Hilltop Times – Hill Air Force Base Weekly Newspaper Since 1948

Being visible and involved in the needs of enlisted Airmen are just some of the key roles Chief Master Sgt. Mark Batzer says are his job as the command chief of the 388th Fighter Wing.

For the past two months, the chief has been busy getting to know his Airmen, working hard on improving Total Force Integration and already participating in several base activities, including Hill's annual Round-Up Fundraiser where he was the "sheriff."

Where are you from? Indio, California

What is your favorite quote or movie quote? "The only thing stopping you from succeeding in life are your own excuses why you can't." -- Me

What is your favorite part about being in the Air Force? Having the opportunity to travel and see the numerous different and unique areas of the world.

If you were not in the Air Force, what would you want to be? A political science instructor at the collegiate level.

When was the last time you put off a health screening? Do you remember why? "I only had time to take my kids to the doctor," or maybe, "Waiting a few extra months won't matter."

Oh, really? Here are four common excuses women use to avoid getting their mammograms -- and why they should stop "excusing" themselves from this lifesaving screening:

1. I'm too busy.

The Falcon Hill Development Contractor is removing the conveyor that currently crosses Wardleigh Road near the Popeye's restaurant.

This effort is scheduled Oct. 10 from 8 a.m. through noon. Traffic will be detoured on to Arsenal Road for the duration of this effort. The above map illustrates the detour.

For more information, please contact the project manager, Jay Crawford, at 801-777-4235 or 801-430-3195.

Lt. Col. Michael Brill, the world's high-time F-16 pilot, recently talked about the evolution of the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the pilots who fly it. Since 1980, Brill has racked up more than 6,300 hours in the cockpit, making him the most experienced F-16 pilot in the world. He's called the 419th Fighter Wing home for more than 20 years, now serving as chief of safety, giving him keen insight into what's changed and what's stayed the same.

Question: In 30 years of flying the F-16, the aircraft's capabilities have really evolved. What stands out the most?

The 2011 Federal Benefits Open Season for Health Insurance, Dental and Vision Insurance, and Flexible Spending Accounts is scheduled from Nov. 14 through Dec. 12. Hill Air Force Base will hold a Health Fair with available health insurance carriers on Nov. 2-4 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and also on Dec. 7-9 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Building 150. Brochures and information on 2011 premiums will only be available at the Health Fair and at the Office of Personnel Management web site at http://www.opm.gov/insure/, when finalized for publication.

Ghosts and goblins, witches and warlocks are all invited to visit the Base Theater, Garrity Library, and Club Patio for Haunting Around the Hill on Oct. 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. It's a big block party complete with carnival games, spooky storytelling, a movie, witches brew, and balloon artist. Decorate your car for trunk or treat and marketing will provide the candy. Other fang-tastic activities are being planned. Call 801-775-2084 for more details or to volunteer.

This October, the Air Force joins the nation once again in observance of Energy Awareness Month. This year's theme, "Power the Force, Fuel the Fight," encourages us to do more than just be "aware." Instead, military personnel and civilians alike should take action.

"Our country is in a new energy paradigm and we can no longer use energy at will without regard to the consequences. We must make a commitment, plain and simple, to re-think the way we use -- and view -- energy," said Maj. Gen. Timothy Byers, U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer, Air Force Headquarters.

Curtis Richardson says he has found a career at Hill Air Force Base.

Richardson is one of 100 Top of Utah residents who are blind or have another severe disability and are employed at Hill through the AbilityOne program.

AbilityOne is a federal initiative and the nation's largest single provider of jobs for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities.

The 47-year-old Clearfield resident has worked as a custodian at Hill for 14 years. He was hired one day before his 33rd birthday in 1998.

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The absolute lifeblood of the modern military is energy. It allows us to be expeditionary and go anywhere on the globe. For true energy assurance as an Air Force, we need to be able to find energy solutions and strategies anywhere, even in hostile nations. At the most basic level, that assurance starts with reducing demand, diversifying supply and changing the culture.