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w w w. l a c k l a n d . a f . m i l • G AT E W AY T O T H E A I R F O R C E • 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 • V o l . 6 7 N o . 4 6

INSIDECommentary 4

Straight Talk 5

Recognition 6

News & Features

Native American Heritage 14

Unique mission 16

MyAirForceLife.com 22

Warhawk wins WS ring 26

View the Talespinner onlineat www.lackland.af.mil

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

Impressed!That one word described

Maj. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog’sreaction to what she saw dur-ing her first visit to Lacklandsince taking over as com-mander of 2nd Air Force.

The general, who com-manded the 37th TrainingWing from June 2004 to June2006, had nothing but praisefor the members of her formerwing following a three-day ori-entation visit to the base.

“I’m impressed with every-body’s dedication,” GeneralHertog said after completingher tour. “Our people aremotivated to do what theyknow they have to do, and arevery enthusiastic. They knowthe mission and how it con-tributes to 2nd AF, AETC (AirEducation and Training Com-mand) and the Air Force.”

General Hertog and herhusband, retired Chief MasterSgt. Herm Hertog, and ChiefMaster Sgt. Linus Jordan, 2ndAir Force command chief,spent Monday, Tuesday andpart of Wednesday morningparticipating in briefings andpresentations as 37th TRWofficials showcased the wingand its many missions.

A highlight of the general’svisit was taking part in theofficial ground breaking cere-mony for construction of thefirst Airmen Training Complexfor basic trainees, an expectednine-year project with an esti-

mated cost of nearly $900 mil-lion.

The concept for an ATC wasonly on paper during GeneralHertog’s tour as 37th TRWcommander, and seeing con-struction about to startbrought a smile from the gen-eral, who took command of2nd Air Force in September.

“Participating in the ribboncutting was special,” she said.“It was an idea on paper. TheAir Force made a great deci-sion to invest in our Airmen, togive them what they deserveby replacing those aging RHand Ts (Recruit Housing andTraining dormitories) that date

back to the Vietnam era.”The visit also gave General

Hertog an opportunity to seeseveral projects, which werein the works during hertenure, come to fruition. Twoof these projects were theBasic Expeditionary AirmanSkil ls Training course andexpansion of basic militarytraining to 8.5 weeks.

“To come back and see it(the BEAST) fully built, thatwas awesome,” she said.

After leaving the 37th TRWin 2006 to become director ofAir Force Security Forcesheadquarters in Washington,D.C., General Hertog thought

her days of commanding anorganization in AETC wereover until she was offered theopportunity to replace Maj.Gen. Alfred Flowers as 2nd AFcommander.

“I couldn’t believe the AirForce was going to allow methe privilege to commandagain,” she said. “I wasthrilled and excited to be anumbered Air Force com-mander in 2nd AF, which issecond to none. What a greatmission. It’s an honor to com-mand and an honor to be ableto lay the foundation for these

37th TRW impresses General Hertog

Photo by Alan Boedeker Maj. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog, 2nd Air Force commander, and her husband, retired Chief Master Sgt. Herm Hertog(right), view the Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training course from an observation tower on Lackland's TrainingAnnex Tuesday. The tour of the BEAST facilites, led by Master Sgt. James Wood, 319th Training Squadron (left), waspart of the general's three-day orientation of the 37th TRW.

See HERTOG P7

TALESPINNERPAGE 2 NOVEMBER 20, 2009

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

A groundbreaking ceremony Tues-day marked the beginning of thelargest military construction pro-gram in the Air Force as Maj. Gen.Mary Kay Hertog, 2nd Air Forcecommander, and other dignitariesturned over the first shovels of dirt.

The ceremony signals that con-struction is ready to start on the firstof eight Airmen Training Complexesand four associated dining-classroomfacilities for basic military training.

With an estimated cost of $900mil l ion, the new faci l i t ies wil lreplace existing 1,000-man RecruitHousing and Training buildings cur-rently scattered around Lackland.The RH and Ts were constructed inthe late 1960s and early 1970s toreplace the World War II-era militaryopen-bay barracks.

“This was an historic event,” saidCapt. Anthony Knight, 323rdTraining Squadron operations officer,

who was in charge of the ceremony.“It signifies the beginning of a newera for basic training.”

The first of four dormitories andtwo dining-classroom facilities forthe new campus will be built west ofthe main Gateway Gate entrance offMilitary Drive at Gary Avenue andKirtland Street, adjacent to the cur-rent 323rd TRS dormitory.

Fences identifying the construc-tion area have already been erected.The project has forced the closure ofall north-south streets on that side ofbase; Carswell Avenue serves as theonly north-south thoroughfare forapproximately the next four years.

The current timeline for complet-ing the two campuses stretches outover nine years. The second campuswill be located on the southwest sideof Truemper and Carswell Avenueswhere current RH and Ts now stand.

Though working around the proj-ect will present its challenges in the

Base breaks ground for training complex

See GROUND P15

Photo by Alan Boedeker Second Air Force, 502nd Air Base Wing and 37th Training Wing leadership, along with repre-sentatives from the Army Corps of Engineers and Balfour Beatty Construction, break groundTuesday on the first of eight Airmen Training Complexes and four associated dining-classroomfacilities for basic military training.

TALESPINNERNOVEMBER 20, 2009

THANKSGIVING DAY DINING

Active-duty members, and retireesand immediate dependents are author-ized to have Thanksgiving Day dinner atthe Rodney Gott dining facility, Bldg.2041, from 12:30-5 p.m.

Reservations are required and mustbe submitted no later than today toSylvia Terrell at 671-3865. Meal pricesare a la carte.

FEDERAL BENEFITS OPEN SEASON

Federal benefits open season for AirForce civilian employees continuesthrough Dec. 14. All changes must bemade through the Benefits andEntitlement Service Team.

Elections and changes can be madethrough the Web-based EmployeeBenefits Information Exchange or theBEST phone system at 1-800-525-0102.Counselors are available Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, 3-11 p.m.

For more information, contact LindaCozart at 671-0007.

WOUNDED WARRIOR DONATION DRIVE

November is Military FamilyAppreciation and Wounded WarriorMonth, observances supporting the Yearof the Military Family.

A donation drive sponsored by theLackland Family Advocacy Program isunderway through the end of November.The collected items will be donated to theFort Sam Houston Warrior FamilyReadiness Center, which supports BrookeArmy Medical Center and the Center forthe Intrepid.

Requested items include toiletries,gift cards, disposable cameras, candy,individually wrapped snacks, pens andpencils, CDs and DVDs, popcorn, diapersand formula. Monetary donations arealso accepted.

Drop-off locations are Wilford HallMedical Center, Room 4A55, and theAirman and Family Readiness Center,Bldg. 1249. Contact Staff Sgt. DawnMacKenzie at 292-0404 for more infor-mation.

NewsBBRRIIEEFFSS

LOWER IT CAREFULLY

Photo by Senior Airman Felicia JuenkeMaster Sgt. Andrew Garcia, a ramp section supervisor from the 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron, stands next to aMultipurpose All Terrain Vehicle making sure it doesn’t move while the K-loader lowers it to the ground Nov. 9 at BagramAirfield, Afghanistan. Sergeant Garcia is deployed from Lackland's 74th Aerial Port Squadron.

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE –Pentagon officials recently releasedthe latest selective re-enlistmentbonus list which contains 91 Air Forcespecialties.

The revised listing places a greateremphasis on retaining Airmen with 17months to six years of service, saidTech. Sgt. Christopher Dowlearn, NCOin charge of Air Force re-enlistmentsat the Air Force Personnel Center.

“SRBs are a highly effective reten-tion tool we use to address shortagesin certain skill sets we consider neces-sary to support the joint coalition fightand our mission at home and abroad,”Sergeant Dowlearn said.

Officials added 10 Air Force spe-cialty codes to the list and increased31 AFSCs in at least one zone. ThirtyAFSCs had a zone eliminated ordecreased and two AFSCs were com-pletely removed from the program.

All increases and additions wereeffective Nov. 4 and all decreases anddeletions will go into effect Dec. 4.

Any re-enlistments or extensions ofany length that have been completedprior to the official message releasewill remain valid.

Airmen who are eligible for re-enlistment and are affected bydecreases or removals should re-enlistbefore Dec. 4 to receive the previously

approved bonus.These bonuses do not apply to Air

Force Reserve or National Guard per-sonnel.

To determine eligibility for re-enlistment with an SRB entitlement,contact the career development ele-ment at your local military personnelsection.

For a complete SRB listing, type“SRB” in the search box on AFPC’ssecure “Ask” Web site. For moreinformation about the SRB program,contact your local military personnelsection or call the Total Force ServiceCenter at (800) 525-0102 or DSN565-5000.

Officials release new selective re-enlistment bonus list


COMMENTARY

Editorial staffCOL. WILLIAM H. MOTT V,37TH TRAINING WING

COMMANDER

OSCAR BALLADARES,DIRECTOR, PUBLIC 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, Texas 78236-5103(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 37th Training Wing.All photos, unless otherwise indicated,are U.S. Air Force photos.

Deadline for submissions isnoon Thursday the week prior topublication.

Adding humility to core valuesBy Lt. Col. Reyes Colón318th Training Squadron

This is my favorite time of the year. Inaddition to the fabulous eating and manygatherings with friends and family, I alsohave an opportunity to reflect on the yearabout to end.

This season gives me a chance to takestock of my actions and find ways tobecome a better officer, a better leader and,more importantly, a better person. I like touse the Air Force core values of integrity,service before self, and excellence as thebaseline to measure my past year and lookforward as I seek where I can improve.

Yet as wonderful as our core values areto guide us, I have found another criticalingredient for this process: humility. To usea seasonal metaphor, I never forget to havea slice of humble pie regularly.

Humility, I have found, can be a misun-derstood thing. Some have told me humilityequates to weakness or somehow lessensyour ability to make the tough calls. I thinknothing could be further from the truth.

I believe humility is the perfect compan-ion to our cherished core values and cre-ates a frame from which we can look at lifeand measure our actions in a different,more grounded light.

It allows us to keep everything in per-

spective and realize that our existence andour actions always extend beyond us.

In other words, nothing is just about“me;” we are all part of something biggerand what we do affects others. When seenthrough this lens, the core values are moresolid.

Our sense of integrity, service and excel-lence takes a more complete meaningbecause with humility, you keep that biggerpurpose and those around you in mind firstas you ponder your actions. It becomes eas-ier to be selfless.

Keeping humility in mind also affectsother areas in our lives, military and other-wise. For example, without being humbleyou run the risk of turning a good trait, likeunit pride, into unit arrogance, somethingwe can’t afford to have if we are to be asuccessful team. It is a very fine line, not aneasy thing to do and moreover, you cannotfake humility; others will realize you arejust pretending.

We have a tremendous responsibility asAirmen. We are accountable to all thosearound us, indeed to the entire nation.

It is an awesome trust placed on us andhumility will help us keep it all in perspec-tive.

So as you reflect on this past year andlook forward to the next, I invite you to joinme in having a slice of humble pie.

By Efrain Gutierrez37th Training Wing Safety Office

My, how time flies; it seems like theFourth of July was just a few weeks ago.With Thanksgiving quickly approaching,many of us are likely wondering wherethe past year went.

The years seem to pass more rapidlyas we age. Most of us have at least heardof this insight.

We all have special memories ofmoments from times past. And the moreglorious the memory, the more vividly wecan recall it.

Many of our memories come fromevents shared with family and friends.And the holiday season typically gener-

ates plenty of opportunities to createmore wonderful memories.Unfortunately, for some, the memoriesstop very abruptly and without warning. Iam referring to the lost memories due tolife lost from a mishap.

Most people call these mishaps acci-dents. However, most people don’t under-stand that accidents don’t just happen;they develop through a series of events.

They are caused by something, typical-ly by someone’s action or inaction, thatallows opportunity for disaster to strike.

Failing to properly maintain your vehi-cle, or driving when fatigued, speeding,or not wearing a seat belt are just twoexamples that come to mind. The list ofscenarios can go on and on.

So consider this when making plansthis holiday season: accidents or mishapsdon’t just happen. They are caused, andyou play the most significant role.

Realize the difference you can makewhen planning your memorablemoments, you can be the hero or the vil-lain to your dreams and aspirations.

Remember to apply risk managementand integrate it into your life.

Travel smart, play safe, and strive tobe a great wingman. You will benefitfrom this investment.

Having a plan is important. Executingthe plan is critical.

And finally, always remember thattomorrow’s memories just wouldn’t bethe same without you.

Memories: are they worth the risk?


TALK

STRAIGHT

By Patrick DesmondStaff Writer

Why did you volunteer forthe Explosive OrdnanceDisposal career field?

The reasons (for joining EOD)change as you progress throughyour career. It isn’t about savinglives until you get further (intraining), then it becomes abouthelping people. It’s challenging,interesting, and I think youhave to be a little more daring.– Staff Sgt. Diana Guinn, 37th CivilEngineer Squadron

This career field provided themost challenge. I think all ofus are inherently problemsolvers. It’s not just a physicalchange but you also have tohave a solid head on yourshoulders to handle the stres-sors. – Staff Sgt. Daniel Leary,342nd Training Squadron prelimi-nary instructor

When I went to the MilitaryEntrance Processing center, Ilooked it up on the Internetand got interested right away.It’s the only career I put onthe list. When they called meup with the date, I startedlooking more into it and gotexcited. – Senior Airman KyleNason, 342nd Training Squadronpreliminary instructor

I read about it and watched thevideo with the recruiter and itjust seemed like a high-speed,fun career to dive into. It alsoseemed tough, which was a wayto challenge myself. – SeniorAirman Trevor Brown, 37th CivilEngineer Squadron


BMT HONORSCongratulations to the fol-

lowing 62 Airmen for beingselected as honor graduatesamong 621 trainees graduat-ing today:

319th Training SquadronFlight M319Michael Brewer

320th Training SquadronFlight 745Alejandro AraizaJustin FairclothSteven McAllisterAndrew SertichJason ZaiontzFlight 746Robert BergendahlCorey BowerJeffrey FrischmonDerek JungJesse RossKyle SmithJacob Vanvleet

Joshua VerranFlight 755Christopher PentecostesCaleb SiebenMark ZlatekFlight 756Kyndall MarelichGiovanna OrtizHolly Sheedy

321st Training SquadronFlight 749Matthew DavisEric SiebertFlight 750Tonja CoykendallBrittany GayTanisha GuilloryMegan KlimmekLinda LazaldeJessica LopezKelly Nefzger

322nd Training SquadronFlight 751

Zachary BerkDavid HartmanJacob HortonBrandon MarshDorian RodgersDaniel RoyFlight 752Zackery BranhamJames ChamberlainAndrew-Robert HostetterSebaztian KincadeCruz MedinaStephen Murray-Mielenz

331st Training SquadronFlight 753Robert LuedtkeUriah RainFlight 754Robert BlandJoshua BurnsAndrew ClesenStephen DavenportClinton KennedyJeffrey Mason

Alexander McClureCraig PattyStephen ScottCharles SimmermanJoshua StainbrookEdward Thompson

326th Training SquadronFlight 747James DreitzlerBrandon KoubratoffChristian ManningJohn OostingClint RamseyJae SolinaFlight 748Matthew RichardsTop BMT AirmanRobert Bergendahl, 320thTRS, Flight 746

Most Physically FitMale AirmenBrennan Negrete, 331st TRS,Flight 754

Alexander McClure, 331stTRS, Flight 754Female AirmenChristine Roper, 321st TRS,Flight 750Leah Powell, 320th TRS,Flight 756Male Flights331st TRS, Flight 754322nd TRS, Flight 752Female Flights321st TRS, Flight 750320th TRS, Flight 756

Top Academic Flights320th TRS, Flight 746326th TRS, Flight 748

A BRONZE STAR

Photo by Alan BoedekerCol. William H. Mott V, 37th Training Wing commander, presents Tech. Sgt.Bryan Calaman, 37th Civil Engineer Squadron, with a Bronze Star medal duringa recent commander's call. Sergeant Calaman earned the Bronze Star whileserv ing as the civ i l engineer ing NCOIC for the Nangarhar ProvincialReconstruction Team in Afghanistan from November 2008 to July 2009. Amonghis accomplishments, Sergeant Calaman executed 70 combat missionssupporting development in the province and performed combat life saver treat-ment for two Soldiers injured from a catastrophic improvised explosive device.

Airman earns Diamond Sharp

Airmen earn Wingman AwardsThe Team Lackland Wingman Award recognizes Airmen each month who

have gone above and beyond taking care of their fellow Airmen.Congratulations to October’s Wingman Award winners:

Staff Sgt. Arnold Castro, 320th Training SquadronStaff Sgt. Kenneth Dancer, 321st Training Squadron

Staff Sgt. Christopher Gordon, 321st Training Squadron

Congratulations to the followingrecipient of the Lackland FirstSergeants’ Diamond Sharp Awardfor October received in recognitionof her outstanding performance,appearance and dedication.

Airman 1st ClassJoanna Hsieh 543rd Support

Squadron


Eid Al-Adha is the Festival ofSacrifice, a major Islamic festivalthat takes place at the end of theHajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Also known as Eid al-Qurban oral-’Id al-Kabir, it marks the com-pletion of the hajj rites at Mina,Saudi Arabia, but is also observedby Muslims throughout the worldto commemorate the faith ofIbrahim, or Abraham.

Eid Al-Adha begins on the 10thof Dhu’l-Hijja, the last month ofthe Islamic Hijri calendar, andlasts four days.

It begins the day after Muslimson the Hajj descend from MountArafat.

In the Gregorian calendar, EidAl-Adha should fall on Nov. 26.

The festival commemoratesGod’s gift of a ram in place ofIsma’il, whom God had command-ed Ibrahim to sacrifice.

The devil tried to persuadeIbrahim to disobey God and notsacrifice his beloved son, butIbrahim stayed absolutely obedi-ent to God and drove the devilaway.

Eid al-Adha is a celebration ofthis supreme example of submis-sion to God, which is the corner-stone of the Islamic faith.

Eid Al-Adha begins with com-munal prayer on its first day.

Worshippers wear their finestclothes for the occasion.

It is also a time for visitingfriends and family and forexchanging gifts. The DefenseLanguage Institute EnglishLanguage Center Student Center,Bldg. 7452, will host the programsfor Eid Al-Adha on Nov. 26.

The communal prayer begins at9:30 a.m., followed by fellowshipuntil 11 a.m. All are welcome tojoin in the celebration.

For more information, contactChaplain (Capt.) Sharior Rahmanat 671-2941.

(Courtesy 37th Training WingChaplains Office)

A festival of sacrifice Airmen. We have a hugeimpact across the AirForce and the Depart-ment of Defense.”

Now in charge, whatwill be her footprint for2nd AF?

“Leadership is allabout making a differ-ence,” General Hertogsaid. “I want to make adifference by producingAirmen who are readyfor combat and ready totake on their job.

“It’s a wonderful feel-ing to see Airmen suc-ceed; it means that alongthe way, you’ve also suc-ceeded,” she added.

HERTOG from P1

Talkingon a cell

phone whiledriving on

base isprohibited.

Reminder!


By Linda Frost59th Medical Wing

Before a crowd of thousands,Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Tom Travis, wholeads the largest medical trainingfacility in the Air Force, paidtribute to the military medicalcorps on Veterans Day during apre-parade ceremony in Dallas.

The theme of the 12th annualDallas Veterans Day Parade was“Saluting the Military MedicalCorps” and included more than100 units from military andschool bands, Junior ReserveOfficers Training Corps, veteransand military organizations.

General Travis, commander,59th Medical Wing, was thekeynote military speaker andalso administered the oath ofoffice for more than 100 enlisteesin the Air Force, Army, Navy,Marines and Coast Guard duringa special enlistment ceremonyprior to the start of the parade.

In his remarks, General Travisnoted that joint military medicalteams operate closer to the frontlines than ever before and pro-vide warfighters advanced med-ical care within minutes.

“To keep the trust of thisnation’s sons and daughters whoserve in war, and their moms,dads, and loved ones at home, wemust provide the best possiblecare to those in harm’s way,” hecommented.

The general, who commands astaff of more than 5,600 medicalprofessionals, explained thatevery warrior on the battlefield istrained to provide aid immediate-ly, and then the Army medics andNavy corpsmen take over andmove the wounded to the for-ward surgical teams.

From that point, the woundedare moved to a combat supporthospital or Air Force theater hos-pital for possible further surgery.

General Travis, who is one of

the Air Force’s few pilot physi-cians, said that once the patientis stabilized, an Air Force CriticalCare Air Transport Team, whichprovides an intensive care unitcapability in the air, moves thepatient to the States.

“It is an amazing system,where a Soldier, Sailor, Airman,or Marine who is wounded, afterperhaps multiple surgeries alongthe way, wakes up for the firsttime in the U.S. in as little asthree days with mom and dad orspouse at the bedside so thehealing can truly begin,” heexplained.

The system is working welland has set a new standard ofcare during wartime.

General Travis pointed outthat since 2004, more than27,000 surgeries have been per-formed in theater hospitals atJoint Base Balad, Iraq, and

Military medical team sets new standard of care

Courtesy Photo Maj. Gen. Tom Travis, commander, 59th Medical Wing,speaks at the 12th Annual Dallas Veterans Day ParadeNov. 11. The theme of this year’s event was “Salutingthe Military Medical Corps.” General Travis also admin-istered the oath for more than 100 new enlistees in thearmed forces in a pre-parade ceremomy. See CARE P9


Bagram, Afghanistan.“We have the lowest

died-of-wounds rate inhistory, and the highestsurvival rate in historyonce you reach the firstlevel of care, around 98percent. And we havemoved more than 66,000patients out of theaterduring this long war,more than 12,000 ofthose wounded in battle.”

“I am proud of ourmilitary medics, the thou-sands of men and womenwho have deployed dur-ing this war, and all pre-vious wars, to providethat care and fulfill thatsacred promise,” he said.

The parade’s grandmarshal was Lt. Col. (Dr.)Jerrold Grodin, ArmyReserve Medical Corps.Colonel Grodin joined theArmy Reserve after 9-11at the age of 52. Heserved several tours in

Iraq and some of themedical care he providedwas under direct enemyfire wearing full battledress.

Other special guestsincluded Ross Perot,chairman emeritus, PerotSystems, and severalcongressmen and staterepresentatives fromTexas.

A wreath-laying cere-mony, playing of taps andfly-over were also part ofthe patriotic ceremonypreceding the parade.

“We salute the medicalprofessionals of all of theservices, the doctors,nurses, medics, corps-men, technicians, hospi-tal staffs, and all of theothers who treat andcare for our woundedwarriors, until they areable to be returned totheir loved ones,” saidretired Army Lt. Col. DonMunson, parade chair-man.

Courtesy Photo During a special Veterans Day ceremony in Dallas Nov. 11, more than 100 individuals were sworn-in as thenewest enlistees in the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force. Maj. Gen. Tom Travis, commander, 59th MedicalWing, administered the oath prior to the start of the Dallas Veterans Day Parade.

CARE from P8


RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE (AFNS) – Air ForcePersonnel Center officials have announced the openseason for three civilian benefit programs lastingNov. 9 through Dec. 14.

The three programs are the Federal EmployeesHealth Benefits program, or FEHB; the FederalEmployees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, orFEDVIP; and the Federal Flexible SpendingAccount, or FSAFED, program.

Federal Employees Health BenefitsIn the FEHB program, premiums for 2010 will

rise an average of 8.8 percent. There are severalplans from which to choose for 2010, including highdeductible and consumer-driven health plans.

Officials recommend employees review andupdate their health plans during the open season.

“Open season is the best time for employees toreview their health care coverage; not only to makedesired changes, but to ensure their plan has notbeen altered or discontinued,” said Fran Campbellof the Benefits and Entitlements Service Team at theAir Force Personnel Center. “Employees should alsoreview plan premiums for 2010 since some will seeincreases of up to 90 percent in the cost of theirpremiums.”

FEHB premium costs, open season comparisonguides, and individual plan brochures for 2010 areavailable for view on the U.S. Office of PersonnelManagement Web page at www.opm.gov/insure/health/planinfo/index.asp.

Air Force-serviced civilian employees can maketheir FEHB open season enrollments or changes byone of two methods: Employee Benefits InformationSystem (EBIS) or BEST phone system.

EBIS, a secure Web application, is located behindthe Air Force Portal and the AFPC secure Web site.An advantage of making an election via EBIS is that

employees can print a copy of Standard Form 2809,the Health Benefits Election Form, as soon as theycomplete the election.

Employees in the United States who wish to usethe BEST automated phone system can call (800)525-0102, press 2 for civilian employees, then 2 forBEST benefits and entitlements, and follow theprompts. Employees in foreign areas should firstdial the AT&T toll-free direct access number for thecountry they are in, then (800) 525-0102. Directaccess numbers can be found at www.usa.att.com/traveler/index.jsp. Hearing impaired employeesmay call the TDD line at (800) 382-0893, or com-mercial at (210) 565-2276 within San Antonio.Benefits counselors are available Sunday from 3p.m. to 11 p.m.; Monday through Thursday from 7a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.,Central Time.

Federal Employee Dental andVision Insurance Program

FEDVIP provides supplemental dental and visioninsurance coverage. FEDVIP is group coverage onan enrollee pay all basis. Seven plans offer dentalbenefits, and three plans offer vision benefits,including regional, national and international cover-age. The three enrollment categories available areself only, self plus one, and self and family. Coverageand benefits vary, but they generally include pre-ventive-care services, oral and eye exams, ortho-dontia, and a variety of eye- and oral-care productsand procedures.

“It’s important to understand that FEDVIP andFEHB are entirely separate programs,” Ms.Campbell said. “Federal employees eligible to enrollin the FEHB program may enroll in FEDVIP, even ifthey have not enrolled in FEHB. Eligibility is thekey.”

FEDVIP enrollment automatically continues fromyear to year like FEHB enrollment. FEDVIP enroll-ment also continues when enrolled employeesretire. There is no five-year rule and employeescannot cancel FEDVIP coverage just because theyretire, said Ms. Campbell.

Federal employees who wish to enroll, changeplans or cancel their enrollment in the FEDVIP pro-gram during this open season must do so by visitingthe BENEFEDS Web site at www.benefeds.com/ orcalling BENEFEDS toll-free at (877) 888-3337 orTTY (877) 889-5680.

BENEFEDS will end open season enrollmentfunctions at 11 p.m. CST on Dec. 14.

The enrollment process involves two parts. First,enrollees must create a BENEFEDS.com account byproviding demographic and employment informa-tion. When this one-time step is complete, eligibleemployees can compare plans and enroll.

The effective date of FEDVIP coverage for the2010 plan year is Jan. 1, 2010. Premium deductionswill begin for Air Force-serviced employees with thepay period beginning Jan. 3, 2010, and will bereflected in their Leave and Earnings Statement forthat pay period.

Premiums will be deducted on a pre-tax (premi-um conversion) basis for employees. Enrollees paythe full premium for dental and vision coverage,with no government contribution.

FEDVIP premium costs and individual planbrochures for 2010 are available on the OPM OpenSeason Web page at www.opm.gov/insure/openseason/.

Federal Flexible Spending AccountDuring this open season, eligible employees may

Open season set for 3 civilian benefit programs

See PROGRAMS P11


enroll in the FSAFEDS program for calendar year2010. The three types of FSA accounts are theHealth Care FSA, the Limited Expense (or LEX)Health Care FSA, and the Dependent Care FSA. TheFSAFEDS program allows federal employees to setaside pre-tax money for a wide range of medicaland dependent care expenses should an employeeincur eligible expenses and require reimbursement.

Employees who are eligible to enroll in the FEHBprogram may participate in the FSAFEDS program,even if they are not currently enrolled. Employeeswho enroll in one of the high deductible healthplans and are eligible for a health savings accountmay not have a regular Health Care FSA account,

but they may enroll in the LEX Health Care FSA.All employees with qualified dependents may

enroll in a Dependent Care FSA, except temporaryemployees with no fixed work schedule whose tourof duty is six months or less.

There are no benefit changes in FSAFEDS for2010. The maximum annual election is $5,000 forthe Health Care FSA and for the LEX Health CareFSA. The Dependent Care FSA annual maximum is$5,000 per household or $2,500 if married and fil-ing separate tax returns. The minimum annualamount for each type of FSA account is $250.

The FSAFEDS program also has a 2.5-monthgrace period. If the 2010 account is not exhaustedby Dec. 31, 2010, eligible expenses incurred Jan. 1through March 15, 2011, will be applied to the

remaining 2010 balance.Enrollments are made via the FSAFEDS Web site

at www.fsafeds.com/fsafeds/index.asp or by callingtoll free (877) 372-3337 or TTY (800) 952-0450.

Enrollment does not carry over automaticallyfrom year to year. Employees must submit a newenrollment for each year they wish to participate.

Detailed information on the FSA program isavailable on the FSAFEDS Web site, including anonline calculator that will help estimate the FSAcontribution and potential annual tax savings.

For more information on any of these programsor other civilian employee benefits and entitle-ments, visit AFPC’s “Ask” Web site and click on thecivilian tab, then select Benefits & Entitlementsfrom the dropdown list.

PROGRAMS from P10

Stay up-to-date during special events and rough skies.Call 671-NEWS


SERVICE DATES HOURS

Lackland Main Shuttle Bus Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving Day) No Service

Lackland Main Shuttle Bus Nov. 27 - 29 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Training Annex Shuttle Bus Nov. (26 Thanksgiving Day) noon - 8 p.m.

Training Annex Shuttle Bus Nov. 27 - 29 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Lackland Main Shuttle Bus Dec. 21 - 23 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.*

Lackland Main Shuttle Bus Dec. 24 noon - 8 p.m.

Lackland Main Shuttle Bus Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) No Service

Lackland Main Shuttle Bus Dec. 26 - 30 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.*

Lackland Main Shuttle Bus Dec. 31 - Jan. 1 (New Year’s Eve/Day) No Service

Lackland Main Shuttle Bus Jan. 2 - 3 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Lackland Main Shuttle Bus Jan. 4 Resume Normal Service

Training Annex Shuttle Bus Dec. 21 - Jan. 1 No Service

Training Annex Shuttle Bus Jan. 2 - 3 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Training Annex Shuttle Bus Jan. 4 Resume Normal Service

Holiday Bus Schedule

Be Responsible! Seat Belts Save Lives!Buckle Up And Wear Yours!

*2 buses 30 minutes apart. **Military Taxi service is available for duty passengers when shuttle buses are not running.


NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE

Photos by Alan BoedekerKeetoowah Indian Dancers perform during the Defense Language Institute English Language Center Native American Heritage program Monday. Along with the dancers,the program included a traditional blessing ceremony and a guest speaker. The event was among several celebrating Native American Heritage Month by recognizing thecontributions of Native Americans to American history and military culture.


coming months, it has potentialfor a large payoff.

“It will help recruitment,” saidCaptain Knight, a former militarytraining instructor in the 323rdTRS. “Once recruits start seeingthe Air Force has modernized notonly the aircraft but our basesand faci l i t ies as well , i t wil lenhance the recruiting process.”

Lt. Col. Matthew Whiat, 323rdTRS commander, echoed CaptainKnight’s comments.

“You’re going to see the newATCs from a long distance,” saidColonel Whiat. “They will bringattention and with that, it willgive us a great opportunity toshowcase BMT and the dedica-tion of the MTI corps.

“Visitors will come to see anew facility and they will leaveimpressed with the people.”

The 323rd TRS, housed in theoldest RH and T, will occupy thefirst dormitory. The scheduledcompletion date for that facilityis winter 2011.

While the new campus willhave amenities helpful to leader-ship and trainees, it is the MTIcorps that will continue to shapepresent and future Airmen, notthe facilities.

“At some point there’s a costbenefit analysis that says wecan’t keep repairing these facili-ties indefinitely,” he said. “Butregardless of what buildingswe’re in, the Airmen we producewill still have the same qualitiesand core values.”

GROUND from P2PROTECT THE NETWORK

The following removable flash mediaare unauthorized on all

DoD information systems:

• Memory sticks

• Thumb drives

• Camera flash memory cards


Dental technician Staff Sgt. Dinah Laduke, NCO-in-charge, Maxi l lofacialProsthodontics Element, 59th Dental Training Squadron, prepares plaster for makingmolds of Marine Sgt. Wade Knight’s ears at MacKown Dental Clinic. Sergeant Knight’sears were used as models to make fellow Marine and wounded warrior Capt. RyanVoltin a set of prosthetic ears. Both Captain Voltin and Sergeant Knight were injuredin Iraq and met at the Warrior Transition Program, Brooke Army Medical Center.

Army Maj. (Dr.) Thomas Gunnell, oral maxillofacial prosthodontics fellow (left), measures theposition of Marine Sgt. Wade Knight’s ears with the help of dental technician Staff Sgt.Dinah Laduke, NCO-in-charge of the Maxillofacial Prosthodontics Element at MacKownDental Clinic. Sergeant Knight had molds made of ears as part of a procedure to makeprosthodontic ears for fellow wounded warrior Marine Capt. Ryan Voltin. Major Gunnell andSergeant Laduke are assigned to the 59th Dental Training Squadron.

Dental technician has unique missionStory and photos by Master Sgt. Kimberly Yearyean-Siers59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

The job of a dental assistant, at firstglance, seems pretty cut-and-dry.Looking deeper, there is more going onthan just cleaning teeth and suckingspit. One of the opportunities availablein this career field is working withpatients who need facial prosthetics.

The 59th Medical Wing’s Maxillofa-cial Prosthetics Department is one ofthe few places in the Air Force that adental technician can get this experi-ence. The position is currently filled byStaff Sgt. Dinah LaDuke.

“We see patients, both young andold, who have either been hurt in thewar or have gone through the battlewith cancer,” said Sergeant LaDuke,NCO-in-charge, Maxillofacial Prostho-dontics Element. “Many of the wound-ed warriors we see have suffered burninjuries to their ears or nose and aregoing through extensive reconstructiverehabilitation.”

Sergeant LaDuke’s departmentmakes prosthetic body parts, such aseyes, ears and noses, to treat thesepatients to restore both their physicaland psychological well being.

Patients are referred to the depart-ment from various areas that includeplastic surgery; ear, nose and throat;radiology/oncology; and ophthalmolo-gy.

“I do a lot of administrative workand coordinating with patients fromdifferent facilities,” said SergeantLaDuke. “I also explain to the patientwhat we are going to do to help themfeel comfortable with the procedure.”

Yet, according to those who workwith her, she does much more. She isresponsible for assisting the doctors inthe procedures and preparing materi-als they use. Sergeant LaDuke, whohas been doing the job for three years,also provides continuity since a newdentist is chosen for the fellowshipeach year.

“The dental technician is an inte-gral part of the team, especially for thefellow,” said Army Maj. (Dr.) ThomasGunnell, oral maxillofacial prosthodon-tics fellow. “Sergeant LaDuke is a greatasset, as she has extensive knowledgeand displays compassion for everypatient.”

Sergeant LaDuke has 13 yearsexperience as a dental technician andcredits this for her success.

“What helped me was obtainingknowledge and experience in prostho-dontics and learning compassion byworking with a wide range of people,”said Sergeant LaDuke. “I get a greatfeeling of satisfaction helping restore aperson’s appearance to what it wasbefore, and working with and gettingto know the wounded warriors. Theirstories are truly amazing .”


By Patrick DesmondStaff Writer

When the soft-spoken vice president of theNCO Association speaks, people listen.

But Master Sgt. Larry James Jr., 345thTraining Squadron, would rather let hisactions do the talking for him, a form of com-munication this member of senior leadershipsees as the best motivator.

“That’s what the younger Airmen are look-ing for,” he said. “They are looking for lead-ership. It sets the example if this senior NCOis getting up early in the morning, cookingand transporting food. It’s about leaving alegacy; they’ll take over because they sawyou do it.”

Since joining Team Lackland fromRandolph in February 2008, Sergeant Jameshas worked to increase interest in the associ-ation. He remembers walking into NCOAmeetings with only four members in atten-dance; the association’s ranks now number20 members.

He doesn’t attribute the increased involve-

ment to his actions alone. He believes all ittakes is a little initiative, because the desireto help others is out there as long as some-one is willing to organize the effort.

Like many private base organizations,such as the Air Force Sergeants and the FirstSergeants Association, the NCOA gives uptime and resources to help out Airmen inneed.

Taking philanthropy a step further, theNCOA also organizes events targeting thesurrounding San Antonio community andNCOs in other branches of service.

In an effort to honor and give back onVeterans Day, the association organized abarbeque for close to 200 vets from theFrank Tejeda Texas State Veterans Home inFloresville.

Cooking barbeque chicken in the smallTexas town of roughly 7,500 citizens, NCOshad a chance to provide an event for peoplethat might not have the resources to do so.

“In (San Antonio) all the veterans get a lot

SCHOOL OF ROCK

Photos by Senior Airman Steele BrittonTech. Sgt. Steve Wilson, U.S. Air Forces Central Sirocco Band guitarist, and Airman 1st ClassClayton Lee, U.S. AFCENT Sirocco Band vocalist, perform at the Abdraev Boarding School ofMusic in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Nov. 12. The Sirocco Band performs a wide variety of musicranging from modern rock, oldies, and pop. The band members are stationed at a base inSouthwest Asia and are deployed from Lackland.

Airman 1st ClassClayton Lee,U.S. Air ForcesCentral SiroccoBand vocalist,gets up closeand personalwith the audi-ence during ashow at the Ab-draev BoardingSchool of Musicin Bishkek, Kyr-gyzstan, Nov.12. u

NCOA promotes opportunities to give back

Courtesy PhotoResidents of the Frank M. Tejeda Texas State Veterans Home in Floresvilleare honored during a Veterans Day ceremony at Floresville IndependentSchool District's Eschenburg Field. Members of Lackland's NCO Associationvisited the veterans on Veterans Day, providing a barbecue lunch at theveterans’ home for the residents, their families, and guests.See GIVE P18


of support because they’re right here ina military city,” Sergeant James said.“In Floresville, I don’t want to saythey’re neglected, but they don’t get asmuch attention as those in SanAntonio.”

Sergeant James and his wife alsoremain active by helping with ChurchUnder the Bridge, a program gearedtoward San Antonio’s homeless onSaturdays, and attending the ChristianFamily Baptist Church. It is a back-ground that parallels membership inthe NCOA and the organization’s takeon the golden rule of generalized reci-procity.

“That’s the Christian way,” SergeantJames said. “If you are not helpingyour fellow man out, you are not doingthe right thing. Also, that drives right

into being a senior NCO. It’s yourresponsibility to take care of Airmen.”

More than doing what is consideredmorally right, the sergeant said it’s ajoy helping others and making newfriends.

Whether making donations toOperation Wal-Mart or base eventssuch as the First Term Airmen Center’stop Airman award, the NCOA continuesto lend a helping hand to those in need.

The NCOA has also adopted MilitaryDrive from Highway 90 to Five PalmsDrive, and organizes a quarterly trashpick-up.

Sergeant James is still surprised bythe amount of volunteer requests afterevery mass e-mail invite.

“People are just looking for theopportunity,” he said, “but somebodyhas to step up and put that opportunitytogether.”

GIVE from P17Chapel holiday services

Permanent Party ServicesAll events held at Freedom Chapel unless otherwise noted.

For more details, call 671-4208

Base Christmas Tree LightingDec. 1, 5:45 p.m. (Gateway Club lawn)

Christmas and AdventDec. 8, 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., Immaculate Conception Mass

Dec. 18, 7 p.m., Protestant Children’s Christmas Play

Christmas Eve5 p.m., Children’s Mass

6 p.m., Orthodox Service (Airmen Memorial Chapel)7 p.m., Protestant Candlelight Christmas Service9 p.m., Catholic Christmas Lessons and Carols

9:30 p.m., Christmas Eve Mass

Christmas Day9 a.m., Christmas Day Mass

Hanukkah(All services at Airmen Memorial Chapel)

Dec. 11, 6 p.m., Menorah Lighting and MealDec. 12, 9 a.m., Hanukkah Service

Dec. 18, 6 p.m., Menorah Lighting and Meal

IslamicNov. 26, 9:30 a.m., Eid-al-Adha (DLI Student Center)

New Year’s Eve5:30 p.m., Vigil Mass Mary Mother of God

10:30 p.m., Protestant Watch-night Service and Meal


The holiday season is here. Formost of us, that means family gather-ings, shopping, hurrying about, andbest of all, delicious food.

The last thing anyone wants thisholiday season is a an illness. Rawfoods of animal origin carry bacteria;Thanksgiving turkeys are no excep-tion. Salmonella or Campylobactercan be found on or in your turkey andcould potentially cause a foodborneillness.

Here are some simple, but impor-tant tips on handling and preparingfoods during the upcoming holidayseason in order to keep you and yourfamily healthy.

CleaningWash hands and food-contact sur-

faces often with soap and water.Bacteria can spread throughout thekitchen and get onto cutting boards,knives, sponges, and counter tops.Sponges and dishtowels can harborbacteria as well and should bereplaced or washed frequently to pre-

vent germs from spreadingaround the kitchen.

SeparatingDon’t let bacteria

spread from one foodproduct to another.This is especially truefor raw meat, poultryand seafood. Expertsadvise that raw dishessuch as salads, fruit trays,deviled eggs, etc., be preparedbefore the meat is brought out ontothe counter to cook in order to reducethe risk of inadvertently contaminat-ing these ready-to-eat foods and/orcounters and utensils with raw meatjuices. If raw meat is brought outprior to preparing other dishes,ensure thorough cleaning with soapand water and sanitizing with chlo-rine solution before preparing otherdishes.

ThawingThawing the turkey completely

before cooking is importantand necessary to reduce

the risk of foodborne ill-ness. If a turkey is notproperly thawed, theoutside of the turkeywill appear donebefore the inside isready and harmful

bacteria will remain.Thawing turkey is best

done by placing the frozenturkey on the bottom shelf of

your refrigerator which should be setat 40 degrees or less. The bottomshelf of the refrigerator is idealbecause it will reduce the risk of rawturkey juices dripping on or touchingother foods. The time needed to thawa turkey depends on the size of theturkey and generally requires 24hours for every 5 pounds:

Refrigerator Thawing TimesWhole turkey:4 to 12 pounds … 1 to 3 days 12 to 16 pounds … 3 to 4 days

16 to 20 pounds … 4 to 5 days20 to 24 pounds … 5 to 6 days

Thawed turkey can remain in therefrigerator for 1-2 days before cook-ing. If your turkey is not completelythawed when you remove it from therefrigerator, place the turkey in thesink with cold running water, until itis completely thawed. Never thaw aturkey at room temperature, as thispromotes the growth of bacteria,including some that produce heat sta-ble toxins that remain even aftercooking.

Staying cleanSince most bacteria are found on

the surfaces of foods, all items theturkey comes in contact with need tobe first washed with soap and waterand then sanitized with 2 teaspoonschlorine bleach to 1 gallon water. Thissolution can be used to sanitize uten-sils and cutting boards. Allow the

Keep holiday meals safe for your family

See MEALS P21


solution to air dry and wipe off any remaining residue.

CookingCook your turkey thoroughly in order to kill bacteria. Cook

according to the cooking directions (time/temperature) on themanufacturer’s package; however, be sure to check the tem-perature of the meat using a cooking thermometer by insert-ing it at the inner thigh near the breast to ensure it reaches180 degrees. If the turkey is stuffed, ensure the stuffingreaches 165 degrees.

ChillingOnce the meal is over, remove any remaining meat from

the bone that you will be served later as leftovers, and refrig-erate promptly so as to allow even and rapid cooling. Do notleave the turkey out at room temperature for sandwicheslater on that day. Leaving the meat out at room temperaturecan allow bacteria to grow and result in illness.

Key points to remember:• wash hands and surfaces thoroughly and often;• keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold;• do not cross contaminate raw foods with ready-to-eat

foods;• thaw your turkey as safely as possible;• cook your turkey thoroughly.

Please contact Public Health at 671-9621/9622/9625/9626for questions about preparing a holiday meal safely. We wishyou a very safe and healthy holiday season.

(Courtesy of Public Health food sanitation office)

MEALS from P20 WHAT’S FOR LUNCH?

Photo by Alan Boedeker Col. William H. Mott V, 37th Training Wing commander, talks with professional staff members fromthe House Armed Services Committee and the House Appropriations Committee on Defense duringthe lunch portion of their Lackland visit Nov. 12. The visit gave the staffers an opportunity to learnmore about the Air Force and its role in overseas contingency missions.


By Maj. Belinda PetersenAir Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE –The Air Force Services Agency haslaunched a new Web site to helpAirmen stay connected, informedand engaged in programs as partof the Year of the Air Force Family.

“The theme of our campaign is‘The Air Force is a great place tolive, work and play.’ Our focus is tomake it even better for our AirForce family. The Web site high-lights the core Year of the AirForce Family programs and activi-ties,” said Col. Sandra Adams,commander of Air Force ServicesAgency.

Eligible Airmen, families, andfriends can log on to www.myair-forcelife.com to participate in anumber of competitions and wininstant prizes like iPod Nanos,iTunes cards, AAFES theater pass-es and more when they register onthe Web site.

“Each base has a page on theWeb site dedicated to promotingtheir local YoAFF programs, spe-cial events and offerings,” saidCarol Sudy, Air Force ServicesAgency marketing specialist.

To visit Lackland’s page, selectLackland from the My Base tab.

Earlier this year, Air Force Chiefof Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz andSecretary of the Air Force Michael

Donley designated July 2009 toJuly 2010 as the Year of the AirForce Family, a year-long focus onAir Force programs highlightingthe importance of, and commit-ment to, the entire Air Force fami-ly: all Airmen, married and single;spouses; children; Air Force civil-ians; extended families; andretirees.

The Air Force supports Airmenand their families through a widerange of programs, facilities andmorale-enhancing activities tomaintain their quality of l ife,health, and well-being.

This Web site is one way toachieve this and reach out to theAir Force family.

Air Force Services Agency launches MyAirForceLife.com

Courtesy GraphicThe new Air Force Services Agency Web site,www.myairforcelife.com, keeps Airmen connected,informed and engaged.

Love your job in the Air Force?Want to share your personal

experiences in the military withothers? The Lackland Speakers’

Bureau wants YOU! Call 671-5066or 671-2907 for more details.


By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (AFNS) – PresidentObama recently signed an executiveorder aimed at hiring more veterans towork in the federal government.

A government-wide Council onVeterans Employment will be chairedby Labor Secretary Hilda Solis andVeterans Affairs Secretary EricShinseki.

The order calls on each federalagency to establish a veterans employ-ment program office designed to helpveterans get through the maze ofpaperwork as they apply for positionsin the federal work force and man-dates that agencies train personnelspecialists on veteran employmentpolicies.

It calls on agencies to work with theDefense Department and VA to developand apply technologies designed tohelp disabled veterans.

A smaller steering committee thatincludes the Defense, VA and labor

secretaries and the director of theOffice of Personnel Management alsowas created by the order. The smallercommittee will focus on the kinds ofemployment opportunities available toveterans and the assistance that theyneed to transition from the military tofederal civilian jobs.

Marilee Fitzgerald, the actingdeputy Undersecretary of Defense forcivilian personnel policy, said the exec-utive order is intended to promote andshowcase opportunities for veterans.

“The idea is to generate attention tothe skills and capabilities that our menand women in the military possessacross the federal government,” shesaid.

DoD has 750 career fields andemploys about 350,000 veterans.

“We’re very fortunate in theDefense Department to understandhow good our veterans are and howthey train, what they do, and otherfederal agencies don’t,” Ms. Fitzgeraldsaid. “The idea is to ensure we canleverage and coordinate our efforts

across the federal entity to ensure theybecome as acquainted with our veter-ans as the Department of Defense.”

The directors of the Office ofPersonnel Management and the Officeof Management and Budget haveplaced special emphasis on improvingthe hiring process governmentwide,Ms. Fitzgerald said, and the veteransinitiative will benefit from that. Thefederal hiring process will be stream-lined to make it easier for people toapply for federal jobs.

Noel Koch, the deputy Undersecre-tary of Defense for wounded warriorcare and transition policy, said theexecutive order will make it easier fordisabled veterans to gain federalemployment. Medical advances havechanged just what a disability is in theUnited States today.

“We have double amputees jumpingout of airplanes, and they still are ableto serve in the military,” Mr. Koch said.“We have a different idea about whatis fit to fight than we used to have.”

The problems come with traumatic

brain injuries and post-traumaticstress disorder.

“There is still a stigma associatedwith that, no matter what we try to doto erase that,” he said. “They don’twant this on their record. Many of ourpeople want to go into law enforce-ment, for example. If you’ve got this onyour record, there is a prejudiceagainst people who have this disorderfrom carrying weapons. These are justsome of the obstacles these peopleface.”

The president’s order will go a longway toward solving many of theseproblems, Mr. Koch said, noting thatthe DoD and the VA hire many veter-ans.

“Department of Homeland Securitycould and should (hire veterans),” hesaid. “Where the real issue comes iswith the domestic agencies –Department of Transportation, Healthand Human Services, Education and soon. There, the numbers (of veteranshired) are much lower, and we have tocorrect that.”

Executive order seeks more veterans in government


COMMUNITY

RECYCLING EVENT UNDERWAY

Team Lackland is participating inthe Air Force’s Live Green recycle pro-gram.

Used ink cartridges, batteries,eyeglasses, cell phones and watchesare being collected at the Arnold HallCommunity Center lobby. The driveends Wednesday.

For more information, call 671-2619.

THRIFT SHOP CLOSURE

The Lackland Thrift Shop will beclosed Monday through Wednesday.The shop will reopen for its normalhours Nov. 30.

The shop is open 9:30 a.m. tonoon on Mondays, 9:30 a.m. to 1p.m. for sales and 10 a.m. to noonfor consignments Tuesdays andWednesdays.

Call the Thrift Shop at 671-3608during non-business hours for theweekly list of items not being accept-ed.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ONLINE

The 2010-2011 General Arnoldeducation grant program applicationis available online at the Air ForceAid Society Web site

AFAS offers need-based grants of$2,000 to dependent children ofactive duty, Title 10 Reservists onextended active duty, Title 32 AGRperforming full time active duty,retirees, retired Reserve with 20 ormore years of qualifying service anddeceased Air Force members.

Also eligible are spouses of activeduty and Title 10 Reservists residingand attending school within thelower 48 states, and survivingspouses of Air Force members whodied while on active duty or in retiredstatus.

All eligible students must enrollas full time undergraduates in col-leges, universities, vocational ortrade schools whose accreditation isapproved by the Department ofEducation.

For more information or to down-load the application, visitwww.afas.org.

TESTING CENTER CLOSURES

The National Testing Center,located in Bldg. 5725, will be closedduring the following time frames:Tuesday through Friday and Dec. 21-Jan. 4.

Contact Lackland EducationServices at 671-2895 or 671-2896for more information.

LRS FLIGHT NOTICES

The 37th Logistics ReadinessSquadron’s Deployment andDistribution Flight will be closedWednesday from 11 a.m. through theend of the duty day for an officialsquadron function.

In the event of an emergency dur-ing these time frames, the followingcan be contacted: air terminal, 288-2874; cargo, 854-4832; commercialtravel office, 866-580-1420; passen-

ger travel, 215-0588; and vehicleoperations, 671-3317 or 671-3318.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

The Lackland Officers’ SpousesClub scholarship applications for fall2010 are available at the GatewayClub cashiers’ cage, the thrift shop,and on the LOSC Web site atwww.lacklandosc.org under informa-tion and forms.

The submission deadline isMarch 1, 2010.

For more information, refer to theOSC Web site or call Darla Gerner,scholarship chairman, at 888-5063.

LRS CUSTOMER SERVICE

The 37th Logistics ReadinessSquadron customer service is thepoint of contact for all supply relatedquestions, concerns and complaints.

LRS customer service also man-ages the zero overpricing program,and defense reutilization and mar-keting office transaction assistance.

To contact LRS customer service,call 671-2575, 671-3801 or 671-3802.

ROSETTA STONE SOFTWARE

Rosetta Stone language instruc-tion programs are available forcheckout at the Lackland libraries.

Languages available are Farsi,Hebrew, Korean, Pashto, Russian,Spanish, Tagalog and Turkish.Checkouts are one program per fami-ly for 30 days with no renewals.


WOMEN’S HEALTH STUDY

Active-duty, non-medical militarywomen who deployed less than oneyear ago are asked to participate in aWilford Hall Medical Center studyabout managing their deploymenthealth.

For more information, e-mailStaff Sgt. Infinity Smith or Maj. GwenFoster.

LocalBRIEFS

ChristianCatholicMonday-Friday:WHMC ChapelMass, 11 a.m

Monday-Friday:Freedom ChapelMass, 11:30 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.WHMC 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.Later-Day Saints, 7:00 a.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 andThursday:Bible Study, 6 p.m.

Sunday:Medina ChapelContemporary Service, 9a.m.

WHMC 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 Chapel

Sabbath Eve Service,5:45 p.m.Religious Education, 4:30p.m.

WiccaWednesday(1st only):Freedom Chapel, Room8, San Antonio MilitaryOpen Circle,6:30 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


NOV. 20TEACHING SEMINAR

A Troops to Teachers coordinatorwill present a seminar Nov. 20, 1-4p.m., at the Airmen and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg. 1249.

The topic is “Teaching as aSecond Career” and is open to anyoneinterested in becoming a teacher.

To register for the seminar, callTerryca Fuller 671-3722.

NOV. 23PRAISE DANCE CLASS

Praise dance class meets Nov.23, 6 p.m., at Arnold Hall CommunityCenter. For details on the free class-es, call 671-2619.

NOV. 24KEY SPOUSE PROGRAM

Training for the Key SpouseProgram is Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.,at the Airman and Family ReadinessCenter, Bldg. 1249.

The sessions are for spouses whohave volunteered and been appointedby unit leadership.

The Key Spouse Program is an AirForce readiness program supportingAirmen and their families during

deployments, separations and emer-gencies by enhancing and encourag-ing communication between unitsand families.

Spouses interested in the pro-gram should seek appointment bytheir sponsor’s unit commander andthen contact the center at 671-3722to register for a class.

NOV. 30MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS

Mothers of Preschoolers, orMOPS, meets for bible study and fel-lowship Nov. 30, 9:30 a.m., at theFreedom Chapel’s Fellowship Hall.Childcare for preschool-aged childrenwill be provided. For more informa-tion, call 671-4208.

PRAISE DANCE CLASS

Praise dance class meets Nov.30, 6 p.m., at Arnold Hall CommunityCenter.

For details on the free classes,call 671-2619.

DEC. 3HEARTS APART

The Hearts Apart meeting fordeployed families is Dec. 3, 6 p.m., in

Bldg. 1249. The meeting will focus onmaking the most of deployment andovercoming holiday stress. Limitedactivities for children will be offered.

Families preparing for deploy-ment are also encouraged to attend.


SWING DANCE LESSONS

Free swing dance lessons areDec. 3, 6-7 p.m., at Arnold HallCommunity Center. For more informa-

tion, call 671-2619.

DEC. 7HYPERTENSION EDUCATION CLASS

A hypertension education class isDec. 7, 12:30-3:30 p.m., at WilfordHall Medical Center.

The class is open to any patientor family member interested in learn-ing more about hypertension.

For more information or to regis-ter, call the Nephrology Clinic at 292-6868.

PRAISE DANCE CLASS

Praise dance class meets Dec. 7,6 p.m., at Arnold Hall CommunityCenter. For details on the free class-es, call 671-2619.

DEC. 10SWING DANCE LESSONS

Free swing dance lessons areDec. 10, 6-7 p.m., at Arnold HallCommunity Center. For more informa-tion, call 671-2619.

DEC. 11KEY SPOUSE PROGRAM

Training for the Key SpouseProgram is Dec. 11, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.,

at the Airman and Family ReadinessCenter, Bldg. 1249.

The sessions are for spouses whohave volunteered and been appointedby unit leadership.

The Key Spouse Program is an AirForce readiness program supportingAirmen and their families duringdeployments, separations and emer-gencies by enhancing and encourag-ing communication between unitsand families.

Spouses interested in the pro-gram should seek appointment bytheir sponsor’s unit commander andthen contact the center at 671-3722to register for a class.

DEC. 12CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY PAR-TEE

The Lackland children’s holidaypar-tee is Dec. 12, noon-3 p.m., atSkylark Community Center.

All military and Department ofDefense children are invited to attendfor games, crafts, prizes, food andmusic.

Santa Claus is also expected tomake an appearance.

For more information, contactMaster Sgt. Karen Cloyd via e-mail.

MONTHLY MEETINGSENLISTED SPOUSES CLUB

The Lackland Enlisted Spouses Club meets every third Tuesday of the month,6:30 p.m., at Arnold Hall Community Center. For more information, visit www.lack-landesc.org.

OFFICERS’ SPOUSES CLUB

The Lackland Officers’ Spouses Club meets every third Thursday of the month,11 a.m., at the Gateway Club. For more information, visit www.lacklandosc.org.

PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL

The Protestant Women of the Chapel meet every Tuesday, 10 a.m., in Rooms 5and 6 at the Freedom Chapel for bible study. Activities for children are offered. Formore information, call 671-4208.

MILITARY COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN

The Military Council of Catholic Women meet the first Friday of the month, 10a.m., at the Freedom Chapel. For more information, call 671-4208.

What’s Happening•Family Support Events Around Lackland

WWW.LACKLANDFSS.COM


SPORTS

Lackland2009-10Fun RunSchedule

• Dec. 9 at 3:30 p.m.,Christmas fun run

• Dec. 23 at 3:30 p.m.,37th TRW run

• Jan. 13 at 3:30 p.m.,37th TRW run

• Feb. 10 at 3:30 p.m.,Valentine fun run

• Feb. 17 at 3:30 p.m.,37th TRW run

• March 17 at 3:30p.m., 37th TRW run

• April 14 at 7 a.m., 37th TRW run

• May 12 at 7 a.m., 37th TRW run

• May 19 at 7 a.m., May fitness month run

• June 16 at 7 a.m.,37th TRW run

• July 14 at 7 a.m.,37th TRW run

• Aug. 11 at 7 a.m.,37th TRW run

• Sept. 11 at 6 a.m.,September 11 memorial formationrun

• Oct. 16 at 3:30 p.m.,Gateway HalfMarathon

Story and photo by Patrick DesmondSports Editor

A Warhawks first baseman recentlytook a trip into the desert and returnedwith some ice in hand.

Playing with the San AntonioBulldogs, Warhawks first baseman andcoach Davin Dukes helped the mixtureof local baseball players accomplishback-to-back over-35 National WorldSeries Championships Nov. 7 inPhoenix.

Dukes, a member of the winningover-35 team last year, earned his sec-ond World Series ring. This one ismade of white gold and fitted with twodiamonds to mark the team’s repeatedsuccess.

He also earned the division’s defen-sive MVP award for his .993 fielding atfirst base.

“There were only two people thatactually played every game and I wasone of them,” he said. “I ended upplaying first base the whole time.”

The national amateur baseball tour-nament started the first week inOctober and ran until Nov. 7, featuringcompetition from over 400 teams withsome coming from Canada, Mexico,Puerto Rico and the Samoan Islands.

“We got to play teams out of Seattle,L.A., Tucson, Alexander, Va., andHouston,” Dukes said. “It gives you thechance to see different ballplayers andplay on major league ball fields.”

The defensive MVP remembers thefirst tournament game in particular.

“I had three good saving plays,”Dukes said. “One was on a double playand another was thrown up the linewhere I had to catch it and tag the guy.It was a high throw and I caught and

swung back and hit him right on thetop of the head.”

On offense and as a Warhawk,Dukes is known for hitting doubles offthe fence, but not over it. In Arizona,he again found the distance three timesduring the final week, hitting the ballright underneath the 334-, 367- and355-foot signs posted along the homerun wall.

“People are always joking, ‘no mat-ter how far the fence is, you can hitit,’” he said. “If I had hit the ball 355feet on the 334-foot side, and 367 feeton the 355, I would have had two homeruns.”

The Bulldogs played all nine tourna-ment games at Goodyear Ballpark,spring training home to the ClevelandIndians and Cincinnati Reds.

Dukes and the Bulldogs dropped twoin round-robin play before winningclose contests in its final seven, includ-ing the 7-5 World Series championshipvictory over the Tucson Diamondbacks.

The team’s 17 players were madeup from two San Antonio Senior Men’sBaseball League teams in the over-25and over-35 divisions. FormerWarhawks pitcher David Zapata,catcher Charlie Zapata, pitcher KevinUllrich and second baseman MikeCruise were among the players to winrings.

With the addition of the WorldSeries tournament, Dukes’ baseballseason runs almost year-round fromFebruary until November; however,Dukes said the schedule is not toodemanding, as it allows time for base-ball, family and work.

Dukes said, “For me, maybe I’mused to it more than some of the otherplayers. It is not more demanding than

if we were doing three or four prac-tices and two or three games a week.You have time to recuperate.”

He’ll have to wait two months beforereceiving his new ring and anothermonth to rest before picking up a batto start the Warhawks’ SAMSBL sea-son in February.

Dukes is already looking foward to

the base team’s chances next year asmany role players are returning for theanother season.

In contrast to last year’s team com-posed mainly of rookies, shortstop WillLopez, third baseman Jimmy Clark,Ryan Odle, Alex Mann and pitcherLachland Galbraith are all returning.

Warhawks infielder dons WS ring

Warhawks first baseman Davin Dukes won defensive MVP honors en route to gaining hissecond over-35 National World Series Championship ring in Phoenix Nov. 7.


Brian Hansberry37th TRW/PA

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By Patrick DesmondSports Editor

The Stacey varsity girls and boys basketballteams suffered losses at the hands of non-districtfoe St. Mary’s Hall at home Tuesday night.

The girls lost 60-46 while the boys fell to theBarons, 68-60.

Coming into the season, both high school teamsexperienced the inevitable loss of senior playerssuch as District 30-A MVP David Clark and pointguard Stephanie Glatt, but they were also frequent-ed by roster losses with the transfer of GarrettWimsatt to J.P. Stevens High School, and KeishaHolmes to Southwest H.S.

Girls varsity coach Amber Greeness attributesthe slow start, 0-3 this season, to inexperience.

“I have two kids that played for me last year andthat’s it,” she said. “We lost our leading scorer andour other three starters to graduation.”

As the team dynamic changes, so does the possi-bility for growth.

“We are coming around, it’s just going to taketime,” Greeness said about the team puttingdesigned plays into action during game situations.“They need to learn how to deviate a little bit fromwhat they are told.”

Returning starter and shooting guard CordiaHaravatia has emerged as a player the team canlook to, said Greeness.

Justyn Lewis, who led the boys team against St.Mary’s Hall with 21 points, is also showing poten-tial, while varsity newcomer forward Dylan Motonfollowed with 11.

The outcome of the varsity boys’ season-opener

was dictated by ups and downs in momentum.After the loss of three key players from last year’s

Region IV championship squad, the reconstructedEagles team found some of its old confidence after aslow start.

Returning starting point guard Desmond Clark andslasher Justyn Lewis stepped, who steps into a start-ing role this year, lead the Eagles on two 11-2 scoringbursts in the second and third quarters. However, theBarons mounted a run of their own to maintain thelead.

Wingman Kurt Stuebs, with 10 points in the game,provided the Eagles with their first spark after fallingbehind 8-0 to start the game.

Four minutes in and without a basket to show forit, coach Mike Flores’ called a timeout and challengedhis team by voicing his disappointment. Theyresponded.

Freed up by low-post screens, Stuebs hit two longshots from the corner. Clark also found his rangebehind the center of the three-point arc to help theEagles end the first quarter on a 11-2 run, and aneventual 26-22 lead at the half.

Led by Lewis’ eight third quarter points, the Eagleswent on another 11-2 tear just three minutes into thesecond half to take the largest lead of the night at 13.

Another timeout, this time by the Barons, againproved to be a pivotal moment in the game. TheBarons overcame a 13-point deficit to regain the leadby employing a full-court press to create turnovers foreasy buckets.

Playing keep away with time running out, theBarons averted a late-game Eagles’ comeback by con-sistently hitting free throws at the line for the eight-point win.

Roster shakeup slows Stacey’s start

Photo by Robbin Cresswell Stacey guard Gerardo Salgado drives the lane against two St.Mary’s Hall defenders early in the season-opening loss.

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