photo by alan boedeker journal honors base’s green...
TRANSCRIPT
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 . 3 3 • A U G U S T 2 0 , 2 0 1 0
INSIDECommentary 2
Recognition 6
What’s Happening 22
News & Features
Baby friendly hospital 9
Chief Tappana retires 10
Heritage museum reopens 14
RAGBRAI 24
There will be anactive shooter
exercise on baseAug. 31. Be alertfor emergency
vehicles and re-routing of traffic.
OATH OF ENLISTMENT
By Patrick DesmondStaff writer
An honor three years in the making,Lackland was recently named a recipient ofthe San Antonio Business Journal’s 2010Going Green award, distinguishing theinstallation from a pool of about 100 nomi-nated local businesses.
In an Aug. 13 article by the journal,Lackland was highlighted, along with 16other San Antonio businesses, for its consci-entious efforts to save the planet.
San Antonio Business Journal Projectcoordinator Donna Tuttle said winningorganizations had to display “real, measura-ble results” in its green efforts.
Lackland’s dramatic energy savingshelped place its name among the winners,Ms. Tuttle said.
Overall, Lackland’s energy expenditurewas reduced by 13 percent during the 2009award period, helping the base save$1,879,468 during its fiscal year and avoidproducing 606 metric tons of carbon diox-ide.
Base energy manager Andy Hinojosa,802nd Civil Engineer Squadron, said base-wide initiatives – taking three years to plan,implement and execute – reduced the base’sannual energy demand.
In confronting the need to reduce energy,the 802nd CES energy team targeted areasneeding improvement, came up with solu-tions to increase efficiency and also exam-ined options for feasible renewable energyprojects.
Journal honors base’s green efforts
Photo by Alan BoedekerGen. Stephen Lorenz administers the Oath of Enlistment to Air Force Basic Military Training graduates Aug. 13. General Lorenz is thecommander of Air Education and Training Command.
See GREEN P4
PAGE 3TALESPINNERAUGUST 20, 2010TALESPINNERPAGE 2 AUGUST 20, 2010
DBIDS ISSUES CARDS FOR LISD
Issuance of Defense BiometricIdentification System cards for LacklandIndependent School District faculty andadministration continues through Sept. 17.
Installation security officials, 802ndSecurity Forces Squadron, also said indi-viduals have until the end of September toregister their Common Access Card orretired/dependent card before DBIDS isactivated.
DBIDS is a Department of Defenseidentity authentication and force protec-tion program. The system allows gateguards to use a hand-held wireless scan-ner on the bar codes of CAC cards andDBIDS-issued credentials. Anyone withpermanent base access must register intothe system.
Guards are now starting to randomlyscan cards at entry points to integrate thebase populous on DBIDS.
DBIDS registration is in Pass and ID,Bldg. 5616, Room 109. Call 671-7248 or671-9162 for questions or e-mail theDBIDS inbox at 802SFS_DBIDS.
DISCOVERY CHANNEL FEATURES LAFB TRAINING
A one-hour special about the Air Force’spararescue jumper indoctrination course atLackland debuts on the Discovery Channel,9 p.m., Wednesday.
An episode of “Surviving the Cut”focuses on the extended training day, a 20-hour stretch of physical and mentalendurance unrivaled by any other U.S.Special Forces training school.
Only 10 percent of the Airmen whoenter the course complete it.
CHECK SIX POOL EVENTS THURSDAY
A Check Six event for permanent partydorm residents is Thursday, 6 p.m., at theWarhawk Pool.
Sponsored by Freedom Chapel,Lackland Chiefs Group and Airmen’sMinistry Council, the event offers free food,music, prizes, games and a guest speaker,Chief Master Sgt. Michael Whetsell, 688thInformation Operations Wing commandchief.
For information, contact Senior AirmanFloriendo Maruzzo at 671-4208.
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.
By Lt. Col. Todd Weyerstrass737th Training Group
My family and I arrived at Lackland AirForce Base last month after traveling the1,500 miles from Detroit where I ran anAir Force Recruiting Squadron. While partof the recruiting mission the past twoyears, I talked often with my recruitersabout the impression they made, both withpotential applicants and in their local com-munities. They were after all, the first AirForce member many people would evermeet.
We wanted our team to be dignified pro-fessionals. A recruiter’s mannerisms, cour-tesy, conscientiousness, and overallappearance all had an impact on theimpression they made, and that impressioncould make or break whether they weregoing to successfully find a new recruit, orinstead have just another appointment.
The most dignified professional ideawas not mine, however. It came from oneof my heroes, Vince Lombardi, the famouscoach of the Green Bay Packers. In 1959,at his first training camp as the new headcoach of the Packers, and during his initialfull squad meeting, he told his players,“Wherever you go, you represent the team.You will talk like, you will look like and youwill act like the most dignified professionalin your hometown.”
I found that story in 1999 while readingDavid Maraniss’ critically acclaimed book,“When Pride Still Mattered.”
Mr. Lombardi’s message was a simple,clear expectation of a standard he held his
players accountable to. The story of hismessage to be a dignified professional res-onated with me. It also changed the way Iviewed myself as an Airman.
Just like the Air Force wants us to lookgood in uniform, Coach Lombardi wantedhis players to look good in their Packers’green and gold uniforms and to wear theuniforms proudly. Many Airmen, based onpurely outside appearances, i.e., their uni-forms, are professional. Their uniformsare starched and creased; they sew downpockets, and do other little things to maketheir outer, superficial layer look good. Mr.Lombardi’s message, however, ran muchdeeper than the superficial.
He wanted his players to be dignifiedprofessionals. He wanted the words thatcame out of their mouths, and their dailyactions, to speak as loudly as their pristineuniforms. He wanted them to be worthy ofthe esteem and respect that came withbeing members of the Packers.
Over the years, I’ve seen many in themilitary who call themselves professional
and their uniforms and overall appearancefit the description. But when those sameprofessionals were not around their super-visors or were not in uniform, you wouldhave never known they were an Air Forceprofessional. The words they spoke andtheir actions screamed “unprofessional.”
Pulling through Lackland’s Airman’sGate on our first day in San Antonio, it hitme again. This is the Gateway to the AirForce. It’s the place where the Air Forcetrains warrior Airmen of character andwhere many people’s first impression ofthe Air Force is made. It is a place of trueprofessionals.
Since arriving here, however, I’ve beenthinking again about Vince Lombardi’sexpectation of his players and in turn whatwe expect our Lackland teammates to be.Obviously, we expect professionalism. Butwe also have to ask ourselves, what kind ofprofessionals are we? Are we professionalsonly in the superficial sense, or are wetruly dignified professionals – the most dig-nified professionals in our hometown?
The dignified professional … is it you?“This is the Gateway to the Air Force. It’s the place where
the Air Force trains warrior Airmen of character, andwhere many people’s first impression of the Air Force is
made. It is a place of true professionals.”– Lt. Col. Todd Weyerstrass
737th Training Group
YOU CAN LET GO NOW
Photo by Robbin CresswellStaff Sgt. Joshua Barrera and military working dog Bresco practice attack procedures on Army Staff Sgt. Clayton Gloverduring the 341st Training Squadron's MWD handlers course Aug. 4. Sergeant Barrera is a student in the course, SergeantGlover is an instructor with the 341st TRS.
By Chris Beck502nd ABW Environmental Programs Manager
The Joint Base San Antonio DroughtManagement Plan is now posted on the502nd Air Base Wing website athttp://www.502abw.af.mil. Everybodywithin JBSA is required to comply withthe water conservation measures out-lined in the plan.
The plan includes tables summariz-ing the JBSA drought plan stage levelsand measures to be taken. Stages I andII incorporate the Bexar index well lev-els used by the City of San Antonio andthe San Antonio Water System. StagesIII, IV and V use the more stringentstage indicator factors required by the
Biological Opinion. The BiologicalOpinion states how much water the SanAntonio Department of Defense maywithdraw from the Edwards Aquiferand was issued by the U.S. Fish andWildlife Service after extensive consul-tation.
It is important that all JBSA resi-dents and workers understand thestages and the specific conservationmeasures. Team members of the JBSAWater Working Group will conduct dailyassessments to identify water misuseand waste. When users are notified ofdiscrepancies, they must be correctedimmediately.
The Edwards Aquifer is currently thesole source of potable water for San
Antonio. The aquifer is also home toseveral endangered species and habi-tats which depend on the flow fromaquifer springs for survival. Demandson the aquifer, combined with weatherconditions, drive the level of the aquiferdown, decreasing the flow of thesprings and threatening the lives of theendangered species.
Sound drought management prac-tices will ensure the quality of life andeconomic sustainability for both JBSAand the greater San Antonio area, butthis effort requires your action. Pleasetake some time to visit the 502nd ABWwebsite and review the JBSA DroughtManagement Plan and Water StageNormal letter.
Drought management plan available online
Kudos for Marine honors
A sincere thank you to thelocal Air Force community.
It was indeed touching andinspiring to see the presence ofso many young Airmen thispast Saturday morning at KellyAirport as they lined the street
awaiting the return of MarineSergeant Jose Saenz III. I hopethat their professionalism, rev-erence and patriotism servedas solace and inspiration forthe Marine’s family, his fellowMarines and members of thelocal community.
The manner in which the AirForce community achieved
such a huge effect with whatsome would consider a smallact is indicative of the truepatriotism that is being instilledin the future generations ofAirmen.
As a Marine, I would like tosincerely thank each and everyone that was involved. While Ido not speak on behalf of the
Marine’s family, I honestlybelieve that the sacrifices ofthose Airmen was appreciatedand may have provided a smallmeans of expressing the grate-fulness of this great Nation.
– Marine Maj. JamesShelton
Joint Information OperationsWarfare Center
Stay up-to-date during special events and rough skies. Call 671-NEWS
PAGE 3TALESPINNERAUGUST 20, 2010TALESPINNERPAGE 2 AUGUST 20, 2010
DBIDS ISSUES CARDS FOR LISD
Issuance of Defense BiometricIdentification System cards for LacklandIndependent School District faculty andadministration continues through Sept. 17.
Installation security officials, 802ndSecurity Forces Squadron, also said indi-viduals have until the end of September toregister their Common Access Card orretired/dependent card before DBIDS isactivated.
DBIDS is a Department of Defenseidentity authentication and force protec-tion program. The system allows gateguards to use a hand-held wireless scan-ner on the bar codes of CAC cards andDBIDS-issued credentials. Anyone withpermanent base access must register intothe system.
Guards are now starting to randomlyscan cards at entry points to integrate thebase populous on DBIDS.
DBIDS registration is in Pass and ID,Bldg. 5616, Room 109. Call 671-7248 or671-9162 for questions or e-mail theDBIDS inbox at 802SFS_DBIDS.
DISCOVERY CHANNEL FEATURES LAFB TRAINING
A one-hour special about the Air Force’spararescue jumper indoctrination course atLackland debuts on the Discovery Channel,9 p.m., Wednesday.
An episode of “Surviving the Cut”focuses on the extended training day, a 20-hour stretch of physical and mentalendurance unrivaled by any other U.S.Special Forces training school.
Only 10 percent of the Airmen whoenter the course complete it.
CHECK SIX POOL EVENTS THURSDAY
A Check Six event for permanent partydorm residents is Thursday, 6 p.m., at theWarhawk Pool.
Sponsored by Freedom Chapel,Lackland Chiefs Group and Airmen’sMinistry Council, the event offers free food,music, prizes, games and a guest speaker,Chief Master Sgt. Michael Whetsell, 688thInformation Operations Wing commandchief.
For information, contact Senior AirmanFloriendo Maruzzo at 671-4208.
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.
By Lt. Col. Todd Weyerstrass737th Training Group
My family and I arrived at Lackland AirForce Base last month after traveling the1,500 miles from Detroit where I ran anAir Force Recruiting Squadron. While partof the recruiting mission the past twoyears, I talked often with my recruitersabout the impression they made, both withpotential applicants and in their local com-munities. They were after all, the first AirForce member many people would evermeet.
We wanted our team to be dignified pro-fessionals. A recruiter’s mannerisms, cour-tesy, conscientiousness, and overallappearance all had an impact on theimpression they made, and that impressioncould make or break whether they weregoing to successfully find a new recruit, orinstead have just another appointment.
The most dignified professional ideawas not mine, however. It came from oneof my heroes, Vince Lombardi, the famouscoach of the Green Bay Packers. In 1959,at his first training camp as the new headcoach of the Packers, and during his initialfull squad meeting, he told his players,“Wherever you go, you represent the team.You will talk like, you will look like and youwill act like the most dignified professionalin your hometown.”
I found that story in 1999 while readingDavid Maraniss’ critically acclaimed book,“When Pride Still Mattered.”
Mr. Lombardi’s message was a simple,clear expectation of a standard he held his
players accountable to. The story of hismessage to be a dignified professional res-onated with me. It also changed the way Iviewed myself as an Airman.
Just like the Air Force wants us to lookgood in uniform, Coach Lombardi wantedhis players to look good in their Packers’green and gold uniforms and to wear theuniforms proudly. Many Airmen, based onpurely outside appearances, i.e., their uni-forms, are professional. Their uniformsare starched and creased; they sew downpockets, and do other little things to maketheir outer, superficial layer look good. Mr.Lombardi’s message, however, ran muchdeeper than the superficial.
He wanted his players to be dignifiedprofessionals. He wanted the words thatcame out of their mouths, and their dailyactions, to speak as loudly as their pristineuniforms. He wanted them to be worthy ofthe esteem and respect that came withbeing members of the Packers.
Over the years, I’ve seen many in themilitary who call themselves professional
and their uniforms and overall appearancefit the description. But when those sameprofessionals were not around their super-visors or were not in uniform, you wouldhave never known they were an Air Forceprofessional. The words they spoke andtheir actions screamed “unprofessional.”
Pulling through Lackland’s Airman’sGate on our first day in San Antonio, it hitme again. This is the Gateway to the AirForce. It’s the place where the Air Forcetrains warrior Airmen of character andwhere many people’s first impression ofthe Air Force is made. It is a place of trueprofessionals.
Since arriving here, however, I’ve beenthinking again about Vince Lombardi’sexpectation of his players and in turn whatwe expect our Lackland teammates to be.Obviously, we expect professionalism. Butwe also have to ask ourselves, what kind ofprofessionals are we? Are we professionalsonly in the superficial sense, or are wetruly dignified professionals – the most dig-nified professionals in our hometown?
The dignified professional … is it you?“This is the Gateway to the Air Force. It’s the place where
the Air Force trains warrior Airmen of character, andwhere many people’s first impression of the Air Force is
made. It is a place of true professionals.”– Lt. Col. Todd Weyerstrass
737th Training Group
YOU CAN LET GO NOW
Photo by Robbin CresswellStaff Sgt. Joshua Barrera and military working dog Bresco practice attack procedures on Army Staff Sgt. Clayton Gloverduring the 341st Training Squadron's MWD handlers course Aug. 4. Sergeant Barrera is a student in the course, SergeantGlover is an instructor with the 341st TRS.
By Chris Beck502nd ABW Environmental Programs Manager
The Joint Base San Antonio DroughtManagement Plan is now posted on the502nd Air Base Wing website athttp://www.502abw.af.mil. Everybodywithin JBSA is required to comply withthe water conservation measures out-lined in the plan.
The plan includes tables summariz-ing the JBSA drought plan stage levelsand measures to be taken. Stages I andII incorporate the Bexar index well lev-els used by the City of San Antonio andthe San Antonio Water System. StagesIII, IV and V use the more stringentstage indicator factors required by the
Biological Opinion. The BiologicalOpinion states how much water the SanAntonio Department of Defense maywithdraw from the Edwards Aquiferand was issued by the U.S. Fish andWildlife Service after extensive consul-tation.
It is important that all JBSA resi-dents and workers understand thestages and the specific conservationmeasures. Team members of the JBSAWater Working Group will conduct dailyassessments to identify water misuseand waste. When users are notified ofdiscrepancies, they must be correctedimmediately.
The Edwards Aquifer is currently thesole source of potable water for San
Antonio. The aquifer is also home toseveral endangered species and habi-tats which depend on the flow fromaquifer springs for survival. Demandson the aquifer, combined with weatherconditions, drive the level of the aquiferdown, decreasing the flow of thesprings and threatening the lives of theendangered species.
Sound drought management prac-tices will ensure the quality of life andeconomic sustainability for both JBSAand the greater San Antonio area, butthis effort requires your action. Pleasetake some time to visit the 502nd ABWwebsite and review the JBSA DroughtManagement Plan and Water StageNormal letter.
Drought management plan available online
Kudos for Marine honors
A sincere thank you to thelocal Air Force community.
It was indeed touching andinspiring to see the presence ofso many young Airmen thispast Saturday morning at KellyAirport as they lined the street
awaiting the return of MarineSergeant Jose Saenz III. I hopethat their professionalism, rev-erence and patriotism servedas solace and inspiration forthe Marine’s family, his fellowMarines and members of thelocal community.
The manner in which the AirForce community achieved
such a huge effect with whatsome would consider a smallact is indicative of the truepatriotism that is being instilledin the future generations ofAirmen.
As a Marine, I would like tosincerely thank each and everyone that was involved. While Ido not speak on behalf of the
Marine’s family, I honestlybelieve that the sacrifices ofthose Airmen was appreciatedand may have provided a smallmeans of expressing the grate-fulness of this great Nation.
– Marine Maj. JamesShelton
Joint Information OperationsWarfare Center
Stay up-to-date during special events and rough skies. Call 671-NEWS
TALESPINNERPAGE 4 AUGUST 20, 2010 PAGE 5TALESPINNERAUGUST 20, 2010
Heating, ventilating and airconditioning systems, and lightand water fixtures were eitherreplaced or improved in rough-ly 1,200 buildings on base.
HVAC systems in five facili-ties were converted frommulti-zone to variable air vol-ume units, further increasingenergy efficiency.
Two air conditioning unitswere replaced along with cool-ing towers, pumps, motors andan overhaul of the electricalsystem that powers it.
The retrofitting of morethan 33,675 light fixtures inbuildings around the base wasone of the easier measurableenergy saving solutions, Mr.Hinojosa said.
The light fixtures, includingnew bulbs, lamps and ballasts,reduced the base’s electricityusage by more than 2 millionwatts.
They also saved City PublicService Energy more than $2million and earned Lackland a
$1.1 million rebate in March oflast year.
Low-flow water faucets andshowerheads, hands-free sinkfaucets and low-water usagetoilets were installed in 116buildings.
Two major innovations werethe construction of an 800,000-gallon thermal storage chilledwater tank which feeds chilledwater through facilities to coolits interior, and the installationof solar panels outside theSkylark Aquatic Center.
The tank, which feedschilled water through facilitiesto air condition its interior,chills water at night to avoidthe process during hot after-noons and expensive peakpriced hours.
The Skylark AquaticCenter’s array of solar panelsproduces renewable energy tosupplement heat provided byboilers that warm the pool’swater.
The initiatives are part ofthe energy team’s plan forreducing energy use by 3 per-
cent annually, following a 10-year federal mandate whichbegan in 2006.
Busy working on the variousprojects, Mr. Hinojosa said hewas somewhat surprised whenhe heard the good news butwas pleased to be recognizedwithin the business community.
“We have done quite a bit,”he said. “We’re excited to havemore interface with the busi-ness community.”
The base has earned severalawards for its conservationefforts in the past, from organi-zations such as the SanAntonio Water System andCPS.
But as for Mr. Hinojosa –whose job it is to measureenergy use and then manage it– he would just as soon getback to work.
“It’s kind of nice to see thatthe base energy team is recog-nized,” Lackland’s energymanager for more than 35years said. “But for the mostpart, results, for me, arealways better.”
GREEN from P1 FEEDING FAMILIES
Photo by Annette JanetzkeNate Wolfson, Defense Language Institute English LanguageCenter, participates in the “Feds Feed Families” food drive byplacing items in the donation collection barrel at DLIELC.Collection sites have been set up all over Lackland with a goalof collecting at least 2,000 pounds of food for the San AntonioFood Bank. The drive continues through Aug. 30. For moreinformation, contact your unit first sergeant.
TALESPINNERPAGE 6 AUGUST 20, 2010 PAGE 7TALESPINNERAUGUST 20, 2010
BMT HONORSCongratulations to the fol-
lowing 70 Airmen for beingselected as honor graduatesamong 708 trainees graduat-ing today:
320th Training SquadronFlight 545Craig EvelandMatthew GribbleJoseph HarrisAndrew ReynoldsAndre SimpsonFlight 546Daniel GlasserOwen HaveyGerald HutchensCody JeffriesJoshua LattimerScott Mika
321st Training SquadronFlight 549Mason CrowderScott FossDavid MarzanoFlight 550
Cole Miller
322nd Training Squadron Flight 547Kyle FlynnDerrick KrafftMichael MorganMohammed RoboubiatTyler ShawFlight 548Corin BeverlyHilaree GlennTiara GonzalesShanta RamdhannyShantel Whitaker
323rd Training SquadronFlight 551Joshua BanksBrett BecklundTyler CarterBrian CowlesAnthony FerreseCory GansbergJose GarciaMathew HalifkoDemarco Jordan
Thomas WilsonFlight 552Nichole MartinezGuillermo HernandezNicholas LynkBrian Thomason
324th Training Squadron Flight 544Joseph DavidCorey JohnsonBenjamin KenyonTyler MerrillJermane Mosby
326th Training SquadronFlight 539Jared GordonDavid HaasThomas ShotkeFlight 540Dawn BlockerLina GarciaAmanda GrahamJohnnell KelleyAlexandra LenkerJaymee Logan
Velma PlateroEmila ReynaErika Russo
331st Training SquadronFlight 541Timothy AndersCharles ArnoldJoseph FarmerJarrod GrammelJohn MellencampMichael SgambatiCordaro Snyder-JenkinsScott StrongFlight 542Benjamin ArmanCullen BabcockGrady FowlerAnsel MorseKevin RomeneskoRyan Velasquez
Most Physically FitMale AirmenTimothy Anders, 331st TRS,Flight 541Cole Miller, 321st TRS, Flight
550Female AirmenSandra Prado, 323rd TRS,Flight 552Bethany Wyatt, 322nd TRS,Flight 548Male Flights331st TRS, Flight 542331st TRS, Flight 541Female Flights323rd TRS, Flight 552326th TRS, Flight 540
Top Academic Flights320th TRS, Flight 545323rd TRS, Flight 551
Top BMT AirmanJoseph Harris, 320th TRS,Flight 545
Col. Stephen Roberts: 59thSurgical Operations SquadronDate assumed command: Aug. 3Previous assignment: DeputyCommander, 59th SurgicalSpecialties Squadron, and DeputyChief of Medical Staff, 59th MedicalWingTime in Service: 18 yearsFamily: WifeHobbies: Quality time with friendsand family, reading, exercise, andgolfWhy the squadron is important to the AirForce mission: The 337-member 59thSurgical Operations Squadron providescomprehensive operating room, recovery,anesthesia and same day surgery unit serv-ices. The squadron directs the Air Force’sonly anesthesiology and OR nurse residen-cies and trains technicians in perioperativecare. Eighteen UTCs support Air and SpaceExpeditionary Force deployments. Thesquadron’s workload exceeds 10,000 sur-geries, 6,000 SDSU admissions and 2,700pain clinic visits each year.Command philosophy: First and foremost,there is nothing more profound than takingcare of your people, the organization andthe mission. This is all embodied in the AirForce core value of integrity first, service
before self and excellence in all wedo. As the squadron commander,I’m accountable to my people andtheir actions. Therefore, it isimperative that we all continue toconduct our daily business andlivelihood according to this set ofhigh standards in maintaining trustand credibility at squadron level,group, wing and the greater AirForce. There is a phrase we havebecome accustomed to whichstates “work your boss’ boss’ prob-
lem.” This encompasses ownership of theproblem, responsibly executing the taskgive, and accountably ensuring missionaccomplishment.Goals for the new position: The squadronleadership and the organization are alreadysuccessfully conducting business. My role isto continue on that path of success as anenabler and facilitator of this process. Weare facing some challenges in terms of theBase Realignment and Closure law andintegration of clinical services with our sis-ter medical treatment facility at BrookeArmy Medical Center. However, with con-tinued adherence to teamwork, adaptiveleadership, and vision, we will successfullyget to the end-state of a fully integratedmedical center.
59th SGC welcomes new commander
Col. StephenRoberts
Congratulations to the following recipients of the Lackland Chief’s Look SharpAward, received in recognition of their outstanding performance, appearance
and dedication.
Airmen earnchief ’s recognition
802nd Force Support SquadronAirman Kelsey Rupert
737th Training Support SquadronTech. Sgt. Thomas Rhodes
59th Medical Operations GroupStaff Sgt. Brandy Rios
Master Sgt. Linda ScottSenior Airman Jem Thipphakesone
59th Dental Support SquadronSenior Airman Romulus Kocsis
559th Medical OperationsSquadron
Senior Airman Christopher Prieto
559th Medical GroupSenior Airman Dante Burnett
Senior Master Sgt. Rodney Gates
559th Aerospace MedicineSquadron
Capt. Aretha Clisby Airman 1st Class Joseph Farless
Staff Sgt. Juan JimenezMaster Sgt. Yvonne Terry
Senior Airman Justin Wince
TALESPINNERPAGE 8 AUGUST 20, 2010 PAGE 9TALESPINNERAUGUST 20, 2010
By Linda Frost and 2nd Lt. Crystal Gomez59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
Wilford Hall Medical Center hasbeen designated a “Baby-FriendlyHospital” through the TexasDepartment of State Health Services’Texas Ten Step facility program.
The Texas Hospital Associationand the Texas Department of StateHealth Services have developed theTexas Ten Step facility program inan effort to improve the health ofTexas mothers and infants by pro-moting breastfeeding.
The goals of the Texas Ten Step
facility program are to encouragefacilities to reach the target of hav-ing 75 percent of mothers breast-feeding at discharge; to help facili-ties support breastfeeding mothersbefore, during and after delivery;and to encourage facilities to identifybreastfeeding resources for mothersafter they are discharged.
Steps taken to become “Baby-Friendly” include providing staff andpatients breastfeeding classes andeducation throughout the year,implementing new operating instruc-tions and newborn admission ordersthat are breastfeeding-friendly, and
promoting breastfeeding throughoutthe hospital.
“The maternal child flight andneonatal intensive care unit staff(members) here have been workingdiligently to continue improvingbreastfeeding education throughoutthe hospital,” said Lt. Col. IvonneMuehlenweg, the maternal childflight commander.
“Their goal is to increase theawareness of breastfeeding educa-tion in patients beginning with theirfirst visit to the clinic and continuingwell after del ivery,” ColonelMuehlenweg said.
As a result of improvements madeby the hospital’s breastfeeding com-mittee in educating patients and staffmembers, there has been a 50 per-cent decrease in the use of formulain the maternal child flight sinceApril 2010. The goal is to decreasethe use of formula another 30 per-cent within the next six months.
Staff education is offered through-out the year to include in serviceopportunities as well as continuingeducation courses. This gives staffmembers various opportunities tostay current on breastfeeding train-ing.
Wilford Hall: a ‘baby-friendly’ hospitalThe Commission on Dental
Accreditation will review several59th Dental Training Squadron pro-grams Nov. 9-10.
CODA will review the squadron’sEndodontics, Orthodontics andDentofacial Orthopedics, Periodon-tics, Prosthodontics, and AdvancedEducation in General Dentistry pro-grams.
Third party comments from stu-dents and patients, relative to theabove programs, are being solicited.These comments must be received inthe Commission office by Sept. 10.The off ice address is 211 EastChicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.
Comments must be signed but sig-natures will be removed from com-ments prior to being forwarded tothe program.
Comments must pertain only tothe standards of the particular pro-gram or policies and proceduresused in the Commission’s accredita-
tion process.A copy of the appropriate accredi-
tation standards, the Commission’spolicy on third-party comments,and/or the Commission’s policy onthird party comments may beobtained by contacting theCommission at the above address, orby calling (800) 621-8099, extension4653.
Comments will be screened byCommission staff for relevancy. Forcomments not relevant to theseissues, the individual will be notifiedand, referred to the appropriateagency.
For local questions, please consultthe program directors through Col.Thomas Schneid, 59th DTS com-mander, by calling 292-6280 or mail-ing questions to 59th DTS/CC, 2450Pepperrell Street, Lackland AFBTexas, 78236-5345.
(Courtesy of Wilford Hall MedicalCenter)
Dental commission reviews 59th DTS
Edwards Aquifer Levelin feet above sea level
Normal - above 660’Stage I - 660’Stage II - 650’Stage III - 642’Stage IV - 640.5’Stage V - 637’
CURRENT LEVEL* = 667.6’*determines Joint Base San Antonio water conservation stage
TALESPINNERPAGE 8 AUGUST 20, 2010 PAGE 9TALESPINNERAUGUST 20, 2010
By Linda Frost and 2nd Lt. Crystal Gomez59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
Wilford Hall Medical Center hasbeen designated a “Baby-FriendlyHospital” through the TexasDepartment of State Health Services’Texas Ten Step facility program.
The Texas Hospital Associationand the Texas Department of StateHealth Services have developed theTexas Ten Step facility program inan effort to improve the health ofTexas mothers and infants by pro-moting breastfeeding.
The goals of the Texas Ten Step
facility program are to encouragefacilities to reach the target of hav-ing 75 percent of mothers breast-feeding at discharge; to help facili-ties support breastfeeding mothersbefore, during and after delivery;and to encourage facilities to identifybreastfeeding resources for mothersafter they are discharged.
Steps taken to become “Baby-Friendly” include providing staff andpatients breastfeeding classes andeducation throughout the year,implementing new operating instruc-tions and newborn admission ordersthat are breastfeeding-friendly, and
promoting breastfeeding throughoutthe hospital.
“The maternal child flight andneonatal intensive care unit staff(members) here have been workingdiligently to continue improvingbreastfeeding education throughoutthe hospital,” said Lt. Col. IvonneMuehlenweg, the maternal childflight commander.
“Their goal is to increase theawareness of breastfeeding educa-tion in patients beginning with theirfirst visit to the clinic and continuingwell after del ivery,” ColonelMuehlenweg said.
As a result of improvements madeby the hospital’s breastfeeding com-mittee in educating patients and staffmembers, there has been a 50 per-cent decrease in the use of formulain the maternal child flight sinceApril 2010. The goal is to decreasethe use of formula another 30 per-cent within the next six months.
Staff education is offered through-out the year to include in serviceopportunities as well as continuingeducation courses. This gives staffmembers various opportunities tostay current on breastfeeding train-ing.
Wilford Hall: a ‘baby-friendly’ hospitalThe Commission on Dental
Accreditation will review several59th Dental Training Squadron pro-grams Nov. 9-10.
CODA will review the squadron’sEndodontics, Orthodontics andDentofacial Orthopedics, Periodon-tics, Prosthodontics, and AdvancedEducation in General Dentistry pro-grams.
Third party comments from stu-dents and patients, relative to theabove programs, are being solicited.These comments must be received inthe Commission office by Sept. 10.The off ice address is 211 EastChicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.
Comments must be signed but sig-natures will be removed from com-ments prior to being forwarded tothe program.
Comments must pertain only tothe standards of the particular pro-gram or policies and proceduresused in the Commission’s accredita-
tion process.A copy of the appropriate accredi-
tation standards, the Commission’spolicy on third-party comments,and/or the Commission’s policy onthird party comments may beobtained by contacting theCommission at the above address, orby calling (800) 621-8099, extension4653.
Comments will be screened byCommission staff for relevancy. Forcomments not relevant to theseissues, the individual will be notifiedand, referred to the appropriateagency.
For local questions, please consultthe program directors through Col.Thomas Schneid, 59th DTS com-mander, by calling 292-6280 or mail-ing questions to 59th DTS/CC, 2450Pepperrell Street, Lackland AFBTexas, 78236-5345.
(Courtesy of Wilford Hall MedicalCenter)
Dental commission reviews 59th DTS
Edwards Aquifer Levelin feet above sea level
Normal - above 660’Stage I - 660’Stage II - 650’Stage III - 642’Stage IV - 640.5’Stage V - 637’
CURRENT LEVEL* = 667.6’*determines Joint Base San Antonio water conservation stage
TALESPINNERPAGE 10 AUGUST 20, 2010 PAGE 11TALESPINNERAUGUST 20, 2010
By Jessica TurnerAir Education and Training Command Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE – Air Education andTraining Command’s senior enlisted leader retiredAug. 13 after serving 31 years, two months and 27days, ending a career longer than the average enlisteeis permitted to serve.
“I enlisted in the Air Force for the same reason alot of people are enlisting in the Air Force today,” saidChief Master Sgt. Robert Tappana. “Due to the econo-my, a search for independence, and leaving a smalltown for the first time, my intent was to serve fouryears, receive the experience, get out and get a ‘realjob.’ It just didn’t work out that way.”
Chief Tappana began his service with the TrafficManagement Office, “moving people and equipmentfrom one place to another,” and admits the choice tomake the Air Force a career did not happenovernight.
The chief described his first mentor and supervisor,retired Tech. Sgt. Jim Steen, as “the kind of supervi-sor they tell us about in Airman Leadership School.(Sergeant Steen) knew what we were doing, where welived, set high standards and didn’t let us get awaywith anything.”
It was that leadership, and the physical and emo-tional support of his fellow Airmen during a difficulttime of adversity, that helped solidify his career pathand commitment to serve.
Early in his career the chief’s family experienced amedical hardship, but it was that struggle and thesupport of the Air Force family that truly inspired thedecision to stay in. Describing the most pivotalmoment in his career, chief thanks retired Master Sgt.Mark Davila for the simple question, “Are you OK?”The Air Force is never easy chief says, but he knewthen he was never alone.
From there, adaptation to the military became easyfor the Tappana family through the demonstration ofcompassion and encouragement by the Airmen whosurrounded his family with care and support.
Through the years, the chief also learned servicemembers must give their family the same care theygive to the Air Force. He believes our core value isservice before self, not service instead of self, andboth compromise and balance are crucial to the AirForce family.
Chief Tappana’s first advice to young airmen is to“focus on the job you have and to blossom whereyou’re planted,” he said. “As soon as an opportunitycomes up, we will pick you up and transplant you to a
bigger, better garden.“Careers begin to go south when people start wor-
rying about the next job and the one after that. Thekey to success is to excel at what you are given,” headded.
While serving in different positions and multiplecapacities over the last 30 years, the chief has wit-nessed many changes to Air Force programs.Improvements he believes the Air Force benefitedfrom include the focus on fitness, embracing educa-tion, family care, technological growth, and morenon-traditional roles in combat contact.
Admitting that he smoked cigarettes for six and ahalf weeks during basic training and his only letter ofcounseling as a young Airman was from a TrafficManagement Office chief for not providing an ashtrayfor customers, Chief Tappana agreed the Air Force isnow a healthier force. Airmen must exceed what usedto be only a 1.5-mile run once a year to meet physicalrequirement standards.
“We are giving enlisted people far more responsi-bility now than we did 30 years ago,” he said. “When Icame in, in ’79, Traffic Management Officers had tobe officers; enlisted were not allowed to run TMO.”
AETC command chief retires The chief encourages givingmore responsibility to Airmenand empowering them with edu-cation allowing people to pro-duce a lot more for the AirForce.
Chief Tappana explainedthere was an assumption untilabout 10 years ago that “amajority of our combat wouldinvolve a pilot in an aircraft. Formy first 20 years we didn’t thinkabout the fact that our vehicleoperators would be running con-voys through the deserts of Iraqand Afghanistan, or that ouryoung PA professionals would beoutside the wire serving onProvisional ReconstructionTeams in Afghanistan.
“It’s a new world for us, andour Airmen do phenomenally,”he said.
“That includes keeping upwith the speed at which changeis happening,” the chief said.
“I’ve had the privilege ofwatching the Air Force movefrom a basic typewriter, to com-puting, to mobile phones, andblue tooth wireless devices,” hesaid. “The BlackBerry I carrytoday is the backup to the laptopI carry that connects to theentire world without actuallybeing connected to anything.”
There have been many proudmoments for Chief Tappana inthe Air Force, like walkingthrough the airport with his uni-form on as people thank him forhis service, giving 100 percent to
the core values of the Air Force,being an effective public speak-er, and taking care of this nationfor more than 30 years.
Leaving the force is not bittersweet or sad, the chiefexplained, “It’s a step forwardinto a new path and a futurewhere I can watch my Air Forcefrom the other side.”
From here, Chief Tappanaand Tresie, his wife of 24 years,will travel north to Alaska topursue the one thing he regretsnot doing – earning a collegedegree.
“I want to teach,” he said. “Iwant to be more well-rounded,work on my photography, readmore and most importantly, per-form a role that makes a differ-ence.”
See RETIRES P11
RETIRES from P10
Photo by Alan BoedekerGen. Stephen Lorenz, commander, Air Education and TrainingCommand, left, and Chief Master Sgt. Robert Tappana, AETCCommand Chief, salute the flag during basic military traininggraduation Aug. 13 at Lackland.
TALESPINNERPAGE 10 AUGUST 20, 2010 PAGE 11TALESPINNERAUGUST 20, 2010
By Jessica TurnerAir Education and Training Command Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE – Air Education andTraining Command’s senior enlisted leader retiredAug. 13 after serving 31 years, two months and 27days, ending a career longer than the average enlisteeis permitted to serve.
“I enlisted in the Air Force for the same reason alot of people are enlisting in the Air Force today,” saidChief Master Sgt. Robert Tappana. “Due to the econo-my, a search for independence, and leaving a smalltown for the first time, my intent was to serve fouryears, receive the experience, get out and get a ‘realjob.’ It just didn’t work out that way.”
Chief Tappana began his service with the TrafficManagement Office, “moving people and equipmentfrom one place to another,” and admits the choice tomake the Air Force a career did not happenovernight.
The chief described his first mentor and supervisor,retired Tech. Sgt. Jim Steen, as “the kind of supervi-sor they tell us about in Airman Leadership School.(Sergeant Steen) knew what we were doing, where welived, set high standards and didn’t let us get awaywith anything.”
It was that leadership, and the physical and emo-tional support of his fellow Airmen during a difficulttime of adversity, that helped solidify his career pathand commitment to serve.
Early in his career the chief’s family experienced amedical hardship, but it was that struggle and thesupport of the Air Force family that truly inspired thedecision to stay in. Describing the most pivotalmoment in his career, chief thanks retired Master Sgt.Mark Davila for the simple question, “Are you OK?”The Air Force is never easy chief says, but he knewthen he was never alone.
From there, adaptation to the military became easyfor the Tappana family through the demonstration ofcompassion and encouragement by the Airmen whosurrounded his family with care and support.
Through the years, the chief also learned servicemembers must give their family the same care theygive to the Air Force. He believes our core value isservice before self, not service instead of self, andboth compromise and balance are crucial to the AirForce family.
Chief Tappana’s first advice to young airmen is to“focus on the job you have and to blossom whereyou’re planted,” he said. “As soon as an opportunitycomes up, we will pick you up and transplant you to a
bigger, better garden.“Careers begin to go south when people start wor-
rying about the next job and the one after that. Thekey to success is to excel at what you are given,” headded.
While serving in different positions and multiplecapacities over the last 30 years, the chief has wit-nessed many changes to Air Force programs.Improvements he believes the Air Force benefitedfrom include the focus on fitness, embracing educa-tion, family care, technological growth, and morenon-traditional roles in combat contact.
Admitting that he smoked cigarettes for six and ahalf weeks during basic training and his only letter ofcounseling as a young Airman was from a TrafficManagement Office chief for not providing an ashtrayfor customers, Chief Tappana agreed the Air Force isnow a healthier force. Airmen must exceed what usedto be only a 1.5-mile run once a year to meet physicalrequirement standards.
“We are giving enlisted people far more responsi-bility now than we did 30 years ago,” he said. “When Icame in, in ’79, Traffic Management Officers had tobe officers; enlisted were not allowed to run TMO.”
AETC command chief retires The chief encourages givingmore responsibility to Airmenand empowering them with edu-cation allowing people to pro-duce a lot more for the AirForce.
Chief Tappana explainedthere was an assumption untilabout 10 years ago that “amajority of our combat wouldinvolve a pilot in an aircraft. Formy first 20 years we didn’t thinkabout the fact that our vehicleoperators would be running con-voys through the deserts of Iraqand Afghanistan, or that ouryoung PA professionals would beoutside the wire serving onProvisional ReconstructionTeams in Afghanistan.
“It’s a new world for us, andour Airmen do phenomenally,”he said.
“That includes keeping upwith the speed at which changeis happening,” the chief said.
“I’ve had the privilege ofwatching the Air Force movefrom a basic typewriter, to com-puting, to mobile phones, andblue tooth wireless devices,” hesaid. “The BlackBerry I carrytoday is the backup to the laptopI carry that connects to theentire world without actuallybeing connected to anything.”
There have been many proudmoments for Chief Tappana inthe Air Force, like walkingthrough the airport with his uni-form on as people thank him forhis service, giving 100 percent to
the core values of the Air Force,being an effective public speak-er, and taking care of this nationfor more than 30 years.
Leaving the force is not bittersweet or sad, the chiefexplained, “It’s a step forwardinto a new path and a futurewhere I can watch my Air Forcefrom the other side.”
From here, Chief Tappanaand Tresie, his wife of 24 years,will travel north to Alaska topursue the one thing he regretsnot doing – earning a collegedegree.
“I want to teach,” he said. “Iwant to be more well-rounded,work on my photography, readmore and most importantly, per-form a role that makes a differ-ence.”
See RETIRES P11
RETIRES from P10
Photo by Alan BoedekerGen. Stephen Lorenz, commander, Air Education and TrainingCommand, left, and Chief Master Sgt. Robert Tappana, AETCCommand Chief, salute the flag during basic military traininggraduation Aug. 13 at Lackland.
TALESPINNERPAGE 12 AUGUST 20, 2010 PAGE 13TALESPINNERAUGUST 20, 2010
By Mike JosephStaff Writer
There is a common bond between thenew Inter-American Air Forces Academycommandant and his predecessor: bothproclaim commanding the academy is “thebest job in the Air Force.”
Col. Carl Hunter, the new IAAFA com-mander, and Col. Maria Cordero, whom hesucceeded on July 28, both used thoseexact words when assessing the assignment.
“I’m proud to be their commander, and I’m for-tunate to have this job,” Colonel Hunter said. “Ithink I’ve got the best job in the Air Force.
“Being allowed to command this academy isfantastic. It’s going to be a rewarding experience.
It’s my last two years in the Air Force anda great opportunity.”
Colonel Hunter began his career as a C-130 navigator in 1983, achieving MasterNavigator status with more than 5,000flight hours in the C-130E. He will retire in2012 after his IAAFA assignment ends 30years of service.
It’s fitting that his career concludeswith a foreign mission as more than halfof his service time has been spent in for-
eign countries.And that’s the way it began.“My first day at Pope (Air Force Base, N.C.), my
first mission on a C-130E was the Grenada inva-sion, moving medical students from there toBarbados,” Colonel Hunter said, reflecting back
on the 1983 event. “It was a rewarding career inthe flying arena; I really enjoyed it.”
Prior to joining IAAFA, Colonel Hunter was12th Air Force chief of staff, Davis-Monthan AFB,Ariz., after spending three years as Air ForceMission chief in Bogota, Columbia.
Those five years spent in Air Forces Southernhelped pave the road to IAAFA.
“I feel a close connection to IAAFA from myyears in Columbia,” he said. “Columbia sends amajority of the students to IAAFA, and I stayedconnected through the 12th Air Force.”
Though it’s been a whirlwind of activity sincetaking command, Colonel Hunter has set a goal ofmaking IAAFA a better educational experienceand learning academy for its students.
To achieve that goal, the academy will concen-
New leader excited about IAAFA post
Col. Carl Hunter
By Brent Boller502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
The school year in most San Antonio area dis-tricts begins Monday, and school liaison represen-tatives at area military installations are workinghard to ensure the needs of military and other fed-erally-connected youth are met.
“The school liaison job is multifaceted,” saidLori Phipps, Lackland school liaison officer. “Weare a link between the schools and the militaryinstallation. We want to level the playing field forstudents who are affected by the careers of theirparents who move frequently.”
Ms. Phipps and her colleagues at Randolph AirForce Base and Fort Sam Houston work with 23area school districts covering Bexar, Kendall,Guadalupe, Comal and Medina counties. Theyservice more than 20,000 federally-connected stu-dents, including more than 7,800 students in theNorthside Independent School District, 5,000 inthe Northeast ISD and thousands more in theSchertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD and the otherdistricts, Ms. Phipps explained.
Fred Zeithammel is the school liaison represen-tative at Randolph. He said liaisons assist parentswith transitional issues, most often related with
high school-aged students.“Students new to Texas may have different
requirements for graduation than those require-ments from their former state,” Mr. Zeithammelsaid. Liaisons work with local school districts andthe student’s former school district so transitionalissues are resolved in a collaborative manner.
Mr. Zeithammel noted the example of a studentfrom Kentucky who transferred to a San Antonio-area district. Because she was a senior, the stu-dent didn’t have time to complete the Texasrequirements to graduate on time. Mr. Zeithammelworked with both schools to ensure she graduatedon time.
Her former school sent the requirements andschool assignments to her new school allowing herto graduate on time with a diploma from Kentucky,Mr. Zeithammel said.
Most states, including Texas, have signed anInterstate Compact on Education Opportunity forMilitary Children which is designed to facilitate thedevelopment of reciprocal practices and uniformpolicies to better serve military youth. The com-pact covers the transfer of records, course place-ment, extra-curricular activities and graduationrequirements.
Cindy Ybanez is one of two school liaisons at
Fort Sam Houston. “The most satisfying part of thejob is having a resolution with the family,” Ms.Ybanez said. She recently worked with a parentwho was concerned that her son was two gradesbehind. The parent had unsuccessfully pleadedwith the district to have her son tested. Ms.Ybanez intervened with the district and the childwas advanced one grade.
“Parents are sometimes not able to find theright contact within the district, but the liaisonofficer knows exactly who to contact to solve theproblems,” Ms. Ybanez said.
Ms. Ybanez’s Fort Sam Houston colleague KeithToney said school liaison officer is one of the fewjobs where you can actually impact someone’s lifein real time. “We can often resolve issues parentsthought were unsolvable within 15 to 20 minutes,”Mr. Toney said.
Before school liaison officers came onto thescene Mr. Toney said the children really suffered.
“Civilian schools didn’t understand the militarystudent and were very rigid, sticking to their stan-dards regardless of extenuating circumstances. Itwas a matter of awareness. As personnel changesare made at the school district, we educate them.We want to make this a systemic process and notpersonality driven,” he said.
School liaisons ease academic transition
trate on upgrades to keep pacewith its partner nations.
“The air forces from Mexico,Central and South America, andthe Caribbean are transformingand modernizing,” Colonel Huntersaid. “That requires us to upgradeour training aids and mock ups.We’re trying to modernize to keepup with the 22 air forces from thecountries we teach.”
A new classroom and mainte-nance facility currently under con-struction on the IAAFA campus,expected to be completed inJanuary 2011, wil l provide an
improved and more efficient teach-ing atmosphere along with consoli-dating facilities into a commonarea.
“It’s on us to keep our instruc-tors current, along with the equip-ment, in meeting our students’needs and demands,” ColonelHunter said. “We’re always look-ing for ways to improve proce-dures, techniques and internally.
“Taking care of the people atIAAFA, not only our staff but thestudents, is important. I look for-ward to this opportunity to moveIAAFA ahead and make it betterfor the person who takes myplace.”
POST from P12
TALESPINNERPAGE 12 AUGUST 20, 2010 PAGE 13TALESPINNERAUGUST 20, 2010
By Mike JosephStaff Writer
There is a common bond between thenew Inter-American Air Forces Academycommandant and his predecessor: bothproclaim commanding the academy is “thebest job in the Air Force.”
Col. Carl Hunter, the new IAAFA com-mander, and Col. Maria Cordero, whom hesucceeded on July 28, both used thoseexact words when assessing the assignment.
“I’m proud to be their commander, and I’m for-tunate to have this job,” Colonel Hunter said. “Ithink I’ve got the best job in the Air Force.
“Being allowed to command this academy isfantastic. It’s going to be a rewarding experience.
It’s my last two years in the Air Force anda great opportunity.”
Colonel Hunter began his career as a C-130 navigator in 1983, achieving MasterNavigator status with more than 5,000flight hours in the C-130E. He will retire in2012 after his IAAFA assignment ends 30years of service.
It’s fitting that his career concludeswith a foreign mission as more than halfof his service time has been spent in for-
eign countries.And that’s the way it began.“My first day at Pope (Air Force Base, N.C.), my
first mission on a C-130E was the Grenada inva-sion, moving medical students from there toBarbados,” Colonel Hunter said, reflecting back
on the 1983 event. “It was a rewarding career inthe flying arena; I really enjoyed it.”
Prior to joining IAAFA, Colonel Hunter was12th Air Force chief of staff, Davis-Monthan AFB,Ariz., after spending three years as Air ForceMission chief in Bogota, Columbia.
Those five years spent in Air Forces Southernhelped pave the road to IAAFA.
“I feel a close connection to IAAFA from myyears in Columbia,” he said. “Columbia sends amajority of the students to IAAFA, and I stayedconnected through the 12th Air Force.”
Though it’s been a whirlwind of activity sincetaking command, Colonel Hunter has set a goal ofmaking IAAFA a better educational experienceand learning academy for its students.
To achieve that goal, the academy will concen-
New leader excited about IAAFA post
Col. Carl Hunter
By Brent Boller502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
The school year in most San Antonio area dis-tricts begins Monday, and school liaison represen-tatives at area military installations are workinghard to ensure the needs of military and other fed-erally-connected youth are met.
“The school liaison job is multifaceted,” saidLori Phipps, Lackland school liaison officer. “Weare a link between the schools and the militaryinstallation. We want to level the playing field forstudents who are affected by the careers of theirparents who move frequently.”
Ms. Phipps and her colleagues at Randolph AirForce Base and Fort Sam Houston work with 23area school districts covering Bexar, Kendall,Guadalupe, Comal and Medina counties. Theyservice more than 20,000 federally-connected stu-dents, including more than 7,800 students in theNorthside Independent School District, 5,000 inthe Northeast ISD and thousands more in theSchertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD and the otherdistricts, Ms. Phipps explained.
Fred Zeithammel is the school liaison represen-tative at Randolph. He said liaisons assist parentswith transitional issues, most often related with
high school-aged students.“Students new to Texas may have different
requirements for graduation than those require-ments from their former state,” Mr. Zeithammelsaid. Liaisons work with local school districts andthe student’s former school district so transitionalissues are resolved in a collaborative manner.
Mr. Zeithammel noted the example of a studentfrom Kentucky who transferred to a San Antonio-area district. Because she was a senior, the stu-dent didn’t have time to complete the Texasrequirements to graduate on time. Mr. Zeithammelworked with both schools to ensure she graduatedon time.
Her former school sent the requirements andschool assignments to her new school allowing herto graduate on time with a diploma from Kentucky,Mr. Zeithammel said.
Most states, including Texas, have signed anInterstate Compact on Education Opportunity forMilitary Children which is designed to facilitate thedevelopment of reciprocal practices and uniformpolicies to better serve military youth. The com-pact covers the transfer of records, course place-ment, extra-curricular activities and graduationrequirements.
Cindy Ybanez is one of two school liaisons at
Fort Sam Houston. “The most satisfying part of thejob is having a resolution with the family,” Ms.Ybanez said. She recently worked with a parentwho was concerned that her son was two gradesbehind. The parent had unsuccessfully pleadedwith the district to have her son tested. Ms.Ybanez intervened with the district and the childwas advanced one grade.
“Parents are sometimes not able to find theright contact within the district, but the liaisonofficer knows exactly who to contact to solve theproblems,” Ms. Ybanez said.
Ms. Ybanez’s Fort Sam Houston colleague KeithToney said school liaison officer is one of the fewjobs where you can actually impact someone’s lifein real time. “We can often resolve issues parentsthought were unsolvable within 15 to 20 minutes,”Mr. Toney said.
Before school liaison officers came onto thescene Mr. Toney said the children really suffered.
“Civilian schools didn’t understand the militarystudent and were very rigid, sticking to their stan-dards regardless of extenuating circumstances. Itwas a matter of awareness. As personnel changesare made at the school district, we educate them.We want to make this a systemic process and notpersonality driven,” he said.
School liaisons ease academic transition
trate on upgrades to keep pacewith its partner nations.
“The air forces from Mexico,Central and South America, andthe Caribbean are transformingand modernizing,” Colonel Huntersaid. “That requires us to upgradeour training aids and mock ups.We’re trying to modernize to keepup with the 22 air forces from thecountries we teach.”
A new classroom and mainte-nance facility currently under con-struction on the IAAFA campus,expected to be completed inJanuary 2011, wil l provide an
improved and more efficient teach-ing atmosphere along with consoli-dating facilities into a commonarea.
“It’s on us to keep our instruc-tors current, along with the equip-ment, in meeting our students’needs and demands,” ColonelHunter said. “We’re always look-ing for ways to improve proce-dures, techniques and internally.
“Taking care of the people atIAAFA, not only our staff but thestudents, is important. I look for-ward to this opportunity to moveIAAFA ahead and make it betterfor the person who takes myplace.”
POST from P12
TALESPINNERPAGE 14 AUGUST 20, 2010 PAGE 15TALESPINNERAUGUST 20, 2010
The “USAF Basic Military Training Artifacts 1970s - 1980s” exhibit at Lackland’s USAF AirmanHeritage Museum shows Air Force Basic Military Training women’s hat wear, a 1970s pattern flight capand the first pattern light blue jacket.
The “USAF Basic Military Training Dorm 1952 - 1959” exhibit shows visitors how Air Force basicmilitary trainees lived during the 1950s. The display includes the early one-piece BMT training uniformand WWII style bunk beds.
Photos by Alan BoedekerProud dad Bryce Sullivan photographs his sons Airman Brenden and Tristen inthe flag display at the USAF Airman Heritage Museum. Every week, families ofAir Force Basic Military Training graduates tour the museum.
The “Kelly Field, Army Air Depot 1918 -1919” exhibit at the USAF Airman HeritageMuseum displays a WWI JN-4 Jenny primary trainer aircraft. The display includesaircraft parts, weapon, ordinance and airframe repair equipment.
The “USAF Basic Military Training Modern Male Dorm” exhibit gives visitors alook at the current Air Force Basic Military Training dorm.
Gen. Stephen Lorenz, Air Education and Training Command commander, toursthe USAF Airman Heritage Museum during the museum’s grand opening Aug.12. The museum features interactive technology and 31 exhibits.
By Mike JosephStaff Writer
Air Force officials proudly reopened a newlynamed and completely renovated enlisted heritagemuseum Aug. 12.
In addition to spending $730,000 to renovate abuilding that has housed the museum since 1956,the name was officially changed from the Historyand Traditions Museum to the USAF AirmanHeritage Museum.
Gen. Stephen Lorenz, Air Education andTraining Command commander, along with 502ndAir Base Wing and 37th Training Wing seniorleaders and special guests, cut the ribbon signify-ing the reopening before an estimated crowd ofmore than 100 people.
During his remarks, General Lorenz spoke pas-sionately about preserving enlisted Airman her-itage.
He described how his grandfather was an avia-tion cadet in 1917 and rose through the Army’s
enlisted corps, and the nearly 100-year connectionbetween Lackland and Kelly Field for the mili-tary’s enlisted.
“Every Airman sitting out here went throughbasic training (at Lackland),” General Lorenz said.“This museum is the result of a lot of hard workby people in the crowd. In reality, this (renovation)is one step.”
The soon-to-be retiring AETC commanderemphasized the future need for a new, largermuseum, a project the non-profit LacklandGateway Heritage Foundation has undertaken.
“It (a new museum) would be dedicated to peo-ple, not machines,” General Lorenz said. “This is arighteous cause for our enlisted force throughoutthe entire world.
“This is a great museum but it’s a step on thejourney and we should use it as a springboard intosomething phenomenal in the later part of thisdecade. I encourage all of you on this commongoal in celebrating Airmen heritage.”
The renovation project, a total makeover inside
and out, took more than nine months to completeand was funded by AETC, 2nd Air Force and the37th TRW.
Along with the building upgrades, the museumnow has interactive technology, museum qualitylighting, 31 exhibits and additional staff.
Basic military training will also benefit from theupdated museum. An enhanced educational pro-gram utilizing guided lectures about Air Force his-tory and heritage at the museum during Week 7will be incorporated into BMT.
With the majority of visitors being families ofBMT graduates, the staff anticipates attendance toexceed previous levels before the renovation andexhibit expansion.
“We expect attendance to grow,” said ChiefMaster Sgt. Eddie Gilder, 37th TRW heritage pro-gram superintendent. “We had been averaging1,500 to 2,000 a month before we closed and weexpect to get back to those levels real fast andexceed them because we do have a lot more tooffer.”
Renovated heritage museum reopens
TALESPINNERPAGE 16 AUGUST 20, 2010 PAGE 17TALESPINNERAUGUST 20, 2010
By Mike JosephStaff Writer
For the new 37th Training Group com-mander, his latest assignment is like comingfull circle.
Col. Gregory Reese’s first stop after gradu-ating the Air Force Academy was for techni-cal training at Lackland. Now, just morethan 20 years later, the New York nativefinds himself back on base albeit undermuch different circumstances.
His first tour at Lackland, in 1990, was learningthe security forces career field. That career field isnow just one of the many training areas ColonelReese oversees since assuming command of the37th TRG from Col. Joseph Romano on July 28.
“I’m having a great time learning how we takegraduated BMT (basic military training) Airmen andturn them into technical experts in their careerfields,” Colonel Reese said, “When I was told I’d bethe 37th TRG commander, I thought, this is great.It’s the best job I could ever dream of.”
“Some of the fondest memories I have are frombeing an instructor, so I am really looking forwardto (this assignment).”
Colonel Reese arrived at Lackland having spentthe previous year as Defense Force commander,379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, AlUdeid Air Base.
The commander has set several goals in hisassignment as leader of the largest Air Educationand Training Command technical training group
that supports more than 38,000 studentsannually, 1,600 personnel, 180 facilities andequipment valued at more than $100 mil-lion.
With the 342nd Training Squadron soonto be relocated as a detachment to Fort Lee,Va., Colonel Reese sees the benefits ofAirmen and Soldiers training together.
“One of my priorities (is to instill in thosetechnical school Airmen) that we’re not justtraining on an Army post, but we’re training
with Soldiers and actually building a better jointwar fighter,” he said. “You often have Airmen,Soldiers and Marines working in the same functionson the same base (down range).
“Airmen and Soldiers learning to communicatewith each other effectively and understanding eachothers’ service cultures should allow joint trainingto create more efficiency.”
Colonel Reese said also he would like to formalizesome curriculum areas in the Military TrainingLeaders course to give MTLs additional tools to suc-ceed, particularly in the character development ofthe technical school students.
“We count on the MTLs to move technical schoolstudents down the pipeline,” Colonel Reese said.“Technical school students always remember thatMTL who helped prepare them for their first opera-tional base.
“We want to build on the foundation from BMTand enhance Col. Mott’s (Col. William H. Mott V,37th Training Wing commander) vision of creatingwarrior Airmen of character.”
Reese takes command of 37th TRG
Col. GregoryReese
PROTECT THE NETWORKThe following removable flash media are unauthorized on all DoD information systems:
• Memory sticks • Thumb drives • Camera flash memory cards •
SCHOOL STARTS MONDAY
Watch outfor kids anddrive safely.
TALESPINNERPAGE 18 AUGUST 20, 2010 PAGE 19TALESPINNERAUGUST 20, 2010
By Brian McGloin502nd ABW OL-B/PA
RANDOLPH AIR FORCEBASE – “No new commandershould ever walk in with a planto change the unit, but theyshouldn’t hesitate to makechanges if necessary – that’swhat leadership is about,”said Col. Scott Peel, 902ndMission Support Group commander.
Colonel Peel assumed command ofthe 902nd MSG from Col. Alan Lake ina ceremony Aug. 2.
Before his new assignment, ColonelPeel worked as the executive officer toGen. Stephen Lorenz, the commanderof Air Education and TrainingCommand.
The colonel, a career space andmissile officer, said the biggest chal-lenge in his new assignment is under-standing the depth of the variousaspects of his job and learning aboutthe more than 1,500 Airmen servingunder him, as well as the vast dutiesthey perform.
The 902nd MSG has a broad mis-sion. It’s involved in civil engineering,security and law enforcement,telecommunications, personnel, logis-tics, contracting, services and trainer
development.“It’s hard to appreciate the
members of a unit if you don’tunderstand the work they per-form every day,” Colonel Peelsaid. “The 902nd MSG is alarge organization blessedwith hundreds of hardworkingmembers dedicated to the mis-sion, and they deserve a com-mander equally committed to
them.”Colonel Peel said he never thought
he would be a group commander, evenwhen he was a lieutenant colonelserving as a squadron commander inThule Air Base, Greenland.
“As a second lieutenant, I definitelydidn’t envision I’d be a colonel or agroup commander. But what’s moreimportant is what my commandersand supervisors thought,” he said.“They’re the ones who, over the years,have mentored me, pushed me andenabled me to be considered and ulti-mately selected for group command.
“I’m a firm believer that it doesn’tmatter where you’re assigned, whatunit you’re in, what job you’re doingor what rank you are, you alwayshave the ability to make a difference,to learn and develop, and serve hon-orably,” he said.
Peel takes helm of 902nd MSG
Col. ScottPeel
Be Responsible! Seat Belts Save Lives!Buckle Up And Wear Yours!
TALESPINNERPAGE 20 AUGUST 20, 2010 PAGE 21TALESPINNERAUGUST 20, 2010
COMMUNITY
ChristianCatholicMonday-Friday:Freedom ChapelMass, 11:30 a.m.
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.
OrthodoxSunday: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
LAPA ANNIVERSARY BUFFET LUNCHEON
The Lackland AdministrativeProfessionals Association celebrates50 years with a special anniversaryluncheon Thursday, 11:30 a.m., atthe Gateway Club.
Col. William H. Mott V, 37thTraining Wing commander, is thekeynote speaker for the event.
The ticket reservation deadline istoday.
To purchase a $15 ticket, call671-2962, 292-7615 or 395-7918.
SAFEKIDS COURSE SCHEDULED
A SafeKids class by the 59thMedical Wing Family AdvocacyProgram is today, 5-8 p.m., atWilford Hall Medical Center, Room4A45.
The minimum requirement for achild to stay at home alone for twohours on Lackland is age 10 or older,and completion of the SafeKidscourse.
To register, call 292-5967.
LPAG PRESENTS MURDER PLAY
The Lackland Performing ArtsGroup presents “Irritation to aMurder” at Arnold Hall CommunityHall tonight and Saturday, and Aug.27-28.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and theplay starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10per person. For more information,call 671-2619.
CFC KICKOFF BREAKFAST
A kickoff breakfast for the 2010Combined Federal Campaign isSept. 13, 8 a.m., at the GatewayClub.
For more information, contact 1stLt. Aaron Blackburn at 977-5718.
AIR FORCE BIRTHDAY BALL
The Air Force’s 63rd Birthday Ballis Sept. 18 at the Gateway Club withsocial hour at 6 p.m. and dinner at6:50 p.m.
Reservations are due by Sept. 10.Ticket prices are major and above,
civilians from GS-12 or above, $45;master sergeant to captain, GS-11and below, $40; staff sergeant totechnical sergeant, $30; and airmanbasic to senior airman, $20.
For more information, contactyour unit representative or Staff Sgt.Jared S. Browning at 834-9932.
ASMC SETS LUNCHEON
The Alamo chapter of theAmerican Society of MilitaryComptrollers luncheon is Thursday,11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Pico de Gallo,111 S. Leona Street, hosted by theAir Education and TrainingCommand, and SCEA.
The luncheon’s speaker is DavidBach, Quantech Services, Inc. busi-ness area manager. His topic is“Intro to Cost Estimating.”
For reservations, call 652-2742by today.
BASE RAMADAN OBSERVANCES
Ramadan, the Islamic month of
fasting, will be observed daily atsunset in the Global Ministry Center,Bldg. 7452, through Sept. 9 or Sept.10.
Observances include breaking offast, prayers and lectures.
For more information, callChaplain (Capt.) Sharior Rahman at671-2941.
SAPO UNDERGOES NAME CHANGE
The Sexual Assault Preventionand Outreach program on Lacklandhas formally changed its name toSexual Assault Prevention andResponse.
COMMISSARY LABOR DAY HOURS
The Lackland commissary will beopen from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 6for the Labor Day holiday.
MITCHELL HALL BINGO
Bingo is held every Sunday,Monday and Thursday at MitchellHall. Card sales start at 6 p.m., and
bingo starts at 7 p.m.For more information, call 645-
7304 or visit www.lacklandfss.com.
RIDE FOR TROOPS
The Lackland chapter of theGreen Knights Military MotorcycleClub is sponsoring the 5th annualmotorcycle charity ride Aug. 28 at 8a.m. The ride begins at CalienteHarley Davidson and ends at theTexas Pride Barbecue in Adkins,Texas. Monies raised will go to SanAntonio Fisher Houses. For moreinformation, visit www.saride4troops.org or call Tech. Sgt.Anthony Medina at 292-5190.
CHILI COOK-OFF
A chili cook-off will be held Sept.11 in conjunction with the SkylarkCommunity Center quarterly fleamarket.
The entry fee is $25.For rules and registration, call
671-3191.
LocalBRIEFS
TALESPINNERPAGE 22 AUGUST 20, 2010 PAGE 23TALESPINNERAUGUST 20, 2010
AUG. 20TROOPS TO TEACHERS SEMINAR
A Troops to Teachers coordinatorpresents a “Teaching as a SecondCareer” seminar today, 1-3 p.m., atthe AFRC, Bldg. 1249.
Troops to Teachers is aDepartment of Defense programdesigned to help eligible servicemembers begin a teaching career inpublic schools.
For more information or to regis-ter, call 671-3722.
AUG. 23RETURN AND REUNION SEMINAR
A return and reunion seminar isMonday, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at the AFRC,Bldg. 1249.
The seminar is an informalforum about the stress families andindividuals experience during sepa-ration.
For more information, call 671-3722.
AUG. 24PROTESTANT 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.For more information, call 671-
4208.
AUG. 24-26TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
A three-day transition assis-tance program for separating orretiring military personnel isTuesday, Wednesday and Thursday,7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, at theAirman and Family Readiness Center,Bldg. 1249.
The program is presented byTexas Workforce and focuses on howto job search and related topics.
For more information, call 671-3722.
AUG. 25EMOTIONAL SPENDING CLASS
An emotional spending class isWednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30p.m., at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg. 1249.
The class addresses how to rec-ognize an emotional spending prob-lem and suggestions for resolvingthe issue.
For more information, call 671-3722.
AUG. 26SPONSORSHIP TRAINING
Training for new sponsors alongwith annual updates for sponsorspreviously trained is Thursday, 8-9a.m., at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg. 1249.
For more information or sign up,call 671-3722.
PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL
Protestant Women of the Chapel
meets for Bible study Thursday, 6p.m., at Freedom Chapel.
For more information, call 671-4208.
AUG. 27BUDGET AND SPENDING CLASS
A budget and spending classthat teaches basic financial man-agement is Aug. 27, 11 a.m. to 12:30p.m., at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg. 1249.
For more information, call 671-3722.
AUG. 30RETURN AND REUNION SEMINAR
A return and reunion seminar isAug. 30, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at theAFRC, Bldg. 1249.
The seminar is an informalforum about the stress families andindividuals experience during sepa-ration.
For more information, call 671-3722.
AUG. 31PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL
Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Aug. 31, 10a.m., at Freedom Chapel with chil-dren ministry during the meeting.
For more information, call 671-4208.
SEPT. 1OFFICERS’ SPOUSES’ CLUB
A membership roundup for theLackland Officers’ Spouses’ Club isSept. 1, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at theGateway Club.
Roundup activities include
learning to line dance and doorprizes.
For more information, visitwww.lacklandosc.org.
LPAG MEETING
Members of the LacklandPerforming Arts Group meet Sept. 1,6-7 p.m., at Arnold Hall CommunityCenter. “Expressions,” an openmicrophone forum, follows the meet-ing from 7-9 p.m.
For more information, call 671-2619 or 671-2352.
SEPT. 2PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL
Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Sept. 2, 6 p.m.,at Freedom Chapel.
For more information, call 671-4208.
SEPT. 10PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
Give Parents a Break/Parents’Night Out at the youth center is Sept.10, 6:30-11:30 p.m., for childrenenrolled in full-day kindergartenthrough age 12.
Call 671-2388 for more info.
MONTHLY MEETINGSENLISTED SPOUSES’ CLUB
The Lackland Enlisted Spouses’ Club meets every third Tuesday of the month,6:30 p.m., at the AFRC, Bldg. 1249. For more information, visit www.lacklandesc.org.
OFFICERS’ SPOUSES’ CLUB
The Lackland Officers’ Spouses’ Club does not meet during the summer. Nextmeeting is Sept. 1. 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 Family Support Events
WWW.LACKLANDFSS.COM
SPORTS
By Patrick DesmondSports Editor
The Defender Cup’s tournamentcommissioners gave the largest mili-tary soccer event a tuneup in antici-pation of this year’s competition.
For starters, Randolph Air ForceBase and Fort Sam Houston will joinLackland as Defender Cup hosts Sept.4-6.
“The real objective was to make(the tournament) more inclusivesince all the installations have partic-ipated in past events,” CommissionerStewart Hess said. “We just wantedto follow along those lines, andincrease the visibility of the tourna-ment.”
Hess is working with vice commis-sioners James Colvin of Randolphand Ricky Mitchell of Fort SamHouston to coordinate among thethree installations.
The event has also been relocatedto the STAR Soccer Complex, whichboasts 13 full-size playing fields.
Hess said he’s “very excited” aboutthe new tournament home, addingthat the venue offers spectators arestaurant, playground and freeparking.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity.”Two soccer fields located on base
are unavailable due to constructionof the Airman Training Complexes.Hess said the move to STAR wouldensure enough playing fields for theanticipated 20 military teams, andthat all the soccer games are playedin one place.
The commissioners also agreeSTAR’s field conditions are betterequipped to handle rain, whichplagued last year’s play at the LeagueExecutive San Antonio soccer fields.
With the tournament bumped upto Labor Day weekend from its usualdate in October, Hess encouragesfans to come out, bring a lawn chairand just enjoy the holiday.
Each team will play three gamesin group play starting Sept. 4, fol-lowed by team seeding and single-elimination bracket play Sept. 5.
The Defender Cup championship isSept. 6, 3 p.m., at Lackland’sWarhawk Field.
Defender Cup has a new pitchJBSA to host servicesoccer tournament
Warhawks hope summer heat works to their advantageThough Lackland’s soccer team is losing home field advantage in the
Defender Cup, it may still have the hot San Antonio weather on its side. Warhawks tournament coach Spencer Spriesterbach has been running 34
potential Warhawks through four training sessions per week since July 1. Come Sept. 4, he hopes to have a lean, mean 20-man tournament team.“This is probably the most depth, with the most talented players that we have
had in a long time,” the former All-Air Force coach said. “I have high hopes, itjust depends if we can get the right 11 on the field.”
After a semifinal berth last year, the coach had nearly a month more to trainhis squad this time around, focusing on ball handling skills, building team chem-istry and working within the 3-5-2 system.
He even passed out a little homework prior to the camp: a sprint training rou-tine to be completed by the time the team reconvenes for Defender Cup training.The goal was to have the players in soccer shape and running two miles in 12minutes. Forward Miguel Amayo, one of the players who met the goal, has takenover training warmups, and is considered one of the core players on the team.
Other key players include midfielders Leighton Holness and John Cardenas,and strikers Nana Saahene and Nick Sparks and goalkeeper Chris Price.Although all players work for their spots, the coach is looking for teammateswho can possess the ball and make smart decisions, defend and tackle well, andfinally, just play a physical brand of soccer.
With back-to-back training days in August to simulate tournament fatigue,the Warhawks are used to playing in the heat.
Their coach just hopes the mercury stays high into September.
Photos by Alan BoedekerABOVE: Kevin Reyes and Adam Gomez lead other potential Warhawk players in a group warm up during practice Tuesday in anticipa-tion of the Defender Cup tournament Sept. 4-6. BELOW: Reinardo Valentin works on his skills at the Defense Language Institute field.
TALESPINNERPAGE 22 AUGUST 20, 2010 PAGE 23TALESPINNERAUGUST 20, 2010
AUG. 20TROOPS TO TEACHERS SEMINAR
A Troops to Teachers coordinatorpresents a “Teaching as a SecondCareer” seminar today, 1-3 p.m., atthe AFRC, Bldg. 1249.
Troops to Teachers is aDepartment of Defense programdesigned to help eligible servicemembers begin a teaching career inpublic schools.
For more information or to regis-ter, call 671-3722.
AUG. 23RETURN AND REUNION SEMINAR
A return and reunion seminar isMonday, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at the AFRC,Bldg. 1249.
The seminar is an informalforum about the stress families andindividuals experience during sepa-ration.
For more information, call 671-3722.
AUG. 24PROTESTANT 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.For more information, call 671-
4208.
AUG. 24-26TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
A three-day transition assis-tance program for separating orretiring military personnel isTuesday, Wednesday and Thursday,7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, at theAirman and Family Readiness Center,Bldg. 1249.
The program is presented byTexas Workforce and focuses on howto job search and related topics.
For more information, call 671-3722.
AUG. 25EMOTIONAL SPENDING CLASS
An emotional spending class isWednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30p.m., at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg. 1249.
The class addresses how to rec-ognize an emotional spending prob-lem and suggestions for resolvingthe issue.
For more information, call 671-3722.
AUG. 26SPONSORSHIP TRAINING
Training for new sponsors alongwith annual updates for sponsorspreviously trained is Thursday, 8-9a.m., at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg. 1249.
For more information or sign up,call 671-3722.
PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL
Protestant Women of the Chapel
meets for Bible study Thursday, 6p.m., at Freedom Chapel.
For more information, call 671-4208.
AUG. 27BUDGET AND SPENDING CLASS
A budget and spending classthat teaches basic financial man-agement is Aug. 27, 11 a.m. to 12:30p.m., at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg. 1249.
For more information, call 671-3722.
AUG. 30RETURN AND REUNION SEMINAR
A return and reunion seminar isAug. 30, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at theAFRC, Bldg. 1249.
The seminar is an informalforum about the stress families andindividuals experience during sepa-ration.
For more information, call 671-3722.
AUG. 31PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL
Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Aug. 31, 10a.m., at Freedom Chapel with chil-dren ministry during the meeting.
For more information, call 671-4208.
SEPT. 1OFFICERS’ SPOUSES’ CLUB
A membership roundup for theLackland Officers’ Spouses’ Club isSept. 1, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at theGateway Club.
Roundup activities include
learning to line dance and doorprizes.
For more information, visitwww.lacklandosc.org.
LPAG MEETING
Members of the LacklandPerforming Arts Group meet Sept. 1,6-7 p.m., at Arnold Hall CommunityCenter. “Expressions,” an openmicrophone forum, follows the meet-ing from 7-9 p.m.
For more information, call 671-2619 or 671-2352.
SEPT. 2PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL
Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Sept. 2, 6 p.m.,at Freedom Chapel.
For more information, call 671-4208.
SEPT. 10PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
Give Parents a Break/Parents’Night Out at the youth center is Sept.10, 6:30-11:30 p.m., for childrenenrolled in full-day kindergartenthrough age 12.
Call 671-2388 for more info.
MONTHLY MEETINGSENLISTED SPOUSES’ CLUB
The Lackland Enlisted Spouses’ Club meets every third Tuesday of the month,6:30 p.m., at the AFRC, Bldg. 1249. For more information, visit www.lacklandesc.org.
OFFICERS’ SPOUSES’ CLUB
The Lackland Officers’ Spouses’ Club does not meet during the summer. Nextmeeting is Sept. 1. 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 Family Support Events
WWW.LACKLANDFSS.COM
SPORTS
By Patrick DesmondSports Editor
The Defender Cup’s tournamentcommissioners gave the largest mili-tary soccer event a tuneup in antici-pation of this year’s competition.
For starters, Randolph Air ForceBase and Fort Sam Houston will joinLackland as Defender Cup hosts Sept.4-6.
“The real objective was to make(the tournament) more inclusivesince all the installations have partic-ipated in past events,” CommissionerStewart Hess said. “We just wantedto follow along those lines, andincrease the visibility of the tourna-ment.”
Hess is working with vice commis-sioners James Colvin of Randolphand Ricky Mitchell of Fort SamHouston to coordinate among thethree installations.
The event has also been relocatedto the STAR Soccer Complex, whichboasts 13 full-size playing fields.
Hess said he’s “very excited” aboutthe new tournament home, addingthat the venue offers spectators arestaurant, playground and freeparking.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity.”Two soccer fields located on base
are unavailable due to constructionof the Airman Training Complexes.Hess said the move to STAR wouldensure enough playing fields for theanticipated 20 military teams, andthat all the soccer games are playedin one place.
The commissioners also agreeSTAR’s field conditions are betterequipped to handle rain, whichplagued last year’s play at the LeagueExecutive San Antonio soccer fields.
With the tournament bumped upto Labor Day weekend from its usualdate in October, Hess encouragesfans to come out, bring a lawn chairand just enjoy the holiday.
Each team will play three gamesin group play starting Sept. 4, fol-lowed by team seeding and single-elimination bracket play Sept. 5.
The Defender Cup championship isSept. 6, 3 p.m., at Lackland’sWarhawk Field.
Defender Cup has a new pitchJBSA to host servicesoccer tournament
Warhawks hope summer heat works to their advantageThough Lackland’s soccer team is losing home field advantage in the
Defender Cup, it may still have the hot San Antonio weather on its side. Warhawks tournament coach Spencer Spriesterbach has been running 34
potential Warhawks through four training sessions per week since July 1. Come Sept. 4, he hopes to have a lean, mean 20-man tournament team.“This is probably the most depth, with the most talented players that we have
had in a long time,” the former All-Air Force coach said. “I have high hopes, itjust depends if we can get the right 11 on the field.”
After a semifinal berth last year, the coach had nearly a month more to trainhis squad this time around, focusing on ball handling skills, building team chem-istry and working within the 3-5-2 system.
He even passed out a little homework prior to the camp: a sprint training rou-tine to be completed by the time the team reconvenes for Defender Cup training.The goal was to have the players in soccer shape and running two miles in 12minutes. Forward Miguel Amayo, one of the players who met the goal, has takenover training warmups, and is considered one of the core players on the team.
Other key players include midfielders Leighton Holness and John Cardenas,and strikers Nana Saahene and Nick Sparks and goalkeeper Chris Price.Although all players work for their spots, the coach is looking for teammateswho can possess the ball and make smart decisions, defend and tackle well, andfinally, just play a physical brand of soccer.
With back-to-back training days in August to simulate tournament fatigue,the Warhawks are used to playing in the heat.
Their coach just hopes the mercury stays high into September.
Photos by Alan BoedekerABOVE: Kevin Reyes and Adam Gomez lead other potential Warhawk players in a group warm up during practice Tuesday in anticipa-tion of the Defender Cup tournament Sept. 4-6. BELOW: Reinardo Valentin works on his skills at the Defense Language Institute field.
TALESPINNERPAGE 24 AUGUST 20, 2010 PAGE 25TALESPINNERAUGUST 20, 2010
Air Force Cycling Team
By Patrick DesmondSports Editor
Near the end of every July, a groupof Texas military cyclists join togetherto experience something special – atour east across Iowa with thousands ofother bike enthusiasts.
Along with 124 other Air ForceCycling Team members, the 11 TexasAirmen dipped their tires into theMissouri River and then again in theMississippi as is traditional at theworld’s longest and largest bike tour.
But on the 442-mile course inbetween these rivers something uniqueyet hard to explain happened to theseAir Force recruiters on wheels.
Just ask AFCT member and Texasteam captain Larry Gallo.
“It’s not something you are just goingto talk about all the time,” Gallo saidabout the experience of riding sevendays straight, an event where each AirForce cyclist rode 100 miles on day 2.
Back from his fifth RAGBRAI, Gallosits in his dark office at Lackland illumi-nated by a single monitor, trying towork through what the seven days onthe road means to him.
Though he admits it may sound likea cliche, the experience – enduring thelong trips in the saddle, lying at nightsin humid tents, and being invited intothe lives of the community members ofeach small town – has brought theseTexans together.
“I’ve spent a whole week with thesepeople, and some are away from fami-lies for the first time,” Gallo said. “Youbecome part of their family in a way.”
His 2010 team was comprised ofnearly all RAGBRAI newbies.
AFCT member Eric Merriam hadbeen there before in 2007, while rook-ies Tammie Canada, Daniel Lunssord,and Shallynn Troutman joined Galloand Merriam from Lackland. Erin Doss,April Nagle, Martin Huck and RobBrown of Randolph; Michael Rothermelof Carswell Field in Fort Worth; andRuan Brits of Goodfellow were alsofirst-time RAGBRAI riders.
The tour is a chance to bond withfellow Airmen, build relationships withthe people they serve and find out
something new about themselves.Though this year’s route is consid-
ered the third easiest in RAGBRAI his-tory in terms of its elevation and dis-tance, it’s still a grueling trip with sevendays averaging roughly 63 miles on thebike and six nights camping out.
“When you are riding with six peo-ple, you see them get stronger eachday,” he said. “They’re excited the firstday, tired and sore the second. Thethird day is the catch.”
Merriam said “no matter what theroute is like, it requires fitness andtraining.” After finishing the day 2 cen-tury ride, Gallo said “knowing you havefive more consecutive days of long ridescan be a mental challenge.”
The riders leaned on one another.Riding town to town in formation,
they learned each other’s strengths andweaknesses, and adjusted accordingly.
When faced with a strong headwind,the 6-foot-plus, 220-pound Gallo tookthe lead in the pace line, cutting a wide
swath for the Airmen behind him.“I look back and there’s like 20 guys
back there, like flies,” he said.When it comes to climbing hills, he
knows to let someone else take thelead. Like cogs in “one big machine,”Gallo said, the riders trade places in thelead while keeping less experiencedriders in the middle of the pack.
The team leader said the sport ofteam cycling champions Air Forceideals in many ways.
“It pretty much displays the wing-man concept,” he said about riding as ateam. “We’re always taking care of theguy next to us.”
And the Airmen got to know eachother well enough by spending “everywaking moment together, overcominglogistical obstacles in addition to gettingthrough the physical challenge of theride,” Merriam said. Then, they alsocamped together at overnight stops atSioux City, Storm Lake, Algona, ClearLake Charles City, Waterloo,
Manchester and Dubuque, too.“We weren’t far from each other
during our sleeping moments,”Merriam said. “The snoring from thesurrounding tents can be intense.”
The Airmen also learn about eachother by interacting with the civilianriders and the members of the town.Gallo said, it’s a dream event –“likeWoodstock on bicycle.
It doesn’t get much better: At least12,500 daily riders to talk to, crowds ofwelcoming Iowans at each stop, andeven a ceremony dedicated to Air Forceriders to mark the end of the tour, allwhile centering on a sport thatembraces a fit-to-fight mentality.
Merriam said it’s also an opportunityto demonstrate that selflessness is partof an Airman’s identity, and at the tour,that means helping with flat tires orjust encouraging riders to keep cycling.
On day 5, riding the 82.2-milestretch of road from Charles City toWaterloo, the team came upon a bikeaccident and a deputy sheriff strugglingto keep the stream of RAGBRAI cyclistsback from the wreck.
A critical care nurse at the 59thMedical Wing, AFCT member Canadaprovided medical care to the injuredrider while the other Texas teammateshelped control the thousands of cyclistsinto a tight line along the edge of thetwo-lane road. Later, they cleared roomfor an emergency helicopter landing.
Unfortunately, the rider, StephenBriggs, did not survive.
When asked about their efforts, theteam members do not have much totalk about. It was just somethingexpected of the Airmen.
“At the time, laying down our bikesand jumping in to help seemed verynatural,” Merriam said. “We’re in theAir Force. Leading and serving is whatwe do.”
Back at Lackland, Gallo knows hisexperience created something betweenhimself and the people who were there.
“It’s not something you are going tobring up, but something you takeaway,” he said.
For the people who were there, it’snot an experience that has to be talkedabout.
Texas ‘rookies’ ride RAGBRAI
Photo by Daniel Lunsford The pack of Texas’ members of the Air Force Cycling team ride two-by-two into Dubuque,Iowa – the last stop at the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, on July 31.