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The Sector - In This Issue TAG receives COVID vaccination Air Force orders emblem and patch review 9/11 20th anniversary preparations - AF.mil
The Sector
VOL 27 ISSUE 1     eastern air defense Sector   January 2021

     In This Issue
     TAG receives COVID vaccination
     Air Force orders emblem and patch review
     9/11 20th anniversary preparations
The Sector - In This Issue TAG receives COVID vaccination Air Force orders emblem and patch review 9/11 20th anniversary preparations - AF.mil
2   January 2021    Commander’s Commentary            THE SECTOR
            2021: mission assurance and a 9/11 milestone
Team EADS,

Happy New Year! As we flip the blotter page on a year filled with dread and the loss
of many lives, let’s pause for a moment and reflect on the incredible success YOU
all accomplished at EADS last year. We kept our facility clean and disease-free for
the 24/7/365 uninterrupted mission conducting Air Defense over America. You’ve
adapted and innovated to creative scheduling and work center reconfigurations that
built much-needed physical distancing from one another. While there’s no way to
NOT have unit members infected, the safety precautions you’ve followed prevented
mass work center spread. I am extremely grateful for your conscientious attitudes
and actions, and am beyond grateful for the swift recovery of our members who
tested positive, recovered, and are back in their work space. I know not all of our
EADS families were as fortunate, and I pray for the solace of our unit members
who’ve lost loved ones to this disease.

“The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.
We can help write that story by setting goals.”—by Melody Beattie, author                    Col. Paul M. Bishop

As we barge head-long in to 2021, little has changed from a Mission Assurance (MA) stance, except that nearly 30%
of our unit has received the first of two rounds of the COVID-19 vaccine! Along with upcoming opportunities to
vaccinate more unit members, we are attempting to get approval to vaccinate our RCAF partners and civilian Airmen,
as well. Title 5 and contractors, please stay tuned for those details. We will continue executing the proven MA tactics,
techniques and procedures and social distancing guidelines until the Centers for Disease Control or other competent
authorities determine that it is safe to “de-escalate” those processes.

With renewed emphasis on defeating this disease; I know that we can keep momentum driving forward through the rest
of this winter and well in to 2021; here’s a brief list of upcoming unit events that I’m enthusiastically looking forward
to!

    -   We’ll publish updated EADS Mission/Vision/Priorities
    -   Our HRA will facilitate Inclusion Discussions (2 scheduled in Jan)
    -   Annual Awards Banquet honoring 2020 recipients will be held, virtually
    -   Resilient Tactical Pause focusing on family fun, outdoors!
    -   Council of Councils (JEC, CGOC, Top 3) will sponsor snowman contest, MTF

Finally, and listed separately to convey the dignity it deserves, we’ve formed a committee to plan a week-long
memorial event marking the 20th anniversary of the attacks that occurred on 9/11/2001. Please contact co-chairs Lt. Col.
Erica Campbell or Senior Master Sgt. Jeremiah Martinez if you’d like more information on how to help and be sure to
read Lt. Col. Campbell’s article on the committee on page 14.

Proud of you all,
Col. Bishop
The Sector - In This Issue TAG receives COVID vaccination Air Force orders emblem and patch review 9/11 20th anniversary preparations - AF.mil
THE SECTOR              224th ADG SEL            January 2021 3
         Virtual annual awards ceremony being planned
  Happy New Year!!! Though 2020 was challenging, I was thrilled to see how
everyone adjusted to a new way of doing business and all the new ways to commu-
nicate to get the mission done. I loved that recognition and promotion ceremonies,
though delayed a bit in the beginning, still happened. It was great to see everyone
working together to pull those off and today the ceremonies are looking very good.
I want to say thanks for making the ceremonies happen to recognize and celebrate
everyone’s accomplishments. Promotions and recognition are very important and I
love that the families could still be involved.

  This leads me to our next endeavor, the recognition of our Annual Award winners.
Though the Annual Awards Banquet will not happen this year, I am excited that a
Virtual Annual Awards Ceremony will be done. We are in the planning phase at this
time and there is still time to volunteer if you would like to be a part of this great
event. If you are interested, contact Master Sgt. Eric Stone. Though scaled down
quite a bit, the event will still be a good time.

  We will start this next year with recognizing our folks and then later pausing to            Chief Master Sgt.
honor the 20 year memorial of 9/11. A day in history that changed our air defense                Tammy Weber
world in so many ways. It is hard to believe all the changes and advancements that
have been made since that day which shows that the men and women of the Eastern
Air Defense Sector are always adapting to the needs of the mission. Each of you should be very proud of the piece you
own in protecting our Homeland. There are so many people depending on you to keep them safe. I am looking forward
to 9/11 memorial ceremony and hope that everyone has the ability to contribute in some way to ensure that special day
is remembered appropriately. That day in history is very significant for us and the least we can do is be a part of it in
some way.

  With all of this talk of recognition, promotions, and remembrance, I want to shift my thoughts to how important
the front line supervisor is in making the above happen. None of this would be possible without supervisors ensuring
members are doing the things needed for career progression by being engaged in promotions, upgrade training, and ac-
tively involved in the unit and community. A strong front line supervisor ensures timeliness of promotions and provides
feedback on career progression. Sometimes meaning that supervisors may set some expectations for you to meet and
hold you accountable when they are not met. A strong supervisor knows when you are due for a promotion and en-
sures you are being set up for success for that next level by using the enlisted scorecard. Supervisors also ensures their
member is recognized for their accomplishments by submitting them for quarterly, annual awards, and reviewing their
record and submitting them for medals or decorations, as appropriate. And when the time comes for retirement, the
frontline supervisor should be a part of that transition too. In addition to the supervisor I must address the subordinate’s
role too. You are your own advocate. If you are a subordinate and not getting what you need, let your supervisor know.
The supervisor should be your go to person to help get the answers and get things done. Believe it or not, sometimes,
supervisors do not have all the answers, but if you never ask, they will not learn.

  Thanks for everyone’s hard work last year and I do look forward to everyone’s accomplishments this next year.
Know that your investments today will pay off tomorrow. Please do your part to prepare yourselves and others to be
ready for the next challenges that this next year will bring. Stay healthy and please take care of one another.
The Sector - In This Issue TAG receives COVID vaccination Air Force orders emblem and patch review 9/11 20th anniversary preparations - AF.mil
4   January 2021                         COVID-19 Vaccine                                            THE SECTOR

       COVID message from the Adjutant General
 reprinted from New York National Guard Jan 7 Facebook post
 https://www.facebook.com/nationalguardny/posts/10159813172788974

New York was honored to be part of the Department of Defense pilot
program designed to streamline the process of getting COVID-19
vaccines into the arms of Soldiers and Airmen in December 2020.

The vaccine is tested, safe and effective. Our part of the effort was to
work the logistics of delivering this lifesaver to our uniformed men and
women on the frontlines of dealing with this pandemic.

I am proud to say our work was successful and more vaccine is coming so
more of our Soldiers and Airmen can get their shots.

Medical readiness is a routine part of what we do as Soldiers and Airmen.
It is a requirement of our job to be ready and able to defend the United  Maj. Gen. Raymond Shields
States, whether overseas or here at a COVID-19 testing center or standing
a security post at Grand Central Station.

I encourage all of you, especially those who serve as part of the COVID-19 Task Force and Joint Task
Force Empire Shield to get this vaccination. It is good for you, good for our state and it is good for our
country as we strive to end this pandemic.

I’ve had my shot. Please get yours.

On the cover: Maj. Gen. Raymond Shields, the Adjutant General of New York, receives his COVID-19 vaccination
from 2nd Lt. Michaeljohn Lacson at the Camp Smith Training Site Medical Readiness Clinic, N.Y., on Dec. 17. The
New York National Guard is participating in a Department of Defense vaccine pilot program in which 44,000 doses of
the Pfizer vaccine are being administered to front line medical personnel at 16 locations around the world. U.S. Army
National Guard photo by Sgt. Michael Bezares.
The Sector - In This Issue TAG receives COVID vaccination Air Force orders emblem and patch review 9/11 20th anniversary preparations - AF.mil
THE SECTOR              Emblem Review            January 2021 5

       Air Force directs commander reviews of emblems,
                     mottos and nicknames
 Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs, Jan. 5, 2021

                                 WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Department of the Air Force directed commanders
                                 to conduct a comprehensive review of official and unofficial unit emblems, morale
                                 patches, mottos, nicknames, coins and other forms of unit recognition and identity to
                                 ensure an inclusive and professional environment within 60 days from Dec. 23, 2020.

                                 Commanders, at the squadron level and above, will remove any visual representation,
                                 symbols or language derogatory to any race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity,
                                 religion, age or disability status to ensure an inclusive and professional environment.

                                 The directive came in the form of a memorandum from Secretary of the Air Force
Barbara Barrett, Air Force Chief of Staff Charles Q. Brown, Jr., and Chief of Space Operations John W. Raymond.

“It is critical for the Department of the Air Force to embody an environment of dignity, respect and inclusivity for all
Airmen and Guardians,” the memo stated. “Our core values demand we hold ourselves to high standards and maintain
a culture of respect and trust in our chain of command.”

According to Air Force Instruction 84-105, “Organizational Lineage, Honors and Heraldry,” emblem designs and mottos
should reflect favorably on the United States Air Force, be original, distinctive, dignified, in good taste and non-
controversial.

“Their continued use (of derogatory symbols and language) ostracizes our teammates undermining unit cohesion and
impeding our mission readiness and success … Our diversity of experience, culture, demographics and perspectives is
a force multiplier and essential to our success in this dynamic global environment … We must ensure all our Airmen
and Guardians are valued and respected,” the memo emphasized.

Commanders should consider emblem and motto guidance in AFI 84-105 and consult their historians, staff judge
advocates and equal opportunity specialists during the review.

https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2462678/department-of-the-air-force-directs-commanders-to-
review-unit-emblems-mottos-ni/
The Sector - In This Issue TAG receives COVID vaccination Air Force orders emblem and patch review 9/11 20th anniversary preparations - AF.mil
6   January 2021              224th Air Defense Squadron                                              THE SECTOR
C2IMERA: Coming soon to an air defense sector near you
 by Dr. Brian Tuttle, 224 ADS Capabilities & Requirements (DOM)

Think of the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) as a Lego kit of apps, each of which could operate either
independently, or within the entire system with its own roles and responsibilities on a human-machine team. Last
September, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)/Northern Command held the second ABMS
On-Ramp event (OR2), assisted by the Battle Control Center (BCC) Weapons System Council (WSC). During ABMS
OR2, the system integrated several apps including Pathfinder, Adaptive Cross-Domain Kill Chain (DARPA ACK),
and the Command and Control Incident and Emergency Management Application (C2IMERA). The team found that
the NORAD enterprise could employ C2IMERA immediately as a stand-alone tool, even before the ABMS becomes a
complete system.

Kessel Run developed C2IMERA, a government-off-the-shelf software application designed to facilitate command
and control for installation-level emergency management. It is a means of communication that offers “information
age” advantages. Various units on a base can input their status to be displayed on C2IMERA. A command post can use
that information to monitor an emergency situation and task units to handle it. C2IMERA is now fielded at several Air
Force bases for that purpose, and the developers continue to improve upon it with new software upgrades every two
weeks through Agile development.

The BCC WSC imagined that C2IMERA could be used for yet another purpose. Instead of employing C2IMERA
for base-level functions, what if we used it to communicate the status of various NORAD assets across several
bases? Imagine if personnel at Airspace Control Alert (ACA) bases could input the status of their base, runways, and
individual aircraft. These updates would be automatically displayed on C2IMERA at the BCC and Air Operations
Center (AOC), thus eliminating the need for time-consuming “copy-and-paste” or error-prone “telephone game”
reporting. What if C2IMERA then fed asset status information (via the ABMS’s Universal Data Library in a cloud)
into an app such as DARPA ACK, whose artificial intelligence engine could then recommend scramble options versus
a particular threat? And what if a BCC could then use C2IMERA to issue scramble orders to an ACA unit, rendering
telephones a secondary means? These capabilities would facilitate decision superiority by buying time for operators to
focus upon executing the mission and improving the quality of their decisions.

The WSC tested this concept at ABMS OR2 and found C2IMERA to be a valuable information sharing and tactical
tasking tool for air defense purposes. Employing it sped up the scramble process substantially, so much that Air Forces
Northern (AFNORTH) decided that we should start working with it as soon as possible—even before ABMS is fully
implemented. On Nov. 17, 2020, AFNORTH commander Lieutenant General Kirk Pierce signed a Letter of Intent to
begin evaluating C2IMERA as a core C2 capability. The 224th Air Defense Squadron will respond by assigning a small
group of mission crew personnel to gain C2IMERA accounts and experiment with it as select ACA bases begin to
install it.

The ABMS is coming. According to Air Force Chief of Staff (CSAF), General Charles Brown, “ABMS is #1
modernization priority for the Department of the Air Force” (memo dated Sept. 17, 2020). It seems that it will come
as pieces in a Lego kit, one app at a time, eventually to be integrated into a complete system. The WSC estimates that
Pathfinder may replace the BCS-F no later than FY23. We may see C2IMERA fielded even sooner, functioning as a
stand-alone software tool.

Be ready for these changes, and get excited about them! They will affect the entire 224th Air Defense Group, transform
the way we do the business of executing the EADS mission, and potentially enable us to expand our mission beyond air

                                                                                           continued on next page
The Sector - In This Issue TAG receives COVID vaccination Air Force orders emblem and patch review 9/11 20th anniversary preparations - AF.mil
THE SECTOR                  224th Air Defense Squadron                                            January 2021   7
       ...C2IMERA (continued from previous page)
defense to multi-domain defense. As stated in the CSAF Action Orders (2020), we must “accelerate change or lose” the
“high-end fight” versus China or Russia.

C2IMERA Screen Shot 1 – Example of large-scale map view of an Area of Operations (AO).

C2IMERA Screen Shot 2 – Example of a detailed map display of a base’s flight line.

C2IMERA Screen Shot 3 – Example of a dashboard display.
The Sector - In This Issue TAG receives COVID vaccination Air Force orders emblem and patch review 9/11 20th anniversary preparations - AF.mil
8   January 2021    224th Support Squadron          THE SECTOR
         Virtual Desktop: A revolution in IT management
  by Master Sgt. John McCormick 224th Support Squadron Cyber Operations Superintendent

A virtual desktop means that a
user’s desktop environment (the icons,
wallpaper, windows, folders, toolbars,
widgets, etc.) is stored remotely on a server,
rather than on a local personal computer
or other client computing device. Desktop
virtualization software separates the desktop
operating systems, applications and data
from the hardware client, storing this “virtual
desktop” on a remote server.

The remote server that runs and supports virtual desktops uses software called a hypervisor to create a “virtual
machine” that simulates the user’s desktop environment and capabilities. In a virtual desktop environment, users access
their personal desktop anywhere on the network, from any client device.

What are the benefits?
Easy Access Anywhere
- Applications are already installed
- Same desktop environment everywhere you login
- Move to another office with ease

Desktop virtualization delivers on-demand desktops to users for anytime, anywhere, any device access. This provides
employees with full access to their complete business desktop from multiple devices, such as their work or home
PC. Easy access to a virtualized desktop can help people to be more productive, because all they need to work is a
connection to the server.

Increased cybersecurity
- Fewer systems that are vulnerable
- Fewer systems to update
- Single data repository (with backups)
- Quicker deployment of security updates

Virtual desktops also provide greater security to the organization, since employees aren’t “carrying around” confidential
company data on a personal device that could easily be lost, stolen or tampered with. For instance, in industries such as
healthcare, where adherence to privacy regulations is of paramount importance, virtual desktops give medical personnel
access to patient records without concerns about confidential information being downloaded. Since user data is backed
up centrally and regularly, desktop virtualization also provides data integrity benefits.

Lower information technology costs
- Thin clients are ~80% cheaper
- Less man-hours required to manage hardware/software updates.

From an IT perspective, virtual desktops help reduce the time it takes to provision new desktops, and they also help
to decrease desktop management and support costs. It is estimated that maintaining and managing PC hardware and
                                                                                            continued on next page
The Sector - In This Issue TAG receives COVID vaccination Air Force orders emblem and patch review 9/11 20th anniversary preparations - AF.mil
THE SECTOR                      224th Support Squadron                                                January 2021   9
          ...Virtual Desktop (continued from previous page)
software accounts for 50 to 70 percent of the total cost of ownership (TCO) of a typical PC. Companies often turn to
virtual desktops to cut these IT labor costs.

Companies can also help extend the life of older client devices with desktop virtualization or use it to support thin
clients. A thin client is a computing device that’s connected to a network. Unlike a typical PC or “fat client,” that has
the memory, storage and computing power to run applications and perform tasks on its own, a thin client functions only
as a virtual desktop, using the computing power residing on networked servers. Because thin clients lack hard drives,
CD-ROM drives, fans and other moving parts, they’re smaller, cheaper and simpler for manufacturers to build, they are
cheaper to buy and maintain, and require less energy than traditional PCs or notebooks.

A major inconvenience to customers is for their computer to be out of commission during upgrades, patches, or other
maintenance. Instead of system administrators taking multiple computers offline to update, they can now update one
centralized server, essentially removing all downtime for the customer.

Since everything is centrally managed, stored and secured, virtual desktops eliminate the need to install, update and
patch applications, back up files, and scan for viruses on individual client devices. Maintenance times can be reduced
by up to 68%.
The Sector - In This Issue TAG receives COVID vaccination Air Force orders emblem and patch review 9/11 20th anniversary preparations - AF.mil
10    January 2021       Detachment 1              THE SECTOR
    Lt. Daniel Steere first from Det 1 to be commissioned
 by Maj. Eric Miller, 224th ADG Detachment 1
   On Dec. 11, 2nd Lt. Daniel Steere graduated from the Total Force Officer Training (TFOT). The eight-week course
was a challenging combination of classroom academics, leadership exercises, and field exercises. His flight received the
Honor Flight Pennant, which was awarded to the top ranked flight for class 21-01. Due to COVID-19 safety restrictions,
Lt. Steere was sworn in by his friend, retired Lt. Cmdr. Ricardo Tubbs, over a Zoom call. The ceremony was virtually
attended by his wife, parents, coworkers and friends.
   Lt. Steere recently celebrated his 19th service year and has been a part of the New York Air National Guard for the
entirety of his career. He originally enlisted at the 174th in Syracuse, then transitioned to the 222nd detachment Chantilly,
Va. and continued his service in Washington D.C. with the 224th Air Defense Group Detachment 1. Lt. Steere will return
to the Joint Air Defense Operations Center as the Chief of Cyber Systems, 224th ADG Det 1.

               2nd Lt. Daniel Steere poses next to the Air National Guard statue at Meaxwell AFB, Ala.
               after his commissioning ceremony on Dec. 8. Photo courtesy of Lt. Steere.
THE SECTOR                      Detachment 1                                                         January 2021   11
                      Maj. Christopher Nicklas joins Det 1

On Dec. 30, the 224th ADG Detachment 1 Commander, Lt. Col. Michael Pelphrey, administered the National Guard
Oath of Office to the detachment’s newest AGR hire, Maj. Christopher “Soft-top” Nicklas. Maj. Nicklas was officially
gained into the NY ANG on Jan1. He and his family are excited to join the 224th ADG family and Team JADOC!
Article by Lt. Col. Joshua Jessup, 224th ADG Det 1 Director of Operations. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Janelle Acain, 224th ADG
Det 1 CSS.
12   January 2021              Promotions & Awards                                     THE SECTOR

Two socially-distanced promotions were held on Dec 29. In the above left photo, Lt. Col. Rex
Vernales, pictured on the right, received his new rank during a ceremony presided over by Col. Jeffrey
Kerneklian, the 224th Support Squadron Commander. In the photo on right, Master Sgt. Jeffery
Coleman poses with his promotion certificate. Photos by Michelle Leonard, 224th Support Squadron.
THE SECTOR                        Promotions & Awards                                  January 2021   13
The 224th Support Squadron presented their annual awards during a ceremony on Jan 7. Award
recipients are pictured on the right in each photo, with Col. Kerneklian on the left. 1st Lt. Nancy
Peterson, the Support Squadron’s DSG Compady Grade Officer for 2020, is not pictured. Photos by
Michelle Leonard, 224th Support Squadron.

         Capt. Tom Perkins, CGO of the Year            Master Sgt. Jeremy Stanbro, Senior NCO of the Year

       Tech. Sgt. Frank Balash, NOC of the Year        Airman 1st Class Matthew Cole, Airman of the Year

        Mr. Stephen Barry, Civilian of the Year
14   January 2021 9/11 20th Anniversary                                                    THE SECTOR
  9/11 20th anniversary committee established
 by Lt. Col. Erica Campbell, 224th Air Defense Squadron

   September 11, 2021 marks the 20th Anniversary of the
terrorist attacks on the homeland. This single event has
shaped the course of our nation’s history and certainly
our mission at EADS. A committee has been formed to
plan a memorial that honors and recognizes the signifi-
cance of the day. Our intent is to highlight the actions
performed by our Airmen, honor the heroes that made
the ultimate sacrifice, and involve the community while
sharing our unique and important EADS experience.

   Planning is already underway for this week-long
memorial event.We have a diverse team comprised of
alumni, JEC, TOP III, CGOC, FGOs, and PA. Further-
more, we welcome any and all volunteers who are passionate and committed to the project. If you are
interested in joining this committee, contributing to this intiative, and being a part of history reach out
to any committee member and/or the committee co-chairs Lt. Col. Campbell and Senior Master Sgt.
Jeremiah Martinez.

   There are numerous tasks to complete and many hands make light work. We have created a group on
Teams (CVR) and we typically meet every Friday at 0900. Most meetings will be virtual to accommo-
date pandemic contingency ops, work schedules and personal schedules. Our CVR room can be found
in the 224 ADG section directly under General. Additionally we have a working folder located here: P:\
COMMUNITY\9-11 Remembrance. At this location you can catch up on the meeting minutes or provide
suggestions in the comment box.

  9/11 resonates with many people, particularly here at EADS, our intent for this event is to treat the
20th Anniversary with the dignity and respect that it warrants.

   Forget Not
  “Ne Obliviscaris”
THE SECTOR                     Women’s Mentorship Group                                         January 2021   15
                                  EADS Women Lean In
 by Ms. Karen Silcott, 224th Air Defense Group Director of Psychological Health

You may have heard that EADS started a Women’s Mentorship Group
in December of 2020. You may be curious about what a Women’s
Mentorship Group is about.

The EADS Women’s Mentorship Group is also known as a Lean-In
Circle. There are 35,000 “circles” all over the world and hundreds in
the military. In 2015, the Secretary of Defense, Ash Carter and the
Department of Defense Launched Lean In Military Circles. They are
small groups that meet regularly (1x per month) to learn and grow
together. Research shows that we are able to accomplish more in
groups. Eighty-five percent of members attribute a positive change              photo from 168wg.ang.af.mil
in their lives due to Circles. Circles build connections, support career
development, mentorship, build better leaders, increase employee satisfaction and so much more.
Circles improve the health of the entire organization. Each group meeting will focus on building
connections, skill building or educational topics such as leadership development, gender bias, art of
negotiation, work/life balance and confidence building.

If you are interested in joining the EADS Lean In Group reach out to Karen Silcott, Chief Master Sgt.
Weber or Senior Master Sgt. VanDeusen or find us on CVR Teams Lean In Channel. Next meeting in
Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. on Teams. You can also find more information at Leanin.org.

Please support and encourage your AirWomen who are interest in joining.

                THE SECTOR                                     The Sector is an authorized publication for mem-
                                                            bers of the U.S. military services. Contents of The
                                                            Sector are not necessarily the official views of or en-
                        Editorial Staff
                                                            dorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of
   Col. Paul Bishop, Eastern Air Defense Sector Commander
                                                            Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the Air
          Col. Joseph Roos, 224th ADG Commander
                                                            National Guard. The editorial content is edited, pre-
          Tim Jones, Community Relations Manager
                                                            pared and provided by the Public Affairs Office of
                   Alicia Morales, Review Staff
                                                            the Eastern Air Defense Sector. All photographs are
                                                            Air Force photographs unless otherwise indicated.
16      January 2021              Safety                   THE SECTOR
                  Enjoy winter sports but respect the risks
 by Mr. Colt Brumm, 224th ADG Safety and Occupational Health Manager

With all due respect to the crooners
Vaughn Monroe and Frank Sinatra, for
many of us “let it snow, let it snow, let it
snow,” is not a warning to stay inside by
the fire until the weather outside is less
frightful. Instead, the snow accumulating
is an invitation to enjoy some of our
favorite winter activities. Snowshoeing,
ice fishing, snowmobiling, building
snowmen, ice skating, hockey, sledding,
downhill skiing, winter hiking, or cross
country skiing -- my personal favorite --
are all great ways to enjoy the winter.

While you definitely shouldn’t be afraid
of winter weather, you do need to respect
the risks that it can bring and make sure
that you are prepared to stay safe when
the temperature drops. The specifics will
vary from one activity to the next, but in
                                                                                       photo courtesy of Mr. Colt Brumm
general when going outside in the winter
you should:

    -   Dress in layers. You want to stay warm enough, but you don’t want to get hot and break into a sweat. As my
        Army ROTC instructors in Vermont said frequently (ad nauseam?), aim for “comfortably cool.”
    -   Stay hydrated. Breathing cold air can dehydrate you, and you might not notice the fluid loss the same way
        you do in the summer when you are drenched in sweat. Cold weather also leads to something called “cold
        diuresis,”which leads your body to produce more urine when your body temperature drops and can also lead to
        dehydration.
    -   Tell somebody your plans. Let them know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Don’t forget to
        let them know when you have safely returned, too.

Beyond those general tips, you also need to manage the risks of your specific activity. Internet research, advocacy
groups, sport-specific retailers, and other resources can help to provide you with some good information, and don’t
forget to make use of one of the best sources of info: your fellow Airmen. Our unit members have many years of
experience in all sorts of outdoor winter activities and would love to share that experience to help keep their fellow
Airmen safe. Reaching out to others gives you the chance to learn something the easy way that somebody else had to
learn the hard way. If you don’t know who to reach out to, you can post a message on Teams, make use of the EADS
Family Support and Events Facebook page, or just ask around.

Now get out there and safely enjoy the season!
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