UFO mystery at Yuma Test Station: Early 1950's sighting never explained
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THE OUTPOST MONDAY, April 27, 2015 1
Published for the employees and
families of Yuma Proving Ground, Yuma
Test Center, U.S. Army Garrison — Yuma,
Cold Regions Test Center and Tropic
U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, Yuma, Arizona 85365 Volume 41 No. 9 Monday, April 27, 2015 Regions Test Center
UFO mystery at Yuma Test Station:
Early 1950’s sighting never explained
By Mark Schauer whom had engineering degrees, had
just that opportunity, and this time they
From its inception as Yuma Test Station had a theodolite within their reach. Yet
in 1951, Yuma Proving Ground has been the object’s flight pattern was so fast
a natural desert laboratory for testing and erratic they were unable to take a
equipment destined for use by Soldiers. reading. It left no vapor trail this time,
It is a place where the scientific method and vanished across the horizon within 10
trumps superstition and wild speculation, seconds.
where unexplained phenomenon are At the time, the Yuma Test Station
methodically identified and fixed. Yet, at headquarters staff relayed information of
least once in the proving ground’s distant the sighting to their superior command,
past, personnel viewed something in the the Sixth Army, who in turn forwarded
sky that was never definitively explained. In two separate sightings in April 1952, Yuma Test Station Soldiers it to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
It was a bit after 3 p.m. on Thursday, attached to the post’s meteorological team observed a flat-white Beyond a request for a written report
April 17, 1952, and 13 Soldiers were in circular object emitting a vapor trail streak across the sky. Reports of about the sighting from the officer
the midst of a field familiarization hike the sighting exist in long-declassified Air Force files, but no official who witnessed it, there is no further
three miles south of Yuma Test Station, speculation of what the object was remains. Did the unidentified object documentation regarding the sighting
near what today is a vehicle mud course. originate within the boundaries of Yuma Test Station, or from elsewhere or speculation as to its origin within the
We can’t say with certainty what the in the universe? (Loaned photo) long-since declassified files.
temperature was that afternoon—YPG’s Modern day members of YPG’s
weather records only go back to 1956— reconnaissance plane. A scattering of “I have 11 years military duty in meteorology team doubt that the object
but presumably it was warm enough military observers in the early 1950s meteorology, with a substantial portion had extraterrestrial origin. In fact, they
for the men to enjoy resting beneath a speculated that such sightings could be employed on weather equipment are skeptical it originated from anywhere
shade tree in between a canal bank and unarmed intercontinental ballistic missiles development and upper air observations outside the boundaries of Yuma Test
the Colorado River. Suddenly, they saw being test fired from Russia, and duly entailing the use of many sizes and types Station.
almost directly overhead a flat-white shared their concerns with agencies like of meteorological balloons,” wrote 2nd “It stands to reason that if you’re
circular object heading toward the the FBI. Lt. Bernard Gudenkauf in his report on on an Army test base and you see
mountain-lined southeastern horizon, Yet the first flight of the U2 wasn’t the incident. “I have never observed any something unexplained, it’s probably the
emitting an intermittent vapor trail. until August 1, 1955. Historical accounts other object with which this object could Army testing,” said Gabe Langbauer,
About a quarter inch wide when judged at of missile development show neither the be identified.” meteorologist.
arm’s length from the ground, the object US nor the USSR had intercontinental Standing under the shade tree looking “I hope they fully understood the
disappeared within seven seconds. missile capability until later in the 1950s. at the horizon where it had disappeared, behavior of weather balloons,” said Nick
Official records of the U.S. Air Force And all 13 Soldiers who saw the object at Gudenkauf told his men they should McColl, the present-day chief of YPG’s
from the 1950s and 1960s are replete Yuma Test Station that day in 1952 were attempt to take a bearing on it from meteorology team. “This thing was
with such sightings. Often, the objects part of the post’s meteorology team, men at least two theodolite positions if moving awfully fast for a weather balloon,
were weather balloons or extremely who knew full well the look and flight they ever saw the object again. The even if it were in a low-level jet stream.”
high altitude aircraft like the U2 characteristics of weather balloons. following day, two of the men, both of SEE MYSTERy page 6
Gracious lady leads Living with Yuma Students Examine
Garrison Human Venomous Reptiles Advanced Careers
Resource team / Page 2 /Page 4 / Page 8
2 MONDAY, April 27, 2015 THE OUTPOST
Gracious lady leads Garrison
Human Resource team Center, the Suicide Prevention in the Washington Air National In any career, something has to
By Yolie Canales
Program, the Soldiers for Life Guard with a total of 23 years of inspire a person to do well and be
Some people see their job as Transition Assistance Program, military service, she oversees the successful. For Randle, it’s the
nothing more than a 9 to 5 thing. Garrison Awards Program and the issue of Common Access Cards people. “People inspire me. Seeing
They do their job and go home. Workforce Development Program. (CAC), Operations, Readiness and people grow and being able to have
But not for Chrissy Randle, She relies heavily on Jose Arguelles a wide variety of other military a positive impact on that growth is
director of Human Resources for for the military programs because of programs. In addition, while a great inspiration,” she said. She
YPG’s Garrison. You can see it in his extensive military background working for TRAX for the last believes people are here not to serve
her sparkling eyes, her friendly, and knowledge of every aspect eight years in Human Resources, themselves, but to serve others. You
welcoming smile and kind, caring of the program. “He gets the job she gained experience recruiting cannot be successful unless you’re
voice. When she speaks, the words done because he is an expert in this engineers and working with training serving others,” she said.
come from the heart. Truly, she is field,” she said. She relies just as programs. She also credits her parents for
the epitome of a gracious lady and heavily on Hernel Aitken, Connie One faces many challenges as inspiring her, as well as her faith.
understanding boss. Everly, Christopher Lee, Carolyn they began new responsibilities. Randle points out that being kind
In her new position, Randle’s Lauzon, Phillip Duhart and Natallia So far, it’s been smooth sailing to others is of utmost importance.
duties are to oversee the entire Yesaulenka to run their assigned for Randle. “To be honest, I’ve “I learn something from everyone I
military personnel program, the programs because of their expertise. faced no challenging situations come in contact with,” she said. “A
Army Substance Abuse Prevention Randle strongly believes that a during my three months here,” she little bit here and there helps me to
Program, the multi-use Education supervisor is only effective when said. “My team is knowledgeable, be a good person and treat people
the people who make up professional, and ready for any with respect and kindness.
the teams do good jobs. challenges you hand to them. They In her spare time, Randle enjoys
In her case at YPG, she make my job easy.” spending family time with her
raves about the people She feels moving into this husband David, a retired Air Force
under her. “Building position was one of the best things Combat Controller and now a
positive relationships that ever happened to her. “There civilian Military Freefall Instructor,
with the team and people is a great team here at YPG and the and her children, David, 13 and
in general are of the leaders above me are great to work Skyler, 11.
upmost importance,” said with,” she said.
Randle. “An affective
supervisor, reaches out,
communicates and has
that face-to-face contact
with others and especially
TheOutpost
The Outpost is an unofficial publication authorized under provisions of AR 360–1. The Outpost is
the team around you.” published every two weeks by the Public Affairs Office, Yuma Proving Ground. Views and opinions
expressed are not necessarily those of the Army. This newspaper uses material credited to ATEC
This is why, when and ARNEWS. While contributions are solicited, the PAO reserves the right to edit all submitted
she saw this position materials and make corrections, changes or deletions to conform with the policy of this newspaper.
advertised, she felt it News may be submitted to:
would be a ‘natural’ fit for The Editor, Outpost, Yuma Proving Ground, Yuma, AZ, 85365.
her. She has an extensive Phone: (928) 328–6143/6189 or DSN 899–6143.
background with military Visit our website at: www.yuma.army.mil
or email to: yolanda.o.canales.civ@mail.mil
Chrissy Randle says her new position programs and training,
at Garrison’s Human Resources, is a both in her military and Commander: Col. Randy Murray
“natural” fit for her and looks forward civilian careers. As a four Public Affairs Officer: Chuck Wullenjohn
Public Affairs Specialist/Editor: Yolanda Canales
to making a positive impact on her year veteran of the Air Public Affairs Specialist: Mark Schauer
team and others. Force and, today, a Major Technical Editor, Cold Regions Test Center: Clara Zachgo
(Photo by Mark Schauer) Marketing Specialist: Teri Womack
Visual Information Manager: Riley Williams
THE OUTPOST MONDAY, April 27, 2015 3
Reflections on the day I died (Exercise, Exercise)
By Teri Womack I returned to the office and notified dead.” (I can’t repeat what I said when INTO the building toward my office.
my colleagues that the simulated he told me that). I can only hope that my subconscious
I was shot and killed at attack was imminent. I then turned my All the individual office doors were was aware this was an exercise and
approximately 8 a.m. on Wednesday, attention to the itinerary for the Yuma closed and locked, so I did the same. I that in real life, my survival instincts
March 18, 2015, at Yuma Proving Visitor’s Bureau tour I was to escort knew I was supposedly dead, but on the would kick in and I would react more
Ground. Thankfully I’m still alive to later that morning, mentally reviewing off chance that I was only wounded, I intelligently.
tell the tale. details that would ensure the tour ran wanted to give myself a fighting chance Lucky for me, this was only a
The Public Affairs Office was smoothly. I figured I had enough time to survive. Behind my closed and simulation that enabled me to reflect
informed of the active shooter exercise to go to the building located right locked door, I could hear the gunman upon these events and the reason we
occurring that day well in advance next door to sign out the key for the in the hallway yelling and pounding have exercises. One day, it just may
because our participation was crucial. Palm Garden Conference Center, an on office doors. Even though I knew save my life.
We were aware of the what, when, and important tour stop. As it was handed it wasn’t real, it still felt isolating and As for not surviving the event, I
where, and even the approximate time to me, I made a comment that I had to scary to not have any awareness of referred to myself as “Dead Woman
it would happen. I personally knew the hurry back to my office to avoid getting what was happening on the other side Walking” for the rest of the day. When
exercise was coming, but walked right wrapped up in the exercise. of that door. I arrived at home, my first comment
into the middle of it anyway. Preoccupied by thoughts of the tour, Later that night, thinking back on to my husband was “Talk about a bad
Minutes before the exercise was to I opened the door to our building and the event, I realized how easy it was day at work, I got shot and killed this
begin, I saw the man simulating an saw a man running towards me dressed for me to get immersed in the events morning.”
active shooter outside of our building in camouflage clothing, shouting in of the day which led me to not pay In case you are wondering, getting
getting ready. He was dressed in a loud, threating tone, pointing a gun attention to what was happening right killed during a simulated exercise
camouflage and held a gun in his hand. right at me. I froze. Then he shot me. now, in that moment, right in front of does not in any way entitle you to
Although there was a red tip of the I hurried to my office and passed a me. I also reflected upon my initial simulated leave. I escorted the tour and
gun barrel alerting me to the fact that it YPG employee working the exercise reaction. Instead of rushing out of the completed a full day of work.
wasn’t real, it was still frightening. who looked at me and said, “You’re building when I spotted the threat, I ran
if needed,” said Hernandez. “In fact,
Lead and sampling that may create a functional or
asbestos testing cosmetic issue is first approved by the
building manager or the sample is not
taking place collected at all.”
The Environmental Protection Act
By Yolie Canales requires that buildings are surveyed
for asbestos and lead every five years
For the next two to three years, nearly throughout government agencies. Once
175 buildings at Yuma Proving Ground sampling is completed and evaluated,
will go through extensive testing for the results are used for subsequent
lead and asbestos. The sampling entails construction or renovation activities.
collecting a small portion of building Project Engineer and Construction
material and sending it to a laboratory Officer Representative Ernesto Elias
for analysis. for the Yuma Project Office, said,
Carlos Hernandez, field manager “This type of sampling is a typical and
for Eco & Associates, the contractor periodic operation for buildings on
conducting the sampling, says the other installatio ns like YPG. We need
sampling will require little or no to conduct the study to determine the
workforce disruption. “The only levels of lead and asbestos in order for
thing they will need from the building us to safely proceed with construction or
managers is coordination for access to renovation decisions.”
the various buildings.” He summed up the sampling effort
The sampling starts by wetting the with a simple message. “The main
area to be sampled (when needed) message to the workforce is that
so that no dust is created. A small we need to get the contractor in to
portion of the material is collected and perform its sampling as efficiently as
stored in a sealable plastic bag prior to possible without any negative work
transportation to the laboratory. “The interruptions.” He summed up the
minimally destructive sampling is sampling effort with a simple message.
performed in a discreet area, and patched
4 MONDAY, April 27, 2015 THE OUTPOST
SAFETY CORNER
Living with venomous reptiles
Editor’s Note: The increase of An encounter with a rattlesnake is a potentially dangerous situation; your knowledge about
reported snake sightings is directly reptiles and how to avoid rattlesnakes could be invaluable.
related to the increase in current Black-tailed, and Sidewinder. All of about 3 weeks it will be fully
temperatures. During the start of our these snakes have rattles on their tails, capable of producing a warning
Southwest Arizona high temperature and though many snakes vibrate their rattle.
season, snakes are extremely active. tails when nervous, only rattlesnakes Newborn rattlesnakes are
Young snakes will be seeking can produce the characteristic buzzing very small. They have no home
protection from predators and may noise so often heard in movies. In the territory and are low on the food
be found in backyards, utility sheds warm deserts, rattlesnakes are most chain (a lot of animals eat them).
and in buildings. As the temperature active from March through October. This makes for a very nervous
In the spring, they are active during little snake! In searching for
reaches its peak, all snakes will something to eat and a place
daylight hours. As days become
be seeking shade cover during increasingly hot around early May, to live, newborn rattlesnakes
the daylight hours. In general, rattlesnakes become more active at turn up in the strangest places -
it is normal to see an increase in night and spend the day in a spot of swimming pools, potted plants,
reporting of snakes during this time shade or a cool shelter. In addition to even in houses.
of year, Please caution your staff these periods of activity, rattlesnakes GILA MONSTERS
and residents. can be seen “basking” (lying out in the
sun) during any month of the year. Because they are brightly
Most reptiles are harmless. Of the colored, slow moving and rarely
venomous reptiles of our region, Rattlesnakes do not dig their own
holes: they utilize preexisting shelters. encountered, Gila Monsters can
only the rattlesnake is truly a safety hardly be considered dangerous
concern around your home. The Gila Shelter sites might be abandoned
burrows of other animals, brush or to humans. They are, however,
Monster is a venomous lizard that capable of defending themselves
rarely bites humans unless handled. woodpiles, rock crevices, or any tight
place where a snake can feel safe. with a surprisingly swift venomous late July and August, they become
The Sonoran Coralsnake is a small, bite.
shy snake usually less than 17 inches Rattlesnakes may have several shelter active again but are less frequently
sites within the range of their hunting The Gila Monster primarily seen.
in length and not much bigger around inhabits the deserts and foothills of
than a pencil, - much smaller than grounds, and sometimes they will sleep
in the open. All snakes are carnivorous the Southwest, ranging from southern
the dangerous Coralsnakes of the What to do if a venomous
(they eat animals). Rattlesnakes are Sonora, Mexico, north through the
southeastern US and tropical Mexico.
Though venomous, the Sonoran effective predators, eating rabbits, deserts of Arizona, barely entering New bite occurs:
rodents, lizards, and birds. Snakes do Mexico, California, Nevada, and Utah. • Remain calm and reassure the victim.
Coralsnake has a very small head and • Remove all jewelry, watches, etc.
mouth and is only prone to defending not eat every day, and sometimes many The Gila Monster is the largest lizard from affected area.
itself when handled. Most other snakes months pass between meals. in the United States, weighing up to • Immobilize extremity and keep at
and lizards are also likely to bite in Rattlesnakes are born alive, rather 2 pounds and reaching a total length level below the heart.
defense if handled but are considered than hatching from eggs. At birth of 20 inches, including the large tail • Decrease total body activity as is
they are fully equipped with fangs which is used for fat storage. They feed feasible
non-venomous and therefore harmless • Move victim to medical facility
to humans. Wild animals should never and venom; miniature copies of their on animals that cannot easily escape,
like newborn rodents, and on the eggs without delay.
be handled; it puts the handler at risk parents requiring no parental care. A
baby rattlesnake is not born with a of reptiles and ground-nesting birds. What NOT to do if a
and is extremely stressful to the animal.
rattle on its tail; instead it has one little Gila Monsters spend most of their vemonous bite occurs:
knob called a prebutton. Within days, time underground. They emerge in • Do NOT apply ice to bite area.
RATTLESNAKES • Do NOT use incision of any kind.
the newborn sheds its skin, and as it the spring, their most active season, • Do NOT use a constriction band or
There are fifteen species of grows, it generates a new segment of to search for food and mates. With the tourniquet.
rattlesnakes in our area. Those most its rattle with each shed. The single onset of hot weather in late May or • Do NOT administer alcohol or drugs.
often encountered are the Western button on a newborn’s tail does not early June, they return to underground • Do NOT use electric shock treatment.
Diamond-backed, Western, Mojave, produce a sound when rattled, but in burrows. During the rainy season of
THE OUTPOST MONDAY, April 27, 2015 5
Air Force tests howitzer fuze at YPG
By Mark Schauer distance from the aircraft.
“They’re trying to bust a bunker
The C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft is or go through the concrete wall of
a familiar sight at YPG, ferrying cargo a fortress,” said Tyler Heagney, test
and personnel for parachute tests. officer. “These fuzes are a lot heavier
Less familiar to the workforce, and designed to take the brunt of the
however, may be the AC-130, the impact so the projectile itself can
C-130’s awesomely-armed variant, penetrate easily.”
which, among other weapons, boasts “It’s amazing how a fuze even
a 105mm howitzer fired in combat at survives going through something
ground targets by a two-person crew. like this, and then still functions,”
As with any howitzer round, fuzes added Flores. “The fuze must survive,
are vitally important. They not only otherwise you’re just punching a hole
trigger the round’s detonation, but also through the target.”
have safety features to prevent a shell Testers can’t evaluate the
from exploding while being handled In this test, a fuzed round is shot through a specially constructed performance of the fuze firing from an
prior to firing, or from detonating too plate steel target. Air Force fuzes have thicker shells to protect aircraft, thus it is done on the ground at
soon. There are fuzes that can be set their intricate internal workings during a pulverizing high speed YPG. Since the fuze is the item under
to detonate a shell at a preset time in impact with a hardened target. (Loaned photo) evaluation, testers fire the rounds off
flight, when it detects a certain distance YPG has decades of experience testing Force as well. of a 105mm gun tube mounted on an
from the ground or a structure, when fuzes for the Army and Marine Corps, “This is an Air Force fuze, but it 8-inch howitzer’s carriage to aid in
it hits a target, or after it hits a target. and in some special cases for the Air is mechanically identical to one of the stability of the weapon platform.
the Army fuzes,” said Steve Flores, The stability of the carriage provides
artillery and mine branch chief. “The means a quicker and more efficient
rounds for the Air Force are based on test, as re-aiming takes less time. The
Army rounds, but there are some subtle fuzed rounds are shot through specially
differences.” constructed targets of both plate steel
Most important of these differences and reinforced concrete. The first shot
is the Air Force fuze’s thicker shell, in a series is done with a spotter round
necessary both to keep it attached to the prior to firing the test fuzes.
round and protect its intricate internal “We don’t want to waste our test
workings during a pulverizing high rounds because we only have a finite
speed impact with a hardened target. amount of them,” said Heagney.
Another key difference is the arm The tests have a relatively small
distance which has been increased to footprint, with the rounds fired at close
maintain a safe minimum functioning SEE HOWITZER page 5
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6 MONDAY, April 27, 2015 THE OUTPOST
MYSTERY
from page 1
what the Soldiers saw. But Heidner says
the system didn’t come to Yuma for testing HOWITZER
from page 5
until 1958, the year after the Soviet Union
By 1952, meteorology had come a long proved it possessed intercontinental missile range as high speed cameras track every moment of a round’s flight, from firing
way since the invention of the radiosonde capability by launching Sputnik, the world’s to impact, with a properly functioning fuze triggering an explosion only after the
in the 1920s and the advent of radar first artificial satellite. round has punched through the target. Setting up the test’s steel plate targets is
during World War II, but was still far “White Sands Missile Range was really less time consuming than the multi-layered plywood targets used for Army fuze
less sophisticated than today. The first busy in a post-Sputnik spasm, so some of tests, but efficiency is always pursued with safety foremost in mind.
meteorological satellite, for example, was the hiccups with Little John and Honest “Above all else we want everyone to be safe and go home at the end of the
nearly a decade in the future from that John were tested here,” said Heidner. “It day,” said Heagney. “If it takes more time, that’s fine.”
long-ago spring day. It is unlikely that any resulted in many upgrades like telemetry
of the enlisted men who witnessed the object and cinetheodolites and a lot of range
had meteorology backgrounds prior to improvements. We didn’t really have the
their time in the military. Likewise, on-post instrumentation to accommodate missile
communication was far less integrated in the testing prior to that: Yuma Test Station was
early days of Yuma Test Station. According mainly a tube-launched projectile kind of
to Heritage Center curator Bill Heidner, place.”
when the test station was re-opened in 1951, So, what did the Met team Soldiers of
six different test activities reported back to 1952 see in the skies all those Aprils ago?
separate home stations across the United Meteorites? Artillery shells? Missiles?
States. They didn’t share range space, and Airplanes? Was it a case of bored Soldiers
rarely discussed aspects of their respective far from the frontlines of raging combat in
test missions with one another. Korea inventing a good story? Or a sighting
Intriguingly, the truck-mounted MGR- of a high-performance spacecraft from
1 ‘Honest John’, the United States’ first beyond our planet piloted by intelligent
surface-to-surface nuclear-capable missile, beings?
was developed at Redstone Arsenal in 1951, Any of these are possible, but the last is
and thus could theoretically have been certainly the least likely.
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THE OUTPOST MONDAY, April 27, 2015 7
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8 MONDAY, April 27, 2015 THE OUTPOST
Yuma students examine
By Chuck Wullenjohn
advanced careers at YPG
to examining inert models of rockets
and viewing video taken with multi-
Career success in today’s world million dollar high speed cameras.
involves grit and determination, as They witnessed the scientific set-up
in past decades, but many modern of an Army mortar test project, from
careers require education and skill positioning data gathering equipment to
achievements never before necessary. preparing the weapon system (though
In an effort to expose Yuma’s young no firing took place.)
people to careers in the technical fields “I love interacting with the
of science, technology, engineering, community,” said
and mathematics, YPG Meteorologist
local high school, “The kids are enjoying Nicholas McColl
college and as he supervised a
elementary school this, for we’ve group of students
students today
made a five hour focused on providing launching a weather
balloon. “The kids
visit to U.S. Army
Yuma Proving them hands-on are enjoying this,
for we’ve focused
Ground.
A detailed
opportunities.” on providing
them hands-on
proving ground opportunities.”
tour took them to multiple work places About 4000 weather balloons are A group of students gather around a 120mm mortar at a proving
to meet with technical workers in a launched each year at the proving ground firing position - a must-see attraction for just about
variety of skill fields, from engineers ground, making it one of the top everyone. A M119 howitzer and a M109A6 Abrams main battle
and scientists to electricians and weather balloon launch sites in the tank stood nearby.
meteorologists. Students were able to world. Proving ground personnel
see and touch a wide variety of things, recently launched the huge total of
from releasing weather balloons and 225 balloons in a single week. By
sitting at the controls of helicopters, comparison, the National Weather
SEE STUDENTS page 9
Col. Randy Murray, YPG commander, observes students trying Students enjoyed the opportunity of sitting in a OH-58D Kiowa
out a parachute pack as Soldiers from YPG’s Airborne Test Force helicopter as Abe Delgado, test officer, walks them through
describe careers in the field of air delivery. various cockpit controls.
THE OUTPOST MONDAY, April 27, 2015 9 Students from page 8 Particularly for young students, a highlight of the day was launching a weather balloon. Yuma Proving Ground meteorologists launch 4000 weather balloons each year, making it one of the busiest weather balloon launch sites in the world. (Photos by PAO Staff) Service in Phoenix launches about 50 day job of an engineer is fantastic,” he the scientific method each day balloons per month. said. “From A to Z, it felt like we saw of the year when conducting McColl firmly believes in the value it.” this workload, whether it be of working with young people, for the As Cibola High School student testing the reliability of an effort could directly impact someone’s Austin Change shaded his eyes and M1 Abrams main battle tank future. “By planting the seeds now, watched a just-launched weather on a rugged road course, the we’re actually helping ourselves down balloon climb into the sky, he said, reconnaissance capabilities of the road. Today’s activities might be “I never considered meteorology as the newest unmanned aircraft or the trigger that causes someone to a career possibility before, but it’s the development of new artillery formally enter the field of science, and interesting. Many doors are now projectiles more accurate than maybe even work at Yuma Proving open and seeing all of this has been anything before. Between 60 and Ground.” invaluable.” 100 test projects take place each A teacher from Yuma’s Cibola The national defense mission of day at the proving ground. High School, Steven Fritz, said the Yuma Proving Ground is to test outstanding value of the event was the weapon systems and munitions to A young female student opportunity it gave students to view ensure that they work reliably, without gets a ‘hands-on’ experience engineers at work in a wide variety of fail, all the time. The Army’s busiest on how a land surveyor’s fields. “Being here to see the day-to- test organization, YPG testers apply equipment operates.
10 MONDAY, April 27, 2015 THE OUTPOST
YUMA’S FUN CENTER April 2015:
Alcohol Awareness Month
NCADD has chosen a theme designed to highlight the pervasive impact
that alcohol, alcohol-related problems and alcoholism have on individuals,
on families and children, in the workplace and in our communities:
NCADD Alcohol Awareness Month 2015, “For the Health of It: Early
Education on Alcoholism and Addiction.”
FAST FACTS: The Scope of the Problem
• 22.6 million people (9.2 percent of the U.S. population ages 12 and
Side By Sides older) have an alcohol or drug problem. (National Survey on Drug Use
and Health--NSDUH)
• 2.4 million adolescents have an alcohol or drug problem. (NSDUH)
• 50 percent of adults have a family member with alcoholism. (NSDUH)
• Approximately 1 in 4 children under 18, live in a family with
2015 Polari alcoholism, and many more live in a family with drug addiction.
s ® Slingshot (NSDUH)
• Alcoholism is the third leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the
nation. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Alcoholism and drug dependence cost the nation over $276 billion a
year, resulting principally from lost productivity and increased health care
spending. (NAAA)
Question: What is alcohol?
or all ages 6+ Answer: Alcohol that is consumed is ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and is
ATV’s F produced by the fermentation of yeast, sugars and starches. Alcohol is a
central nervous system depressant drug and ethanol is the intoxicating
Motorcy ingredient found in beer, wine, and liquor.
cles Question: What is a “standard drink” of alcohol?
Answer: A standard alcohol drink contains about 14 grams of pure
alcohol (0.6 ounces):
• 12-ounces of beer or cooler
• 8-ounces of malt liquor
• 5-ounces of wine
• 1.5-ounces or “shot” of distilled spirits/liquor (e.g., rum, gin, vodka, or
whiskey).
Note: These are approximate, as different brands and types of alcoholic
beverages vary in their actual alcohol content.
Full line oF power equipment Question: Isn’t beer or wine safer to drink than liquor?
Service • Parts • Accessories • Factory Trained Techs Answer: No. One 12-ounce beer has about the same amount of alcohol
Pick-up & Delivery as one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5-ounce shot of liquor. What matters is
Maintenance and repairs on all brands the amount of alcohol consumed, not the type of alcoholic drink.
Question: How does alcohol affect a person?
Financing Available! Answer: As a central nervous system depressant drug, alcohol is rapidly
Tue.-Fri, 9-6, Sat. 9-4 absorbed by the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream, and
Sun. & Mon. “Gone Ridin” then circulated to every organ in the body (including the brain).
Question: How does alcohol leave the body?
1999 Arizona Ave. Answer: Once absorbed into the bloodstream, the kidneys eliminate
782-7580
00059223 w w w. l i b e r t y m o t o r s p o r t s . c o m SEE AWARENESS page 11THE OUTPOST MONDAY, April 27, 2015 11
AWARENESS
from page 10
You put your family’s
5 percent of alcohol in the urine, the lungs exhale 5 percent of alcohol
health first.
(detectable by breathalyzer) and the liver breaks down the remaining 90
percent of alcohol. Alcohol is broken down (metabolized) by the liver at
the average rate of one standard drink per hour and nothing can speed this
up, including drinking coffee.
We do the same.
Question: Why do people react differently to alcohol?
Answer: A variety of factors affect how people react to alcohol:
• Age, gender, race or ethnicity.
• Physical condition (weight, fitness level, etc.).
• Amount of food eaten before drinking alcohol.
• How quickly they drink the alcohol.
• Use of other drugs, legal (prescription medicines) or illegal (marijuana
etc.)
• Family history of alcohol problems. Central 284 W. 32nd Street 928-341-4563
Question: What does “getting drunk” mean? Location Yuma, AZ 85364 6am-11pm 7 Days a Week
Answer: “Getting drunk” or becoming intoxicated results from drinking
more alcohol than the body can break down, leaving the alcohol to
circulate throughout the body. Alcohol intoxication can be harmful or risky Two other locations to serve you:
for a variety of reasons:
• Impaired brain function resulting in poor judgment, reduced reaction
time, loss of balance, coordination, motor skills, or slurred speech.
• Alcohol causes dilation of blood vessels producing a feeling of warmth Foothills Location
but results in rapid loss of body heat. 11142 S. Scottsdale Drive
• Increased risk of certain cancers, stroke, and liver diseases (e.g., Yuma, AZ 85367
Valley Location 928-345-6830
cirrhosis). Prime Care Kids: 2377 S. 22nd Dr., Yuma, AZ
• Damage to a developing fetus if consumed by a pregnant women. Mon. - Fri.: 5pm - 11pm 928-343-0488 Monday - Friday
Sat. - Sun. & Holidays: 9am - 3pm Clinic Hours: 7am - 7pm 7am - 7pm
• Increased risk of motor-vehicle traffic crashes, violence, and other Monday thru Friday
injuries. Where parents can bring their sick children
Question: How do I know if it’s okay to drink alcohol or how much? to be seen by a pediatrician.
Answer: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, published by the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services recommend that if you choose
to drink alcohol, do not exceed 1 drink per day for women or 2 drinks per
day for men.
According to the Dietary Guidelines, the following people should not
drink alcohol:
• Children and adolescents under the age of 21.
• Individuals of any age who cannot limit their drinking.
• Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant.
• Individuals who plan to drive a car, operate machinery, or take part in
(928)341-4563
other activities that require attention, skill, or coordination.
• Individuals taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that
can interact with alcohol.
• Individuals with certain medical conditions. Scan with your
smart phone to
• Persons recovering from alcoholism. view website with
more information.
w w w. p r i m e c a r e y u m a . c o m 0006032812 MONDAY, April 27, 2015 THE OUTPOST
Safety laws for children, pets, vehicles
Submitted by Paul J. Kilanski, neglect. Traffic Laws
Family Advocacy Program Law Against
Manager specifics vary Leaving a Pet
with each Unattended in
Many states now have safety laws
state, but in a Car
against leaving children and pets
most instances It only takes a
unattended in a vehicle. Depending
are geared few minutes for
on the state and circumstances, the
towards kids an unattended
guilty can be issued a traffic ticket
six years old car’s interior
and fined, or, in extreme cases,
and younger to jump from
charged with manslaughter and
(Kentucky’s comfortable to
sentenced to a lengthy jail term.
law protects dangerous for
Safety Laws Against Leaving a
kids eight and dogs and cats.
Child Unattended in a car since
younger). The On especially
1998, 529 children have died in the
length of time hot and sunny
United States from hyperthermia
a child can days, cracked
(heat stroke) after being left inside
be left alone windows
unattended vehicles. These numbers
depends on provide no relief,
have prompted 19 states to legislate for more than 15 minutes, while
state. Florida makes it illegal to causing unattended pets to die from
or propose safety laws against this
leave a child inside a car unattended Tennessee’s makes it a crime after heatstroke and suffocation.
five minutes. The fact that this occurs all to
Penalties are based on harm to often has spurred 14 states and
the child. Michigan, for example, many state jurisdictions to impose
charges the following: laws against leaving pets unattended
• No injury to child: A in running or parked vehicles.
misdemeanor punishable by To learn about your state’s
imprisonment for not more than laws regarding unattended pets in
93 days and/or a fine of up to vehicles, you can:
$500. • Check your state’s vehicle code.
• Serious physical harm to • Contact your local DMV.
child: A felony punishable by • Contact any local law
imprisonment for not more than enforcement agency.
10 years and/or a fine of up to Take Action Against Safety Law
$5,000. Violations
• Death of the child: A felony Call 911 if you sense that a child
punishable by imprisonment for or pet left unattended in a vehicle
not more than 15 years and/or a is in grave danger. Don’t hesitate.
fine of up to $10,000. Don’t go in search of the car owner.
Most state laws give authorities Dial 911 and let authorities handle
the legal right to use any means the situation.
possible to free an unattended child Have you ever found a child or pet
deemed to be in danger. left unattended in a vehicle? How
00060258
did you handle the situation?THE OUTPOST MONDAY, April 27, 2015 13
Why the color blue?
Submitted by Paul J. Kilanski, slippery water in “the bathtub”…I from the tip of her little fingers to our most precious gift of all…
Family Advocacy Program felt sick…I didn’t understand…Are her wrist. It was only then that the our children. Please wear a blue
Manager my granddaughters all right, was “search was on” for Michael. ribbon…put one on your car…give
all I thought. Where are they? I had We learned that he had been one to your friends…tell them what
During the last several years, it means…you may be saving a
the blue ribbon has been widely only one child. She was a beautiful killed, wrapped in a sheet, stuffed
little girl. She was the light of our in a tool box and dumped into a child’s life! If you suspect anything
recognized as a national symbol
of child abuse awareness. This eyes. We knew she had entered into dismal swamp three months earlier. is happening to your children…
movement began in the spring a stormy marriage, for we brought My grandchildren had suffered and your grandchildren…the child next
her home several times in the five battled so much throughout their door…PLEASE ACT! If you don’t
of 1989 when a concerned get any results or a response, please
grandmother, Bonnie Finney, of years the marriage lasted. young lives that it sickened me.
We suspected heavy use of My life was turned into physical try again. You may not hear their
Norfolk, VA took a stand against screams…you may not see their
child abuse after experiencing drugs…BUT…in those five years, and mental chaos. My efforts to
three beautiful, healthy children understand became a plea to stop bruises…so check for the pain and
the death of her grandson. She screams in their eyes.
tied a symbolic blue ribbon to her were born. I loved them dearly and abusing children. I tied a blue
they loved me. The children were ribbon on my van antenna to make Bonnie Finney, Norfolk, VA
van as a signal to her community
of her personal commitment to 16 months, three years and four people wonder. It caught on locally
involve everyone in the battle to years old. After the ordeal at the with restaurants,
stop child abuse. Bonnie’s own hospital, my grandson was placed businesses, the police
grandson, Michael Wayne “Bubba” in a foster home for three weeks. department and radio
Dickenson, was a tragic young He cried when they came to take and television stations.
victim and his death gave her him back to his mother. He told his They all started
the strength to encourage others foster mother, “my momma doesn’t supporting me in my
to help in the fight against child love me,” and he begged to stay. I efforts to make a real
abuse and neglect. The spirit of her ached for his dilemma. I was not awareness campaign.
blue ribbon grew and it inspired a physically able to care for him. The Why the color
statewide community based effort courts seemed to believe that home blue? I never intend
to join forces in this tragic battle. was the best place for him…but I to forget the battered, automobiles rooms for rent
In her own words: “It’s been knew better and I told…no, begged bruised bodies of Room For Rent in Yuma. Nice
them not to return him to his mother. my grandchildren. Find your next ride
so long since I sat by Michael’s RevUpSouthwest.com
area, central location,
swimming pool. $475/mo.
side in the hospital. Of course I But I was overruled. My instinct as Bruises are black then Includes utilities. 750-6684
knew something was wrong as I a grandmother did not count. eventually turn blue. Cars
I never saw Michael again. My Therefore, blue serves Trucks
sat there. I saw fear on his face, RV's
the bruises on his body, and the 16 month old granddaughter was as a constant reminder Fifth Wheels
healing cigarette burns on his hospitalized after being beaten to me to fight for our Travel Trailers
hands. His doctor did not believe severely…her leg was broken in children. Join with and more !
my daughter’s story…”he fell in four places. and her hand burned me…we must protect New Vehicles Daily
Next Outpost deadline is noon April 30th
Set up your watch list and
alerts for new inventory
Sexual Assault Hotline: 920-3104
Report Domestic Violence: 328-272014 MONDAY, April 27, 2015 THE OUTPOST
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER VIEWPOINTS By Mark Schauer
Go out The silver screen permeates our society, inspiring many. We asked
members of the workforce about their favorite movie.
and Play
children, spouse or friends causes you
to think twice about simply staying in. John Devine
For example, the other day my Weapons Operator:
family and I went to Martinez Lake and The Man From Snowy River It is a western set in the
By Chaplain (Maj.) Douglas 1880s with Kirk Douglas playing two brothers. It was
Thomison rented two paddle boats. On the lake
we spent time together, got some good filmed in Australia, and has a lot of good scenery and
“peddle power” exercise, and made classical music in it. There is a great scene where the
Good day Yuma Proving Ground.
memories. It was truly time well spent. wild horses go over a cliff to escape being chased by
I hope you are enjoying springtime riders, and the main character is the only one brave
in Southwest Arizona. Say, have you Staying active, and especially
enough to follow. I’ve seen it 90
heard the recent motivational pitch with others, really is a “win-win”
or 100 times.
aimed at kids to “get out and play?” proposition. You see, you get to be
active and fit and Ariel Melchor
The underlying
thought is for kids “Therefore encourage at the same time Test Officer:
Tombstone The one in the ‘90s with Kurt Russell
to go outside and one another and build spend quality time and Val Kilmer. The experiences and attitudes
play for at least an with others, and aren’t what you would expect from an outlaw: it
hour per day to get each other up, just as time with others showed that they still have a heart. It really got to
and stay in good in fact you are doing.” can be uplifting. me how a lawman and an outlaw worked together
physical shape. It is It’s interesting that like brothers.
hard for some of us 1 Thessalonians 5:11. when we want
to imagine that kids to lay around the Natalia Yesaulenka
need motivation to go out and play, house to recharge our batteries we Education Center Coordinator:
but I guess they do. I also read a recent typically don’t maximize our time and Erin Brockovich As the original movie poster said,
report that said for all (kids and adults) gain energy. Rather, try spending time “she brought a small town to its feet and a huge
people it is best to workout/exercise with others which I believe will do company to its knees.” This movie depicts a strong
with others rather than doing it alone. much more to replenish your reserves. woman who never stopped believing. She displays
With these thoughts rolling around The Bible says, “Therefore encourage a type of confidence that is inspiring to many
in my head, it caused me to think of one another and build each other women.
staying active with friends and family. up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1
Now, sometimes on a Saturday Thessalonians 5:11.
morning you want some “me” Yuma Proving Ground, let’s try
time. You are perfectly happy with encouraging each other in productive
watching television or the like. In fact, ways. Do enjoy the mild mornings
sometimes it is real easy to say “no” to and gentle evenings of spring. Finally,
any extracurricular activities. However, please don’t forget to go out and play
sometimes a little prodding from your with others. Have a blessed day!
THE YUMA EXPERTS
We can make it happen
LongRealtyYuma.com
10602 Camino Del Sol, Yuma, Az 85367
00060739
(928) 342-9851THE OUTPOST MONDAY, April 27, 2015 15
www.erayuma.com 75
Spectacular Weekly Prizes!
OF HOMES March 27th - May 30th
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65” Flat Screen TV $1000 Lowe’s Gift Card
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How to Enter: Courtesy of Lowe’s Home Improvement
1 Watch your mailbox for your Treasure Map Entry Form, (or pick one up at the ERA
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2 Visit at least 2 of the model home locations on the map to collect Pirate Gold Stickers
on the map. Visit all 6 model home locations to gain an extra entry in the drawing!
3 While you’re there, be sure to post to social media about your experience to be
entered in an additional weekly drawing for a $50 Lowe’s Gift Card.
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4 Chose your preferred lender, such as PHH Mortgage, and fill out and submit a home
loan application (You don’t need be approved for the loan to be eligible to enter the contest.) Courtesy of
5 Turn in your completed Treasure Map Entry Form along with your proof of loan
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Completed entries will be accepted March 27th through May 29th.
Grand Prize Drawing to be held May 30th at Sunset Mountain Villas.
No Purchase Necessary to Enter or Win.
Grand Prize Giveaway Event to be held at Sunset Mountain Villas
on Saturday May 30th. Need not to be present to win.
00057360
See full contest rules at ERAtreasurehunt.com16 MONDAY, April 27, 2015 THE OUTPOST
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