friday, october 30, 2009 gateway to the air force - san...

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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 • w w w. l a c k l a n d . a f . m i l • V o l . 6 7 N o . 4 3

INSIDEAF Family Focus 2

Commentary 4

Recognition 6

News & Features

CAM Week 9

Czech NCOA grad 14

BEAST one year later 15

Gateway Half Marathon 23

View the Talespinner onlineat www.lackland.af.mil

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO!Photo by Alan Boedeker

More than 1,900 runners begin the Gateway Half Marathon Saturday at the basicmilitary training parade grounds. For more information on the race, see page 23.

San Antonio area familiescan share their warmth andhospitality with Airmen andtrainees at Lackland thisThanksgiving by giving them achance to enjoy a holiday mealin a family atmospherethrough OperationHomecooking.

In its 34th year, the pro-gram provides the opportunityfor families to share their tra-ditional Thanksgiving celebra-tions with Air Force basic mili-

tary trainees and technicalschool students.

Throughout the years, fami-lies have generously openedtheir homes to these youngmen and women, recognizingthat many of them are awayfrom home for the first time.

Last year, local residentshosted 4,295 Airmen forThanksgiving dinner.

Families within the SanAntonio metropolitan area mayinvite two Airmen for Thanks-

giving by calling 671-5453,671-5454 or 671-3701 onweekdays from 8 a.m. to 3p.m., beginning Monday.

Requests can also be madeonline via the base Web site athttp://www.lackland.af.mil/homecook beginning Sunday.Area and out-of-town relativeswho have trainees in basictraining may request them byname for Thanksgiving.

If visiting from out of town,the sponsors must provide the

name and phone number ofthe hotel or motel where theywill be staying.

Since trainees are not per-mitted to have personal trans-portation during training,hosts must pick them up at theBasic Military TrainingReception Center, Bldg. 7246,between 7 and 11 a.m.Thanksgiving Day.

All Airmen and basictrainees must be returned tothe base by 7 p.m.

Operation Homecooking set for signups

TALESPINNERPAGE 2 OCTOBER 30, 2009

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

Team Lackland kicks off AirForce Family Week Monday with anofficial visit from Col. SandraAdams, Air Force Services Agencycommander.

Air Force Family Week, Sundaythrough Saturday, recognizes andcelebrates the Air Force Familywhile providing education andawareness about base and commu-nity support programs.

The week is part of the Year ofthe Air Force Family, a year-longfocus on Air Force programs high-lighting the importance of, and com-mitment to, the entire Air Forcefamily – all Airmen, their families,Air Force civilians and retirees.Officials hope the YoAFF will helppeople reach their personal andprofessional goals, enhance missionaccomplishment and maintain awartime operations tempo.

“We will devote this year to iden-

tifying what we are doing right andwhat we need to do better to sup-port the entire Air Force family, andto rekindle the sense of communitythat has been our tradition for somany generations,” Air Force Chiefof Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said.

Lackland is one of only two AirEducation and Training Commandbases chosen for an installation visitby Air Force officials. Col. Adamswill address a series of target audi-ences participating in discussiongroups throughout the day.

The group discussions will focuson quality of life issues such ashealth and wellness; Airman andfamily support; education, develop-ment and employment; and Airmanand family housing.

“We’ve been looking at what wehave to offer, and all the good (serv-ices and programs) available to theentire Air Force family atLackland,” said Deb Willey, Airmanand Family Services Flight chief.“We’re (also) looking at some things

we could do a little bit better.”Ms. Willey said feedback from the

discussion groups will helpLackland’s YoAFF committee planfuture activities and events.

Information gathered will also beshared with other bases to fosterpartnerships on the initiative.

The discussion groups havealready been selected and includewing leadership, spouses, officers,military training instructors, specialneeds families, junior enlistedAirmen, Airmen with multipledeployments, and teens.

Each group will have 12 to 20participants.

“The discussion groups are goingto help us understand some of theconcerns,” Ms. Willey said, addingthat there may be some issuesAirmen would like to see handleddifferently.

“(The feedback) will help guideus in some areas of our planningfrom January through July 2010,”she said.

Lackland to focus on Air Force familyYoAFF November EventsH LIVE, WORK, PLAY H

• Wednesday, Youth Program open house, 3-6p.m., Youth Center.

• Thursday, Special Needs Fair, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.,Arnold Hall.

• Thursday, Adoption Class, 6-8 p.m., Airmanand Family Readiness Center.

• Nov. 10, Tops in Blue concert, 7 p.m.,Municipal Auditorium.

• Nov. 12, How to Start a Small Business semi-nar, 1-4 p.m., AFRC.

• Nov. 13, Native American Heritage Celebration,TBA,Youth Center.

• Nov. 18, Life in Balance-Relaxation and StressRelief seminar,TBA, AFRC.

• Nov. 20, Troops for Teachers, 1-4 p.m., AFRC.• Nov. 21, FitFactor Turkey Trot, 10 a.m.,

Lackland ISD track.• Nov. 26, Operation Homecooking.

TALESPINNEROCTOBER 30, 2009

FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL

Freedom Chapel permanent party hostsits annual fall harvest festival Saturday, 6-8p.m., inside the chapel for children of allages.

For more information, call 671-4208.

TRICK-OR-TREATING SCHEDULE

The annual Pumpkin Patrol is Saturdayfrom 6 to 8 p.m. at Airman Scott Village andFrank Tejeda Estates. The 37th SecurityForces Squadron will provide safe routes fortrick-or-treaters.

On Lackland’s Training Annex, parkingwill be available in the parking lot of theMedina Chapel, Bldg. 105, or the dormito-ries across the street from the chapel. OnLackland, parking will be available at thesatellite pharmacy by the base exchange orthe Freedom Chapel.

STUDENT BAGGAGE RELOCATION

The current student drop-off location inBldg. 5160 closes Sunday.

A new student baggage drop-off locationfor technical training students beginsSunday at Bldg. 5616, first floor.

Personal Property shipping office per-sonnel will be at the new location three daysa week to inventory and pack personal prop-erty. The drop-off is open Tuesdays,Thursdays and Fridays, 1-4 p.m.

For more information, call the PersonalProperty office at 671-2821.

ROAD CLOSURES

When construction begins on the newbasic military training east campus area inNovember, Carswell Avenue will eventuallybe the only north-south travel option on thatside of the base.

During the next four years of construc-tion, Gary, George, Barnes and WalkerAvenues between Connally and KirtlandStreets will be closed in various stages. Thefirst closures are expected to start Monday.

NewsBBRRIIEEFFSS

THE RIGHT SOLUTION

Photo by Senior Airman Christopher HubenthalSenior Airman John Marrs, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Support Squadron, prepares the master mix as part of the process todetect the H1N1 flu virus in biological samples at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, Oct. 19. The mission of the biological augmentationteam is to quickly identify biological warfare agents. Airman Marrs is deployed from Lackland's 59th Laboratory Squadron.


Trick-or-treaters will be out inforce Saturday night as neighborhoodchildren go door-to-door in search ofHalloween goodies.

Though there are ample opportuni-ties for fun, there are also dangerslurking in the dark. By communicatingimportant safety measures to childrenbefore hitting the streets, however,most risks can be avoided.

Tech. Sgt. Roshied White, 37thTraining Wing Safety Office NCO incharge, said a study by the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention, con-ducted from 1975-1996, showedsobering statistics.

“The number of deaths amongyoung pedestrians was four timeshigher on Halloween evening whencompared with the same time periodduring all other evenings of the year,”said Sergeant White.

He added that parents overestimatechildren’s street-crossing skills andunderestimate the need for supervi-sion.

“Potential hazards for childrenunder 12 are darkness, an oversizedcostume, limited or obstructed view bymasks, and trick-or-treaters beingfocused on a single objective, not theirsafety,” Sergeant White said.

The National Safety Council hasrecommended guidelines to keep chil-dren safe when trick-or-treating on

Halloween. They are:

Motorists• Watch for children in dark clothingat twilight and later in the evening.• Carefully enter and exit drivewaysand alleys.• Watch for children darting frombetween parked cars, and walking onthe roadways, medians and curbs.

Parents• Children under age 12 should besupervised by an adult or olderresponsible youth. • Discuss and plan which route yourtrick-or-treaters will take. Instruct

Safety tips to keep boys and ghouls safe this Halloween

See HALLOWEEN P7

See if your business sensecould earn you extra money.

Learn how tosubmit your

ideas bycalling

671-CASH


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.

By Gen. Stephen LorenzAir Education and Training Command commander

Just last week, while walking past thebase chapel, I witnessed a scene thatcaused me to pause and reflect. I turnedand watched as people, dressed in theirSunday best, flowed from the chapeldoors, smiling and casually chatting. Theyslowly split into two lines, creating a paththat led to a waiting limousine.

The crowd stood and waited, fuelingmy anticipation. Suddenly, a photographerburst from the doors, turned and captureda bride and groom as they ran outside.The crowd erupted with cheers. Thebride, white gown flowing as she ran,paused to hug a friend. The groom imme-diately tugged at her hand, pulling hertoward the waiting limousine. Withoutpause, they hopped in the limousine andthe crowd again cheered as they spedaway.

I couldn’t help but smile as I watchedthe newly married military couple starttheir new life together. It made me thinkabout our spouses and our military fami-lies. The Secretary of the Air Force andour Chief of Staff named this the “Year ofthe Air Force Family.” In doing so, theyhoped to bring more attention to the sac-rifices our families endure and the servicethey provide our nation. I couldn’t agreewith them more – our families, especiallyour spouses, are the foundation thatenable each of us to serve in the world’sgreatest Air Force.

I don’t think anyone would argue theimportance of having such a foundation.Our lives need balance and our spouseshelp provide that stability. I like to use theanalogy that such balance is similar to thespokes of a bicycle wheel. You see, a bicy-cle needs balanced spokes in order to pro-vide a smooth ride. Our lives are no differ-ent. I think of the spokes as the differentpriorities in our lives. If one of the spokes,like the relationship with your spouse, theneeds of your children or the responsibili-ties at work, gets slighted, the wheel nolonger rolls the way it should. It might

even get to the point where itstops rolling altogether.

We must balance each ofour life’s spokes very deliber-ately and carefully. When weare balancing shortfalls andmanaging a limited amount oftime, money and manpower,our spouses often are theones who get short-changed.We can’t afford to let thathappen and must alwaysmake time to tell our spouseshow much we appreciatethem.

When you’re tired fromthe challenges at work, take a deepbreath, walk in the door with a smile, andtap your energy reserve to make a differ-ence with the time that you have. It onlytakes a minute to let them know howmuch you care – a simple squeeze of thehand, rub on the shoulder or a phone callduring the day. Think about the thingsthat make you feel appreciated and loved.Do those things for them in return. Alwaysstrive to give more than you receive.

This isn’t an easy thing to do.Maintaining the friendship, trust andenergy in a relationship is a full-time job.It’s up to you to make it a fun job – forboth you and your spouse. In a recentarticle I talked about the danger of com-placency in our professional lives. Thesame goes for our personal lives too.

Many people confuse complacency withcomfort. Although comfort can help buildstability in a relationship, complacencycan cause a relationship to drift apart.Never, ever take your spouse for granted.

Our spouses make significant sacrificeseach and every day. There are countless

stories of spouses who goabove and beyond – stories ofmen and women who volun-teer in the local communityand pursue their own success-ful careers despite long daysand deployments by their mili-tary spouses.

There are even more untoldstories about spouses who qui-etly make a difference everyday. The story of the wife who,after a long swing shift,returned home to wake herfamily, cook everyone break-fast and send them all out the

door before collapsing herself; the story ofthe husband who stayed up all night tak-ing care of sick children so that his wifecould go to work rested and ready. Resistthe temptation to become accustomed tosuch acts of sacrifice and kindness.

These tremendous examples are ofteninterrupted by the other stories. We’ve alldone boneheaded things – forgottenimportant occasions, not paid enoughattention to our spouse’s concerns, triedto solve their challenges for them (insteadof just listening sympathetically). Workhard to avoid these thoughtless acts in thefirst place. Be critical of yourself and thethings you do. Your standard of excellenceat work should be no different when athome.

Lastly, when you feel your spouse hasneglected you in some manner, it is best toforgive without pretense. Put past grudgesaside so that you can move forwardtogether. After all, forgiveness is what youhope for after apologizing for those bone-

Lorenz on Leadership

Cherish your spouse

Gen. Stephen Lorenz

“Maintaining the friendship, trust and energy in a rela-tionship is a full-time job. It’s up to you to make it a funjob – for both you and your spouse.”

Gen. Stephen LorenzAir Education and Training Command commander

See SPOUSE P8


By Master Sgt. Warren Rosebrough37th Logistics Readiness Squadron

A few weeks from now, we will stepdirectly into the holiday season begin-ning with a perfectly browned turkeyalong with many other traditions.Then it’s off to the races as we speedinto the end-of-year holidays.

Many will be preparing to hostfamily and friends or travel to cele-brate and hopefully see some snow.During this time of year, TeamLackland also celebrates the season ofgiving by continuing a tradition ofproviding time and money to our fam-ily and friends who might need a littleextra help to make it through the holi-days.

Operation Warm Heart is a non-profit private organization managedby a team of first sergeants elected bythe Team Lackland First Sergeant

Council. The council raises money tohelp Team Lackland members in needof financial support.

Though initially the organizationonly used money raised during theholiday season to deliver food basketsto needy families, Operation WarmHeart now provides emergency finan-cial assistance throughout the year.Emergency grants or loans help thosewith unique needs which often do notmeet some of the criteria of otherassistance agencies.

These loans, grants, and holidayassists have totaled close to $50,000annually and are a direct result ofdonations from caring and compas-sionate active-duty servicemembersand civilians, as well as the outstand-ing support from our retiree commu-nity.

The loans and grants providedeach year are limited to and a direct

result of a two-fold donation process.The first part consists of the

Combined Federal Campaign, whichhas historically raised between 25 to35 percent of annual donations. Therest comes from time and cash dona-tions during the holiday season.

During this time, dedicated mem-bers of the Lackland community pro-vide their time and man variousbooths located outside Lackland’sbase exchange as well as our commis-sary and locations within Wilford HallMedical Center. This use of space isanother example of the support thesefine organizations give back toLackland.

Those who donate their time coor-dinate through their supervisor andfirst sergeant and include active-duty,dependents, civilians and manyretirees. Each day from Nov. 2through Dec. 31, excluding

Thanksgiving and Christmas, volun-teers work in shifts from 8 a.m. to 5p.m. The volunteers are available toaccept donations and hand out infor-mation while providing a smile to allwho pass by.

This year has been particularlychallenging for many because of surg-ing fuel prices which have increasedthe prices of food and other basicnecessities. Operation Warm Hearthas provided key assistance to thosein need throughout this year andlooks forward to giving the same kindof outstanding assistance the commu-nity has enabled us to do over theyears.

As you see those smiling faceswhen you enter the BX or commis-sary, or walk though the halls inWHMC, take pride in knowing TeamLackland is continuing a worthwhiletradition of taking care of our Airmen.

Program delivers food, support during holidays

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


BMT HONORSCongratulations to the fol-

lowing 61 Airmen for beingselected as honor graduatesamong 617 trainees graduat-ing today:

320th Training SquadronFlight 711Jacob AbbottCody RamirezFlight 712Justin GaddisVincent Gleffe

321st Training Squadron Flight 709Nicholas BedardChristopher BiggsEric CheneyKyle CostelloJames EverettTaylor HollawayStephen ManzanaresSean Morris

Michael MyersChristopher StoltzTravis TerracinoFlight 710Denni BowserSarah BraunLynn GrayKayleigh HarrisAlison HestHannah LesterJennifer PattersonStephanie PittsKayci SlagelJasmine Walker

322nd Training SquadronFlight 713Daniel BermudezMarlon CalderonKeanu MayoFlight 714Amanda AmpeyMeghan AsnesLara Nottingham

Sarah Wopp

323rd Training SquadronFlight 717Parker ImrieRoy JoinerJoshua MetzgerJohn RileyAndrew SchubauerMichael ShultzSeung SongKevin VanceFlight 718Stephanie ClearyMelissa GilbertLizelle LapuzMitzi Sanchez

324th Training SquadronFlight 715Travis ChaseEugenio HenriquezBrian HodgeJeremy Jimenez

Joey PeayRyan Rivera

326th Training SquadronFlight 705Justin AhlbergNicholas LeeJoshua SmithMichael ZarboFlight 706Benjamin DayleyPaula De

331st Training SquadronFlight 707Branden DrakeRichard MilesAustin PopePatrick ThomasFlight 708Guy Meyer

Top BMT AirmanParker Imrie, 323rd TRS,

Flight 717

Most Physically FitMale AirmenJustin Gaddis, 320th TRS,Flight 712 Brian Hodge, 324th TRS,Flight 715 Female AirmenMitzi Sanchez, 323rd TRS,Flight 718Meghan Asnes, 322nd TRS,Flight 714

Top PT FlightsMale Flights320th TRS, Flight 712 321st TRS, Flight 709Female Flights321st TRS, Flight 710 322nd TRS, Flight 714

Top Academic Flights320th TRS, Flight 711 320th TRS, Flight 712

Congratulations to the following annual award win-ners:

Apprentice of the YearAirman John Rinaldi

Airman of the YearSenior Airman Cendy Brown-Hernandez

NCO of the YearTech. Sgt. Beatris Douglass

Senior NCO of the YearMaster Sgt. Sharon Struble

Company Grade Officer of the Year1st Lt. Robert Wittwer

Field Grade Officer of the YearMaj. William Thoms

Civilian Nurse of the YearPaul Sorenson

Surgical Service Airman of the YearSenior Airman Amber Powell

Surgical Service NCO of the YearTech. Sgt. Christopher Harwell

Surgical Service Senior NCO of the YearMaster Sgt. Darlena Mathis

Congratulations to the following fourth-quarter awardwinners:

Apprentice of the QuarterAirman Matthew Ferguson

Airman of the QuarterSenior Airman Stephen Carreon

NCO of the QuarterTech. Sgt. Beatris Douglass

Senior NCO of the QuarterMaster Sgt. Esteban Salazar

Company Grade Officer of the QuarterCapt. Aimee Alviar

Field Grade Officer of the QuarterMaj. Erika Hooper

Licensed Vocational Nurse of the QuarterLena Johnson

Surgical Service Airman of the QuarterAirman 1st Class Catherine Smith

Surgical Service NCO of the QuarterTech. Sgt. Andrew Casey

Surgical Service Senior NCO of the QuarterMaster Sgt. Jose Gonzalez

Nursing services awards announcedThe 59th Medical Wing and the 37th Medical Group recently announced the winners of the annual and

fourth-quarter nursing services awards.

Two members of Team Lackland werenamed AETC winners for the 2009 GEICOPublic Service Awards. GEICO’s Public ServiceAwards annually honor five civilian career fed-eral employees and retirees for outstandingachievements in the fields of substance abuseprevention and treatment, fire prevention andsafety, physical rehabilitation, and traffic safetyand accident prevention.

Congratulations to Team Lackland’s winners:

Fire Prevention and Safety CategoryRicardo Campos

37th Civil Engineer Squadron

Traffic Safety and Accident Prevention CategoryBill James

37th Training Wing

Civilians earn AETC2009 GEICO awards


your children to travel in familiar areas, along an establishedroute.• Know the names of older children’s companions.• Teach your children to stop only at well-lit houses or apart-ment buildings and never to enter a stranger’s home.• Set a return time.• Tell your children not to eat any treat until they return home.• Review pedestrian and traffic safety rules, including trick-or-treat safety precautions.• Pin a slip of paper inside a pocket with the child’s name,address and phone number in the event he gets separatedfrom his group.

Trick-or-treaters• Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision.• Walk from house to house. Running across yards and lawnspresents tripping hazards because of unseen objects or uneventerrain.• Walk on sidewalks, not in the street.• Face traffic by walking on the left side of the road if side-walks are not available.

Treats• Children should eat an early meal before going out.• Before treats are eaten, they should be brought home andinspected.• Wash fruit and cut into small pieces.• When in doubt, throw it out. That is simply sound risk man-agement.

HALLOWEEN from P3 JOIWC REDESIGNATION

Courtesy PhotoGen. Kevin Chilton, U.S. Strategic Command commander, presents Mark Johnson, Joint InformationOperations Warfare Center director, with a new organizational flag during a recent redesignationceremony at Lackland. Previously, the JIOWC was led by a general officer, dual-hatted as the AirForce Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency commander. Now, the JIOWC, a U.S.Strategic Command subordinate unit, is designated as a center with a dedicated director.


headed things I just discussed.As I turned to leave, the crowd

had already forgiven the bride andgroom’s hasty departure, andstarted to dissipate from the frontsteps of the chapel. The couplewas starting their life together, asa military team. I thought of myspouse, Leslie. We made a commit-ment to each other more than 34years ago. We knew that our liveswould be better if spent togetherand have learned through theyears to depend on each other inorder to accomplish our goals.

For me, Leslie has been the keyto keeping my wheel balanced. I’veworked hard through the years tomake each day with her betterthan the one before; to keep mywheel rolling smoothly.

Our individual strength comesfrom the foundation that ourspouses provide at home. By cher-ishing your spouse and makingsure they know how much youappreciate them, your wheel cancontinue to cruise happily throughlife as well.

SPOUSE from P4Be Responsible!

Seat BeltsSave Lives!

Buckle UpAnd

Wear Yours!

Base officials are looking for twoarticulate, self-confident members ofTeam Lackland to serve as goodwillambassadors at community eventsthroughout 2010, including the city’sannual 11-day Fiesta celebration inApril.

New ambassadors are chosenevery year to represent TeamLackland at many community eventsand promote the military’s commit-ment and relationship with the localcommunities around southern Texas.

One male and one female memberof Team Lackland will be selected toserve as the 2010 Team LacklandAmbassadors.

Senior Airman Melissa White, acivic outreach specialist with the37th Training Wing Public AffairsOffice, said the program strengthensLackland’s relationship with the localcommunity while educating the pub-lic about the Air Force.

“The ambassadors representLackland Air Force Base, attendingmore than 60 events over the 11days of Fiesta and throughout the

year at various civic events reachingmore than 4.5 million citizens,”Airman White said. “By getting outin the community and talking to peo-ple, we really open a lot of eyesabout what Airmen do every day,which goes a long way toward build-ing community support.”

All Air Force members and DoDcivilians who are over 21 andassigned to Team Lackland are eligi-ble to apply to be an ambassador.

Nomination packages are avail-able at the 37th Training Wing pub-lic affairs office. Once nominated,candidates appear before a seven-member panel that reviews applica-tions, conducts interviews andselects two representatives.

Members of units, except the AirForce Intelligence, Surveillance andReconnaissance Agency, are eligibleto serve as Team Lackland ambassa-dors.

AFISR has its own ambassadorprogram.

The nomination deadline is Dec 1.For more information, call 671-2907.

Ambassador program accepting applications

Photo by Frank Estrada Tech. Sgt. Raymond Rodriguez (left) and Senior Airman Maribelle Hernandez, 2009Lackland Ambassadors, place red carnations on the Alamo greensward during thePilgrimage to the Alamo April 20. Applications are being accepted through Dec. 1 forthe 2010 Lackland Ambassadors.


San Antonio Chamber of Commerce’s CelebrateAmerica’s Military Week gives the community anopportunity to pay tribute to local active-duty andretired servicemembers.

According to the chamber’s Web site, the weekis San Antonio’s way of saying thank you to themen and women who serve to protect our nation.

This year’s CAM is Nov. 2 -11 and will featuremany events, including:

AMEDD Band hosts concert at Botanical GardensSpend an evening with Los Curandaros “The

Healers,” members of the Army MedicalCommand Band, and enjoy a variety of jazz, blues,Latino, R&B and country music at the San AntonioBotanical Gardens Nov. 5. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Tour the gardens and view the “Big Bugs”exhibit until December. The bugs stand as tall as25 feet.

The event is free and open to the public.

AUSA LuncheonThe Association of the United States Army will

host a luncheon Nov. 6 at 11:30 a.m. at the SamHouston Club. For more information, call the SamHouston Club at 224-2721.

Veterans Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and DayParade

A Veterans Day parade and wreath laying cere-mony will be held Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. at the Alamo,300 Alamo Plaza.

The parade begins at noon and marchesthrough downtown San Antonio.

For more information, visit www.usmvpa.org.The event is free and open to the public.

Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan BandFor Department of Defense cardholders only,

Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band will perform at6 p.m., Nov. 6, at Randolph’s West Flight LineRamp. For more information, call 652-7469.

Randolph Air ShowRandolph will host an air show Nov. 7-8 from 9

a.m.-5 p.m. each day. The air show is free andopen to the public.

Tops in BlueThe U.S. Air Force Services presents Tops in

Blue, a musical tribute to 60 years of proud AirForce history, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in theMunicipal Auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, call 999-8117 or visitwww.topsinblue.com. The event is free and opento the public.

FSH Veterans Day CeremonyThe Fort Sam Houston’s Veterans Day ceremo-

ny will be Nov. 11 at 9:30 a.m. at the Fort SamHouston National Cemetery, 1520 HarryWurzbach Road. Keynote speaker is The Rev.Buckner Fanning.

The ceremony includes a wreath and bannerpresentation, gun salute, a tribute to veteransfrom the Native American community, and musicfrom the U.S. Army Medical Command Band andthe Texas Children’s Choir. The event is free andopen to the public.

Buffalo Soldier Commemorative Ceremony A Buffalo Soldier Commemorative ceremony

will be held Nov. 11 at 1:30 p.m. at the SanAntonio National Cemetery, 517 Paso Hondo St.Speakers are retired Brig. Gen. Toresaser Steeleand the Rev. Dr. Curtis Michael.

The event is free and open to the public.

San Antonio Symphony ConcertA Veteran’s Day Concert will be held Nov. 11, 7

p.m., at Municipal Auditorium, 100 AuditoriumCircle, San Antonio. Ken-David Masur will conductthe orchestra.

For more information, call the San AntonioSymphony box office at 554-1010. The event isfree and open to the public.

For more information about CAM week events,visit www.sachamber.org.

Annual CAM week to kick off

Courtesy Photo As part of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce’s CAMWeek, Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band will perform forDepartment of Defense cardholders at 6 p.m., Nov. 6, atRandolph’s West Flight Line Ramp.



After spending a week shadowingmilitary training instructors, two AirForce recruiters have a renewedperspective for potential recruits.

Staff Sgts. Cheryl Vercellona andEduardo Velarde of the 341stRecruiting Squadron shadowed MTIsand their fl ights from the 323rdTraining Squadron Oct. 19-23. Thesergeants will share their experi-ences with the recruiting service.

Before the end of the year, twoMTIs will spend a week observingrecruiters as part of a program toshare information between the twounits.

Both sergeants came away feelingthe time spent will benefit them-selves and their recruits.

“A lot of trainees don’t take thePT (physical training evaluation)seriously while they are waiting toleave,” said Sergeant Velarde, whorecruits in the San Antonio area.

“When they get to Lackland,they are behind and notpassing the init ial PTtest.”

Sergeant Vercellona, aHouston area recruiter,concurred.

“The majority of re-cruiters do emphasize its(physical training) impor-tance,” she said. “However,the recruits need to knowthat if they fail the first PTevaluation, things are notgoing to be good. We reallyneed to emphasize PT over and over.

“A lot of these recruits have noself motivation,” she added. “It’s upto us to get them more motivated.”

The sergeants agree that recruitswill have a good experience if theycome into basic military training inshape.

“If you are in good physical condi-tion, then the mental things aren’t asdifficult,” said Sergeant Vercellona.“When you’re struggling physically,

it is harder to accom-plish the other things

that are more men-tally challenging.”

Sergeant Velardeadded it’s one lessworry if recruitscome to be BMT inphysical shape.

In addition to arenewed impor-

tanceon physicalt r a i n i n g ,the twor e c r u i t e r salso will re-e m p h a s i z ereporting state-ments, basic dri l lmovement and standing at attention.Both said all of those skills combinedmake it easier on trainees.

And when trainees have a goodexperience, it helps the recruitingprocess.

“If they have a positive experiencethen they are going to refer theirfriends and encourage them to be inshape before BMT,” said SergeantVercellona.

Spending the week with the MTIsand trainees was like a trip downmemory lane for the sergeants thatwill also help in talking to recruits.

“I think it’s been good to go backand relive a little bit of basic mili-

tary training,” said SergeantVercellona. “It’s easy to forgetwhen you started out as atrainee.

“It’s like, ‘wow, I remembergoing through this.’ There are

parts that are different now andsome parts that haven’t change at

all. It comes back to you very quick-ly.”

Which both recruiters plan to useas they bring in the next generationof warrior Airmen.

Air Force recruiters gain new perspective


By Senior Airman Amber Bressler59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

A patient at Wilford Hall Medical Center receivedthe first unrelated cord blood transplant in aDepartment of Defense hospital Oct. 16.

Cord blood comes from the umbilical cord of anewborn baby after delivery. This blood is rich inblood stem cells which are very flexible and cangrow into any kind of blood cells.

Before cord blood is transplanted, the patient istreated with chemotherapy to weaken the presentdisease. The goal is that with enough stem cellsgiven to a patient, these cells will become the newhost and grow strong enough to take over the dis-ease, leaving the patient with a healthy blood andimmune system.

According to the National Marrow DonorProgram, there are three sources of blood-formingstem cells: bone marrow; peripheral blood stemcells; and umbilical cord blood. Each source has dif-ferent pros and cons concerning treatment.

“The major benefit of cord blood is that it opensup donor sources for patients who otherwise would-n’t have a donor,” said Maj. (Dr.) Michael Savona,director of cord blood transplantation, 59th MedicalOperations Squadron. “Cells from another personhave been exposed to a lot of different things intheir lifetime; the immune system has had an effecton those cells. Cord blood is so naive you can haveless of a match and still be safe.”

A match is determined by human leukocyte anti-gens, which are proteins on the surface of the whiteblood cells that make our cells unique from oneanother.

“In cord blood we look at six HLA markersinstead of the 10 we would look at for unrelatedbone marrow; because they are so naïve, we aregoing to have fewer problems with rejection,” saidKathy Jones, WHMC transplant coordinator.

“This patient has five out of six HLA markers thatmatch in one cord and six out of six on the other,”said Dr. Savona. “In adults we often have to use twocords in order to give them enough cells.”

Cord blood is available faster, a less exact matchis needed and the risk of chronic graft-versus-hostdisease is lower.

GVHD is a condition where the transplanted cells

attack the patient’s body.“To find a donor could take three to four months.

Cord blood stem cells are banked and, if we can finda match, they are available tomorrow; you don’thave to go through the NMDP,” said Ms. Jones, aregistered nurse in the 59th MDOS.

“With the cord blood we have suitable matchesfor greater than 75 percent of all patients who needthe transplant,” said Dr. Savona.

After the cord blood is infused, the patient needsto stay hospitalized longer because the umbilicalcord stem cells need more time to grow and thepatient recovery time is longer.

“I feel great about this procedure; it is life sav-ing,” said retired Lt. Col. Jeffery Fink as he pre-pared to receive the cord blood. “I am excited to behere.”

San Antonio has one of the largest transplantprograms in the United States. According to theTexas Transplant Institute, in 2008 the Adult Bloodand Marrow Stem Cell Program at MethodistHospital in San Antonio performed 160 transplantsto include related, unrelated and umbilical cordtransplants.

“We are very happy to have the procedure donehere at Wilford Hall,” said Colonel Fink’s wife,Bernadette Fink, who is also a retired Air Forceofficer. “We have received a lot of support from thestaff here.”

Cord blood banks allow parents to donate theirbaby’s umbilical cord blood to the pool of availablecords, which can help save lives.

For more information about cord blood anddonations visit www.southtexasblood.org or theNMDP official website www.marrow.org.

Wilford Hall patient receives first cord blood transplant in DoD

Photo by Harold China Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Jeffery Fink receives the firstunrelated umbi l ica l cord blood t ransplant in aDepartment of Defense hospital Oct. 16 at Wilford HallMedical Center. Capt. (Dr.) Heather Steele, hema-tology/oncology fellow (center) and registered nurseRamon Ramos administered the transplant.


IT’SFOR

“FALL BACK” AND SET YOURCLOCKS ONE HOUR BEHIND

AT 2 A.M. SATURDAY!

To most people, a computer at their work stationand the ability to log on to a network are conven-iences taken for granted. While a lot goes on behindthe scenes to ensure e-mail gets delivered to theright place, unnoticed is the daily battle againstviruses and malicious attempts to disrupt or accessAir Force networks.

Over the years, unique mission requirements andoperational concerns have driven major commandsand other organizations to stand up and operateindividual e-mail and network services. Thisapproach lacked standardization, adequate security,and was very expensive to operate and maintain.More importantly, there was no enterprise situa-tional awareness or single organization or com-mander responsible for the network.

As the Air Force continues transforming its cyberoperations, a project called Active Directory andExchange will change this environment and estab-lish a centralized user directory and e-mail servicefor all Air Force network users. The goal of ADX isto collapse all existing stand-alone environmentsinto a single active directory structure within theAFNet under the operational control of a singlecommander.

In December, Lackland will become the secondAir Education and Training Command installation tomigrate its users to the AFNet. While this change isrelatively transparent, the migration to centralizedservices will significantly improve network security,

standardize the cyber environment, and reduceoperational costs by eliminating redundant systemsand services.

Leaderships anticipate relatively few issues asthe migration takes place; however, users may berequired to reboot their workstation the day aftermigration and e-mail profiles may need to be recon-figured. Computer support technicians, formerlyclient support administrators, are the first line ofsupport before, during, and immediately aftermigration.

The most visible change to Lackland networkusers will be in the format of e-mail addresses. Themigration replaces the old [email protected] address with a standard [email protected] address.

The change allows central management ofaccounts, and establishes an address which can bekept for the duration of a career, employment, oraffiliation with the Air Force regardless of the baseor organization assigned.

ADX builds on the successes of the E-mail for Lifeprogram, and as additional bases migrate into theAFNet, will provide Airmen log-on capability to anyconnected Air Force computer without having to re-register for computer access when deployed, on atemporary duty assignment or changing stations.

Airmen will have an account that is alwaysactive. Additionally, through the use of their com-mon access card, Airmen will have access to e-mailand network services year round, 24 hours a day,regardless of duty location. The need to deactivateor create accounts will be eliminated.

As Lackland approaches its projected Dec. 1 startdate, a team of Air Force Network IntegrationCenter and 690th Network Support Group techni-cians are busy preparing equipment and resourcesto facilitate the migration of almost 30,000 users.

For more information concerning the ADX proj-ect, contact the lead command office at DSN 779-6815, or by e-mail at [email protected]

(Courtesy AFNIC)

Project to simplify, strengthen base networkThe most visible change to Lackland network users will be in the

format of e-mail addresses. The migration replaces the [email protected] e-mail address with a standard

[email protected] e-mail address.

Do you have a photographer’s eye? Do you catch those candid moments? Let us see your work and you could be published!E-mail your Lackland-related photos to: [email protected] Action shots only please.


Photo by Robbin Cresswell Iva Musilova (right), a master sergeant in the Czech Republic air force, is only the second foreign national to graduate from the Robert D. Gaylor NCO Academy on Oct. 22.


Her uniform bears such a closeresemblance to the Air Force servicedress it requires a second look.

Her blue eyes and blonde hair offerno clues that her home is a continentaway instead of just around the corner.

But the thick accent and brokenEnglish are an indicator that while shemay look like a Southern belle, she’snot from the southern United States.

Rest assured, though, Iva Musilovamade her presence known at Lackland.

A master sergeant in the CzechRepublic air force, she was part of aforeign exchange program and becameonly the second foreign national tograduate from the Robert D. GaylorNCO Academy.

Sergeant Musilova completed a six-week leadership course at the NCOacademy Oct. 22 along with 184 stu-dents in 13 flights. Receiving the diplo-ma was as much about perseverance as

it was about learning.“It was very demanding,” said

Sergeant Musilova before crossing thestage to receive her diploma. “I felt likeI couldn’t manage this course after thefirst two weeks; all the studying, thenew things, the foreign language (weredifficult for me).

“But we had a great teacher and myclass helped me.”

Master Sgt. Erica Gage, her NCOAcademy instructor, said it didn’t takelong for the other 13 students in the

class to make Sergeant Musilova theirlittle sister.

“They adopted her,” said SergeantGage. “The class became very protec-tive. She didn’t live in the same dormsthey lived in but they took her back andforth. They really took her under theirwing and looked out of her.”

The course, which focused on fourareas in leadership and communica-tion, is for technical sergeants and tech-

Long way from homeCzech air force master sergeant graduates NCO academy

See CZECH P18



When the Basic Exped-itionary Airman SkillsTraining course opened lastDecember, followed closely bybasic military training expan-sion to 8.5 weeks, Air Forceofficials had high expecta-tions.

The combination of the twoprograms has been so suc-cessful it may send leadershiplooking for new adjectives todescribe that success.

“I think the BEAST is run-ning exceptionally well,” saidCol. Shane Courville, 737th

Training Group commander.“It has met and exceeded allthe expectations of the AirForce.

“The practical applicationof the BEAST reinforceseverything we’ve taught themin the classroom. It’s helpingshape our Airmen into war-rior Airmen.”

Positive feedback fromAirmen that have beenthrough the combined pro-grams is running over 95 per-cent. “Finally, we can applywhat we’ve been learning” isthe common thread from therespondents.

In addition to giving

trainees a week of the sights,sounds and emotions in adeployed situation, flexibilityof the BEAST allows realworld scenarios to be incorpo-rated quickly.

“We monitor real worldevents and the programs areflexible enough we can makechanges and modifications toteach the latest techniques,”said Colonel Courville.

One of the greatest dangersnot only to Airmen, but allmilitary, in Iraq andAfghanistan is improvisedexplosive devices. As enemytactics change with plantingand hiding IEDs, the BEAST

has adapted and followed suit.“They are trying to get cre-

ative in how they set IEDs off,”Colonel Courville said. “Weare teaching the trainees torecognize signs (and be readyfor anything).”

Phase 2 of the BEAST offi-cially opened Wednesday witha ribbon-cutting ceremony.Office space for instructorsand a medical facility for ini-tial medical care wereunveiled, replacing old wood-en structures.

A dining facility to servehot meals and an overhangarea for gathering up to 1,000trainees for group meetings

are also a part of Phase 2.Colonel Courville’s vision

for the future includes addi-tional areas like a rubberizedtrack, rubber underneath theoverhang for group physicaltraining and a loudspeakersystem that can be heard inall four of the BEAST’s zonesalong with computer integra-tion among the zones.

Meanwhile, officials arestill receiving feedback fromdownrange supervisors aboutthe BEAST. And if their feed-back is as positive as theAirmen’s, new descriptiveadjectives for the BEAST willbe in order.

A year later: BEAST gets rave reviews

Photo by Senior Airman Christopher GriffinBasic trainees low crawl through a tacticalcourse at the Basic Expeditionary Airman SkillsTraining course. BEAST replicates the sights,sounds and emotions Airmen will experience inthe deployed environment.


By April RowdenAir Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE – Therecent deployment deferment policychange institutionalizes an equitabledeferment period of six months forAirmen completing 365-day indetermi-nate TDYs or unaccompanied, shorttour permanent change of station.

Prior to the release of the new AirForce Instruction 36-2110, which for-malized the policy, an individual serv-ing a 365-day deployment wasdeferred from any deployment for 12months. The AFI eliminates the dispar-ity between the short tour PCS and365-day deployments.

“We are constantly reviewing officerand enlisted assignment policies toensure that the Air Force fosters anenvironment of consistency and fair-ness across the active-duty force,” saidSenior Master Sgt. Dennis Carlson,superintendent of Assignment Policyand Procedures at the Air ForcePersonnel Center. “By making thisadjustment to our governing AFIs, ourAirmen are guaranteed unbiased andimpartial consideration for the nextround of deployments.”

The new policy complies with guid-ance by the Secretary of Defense toprovide Airmen with a 1-1 dwell ratioin the U.S. Central Command area ofresponsibility. The deployment to dwellratio ensures for every month an

Airman spends in the CENTCOM AOR,that Airman has comparable time out-side that AOR.

Airmen have a responsibility toensure their status is reflected accu-rately in the AEF reporting tool and toidentify corrections with their unitdeployment managers.

“Although Airmen are eligible forother AEF deployments six monthsafter returning from an indeterminateTDY, they still cannot be involuntarilydeployed to the CENTCOM AOR for 365days,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Pauly withAir Force Personnel Center’s Air andSpace Expeditionary Force andPersonnel Operations Directorate.

This provides a level of deploymentpredictability for Airmen and promotesa growing equality in benefits forAirmen doing the same job.

An increase in manning demandsworldwide has also helped drive thispolicy change. When the 12-monthdeferment policy was instituted, lessthan 200 Airmen were deployed for365 days or more. Today, more than1,600 Airmen are filling the 365-dayrequirement.

“By pulling those Airmen out of thedeployment pool for 12 months, we feltwe were bringing excessive hardshipon our Airmen who were beingdeployed multiple times,” saidSergeant Carlson. “In the Air Force, it’svery important that we continuallywork to take care of our people and

create a culture where Airmen receivethe same treatment and same opportu-nities.”

Facts on the new deployment defer-ment policy are available on-line onthe AFPC Web site. Select the link“deployment deferment.” For more

information on the 365-day defermentpolicy, individuals should contact theirunit deployment manager or theirinstallation deployment officer. Airmencan also call the Total Force ServiceCenter at 800-525-0102 or visit AFPC’ssecure ASK Web site.

Post-deployment stabilization promotes predictability

Courtesy Photo More equity is expected for Airmen returning from indeterminate TDYs and one-year,unaccompanied short tours as a result of a revised Air Force instruction, giving bothgroups six months at their home station before becoming deployment eligible.


By Master Sgt. Russell PetcoffSecretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Office

WASHINGTON (AFNS) – Currentand former Airmen who were involun-tarily held on active duty beyond anapproved separation or retirementdate as a direct result of stop lossbetween Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30,2009, may be eligible for a RetroactiveStop Loss Special Pay compensation of$500 for each month they were affect-ed.

The 2009 War SupplementalAppropriation Act set aside $534.4million for the Retroactive Stop LossSpecial Pay compensation authority.Air Force officials used stop loss for

Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001-2002 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in2003.

The Stop Loss Program may haveaffected approximately 39,000 currentand former Airmen.

The Retroactive Stop Loss SpecialPay Authority compensates service-members and members of the Reservecomponents who served on active dutywhile his or her enlistment or periodof obligated service was involuntarilyextended, or whose eligibility forretirement was suspended, accordingto William Carr, deputy undersecretaryof defense for personnel and readi-ness.

“The Air Force will use all available

means to ensure eligible applicantshave the opportunity to receive stoploss payment if they are eligible,” saidLt. Col. John Giles, the retirements andseparations branch chief for Air ForceManpower, Personnel and Services.

The payment is also payable tolegally designated beneficiaries ofdeceased or incapacitated Airmen.

Eligible individuals have until Oct.21, 2010, to file their claim. Air Forceofficials will evaluate all claims basedupon historical records as well as allsupporting documentation the appli-cant may submit, according to ColonelGiles.

To make a claim, eligible active,retired and former Airmen, or legally

designated beneficiaries, may down-load a stop loss claim application fromthe Air Force Personnel Center Website at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/stoploss, or call the Total ForceService Center at (800) 525-0102 forassistance.

Applicants who were serving in theReserve or Guard at the time of stoploss may find an application by visitingthe Air Reserve Personnel Center Website at https://arpc.afrc.af.mil/vPC-GR/.

“Caring for Airmen touches everyaspect of an Air Force member’scareer, from accession to separation,”Colonel Giles said. “And in the case ofmany Airmen, it continues after leav-ing active service.”

Stop loss Airmen eligible for compensation


nical sergeants selectees. Students must complete theNCOA before they can assume the rank of master ser-geant.

The average length of military experience by classparticipants is seven to 10 years. Sergeant Musilovahas served in the Czech air force for five years, andher instructor sees that as a positive.

“She’ll have a jump on how to be an effective sen-ior NCO,” said Sergeant Gage. “She was like a sponge(soaking up the material). She’s not supervising any-one yet so she doesn’t have any biases about how peo-ple work.

“She took in everything I told her and said ‘okay, I

can make this work,’” Sergeant Gage added. “That’swhy she was able to be successful on all our objectivetasks because she was listening to what was beingtaught instead of what she had encountered withother people.”

When Sergeant Musilova arrived at Lackland inearly September, she quickly found out the differencebetween the course curriculum and her expectations.

“I expected more training, exercising and march-ing,” she said. “I didn’t expect the studying. Somenights I stayed up all night studying.”

When everything clicked about two weeks into thecourse, Sergeant Musilova said, “I became excited.There was much information to (learn). I had to takeadvantage of this. My instructor really motivated me.”

Sergeant Gage said she treated the overseas visitorlike any other student and held her to the same stan-dards as her classmates.

The class pulled together to help SergeantMusilova overcome the language barrier, written andspoken, along with any other obstacles that wereencountered.

In fact, the class wanted Sergeant Musilova toexperience everything they would.

“You know how we’re always giving coins?” saidSergeant Gage. “The class bought her a coin and hadme give it to her. They learned a lot from her and planon staying in touch.”

And feeling like she’s made friends for life,Sergeant Musilova plans to do the same.

CZECH from P14

REMINDER! Talking on a cell phonewhile driving on base is prohibited.


Lackland Conservation CornerHELP CONSERVE ENERGY!

If your clothes dryer has amoisture sensor that automati-

cally shuts off the machine whenyour clothes are dry, use it!

This will save energy and wearand tear on your clothes caused

by over-drying.

WASHINGTON (AFNS) – Comple-tion of the resident Air Force SeniorNoncommissioned Officer Academyor a sister service equivalent will berequired for promotion to seniormaster sergeant effective Jan. 1, anAir Force personnel official saidrecently.

This policy change supersedes thecurrent policy which requires AirForce SNCO Academy completion forpromotion to chief master sergeant,according to Chief Master Sgt. MarkC. Long, chief of enlisted promo-tions, evaluations and physical fit-ness in the directorate of force man-agement policy, Headquarters AirForce.

The idea for the policy changeoriginated from the 2008 EnlistedProfessional Mil i tary EducationTriennial Review. Panel membersexamined enlisted PME attendanceacross an Airman’s career and pro-posed earlier attendance to producemore capable NCOs, Chief Long said.

The chief master sergeant of theAir Force said the change is to helpsenior NCOs become better leaders.

“The goal is to provide enlisted(professional military education) atcorrectly targeted career points,”said Chief Master Sgt. of the AirForce James A. Roy. “By providing(enlisted PME) earlier and more

evenly spaced over an enlistedAirman’s career, we ensure enlistedleaders have the tools they need tobe successful sooner and at morerelevant periods of their career.”

By requiring SNCOA completionfor senior master sergeant promo-tion, master sergeants will obtainincreased knowledge and skills toemploy as new senior master ser-geants. This policy change aligns AirForce enlisted PME requirementswith those of the sister services,reduces the time span between NCOAcademy and AFSNCOA attendanceby approximately two years andincreases the return on the invest-ment for AFSNCOA attendance, ChiefLong said.

To implement the plan, anyremaining senior master sergeantsand senior master sergeant selectswill attend AFSNCOA before the endof 2009, Chief Long said. Anyremaining senior master sergeantswithout AFSNCOA completed by Jan.1 will be grandfathered and mustattend when able.

Any remaining senior master ser-geants unable to attend due todeployments, mission, injury or otherreasons must have their unit com-manders request a promotion waiv-er. The member then must attendwhen available, Chief Long added.

Officials change promotion policyregarding senior NCO academy


MAIL TIME

Courtesy PhotoAirman 1st Class Jacqueline Willson, 37th Communications Squadron, drops off a letter in the newmailbox for permanent party dormitory residents on Kelly Drive recently. The mailbox is also opento the public and located across the street from the shoppette on Kelly Drive.


CHAPEL SERVICESChristianCatholicMonday-Friday:WHMC ChapelMass, 11 a.m

Wednesday-Friday:Freedom ChapelMass, 11:30 a.m.

Saturday:Freedom ChapelConfessions, 4:45 p.m.Mass, 5:30 p.m.

Sunday:Freedom ChapelReligious Education, 9 a.m.Mass, 11 a.m.

Hope ChapelHispanic Mass, 9:15 a.m.

Wilford Hall Medical Center ChapelMass, 3 p.m.

Orthodox Sunday: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

Freedom ChapelContemporary Service, 9:30 a.m.Gospel Service, 12:30 p.m.Children’s Church providedReligious Education, 11 a.m.

Wednesday and Thursday:Bible Study, 6 p.m.

Sunday:Medina ChapelContemporary Service, 9 a.m.

WHMC ChapelTraditional Service, 1:30 p.m.

IslamicFriday:Defense Language InstituteStudent CenterFaith Study, 1:30 p.m.Jummah Prayer, 2 p.m.

JewishFriday:Airmen Memorial ChapelSabbath Eve Service, 5:45 p.m.

WiccaWednesday(1st only):Freedom Chap-el, Room 8, SanAntonio Military Open Circle, 6:30 p.m.

COMMUNITY

HYPERTENSION EDUCATION CLASS

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

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

ASMC MEETS MONDAY

The Alamo chapter of AmericanSociety of Military Comptrollersmeets Monday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., atRandolph Air Force Base’s KendrickClub.

The luncheon’s speaker is Col.Chip Fulghum, Air Education andTraining Command comptroller andASMC chapter president.

Reservations are due today.For more information, call Angela

Crawford at 652-1065.

PEDIATRIC DENTAL SCREENINGS

The Lackland Pediatric DentalDepartment is providing drop-in den-tal screenings for children under 13.

The screening will offer opinionsand treatment recommendations oralternatives but no orthodontic eval-uations. A copy of the child’s treat-ment plan or referral letter from theirdentist is required.

The screenings will be offeredWednesday and Dec. 2 in theLonghorn Room of the SkylarkCommunity Center, 8-11 a.m.

For more information, contactStaff Sgt. Dianet Santos at 671-9876

YOUTH PROGRAMS OPEN HOUSE

The Lackland Youth Center’s openhouse is Wednesday, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Staff members from the sports,open recreation, teen and school-ageprograms will be available to answerquestions and provide information.

Children can also sign up for freeyouth center membership. Call 671-2388 for more information.

SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE FAIR

The second annual Special Needs

Resource Fair is Thursday at ArnoldHall Community Center, 10 a.m. to 3p.m.

Fair participants include varioussupport organizations to provideinformation on resources and sup-port for military personnel with spe-cial needs family members.


FOSTER, ADOPTION AWARENESS SEMINAR

The Airman and FamilyReadiness Center and the Children’sShelter of San Antonio are co-spon-soring an information session onfoster and adoption awarenessThursday, 6-8 p.m., at the AFRC,Bldg. 1249.

The Children’s Shelter is a non-profit organization contracted withthe Department of Family andProtective Services and ChildProtective Services to assist withchildren’s placement. The seminarwill provide information on basic

requirements for becoming foster oradoptive parents; information onabused, neglected and abandonedchildren; and address misconcep-tions, support programs and volun-teer opportunities.

For class reservations, call AFRCat 671-3722. For more informationabout the Children’s Shelter, contactJoseph Boisley at 382-5264 or visittheir Web site at www.chshel.org.

SAT TEST SCHEDULED

Eligible active-duty, Reserve orGuard can take the ScholasticAptitude Test Nov. 7, 7:30 a.m., inBldg. 5725, Room 153.

Personnel are authorized for onlyone Department of Defense-fundedadministration of the SAT for a serv-ice or education requirement.

To reserve a seat, call theEducation Services office at 671-2895, 671-2896, 671-2897 or 671-2633.

INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES CLASS

An interview techniques class isNov. 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at theAirman and Family ReadinessCenter, Bldg. 1249.

Class topics include what ques-

LocalBRIEFS

To see menus forLackland dining

halls, go online towww.lackland.af.mil and click on

the “Services” link.

See BRIEFS P22

For more information, contact the chapel staff:

Freedom Chapel671-4208

Gateway Chapel671-2911

Hope Chapel671-2941

Wilford Hall MedicalCenter Chapel

292-7373


tions to expect, how to dress, groom-ing tips and interview types.

To enroll, call 671-3722.

SBDC SETS BUSINESS WORKSHOP

The Small Business DevelopmentCenter’s How to Start Your OwnBusiness workshop is Nov. 12, 1-4p.m., at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg. 1249.

Discussion topics are writing aneffective business plan, marketresearch, choosing a location andtime management.

For more information, contact TimWalker at 671-3722.

KEY SPOUSE PROGRAM

Training for the Key SpouseProgram is Nov. 13, Nov. 24, Dec. 11and Dec. 16, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at theAirman and Family Readiness Center,Bldg. 1249.

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

The Key Spouse Program is the Air

Force’s readiness program that sup-ports Airmen and their families duringdeployments, separations and emer-gencies by enhancing and encourag-ing communication between units andfamilies.

Spouses interested in the programshould seek appointment by theirsponsor’s unit commander and thencontact the center at 671-3722 toregister for a class.

COMMISSARY GIFT VOUCHERS

The Defense Commissary Agencyhas gift vouchers in $25 denomina-tions at its commissaries.

Voucher purchases are open toanyone; however, the vouchers canonly be redeemed at commissaries bymilitary ID cardholders. The vouchersmay not be exchanged for cash.

For more information, contact 671-2837.

AFRC CHANGES WHMC TIMES

The Airman and Family ReadinessCenter informational table haschanged times at Wilford Hall MedicalCenter.

The AFRF table in the Atrium isnow open Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to noon,and Thursdays, noon to 4 p.m.

RECYCLING EVENT UNDERWAY

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

Used ink cartridges, batteries, eye-glasses, cell phones and watches arebeing collected into recycling boxes atthe Arnold Hall Community Centerlobby. The drive continues throughNov. 26.


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 market-ing office transaction assistance.

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

BRIEFS from P21GATEWAY THEATER

Adults – $4. Children – $2.

Closed Monday through Wednesday.

Whiteout

All About Steve

The Informant

Halloween 2

FRIDAYWhiteout, 6 p.m. (R), starring KateBeckinsale and Alex O’Loughlin.

SATURDAYAll About Steve, noon (PG-13), star-ring Bradley Cooper and SandraBullock.The Informant, 3 p.m. (R), starringMatt Damon and Lucas McHughCarroll.Halloween 2, 6 p.m. (R), starringSheri Moon Zombie and ChaseWright Vanek.

SUNDAYThe Informant, noon (R).Halloween 2, 3 p.m. (R).

THURSDAYHalloween 2, 4 p.m. (R).

For more information and future movie listings,go to www.aafes.com/ems/conus/lackland.htm.


National Conference W L

1. 737th TRG 10 02. 93rd IS 7 33. 59th MLRS 7 24. CES 6 35. 345th TRS 5 56. AFIOC 4 57. Sec. Forces 4 58. IAAFA 4 69. NIOC 3 610. CPSG 2 711. 37th COMM 0 10

Oct. 27- 737th TRG 15, 345th 693rd IS 7, AFIOC 6NIOC , Sec. Forces 0

Oct. 28-737th TRG 31, 93rd IS 059th MLRS 27, IAAFA 20Sec. Forces 19, 345th TRS 6

American Conference W L

1. Dental 10 02. Clinical Spt Gp 9 13. 717th MI Bn 8 24. Force Spt Sq. 5 55. 59th EMS 5 56.543rd Spt Sq 4 67. DLI 4 68. 341st TRS 4 69. 37th LRS 4 610. 342nd TRS 2 8

Oct. 22-59th EMS 19, DLI 13Clinical Spt Gp 18, 543rd Spt Sq 0717th MI Bn 7, 342nd TRS 0

Men W L

1. Medical LRS 2 02. CPSG 2 13. NIOC 1 14. Force Spt Sq 0 3

Oct. 21-CPSG 2, NIOC 0CPSG 2, Force Spt Sq 0Med LRS 2, Force Spt Sq 0

Women W L

1. Med Ops Gp 3 12. CPSG 3 13. Mission Spt Gp 2 14. Med Spt Gp 1 25. NIOC 0 4

Oct. 20-Missions Spt Gp 2, NIOC 0CPSG 2, NIOC 0Med Ops Gp 2, CPSG 1

Oct. 15-CPSG 1, Missions Spt Gp 0Med Spt Gp 2, NIOC 0Med Ops Gp 2, Med Spt Gp 1

SPORTSSSCCOORREEBBOOAARRDDFOOTBALL

VOLLEYBALL

By Patrick DesmondSports Editor

Lackland’s first-everGateway Half Marathon took offwithout so much as a bump inthe road or a cloud in the morn-ing sky Saturday.

Nearly 2,000 runnersroamed the base streets duringthe day’s 5K, 10K and half-marathon runs.

Along with the cool, sunnyclimate, the sounds of week-fiveand above basic military train-ing flights’ jodies and marchingduring the 5K filled the environ-ment.

“It’s good for the trainees,and if they weren’t motivated todo it they wouldn’t be herebecause there was no armtwisting at all,” Senior MasterSgt. Glen Usherwood said.

Trainee Trady Powles, 333rdTraining Squadron, was the firstto cross the finish line posi-tioned on the parade groundbomb run.

“It felt good,” he said. “Icame out here and gave it myall. Everyone was hustling outthere; I love that.”

In what became a crowd-favorite, the trainees alsoemerged as a defining charac-

teristic for the competition.“It was a lot of fun and it was

great being out here with all thetrainees. It really adds to theatmosphere and makes it a funevent,” Lt. Col. Peter Ohotnicky,322nd Training Squadron com-mander, said. “Even thoughthose of us who were in the halfmarathon were way over on theother side of the base, we werehearing them cheer and runand sing their jodies.”

Along with trainees, the com-petition featured some ofLackland’s best athletes.

World class triathlete JamesBales won the half marathon,completing the 13.1-mile trekaround the base in 1 hour, nineminutes and 46 seconds.

“1:09:49, that’s what I’mtalking about,” Bales said afterrecording one of his fastest half-marathon times. “It was a great

course. Perfect type of mara-thon weather; you couldn’t askfor a better day – not a cloud inthe sky.”

Colonel Ohotnicky followedBales’ performance with anoverall time of 1:18:05 for sec-ond place.

He said, “Obviously, it is afast course, very flat with lots ofnice long straight stretches, soyou could just crank it out andget going.”

Colonel Ohotnicky’s daugh-ters Colette, 13, and Ann, 13,were the top two female finish-ers in the 5K, while Therese, 8,came in fifth. His son Charlie,10, finished 12th in the men’s5K.

Shylah James held onto arace-long lead to beat outJanelle Herek to be the topfemale half-marathon runner at1:48:13.

It took all of Team Lacklandto make the event possible.

37th Training Wing com-mander, Col. William H. Mott V,ran the 10K.

“I’m already thinking of nextyear,” Col. Mott said after hisrun. “This could turn into a coollittle San Antonio event. I likethat everyone is running, laugh-ing, smiling, and just having agood time.”

Col. Patrick Fogarty, 37thMission Support Group com-mander, sat out the run andoffered another vantage point.

“The team at Fitness andSports just did a great job,” hesaid. “There was a lot of plan-ning involved in this. I think thisworked out great three weeksbefore the San Antonio HalfMarathon. I think people reallygot some benefit out of it.”

Gateway Half Marathon

Photos by Alan Boedeker(Above) With military training instructors leading the way, basic military trainees began the Gateway Half-Marathon’s 5K Saturday. (Below) James Bales finishes first in the half marathon at the parade ground.

Inaugural run takes off


Brian Hansberry37th TRW/PA

Last week: 4-4Season: 25-20

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Steve ReichertFitness & Sports Dir.


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Patrick DesmondTalespinner Sports


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Gridlocks Guest MOTORCYCLE RIDE

The Lackland OutdoorAdventure Center’s VeteransDay bike ride is Nov. 7. The202-mile trip, to the LoneStar Motorcycle Museum inVanderpool and back, leavesthe Kelly Club at 10 a.m.

For more details, call925-9112.

ANNUAL TURKEY SHOOT

The Skylark BowlingCenter’s Turkey-give-awaybowl-off is Nov. 16-17, from9 a.m.-2 p.m., and Nov. 20,from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. For moredetails, call 671-1234.

BBRRIIEEFFSS

By Patrick DesmondSports Editor

As students and staff of the MarineCorps Detachment at Lackland ranthrough its first scored Combat FitnessTest Oct. 21, the scene was one of con-trolled chaos.

The CFT had the Marines hustlingthrough a sequence of dissimilar exer-cises such as a meter low crawl, a zig-zag around diagonally-set cones, adummy grenade toss and even knock-ing out some push-ups in between. Theunifying theme: testing conditioning ina simulated combat situation.

Not that doing 20 push-ups is likelywhile under fire, the test is designed tobe rigorous, multifaceted and frenetic.

Master Sgt. Derrick Craft said it testscardiovascular endurance as well asstrength while also allowing theinevitability of fatigue.

“When you are in combat, whathappens? Your adrenaline kicks in,” hesaid. “At some point that adrenaline isgoing to disappear. Now, you have torely on your conditioning to keep push-ing through.”

Try throwing a grenade into a 5-by-5-yard target 20 yards away after lift-ing an ammo can for two minutes.

“You really have to judge yourstrength when you throw it when yourmuscles are fatigued,” Sergeant Craftsaid. “Everyone has different levels offitness. This test is going to challengeyou in all different aspects.”

The test combines three events: an800-meter “movement to contact” run,two-minute 30-pound ammo can liftand a 300-yard “maneuver under fire”course, all in full battle dress uniform.Scoring is on a 300-point scale accord-ing to age and gender categories.

The 800-meter run is followed by athree-minute break with the ammo canlift followed a five-minute break. Then,the real challenge begins.

The time-based course engagesMarines in a low crawl, sprint and mov-ing a mock casualty drills among oth-ers.

The detachment’s training chief,Gunnery Sgt. Mark Archambeau, saidthe Marines performed well but thatthere’s still room for improvement.

“The physical standards for theMarine Corps are tough,” he said.” I’min pretty good shape for 36-years-oldbut I came up seven points short forfirst class.”

Though challenging, SergeantArchambeau said his Marines favor the

shorter combat test over its annualcounterpart, the Physical Fitness Test –a standardized fitness combination hefinds necessary.

“Both (tests) assess a Marine’s abilityto respond in combat,” he said. “The

physical fitness test is just for general,everyday health. (The CFT) is designedspecifically for combat, and the onlything I want to know is, ‘why did it takeso long for this to come about.’”

Corp. Luis Aguilar scored a 300.

Marines put ‘fit to fight’into first scored testing

EVENT #1“Movement to contact”

The 800-meter run tests the ability toadvance quickly toward an objectivewhile in full battle dress uniform.

Potential point value 100

EVENT #2“Two-minute ammo can lift”

Designed to test upper body strength,one 30-pound ammo can is repeti-tively lifted toward chin level.

Potential point value 100

EVENT #3“Maneuver under fire”

The 300-yard course includes:• a 25-yard sprint and 10-yard lowand high crawls.• a 25-yard cone negotiation, and a75-yard buddy drag and fireman’scarry.• a 75-yard two ammo-can carry,dummy grenade throw (five secondsadded or subtracted for accuracy),three push-ups, and another ammocan carry and sprint to finish.

Potential point value 100CFT max score 300

Photo by Alan BoedekerSgt. Tiphany Hill carries Corp. Luis Aguilarduring the fireman’s carry of the CombatFitness Test course.

COMBAT FITNESS TEST

friday, october 30, 2009 gateway to the air force - san...

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