Hilltop Times – Hill Air Force Base Weekly Newspaper Since 1948

Greetings Team Hill! As this year's Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) vice chairman for Team Hill, it is my great pleasure to tell you about this year's campaign.

The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee focused, cost-efficient and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.

The 75th Medical Group will offer the opportunity to drop off unused or old prescription medication and sharps at the BX and Commissary on Sept. 29.

"One of the main concerns is to get old and expired prescriptions out of the cabinets, get them out of the houses so the potential for accidental misuse or abuse is removed," said Staff Sgt. Alexander Fox, 75 MDSS/SGSD.

"It's something we're happy to do for the community to give everyone the opportunity to turn in the medications they are no longer using," said Airman 1st Class Ryan George, 75 MDSS/SGSD.

During the holiday season, it is appropriate for us to reflect on the year that has passed and consider our accomplishments. 2011 has been an excellent year for Team Hill and I know you will find satisfaction in what you've achieved. Let's take a moment to recall some of those accomplishments.

Everyone is invited to join Team Hill at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, as we light the base Christmas Tree.

Located on the corner of "D" Avenue and Balmer Street, (the Base Chapel), the stately tree will be adorned with hundreds of sparkling lights that will delight young and old throughout the holiday season.

Stop by to celebrate the occasion, have a warm cup of cocoa and a tasty holiday cookie.

One of Team Hill's own received an early gift for the holidays by way of a presidential nomination to the Senate for appointment to the rank of brigadier general.

Col. Sarah Zabel, commander of the 75th Air Base Wing, is one of 39 colonels in the Air Force who is on the list for approval to receive their first star.

"It's very exciting news," Zabel said. "I wasn't expecting to see the results of the promotion board until this spring. I'm extremely grateful for this general officer nomination and look forward to continued service in the Air Force."

Lt. Cols. Kerry Hesselrode and Bradley Nielsen will present "Critical Care Air Transport Team: Evolution, Revolution, Execution and Experiences" for Warrior Call, 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18 at Club Hill. Team Hill is invited and anyone with base access may attend.

On Nov. 3, the Kevin J. Sullivan, Maintenance and Logistics Awards were presented to 25 individuals at Team Hill in a ceremony held in Ogden at the TImbermine Restaurant.

U.S. Navy Capt. (Ret.) Paul Rinn spoke to those assembled before the awards were presented. Among his many assignments, he served as special assistant to the Secretary of the Navy and was commanding officer for a guided missile frigate and an AEGIS cruiser. He is currently serving as a vice president for the consulting firm of Whitley, Bradley and Brown.

Airmen and their families are invited to a free Weber State University football game this Veteran's Day weekend. The university is planning to pay tribute to the military when the Wildcats face the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Saturday, Nov. 12, at 1:30 p.m. at Stewart Stadium.

Team Hill will implement "The Green Machine" on May 12 in conjunction with final events planned for Earth Day at Hill Air Force Base.

"Both from the environmental side and civil engineer side, this is a good way to clean up the base and really spruce it up," said Kent Nomura, of the 75th Civil Engineer Squadron.

The program is designed to be implemented at the Installation Commander's discretion and includes areas extending beyond the 75-foot rule outlined in the facility manager's handbook.

During the holiday season, it is appropriate to reflect on the year that has passed. 2010 has been an excellent year for Team Hill, filled with challenges and a great number of successes. Because of your hard work and dedication, you should be extremely proud of what you've achieved this year.