From: bergman@afnews.pa.af.mil (CMSgt Mike Bergman)
Newsgroups: soc.veterans
Subject: AF News Svc 01/12/93
Date: 12 Jan 1993 15:04:14 -0600
Organization: Hq Air Force News Agency/SCC
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu


019.  Education promotion -- America 2000
020.  Thunderbirds application
021.  Special ops opening
022.  Blood donor month
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019.  Education promotion -- America 2000
by TSgt. David P. Masko
Air Force News Service
     WASHINGTON -- Greater education opportunities, a stronger America, and
better relations between the military and the civilian community are just a
few of the reasons why the Defense Department is supporting "America 2000,"
the nation's education improvement strategy for the future.
     Albert Arrighi, project officer for Air Force America 2000 activities,
said education reform is a national issue today because there is evidence of a
rising tide of mediocrity in education, and American children are not well
served by their schools.
     The charter for America 2000 says the country's education problems will
not improve unless all Americans makes big changes in their attitudes,
expectations and habits.  Furthermore, it says America has an education
problem because its children aren't learning what they need to know in order
to live and work.
     Arrighi believes that one of the major obstacles to quality education has
little to do with the school itself.  "What seems to work in successful
schools is parent-teacher involvement, and to a large extent, community
involvement with the schools," he said.
     The Air Force is tasked to develop and implement the program through base
organizations most directly involved in the goals of education planning.
     Although it's primarily a Department of Education program, Arrighi said
DOD already has a strong commitment to America 2000, and new programs already
exist between the Air Force and community-run schools.
     "I think in the Air Force we've always supported education, and this
program for us is just a new thrust right now to review our emphasis on
education, and to get involved a little more than we have in the past," he
said.
     Getting the base public behind the public school system is important to
the Air Force because it thinks the success of America 2000 may depend to a
great deal on the military.  Thus far, more than 1,700 communities and every
major Air Force base across the country have become involved in America 2000.
     In Fort Meyers, Fla., the Three Oaks Elementary School rebuilt its
curriculum around a rigorous core of knowledge and saw grades, attendance (for
both students and teachers), and test scores rise sharply after only one year.
 Some 50 schools this year are following the lead of Three Oaks Elementary.
     In addition, many Air Force bases have helped develop curriculum
frameworks that communities can use to help their students learn more and be
able to do more.
     For instance, people at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, have been working to
improve their preschool program so children can get a better head start at
education.  Volunteers at the Hickam AFB, Hawaii, supply squadron decided that
doing some self-help around the school grounds would help beautify the school
and improve the learning environment for children.
     Despite such progress, the goal is to continue to do better and undertake
the necessary changes so true school reform can take hold, Arrighi said.
     "Each base now has a steering group that is designed to support America
2000 goals in their local community.  People are encouraged to contact their
local steering group, or the base family support center or education office
for information on how to volunteer."
     The idea for America 2000 began in 1989, when President Bush and the
nation's governors met in Charlottesville, Va., and decided to chart a course
for educational excellence.  Ironically, the meeting was led by Gov. Bill
Clinton of Arkansas, who had originally proposed the school reform idea.
     "We seem to think the crisis in American education plagues some other
city or state, or some other school across town -- anywhere except our
school," Bush said in an America 2000 speech.
     "For today's students, we must make existing schools better and more
accountable.
     "For tomorrow's students, the next generation, we must create a new
generation of American schools.
     "For all of us, for the adults who think our school days are over, we've
got to become a nation of students -- recognize learning is a lifelong
process.  Finally, outside our schools we must cultivate communities where
learning can happen," Bush said.
     The America 2000 goals are:
     -- By the year 2000, all children in America will start school ready to
learn.
     -- By the year 2000, the high school graduation rate will increase to at
least 90 percent.
     -- By the year 2000, American students will leave grades four, eight, and
12 having demonstrated competency in challenging subject matter including
English, mathematics, science, history, and geography; and every school in
America will ensure that all students learn to use their minds well, so they
may be prepared for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive
employment in a modern economy.
     -- By the year 2000, U.S. students will be first in the world in science
and mathematics achievement.
     -- By the year 2000, every adult American will be literate, possess the
knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global economy and exercise the
rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
     -- By the year 2000, every school in America will be free of drugs and
violence and will offer a disciplined environment conducive to learning.
     "Although many people may think the goals for America 2000 are somewhat
lofty, I think the military can help support these goals, and help build the
new American school," Arrighi said.


020.  Thunderbirds application
     NELLIS AFB, Nev. (AFNS) -- The Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team is
accepting applications for the team commander and two pilots.
     The openings are for the 1994-1995 seasons.
     Application procedures are outlined in Air Force Regulation 36-20.
Applications will be accepted through March 1.
     More information is available by calling the Thunerbirds at DSN 682-9581.


020.  Special ops opening
     WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- A Joint Special Operations Command opening exists
for a staff sergeant, Air Force specialty code P70250, at Fort Bragg, N.C.
     The reporting date is in May.  Applicants must be a volunteer for
airborne and jump duty and be able to obtain a certified class III physical.
     Volunteer must have 36 months' time on station.  More information is
available by calling the Air Force Military Personnel Center, DSN 487-6541 or
487-5797.


021. Blood donor month
     WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- January has been designated Blood Donor Month
throughout the Air Force, surgeon general officials announced.
     Nationwide, less than 10 percent of the eligible population donates blood
unless there is a disaster or military operation such as the Persian Gulf
crisis.   Currently, the military is providing blood and blood products to
Operation Restore Hope in Somalia.
     Of the donors who present themselves to give blood, 80 percent are
medically eligible to do so.
     Some common reasons for not being accepted to donate blood are:
     -- Hemoglobin too low.
     -- High blood pressure.
     -- High temperature.
     -- Recent immunizations or vaccinations.
     -- Deployment to an area where malaria is present, or use of antimalarial
medication.
     Blood can be donated at any military hospital through an appointment.
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