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JO INT 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 • Vo l . 6 8 N o . 5 0 • D E C E M B E R 1 6 , 2 0 1 1

A PUBL ICAT ION OF THE 502nd A IR BASE W ING

INSIDE | Commentary 2 News 3 BMT Honors 10 Feature 12-13 What’s Happening 18 Sports 19-20

jbsa travel survey

The 502nd Air Base Wing is conduct-ing a Traffic Points of Origin study through Dec. 30 to evaluate military, retiree and civilian population traffic patterns at Joint Base San Anto-nio-Lackland, JBSA-Randolph, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis.

All JBSA active-duty service mem-bers, Reserve, De-partment of Defense civilians and contrac-tors, retirees, and dependents age 18 and older who travel on and around JBSA installations are eli-gible to participate in the survey. Each re-spondent receives a coupon for a free cup of coffee at any JBSA AAFES Express store and will automatical-ly be entered to win one of three prizes – a $100 gas card, or one of two $50 exchange gift cards. The survey is online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JBSAsurvey.

holiday lights

Photo by Robbin CresswellMaj. Breanna Fulton, former operations officer, 344th Training Squadron, and her daughter, Ayana, admire the holiday tree immediately following the base tree lighting ceremony Nov. 30 at the Gateway Club. The annual event featured a holiday performance by the Joint Base San Antonio Air Force Band of the West and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Fulton is now attending the Naval Post-graduate School in Monterrey, Calif.

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

The winter holidays bring an array of cel-ebrations that highlight the diverse cultures that make our nation great. What unites so many of those festivities is a spirit of thankfulness for the many blessings we share. Teresa and I want to wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday season and say, “Thank you,” to all the men and women of Air Education and Training Command for making 2011 such a success. Closest to our hearts are all the deployed mem-

bers of the command and their families. Having gone through this experience ourselves, we know how deployments over the holidays can be particularly tough, not just on the Airmen, but particularly the families back home. This year, more than 6,000 AETC Airmen have deployed around the globe. Thanks to your exceptional diligence and readiness, AETC answered the call to send our people to multiple worldwide operations while also maintain-ing our total commitment to training and educating the world’s finest Air Force!

For those of us not deployed, I ask that as you make your holiday plans for quality time with family and friends, please know that I take personal interest in your safety and well-being. Be smart and make good decisions. If you’re traveling, use caution

and allow yourself time for delays. Make arrangements ahead of time so

you’re never in a position to consider drinking and driving. The world’s greatest Air Force is nothing without its number one asset – you. As we celebrate together, I also ask you to remember the families of our deployed Airmen as well as our single Airmen. In the spirit of camaraderie that makes our Air Force such a special fam-ily, I hope you’ll welcome them into your holiday gatherings here at home.

The bonds we build today serve to strengthen the command for tomorrow and continue to make our United States Air Force the most respected airpower in the world. Happy holidays AETC. Thank you for all that you do to keep our nation secure.

PAGE 2 TALESPINNER DECEMBER 16, 2011

This newspaper is published by Prime Time Military Newspapers, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive writ-ten contract with Lackland AFB, Texas. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military ser-vices. Contents of the Talespinner are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, or the Depart-ment of the Air Force.

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Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Office of the 502nd Air Base Wing. All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.

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

Joint Base San AntonioLackland

Editorial Staff

Brig. gen. Theresa C. CarTer,Commander

OsCar Balladares,direCtor of PubliC affairs

JOe Bela, Chief,internal CommuniCations

671-4111

managing editor, vaCant

Mike JOseph,senior Writer, 671-4357

JOse garza,sPorts editor/staff Writer,671-0478

paTriCk desMOnd,design/layout, 671-5049

commentaryRemember deployed Airmen this season

By Brig. Gen. Theresa C. CarterCommander, 502nd Air Base Wing

Like many of you, oneof the things I en-

joy doing every year during the holidays is watching the classic Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Many of us probably know the film by heart at this point in our lives. But for those who have not seen it, here’s a brief synopsis.

The film is about an angel named Clar-ence who is trying to earn his wings and a man named George who plans to end his life by jumping off a bridge into icy water. The men cross paths when Clarence jumps into the water before George in order to take George’s mind off his taking his life.

Clarence’s actions ended up taking George’s attention away from his attempt- ed suicide and instead had him focus on saving an old man who, wildly flapping his arms, was trying to stay above water.

George was ready to end his life be-cause he was convinced things would bebetter if he’d never been born but, in fact,things would have been much worse. He wouldn’t have been there to save his bro-ther from drowning, to help his neighborssecure desperately needed home loans, orto provide help to his family.

George finally realized he’d made an im-pact in the lives of his family, friends and

co-workers and pleaded with Clarence tolet him live again. His wish was grantedand Clarence earned his wings by showing George how important his contributionswere to the lives of others.I never fail to take away a new insight or meaning from the film each time I watch it. I often wonder how many of us apprec-iate the impact we have every day on our fellow service members, civilian employ-ees, family and friends? Whenever I have the chance to talk with students at Airman Leadership School, I always discuss the important role first-level supervisors play in the lives of the Airmen who work for them. Time and again in climate surveys,the one thing our Airmen say they valuemost is a simple thank you or a pat on theback. When was the last time you thanked one of your subordinates at the end of theday for their efforts? Have you ever told them how important they are or how they contribute to the mission accomplishment?

As we prepare to celebrate another holiday season and ring in a new year, stop and think about an average day atany military installation. Maintainers are preparing helicopters to fly and ships tosail. Aircrews are flying combat and train-ing sorties. Combat support personnel areproviding the infrastructure and services needed to support our service members where they live, work and play. Medical personnel are caring for our most precious resource – our service members, familymembers and retirees. Instructors are

mentoring and training our future leaders. It’s not easy to keep all of these parts mov-ing smoothly – every single person plays a key role and is essential to success.

Whether you are a supervisor or sub-ordinate, recognize and understand the powerful influence your words and actions can have on those around you. I know personally of several individuals who de-cided to re-enlist rather than separate and in the extreme, to live rather than to die simply because someone on that decisive day said, “Thanks, you’ve done well and we appreciate what you do for the unit.”

Let’s take time to remember those whoare deployed by sending a letter or emailand checking in on their family. Visit those who must work over the holi-days, standing watch at entry con-trol points, operating control centers or caring for the sick and injured. Remember that not all trainees go on exodus; ensure they have a place to goon Christmas day. Let’s remember to cele-brate responsibly over the holidays by using designated drivers and employing personal risk management as we deck the halls and hang holiday decorations around the house. Finally, let’s take time to saythanks to the dedicated Soldiers, Sailors,Airmen and Marines who keep our coun-try safe each and every day. Let them know how important their contributions are to keeping our nation free. Let them know they make a difference every day.

You never know, like Clarence, it justmay help you earn your wings.

How will you earn your wings this holiday season?

newsDECEMBER 16, 2011 TALESPINNER PAGE 3

christmas day base dining

Active-duty members, retirees, and their dependents are authorized to have Christ-mas Day dinner at the Rodney Gott Dining Facility, Bldg. 2041, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are required, and must be submitted by today to Sylvia Terrell at 210-671-3866. Meal prices are a la carte.

holiday in blue concerts

The Joint Base San Antonio U.S. Air Force Band of the West’s annual Holiday in Blue concerts are this weekend.

The free concerts feature the Joint Base Holiday Chorus, made up of Joint Base San Antonio active-duty service members, Guard, Reservists, retirees and depen-dents. Performances are 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the Edgewood Independent School District’s Theatre of Performing Arts, located at 402 Lance St.

For ticket availability, contact the JBSA-Lackland or JBSA-Randolph Information, Tickets and Travel offices; the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Morale, Welfare and Rec-reation office; or the Fiesta San Antonio Commission office.

upcoming heavy travel days The 37th Training Group expects

about 2,700 Airmen to be traveling for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays between Wednesday and Jan. 3, 2012.

Technical training students will be dismissed at the close of business on Tuesday, and must report back to base no later than 11:59 p.m. Jan. 2, 2012. The unit anticipates Wednesday and Jan. 2, 2012 to be the most heavily traveled days by the students using the San Antonio International Airport. Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland permanent party should plan accordingly for holiday travel.

jbsa afso21 problem solving workshop

The Joint Base San Antonio 8-Step Problem Solving Workshop is Jan. 10, 2012 at JBSA-Randolph, Bldg. 100.

The Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century (AFSO21) program’s 8-Step Problem Solving Workshop provides Air Force military and civilian personnel with in-depth knowledge of the 8-Step process.

The process is the standard methodolo-gy for addressing problems and opportuni-ties for improvement used by the Air Force. To register, visit the AFSO21 Community of Practice page on the Air Force Portal or contact Sean Harrington at 210-671-6688.

News iN Brief

By Eric GrillAir Force Personnel, Service and Manpower PA

Air Force officials held a training conference recently to teach those op-erating the Integrated Disability Evalu-ation System how to process service members who, because of medical conditions, may no longer be able to serve in the Air Force.

The conference, held jointly between the Air Force Personnel Center and the Air Force Medical Operations Agency, was attended by more than 250 base-level physical evaluation board liaison officers, who guide service members through the disability evaluation sys-tem, and medical physicians, who recommend service members for the disability evaluation process.

The Integrated Disability Evalua-tion System (IDES) combines the mili-tary services’ disability evaluation and that of the Department of Veterans Af-fairs benefits claims processes into a streamlined process to minimize the gap between service separation and VA benefits delivery. The program was introduced in 2007 as a pilot program at three military bases and steadily expanded to full Department of De-fense-wide implementation at the end of September.

The IDES provides a more seamless transition to veteran disability benefits with more consistent ratings between DOD and VA than the previous system, Lt. Col. Lorianne Hodge, Air Force Per-

sonnel Center’s Air Force Physical Dis-ability Division deputy division chief, said.

“Physical evaluation board liaison officers are the ‘boots on the ground’ responsible for compiling and routing all case paperwork and are the prima-ry points of contacts for Airmen as they go through the process,” Hodge said. “Equally important are the physicians who make the determination that an Airman must be considered for poten-tial separation or retirement.”

The main goal of the training confer-ence was to arm the Physician Evalua-tion Board liaison officer and providers with the information and tools to pro-cess the member through the disability system effectively and succinctly, Maj. Teresa Clark, Air Force Medical Opera-tions Agency health benefit analyst and IDES program manager, said.

Under the previous Disability Evalu-ation System, Clark said, the process-ing time was significantly longer. This included a set of medical examina-tions by military physicians, a series of boards to determine if the member was still able to serve and, if not, as-signment of a disability rating used by the DoD to calculate disability disposi-tion. Service members could not be-gin to apply for disability compensa-tion and benefits from VA until after receiving a discharge date from their service.

With the new IDES, Clark said, “there is one set of medical exams,

performed to the Veterans Affairs stan-dards, which provides medical infor-mation needed by both departments.”

The VA issues disability ratings that will immediately be used for veterans’ compensation and benefits once the service member is no longer active duty.

The integrated process still takes a little more than nine months, Hodge said, but now when the service mem-ber is finished with the military pro-cess, a disability claim is already filed with the VA so veteran disability com-pensation and benefits can begin after one month in veteran status.

That is the earliest allowed under current law.

“Conferences like this provide for an open, candid forum to exchange input with the field on how the (IDES) process is operating and to foster ideas on how the system can be improved,” Bret Stevens, DoD director of transi-tion policy for the office of wounded warrior care and transition policy, said. “It’s also an opportunity for con-ference attendees to receive an update of where the program is currently at and for me personally to get an in-sight from those who work closely with the individuals who are transitioning through the process.”

The people who attended this con-ference “are truly committed to pro-viding a program that meets both the individuals’ and services’ needs,” Ste-vens said.

Program reduces wait for VA benefits

HERCuLEAN MovEA crew from Worldwide Aircraft Recovery moves a C-130H Hercules from Kelly Field to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Dec 4. Even with wings removed, there were only a few inches to spare as the plane made its way through the installation’s Selfridge West Gate. The airlifter was disas-sembled and hauled to its new location at the new Inter-American Air Forces Academy Airfield Training Complex. The C-130 is used to train IAFFA students.Photo by Alan Boedeker

TALESPINNER DECEMBER 16, 2011

GoNE foR THE HoLIDAySSpotlight

on Military JuSticeThe 802nd Mission Support Group

Office of the Staff Judge Advocate processed the following judgments on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Nov. 15 through Dec. 2:

• An airman basic from the 343rd Training Squadron was found guilty of underage drinking. The Airman received forfeiture of $733 pay per month for two months, 15 days re-striction, 15 days of extra duty, and a reprimand.• An airman first class from the 802nd Communication Squadron was found guilty of underage drinking. The Air-man received a reduction to the rank of airman (suspended), forfeiture of $822 pay per month for two months, and a reprimand.• A senior airman from the 59th Sur-gical Specialties Squadron was found guilty of failing to obey an Air Force

regulation. The Airman received a reduction to the rank of airman first class (suspended), forfeiture of $975 pay per month for two months, and a reprimand.• A senior airman from the 322nd Training Squadron was found guilty of cruelty and maltreatment toward basic trainees. The Airman received a reduction to the rank of airman first class (suspended), forfeiture of $975 pay per month for two months (suspended), and a reprimand.• A technical sergeant from the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency was found guilty of misusing the government travel card. The noncommissioned officer received a reduction to the rank of staff sergeant (suspended), forfeiture of $400 pay per month for two months (suspended), 30 days ex-tra duty, and a reprimand.

Spotlight on Military JuStice

Photo by Staff Sgt. Micky BazalduaStaff Sgt. Mariana Naranjo, a medical technician with the 59th Medical Operations Squad-ron, hugs her daughter before departing for a deployment to Afghanistan Dec. 8 at the Wil-ford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center. Naranjo is part of a 59th Medical Wing contingency that deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.


CAC, ID cards by appointment onlyNew identification cards, common access cards and

Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System ser-vices can be obtained by appointment only at all Joint Base San Antonio installations.

Appointment times, between 8 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. Monday through Friday, will be scheduled in 20-min-ute intervals.

Changes to existing ID Card/CAC and DEERS ser-vices 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, JB-SA-Lackland; 671-4178

Schedule appointments at any of these facilities by visiting https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil/ or calling to set up an appointment.

By Lt. Col. Alan GoodwinSA Military Health System Clinical Operations

With the government’s need to reduce costs, gain efficiencies, and improve effectiveness, Base Realignment and Closure 2005 di-rected many changes around the world, with a deadline of Sept. 15, 2011 for implementation. One re-quirement resulted in the creation of the San Antonio Military Health System.

SAMHS provides oversight of all military health services with-in the San Antonio area. SAMHS includes over 9,000 healthcare workers in 10 facilities, supporting more than 230,000 beneficiaries, and providing over 100 specialty services with more than a $1 bil-lion economic impact to the San Antonio community.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Byron Hep-burn, 59th Medical Wing com-mander and SAMHS director, and Army Maj. Gen. M. Ted Wong, Brooke Army Medical Center com-mander and SAMHS deputy direc-tor, conducted the first SAMHS strategic planning conference in

early October to build the frame-work for one military medical sys-tem in San Antonio. The system is not merging commands, but is developing processes to support consistent and single-focused healthcare delivery, while main-taining service unique readiness requirements, and support gradu-ate health education training plat-forms and biomedical research.

During the conference, senior leaders from the executive com-mittee and subject matter experts from within Brooke Army Medical Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston and the 59th Medical Wing at JBSA-Lackland identified areas for SAMHS focus. The conference attendees identi-fied a need to establish several inter-service committees with the goals of maximizing patient care as well as improving the patient ex-perience, improving patient safety and access to care, and maximiz-ing healthcare delivery effective-ness and efficiency across the en-tire healthcare system. What does this mean for patients?

“SAMHS is committed to being your first choice in healthcare, the place patients choose to go for all matters related to their health,” said Hepburn. “We recognize that patients live all over the area and want access to safe, high quality

care within a reasonable period of time without having to deter-mine who to call and which clinic to visit.”

The Centralized Appointment Management Office (CAMO) is now part of SAMHS. Patients still have one number, 210-916-9900, to call the CAMO and make an appoint-ment, or patients can go online to www.tricareonline.com and book an appointment.

“Patients will also notice the integration of healthcare provider teams,” said Wong. “They may be treated by a team consisting of ei-ther Army, Air Force, civilian per-sonnel or any combination thereof within the walls of the San Antonio Military Medical Center or Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center. This cross pollination of talents enables efficiencies and reduces redundancies between the facili-ties.”

Among the decisions made at the conference was creating a unified SAMHS vision: To be the Department of Defense’s premier healthcare system.

“Our healthcare teams want patients to continue choosing SAMHS as their healthcare provid-er of choice,” said Hepburn. “We look forward to serving all our beneficiaries’ healthcare needs in an exceptional manner.”

Med leaders build SAMHS framework

TREES foR TRooPS

Photo by Alan BoedekerStephanie Layton, with sons, Jaysiq, 3, and Rythan, 18 months, pick out a Christmas tree during the “Trees for Troops” event Dec. 2 at the Joint Base San Antonio-Lack-land Outdoor Adventure Center. The annual event, in co-operation with the Christmas Spirit Foundation, gives free trees to families of deployed service members. Remaining trees are given to local active-duty personnel and their fami-lies. Stephanie is the wife of Staff Sgt. Brandon Layton, a weapons instructor with the 37th Training Support Squad-ron, Combat Weapons unit.

Conference takes first steps toward 10-facility military medical system

DECEMBER 16, 2011 TALESPINNER PAGE 9

EMPLoyMENT DEPLoyMENT

Photo by Rich McFaddenFourteen U.S. Army Wounded Warriors and 16 disabled veterans from the Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Soldier and Family Assistance Center board a U.S. Navy C-130 Hercules turboprop aircraft Dec. 2 at JBSA-Randolph for a flight to Washington, D.C., to attend the U.S. Navy’s Career Day in Lexington Park, Md. The trip was organized by Rodney Leonard, a representative of the SFAC's U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

JBSA air show now biennual

event in SAJoint Base San Antonio air shows will now take

place every other year rather than annually.Brig. Gen. Theresa C. Carter, Joint Base San

Antonio commander, cites budgetary constraints within the Department of Defense and the Air Force for the decision.

“Many bases host air shows on an infrequent basis, every two to three years, so we’ve been fortunate in the greater San Antonio area to en-joy a show every year. Funding reductions pre-vent us from maintaining that pace but we are committed to hosting an event every other year,” she said.

Air shows alternated between JBSA-Lackland and JBSA-Randolph annually, in conjunction with San Antonio’s Celebrate America’s Military activities. The 2011 JBSA air show was held Oct. 29-30 at JBSA-Randolph; the next air show is scheduled for 2013.


Congratulations to the fol-lowing 70 Airmen for being selected as honor graduates among 705 Air Force basic mil-itary trainees graduating today:

320th Training SquadronFlight 039Davis BrittsSean DaileyGrayson GlassSean KosteleckyTyler PenningtonFlight 040Brent AlmandTyler LurzBrent PointsJames StraderJustin Wetherington321st Training Squadron Flight 041Nishitkumar PatelRyan RiveraEmmett YuleFlight 042Patricia MartinFowler Wagner322nd Training Squadron Flight 045Clinton DeederThomas JunyszekTrevor LogginsSantiago Torres

Kenneth ZaunFlight 046Gregory JonesCory Timm323rd Training SquadronFlight 047Nathan HeiserGabriel ZambranoFlight 048Itzel Barrera-RodriguezShari BlackburnAubree BruceDiana CarrChanning GreenlandLindsay HerrellKayla HuntleyJaclyn IskricSamantha KovalewskiAlyssa PenaMary PiotrowskiKelyber Rodriguez324th Training SquadronFlight 043Michael ConnorsDaniel DietrichAnthony SegarraMatthew SilbermanFlight 044Justin SchaseRobert Vroom Taylor WheatonMarek Wilczko326th Training Squadron

Flight 036Emilee AschoffJennifer BollAngela CortesStephanie KingAllison LeeConstance MooreKiara SpicerDana VaheyJessica WallaceMariah Williams331st Training SquadronFlight 037Philip BorkowskiTormod LillekrokenAndrew MardenChristopher MeekerCarl MundenWarren RehrerFlight 038Christopher FrumkinBenjamin HedgesLuke HydeDavid KellyDavid KriskeNicholas NoblesShannon OtwellMark SearsAdam StandleyJohn Woods

Top BMT AirmanLindsay Herrell, 323rd

TRS, Flight 048Most Physically FitMale AirmenBrent Almand, 320th TRS, Flight 040Colton Ederer, 320th TRS, Flight 039Mostafa Mostafa, 320th TRS, Flight 039Tyler Weymouth, 324th TRS, Flight 043Female AirmenAlyssa Pena, 323rd TRS, Flight 048Dana Vahey, 326th TRS, Flight 036Sharon Wahinekapu, 321st TRS, Flight 042Alana Richardson, 323rd TRS, Flight 048 Male Flights320th TRS, Flight 039320th TRS, Flight 040331st TRS, Flight 038Female Flights323rd TRS, Flight 048326th TRS, Flight 036321st TRS, Flight 042

Top Academic Flights326th TRS, Flight 036320th TRS, Flight 040320th TRS, Flight 039

BMT honors


By Mike JosephSenior Writer

purred on by the con-stant shouts of “Atta boy”, “Way to go”, “You can do it”, or “Just one more,” a group of San Antonio professional athletes got a sample

of the Air Force fitness assessment Wednesday

morning at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

The sounds of encouragement re-verberated through the aerobic room

at the Warhawk Fitness Center, over-flowed into the adjacent gym, and then moved outside to the adjoining track as the San Antonio Rampage professional hockey team competed in a modified fitness assessment challenge against Air Force Special Operations entry-level trainees from the 342nd Training Squadron.

The Rampage vs. Airmen chal-lenge included chin ups, sit ups, push ups, and a four-man, 1.5-mile relay, and the athletes came away impressed and enlightened by the experience.

“This was a very, very, very,

very small taste of it,” said Bracken Kearns, a Rampage center, after he completed a one-lap relay leg that substituted for the 1.5-mile run. “You can tell they’re in great shape.”

The fitness challenge was one part of the Rampage’s morning-long, team-building exercise hosted by the 37th Training Wing. It also included a C-5 Galaxy aircraft tour conducted by the 433rd Airlift Wing, a military working dog demonstration by the 341st Training Squadron, and lunch with basic trainees in the 323rd Training Squadron.

The visit and fitness challenge

grew from a conversation between Lt. Col. Jeffrey Greenwood, 323rd TRS commander, and his honorary commander, Ryan Snyder, director of business operations for the Ram-page.

“Ryan called me about a month ago and said Coach Weber (Chuck Weber, Rampage coach) wanted to do a team building event,” Greenwood said. “It manifested from there.

“Then it spiraled into eating lunch with our trainees, the dog handling demonstration and the C-5 tour be-fore Chief Rubio (retired Chief Master Sgt. Bob Rubio, 37th Training Wing

AHL team meets fitness challenge, visits base missions

AIr ForcE FItNESS ASSESSmENt

From left to right, Rampage hockey

teammates Jeff LoVecchio, left

wing, Keith Sea-brook, defenseman, and David Marshall,

forward, perform sit ups during the fitness challenge

against pararescue and combat con-troller trainees at Warhawk Fitness Center Dec. 13.

Photos by Antonio Morano


public affairs) suggested we show them the fitness assessment and said, ‘Let’s make it a challenge.’”

The goal was to have fun with the challenge, but also show the Rampage a snapshot of the various missions at JBSA-Lackland, military teamwork, and the Air Force fitness standard.

“It was a chance for us to be to-gether in an environment away from the rink, to build camaraderie, to see what another group goes through in their training. It’s great,” said We-ber, before adding with a chuckle, “They’ve loved it, but I don’t think they’re enjoying the fitness test so much.”

Rampage goalie Dov Grumet-Mor-ris said even though the professional

athletes were outperformed by the Airmen, there’s a similarity between the two competing groups.

“The common ground is learning to push through your own mental barrier,” Grumet-Morris said. “Physi-cally, you’re much more capable than you think.”

His teammate Kearns agreed. “I did very average, as expected,”

Kearns said. “But I made it through and that’s what counts.”

And in the spirit of friendly compe-tition, the Rampage coach has a plan if there’s a rematch.

“Our guys did a great job by just jumping off the bus,” Weber said. “My assistant coach and I were joking that if we do this next year, we get to pick the five (fitness) events.”

AIr ForcE FItNESS ASSESSmENt

Maj. Chad Del Rossa, 433rd Airlift Wing, gives San Antonio Rampage hockey players a tour of the C-5 Galaxy Dec. 13.

Michael Caruso, defenseman for the San Antonio Rampage hockey team, attempts to get one last pull up before time expires during a friendly fitness challenge against pararescue and combat control-ler trainees at the Warhawk Fitness Center Dec. 13.


Stay up-to-date during special events and inclement weather.

Call 671-NEWS


Edwards Aquifer Levelin feet above sea level

CuRRENT LEvEL = 651.6

Normal - above 660’Stage I - 660’Stage II - 650’Stage III - 642’Stage Iv - 640.5’Stage v - 637’

For water restrictions, visit www.502abw.af.mil


jbsa-lackland holiday cookie caper

The Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland holiday cookie caper is Wednesday at Freedom Chapel. The JBSA-Lackland community caper provides cookies for Airmen who will remain in base dormitories for the Christmas holidays.

Cookie donations can be dropped off beginning at 6 a.m. in the chapel parking lot.

Volunteers are also needed to package cookies any time from 8-11 a.m.

To make arrangements for early cookie donations or more informa-tion, call 210-673-5111.

‘war horse’ free screening A free screening of “War Horse”

at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Reel Time Theaters sponsored by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service is Saturday, noon. The film will be released commercially Christmas Day.

For more information, call 210-674-8917.

a night of adult comedy

The Joint Base San Antonio-Lack-land Performing Arts Group presents its latest production, “A Night of Adult Comedy,” tonight and Saturday night at the Bob Hope Center.

The production is a collection of short, adult content, one-act plays. It is recommended for ages 18 and over.

Doors open at 6 p.m.; shows begin at 7 p.m. each night.

Tickets are available at Ar-nold Hall Community Center or at the door, and include light hors d’oeuvres. A cash bar will also be available.


firing range trespass notice

Trespassing on the Medina Firing Range is illegal and dangerous.

Weapons training is conducted daily at the firing range, located at 900 Patrol Rd. on the Lackland Training Annex.

For more information, contact the 37th Training Support Squadron’s Combat Weapons Section range control office at 210-671-2349/4621.

on-base holiday lodging

Military ID cardholders may make on-base lodging reservations for their holiday guests. The facilities are newly renovated. Reservations are being accepted through Dec. 31.


overdue library notices

Automated overdue notices were erroneously sent out while the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland library was closed for renovations.

Items checked out prior to the closure can be placed in the book drop in the library parking lot.


802nd lrs supply training

The 802nd Logistics Readiness Squadron’s Equipment Accountability Element will conduct three customer supply training classes Wednesday in Bldg. 5160, second floor confer-ence room.

Wednesday’s classes are Block I General Supply Training, 8 a.m.; Block II Bench Stock Training, 8:45 a.m.; and Block III Equipment

Custodian Supplemental/Refresher Training, 9:30 a.m.

Contact Ray Holland or Bethany Cuevas at 210-925-1001/2514 to register.

aaca scholarship applications

African American Cultural As-sociation scholarship application packages are available at the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland library, the JBSA-Lackland Youth Center or from AACA members.

Local dependents of military active duty, Guard, Reserve, Depart-ment of Defense employees or DOD contractors who are graduating high school seniors are eligible to apply. The application includes writing a 600-800 word essay on “Black Women in American History and Culture.”

Scholarship packages can be mailed to the African American Cultural Association, c/o Shirley Jones, 1655 Selfridge Ave., Bldg. 5450, Lackland AFB, TX 78236. The application deadline is Feb. 1, 2012, 1 p.m.

For more information, contact Jones at 671-1756.

scholarship applications online

The 2012-2013 Gen. Henry H. Arnold education grant program application is available online at the Air Force Aid Society website.

Need-based grants of $2,000 are available to dependent children of active duty, Title 10 Reservists on extended active duty, Title 32 AGR performing full-time active duty, re-tirees, retired Reserve and deceased Air Force members.

Spouses of active duty and surviving spouses of deceased personnel are eligible.

The application deadline is March 9, 2012. All applicants must be enrolled as full-time undergraduates at an accredited college or university during the 2012-2013 academic year, and are required to maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average.

Selection is based on cost of attendance, family income and the number of eligible applicants. AFAS plans to award nearly 3,000 grants; the average selection rate is more than 50 percent.

For more information or to download the application, visit www.afas.org.

LocaL Briefs

chapel servicesChristianCatholicTuesday-Friday:Freedom ChapelDaily Eucharist, 11:30 a.m.

Saturday:Freedom ChapelEucharist, 5:30 p.m.Reconciliation after Eucharist

Sunday:Freedom ChapelReligious Ed., 9 a.m.Eucharist, 11 a.m.Spanish Mass, 8 a.m.

OrthodoxSunday:Airmen Memorial ChapelDivine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m.Religious Ed., 10:45 a.m.ProtestantSaturday:Gateway Chapel

Seventh-Day AdventistService, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.Sunday:Airmen Memorial ChapelLiturgical Service, 8 a.m.Freedom ChapelContemporary Service,9:30 a.m.Gospel Service,12:30 p.m.Children’s Church providedReligious Ed., 11 a.m.Wednesday and Thursday:Bible Study, 6 p.m.

Sunday:Hope Chapel, Bldg. 10338The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints8-10 a.m.

IslamicFriday:Global Ministry Center, Bldg. 7452

Friday,Jummah Prayer, 1:15 to 2:15 p.m.Sunday:Religious Ed., 9-11 a.m.

JewishFriday:Airmen Memorial ChapelSabbath Eve Service,4 p.m.Religious Ed., 12:30 p.m.

Wicca1st Wednesday:Freedom Chapel Room 8,San Antonio Military Open Circle, 6 p.m.

BuddistSunday:BMT Reception Center,10 a.m. to noon.

Eckankar

Every first, third, fifth Saturday:Gateway Chapel12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Baha'iEvery first, third, fifth Sunday:Gateway Chapel11 a.m. to noon

community

For more details, contact

Freedom Chapel

671-4208

Gateway Chapel

671-2911

Hope Chapel

671-2941

Air Force Aid Society 671-3722Airman & Family Readiness Center 671-3722Airman’s Attic 671-1780Base Post Office 671-1058Bowling Center 671-2271DEERS 800-538-9552Exceptional Family Member Program 671-3722Family 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 Officers’ Spouses’ Club www.lacklandosc.orgLackland Public website www.lackland.af.milMy Air Force Life www.MyAirForceLife.com

KEY FAMILY SUPPORT RESOURCES


Dec. 16bmt family seminar

The Air Force Basic Military Training Family Seminar is today, noon, in the BMT Reception Center, Bldg. 7246.

The seminar provides information on the Air Force and its benefits to family members of graduating Airmen.

Dec. 19family readiness briefing

A family readiness briefing for deploying personnel is Monday, 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

The briefing is for personnel who are deploying, or are going on remote assignments or extended temporary deployments.

For details, call 210-671-3722.

return and reunion seminar

A return and reunion seminar is Monday, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at the Air-man and Family Readiness Center.

The seminar is an informal forum for family members who wish to talk about their individual experiences and the stress caused by deployment-related separations.


Dec. 20amvet representative

An American Veterans National Service Officer is available to help with disability claims Tuesday, 8 a.m. to noon, at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

For more information about meet-ing with a disability claims officer, call 210-699-5087.

Dec. 23afrc closed for family day

The Airman and Family Readiness Center is closed Dec. 23 for Air Education and Training Command Family Day.

Dec. 26afrc closed for christmas

The Airman and Family Readiness Center, along with federal, state

and local government agencies, will be closed Dec. 26 in observance of Christmas.

Dec. 27-29limited services at afrc

The Airman and Family Readiness Center will continue to have limited services available Dec. 27-29 in observance of the holiday.

For information about available services, call 210-671-3722.

Dec. 30afrc closed for family day

The Airman and Family Readi-ness Center will be closed Dec. 30 for Air Education and Training Com-mand Family Day.

Jan. 2, 2012afrc closed for new year’s

The Airman and Family Readi-ness Center, along with federal, state and local government agencies, will be closed Jan. 2, 2012 in observance of New Year’s.

Jan. 3-5, 2012transition assistance program

A three-day transition assistance program for separating or retiring military personnel is Jan. 3-5, 2012, 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

The program is presented by the Department of Labor and the Texas Workforce Commission, and focuses on how to job search and employment-related topics. For more details, call 210-671-3722.

Jan. 4, 2012hearts apart meeting

A Hearts Apart meeting for deployed family members is Jan. 4, 2012, 4:30 p.m., at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.


Jan. 6, 2012bmt family seminar

The Air Force Basic Military Training Family Seminar is Jan. 6, 2012, noon, in the BMT Reception Center, Bldg. 7246. The seminar provides information on the Air Force and its benefits to family members of graduating Airmen.

Jan. 9, 2012family readiness briefing

A family readiness briefing for deploying personnel is Jan. 9, 2012, 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. The briefing is for personnel who are deploying, or are going on remote assignments or extended temporary deployments.


Monthly Meetingsenlisted spouses’ club

The Lackland Enlisted Spouses’ Club meets every third Tuesday of the month at the Gateway Club, 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.lacklandesc.org.

officers’ spouses’ club

The Lackland Officers’ Spouses’ Club meets every third Tuesday of the month. For meeting location information, visit www.lacklandosc.org.military council of catholic women

The Military Council of Catholic Women meets the first Friday of the month, 9:30 a.m., at Freedom Chapel. For more information, call 671-4208.

On the web www.lacklandfss.com

Family Support Events

What’s Happening

DECEMBER 16, 2011 TALESPINNER PAGE 19sportsvolleyball letters of intent

Letters of Intent for the men's and women's volleyball programs are due to the sports office by Jan. 4. The season is projected to begin Feb. 1.

Individuals whose organiza-tion do not field a team can participate in the player's pool. Call the 802nd Force Sup-port Squadron's Sports Office at 210-671-2725 for more details.

greenskeeper revenge

The Greenskeeper Revenge Tournament is Sunday, 8 a.m., at the Gateway Hills Golf Course. Sign up for this unique tournament with obstacles placed on the course. The $20 fee includes lunch, two beverage tickets and prizes. Entry deadline is today. Call 210-671-3466 for details.

discounted spurs tickets

Get discounted San Antonio Spurs tickets at the Informa-tion, Tickets and Tours Office. Call 210-671-3133 for details.

UpcomiNg

scoreBoardbasketball

Division I W L1.543rd Spt Sq ...........................3 02.FSS .........................................2 03.Crypto Div ..............................2 04.Security Forces ......................2 15.343rd TRS ...............................2 16 737th TRG 1 17. 772nd ESS .............................1 18.93rd IS ....................................1 29.59th Dental Gp .......................1 210.433rd AFRC ..........................0 211.59th Med LRS .......................0 212.717th MI Bn ..........................0 3

Division II W L1.37th TRSS ...............................2 02.COMM/ OSS ..........................2 0 3.149th FW ................................2 04.JPPSO ....................................1 05.JPPSO ....................................1 06.D.L.I ........................................1 17. 59th Med Ops Gp ..................0 18.341st TRS ...............................0 19.668th ALIS..............................0 110.688th IOW ............................0 111.NIOC/ CO H ..........................0 112.453rd EWS ...........................0 113.624th OC ..............................0 2

USAF Academy Prep wins local tourney

Photo by Mary MedleyLeft: The U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School basketball team celebrates with Joe Hall's widow, Mabel, and Chief Master Sgt. Juan Lewis, 502nd Air Base Wing command chief, after winning the Joe Hall tourney Sunday. Right: Air Force Academy Prep School point guard and San Antonio native Cole Martinez receives the Joe Hall Sportsmanship award from Mabel Hall.

By Jose T. Garza IIISports Editor

San Antonio native and Central Catholic High School graduate Cole Martinez idol-izes Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry for his shooting. In fact, he tries to emulate his game after the NBA star.

Sunday, Martinez played just as well as his idol, scoring 18 points off of six 3s to help the U.S. Air Force Academy Prepara-tory School defeat Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., 117-67 en route to the 36th annual Joe Hall Basketball Tournament champion-ship title.

Teammate Cameron Michael, who had a team-high 25 points, won the most valuable player award. Martinez was rewarded with the Joe Hall Sportsmanship Award in front of family and friends, who were in atten-dance at the Chaparral Fitness Center.

Being a recipient of the Hall award was another great honor for Martinez.

He was named the San Antonio Express-News boys basketball player of the year this past spring before accepting a nomination to the U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“It’s definitely an honor,” Martinez said. “This tournament was named after (Joe Hall) so I guess I represented everything that he did.”

The tourney is named after Hall, a star player and coach at Lackland in the 60s and 70s. He passed away from cancer.

With a 70-34 lead, the prep school had the game won by halftime.

Dunks, lay-ups, 3-pointers and steals were part of Air Force Prep’s arsenal the team capitalized on Tinker's fatigue.

Tinker had defeated the Lackland War-hawks just two hours earlier in the loser’s bracket to advance to the finals in the dou-ble-elimination tournament.

Despite the overwhelming lead at half-time, Martinez said the game is never really over until the clock hits double zeros.

“You've got to keep playing hard until the final horn sounds,” he said.

Air Force Prep head coach Bob Cavera, who has won four of six Joe Hall Champion-ships since becoming coach six years ago,

said not much can be told to the team when they have a 36 point lead at the half.

“I told my players to continue to play the game the right way,” he said. “Continue to make the extra pass, play defense and do a good job on the boards.”

Cavera praised Martinez and Michael for their hard work.

“Those two guys are just rock solid,” the coach said. “They both know how to shoot the ball tremendously well.

“Cole is a pure shooter, and Cam has a knack for putting the ball in the basket whether from the inside or outside.”

Cavera also praised Martinez for his con-sistency. “Once he’s on a roll, he’s pretty hard to stop.”

“Cole is a gym rat. He loves the game and is eager to improve. You can’t ask for anything more as a coach,” he said.

Martinez hopes to be a coach once his playing days are over, but after winning the Joe Hall and Express-News awards, his game is just getting warmed up.

“I’ve always been a confident person,” Martinez said. “I’ve always tried to achieve more and I’m never satisfied.

“This is just another stepping stone for me to build from and go on from there.”

S.A. native’s 18 points helps Falcons capture Joe Hall tournament championship


GR

IDlocks

Nonie ValentineDwayne Reed

Varsity Sports DirectorJoe Bela

Chief of Internal Communications

Jose T. Garza III

Talespinner Sports Editor

Steve Reichert

Fitness & Sports Director

“I thought the Houston Texans were on borrowed time because Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart went down with injuries. I guess I was just a little wrong about that. They may have a nice Cinderella story going, but in the playoffs, some team will make their clock strike 12.”

–Jose T. Garza III

NFL - WEEK 15 11-5 12-4 15-1 10-6 GRIDlocks GUEST

Jackonville at Atlanta, Thursday Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta

Dallas at Tampa Bay, Sunday Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas

Cincinnati at St. Louis, Sunday Cincinnati Cincinnati Cincinnati Cincinnati Cincinnati

Miami at Buffalo, Sunday Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo Miami Miami

Tennessee at Indianapolis, Sunday Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee

Washington at N.Y. Giants, Sunday Washington N.Y. Giants N.Y. Giants N.Y. Giants N.Y. Giants

N.O. at Minnesota, Sunday New Orleans New Orleans New Orleans New Orleans New Orleans

Green Bay at Kansas City, Sunday Green Bay Green Bay Kansas City Green Bay Green Bay

Carolina at Houston, Sunday Houston Carolina Houston Houston Houston

Seattle at Chicago, Sunday Seattle Seattle Seattle Chicago Chicago

Detroit at Oakland, Sunday Detroit Detroit Detroit Detroit Oakland

N.Y. Jets at Philadelphia, Sunday N.Y. Jets Philadelphia Philadelphia N.Y. Jets N.Y. Jets

Cleveland at Arizona, Sunday Arizona Arizona Arizona Arizona Cleveland

New England at Denver, Sunday New England New England New England New England New England

Baltimore at San Diego, Sunday San Diego San Diego Baltimore Baltimore Baltimore

Pittsburgh at S.F., Monday San Francisco Pittsburgh San Francisco Pittsburgh Pittsburgh

OVERALL: 125-77 (.619) OVERALL: 134-68 (.663) OVERALL: 132-70 (.653) OVERALL: 136-66 (.673)

No repeat for LacklandBy Jose T. Garza IIISports Editor

The Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Warhawks came full circle during the Joe Hall tournament but not in a good way. The Warhawks lost their first game to Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., 71-58 Saturday and fell to them again in the loser’s bracket with a 58-54 overtime loss Sunday.

The Warhawks' second loss to Tinker eliminated them from contention. The team ran out of fuel after having to defeat JBSA-Fort Sam Houston earlier in the day.

After winning the Joe Hall tournament last year, Warhawks coach Curtis Mc-Glown said he was happy with his team’s effort and hard play. Consistent energy, turnovers and shot selection is what ultimately prevented the Warhawks from repeating as champions this year.

“When you put it all together, you got to win with that type of chemistry,” said McGlown. “I was proud of the team for playing hard, but we have to look see where we can improve.

“The team was resilient,” he said. “Everybody played to win, but when you lose, you got to look at the small things.”

Warhawks point guard Damien Turner scored 15 points in the team's loss to Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., Sunday.Photo by Alan Boedeker

joint base san antonio-lackland air force base, texas...

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