Telling the Air Force story live on radio--Airmen in the Fight!

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Renee Lee
  • PACAF Public Affairs
Pacific Air Force Airmen are sharing the Air Force story on one of Hawaii's most popular radio stations throughout this month.

May is Hawaii Military Appreciation Month and KHVH (AM 830) is featuring the military on radio spots and live interviews with the Air Force leading the other services in terms of numbers of interviews conducted.

Voices of four Airmen from the 15th Airlift Wing based at Hickam Air Force Base and the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron based at Wheeler Army Airfield can be heard on the air waves, as their testimonials on their recent deployments are played sporadically throughout the month.

"I thought it was pretty awesome that they were letting Air Force members pass their Air Force experiences to the public," said Tech. Sgt. Adam Vizi, joint terminal attack controller of the 25th ASOS. Sergeant Vizi shared his 25-second radio testimonial on his deployment to Afghanistan.

Airmen are also telling the Air Force story to Hawaii residents on The Rick Hamada Experience, the number one talk program in the state that is aired live on weekday mornings.

Hamada recently spoke to Chief Master Sgt. Debra Garza, manager, PACAF Security Forces, and Master Sgt. Albert Schneider, superintendent, PACAF Command Explosive Ordnance Disposal, on their experiences deployed and on the Air Force in general.

"Our young Airmen train the Iraqis day in and out," said Chief Garza, when Hamada asked her about training. "There can be a lot of frustration but we send a lot of highly-trained cops... the biggest things we bring to the fight are our people in the Air Force. You don't see a lot of that in the newspapers, but having spent six months in Baghdad, there are a lot of heroic stories...it all makes a small bit of difference."

"The Air Force is becoming more joint," said Sergeant Schneider, when asked by Hamada what the public should know. "We're out on the streets in Iraq with our Army, Navy, Marine brothers and sisters."

People tend to think about CENTCOM when talking about the AOR, said Chief Master Sgt. Tony Bishop, PACAF command chief, who was on air today. "But remember we have PACOM and we have 24,000 Airmen in CENTCOM and 1,700 are from PACAF."

Gen. Paul V. Hester, PACAF commander, was also on air today and stressed the importance of the Air Force in the Pacific.

"The Air Force (in the Pacific) is 55,000 strong and there are 350,000 active duty in the entire Air Force," said General Hester. "Airmen are engaged everyday...Airmen are ready."

"One reason we have great peace and stability is because we have Airmen all across the Pacific; we are well-trained," added Chief Bishop.

Following the interviews, Hamada expressed his gratitude to the men and women in uniform. "We are truly, deeply appreciative of you," Hamada said.

When asked what other message she would like the listeners to know, Chief Garza responded, "Send us notes, meet us at the airport... We are your sisters, your brothers... Keep supporting the Airmen out there on the lines."

Hamada agreed. "The smallest expressions can make the greatest impact."

Sergeant Schneider further explained how that support helps the Airmen's morale.

"Go to the airport, welcome troops back... Let them know that they're in our thoughts and prayers."

The general, command chief and other Airmen will return to the radio studio later this month for more live shows during the afternoon.