Thursday, July 10, 2003 | 8:42 a.m.
Ensuring safe Fourth of July fireworks was the focus of officials during preparation for Independence Day activities at Nellis Air Force Base last week, but one individual on the base received recognition during the week for ensuring the safe storage of explosives of another kind.
Tech Sgt. Charles Marter, a Nellis Weapons Center safety noncommissioned officer, was recognized by the base's higher headquarters, Air Combat Command, for his efforts to ensure the adequacy of construction and distance requirements for present and planned weapons explosive safety areas at the base and its auxiliary airfield at Indian Springs.
During recent site survey meetings Marter provided the site planning guidance for "earth-covered igloos' that meet very stringent explosive safety standards, According to public affairs specialist Airman Dilia DeGrego. He was also instrumental in re-siting the Indian Springs Air Force Auxiliary Field to address improvements required by Air Combat Command.
"He also volunteers personal time to conduct additional weapons safety officer training for outside agencies and conducted the first-ever explosives safety program management training for the Remote Listening Facility at the Department of Energy," said his supervisor, Master Sgt. Tsutmomu Aber, Nellis' chief of weapons safety.
Naval Academy graduates
Navy Ensign Andrew Kano, Bishop Gorman High School class of 1999, and Navy Ensign Aaron Geary, son of Linda Allison of Falls Church, Va., and Robert Geary of Henderson, recently graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and were commissioned as officers in the United States Navy.
Kano and Geary successfully completed four years of intensive academic, physical and professional training. Kano earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and Geary bachelor's degree in mathematics. Both completed a four-year, total-immersion program where a strong, balanced academic program is superimposed on a strict, professional military training environment emphasizing leadership.
Tribute to freedom
The Defense Department has announced "Operation Tribute to Freedom," a way for Americans to show their continuing support for the nation's military men and women and share with the Defense Department the different ways in which individuals and communities are expressing this support.
"We receive calls and e-mails all the time asking, 'What can I do to support the troops?"' said Allison Barber, special assistant to the assistant secretary of defense for public affairs. "People want to know what they can do to help."
Many individual groups have started their own grassroots campaigns or outreach campaigns for the troops, she said. Operation Tribute to Freedom is a way to bring these individuals, groups and companies together as part of one team.
To join the team, go to our Operation Tribute to Freedom website at DefendAmerica.mil. The site includes a variety of suggestions on how communities and individuals can support the troops, including activities and ideas that are geared for both children and adults.
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