Page 23 - Desert Lightning News Dec 2 2016

Desert Lightning News December 2, 2016 23 www.aerotechnews.com/davis-monthanafb
Facebook.com/DesertLightningNews
D-M Exchange expands layaway to include laptops, computers
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is making it easier for mili- tary shoppers to keep in-demand gifts hidden away until the big day by extending fee-free layaway to computers, notebooks and laptops for a limited time.
From now through Dec. 14, Davis-Monthan Exchange shoppers can use layaway to hold computers, notebooks, tablets and iPads — items that are not typically eligible for the program. The $3 layaway fee will be waived as well.
“Computers, notebooks and laptops are popular gifts, and the Ex- change’s layaway program keeps these purchases safely tucked away from prying eyes this holiday season,” said Jane McClintock, Exchange opera- tion manager.
A deposit of 15 percent is required to hold items on layaway. Shop- pers can visit customer service at the Davis-Monthan Exchange for complete details.
Courtesy of AAFES
SPPV office fortifies Green Dot initiatives
by 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The Air Force, and society at large, are facing an ongoing challenge that is drastically affecting lives each day. While we fight wars in the Mid- dle East, we are also taking on an enemy much closer to home.
Interpersonal and self-directed violence are realities the Air Force is combating with a va- riety of programs. The newest of which, Green Dot, was introduced in January of this year.
Green Dot is a non-profit organization that takes a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to combating sexual assault, suicide, domestic violence and stalking.
The program equips Air Force members and civilian employees with the tools and mindset necessary to make small changes in their dai- ly routine to foster real change and ultimately, inspire a cultural shift, which will eliminate all forms of violence. Its curriculum includes fast- paced, interactive sessions with discussion and collective brainstorming.
The new Specialist for Primary Prevention of Violence office will provide volunteer imple- menters, or trainers, to teach members that by going out of their way to help someone out with small actions, they can provide the spark to promote a positive environment that reduces violence. Some examples of these acts can be
as simple as volunteering to be the designated driver for a Friday night out, pet sitting while an owner is away, or stopping to help someone with a flat tire. These actions can prevent harm- ful situations from arising in the first place.
The Green Dot motto, “No one can do every- thing, but everyone can do something,” encom- passes this new, simple but powerful movement to reduce violence close to home. Distinct from SAPR, FAP and the Mental Health office, Green Dot’s goal is to supplement these pre-existing resources that focus on violence response and intervention.
For more information about the SPPV office, call Dr. Cindi Drake at 228-7097.
BMGR celebrates 75 years
by Staff Sgt. Marcy Copeland
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
This year marks the 75th anni- versary of the Barry M. Goldwater Range acquisition.
Established in 1941, the BMGR lies along the U.S. and Mexico bor- der in Southwest Arizona and spans more than 1 million acres. Addi- tionally, it makes up 7,000 miles of airspace and sees 54,000 sorties a year. Luke Air Force Base, Davis- Monthan AFB, Tucson Air National Guard Base and the Marine Corps all use the range.
“The Barry M. Goldwater range is between Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma,” said Charles Buchanan, 56th Fighter Wing Range Management Office director. “As you take that ge- ography and look at the military in those three cities you have roughly 20 squadrons that use the range day in, day out as their backyard range. When you piece all of the airspace together, it’s actually bigger than the
state of Connecticut which makes it a real training treasure.”
Five-term U.S. Senator Barry M. Goldwater from Arizona is the namesake of the range. Goldwa- ter received a Reserve commission in the U.S. Army Air Forces when America entered World War II.
Following World War II, Gold- water was a leading proponent of creating the Air Force Academy. As a colonel, he also founded the Ari- zona Air National Guard and even- tually retired as a command pilot with the rank of major general. By the end of his career, he had flown 165 different airframes.
The entire range is approved for day and night operations with four controlled, manned and electroni- cally scored surface attack ranges that are available for training. There are three tactical ranges available spanning several hundred square miles each and containing two full- size airfield mockups.
The area includes the Gila Bend
Courtesy photo
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Barry M. Goldwater Range acquisition. Established in 1941, the BMGR lies along the U.S. and Mexico border in Southwest Arizona and spans more than 1 million acres. Additionally, it makes up 7,000 miles of airspace and sees more than 54,000 sorties a year. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Luke AFB, Tucson Air National Guard Base and the Marine Corps all use the range.
Auxiliary Field, which serves as an emergency landing location for pi- lots and flight crews training on the ranges.
As stewards of the range, the RMO works to preserve the habi- tats for a wide range of indigenous wildlife and plant life along with discovered archaeological sites, all while maintaining the environment and removing traces of military presence from the area.
After 75 years, the Military Lands Withdraw Act of 1999 was renewed
until 2024, thus contributing to the future of Luke and its ability to con- tinue to build the future of airpower.
“As we look to the future, I think we are on the verge of another ma- jor change with the fifth generation fighters and the F-35 Lightning II aircraft,” Buchanan said. “So we will see the changes on the range to ac- commodate that mission. We are very fortunate to have what we have today. The BMGR is an invaluable and irreplaceable asset.”