A PUBLICATION OF THE 502nd AIR BASE WING – JOINT ...extras.mysanantonio.com/lackland_talespinner/talespinner...DBIDS, a new identity authentication and force protection program,

A PUBLICATION OF THE 502nd AIR BASE WING – JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO

L A C K L A N D A I R F O R C E B A S E , T E X A S • w w w. l a c k l a n d . a f . m i l • V o l . 6 8 N o . 1 2 • M A R C H 2 6 , 2 0 1 0

INSIDECommentary 2

Recognition 6

What’s Happening 18

News & Features

Officer promotions 6

Home from Haiti 7

Boss Lift 9

Boxing camp 19

View the Talespinner onlineat www.lackland.af.mil

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

Drivers can expect delays at all the basegates if registration numbers for the newDefense Biometric Identification Systemdon’t begin to increase soon, according toinstallation security officials.

DBIDS, a new identity authenticationand force protection program, is beingimplemented across the Department ofDefense.

Through mid-March, only 11,000 of atargeted 55,000 have completed theprocess. A June 30 deadline to completethe mass registrations was set by AirEducation and Training Command.

Registration by unit began here in mid-January for all military and civilians withCommon Access Cards or DoD-issued IDcard holders and their dependents.

According to base security officials, thenew security system will be activated laterthis year.

Persons not registered in the system willbe denied entrance to the base and direct-ed to one of the visitor centers for registra-tion. Waits could be up to two hours andlimited parking space at the centers willimpede traffic flow through the gates.

“I can’t stress enough the importance ofregistering during scheduled unit times,”said Lisa Frantz, 802nd Security ForcesSquadron installation security chief.

SFS stresses DBIDS registration

See DBIDS P4

WOMEN IN CHARGE

Photo by Robbin CresswellMaster Sgt. LaTanya Dinkins (foreground), 320th Training Squadron, serves as the commander of troops during the Air Force Basic MilitaryTraining graduation parade March 19. Honoring Women’s History Month, all staff and flight commander positions during the parade werefilled by women from the 737th Training Group.

TALESPINNERPAGE 2 MARCH 26, 2010

COMMENTARY

Editorial staffBRIG. GEN. LEONARD PATRICK,502ND AIR BASE WING

COMMANDER

OSCAR BALLADARES,DIRECTOR, 502ND ABW OL-APUBLIC AFFAIRS

JOE BELA,CHIEF OF INTERNAL

COMMUNICATIONS, 671-4111

SHANNON CARABAJAL,MANAGING EDITOR, 671-1786

MIKE JOSEPH,STAFF WRITER, 671-4357

PATRICK DESMOND,SPORTS EDITOR/STAFF WRITER,671-5049

PAUL NOVAK,DESIGN/LAYOUT, 671-0478

Office:1701 Kenly Ave. Suite 102Lackland AFB, Texas78236-5103(210) 671-1786;(fax) 671-2022E-mail: [email protected]’s Action Line:actionline@lackland. af.mil.Straight Talk: 671-6397 (NEWS)For advertising information:Prime Time Military Newspapers2203 S. HackberrySan Antonio, Texas 78210(210) 534-8848(fax) 534-7134

This newspaper is published byPrime Time Military Newspapers, aprivate firm in no way connected withthe U.S. Air Force, under exclusivewritten contract with Lackland AFB,Texas. This commercial enterprise AirForce newspaper is an authorizedpublication for members of the U.S.military services. Contents of theTalespinner are not necessarily theofficial views of, or endorsed by, theU.S. government, the Department ofDefense, or the Department of the AirForce.

The appearance of advertising inthis publication, including inserts orsupplements, does not constituteendorsement by the Department ofDefense, the Department of the AirForce or Prime Time MilitaryNewspapers, of the products or servicesadvertised.

Everything advertised in thispublication shall be made available forpurchase, use or patronage withoutregard to race, color, religion, sex,national origin, age, marital status,physical handicap, political affiliation,or any other nonmerit factor of thepurchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited,prepared and provided by the PublicAffairs Office of the 502nd Air BaseWing. All photos, unless otherwiseindicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.

Deadline for submissions isnoon Thursday the week prior topublication.

By Chief Master Sgt. Rob TappanaAir Education and Training Command command chief

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE – Wordsare powerful. They take just moments tospeak, but they can echo for lifetimes. Howmany times have you heard someone say,“What does he know, he’s just a staff ser-geant,” or, “What can I do – I am only anairman?” I am here to tell you there is nosuch thing as “just” a staff sergeant or“only” an airman.

While speaking to an Airman LeadershipSchool class, I was asked to name the mostinfluential leader in my career. I know manygenerals, even more chiefs, and all the livingchief master sergeants of the Air Force.Despite this, I chose Staff Sgt. Mark Davila.

I was a master sergeant, working in aspecial duty unit. My career was on the fasttrack, and I was riding high. One afternoon,Sergeant Davila knocked on my door andasked if we could speak privately. I assumedhe had a problem and was happy that hetrusted me enough to ask for help.

Stepping in he said, “Sergeant Tappana,you have high standards and I enforce themwith our people. I can’t do that anymore

unless you start living by them again. Areyou OK?”

My heart stopped and I asked him whathe meant. Gently, he pointed at the mirroron the back of the door and asked me if I’dbe happy if one of our Airmen came in look-ing like me.

An honest look brought an honestanswer; “no.”

My hair was too long, my uniform andshoes looked bad, and I looked worse. Whatonly a few people knew was that my daugh-ter had been brutally attacked and was inthe middle of a six-month hospitalization. Ithought I was handling it well, but in reality,I was fraying badly around the edges.Determined to make a change, I went home,cleaned up, made a mental health appoint-ment and started to get myself back togeth-er.

I might not have thought about it again,but six months later my chief asked me forbullets for my enlisted performance report.When I dropped them off, he said, “Theseare great. This will be easy to write. I wasworried for a while.”

When I asked what he meant, he outlinedall of the same shortcomings Sergeant

Davila previously pointed out. He was awarebut had taken no action. Neither had any ofthe other people senior to me in the unit.They were watching and judging, but onlySergeant Davila was leading.

Every good thing that happened in mycareer since then has roots in SergeantDavila’s actions. My promotions to seniormaster sergeant and chief would not havehappened if he hadn’t taken the lead.

Every Airman that I have led or helpedsince then is part of his legacy. Let’s not for-get the most powerful part of his critique,his last sentence, “Are you OK?” He did notassume I failed because I’d suddenlybecome a bad person or was fatally flawed;he knew there had to be a reason. What abeautiful leadership move. He taught mevolumes about how to be a wingman andhow to lead up the chain.

There is no such thing as “just” or “only”when it comes to our Air Force team. Don’tdiscount or devalue the people around youwith words that limit them to less than theirfull potential. More importantly, don’t dis-count or devalue yourself. There is no onemore powerful than the person who is doingthe right thing at the right time.

No such thing as ‘just a staff sergeant’

Photo by Steve ThurowChief Master Sgt. Rob Tappana, Air Education and Training Command command chief, speaks to master sergeants selected for promotion tosenior master sergeant during a senior master sergeant summit at the Randolph Air Force Base Parr O’Club March 10.

PAGE 3TALESPINNERMARCH 26, 2010

REGISTRATION FOR RETIREES

Open registration for retirees into theDefense Biometric Identification System,a Department of Defense identity authen-tication and force protection program,continues through April 16.

Retirees can register at Pass and ID,Bldg. 5616, or Wilford Hall MedicalCenter, ninth floor. Four machines areavailable at Pass and ID, and one atWilford Hall. Both locations are open 8-11 a.m. and noon-4 p.m., Mondaythrough Friday.

All military and civilians, includingretirees and dependents, with CommonAccess Cards or DoD-issued identifica-tion cards are required to register intoDBIDS.

The system will be activated later thisyear. Persons not registered will bedenied entrance to the base and directedto one of the visitor centers for registra-tion.

For questions, call 671-7248 or 671-7249.

NATIONAL PRAYER LUNCHEON

The Lackland National Prayer lunch-eon is April 7, 11 a.m., at the GatewayClub.

Sponsored by the 502nd Air BaseWing chapel team, Maj. Gen. Cecil R.Richardson, Air Force chief of chaplains,is the guest speaker.

Tickets are $5 and a limited numberare available at Freedom Chapel (671-4208), Wing Chaplain’s office (671-4101), Wilford Hall chapel (292-7373),Security Hill chapel (977-2014) orthrough your unit’s first sergeant.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE CLOSURE

The Lackland legal office will be mini-mally staffed April 22-23 while militaryattorneys attend training.

The office will be open only for notaryservices, powers of attorney and emer-gency services. Legal assistance will notbe available those two days.

The office is located in 37th TrainingWing headquarters, Bldg. 2484, Room134. For more information, call 671-3362or 671-3363.

NewsBBRRIIEEFFSS

Photo by Senior Airman Tiffany TrojcaMaj. Deena Sutter, 59th Medical Wing, checks the heartbeat of an ill child in Angol, Chile March 14. Major Sutter is part of an AirForce Expeditionary Medical Support team assisting local medics in their response to victims of the 8.8 magnitude earthquakeFeb. 27 in Chile. The team is augmenting medical services for nearly 110,000 Chileans in the region.


New construction or federal guide-lines have 40 buildings on Lacklandtargeted for demolition during the2010 fiscal year.

A major relocation project continueson the basic military training side withconstruction beginning on the first ofeight new Airmen Training Complexes,a nearly $900 million project.

Units housed in buildings on thedemolition list are relocated to otherbase facilities.

While some on the demolition listmake room for new construction, oth-ers are razed to meet federal guide-lines or an Air Force initiative.

The guidelines come from ExecutiveOrder 13423 issued in 2007 for energyconservation and efficiency.

President Obama signed an exten-sion and expansion of that order lastyear with Executive Order 13514.

“The Air Force has tasked all com-mands down to their bases to followthe 20/20 by 2020 initiative,” said DaveRairdan, 802nd Civil EngineerSquadron, space optimization manager.

“It requires a reduction in facilityfootprint by 20 percent and utility andsustainment costs by 20 percent by2020.”

To help implement that initiative,comply with the energy conservationexecutive orders and meet federalguidelines that allocate about 120square feet per person, older buildingsare being torn down, he said.

“New construction has to meet ener-gy conservation and efficiency stan-dards,” Mr. Rairdan said. “Some build-ings can be brought up close to those

Construction, relocation projects continue

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

See PROJECTS P9

“The entire base is being affected (by construction anddemolition). These are massive improvements. And

because we have room for expansion, we’re picking upother missions and more people.”

- Dave Rairdan802nd Civil Engineer Squadron


“AETC has set a very strict timeline for us tocomplete this process. Failure to register dur-ing those assigned times could result in longdelays at the registration locations. Moreimportantly, not registering will impact thosealready in the system (who have to sit through)traffic delays at the gates.”

To register in DBIDS, a CAC or other DoD-issued ID card is scanned into the system. Thecardholder’s information is verified and anelectronic fingerprint is taken. The processtakes about five minutes per person, the timedependent on how much information has to beentered.

The system allows a gate guard to use ahand-held wireless scanner on the bar codes ofCAC cards and DBIDS-issued credentials. Thescanners will instantly identify who the personis and whether or not they’re allowed on base.All active duty, family members, DoD contrac-tors and retirees – anyone with permanent baseaccess – will register into the system.

In addition to providing personal informationat the point of entry, DBIDS will notify guardsabout lost or stolen ID cards, individuals barredfrom the base, or persons sought for an emer-gency or key response notification.

Ms. Frantz said unit registrations were ini-tially good. However, registration rates have

dropped during the past month. The projectedrate of 2,100 registrations weekly has droppedbelow 1,600, and some weeks to 1,300.

“In order for these security measures to beeffective, everyone who works and lives atLackland at some point will be assigned a regis-tration time,” said Ms. Frantz. “The only IDs inthe system that will allow base access will beCACs, retiree and dependent (Teslin) cards andDBIDS cards or passes.

“We need a huge push during the next threemonths to hit our goal. We’re not going to getthere at the current rate, and if the majority ofthe base is not registered by June 30, the antic-ipated delays when the system is activated willdefinitely affect the mission.”

Registration areas and number of machinesare Pass and Registration, Bldg. 5616, four;Wilford Hall Medical Center, ninth floor, one;and Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance andReconnaissance Agency, Security Hill, Bldg.2017, one.

Persons who missed their assigned registra-tion can still register. Ms. Frantz said waits arelikely at those locations but would be minimalcompared to the delays of not registeringbefore the system is activated.

For registration questions, contact Tech. Sgt.Jeffrey Parks at 671-7249, Tech. Sgt. CrystalRuppenkamp at 671-7248 or e-mail the DBIDSinbox at [email protected].

DBIDS from P1

In Memoriam

Rosanne O’Toole

A memorial service forMs. Rosanne O’Toole was held

Wednesday at the Hope Chapel. Ms.O’Toole, secretary to the 37th TrainingWing commander, served as a civilian

employee at Lackland for 33 years.



When Master Sgt. Erica Gage volunteered todeploy in August 2008 she didn’t realize it wouldhave such a large impact on professional militaryeducation in Iraq or her career.

Sergeant Gage has been selected the 2009 AirForce Enlisted Professional Military EducationSenior NCO of the Year for her persistence to helpestablish PME for the Iraqi Air Force and her class-room leadership and instructor skills at the RobertD. Gaylor NCO Academy.

She returned from Iraq in January 2009 and waspromoted to master sergeant the next month.Sergeant Gage moved from flight room instructor tosuperintendent, communications element, lastNovember.

“I told her husband (recently) I’d rather have herfuture than my past because that’s how much she isaccomplishing and she doesn’t even realize it,” saidChief Master Sgt. Albert McGowan, Gaylor Academycommandant. “She’s very humble and doesn’tunderstand what the big deal is. I told her she’searned this recognition.

“She does it for the right reasons and has theright heart,” he added.

“That’s why she’s going to continue to be success-

ful. She’s a special person and a very strong profes-sional.”

Sergeant Gage has been surprised by the honorand quickly said her fellow instructor in Iraq,Master Sgt. Jamie Auger, Paul W. Airey NCO

Academy, Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., deservedcredit, too.

“It wasn’t just me,” said Sergeant Gage.“Sergeant Auger helped. We used to joke all thetime how PME was going to save the world if wecould just get people to believe in it.”

Met with initial resistance, Sergeant Gage andSergeant Auger finally found an Iraqi commanderwho agreed for his squadron to take a five-day PMEprinciples class. Word spread about the class and itssuccess. Sergeant Gage said the ongoing program isreaching a point where the Iraqis can provide theirown class instruction.

Air Force NCO academy courses focus on fourareas: military professional, combat leader, mana-gerial communicator and unit manager. Theinstructors overcame language and cultural barri-ers to teach a shortened curriculum and alsooffered English classes to aid communication.

“The results were phenomenal,” said ChiefMcGowan. “The Iraqis were not too warm to theseclasses but she won over the Air Force, the studentsand the Iraqi leadership.”

Sergeant Gage completes a four-year assignmentat the academy this summer and then returns topublic health.

“If I could be a PME recruiter, I would,” she said.“This has been the best job in my (17 year) career.”

Gaylor NCO Academy sergeant wins Air Force award

Photo by Robbin Cresswell Master Sgt. Erica Gage, Robert D. Gaylor NCO Academycommunications element superintendent, leads a classdiscussion March 18. Sergeant Gage was recently namedthe Air Force Enlisted Professional Military EducationSNCO of the Year.

Stay up-to-date during specialevents and rough skies.

Call 671-NEWS


BMT HONORSCongratulations to the fol-

lowing 48 Airmen for beingselected as honor graduatesamong 657 trainees graduat-ing today:

320th Training SquadronFlight 227Alexander GeskeRyan MayAndrew RhoadesMason WestonMiles WestonFlight 228Zachary AsmusMatthew FriedhoffCarlos PugaDavid SchlagerAlex Waryan

321st Training SquadronFlight 233

Keith MillerWesley RadfordJacob ScottJohn WoodFlight 234Steven HarrisIsaac Row

322nd Training SquadronFlight 231Michael BlaisKevin CaudellPhillip CramRyan DavisDustin KimballJoseph OgorekJacob SableMichael SmithFlight 232Megan HarveySara HouckElizamae Sanders

Tabitha Thomas

323rd Training SquadronFlight 239Jeremy BarnesSamuel FusonSpencer PeaksFlight 240Jamie DominguezKatherine ExparzaBrooke Riemersma

324th Training SquadronFlight 237Samuel CoppinKevin FlemingJason Haas-ChristianMavis MasuecosRyan MenetreyErich WhiteFlight 238John Pawlak

Kyle Simmons

326th Training SquadronFlight 230Joshua BehannaWilliam MioneNicholas MurrayMatthew Overton

331st Training SquadronFlight 235Luis SalgueroFlight 236Jacqueline Risley

Top BMT AirmanMason Weston, 320th TRS,Flight 227

Most Physically FitMale AirmenClayton McMurry, 320th TRS,

Flight 228Zachary Dalen 320th TRS,Flight 228 Female AirmenSara Houck 322nd TRS,Flight 232Jacqueline Risley 331st TRS,Flight 236 Male Flights320th TRS, Flight 227324th TRS, Flight 237Female Flights322nd TRS, Flight 232331st TRS, Flight 236

Top Academic Flights323rd TRS, Flight 240322nd TRS, Flight 231

To colonel:344th Training SquadronMarc Caudill

802nd Contracting SquadronScott Benza

Air Force Intelligence,Surveillance andReconnaissance AgencyJames Costey

543rd IntelligenceSurveillance andReconnaissance GroupJohn Riehl

To lieutenant colonel:559th Aerospace MedicineSquadronNeil HornerCraig McCluer

59th Clinical Support GroupCandy Wilson

59th Inpatient OperationsGroupRegina Agee

59th Maternal/Child CareSquadronElizabeth McDowell

Katherine Spence

59th Mental HealthSquadronRevonda Grayson

59th Pharmacy SquadronDerek Larbie

59th Surgical OperationsSquadronMaryjo Burleigh

To major:559th Aerospace MedicineSquadronTu Tran

59th Emergency MedicalSquadronJeannie Berry

59th Inpatient OperationsGroupJacqueline Cole

59th Training SquadronChi SuhKaren Lugg

59th Maternal/Child CareSquadronAimee Alviar

Nicole Molett

59th Medical InpatientSquadronRobin LechKatherine RobbelInez Smith

59th Mental HealthSquadronThelma Lajondimalanta

59th Orthopedic andRehabilitation SquadronVincent HuongRene McQueen

59th Surgical InpatientSquadronBrandy CoxMatthew HowardWilliam MooreHolly O’Connor

59th Surgical OperationsSquadronVincent GacilosOranetta HallBenjamin Landry

59th Surgical SpecialtiesSquadronJason Grimm

Lackland officers selected for promotion Lackland officers selected for promotion Congratulations to the following members of Team Lackland selected for

promotion:

DIFFERENCE MAKERSTech. Sgt. Christina Valdez: 59th Medical WingDuty title: Executive assistant to the command chiefTime in service: 11.5 yearsHometown: San AntonioFamily: HusbandPersonal and career goals: Complete my master’sdegree in business administration and open my ownbusiness; become an Air Force Academy MilitaryTraining NCO so I can pass along my skills and knowl-edge to cadets in training, and mentor them for futureendeavors as officers; and test for master sergeant and

make it the first time!What do you enjoy most about your job? Working closely with the 59thMDW staff and being able to see how Wilford Hall Medical Center’s mis-sion is carried out.How has the Air Force added to your life? It has given me the skills andknowledge to become a stronger person while never giving up on reach-ing my goals, both personal and professional.What accomplishment during your career are you most proud of?Helping members relocate to their families in time of need due tohumanitarian or exceptional family member program situations.Supervisor’s comments: “Working on wing staff has afforded me theopportunity to observe Sergeant Valdez in action on a weekly basis. Notonly is she an outstanding NCO, but her personnel background, coupledwith her ability to multi-task, have created the perfect synergy for ouroffice,” said Master Sgt. William Jones, 59th MDW career assistanceadvisor.

Tech. Sgt.Christina Valdez

Be Responsible! Seat Belts Save Lives!Buckle Up And Wear Yours!

By Sue Campbell59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

A team from Wilford Hall MedicalCenter has returned to Texas afterproviding medical care to earthquakevictims in Haiti.

Thirteen pediatric and women’shealth specialists from the 59thMedical Wing deployed to Haiti Jan.23 to help man a 78-member AirForce Expeditionary Medical Support,or EMEDS, hospital for 4 to 8 weeks.

“When we first landed at the Portof Prince Airport, it was pure chaos. Itseemed like everything was on fire; itwas very hot and very loud,” said Maj.(Dr.) Brian Faux, chief of ChildNeurology at Wilford Hall. “Weworked out in the open, sleepingunder mosquito nets with no runningwater for about a week. We workedwith Colombian medics to resuscitate,stabilize and prepare patients fortransport. It was nice to finally moveinto the EMEDS hospital and havesome air conditioning.”

The hospital was comprised of eightlarge tents with 20 beds, pharmacy,radiology, lab, emergency room,triage, and one operating room, locat-ed at Terminal Varreux, on a landfillwithin sight of the U.S. Naval ShipComfort which was anchored offshore.

Patients would arrive from commu-nity field or government hospitals.

“It was common for children andtheir parents to be trapped under therubble of their collapsed homes fortwo to four days prior to rescue,” saidpediatrician Col. (Dr.) Mary Pelszynski,59th Maternal/Child Care Squadroncommander. “We saw a myriad ofinjuries, ranging from crush injuriesthat lead to amputations to multiplecomplex open and closed fractures.”

Initially, communication was also abig problem, as phones did not workand there was no e-mail. Helicopterswere the only way to communicatewith the Comfort.

“The Comfort was the pinnacle of


Wilford Hall medics return from Haiti

Courtesy photoMaj. (Dr.) Brian Faux, chief of Child Neurology at Wilford Hall Medical Center, visits witha young Haitian boy Jan. 31 in an Air Force Expeditionary Medical Squadron hospitalestablished in Haiti to provide medical care to earthquake victims.See MEDICS P16


By Jan SchubertAir Force Village

Editor’s note: Some names havebeen changed to protect privacy.

Four women, hair tinged in silver,are playing bridge in the Air ForceVillage lobby and enjoying a livelyconversation. The women could besisters, so similar in dress and person-ality and so connected to each other indiscernible friendship.

All have served their country aswives of Air Force officers – relocatingwhen required and raising childrenalone when their husbands weredeployed. Today, they live at Air ForceVillage, home to more than 1200retired, honorably separated militaryofficers, their spouses, widows, wid-owers and eligible dependents.

Though three of the women havethe financial resources to afford thiscomfortable, safe, and secure retire-ment lifestyle, the other, Alice, needsfinancial assistance. She found herselfin dire financial constraints when herhusband died after a prolonged boutwith cancer. His illness drained theirlife savings and when he died, she wasforced to sell their home to pay offmedical expenses.

A friend told her about AFV, found-ed in 1970 with a charitable mission:to provide excellent retirement livingwith access to continuing health carefor retired military officers and theirspouses while giving priority to retiredAir Force officer widows in need offinancial assistance. Two active retire-ment community campuses offer inde-pendent living; comprehensive healthcare, including assisted living, skillednursing, dementia care, and hospicecare; and a fulfilling social life.

Alice receives a small pension andSocial Security – enough to pay hermonthly service fee as a resident in asmall apartment at AFV. But without asavings cushion, she could not affordthe entrance fee to become a resident.

Because of support from the annualAir Force Assistance Fund, AFVwaived Alice’s entrance fee. Alice paidher own way for six years until shedeveloped Parkinson’s disease andhad to move into AFV assisted livingto receive the assistance she needs to

remain relatively independent. Shecouldn’t afford the increased monthlyservice fee, but was once again helpedwith AFAF contributions; Alice nowuses her monthly income to cover themajor portion of her service fee andAFV covers the rest.

The AFAF has supported more than500 widows at AFV through annualgifts that have exceeded $9 millionover the years. Currently, Air ForceVillage provides varying levels of sup-port to more than 40 widows.

“Those who give to AFAF are mak-ing a difference. These widows whohave run out of resources through nofault of their own can live dignified,comfortable lives. They live in beauti-ful surroundings, in a lifestyle theyhave earned, and they have access tohealth care should they need it,” saidretired Maj. Gen. Gary Alkire, AFVPresident and CEO.

The AFAF drive continues throughApril 16. During the annual “Commit-ment to Caring” campaign, Airmencan contribute to four Air Force chari-table organizations: Air Force AidSociety, AFV, Air Force EnlistedVillage, and General and Mrs. CurtisE. LeMay Foundation.

Contributions to the AFAF benefitactive-duty, Reserve and Guard mem-bers, retired Air Force members, sur-viving spouses and families. For moreinformation, contact your unit keyworker or Master Sgt. ChadWinkelman, 502nd Air Base WingAFAF project officer, at 808-7563.

AFAF supports AF Village

Courtesy photoAir Force Village residents enjoy the cama-raderie of old and new friends in the VillageII Town Center, which includes an Internetcafe, casual dining options and library.

By Staff Sgt. Phil Fountain149th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Twenty-one employers of citizen-Airmen toured theTexas Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing March6 to get an insider’s view of the unit. The visit waspart of the Boss Lift program which, coordinated withEmployer Support of the Guard and Reserve, letsemployers observe firsthand their activated employ-ees receiving military training.

ESGR, a component of the Department of Defense,promotes cooperation and understanding betweenReserve component members and their civilianemployers and assists in the resolution of conflictsarising from an employee’s military commitment.

Roland Keller, ESGR Ombudsman for Texas, saidcivilian employers make sacrifices when their employ-ees are activated. The federal Uniformed ServicesEmployment and Reemployment Rights Act placescertain responsibilities on employers of military per-sonnel, and Mr. Keller said ESGR works with the DoDand local units, such as the 149th Fighter Wing, to“mitigate impact to employers.”

During their visit to the 149th FW, employerslearned about the unit’s history, whose lineagethrough the 182nd Fighter Squadron traces back tothe European Theater of World War II, and its current

F-16 combat fighter training and state disaster pre-paredness missions.

The group learned about the functions and capa-bilities of the F-16 from Col. Michael Ogle, 149thMaintenance Group commander, and talked with air-craft maintenance technicians. Employers saw up-close some of the combat firearms that are used bysecurity forces, the role of night vision in F-16 combatoperations, and a medical tent and equipment used

during humanitarian and disaster relief missions.The visit culminated with the employers observing

F-16 in-flight refueling operations from a KC-135Stratotanker. Lt. Col. Michael “Bones” McCoy, an F-16instructor pilot with the 149th Operations SupportFlight, described the flight as a win-win as employersgot a unique opportunity to see the 149th FW inaction while pilots received in-flight refueling training.

Jed Garmon, the end shop service manager forCummins Southern Plains’ facility in San Antonio, wasimpressed with the F-16s. Mr. Garmon said he“learned a lot, and didn’t realize there was so muchmedical and disaster relief” preparations taking placeat the Air National Guard unit.

During the program’s final briefing, Lt. Col. JohnKane, 149th FW vice commander, said employer sup-port is critical to successfully accomplishing the unit’smissions, particularly when it comes to disaster relief.In recent years, Texas ANG forces have been activat-ed with relatively short notice to respond to hurri-canes and wildfires that struck the state and region.Guard units from Texas have also been called upon toserve with the active-duty Air Force overseas in Iraq,Afghanistan and in other areas.

Having their employers visit and “see how (the149th FW) does business is a way to say, ‘thank you,’”Colonel Kane said.


Photo by Staff Sgt. Eric WilsonTech. Sgt. Rachel Varelas, 149th Fighter Wing, listens toCol. Kenneth Nereson, 149th FW commander, talk withKeith Christian, her civilian employer and manager.

Civilian employers learn about ANG operations

standards, and those that can’t go onthe demolition list.”

Meeting requirements and accom-modating units make relocations nec-essary. In some cases, units may betemporarily housed in buildingsmarked for demolition as they awaitconstruction of a new building or inte-rior renovation on an existing build-ing is complete.

“We’re playing the shell game,”said Mr. Rairdan. “In some cases, upto five different units will be in thesame building temporarily.

“It’s painful but the building, mov-ing and relocating will be going on fora couple of years.”

He said units have been notified ofupcoming relocations, emphasizingthe unit’s responsibility for completeremoval of contents if a building is tobe demolished.

The demolition process is delayedwhen tenants have not followed thoseguidelines.

“Trash as well as the furnitureneeds to be removed to allow the con-tractor complete access to the floor to

sample floor tiles for asbestos abate-ment,” said Mr. Rairdan. “Anythingleft on the floor hampers this processand will delay the demolition.”

CE will not accept a demo buildingunless it is completely empty.

Mr. Rairdan also said safety issueshave been encountered. Once a build-ing has been vacated, people are notallowed back in.

He said there have been caseswhere vacated buildings have beenused for storage, and other instanceswhen people have violated a contrac-tor’s safety zone in an attempt toretrieve items.

“The entire base is being affected(by construction and demolition),”said Mr. Rairdan. “These are big,massive improvements. And becausewe have room for expansion, we’repicking up other missions and morepeople.

“We’re going to have more con-struction until we run out of space. Itshouldn’t be a shock or surprise whenyou’re asked to move.”

For questions about a building’sstatus, contact the Real Propertyoffice at 671-4952 or 671-4959.

PROJECTS from P3


The 802nd Mission SupportGroup Office of the Staff JudgeAdvocate processed these judg-ments from March 11-17:

• A staff sergeant from the331st Training Squadron wasguilty of not paying his govern-ment charge card and received areduction to senior airman (sus-pended) and forfeiture of $1,099 inpay for two months (two monthssuspended).

• An airman first class from the345th Training Squadron wasguilty of underage drinking andreceived a reduction to airman,

restriction to base for 14 days(suspended), 14 days extra duty(suspended) and a reprimand.

• An airman basic from the319th Training Squadron wasguilty of being absent withoutleave (AWOL) and received a for-feiture of $669 in pay for twomonths, restriction to base for 30days, 30 days extra duty and areprimand.

• An airman basic from the 67thNetwork Warfare Wing was guiltyof underage drinking and receiveda reduction to airman (suspended),forfeiture of $100 in pay for twomonths and a reprimand.

MILITARY JUSTICE SPOTLIGHT

For more info, contact 210-671-7273


Wing chaplain retires after 37-year careerBy Mike JosephStaff Writer

Chaplain (Col.) Carl Andrews,502nd Air Base Wing chaplain, endsa long and distinguished career ofserving the military and fellowAirmen today with his retirementceremony.

The ceremony in Hope Chapelbegins at 1 p.m.

After serving as the 37th TrainingWing chaplain for 2.5 years, his finalassignment, concluding 37 years, hasbeen overseeing the Joint Base SanAntonio chaplain corps.

“Thanksgiving to God and themen and women of the United Statesmilitary for allowing me to be a par-ticipant, to serve them and for theopportunity to be there day by day,”Chaplain Andrews said.

There’s no secret for his length ofservice: the love of his profession andbeing able to serve others, and in thesame capacity, serve God.

“I try to make it very clear within

the chaplain corps community it’s notabout us, it’s about them (the service-members),” Chaplain Andrews said.

Adhering to that philosophy,Chaplain Andrews said his personalhighlight was the development of aspirit fitness program, identical foreach faith group at Lackland.

It began as Spiritual Fitness 101for basic military trainees, and hasexpanded to Spiritual Fitness 201 fortechnical training students, SpiritualFitness 301 for permanent party andSpiritual Fitness 401 to deal with cri-sis and trauma.

The roots of the program startedwhile he was the United States AirForces in Europe command chaplainstationed at Ramstein Air ForceBase, Germany.

The chaplain corps helped service-members deal with the trauma afterAirman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobsonand Army Sgt. Steve Morin werekilled in 2005 while providing convoysecurity in Iraq.

She was the first female Airman

killed in the line of dutyin support of OperationIraqi Freedom.

After dealing with thattrauma, Chaplain An-drews resolved to find anavenue providing spiritu-al awareness for Airmen.

“I was determined tofigure out a way, if I everhad something to do withtraining, to work on thespiritual fitness of alltrainees, technicaltrainees, permanent party andbeyond,” he said.

When Chaplain Andrews ended upin a training environment atLackland, that determination result-ed in changes across the service.

He began his career as an aero-space munitions maintenance officerin Vietnam after he graduating fromColorado State in 1970.

He wrestled whether or not to jointhe priesthood while in Vietnambefore he decided to attend Nashotah

House seminary inWisconsin.

Chaplain Andrewsreceived his Master ofDivinity in 1977, servedfive years as a missionpriest in Colorado, andthen became an active-duty Protestant chaplainin 1983.

He said the high pointof his military ministrywas serving as USAFEcommand chaplain.

During his assignment toRamstein, he also served as an inten-sive care chaplain at LandstuhlRegional Medical Center and minis-tered to wounded servicemembersfrom Iraq and Afghanistan.

“It ’s been fun,” said ChaplainAndrews. “Jokingly, my wife and Iused to say, when we came on boardcenturies and centuries ago, we werecalled to a foreign culture called the‘military.’ Well, I guess we’re now theforeign culture ourselves.”

Chaplain (Col.) Carl Andrews


Lackland celebratesWomen’s History Month

By Shannon CarabajalTalespinner Editor

On March 3, President Obamasigned the 22nd proclamation recog-nizing March as National Women’sHistory Month.

“Countless women have steered thecourse of our history, and their storiesare ones of steadfast determination.From reaching for the ballot box to

breaking barriers on athletic fields andbattlefields, American women havestood resolute in the face of adversityand overcome obstacles to realize theirfull measure of success. Women’sHistory Month is an opportunity for usto recognize the contributions womenhave made to our nation, and to honorthose who blazed trails for women’sempowerment and equality,” the presi-dent said in the proclamation.

Every day, women at Lackland arewalking in the footsteps of those whobroke barriers and set the stage forwomen’s equality. From turning civil-ians into warrior Airmen and servingon the explosive ordnance disposalteam to training military working dogsand maintaining vital base communi-cation infrastructure, women are keyto ensuring the success of the Gatewayto the Air Force.

Photo by Robbin Cresswell pSenior Airman Shinikqua Smith, 802nd CommunicationsSquadron, tests cable before rewiring a circuit in the voicenetworks switch.

t Photo by Robbin Cresswell Vickie Miller, a certified veterinarian technician with the341st Training Squadron, prepares a new military workingdog for an identification tattoo.

Photo by Robbin Cresswell pFelicia Garcia, 802nd Civil Engineer Squadron, washesair conditioner coils in a dormitory. Washing air condi-tioning coils periodically saves energy by ensuring theunit can run efficiently.

Photo by Robbin Cresswell pSenior Airman Maureen Edobor, 802nd Communications Squadron, removesthe power supply from a computer. The 802nd CS maintains all communica-tions, information management, and visual imaging systems on base.

WOMENAT

WORK


d celebratesHistory Month

on athletic fields andcan women havehe face of adversitytacles to realize theirccess. Women’sn opportunity for usontributions womennation, and to honortrails for women’sd equality,” the presi-oclamation.

Every day, women at Lackland arewalking in the footsteps of those whobroke barriers and set the stage forwomen’s equality. From turning civil-ians into warrior Airmen and servingon the explosive ordnance disposalteam to training military working dogsand maintaining vital base communi-cation infrastructure, women are keyto ensuring the success of the Gatewayto the Air Force.

Photo by Robbin Cresswell pr Airman Maureen Edobor, 802nd Communications Squadron, removesower supply from a computer. The 802nd CS maintains all communica- information management, and visual imaging systems on base.

Photo by Robbin Cresswell pSenior Airman Holly Roberts, 3rd Combat CameraSquadron, frames a shot during a video shoot. Thesquadron acquires still and motion imagery in support ofclassified and unclassified air, sea and ground militaryoperations.

Photo by Senior Airman Nicole Roberts uCrystal Balderrama, phlebotomist, 59th LaboratorySquadron, draws blood from a basic military trainee donorat the Lackland Blood Donor Center. Air Force basicmilitary trainees provide a large percentage of the bloodcollected by the center which supports U.S. militarymembers and hospitals.

CAUTIONWOMEN

WORKING


Focus on fire safety during spring cleaningSpring is here and for many that

means it’s time for spring cleaning.The Lackland Fire Departmentreminds us to keep fire safety in mindand offers the following tips:

FFiilltteerrss• Check the furnace filter once amonth and replace or clean as need-ed. Some filters are reusable and maybe removed, washed with a hose andre-inserted. A dirty filter lowers theefficiency of heating and cooling sys-tems, increases costs, and can causefires.• Clean the kitchen exhaust hood andair filter. Keeping the area clean ofcooking grease can prevent a stovetopfire from spreading.

EElleeccttrriiccaall ssyysstteemm• Look for burn marks at the mainelectrical panel; they can be a sign ofarcing inside the panel, often causedby loose connections or damagedinsulation, which can easily lead to afire. Only a qualified electricianshould remove the front panel cover. • Trip and reset the circuit breakersregularly. • Remove combustible materials suchas paper boxes or flammable liquidsfrom the area near the main electricalpanel. Sparks caused by arcing insidethe panel can ignite materials storednearby. • Check all electrical outlets for loose-fitting plugs, an indication of a worn

out receptacle. Worn receptacles cancause overheating and fires andshould be replaced.• Have a qualified electrician diagnoseand fix any switches, outlets, orreceptacles that aren’t working.Electrical outlets and switches thataren’t working properly cancause fires inside thewalls of your house. • Install safetycovers to helpprotect chil-dren frome l e c t r i c a lshock. Anyappliance ortool thatgives eventhe slightestshock shouldbe unpluggedand checked byan electrician orrepair shop.

LLiigghhtt bbuullbbssMake sure light bulbs are the cor-

rect wattage recommended by thelight fixture manufacturer. If thewattage limit of a fixture is exceeded,heat produced inside the fixture canlead to fire inside the fixture, ceilingor wall.

AAiirr ccoonnddiittiioonneerrAir conditioning systems should be

regularly inspected and maintained by

a professional air conditioning con-tractor. Maintenance should include:• cleaning the evaporator coil;• lubricating fans and motors;• tightening or changing the belts;• checking electrical safeties;• checking the drain pan for leaks;

• testing the capacitors;• checking the condensate

drain;• testing the crankcase

heater;• calibrating the ther-mostat;• visually checkingthe wiring forpotential short cir-cuits;• checking the con-densation hose for

blockage; • cleaning the outside

condensing unit screenof leaves, and;

• listening for unusual noises.

WWaatteerr hheeaatteerrss• Check to make sure gas-fired waterheaters are venting properly; improp-er ventilation can cause carbonmonoxide and other combustibles tobuild up in the home. Light a matchnext to the vent and wave it out (don’tblow it out). The smoke should bepulled up into the vent; if it isn’t, havea professional inspect and repair theheater. • Check around the base of the water

heater for evidence of leaks.If the water heater is more than

five years old, it should be checkedmonthly for any leakage or rusting atthe bottom. If water leakage or rust isfound, the water heater should bereplaced.

CCllootthheess ddrryyeerrClean the clothes dryer exhaust

duct, damper and space under thedryer. Poor maintenance allows lint tobuild up in the exhaust duct andcause fire.

GGeenneerraall ssaaffeettyy• Replace all brittle, worn, or dam-aged extension cords. Exposed wiresmay cause arcing, which will produceheat and can start a fire. Care shouldalso be taken to keep appliances andtheir power cords away from water ora heat source because this will dam-age the cord’s insulation.• Review fire escape plans with yourfamily.• Always have a multi-purpose fireextinguisher accessible. Make sure itis Underwriters Laboratories, or UL,listed or Factory Mutual, or FM,approved, and check the gauges tomake sure they are charged andready to use.• Inspect and clean dust from the cov-ers of smoke and carbon monoxidealarms.

(Courtesy of Lackland FireDepartment)


In l ight of random workplaceshootings over the past two decades,including incidents at military instal-lations, Air Education and TrainingCommand officials have placed anincreased emphasis on active shootertraining.

AETC worked with the 802ndSecurity Forces Squadron to imple-ment training throughout the com-mand.

Last year, the squadron providedactive shooter train the trainer certi-fication to security forces instructorsfrom every AETC wing.

“Headquarters Air Force SecurityForces Center defines an activeshooter as one or more subjects par-ticipating in a shooting spree, ran-dom or systematic, with the intentand means to continuously harm oth-ers,” said Charles Bradley, 802nd SFStraining superintendent.

According to Mr. Bradley, stan-dardization is key to training firstresponders.

“Our curriculum encompasses thesame standards and response tech-niques as our civilian counterparts.The unit’s active shooter instructorsare certified through the Alamo AreaCouncil of Governments LawEnforcement Academy and the train-ing curriculum is certified through

the Texas Commission on LawEnforcement Officer Standards andEducation,” he said.

In addition to providing a stan-dardized curriculum, the 802nd SFScoordinates joint training opportuni-ties with local state and federal agen-cies.

In October 2009, first respondersattended joint aircraft interdictiontraining at San Antonio InternationalAirport, teaming up with the FBI, theBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearmsand Explosives, the DrugEnforcement Administration, andteams representing eight localmunicipalities.

This past month, the wing’s emer-gency services team and local specialweapons and tactics teams learnedbarricaded subject breaching tech-niques at the Bexar County SWATtraining complex.

According to Lt. Col. EdwardSchneider, 802nd SFS commander,nontraditional training opportunitiesare a key part of a well-roundedtraining program for security forcesAirmen.

“Traditional cordons and emer-gency service team recall andresponse procedures are not neces-

SFS prepares AETC for active shooting incidents

See ACTIVE P16

Photo by Alan Boedeker(Left to right) Staff Sgt. Glenndon Blue, Staff Sgt. James Leggitt and Tech. Sgt. DavidHammond, 802nd Security Forces Squadron, participate in an active shooter trainingclass Monday. The class teaches security forces Airmen how to respond to the dynamicscenario of an active shooter.


care at the highest level,” said Dr. Faux. “But theHaitian people were without the basics we takefor granted, such as clean water, immunizations,antibiotics or rehabilitation. There was no way toget around in the rubble in a wheelchair or oncrutches. The patients would cry and not want toleave our building. But, we did our best to linkthem up with caring organizations as much aspossible.”

After treating earthquake victims in theEMEDS hospital, the medical team was able togo out into the local community to provide aid.

“We shifted more into an outreach missionand went out into the countryside where wewould see 70 to 80 pediatric patients a day,” saidDr. Faux. “We went to orphanages and gaveaway supplies. They knew we were there to help,that if you were an American, you were there tohelp.”

By the end of their deployment, the EMEDSteam touched the lives of about 1,000 patients.

“We had a mission to help earthquake victimsand we accomplished that very well, providingquality medical care,” said Dr. Faux. “Allbranches of the Department of Defense workedwell together, along with a lot of nongovernmen-tal organizations and Colombian medics. It wasproof that we are humanitarians.”

MEDICS from P7

sarily applicable to the dynamicscenario of an active shooter.When someone is actuallyengaging and killing innocentpeople, security forces mustimmediately deploy its re-sources to stop the shootingand mitigate harm to innocentvictims,” he said.

Mr. Bradley said that, eventhough security forces person-nel are being well trained tohandle an active shooter inci-dent, immediate action ofeverybody on the scene is criti-cal to minimizing the violenceand stopping the incident.

According to the U.S. De-partment of Homeland Security,the following action should betaken.

If an active shooter is in thevicinity:

Evacuate • have an escape route andplan in mind;• leave belongings behind; and

• keep hands visible.

Hide out• hide in an area out of theactive shooter’s view;• block the entry to the hidingplace and lock the doors; and• silence cell phones and otherelectronic devices.

Take action• as a last resort and only whenyour life is in imminent danger;• attempt to incapacitate theactive shooter; and• act with physical aggressionand throw items at the activeshooter.

WWhheenn llaaww eennffoorrcceemmeenntt aarrrriivveess::• remain calm and follow offi-cers’ instructions;• put down any items in yourhands (i.e., bags, jackets);• immediately raise hands andspread fingers;• keep hands visible at alltimes;• avoid quick movementstoward officers such as at-

tempting to hold on to them forsafety;• avoid pointing, screaming oryelling; and• do not stop to ask officers forhelp or directions when evacu-ating.

PPrroovviiddee tthhee ffoolllloowwiinngg iinnffoorrmmaattiioonnttoo llaaww eennffoorrcceemmeenntt oorr aa 991111

ooppeerraattoorr::• location of the active shooter;• number of shooters;• physical description of shoot-er or shooters, such as pants,shirt, face, etc.;• number and type of weaponsheld by shooter or shooters;and• number of potential victims atthe location.

In addition to training secu-rity forces personnel, the 802ndSFS training section can helpLackland units develop aneffective active shooter trainingplan.

For more information, callMr. Bradley at 671-2183.(Article courtesy of 802nd SFS)

ACTIVE from P15

Air Force civilians play a crucial role in carryingout the Air Force’s expeditionary mission. Manydeployment opportunities are available for civil-

ians. For more information, visitwww.cpms.osd.mil/expeditionary


COMMUNITY

ChristianCatholicMonday-Friday:Freedom ChapelMass, 11:30 a.m.

Monday-Friday:Wilford Hall ChapelMass, 11 a.m

Saturday:Freedom ChapelConfessions, 4:45 p.m.Mass, 5:30 p.m.

Sunday:Freedom ChapelReligious Education, 9a.m.Mass, 11 a.m.

Hope ChapelHispanic Mass, 9:15 a.m.Wilford Hall ChapelMass, 3 p.m.

OrthodoxSaturday:Airmen Memorial ChapelDivine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m.Religious Education,10:45 a.m.

ProtestantSunday:Airmen Memorial ChapelLiturgical Service, 8 a.m.

Hope ChapelSpanish Contemporary,12:45 p.m.Contemporary, 10:45 a.m.

Freedom ChapelContemporary Service,9:30 a.m.Gospel Service, 12:30p.m.Children’s ChurchprovidedReligious Education, 11a.m.Wednesday and

Thursday:Bible Study, 6 p.m.

Sunday:Medina ChapelContemporary Service, 9a.m.

Wilford Hall ChapelTraditional Service, 1:30 p.m.

IslamicFriday:Defense LanguageInstituteStudent CenterFaith Study, 1:30 p.m.Jummah Prayer, 1:30-2:30p.m.Sunday:Religious Education, 10:00a.m.-12:00 p.m.

JewishFriday:Airmen Memorial ChapelSabbath Eve Service,

5:45 p.m.Religious Education, 4:30p.m.

Wicca1st Wednesday:Freedom ChapelRoom 8,San Antonio MilitaryOpen Circle,6:15 p.m.

For more information, contact the chapel staff:

Freedom Chapel • 671-4208Gateway Chapel • 671-2911

Hope Chapel • 671-2941WHMC Chapel • 292-7373

CHAPEL SERVICES KEY FAMILY SUPPORT RESOURCESAir Force Aid Society 671-3722Airman & Family Readiness Center 671-3722Airman's Attic 671-1780Base Post Office 671-1058Bowling Center 671-2271DEERS 800-538-9552Family Child Care 671-3376Legal Office 671-3362Library 671-3610Medical Appointment Line 916-9900MPF ID Cards 671-6006Outdoor Recreation 925-5532TRICARE Info 800-444-5445Thrift Shop 671-3600

Lackland Enlisted Spouses’ Club www.lacklandesc.orgLackland Force Support Squadron www.lacklandfss.comLackland ISD www.lacklandisd.netLackland Officer Spouses’ Club www.lacklandosc.orgLackland public Web site www.lackland.af.milMy Air Force Life www.MyAirForceLife.comYear of the Air Force Family www.af.mil/yoaff

LACKLAND LIBRARY WORKSHOP

Lackland librarian Sharon Amannwill lead a workshop today, 4-5 p.m.,which familiarizes participants withthe electronic databases availablethrough library computer desktops.

Call 671-6606 for more informa-tion.

FLEA MARKET RESCHEDULED

The first-quarter flea market,postponed by last weekend’sinclement weather, is Saturday, 8:30a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the WarhawkFitness Center parking lot.

Spots are available for $10 or $15.The $15 fee includes a table.

Call the Skylark Community Centerat 671-3191 for more information.

WOMEN’S HEALTH WORKSHOP

A women’s health workshop, “Sex,Chocolate and Your Pelvic Floor,” isThursday, 6-9 p.m., in the SamHouston Club at Fort Sam Houston.

The event will provide information

for women about pelvic floor health.Discussion topics include urinaryincontinence, pelvic organ prolapse,pelvic pain and changes women expe-rience.

Tickets are $15 in advance and$20 at the door and are available atwww.sexchocolateandyourpelvicfloor.org.

For more information, contactMolly at (773) 305-8201 or visit

www.womenshealthfoundation.org.

PARENTING CLASS SCHEDULED

The Fort Sam Houston familyadvocacy department will present aparenting class, “ScreamfreeParenting: Five Truths Every ParentNeeds To Know,” April 15, 9-10:30a.m., in the Fort Sam Houston Armycommunity service building.

Hal Runkel, author and seminar

leader, will teach parents how to staycalm and connect with their childrento calm them down.

Call 221-0349, 221-2418 or 221-2705 for more information or to regis-ter for the class.

HYPERTENSION EDUCATION CLASS

A hypertension education class isApril 5, 12:30-3:30 p.m., at WilfordHall Medical Center.

The class is open to any patient orfamily member interested in learningmore about hypertension.

For more information or to register,call the Nephrology Clinic at 292-6868.

THRIFT SHOP HOURS

The Lackland Thrift Shop acceptsconsignments Tuesdays andWednesdays, 10-11:45 a.m., andaccepts donations during regularbusiness hours Monday throughWednesday or at the back door afterbusiness hours.

The shop requests any type ofelectronic devices, such as large tele-vision sets, be dropped off only duringbusiness hours.

The shop is open for sales 9:30a.m. to noon on Mondays, and 9:30a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays andWednesdays.

For more information, call thethrift shop at 671-3600 or [email protected].

LocalBRIEFS

LACKLAND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESVolunteerism helps make

Lackland a better place tolive and work. Whether youare an enlisted member, offi-cer, spouse, retiree or teen,help Team Lackland im-prove quality of life foreveryone. If you have a fewfree hours each week, pleaseconsider volunteering in ourcommunity.• The Airman’s Attic –Monday through Thursday,10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call MasterSgt. Jeffrey Reed, 671-4401.• CAMP (Children’s Associ-ation for Maximum Poten-tial) – Volunteers, 14 and

older, assist with SpecialNeeds Parents Night Out andRespite Weekends. CallSarah Colume, 671-5228.(www.campcamp.org)• Lackland Fisher House –Volunteers, 16 and older oryounger when accompaniedby a parent, assist theretiree community with arange of needs. Call JulieVerschoyle, 671-6029.(www.fisherhouseinc.org)• Lackland Thrift Shop –Monday through Wednes-day and the first Saturday ofthe month, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Call 671-3608.

• Military Working DogPuppy Program – Volunteeryour home and time forthree months to raise a mili-tary working puppy. Call671-3686.(www.lackland.af.mil/units/341stmwd/index.asp)• Air Force Village Hospice –Volunteers assist with areasfrom administrative topatient care. Training beginsin March. Call Katie Boggs,838-6349. Volunteers forreading, computer café orshopping trips, call IdaHardy, 568-3296. (www.airforcevillages.com)

• AMIGO Sponsorship Pro-gram (American Members ofInternational Goodwill toOthers) – Volunteers helpinternational students fromthe Defense Language Insti-tute English Learning Centerbecome acquainted withAmerican society, customsand general way of life.Sponsors host students dur-ing family activities andleisure time. Call 671-7700.(www.dlielc.org)

To get your volunteeropportunity listed, e-mail theTalespinner staff [email protected]


MARCH 26BUDGET AND SPENDING CLASS

A budget and spending class istoday, 10:30 to noon, at the Airmanand Family Readiness Center, Bldg.1249.

The class teaches the basics offinancial management.

For reservations or more informa-tion, call 671-3722.

MARCH 29RETURN AND REUNION SEMINAR

A return and reunion seminar isMonday, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at the Airmanand Family Readiness Center, Bldg.1249.

The seminar is an informal forumabout the stress families and individu-als experience during separation.


MARCH 30SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP

The Small Business DevelopmentCenter will sponsor a workshop, How toStart Your Own Business, 1-4 p.m.,Tuesday at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg. 1249.

Among the topics for discussion

will be writing an effective businessplan, doing market research, selectinga location and time management.

To enroll, call 671-3722.

PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL

Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Tuesday, 10 a.m.,at Freedom Chapel with children min-istry during the meeting.

Call 671-4208 for information.

MARCH 31SOCIAL SECURITY SEMINAR

A Society Security Administrationrepresentative will address new pro-gram changes at a seminarWednesday, 10 a.m. to noon, at theAirman and Family Readiness Center,Bldg. 1249.

Discussion will center on how thechanges will affect an individual. TheSSA serves more than 90 percent ofworking Americans.

For information and reservations,call 671-3722.

APRIL 1PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL

Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Thursday, 6 p.m.,

at Freedom Chapel with no childrenministry available during the meeting.

For more information, call 671-4208.

HEARTS APART MEETING

A Hearts Apart meeting fordeployed family members is Thursday,6-8 p.m., at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg, 1249.

Military family life counselors willlead a discussion on coping with

deployment of family members.Call 671-3722 for reservations.

APRIL 2UNIFORMED THRIFT SAVINGS CLASS

The Airmen and Family ReadinessCenter will sponsor a class about theUniformed Thrift Savings Plan, 1:30-3:30 p.m., April 2 at the AFRC, Bldg.1249.

The class discusses choices andlimitations about the plan.

Call 671-3722 for reservations.

APRIL 5MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS

Mothers of Preschoolers, or MOPS,meet for Bible study and fellowshipApril 5, 9:30 a.m., at the FreedomChapel’s Fellowship Hall.

Childcare for preschool-aged chil-dren will be provided.


RETURN AND REUNION SEMINAR

A return and reunion seminar isApril 5, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at the Airmanand Family Readiness Center, Bldg.1249.

The seminar is an informal forumabout the stress families and individu-als experience during separation.



Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Tuesday, 10 a.m.,at Freedom Chapel with children min-istry during the meeting.

Call 671-4208 for information.


Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Thursday, 6 p.m.,at Freedom Chapel with no childrenministry available during the meeting.


APRIL 6-8TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

A three-day transition assistanceprogram for separating or retiring mili-tary personnel is April 6-8, 7:45 a.m. to4 p.m. each day, at the Airman andFamily Readiness Center, Bldg. 1249.

The program is presented by TexasWorkforce and focuses on how to jobsearch and related topics.

For more information or reserva-tions, call 671-3722.

APRIL 9BUDGET AND SPENDING CLASS

A budget and spending class isApril 9, 10:30 to noon, at the Airmanand Family Readiness Center, Bldg.1249. The class teaches the basics offinancial management.

For reservations or more informa-tion, call 671-3722.

MONTHLY MEETINGSENLISTED SPOUSES CLUB

The Lackland Enlisted Spouses Club meets every third Tuesday of the month,6:30 p.m., at AFRC, Bldg. 1249. For more information, visit www.lacklandesc.org.

OFFICERS’ SPOUSES CLUB

The Lackland Officers’ Spouses Club meets every third Thursday of the month,11 a.m., at the Gateway Club. For more information, visit www.lacklandosc.org.

MILITARY COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN

The Military Council of Catholic Women meet the first Friday of the month, 10a.m., at Freedom Chapel. For more information, call 671-4208.

What’s Happening v v Family Support Events

WWW.LACKLANDFSS.COM


SPORTS

ARTICLE CORRECTION

The story, Know theFACS: Common queriesabout the PT test, ran in theMarch 19 issue of theTalespinner with incorrectinformation regardingabdominal measurementpractices.

The story should haveread: After three successfulabdominal measurements,no other FAC member isallowed to conduct theassessment.

GOLF TOURNAMENT

The third annualWounded Warrior golf tour-nament starts at 1 p.m.today at the Fort SamHouston Golf Club.

Proceeds from the $85entry fee go to the FischerHouse and the WoundedWarrior Center.

For more details, call228-9955.

VARSITY SOCCER TRYOUTS

Lackland’s varsity soc-cer team is holding a tryoutApril 3, 11 a.m., atWarhawk Field.

The tryout is in anticipa-tion of the team’s entry inthe Cinco de Mayo tourna-ment on May 1.

For more details, callStewart Hess at 875-8143.

ADVENTURE RACE

Laughlin Air Force Baseis hosting a triathlon-styleteam race, featuring hiking,biking and rafting, April 10.

Team registration is$100 leading up to raceday.

For more details, callLaughlin’s outdoor recre-ation, 830-298-5830.

BBRRIIEEFFSS

AF

BOXING

1 2 b o x e r s . 1 4 d a y s . 2 - n i g h t f i g h t c a r d .

By Patrick DesmondSports Editor

The Air Force boxing training camp is agreat opportunity for fellow boxers tohang out, hit a bag or two, spend a littleper diem and enjoy time away from a nor-mal duty assignment, right?

Not if the Air Force boxing coach hasanything to say about it.

From the outset, coach Steven Francodefined the next two weeks as work, withwinning the Armed Forces BoxingChampionships part of the job description.

Twelve potential Air Force boxers cir-cled around a conference table March 19,listening to Franco’s goals for the 14-dayboxing crash course at Lackland, whichends in the two-day Air Force Box-offApril 2-3 at the Bennett Fitness Center.

“Every year, I say the same thing: I

want to beat Army,” Franco said to thegroup. “Everytime we lose, I get mad.

“I get mad at: ‘Oh, Air Force is coming,I hope I draw an Air Force guy or girl.”

On the surface, Franco agreed thisstraight-forward attitude is necessitatedby the camp’s limited training time, but itsintensity is driven by his desire to win.

After coaching the team as an assistantfor five years, Franco led Air Force lightheavyweight Nicholas Alwan and mid-dleweight Joshua Gomez to silver andgold, respectively, at the 2009 ArmedForces Boxing Championships at FortHuachaca, Ariz.

He hopes to improve on that success bycontinuing to build his boxers from theground up, fighting stance to punchingtechnique.

He uses a classroom analogy to illus-trate a pass-or-fail approach to selecting

boxers to fight at Armed Forces.He said Airmen should soak up the

exercises covering fundamentals and con-ditioning, touch gloves intermittently insparring matches, and then take on twobouts in the All-Air Force tournament –largely a determinant for making theteam.

“They have about 14 days to show mewhat they’re made of,” the second-yearhead coach said. “You’re studying, takingquizzes along the way, and then, whenthat final comes, that test in the ring, youbetter knock it out.”

Franco said having heart and determi-nation pushes a fighter to finish a fight,but having solid fundamentals allows aboxer to rely on his instincts to win.

“We’re going to start from scratch,”

See BOXING CAMP P20

Airmen work towardbox-offs, Air Forceboxing team selection

Punchin’ in

Photo by Senior Airman Chris GriffinJarrett Johnson throws a body punchwhile James Beck blocks during a skillsand drills exercise addressing funda-mentals on Tuesday.

Airmen work towardbox-offs, Air Forceboxing team selection


What do you love aboutboxing?

“Being able to cheatsomeone out of hitting me,and knowing I’m going to

land a punch.”

Air Force CampAir Force Camp

Franco said. “You need to know basic boxing funda-mentals. When the time comes and you get in troublein the ring, usually you go back to the fundamentals.”

On the second day, the athletes hit the ground run-ning with with a four-mile trek followed by circuittraining on punching bags and developing basic box-ing techniques.

Averaging close to15 miles of roadwork per week,Lackland’s Richard Smith recalls the Air Force-widenickname.

“I heard it’s real tough, they call it the Air Forcetrack team,” he said.

Franco said some boxers have lost up to 15 poundsin the camp.

But the camp isn’t all pain without gain.Second only to being in the ring, Franco said he

loves coaching and wants the camp to be a place toimprove, even if Airmen don’t make the team April 4.

Franco said fighting experience is not the mostimportant attribute. As long as boxers are honestabout their abilities, he can steer them toward suc-cess. He plans to study each individual, honing in onweaknesses to train well-rounded fighters.

“A lot of times, they like to focus on what they’regood at,” he said. “Everyday after the workouts, I’ll letthem know what they are doing wrong.

“I’m just going to tell them straight up and keep itreal with them.”

But as fast as he’ll point out a fault, he’s equallyquick to quip, understanding humor has its place.

He just encourages them to roll with the punches.The number of spots on the team is undetermined.

Franco will select boxers, win, lose or draw, based onwho will potentially perform best at the Armed ForcesBoxing Championships, April 19-23, at Naval BaseVentura County, Calif., and at the USA BoxingNational Championships July 12-17, at ColoradoSprings, Colo.

“If I take one person to Armed Forces, I don’t careas long as we walk out with a gold medal,” he said.

Kimberley WashingtonKadena AB, Japan

Age: 26Weight: 140Height: 5-foot-1


“It helps you find out whoyou truly are. You find out a

lot about yourself.”

James BeckLangley AFB,Va.


What do you hope togain from the camp?

“Learn new skills and tech-niques to become a better

boxer.”

Chandra LeComptePope AFB, N.C.



“Become a better boxer.It’s also showing me a lotabout being in top physical

condition.”

Richard SmithLackland

Age: 30Weight: 195Height: 6-foot


“The fact that I can controlthe outcome.”

Jose GonzalezElmendorf, AFB, Alaska



“It’s the competition that Ilove.”

Matthew McCoyLackland



“No teammates to dependon. It’s just you.”

Zaire NaylorMoody AFB, Ga.



“Dedication. I have todedicate a lot of hours toperfect my game. It’s one

of the hardest sports.”

Leonel RodriguezLackland


Why do want to make theAF boxing team?

“For the chance to com-pete at a high level and win

(Nationals, Armed Force,Olympics).”

Marcus PenaKirtland AFB, N.M.


Why do you want to jointhe AF boxing team?“I want to make the teamto become a better boxerand beat Army and theMarines.”

Christopher MannLackland



“To get better, more disci-plined and have a goodtime.”

Jarrett JohnsonCannon AFB, N.M.


Why do you want tomake the AF boxingteam?“It’s something I’ve alwayswanted to do. That’s repre-sent my branch service.”

Larry HamppEllsworth AFB, S.D.


Camp boxers

BOXING CAMP from P19

Documents

A PUBLICATION OF THE 502nd AIR BASE WING – JOINT ...extras.mysanantonio.com/lackland_talespinner/talespinner...DBIDS, a new identity authentication and force protection program,