic and dangerous circum-
stances.
“We use real scenarios, like an as-
sault on a police officer, a drunken fight
at a club or an angry protest during the
training,” said Tech. Sgt. Craig Camp-
bell, 482nd Security Forces training
NCO.
News
now we have used this occasion to re-
member the moral and spiritual values
on which our Nation is founded. We
have a great many things to be thank-
ful for, our heritage, our freedom and
our history as a people who recognize
God’s leading and blessings in our
lives.
This Prayer Breakfast is part of that
recognition of who we are as a people,
one nation “under God”.
Guest speaker Chaplain Maj. Gen.
(ret.) Lorraine Potter, former Chief of
the Air Force Chaplain Service spoke
of the bravery of the men and women
who have fought to defend freedom
from the Revolutionary war until today.
Quoting words from the Star Spangled
Banner she repeated the phase “the flag
still waves.”
She also shared her thoughts on he
struggles to overcome the many barri-
ers to her career to include the gender
barrier into the chaplaincy, and how
she was able to overcome them.
With that she gave a suggested plan
of action for everyone facing adversity
Sergeant Campbell said the training
is important because security forces
Airmen could face similar situations as
they perform their real-world duties.
For example, some situations may
start out friendly but turn ugly quickly,
Sergeant Campbell said. Without the
proper training this escalation can re-
sult in deadly consequences.
Part of the unarmed defensive tactics
training emphasized ways to determine
the proper amount of force needed to
control a situation. This included learn-
ing when to add power and when to
turn it down.
The course included more than just
the skills training for many of the Air-
men.
“The Airmen need the skills, but they
also need to build trust in each other,”
Sergeant Campbell said. With so many
new faces in the squadron, this was an
The Uplink
-- “Stop, move your lips in prayer, keep
on walking”
She used the example of a young
black girl who during the Civil Rights
movement was escorted to school by
National Guardsmen to demonstrate
her point.
The girl would often stop to look
around at the angry crowd and moved
her lips.
The girl later was asked what she
was doing. She said she was “praying
for those who were her enemies.”
Chaplain Potter’s words resonated
with many of the people in the room
who spoke of it later in the day.
She brought a number of credentials
with her for her speech, such as being
the first female Chaplain, the first fe-
male Command Chaplain and the first
female Chief of the Chaplain Service,
but it was her dynamic yet humble
speaking that hit the mark.
Tech Sgt. Robert Ashley, 422 Com-
munications Squadron, said she was a
dynamic speaker that kept the attend-
ees attention throughout the event.
opportunity to develop these bonds, he
said.
During one phase of the training, the
instructors put on red padded suits and
played the part of “Red Man” attack-
ers.
To reinforce lessons in unpredict-
ability, the Red Men often lulled train-
ees into a false sense of control with
friendly chatter only to renew their at-
tacks.
Like the real world, a bad situation is
not over until it is over.
They hope the Airmen will remem-
ber the day of training when similar sit-
uations face them outside of the train-
ing room.
“I learned a lot and had fun,” said
Senior Airman Darlessia Gregory,
482nd SFS. “I think this was good for
our morale, and it makes me feel more
confident about doing my job.”
 February 26, 2007
Financial data in TSP compromised
by Tech Sg.t Amelia Snyder
422nd Communications Squadron
In December 2006, the personal
computers of several TSP participants
were infected with key-logging soft-
ware, allowing criminals to record all
key strokes made by the participant
without the participant’s knowledge, to
include the participant’s TSP PIN and
other account information.
Approximately two dozen partici-
pants had small amounts withdrawn
from their accounts and electronically
forwarded to fraudulent accounts. All
affected participants have been noti-
fied.
Participant using the TSP website
(http://www.tsp.gov), or any web site
involving PII, should be vigilant and
protect their computers. Although the
TSP cannot be responsible for partici-
pants’ security practices, the TSP will
ensure their web page security is cur-
rent and the risk of fraudulent activity
News
reduced to the greatest extent possible.
The TSP will be implementing addi-
tional online security measures in the
near future.
Individuals whose computers are
not protected with updated security
software are most vulnerable to com-
promises by key-logging software.
The Joint Task Force for Global Net-
work Operations offers free protection
software for DoD personnel to use on
home computers.
You must access the following link
from a .mil computer system and au-
thenticate with your CAC and PIN:
Https://www.jtfgno.mil/antivirus/
home_use.htm. Alternatively, users
can request a copy of home antivirus
and firewall software from their CSA.
All participants are urged to ensure
the adequacy of security on their com-
puters by installing key-logger protec-
tion and promptly closing their browser
after each visit to their TSP account on
the web site.
The Uplink 5
These steps will reduce your ex-
posure, and these practices should be
followed for all on-line access to any
financial account.
To securely close an Internet site
you have logged into, first log off the
site (usually a button on the page will
allow this), then close your browser by
clicking the X at the top of your inter-
net screen.
Closing a browser does not guaran-
tee that your secure session has been
terminated, and logging off a web site
alone does not clear your browser’s
memory.
All users are encouraged to use only
their private computers for personal fi-
nancial use.
Public-use computers, such as those
found in Internet cafes, are not a secure
means of conducting personal busi-
ness, since there is no way for the user
to determine that the machine is secure
and free of malicious logic(spyware,
key-loggers, etc.).

Hello Dave to rock the Croughton Club

Hello Dave is set to play the Croughton Consolidated Club March 2 at 9 p.m.
Combine classic and southern rock with rhythm & blues, country and pop and you’ll get the lively sound of
Hello Dave.
While the band hails from Chicago, when it comes to rocking out, they really capture the great soul of the
South.
They have released five full-length albums, performed more than a thousand shows and have been deemed
the “Eagles of the New Millennium”.
This is an adult only show. Admission is free.
6 February 26, 2007
Sports/

Combining individual effort, te

Personal Fitness is Croug
by Tech Sgt Keith Houin
Public Affairs

Physical fitness is increasingly at the forefront of Air Force

lifestyle. Increased deployments and decreased manpower
make it even more important yet at the same time harder to
maintain.
While every member is different and has individual needs
to maintain their fitness level, keeping every one as fit as pos-
sible, is really a team goal, Lt. Col. Jim Ryan, 422nd Air Base
Squadron Commander, said.
This is true Air Force-wide, but even more so here at RAF
Croughton. “Our force is manned at the lowest possible level
that we can still accomplish the mission, so it takes everyone’s
cooperation to make sure our team is ready,” he said.
So far Team Croughton has maintained an excellent record
on annual fitness testing and is getting better.
“We currently have a pass rate of more than 97% for our
fitness testing, and the 2 or 3 people who were unable to pass
have already improved their fitness level and are well on their
way to passing,” Lt. Col Ryan said.
“I attribute this to the emphasis on fitness from our leadership
and what we have put in place here at Croughton -- none of
which has been possible without the great airmen, NCOs and
commanders stationed here,” Col. Vincent D’Angelo 422nd
Air Base Group Commander said.
Officially the fitness test starts at the office of the Com-
mander’s Support Staff where members are weighed-in and
measured, given a fitness screening sheet and then passed on to
a Physical Training Leader to administer the fitness test. Upon
completion of testing results are provided to the CSS where
scores are put into the Air Force Fitness Management System
and individuals are informed of their score.
The test is only a means to determine where a member stands
against the Air Force standard.
Better fitness actually started with the individual’s decision
to enter the Air Force. At that time, Adam Harris, 422 ABS Fit-
Adam Harris watches Tina Mullis for proper form at
ness Director said, “Individuals made a conscious decision to
change their behavioral and practical attitude toward physical fitness center.
exercise. The test is the tool that monitors that commitment to These professionals combined with physical training l
physical activity,” but it is not the tool that maintains a person ers provide ample opportunity for everyone to get a good
fitness level. pervised physical workout and have fun doing it, Lt. Col R
Maintaining or improving that level is an individual endeav- said.
or, but one that is assisted by specialized exercise profession- “It doesn’t stop with the exercise however,” Lt Col R
als who initiate structured training programs, group exercise added, “Nutrition plays a key role in the physical fitness
classes, motivational aids and holistic support, Harris said.
/Fitness
eam support
hton Success
overall health of our community.”
Nutrition and exercise go hand in hand in weight loss
and overall long term health, Staff Sgt. Ywantru Pasley,
422d ABS nutrition specialist said. “In weight loss, the
balance of the right amount of calories and nutrients with
an effective workout routine will get you to your goal.
“In terms of overall health, the Air Force Fitness Pro-
gram sets you up for life. Eating right and exercising as
part of the daily routine prepares you with good habits af-
ter the Air Force and just as important, habits to pass on to
the little ones.”
As a team, Croughton is winning the fight for better
physical health, but there is still room for improvement for
everyone, Lt. Col. Ryan said.
In that endeavor the fitness center staff is using other
measurements to determine the physical fitness health of
Team Croughton. Most recently the Multistage Fitness Test
or “bleep” test was incorporated into weekly PT.
This test involves continuous running between two lines
15 meters apart in cadence to recorded bleeps. This is
where the term “bleep” test is derived.
The time between recorded bleeps decrease each min-
ute. A participants score is the level and number of shut-
tles reached before they were unable to keep up with the
tape recording. This score can be converted to a VO2 max
equivalent score, which is the maximum volume of oxygen
that the body can consume during intense, whole-body ex-
ercise, while breathing air at sea level.
The results of this test combined with PT scores can
help fitness staff determine what workout will be best for
each individual.
In addition to various forms of monitoring and testing
the fitness center staff is striving to bring more fun fit-
ness activities in to everyone’s fitness routine, Tina Mullis,
Asssitant Fitness Center Director said.
Within the next quarter the fitness center plans to imple-
ment, produce and run the following; an Indoor Triathlon,
t the
a Personal Best Day, a Beat the Instructor Challenge, and
Dumbbell Shoulder Press Contest among other activities,
she said.
lead-
With improvements to the weight room, gymnasium
d su-
floor, locker room and more activities on the way, there is
Ryan
no reason why everyone can’t enjoy a better level of fit-
ness, Lt. Col. Ryan said.
Ryan
and The opportunity is there waiting.
The Uplink 7
Sport/Fitness Shorts
Temporary fitness center closure
doesn’t mean the end of fitness
As part of the continuous efforts to improve the
bases opportunity toward fitness endeavors the fitness
center is closed from February 23 – March 9 to resur-
face the floor of the gymnasium.
This will make getting a good work out a bit hard-
er, but it doesn’t mean fitness training has to end. It’s
important to maintain some form of fitness activity
even while the fitness center is close.
This is a great opportunity to try something new as
part of your physical fitness routine.
Members looking for alternative workouts while
the fitness center is closed should contact the fitness
center staff at 236-8449 for a consultation center.
American Football Players Wanted
Base personnel 18 years or older interested in play-
ing American Football in a British American Football
League should contact Keith Houin at 236-8468.
Or if you are just looking for a good workout, join
the base players practice Tuesdays and Thursdays call
for time and location.
Winter Fitness
Survival Challenge
The Fitness Center is offering you the help you
need to get through the winter months with the Win-
ter Fitness Survival Challenge. Sign up in FitLinxx
between now and March 31, 2007, reach the goal and
burn 17,500 calories and win a Fitness T-Shirt (T-shirt
prizes available while quantities last).
For more information call the Fitness Center on
DSN 236-8449.
Youth Flag Football Tourney
Players (ages 9-11) are needed to represent RAF
Croughton as we host the Coventry Jets youth Flag
football team in a Flag Football extravaganza. The
event is scheduled for a kick off on Saturday (March
10th) at 9 AM.
There will be a boys and girls team which will field
players between the ages of 9 and 11. Teams will
have a coach who will hold a six day camp to get the
kids ready. All players will need mouth guards and
cleats. For participation or more information contact
myself (ewatts711@yahoo.com) or Mr. Elmore (joe.
elmore@croughton.af.mil) and we will be glad to
help you.
8 February 26, 2007
Spotlight On ...
Unit and job title:
422 SFS Unit Trainer
Time in service: 7 years 2 months
Time on station: 2 years 1 month
Family: Wife Monique
Hobbies: Basketball, Reading
Supervisor’s quote:
Colby is a well rounded NCO who
continually leads from the front. He
Spotlight
Staff Sgt. Colby B. Benjamin
excels in all tasks he takes on. He
is an outstanding mentor and leader.
His recent selection as the 422
ABG NCO/LOOK SHARP Award
for the 3rd Quarter is evident of
his outstanding performance. As a
testament to his impressive abilities,
he has recently been hired for the
Unit Trainer position.
How do you support the RAF
Croughton mission?
I establish, organize, direct and
instruct 415 hours of AF, USAFE and
The Uplink
Photo by Tech. Sgt. Robert Ashley
SF training requirements/functions.
If you could do one thing to improve
Croughton, what would it be? Car
care for all different vehicles and
more service options on base.
The Spotlight On ... is intended to
recognize technical sergeants and
below who epitomize what it means
to be a part of Team Croughton.
Submissions must be sent to PA by
squadron superintendents.
 February 26, 2007
Volunteers to be recognized by base
By Tammy Bierman
Airman and Family Readiness Center
At the end of April, the Airman &
Family Readiness Center is holding the
Annual Volunteer Appreciation Cer-
emony where volunteers will receive
recognition for their contributions to
Team Croughton in the form of Awards
and Certificates. The Airman and Fam-
ily Readiness Center is now accepting
nominations for the Very Important Pa-
triot, Volunteer Excellence Award and
Angel Award for Croughton’s many
volunteers. Each award has specific
procedures for nominating a volunteer.
The Very Important Patriot Award
(VIP) is open to all active duty, guard,
reserve, and retired members of the
seven uniformed services and their
family members and survivors. This
award recognizes exceptional volun-
teers whose outstanding service con-
tributes to improving the quality of life
in the RAF Croughton and neighboring
communities. Consideration is given
to the effect the candidate has had on
the community in relation to the time
the candidate has resided in the com-
USAA $3,000 Project
CHEER Giveaway
HQ USAFE Services – Sembach
AB, Germany – More Exciting News!
From now through April 15 the Project
CHEER program will provide a great
opportunity compliment of USAA for
Airmen to win $3,000 cash!
Participants go to www.projectcheer.
org/ site to fill out a questionnaire for
USAA then they are entered in the
drawing.
Questionnaire must be completed to
qualify for a chance to win. All infor-
mation is requested by USAA is secure
and a security certificate is on file with
HQ USAFE Services.
Drawing will take place between
April 15 and May 1 2007. USAA
will provide the winner with a $3,000
check.
Visit www.projectcheer.org/ now for
more information.
Happenings
munity. The nominee must be perform-
ing services on a volunteer basis, not as
part of tasking, and may not result in
personal gain. The winning nominee’s
package will be forwarded to the Na-
tional Military Family Association, and
they will be recognized at the annual
Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony.
The Volunteer Excellence Award
(VEA) is open to all federal civilians,
family members and military/federal
retirees. The VEA was established to
recognize persons who perform out-
standing volunteer community service
of a sustained, direct and consequential
nature. To be eligible, the nominee’s
volunteer service must be performed
wither in the local civilian community
or in the military family community.
The Volunteer Excellence Award is
intended to recognize exceptional long-
term community support and not a sin-
gle act or achievement. For the purpose
of this award, attending membership
meeting or social events of a commu-
nity service group would not normally
be considered qualifying service, while
manning a community crisis center ho-
tline would. The nominee must be per-
Special
Delivery
Emma Pratley holds
one of the many balloon
bouquets made at the
Community Center for
Valentines Day.
Bouquets were made
to order and hand de-
livered by services per-
sonnel throughout Val-
entines Day.
The Uplink 9
forming services on a volunteer basis,
not as a part of tasking, and may not
result in personal gain.
The Angel award is presented to in-
dividuals who are enthusiastically en-
gaged in pursuing volunteerism, charity
and good deeds. It is based on the total
endeavors of the volunteer, including
exceptional volunteer service, commu-
nity involvement and selfless contribu-
tions that have enhanced the quality of
life at RAF Croughton.
Any members of the RAF Croughton
community, to include British Nation-
als and MOD employees, who are
enthusiastically engaged in pursuing
volunteerism, charity and good deeds
in ANY organization are eligible. Past
RAF Croughton winners of this award
cannot be nominated – an individual
may receive the Angel Award only once
at RAF Croughton.
For more information on these
awards or the nominating procedures
please contact the Airman & Family
Readiness Center at DSN 236-8716
or commercial 01280 708716 you
can even email us at 422abs.dpf@
croughton.af.mil.
10 February 26, 2007
Community Center/ITT
236-8706
Latin Dancing Classes
Get Fit in 2007 and Have Fun!!
Latin Dancing-Salsa, Samba, Cha
Cha, Rumba, Jive, Ballroom and many
more! The Community Center offers
the chance to learn dancing from an ex-
perienced tutor! Wednesday, 8-9 pm,
in the Community Center. Cost is £5
per class or £8 per couples (payable in
advance). For more information or to
sign-up contact the Community Center
on DSN 236-8706.
Windsor Castle Trip
The Community Center/ITT has a
trip to Windsor Castle, the largest oc-
cupied castle in the world and one of
the official residences of the Queen on
Saturday March 3. Visitors can walk
around the state apartments, or visit
one of the many attractions to include
the 14th century St George’s Chapel,
the burial place of ten sovereigns and
setting for many Royal weddings. Al-
ternatively you can explore the cob-
bled streets of Windsor. Cost is $20
adults/$10 child (transportation only).
Transport will depart Croughton at 8.30
am and Caversfield at 8.50 am. Sign-
up with the Community Center.
St. Patrick’s Day Tour
The Community Center/ITT offers
the SunFun St Patrick’s Day – Dublin
Tour departing March 15. This is a 4
day tour costing £259 per person; in-
cludes 3 nights bed and breakfast, Sun-
Fun luxury coach, return HSS Ferry
crossing and an experienced tour lead-
er. Price is based on two adults shar-
ing a room (single supplement is £90).
This tour departs RAF Alconbury un-
less the minimum numbers are reached.
For more information or to sign-up call
DSN 236-8706 or stop by building
200.
Outdoor Recreation
236-8419
Welsh Waterfall Walk
Join Outdoor Rec on Sunday March
11 to enjoy an exhilarating and satis-
fying walk on the southern edge of
Happenings
the Forest Fawr, where the sandstone
underlies most of the Brecon Beacons
National Park and gives way to a band
of limestone to create the highest con-
centration of waterfalls in Wales. This
walk is suitable for an active family
and will help to blow away those win-
ter cobwebs! Cost for the trip is $40.
Transport will leave Outdoor Rec at
7.30 am. Call Outdoor Rec to sign-up.
Club
236-8476
Steak Fajitas/Quiz Night
February 23 from 5– 7 pm. Come
out and enjoy some Fajitas and take
part in the Quiz Night. Put those little
grey cells to work and impress every-
one with your knowledge!!
Library
236-8476
Read by Mail
The Library is offering Youth Pro-
grams Read By Mail reading incentive
program from now through April 27,
2007. This program is open to children
in Kindergarten through 8th Grade or
British school equivalent. Children can
read a large variety of approved books
for credit. The more books you read,
the more points you receive, the more
prizes you win!! At the end the top
readers from each age group receive
Air Force Read By Mail prizes. Youth
currently enrolled in the School Age
Program will be participating in this
event. Pick up your enrollment form
from the Library today! For more in-
formation call the Library.
Family Child Care
236-8420
Unauthorized Licensing
We would like to remind individuals
who are caring for other family’s chil-
dren for a total of more than 10 hours a
week on a regular basis, that you must
be licensed to provide care in on-base
quarters. If this is you, then please
come to the CDC (Bldg 150) and pick
up a package to be licensed as a Family
The Uplink
Child Care provider. The ABS Com-
mander may revoke the housing privi-
leges of individuals who provide child
care but refuse to become licensed or
who continue to provide care after their
license has been suspended or revoked.
For more information please call DSN
236-8420 (01280-708420) and speak to
Casey.
Fitness Center
236-8449
Free Group
Indoor Cycle Class
The Fitness Center offers Free Group
Indoor Cycle classes every Monday at
10.30 am. Group Indoor Cycle is an in-
tense workout that increases endurance
and works the lower body, focusing
on the quads, glutes and hamstrings.
What’s more, you can burn 500 to 700
calories in a 45 minute class.
No exercise background is necessary.
Group Indoor Cycle is designed for any
fitness level. Set your own pace: ev-
eryone starts and finishes together!
Class size is limited—all partici-
pants must reserve a bike before the
class. Reservations must be made NLT
COB (1600) Saturday prior to the class
by calling the Fitness Center.
Vet Clinic
226-7097
The RAF Feltwell Vet Clinic is due
to visit RAF Croughton on Wednesday
March 7. To make an appointment
please call the RAF Feltwell Vet Clinic
on DSN 226-7097. Services provided
include cat, dog and rabbit vaccina-
tions; microchips; feline neuters; health
certificates for travel; pet passport up-
dates as well as new requests; sick ani-
mal examinations; nail trimming; “Soft
Paws” application for feline nails;
FAVN tests; refill of medications and
prescription foods; Heartgard; Front-
line and Advantix products available by
request. All pets should be registered
with RAF Feltwell prior to making the
appointment. All owners maintaining
their own records should bring them to
the appointment.
 February 26, 2007 The Uplink 11
Hail to the Commanders-in-Chief
by Capt. Tony Wickman
2. 2006 film starring Tip ’T.I.’
Harris
3. Author
4. Length, extent, or distance
driven
5. What SPF combats
6. Steroid type
7. Earth
8. Terminates
9. TSgt or SSgt
10. Stout, twilled cotton of dull
yellowish brown
11. 37th President
12. Discomfort
13. Southeast Asia person
15. Dog or cat
21. Fed. org. enforcing air safety
rules
22. ___ of Man
26. Greeting
27. USAF hotel?
28. Actress Lupino
29. Periodic Table Se
30. University of Florida mascot
33. Winter sport item
35. ___ Vegas
37. Embroidered
40. Land measure equivalent to
2.471 acres
42. Ball prop for 36 ACROSS
45. Female relative
46. Actor Tom of Saving Private
Ryan
ACROSS 39. Muslim’s Supreme Being; 47. 40th President
1. Draft God 48. Mil. overseas address
4. Silent 41. Allow 51. Female horse
7. Refer to 43. CBS show 52. Iowa city
10. Blades 44. 34th President 53. SECDEF’s office symbol
13. 16th President 48. Director Lee of Crouching Ti- 57. Lair
14. Crest or top of a mound ger, Hidden Dragon 59. Young male
16. Passion 49. Spy org. 60. Perform
17. Wood splitting tool 50. Formerly 61. Gun lobby org.
18. BBC program “___ You Being 51. Chinese Communist leader
Served?” Zedong
19. USAF commissioning source 54. Singer/actress Zadora
20. ___ 36-2903: Dress and Ap- 55. Bill nation’s first treasury is
pearance depicted
23. Hawaiian hard, red or golden- 56. 2nd President
brown wood 58. Australian steakhouse?
24. Wager 60. Enraged
25. 1st President 62. Dudley and Roger
28. Love __ _ Many-Splendored 63. Large wading birds
Thing 64. Widely cultivated cereal grass
31. Pub order 65. Make brown by exposure to 5
32. MacPherson and others DOWN
34. Computer maker
36. Golfer Ernie DOWN
38. Hall of Famer Carlton 1. Complaint at 58 ACROSS?