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To Do list Before coming to Eglin AFB - 08/18/2007


There are a number of things you should do to help make the transition easier:
- Give the post office a forwarding address
- Change addresses with billing agencies
- Send changes of address to magazine publishers
- Notify friends and relatives of your new address
- Obtain credit references from your bank, etc.
- Stop newspaper and all home delivery services
- Settle bills with local utility companies (gas, water, electric, telephone, etc..).

Don't forget to get deposit refunds and a written statement stating your last bill was paid in full - Transfer insurance on cars, home etc... and check to see if personal high

-value possessions are covered during the move

- Ask for a copy of or transfer children's records

- Get records from any private doctors or dentists that you and your family have been using- Notify your clergyman and obtain any necessary documents of birth, baptism, etc. that you may need- Double-check closets and shelves to be sure that they are empty

- Buy traveler's checks instead of carrying large sums of cash- Be sure to take any jewelry and valuable documents with you. Don't pack them in your household goods

- Make plans for transporting your pets. Unhappy or nervous pets can make very poor traveling companions. Here are some tips for ensuring your pet's travel on an airline goes unrestricted:

- Veterinarian-issued health certificates are required- International flights require further documentation. Quarantine requirments may apply

- Pets must travel in an airline-approved carrier large enough for the animal to move unrestricted- Food and water must be provided

- When accompanied by the owner, the pet is ususally checked in as excess baggage. If small enough, the pet may be allowed to ride in its carrier under the passenger seat

- When unaccompanied, the pet usually passes through airline freight handling systems. The cargo hold is pressurized with climate control to ensure the safety of your pet. Some airlines allow the owner to check on their pet through their 800 number tracking system

* NOTE:Check with your airline to ensure you have made all necessary arrangements for your pets' travel!!

- Let a close friend or relative know the route and schedule you will be traveling, including overnight stops. Use that person as a message center. This information should also be provided to your sponsor.Remember, there may be income tax advantages with your move, including those incurred after your arrival at Eglin. Examples of these expenses would include travel expenses, meals and lodging while you are occupying temporary quarters and expenses attributable to the sale, purchase, or lease of your residence.

After you have completed your move, consult your organization's legal assistance officer who will assist you in preparing the proper tax forms. If you experience a financial emergency enroute, you can get assistance from the Air Force Aid Society. Stop in at any military installation and request direct assistance if you are at an Air Force base or referral assistance at an Army post or Navy base.If you are not near a military installation, request Air Force Aid assistance through any American Red Cross office.

Once you arrive at Eglin, check in with the Air Force Aid office for information on the "Moving Assistance Program" which provides interest-free loans for rent and security deposits. A thank you to the Eglin AFB website for the information provided.


Eglin Air Force Base Homes and Real Estate with Brandon Jordan, your Eglin Air Force Base and Duke Field Realtor serving Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa Counties, and ActiveRain featured Realtor for Okaloosa County since 2007. We provide this information and much more on our site for you at no charge, so please remember us when you're looking to buy or sell real estate.

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WI-FI spots around Eglin AFB - 08/18/2007


Holiday Inn Express Niceville106 Bayshore DriveNiceville FL 32578 Location Type: Hotel / ResortProximity: 8 miles Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->1 provider802.11b Wi-Fi

McDonald's 247291083 N. Beal ParkwayFort Walton Beach FL 32547 Location Type: RestaurantProximity: 8.6 miles Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->2 providers802.11b Wi-Fi

The UPS Store #1392117 Racetrack Rd NWFort Walton Beach FL 32547 Location Type: Store / Shopping MallProximity: 8.9 miles Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->3 providers802.11b Wi-Fi

Starbucks Eglin Pkwy & Plew Ave - Shalimar1198 Eglin Pkwy.Shalimar FL 32579 Location Type: CafeProximity: 9.4 miles Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->1 provider802.11b Wi-Fi

The UPS Store #22821114 E John Sims PkwyNiceville FL 32578 Location Type: Store / Shopping MallProximity: 9.5 miles Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->3 providers802.11b Wi-Fi

McDonald's 111841189 Eglin ParkwayShalimar FL 32579 Location Type: RestaurantProximity: 9.5 miles Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->2 providers802.11b Wi-Fi

The UPS Store 22821114 E John Sims ParkwayNiceville FL 32578 Location Type: Store / Shopping MallProximity: 10 miles Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->2 providers802.11b Wi-Fi

T-Mobile Eglin Parkway NE232 Eglin Parkway NEAFort Walton Beach FL 32547 Location Type: Store / Shopping MallProximity: 10.2 miles Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->3 providers802.11b Wi-Fi

Starbucks575 North Beal ParkwayFort Walton Beach FL 32548 Location Type: CafeProximity: 10.4 miles Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->1 provider802.11b Wi-Fi

FedEx Kinkos575 N. Beal ParkwayFort Walton Beach FL 32548 Location Type: Store / Shopping MallProximity: 10.4 miles


https://cnet.jiwire.com/wi-fi-wireless-hotspot-fort-walton-beach-florida-fl-us-starbucks-beal-pkwy-mary-esther-cutoff-1240056.htm575 North Beal ParkwayFort Walton Beach FL 32548 Location Type: CafeProximity: 10.4 miles (16.7 km) Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->1 provider802.11b Wi-Fi

McDonald's 117213201 South Ferdon BlvdCrestview FL 32536 Location Type: RestaurantProximity: 10.7 miles (17.3 km) Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->Wayport, Wayport, 802.11b Wi-Fi

Econo Lodge - Crestview FL356*3101 S. Ferdon Blvd.Crestview FL 32536 Location Type: Hotel / ResortProximity: 10.8 miles (17.4 km) Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->1 provider802.11b Wi-Fi

The UPS Store #2135550 Mary Esther Cutoff#18Fort Walton Beach FL 32548 Location Type: Store / Shopping MallProximity: 11.1 miles (17.8 km) Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->1 provider802.11b Wi-Fi

AliBaba Grill Cafe550 Mary Esther CutoffSuite 14Fort Walton Beach FL 32548 Location Type: RestaurantProximity: 11.1 miles (17.8 km) Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->2 providers802.11b Wi-Fi

Starbucks95 Eglin Parkway NeFort Walton Beach FL 32548 Location Type: CafeProximity: 11.1 miles (17.8 km) Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->T-Mobile HotSpot (US) 802.11b Wi-Fi

Jin Jin Chinese550 Mary Esther Cut Off NWFort Walton Beach FL 32548 Location Type: RestaurantProximity: 11.1 miles (17.8 km) Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->2 providers1 FREE 802.11b Wi-Fi
-->
The UPS Store #2135550 Mary Esther Cutoff#18Fort Walton Beach FL 32548 Location Type: Store / Shopping MallProximity: 11.1 miles (17.8 km) Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->1 provider802.11b Wi-Fi

McDonald's 03840440 Mary Esther BoulevardMary Esther FL 32569 Location Type: RestaurantProximity: 11.3 miles (18.1 km) Map Directions Connection Options
Connect with JiWire SpotpassTM -->Wayport, Wayport, 802.11b Wi-Fi

The UPS Store 2135550 Mary Esther Cutoff#18Fort Walton Beach FL 32548 Location Type: Store / Shopping MallProximity: 11.3 miles (18.2 km) Map Directions Connection Options


Eglin Air Force Base Homes and Real Estate with Brandon Jordan, your Eglin Air Force Base and Duke Field Realtor serving Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa Counties, and ActiveRain featured Realtor for Okaloosa County since 2007. We provide this information and much more on our site for you at no charge, so please remember us when you're looking to buy or sell real estate.

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Schools around Eglin AFB - 08/18/2007


This page lists all the schools in Okaloosa County along with their addresses and phone numbers, as well as a link to the school's "grade" issued by the state of Florida. A link to a map of each school is also included for your convenience.

Addie R. Lewis Middle School281 Mississippi AvenueValparaiso, FL 32580School Phone: 850-833-4130

Annette P. Edwins Elementary School7 Wright Parkway SWFort Walton Beach, FL 32548School Phone: 850-833-3333

Antioch Elementary School4700 Whitehurst LaneCrestview, FL 32536School Phone: 850-683-7540

Baker School1369 14th St.Baker, FL 32531School Phone: 850-689-7279

Bluewater Elementary School4545 Range RoadNiceville, FL 32578School Phone: 850-833-4240

Bob Sikes Elementary School425 Adams DriveCrestview, FL 32536School Phone: 850-689-7268

C. W. Ruckel Middle School201 North Partin DriveNiceville, FL 32578School Phone: 850-833-4142

Cherokee Elementary School200 Gaffney RoadEglin AFB, FL 32542School Phone: 850-833-4320

Choctawatchee Academy110 Racetrack Road NWFort Walton Beach, FL 32547School Phone: 850-833-3614

Choctawatchee Senior High School110 Racetrack Road NWFort Walton Beach, FL 32548School Phone: 850-833-3614

Clifford Meigs Middle School150 Richbourg AvenueShalimar, FL 32579School Phone: 850-833-4301

Crestview Senior High School1250 N. Ferdon BoulevardCrestview, FL 32536School Phone: 850-689-7177

Crestview Voc-Tech Center1250 N. Ferdon BoulevardCrestview, FL 32536School Phone: 850-689-7177

Davidson Middle School6261 Old Bethel RoadCrestview, FL 32536School Phone: 850-683-7500

Destin Elementary School630 Kelly StreetDestin, FL 32541School Phone: 850-833-4360

Destin Middle School (Regatta Bay)689 Regatta Bay Blvd.Destin, FL 32541School Phone: 850-833-7655

Elliott Point Elementary School301 Hughes StreetFort Walton Beach, FL 32548School Phone: 850-833-3355

Emerald Coast Marine Institute207 4th Street SEFort Walton Beach, FL 32548School Phone: 850-244-2711

Florosa Elementary School1700 W Highway 98Mary Esther, FL 32569School Phone: 850-833-4381

Fort Walton Beach High School400 Hollywood Boulevard SWFort Walton Beach, FL 32548School Phone: 850-833-3300
No mapavailable
Gulf Coast Youth Academy4448 Straight Line RoadCrestview, FL 32539School Phone: 850-689-7800

James E. Plew Elementary School220 Pine AvenueNiceville, FL 32578School Phone: 850-833-4100

Kenwood Elementary School15 Eagle StreetFort Walton Beach, FL 32547School Phone: 850-833-3570

Lance C. Richbourg Middle School500 Alabama StreetCrestview, FL 32536School Phone: 850-689-7229

Laurel Hill High School8078 4th StreetLaurel Hill, FL 32567School Phone: 850-652-4111

Liza Jackson Preparatory School546 Mary Esther CutoffFort Walton Beach, FL 32548School Phone: 850-833-3321

Longwood Elementary School50 Holly AvenueShalimar, FL 32579School Phone: 850-833-4329

Lula J. Edge Elementary School300 Highway 85 NNiceville, FL 32578School Phone: 850-833-4138

Mary Esther Elementary School320 Miracle Strip ParkwayMary Esther, FL 32569School Phone: 850-833-3371

Max Bruner, Jr. Middle School322 Holmes Boulevard NWFort Walton Beach, FL 32548School Phone: 850-833-3266

Milton Girls Juv. Residential5770 E. Milton RoadMilton, FL 32538School Phone: 850-689-7117

N. W. Florida Ballet Academie310 Perry Avenue SEFort Walton Beach, FL 32548School Phone: 850-664-7787

Niceville Senior High School800 John Sims Parkway ENiceville, FL 32578School Phone: 850-833-4109

Northwood Elementary School501 4th AvenueCrestview, FL 32536School Phone: 850-689-7252

Oak Hill Elementary School101 Chinquapin DriveEglin AFB, FL 32542School Phone: 850-833-4311

Ocean City Elementary School720 Essex RoadFort Walton Beach, FL 32547School Phone: 850-833-3556

Okaloosa Academy81 Roberts BoulevardFort Walton Beach, FL 32547School Phone: 850-864-3133

Okaloosa Applied Tech Center1976 Lewis Turner BoulevardFort Walton Beach, FL 32547School Phone: 850-833-3500
No mapavailable
Okaloosa Youth Academy4448 Straight Line RoadCrestview, FL 32539School Phone: 850-689-7800
No mapavailable
Okaloosa Youth Development Center4448 Straight Line RoadCrestview, FL 32539School Phone: 850-689-7800

OWCC Collegiate Charter High School100 College Boulevard ENiceville, FL 32578School Phone: 850-729-4949

Shalimar Elementary School1350 Joe Martin CircleShalimar, FL 32579School Phone: 850-833-4339

Silver Sands Exceptional Children349 Holmes Boulevard NWFort Walton Beach, FL 32548School Phone: 850-833-3364

Southside Elementary School650 S. Pearl StreetCrestview, FL 32539School Phone: 850-689-7203

Valparaiso Elementary School379 Edge AvenueValparaiso, FL 32580School Phone: 850-833-4120

W. C. Pryor Middle School201 Racetrack Road NWFort Walton Beach, FL 32547School Phone: 850-833-3613

Walker Elementary School2988 Stillwell BoulevardCrestview, FL 32539School Phone: 850-689-7220

Wright Elementary School305 Lang RoadFort Walton beach, FL 32547School Phone: 850-833-3580


Eglin Air Force Base Homes and Real Estate with Brandon Jordan, your Eglin Air Force Base and Duke Field Realtor serving Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa Counties, and ActiveRain featured Realtor for Okaloosa County since 2007. We provide this information and much more on our site for you at no charge, so please remember us when you're looking to buy or sell real estate.

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Parks around Eglin AFB - 08/18/2007


Clearwater Park
Valparaiso

Eglin Wildlife Management Area
Valparaiso

Fort Walton Beach Park
Fort Walton Beach

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
Destin

Henderson Beach State Park
Fort Walton Beach

Rocky Bayou State Park Aquatic Preserve
Niceville

Twin Hills Park


Eglin Air Force Base Homes and Real Estate with Brandon Jordan, your Eglin Air Force Base and Duke Field Realtor serving Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa Counties, and ActiveRain featured Realtor for Okaloosa County since 2007. We provide this information and much more on our site for you at no charge, so please remember us when you're looking to buy or sell real estate.

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Church around Eglin AFB area - 08/18/2007

Almerant Church
Laurel Hill

Antioch Church
Crestview South

Beaver Creek Church
Munson

Bethel Church
Crestview North

Bethel Church
Laurel Hill

Bullard Church
Hurricane Lake

Campton Church
Oak Grove

Canaan Church
Crestview South

Clear Springs Church
Oak Grove

Ebenezer Church
Oak Grove

Friendship Church
Crestview South

Golan Church
Baker

Good Hope Church
Munson

Hester Church
Baker

Holy Trinity Church
Mary Esther

Light House Church
Baker

Lighthouse Church
Baker

Live Oak Church
Crestview South

Magnolia Church
Oak Grove

Mount Zion Church
Laurel Hill

New Bethany Church
Munson

New Bethel Church
Crestview North

Oakland Church
Mary Esther

Old Ebenezer Church
Oak Grove

Olive Branch Church
Blackman

Parkway Church

Eglin Air Force Base Homes and Real Estate with Brandon Jordan, your Eglin Air Force Base and Duke Field Realtor serving Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa Counties, and ActiveRain featured Realtor for Okaloosa County since 2007. We provide this information and much more on our site for you at no charge, so please remember us when you're looking to buy or sell real estate.

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Hospitals around Eglin AFB area - 08/18/2007

Crestview Community Hospital
Crestview North

Fort Walton Beach Hospital Extended Care
Fort Walton Beach

HSA Gulf Coast Hospital
Fort Walton Beach

Humana Hospital Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach

Twin Cities Hospital
Niceville

Eglin Air Force Base Homes and Real Estate with Brandon Jordan, your Eglin Air Force Base and Duke Field Realtor serving Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa Counties, and ActiveRain featured Realtor for Okaloosa County since 2007. We provide this information and much more on our site for you at no charge, so please remember us when you're looking to buy or sell real estate.

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Airports in Okaloosa County - 08/18/2007

Bob Sikes Airport
Crestview North


Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)



30.78
-86.52
214

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport
Destin




Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)


30.40
-86.47
22

Dotson Airport
Baker


Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)


30.82
-86.69
251

Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Heliport
Mary Esther


Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)


30.45
-86.63
47

Hurlburt Field
Mary Esther


Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)


30.43
-86.69
38

Lonesome Pines Airport
Baker




Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)


30.80
-86.68
244

North Okaloosa Medical Center Heliport
Crestview South




Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)


30.74
-86.56
230



Ruckel Airport
Niceville




Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)


30.52
-86.44
67

Sky Ranch
Baker


Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)


30.85
-86.67
250

Swaney Airport
Dorcas


Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)


30.78
-86.47
210

The Funny Farm Airport
Dorcas


Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)


30.80
-86.44
200

Yellow River Airstrip
Holt




Lat
Long
Elev.(ft.)


30.69
-86.75
150

Eglin Air Force Base Homes and Real Estate with Brandon Jordan, your Eglin Air Force Base and Duke Field Realtor serving Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa Counties, and ActiveRain featured Realtor for Okaloosa County since 2007. We provide this information and much more on our site for you at no charge, so please remember us when you're looking to buy or sell real estate.

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Near-by Hotels to Eglin AFB - 08/18/2007

Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Walton Beach-Eglin AFB

1280 Eglin Parkway North
Shalimar, FL 32579
Nightly Rates: ( 139.00 - 139.00 )
2 StarMarriott's award winning economy hotel lodging chain features clean, convenient, quality accommodation and the peace of mind you get from Marriott consistency - all for a great value.

Eglin Air Force Base Homes and Real Estate with Brandon Jordan, your Eglin Air Force Base and Duke Field Realtor serving Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa Counties, and ActiveRain featured Realtor for Okaloosa County since 2007. We provide this information and much more on our site for you at no charge, so please remember us when you're looking to buy or sell real estate.

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by Lois Walsh - 08/18/2007

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Maintaining the infrastructure of an Air Force base that's nearly the size of the state of Rhode Island and the largest in the free world is a tough and challenging job, but it is one that the 96th Civil Engineer Group is fully focused on doing in the most innovative, resourceful and efficient ways possible.

From repairing roads to fighting forest fires, the group is one of the most diverse on base with everything from firefighters to archaeologists on staff to do the job. Similar to many units throughout the Department of Defense, though, the 96th CEG must find ways to overcome budget and personnel cuts to continue its contributions to the Global War on Terror.

"Funding has been lean and from the people standpoint, we're heavily supporting the Air Expeditionary Force mission requirements," Col. Dennis Yates, 96th CEG commander, said.

That doesn't discourage Colonel Yates and the 96th CEG at all. Instead, he says it keeps them focused and true to the group's vision of being innovative, resourceful and effective in all they do in light of these challenges.

The group is comprised of the 796th Civil Engineer Squadron, the 96 Civil Engineer Squadron and the Environmental Management, Resources and Family Housing Divisions.

Lt. Col. Dave Eaton, 796th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, heads a squadron of more than 600 military and civilians who are responsible for maintenance and repair of base property. They've got everything from pest management personnel to heating, ventilation and air conditioning specialists. He agrees that limited funding and ops tempo are some of the biggest challenges his squadron faces.

"The people are great and do great things for us, always stepping up to the plate to meet the challenges head on." he said. "They take limited funding and manpower and do their magic to produce a great product. For example, when one of our shop superintendents deployed last month, an airman quickly stepped into his shoes and has been leading the shop ever since. There is no doubt in my mind that we'll see more examples like this as the deployment wears on."

The Environmental Management Division is led by Mike Applegate. The division is responsible for ensuring the base is a good steward of the environment and manages the reservation for 19 federally listed threatened and endangered species, as well as maintaining the world's largest longleaf pine forest.

Beyond the natural resources, Environmental Management is also responsible for ensuring the base stays compliant with the myriad of federal and state laws that regulate the base's air emissions, water quality programs, restoration efforts and protection of cultural resources among other things.

"We're environmental managers, not environmentalists," Mr. Applegate said. "We manage the environment for the mission, and we don't let it manage us. Our job is to make sure the base is compliant with the law as we execute the mission."

The Family Housing Division, ran by Kathy Lawhon, provides program management for housing referral services and effective use of on-base housing, including the single unaccompanied Airmen's dormitories. They are also responsible for providing input to the housing budget and the accompanying furnishings management program.

Through privatization, the quality of military family housing for both Eglin and Hurlburt Field military families stands to improve substantially.

"Our military families will enjoy contemporary homes similar to those found in the local communities," Paul Ledford, housing office manager, said. "They will have homes that are better built and equipped to endure the intense heat associated with coastal living." The Air Force hopes to attract the right developer for the job when it releases its updated Request for Proposal in September.

The 96th Civil Engineer Squadron, known as the "first-response arm of CE," boasts the largest fire department in DOD and the largest explosive ordnance disposal in the Air Force.

"If you think first response across the base or the community, fire, police and medical, we are one leg of that Eglin triad," Maj. Don Treanor, 96th CES commander, said. The 96th CES also includes the Readiness Flight. Its mission includes conducting emergency management for peacetime emergencies and natural disasters on Eglin as well as providing chemical warfare defense training for all Eglin military personnel, Major Treanor said. They also have the Prime BEEF functions which prepares CE forces for their wartime responsibilities.

So while there may be less people and financial resources to do their job these days, Col. Yates believes that if the group stays true to its vision, they'll be fine.

"It's a great group of people with a lot of pride to do the job right under any circumstances," Colonel Yates said. "Our pride and ingenuity makes us a formidable weapon system."

Eglin Air Force Base Homes and Real Estate with Brandon Jordan, your Eglin Air Force Base and Duke Field Realtor serving Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa Counties, and ActiveRain featured Realtor for Okaloosa County since 2007. We provide this information and much more on our site for you at no charge, so please remember us when you're looking to buy or sell real estate.

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Eglin Airmen train Iraqis on fuel delivery - 08/18/2007

by Tech Sgt. Russell Wicke 447th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs 6/20/2007
- SATHER AIR BASE, BAGHDAD, IRAQ

-- Airmen from the 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Flight are training Iraqis here to fuel up their own C-130s without dependence on the U.S. Air Force.

Heading up the training is Master Sgt. Scott Addington, 447th ELRS Petroleum, Oils and Lubricant fuels manager, who said the plan is broken own into a "crawl, walk, run" process.

The first day of training was June 17 and involved familiarization with one of the Iraqis two fuel trucks.

"These guys are in the infancy stage of fueling," said Sergeant Addington. "We developed a six-phase process designed to ease them into this work.

" The entire Iraqi fuels shop here, consisting of three people, is now learning the fundamentals in Phase One: moving fuel. Sergeant Addington said advanced training will involve tracking and recording fuel, and eventually performing lab work.

The Iraqi airmen at New Al-Muthana will be responsible for refueling their three C-130s, their helicopters and their aerospace ground equipment, according to Tech. Sgt. Chad Wilkey, 447th ELRS fuels operations supervisor. At present, all of these are being fueled by U.S. Airmen working for Sergeant Addington.

In addition to the Iraqis' aircraft and equipment, the 13 Airmen of 447th ELRS Fuels shop have their hands full with other commitments. Approximately 300 transit aircraft funnel through Sather every week - all requiring fuel. Furthermore, the Army's 3rd Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade has approximately 115 helicopters which fly daily missions from Baghdad International Airport. They all depend on fuel from the 447th ELRS. And just to add the icing, Sather also maintains multiple generators which supply electricity to the base; they all depending on POL for clean, dry fuel.

"We provide the life-blood of the American war fighter," said Sergeant Wilkey. "Nobody goes anywhere without gas." And Sather's access to gas all passes through the conduit of these 13 Airmen. But Sergeant Wilkey was quick to point out his team does a lot more than deliver fuel.

This is where Tech. Sgt. Terrance Ladd, 447th ELRS fuels lab technician comes in. Sergeant Ladd runs the fuels lab here. It's his job to ensure the fuel is of high quality. He said he spends his days sampling fuel from their fuel trucks and the 50,000-gallon fuel bladders, and testing them for a number of contaminants.

"I test the fuel for solids, (like dirt) and trace amounts of water," said Sergeant Ladd. "If my tests indicate the fuel is too dirty, or has too much water, we have to take action to correct the problem."

Sergeant Ladd also said the JP-8 fuel he works with requires several additives to enhance engine performance. He runs lab work on the JP-8 to ensure it has the right amount of icing inhibitor and static dissipater. Without these additives, the fuel may develop crystallized ice, or build up static electricity. Sergeant Ladd also tests the fuel for proper flash point.

In addition to lab testing come the rigors of inventory and paperwork. According to Sergeant Addington, all fuel has to be received by convoy, tracked and recorded. When people depend on a product that comes by convoy in Baghdad, Iraq, problems surface fast. Baghdad features a characteristic that makes fuel supply very unpredictable: hostility.

"We have a small surplus of fuel because re-supply trucks are unpredictable," said Sergeant Wilkey. "For this reason, we limit all aircraft to 40,000 pounds of fuel, unless they arrange for more in advance."

Sergeant Addington agreed that his crew of 13 stands up under a heavy yoke: providing clean, dry fuel to the entire base and the coalition in addition to the training of Iraqis - all in a hostile environment. But he said it would take more than this and the occasional rocket attack to break the resolve of the Airmen in POL.

"We like the term 'resilient' defined by Webster's as, 'tending to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change,'" wrote Sergeant Addington in an e-mail responding to a concerned peer after a rocket attack in their area. "What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger."

Eglin Air Force Base Homes and Real Estate with Brandon Jordan, your Eglin Air Force Base and Duke Field Realtor serving Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa Counties, and ActiveRain featured Realtor for Okaloosa County since 2007. We provide this information and much more on our site for you at no charge, so please remember us when you're looking to buy or sell real estate.

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