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It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Kirtland AFB, NM

Home Care Kirtland AFB, NM

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Kirtland Air Force Monument Sign gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Kirtland AFB, NM is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Kirtland AFB, NM

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“I have been with Always Best Care for almost 5 yrs. This is an amazing company. We not only care about our clients but the company also takes care of their employees.”

kristine G.
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“Great place to work! Very friendly people and excellent work environment.”

Daisy C.
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“Always best care is an extremely fast-growing company and a wonderful place to work! The CEO truly cares about each individual, welcomes creativity, and leads by example. The culture at Always best care is the best I've ever worked for and everyone is authentic and loves what they do. Training processes are great and really help people to feel comfortable in each position. The Supervisors are always willing to help and will take time out of their day to dedicate to helping you if needed.”

Diana O.
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“Awesome place to work, friendly staff. Caregivers are the heart of the agency. Our clients really appreciate us.”

Debby T.
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“This is a fantastic company of compassionate and hard working people who genuinely care about making a difference in people’s lives. They go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the best quality care to people in the community.”

Natasha G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care is an extremely fast-growing company and a wonderful place to work! The CEO truly cares about each individual, welcomes creativity, and leads by example. The culture at Always best care is the best I've ever worked for and everyone is authentic and loves what they do. Training processes are great and really help people to feel comfortable in each position. The Supervisors are always willing to help and will take time out of their day to dedicate to helping you if needed.”

Diana M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The service that my mom has received has been a total blessing. The team at Always Best Care Albuquerque has done an amazing job getting my mom the care and attention that she has needed ever since she was discharged from the hospital. My mom had been treated with kindness, care and respect. Highly recommend”

Matt K.
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“Great company to work for. Love the staff”

Sherry S.
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“Darlene, Sara, Annalee, and Sam have been so awesome ! My live in Mother is 92 years old and if left alone, she would blowup the microwave oven, burn something on the stove top, or toaster oven, let the 3 dogs out 25 times, and feed them snacks they should not have. I work, and with the daily care from Always Best Care, I don't worry over my mother's antics while I'm not home. My wife and I are cyclists and tennis players, and we workout at the gym also. When we have days off from work, we can enjoy hours of endurance training knowing my Mom is receiving comfort, company and care. Thank you Always Best Care ! We love you.”

Gary M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have been working for Always Best Care for 4 1/2 years and that should say it all, but I will elaborate. The company makes sure you are part of a team. The pay is good, and the hours are good. There is an open door policy to make sure the caregivers experience is enhanced by strong support. If your are looking to work with a team that has your best interest and that of client in mind then then don’t hesitate to consider Always Best Care.”

Kathleen A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I love working for this company! They are one of the best when it comes too making sure their staff has the support and essentials that are needed for work. Communication is amazing. I can honestly say this is byfar my favorite company I have worked for.”

Lyssa C.
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“Working for an in home health care agency committed to providing the best care possible to clients in need, is extremely rewarding work.”

Sara S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Amazing place to work for. Highly recommend. Flexible schedule foe caregivers and amazing supportive staff.”

April W.
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“I have been working for this company 7 years and in all my time with this company I have been blown away at how much they support the caregivers and there ability to hold the caregivers needs and concerns as high as there clients is why I have been an employee of this company for so long. The owner has truly created an environment that puts the focus of care for the client's and work continuity for the caregiver as her highest priority and this is why I have been truly blessed to be employed with this company.”

Sam S.
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“I've been with Always Best Care, Vacaville, about a year and a half and I am very pleased with the service. Their Caregivers are very kind and competent helpers. I would recommend this service to anyone and I have recommend this service to several of my friends.”

Linda B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Here's what I posted on Google and Facebook: Life would have been a lot harder without Always Best Care in my life, I have COPD and I am on oxygen full time at level 4 so doing daily chores are out question without my caregiver Ricci Anthony who has been taking tremendous care of me for 3 years this August 2022 and I thank God everyday for him. Every time he arrives he immediately says Hi checks in with me to see how I am doing. As well as, every time he departs I thank him for all that he does for me and I tell him I love him Ricci replies in same likeness. Ricci and I are incredible friends, it’s closer to a dad and son relationship. We’re both strong Christian me. As for Chelsea who does Intake and is the Schedules for Always Best Care equally an amazing individual. Don’t let her young age fool you on the contrary she is a powerhouse. She’s highly a professional, she’s industrious, highly intelligent, she’s a great friend and you can always depend on her to be in support for you. Always Best Care is always best care.”

Michael W.
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“ABC is absolutely amazing! The staff is very caring and very friendly. always go above and beyond. They have great communication between Clients and Staff.”

Rebecca G.
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“Always Best Care is the best! Darlene and her team are exceptional and provide excellent service to their clients. I thoroughly enjoy working with them. Call them today for all your home care needs!”

Steven J.
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“Kathy McClure is a problem solver. She assisted us on Long Term Care Reimbursement and took us thru the process smoothly.”

Patrick M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I was very satisfied with the professional care Always Best care provided to my father. Our caregiver was fantastic to work with and always easy to reach when I had any questions. Always Best Care and their staff showed so much care and compassion towards my father, I always knew they were taking excellent care of them. I would highly recommend them to any family.”

Santiago T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Nate and Charlene are the best in their field. It has been a pleasure getting to know you and your company.”

Jesse S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Dave and his staff go above and beyond with their care. They all take special interest with their clients. Also a very helpful resource in future planning and current ideas. Trust your parents to these people - they will not let you down.”

Bill H.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Kirtland AFB, NM?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Kirtland AFB, NM

Types of Elderly Care in Kirtland AFB, NM

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Kirtland AFB, NM
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Kirtland AFB, NM
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Kirtland Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Kirtland AFB, NM
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Thunderbird Dining Facility, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Kirtland AFB, NM

Benefits of Home Care in Kirtland AFB, NM

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Kirtland AFB, NM, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Kirtland AFB, NM

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NM's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Kirtland AFB, NM

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Kirtland AFB, NM understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Kirtland AFB, NM

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Kirtland AFB, NM

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Sandia Vista Senior Living
  • The Woodmark at Uptown
  • Hannett House
  • Homes with a Heart Assisted Living Solano House
  • Good Samaritan Society Manzano del Sol Village
  • Morada Albuquerque
Home Care Kirtland AFB, NM

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Kirtland AFB, NM

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Kirtland AFB, NM 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Kirtland AFB, NM

Latest News in Kirtland AFB, NM

AC-130J Ghostrider gunship calls Kirtland AFB home for the next generation

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque is no stranger to seeing planes take to the sky and the newest, AC-130J Ghostrider model of the U.S. Air Force’s AC-130 gunship is no different.A nine-person crew calls the Ghostrider their office. The aircraft is $165 million but Lt. Col. Abderhalden, the assistant director of operations for the 73rd Special Operations Squadron, says the crew members onboard are the most important piece.“The machine can do incredible things, but it cannot do those inc...

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque is no stranger to seeing planes take to the sky and the newest, AC-130J Ghostrider model of the U.S. Air Force’s AC-130 gunship is no different.

A nine-person crew calls the Ghostrider their office. The aircraft is $165 million but Lt. Col. Abderhalden, the assistant director of operations for the 73rd Special Operations Squadron, says the crew members onboard are the most important piece.

“The machine can do incredible things, but it cannot do those incredible things without incredibly talented and professional air crew operating the machine,” said Abderhalden.

The crew goes through 12-hour days. Each member plays a crucial role in executing the unique dance of the gunship.

Leading the charge is the pilot and co-pilot.

“You’re in charge of the entire airplane,” said Capt. Bachmann, an AC-130J pilot. “You have to know what everyone else is doing. You have to know their jobs in and out so that you can back them up and make sure they’re doing the right thing at the right time. You can’t miss anything.”

Then, there’s the weapon and combat systems officers. They keep track of almost everything, from mission management to when to fire on identified targets.

“We are at the front of the plane doing navigation, fuel planning, threat planning. And then we also go to the back and we do the weaponeering. So that’s the gun and the PGM engagements and kind of the battle management side of it,” said Capt. Jarvis, a weapon systems officer.

The guns themselves, both the 30mm and the 105mm, are manned by the aerial gunners. The 30mm is a chain-fed automatic cannon that fires about 200 rounds per minute. The 105mm cannon on the other hand has to be manually loaded by the gunners.

“The rounds are about 45 pounds and we carry about 80 rounds, so it does get tiring after a while. We can load about 10 rounds per minute,” said Staff Sgt. Bibler, a gunner on the AC-130J. “We also have to think about firing limitations, recoil and heat when we’re managing the guns too.”

The recoil of the gun will move the plane about eight feet in flight, creating even more of a challenge for everyone on board. However, challenges like those come with being part of the team. It is more than worth it for these crew members.

“Not many people in their lifetime ever get to say they shoot a gun out of the plane, and it hits the ground. So it’s really unique, and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Jarvis said.

“We’re shooting on five millimeter cannon at 10,000 feet and blowing stuff up. So it’s really cool. It’s really special. It’s not something you can do anywhere else,” said Bachmann.

While they may not be part of the crew in the air, more important members of the team are the mechanics and maintainers that inspect and repair the planes every single day.

“We go throughout the week doing scheduled maintenance as required, to inspect the planes to make sure they’re ready to fly,” said Staff Sgt. Wolford, an aircraft unit mechanic. “Also, as the flying schedule demands, we come out and prep the planes, give them a good last look over and make sure they’re ready for our boys to get home.”

Countless hours of studying, training and flying go into executing the Ghostrider’s mission. They support our nation’s Special Operations forces on the ground when they need backup.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to be the person that they call on when they need extra help, and so we bring the biggest guns to a gunfight,” said Abderhalden.

Of course, to continue successfully fulfilling that mission, the next generation of crew members has to be trained. That’s why there is a new training unit for the AC-130J at Kirtland AFB as well.

“Training the next generation is the most important thing we could be doing in the Air Force right now, and trying to instill our knowledge that we’ve accumulated over the last 20 years. Making sure that they have the lessons that we’ve learned the hard way and setting them up for success so that they can do better than we did,” said Abderhalden.

Kirtland AFB fuel plume cleanup moving into the next stage

Jet fuel leaking from Kirtland Air Force base into the ground beneath Albuquerque was first discovered nearly 26 years ago in November 1999. So some residents may be surprised that the cleanup process has yet to begin in earnest. While some interim measures have been taken to stop the fuel from getting into the city’s drinking water, experts told lawmakers Tuesday that only the firs...

Jet fuel leaking from Kirtland Air Force base into the ground beneath Albuquerque was first discovered nearly 26 years ago in November 1999. So some residents may be surprised that the cleanup process has yet to begin in earnest. While some interim measures have been taken to stop the fuel from getting into the city’s drinking water, experts told lawmakers Tuesday that only the first phase of the process, the investigation, is finally nearing completion.

At a presentation to the legislative Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Environmental Manager for the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, Kelsey Bicknell said the fuel plume’s cleanup is governed by the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, which dictates a multi-phase process.

After the investigation, the next step is counter measure evaluations, during which the Air Force, along with the New Mexico Environment Department and the water authority review the plan for the cleanup before actually implementing the steps.

That’s not to say nothing has been done in the last quarter century. In fact, interim measures like soil vapor extraction and groundwater pump and treat systems have reduced contamination, and prevented chemicals from mixing with the city’s drinking water. While those measures have been successful, Bicknell said if the cleanup were to continue as is, it wouldn’t be complete for generations.

“Our modeling estimates that we’re looking at about 100 years to clean up the site, and that’s a long time,” she said. “And then if we were just to say, ‘we’ll turn everything off and just kind of let nature run its course,’ we’re looking at several centuries for cleanup, and so in either case, this is a very long time.”

Physical Scientist with Kirtland, Ryan Wortman, said the cleanup has been and will be focused mainly on two major contaminants — ethylene dibromide, or EDB, and benzene. The interim measures have already been able to clean up 95% of the EDB plume, but the benzene plume has actually grown slightly bigger.

Wortman said that’s because aquifer levels have been rising since their low in 2009, when the San Juan – Chama Diversion Project allowed the water authority to start relying more on surface water and less on groundwater. During the same time, soil vapor extraction removed loose fuel above the aquifer, but some contaminants that were absorbed by the soil were left behind.

As the aquifer has risen, it has reached more soil, and benzene has been spreading as a result. However, benzene doesn’t flow with the water the same way EDB does, which makes it more likely to stay in one area, thereby avoiding drinking water supply wells.

“The stability of the plume is mainly what we’re looking at. It’s not migrating towards anywhere. It’s expanding out in all directions due to contacting additional fuel contaminant,” Wortman? said, “and we’re really keeping our eye on if that starts moving in any sort of direction towards a drinking water supply well.”

Bicknell reassured lawmakers the water authority monitors the drinking water supply wells monthly for any sort of contamination, and says the fuel plume has not reached areas where those wells are pulling water. She said they have a policy in place to shut off wells if any contaminants are detected.

“That well would be turned off,” she said. “We would not serve that water to our customers.”

When State Sen. Jay Block (R-Rio Rancho) asked the panel why the investigation phase has taken so long, Wortman pointed out the in-depth investigation and amount of data uncovered contributed to the successful EDB cleanup.

“Over a quarter of a century long project, there’s a lot of answers for why the delays happened. I would summarize it with the first 15 years really being we needed to understand the extent of the problem,” he said. “We did not have a full picture of this site for the first 15 years. However, that long time of investigating delineation has resulted in that successful interim measure.”

In order to expedite the process going forward, Wortman said building off of regulatory approvals, as well as evaluations and data that have already been established, deliberated and on which consensus has been reached will be key. That will save time by avoiding further yearslong debates. Even with that, however, he expects the process won’t be concluded anytime soon.

“Obviously we want to expedite cleanup,” Wortman said. “But 25 years is what we’ve experienced for a site of this scale so far, and we’re anticipating additional efforts going out at least several decades into the future.”

Chief of the Hazardous Waste Bureau for the Environment Department, John-David Nance, said NMED is working with contractors to help spread out the work to be more efficient, and has been hiring more employees as well.

“This has gone on for a long time,” Nance said. “We’re really trying to make sure that we can get our part done to keep the process moving forward.”

Wortman said the entire process is open to public input, with documents available on their administrative records website, and information about the process so far available online.

“This is a part of the process where we really weigh in the entire community’s perspective and ensure, when we go out and put those taxpayer dollars,” he said, “that those go directly towards remedial strategies that will achieve the in-state goals of the community, as well as the regulatory agency in charge of this project.”

Support for this coverage comes from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

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