JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH

65th Year • No. 47 • NOVEMBER 25, 2011

INSIDE ... COMMANDER'S THANKSGIVING MESSAGE, P2 ... JBSA 3RD QUARTER AWARDS, P6 ... AIRMAN JOINS ROLLER DERBY TEAM, P9

A publication of the 502nd Air Base Wing – Joint Base San Antonio

PAGE 7

NOVEMBER 25, 2011PAGE 2 WINGSPREAD

COMMENTARY

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502nd Air Base WingOperating Location Bravo

Editorial StaffBrig. Gen. Theresa Carter

CommanderMarilyn Holliday

Chief of Public AffairsAirman 1st Class Precious Yett

EditorAirman 1st Class Alexis Siekert

Robert Goetz, Alex SalinasStaff Writers

Maggie ArmstrongGraphic Designer

Edward Blauvelt, Native American Her-itage Month Committee chair, speaks to Randolph Elementary School stu-dents Nov. 16. For complete coverage of the event, see page 7.Photo by Don Lindsey

ON THE COVER

By Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr.Air Education and Training Command commander

Thanksgiving is a holi-day of refl ection, a look back at the many things we are thankful for, and Teresa and I want to fi rst thank each of you and your families for the great things you do for our nation. It is your commit-ment and professionalism that allow Air Education and Training Command to develop the next generation of Air-men.

The First Command is an organiza-tion of wingmen dedicated to seeing each other succeed. One such example was Brad Shimp, an Air Force Recruit-ing Service Internet advisor, who took actions to save an Airman's life when his resilience was at its lowest. Brad could have passed the Airman off to another hotline or professional, but he stayed on the line, made the connec-tions to save the Airman's life and in less than an hour, his fi rst sergeant was knocking on his door to help him

through the trying times.We saw it again when

1st Lt Ryan McGuire graduated pilot training--the fi rst offi cer to do so as an amputee. Through his own sweat and determi-nation, he overcame and succeeded, but he could not have done it without his wingmen there to sup-port and encourage him.

We also have countless mission successes to be thankful for. For instance, two AETC C-17 crews from Altus AFB supported combat op-erations in Libya as part of Operation ODYSSEY DAWN. On a moment’s no-tice, they were ready to transition from their day-to-day training operations to real-world contingency operations.

Also, due to the motivated street and specialty recruiters of our Air Force Recruiting Service, we met 100 percent of the active-duty enlisted and line-offi cer recruiting goals for the fi scal year. In addition, we graduated the fi rst class of combat systems offi cers, our Air Advisors taught countless Iraqi and Afghan Airmen to lead their ser-

vices, and we welcomed the arrival of the fi rst F-35A Lightning II joint strike fi ghters to Eglin AFB. With too many to recount here, these are just a few examples of our successes and each is a testament to the dedication of the professionals within The First Com-mand.

Lest we forget, there were sorrows this year as well. For some AETC families, this Thanksgiving will never be the same as they mourn Airmen who lost their lives. May we never for-get them and may we continue to keep faith with their families as they will always be part of our Air Force family.

As you take this opportunity to recharge and relax with family and friends, I ask each of you to use good judgment and make sound choices. Watch out for your wingman. Have a plan…don’t drink and drive. Use cau-tion when travelling and don't overex-tend yourselves. Our nation needs all of you back safely, ready to continue the mission.

Teresa and I thank each of you and your families for your service to our nation and we wish you all a safe and joyous Thanksgiving holiday.

General Rice thanks Airmen

By Airman 1st Class Alexis SiekertJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

My unit spends an hour running, weightlifting and doing other aerobic exercises Monday and Wednesday mornings to ensure we are “fi t to fi ght.”

For a while, I thought the two hours a week was enough to keep me in tiptop shape.

My fi rst year at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, I took on many long nights and extra duties while my health was left by the wayside. My poor diet and lack of exercise caused me to feel sluggish, weak and unproductive. I gained weight and lost motivation.

Getting caught up in work, fi nd-ing little time to prepare well-rounded meals and resorting to eating fast food in front of the TV is an easy routine to

fall into.I always fi gured since I worked

out twice a week and received decent scores on my physical training testing that I must be in good shape, but one afternoon I re-evaluated how I was liv-ing and found some serious problems in my lifestyle.

Realizing I’d fallen behind physically, I decided to take action. So I set goals, made the changes and stuck to them!

That is when my real training began.I’d never lifted weights before. I

thought it was reserved for guys who wanted to be really muscular, but I’ve discovered it has gotten me into better shape than ever before, while allowing me to maintain my femininity.

Within six weeks of starting my new routine, I was at my target weight, felt more energetic and healthier overall.

I have no intentions of resorting back to my dollar-menu diet or neglecting my physical fi tness. “Cutting the junk” out of my diet, replacing it with more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and increasing my time in the gym made all the difference.

I enjoy squadron PT, but optimum results require a personal commitment beyond that.

I’ve learned that fi tness should be an everyday practice, not just the month before you PT test.

JBSA-Randolph has a lot of wonder-ful programs available to keep you healthy, fi t and happy, and staff to help you set goals that are realistic and healthy.

Push yourself to fi nd your true po-tential. You never know what you may discover.

Personal commitment makes difference

WINGSPREADNOVEMBER 25, 2011 PAGE 3

NEWS

By Mitch GettleAir Force Public Affairs Agency

WASHINGTON – Air Force officials have been work-ing for more than two years to develop a more consis-tent force presentation model for the Air Expeditionary Force deployment system.

Future changes in how the Air Force presents its forces in the joint environment and generates forces to support combatant commanders will be simplified under the new construct, called AEF Next.

Although these changes will be virtually transpar-ent to the combatant commanders, the Air Force will continue to present an Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force commanded by a Commander Air Force Forces and an Air Operations Center and executed by air expeditionary wings, groups and squadrons – AEF Next will focus on teaming at the unit/installation level and increase combat capability and unit cohesiveness.

The current AEF system, which uses unit type codes and tempo banding, is not easily communicated to ex-ternal audiences and Airmen alike. AEF Next is de-signed to simplify the presentation of Air Force forces, similar to sister services, using right-sized, capability-based airpower teams.

Air Force officials are not looking to create new ca-pabilities, but rather take the committed forces the Air Force currently uses and simplify the nomenclature to ease translation for external audiences, Col. John Long, Air Force chief of war planning and policy divi-sion said. AEF Next will capture available, committed-in-place and deployed APTs, giving a full account of all

Air Force forces.“For most Airmen, the differences will be minimal,”

Long said. “Rather than Airmen deploying as individu-als or in small groups from many locations across the Air Force, troops would deploy with their unit com-manders as part of an ‘Airpower Team.’”

The AEF Next concept improves Air Force leaders’ visibility over stressed career fields and provides oppor-tunities to mitigate stress, whenever possible, he said.

“We want to get the commander and immediate su-pervisors back into the deployment decision process,” Long said. “This will allow commanders to make key deployment decisions about their unit personnel rather than relying on functional managers at the major com-mand or headquarters Air Force level to make those decisions ... Commanders decide and FAMs advise.

“Most Airmen’s deployments will remain at six-month rotations and we are looking to posture the Air Force at a 1:2 deploy-to-dwell ratio,” Long said. “Although

we are still refining the generation model, we expect the 1:2 deploy-to-dwell time ratio to be the target. For example, Airmen who deploy for six months should not deploy for 12 months after returning home. Some exceptions may apply, depending on an Airman’s skill set and demand for that capability.”

The Air Force wants to improve predictability, vis-ibility and stability for units and Airmen while main-taining the flexibility to satisfy combatant commander requirements.

“The new system will adjust deploy-to-dwell ratios to account for varying (operations) tempo, i.e. from peace-time to surge events and back to peacetime ops,” Long said.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz ap-proved AEF Next as the Air Force’s new methodology in presenting and generating Air Force forces. The imple-mentation of this construct will take approximately two years to be fully operational.

AF refines force presentation, generation“For most Airmen, the differences will be minimal. Rather

than Airmen deploying as individuals or in small groups from many locations across the Air Force, troops would deploy

with their unit commanders as part of an ‘Airpower Team.’”Col. John Long

Air Force chief of war planning and policy division

An appointment is designated as a no-show when a patient does not keep a scheduled appointment or cancels less than two hours prior to a scheduled appointment.

Patients can cancel their appointments by selecting the cancellation option during the audiocare appointment reminder call, canceling via TRICARE online or simply calling the Consult Appointment Management Office appointment line.

For any no-shows, patients will be contacted within 48 hours of their missed appointment. The reason for missed appointment will be determined and follow-up recommendations made based

upon the patient’s clinical need. For two or more no-shows with-

in a six-month period in a specialty clinic without valid justification (example: sudden acute illness), all future specialty appointments within that clinic will be canceled and the patient’s Primary Care Manager will be contacted. The patient will require a new referral from the PCM if the specialty care is still needed.

Patients who arrive more than 10 minutes past their scheduled appointment time will be consid-ered late.

Questions can be directed to the Group Practice Manager office at 652-8677 or 652-1603.

Policy letter for patient appointmentsHoliday feast

(From left to right) Jeannie Wong, wife of Army Maj. Gen. M. Ted Wong, San An-tonio Military Medical Center commander, Maj. Gen. A.J. Stewart, Air Force Personnel Center commander, and his wife, Areetha, serve turkey and ham to family members of wounded warriors at the Thanksgiving Feed the Sol-diers Dinner at the Fort Sam Houston Fisher House Nov. 19. About 10 Airmen from AFPC volunteered to prepare and serve food at the holiday feast. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Steve Grever

NOVEMBER 25, 2011PAGE 4 WINGSPREAD

Shop till you drop at AAFESBy Alex SalinasJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

Black Friday traditionally takes the adage “shop ‘till you drop” to another level, with consumers willing to wait, or camp, in lines to take advantage of early-morning store openings and discounts. At Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Black Friday is no different, and in fact is planned to operate like a well-oiled machine.

Yvette Blakely, JBS-Randolph’s Base Exchange sales and merchan-dise manager, believes “a successful event depends on how it is prepared for,” and said the BX is well-prepared for a successful Black Friday shopping day.

The BX, the base’s department store for military members, will open at 4 a.m. Friday and will close at 8 p.m. However, its lobby doors will open at midnight.

As such, restaurants in the food court like Charley’s Grilled Subs, Starbucks and Popeyes will carry out breakfast to those in line starting at 2 a.m. Mary Gaiter, a BX food court manager, advised people to bring cash to pay for the breakfast-on-wheels.

Gaiter said the food prepping for Black Friday is done the night of Thanksgiving, meaning the food will be fresh for early shoppers.

Blakely said the BX will begin hand-ing out tickets on a first-come, first-served basis for “hot items” such as TVs, beginning at midnight when the lobby doors open. The tickets must be redeemed by 4 a.m.

The tickets, serving as a reserva-tion for “hot items” advertised in the BX fliers for Friday, hope to alleviate crowds rushing to get the same items once the doors open. Security forces will be at the BX Black Friday in case of unruly crowds and crime preven-

tion, while the BX loss prevention team will work to prevent shoplifting.

The BXtra, the base’s convenience, lawn and garden and furniture store, also opens at 4 a.m. Friday and will close at 10 p.m.

Marissa Carnes, JBSA-Randolph BXtra store manager, said clearance items such as phased-out furniture pieces will have an additional percent-age subtracted from its price on top of the Black Friday discount.

“Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping days of the year, so we will make sure we have enough of our items in stock to get the customer in and out quickly,” Carnes said. “Our primary goals are to outdo last year’s sales figures and always please our customers.”

With all of the attention stores re-ceive from the purchasing power of consumers, Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Bob Wido, JBSA-Randolph installation

chaplain, had a different message for Black Friday shoppers, as well as oth-ers, pushing for a redirection on their priorities.

“There are stores now that are opening late Thursday night (on Thanksgiving) to get ahead on their sales,” Wido said. “The reality is, it’s a greed issue. Black Friday and the Christmas shopping season is a time where people speed up everything in their lives, and maybe it’s time where they should slow down a little bit.

“There’s always someone who looks at the dollar sign and is willing to step on others to get their way, be it a profit or a purchase. In the turning of seasons, we should focus on giving thanks for what we have and enjoy our families.”

For more information, call the BX at 658-7471 and the BXtra at 566-6872. For other base facility hours, call base information at 652-1110.

Base BRIEFSLane closure

Due to the BXtra entrance realignment, through Dec. 2, the lane closest to the BXtra will be closed. This lane closure will affect the inbound traffic on 3rd street west. For more information, contact Vince Darby at 652-1219.

Main Circle closureThe Main Circle in front of Air Education and Training Command

Headquarters will be closed at B900 until Jan. 18 for roadway repairs. Traffic will be detoured. Please obey all construction traffic signs. A student bus stop will be temporarily moved from Main Circle drive to Outer Octagon. For more information, contact Peggy Hill at 652-1249.

Base Exchange Pharmacy RemodelingThe 359th Medical Group’s refill pharmacy at the Base Exchange

will undergo a remodeling project through Sunday. The prescrip-tion refill call-in system will still be operational as will the civilian prescription drop box at the BX. For more information contact the pharmacy at 652-4127.

Tree-lighting ceremony Randolph’s tree-lighting ceremony will be held Thursday at 5:30

p.m. in front of the Taj.Parking will be available in the Commissary, BX and housing

office parking lots. Music will be provided by Randolph Elementary School and Randolph High School Chorus. Santa will be in atten-dance and there will be children activities going on prior to Santa's arrival. Washington Circle closes at 1 p.m. For more information, contact 2nd Lt. Jenny Walk at 652-8587.

2011 Airmen Cookie DriveThe drop off location for the 2011 Airmen Cookie Drive is behind Chapel 1, Thursday, from 7-10 a.m. For more information, including volunteer opportunities, call Sarah Peel at 233-1624.

JBSA Childrens’ Holiday PartyThe Joint Base San Antonio Children’s’ Holiday Party will be held Dec. 3 at Kelly Field, Hangar 1610. There will be door prizes, food, music, face painting and a caricature artist. All military and Department of Defense children are invited. The first 300 children will receive a toy. For more information, contact Tech. Sgt De’Lisa Harris at 395-7948.

Sixth annual Tour of HomesThe Holiday Tour of Homes will be held Dec. 6 from noon to 3

p.m. Maps and tickets are available for a dontaion of $10 at the Airman and Family Readiness Center and Randolph Housing Office. For more information, contact Vicki Croft at 277-0858.

National Marrow Donor RegistryThe National Marrow Donor Registry is looking for new volunteers

at Randolph Base Exchange, Dec. 2, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those eligible are those between 8-60 and who are in good health. For more information, contact Senior Master Sgt Russell Buxton at 652-2212.

Federal Benefits Open SeasonThe Federal Benefits Open Season runs through Dec. 12. This is

an opportunity to make changes on to a current policy or change to a different health provider. All transactions must be made through BEST. Changes made during open season will be effective Jan 2.

Tax Assistance Volunteers NeededThe Randolph Tax Center is looking for volunteers to help prepare

income taxes during the upcoming tax filing season. Volunteers can be active duty, civilian, retiree or a family member.

Training will be provided by the Internal Revenue Service and by Randolph tax coordinator, Mr. Queen. To volunteer, call Mr. Queen at 652-1040.

Wilford Hall Emergency Room ClosedWilford Hall has closed its emergency department and re-desig-

nated the area as an urgent care center.The UCC is an option for common acute minor medical problems

when an individual cannot obtain an appointment with a primary care provider or a clinic is closed.

The UCC is not a substitute for an emergency department. For more information, call 292-7331.

Patient Centered Medical HomeThe Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center General Pediatric

and Adolescent Medicine Clinics have now transitioned to Patient Centered Medical Home.

PCMH is an active approach to establish a "medical home" for every patient. Each child's healthcare needs is coordinated by their individual provider who leads a team of medical professionals dedicated to delivering positive health outcomes through improved access to continuous and comprehensive care.

Focus is placed on meeting all of the child's medical needs through their PCMH team or "medical home." Contact the Pediatric Group Practice Manager, 1st Lt. Amanda Bray, at 292-6623 for more information.

WINGSPREADNOVEMBER 25, 2011 PAGE 5

Saturday, Dec. 3 ~ noon - 4 p.m.Kelly Field

303 South Frank Luke DriveHangar 1610

All Military and DoD Kids Invited!!Come and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The first 300 kids receive a toy.For more information, contact Tech. Sgt. De'Lisa Harris

at delisa.harris@us.af.mil or call 395-7948.

Door Prizes • Food • MusicCaricature Artist • Face Painting

The Randolph Air Force Base902nd Security Forces Squadronhosts its annual "Santa Lock Up"

Dec. 2 ~ 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.Participants can lock up their

co-workers for any length of timeat $10 per 30-minute increment.

To "take out a warrant" on a co-worker, call Airman 1st Class Katie Bowling

at 652-3939.

Beginning Thursday, the JBSA will implement new procedures for customers requiring new identi-fication cards, common access cards and Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System services.

To help reduce excessive wait times currently experienced by customers, the JBSA will replace the existing walk-in customer services available at its main ID Card/CAC issuance facilities with an all-day appointment-only process for all military mem-bers, retirees, dependents, civil service employees and contractors. Appointment times will be between 8 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. Monday through Friday, and will be scheduled in 20-minute intervals.

Changes to existing ID Card/CAC and DEERS services will only affect the main DEERS ID Card/CAC issuance facilities at these locations:

• 902nd Force Support Squadron, Bldg. 399, JBSA-Randolph; 652-1845

• 502nd Force Support Squadron, Bldg. 367, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston; 221-0415

• 802nd Force Support Squadron, Bldg. 5616, JBSA-Lackland; 671-4178

Customers can schedule appointments at any of these facilities by visiting https://rapids-appoint-ments.dmdc.osd.mil/ or they can call to set up an appointment.

CAC/ID cards require appointmentsRandolph ChapelSchedule• CATHOLICMonday-Friday

11:30 a.m. - Bldg. 975Saturday

5:30 p.m. - Bldg. 975Sunday

8:30 a.m. - Bldg. 97511:30 a.m. - Bldg. 975Confession - Saturday4:30 p.m. - Bldg. 975

• PROTESTANTTraditional Sunday Service8:15 a.m. - Base theater

Contemporary Sunday Service

11 a.m. - Base theater

NOVEMBER 25, 2011PAGE 6 WINGSPREAD

JBSA announces third quarter award winners

Junior Enlisted MemberSenior Airman Bridgette Garcia

Cryptologic Systems Division,JBSA-Lackland

Noncommissioned OfficerSgt. Jessie Miles

470th Military Intelligence Brigade,JBSA-Fort Sam Houston

Senior Enlisted MemberMaster Sgt. Sherod Thompson

559th Medical Operations Squadron,JBSA-Lackland

Civilian Wage GradeDarlene Daspit-Pohl

12th Operations Support Squadron, JBSA-Randolph

Civilian Nonsupervisory Cat IIJohn Bangs

Cryptologic Systems DivisionJBSA-Lackland

Civilian Supervisory Cat IDana Pelletier

502nd Civil Engineer Squadron, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston

Company Grade OfficerCapt. Antwan Floyd

902nd Security Forces Squadron, JBSA-Randolph

Civilian Nonsupervisory Cat IJames Butler

502nd Force Support Squadron, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston

Civilian Nonsupervisory Cat IIIMary Hodges

Air Force Intelligence Surveillanceand Reconnaissance Agency,

JBSA-Lackland

Civilian Supervisory Cat IIMark Cunningham

90th Information Operations Squadron, JBSA-Lackland

Honor GuardJunior Enlisted Member

Senior Airman Timothy Jenkins59th Radiology Squadron,

JBSA- Lackland

Honor GuardNoncommissioned OffiicerStaff Sgt. Anthony Porter

433rd Maintenance Squadron, JBSA-Randolph

WINGSPREADNOVEMBER 25, 2011 PAGE 7

By Robert GoetzJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

A Randolph Elementary School third-grader’s depiction of a young Native American girl standing next to a tranquil stream earned the student a first-place award in the Randolph Native Ameri-can Heritage Month poster contest last week.

Gianna Kelly, whose poster also fea-tured a teepee, an Indian blanket and a pouch filled with corn, won a statue showing a Native American brave and squaw in a teepee. Other top finishers were Trinity Pettaway, second place; Luke Brust, third place; and D’Andre Smith, honorable mention.

“The level of detail for their age was amazing,” Edward Blauvelt, Randolph NAHM Committee chairman, said. “Their inspiration and their artistic ability are beyond belief.”

The poster contest is an annual NAHM event for Randolph Elementary School third-graders. The awards ceremony, which was held Nov. 16 in the school cafeteria, featured a storytelling session by Blauvelt, who was dressed in Mohawk tribal attire, including a “gustoweh” headdress.

Students were asked to follow the base’s NAHM theme, “American Indians: Remembering Our Ancestors,” in creating their posters. Randolph High School art students selected the winning entries.

RES art teacher Shirley Peterman said she was impressed by the students’ ef-forts.

“You could tell the posters were not a parents’ project,” she said. “The students had their own ideas; a lot of thought had to go into it. They all did a really good job.”

Gianna, the daughter of Master Sgt.

Tila Barrino, Air Force Personnel Center, said she was “happy and excited” to place first in the contest. She said she wanted her poster to show how Native Americans lived through the eyes of a girl her age.

In addition to the poster contest, the month-long observance included story-telling sessions at the child development center, youth center and library; a Native American music presentation and craft activity at the youth center; and a pow-

wow in the Fort Sam Houston Quadran-gle, a Joint Base San Antonio event.

A Randolph High School art exposition continues through Monday at the base exchange. RHS students also have until Wednesday to submit a 500- to 1,000-word essay on the NAHM theme for an opportunity to win a $200 scholarship.

Blauvelt said NAHM gives all people a chance to reflect on the legacy of their ancestors, regardless of birthplace.

Students showcase Native American

legacy with poster contest

1st Place - Gianna Kelly

2nd Place - Trinity Pettaway

3rd Place - Luke Brust Honorable Mention - D'Andre Smith

Photos by Joel Martinez The winners of the 2011 Randolph Elementary School Native American History Month poster contest pose with Edward Blauvelt, NAHM committee chairman Nov. 16.

NOVEMBER 25, 2011PAGE 8 WINGSPREAD

902nd Force Support Squadron Briefs

WINGSPREADNOVEMBER 25, 2011 PAGE 9

SportsBRIEFS

SPORTS – HEALTH – FITNESS

AFPC Airman joins local roller derby team By Tech. Sgt. Steve GreverAir Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs

Airmen spend their off-duty time partici-pating in a variety of recreational activities to help them recharge their batteries so they are more effective in accomplishing their respective Air Force missions.

While some Air Force members choose to run marathons or take part in other community activities, Airmen like Staff Sgt. Melissa Hernandez from the Air Force Personnel Center here have found another outlet by participating on the Alamo City Roller Girls’ Las Pistoleras roller derby team in downtown San Antonio.

Roller derby is a contact sport played by two teams with five members roller skat-ing in the same direction around a track. It consists of a series of short matchups called “jams” and both teams designate a scoring player called a “jammer” who scores points by lapping members of the opposing team. Each team attempts to assist their own jammer while hindering the opposing jammer. The game consists of playing offense and defense simultane-ously.

Hernandez became interested in roll-er derby after watching a few matches in Austin last year. After hearing about monthly tryout opportunities with ACGR, Hernandez worked out for ACGR’s Las Pis-toleras team, which is reserved for rook-ies trying to make the main Las Tejanas squad. She made the cut in January and began an intense three-month evaluation process to learn the fundamentals of flat-track roller derby.

“When you are in your initial three-month training period, you practice initial skills like falling, hitting, stopping and en-durance drills,” Hernandez said. “When you make the team, it’s more about scrim-maging, strategies and learning to play with your teammates.”

The Odessa, Texas, native said she first heard about roller derby in 2007, and be-gan learning the ropes from veteran ACRG players. Her first bout with the Las Pistol-eras team was on Nov. 6 against the Brazos Valley Derby Girls. Hernandez was brought in as a blocker to assist her team’s jammer to progress through the pack. Las Pistol-eras won easily over Brazos Valley with a 172-105 victory.

“You can let out aggression (in roller

derby),” Hernandez said. “Obviously, it helps you get in shape too. The last time I did anything on a team was about 10 years ago in high school.”

One of Hernandez’s biggest supporters in becoming a roller derby player was Belle Hollis, a veteran ACRG Las Tejanas team member and trainer for new Las Pis-toleras members.

“I love Melissa," Hollis said. "She’s got a really good personality and head on her shoulders. When you tell her something, she takes it in and I almost see an im-mediate change the next time she hits the track. She never makes excuses. She’s taken some hard hits and bad attitudes, but she does it all with a smile.”

Hollis said having Air Force members on the team helps motivate others who don’t come from a military background.

“I have to say I love the Air Force girls because they all go hard and know what hard work is,” Hollis said. “When it comes to our Air Force people, they learn the team

aspect (of the game) quicker and faster. It’s always great to have them (on the team) because if you can get that one person who is talking in the pack, or gives advice, it is like a chain reaction. Sometimes people are afraid to speak up or let themselves be heard. The military teaches you to be a strong person.”

Hernandez is an Air Force personnel-ist in AFPC’s Total Force Service Center on base. Her current position as a quality assurance evaluator involves monitoring one of the contracts the Air Force has with Lockheed Martin who provides customer service agents for the TFSC.

The 2011 season has come to a close for both ACRG roller derby teams, but Her-nandez said she will keep training in the off-season to be better prepared to fight for a spot on the Las Tejanas team next year.

“Everybody’s goal is to try and make the Las Tejanas team, so I hope to be there one day,” she said.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Steve Grever Staff Sgt. Melissa Hernandez, Air Force Personnel Center's Total Force Service Center, shakes hands with her opponents before her first bout with the Alamo City Roller Girls' Las Tejanas roller derby team Nov. 6.

Attention All BikersThe fitness center holds bike

rides every Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. These rides focus on improving fitness, bike handling skills, riding a pace line, drafting and bike etiquette and are open to cyclists of all levels. A road bike or cyclo-cross bike in good working condition is needed. Appropriate cycling at-tire and gear is required. These rides are led by a member of USA Cycling.

Ping Custom Club Fitting Randolph Oaks has a

certified custom club fitting pro shop. Call 652-4653 to schedule your personal fitting with Clay today.

Driving Range (closed Monday mornings for main-tenance)

Warm up at the Randolph Oaks Driving Range or just take a few practice swings. A full basket of balls is only $6 or a half basket is $3. What a great bargain; off base basket of balls costs around $10. Or stop by the Pro Shop to purchase a debit key for the new machine and get 30 half-baskets for only $60, an $80 value.

Get ready to golf It's a great time to learn golf.

The cost for five days of lessons, plus time on the course is $99 (clubs furnished). All par-ticipants will also get a punch card for 10 nine-hole rounds of golf. Call PGA golf professional Charles Bishop at 244-3415 for more info.

Does Your Swing Need Help? Learn from the Pros

Make your personal appoint-ment with swing doctors Brian Cannon and Charles Bishop (PGA). With the help of Randolph Oaks pros, golfers will not only enjoy the game more but also lower their scores. Call 652-4653 to schedule a lesson today.