Public Health

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany – “The global security landscape is increasingly complex and interconnected – traditional approaches to security are no longer sufficient; international PME is not a luxury but a necessity to navigate this new reality,” said Chief Master Sgt. Diego Yoshisaki, Secretary of the Air Force International Affairs senior enlisted advisor.

In response to the changing landscape, the Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) hosted a Chiefs Summit with U.S. Central Command command chief equivalents and senior enlisted advisors to discuss increasing opportunities for international PME in the 21-nation region. In the short term, those opportunities include professional development seminars as early as this summer. In the long term, they include the potential creation of an Inter-Central Air Forces Academy.

“The U.S. plays a critical role in integrating with global partners and allies to build toward a collective and enduring vision for security, stability, and prosperity – and that begins with a strong and empowered enlisted corps,” said Chief Master Sgt. Joshua Wiener, 9 AF (AFCENT) command chief. “International PME and ICAFA are vital components to accomplishing that goal.”

These initiatives will serve as a platform for open dialogue and the exchange of ideas, fostering a deeper understanding and trust between the U.S. and its CENTCOM partners. By connecting military leaders from across the region, valuable networks will be created that can open the door for communication and cooperation on security matters long after graduation.

“Partner nations training alongside U.S. personnel foster closer relationships and facilitate interoperability, allowing for smoother coalition operations and responses to shared threats,” said Yoshisaki. “A more capable and interoperable network of partner air forces presents a stronger deterrent to adversaries and malign actors in the region.”

The idea for ICAFA is modeled after other successful regional academies, such as the Inter-European Air Forces Academy, Inter-American Air Forces Academy, and the recently launched Inter-Pacific Air Forces Academy.

Receiving its NATO accreditation in 2024, IEAFA currently offers international PME courses for both officers and noncommissioned officers from NATO member countries, Partner for Peace nations, and nations within the U.S. Africa Command AOR.

The curriculum ensures graduates share a common understanding of operational procedures, communication protocols, and tactical doctrines. This interoperability is essential for seamless coordination and effective joint operations during real-world contingencies, said Michelle Tafur, Inter-European Air Forces Academy security cooperation analyst.

“By training military personnel from partner nations, IEAFA strengthens the capabilities of individual countries to address their own security concerns, contributing to greater stability within the region,” said Tafur.

In the same way, improvements to international PME in CENTCOM will enhance the capabilities of partner nations in the region, leading to more effective operations in counterterrorism, border security, and other critical missions, said Yoshisaki.

International PME builds trust and interoperability with allied and partner forces, upholds a foundation of mutual respect, and expands regional consultative mechanisms for collaborative planning.

“Empowering partners through initiatives like international PME and ICAFA is essential for burden-sharing and ensuring collective security,” said Yoshisaki.

TYCHOWO, Poland – Eighty years after his liberation from a German prisoner of war camp, 101-year-old Lester F. Schrenk returned to the site of his captivity, Stalag Luft IV in Tychowo, Poland, on Friday, March 22, 2025.

“To be back here in Poland after all these years, it’s truly a blessing,” Schrenk said, his eyes twinkling. “There was a time when this place held painful memories, but that anger, that resentment… it has no place in my heart anymore.”

Schrenk, known as “Les,” was a Sergeant in the U.S. Eighth Air Force, serving with the 92nd Bomb Group, 327th Squadron. He was captured on Feb. 22, 1944, after his B-17 bomber, “Pot O’ Gold,” was shot down during “Operation Argument,” a raid on the German airfield Aalborg-West in Denmark.

He managed a daring escape from the plummeting aircraft moments before it crashed, parachuting to the ground and into the hands of the Germans. His capture marked the beginning of a harrowing 15 months in captivity.

Stalag Luft IV housed mostly American POWs, but also held captive airmen from Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, as well as Polish, Czech, French and Norwegian service members.

Schrenk endured brutal interrogations and the deprivation of war as a prisoner. He found solace in writing poetry with his fellow American prisoners, clinging to hope amidst the uncertainty. He often reflected on the German ace who shot down his plane, questioning why he was spared.

“I’m glad I lived to talk about it,” Schrenk said. “I put all the bad things behind me a long, long time ago.”

On Feb. 6, 1945, Schrenk joined some 8,000 men from the camp on what became known as the “Death March.” The prisoners were given their remaining Red Cross parcels and forced to march under guard about 15-20 miles per day for 86 days.

Schrenk served as a ball turret gunner, assigned to the 327th Bombardment Squadron, 92nd Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force, stationed at RAF Podington. His story of service and survival against unimaginable odds continues to resonate.

Members of the Fort McCoy prescribed burn team made an effort to improve safety from fire along the rail corridor on the installation March 13 by completing a prescribed burn.

The post prescribed burn team includes personnel with the Fort McCoy Directorate of Emergency Services Fire Department; Directorate of Public Works (DPW) Environmental Division Natural Resources Branch (NRB); Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security; and the Colorado State University Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands in partnership with the post.

For this prescribed burn, the team met on near the installation border not far from family housing on South Post, then carefully started the burn in sections to be able to manage it successfully and be able to adjust to any wind conditions.

In all, the team conducted the event for approximately 4 hours to complete the area they wanted to accomplish that day.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/forestfire/prescribedfire, prescribed burns not just reduce fire danger, they also improve the habitat of plants and more.

“Fire and wildlife have a historic and complex relationship in grassland, wetland, and savannah communities,” the website states. “Prescribed fire is rarely lethal to most wildlife, yet has a profound effect on habitat by increasing the number of native plant and animal species present food sources for wildlife. The wildlife species that benefit most from prescribed fire are those that rely on open habitat in one or more stages of their life cycle. Examples of these animals are grassland birds, sharp-tailed grouse, waterfowl and pheasant.

“Prescribed burns also help to stimulate flowering herbaceous plants (forbs) — a source of food for white-tailed deer,” the website states. “Additionally, wildflower abundance and diversity support a wide variety of insects and other invertebrates, a food source that provides benefits all the way up the food chain.”

Fort McCoy Forester Charles Mentzel, who is part of the prescribed burn team with the NRB, said in a past news article that prescribed burns, generally, are done in the spring and fall seasons because weather conditions are most favorable at those times.

Mentzel also said the area of this burn is often one of the first to get done on post.

“We learned many years ago to burn the south slopes (along the tracks) as soon as they are cleared of snow,” Mentzel said in a past article. “When everything is surrounded by snow, we cut our man-hours well over half. So, we keep an eye on conditions and burn it when it is ready.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) also explains benefits of prescribed burns. The department’s web page at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov states “prescribed burns serve many purposes.” They include controlling undesirable vegetation; preparing sites for harvesting, planting or seeding; controlling plant disease; reducing wildfire hazards; improving wildlife habitat; improving plant production quantity and quality; and removing debris. The burns also enhance seed production, facilitating the distribution of grazing and browsing animals, restoring and maintaining ecological sites, and managing native plant diversity and composition.

“Prescribed burning is fire applied to a predetermined area within a prescribed set of conditions, dates, and with appropriate safety precautions to achieve specific purposes,” the USDA site states. “Prescribed burning can be applied to forest land, grass-land, pastureland, wildlife land, hay land and other land uses as appropriate.”

More prescribed burns will likely take place across Fort McCoy during spring 2025 as conditions permit.

Fort McCoy’s motto is to be the “Total Force Training Center.”

Located in the heart of the upper Midwest, Fort McCoy is the only U.S. Army installation in Wisconsin.

The installation has provided support and facilities for the field and classroom training of more than 100,000 military personnel from all services nearly every year since 1984.

Learn more about Fort McCoy online at https://home.army.mil/mccoy, on Facebook by searching “ftmccoy,” on Flickr at https://www.flickr.com/photos/fortmccoywi, and on X (formerly Twitter) by searching “usagmccoy.”

Also try downloading the My Army Post app to your smartphone and set “Fort McCoy” or another installation as your preferred base. Fort McCoy is also part of Army’s Installation Management Command where “We Are The Army’s Home.”

SHREVEPORT, La. – Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class (AS2) Matthew Boudreaux, a Shreveport, Louisiana, native assigned to Navy Reserve Center (NRC) Shreveport, demonstrated quick thinking, courage, and the Navy’s core values when he helped save an elderly couple involved in a severe vehicular accident near the East Texas border on March 15, 2025. Boudreaux, who recently transitioned from being a Reserve Sailor to Active Duty through the Reserve Component to Active Component (RC2AC) program, was en route to perform Navy funeral honors when he encountered the accident scene. Without hesitation, he pulled over to assist.

“As I drove by, I noticed a truck on its side, and my first instinct was to check out the scene,” said Boudreaux. “When I saw someone still trapped inside, I knew I had to help.”

Boudreaux immediately took action, retrieving tools to break the windshield and helping to stabilize the vehicle. He offered his shirt to control bleeding and worked alongside emergency responders to secure the injured woman onto a stretcher for transport.

Boudreaux was formerly a construction mechanic in the Navy Reserve before changing rates and transitioning to active duty. His training as a Seabee played a vital role in his response to a crisis. “It’s been a combination of multiple trainings, such as first aid and Miller Board Training when I was attached to Naval Construction Battalion (NCB) 14,” Boudreaux explained. “It’s been ingrained in me to always be ready, keep my head on a swivel, and protect my shipmates.”

Reflecting on the experience, Boudreaux expressed pride in being able to help, but he also acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment. “After the adrenaline wore off, I was proud that I could help,” Boudreaux said. “But hearing about the medical complications due to the wreck made me feel for them.” His leadership at NRC Shreveport commended his selflessness and initiative. “I am incredibly proud of AS2’s actions,” said Personnel Specialist Chief Petty Officer Ronnie Frost, senior enlisted leader at NRC Shreveport.

“His willingness to step in without hesitation is a true reflection of his character and the Navy’s values.” Lt. Cmdr. John Perez, commanding officer of NRC Shreveport, echoed the sentiment, highlighting Boudreaux’s professionalism.

“Although my time working with AS2 has been brief, his decisive actions, quick thinking, and composure under pressure exemplify his strong military bearing,” said Perez. “His response in a time of crisis, placing others before himself, is a testament to his exceptional character and commitment—not only to the Navy but also to his community and family.”

Boudreaux comes from a long line of service members, making him a fourth-generation Sailor following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, grandfather, and father.“I joined the Navy to serve my country and continue my family’s legacy,” he said.

As a recently transitioned active-duty Sailor, he currently serves at NRC Shreveport as an aviation support equipment technician. “Our motto is ‘No Air Support Without Ground Support’, and that’s something I take pride in,” said Boudreaux.

For Boudreaux, serving in the U.S. Navy is more than just a career—it’s a lifelong commitment to readiness and service. “As a warfighter, readiness means being fully prepared to go at any time,” he said. “The uniform may come off, but the duty never ends.” Boudreaux remains humble about his heroic actions, choosing instead to highlight the community of helpers who stepped in that day. “I’m just glad I was there,” he said. “And I’m grateful to know that there are still good people in the world willing to help those in need.”

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea – Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, was awarded the Army Safety Excellence Streamer March 7, 2025, marking a significant achievement in the unit’s commitment to mission success and safety. Col. Ryan K. Workman, the garrison commander, presented the streamer in recognition of the company’s exemplary record of 12 consecutive months without a reportable safety incident.

“Our company being recognized with the Army Safety Excellence Streamer solidifies that HHC is dedicated to accomplishing our mission — and doing it in a safe manner,” said 1st Sgt. Jesus A. Duran, HHC first sergeant. “Our leaders have shown they are actively involved in day-to-day operations and prioritize risk mitigation and risk reduction.”

The Army Safety Excellence Streamer is part of the Army Safety and Occupational Health Program, outlined in AR 385-10. To earn this distinction, a unit must meet stringent safety criteria, including operating for a continuous 12-month period without any Class A mishaps (fatalities or permanent total disabilities) or Class B mishaps (permanent partial disabilities). Additionally, all Soldiers assigned to the unit must have completed risk management training within the last 24 months prior to submission.

“This streamer is a reflection of our Soldiers’ technical proficiency and professionalism,” Duran added. “Our troops have proven they can operate their assigned equipment not only effectively but also with the highest regard for safety. Our Soldiers are smart, ready, and trained to ‘Fight Tonight.’”

HHC’s safety achievement represents more than just meeting regulatory benchmarks; it speaks to a culture of accountability and leader involvement at every level. The Army Safety Excellence Streamer will be displayed on the unit’s guidon for one year, after which the company must requalify and resubmit based on the program’s eligibility requirements.

“This is the first time HHC USAG Humphreys has officially received this streamer,” said Duran. “We’ve likely met the criteria before, but a request for the streamer had never been submitted until now.”

The recognition underscores the garrison’s dedication to fostering a safe work environment while ensuring readiness for any mission. As the Army continues to emphasize risk reduction and safety awareness, HHC’s accomplishment serves as a model for other units across the installation.

U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys is the “Army’s Home in Korea.” The garrison’s area of responsibility includes Camp Humphreys, Camp Yongin, K-16 Airfield and 11 other smaller sites within Area II and III of U.S. Forces Korea. Camp Humphreys – located along the western coast of the Republic of Korea within the seaport city of Pyeongtaek – is the hub of USFK and headquarters for the Eighth U.S. Army, the 2nd Infantry Division, and the U.S. Army’s most active airfield in the Pacific – Desiderio Army Airfield.

U.S. Soldiers began moving into new, Polish-built barracks buildings on March 11, 2025, marking a shift in accommodations for U.S. military personnel training in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland. The barracks are capable of housing more than 1,700 Soldiers—with over 1000 currently scheduled to move in by the end of the month.

“It’s awesome that [the Polish Armed Forces] have invested facilities and infrastructure in a long-term relationship with the U.S. Army.” said Command Sgt. Maj. James R. Pyle, the senior enlisted advisor of 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division. “They’re committed to the quality of life of U.S. Soldiers, and that quality of life helps increase readiness and lethality through increased attention on training,”

Previously, Soldiers stationed at Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area (DCTC) had been living in tents, utilizing temporary showers and facilities until permanent structures could be built. The change to hard-stand buildings is part of a planned increased military infrastructure for U.S. personnel across Europe.

“Not only are we giving our Soldiers a higher standard of living and increasing morale, but we’re setting the conditions for a long-lasting and permanent relationship with our Polish Allies,” said Col. Adam F. Latham, commander of 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division.

Transitioning to the new barracks building brings a higher standard of living to the Soldiers at DCTC. While living in tents, those Soldiers were forgoing amenities such as convenient access to running water, built-in temperature control, and privacy. The new barracks provides

Soldiers with convenient access to washrooms, heating and AC, and more space to call their own. The rooms in the new barracks typically house six Soldiers, giving Soldiers more privacy and space than the open-bay style living offered in the tents,

Spc. Mario Hernandez, a cavalry scout with 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, is excited for the change in accommodations, “Moving into the barracks has really improved my experience being stationed in Poland. I’ve got a better standard of living and I’m closer to where I train and work. It’s really improved my morale and let me devote more time and attention to my training and let me get better at my craft.”

Both Soldiers and leaders agree that the new barracks are an all-around win, from increasing standards of living to boosting focus on training. “At the end of the day, quality of life impacts readiness. Demonstrating commitment to soldiers in the form of improvement across multiple rotations increases morale, and that positively impacts their commitment to training and building lethality together with our NATO Allies,” added Pyle.

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – The Cannon Professional Development Center graduated its first class of the new Noncommissioned Officer Foundations 500 course, Feb. 28, 2025.

This course is one of three new Foundations courses – one for Airmen, one for NCOs, and one for Senior NCOs. The courses are designed to bridge the gap between professional military education courses.

“A Senior Airman who promotes to Staff Sergeant later than his or her peers might go 10 whole years between First Term Enlisted Course and Airman Leadership School,” said the 27th Special Operations Wing development advisor. “This course will reinforce that individual’s foundation as an Airman and the responsibilities of someone at their rank.”

These one-week courses were designed by the Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education. The curriculum for the NCO Foundations 500 course covers a wide variety of professional development learning objectives such as progressive discipline, team dynamics, critical thinking, and Air Force heritage.

“This course is an excellent example of our commitment to investing in our enlisted force here at the Steadfast Line,” said Chief Master Sgt. Colin Fleck, 27th Special Operations Wing command chief. “The United States Air Force has the highest-educated enlisted force in all of history. Our human capital is our competitive advantage, and we look forward to continuing to develop our Airmen and raise Air Commandos here at Cannon with courses like this.”

Foundations courses will become mandatory prerequisites for Airmen Leadership School, NCO Academy, and Senior NCOA beginning Dec. 31, 2025.

Maintaining high standards of training and readiness are crucial to accomplishing our mission here at The Steadfast Line.

Air Commandos can sign up for future courses at the Cannon PDC by clicking here.