Scott Air Force Base news May/June 2023

Here is more news involving Scott Air Force Base.

100th Anniversary of Air Refueling Operation

126th Air Refueling Wing & 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

The United States Air Force invited the American public on June 27 to observe flyovers of our air refuelers above communities across the country and around the world, honoring 100 years of aerial refueling excellence.

Aircrews assigned to the 126th Air Refueling Wing, an Illinois Air National Guard unit, and the U.S. Air Force’s 906th Air Refueling Squadron, both stationed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, will perform total force flyovers in Missouri with two KC-135 Stratotankers.

The aircraft was visible over Swope Park and Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City at 11:48 a.m., and over the Mississippi River, passing in front of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis at 12:40.

With 100 years of experience, today’s U.S. Air Force air refueling capabilities deliver unrivaled rapid global reach for U.S. forces and our Allies and partners through the mobility air forces fleet of KC-46, KC-135 and KC-10 tankers. Aerial refueling serves as a force multiplier, increasing the speed, range, lethality, flexibility and versatility of combat aircraft. Tankers also carry cargo and passengers, perform aeromedical evacuations, and enable strategic deterrence for the United States.

“Air refueling propels our Nation’s air power across the skies, unleashing its full potential,” said Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander. “It connects our strategic vision with operational reality, ensuring we can reach any corner of the globe with unwavering speed and precision. Air refueling embodies our resolve to defend freedom and project power, leaving an indelible mark on aviation history.”

The primary mission of the 126th Air Refueling Wing is to provide air refueling support to major commands of the Air Force as well as other U.S. military forces and the military forces of allied nations. In addition to air-to-air refueling of military aircraft, the unit provides trained, capable men and women who are ready to defend our nation anywhere in the world; to protect our state through civil defense and disaster relief; and to serve in the surrounding communities.

For more information, please contact Ken Stephens at the 126th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office, phone: 618-222-5761. People can also view the unit fact sheets at https://www.126arw.ang.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/ .

Scott stands up Detachment X for unmanned aircraft systems

By Airman 1st Class Madeline Baisey

375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

The 375th Security Forces Squadron at Scott Air Force Base was the first unit across all of Air Mobility Command to establish a Red Air program, which went operational late last year. Once established, the Installation worked to create a Wing small-Unmanned Aircraft System program, which encompasses both Red and Blue air programs and resides under a new organization at Scott, called Detachment X.

Red and Blue Air programs incorporate the use of drone technology to innovate how the Air Force executes its many mission sets. While the Red Air program focuses on defenses against drones, Blue Air takes care of daily contingencies and has limitless uses, such as facility maintenance, aerial imagery of events and force protection missions.

“The purpose of Det. X is to provide an avenue for commanders to enhance their warfighting and daily capabilities,” explained Master Sgt. Hugh Stout ll, the senior enlisted leader for Detachment X. “Drones can save time, they can save money, and they can save lives.”

Tech. Sgt. Makayla Tranilla, Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems program manager, not only maintains the Red Air program, but is charged with incorporating its many capabilities at Scott.

“C-sUAS, stateside and overseas, is essential to eliminating possible threats of adversaries”, said Tranilla. “It’s used to counter attacks, deter the collection of intel and eliminate any other threatening events by the use of small-Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and Scott is no exception.”

The Blue Air program, though only in its early stages, allows for drones to be used in conjunction with daily operations. While similar in premise to Red Air, their functionality differs greatly, and the drones themselves are registered as friendly so as to not interfere with Red Air operations.

Airman represents Air Force in horse competition, wins first place

Airman 1st Class Violette Hosack

375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs Office

Representing the Air Force, Capt. Magin Day, 375th Operational Medicine Readiness Squadron flight commander, won first place in a novice horse competition at Ballwin, Missouri, June 10, 2023.

Day competed against six other challengers in the 2023 Queeny Park Equestrian Events Horse Trials. Competing in her uniform, this was the first event where Day was representing the military at a national level. Throughout the competition, people told her of their military experience or how they wanted to join.

“I’m really thankful for the opportunity to represent the Air Force,” said Day. “The conversations that it started were phenomenal. There was an individual who was in the stall across from us that had seen me in my uniform and had said ‘I always wanted to join the military, I hope my mom sees you, she’d be so proud’”

Being able to compete at this level has been the result of a long journey for Day.

For as long as Day could remember, she has always had a deep love for horses. As a young girl, her family wasn’t in a position to care for a horse, but she was determined to be around them.

“My family moved around a lot when I was growing up,” said Day. “Wherever we lived, I would ferret out the nearest barn, just anything with horses, and I would ride my bike there and pet the horses through the fence. I would do that until basically somebody at the farm noticed me and they would inevitably invite me in to see their horses. I think at one point I was riding my bike probably three or four miles each way to the barn. Eventually I started cleaning stalls so I could ride and it kind of progressed from there.”

Scott AFB hosts JROTC Cadet Advanced Leadership Course

By Staff Sgt. Solomon Cook

375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Leadership is something that can be taught at a young age, and for a group of local JROTC students, their foundational leadership skills were built during the JROTC Cadet Advanced Leadership Course, CALC, at Scott in a weeklong visit June 5-9.

During the visit, cadets from six schools throughout Missouri and Illinois went through daily classroom instruction, open ranks with uniform inspections, and concluded with a graduation and certificate presentation.

The cadets, primarily rising juniors and seniors, were handpicked by their school’s cadre for their observed leadership ability. CALC is intended to focus foster and grow those leadership skills for years to come.

“Cadets were selected because they have been identified as future leaders in the corps for next year,” explained retired Lt. Col. Jeff Ditlevson, Gateway STEM Senior Aerospace Science Instructor. “The course is designed to help identify possible weak spots where they might need some improvement, but also build those areas where they already might be strong. Additionally, it gives them some overall awareness of the mission of Scott.”

To ensure the cadets had an opportunity to lead and have confidence instilled in them, various leadership roles rotated daily throughout the course of the week.

“We have a commander and a first sergeant who are identified at the beginning of every day who assume those leadership roles among their peers,” Ditlevson said. “They help lead the course. Even though (the cadre) are busy and behind the scenes making things happen, we try to have as little involvement in the running of the course as we can. Ideally, this is designed to let the cadets manage themselves as much as they can.”

In addition to the cadets’ classroom curriculum, they also had the chance to interact with operational servicemembers where they learned about different career fields.

Heraldry: The Embodiment of Organizational Legacy

By Kris Matthew

375th Air Mobility Wing Historian

Nothing is more visible about a military unit than its symbol. Imagine the 101st Airborne Division and what will probably come to mind immediately is the famous “Screaming Eagle” patch on the shoulder of its soldiers; the 1st Infantry Division’s emblem is so distinctive and well-known the unit itself is known as “The Big Red One.”

The Air Force has a heraldry program to create and maintain visible, enduring symbols, officially called emblems, to promote esprit de corps, morale, and a sense of heritage that links members of the unit from the past, present, and future.

Although armies throughout history have used symbols to help identify friend and foe on the battlefield, heraldry can be traced to a specific date now. On June 10, 1128, the King of England, Henry I, knighted Geoffrey Plantagenet in Rouen, a city in northwestern France that would later reach notoriety as the location of Joan of Arc’s imprisonment and execution for heresy a century later. In 2013, the International Association of Amateur Heralds began to observe June 10 as International Heraldry day to celebrate the science, art and tradition of heraldry.

Plantagenet, 15-years-old and preparing to marry the King’s daughter, was presented a shield of blue decorated with six golden lions. This emblem would be used by his descendants including Richard the Lionheart, and is recognized as the first formal coat of arms and an influence on the current Royal Arms of England as the House of Plantagenet became a royal dynasty. The Plantagenets were at the root of centuries’ worth of the most well-known events in European history, including the Magna Carta, the Hundred Years’ War, and the War of the Roses before they lost power to the Tudors in 1463.

In 1991, Air Force Chief of Staff General Merrill A. McPeak, began a three-year review of Air Force heraldry after noting that the program had veered off-course over the decades. Focusing on simplification, standardization, and stability, he sought to establish dignified and lasting heraldry that would respect the unit’s past while presenting a favorable image of the service.

After reviewing over 1,000 emblems and directing countless changes, McPeak delegated the heraldry program to the Air Force Historical Research Agency, where it remains today. In May 2023, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., issued a memorandum confirming McPeak’s actions and intent remained valid, solidifying McPeak’s vision of Air Force heraldry as the standard for the foreseeable future.

Heraldry is one of, if not the most, enduring aspects of military history. While the original purpose is no longer the primary use, the solidifying effect of a unit’s emblem as a visual representation of its heritage cannot be understated.

Across decades and centuries, conflicts and missions, the unique ability of an emblem to galvanize many individuals of different generations, cultures, and backgrounds behind a common purpose helps ensure that organization’s legacy never falls.

Stephanie Cox: There was a young mother

By Karen Petitt

375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Stephanie Cox steps out of a white 15-pax van affectionately called the “mamma beluga” to unload her eight children to swing, slide and blow bubbles at a playground near their O’Fallon home.

Together, they frolic and sweat and read and climb. There may have been a few tears shed, but time spent in the shade sipping some water with a kiss on a boo-boo and all is well again.

The children, who range in age from 13 years old to newborn, were excited to spend the Friday — their free day — outside in the warm spring-like weather at this park complete with a castle fort. This was the end of a routine week where Stephanie, who holds a master’s degree in Math Education, homeschools Monday through Thursday.

She sets her own schedule and plans their coursework with a typical day starting out with a song, prayer, the pledge of allegiance, scripture study, foreign languages, music lessons, science and history, and of course — recess. Also weaved into each day’s agenda is reading and pairing up siblings to spend time together.

They earn screen time for favorite digital games like “Plants vs. Zombies,” and take turns planning meals and shopping for the ingredients. During the summer they ride their bikes to volunteer at a community garden designed to support a local food pantry.

She encourages her kids to be problem solvers and gives them real-world challenges such as how many Christmas lights are needed to hang on their house, how to use fractions to scale recipes, how to conduct science experiments to answer questions, and how to fix broken electric toothbrushes for example.

She takes personal time to run each day and ensures that each child receives special time alone with mom and dad — who was deployed during her most recent pregnancy. Thanks to technology the children still communicated with him regularly.

How does she do it all?

“To be honest, I’m not even sure how she does it all, but here are some observations,” said her husband, Maj. Clay Cox, who is an attorney assigned to the 375th Air Mobility Wing legal office. “First, she is very selfless and giving. We all know from the oldest to the youngest that she has our best interests at heart. Second, she is a master logistician, and meticulous planner.

“She coordinates school curriculum and family vacations with a level, steady hand. Third, she’s a woman filled with faith and optimism, and loves each family member with all her heart. As for me, I try not to get in the way. I try to add a little fun and playfulness into the mix without causing too much chaos. When I come home, I look for ways to help out with whatever is going on. I’ll leave it up to her to say if I’m any good at it.”

The Coxes met and married in 2007 while at Brigham Young University in Utah. He finished law school and she finished her masters’ while welcoming their first two children, Emma and Lily. He clerked for a judge, noting that the military was not part of the plan initially. However, while expecting their third, William, Stephanie warmed up to the idea despite having reservations about the long absences often required of military members.

The family grew as they welcomed Andrew and Eliza. In 2018 they experienced heartbreak when twins Lucia and Evelyn were born. They brought their girls home but within a few days both became very ill and required care in a newborn intensive care unit.

Stephanie was at the hospital when Evelyn sadly passed away. Clay arrived soon after and the rest of the night was very painful, but they found some comfort in each other and their faith. The next morning they brought the rest of the children in to say goodbye to Evelyn and to see Lucia who was also clinging to life.

Stephanie left with the hospital with the children and as she did, she saw a beautiful big rainbow in the sky. It was completely unexpected as there hadn’t been any rain or other conditions that would have made her anticipate seeing one.

“We found comfort in it as a promise of hope, and rainbows became a symbol of our sweet daughter,” said Clay. “Stephanie often wears necklaces that either have rainbows on them or rainbow colors, like an opal stone. We have prisms hanging in our home and the kids enjoy the little rainbows created by them. We also have the wooden rainbow blocks we include in our family photos.”

After Lucia returned to full health, they added Vivienne and most recently, Kristina, who is now seven months old. They’ve lived in Montana, Oklahoma, Virginia and in Illinois for about two years. They’ll be moving this summer back to Virginia, and thanks to Stephanie’s homeschooling prowess, the kids say they don’t mind the moves and enjoy the flexibility their lifestyle offers.

Emma added that with big families there’s always someone to play with and that they’re all good friends — even if she sometimes prefers to be alone to read. For mom, her degree allows her to certify that her children are meeting (and usually exceeding) state requirements for education, which are different in each place they live.

During Clay’s recent deployment, Stephanie said she created a strategy for their time apart, and accepted help from her parents who stayed with them for part of the time. Mostly, she said, the children helped out a lot, and that she’s thankful for all those who checked in on her this past winter.

For Stephanie, being a mom makes her happy and that children are a God-given gift. Despite some “shocked looks” from people as they go about their daily routines, she wants people to know that she genuinely loves her life and all the busyness involved. She appreciates it when people are happy for her instead of considering it “too much” or a “burden.” She is very opposite of the nursery rhyme which can come to mind when seeing large families:

There was an old woman who lived in a shoe.

She had so many children, she didn’t know what to do.

She gave them some broth without any bread;

And whipped them all soundly and put them to bed.

Instead, Stephanie can be described with this version:

There was a young mother who lived in a boot.

She had so many children, that life was just a hoot.

With daddy deployed, she stepped up her game;

How she did it all will forever be her fame.

Clay said their final family numbers will remain open as long as Stephanie wants and that most likely they’ll stay in the Air Force until he is able to retire. In the future, they’d like to settle down in a place where they can have a little orchard and serve their community. Wherever they end up, there will no doubt be lots of little hands and hearts, smiles and giggles, hugs and kisses, trials and triumphs, and most of all ... love.

2 Coast Guardsmen and 2 civilians graduate from Airman Leadership School

By Airman 1st Class Madeline Baisey

375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Creating the joint military leaders of tomorrow, 26 Airmen, including two Coast Guardsmen and two civilians, graduated Airman Leadership School at Scott Air Force Base on May 18.

For the first time, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Upper Mississippi River, teammates located in St. Louis, mentored the ALS class throughout the six-week program and worked out with the students.

“With the integration of sister services and Total Force into our program, this builds a cornerstone of future joint military success in a complex global operating environment,” said Master Sgt. Kerry Akins, 375th Force Support Squadron ALS Commandant.

Those attending ALS are prepared for positions of greater responsibility by strengthening their ability to lead, follow, and manage while also gaining a broader understanding of the military profession and their role within. They learn the tools and skills to become effective noncommissioned officers and supervisors upon completion of the course. This curriculum is also applied to civilians and other branches assisting them in their qualifications to be supervisors in their respective work spaces.

One of the civilians who graduated was Sara Stevenson, a 375th Force Support Squadron unit program coordinator. Stevenson now has the ability to supervise civilians and Airmen at her newest job in the Personnel Systems Management office. ALS opened an opportunity for her to be able to develop her leadership skills.

Stevenson said she sees the program as an eye-opener for both military personnel and civilians.

“Some people have a very big stigma between GS and military active duty members,” Stevenson said. “They don’t think that they understand each other. Having civilians come into ALS and learn about the Air Force Core Values, the mission and what they go through [can help you have] more of a personal relationship with them if you are going to supervise them.”

The process of integration has gone smoothly, and that interpersonal relationships and communication tools can be applied in any sector of the DoD, said Akins.

“We are all a part of the same winning team,” Akins said. “Regardless of the uniform we put on every day or rank or title we hold.”

Humans of Scott: Chona Retiro Jones helping others

With such a diverse team, you don’t have to look far to find someone in Team Scott with an inspiring story. Chona Retiro Jone’s roots are deeply embedded in the humble town of Bayog, Philippines, where her family dedicated themselves to the cultivation and production of rice.

For the past 22 years, Chona had been actively engaged in supporting various organizations and communities, starting from her college days and continuing through her work as an Overseas Filipino worker. Her ultimate goal was to contribute to a nonprofit organization, driven by her desire to make a difference.

“One of the core values I was taught by my parents was to help others in need from the elderly and underprivileged children from school supplies to medical supplies,” said Chona.

The impact she felt was immeasurable, witnessing the willingness of people to donate their time and be present for worthy causes with genuine sincerity. It brought her immense joy to know that she had touched their lives, empowering and inspiring them in the process.Assisting people and communities was second nature to Chona, a trait she inherited from her parents. Even during her college years, as a student, she actively participated in the Rotary Club International.

“We hope to help younger generations that aren’t able to go home to the Philippines to embrace their culture with our dance, food, clothes,” said Chona.

Chona is driven by the desire to encourage the younger generation, particularly those unable to return home to the Philippines, to experience the richness of their culture firsthand with a traditional Polka Bal at AAPIHM events in the local area.

“I’m happy to touch people’s lives to give them empowerment and inspiration,” Chona said.

BMT advisor collaborate with Team Scott on readiness training

By Airman 1st Class Shelby Rapert

375 Air Mobility Wing

Air Force Basic Military Training personnel observed Scott Air Force Base’s Warrior Airman Readiness Course, in search of new tactics to implement into their training from May 22-26.

BMT personnel visited with the goal of Trainees entering the operational Air Force more prepared for the next fight.

“We heard about the WAR Course through our wing commander and had to come check it out,” said Lucinda Lipsett, 737th Training Group Basic Military Training TDE Chief. “We’re hoping to find and incorporate the Multi-Capable Airman and Agile Combat Employment concepts into our trainings.”

The WAR Course at Scott AFB is a week-long training exercise for enlisted members across the base meant to provide Airmen with hands-on training and life-saving knowledge to enhance combat readiness.

In the one year since the course was implemented, hundreds of Airmen have been trained to be combat lifesavers and defenders despite their normal job assignments.

“The WAR Course takes a lot of the Ready Airmen Training requirements and implements them into a scenario where you can build upon those skills so that they become second nature,” said Master Sgt. Nicholas Prosser, WAR Course superintendent. “The course really helps to build a warrior mindset and tie all of their skills together.”

Air Force Basic Military Training, centralized at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Air Force Base, has recently evolved their curriculum from BEAST Week to Primary Agile Combat Employment Range, Forward Operations Readiness Generation Exercise, or PACER FORGE.

This course is an advanced curriculum that is helping the Air Force move away from just-in-time deployment training styles and towards a new generation of Airmen trained and prepared for any conflict that arises. Lipsett and her team observed the WAR Course on the lookout for lessons to take back to basic training to make that vision a reality.

“We really liked the basic comm lesson about the radios that was taught, and we don’t give the Trainees that kind of guidance out at PACER FORGE” said Lipsett. “I think It would be super beneficial and we will definitely be taking it back with us.”