newwater recycling system reduces...
TRANSCRIPT
IT’S FIESTA TIME!
Photo by Robbin CresswellAirmen from basic military training begin the parade procession on the bomb run at the Lackland Fiesta military parade Wednesday. Theparade showcased various base squadrons and functions to hundreds of Fiesta-goers, as more than 1,000 people representing the basepassed in review.
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 6 • A P R I L 2 3 , 2 0 1 0
INSIDECommentary 2
Recognition 6
What’s Happening 22
News & Features
AF Nurse in Alaska 11
Honor Guard 14
LAPA turns 50 16
Adventure trail opening 24
View the Talespinner onlineat www.lackland.af.mil
By Mike JosephStaff Writer
A new water recycling sys-tem became fully operationalApril 22 at the Lackland vehiclemaintenance yard that reducesthe facility’s yearly water usageand maintenance costs.
Lackland’s first major waterrecycling system results inwater savings of 1 million gal-
lons a year at the maintenanceyard while helping the basemeet Executive Order 13514requirements.
The order is an extensionand expansion for energy con-servation and efficiency firstestablished by a 2007 executiveorder.
Included in the order is amandate for federal agencies toreduce water use by 26 percent
by October 2020 and implementwater reuse strategies thatreduce potable water consump-tion.
According to MichaelFerguson, 802nd Civil EngineerSquadron water conservationmanager, the water recyclingsystem collects the dirty waterfrom washing vehicles, purifiesthe water by using microbesand then stores the water for
reuse at a later date.Self-generating microbes
digest the soaps, fuels and oilsfrom the wash water.
The collected water is recy-cled and purified to a levelneeded to wash the vehicles.The treated water is clear andodorless.
“We do use recycled water on
New water recycling system reduces usage, costs
See WATER P8
PAGE 3TALESPINNERAPRIL 23, 2010TALESPINNERPAGE 2 APRIL 23, 2010
TUESDAY GATE CLOSURES
Construction will close two gates forone hour each at separate times Tuesday.
The Luke East Gate will be closedTuesday from 10-11 a.m. During thattime, access will be available through theBerquist Gate.
The Berquist Gate will be closedTuesday afternoon from 2-3 p.m. Accesswill be available through the Luke EastGate at this time.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE CLOSURE
The Lackland legal office will be mini-mally staffed today because of mandatorymilitary attorneys’ training.
The office will remain open only fornotary services, powers of attorney andemergency services. Legal assistance willnot be available.
The office is located in the 37thTraining Wing headquarters, Bldg. 2484,Room 134.
For more information, call 671-3362 or671-3363.
LACKLAND SAAM EVENT
Sexual Assault Awareness Month’sComedy and Inspirational Show startstoday, 2:30 p.m., at the Bob Hope Theater.
Sponsored by the Lackland SexualAssault Prevention and Outreach office,the show features comedian BernieMcGrenahan.
Additional shows, for students only,are today at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
LEADERSHIP SIMULCAST TRAINING
A one-day leadership simulcast train-ing open to all Department of Defenseemployees is May 7, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., atthe Gateway Club.
The simulcast provides leadershipadvice by offering new ideas for creativeproblem solving, best practices for creat-ing strong team cultures and advice foravoiding, detecting and reversing decline.
Simulcast speakers include TonyDungy, former NFL coach, and authors JimCollins and John Maxwell.
The cost for the event is $25.For tickets, contact 2nd Lt. Rachel
Lanehart at 671-7187.
NewsBRIEFS
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.
To submit an Action Line, e-mail the Lackland Public AffairsOffice at [email protected]. For concerns regarding theWilford Hall Medical Center,contact the Wilford Hall ActionLine at 292-4567, or e-mail yourrequest to [email protected]. For questions or issuesabout Air Force basic training,e-mail your request to 37TRW.
[email protected] Action Line is your direct
path for addressing issues if youhave been unable to resolvethem through your chain ofcommand or the appropriateresponsible agency. It alsoallows you to provide feedbackand recognize outstanding peo-ple and units.
If you leave your name and
telephone number or e-mailaddress, you will receive a reply.
Your contact informationallows us to obtain more infor-mation, if needed, to helpresolve your problem.
Items of general interest maybe printed in the LacklandTalespinner.
Anonymous inquiries will notbe published.
COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE
By Gen. Stephen LorenzCommander, Air Education and Training Command
These are challenging times for ourAir Force. We have been engaged in com-bat operations since 1990 and are bal-ancing limited resources against anaggressive operations tempo. We areonce again adjusting to maintain ourauthorized end strength while jugglingpriorities within a leveling budget. Manyof our aircraft are beyond expected serv-ice lives and current operations are agingthem even faster. Handling all thesedemands will be challenging – it will notbe fun.
This is where leadership comes intoplay. Whether at work or at home, every-one has issues. As some issues areresolved, others are always waiting inline to take their places. The “pay menow or pay me later” mindset is exhaust-ing. It is up to each organization’s leader-ship to set the tone, motivate the work-place and create a sustainable culture ofsuccess. After all, we want our Airmen toinvest themselves in our service and ourmission.
So, how can a leader attack such chal-lenges and create sustainable excel-lence? We all know that it isn’t easy todo. It will take dedication and objectivity… and a lot of patience and persever-ance. Along the way, tough decisions willbe required and each will call for a tai-lored approach. In other words, leadersmust adapt differently to each situation.Situational leadership is how we keep
our organizations motivated andheaded in the best direction.
We all have unique leadershipstyles. Some of us probably smilea little too much while others notquite enough. We all fit some-where along a leadership contin-uum, where the ends are definedby the extremes. Although youmay feel most comfortable inone region of that continuum,realize that every leader will have to uti-lize approaches from the full range of thecontinuum in response to different chal-lenges. A career brings many leadershipchallenges and leaders must adapt tomeet each one.
After all, some challenges will requireleaders to soften their approaches. Forexample, someone in the organizationmay be directly affected by our endstrength reductions. Maybe the unit willsuffer the loss of one of its members.Other situations will require a sternapproach. This may be necessary whenaccountability and disciplinary chal-lenges confront the organization or someof its personnel. Effective leaders mustbe able to approach difficult decisions orsituations with the entire continuum attheir disposal.
In the end, a leader must approach achallenge with an eye toward crafting asolution to meet their organizationalneeds. They should consciously select aleadership style or customized approachin order to create a certain effect. Formost situations, mission accomplishment
will be the effect, the end goal.However, before one can achievesuch an effect, situational leader-ship must be used to motivate oth-ers toward success. After all, amotivated force can move moun-tains.
Motivation is an interesting con-cept. In some situations, motiva-tion is more spontaneous andflows from the heart. In others,
motivation is far from intrinsic and needsa little added emphasis from the top. Icall it “added emphasis” because some-times your organization won’t be toothrilled with the changes after they’reannounced. It may feel like you aremarching your team uphill and into thewind.
A leader must look at each challenge,develop a plan and push for success. Aspart of their plan, leaders must developthe motivation necessary to assist theirorganizations through the challenges. Inthe end, people don’t quit their jobs(despite all the challenges we face eachand every day) – they quit their bosses.The art of motivating organizationsthrough challenges is one of the keys toany leaders’ success.
Today, more than ever before, we needleaders of intellect who value the powerof thought and innovative approaches.After all, having leaders who think,assess challenges objectively, and moti-vate their teams to succeed is whatmakes us the formidable fighting forcewe are today.
Lorenz on Leadership – Motivation
Gen. StephenLorenz
Stay up-to-date during special events and rough skies. Call 671-NEWS
Preventing heat stress becomesmore important as the heat andhumidity continue to increase in southTexas. Heat stress can cause injuryand even death when someoneexceeds their body’s ability to coolitself.
Heat injuries can range from faint-ing and cramps to heat exhaustionand heat stroke, which may result inbrain damage or death unless treatedpromptly.
Those who play, exercise or workoutside must pace themselves and getadequate hydration, preferably withcold or cool water. They also need toget plenty of shade to avoid the addedheat burden generated by the sun.Those working indoors daily areunlikely to get fully acclimated to theheat and should take extra care whenexposed to hot conditions. Hourly fluidintake should not exceed 1 1/2 quartsto help prevent hyponatremia, acutewater intoxication.
Military training instructors have aspecial challenge ensuring theirtrainees do not suffer heat stress.Military trainees arrive at Lacklandfrom all across America, and they areacclimated to many different climaticzones. Many areas tend to be verycold long after the San Antonio sum-mer has arrived. The greater the tem-perature difference, the longer it gen-erally takes for trainees to adapt.
Heavy clothing and protective vestscan interfere with the body’s naturalcooling mechanisms.
Commanders and training supervi-sors must be vigilant to ensure theirAirmen don’t exceed their ability to
cope with the high heat and humidity.At Lackland, flags are posted to signalthe degree of heat intensity.
These flags are flown in accordancewith Air Education and TrainingCommand Instruction 48-101 andindicate training requirements for hotenvironments. Colors, temperaturereadings, hazard explanations andwork-rest requirements are:
White flag78-81.9º FEasy workNo work limits1/2 quart of water per hourModerate workNo work limits3/4 quart of water per hourHard work40 minutes of work to 20 minutes ofrest3/4 quart of water per hour
Green flag82-84.9º FEasy workNo work limits1/2 quart of water per hourModerate work50 minutes of work to 10 minutes ofrest3/4 quart of water per hourHard work30 minutes of work to 30 minutes ofrest1 quart of water per hour
Yellow flag85-87.9º FEasy workNo work limits
3/4 quart of water per hourModerate work40 minutes of work to 20 minutes ofrest3/4 quart of water per hourHard work30 minutes of work to 30 minutes ofrest1 quart of water per hour
Red flag88-89.9º FEasy workNo work limits3/4 quart of water per hourModerate work30 minutes of work to 30 minutes ofrest3/4 quart of water per hourHard work20 minutes of work to 40 minutes ofrest1 quart of water per hour
Black flag90º F +Easy work50 minutes of work to 10 minutes ofrest1 quart of water per hourModerate work20 minutes of work to 40 minutes ofrest1 quart of water per hourHard work10 minutes of work to 50 minutes ofrest1 quart of water per hour
(Information courtesy of 559thAerospace Medicine Squadron)
Heat presents significant health risksStay cool
JOGGING RULES OF THE ROAD:Wearing portable headphones, earphones, or other listeningdevices while operating a motor vehicle, running, jogging,walking, bicycling, or skating on Lackland roadways and
sidewalks isPROHIBITED.
PAGE 3TALESPINNERAPRIL 23, 2010TALESPINNERPAGE 2 APRIL 23, 2010
TUESDAY GATE CLOSURES
Construction will close two gates forone hour each at separate times Tuesday.
The Luke East Gate will be closedTuesday from 10-11 a.m. During thattime, access will be available through theBerquist Gate.
The Berquist Gate will be closedTuesday afternoon from 2-3 p.m. Accesswill be available through the Luke EastGate at this time.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE CLOSURE
The Lackland legal office will be mini-mally staffed today because of mandatorymilitary attorneys’ training.
The office will remain open only fornotary services, powers of attorney andemergency services. Legal assistance willnot be available.
The office is located in the 37thTraining Wing headquarters, Bldg. 2484,Room 134.
For more information, call 671-3362 or671-3363.
LACKLAND SAAM EVENT
Sexual Assault Awareness Month’sComedy and Inspirational Show startstoday, 2:30 p.m., at the Bob Hope Theater.
Sponsored by the Lackland SexualAssault Prevention and Outreach office,the show features comedian BernieMcGrenahan.
Additional shows, for students only,are today at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
LEADERSHIP SIMULCAST TRAINING
A one-day leadership simulcast train-ing open to all Department of Defenseemployees is May 7, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., atthe Gateway Club.
The simulcast provides leadershipadvice by offering new ideas for creativeproblem solving, best practices for creat-ing strong team cultures and advice foravoiding, detecting and reversing decline.
Simulcast speakers include TonyDungy, former NFL coach, and authors JimCollins and John Maxwell.
The cost for the event is $25.For tickets, contact 2nd Lt. Rachel
Lanehart at 671-7187.
NewsBRIEFS
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.
To submit an Action Line, e-mail the Lackland Public AffairsOffice at [email protected]. For concerns regarding theWilford Hall Medical Center,contact the Wilford Hall ActionLine at 292-4567, or e-mail yourrequest to [email protected]. For questions or issuesabout Air Force basic training,e-mail your request to 37TRW.
[email protected] Action Line is your direct
path for addressing issues if youhave been unable to resolvethem through your chain ofcommand or the appropriateresponsible agency. It alsoallows you to provide feedbackand recognize outstanding peo-ple and units.
If you leave your name and
telephone number or e-mailaddress, you will receive a reply.
Your contact informationallows us to obtain more infor-mation, if needed, to helpresolve your problem.
Items of general interest maybe printed in the LacklandTalespinner.
Anonymous inquiries will notbe published.
COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE
By Gen. Stephen LorenzCommander, Air Education and Training Command
These are challenging times for ourAir Force. We have been engaged in com-bat operations since 1990 and are bal-ancing limited resources against anaggressive operations tempo. We areonce again adjusting to maintain ourauthorized end strength while jugglingpriorities within a leveling budget. Manyof our aircraft are beyond expected serv-ice lives and current operations are agingthem even faster. Handling all thesedemands will be challenging – it will notbe fun.
This is where leadership comes intoplay. Whether at work or at home, every-one has issues. As some issues areresolved, others are always waiting inline to take their places. The “pay menow or pay me later” mindset is exhaust-ing. It is up to each organization’s leader-ship to set the tone, motivate the work-place and create a sustainable culture ofsuccess. After all, we want our Airmen toinvest themselves in our service and ourmission.
So, how can a leader attack such chal-lenges and create sustainable excel-lence? We all know that it isn’t easy todo. It will take dedication and objectivity… and a lot of patience and persever-ance. Along the way, tough decisions willbe required and each will call for a tai-lored approach. In other words, leadersmust adapt differently to each situation.Situational leadership is how we keep
our organizations motivated andheaded in the best direction.
We all have unique leadershipstyles. Some of us probably smilea little too much while others notquite enough. We all fit some-where along a leadership contin-uum, where the ends are definedby the extremes. Although youmay feel most comfortable inone region of that continuum,realize that every leader will have to uti-lize approaches from the full range of thecontinuum in response to different chal-lenges. A career brings many leadershipchallenges and leaders must adapt tomeet each one.
After all, some challenges will requireleaders to soften their approaches. Forexample, someone in the organizationmay be directly affected by our endstrength reductions. Maybe the unit willsuffer the loss of one of its members.Other situations will require a sternapproach. This may be necessary whenaccountability and disciplinary chal-lenges confront the organization or someof its personnel. Effective leaders mustbe able to approach difficult decisions orsituations with the entire continuum attheir disposal.
In the end, a leader must approach achallenge with an eye toward crafting asolution to meet their organizationalneeds. They should consciously select aleadership style or customized approachin order to create a certain effect. Formost situations, mission accomplishment
will be the effect, the end goal.However, before one can achievesuch an effect, situational leader-ship must be used to motivate oth-ers toward success. After all, amotivated force can move moun-tains.
Motivation is an interesting con-cept. In some situations, motiva-tion is more spontaneous andflows from the heart. In others,
motivation is far from intrinsic and needsa little added emphasis from the top. Icall it “added emphasis” because some-times your organization won’t be toothrilled with the changes after they’reannounced. It may feel like you aremarching your team uphill and into thewind.
A leader must look at each challenge,develop a plan and push for success. Aspart of their plan, leaders must developthe motivation necessary to assist theirorganizations through the challenges. Inthe end, people don’t quit their jobs(despite all the challenges we face eachand every day) – they quit their bosses.The art of motivating organizationsthrough challenges is one of the keys toany leaders’ success.
Today, more than ever before, we needleaders of intellect who value the powerof thought and innovative approaches.After all, having leaders who think,assess challenges objectively, and moti-vate their teams to succeed is whatmakes us the formidable fighting forcewe are today.
Lorenz on Leadership – Motivation
Gen. StephenLorenz
Stay up-to-date during special events and rough skies. Call 671-NEWS
Preventing heat stress becomesmore important as the heat andhumidity continue to increase in southTexas. Heat stress can cause injuryand even death when someoneexceeds their body’s ability to coolitself.
Heat injuries can range from faint-ing and cramps to heat exhaustionand heat stroke, which may result inbrain damage or death unless treatedpromptly.
Those who play, exercise or workoutside must pace themselves and getadequate hydration, preferably withcold or cool water. They also need toget plenty of shade to avoid the addedheat burden generated by the sun.Those working indoors daily areunlikely to get fully acclimated to theheat and should take extra care whenexposed to hot conditions. Hourly fluidintake should not exceed 1 1/2 quartsto help prevent hyponatremia, acutewater intoxication.
Military training instructors have aspecial challenge ensuring theirtrainees do not suffer heat stress.Military trainees arrive at Lacklandfrom all across America, and they areacclimated to many different climaticzones. Many areas tend to be verycold long after the San Antonio sum-mer has arrived. The greater the tem-perature difference, the longer it gen-erally takes for trainees to adapt.
Heavy clothing and protective vestscan interfere with the body’s naturalcooling mechanisms.
Commanders and training supervi-sors must be vigilant to ensure theirAirmen don’t exceed their ability to
cope with the high heat and humidity.At Lackland, flags are posted to signalthe degree of heat intensity.
These flags are flown in accordancewith Air Education and TrainingCommand Instruction 48-101 andindicate training requirements for hotenvironments. Colors, temperaturereadings, hazard explanations andwork-rest requirements are:
White flag78-81.9º FEasy workNo work limits1/2 quart of water per hourModerate workNo work limits3/4 quart of water per hourHard work40 minutes of work to 20 minutes ofrest3/4 quart of water per hour
Green flag82-84.9º FEasy workNo work limits1/2 quart of water per hourModerate work50 minutes of work to 10 minutes ofrest3/4 quart of water per hourHard work30 minutes of work to 30 minutes ofrest1 quart of water per hour
Yellow flag85-87.9º FEasy workNo work limits
3/4 quart of water per hourModerate work40 minutes of work to 20 minutes ofrest3/4 quart of water per hourHard work30 minutes of work to 30 minutes ofrest1 quart of water per hour
Red flag88-89.9º FEasy workNo work limits3/4 quart of water per hourModerate work30 minutes of work to 30 minutes ofrest3/4 quart of water per hourHard work20 minutes of work to 40 minutes ofrest1 quart of water per hour
Black flag90º F +Easy work50 minutes of work to 10 minutes ofrest1 quart of water per hourModerate work20 minutes of work to 40 minutes ofrest1 quart of water per hourHard work10 minutes of work to 50 minutes ofrest1 quart of water per hour
(Information courtesy of 559thAerospace Medicine Squadron)
Heat presents significant health risksStay cool
JOGGING RULES OF THE ROAD:Wearing portable headphones, earphones, or other listeningdevices while operating a motor vehicle, running, jogging,walking, bicycling, or skating on Lackland roadways and
sidewalks isPROHIBITED.
TALESPINNERPAGE 4 APRIL 23, 2010 PAGE 5TALESPINNERAPRIL 23, 2010
CARRYING THE SHIELD
Photo by Robbin CresswellBrig. Gen. Leonard Patrick, 502nd Air Base Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Juan Lewis, 502nd ABW command chief, accompanied by Robert Graves, 502ndABW deputy commander, carry the 502nd ABW Joint Base San Antonio wreath during the annual Fiesta Pilgrimage to the Alamo on Monday. The solemn processionbegins at the Municipal Auditorium and ends in front of the Alamo where the wreaths are placed, while the names of the Alamo defenders are read.
Story and photo by Deborah Silliman Wolfe502nd Air Base Wing Operating Location-B Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE – Tech. Sgt. IsraelDel Toro Jr. laid in a hospital bed at Brooks ArmyMedical Center in San Antonio after an improvisedexplosive device left 80 percent of his body coveredin third-degree burns in December 2005.
He was missing fingers from both hands and hadsevere inhalation burns when doctors told his wife,Carmen, three times that they didn’t expect him tolive. But she knew better.
“Every time they told me he wouldn’t make it, Iwould say, ‘Yes, he can!’” Mrs. Del Toro said. “Iknow him. I knew he could pull through. He is sostrong.”
And pull through he did.Sergeant Del Toro, a 342nd Training Squadron
tactical air control party instructor and recruiterstationed at Lackland, defied the doctors’ expecta-tions and not only returned to his career field, butalso will be competing in the Warrior Games to beheld May 10-14 in Colorado Springs, Colo.
“It is pretty cool to be participating in the games,”he said. “I’m going to go out there and give it asmuch as I can. I will keep pushing. Even if I am last,I will finish. I always finish. It doesn’t matter if I amlast, first, second or third.”
An estimated 200 athletes from the Army, Navy,Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard who have beenwounded or are ill will be competing at the inaugu-ral Warrior Games.
Wounded warrior to compete at Warrior Games
Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro is one of the 200 athletes scheduled to compete in the Warrior Games May 10-14 inColorado Springs, Colo. Sergeant Del Toro is a tactical air control party instructor and recruiter at the 342ndTraining Squadron at Lackland.See COMPETE P12
TALESPINNERPAGE 4 APRIL 23, 2010 PAGE 5TALESPINNERAPRIL 23, 2010
CARRYING THE SHIELD
Photo by Robbin CresswellBrig. Gen. Leonard Patrick, 502nd Air Base Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Juan Lewis, 502nd ABW command chief, accompanied by Robert Graves, 502ndABW deputy commander, carry the 502nd ABW Joint Base San Antonio wreath during the annual Fiesta Pilgrimage to the Alamo on Monday. The solemn processionbegins at the Municipal Auditorium and ends in front of the Alamo where the wreaths are placed, while the names of the Alamo defenders are read.
Story and photo by Deborah Silliman Wolfe502nd Air Base Wing Operating Location-B Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE – Tech. Sgt. IsraelDel Toro Jr. laid in a hospital bed at Brooks ArmyMedical Center in San Antonio after an improvisedexplosive device left 80 percent of his body coveredin third-degree burns in December 2005.
He was missing fingers from both hands and hadsevere inhalation burns when doctors told his wife,Carmen, three times that they didn’t expect him tolive. But she knew better.
“Every time they told me he wouldn’t make it, Iwould say, ‘Yes, he can!’” Mrs. Del Toro said. “Iknow him. I knew he could pull through. He is sostrong.”
And pull through he did.Sergeant Del Toro, a 342nd Training Squadron
tactical air control party instructor and recruiterstationed at Lackland, defied the doctors’ expecta-tions and not only returned to his career field, butalso will be competing in the Warrior Games to beheld May 10-14 in Colorado Springs, Colo.
“It is pretty cool to be participating in the games,”he said. “I’m going to go out there and give it asmuch as I can. I will keep pushing. Even if I am last,I will finish. I always finish. It doesn’t matter if I amlast, first, second or third.”
An estimated 200 athletes from the Army, Navy,Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard who have beenwounded or are ill will be competing at the inaugu-ral Warrior Games.
Wounded warrior to compete at Warrior Games
Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro is one of the 200 athletes scheduled to compete in the Warrior Games May 10-14 inColorado Springs, Colo. Sergeant Del Toro is a tactical air control party instructor and recruiter at the 342ndTraining Squadron at Lackland.See COMPETE P12
TALESPINNERPAGE 6 APRIL 23, 2010 PAGE 7TALESPINNERAPRIL 23, 2010
BMT HONORSCongratulations to the fol-
lowing 73 Airmen for beingselected as honor graduatesamong 733 trainees graduat-ing today:
320th Training SquadronFlight 293Brian DegrangeMicheil FairweatherAlec GriegoChristopher MondokMatthew MulhallSteven PigeonBryan RyderFlight 294Kia Chapman
321st Training SquadronFlight 287Brent PalmerRobert RuzzoJustin SchuhAaron StubbsFlight 288Joseph Leitz
Jason Miller
322nd Training SquadronFlight 295Matthew ChownTimothy HemquistJesse HernandePedro LimaMackenzie OgrenLogan ThyngJames WajdaBradley WeaverFlight 296Carlos BarelaPeter BoenkerKevin GoodwinJustin GreggNicholas HankinsTaylor LockwoodMichael MillerJeremy RhodesJohnny Rivas
323rd Training SquadronFlight 297Christopher Andersen
Saul De La CruzJustin GassnerDavid SwiderskiKristin ThomasRyan WiltseFlight 298Janna AshtonKatharina Hein-VasquezAlissa MadsenperezRebekah Pinello
324th Training SquadronFlight 291Eduardo FloresMatthew GingerichMatthew GrayZachary HuntTyler KemplinJonathan PerryZachary PetersonGregory RhinehartOmar SuviaJoshua Wirgau
326th Training SquadronFlight 285
Jacob AhrenholtzKiley CraigJon GreenTheodore TomitaFlight 286Gregory BrandanoJordan CarpVince CrociStephen DrubinWesley FoudriatPatrick MaphiesThomas SimesAndrew Williams
331st Training SquadronFlight 289Patrick BeckerStephen BecvarJoshua GolmonMichael RohowetzStephan SanchezAndrew StephanFlight 290Keshia BentleyBrittany BrandtKisha Thomas
Top BMT AirmanZachary Peterson, 324th TRS,Flight 291
Most Physically FitMale AirmenZhecho Radevski, 326th TRS,Flight 286Equeno Ogle, 320th TRS,Flight 293Female AirmenJanna Ashton, 323rd TRS,Flight 298Rebekah Pinello, 323rd TRS,Flight 298
Male Flights320th TRS, Flight 293322nd TRS, Flight 296Female Flights320th TRS, Flight 294323rd TRS, Flight 298
Top Academic Flights321st TRS, Flight 287324th TRS, Flight 291
The LacklandWater
ConservationPlan recom-
mends using aglass or
cup whendrinking waterfrom fountainsand coolers to
avoid waste.
Lackland Conservation Corner
EVERY DROP COUNTSAirmen win quarterly awardsCongratulations to Tech. Sgt. Jeffery Willcox, 59th Medical Wing, for winning Unit
Deployment Manager of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2010.
Congratulations to the following Airmen who were recently named winners of the 433rdAirlift Wing's second quarter awards:
• Senior Airman Jason Osburn, 26th Aerial Port Squadron - Airman• Staff Sgt. Manuel Camacho Jr., 433rd Security Forces Squadron - NCO• Master Sgt. Vishal Rose, 74th Aerial Port Squadron, -SNCO
By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs
Every year, the U.S. Department ofHealth and Human Services desig-nates April as Alcohol AwarenessMonth to recognize a problem thataffects society at all levels – includ-ing institutions such as the military.
Medical personnel at Wilford HallMedical Center and Lackland arecalling attention to the severity ofalcohol abuse and the need to makegood decisions in regard to alcoholconsumption. Each week in themonth of April, volunteers from theAlcohol and Drug Abuse Preventionand Treatment program will be inhigh traffic areas around main baseLackland in order to screen Airmenwho want to know their risk level ofalcohol abuse.
“We want Airmen to be aware ofwhat their risk level for alcoholabuse is, so they can take steps tocorrect it i f needed, said SeniorAirman Jessica Padua, 59th Mental
Health Squadron Certified Alcoholand Drug Abuse counselor.
“The screening is entirely confi-dential and we encourageeveryone to takeadvantage of it.”
Participants inthe program fillout a 16-itemquestionnaireand are thendivided intothree cate-gories de-pending ontheir risklevel : low,moderate orsevere. AirmanPadua saiddepending on thatcategory, partici-pants are given a list ofrecommendations witheither encouragement for theirhabits, or concern.
Much of that category depends on
how much alcohol a person con-sumes. Twelve ounces of beer consti-tute one drink; a shot, or 1.5 ounces,
of 80-proof whiskey, vodka,gin or other distilled
alcoholic beverageand a 5-ounce
glass of tablewine also countas one drink.
“If an Air-man scoresin the lowc a t e g o r y ,we’ll encour-age them toc o n t i n u e
a b s t a i n i n gfrom alcohol or
continue theirlow risk behav-
iors,” Airman Paduasaid. “If a person
scores in the severe catego-ry, we’ll recommend they cut backon their alcohol consumption. If theyfeel they are unable to, we recom-
mend they receive professional helpthrough our squadron.”
The consequences of alcohol con-sumption can be severe – from adriving under the influence chargewith a hefty fine to a tragic accident– and can lead to serious careerrepercussions, such as an Article 15,reduction in pay or, depending onthe situation, even court-martial.
“Our target audience is active-duty Airman, and we want them toget help if they need it,” AirmanPadua said.
Volunteers from the ADAPT pro-gram will be out on Friday at theLackland Shoppette from 9:30 a.m.to 1 p.m. to administer question-naires and give out gift bags for par-ticipating. On April 30 they will beoutside the Main Base Exchange onLackland from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. fortheir final push for participation dur-ing Alcohol Awareness Month.
For more information on ADAPTprograms, contact the 59th MHS at292-4452.
Medical personnel focus on good judgment regarding alcohol use
STOP UNDERAGE DRINKING
REPORT IT BEFOREIT’S TOO LATE
TALESPINNERPAGE 6 APRIL 23, 2010 PAGE 7TALESPINNERAPRIL 23, 2010
BMT HONORSCongratulations to the fol-
lowing 73 Airmen for beingselected as honor graduatesamong 733 trainees graduat-ing today:
320th Training SquadronFlight 293Brian DegrangeMicheil FairweatherAlec GriegoChristopher MondokMatthew MulhallSteven PigeonBryan RyderFlight 294Kia Chapman
321st Training SquadronFlight 287Brent PalmerRobert RuzzoJustin SchuhAaron StubbsFlight 288Joseph Leitz
Jason Miller
322nd Training SquadronFlight 295Matthew ChownTimothy HemquistJesse HernandePedro LimaMackenzie OgrenLogan ThyngJames WajdaBradley WeaverFlight 296Carlos BarelaPeter BoenkerKevin GoodwinJustin GreggNicholas HankinsTaylor LockwoodMichael MillerJeremy RhodesJohnny Rivas
323rd Training SquadronFlight 297Christopher Andersen
Saul De La CruzJustin GassnerDavid SwiderskiKristin ThomasRyan WiltseFlight 298Janna AshtonKatharina Hein-VasquezAlissa MadsenperezRebekah Pinello
324th Training SquadronFlight 291Eduardo FloresMatthew GingerichMatthew GrayZachary HuntTyler KemplinJonathan PerryZachary PetersonGregory RhinehartOmar SuviaJoshua Wirgau
326th Training SquadronFlight 285
Jacob AhrenholtzKiley CraigJon GreenTheodore TomitaFlight 286Gregory BrandanoJordan CarpVince CrociStephen DrubinWesley FoudriatPatrick MaphiesThomas SimesAndrew Williams
331st Training SquadronFlight 289Patrick BeckerStephen BecvarJoshua GolmonMichael RohowetzStephan SanchezAndrew StephanFlight 290Keshia BentleyBrittany BrandtKisha Thomas
Top BMT AirmanZachary Peterson, 324th TRS,Flight 291
Most Physically FitMale AirmenZhecho Radevski, 326th TRS,Flight 286Equeno Ogle, 320th TRS,Flight 293Female AirmenJanna Ashton, 323rd TRS,Flight 298Rebekah Pinello, 323rd TRS,Flight 298
Male Flights320th TRS, Flight 293322nd TRS, Flight 296Female Flights320th TRS, Flight 294323rd TRS, Flight 298
Top Academic Flights321st TRS, Flight 287324th TRS, Flight 291
The LacklandWater
ConservationPlan recom-
mends using aglass or
cup whendrinking waterfrom fountainsand coolers to
avoid waste.
Lackland Conservation Corner
EVERY DROP COUNTSAirmen win quarterly awardsCongratulations to Tech. Sgt. Jeffery Willcox, 59th Medical Wing, for winning Unit
Deployment Manager of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2010.
Congratulations to the following Airmen who were recently named winners of the 433rdAirlift Wing's second quarter awards:
• Senior Airman Jason Osburn, 26th Aerial Port Squadron - Airman• Staff Sgt. Manuel Camacho Jr., 433rd Security Forces Squadron - NCO• Master Sgt. Vishal Rose, 74th Aerial Port Squadron, -SNCO
By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs
Every year, the U.S. Department ofHealth and Human Services desig-nates April as Alcohol AwarenessMonth to recognize a problem thataffects society at all levels – includ-ing institutions such as the military.
Medical personnel at Wilford HallMedical Center and Lackland arecalling attention to the severity ofalcohol abuse and the need to makegood decisions in regard to alcoholconsumption. Each week in themonth of April, volunteers from theAlcohol and Drug Abuse Preventionand Treatment program will be inhigh traffic areas around main baseLackland in order to screen Airmenwho want to know their risk level ofalcohol abuse.
“We want Airmen to be aware ofwhat their risk level for alcoholabuse is, so they can take steps tocorrect it i f needed, said SeniorAirman Jessica Padua, 59th Mental
Health Squadron Certified Alcoholand Drug Abuse counselor.
“The screening is entirely confi-dential and we encourageeveryone to takeadvantage of it.”
Participants inthe program fillout a 16-itemquestionnaireand are thendivided intothree cate-gories de-pending ontheir risklevel : low,moderate orsevere. AirmanPadua saiddepending on thatcategory, partici-pants are given a list ofrecommendations witheither encouragement for theirhabits, or concern.
Much of that category depends on
how much alcohol a person con-sumes. Twelve ounces of beer consti-tute one drink; a shot, or 1.5 ounces,
of 80-proof whiskey, vodka,gin or other distilled
alcoholic beverageand a 5-ounce
glass of tablewine also countas one drink.
“If an Air-man scoresin the lowc a t e g o r y ,we’ll encour-age them toc o n t i n u e
a b s t a i n i n gfrom alcohol or
continue theirlow risk behav-
iors,” Airman Paduasaid. “If a person
scores in the severe catego-ry, we’ll recommend they cut backon their alcohol consumption. If theyfeel they are unable to, we recom-
mend they receive professional helpthrough our squadron.”
The consequences of alcohol con-sumption can be severe – from adriving under the influence chargewith a hefty fine to a tragic accident– and can lead to serious careerrepercussions, such as an Article 15,reduction in pay or, depending onthe situation, even court-martial.
“Our target audience is active-duty Airman, and we want them toget help if they need it,” AirmanPadua said.
Volunteers from the ADAPT pro-gram will be out on Friday at theLackland Shoppette from 9:30 a.m.to 1 p.m. to administer question-naires and give out gift bags for par-ticipating. On April 30 they will beoutside the Main Base Exchange onLackland from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. fortheir final push for participation dur-ing Alcohol Awareness Month.
For more information on ADAPTprograms, contact the 59th MHS at292-4452.
Medical personnel focus on good judgment regarding alcohol use
STOP UNDERAGE DRINKING
REPORT IT BEFOREIT’S TOO LATE
TALESPINNERPAGE 8 APRIL 23, 2010 PAGE 9TALESPINNERAPRIL 23, 2010
Photo by Robbin CresswellAirman 1st Class Adam Vargeson, 802nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, washes the back window of a bus at theLackland vehicle maintenance yard Tuesday. The yard is equipped with a newly installed water recycling machinethat will save one million gallons of water a year.
base, but this is our firstrecycling system opera-tional here,” said Mr.Ferguson. “We’re veryexcited about it.”
The new recycling sys-tem collects 100 percentof the water for reuse atthe maintenance facilitywith a 90 percent reduc-tion in water consump-tion, including an esti-mated 10 percent loss forevaporation and over-spray. It also decreasesthe facility’s water useand wastewater dis-charge by 1 million gal-lons annually.
Mr. Ferguson saidwash water typicallypasses through a grittrap to filter out solids,goes through an oil-water separator forremoval of fuels and oils,and then is discharged tothe sanitary sewer sys-tem.
The system’s microbesdigest the oils naturally.It eliminates the need foran oil-water separatoralong with the mainte-nance costs and pollutionchances.
Specifically designedfor the vehicle mainte-nance yard, two morewater recycling systemswill be installed on baseover the next severalmonths.
One will be installedat Wilford Hall MedicalCenter for its vehicles,and the other at KellyField Annex for the C-5cargo planes maintainedby the 433rd Airlift Wing.
Lackland also reduceswater consumption andusage by purchasingrecycled water from theSan Antonio WaterSystem to irrigate thegolf course and paradegrounds as well as sup-ply the cooling towernext to Wilford Hall.
WATER from P1
TALESPINNERPAGE 10 APRIL 23, 2010 PAGE 11TALESPINNERAPRIL 23, 2010
By Staff Sgt. J. Paul CroxonDefense Media Activity - San Antonio
NOORVIK, Alaska – A joint med-ical team recently deployed to aremote village in northern Alaskawhere earning trust is often the firststep to getting patients through thedoor.
According to Maj. Emily Cerreta, atraditional reservist assigned to the433rd Airlift Wing at Lackland, thefact that she is a woman nurse prac-titioner does have an impact on thecare she is able to provide herNoorvik, Alaska, patients.
“Because I’m a woman, many ofthe female villagers are much morewilling to come in for well-womanexams,” said Major Cerreta, a civil-ian nurse practitioner for a familypractice. “Some of the female vil-lagers, especially young mothers, aremore open during their children’swell-baby checkups as well.”
Deployed to Alaska as part ofOperation Arctic Care, a joint medialreadiness training exercise, MajorCerreta works as part of a mixedteam of medical professionals, fromsurgeons to veterinarians, deployedto more than a dozen villages in theregion.
In Noorvik, her team of dental,medical and pharmacy Airmen,
Soldiers and Sailors have taken uppractice in a clinic normally staffedby villagers trained in only the basicsof medicine. The joint military teamprovides an opportunity for the smallcommunity to get caught up on pre-ventative medical needs.
“Much of what we’ve done is pre-ventative medicine,” said the major.“We went to the school and per-formed physicals. I see a lot ofwomen for well-woman exams, aswell as well-baby exams.”
The exercise has caused excite-ment in the close-knit community forsome time. When the word got outthat the military was bringing doc-tors into Noorvik it caused a stir inthe village, which is only accessibleby air or snow machine for much ofthe winter.
“The mil i tary was here a fewyears ago and everyone looks for-ward to when they come back,” saidLaura Ballot , a vi l lage residentwhose son Hikerr Snyder was givenhis two-year well-baby check-up byMajor Cerrera. “It’s needed a lot,especially in the winter.”
During this visit Hikerr was givena full exam and vaccinated againstcommon childhood diseases.
However, the clinic was out of theH1N1 flu vaccine and it had to beordered from a larger town in time
for Major Cerreta to administer it tothe child.
“The villagers are all very inter-ested in their health despite being ina remote location like this,” she said.“This has been the most rewardingannual tour I’ve been able to do yet.I get to train while helping people.”
That help likely will be remem-
bered. Today a 12-year-old girl put anote in Major Cerreta’s pocket apolo-gizing for having to leave with herfamily to Anchorage and being gonewhen the team leaves. Whetherbeing a woman, a doctor or an ear tolisten, Major Cerreta will leave alasting memory on Noorvik, just as itwill on her.
Air Force nurse earns confidences of native Alaskan patients
Connect With Us!Follow us on Facebook at:http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Lackland-JBSA/114646985221400?ref=sgm
Follow us on Twitter at:http://twitter.com/Lackland_JBSA
E-mail us at:[email protected]
Or just go to our website at:www.lackland.af.miland look for social media.
Lackland JBSA has enteredthe social networking scene
Photo by Master Sgt. Jack BradenMaj. Emily Cerreta checks 23-month-old Hikerr Snyder’s eyes during his well-babycheckup April 14 in Noorvik, Alaska. Major Cerreta is a family nurse practitioner from the433rd Airlift Wing at Lackland, and is in Alaska for Operation Arctic Care, a joint medicaltraining exercise.
By Mike JosephStaff Writer
An Air Force program that estab-lishes a resource and referral officeto assist families and children withacademic transition is now availableat the Airman and Family ReadinessCenter.
The Air Force has expanded itsfamily educational support withschool liaison services to focus onforming direct and proactive part-nerships with local schools, creatinga link between military families andschools.
“One of the top 10 concerns iden-tified for military personnel has beenschool transition,” said Lori Phipps,Lackland school liaison. “As a civil-ian school liaison, one of our servic-es is to act as a resource and refer-ral office to provide parents transi-tioning in with information aboutdemographics, academic ratings,graduation requirements, homeschooling and school systems in thearea.
“For families transition-ing out, we can put them incontact with that base’sschool liaison. We can alsoprovide information forthem to make an educateddecision about schoolswhen they move.”
Statistics show the tran-sition issues military fami-lies encounter. Air Forcefamilies move their children an aver-age of every 2.9 years, and childrenattend up to nine different schools bygraduation.
Additionally, families are reluctantto disrupt high school students intheir senior year. Many familiesdecide to separate geographically inorder to keep their children in their-current schools.
The Interstate Compact onEducational Opportunity for MilitaryChildren agreement is helping mili-tary transitioning students to attaineducational success.
Twenty-eight states participate inthe compact, including Texas. With
no national graduation stan-dards, the agreement establish-es common requirements forgraduation eligibility, atten-dance, class placement, educa-tion records and extra-curricu-lar activities.
“It levels the playing field foractive-duty families, and allowstransitions and moves to be lessstressful,” Mrs. Phipps said.
Mrs. Phipps works closely withEducation Service Center 20, andhas made contact with 21 SanAntonio-area school districts aboutAir Force school liaison services foreducators, families and militaryyouth.
Joint base liaisons and represen-tatives of the 21 area school districtshave also formed the Alamo CityMilitary Education Committee.
It is a forum for educators andschool liaisons to discuss the chal-lenges, issues and processes fortransitioning families or alreadyassigned personnel.
Along with the greater need to
provide support to families, schoolliaisons also train educators to bet-ter understand the military lifestyle.
It includes problems mil i taryyouth experience, particularly par-ents’ deployments.
Mrs. Phipps is no stranger to theAir Force or the military lifestyle.She served four years active dutyand has worked 11 years for the AirForce; her husband is also an AirForce retiree.
Her background includes being ayouth director, and five years at AirForce Services Agency as a child andyouth specialist.
“Having dealt with our children’stransitions, I’ve pretty much experi-enced everything from an active-dutymember and spouse perspective,”said Mrs. Phipps. “I understand theimportance of a smooth academicexperience. I’m here to help.”
For more information aboutschool liaison services, contact Mrs.Phipps at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg. 1249, or call671-3722.
New AFRC liaison assists with academic transition
Lori Phipps
TALESPINNERPAGE 10 APRIL 23, 2010 PAGE 11TALESPINNERAPRIL 23, 2010
By Staff Sgt. J. Paul CroxonDefense Media Activity - San Antonio
NOORVIK, Alaska – A joint med-ical team recently deployed to aremote village in northern Alaskawhere earning trust is often the firststep to getting patients through thedoor.
According to Maj. Emily Cerreta, atraditional reservist assigned to the433rd Airlift Wing at Lackland, thefact that she is a woman nurse prac-titioner does have an impact on thecare she is able to provide herNoorvik, Alaska, patients.
“Because I’m a woman, many ofthe female villagers are much morewilling to come in for well-womanexams,” said Major Cerreta, a civil-ian nurse practitioner for a familypractice. “Some of the female vil-lagers, especially young mothers, aremore open during their children’swell-baby checkups as well.”
Deployed to Alaska as part ofOperation Arctic Care, a joint medialreadiness training exercise, MajorCerreta works as part of a mixedteam of medical professionals, fromsurgeons to veterinarians, deployedto more than a dozen villages in theregion.
In Noorvik, her team of dental,medical and pharmacy Airmen,
Soldiers and Sailors have taken uppractice in a clinic normally staffedby villagers trained in only the basicsof medicine. The joint military teamprovides an opportunity for the smallcommunity to get caught up on pre-ventative medical needs.
“Much of what we’ve done is pre-ventative medicine,” said the major.“We went to the school and per-formed physicals. I see a lot ofwomen for well-woman exams, aswell as well-baby exams.”
The exercise has caused excite-ment in the close-knit community forsome time. When the word got outthat the military was bringing doc-tors into Noorvik it caused a stir inthe village, which is only accessibleby air or snow machine for much ofthe winter.
“The mil i tary was here a fewyears ago and everyone looks for-ward to when they come back,” saidLaura Ballot , a vi l lage residentwhose son Hikerr Snyder was givenhis two-year well-baby check-up byMajor Cerrera. “It’s needed a lot,especially in the winter.”
During this visit Hikerr was givena full exam and vaccinated againstcommon childhood diseases.
However, the clinic was out of theH1N1 flu vaccine and it had to beordered from a larger town in time
for Major Cerreta to administer it tothe child.
“The villagers are all very inter-ested in their health despite being ina remote location like this,” she said.“This has been the most rewardingannual tour I’ve been able to do yet.I get to train while helping people.”
That help likely will be remem-
bered. Today a 12-year-old girl put anote in Major Cerreta’s pocket apolo-gizing for having to leave with herfamily to Anchorage and being gonewhen the team leaves. Whetherbeing a woman, a doctor or an ear tolisten, Major Cerreta will leave alasting memory on Noorvik, just as itwill on her.
Air Force nurse earns confidences of native Alaskan patients
Connect With Us!Follow us on Facebook at:http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Lackland-JBSA/114646985221400?ref=sgm
Follow us on Twitter at:http://twitter.com/Lackland_JBSA
E-mail us at:[email protected]
Or just go to our website at:www.lackland.af.miland look for social media.
Lackland JBSA has enteredthe social networking scene
Photo by Master Sgt. Jack BradenMaj. Emily Cerreta checks 23-month-old Hikerr Snyder’s eyes during his well-babycheckup April 14 in Noorvik, Alaska. Major Cerreta is a family nurse practitioner from the433rd Airlift Wing at Lackland, and is in Alaska for Operation Arctic Care, a joint medicaltraining exercise.
By Mike JosephStaff Writer
An Air Force program that estab-lishes a resource and referral officeto assist families and children withacademic transition is now availableat the Airman and Family ReadinessCenter.
The Air Force has expanded itsfamily educational support withschool liaison services to focus onforming direct and proactive part-nerships with local schools, creatinga link between military families andschools.
“One of the top 10 concerns iden-tified for military personnel has beenschool transition,” said Lori Phipps,Lackland school liaison. “As a civil-ian school liaison, one of our servic-es is to act as a resource and refer-ral office to provide parents transi-tioning in with information aboutdemographics, academic ratings,graduation requirements, homeschooling and school systems in thearea.
“For families transition-ing out, we can put them incontact with that base’sschool liaison. We can alsoprovide information forthem to make an educateddecision about schoolswhen they move.”
Statistics show the tran-sition issues military fami-lies encounter. Air Forcefamilies move their children an aver-age of every 2.9 years, and childrenattend up to nine different schools bygraduation.
Additionally, families are reluctantto disrupt high school students intheir senior year. Many familiesdecide to separate geographically inorder to keep their children in their-current schools.
The Interstate Compact onEducational Opportunity for MilitaryChildren agreement is helping mili-tary transitioning students to attaineducational success.
Twenty-eight states participate inthe compact, including Texas. With
no national graduation stan-dards, the agreement establish-es common requirements forgraduation eligibility, atten-dance, class placement, educa-tion records and extra-curricu-lar activities.
“It levels the playing field foractive-duty families, and allowstransitions and moves to be lessstressful,” Mrs. Phipps said.
Mrs. Phipps works closely withEducation Service Center 20, andhas made contact with 21 SanAntonio-area school districts aboutAir Force school liaison services foreducators, families and militaryyouth.
Joint base liaisons and represen-tatives of the 21 area school districtshave also formed the Alamo CityMilitary Education Committee.
It is a forum for educators andschool liaisons to discuss the chal-lenges, issues and processes fortransitioning families or alreadyassigned personnel.
Along with the greater need to
provide support to families, schoolliaisons also train educators to bet-ter understand the military lifestyle.
It includes problems mil i taryyouth experience, particularly par-ents’ deployments.
Mrs. Phipps is no stranger to theAir Force or the military lifestyle.She served four years active dutyand has worked 11 years for the AirForce; her husband is also an AirForce retiree.
Her background includes being ayouth director, and five years at AirForce Services Agency as a child andyouth specialist.
“Having dealt with our children’stransitions, I’ve pretty much experi-enced everything from an active-dutymember and spouse perspective,”said Mrs. Phipps. “I understand theimportance of a smooth academicexperience. I’m here to help.”
For more information aboutschool liaison services, contact Mrs.Phipps at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg. 1249, or call671-3722.
New AFRC liaison assists with academic transition
Lori Phipps
TALESPINNERPAGE 12 APRIL 23, 2010 PAGE 13TALESPINNERAPRIL 23, 2010
It is imperative that dormitory residents and occu-pants of privatized housing understand the hazardsand follow fire prevention standards (AFI 32-2001,AETC Supplement 1, The Fire Protection Operationsand Fire Prevention Program).
Leaving an unattended skillet sizzling on the stoveis a good way to burn your meal, not to mention yourkitchen.
According to statistics, 30 percent of all reportedhome fires start in the kitchen, and of those, mostinvolve the range-top.
The sad truth is that in nearly 75 percent of report-ed home fires, especially those originating in thekitchen, the person responsible for the fire was not inthe area when it started.
Here are some safety tips concerning unattendedcooking:
• Supervision is key. Never leave cooking food on thestovetop unattended and regularly check food cookinginside the oven.• Get in the zone. Keep children and pets away fromcooking area by creating a 3-foot safety zone aroundthe stove.• Keep away from the heat. To reduce the chances ofbumping pots and pans and spilling their contents,
turn panhandles in, but away from hot elements andburners.• It’s not a closet. Never use the oven for storage. Theoven can be turned on – burning or damaging theitems stored inside.• Keep it clean. Keep the cooking area clean and clearof anything that can burn – towels, potholders,drapes, food packaging, etc.• It’s made for food. Only use the oven for its intendeduse. Never use it to heat a room.• Roll ‘em up. Make it a point to wear short, close fit-ting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Looseclothing can dangle onto burners and catch fire.• Too hot to handle? Use thick, dry, flame-resistantpotholders when handling lids and pans. A wetpotholder or oven mitt presents a scald danger if themoisture becomes heated.• Protect your valuables. When removing pot and panlids, tilt them away from you to protect your face andhands from steam.• Keep a cool head. In the event of a range-top fire,put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by turn-ing off the burner and carefully sliding a lid onto thepan. Leave the lid in place until well cooled. Nevercarry the pan outside.• Water and grease don’t mix! Never use water or
flour on a grease fire. Doing so can shoot burninggrease around the kitchen, actually spreading the fire.• Use the right tools. If you’re familiar with using amulti-purpose fire extinguisher, keep one handy in theevent of a grease fire. Inexperienced users, however,can spread the fire. Make sure you know how to prop-erly use a multi-purpose fire extinguisher.• Prevent flame spread. If you have an oven fire,immediately turn off the heat and keep the doorclosed to prevent flame spread.• Call for help. If you can’t extinguish the fire yourself,leave your home, call 9-1-1, or (671-0911- cell phone)and wait in a safe place until emergency personnelarrive.• Life-safety devices are a must. Make sure you haveworking smoke alarms in your home. Never disablesmoke alarms; check them regularly.• Have escape plans for everyone. Develop a fireescape plan with family members and make sure allfamily members know at least two ways out of thehome.• Get out and stay out. Never return to a burningbuilding for any reason. Belongings can be replaced,lives can’t!
(Article Courtesy of Lackland Fire Department )
Cooking up kitchen safety in your home
See if your business sense couldearn you extra money.Learn how to submityour ideas by calling
671-CASH
The games have been a joint effortbetween the Department of Defenseand the U.S. Olympic Committee andare part of an effort to inspire recov-ery, capitalize on physical fitness andpromote new opportunities for growthand achievement.
“Leadership from the DOD and Rideto Recovery approached the U.S.Olympic Committee about creating acompetition due to the competitivenature of our members of the armedforces,” said Charlie Huebner, the U.S.Olympic Committee chief of para-lympics. “Daily, we see the impact ofphysical activity on people whobecome physically disabled.Something as simple as returning tothe norm, such as skiing with yourfriends or riding your bike with yourfamily, provides a significant physicaland emotional transition in the reha-bilitation process.”
Mr. Huebener said the WarriorGames are an extension of thatemphasis on living an active lifestyleand competing whether that competi-tion is in sports or in life.
Events at the games will includeshooting, swimming, archery, sittingvolleyball, cycling, track, wheelchairbasketball, discus and shot put. Therewill also be an Ultimate Warrior com-petition in which Sergeant Del Toro islooking forward to competing in.
“From my understanding, theUltimate Warrior includes biking 10miles, a 1,500-meter run, a rifleshooting event, shot put and a 50-meter swim,” Sergeant Del Toro said.“I am good with everything, but I amnot sure about the swim. I am going toget with a swim coach this week sinceI haven’t swum since I was injured. Idon’t know how I’ll do, but you knowit’s only a lap there and back freestyle.I am going to see how I do.”
Sergeant Del Toro has been run-ning in 5Ks and biking has been amajor part of his rehabilitation. Butno matter how he places in any of theevents he competes in, he said hispositive attitude is more importantthan any trophy.
“When I speak to other Airmen, Itell them, if you already have it inyour head you aren’t going to make itbefore you try, you have already quit,”Sergeant Del Toro said. “I never hadthat mentality. I wanted to get out ofthe hospital and see my little boy. Iwanted to give him an example likemy dad did for me. No matter what,take care of your family, and neverquit. I never wanted my son to growup and wonder, ‘Why is dad sitting ina chair, staring out a window hatinglife?’ I am not teaching my son any-thing doing that. I want to show himthat no matter what obstacles are infront of you, you are not going to giveup; you are going to push forward.”
COMPETE from P4STANDING GUARD
Photo by Alan BoedekerA member of the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps marches during theFort Sam Houston Fiesta Ceremony and Fireworks Extravaganza April 18. The69-member corps performs at more than 12 events during Fiesta in San Antonio,including the Battle of Flowers and Fiesta Flambeau parades.
TALESPINNERPAGE 12 APRIL 23, 2010 PAGE 13TALESPINNERAPRIL 23, 2010
It is imperative that dormitory residents and occu-pants of privatized housing understand the hazardsand follow fire prevention standards (AFI 32-2001,AETC Supplement 1, The Fire Protection Operationsand Fire Prevention Program).
Leaving an unattended skillet sizzling on the stoveis a good way to burn your meal, not to mention yourkitchen.
According to statistics, 30 percent of all reportedhome fires start in the kitchen, and of those, mostinvolve the range-top.
The sad truth is that in nearly 75 percent of report-ed home fires, especially those originating in thekitchen, the person responsible for the fire was not inthe area when it started.
Here are some safety tips concerning unattendedcooking:
• Supervision is key. Never leave cooking food on thestovetop unattended and regularly check food cookinginside the oven.• Get in the zone. Keep children and pets away fromcooking area by creating a 3-foot safety zone aroundthe stove.• Keep away from the heat. To reduce the chances ofbumping pots and pans and spilling their contents,
turn panhandles in, but away from hot elements andburners.• It’s not a closet. Never use the oven for storage. Theoven can be turned on – burning or damaging theitems stored inside.• Keep it clean. Keep the cooking area clean and clearof anything that can burn – towels, potholders,drapes, food packaging, etc.• It’s made for food. Only use the oven for its intendeduse. Never use it to heat a room.• Roll ‘em up. Make it a point to wear short, close fit-ting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Looseclothing can dangle onto burners and catch fire.• Too hot to handle? Use thick, dry, flame-resistantpotholders when handling lids and pans. A wetpotholder or oven mitt presents a scald danger if themoisture becomes heated.• Protect your valuables. When removing pot and panlids, tilt them away from you to protect your face andhands from steam.• Keep a cool head. In the event of a range-top fire,put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by turn-ing off the burner and carefully sliding a lid onto thepan. Leave the lid in place until well cooled. Nevercarry the pan outside.• Water and grease don’t mix! Never use water or
flour on a grease fire. Doing so can shoot burninggrease around the kitchen, actually spreading the fire.• Use the right tools. If you’re familiar with using amulti-purpose fire extinguisher, keep one handy in theevent of a grease fire. Inexperienced users, however,can spread the fire. Make sure you know how to prop-erly use a multi-purpose fire extinguisher.• Prevent flame spread. If you have an oven fire,immediately turn off the heat and keep the doorclosed to prevent flame spread.• Call for help. If you can’t extinguish the fire yourself,leave your home, call 9-1-1, or (671-0911- cell phone)and wait in a safe place until emergency personnelarrive.• Life-safety devices are a must. Make sure you haveworking smoke alarms in your home. Never disablesmoke alarms; check them regularly.• Have escape plans for everyone. Develop a fireescape plan with family members and make sure allfamily members know at least two ways out of thehome.• Get out and stay out. Never return to a burningbuilding for any reason. Belongings can be replaced,lives can’t!
(Article Courtesy of Lackland Fire Department )
Cooking up kitchen safety in your home
See if your business sense couldearn you extra money.Learn how to submityour ideas by calling
671-CASH
The games have been a joint effortbetween the Department of Defenseand the U.S. Olympic Committee andare part of an effort to inspire recov-ery, capitalize on physical fitness andpromote new opportunities for growthand achievement.
“Leadership from the DOD and Rideto Recovery approached the U.S.Olympic Committee about creating acompetition due to the competitivenature of our members of the armedforces,” said Charlie Huebner, the U.S.Olympic Committee chief of para-lympics. “Daily, we see the impact ofphysical activity on people whobecome physically disabled.Something as simple as returning tothe norm, such as skiing with yourfriends or riding your bike with yourfamily, provides a significant physicaland emotional transition in the reha-bilitation process.”
Mr. Huebener said the WarriorGames are an extension of thatemphasis on living an active lifestyleand competing whether that competi-tion is in sports or in life.
Events at the games will includeshooting, swimming, archery, sittingvolleyball, cycling, track, wheelchairbasketball, discus and shot put. Therewill also be an Ultimate Warrior com-petition in which Sergeant Del Toro islooking forward to competing in.
“From my understanding, theUltimate Warrior includes biking 10miles, a 1,500-meter run, a rifleshooting event, shot put and a 50-meter swim,” Sergeant Del Toro said.“I am good with everything, but I amnot sure about the swim. I am going toget with a swim coach this week sinceI haven’t swum since I was injured. Idon’t know how I’ll do, but you knowit’s only a lap there and back freestyle.I am going to see how I do.”
Sergeant Del Toro has been run-ning in 5Ks and biking has been amajor part of his rehabilitation. Butno matter how he places in any of theevents he competes in, he said hispositive attitude is more importantthan any trophy.
“When I speak to other Airmen, Itell them, if you already have it inyour head you aren’t going to make itbefore you try, you have already quit,”Sergeant Del Toro said. “I never hadthat mentality. I wanted to get out ofthe hospital and see my little boy. Iwanted to give him an example likemy dad did for me. No matter what,take care of your family, and neverquit. I never wanted my son to growup and wonder, ‘Why is dad sitting ina chair, staring out a window hatinglife?’ I am not teaching my son any-thing doing that. I want to show himthat no matter what obstacles are infront of you, you are not going to giveup; you are going to push forward.”
COMPETE from P4STANDING GUARD
Photo by Alan BoedekerA member of the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps marches during theFort Sam Houston Fiesta Ceremony and Fireworks Extravaganza April 18. The69-member corps performs at more than 12 events during Fiesta in San Antonio,including the Battle of Flowers and Fiesta Flambeau parades.
TALESPINNERPAGE 14 APRIL 23, 2010 PAGE 15TALESPINNERAPRIL 23, 2010
Photos by Alan BoedekerFrom lef t to r ight , Senior Ai rman Zachary Stanley, 802ndCommunications Squadron, Staff Sgt. Kiel McCoy, 343rd TrainingSquadron, Airman 1st Class James Baker, 802nd CS, and Senior AirmanDrew Harrison, 802nd Civil Engineer Squadron, practice performing a“Colors” detail in line formation.
By Mike JosephStaff Writer
Members of the Lackland Honor Guard knowmission success requires motivation, excellence,professionalism and commitment.
They also quickly learn – training is completedin one week – the satisfaction and appreciationthat accompanies the demands on members.
Precision and perfection are expected eachtime they don their ceremonial uniform. FellowAirmen and the public cast their eyes upon theirevery movement – from a handful to thousands ata time, all standing and watching with undividedattention.
The fulfillment fellow honor guard membersfind in rendering military honors justifies timewell spent.
“I love it and enjoy the whole thing,” said StaffSgt. Nathan Mullen. “I’d like to stay another yearbut (my unit) wants to give others an opportunityto join.”
The Lackland Honor Guard currently has three10-man flights, all volunteers from throughout thebase. Members spend a week each month awayfrom regular job duties to serve and are also oncall and rotate weekends.
The primary mission, a Congressional man-date, is to provide military honors at funerals fordeceased Air Force or Army Air Corps veteransand retirees. In 2009, honors were rendered at1,031 funerals and 70 other ceremonial functions.
Staff Sgt. Raymond Smith, Lackland HonorGuard assistant NCOIC, said service length deter-mines the extent of funeral military honors, whichinclude a flag folding, presentation to next of kinand taps. Other details require pallbearers and a21-gun salute.
“It seems crazy to say, but I love doing funer-als,” said Sergeant Smith. “It’s like you’re helpinga grieving family.”
They’re thanking you when you are reallythere to thank them for a loved one’s service, hesaid.
“It’s awesome. When you present a flag to thenext of kin and they grab your hand to say thankyou, it’s gratifying and rewarding,” he added.
The secondary mission of the honor guard is tosupport ceremonial and protocol functions suchas cordons for VIPs and weddings, and performcolor guard duties at change of command, retire-ment ceremonies or community-related events.
However, funeral details are top priority.“We have a 24-hour policy,” Sergeant Smith
said. “We can’t confirm until the day beforebecause funeral homes have 24 hours to make arequest. We’ll schedule a retirement ceremonytwo months out and the day before we’ll have tocancel for a funeral. We want to perform, butthere are no guarantees with our funeral sched-ule.”
The Lackland Honor Guard, an 802nd ForceSupport Squadron unit, covers 25 counties in theSan Antonio and Central Texas areas.
Details primarily render honors at Fort SamHouston National Cemetery, but one recent dayhad members traveling to Austin, Kerrville, SanMarcos and Killeen.
A five-member staff provides fulltime supportalong with honor guards from the Air ForceIntelligence Surveillance and ReconnaissanceAgency and the 433rd Airlift Wing.
The first sergeants and the staff all worktogether to make it happen, said Sergeant Smith.“It gets pretty busy, but the honor guards are ateam. The 433rd is just a phone call away and theweek we train (new members), ISR takes over andis also on call one week a month.
“Once you’ve done it, it’s hard to leave. If yougo to another base, you’ll probably end up joiningagain.”
Lackland Honor GuardLackland Honor Guard
HONOR GUARD CREEDI am a proud member of the
Lackland Honor Guard.My standards of conduct and
high level of professionalism placeme above all others in my service.
I have earned the right to wearthe ceremonial uniform one ofwhich is honored in a rich traditionand history.
I am superbly conditioned to per-fect al l movements throughoutevery drill and ceremony.
The level at which I perform will
never be dictated by the type ofceremony, severity of the tempera-ture, nor the size of the crowd.
I am constantly driven to excelby a strong sense of dedication thatruns deeper than patriotism.
While on ceremonies, I standsharp and crisp, motionless bychoice, for I have voluntarily cho-sen to represent every member pastand present of the United States AirForce.
I am a Ceremonial Guardsman.
Honor guard seeks motivated AirmenThe primary mission of the Lackland Air
Force Base Honor Guard is to pay respect tofallen comrades in arms who have served ourcountry.
The honor guard’s secondary mission is tosupport ceremonial and protocol functionsincluding memorial services and cordons forweddings, as well as color guard for changesof command, dining-ins and dining-outs,retirements, and community-related events.
The Base Honor Guard program promotesand preserves military tradition and history. Itis the link between the past, present andfuture for military and community members.
To be a Lackland Honor Guard member,Airmen must have:• high motivation,• a desire to excel,• supervisor’s and commander/first sergeant’sapproval,• availability for a one-year commitment,
• the drive to consistently exceed the stan-dards set in AFI 36-2903,• the ability to complete a one-week trainingcourse.
Benefits of serving on the Honor Guardinclude:• free Honor Guard uniform,• free dry cleaning of uniform and traininguniforms,• an active achievement medal program,• a base Honor Guard coin,• a 25 detail hours plaque,• a 50 detail hours pen set,• a 75 detail hours clock,• a 150 detail hours plaque,• a 250 detail hours plaque,• an Honor Guard T-shirt and travel polo shirt,• additional detail hours for recruiting anotherHonor Guard member.
For more information about joining theLackland Honor Guard, call 671-2562.
Members of the Lackland Honor Guard perform a hang step before approaching acasket during a practice session. The base Honor Guard is composed of three 10-man flights, all volunteers from various organizations on base. Each volunteerspends a week each month away from their primary job to render honors duringthe week and on weekends.
Staff Sgt. Ashley Atkinson, 59th Laboratory Squadron, looks overher form before presenting the flag to the next of kin during aLackland Honor Guard practice session. Last year, the LacklandHonor Guard rendered honors at 1,031 funerals of deceased AirForce and Army Air Corps veterans.
Senior Airman Zachary Stanley stands with an M-1 rifle at left shoulder arms during an outdoorHonor Guard practice session. A secondary mission of the base Honor Guard is to support cere-monial and protocol functions for distinguished visitors and weddings, and perform color guardduties at changes of command.
Motivation, excellence, professionalism, commitmentMotivation, excellence, professionalism, commitment
TALESPINNERPAGE 16 APRIL 23, 2010 PAGE 17TALESPINNERAPRIL 23, 2010
By Patrick DesmondStaff Writer
The Lackland Administrative ProfessionalAssociation has seen significant changes to its pro-fession during its 50-year life span, the least ofwhich has been euphemistic.
“Administrative assistant” has replaced the term“secretary,” but more important, the person thatfulfills that job description is being challenged innew ways.
Current LAPA president Belle Quesnell said thedays of fetching coffee and answering phones aregone; today, administrative assistants are just aslikely to fill the role of program manager and exec-utive assistant when duty calls.
“We’re the backbone and the heart of an organi-zation,” the three-time president said. “If some-thing goes wrong it reflects on (us).”
As a social and professional association, LAPAinvites both civilian and military members to net-work, alternately providing professional trainingand guest speakers as well as the chance to talkshop during monthly meetings.
“We learn from each other,” Quesnell said. “Our
LAPA turns 50, looks to stay young main thing is comradeship: to support each otherand support the needs of the military and civiliancommunity.”
The LAPA member since 1990 said buildingcontacts is one of the most important benefits ofthe association. It allows members to support oneanother, and often times help support each other’sorganizational missions.
The members are concerned about personaldevelopment, too. Many speakers at the meetingsare experts in fields outside of administration.
In February, a representative of ChaseManhattan Bank shared investment advice, and in2009, a Brooke Army Medical Center health careprofessional discussed heart disease.
Members also schedule field trips on weekendsto cities such as Boerne, to inspire members togrow as a group outside of meetings.
But the association’s devotion to support doesn’t
stay behind meeting or office doors. It reverber-ates into the local community.
In fact, Quesnell said most administrative assis-tants are naturally giving, a characteristic shefinds central to the association’s longevity.
“Like any other organization, there are ups anddowns,” she said. “We focus on the greater good.That’s what keeps us going.”
The association’s recent charity efforts include aclothing drive and room setup at Wilford HallMedical Center for expecting mothers displaced byHurricane Katrina, cooking dinners for militaryfamilies at the Fisher House and preparing carepackages for deployed servicemembers.
Overall, the association has seen membershiplosses due to an economic downturn and cuts inmanning.
Membership has dropped from a peak of about60 members to the current 30-member roster.
But the new group shows signs of rebuilding,having added seven new members to its roll call at
a Fiesta-themed party recognizing the NationalAdministrative Professionals Day on Wednesday atthe Gateway Club.
To celebrate half a century of community andmember support, the association is inviting the1960s association to mingle with current membersat the Gateway Club on August 26.
The meeting will offer newer members a chanceto discuss with charter members how the associa-tion began, how far they’ve come and why it’simportant, Quesnell said.
“It’s going to be a big reunion,” she said. “So,they can carry on what was established in 1960.
“They benefit a lot as members, and that’s whywe encourage new professionals to join. They’ll bethe future leaders of the association.”
Monthly membership meetings are every fourthTuesday during the lunch hour. Membership feesare $15 annually.
For more information on LAPA, contact associa-tion president Belle Quesnell at 977-3705.
See YOUNG P17
YOUNG from P16
Photo by Robbin CresswellMembers from the Lackland Administrative Professional Association review their agenda and welcome newmembers to the group at a National Administrative Professionals Day luncheon Wednesday at the Gateway Club.The group recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Thank YOU for YOUR service to our country!Now it is our turn to serve you.
Enroll for VA health care.Call 1-877-222-VETS
orVisit http://www4.va.gov/healtheligibility/
TALESPINNERPAGE 16 APRIL 23, 2010 PAGE 17TALESPINNERAPRIL 23, 2010
By Patrick DesmondStaff Writer
The Lackland Administrative ProfessionalAssociation has seen significant changes to its pro-fession during its 50-year life span, the least ofwhich has been euphemistic.
“Administrative assistant” has replaced the term“secretary,” but more important, the person thatfulfills that job description is being challenged innew ways.
Current LAPA president Belle Quesnell said thedays of fetching coffee and answering phones aregone; today, administrative assistants are just aslikely to fill the role of program manager and exec-utive assistant when duty calls.
“We’re the backbone and the heart of an organi-zation,” the three-time president said. “If some-thing goes wrong it reflects on (us).”
As a social and professional association, LAPAinvites both civilian and military members to net-work, alternately providing professional trainingand guest speakers as well as the chance to talkshop during monthly meetings.
“We learn from each other,” Quesnell said. “Our
LAPA turns 50, looks to stay young main thing is comradeship: to support each otherand support the needs of the military and civiliancommunity.”
The LAPA member since 1990 said buildingcontacts is one of the most important benefits ofthe association. It allows members to support oneanother, and often times help support each other’sorganizational missions.
The members are concerned about personaldevelopment, too. Many speakers at the meetingsare experts in fields outside of administration.
In February, a representative of ChaseManhattan Bank shared investment advice, and in2009, a Brooke Army Medical Center health careprofessional discussed heart disease.
Members also schedule field trips on weekendsto cities such as Boerne, to inspire members togrow as a group outside of meetings.
But the association’s devotion to support doesn’t
stay behind meeting or office doors. It reverber-ates into the local community.
In fact, Quesnell said most administrative assis-tants are naturally giving, a characteristic shefinds central to the association’s longevity.
“Like any other organization, there are ups anddowns,” she said. “We focus on the greater good.That’s what keeps us going.”
The association’s recent charity efforts include aclothing drive and room setup at Wilford HallMedical Center for expecting mothers displaced byHurricane Katrina, cooking dinners for militaryfamilies at the Fisher House and preparing carepackages for deployed servicemembers.
Overall, the association has seen membershiplosses due to an economic downturn and cuts inmanning.
Membership has dropped from a peak of about60 members to the current 30-member roster.
But the new group shows signs of rebuilding,having added seven new members to its roll call at
a Fiesta-themed party recognizing the NationalAdministrative Professionals Day on Wednesday atthe Gateway Club.
To celebrate half a century of community andmember support, the association is inviting the1960s association to mingle with current membersat the Gateway Club on August 26.
The meeting will offer newer members a chanceto discuss with charter members how the associa-tion began, how far they’ve come and why it’simportant, Quesnell said.
“It’s going to be a big reunion,” she said. “So,they can carry on what was established in 1960.
“They benefit a lot as members, and that’s whywe encourage new professionals to join. They’ll bethe future leaders of the association.”
Monthly membership meetings are every fourthTuesday during the lunch hour. Membership feesare $15 annually.
For more information on LAPA, contact associa-tion president Belle Quesnell at 977-3705.
See YOUNG P17
YOUNG from P16
Photo by Robbin CresswellMembers from the Lackland Administrative Professional Association review their agenda and welcome newmembers to the group at a National Administrative Professionals Day luncheon Wednesday at the Gateway Club.The group recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Thank YOU for YOUR service to our country!Now it is our turn to serve you.
Enroll for VA health care.Call 1-877-222-VETS
orVisit http://www4.va.gov/healtheligibility/
TALESPINNERPAGE 18 APRIL 23, 2010 PAGE 19TALESPINNERAPRIL 23, 2010
RANDOLPH AIR FORCEBASE, (AFNS) – Air Force offi-cials here announced uniformpolicy updates April 12 result-ing from recent Air ForceUniform Board decisions.
The following policy modifi-cations are effective immedi-ately, unless otherwise stated,and will be incorporated intoAir Force Instruction 36-2903, Air Force UniformDress and Appearance.
The tucking of trousers onutility uniforms into boots willremain optional. This revers-es a mandatory tuck-inrequirement previouslyannounced by the 98th AirForce Virtual Uniform Board.When tucked in or bloused,the trouser must be even anddraped loosely over the top ofthe combat boot to present a
bloused appearance.The green fleece watch cap
is approved for wear with theall-purpose environmentalclothing system, improvedrain suit, cold weather parka,sage green f leece and thephysical training uniform.
Air Force officials encour-age all Airmen to affix name,rank and service designatortapes instead of waiting forthe Oct. 1 mandatory weardate. However, officers want-ing to wear a watch cap withthe sage green fleece mustnow have their name, rankand service designator tapesaffixed to the fleece effectiveimmediately.
Other authorized coldweather i tems remainunchanged. They include theblack or sage green leather,
suede or knit gloves; blackscarves that are tucked in;and black earmuffs.
The sage green fleece canstill be worn as a liner for theAPECS without name, rankand service designator tapes.The black f leece wil l nolonger be authorized for wearas an APECS liner on Oct. 1.
Air Force off icials alsomodified the 97th AFUB deci-sion that stated the women’sA-line skirt would become theprimary mess dress skirt forthe Air Force. The changeallows the side-slit mess dressskirt to continue to be wornas an optional item.
For more information onuniform policy changes, con-tact your chain of commandor call the Total Force ServiceCenter at 800-525-0102.
Air Force officials announce uniform policy changes
Courtesy IllustrationAir Force officials announced policy modifications resulting fromrecent Air Force Uniform Board decisions.
Be Responsible! Seat Belts Save Lives! Buckle Up And Wear Yours!
By Mike JosephStaff Writer
Attendance was better than expect-ed at the first combined retreat byProtestant Women of the Chapel fromLackland, Randolph and Fort SamHouston held April 16-17.
More than 55 women attended theevening session on April 16 atLackland’s Freedom Chapel; over 40participated in morning and afternoonevents at Fort Sam Houston April 17.
“It was wonderful,” Rosario Seelen,Lackland PWOC president, said aboutthe weekend’s events and attendance.
The idea for the combined retreatbegan last November at a regionalPWOC conference. Mrs. Seelen saidone reason the three groups cametogether was the common bond thatJoint Base San Antonio provides fornot only the Air Force and Army, butall service branches in the area.
“Obviously there are big changeswith joint basing and I believe as wellin the spiritual sense that God wantsunity among his people,” she said.
Mrs. Seelen also encourageswoman and members of the militarycommunity to get involved in min-istries like PWOC. “There are women
who can help, who’ve experienced dif-ferent things. (They need to know)they’re not alone.”
The retreat’s theme, “Walking WithGod,” featured Paulette Jordan, minis-ter and past president of the Fort SamHouston PWOC. Praise and worshipwere held at the event that alsoincluded dinner the first day atFreedom Chapel before moving toDodd Field Chapel at Fort SamHouston for workshops the secondday.
PWOC, a woman’s chapel ministryin all service branches, began inEurope in the 1950s with the arrivalof U.S. Armed Forces family members.Women formed chapel support groupsto assist chaplains and to seekChristian fellowship. PWOC-USA wasestablished in 1991.
PWOC-Europe and PWOC-USAcombined into one organization,PWOC International, in 2006. Its mis-sion is to be a resource network thatunites, trains and encourages womenin the military chapel community intheir spiritual growth.
For information about PWOC, callFreedom Chapel at 671-4208, [email protected] or visit the PWOCWeb site, www.pwoc.org.
PWOCs hold spring retreat
Do you … have a photographer’s eye?
Do you … catch thosecandid moments?
Let us see yourwork and youcould be published!E-mail yourLackland-relatedphotos to:[email protected]
Action shots only please.
MEET AND GREET
Photo by Alan BoedekerCol. William H. Mott V, 37th Training Wing commander, and his wife Laurie,meet audience members at the Investiture of King Antonio LXXXVIII Saturday atthe Alamo. A traditional favorite during Fiesta, the event is attended by militaryleadership throughout San Antonio.
TALESPINNERPAGE 18 APRIL 23, 2010 PAGE 19TALESPINNERAPRIL 23, 2010
RANDOLPH AIR FORCEBASE, (AFNS) – Air Force offi-cials here announced uniformpolicy updates April 12 result-ing from recent Air ForceUniform Board decisions.
The following policy modifi-cations are effective immedi-ately, unless otherwise stated,and will be incorporated intoAir Force Instruction 36-2903, Air Force UniformDress and Appearance.
The tucking of trousers onutility uniforms into boots willremain optional. This revers-es a mandatory tuck-inrequirement previouslyannounced by the 98th AirForce Virtual Uniform Board.When tucked in or bloused,the trouser must be even anddraped loosely over the top ofthe combat boot to present a
bloused appearance.The green fleece watch cap
is approved for wear with theall-purpose environmentalclothing system, improvedrain suit, cold weather parka,sage green f leece and thephysical training uniform.
Air Force officials encour-age all Airmen to affix name,rank and service designatortapes instead of waiting forthe Oct. 1 mandatory weardate. However, officers want-ing to wear a watch cap withthe sage green fleece mustnow have their name, rankand service designator tapesaffixed to the fleece effectiveimmediately.
Other authorized coldweather i tems remainunchanged. They include theblack or sage green leather,
suede or knit gloves; blackscarves that are tucked in;and black earmuffs.
The sage green fleece canstill be worn as a liner for theAPECS without name, rankand service designator tapes.The black f leece wil l nolonger be authorized for wearas an APECS liner on Oct. 1.
Air Force off icials alsomodified the 97th AFUB deci-sion that stated the women’sA-line skirt would become theprimary mess dress skirt forthe Air Force. The changeallows the side-slit mess dressskirt to continue to be wornas an optional item.
For more information onuniform policy changes, con-tact your chain of commandor call the Total Force ServiceCenter at 800-525-0102.
Air Force officials announce uniform policy changes
Courtesy IllustrationAir Force officials announced policy modifications resulting fromrecent Air Force Uniform Board decisions.
Be Responsible! Seat Belts Save Lives! Buckle Up And Wear Yours!
By Mike JosephStaff Writer
Attendance was better than expect-ed at the first combined retreat byProtestant Women of the Chapel fromLackland, Randolph and Fort SamHouston held April 16-17.
More than 55 women attended theevening session on April 16 atLackland’s Freedom Chapel; over 40participated in morning and afternoonevents at Fort Sam Houston April 17.
“It was wonderful,” Rosario Seelen,Lackland PWOC president, said aboutthe weekend’s events and attendance.
The idea for the combined retreatbegan last November at a regionalPWOC conference. Mrs. Seelen saidone reason the three groups cametogether was the common bond thatJoint Base San Antonio provides fornot only the Air Force and Army, butall service branches in the area.
“Obviously there are big changeswith joint basing and I believe as wellin the spiritual sense that God wantsunity among his people,” she said.
Mrs. Seelen also encourageswoman and members of the militarycommunity to get involved in min-istries like PWOC. “There are women
who can help, who’ve experienced dif-ferent things. (They need to know)they’re not alone.”
The retreat’s theme, “Walking WithGod,” featured Paulette Jordan, minis-ter and past president of the Fort SamHouston PWOC. Praise and worshipwere held at the event that alsoincluded dinner the first day atFreedom Chapel before moving toDodd Field Chapel at Fort SamHouston for workshops the secondday.
PWOC, a woman’s chapel ministryin all service branches, began inEurope in the 1950s with the arrivalof U.S. Armed Forces family members.Women formed chapel support groupsto assist chaplains and to seekChristian fellowship. PWOC-USA wasestablished in 1991.
PWOC-Europe and PWOC-USAcombined into one organization,PWOC International, in 2006. Its mis-sion is to be a resource network thatunites, trains and encourages womenin the military chapel community intheir spiritual growth.
For information about PWOC, callFreedom Chapel at 671-4208, [email protected] or visit the PWOCWeb site, www.pwoc.org.
PWOCs hold spring retreat
Do you … have a photographer’s eye?
Do you … catch thosecandid moments?
Let us see yourwork and youcould be published!E-mail yourLackland-relatedphotos to:[email protected]
Action shots only please.
MEET AND GREET
Photo by Alan BoedekerCol. William H. Mott V, 37th Training Wing commander, and his wife Laurie,meet audience members at the Investiture of King Antonio LXXXVIII Saturday atthe Alamo. A traditional favorite during Fiesta, the event is attended by militaryleadership throughout San Antonio.
TALESPINNERPAGE 20 APRIL 23, 2010 PAGE 21TALESPINNERAPRIL 23, 2010
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
LIBRARY EARTH DAY PROGRAM
The Lackland library will pres-ent an Earth Day program, “TexasVarmints! Friends or Foes,” at 2p.m. Saturday.
Alfred Anderson will discuss liv-ing in harmony with Texas wildlife,from snakes to skunks and coyotesto armadillos.
Call 671-3610 for more infor-mation.
HYPERTENSION EDUCATION CLASS
A hypertension education classis May 3, 12:30-3:30 p.m., atWilford Hall Medical Center.
The class is open to any patientor family member interested inlearning more about hypertension.
For more information or to reg-ister, call the Nephrology Clinic at292-6868.
DBIDS REGISTRATION
Open registration is availableinto the Defense Biometric
Identification System, aDepartment of Defense identityauthentication and force protectionprogram.
All military and civilians withCommon Access Cards, retiree anddependent (Teslin) cards or DoD-issued identification cards arerequired to register into DBIDS.
Registration locations are Passand ID, Bldg. 5616; Wilford HallMedical Center, ninth floor; andSecurity Hill, Bldg 2017. Locationsare open 8-11 a.m. and noon-4p.m., Monday through Friday.
The system will be activatedlater this year. Persons not regis-tered will be denied entrance to thebase and directed to one of the vis-itor centers for registration.
For questions, call 671-7248 or671-7249.
LISD SCHOOL BOARD
The Lackland IndependentSchool District has an opening on
its board of trustees to be filled bya civilian living or working atLackland.
To qualify as a board member,volunteers seeking the positionmust be a Texas resident and aregistered voter, 18 years or older, aU.S. citizen and have not been con-victed of a felony (there are someprovisions for a conviction).
Trustees must also take an offi-cial oath of office and serve with-out compensation.
Persons interested should sub-mit a resume and sign a statementof willingness to accept theappointment. Resumes can be sub-mitted to the school liaison, Airmanand Family Readiness Center, Bldg.1249, no later than May 7.
For more information, contactLori Phipps, Lackland school liai-son, at 671-3722.
AIRMAN’S ATTIC MANAGER
The Airman’s Attic is taking
applications for a full-time volun-teer manager.
Master Sgt. Jennifer Marshall,committee chairman that overseesthe Airman’s Attic for Lackland TopIII, said current manager DarrellStuebs plans to leave his positionin July.
Sergeant Marshall said it washoped the new manager couldbegin shadowing Mr. Stuebs inmid-June.
The Airman’s Attic targets sen-ior airmen and below, providinguniforms and uniform items limitedto active-duty Airmen and a varietyof household goods for free.
For information, contactSergeant Marshall at 671-9046.
LRS CUSTOMER SERVICE
The 802nd Logistics ReadinessSquadron customer service is theprimary point of contact for allsupply related questions, concernsand complaints.
LRS customer service also man-ages the zero overpricing programfor pricing concerns or challenges,and defense reutilization and mar-keting office transaction assis-tance.
To contact LRS customer serv-ice, e-mail [email protected] call 671-2575, 671-3801 or 671-3802.
SUPPLY TRAINING
The 802nd Logistics ReadinessSquadron’s equipment accountabil-ity office conducts supply trainingthe third Wednesday each month inBldg. 5160, second floor comman-der’s conference room, 8 a.m.
The class covers introduction togeneral supply training, bench-stock training and supplementaltraining for supply custodians.
Contact Rosa Ledesma orBethany Cuevas at 671-3803 forclass registration.
LocalBRIEFS
DRILL DYNAMICS
Photos by Alan BoedekerThe U.S. Air Force Honor Guard performs a set of drills during the Investiture ofKing Antonio LXXXVIII Saturday at the Alamo. The ceremony honors the memory ofthose who fell at the Battle of the Alamo, and has been performed since 1927.
Reminder!Talking on a cell
phone while drivingon base is prohibited.
TALESPINNERPAGE 20 APRIL 23, 2010 PAGE 21TALESPINNERAPRIL 23, 2010
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
LIBRARY EARTH DAY PROGRAM
The Lackland library will pres-ent an Earth Day program, “TexasVarmints! Friends or Foes,” at 2p.m. Saturday.
Alfred Anderson will discuss liv-ing in harmony with Texas wildlife,from snakes to skunks and coyotesto armadillos.
Call 671-3610 for more infor-mation.
HYPERTENSION EDUCATION CLASS
A hypertension education classis May 3, 12:30-3:30 p.m., atWilford Hall Medical Center.
The class is open to any patientor family member interested inlearning more about hypertension.
For more information or to reg-ister, call the Nephrology Clinic at292-6868.
DBIDS REGISTRATION
Open registration is availableinto the Defense Biometric
Identification System, aDepartment of Defense identityauthentication and force protectionprogram.
All military and civilians withCommon Access Cards, retiree anddependent (Teslin) cards or DoD-issued identification cards arerequired to register into DBIDS.
Registration locations are Passand ID, Bldg. 5616; Wilford HallMedical Center, ninth floor; andSecurity Hill, Bldg 2017. Locationsare open 8-11 a.m. and noon-4p.m., Monday through Friday.
The system will be activatedlater this year. Persons not regis-tered will be denied entrance to thebase and directed to one of the vis-itor centers for registration.
For questions, call 671-7248 or671-7249.
LISD SCHOOL BOARD
The Lackland IndependentSchool District has an opening on
its board of trustees to be filled bya civilian living or working atLackland.
To qualify as a board member,volunteers seeking the positionmust be a Texas resident and aregistered voter, 18 years or older, aU.S. citizen and have not been con-victed of a felony (there are someprovisions for a conviction).
Trustees must also take an offi-cial oath of office and serve with-out compensation.
Persons interested should sub-mit a resume and sign a statementof willingness to accept theappointment. Resumes can be sub-mitted to the school liaison, Airmanand Family Readiness Center, Bldg.1249, no later than May 7.
For more information, contactLori Phipps, Lackland school liai-son, at 671-3722.
AIRMAN’S ATTIC MANAGER
The Airman’s Attic is taking
applications for a full-time volun-teer manager.
Master Sgt. Jennifer Marshall,committee chairman that overseesthe Airman’s Attic for Lackland TopIII, said current manager DarrellStuebs plans to leave his positionin July.
Sergeant Marshall said it washoped the new manager couldbegin shadowing Mr. Stuebs inmid-June.
The Airman’s Attic targets sen-ior airmen and below, providinguniforms and uniform items limitedto active-duty Airmen and a varietyof household goods for free.
For information, contactSergeant Marshall at 671-9046.
LRS CUSTOMER SERVICE
The 802nd Logistics ReadinessSquadron customer service is theprimary point of contact for allsupply related questions, concernsand complaints.
LRS customer service also man-ages the zero overpricing programfor pricing concerns or challenges,and defense reutilization and mar-keting office transaction assis-tance.
To contact LRS customer serv-ice, e-mail [email protected] call 671-2575, 671-3801 or 671-3802.
SUPPLY TRAINING
The 802nd Logistics ReadinessSquadron’s equipment accountabil-ity office conducts supply trainingthe third Wednesday each month inBldg. 5160, second floor comman-der’s conference room, 8 a.m.
The class covers introduction togeneral supply training, bench-stock training and supplementaltraining for supply custodians.
Contact Rosa Ledesma orBethany Cuevas at 671-3803 forclass registration.
LocalBRIEFS
DRILL DYNAMICS
Photos by Alan BoedekerThe U.S. Air Force Honor Guard performs a set of drills during the Investiture ofKing Antonio LXXXVIII Saturday at the Alamo. The ceremony honors the memory ofthose who fell at the Battle of the Alamo, and has been performed since 1927.
Reminder!Talking on a cell
phone while drivingon base is prohibited.
TALESPINNERPAGE 22 APRIL 23, 2010 PAGE 23TALESPINNERAPRIL 23, 2010
APRIL 23BUDGET AND SPENDING CLASS
A budget and spending classthat teaches basic financial man-agement is April 23, 10:30 to noon,at the Airman and Family ReadinessCenter, Bldg. 1249.
For reservations or more infor-mation, call 671-3722.
APRIL 26RETURN AND REUNION SEMINAR
A return and reunion seminar isMonday, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at theAirman and Family ReadinessCenter, Bldg. 1249.
The seminar is an informalforum about the stress families andindividuals experience during sepa-ration.
Call 671-3722 for more infor-mation.
WOMEN’S CLUB LUNCHEON
The retired Officers’ Wives andWidows Club luncheon is Monday,11 a.m., at the Fort Sam Houstonclub.
Veronica Gard, a professionalstoryteller, will present the program.
For reservations, contact Arline
Braswell at 822-6559.
APRIL 27PRE-SEPARATION COUNSELING
A pre-separation briefing forpeople who are voluntarily separat-ing is Tuesday, 9-11 a.m., at theAirman and Family ReadinessCenter, Bldg. 1249.
The briefing covers how toaccess benefits and services.
For additional information, call671-3722.
PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL
Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Tuesday, 10a.m., at Freedom Chapel with chil-dren ministry during the meeting.
Call 671-4208 for information.
APRIL 27-29TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
A three-day transition assis-tance program for separating orretiring military personnel isTuesday through Thursday, 7:45a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, at theAirman and Family ReadinessCenter, Bldg. 1249.
The program is presented by
Texas Workforce and focuses on howto job search and related topics.
For information, call 671-3722.
APRIL 28RESILIENCE SEMINAR
A seminar on resilience byMilitary Family Life Consultants isWednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30p.m., at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg. 1249.
Call 671-3722 for information.
APRIL 29KEY SPOUSE PROGRAM
Training for the Key SpouseProgram is Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4p.m., at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg. 1249.
The sessions are for spouseswho have volunteered and beenappointed by unit leadership.
The Key Spouse Program is anAir Force readiness program sup-porting Airmen and their families
during deployments, separationsand emergencies by enhancing andencouraging communicationbetween units and families.
Spouses interested in the pro-gram should seek appointment bytheir sponsor’s unit commander.
Appointees should then contactthe Airman and Family ReadinessCenter at 671-3722 to register forthe class.
PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL
Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Thursday, 6p.m., at Freedom Chapel.
There will be no children min-istry available during the meeting.
For more information, call 671-4208.
MAY 3MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS
Mothers of Preschoolers, orMOPS, meet for Bible study and fel-lowship May 3, 9:30 a.m., at theFreedom Chapel’s Fellowship Hall.
Childcare for preschool-agedchildren will be provided.
For more information, call 671-4208.
RETURN AND REUNION SEMINAR
A return and reunion seminar isMay 3, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at theAirman and Family ReadinessCenter, Bldg. 1249.
The seminar is an informalforum about the stress families andindividuals experience during sepa-ration.
MAY 4PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL
Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study May 4, 10a.m., at Freedom Chapel with chil-dren ministry during the meeting.
Call 671-4208 for information.
MAY 7PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Give Parents a Break/ParentsNight Out at the youth center is May7, 6:30-11:30 p.m., for childrenenrolled in full-day kindergartenthrough age 12.
Children can have an evening ofsupervised fun and activities whileparents enjoy the night out. Cost is$10 per child or free with a referral.
For more information, call 671-2388.
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
By Patrick DesmondSports Editor
An airborne operations system instructor by day, All-AirForce bowler Kristin Odekirk has learned to juggle the role ofAirman-athlete and stay competitive.
In fact, she has incorporated the sport throughout her Air Forcecareer in assignments at Ramstein Air Base, Germany andLackland.
She’s managed not only to stay competitive, but to gain access tosome of the nation’s top professional events like the U.S. Open tour-nament and Team USA tryouts.
Odekirk’s next civilian tournament is the United States BowlingCongress State Open tournament Saturday and Sunday in Dallas.
But for this technical sergeant, it’s more than just the competitionthat’s engaging, it’s also the social aspects of bowling.
“There’s the competitive side, but then you know you can justhave a good time and fun with it,” Odekirk said. “But when you’re ina tournament, it’s a rush.”
Bowling was a family affair growing up. Odekirk started visiting lanes at 5-years-old with her Hall of Famebowling father.
“We grew up around bowling,” Odekirk said. “My sister and mom are both good bowlers.”While stationed at Ramstein, she bowled in some Dutch leagues. After arriving at Lackland last August, she started
league and intramural bowling following long hours teaching an enlisted aviator course at the Lackland Training Annex.But bowling has taken her places, and introduced her to different levels of competition.She’s gone to the Air Force trial and training camp every year since 2003. She qualified for the team on several occasions,
mostly recently making the 2010 Air Force bowling team.The Airman admits the limited number of Air Force female competitors virtually assures her a tryout, but “you still have to make
the team.”The camp combines competition and training. Bowlers with the top four totals comprise the Air Force team and the opportunity to
compete at the Armed Forces Bowling Championships against Army, Marines and Navy bowlers.Odekirk placed fourth out of 16 bowlers with 4,089 cumulative pins at the 2009 interservice tournament last December in leading
the Air Force women to a second-place finish behind Army.She said each day bowlers competed in different events: team, doubles, mixed doubles and singles. However, Odekirk said the multi-
day competition was difficult from the individual pressure to perform their best in each category.“You have to stay competitive throughout,” she said. “You have to bowl well everyday.”A fourth-place finish earned her a second invitation for Team USA tryouts in Las Vegas.“There’s no higher level,” Odekirk said. “If you make Team USA, you get to travel and do tournaments overseas.”With 60 amateur and professional bowlers trying out for the nine-member squad, Odekirk said, making the national team “is highly
competitive” and exhausting.“There are really only two spots,” she said, regarding the other seven that are selected from a board or based on prior performance. Team USA candidates play 10 games daily, for four or five days, which, Odekirk says, begins to wear on bowlers.“That’s a lot of bowling,” she said. “I ended up in the top half, so I was pretty proud of myself.”After finishing as the top female bowler at a previous Armed Forces event, Odekirk beat out nearly half the 660 competitors in the
nationally televised US Open tournament.Odekirk said at events like the US Open and Team USA tryouts, Air Force bowlers have the opportunity to talk shop with some of the
nation’s best.“I bowl a little bit more than some people, but it’s hard to compete against someone who bowls day-in, day-out,” she said. “Just
watching them, you’re like, ‘wow.’”Along with making the 2011 Air Force bowling team, Odekirk is looking forward to perfecting her game.In a recent intramural match, she bowled a 299, missing a perfect score on her last roll in the 10th frame at the Skylark Bowling
Center.Awaiting another Armed Forces camp in November, Odekirk’s quest for perfection continues this weekend in Dallas.
SPORTS
ROLLER HOCKEY
The roller hockey rink atStapleton Park located onSecurity Hill is open forfree pick-up games onSaturdays.
Players should bringskates and other associat-ed equipment.
For more informationabout playing roller hockey,contact Mike Williams at846-0316 or the sportsoffice at 671-2725.
WOMEN’S SOFTBALL
People interested inplaying intramural softballcan still sign up for theplayer’s pool.
To sign up, call thesports office at 671-2725.
SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT
Lackland is hosting an11-team military softballchampionship tournamentJuly 2-4.
The $315 registrationfee to cover game ballsand umpire fees is dueJune 28.
FISHING TRIP
The Lackland OutdoorAdventure Center bay fish-ing trip is May 15. The $65fee covers transportation,charter cost and drinksand coolers.
The trip leaves theLOAC at 9 a.m. and returnsby 8 p.m.
YOUTH TENNIS
Registration for youthtennis ages 8-17 beginsMay 4 and ends May 20.
The $45 tennis campoffers basic fundamentalsand runs June 15 to July22.
BRIEFS
Kristin Odekirk
Bowling average 195
Game high299
Courtesy photo
Up next:
Airman rolls to state
TALESPINNERPAGE 22 APRIL 23, 2010 PAGE 23TALESPINNERAPRIL 23, 2010
APRIL 23BUDGET AND SPENDING CLASS
A budget and spending classthat teaches basic financial man-agement is April 23, 10:30 to noon,at the Airman and Family ReadinessCenter, Bldg. 1249.
For reservations or more infor-mation, call 671-3722.
APRIL 26RETURN AND REUNION SEMINAR
A return and reunion seminar isMonday, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at theAirman and Family ReadinessCenter, Bldg. 1249.
The seminar is an informalforum about the stress families andindividuals experience during sepa-ration.
Call 671-3722 for more infor-mation.
WOMEN’S CLUB LUNCHEON
The retired Officers’ Wives andWidows Club luncheon is Monday,11 a.m., at the Fort Sam Houstonclub.
Veronica Gard, a professionalstoryteller, will present the program.
For reservations, contact Arline
Braswell at 822-6559.
APRIL 27PRE-SEPARATION COUNSELING
A pre-separation briefing forpeople who are voluntarily separat-ing is Tuesday, 9-11 a.m., at theAirman and Family ReadinessCenter, Bldg. 1249.
The briefing covers how toaccess benefits and services.
For additional information, call671-3722.
PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL
Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Tuesday, 10a.m., at Freedom Chapel with chil-dren ministry during the meeting.
Call 671-4208 for information.
APRIL 27-29TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
A three-day transition assis-tance program for separating orretiring military personnel isTuesday through Thursday, 7:45a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, at theAirman and Family ReadinessCenter, Bldg. 1249.
The program is presented by
Texas Workforce and focuses on howto job search and related topics.
For information, call 671-3722.
APRIL 28RESILIENCE SEMINAR
A seminar on resilience byMilitary Family Life Consultants isWednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30p.m., at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg. 1249.
Call 671-3722 for information.
APRIL 29KEY SPOUSE PROGRAM
Training for the Key SpouseProgram is Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4p.m., at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg. 1249.
The sessions are for spouseswho have volunteered and beenappointed by unit leadership.
The Key Spouse Program is anAir Force readiness program sup-porting Airmen and their families
during deployments, separationsand emergencies by enhancing andencouraging communicationbetween units and families.
Spouses interested in the pro-gram should seek appointment bytheir sponsor’s unit commander.
Appointees should then contactthe Airman and Family ReadinessCenter at 671-3722 to register forthe class.
PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL
Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Thursday, 6p.m., at Freedom Chapel.
There will be no children min-istry available during the meeting.
For more information, call 671-4208.
MAY 3MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS
Mothers of Preschoolers, orMOPS, meet for Bible study and fel-lowship May 3, 9:30 a.m., at theFreedom Chapel’s Fellowship Hall.
Childcare for preschool-agedchildren will be provided.
For more information, call 671-4208.
RETURN AND REUNION SEMINAR
A return and reunion seminar isMay 3, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at theAirman and Family ReadinessCenter, Bldg. 1249.
The seminar is an informalforum about the stress families andindividuals experience during sepa-ration.
MAY 4PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL
Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study May 4, 10a.m., at Freedom Chapel with chil-dren ministry during the meeting.
Call 671-4208 for information.
MAY 7PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Give Parents a Break/ParentsNight Out at the youth center is May7, 6:30-11:30 p.m., for childrenenrolled in full-day kindergartenthrough age 12.
Children can have an evening ofsupervised fun and activities whileparents enjoy the night out. Cost is$10 per child or free with a referral.
For more information, call 671-2388.
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
By Patrick DesmondSports Editor
An airborne operations system instructor by day, All-AirForce bowler Kristin Odekirk has learned to juggle the role ofAirman-athlete and stay competitive.
In fact, she has incorporated the sport throughout her Air Forcecareer in assignments at Ramstein Air Base, Germany andLackland.
She’s managed not only to stay competitive, but to gain access tosome of the nation’s top professional events like the U.S. Open tour-nament and Team USA tryouts.
Odekirk’s next civilian tournament is the United States BowlingCongress State Open tournament Saturday and Sunday in Dallas.
But for this technical sergeant, it’s more than just the competitionthat’s engaging, it’s also the social aspects of bowling.
“There’s the competitive side, but then you know you can justhave a good time and fun with it,” Odekirk said. “But when you’re ina tournament, it’s a rush.”
Bowling was a family affair growing up. Odekirk started visiting lanes at 5-years-old with her Hall of Famebowling father.
“We grew up around bowling,” Odekirk said. “My sister and mom are both good bowlers.”While stationed at Ramstein, she bowled in some Dutch leagues. After arriving at Lackland last August, she started
league and intramural bowling following long hours teaching an enlisted aviator course at the Lackland Training Annex.But bowling has taken her places, and introduced her to different levels of competition.She’s gone to the Air Force trial and training camp every year since 2003. She qualified for the team on several occasions,
mostly recently making the 2010 Air Force bowling team.The Airman admits the limited number of Air Force female competitors virtually assures her a tryout, but “you still have to make
the team.”The camp combines competition and training. Bowlers with the top four totals comprise the Air Force team and the opportunity to
compete at the Armed Forces Bowling Championships against Army, Marines and Navy bowlers.Odekirk placed fourth out of 16 bowlers with 4,089 cumulative pins at the 2009 interservice tournament last December in leading
the Air Force women to a second-place finish behind Army.She said each day bowlers competed in different events: team, doubles, mixed doubles and singles. However, Odekirk said the multi-
day competition was difficult from the individual pressure to perform their best in each category.“You have to stay competitive throughout,” she said. “You have to bowl well everyday.”A fourth-place finish earned her a second invitation for Team USA tryouts in Las Vegas.“There’s no higher level,” Odekirk said. “If you make Team USA, you get to travel and do tournaments overseas.”With 60 amateur and professional bowlers trying out for the nine-member squad, Odekirk said, making the national team “is highly
competitive” and exhausting.“There are really only two spots,” she said, regarding the other seven that are selected from a board or based on prior performance. Team USA candidates play 10 games daily, for four or five days, which, Odekirk says, begins to wear on bowlers.“That’s a lot of bowling,” she said. “I ended up in the top half, so I was pretty proud of myself.”After finishing as the top female bowler at a previous Armed Forces event, Odekirk beat out nearly half the 660 competitors in the
nationally televised US Open tournament.Odekirk said at events like the US Open and Team USA tryouts, Air Force bowlers have the opportunity to talk shop with some of the
nation’s best.“I bowl a little bit more than some people, but it’s hard to compete against someone who bowls day-in, day-out,” she said. “Just
watching them, you’re like, ‘wow.’”Along with making the 2011 Air Force bowling team, Odekirk is looking forward to perfecting her game.In a recent intramural match, she bowled a 299, missing a perfect score on her last roll in the 10th frame at the Skylark Bowling
Center.Awaiting another Armed Forces camp in November, Odekirk’s quest for perfection continues this weekend in Dallas.
SPORTS
ROLLER HOCKEY
The roller hockey rink atStapleton Park located onSecurity Hill is open forfree pick-up games onSaturdays.
Players should bringskates and other associat-ed equipment.
For more informationabout playing roller hockey,contact Mike Williams at846-0316 or the sportsoffice at 671-2725.
WOMEN’S SOFTBALL
People interested inplaying intramural softballcan still sign up for theplayer’s pool.
To sign up, call thesports office at 671-2725.
SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT
Lackland is hosting an11-team military softballchampionship tournamentJuly 2-4.
The $315 registrationfee to cover game ballsand umpire fees is dueJune 28.
FISHING TRIP
The Lackland OutdoorAdventure Center bay fish-ing trip is May 15. The $65fee covers transportation,charter cost and drinksand coolers.
The trip leaves theLOAC at 9 a.m. and returnsby 8 p.m.
YOUTH TENNIS
Registration for youthtennis ages 8-17 beginsMay 4 and ends May 20.
The $45 tennis campoffers basic fundamentalsand runs June 15 to July22.
BRIEFS
Kristin Odekirk
Bowling average 195
Game high299
Courtesy photo
Up next:
Airman rolls to state
TALESPINNERPAGE 24 APRIL 23, 2010
Story and photo by Patrick DesmondSports Editor
On Earth Day, Lackland’s new adventure trailopened to a crowd of runners eager to traversethe revamped five 1.5-mile paths around LeonCreek.
However, three years ago it was merely a greenconcept in the minds of 802nd Civil EngineerSquadron environmental engineers.
When presented with the option between cap-ping and fencing a landfill acquired from KellyField Annex in 2001 or putting it to use, JasonRose, chief of restoration program, saw it as a no-brainer.
Following Air Force Instruction 32-7020, thelandfill CES acquired had to be cleaned andbrought up to Texas Commission of EnvironmentalQuality’s standards in order to be repurposed.
“We wanted to utilize this area for somethinggood. Not just a cap, but somewhere people couldexercise and have a habitat that supported differ-ent species of animals,” Rose said. “So, it becamea reuse area with trails.”
Rose said the idea driving the reuse concept fit
well with the fitness-oriented training base.“Overall, it’s a pretty green effort,” he said.
“Lackland AFB is a training base with a lot of fit-ness-oriented people. We saw that it added a lot ofvalue.”
With this concept in mind, Weston Solution,Inc., a company specializing in troubleshootingenvironmental restoration, was awarded the $15million project.
“We wanted someone who could take it a stepfurther,” Rose said about selecting the contractor,“and allow us to utilize this area for the longterm.”
The new nature trail embraces theEnvironmental Protection Agency trinity ofresource conservation: “reduce, reuse, recycle.”
Along with low water vegetation growingaround the trails, low water usage toilets andfaucets in restrooms with solar-powered LEDlights reduce energy costs.
Non-potable ground water is reused to irrigatevegetation after it is recycled for use at a groundwater treatment plant on Kelly.
The land reuse includes the five, 1.5-mileasphalt trails while incorporating former golf cart
paths running north and south of the adventurecenter and on either side of Leon Creek.
Restoring life to the area was also a big part ofthe project.
Rose said varying species of short, medium andtall grass and wildflower seeds were planted torepresent the area’s three ecoregions: BlacklandPrairies, South Texas plains and the EdwardsPlateau.
“It’s really a native-type vegetation that we’reputting back there,” he said.
Turtles, fish and ducks can be seen along LeonCreek, while a riparian habitat was also construct-ed along its banks, using more than 400 plants,including tree saplings and shrubs to encouragebird nesting.
The Lackland outdoor adventure center will runthe day-to-day operation of the trails, while the802nd CES will monitor and maintain the area.
The five trails will eventually be color-coded toindicate difficulty levels, with a 500-foot change inelevation from the lowest to highest point over thecreek.
Walking, running, bike riding and pets are per-mitted.
The outdoor center’s adventure trail displays flora and fauna native to South Texas throughout the five 1.5-mile paths.
Outdoor trail breathes new life into landscape
Green light