Vol. 2 No.

9 RAF Croughton, England May 5, 2006

New Web site

streamlines info
Staff Sgt. Chris Stagner
422nd ABS Public Affairs

RAF Croughton became the first base in Unit-

ed States Air Forces in Europe to implement the
new Air Force integrated Web site when the site
launched on April 21.
Located on the World Wide Web at www.
croughton.af.mil, the site provides a bevy of in-
formation to people at Croughton, people com-
ing to Croughton and people who are interested
in Croughton.
“This new Web site is a great tool when it
comes to informing our community and the pub-
lic in general,” said Lt. Col. Jim Ryan, 422nd
Air Base Squadron commander. “It provides us
a new venue to make real-time updates and hit
an audience that is broader than the gates of this
base.”
Some of the content included on the site in-
cludes stories and photos highlighting the people
and the mission of the base.
“I think the site is pretty cool,” said Staff Sgt.
Scott Baker, 422nd Air Base Group Accounting
Liaison Office NCO in charge. “Now my parents
and family in the states can see what is going on
here and have a better idea of what it’s like for ‘Simmah down nah!’
me in the Air Force.”
The site also includes links for base events, Col. Eric McKinley, 422nd Air Base Group deputy
services information, medical information, new- commander, quiets the applause at his promotion
comers and visitor information as well as high- ceremony April 28. He has been in 22 years.
resolution copies of base art.

Sulgrave ABS champs

Inside Volunteers gathered ABS takes down
The to make improvements
to Sulgrave Manor.
Comm in volleyball
championship.

Uplink 4 9
2 May 5, 2006 Commanders Corner The Uplink

Legal discusses water ban, penalties

Thames Valley Water ban authorizes £1,000 for unauthorized water use
Maj. Mynda G. Ohman
422nd ABG Staff Judge Advocate
Since the beginning of April,
Thames Water has imposed a hosepipe
or watering ban in the Thames Water
region.
To be conscientious guests in the
United Kingdom, we all need to
increase our awareness of the guide-
lines of the watering and “hosepipe”
ban. Violations of the ban can earn a
homeowner or renter a £1,000 fine and
can lower the image of U.S. personnel
in the eyes of our hosts. Also, consider
the message we would send if we
ignored the ban! Instead, follow the
guidelines and do your part to con-
serve water.
Below is a list of FAQs about the
ban from Thames Water’s Web site
(www.thameswateruk.co.uk). If you
are unsure about whether your home
falls within Thames Water region,
check the site or call the dedicated
drought hotline at 08456 410 019.
Why are you still asking me to save
water when recently it’s been raining
heavily?
We have now had two dry winters
in a row. We still need a significant
period of continuous rain to replenish
underground water sources, boost river
flows and keep reservoirs full through-
out the summer.
Can I water my garden using a
hosepipe, sprinkler, perforated hose,
trigger hose [e.g., hose with a nozzle]
or similar apparatus?
No, the ban prohibits the watering of
private gardens or allotments using
these items.
Note: We recently called the hotline
and got through quickly—Thames
Water personnel indicated that hom-
eowner can use a trigger hose/pressure
washer on a patio, but only if it is to
clean off moss or algae that creates a
hazard of slipping. If in doubt about
what is authorized in your area, call
the hotline!
Can I use a short length of hosepipe
to fill containers?
Yes, if to fill a container, e.g. watering
can or bucket. This means that using
a hose—with or without a nozzle—to
fill your bucket is authorized.
Can I wash my car using a
hosepipe?
No, the ban restricts the washing of
private motorcars with hosepipes.
However, you may still use a bucket.*
Can I use a hosepipe to reuse wash
water, i.e. from the bath or washing
machine?
Yes, a hosepipe may be used to siphon
water for reuse.*
Can I still top-up my fish pond / hot
tub / swimming pool?
Yes, there are no restrictions on these
activities.
*Note: Under these guidelines, you
may not use your hose to wash your
car or water your flowers, even if the
hose has a nozzle on the end. The
only acceptable uses for a hose are
filling your bucket or watering can or
siphoning water for reuse.

Commander’s Action Line

The Commander’s Action Line is your direct line for address, you will receive a reply.
comments and suggestions on how to make RAF Croughton Anonymous inquiries will not be
a better place to live and work. published.
It is also an avenue to resolve issues you have been unable Including your contact information
to resolve through the responsible agency or your chain of will also give us a chance to get more
command. information if needed to solve the
If your concern still can’t be resolved, please call the Ac- problem.
tion Line or send your concern via e-mail. Items of interest To submit an Action Line, call 236-
to all Croughton readers may be published in The Uplink. 8017 or e-mail 422abg.commanders.
If you leave your name and telephone number or e-mail actionline@croughton.af.mil. Col. D’Angelo

422nd Air Base Squadron
Lt. Col. Jim Ryan
Squadron Commander
Editorial Staff
Staff Sgt. Chris Stagner
NCO in charge of Public Affairs
Multimedia support is provided by
Tech. Sgt. Robert Ashley
This funded Air Force newspaper is an authorized
publication for members of the U.S. military services
overseas. Contents of The Uplink are not necessarily the
official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government,
the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air
Force.
The editorial content is edited, prepared and pro-
vided by the Public Affairs office of RAF Croughton. All
photographs are Air Force photographs unless otherwise
indicated.
The PA office can be reached via mail at 422nd ABS/
PA, Unit 5855, APO, AE 09494, via telephone at 236-8468
or 01280 708 468; or via e-mail at 422abs.pa@croughton.
af.mil.
The deadline for submissions to The Uplink is no later
than close of business the Thursday eight days prior to the
desired publication date. Briefs are due no later than 3
p.m. the Wednesday nine days prior.
Articles must be submitted electronically with contact
information reference the article directly to the 422nd Air
Base Squadron Public Affairs Office via e-mail to 422abs.
pa@croughton.af.mil.
All material is edited for accuracy, brevity, clarity and
conformity to regulations.
Corrections: The 422nd Air Base Squadron Public
Affairs Office strives for accuracy in each edition of The
Uplink. If an error is noticed, contact The Uplink staff,
422nd Air Base Squadron Public Affairs at 236-8468 or
01280 708 468 or via e-mail at 422abs.pa@croughton.
af.mil and a correction will be published.
May 5, 2006
Airmen from RAF Croughton pour gravel on what became a new path at Sulgrave Manor on April 27. Air-
men from Croughton and RAF Fairford worked together to lay almost 250 feet of new paths.
Airmen improve paths
at Sulgrave Manor
Staff Sgt. Chris Stagner
422nd ABS Public Affairs
Airmen from RAFs
Croughton and Fairford band-
ed together on April 27 and
28 to provide much-needed
improvements to the ancestral
home of the nation’s first presi-
dent, George Washington.
The improvements are part
of an initiative to make the
home more user friendly.
“We’re providing people
with disabilities better access
to this historic site,” said Staff
Sgt. Edgar Acosta, 422nd Civil
Engineer Squadron Power Pro-
duction craftsman and event
organizer. “We’re removing 20
tons of sod and laying about
250 feet of paths (sidewalks).”
Airmen who volunteered
did so for different reason, but
one Airman did so to play his
News The Uplink 3
Photos by Staff Sgt. Chris Stagner
part in affecting history.
“It’s nice knowing the im-
provements we’re making to-
day are going to help people for
years to come,” said Staff Sgt.
Jared Shuman from the 422nd
Communications Squadron.
There were other benefits to
the days work for the NCO.
“I just got here in February,
and this was a great opportu-
nity to come out and see this
place,” he said. “Plus, I like to
do outside work.”
The work accomplished by
the Airmen another in a long
line of volunteer activities the
American military community
has done with the Manor.
“We’ve got a strong con-
nection with the base(s),” said
John Gaskill, Sulgrave Manor
head gardener. “We appreciate Airman 1st Class Jeremy Sealey from the 422nd
all the work they regularly do Communications Squadron shovels dirt and
to support us.” gravel onto a loader to be used on paths.
4 May 5, 2006 News The Uplink

News Briefs
Marrow Donation
RAF Croughton will host a
bone marrow donation drive
May 12. For more information,
see attached Word document or
contact Staff Sgt. Dallas Lawry
at 236-8807.

Case Lot sale

RAF Croughton Commis-
sary will be holding a case lot
sale May 26 from 10 a.m. 6
p.m. May 27 from 10 a.m. to
5 p.m. The list of products on
sale is displayed on our Web
page at www.commissaries.
com under the “locations” link.
Look for terrific savings up to
50 percent off regular prices on
popular items. For more infor-
mation, contact Juanita Har-
tling at 236-8789.
IDS
When Airmen PCS to anoth-
er overseas location, household
goods such as clothes, toys and
kitchenware do not apply as
MPS/IDS (free mail). Postage
will be applied to the items that
are not professional gear. TMO
will reimburse postage fees
granted the member has not ex-
ceeded their weight allowance.
Request a receipt with the ex-
act weights for the items that
are listed as household goods.
For more information, contact
the Postal Center at 236-8285.
Scout breakfast
Tickets for the Boy Scout
Pancake Breakfast and one
beverage are $5 and will be
sold at the BX/Commissary
May 6 and 7 and again on the
day of the event. For more in-
formation, contact Jamie El-
more at 01869 811 491.
PJ selection process
Staff Sgt. Chris Uriarte monitors applicants during a push-up exer-
cise at the 306th Rescue Squadron pararescue screening April 21 at
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Applicants must pass a timed
3-mile run, 1,500-meter swim, calisthenics and other tasks before
proceeding to the 10-week indoctrination course at Lackland AFB,
Texas. Sergeant Uriarte is a pararescueman with the 306th.
DOD working to improve total workforce
Rudi Williams “It was their performance in the first
American Forces Press Service Persian Gulf war almost 15 years ago
that restored the American military to its
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFPN) -- The place as the most respected institution in
Defense Department is seeking ways to our society,” he said.
foster sweeping changes in its civilian, Emphasizing that transformation is
Reserve and active forces. about much more than hardware, Mr.
Any changes would be aimed at Chu said: “Yes, new weapons systems
making the department more agile and are important. But ultimately it’s the
effective, said David S. C. Chu, under- people who are operating those systems
secretary of defense for personnel and that make the difference.”
readiness. Therefore, he said, it’s important to
Mr. Chu said the DOD plans to con- effectively manage how DOD manages,
vert thousands of military jobs to civil- treats, recruits, motivates and retains its
ian positions. Other initiatives include people so the nation can retain the finest
transforming the armed forces, prolong- fighting force in the world.
ing careers before retirement and basing The DOD is working toward having
military promotions on preparedness civilians play a larger role in defense.
rather than time in service. “The department is in the process of
The DOD needs to better integrate its converting about 20,000 positions from
people because people are the core of the military to civil status,” he said. “And
organization and the reason it has been there are plans to convert at least 10,000
successful, Mr. Chu said. more positions.”
May 5, 2006 Recognition The Uplink 5
Unit and job title: 422nd CS Systems
Control shift supervisor

Time in service: 8 years, 4 months

Time on station: 11 months

Family: Wife and daughter

Hobbies: Exercising, basketball, foot-

ball and baseball
Staff Sgt.
Supervisor’s quote: Since Sergeant
Bedford’s arrival he has made a dif- Timothy Bedford
ference. He never complains, takes
care of his crew and is one of my most
respected and effective supervisors. If
I could clone him my job would be 10
times easier.

How do you support the RAF

Croughton mission? Provide com-
munication service to our customers
down range

If you could do one thing to improve

Croughton, what would it be? Try
and change the small-base mental-
ity. We perform a large-base function
communication wise, and we should
conduct the base as such.
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 422abs.pa@croughton.af.mil by squadron superintendents.

Congratulations to the following May promotees

Senior Airman Enzzo Ferrari
422nd CS

Jason Canova
422nd Communications Squadron Tech. Sgt.
Ryan Gifford Amelia Snyder
422nd CS 422nd CS

Gary Snider Jason Evans

422nd CS 422nd CS

Andrew Ebanks
Staff Sgt. 422nd CS

Jantzen Owens
422nd CS
6 May 5, 2006 Feat

Staff Sgt. Chris Stagner

422nd ABS Public Affairs

Trees popped up where there no trees and hangars

that hadn’t been cleaned in years got a face lift as ev-
eryone from Croughton American School stu-
dents to Airmen took to the streets April 18
to 21 to celebrate Earth Week.
Volunteers came together to prop-
Above: Kassidy Falls Parker, 12-year-old 6th grader at erly dispose of almost 35 tons of
Croughton American School, pours dirt in a whole where a waste. They planted 60 ma-
tree is being planted on April 22 as part of RAF Croughton’s ture trees on base. In gen-
Earth Week celebration. Kassidy and other volunteers planted eral, they provided the
60 mature trees on the base. base a face lift.
Middle top: CAS students and members of the community Beyond the
gather for a bird demonstration. The birds are used to control face lift to the
bird hazards at RAF Lakenheath. Croughton
community, the
Middle bottom: Kirsten Evans, CAS 3rd grade student, has a
work done by
falcon land on her arm as the “Birds of Prey” man feeds him. the community
served a larger
purpose.
“We’re doing
our part to sup-
ture The Uplink 7

Col. Vincent D’Angelo, 422nd Air Base

Group commander, does his part during
Earth Week by planting trees.

Firing Range, Transpo Yard and

port our environment,” said Alex Wilkieson, 422nd
Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Flight chief.
Barford St. John Hangar volunteers
“By planting these trees, we’re not only increasing the Sophia Tilman Dallas Lawry
aesthetics of the base, we’re supporting a global effort Rudolph Montez Philip Donaho
to improve the world we live in.” Cody Andrews Lakesha Powell
There was a lot of work accomplished on Agnew Curtis Jamie Judd
the base, but it was a lot of fun too, accord- Edgar Acosta Annabel Wilson
ing to 11-year-old 6th grader Cody Ferry, Bryan Roberts Malcolm Dearing
who planted Claire Staddon Brandy Mitchell
trees as part of Annabel Wilson Kylie Herran
Earth Week. Malcolm Dearing Michael O’Neil
“It’s fun,” he Mark Nearn Steven Eckles
said. “I did this Sidney Johnston Scott Baker
last year too. Cathie Snider Ywantru Pasley
Sometimes it’s John Nelson Del Dayrit
tedious because
of the time it
takes to move
the dirt, but it’s
worth it because
we’re helping
the to take care
of our environ-
ment.” Photos by Tech. Sgt. Robert Ashley
8 May 5, 2006 The Uplink

Got CCAF? Degree plays role in careers

Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Ludwig
8th Fighter Wing command chief
KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFPN) -- Have you
ever heard the motto “the foundation of liberty is knowl-
edge?” I hope you have, for this is the motto of the Commu-
nity College of the Air Force, or CCAF.
Truer words were never spoken. Our pursuit of knowl-
edge -- along with life and work experiences -- provides all
that’s necessary for us to unleash our talent, better develop
our Airmen, execute our missions, command the future and
ensure all are safe in doing so. Your pursuit of knowledge
needs to start with earning a CCAF degree.
As early as 1972, our Air Force leaders envisioned that
Air Force enlisted Airmen would need improved educational
programs to meet technological and leadership challenges.
The result of this vision enabled CCAF to provide educa-
tional opportunities for us to combine technical training with
general education course work from civilian-accredited col-
leges.
CCAF offers 66 degree programs in five general areas and
has conferred more than 258,000 associate in applied sci-
ence degrees. CCAF is the largest community college in the
world and is the only community college in the Department
of Defense.
Why a CCAF degree? Many of us came into the Air Force
because we wanted to do something better with our lives as
we serve our country. A CCAF degree enables you to do just
that. A CCAF degree has value -- value for you and our Air
Force.
CCAF allows us an opportunity to pursue our educational
goals at the same time we serve. Our Air Force has long rec-
ognized the value of the enlisted Airmen, while also recog-
nizing the growing and more demanding technical, manage-
rial and leadership challenges we face with every mission.
So, what can be better than CCAF? It links Air Force tech-
nical training and expertise with collegiate general education
requirements. The result: a nationally recognized education
program that formally prepares you for career and life.
What will happen if you don’t have a CCAF degree?
Nothing. And I do mean nothing!
More than 82 percent of eligible regular Air Force enlisted
Airmen are enrolled in CCAF. The Air National Guard nears
93 percent enrollment and Air Force Reserve Command has
88 percent.
Starting to feel like you’re missing something if you are
not enrolled in CCAF? You are! You are limiting our Air
Force capabilities and more importantly, you are limiting
yourself.
You can probably list pages of excuses as to why you
haven’t enrolled in or completed your CCAF degree. Ex-
cuses don’t get the job done and tend to multiply the longer
you delay. The time you invest in a CCAF education is an
investment in yourself, your future and even your family.
So, how do you start this investment … this educational
journey? Put down the remote and check out the CCAF on-
line catalog and call the base education office.
You’ve got to want to complete your education. I believe
a CCAF education directly correlates to leadership and bet-
ter-prepared leaders.

Make tomorrow even better than today

Master Sgt. Yancy Mailes
366th Fighter Wing historian
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE
BASE, Idaho (AFPN) -- Bam! The
shots startled me, and I jumped. I
heard the firing party leader call for
the next volley, but the explosion still
came as a surprise. I told myself I
wouldn’t cry. I didn’t even know Tech.
Sgt. Walter Moss.
The final volley sounded. I had
prepared myself. At that instance, a
lone bugler sounded Taps, and I began
to weep. I could not control the tears.
I looked around as others in the crowd
bowed their heads and sobbed. It was
unspoken; it was okay.
We had lost a fellow Airman.
I am not really sure why I imme-
diately came back to the office and
penned this. Was it my sadness or was
it the fact the war had finally come
home to my base?
Many of us have served our time in
the desert. Many of us had seen this
before.
I was assigned to the 33rd Fighter
Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.,
when we lost 12 Airmen to the Khobar
Towers bombing, but I did not cry.
Those days were terrible, but this one
was worse.
I felt ashamed I had never known
Walter. He sounded like such a fine
man, a good father and a good hus-
band. I felt terrible for his wife and his
children.
The kids would now grow up
without their daddy, a daddy who had
helped them learn to smile and learn to
skateboard on the half-pipe he built in
the backyard.
As his fellow NCOs told us, Walter
was an outstanding example of an
Airman’s Airman. He was a man I
would have liked to have known and
maybe even emulate. But, that would
not be possible now.
So as I look over this, I realize there
is no message to this piece of writing,
just thoughts –thoughts that maybe
today is okay but tomorrow will be
even better.
Maybe I should get to know my
neighbor, and spend just a bit more
time getting to know the people I work
with. I should hug my wife more than
just a couple of times a day. I should
tell my dad I love him. I should call
even more. Today I learned a lesson
… there may not be a tomorrow so I
better make good on today.
May 5, 2006 Sports The Uplink 9

ABS crashes Comm’s

SERVER
‘What we have here is a failure to communicate’
The 422nd Air Base Squadron defeated regular season champs, Comm, to
win the base volley ball tournament.
The tournament initially appeared to be something that wouldn’t last very
long after Comm won the first two games, but the ABS fought back to win the
tournament and steal the championship from Comm.
10 May 5, 2006 Community The Uplink

Chapel
236-8287
Catholic services:
Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
Monday through Wednesday and
Friday at noon
Communion Service is Thursday at
noon
Religious education is every Sun-
day from 11 a.m. to noon at Croughton
American School.

Protestant services:
General Protestant Worship is every
Sunday at
11 a.m.
Sunday school is every Sunday at
Croughton American School from 9:30
to 10:30 a.m.
The Protestant Youth Group meets
every Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in the Cha-
pel Annex. For more information, con-
tact 1st Lt. Chad Johnson at 236-8191.

General Chapel Information:

Christian Men’s Luncheon and Bible
Study meets in the Chapel Annex every
Wednesday at noon.
Catholic Parish Council Meetings
take place every month on the Monday
before the last Sunday.

Auto Hobby
236-8458
Auto Hobby is now offering appoint-
ments for MOTs. Appointments are American Idol on Croughton
available Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Cost for the test is $70. For more in- Former American Idol contestant George Huff takes a break at
formation or to make an appointment, the Community Center on April 26. Mr. Huff made signed auto-
contact Auto Hobby.
graphs for Airmen and Croughton American School students.

ITT/Community Center
236-8706
We Will Rock You
Information, Tickets and Tours will
host a trip to the Dominion Theater in
London to see the show ‘We Will Rock
You’ on May 25. Cost is £35 per ticket
and includes ticket and transportation.
Transport will depart Croughton at 3
p.m. and Caversfield at 3:20 p.m.. Pay-
ment is required in full at the time of
sign up and is non-refundable.
Consolidated Club
236-8432
The Consolidated Club will have a
Mother’s Day Buffet on May 14 from
noon to 2 p.m. Cost for the meal is
$12.95 for adults, $7.95 for children
aged 6 to 12 and $2 for children under
the age of 5. Club members receive
$2 off the regular price. Reservations
for the meal must be made by close of
business on Thursday.
Human Resources
236-8298
The 422nd Air Base Squadron Ser-
vices Flight has job opportunities
available. Jobs are currently available
at the Child Development Center, Con-
solidated Club, Bowling Center, Youth
Center and Lodging. Pay rates range
from $6.97 to $9.01 per hour. For more
information, contact the Human Re-
sources Office.
May 5, 2006 Lighter Side The Uplink 11
ACROSS 45. Mil. field meals
1. Traps 47. Acetate
7. Photographer’s establishment 48. Vesicle
13. Georgia town 49. Ancient Peruvian
15. 1974 Thunderbird planes (T-38s) 50. Boxing legend
16. 1969 Thunderbird plane (F-4s) 51. Bagatelle
17. Galaxies 54. Squirreled away
18. Petiole 60. Thunderbird formation
20. __ _ loss for words 65. 1983 Thunderbird plane (F-16A Fighting __)
23. Foster film 66. Covered by GEIKO
25. 1st Thunderbird plane; F-84G Thunder___ 67. Computer inputing
(1953) 68. Road
28. Thunderbird formation DOWN
31. Norway capital 1. Drain
32. Indolent 2. Utmost degree
33. Trove 3. Pie __ mode
34. Bad USAF PIF item 4. Jogged
35. ___ out a living 5. Tolkien tree shepherds
36. 1955 Thunderbird plane (F-84F) 6. Halt
40. Ancient Semitic god 7. Sault ___ Marie
41. Hearing tool 8. Bar bill
42. Perfume iris 9. Alaska Native knife
44. Opera highlight 10. DoD counterpart
11. _ _ jiff
12. CIA precursor
14. Body acid
17. Thunderbirds home station
19. Revive
20. Alphabet beginning
21. New Zealand reptile
22. Dated
24. Attic
25. Indonesian capital
26. Hebrew prophet
27. Cobb and Pennington
29. Hall of Fame coach Don 43. ___ Lanka 57. Movie genre ___-fi
30. X, to Cicero 46. Arabia denizen 58. Male child
32. Looks with malice 52. Dull roars 59. School subj.
37. Actress Moore 53. Compass point 61. South-central Austrian river
38. Brought in 54. To the rear 62. NW state
39. Caviar starter 55. Spring month 63. Formerly
40. Mil. entitlement
April 21 Solutions 56. European mount 64. Banned pesticide

And the survey says ...

What is the strangest or craziest thing you’ve seen at a military ceremony?

Col. Senior Master Sgt. Tech. Sgt. Staff Sgt.

Blake Lindner Rudolph Montez Kim Flanagan Bill Wallick
501st CSW 422nd ABG 422nd ABS 422nd CS

“Standing on the
flightline at Nellis when
a tumbleweed about as
tall as [Maj. Ohman] hit a
young lady in the front and
nearly knocked her over.”
“Some people wanted to (Reference her hus- “I’d have to say ‘Com-
do a retirement ceremony band’s RAF promotion) bat KISS.’ Some senior
in Hawaiian luau shirts. “They shot him with water NCOs painted their faces
Just before it started, it got guns, duct taped him to with cammo paint to look
shut down. There were a a chair, put Saran wrap like the rock band KISS.”
lot of angry people.” around him and shot him
for another hour.”