Hilltop Times – Hill Air Force Base Weekly Newspaper Since 1948

An anticipated change in deployment tempo for EOD Airmen was announced in a video as part of the fifth annual EOD Safety Day for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight of the 775th Civil Engineer Squadron at Hill AFB. The change would lengthen the amount of time members would spend at their home station as opposed to deployment time and is part of a long term view of what might be needed in the Afghanistan Area of Operation. Maj. Gen. Timothy Byers, the Air Force Civil Engineer, Headquarters U.S.

Staff Sgt. Andy Piirainen did not know what he would be eating Wednesday night at the White House. Nor did he really care. "Whatever they make, I'm sure it will be good," he said. The dinner was scheduled to occur just as the Hilltop Times went to press and he was interviewed prior to his departure.

Piirainen, an explosive ordnance disposal technician from Hill Air Force Base's 775th Civil Engineer Squadron, felt honored just to have been selected to attend the dinner hosted by President Barack Obama and the first lady.

Senior Airman Leah Purdy, 775th Civil Engineer Squadron, was chosen as the November 2011 Top 3 Superior Performer from among all base organizations at the junior enlisted level.

Hill lost an Explosive Devise Ordinance technician when Tech. Sgt. Kristoffer M. Solesbee died while in the service of his country in the Shorabak district of Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.

Enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device, and Solesbee and two other services members were killed in the incident.

Solesbee was a member of the tight-knit 775th Civil Engineer Squadron at Hill. Those who served with him remembered an energetic, quick-witted intelligent sergeant who loved his job.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Bykowski, 775th Civil Engineer Squadron, was recognized for his professionalism and expertise while deployed in Afghanistan from July 7, 2010, through Jan. 2, 2011, with a Bronze Star Medal by Col. Sarah Zabel, 75th Air Base Wing commander, on July 14.

The Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo is honoring our service members with a night dedicated to retired and active duty military members. In addition, an Airman from Hill will be recognized every night at the rodeo. Patriot Night will take place July 21 and all regular rodeo events will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night.

In the selection process, 13 rodeo queen contestants each picked a military member -- some in the Army Reserve units and some from Hill.

Master Sgt. Steven Hallenbeck, 775th Civil Engineer Squadron, an EOD squadron at Hill, is one Airman being honored.

At a Commander's Call, April 18, Col. Patrick Higby awarded four Bronze Star Medals to personnel within the 75th Air Base Wing. Master Sgt. Benjamin Horton, 775th Civil Engineer Squadron, received three of the medals as well as a Purple Heart for his actions while serving in Afghanistan as an explosive ordnance disposal team leader.