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37th Training Wing conducts AirLIFE exercise

Photo by Benjamin FaskeTech. Sgt. Raymond Rasing and Staff Sgt. Stephen Souer, 737th Training Support Squadron independent duty medical technicians, along with AirLIFE medical personnel, load Tech. Sgt. Michael Gibson onto an awaiting helicopter during the AirLIFE training exercise June 26 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The purpose of the exercise was to decrease the response time in a real world medical situation during the critical “Golden Hour.” The “Golden Hour” refers to a very critical, but brief, window of time–60 minutes, following an injury in which there is thought to be a much higher chance that critically injured patients and stroke/cardiac arrest victims can be saved if they are able to reach medical treatment from the appropriate healthcare professionals. See story and more photos on page 10.

TALESPINNER JULY 3, 2015commentary

This newspaper is published by EN Communities, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with JBSA-Lackland, Texas. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Talespinner are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Air Force.

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

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Work Overload: What I learned on the slopes of AconcaguaBy Lt. Col. Daniel Loveless71st Medical Operations Squadron commander

Breathe, breathe, breathe. Step. Breathe, breathe, breathe. Step. It’s about 4 a.m. on a cool February morning and I’m at 19,200 feet on Aconcagua, Argentina, the highest point in the Southern and Western Hemi-spheres. I’m part of a team of 13 climb-ers. Today is our summit day.

There are now 11 of us as two mem-bers fell out earlier in the climb. I have been doing quite well, but the altitude is taking a bit of a toll on me.

I have lost my appetite, something that afflicts me whenever I am at high altitudes. I have eaten poorly over the last two days and started the day’s climb on an empty stomach.

We are only beginning our ascent to 22,841 feet and I am already falling be-hind the majority of the party.

At 20,000 feet, an average person will have somewhere between five and 12 minutes of useful consciousness.

How is it that a person can climb higher than 29,000 feet without supple-mental oxygen?

The reason is the process of acclima-tization. Acclimatization in this instance is a physiological adaption caused by the decreased barometric pressure.

The body adapts initially by increasing the heart rate and breaths per minute.

After reaching around 10,000 feet, the body will start the process of diuresis or fluid loss. This process increases the number of red blood cells in a given quantity of blood.

Finally, the decrease in barometric pressure causes the kidneys to pro-duce erythropoietin which will increase the production of red blood cells. This

process takes about a month before the body has reached maximum red blood cell production.

How does this example relate to you and your mission? Well, the Air Force has a fairly high tempo and as we prog-ress in rank, we have to take on more responsibilities.

If you have a lot on your plate now, how much more will you have as you progress in rank and position?

At times it may seem like you have reached your limit, but as acclimatiza-tion shows, our bodies can do more than what we think they are capable of. Believe it or not, it was once thought a person would die, or at the very least have brain damage, if they were to climb over 8,000 meters (26,240 feet) without supplemental oxygen.

Don’t let the belief that you have hit your limit hold you back. You can adapt both mentally and physically to go fur-ther than you may think.

In acclimatization, you are adapt-ing in a passive manner, meaning you don’t necessarily need to do any work to

adapt. Your body will do it for you.We can certainly adapt and do well

given this scenario, but what if you do more than your body is ready for?

If you raise your sleeping altitude by more than 1,000 feet a night when over 10,000 feet, you run the risk of high altitude pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) or high altitude cerebral edema (fluid in the brain) – both of which are very serious and life threatening.

The important point to take from this is that for much of what we do, we can actively adapt so that we will be pre-pared for future mentally or physically taxing scenarios.

We can do this by studying and gain-ing knowledge or skills. We can also do this by regularly increasing our work-load when training at the gym, running or cycling.

By letting our minds and bodies adapt we gain resilience, and when we do this we may find ourselves doing more than we thought was possible.

We hit our first break at 20,600 feet. I was the second to last to come in. The party was already getting prepared to move on. I downed a couple energy gels and got behind the team leader cutting my rest time even further.

I needed a rhythmic pace to get to the top. The further back you get from the person in the front, the more energy you waste speeding up and slowing down.

Those gels really did the trick.At about noon, 10 of us made it to the

summit. Had it not been for adaption, both passive and active in this case, I would not have been able to push myself further than what my body is normally capable of doing.

Use adaption to your advantage and see just how far you can go.

JULY 3, 2015 TALESPINNER PAGE 3newscac change aids visually color impaired security officers

The Defense Department’s common access card is undergoing modification to make it easier for visually color-impaired security officials to identify bearers who are military, government or contractor civil-ians, or foreign nationals, a Defense Human Resources Activity official said recently.

The changes to the cards are feder-ally mandated, Sam Yousef, a DHRA iden-tification card and benefits policy program manager.

Only new CACs will be issued with the changes – encircled letters “W” for military and civilian employees, “G” for contractors and “B” for foreign nationals. The encircled letter will appear under the card’s expira-tion date.

The letters will accompany white, green or blue bands across the cards, so security officials who cannot discern color can rely on the letter instead.

Security officials will recognize the new format as valid DOD cards on military instal-lations both stateside and overseas.

Another change on the CAC will be varied type size to accommodate the length of employees’ names. Standard type size is 10 point, but 7-point type will be used for longer names.

DOD employees with up-to-date CACs do not need to get new cards. The new format will only be issued for new and expiring cards.

The change is going to be implemented through the natural life cycle of the cards, so people don’t need to have their cards replaced for this purpose.

New CAC holders and those whose cards are about to expire can update them at their Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System ID card office.

air force selects 49 for enlisted commisioning program

Forty-nine active duty Airmen have been selected for the 2015 Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program beginning in August.

The NECP selection board meets annually to review records and identify the top ap-plicants for a commissioning opportunity in this critical career field, said Sandra Bruce, AFPC nurse education program manager.

Airmen selected will complete their bach-elor’s degrees at a college or university with

News in Brief

See NEWS IN BRIEF Page 8

By Robert Goetz JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs

Fostering resilience in Air Force members, civilians and contractors exposed to potentially traumatic events is the mission of special teams found on installations around the globe.

Composed of mental health professionals, chaplains and community readiness consul-tants, Disaster Mental Health teams accomplish their mis-sion through pre-exposure preparation training, educa-tion, screening, psychologi-cal first aid, intervention and referral.

Air Force Instruction 44-153 defines disaster mental health as “the coor-dinated response typically at permanent in-garrison locations, initiated by unit leaders in which the DMH team provides psychological first aid to individuals and groups who may have or who have had direct exposure to an all-hazard incident. An all-hazard incident is any incident, natural or man-made, serious enough to war-rant action to protect the life, property, health and safety of military members, depen-dents and civilians at risk, and minimize any disruptions of installation operations.”

Events that DMH teams typically respond to range from “class-A mishaps” and line-of-duty deaths or injuries to natural disasters affecting a large number of military members as well as large-scale search-and-res-cue and search-and-recov-ery operations, Col. Denise Thompson, 359th Medical Operations Squadron clinical social worker, said.

Class-A mishaps are de-

fined as noncombat acci-dents that result in death, a permanent total disability or damage of at least $1 million.

Pre-exposure preparation training is an important tool of DMH teams, Tech. Sgt. Helen Trota, 359th MDOS Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Clinic NCO in charge, said. Briefings are presented to Airmen and civilians more likely to re-spond to traumatic events, including firefighters and paramedics, security forces and medical professionals.

“We want them to be prepared and know what to expect when they face a stressful situation,” she said. “Other units can have these briefings on request.”

Preparation for potential-ly traumatic situations also comes in the form of class-

es provided by the 359th MDOS Mental Health Flight at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Human Performance Resource Cen-ter, Trota said. Topics include anger management, stress management and managing emotions.

When people are exposed to traumatic events, the DMH team provides an ar-ray of other services, from intervention and screening to psychological first aid.

“For people who are ex-periencing more than the normal or expected stress reactions, referrals to base agencies such as the cha-pel, mental health clinic, military and family life con-sultant and the military and family readiness center are provided,” Thompson said. “Necessary civilian resourc-

es would be accessed for civilians or family members who may need additional support.”

People who have been exposed to these events are allowed up to four free one-on-one meetings with DMH team members for education and consultation, Trota said.

“After that, they are re-ferred to the appropriate agency,” she said.

The wingman concept is an important part of the pro-cess, Thompson said.

“The Wingman concept is emphasized during pre-exposure preparation train-ing and following an event so unit members can assist one another and be able to assist family members,” she said.

Each JBSA location has its own DMH team, but mem-bers may be called to the other locations to provide support, Thompson said.

JBSA teams also provide support to installations out-side the San Antonio area, Thompson said. Examples are hurricane relief efforts on the Gulf Coast and helping tornado victims in Oklahoma. In addition, the M&FRC hosts and supports the Emergency Family Assistance Control Center in times of disaster response.

DMH teams are important because of the resilience they foster, Thompson said.

“Resiliency to deal with critical and traumatic inci-dents is shown to decrease stress reactions,” she said. “Support focused on educa-tion and normalization of reactions provided immedi-ately after an incident helps those affected to under-stand stress reactions and incorporate positive stress management.”

Mental Health teams foster resilience in AF communities

Courtesy photo

TALESPINNER JULY 3, 2015

By Master Sgt. Luke P. Thelen24th Air Force Public Affairs

The 2015 Civil Air Patrol Cyber Defense Training Academy concluded as 50 cadets from squadrons across the nation completed two different intense and challenging cyber courses this week.

Designed to familiarize elemen-tary and middle school-aged Civil Air Patrol cadets with Air Force cyber-space operations, the CDTA course re-ceived more than 120 applicants; more than twice than the previous inaugu-ral year. Of those applicants, 40 were selected for the Cyber Familiarization Course and 10 previous CFC graduates were selected to return for the Cyber Advanced Course.

In addition to receiving daily lec-tures and mission briefings from multi-ple 24th Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Mission Assurance Cell cyber representatives, they also toured multiple operations centers and received live demonstrations by

Defensive Counter Cyber and Incident Response Team operators.

“This class was a tremendous suc-cess. These young minds are able

to understand and pick up topics that would be considered complex to members in my career field. This was all done in a week of education and hands-on training.” said 2nd Lt. Joseph Booker, a CDTA instructor and cyber warrior from the 33rd Network Warfare Squadron. “Cyberspace is a growing domain with a growing threat and we need more educated cyber op-erators. We need to train operators that grew up in the cyber genera-tion that understand more about the domain than any of us could possibly know; they are our future.”

Cadets attending the familiarization course were taught operating system, workstation, server, and network fun-damentals as well as cyber and com-puter concepts ranging from defensive cyberspace operations, cybersecurity threat mitigation, and securing infor-mation systems.

Cadets who attended the CAC received instruction on advanced

24th Air Force units host Cyber Defense Training Academy

Photo by Master Sgt. Luke P. ThelenMaj. Gen. Ed Wilson, 24th Air Force commander (center) and his spouse Lisa Wilson speak to Civil Air Patrol cadets and parents following a graduation ceremony for the 2015 Civil Air Patrol Cyber Defense Training Academy on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland June 13. The cadets received certificates from Wilson following an intense, week-long course designed to familiarize them with Air Force cyberspace operations.

See TRAINING Page 16


Airman 1st Class Joseph AlvarezUnit: 737th Training Support SquadronDuty title: Basic Military Training schedulerTime in service: 2 yearsHometown: Pico Rivera, Calif.

“Airman 1st Class Joseph Alvarez is a motivated member of our Air Force Team. His dedication to the Ba-sic Military Training mission is unmatched. As a BMT scheduler, he directly oversaw and synchronized more than 300 schedules with 35 Joint Base San Antonio agencies guaranteeing more than 2700 potential Airman candidates were properly and accurately processed into the Air Force. His attention to detail and professionalism bolstered the AF’s enlisted force. Alvarez drove the 737th Training Group in plan-ning and executing a traffic control plan involving eight retreat and graduation ceremonies. His steadfastness secured and protected a flood of more than 3,000 civilian family members to JBSA-Lackland in the course of five days per week. He stepped into directing new U.S. citizenship processing appointments. His calm demeanor and willingness to be selfless cemented and improved BMT’s relation-ship with the Department of Homeland Security. He initiated 20 new citizenship appointments, resulting in foreign nationals welcomed as Airman and United States’ Citizens. His NCO-level leadership drove him to become a child advocate for the Bexar County courts. He embraced more than 12 hours of training, and worked hand in hand with Child Protective Services in four court cases. He ensured five children in crisis could use his voice to speak for them. He is also treasurer of the JBSA-Lackland Airman Dorm Council. Alvarez’s can-do attitude, high-octane drive and NCO-level leadership attributes are exhibited daily, promoting teamwork among senior NCOs, NCOs and Air Force civilians in his section. He is deserving of this award and I am honored to nominate him for the ‘Diamond Sharp Award.’”

– Senior Master Sgt. Jadirra Walls737th TRSS, First Sergeant

Airman 1st Class Kimberly BarnesUnit: 690th Intelligence Support SquadronDuty title: Core systems technicianTime in service: 1 year, 7 monthsHometown: Houston, Texas

Airman 1st Class Kimberly Barnes is a core systems technician assigned to the 690th Intelligence Support Squadron. She is responsible for administering, troubleshooting and maintaining 77 servers spanning three classified networks supporting more than 6,000 users. Barnes led a three-person team responsible for elimi-nating more than 16,000 cyber vulnerabilities on 2,500 computers, saving the Air Force 933 man-hours in manual updates. Additionally, she piloted the execution of the unit’s Emergency Action Plan during an unexpected HVAC outage. Her actions prevented the mission failures of both the 24th and 25th Air Force while preserving a $37 million Enterprise Operation Center. She pursued her 5-level and completed upgrade training two months ahead of schedule, but she did not stop there, earning her Community College of the Air Force degree in Information Systems Technology. She continues to distinguish herself as a leader amongst her peers and is a true asset to the 690th Intelligence Support Squadron; she is worthy of this Diamond Sharp Award.

– Tech. Sgt. Michael Krause690th ISS, Additional Duty First Sergeant

Airman 1st Class Amanda AlguesevaUnit: 59th SGCDuty title: Physical medicine technicianTime in service: 2 years 2 monthsHometown: Boerne, Texas

“Airman 1st Class Amanda Algueseva is rated the number one physical medicine technician in the entire Air Force because of her productivity. In one month, she cared for and treated more than 227 patients, generating 683 relative value units total-ing $25,197. Algueseva was tasked with being the noncommisioned officer in charge of the busiest physical therapy clinic for an entire week. She managed two technicians, 200 patient encounters and es-tablished three provider schedules, while training six basic military trainee augmentees. She provided valuable orthotics on the job train-ing for various technical school students. Because of her skills, she was selected to attend the Air Force Training Course and assist with the career development courses rewrite by modeling joint mobilization techniques. Her efforts enabled the training for 36 technicians annu-ally. Algueseva was one of two enlisted members managing a nine-day Officer OZO Course, tracking 1100 continuing education units and after-action reports. This program sharpened 35 joint services PT deployment skills from two different government agencies. Algueseva is the point of contact for the sale of the physical medicine coins across the medical career field and has sold more than $500 worth of coins. She represents what it means to be a true warrior medic. For all these reasons and more, I nominate her as my unit’s Diamond Sharp.

– Master Sgt. Garry Russell Jr.59th MDOG first sergeant

Senior Airman Cassie BlairUnit: 772nd Enterprise Sourcing Squadron Duty title: Contracting specialistTime in service: 4 years, 4 monthsHometown: London, Ky.

“Senior Airman Cassie Blair is responsible for the administration and timely execution of $4 million in Air Force assets worldwide. Blair’s contracting skills have ensured the abatement of harmful contaminants in 21 facilities across Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. the on-time renovation of critical buildings at the Pacific Armed Forces Satellite Tracking Station at Kaena Point, Hawaii and the safe construc-tion of the Afghan Ministry of Defense building which is crucial to the end goals of Operation Enduring Freedom. In addition to a full workload, Blair accepted the challenge of becoming the 772nd ESS’s primary unit deployment manager, deploying and redeploying four members in sup-port of antiterrorism efforts in Afghanistan and Jordan. On her off time, she set off to strengthen the bonds between the local community and the Air Force by competing in three local softball leagues, acted as assistant coach in Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland’s intramural volleyball league and has currently undertaken amateur boxing. Her community building efforts also extend to promoting the awareness of the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program by devoting time to assist in the recovery of wounded veterans throughout San Antonio. Blair’s hard work and dedication to the Air Force and the local community make her an outstanding example of a Diamond Sharp Airman.”

– Senior Master Sgt. Durward Jackson772nd ESS, Additional Duty First Sergeant

Staff Sgt. Curt LavigneUnit: 343rd Training Squadron Duty title: Security Forces Apprentice Course Instructor Time in service: 6 yearsHometown: Fort Walton, Fla.

“Staff Sgt. Curt Lavigne exceeds all expectations and sets the exam-ple for his peers and students. As an instructor in the Air Force’s largest technical training course, he is directly responsible for the development of more than 2,000 Airmen annually. Lavigne provides the foundation and instills values that guide Airmen throughout their careers. He me-ticulously incorporates lessons learned on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan ensuring the Security Forces Apprentice Course is producing the absolute best Airmen the U.S. Air Force has ever seen. Additionally, he’s led 94 battle-ready defenders through a tumultuous week-long ground combat Air Expeditionary Force exercise leading to their readi-ness for future worldwide contingencies. His hard work and dedication also recently culminated in his selection from more than 200 potential candidates, to be a ROTC instructor at Camp Shelby, Miss., this sum-mer, readying America’s next generation of leaders. Lavigne’s drive for excellence makes him a standout choice for the Diamond Sharp Award.”

Senior Master Sgt. Shari ColQuhoun343rd TRS, First Sergeant

Staff Sgt. Mark FraileyUnit: 624th Operation CenterDuty title: Operations controllerTime in service: 11 yearsHometown: Williamstown, W. Va.

“Staff Sgt. Mark Frailey effectively managed an Information Technology Equipment account worth $400,000. Through his processes, he was able to track down asset movements, establish transfer letters and complete required inventories. His expertise en-abled his ITE account to remain 100 percent accountable to the 502nd Communication Squadron, Base Equipment Control Office as required per Air Force Instruction 33-112, Information Technology Hardware Assets. The equipment under his purview is a critical element that provides the foundation of the Cyber Command and Control Mission System, which is the single Air Force weapon system providing over-arching 24/7/365 awareness, management and control of the Air Force portion of the cyberspace domain. He also coordinated and created more than 1,000 network defensive and offensive missions through the tasking of 33 Air Force and joint units worldwide in support of the Air Force Cyber Tasking Order production. His swift actions in response to network threat events directly led to securing networks for 11 major commands enabling global full-spectrum operations of the $14.2 billion AF Information Net.”

– Master Sgt. Mac Ruth, Jr.624th OC, First Sergeant

JULY 3, 2015 TALESPINNER PAGE 7

By Jose T. Garza IIIJBSA-Lackland Public Affairs

Americans love fireworks, especially on the Fourth of July in celebration of the nation’s Independence Day. So much so, that consumer fireworks rev-enue totaled $695 million in 2014, up 95 percent from 2013, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association.

“Using consumer fireworks on our nation’s birthday is as traditional as cookouts and parades. It is equally safe if a few common sense rules are followed,” said Nancy Blogin, president of the National Council on Fireworks Safety. “We want consumers to be safe from beginning to end when enjoying their fireworks. We want there to be a safe place to shoot, to have a desig-nated shooter that takes responsibility for the show and to have the fireworks disposed of properly.”

Active duty Airmen and on-duty Air Force civilian personnel may not take part in the transportation, storage, set

up or functioning of commercial fire-works on base, according to Air Force Manual 91-201, paragraph 7.22.1, said Michael Horstman, Joint Base San Antonio weapons safety manager.

“Military personnel are permitted to watch fireworks, but not allowed to be involved in any other aspect of the transportation, storage or use of the fireworks,” Horstman said. “Involve-ment includes purchasing fireworks and holding on to them for someone to shoot them off or transporting them in your own vehicle to a location for some-one else’s use.”

Parents and caretakers should super-vise children and teens during firework-related activities, since an average of 240 people visit the emergency room with firework-related injuries during the Fourth of July weekend, according to the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission. Sparklers can burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees, which is as hot as a blowtorch and hot enough to cause third-degree burns.

There are eight designated areas in Bexar County where patrons can shoot fireworks (http://gov.bexar.org/fm/News/Fireworks2010.pdf) People caught set-ting off fireworks in undesignated areas are subject to a $1,000 fine and up to 180 days in jail.

“Avoid using homemade fireworks and illegal explosives because they can be deadly,” Horstman said. “One fuse can last three seconds and another fuse can last half a second.”

Horstman also recommends that ille-gal explosives, like M-80s and “quarter sticks” be reported immediately to local police and fire departments.

Never relight a “dud” firework … wait 20 minutes then soak it in a bucket of water. In fact, Horstman recommends that all used fireworks be soaked in wa-ter before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.

“The residue from the firework is go-ing to remain hot for a while,” Horst-man said. “If you pick up the firework and immediately throw it in the trash,

everything in the garbage can could catch fire.”

Know your fireworks and read fire-works instructions before shooting them off. According to the U.S. CPSC website, 36 percent of firework-related injuries occur on hands and fingers 22 percent on heads, faces and ears, with 16 percent in the eyes and five percent on the arms.

“Consumers should be aware of where their fireworks come from; only buy from licensed stores, stands and tents.” Blogin said. “A designated shoot-er should prepare a shooting area, care-fully read the label of each firework and understand exactly what the firework will do and refrain from consuming al-cohol. Planning makes for a safe and fun backyard fireworks display.”

Fireworks display observers should stand or sit 50 feet from the ignition and the person igniting the fireworks should turn their back immediately and walk

Stay safe during Fourth of July excitement

See FIREWORKS Page 8


away briskly following it. The National Fire Protection Association recommends the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.

“Fireworks are dangerous and un-predictable, especially in the hands of

amateurs,” said Judy Comoletti, NFPA’s Division Manager of Public Education. “The few seconds of pleasure those fire-works may bring are not worth the risk of injury, permanent scarring or even death.” It is illegal to possess, use or transport fireworks in the Cityof San Antonio without a permit. for more in-formaton, visit http://www.bexar.org.

an Air Force ROTC detachment or a college or university with a cross-town agreement. As full-time students, they will be able to focus entirely on education.

NECP students attend school year-round for up to 24 consecutive months to fin-ish their degree and while they’re in school they receive all pay and allowances. In addi-tion, senior airmen selected are promoted to staff sergeant prior to starting the program. After graduating with their bachelor’s degree

and passing the Nursing National Council Li-censure Examination, they will be commissioned as second lieutenants.

To view the list of selectees, visit https://mypers.af.mil.

The next NECP selection board will convene April 2016. Information for this board will be available on the website in October.

For more information about Air Force per-sonnel programs visit the myPers website. In-dividuals who do not have a myPers account can request one by following the instructions at https://www.retirees.af.mil.

NEWS IN BRIEF from Page 3

FIREWORKS from Page 7

New Joint Base San Antonio website The Joint Base San Antonio website has a new look and includes

easier access to family-related resources. Visit the new site at http://www.JBSA.mil.


With the dog days of summer upon us, high temperatures can take their toll on people, animals and even our vehicles. Extreme heat can push a vehicle past its limits and some drivers will find them-selves stranded at the roadside because of it.

Here are five safety tips from the AAA to help vehicle owners safely survive high summer temperatures.

Heat zaps the life from batteries: A potential summer problem is faster

evaporation of the battery fluid, leading to corrosion on terminals and connec-tions. Clean any corrosive build up from the battery terminals and cable clamps, and ensure the clamps are tight enough that they will not move. If a car’s bat-tery is more than three years old, it’s a good idea to have it tested by a trained technician to determine how much longer it will last.

Keep your engine cool: Automobile engines work extra hard in

the summer, and it is the cooling system’s job to protect the engine from overheat-ing. In addition, additives in the coolant protect the radiator and internal engine components against wear and corrosion. Without proper cooling system mainte-nance, the odds of long term engine damage, and a summer time boil over, definitely increase. Over time, engine

coolant becomes contaminated and its protective additives are depleted. Cool-ant systems should be flushed and the coolant replaced periodically as recom-mended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Avoid excessive heat where the rubber meets the road:

Driving on under-inflated tires not only affects the handling and brak-ing of a vehicle, it also can cause tires to overheat and increase the likeli-hood of a blowout. This problem be-comes even more of a concern when road temperatures are extremely high. Tires should be inflated to the pressure

recommended by the vehicle manufac-turer – not the number molded into the tire sidewall. While checking the tire pressures – including the spare – drivers also should inspect the tire treads for ade-quate depth and any signs of uneven wear indicating a suspension or alignment problem.

Cars need fluids during extreme heat:

Engine fluids are essential to keeping a vehicle running smoothly. Most fluids not only lubricate, they also serve as coolants by helping carry heat away from critical components. When fluid levels are low, this cooling effect is re-duced, and the possibility of overheat-ing increases. Drivers should check all vehicle fluids including motor oil, trans-mission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid to ensure they are filled to the appropriate levels. If any fluids need to be topped off, be sure to use the type of fluid specified in the owner’s manual.

Cool passengers are happy passengers:

Maintaining a comfortable driving environment reduces fatigue, which can play an important part in driver alertness and vehicle safety. During extreme summer heat, a properly op-erating air conditioning system can be more than just a pleasant convenience.

If a car’s air conditioning is not main-taining the interior temperature as well as it did in the past, it may mean the refrigerant level is low or there is another problem. Have the air condi-tioning system checked by a certified technician.

While many of the maintenance tasks to prepare a car for extreme summer heat are relatively simple and can be performed by the average driver, some are best left to a trained automotive technician.

Even with proper preventive main-tenance, summer breakdowns can still occur, so AAA recommends every driv-er have a well-stocked emergency kit in their vehicle. The kit should include water, non-perishable food items, jump-er cables, a flashlight with extra batter-ies, road flares or an emergency beacon, basic hand tools and a first aid kit.

To learn more about car safety, visit the AAA website at http://news-room.aaa.com/2011/07/help-your-car-survive-the-heat or call the Joint Base San Antonio Fire Prevention Division offices at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, 221-2727; at JBSA-Lackland, 671-2921; or at JBSA-Randolph, 652-6915.

(Courtesy AAA and the Joint Base San Antonio Fire Emergency Services Fire Prevention Office.)

Prepare your car for extreme summer heat

Photo courtesy AAAExtreme heat can push a vehicle past its limits and some drivers will find themselves stranded at the roadside because of it.

Friday • 6 p.m. San Andreas (3D) (PG-13) Saturday • Noon Aloha (PG-13) • 3 p.m. San Andreas (3D) (PG-13) • 6 p.m. Poltergeist (PG-13)

Sunday • Noon San Andreas (3D) (PG-13) • 3 p.m. Aloha (PG-13) Thursday • 4 p.m. San Andreas (3D) (PG-13)

Movie Line: 671-3985 or View schedules at:https://www.shopmyexchange.com/reel-time-theatres/Program Note Locate the Day of the Week and Date and Read across for specific show times. We have one movie screen, one movie per show time. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each show time.

FRIDAY – THURSDAY

JULY 3, 2015 TALESPINNER PAGE 11PAGE 10 TALESPINNER JULY 3, 2015

By Senior Airman Lynsie NicholsJBSA-Lackland Public Affairs

Warrior medics from the 37th Training Wing and 59th Medical Wing participated in a combined readiness exercise June 26 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.More than 50 personnel from the 37th TRW, the 59th MDW, and

San Antonio AirLIFE air ambulance health care worked together to hone lifesaving capabilities on base in a process that took two months to coordinate.

“An exercise of this magnitude requires significant coordination,” said Brig. Gen. Trent H. Edwards, 37th TRW commander.

“This exercise is critical, as we have learned from experience that it’s not ‘if’ a serious situation will occur, but ‘when,’” said Edwards.

The purpose of the exercise was to ensure proper readiness in the event injured individuals – to include basic military trainees – in need of lifesaving care could be quickly evacuated by ground or air to a Level One Trauma Center.

Senior Airman Jordyn Hickok, 59th Medical Operations Squadron emergency medical technician, played a significant role as a first

responder during the training exercise. “When we arrived on scene, we treated it as a real-world situation,” she said.

Medics and other emergency medical services demonstrated both ground and air transport capabilities during the exercise.

“We transform 33,000 civilians into Airmen every year. During that time, we push our trainees to their limits both mentally and physically and it is my job to ensure that we do so safely,” Edwards said. “Part of ensuring a safe training environment is having proper emergency protocols in the event of an incident.”

“AirLIFE gives Basic Military Training and other JBSA mission part-ners the additional tool of using air casualty evacuation for the most critical incidents,” he added.

The training scenario provided valuable lessons in determining whether ground or air transportation is the best option for transport-ing patients.

“The exercise was instrumental in bringing together the essential emergency medical assets that save lives,” said Col. (Dr.) Karyn Condie, 59th MDW chief of Aerospace and Disaster Medicine. “It allowed all components of the JBSA medical response team to practice live-saving techniques that translate to both combat and peacetime care.”

(Left) Tech. Sgt. Raymond Rasing and Staff Sgt. Stephen Souer, 737th Training Support Squadron independent duty medical technician’s, along with AirLife medical personnel, carry Tech. Sgt. Michael Gibson to an awaiting helicopter during the AirLIFE training exercise June 26, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The purpose of the exercise is to decrease the response time in a real world medical situation during the “Golden Hour”. The “Golden Hour” refers to a very critical, but brief, window of time–60 minutes, following an injury in which there is thought to be a much higher chance that critically injured patients and stroke/cardiac arrest victims can be saved if they are able to reach medical treatment from the appropriate healthcare professionals.

Tech. Sgt. Raymond Rasing and Staff Sgt. Stephen Souer, 737th Training Support Squadron independent duty medical technicians, immobilize the head of Tech. Sgt. Michael Gibson during the AirLife training exercise June 26, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

Tech. Sgt. Raymond Rasing and Staff Sgt. Stephen Souer, 737th Training Support Squadron independent duty medical technicians, prepare to move Tech. Sgt. Michael Gibson to a stretcher during the AirLife training exercise June 26, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. Photos by Benjamin Faske

Tech. Sgt. Raymond Rasing and Staff Sgt. Stephen Souer, 737th Training Support Squadron independent duty medical technicians, pre-pare to start an IV on Tech. Sgt. Michael Gibson during the AirLife training exercise June 26, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

Warrior medics exercise trauma capability


One of the best things about ICE is that people can let service provid-ers know when they do a great job, not just for poor service. It takes five minutes or less to submit a comment at http://ice.disa.mil.

By Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carwile59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

The 59th Medical Wing joined local, state and federal agencies in a recent virtual training exercise aimed at preparing officials for a pandemic influenza outbreak.

Wing emergency management and public health officers par-ticipated in the virtual table-top exercise June 2–5.

Sponsored by the Federal Emer-gency Management Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and conducted through video tele-conference, the free training was especially valuable as budget constraints can limit non mission- essential travel opportunities.

“We had the opportunity to learn from, and network with, other subject matter experts that we normally would not have had a chance to meet,” said Capt. Audra Blasi, 359th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health officer.

According to the CDC, an influ-enza pandemic could happen if a non-human influenza changes

enough to infect humans and spread easily and quickly among the population. Non-human

viruses are especially dangerous because people have little to no immunity to them.

Members of the 59th MDW participated in all three days of the exercise.

The pandemic influenza out-break scenario was the same each day, but participants var-ied each session. Each four-hour exercise session was broken into three modules: preparedness, re-sponse, and extended response/recovery.

The modules provided discus-sion questions concerning disas-ter response plans, and allowed each unit a chance to share their thoughts with the whole group.

“Listening to other experts helped us look at our disaster re-sponse plans and see where we could make improvements,” Blasi said. “In the end, we identified a few areas to review and fine-tune so that if an outbreak does oc-cur, we can respond quickly and efficiently.”

Virtual training yields results

By Debbie GildeaAir Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

The window for the Air Force Career Intermission Program application opened Wednesday for eligible Airmen interested in taking one to three years off active duty for personal or professional needs.

Applications must reach the Air Force Personnel Center no later than Aug. 31 with the to-tal force selection panel sched-uled to convene Sept. 29.

The program, in its second year, allows up to 40 top-per-forming Regular Air Force and career status Active Guard/Reserve officers and enlisted members to be inactivated and

transferred to the Individual Ready Reserve, receiving par-tial pay for up to three years, before returning to active duty.

During the 2014 pilot pro-gram, 35 regular Air Force, Guard and Reserve Airmen were approved to participate. They included 33 regular Air Force, one Guard and one Reserve Airman. The 35 se-lected included 15 officers and 20 enlisted personnel; 18 women and 17 men.

CIP allows participants to retain full medical and den-tal benefits for themselves and their dependents, as well as exchange and commissary benefits. Participants also re-ceive a stipend of 1/15th of their monthly basic pay. In

addition, members will be allowed an Air Force-funded permanent change of station move to anywhere in the United States when entering the pro-gram, and a move to their base of assignment when they com-plete the program.

Return to duty following a CIP intermission is the key to the program. Top perform-ers with bright futures won’t have to separate to take care of personal or other profes-sional concerns, and once they return to active duty ser-vice, those Airmen will bring greater experience, educa-tion, knowledge, commitment and passion to their career, said Col. Arch Bruns, Director, AFPC Personnel Services.

While participating in CIP, Airmen will be required to maintain all Air Force stan-dards, including health and fitness, and be ready to fully resume their duties.

Airmen approved for CIP will incur a service commitment of two months for every one month of CIP participation.

General information and complete eligibility criteria are available on the myPers website. Select the appro-priate component and corps from the drop down menu and enter “Career Intermission Program” in the search window. Links to component specific application proce-dures are available July.

For information about Air Force personnel programs go to myPers at https://mypers.af.mil. Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one at www.retirees.af.mil/shared/media/document /AFD-120510-068.pdf.

Career Intermission Program application window opens

Photo by Technical Sgt. Christopher CarwileMembers of the 59th Medical Wing Emergency Management and pub-lic health officers participate in a Virtual Table Top Exercise at the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, June 2. Hosted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, the exercise focused on a simulated pandemic influenza outbreak, providing agencies through the U.S. a chance to col-laborate on emergency response plans.


By Senior Airman Alexandria SladeJBSA-Randolph Public Affairs

Along with offering preventative health care services for the pets of Joint Base San Antonio military members, the three JBSA veterinary facilities are also responsible for ensuring America’s four-legged Airmen are healthy and physically able to respond to emergencies domestic or abroad.

“Military working dog support is very similar to the medical and readiness support of an active duty Soldier,” Army Capt. Ambre Gejer, South Texas Branch Veterinary Services chief, said. “My job is to make sure that those canines are fit and ready to deploy. We also help train their handlers on how to apply canine first aid in a battlefield setting.”

Military working dogs are just one group of animals under the umbrella of JBSA veterinary care, along with the horses of the caisson section and various species within the Quadrangle at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston.

Military working dogs are the reason that on-base services are available for pet owners, Army Sgt. Justin Garner, JBSA animal health technician, said.

“It’s our job to make sure that the military work-ing dogs are in tip-top shape so that they can protect

our military members down range,” he said. “They are our main mission, and without them, the capability to also take care of privately owned animals would not be available.”

As for pet needs, the staff at JBSA veterinary facilities provides basic care to the cats and dogs of active duty, Reserve and retirees for a slightly lower price than off base clinics that offer the same assistance.

Families in need of specialty support for dogs and cats or for small mammals and reptiles are encouraged to take their animals to an off-base vet who can provide these services, Gejer said.

At JBSA-Randolph and JBSA-Lackland, basic needs, such as vaccines, heart worm testing, nail trims and exams are available, while at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, pet owners also have the option for more extensive care such as bloodwork and x-rays.

According to Gejer, if families are moving on base, the following are requirements for pets:

All pets must be registered. Medical records and a basic description of the pet must be brought in to the

JBSA veterinary facilities serve to sustain MWD mission, community pet wellness

See VETERINARY Page 15

Senior Airman Lynsie NicholsDonna Debonis, veterinary medical officer, administers a routine shot to JoJo while Sherry Armstrong, JoJo’s owner, holds her in place at the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Vetinary Treatment Facility June 29. The JBSA-Lackland fa-cility has multiple appointments available. Call 671-3631 for more information.

TALESPINNER JULY 3, 2015 community

TUESDAYfootball camp

A free football camp open to first through eighth graders takes place 1-4 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Rambler Fitness Center Sports Complex. Space is limited and sign up is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Terrance Williams, Dallas Cowboys football player, will be instructing during the camp.

To register, call 652-3298.

JULY 18patriot 5k run

There will be a 5K run at the Pfingston Reception Center, building 6330 at 8. Registration fee is $10. Pre-register through 7. the day of the race. Call 671-3026.

JULY 31final friday

The Gateway Club will host a Final Friday event to “party the month away” at the Maverick Lounge from 5-8 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by DJ LJU.

INFORMATIONALgateway golf course grill closing

The Golf Course Grill, located at the Gateway Hills Golf Course on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland closed Tuesday for renovations.

Construction is estimated to last about two months.

The golf course will continue to operate as usual. Snacks and drinks will continue to be available at the pro shop.

For additional information, call 671-3466.

car seat clinicFamily Advocacy is partnering

with SafeKids USA to provide a child safety seat clinic at the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Fire Station, located at 1910 Kenly Ave., building 2325, Thursday from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Safety seat check ups, installa-tion education and recall checks are included.

Only military ID cardholders are eligible and the child must be a de-pendent. New car seats are provided only if current seat is outdated or on the recall list.

Children must be present and under 4 feet 9 inches or 100 pounds.

Only one seat will be replaced per child. Registration is required; no walk-ins.

Provide the following information: child’s name and age, weight and height, number of children and make and model of vehicle. For more information and to register, call 292-5967.

jbsa family advocacy program care lineAssistance is available to those

in need of services related to the prevention of family maltreatment in the community.

To report incidents of spouse or child abuse and to coordinate an emergency response for victims of domestic violence, call 292-5967. This line is monitored 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

dining facilities price changeThe below rates apply to dining

facilities not using the a la carte pricing system: Slagel, Rocco, B5107, B5105, Medical Readiness DFAC and all BMT facilities.

Breakfast – $3.45Lunch – $5.55Dinner – $4.85In addition, Meals-Ready-to-Eat

and flight meals are priced at $5.55

each. For details on dining facilities to include hours, contact information and address, visit http://www.jbsa.mil/Resources/DiningFacility.aspx

domestic abuse victim advocate program

Crisis intervention and support services to domestic abuse victims, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence, help and support is available at 367-1213.

starbase kelly summer programThe 433rd Airlift Wing sponsors

the Starbase Kelly summer program, a free summer educational program, for children who are associated with Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland and who have completed either the fourth or fifth grade and have not attended the program before.

The program includes aircraft tours, scientific experiments, teamwork and goal setting, rocket building and launching, computer aided design and computer flight simulation.

Two sessions are offered, July 13-17 and July 20-24. Program hours are 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The sessions will be held on Starbase Kelly at the 433rd Airlift Wing ramp in building 909.

Children attending will need to bring a lunch.

To register, submit the child’s name, address, home telephone, and school grade completed this year via email. Include the sponsor’s name, organization, duty phone and the session being requested.

Submit registration information, to [email protected].


quarterly scholarship applicationThe Security Hill 5/6 at Joint Base

San Antonio-Lackland is accept-ing applications for their quarterly scholarship. All active duty Airmen E-4 and below assigned to JBSA- Lackland are eligible to apply. The winner will be announced a week after the end of each quarter. Submissions must be received before the end of each quarter; late submissions will not be accepted.Download the form at http://us.af.mil. Next deadlines are Sept. 30 and Dec. 31.


JBSA-LACKLAND

Air Force Aid Society 671-3722Airman & Family Readiness Center 671-3722Airman’s Attic 671-1780American Red Cross 844-4225Base Post Office 671-1058Bowling Center 671-2271DEERS 800-538-9552Exceptional Family Member Program 671-3722Family Child Care 671-3376Legal Office 671-3362Library 671-3610Medical Appointment Line 916-9900MPF ID Cards 671-6006Outdoor Recreation 925-5532TRICARE Info 800-444-5445Thrift Shop 671-3608

Enlisted Spouses’ Club http://www.lacklandesc.orgForce Support Squadron http://www.lacklandfss.comLackland ISD http://www.lacklandisd.netOfficers’ Spouses’ Club http://www.lacklandosc.orgJBSA Public website http://www.jbsa.milMy Air Force Life http://www.MyAirForceLife.com

KEY FAMILY SUPPORT RESOURCESchapel services

For more details, contact Freedom Chapel - 671-4208 • Gateway Chapel - 671-2911

—PROTESTANT WORSHIP SERVICESFreedom Chapel – Building 1528Contemporary Service Sun. 9:30 a.m.

Religious Education Sun. 11:00 a.m.

Gospel Service Sun. 12:30 p.m.

Spanish Service Sun. 3:00 p.m.

LITURGICAL SERVICEAirman Memorial Chapel – Building 5432 Sun. 8:00 a.m

CHURCH OF CHRISTNew BMT Reception Center – Building 6330 Sun. 7:30 a.m. (Rm. 175)

SEVENTH - DAY ADVENTISTGateway Chapel – Building 6300 Sat. 12:30 p.m.

CHRISTIAN SCIENCENew BMT Reception Center – Building 6330 Sun. 7:30 a.m. (Rm. 112)

—ORTHODOX CHRISTIANAirmen Memorial Chapel – Building 5432 Sun. 9:30 a.m.

—WICCANew BMT Reception Center – Building 6330Sun. 9:00 – 11:00 (Auditorium)

Freedom Chapel – Building 1528Wicca Open Circle 1st Tues. 6 – 7 p.m.

—REFUGE STUDENT CENTERBuilding 9122 (Tech Training & TDY Students) Wednesday 6 – 8 p.m.

Thursday 6 – 8 p.m.

Friday 6 – 11 p.m.

Saturday 12 – 9 p.m.

Sunday 11 – 5 p.m.

—JEWISHAirmen Memorial Chapel – Building 5432Sabbath & Kiddush Fri. 4:30 p.m.

Religious Education Sun. 1:30 p.m.

—ROMAN CATHOLICFreedom Chapel – Building 1528Religious Education Sun. 9:00 a.m.

Mass Sat. 5:00 p.m. Sun. 11:00 a.m.

Reconciliation Sat. 4:00 – 4:45 p.m.

Daily Mass Mon., Tues. & Thur. 11:30 a.m.

Note: Reconciliation(s) may be scheduled by appointment

—ISLAMICGlobal Ministry Center – Building 7452Jumu'ah Prayer Fri. 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

—BUDDISTNew BMT Reception Center – Building 6330 Sun. 10 a.m. (Rm. 175)

—ECKANKAR Gateway Chapel – Building 6300 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays 12:30 p.m.

—BAHA'IGateway Chapel – Building 6300 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sun. 11:00 a.m.

—THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTSGateway Chapel – Building 6300Religious Education Tues. 6:30 p.m.

LDS Institute Thurs. 6:30 p.m.

LDS Service Sun. 1:00 p.m.

LocaL Briefs


VETERINARY from Page 13

local clinic. The information is also available in the sys-tem at all three locations.

All pets must be microchipped both on base and accordance with to the San Antonio city ordinance.

All pets must have up-to-date vaccinations and a heartworm exam.

“If military members have pets that they have to wor-ry about, they are less focused on the mission,” Garner said. “We want to provide care for these pets because they are members of their families too.”

Individuals can call their local clinic both to review the current office schedule, which can fluctuate ac-cording to veterinarian availability, and to make an appointment for their pet. Appointments can be made two weeks to a month in advance.

Appointments and services will be limited at the JB-SA-Randolph vet clinic through July due to a reduced staff. At this time, surgical services for privately owned animals are not available at JBSA veterinary facilities.

To make an appointment at the JBSA-Randolph vet clinic, call 652-3190; for JBSA-Lackland, call 671-3631 and for the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Veterinary Treatment Facility, call 808-6101.

Families moving out of the local area should no-tify Melinda Pruitt at the JBSA-Fort Sam Veterinary Treatment Facility six months in advance of the move or as soon as possible, Gejer said. Some assignments such as Hawaii and Japan have special requirements to fulfill in order to in-process smoothly and avoid a pet being placed in quarantine upon arrival.

To contact Melinda Pruitt about the out-processing of a pet, call 295-4019.

CANYON LAKE CLEAN UP

Photo by Joel Martinez Dillon Tyson, left, and Thomas Bonecutter, 502nd Force Support Squadron recreational aids, clean up debris June 24 left behind by heavy rains at the Joint Base San Antonio Canyon Lake Recreational Park. Members of the 502nd FSS are working around the clock to repair damages caused by recent flooding and rain at Canyon Lake. For up-to-date information on what is available at Canyon Lake over the Fourth of July weekend, check our social media page at http://www.facebook.com/lackland-jbsa or our new website at, http://www.JBSA.mil.

502ND JBSA COMMAND CHIEF RETIRES

Photo by Johnny SaldivarBrig. Gen. Bob LaBrutta (left), 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio commander, presents former 502nd ABW and JBSA Command Chief Master Sgt. Alexander Perry his certificate of retirement at the JBSA-Lack-land Gateway Club June 24. Perry retired after 29 years of Air Force service, which included more than 16 assign-ments in various roles such as commandant of the Air Force Senior NCO academy and lastly as the command chief for the 502nd ABW, the largest single installation support enterprise within the Department of Defense, supporting more than 90,000 military and civilians employees. As the command chief he also served as the principal advisor to the 502nd ABW and JBSA commander for installation support functions to the three primary JBSA locations. Perry is originally from Pittsburgh and joined the Air Force in 1986 as an environmental medicine specialist. Chief Master Sgt. Stanley Cadell will succeed the outgoing command chief.

59th MDW Clinic Holiday HoursDue to the Air Education and Training Command

family day and July 4 holiday weekend, 59th Medical Wing clinics will be closed July 2 - 5. The Urgent Care Center will be open regular hours.

Lackland Pharmacy Holiday HoursDue to the Air Education and Training Command

family day and July 4 holiday weekend, the JBSA-Lackland Pharmacy will be closed July 2-5. Pharmacies will maintain normal business hours July 1 and re-open for regular scheduled business hours July 6. Refill prescriptions called in before 9 a.m. on July 1 will be ready for pickup July 6. Refill prescriptions called in after 9 a.m. on July 1 will be ready for pickup at the desired location July 7. For any questions regarding the holiday schedule, please contact your regular pharmacy.



Two 502nd Contracting Squadron Airmen made a three-hour round-trip excursion around the Texas Hill Coun-try with their motorcycle club to raise awareness about the Airman Heritage Museum.

Master Sgt. Dustin Hoffmann and Tech. Sgt. Ruben Gonzalez rode with the San Antonio chapter of the Fallen Saints Motorcycle Club June 13. The club formed in 2012 and is comprised of active duty and retired military members.

The ride started and finished at Javelina Harley Davidson in Boerne, Texas, with various stops along the way.

Hoffmann's and Gonzalez’ goal is for a new Airman Heritage Museum to be constructed and both noted the project is in the conceptual phase.

“Part of Air Force Basic Military Training is the trainees get to tour the museum and be guided through the his-tory of the Air Force,” Gonzalez said, 502nd CONS contracting officer of ba-sic construction flight. “It is a good thing for us as Airmen to keep that history going, and show all the troops coming through the Air Force where we started and how far we have come along. It is also good for the trainees’ families to have a better understand-ing of that tradition as well.”

Hoffmann, 502nd CONS superin-tendent of the medical and civil en-gineering services flight, believes the

museum should be showcased be-cause it is the military version of pro sports hall of fames.

“Even though we are the young-est military branch in the United States, Airmen have done a lot of great things,” he said. “The Air-man Heritage Museum is our base-

ball or pro football hall of fame, and it should be showcased to people who are interested.”

Learning the Air Force’s history at the museum could validate the Airmen’s choice to join “the blue,” Gonzalez said.

“I hope the BMT graduates who

are either on base liberty or have day passes can take their families through the museum and say to them ‘look at what I am a part of now,’ he added. “Seeing the history makes your chest swell up a little bit because you’re showing somebody where you started and where you could be someday.”

502nd Contracting Squadron motorcycle riders raise awareness for Airman Heritage Museum

Master Sgt. Dustin Hoffmann, 502nd Contracting Squadron superintendent of the medical and civil engineering services flight (front), participated with the Fallen Saints Motorcycle Club in the inaugural Heritage Ride June 13. The concept of the three-hour ride was to raise awareness about the Airman Heritage Museum. Hoffman, along with Tech. Sgt. Ruben Gonzalez, 502nd CONS contracting officer of basic construction flight, founded the club in 2013.

topics regarding cyber security rang-ing from cryptography, web technol-ogy, intrusion detection and basic mis-sion planning.

During the week-long course, ca-dets and staff also received the full Air Force experience by residing on JBSA-Lackland within the Basic Mili-tary Training barracks, by participat-ing in daily physical training and re-ceiving their meals at one of the many base dining facilities.

“Our youth are the future of this

nation. Programs like this not only stimulate interest in science, technol-ogy, engineering, and mathematics but give our youth a chance to build a potential career in cyber security.” said Jacob Stauffer, JBSA-Lackland Cadet Squadron commander and National Cadet Cyber Programs Coordinator for CAP National Head-quarters. “I created the Cyber Defense Training Academy for one purpose: to educate CAP members in aspects of cyber security. Within the next five years I expect to grow our number of cadets trained by en-

hancing our current curriculum and offering new courses covering more advanced topics.”

Prior to concluding the 2015 CDTA, attendees participated in an end of course capstone exercise. During the capstone, advanced students led teams of familiarization students in securing workstations, servers and networks defending against ethical aggressors in a simulated environment.

The challenging week culminated with a formal graduation ceremony in which Maj. Gen. Ed Wilson, 24th Air Force commander, presided and gave

the key-note speech. Wilson also pre-sented multiple achievement awards to outstanding cadets as well as cer-tificates to all graduates.

“We’re extremely proud of what each of these cadets have accomplished this week. The need to grow our nation’s next generation of cyber warriors in-creases day by day. The men and wom-en of the 24th Air Force are honored to be an integral part of programs like the Cyber Defense Training Academy and I hope these cadets will continue to learn, grow and potentially serve as Air Force cyber professionals.” Wilson said.

TRAINING from Page 4

Courtesy photo

JULY 3, 2015 TALESPINNER PAGE 17sportsUpcoming

Scoreboardsoftball

national leaguenl west w l1. 502nd OSS 5 12. 624th OC 5 23. 502nd FSG 4 24. 717th MI Bn 4 35. 624th OC 4 36. 59th MLRS 0 14nl central w l1. 343rd TRS-SB 8 12. 802nd SFS-Blue Team 4 23. 37th TRSS 5 34. 341st TRS 2 55. 502nd CONS 2 12nl east w l1. AFLCMC 7 02. 453rd EWS 4 13. 149th FW 4 24. 688th CW 4 35. 502nd LRS 1 26. CGCU-TX 1 8american league al east w l1. NIOC-TX 7 12. 737th TRG 6 2 3. 802nd SFS-White 8 34. 369th RCG 5 35. 92nd IOS 2 4al west w l1. DISA 7 32. 33rd NWS 6 43. 35th IS 4 34. Lady Warhawks 4 55. IAAFA 1 136. 433rd AMXS 0 14al central w l1. 543rd ISRG 6 12. 690th COG 8 23. 502nd CEF 5 34. 543rd SPTS 5 55. 668th ALIS 3 66. 559th MDG 2 6

join jbsa-lackland youth swim team

The Skylark Aquatics Center Is looking for youth ages 6-17 to learn competi-tive swimming three days a week and participate in local swim meets. Youth must be able to pass a swim test before being placed on the team. The monthly fee for the team is $65 per member. Call 671-3780 for more information.

wednesday specialVisit the Skylark Bowling

Center and bowl all day Wednesday for $1 per game and $1 per shoes. Call 671-1234 for more details.


The Defense Information Systems Agency intramural softball team enjoyed its first season in the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Intramural Softball League last year, despite a 1-9 finish.

DISA coach Terry Armstrong, informa-tion assurance chief, commented on their enjoyment of the game before the end of last season.

“It is fun and recreational for me,” Armstrong said. “We don’t have the greatest team by any means, but we have fun when we play.”

So far, this season has proven to be more gratifying for the team. With 10 games behind them, DISA has drastical-ly improved its winning total from last year with a 7-3 record in the American League.

“Anytime you win, it is outstanding,” Armstrong said after DISA’s second loss of the season to the 802nd Security Forc-es Squadron-White June 4.

A key reason for the team’s turn-

around, Armstrong said, is having more people available to play and build team camaraderie.

DISA’s roster has expanded from nine active players last season to 18 with an average age of 46.

For Armstrong, finding playing time for everybody is a good problem to have.

“I try every single game to get every single person to play,” he said. “We love to win, but everyone who wants to play participates; we are not playing just the best players.”

A couple of new players contributing to the team are outfielder Dana Maureschat and second baseman Michael Johnson.

Maureschat was originally supposed to join the team last year, but knee surgery thwarted those plans, she said.

After being encouraged to join the team again this season, the 27-year-old outfielder feels she has contributed youth and enthusiasm to the team, joking that she has brought the average age of the team down.

“My energy from cheering on the team when we make plays has been beneficial

in motivating the team and keep us mov-ing forward,” Maureschat said.

Johnson, who joined the team this sea-son after moving to San Antonio from Yokosuka, Japan, in October 2014, also feels the team’s gusto on the field. “We are willing to give 100 percent and do whatever it takes to win,” he said. “We play together, everybody knows their jobs and nobody tries to overdo it.”

Maureschat hopes DISA’s fun spirit continues to foster a winning attitude, as her goal is for the team to be a con-tender and make the playoffs.

Making the playoffs in their second season would be wonderful, Armstrong said, while pitcher Paul Braudis, DISA San Antonio director, believes that a playoff berth would equate to “bragging rights” among the unit’s mission partners in the Department of Defense.

“To go from where we were last year to making the playoffs would be huge,” Armstrong said.

“To go from 1 and 9 to the playoffs shows that we are the most improved unit in all of DISA,” Braudis added.

Defense Information Systems Agency parlays fun into early success

Story and photo by Jose T. Garza IIIJBSA-Lackland Public Affairs

The 737th Training Group military train-ing instructors’ responsibilities are to trans-form civilians into disciplined warrior Air-men by using stern, motivational leadership tactics in Air Force Basic Military Training.

The training group’s no-nonsense mind-set at BMT has translated onto the softball field, winning the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Intramural Softball Champion-ship in 2014 and holding a 6-2 record in the American League East with eyes set on repeating as champions.

“Failure is not an option for us,” said first baseman Christian Pagan. “Even though life is meant to have failure sometimes, we don’t accept failures. People who don’t accept it are the ones who succeed at the majority of things in life.”

Tech Sgt. Troy Bencke, coach and left centerfielder Mearl Robinson both confi-dently agreed.

“We are all A-type personalities,” Bencke said. “Every one of us wants to win.”

“We don’t like to lose whether we are at work or on the field,” Robinson said. “We demand that everyone on our team do

their part.”The 737th TRG offense has been prolific,

averaging 10.2 runs per game. The team’s offense is fourth in the AL.

The players believe their passion for softball and experience has translated onto their efficient offense.

“We have some good key players who are solid hitters and know how to play the game,” Pagan said.

“We love this sport,” Bencke added. “We also love the camaraderie and teamwork that we display out here.”

Another key to the team’s success, the players said, is being relaxed and leaving work behind for an hour.

“We are brothers and sisters in the group,” Pagan said. “We can work together, have fun and give each other a hard time. The softball field is a different environment and puts us more at ease.”

“We don’t get to have fun when we are at work because it is all business,” Robinson added. “When we come out here, we get to relax, have fun and let our hair down so to speak.”

When asked what it would take to repeat as champions, the players’ answers, like their BMT leadership tactics, were straight-forward.

“We just have to continue playing like we have been playing, and we should have no problem repeating,” Pagan said.

“We have the most talent out here,” Rob-inson said. “We just have to get every out here and play ball.”

737th TRG's no-nonsense attitude translates onto softball field

Tech. Sgt. Troy Bencke, 737th Training Group military training instructor, takes a swing dur-ing the training group’s matchup against Navy Information Operations Command-Texas June 25 at the Warhawk Softball Field. The 737th TRG won the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Intramural Softball Championship in 2014 and is 6-2 in the base’s American League.

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