Vol. 3 No.

9 RAF Croughton, England June 15 , 2007

3rd AF Command Chief

Page 3
Recycling
Page 4
Rucksack Relays
Page 6, 7
Water Quality Report
Page 10, 11
2 June 15, 2007 From the Top The Uplink

SECAF develops “Goal Card” for Airmen

When Secretary of the Air Force Michael
W. Wynne spoke at his town hall meeting at
the Pentagon earlier this year, he discussed
some of the issues facing the Air Force today,
as well as its strengths and his goals for 2007.
One of the ways he’s spreading those goals is
through a mission, or “goal card.”
Many of the goals on this card are a con-
tinuation of those he expressed early on in his
tenure: fostering mutual respect and integrity;
sustaining air, space and cyberspace capabili-
ties; open, transparent business practices; and
fostering Air Force Smart Operations for the
21st Century across the Air Force. The sec-
retary added a new goal this year: “Every
Airman an ambassador to all we meet and
serve.”
The secretary encourages all Airmen to tell
the Air Force story -- not just senior leaders.
Some Airmen may mistake those in high-
visibility positions, like Thunderbird pilots
or wing commanders, as being the only rep-
resentatives of the service. But actually, all
Airmen are ambassadors of the Air Force, the
secretary said.
To download go to http://www.af.mil/
shared/media/document/AFD-070220-031.
pdf.

Commander’s Action Line

The Commander’s Action Line is a direct line for comments
and suggestions to make RAF Croughton a better place to live and
work. It is also an avenue to address issues that have not been
resolved through the responsible agency or your chain of com-
mand.
Items of interest to all Croughton readers may be published in
The Uplink. If you leave your name and telephone number or e-
mail address, you will receive a reply.
Your contact information also provides a
means for us to get more information if need-
ed to work the issue
To submit an Action Line, call 236-8017
or e-mail 422abg.commanders.actionline@
croughton.af.mil. Col. D’Angelo

Cover: fense or the Department of the Air Force.

Survivor Croughton PT
Becky Lee, from Survivor Cook Islands
TV show, participates at Group PT with
1st Lt. Peter Doyle (front left), Senior
Airmen Eric Watts (rear right), Master
Sgt. Wayne Herrington (rear left), and
Tech Sgt Robert Ashley.
Photo by Tech Sgt. Keith Houin
422nd Air Base Squadron
Lt. Col. Jim Ryan , Squadron Commander
Editorial Staff
Tech. Sgt. Keith Houin. Public Affairs NCO
Multimedia support is provided by
Tech. Sgt. Robert Ashley
This funded Air Force newspaper is an au-
thorized publication for members of the U.S.
military services overseas. The Uplink content is
not necessarily the official view of, or endorsed
by, the U.S. Government, the Department of De-
Content is edited, prepared and provided by
the RAF Croughton Public Affairs office. All
photographs are Air Force photographs unless
indicated.
Public Affairs can be reached at 422nd ABS/
PA, Unit 5855, APO, AE 09494, or DSN 236-
8468 or 01280708468; or e-mail 422abs.pa@
croughton.af.mil.
The submission deadline is close of business
the Thursday eight days prior to the desired pub-
lication date. All material is edited for accuracy,
brevity, clarity and conformity to regulations.
The Public Affairs office strives for accu-
racy. If an error is noticed, contact The Uplink
staff.
 June 15, 2007
3 AF Command Chief visits Wing, Group
by Tech Sgt. Keith Houin
Public Affairs
The 3rd Air Force Command Chief
Master Sergeant, Chief Master Sgt.
Martin Klukas visited RAF Croughton
and other 501st Wing bases June 5th
through 8th.
While at Croughton the Chief spent
time visiting various work centers on
the 6th and spoke at an enlisted break-
fast on the 7th.
Both at the visits and the breakfast
the Chief spoke on the changes the Air
force is going through, the challenges
ahead of us, the importance of each air-
man, and his impression of the enlisted
force, as well as addressing key issues
brought up by members in attendance.
“I think one of our biggest challenges
is keeping the proper focus; keeping our
Airmen focused on their task at hand
and minimizing the many distractions
that continue to pop up,” he said.
“Generally speaking, I think we, as
warrior Airmen, will do whatever is
asked of us as long as we are properly
led and whatever is asked falls into what
News
we see as a “reasonable expectation”.”
He said that previous change has giv-
en us just as many challenges, but we
have continued to complete the mission
and improve our capability.
“As we’ve seen our Air Force down-
size over the last several decades, we’ve
seen the quality of our folks continue to
climb...how else could an organization
remain relevant? Not only are we rel-
evant, we are much better as a fighting
force,” he said.
“Technology enables us to accom-
plish many tasks but in the end it is
every warrior Airman completing their
missions that make us so successful.
We could never overstate the impor-
tance of each and every Airmen.”
He stressed that the unnecessary loss
of even one airman affects the team,
and the mission.
“When we lose a warrior we so des-
perately need to an alcohol-related inci-
dent, we lose combat power...we serve
to provide combat power for our nation
and we need all Airmen to be able to ac-
complish our missions,” he said.
Mission accomplishment is some-
The Uplink 3
thing he said he saw throughout the
wing.
“The 501st is incredibly diverse and
geographically challenged yet you con-
tinue to find ways to turn challenges into
successes, and potential weaknesses
into strengths. Having a positive com-
mand climate that encourages open and
honest communications is a major key
to success, especially in today’s rapidly
changing environment...the 501st “gets
it”; you all rock!”
As for RAF Croughton in particular
he said, “In one word: AWESOME!
Team Croughton is well led and has
motivated Airmen who have a sense of
purpose.”
The Chief also provided some part-
ing advice for our current and future
enlisted leaders. “Set yourself apart by
preparing yourself to meet the mission
and being ready for the fight...make
your strengths stronger and your weak-
nesses disappear through personal and
professional development. Study and
practice both leadership and follower-
ship and be courageous in both,” he
said.

wings with a combat jump star, Military Freefall Jumpmaster

Chief Master Sgt.
Martin S. Klukas
3rd Air Force
Command Chief
Master Sergeant
Chief Klukas entered the Air Force in June 1984. He has
an extensive background in the Theater Air Control System
and Army Air Ground System including both Joint and Special
Operations. He deployed for Operation JUST CAUSE where
he participated in a night combat parachute assault with the
US Army Rangers and also deployed for Operations DESERT
SHIELD, DESERT STORM, ENDURING FREEDOM and
IRAQI FREEDOM. Chief Klukas has earned Master Parachutist
wings, Air Assault wings and the US Army Ranger tab.
Major Awards and Decorations
Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, Defense Meritorious
Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf
clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf
cluster, Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters,
Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement
Medal with seven oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal
with one oak leaf cluster.
Other Achievements
1986 Distinguished graduate, Noncommissioned Officer
Preparatory Course, 1986 First Place Team, Annual 275X0
worldwide competition, 1987 507th Tactical Air Control Wing
Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year, 1988 John L. Levitow
award and Esprit-de-Corps award, Noncommissioned Officer
Leadership School, 1992 John L. Levitow award, Noncommis-
sioned Officer Academy, 1992 NCO of the Year, 18th Air Sup-
port Group, 1994 Overall individual champion and first place
team, LIGHTNING CHALLENGE competition, 1999 Distin-
guished Honor Graduate, Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, 2001
United States Air Forces Europe Tactical Air Command and
Control Specialist SNCO of the Year.
4 June 15, 2007 News The Uplink

Recycling Saves money, environment

Proper procedures add to impact
by Tech Sgt Keith Houin (baled or re-containerized) and trans- Mixed colored paper
Public Affairs ported off the base and recycled into new Newspapers & magazines
products,” Alex Wilkieson, 422nd Civil Yellow pages
Using the base Recycling Center lo- Engineer Squadron Environmental Flight Clear glass
cated across from the BX and Commis- Chief said. Brown glass
sary area saves valuable natural resources “ If the recyclable materials are Green glass
by recycling, and also reduces the amount not separated properly it causes huge Aluminum cans
of garbage sent to landfill. amounts of unnecessary labor to separate Steel cans
The recycling program has already the materials, labor that RAF Croughton Plastic bottles
significantly reduced the garbage dispos- does not have.” Plastic bags
al bill for the base, with further recycling Additionally, the resale value of the Clothing
initiatives and better participation from recyclable materials is significantly re- Shoes
base personnel; we could further reduce duced if they are contaminated with Toner cartridges
the garbage disposal bill. waste materials,” he said. Waste motor oils
However, not using it properly defeats The list below are the items that can Waste cooking oils
the purpose and costs the base money be currently be recycled through the base Scrap metal
and manpower. Recycling Center. Scrap aluminum
Only listed items can be recycled Bins are marked and members using Green garden waste
through the base recycle center, anything the recycle center should take care to put Car batteries
not on the list is considered trash and products in the proper bins and not mix Alkaline batteries
should be disposed of in home trash bins materials. NI-CAD batteries
or other approved trash receptacles. NIMH batteries
“ All the recyclable materials collected Cardboard Lithium batteries
at the recycling center must be processed Whitepaper CD’s & DVD’s

CCAF Graduates Sping 2007

Tech Sgt. Catherine Snider, 422 ABG Master Sgt. Jeanne Vogt, 422 CS
Avionics Systems Technology Electronic Systems Technology

Master Sgt Ashley Baron, 422 CS Tech Sgt. Gary Dayton, 422 CS
Electronic Systems Technology Electronic Systems Technology

Master Sgt. Christopher Ramos, 422 CS Senior Airman Kathrine Voirol, 422 CS
Electronic Systems Technology Electronic Systems Technology

RAF Croughton Pitsenbarger award winner: Senior Airman Kathrine Voirol, 422 CS

The UCI is coming!

Are You Ready?
 June 15, 2007
LEAD PROGRAM IS AIRMAN’S PATH
TO U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY
Each year, Airmen on active duty
receive appointments to the Air Force
Academy.
There are 135 slots available
through the Leaders Encouraging
Airmen Development Program.
The LEAD Program is an ongoing
Air Force effort to provide its
brightest Airmen the opportunity to
excel by offering them appointments
to the Academy in Colorado Springs,
Colorado.
Each year, commanders nominate
highly qualified Airmen to attend
the Air Force Academy Prep School
with the intention of an academy
appointment to follow.
Airmen compete for 50 Prep
School slots and a potential 85 direct
Weigh your risk before you take a bite
Staff Sgt Trever Miller
422 ABS Medical Flight
Summer cookouts, picnics, and
potlucks are right around the corner
so it’s a good time to prepare for safe
cooking practices. These gatherings
are great fun but can be a risk to your
health if you aren’t careful with food
preparation and storage. The Cen-
ters for Disease Control and Preven-
tion (CDC), reports during an average
year in the US, there are 60,000 cases
of food-borne illnesses and of those
5,000 people will die annually.
The CDC estimates that only 1 in
10 cases of food-borne illness are re-
ported. Most people wait the illness
out, or use home remedies thinking
that the source was the “common flu.”
More than 1500 food-borne illnesses
were directly related to picnics (1990-
1995). Common diseases were Hepa-
titis A, Salmonella, and E. coli—all of
which can cause serious illness.
Now is the time to buy a cooler and
ice packs since 37% of all food-borne
News
appointments to the Academy.
Airmen must be U.S. citizens or be
able to obtain citizenship before entry
into the academy the following year.
Candidates must be unmarried and
have no dependents.
In addition, Airmen must not have
passed their 22nd birthday by July 1
of the entry year into the Prep School
or 23rd birthday if receiving a direct
appointment to the Academy.
Airmen must also be of high moral
character and have at least one year
retainability when they enter the Prep
School.
To compete for either the Prep
School or a direct appointment to
the Academy, Airmen must complete
AF Form 1786 and have their unit
illnesses are caused by improper “hold-
ing” temperatures. In other words,
foods which contain oils, mayonnaise,
meat or eggs must be held below 40°F
and foods must be kept out of the dan-
ger zone; which lies between 41°F and
140°F because the pathogens which
cause foodborne illness grow most
rapidly in this temperature zone.
Your fingers are the10 most com-
mon ways that pathogens enter your
body and cause illness. While you
may be serious about hand washing,
studies conducted in the U.S. have
shown that less than 30% of people
routinely wash their hands after using
the toilet. This break down of basic
personal hygiene alone accounts for
22% of foodborne illness. Consider
this the next time someone hands you
some potato salad! Undercooked
foods have lead to 17% of foodborne
illness cases. The days of eating raw
and rare hamburger are over. Today, it
is essential to ensure foods are cooked
medium-well to well-done.
Food preparation varies from home
The Uplink 5
commander complete a statement on
their character, ability and motivation
to become an officer.
The form and statement must
be coordinated through their MPF
assignment section and reach the Air
Force Academy’s Admissions Office
NLT 31 Jan of the entry year.
Airmen will receive a notification
from the admissions office which
identifies all the additional
requirements needed to complete the
application package.
Airmen interested in the program
should start early by contacting their
local Education Office at 236-8135
for more information.
(Article courtesy of USAFE Public
Affairs)
to home, so what you may consider
as clean in your home may be tainted
elsewhere. In some homes, pets have
free roam of counters where food is
prepared. Think about it, contami-
nated food preparation account for 10
– 17% of foodborne illness.
Where did it come from? Were
those deviled eggs made from local
chicken eggs? How well was the food
processed? These are just a few items
to question as 7 – 15% of foodborne
illness comes from unsafe sources.
Some food sources can be downright
harmful. All foods should be pur-
chased from sources approved by Pub-
lic Health.
Summer gatherings are part of our
culture and can be a lot of fun and safe
when food is handled correctly. The
next time you attend an event, weigh
your risk before you take a bite, it
could be the difference between stay-
ing healthy and getting sick.
For information about this or any
other Public Health issue, please con-
tact 236-8472.
6 June 15, 2007

Team SFS

Four Teams squared off

Relays. SFS and Comm
own and ABG, ABS and
ABS #1 and ABS #2.
The relays tested streng
six legs of grueling activ
SFS managed to win 5
The only leg they didn’t
leg where Maj. Paul Sila
Benjamin Leininger cro
Staff Sgt.Stephanie Kunz neck.

Senior Airman Kathrine Voirol

ABS #1
Nathan Davis
 The Uplink 7

COMM

in the annual Rucksack

m fielded teams of their
d CE combined to form

gth and stamina through

vity.
of the six legs outright.
win was a tie for the 1st
as and Airmen 1st Class
ossed the line neck to
Staff Sgt. Jason Olson

Major Paul Silas

Adam Harris
and
Staff Sgt. Nyree Watts ABS #2

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Robert Ashley, Graphics by Tech Sgt. Keith Houin
8 June 15, 2007 Sports/Fitness The Uplink

Survivor star visits RAF Croughton

Survivor “Cook Island” final three contestant
Becky Lee visited airmen and families at RAF
Croughton June 7.
While here, Becky had lunch and signed auto-
graphs at the Consolidated Club, then in the
afternoon attended Group PT.
Born to South Korean immigrants in Flushing,
NY, Rebekah “Becky” Lee was raised in the
suburbs of Pittsburgh. She attended Thomas
Jefferson High School where she played var-
sity tennis all four years and did international
volunteer work in several developing coun-
tries.
Now that the show is over she she has created
a non-profit organization – Becky Lee Women’s
Support Fund – to raise money to help battered
women leave their abusers and become more
financially secure. She is planning on donat-
ing much of her earnings from the show to this
fund and continues to fundraise for this cause.
Since she believes strongly in giving back to
the community and helping the Korean young-
er generation excel, Lee plans on also using
her Survivor earnings to set up several schol-
arships through her high school, local church,
and a civic organization, The Korean Associa-
tion of the Greater Pittsburgh.

Sport Shorts
American Football
Oxford Saints
RAF Croughton players led the
way again for the Oxford Saints in a
26-0 victory over the Kent Exiles in
a down pour that filled the field with
more than 2 inches of water.
T.J. Cassidy led the day for Ameri-
can Offensive players and was practi-
cally everywhere the ball was, play-
ing as receiver, punt and kick returner
and filling in for sidelined Randy
Townsend at running back at times,
he put up a combined 120 yards.
In the start of the second half he
stunned the Exiles and had the crowd
electrified as he weaved his way 72
yards on the kick return to the 2 yard
line setting up the last touchdown for
the day.
Tight End Mark Losos controlled
the line and pulled down one of the
two completions for the day for 8
yards. Losos also got into the rush-
ing game taking a tight end sneak 24
yards down the field.
Marvin Reyes made off with 2 in-
terceptions and shut-down coverage
practically shutting down the exiles
passing game, while Tyler Kamish
provided 2 unassisted drive stopping
tackles and pursued sideline to side-
line from the linebacker position to
help shutdown the running game.
Base Softball Team
The base softball team finished 4th
in the recent Recon Classic at RAF
Lakenheath.
Danny Reese led the hitting with
16-23 and a batting average of .696.
Josh Peavy had the 2nd highest
batting average at .679 and led the
team in home runs with 4 for the
weekend.
The next tournament will be at
RAF Croughton on June 16 at the
upper field.
Bobby Charlton
Soccer Camp
The Youth & Teen Program will be
hosting the Bobby Charlton Soccer
Camp June 25-29.
There are three age groups: 7-9
years, 10-13 years and 14-18 years.
Registration is open June 8-18 (or
until all places are filled). Cost for
the camp is $25 for Youth & Teen
members and $30 for non-members.
For more information and to sign-
up contact Joe Elmore at the CDC.
 June 15, 2007
Community Center/ITT
236-8706
Ancient World I Tour
The Community Center/ITT will
have an Ancient World I Tour on Sat-
urday June 23. This tour will take
you to a few of, what is considered,
ancient sites of Britain that includes
Stonehenge, Woodhenge and then onto
Salisbury. Cost is $30 adults/$15 chil-
dren (transportation only, admission
payable locally). Transport will depart
Croughton at 7.00 am and Caversfield
at 7.20 am.
Chessington
World of Adventures & Zoo
The Community Center/ITT has a
trip to Chessington World of Adven-
tures & Zo0 on Sunday July 1.
Chessington is the theme park to
go to if you are looking for an action
packed family fun filled day! Cost is
£28 adults/£20 children, over 1 me-
ter – 11 years, Transport will depart
Croughton at 8.00 am and Caversfield
at 8.20 am.
Club
236-8432
Bo’s Chicken Special
and Bingo Night
Bo’s Chicken Special will be avail-
able at the Club on Wednesday June
20 from 5-7pm. Bingo Night will be
held afterwards with sales starting at
6.30 pm and games starting at 7.00 pm.
Must be 18 years or older to play.
Karaoke Night
The Club will be holding a Karaoke
Night on Friday June 29. The event
starts at 7.00 pm and will run until
1.00 am. For more information call the
Club.
Croughton Crust
Pizza of the Month – Hawaiian
Pizza—show your club card & get $1
off your order!! Wednesdays at the
Croughton Crust – Buy one pizza and
get one ½ price!! Call us on DSN 236-
8989. Pizzas can be eaten in or are
available for pick-up.
Happenings
Outdoor Recreation
236-8419
Horse Trekking in the
Black Mountains, Wales
Outdoor Rec will be taking a Horse
Trekking trip to the magnificent Black
Mountains on Saturday June 23. Total
riding time is 4-5 hours. Cost is $70 and
includes transport, horse/pony, hard hat
and guide. Minimum age for this trip is
13 years and must be accompanied by
an adult. Transport will depart Outdoor
Rec at 7.30 am.
Scooter Kayak! Teen Adventure Camp 2007
On the Mountain Waters of the
RAF Croughton has been allocated
River Wye 3 spaces only for this camp that will
New for 2007! Come with Outdoor
Rec on this exciting and inspiring day
trip on Sunday June 24. We will travel
down the River Wye and Symonds Yat
gorge in the Royal Forest of Dean. Cost
is $45 and includes transport, one-man
sit-a-top kayak, life jacket, instruction
and guide. You must be able to swim to
participate on this trip. Transportation
will leave Outdoor Rec at 7.30 am.
Fitness Center
236-8449
Bleep Test Event
The Fitness Center will hold a Bleep
Test Event on Thursday June 28. This
event is open to all authorized per-
sonnel. Appropriate footwear must be
worn by all competitors. Complete the
multi-stage Fitness Test for the chance
to win prizes!! Sign-up deadline is
COB Wednesday June 27. For full de-
tails and to sign-up contact the Fitness
Center.
Library
236-8476
Summer Reading Program
Get a Clue @ Your Library
The Library Summer Reading Pro-
gram will start on Tuesday June 26 and
will run until Friday August 17. The
program is open to all children (0-18
years). The program goal is to read 15
The Uplink 9
hours and prizes are awarded for each
three hours read (or read to for the
pre-readers). Story and Craft hours
for 1st-3rd graders will be held July
24, 26, 31 and August 2 at 2.00 pm in
the Library. Regular story hour for 2-
5 year olds will continue on Tuesday
mornings at 10.00 am. Stop by the Li-
brary to pick up your registration form
or for further information.
Youth & Teen
Program
236-8543
be held at Garmisch AFRC, Germa-
ny, August 6-10. The camp is open
to children aged 13-18 years and
activities include mountain biking;
rafting; rappelling; rock climbing;
gorge hike; swimming; and camp-
ing. Places are decided by an es-
say competition. Applicants should
write why they would like to attend
the Teen Adventure Camp and how
they think they may benefit from the
experience. Submit essays to Joe
Elmore at the CDC building by June
23. All participants crossing interna-
tional borders must have their pass-
port with them.
Euro Space Camp
RAF Croughton has been allocat-
ed 2 spaces only for this camp that
will be held at Transinne, Belgium
July 22-27. The camp is open to
children aged 10-15 years and activi-
ties include launching micro rockets
that have been built; a micro gravity
simulator; 5 degrees of freedom chair
and simulation of a space shuttle
launch. Places are decided by an es-
say competition. Applicants should
write why they would like to attend
the Space Camp and how they think
they may benefit from the experi-
ence. Submit essays to Joe Elmore
at the CDC building by June 22. All
participants crossing international
borders must have their passport
with them.
10 June 15, 2007
RAF CROUGHTON 2006 WATER QUALITY REPORT
Air Force Instruction 48-144, Safe
Drinking Water Surveillance Program, and
the United States Environmental Protection
Agency (USEPA) require all community
water systems to provide to their consum-
ers an annual water quality report. This re-
port will help consumers understand where
their drinking water comes from and what
is in it. It will help them to make informed
choices that affect their families’ health and
help everyone understand the importance
of protecting our drinking water sources.
Source Water
The 422nd Civil Engineer Squadron op-
erates RAF Croughton’s potable water dis-
tribution system. Water is supplied by two
sources. The base operates its own source
known as Rowler Springs and blends it with
water purchased from Anglian Water, the
region’s supplier. Rowler Springs is a com-
bination of surface water and groundwater
under the direct influence of surface water.
The Anglian Water feed is from their Buck-
ingham Supply Zone, which originates
from the Wing and Grafham Reservoirs.
Treatment Process
RAF Croughton’s Rowler Springs wa-
ter supply is sand and carbon filtered to
remove particulates and volatile organic
compounds and pesticides before being
chlorinated using a sodium hypochlorite so-
lution. The Anglian Water supply, already
treated and chlorinated by Anglian, is again
chlorinated prior to blending with treated
water from Rowler. Chlorine is added to
the water supply for disinfection purposes
and prevents bacteriological growth in the
distribution system.
Testing
A Bioenvironmental Engineering (BE)
technician collects bacteriological samples
from various locations in the water distri-
bution system. These samples are analyzed
in the BE water lab to ensure no bacterio-
logical growth is present in the distribution
system. The BE technician also collects
water samples from representative loca-
tions in the water system and sends them
to Analytical and Environmental Services
(AES) laboratory for chemical analysis and
additional bacteriological testing. AES is
headquartered in Newcastle upon Tyne,
England, with laboratories throughout Eng-
land, but primarily analyzing drinking water
at their Horsley, Newcastle upon Tyne lab.
The results are reviewed and maintained by
the Bioenvironmental Engineering office at
RAF Croughton to ensure compliance with
safe drinking water standards.
Water Analysis Results
Public Notice
RAF Croughton’s water supply is tested
for over 100 substances. The table below
lists the contaminants detected that require
reporting by the USEPA. Drinking
water, including bottled water, may reason-
ably be expected to contain at least a small
amount of some contaminants. The pres-
ence of contaminants does not necessarily
indicate that the water poses a health risk.
More information about contaminants and
potential health effects can be obtained by
calling the USEPA Safe Drinking Water
Hotline at (800) 426-4791. The sources
of drinking water (both tap water and bot-
tled water) include rivers, lakes, streams,
ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As
water travels over the surface of the land or
through the ground, it dissolves naturally
occurring minerals and can pick up sub-
stances resulting from the presence of ani-
mals or from human activity. Contami-
nants that may be present in source water
include: Microbial contaminants, such as
viruses and bacteria, which may come from
sewage treatment plants, septic systems
and wildlife. Inorganic contaminants, such
as salts and metals, which can be naturally
occurring or result from urban storm runoff
and industrial or domestic wastewater dis-
charges. Pesticides and herbicides, which
may come from a variety of sources such
as agriculture, urban storm water runoff
and residential use. Organic chemical con-
taminants, including synthetic or volatile
organic chemicals, which are byproducts
of industrial processes and can come from
gas stations, urban storm water runoff and
septic systems. Radioactive contaminants,
which can naturally occur or be the result of
industrial activities. In order to ensure that
tap water is safe to drink, limits/levels are
established on the amount of certain con-
taminants that can be present in drinking
water provided by public water systems.
The limits below are from the U.S. Depart-
ment of Defense Environmental Final Gov-
erning Standards (FGS) - United Kingdom
(Jan 2005). This document integrates U.S.
and U.K. requirements by implementing
the more stringent limit of any chemical
regulated by either country.
Water Analysis Results
The results in the table below include
all chemicals for which analysis was per-
formed and concentrations of the chemi-
cals that were detected from 1 Jan 2006 to
31 Dec 2006. The lab did not detect the
remaining substances. An explanation of
some of the results that exceeded their lim-
its follows. Dalapon is reported below as
The Uplink
having exceeded its FGS maximum con-
taminant limit (MCL); this was for one
sample out of four. No dalapon was de-
tected in the three other samples and the
annual average is below the MCL. BE
does not believe the laboratory analysis
was accurate and does not believe this re-
flects a health hazard. Dalapon has been
banned in the UK since 2003 and only has
a six-month environmental persistency. In
2006, BE performed a quality assurance in-
vestigation into potential false positives at
all USAF bases in the UK by sending du-
plicate samples and blanks to two UK labs
and one EPA accredited lab. The US lab re-
ported all results were under the limit (none
detected), while the UK labs reported levels
over the limit in both samples and blanks.
Based on these results, BE believes the
positives are spurious. Further information
regarding dalapon in drinking water and its
health effects can be obtained by contact-
ing Bioenvironmental Engineering at DSN
236-8838 or 01280 708 838. Endothall is
reported as having exceeded its FGS Maxi-
mum Contaminant Level (MCL) for one
out of four samples taken quarterly from
the Distribution System. Further research
by RAF Lakenheath has determined that
the contract laboratory results for the ma-
jority of UK bases exceeded the MCL dur-
ing the July 2006 Drinking Water Quarterly
sampling suite. No Endothall was detected
in any samples taken at RAF Croughton
prior to or after the July 2006 sample. En-
dothall is a herbicide that is generally used
for weed control and only has a 7-21 day
persistency in surface water and soil. It has
not been approved for use at RAF Feltwell
from 1999-present. The chemical is also
not on the U.K. registered pesticides/herbi-
cides list. This analysis was sub-contracted
to the Environmental Agency, which has
suggested possible analytical error. There-
fore, at this time the results are considered
spurious at best, but have still exceeded
the MCL and are required to be reported.
Further information regarding Endothall in
drinking water and their health effects can
be obtained by contacting Bioenvironmen-
tal Engineering at 01638-528047 or DSN
226-8047.
Additional Health Information
Some people may be more vulnerable
to contaminants in drinking water than the
general population. Immuno-compromised
persons such as those with cancer undergo-
ing chemotherapy, those that have under-
gone organ transplants, with HIV/AIDS or
those with immune system disorders and
 June 15, 2007
some elderly and infants, can be particu-
larly at risk from infections. These people
should seek advice about their drinking wa-
ter from their health care providers. The
USEPA and the US Centers for Disease
Public Notice
Control guidelines on appropriate means to
lessen the risk of infection by Cryptospo-
ridium and other microbial contaminants
are available from the USEPA Safe Drink-
ing Water Hotline (800) 426-4791.
The Uplink 11
Input and Information
If you have questions, please contact
TSgt Mary Moore, in Bioenvironmental
Engineering Services, RAF Croughton at
DSN 236-8838 or 01280 708 838.

Definitions:
FGS-UK - Final Governing Standards for the United Kingdom - The governing environmental regulation for US military bases in the UK.
MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level - The highest level of contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are enforceable standards.
mg/L - milligrams per liter - A unit used to describe the level or concentration of a detected contaminant. Milligrams per liter are equivalent to parts per million.
NA - Not applicable.
ND - None detected.
NTU - Nephelolometric Turbidity Units - A unit used to describe the clarity of water. Higher numbers mean more cloudy water.
PAH - Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. The sum of the detected concentrations of benzo-3,4(b)-fluoranthene, benzo-11,12(k)-fluoranthene, benzo-1,12(ghi)-
perylene, and indeno-(1,2,3-cd)-pyrene.
PCB - Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls, as decachlorobiphenyls. A group of organic chemicals formerly widely used in products such as hydraulic fluids, adhesives,
pesticide extenders, inks, lubricants, and carbonless reproducing paper.
PCV - Prescribed Concentration or Value - The maximum concentration of a contaminant or the maximum value of any parameter, which might affect the
wholesomeness, or aesthetics of a water supply.
Total Trihalomethanes or TTHM - The sum of the detected concentrations of chloroform, bromoform, dibromochloromethane, and bromodichloromethane.