Keesler news briefs Published July 28, 2010 KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- More Guard members on base The Mississippi National Guard has activated 30 more soldiers to support ongoing oil spill response operations and, if called upon, to augment civilian authorities in the wake of a major hurricane developing in the Gulf of Mexico, officials announced Friday. The National Guard infantry soldiers, all recently returned from Iraq, add to the 50 soldiers now working on the clean-up vessels as communications link to the operations center and reconnaissance helicopters that officials have deemed "very successful" since its implementation. Due to the limited housing available and a preference to contain a military unit in military quarters, all soldiers will stay at Keesler. The base is designated by U.S. Northern Command as the base support installation for Department of Defense forces responding to the crisis. Last month, Keesler began housing about 50 Mississippi National Guard soldiers to support ongoing oil spill response operations, marking the first time since Hurricane Katrina that Keesler has housed National Guard troops. Squadron reactivation Aug. 6 The reactivation ceremony for the 345th Tactical Airlift Squadron is 10 a.m. Aug. 6 at the Roberts Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Facility. The 345th TAS is an active associate unit of both the 403rd Operations Group and the 19th Operations Group, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The unit pairs active-duty units with reserve units as part of the total force integration initiative. AETC commander honored AETC Public Affairs Gen. Stephen Lorenz, Air Education and Training Command commander, was inducted into the Order of the Sword July 16 at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. The Order of the Sword is the highest honor and tribute noncommissioned officers can bestow upon a person. General Lorenz is the sixth leader AETC Airmen have chosen to recognize by presenting the sword. Phones, seatbelt, car seat rules Cell phones -- It's a primary offense to drive on base while using a cell phone without a hands-free device. For military members, offenses are subject to citation for points, and for civilian employees, dependents, retirees and contractors, citations carry a fine. Driving privileges can be suspended for seven days for the first offense, 30 days for a second offense and one year for a third offense. Seatbelts must be used by driver and passengers. Children at least 4-7 years old or less than 65 pounds or under 4 feet, 9 inches tall must be in a booster/child seat of vehicles in operation on the installation. For violations, driving privileges can be suspended seven days for the first offense, 30 days for the second offense, 90 days for the third offense and one year for the fourth and subsequent offenses. For more information, call the 81st Security Forces Squadron, 376-6600, or the wing safety office, 377-2007.