The October 2015 issue of 'The Beacon' provides updates from the 124th Fighter Wing of the Idaho Air National Guard, including highlights from Family Day and a significant activation of airmen for wildfire support. It features stories of participation in a charged hose drag competition and acknowledges outstanding service from the vehicle maintenance section. Additionally, the issue includes leadership transitions and reflections on leadership development from recent events attended by airmen.

1. Combat Excellence-Always on Mission
OCTOBER 2015

2. 32
T h e B e a c o n | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5 T h e B e a c o n | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5
Always on MissionCombat Excellence
WING COMMANDER
Col. Timothy J. Donnellan
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER
Lt. Col. Gary A. Daniel
PUBLIC AFFAIRS NCOIC
Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur
PUBLIC AFFAIRS STAFF
Tech. Sgt. Sarah Pokorney
Tech. Sgt. Joshua Allmaras (editor)
Tech. Sgt. John Winn
Senior Airman Cassie Morlock
Senior Airman Skyla Child
This month’s cover photo
was taken Aug. 28, 2015
by Tech. Sgt. John Winn
during the fire support
departure of more than
20 Airmen.
»» p.12
4 family day 2015
AIRMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES ENJOY FAMILY DAY
6 FIRE SUPPORT
GUARDSMEN ACTIVATED TO SUPPORT STATE OF IDAHO
8 CHARGED HOSE DRAG
FIRST GOWEN FIELD CHARGED HOSE DRAG CHALLENGE
10 WARRIORS OF THE MONTH
AUGUST - VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
16 AIRCRAFT DEDICATION
TWO MORE AIRCRAFT DEDICATED TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES
idaho.ang.mil@gmail.com
www.idaho.ang.af.mil
bit.ly/124Beacon
fb.me/124FWofficial
Flic.kr/ps/2tB3kf
www.twitter.com/124FighterWing
www.instagram.com/124FighterWing
»» p.14
THE BEACON is the official newsletter/magazine of the 124th Fighter Wing,
Idaho Air National Guard. It is published monthly by the wing public affairs
office. Views expressed may not be those of the U.S. Air Force, Air National
Guard, Department of Defense or U.S. Government.
CONTENTS The Beacon
From The
Vice Wing
Commander’s Desk
COL. jeffery Aebischer
I have my first UTA as your vice-commander under my belt and already have been impressed by the exciting
and interesting environment that is composed of so many terrific Airmen.
Although I have been in the Idaho Air National Guard for over 27 years, I know that I am an unfamiliar
face to many of you. So a little about myself might be in order. I began my career in the IDANG in 1988 as a
new 2nd Lieutenant. I completed navigator training and began flying the R-F4C as a Weapons System Officer
(WSO) in 1990. Since then I have flown the F-4G as an Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) and C-130 as a
navigator. I have been deployed to Southwest Asia multiple times in both the F-4 and C-130 prior to 2005. I
have since commanded the 212th Command and Control Squadron, spent time back in D.C. at the Guard Bu-
reau, and most recently served as the Director of Staff at JFHQ and as the Mission Support Group Commander
here at the Wing. It has been an amazing career so far and I am looking forward to serving you as your Vice
Wing Commander.
My congratulations to Lt. Col. Salois as he formally assumed command of the 124th Maintenance Group, and
equal regards to Lt. Col. Sheppard as she has replaced me commanding the Mission Support Group. They are
welcome new members of Col. Donnellan’s leadership team responsible for leading over 50 percent of the mem-
bership of the Idaho Air National Guard.
Thank you for turning out in “standing-room-only” numbers for Sunday morning’s All Call. This is our com-
mander’s most effective forum for communicating directly with you, the warfighter.
I am very encouraged to see the large attendance at Family Day on Sunday. It’s a great opportunity for many
of us to spend an afternoon sharing ideas and swapping stories in casual clothes with picnic refreshments. It is
always a pleasant day for our kids to join us and remove a bit of the mystery of where mom or dad (or both)
serves their nation and Idaho. Thanks also to the Family Support team and the many other hands that helped
set up, take down and clean up. It was a great effort appreciated by all.
I am excited about what the future holds for the 124th Fighter Wing. We have several challenges ahead but
with these challenges will come opportunities for us to rise to the occasion and once again prove that no one
does it better than the 124th Fighter Wing.
Thanks again for all you do each and every day to serve your country, your communities, and take care of
your families.

3. 54
T h e B e a c o n | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5 T h e B e a c o n | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5
Always on MissionCombat Excellence
Family Day 2015
Air National Guard photo by SrA Skyla Child
Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah Pokorney
Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. John Winn
Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur
Want to see more pictures? Visit our
Flickr Album by clicking the logo:

4. 76
T h e B e a c o n | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5 T h e B e a c o n | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5
Always on MissionCombat Excellence
FIRE SUPPORT 2015
Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah Pokorney
Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah Pokorney
Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah Pokorney
Want to see more pictures? Visit our
Flickr Album by clicking the logo:
More than 50 Airmen with the
124th Fighter Wing were activated
in support of state wildfire suppres-
sion during the month of September
2015. The deployed Airmen as-
sisted with road guard duties in and
around the state of Idaho.
Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joshua Allmaras

5. 98
T h e B e a c o n | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5 T h e B e a c o n | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5
Always on MissionCombat Excellence
Six female Airmen brought
muscle and grit to the first-ever
Gowen Field Fire Department
charged hose drag competition
at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho on
Sept. 13, 2015. They and other
teams carried a 300-pound, 150-
foot hose full of water, just as a
team of fire fighters would.
A veteran of the hose drag, Mas-
ter Sgt. Josh Zimmerly, Gowen
Field Fire Department assistant
chief of operations, advised par-
ticipants to “pinch the line” tight
under their arms and lean for-
ward with their weight. He said, it
will not be easy because of fric-
tion and the weight of the water
in the hose.
The participants, Capt. Tara
Bruner, Capt. Kristin Daigle, 1st
Lt. Brittany Sailors, Master Sgt.
Susana Borroso, Tech. Sgt. Mandy
Lynch and Tech. Sgt. Joelene
Wilkinson, competed in teams of
two for the fastest time.
Command Chief Master Sgt.
Tammy Ladley commented on
the relevance of solely female
participants. She said, “It’s awe-
some! I’m impressed that they’re
here and thrilled to watch them
especially when we had no males
come out to take the challenge.
They will represent us well.”
After cheering from the side-
lines for a few rounds, the 124th
Fighter Wing Commander, Col.
Tim Donnellan and 124 Fighter
Wing Vice Commander, Col. Jeff
Aebischer shed their ABU tops,
donned protective equipment and
joined in the competition.
The hose drag has been a fire
fighting tradition for fun and
friendly competition. Municpil
fire departments and the Air
Force Fire Academy have used
events like this to test strength,
endurance and agility of their
candidates.
Hose Drag
By Tech. Sgt. Sarah Pokorney
124th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Air National Guard photos by Tech. Sgt. Joshua Allmaras
Want to see more pictures? Visit our
Flickr Album by clicking the logo:

6. 1110
T h e B e a c o n | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5 T h e B e a c o n | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5
Always on MissionCombat Excellence
Warriors OF
THE MONTH Vehicle maintenance (AUGUST)
Warriors - From left, Chief Master Sgt. Allen Crist, Staff Sgt. Christopher Vogl, Master Sgt. Brett Johnson,
Master Sgt. Gary Lezon-Ferria, Senior Master Sgt. Steven Kober, Senior Airman Nathan Nelson, Master
Sgt. Ronald Shaw, Airman First Class Dean Barney, Airman First Class Scot Pettit
Why they were nominated and selected- The Vehicle Maintenance Section rapidly coordinated a recall of
20 vehicles from 19 different wing organizations, completing over 72 Hours of maintenance on the 20 vehi-
cles requested to support fires assigned to Joint TASK Force Purple. They quickly procured and installed
over $1,900 in parts and supplies to insure vehicles departed safe and serviced. The vehicle maintenance
personnel volunteered to report for work early and stay late to complete the vehicle survivability inspec-
tions. The notification was received at 7 p.m. Monday August 24 and the tasking was successfully satisfied
within 40 hours of notification.
OUTSTANDING AIRMAN OF YEAR
BANQUET
S A T U R D A Y , J A N U A R Y 8 , 2 0 1 6
R I V E R S I D E H O T E L
W e w i l l b e c o n d u c t i n g a u d i t i o n s f o r t h e M a s t e r s o f
C e r e m o n i e s . I f y o u a r e a h i g h l y m o t i v a t e d A i r m a n ( E - 6
o r b e l o w ) a n d w o u l d l i k e t o b e c o n s i d e r e d f o r t h e s e
p o s i t i o n s , p l e a s e c o n t a c t C M S g t G r a m k o w a t
s u s a n . l . g r a m k o w . m i l @ m a i l . m i l
SAVE THE DATE

7. 1312
T h e B e a c o n | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5 T h e B e a c o n | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5
Always on MissionCombat Excellence
-Airman’s Council-
When - Saturday of drill, 3 p.m.
Location - Building 400,
downstairs classroom
-For more information contact-
SrA Lonnie Kemp
Airman’s Council President
208-422-6707
lonnie.l.kemp.mil@mail.mil
-NCO Council Meeting Information-
When - Saturday of drill
Time - 10 a.m.
Location - Building 441, human resource office annex
-For more information contact-
Tech. Sgt. Christina Rohrenbach, NCO Council President
208-422-5322
christina.l.rohrenbach.mil@mail.mil
Council COrner
In August I attended this year’s
Enlisted Leadership Symposium
(ELS) in West Virginia. Command
Chief Master Sgt. Hotaling was
ready to empower all of us in just
three days.
I had the opportunity to get
acquainted with fellow guards-
men representing all “54”. We
were briefed on the Enlisted Force
Development Concept of Opera-
tions to EPRs, CCAF and even
the Enlisted Force Structure, most
commonly known as the “little
brown book”. Command Chief
By Senior Airman Essanie Waldo
Special to The Beacon
The enlisted symposium was an
unforgettable experience that has
made me think differently about
how I fit into the Air National
Guard. As a junior enlisted airman
it is easy to get in the mindset that
I have little influence about the
rules and decisions that get made.
Attending the symposium shed
light on the huge impact E-4s and
below have on morale, changes to
the AFIs, and our duty to keep our
senior enlisted sharp and in the
know.
I enjoyed the opportunity to
hear in person from the author-
ity figures that lead the Air Force.
It helped me to appreciate them
as people with a sense of humor,
emotions and the influence they
have when being in the same room.
Their speeches were powerful and
thought provoking.
I had a change of heart as I
started to understand why there
are certain polices in place that
could never be explained clearly in
official memorandums or emails.
There is so much room for personal
interpretation when rules are read
versus seeing and hearing them
from our leaders. Many times I
had an “ah hah” moment or felt
a tear welling in my eye for those
that have fought so hard to get our
armed forces to where they are
now.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the
symposium. I am a stronger wing-
man, leader, and warrior after
attending and plan to share my
new knowledge and energy with
my unit and the wing.
Master Sgt. Cody flew in from
Washington D.C. to speak with us
and answer a few questions. The
enthusiasm was infectious!
Chief Hotaling asked if we were
victims or victors. His words were
not only inspirational, but also
motivational. You get to decide
how you want to handle certain
roadblocks and decide the out-
come. It made me think about
the upcoming deployments and
the fact that, as a parent, I will
miss my son’s high school gradua-
tion. I know that I will not be the
only parent in this type of situa-
tion. I am a member of the Idaho
Air National Guard for a reason.
My son understands and we plan
on making that day memorable
even though I will not physically
be there. I am in charge of this
parade…I am a victor!
By Master Sgt. Keely Lowe
Special to The Beacon
By Master Sgt. Sara Pippitt
Special to The Beacon
The ANG Enlisted Leadership
Symposium was wonderfully eye
opening. I went in knowing that I
would learn a lot. I came back to
Gowen Field feeling like I had A
LOT of work to do to be a leader
that people looked up to. But, the
main “A HA” moment for me was
something that Command Chief
Master Sgt. Cody said.
He was asked how he maintains a
work life balance and he honestly
stated, “I am a horrible example of work-life balance and my kids tell
me that frequently.”
He went on to say that he truly
believed that he would still be
where he is today if he would have
put his kids first, his wife first, and
left the office at a decent hour to
spend time with them.
Let me say that again, Chief Cody
believes that he would STILL BE
the CMSAF EVEN if his family
would have come first.
Being career driven is good for the
Air Force, putting your family first
is good for BOTH the United States
Air Force and you.
I found the Enlisted Leadership
Symposium to be a very useful, I
was able to attain a great amount
of valuable information.
We are a culture of constant
change and must adapt to that
change with the least amount of
resistance.
The most valuable informa-
tion I gained from the event was
the understanding the difference
between victim and victor. Taking
responsibility for your own career
as best you can, optimize your ex-
perience by continuing to learn as
much from the people around you,
and take the time to seek your own
information.
Most days were 8-hour class days
that were followed by a social event
every night. During these social
events we had the opportunity to
interact with the other Airmen
from across the nation and share
our journey as Airmen. As we
networked we discovered we might
have traveled different paths, but
we experienced many of the same
speed bumps.
The last night we experienced a
part of the Air Force’s heritage I
never knew about, The Combat
Dining In. An event I will remem-
ber forever, as we paid tribute
to those before us and welcomed
those who just joined. It is an ex-
perience you must experience first
hand.
By Staff Sgt. Jesus Guevara Jr.
Special to The Beacon

8. 1514
T h e B e a c o n | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5 T h e B e a c o n | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5
Always on MissionCombat Excellence
passing the guidon
124th mission support group
change of command
124th maintenance group
assumption of command
Col. Jeffery Aebischer relinquishes command of the 124th Mission Support Group to Lt. Col. Stephanie Sheppard
during a change of command ceremony Sept. 12, 2015 at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. (Air National Guard photos
by Tech. Sgt. Joshua Allmaras)
Want to see more pictures? Visit our
Flickr Album by clicking the logo:
Want to see more pictures? Visit our
Flickr Album by clicking the logo:
Lt. Col. Scott Salois assumes command of the 124th Maintenance Group during an assumption of command cer-
emony Sept. 12, 2015 at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joshua Allmaras)

9. 1716
T h e B e a c o n | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5 T h e B e a c o n | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5
Always on MissionCombat Excellence
Dedication to
LEWISTON
NOSE Art Revealed -
The Airmen of the Idaho Air National Guard’s 124th Fighter Wing held a ceremony dedicating an A-10C
Thunderbolt II aircraft to the city of Lewiston at the Lewiston-Nez Perce Regional Airport on Sep. 23, 2015.
City officials from the community attended the ceremony along with interested members of the public. (Air
National Guard photos by Tech. Sgt. John Winn)
Want to see more pictures?
Visit our Flickr Album by
clicking the logo:

10. 1918
T h e B e a c o n | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5 T h e B e a c o n | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5
Always on MissionCombat Excellence
Dedication to
Moscow
NOSE Art Revealed -
Want to see more pictures? Visit
our Flickr Album by clicking
the logo:
The Idaho Air National Guard’s 124th Fighter Wing held a ceremony dedicating an A-10C Thunderbolt II
aircraft to the city of Moscow, Idaho at the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport in Pullman, Washington on
Sept. 23, 2015. City officials and members of the public attended the dedication. (Air National Guard photos
by Tech. Sgt. Joshua C. Allmaras)

11. 2120
T h e B e a c o n | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5 T h e B e a c o n | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5
Always on MissionCombat Excellence
Effective October 1, 2015, Inactive Duty Scheduling, Certification, and Reporting will be
accomplished via the Air National Guard Reserve Order Writing System (AROWS)
What is considered Inactive Duty (IAD)?
- All Unit Training Assembly (RUTA, SUTA, and BUTA), Additional Flying Training Periods (AFTP),
Proficiency Training (PT), and Training Period Preparation Assembly (TPPA)
What does this mean to me?
- Member or ID Administrator (Orderly Room/CSS) will have to initiate authorizations to perform inac-
tive duty via AROWS; these authorizations will be routed to supervisors for approval. Once inactive duty is
completed, members will create the certification process. These options to create an IAD authorization and
IAD certification will be available on the Member Menu in AROWS.
-Finance can no longer process and accept paper Inactive Duty documents (NGB 105S & NGB 633).
How does this affect when I get paid for IAD?
- There are several steps to get paid, starting with you! You must e-certify your IAD order in AROWS to
get paid. After you certify, your supervisor also has to e-certify your order in AROWS. Once this occurs,
finance can process your certified orders for payroll. Finance performs AROWS payroll processing daily.
LES’s typically post in MyPay within a week of finance processing payroll.
Will training be provided to members?
-Yes. You can find detailed training on the FM SharePoint at the following website:
https://eis.ang.af.mil/org/124FW/WingStaff/CPTF/Military%20Pay/How%20Tos/AROWS%20-%20Mem-
ber%20(Inactive%20Duty%20Individual).pdf
notice to all
Airmen changes to how your pay is processed
Want to fly?
2016 Undergraduate pilot training board
Eligibility:
•Must not have a history of alcohol/drug abuse, or law viola-
tions (limited traffic violations are acceptable)
•Be able to enter training by 30th birthday
•Obtain qualifying scores for the AF Officer Qualification
Test (AFOQT)
•Pilot Candidate Selection Method PCSM score
•Be able to pass a flying class I and II physical to include
meeting vision requirements, height, weight, etc
•Possess a four-year degree (Idaho ANG members may
request an education waiver with 90 or more semester hours
on a consolidated transcript)
•Must be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance
(complete background investigation to include financial
status will be evaluated)
Application must include:
•UPT Questionnaire
•Civilian candidates must fill out the DD Form 2807-2,
Medical Prescreen. Military members must submit a current
copy of a physical
•Personnel RIP (military members only) from orderly room
•Three letters of recommendation
•AFOQT scores (must be included in application package
by due date). Ensure you test in a timely manner as it takes
2-4 weeks for AFOQT results. You can obtain your score by
calling 800-558-1404 or online at https://w20.afpc.randolph.
af.mil/afoqtsnet20/DODBanner.aspx. Boise MEPS offers
AFOQT exams on the third Wednesday of the month only.
Must be scheduled 10 days prior to test date. Contact MSgt
Milo Davis at 208-422-5383 if you need to be scheduled for
the AFOQT.
•PCSM scores (must be included in application package by
due date)
•Transcripts showing four year degree (copy will suffice).
IDANG members may apply with 90 semester hours on a
consolidated transcript (if selected a waiver will be required).
•If applicable, copy of private pilot license and a summary of
flying experience (last page of log book will suffice).
•Single Picture of applicant only (shoulders and above)
•One page narrative introducing yourself and why you want
to fly for the Idaho Air National Guard. Please include your
email address.
TIMELINE:
6 Dec 2015 - Packages are due to SMSgt Will Ferrell (allow 7
days for delivery)
4-10 Jan 2016 - Applicants will be notified of interview in-
vite. Please do not call prior to January 10th inquiring about
interviews
4-6 Mar 2016 - Interviewees will need to be available (on
location) 4 Mar through 6 Mar 2015.
NOTE: The 2016 board is for a FY18 flight training seat. Late applications or those without the above documents will not be accepted. Please include your email
address on your narrative. You will be emailed once your package has been received. It is not necessary to call the recruiting office unless you do not receive an
email within 7-10 days after submission of the package. DO NOT BIND THE DOCUMENTS IN YOUR APPLICATION. ATTACH THEM WITH A PAPER CLIP
Mail application packet to:
SMSgt Will Ferrell, JFHQ-ID RRS
4400 Earhart St., Bldg. 405
Boise, ID 83705-8103
or go to the following link:
http://idahoangbeacon.ning.com/
page/upt

12. 22
T h e B e a c o n | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5
Combat Excellence
Employment
Launch
• Talent Acquisition Professionals From Top
Local Employers Conducting Workshops & Re-
27 October 2015
0830-1200
@
Gunfighter Club
TOPICS INCLUDE:
- Resum
e Review
- LinkedIn
- Dress for Success
- 1-on-1
Resum
e Coaching
- Get Connected
w
ith
the Idaho
Departm
ent of Labor
CAREER
ENHANCEMENT EXPO
 Human Resource Professionals from Top Local Employers conducting
Workshops & Resume Reviews
 Open to All Military & Family Members of Mountain Home & Gowen
 LinkedIn Headshots Taken Onsite
Space is Limited Call to Register: 208-828-2458