• GATEWAY TO THE AIR FORCE •...

F R I D AY, J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 1 0

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 8 N o . 4

INSIDECommentary 4

Recognition 6

What’s Happening 18

News & Features

Haiti relief 2

Talent competition 7

C.A.M.P. 12

Army vs. Air Force 20

View the Talespinner onlineat www.lackland.af.mil

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

When Col. William H. Mott Vassumed command of the 37thTraining Wing last July, hisenthusiasm and excitement hadno bounds.

That hasn’t changed duringhis tenure here. His facialexpressions and tone of voiceare lively, just like his first dayin charge.

He uses adjectives like “fun,”“exciting” and “unique” todescribe his first six months atLackland.

“It’s been awesome,” saidColonel Mott. “It has been verydiverse and fascinating to seeall the different things that goon at this base, and how it allcomes together.”

Describing highlights fromthe first 180 days, Colonel Mottcharacterized them in threecategories: base visits thatoccupy his calendar, viewingand working the business sideof Lackland, and interactingwith the people he comes incontact with as commander.

“It seems like every weekthere’s a new highlight,” hesaid. “The visits by all the peo-ple who want to see Lacklandserve like dates on a calendar,things you really remember.”

He quickly cited hosting theFrench ambassador andSecretary of the Air ForceMichael Donley among themany to recently pass throughLackland’s gates.

Colonel Mott said escortingvarious groups around baseallows him the opportunity to

interact with other command-ers and personnel in addition toseeing the various missions upclose. “It’s very unique how itworks out,” he said.

He’s also found the businessside to be intriguing, saying hewas fascinated by the processof receiving $2 million for adorm renovation as well asmuch smaller dollars to pur-chase a large flag “that’s goingto look good to all the parentscoming for BMT graduation.”

Working with a large base

budget, Colonel Mott saidwatching people take moneyand resources and turningthem into great ideas is anotherhighlight.

“We’re breaking ground atIAAFA (the Inter-American AirForces Academy) for a newmaintenance facility, and we’regoing to see things come off ofKelly and go over onto mainbase Lackland,” he said. Thecolonel also is excited to see thefinishing touches on the BasicExpeditionary Airman Skills

Training course, commonlyknown as the BEAST, and theAirmen Training Complexesstart construction.

But his enthusiasm reachesthe next level when he talksabout the Airmen.

“I really enjoy having a con-versation with a new Airmanout of BMT, asking ‘where areyou from, what are you going todo,’ and then seeing the fire inhis eyes and the excitement of

Colonel Mott looks back on six-month tenure

Photo by Robbin CresswellCol. William H. Mott V, 37th Training Wing commander, and his wife Laurie, speak with graduates of Air ForceBasic Military Training Jan. 22. Colonel Mott took command of the 37th TRW in July 2009.

See TENURE P5

TALESPINNERPAGE 2 JANUARY 29, 2010

By Sue Campbell59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

A team of more than 30 Air Forcemedical personnel, including 13from the 59th Medical Wing,travelled to Haiti earlySunday to provide med-ical support to earth-quake victims.

“I feel very hon-ored that we can takethe military medicaltraining that we havereceived and apply itto the needs of theinjured citizens of Haiti,”said Col. (Dr.) MaryPelszynski, 59th Maternal/Child Care Squadron commander.“We are all very excited to help in anyway we can.”

The 59th MDW team was com-prised of doctors, nurses, and medicaltechnicians specializing in pediatricand gynecological care. At the time oftheir departure, they were unsure ofwhere they would be billeted, where

they would set up medical care, orwhat to expect upon their arrival.

“We anticipate seeing a significantamount of orthopedic trauma, skin

and wound infections, and illnessdue to poor public health con-

ditions and dehydration,”said Dr. Pelszynski. “We

originally thought wewould be attached toan expeditionarymedical squadron,but then we wereissued tents andsleeping bags and

advised we might beroughing it.”The medics could be

deployed as long as sixmonths.

“One of the reasons I joined the AirForce was to participate in things likethis,” said 2nd Lt. Laura Nowlin,birthing center nurse, 59th MedicalInpatient Squadron. “I volunteered forthis mission. It is a once in a lifetimeopportunity and I am very excited tobe part of it.”

Lackland Tax CenterBldg. 9020, Room 109, Classroom B

Monday–Thursday 8 a.m.–noon & 1–3 p.m.Closed Fridays

Appointments necessary for everyone exceptbasic trainees and technical school students,which are seen on a walk-in basis.To make an appointment call 671-1001.

Will Prepare:

n Form 1040 EZn Form 1040 An With Schedule 1, 2, 3 & EICn Form 1040n With Schedule A, B, EIC & Rn Form 1040 – Vn Form 1040 – ESn Form 2441 (Child and Dependent

Care Credit)n Form 8863 (Education Credits)n Form 8812 (Additional Child Tax

Credit)

Will Not Prepare:

n Schedule C (Profit or Loss fromBusiness)

n Complicated & Advanced ScheduleD (Capital Gains and Losses)

n Schedule E (Rents and Losses)n Form SS-5 (Request for Social

Security Number)n Form 2106 (Employee Business

Expenses)n Form 3903 (Moving)n Form 8606 (Non-deductible IRA)n Form 8615 (Minor’s Investment

Income)

Wilford Hall team heads to Haiti

TALESPINNERJANUARY 29, 2010

37TH TRW ANNUAL AWARDS

The 37th Training Wing annual awardsbanquet is Feb. 5 at the Gateway Club, 6p.m.

Meal prices are $19 for vegetarian orchicken, and $22.20 for fish.

Contact your first sergeant for tickets.

RAPE CRISIS CENTER CLOTHES DRIVE

A clothes drive for the rape crisis centercontinues through Wednesday.

Contact Edith Davis of the SexualAssault and Prevention Outreach office at671-8773 for dropoff locations at Lackland,Wilford Hall Medical Center, Security Hill,Kelly Annex and Brooks City-Base.

FIRST SERGEANTS SYMPOSIUM

Air Education and Training Commandand the Team Lackland First SergeantsCouncil will host the AETC First SergeantsSymposium Feb. 8-12.

The symposium is open to those interest-ed in becoming a first sergeant or an addi-tional duty first sergeant.

Technical sergeants and above are alsoeligible to attend.

Contact any first sergeant for moredetails.

MOVE TO AFFECT POWER

The planned move of a Military Open Baydormitory on Feb. 6, 8 a.m. to noon, willimpact electrical power along the travelroute.

The MOB is being moved from the newAirman Training Complex construction siteto the History and Traditions Museum.

Power will be disconnected by base elec-tricians for about two hours that morning oneach of the following buildings along theroute: 5100, 5200, 5301, 5206, 5211, 5311,5408, 5412, 5506, 5612, 5616, 5710, 5710,7012, 7025, 7206, and 7214.

2ND AF COMMANDER TO SPEAK

Maj. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog, 2nd Air Forcecommander, will be the guest speaker at theAfrican American Heritage Month luncheonFeb. 10, 11 a.m., at the Gateway Club.

Tickets for grilled chicken are $11.75(members) and $13.75 (non-members); thevegetarian lasagna is $11.25 (members)and $13.25 (non-members).

Contact Chief Master Sgt. SaRita Lathanat 977-5529 for reservations by Feb. 3.

NewsBBRRIIEEFFSS

TECHNOLOGY EXPO

Photo by Alan BoedekerGreg Lanese, Blue River Information Technology, talks with Team Lackland Airmen during the technology expo at the GatewayClub Jan. 25. The expo, sponsored by the 37th Communications Squadron, featured more than 30 exhibits by informationand technology vendors including displays on ruggedized equipment, green printing solutions and networking equipment.

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. –The Air Force had the lowest recordednumber of private motor vehicle fatali-ties during the Thanksgiving-to-NewYear’s time frame – one – to include thelowest number of automobile fatalities –zero.

It was also the first time in 13 yearsthe Air Force did not have a singleactive-duty death due to any type ofsafety mishap during this time frame.

In comparison, the Air Force hasaveraged more than six fatalities topersonal motor vehicle mishaps duringthis time over the past 23 years.

“Our Airmen are taking the secre-tary’s and chief of staff’s memo on reck-less behavior to heart,” said Col.Roberto Guerrero, the Air Force SafetyCenter chief of ground safety. “The loneAirman, in the one (private motor vehi-cle) fatality that occurred right afterthe Thanksgiving holiday, was not atfault. He was struck by a non-Air Forcedrunk driver.”

Phil Brown, ground safety managerwith the 37th Training Wing SafetyOffice, said local safety campaigns cen-tering on educational and interactiveinitiatives covering a range of activitiesdesigned to emphasize accountability,personal responsibility, and wingman-ship, were also very successful.

Over the last five years, for example,the 37th TRW experienced five lost-time mishaps during the Thanksgivingthrough New Year holidays.

This year, those mishaps werereduced by 80 percent, he said.

Mr. Brown said this year’s effortswere successful because the variety oftools and tactics used throughout thecampaign were more interactive andpersonal than in the past.

The office was also proactive inreaching out to leadership and middlemanagement groups so the efforts andmessages which captured the attentionof Airmen could reinforced throughoutthe holidays by leadership endorsement

and emphasis.“We hit some groups we didn’t in the

past,” Mr. Brown said. We made a pret-ty good pitch to those groups – FirstSergeants Council, Top 3 Council,Airmen’s Voice, etc. – who would becarrying our safety message to theAirmen,” he said.

Mr. Brown said the safety officehopes to continue the positive momen-tum built throughout the holiday safetycampaign to ensure Airmen don’t getcomplacent with regard to safety.

One of the ways they hope to do thatis by repackaging proven ideas byincorporating input and assistance fromtheir main target audience of 18- to 26-year-old Airmen. “These groups partici-pated in focus groups with us and areleading safety and risk management intheir organizations. They are telling uswhat (safety efforts) works and whatdoesn’t and helping us craft our mes-sages in a way that appeals or registerswith them,” he said.

Air Force officials announce holiday safety results


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 Lt. Col. Matt Whiat323rd Training Squadron

In the sixth century B.C., the Chinesephilosopher Laozi said, “the journey of athousand miles begins with a single step.”

That sentiment is just as profoundtoday. If you’re going to run a marathon,for example, the journey of 26.2 milesstarts with one step. The concept isn’tlimited to just physical journeys. Earningyour Community College of the Air Force,bachelors or masters degree also beginswith a single step: that first class.

I’m honored and privileged to servewith the 737th Training Group’s militarytraining instructors. My workdays arefilled witnessing some of the world’sfinest NCOs build warrior Airmen of char-acter. I also get the opportunity to talkwith the newest members of our AirForce just days before they proudlymarch down the bomb run during theirFriday morning graduation ceremony.

Before I take questions ranging from,“how will the increase of remotely pilotedvehicles change the Air Force culture” to“what are my chances of getting toGermany,” we talk about their journeyand the single step they took by complet-ing Air Force Basic Military Training. I’dlike to share some of this discussion andtrust its message applies, in someamount, to all who serve.

The core values are at the core for areason. The foundation of your service,what your moral compass is affixed to,must be integrity first, service before self,and excellence in all you do.

It is expected; it is the norm; and it iscentral to our character and the reasonmilitary service is consistently ranked ator near the top of the most respected pro-fessions in America. They help guide ouractions and channel our energies in man-ners expected by those we serve. It’s arequirement for all Airmen, from themost junior Airman graduating heretoday to the Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen.Norton Schwartz.

Value your potential. As basic traineescomplete their training and graduate tobecome Airmen, they amass a tremen-dous amount of potential with their new-found education and experience. Throughdiligence and dedication, they now have

the potential to turn what was previouslynot possible into reality. This is not unlikethe rest of us as we work hard to com-plete various steps in our careers, includ-ing Airman Leadership School, NCOAcademy, Squadron Officer School, careerdevelopment courses, and more.

We ask our graduates, “What will youdo with this potential energy?” Thoughwe have high hopes, one look at the secu-rity forces blotter reveals that someAirmen throw all their good work away,as if the blood, sweat, and tears thatearned it meant nothing. Value andrespect your past efforts as you makedecisions in the present.

Develop your talents (aka, get inschool). I don’t tell our trainees to re-enlist and make the Air Force a career. Itmay seem controversial, but I instead tellthem to develop their talents, work toexcel and be the best at their job. Aim forthat top graduate award, as well as quar-terly and annual recognition at all levels,and go above and beyond.

Just as one devotes time to the gym tostrengthen the body, you should alsodevote time to expand and strengthenyour mind through additional educationwhile pursuing your interests.

Airmen of all ranks who work hard todevelop their talents will have moreoptions at the end of their enlistment.Among them will be the choice to stay inthe Air Force and continue being a part ofsomething bigger than themselves whileserving the greater good.

The Airman who makes the Air Force acareer by choice is exactly the type weneed guarding our perimeters, repairingour aircraft, ensuring our services areworld class, and maintaining the health ofthe Global Positioning System constella-tion.

Your contributions to our Air Forceand our nation grow in significance asyou continue to develop your talents.Make the Air Force a career by choice.

Set your goals and don’t take your eyeoff the prize. We all entered the Air Forcewith a variety of goals. Among the top I’veheard during my tenure are: get an edu-cation; improve finances; serve one’scountry; be part of the military; gaindirection; and learn a skill.

I advise our trainees to keep these

goals fresh in their mind as they gothrough eight weeks of fun-filled training.But what happens to our goals after wetake that oath and officially enter becomeAirmen?

The industrious Henry Ford is famousfor saying, “obstacles are those frightfulthings you see when you take your eye offyour goal.” We all had short- and long-term goals when we joined and revisedthem during our career. Stick with them:keep them on your scope, in your sights,or in your smartphone notes.

The Weighted Airman PromotionSystem testing is coming up. If your goalis to score high enough to earn a promo-tion, don’t look away from the goal; any-thing off the target line is just an obstacle.Have pride in your calling. You representthe sword and shield of a nation thatdeclared to the world on July 4, 1776:“we hold these truths to be self-evident,that all men are created equal andendowed … with certain unalienablerights, that among these are life, liberty,and the pursuit of happiness.”

Regardless of how long you stay in theAir Force, part of your life’s mosaic willalways be painted Air Force blue. You arepart of a service that can and will delivergreat and swift violence to the doorstep ofthose who would do us or our allies harm.And with those same machines and gearsof battle, the Air Force will descendthrough a dark and stormy night to thefurthest reaches of the planet to feed thehungry, clothe the poor, provide medicalaid to the sick, and protect the oppressed.There is greatness and nobility in yourservice as a member of our Air Force,regardless of your Air Force specialtycode. Allow that pride to be reflected inyour everyday work and give you per-spective as you complete your dailyduties.

The greatness of the mighty Air Forceresides not in our titanium-clad, fire-breathing jet fighters, but the truestrength of our service, the content of ourcharacter lies in our people – our newestAirman, and you.

Scottish mountaineer and writer, W. H.Murray wrote, “whatever you can do, ordream you can do, begin it. Boldness hasgenius, power, and magic in it.”

Be bold in your journey.

The journey of a thousand miles


what he’s going to do,” said ColonelMott.

“I enjoy thanking all the NCOs whoare going out there and making thingsbetter for all the trainees, and the peo-ple who are coming up with new ideas,”he added. “I’ve had fun going over toDLI (Defense Language Institute) andIAAFA to see the international side.”

And organizational changes are onthe horizon. Joint Base San Antoniokicks into gear next week when the 37thTRW becomes a tenant unit at Lacklandas the 502nd Air Base Wing, headquar-tered at Fort Sam Houston, takes chargeof all military support services in SanAntonio.

Additionally, the 37th Mission SupportGroup will be deactivated Tuesday andthen reactivated as the 802nd MSG, a502nd ABW unit supporting the 37thTRW and other tenant units on base.

“Right now, the biggest challenge isgoing to be Joint Base San Antonio,”said Colonel Mott. “(Joint basing) is not aforeign concept to the Air Force. Theonly thing that’s different here is the airbase wing headquarters has an Armyinstallation tied to it.

“We will face some challenges alongthe way, but the joint base concept willyield efficiencies for the Air Force andthe U.S. Army in this town,” he said. “Allright, let’s get to that level. Let’s executein accordance with the joint base visionand do a better job along the way. Ibelieve this is going to work out justfine.”

Another challenge is fortifying thewing’s vision – shape the Air Force withwarrior Airmen of character. “We muststrengthen the vision by making the nec-essary applications and changesthroughout BMT and technical training,”said the colonel.

One way to invigorate the warriorAirmen ethos is to take a look at theBEAST.

“The BEAST is only a year old. Now isthe time to really start getting into it,”Colonel Mott said. “We’ve tweaked it alittle bit; let’s see what we’ve got to moveforward and find ways of improving thetraining and making it better.

“We’ve gone through two winters andare starting to see problems with ero-sion and flood control. We need to fixthese problems and improve the facili-ties, not just the course curriculum,” hesaid.

Colonel Mott also said base leadershipwould evaluate BMT in preparation foran Air Staff triennial review later thisyear. “I think this is a big opportunity tomake the right changes, listen to inputsand come up with a better BMT course,”he added.

The colonel had high praise for theWarhawk leadership team. “The vicecommander (Col. Gregory Parsons) andcommand chief (Chief Master Sgt. JaySimons) balance my personality and giveme great perspective,” he said. “Our sixgroup commanders are strong, dynamicleaders who have more ideas than Ithought possible, and the strength tocarry them out.”

He also said Lackland’s leadership –the general officers, NCOs and civilianleaders – is making a difference on thebase for all Airmen and their families,adding “isn’t that what the Air Force isall about?”

“I am amazed that whenever I goaround base, host a tour group or talkabout our mission, Airmen and civiliansalike all tell me – with pride – what theydo,” Colonel Mott said. “As we look for-ward to 2010, we need to keep our peo-ple saying that ‘Lackland is a great placeto work.’”

TENURE from P1

Be Responsible!

Seat Belts

Save Lives!

Buckle Up

And

Wear Yours!


BMT HONORSCongratulations to the fol-

lowing 67 Airmen for beingselected as honor graduatesamong 807 trainees graduat-ing today:

320th Training SquadronFlight 125David AckermanWilliam AndersonTyler FollisChristopher RoseFlight 126Monique CheeksAriel KelleyRobyn Spedale

321st Training SquadronFlight 123George BurgessZachary BurgessFlight 124Ana AstrologoNathania MunozSuzette ShultzElena Torres

322nd Training SquadronFlight 115Jimmie DavisDefabian JohnsonPatrick LundquistLuis PuertaForrest ShoemakeJeffrey ThurstonFlight 116Brandon Madison

323rd Training SquadronFlight 129Jarrid BartoyAnthony CookWayne WoodsFlight 130Heidi Caye

324th Training SquadronFlight 119Thomas EiberFlight 120Amanda CombassLorena GutierrezBrittney Jackson

Maria LeeperTaryn ReppFlight 127Jacob HaynesNathan JordanDarryl McNeilIsaac PursegloveManuel SisnerosAddison UrbalejoMatthew YoungFlight 128Aaron BurtonKamuela KalilikaneKevin KamakahiSeth ParrishRyan RosierStuart SmithJoshua TalbertMichael TscheschlogAnthony Young

326th Training SquadronFlight 117Joseph ColeAustin CoonerCarlos Encarnacion

Keli MorganKevin WoodsFlight 118Matthew BeallChristopher LayJoshua Youngbluth

331st Training SquadronFlight 121Matthew BuxkemperGeorge KeenanJoseph McCulloughSeth McLaganMatthew MikeshMiles MockMatthew RardonWayne SchmaussCalab StewartEric TempletonFlight 122Daniel BoulangerJoel PenwellKyle Wall

Top BMT AirmanAaron Burton, 324th TRS,

Flight 128

Most Physically FitMale AirmenEric Templeton, 331st TRS,Flight 121Christopher Foltz, 323rd TRS,Flight 129Female AirmenAriel Kelley, 320th TRS, Flight126Nathania Munoz, 321st TRS,Flight 124Male Flights322nd TRS, Flight 115320th TRS, Flight 125Female Flights320th TRS, Flight 126324th TRS, Flight 120

Top Academic Flights323rd TRS, Flight 129324th TRS, Flight 127

Story and photo by Senior Airman Nicole Roberts59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

Thirty-one 59th Medical Wing and37th Medical Group nurses participatedin Wilford Hall Medical Center’s first-ever nursing poster session Jan. 20 inthe hospital atrium.

The goal of the poster session was toshowcase ongoing efforts in nursingexcellence and to increase nursingresearch projects.

There were 20 nursing research,process improvement, and informationposters on display. It was the first timethis type of event was sponsored atWilford Hall.

Maj. Gen. Tom Travis, 59th MedicalWing commander, and Col. KimberlyCox, 59th Medical Wing chief nurse

executive, reviewed the posters andtalked with each aspiring nurseresearcher.

The poster session was developed byCol. Katrina Glavan-Heise, 59thImpatient Operations Group chief nurse.

“I hope every nurse assigned to thewing accomplishes a research projectduring their tour of duty here,” saidColonel Glavan-Heise. “What a greatopportunity to present their researchlocally and possibly nationally.”

The next WHMC nursing poster ses-sion will be held in August and conduct-ed twice each year in January andAugust. The winner will be announcedat nursing stand-up.

For more information contact Col.Lola Casby, chief, Division of Wing andEducation, at 292-7615.

1st Lt. Tia Hutto, clinical nurse, 59th Medical Inpatient Squadron, explains herposter to Maj. Gen. Tom Travis, commander, 59th Medical Wing, at the first-evernursing poster session Jan. 20 in the Wilford Hall Medical Center atrium. Therewere 20 posters set up to be judged by Col. Kimberley Cox, chief nurse executive,59th Medical Wing. The poster session will be held twice each year in Januaryand August to increase nursing research projects.

Nurses participate in first-ever nursing poster session

Airmenselectedfor promotion

Congratulations to the Team Lackland Airmen selected for promotion on the January 2010 supplemental promo-tion list released by Air Force Personnel Center officials this month:

TECHNICAL SERGEANT SELECT:Staff Sgt. Michael Collard, 341st Training Squadron

STAFF SERGEANT SELECTS:Senior Airman Jonathan Kertulis, 59th Medical Operations Squadron

Senior Airman Charles King, 91st Network Warfare Squadron Senior Airman Jared Murrell, Cyber Analysis Squadron Senior Airman David Peters, 37th Security Forces Squadron Senior Airman Courtney Rucker, 59th Surgical Inpatient Squadron Senior Airman Jonathan Ward, 37th Logistics Readiness Squadron


Representing bases fromaround the globe, Airmen gath-ered for the Air Force WorldwideTalent Search Jan. 22 - 24 atLackland’s Bob Hope PerformingArts Center to compete for thehonor of being named the AirForce’s “top talent.” A wide varietyof performers including singers,dancers, comedians, instrumental-ists, and entertainers of all typescompeted for a spot on the 2010Tops In Blue World Tour.

Tops In Blue is an all-activeduty Air Force special unit madeup of talented amateur performersselected for their entertainmentabilities. Known as the Air Forces’Expeditionary Entertainers; thegroup’s main mission is to performfor military personnel and theirfamilies throughout the world. Theenormous popularity of the grouphas also made them America’sgoodwill ambassadors around theglobe. For more information, visitwww.topsinblue.com.

Airmen compete in worldwide talent competition

Photos by Robbin Cresswell


Feb. 1 African American Heritage Month Opening Ceremonies, WilfordHall Medical Center Auditorium, 10 – 11 a.m.

Feb. 3 Reading at Lackland Child Development Center, 9:30 a.m. Feb. 4 Proclamation , San Antonio City Hall , 5 p.m.Feb. 6 Gospel Concert, Gateway Chapel, 6 – 8 p.m. Feb. 10 African American Heritage Committee luncheon, Gateway Club,

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.Feb. 12 Basketball Clinic, Youth Center, 4 – 7 p.m.Feb. 18 Soul Food Taste, Lackland Fisher House 1, 6 p.m.Feb. 20 3 on 3 basketball tournamentFeb. 20 Fashion Show, Bob Hope Theater, 6 p.m.Feb. 27 Scholarship Banquet, Gateway Club, 6 – 9 p.m.

African AmericanHeritage CommitteeSchedule of Events

February DBIDS Registration Schedule8-11 a.m., noon-4 p.m. Pass and ID, Bldg. 5616

Jan. 28-Feb. 1, 37th Logistics Readiness Squadron

Feb. 2, Air Force Legal Operations Agency, Judge AdvocateCivil Environmental Law-field support center, 8-11 a.m.; 37thTraining Group staff, noon-4:30 p.m.

Feb. 2-3, Navy Information Operations Command, Texas

Feb. 3, Reid Clinic

Feb. 4, 37th Comptroller Squadron; Navy InformationOperations Command, Texas

Feb. 5, 37th Training Wing staff, wing staff agencies; NavyInformation Operations Command, Texas

Feb. 6-7, 149th Fighter Wing, 433rd Medical Group

Feb. 8, 37th TRW wing staff agencies, TransportationSecurity Administration, 688th Information Operations Wing

Feb. 9-10, Inter-American Air Forces Academy staff, 688th

Information Operations Wing

Feb. 11-12, 344th Training Squadron staff, 67th NetworkWarfare Wing

Feb. 16-17, 342nd Training Squadron staff

Feb. 16-18, Navy Information Operations Command, Texas

Feb. 18-19, 345th Training Squadron staff, 67th NetworkWarfare Wing

Feb. 19, Navy Information Operations Command, Texas

Feb. 20-21, 433rd Medical Group (Aeromedical StagingSquadron and Aerospace Medicine Squadron)

Feb. 22, 717th Military Intelligence Battalion

Feb. 23, 717th Military Battalion, 7:30-11 a.m.; Air ForceSecurity Forces Center, noon-4:30 p.m.

Feb. 24-26, 67th Network Warfare Wing


During thewinter season,

reset your thermo-stat from 72

degrees to65 degrees

for eighthours aday (for

instance, while noone is home or

while everyone istucked in bed) you

can cut yourheating bill by up

to 10 percent.

Lackland Conservation Corner

SAVE ENERGY!Stay up-to-date during special events

and rough skies.

Call 671-NEWS


By Samantha QuigleyAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON – It ’s a scenethat’s played out in airports acrossthe country numerous times in thepast eight years: Families and ser-vicemembers cl inging to eachother, either sad to leave or happyand vowing to never let go again.

The emotion always is appropri-ate, but the location of the scene –just beyond the airline ticket coun-ters and before the security check-point – robs the actors of preciousminutes with loved ones. Thoselost minutes are unnecessary, atleast as far as the TransportationSecurity Administration is con-cerned, a TSA spokesman said.

“TSA permits the airlines tooffer a gate pass to family mem-bers of arriving or departing U.S.servicemembers,” said Greg Soule,a TSA spokesman. “Family mem-bers who want to accompany a …servicemember being deployed tothe boarding gate, or greet them[as they return] from deploymentat the arrival gate may receivepasses to enter the secure area ofthe airport.”

Though TSA allows this prac-tice, the final decision rests with

the airlines, from which familymembers must request the passes.Each airline, and possibly even air-port, has its own rules and proce-dures, Mr. Soule said.

According to Rich Johnson, pub-l ic relations manager at SanAntonio International Airport,local airlines are in charge of theirgates and the decision rests withthem.

“Most airl ines (at SA Inter-national) allow it,” Mr. Johnsonsaid. “Family members would needto obtain a gate pass at the ticketcounter.”

He emphasized that familymembers interested in seeing aservicemember to their gate orgreeting one returning fromdeployment should contact thelocal airlines to determine theirrules and procedure in obtaininggate passes before arriving at theairport.

“It’s an airline procedure,” Mr.Soule said. “It is something thatTSA has permitted the airlines todo, though we have security regu-lations that we provide to the air-lines.

“Typically, only passengers whoare flying and have a boardingpass are allowed to pass through

security,” he added.TSA makes this allowance out of

support for the armed forces, Mr.Soule said.

Though military family mem-bers with gate passes can passthrough security, they must adhereto all security regulations. Thisincludes removing coats, jacketsand shoes, and the liquids regula-tion. Anything of a liquid or gelconsistency must be 3.4 ounces orless and be sealed in a quart-sizedstorage bag to pass through secu-rity, said Mr. Soule.

Each family member would haveto present the gate pass as well asa valid government-issued identifi-cation card, Mr. Soule added.

TSA doesn’t keep statistics onhow frequently military familiestake advantage of this opportunity.

The TSA has no jurisdictionoverseas, so U.S. military familymembers wishing to see off ormeet their servicemember at a for-eign airport are encouraged tocheck with the airline for local pol-icy. The policy on gate passes isavailable on the TransportationSecurity Administration’s Web siteunder the heading “Accommo-dations for U.S. Military Person-nel.”

Families can see off, greet Airmen at airport gate

Photo by Senior Airman Josie KempThe Transportation Security Administration allowsthe airlines to offer a gate pass to family membersof arriving or departing servicemembers. Familymembers who want to accompany a service-member being deployed to the boarding gate, orgreet them as they return from deployment, at thearrival gate should contact the airline to determinerules and procedures for obtaining gate passesbefore arriving at the airport.


Eighteen-month-old Harley Layton plays with toysat the Lackland playgroup Jan. 14 in the AdmiralBoorda Building, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.The Lackland playgroup is for children ages 0-4.It is ran by the Family Advocacy Program andmeets every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Theplaygroup recently moved to the Admiral Boordabuilding which belongs to Children AchievingMaximum Potential, or C.A.M.P.

Story and photo by Senior Airman Nicole Roberts59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

The Lackland Family Advocacy Program andChildren Achieving Maximum Potential, or C.A.M.P.,have collaborated to give Lackland’s playgroup a newplace to meet after the old youth center building wasscheduled for demolition last July.

The Lackland playgroup is now able to meet everyThursday and accommodate more children now thatthey meet in the Admiral Boorda building whichhouses C.A.M.P.

“When the playgroup could no longer meet in theold Youth Center building because it was scheduledfor demolition, I went looking for another place for usto meet,” said Lois Van Slyke, Family Advocacy out-reach manager, 59th Medical Wing. “I approachedDr. Furukawa, C.A.M.P. director, and he was delight-ed with the idea of the playgroup meeting in theAdmiral Boorda building.”

Michelle Elble, C.A.M.P. family support coordina-tor, organized a playgroup cleanup with parents,caregivers, and Mrs. Van Slyke so the room would beready for the children. The room is considerably big-ger than where they were meeting in the old youthcenter. A lot of the toys are donated from C.A.M.P.

There is also an outdoor play area.“It was really important that we have an indoor

and outdoor capability because of the weatherchanges,” said Mrs. Van Slyke.

The playgroup, which is a Family AdvocacyProgram, allows children up to 4 years old and theirparents or caregivers to meet every Thursday from10 to 11:30 a.m. It is free and there are no registra-tion or sign-in requirements. The children are able toplay and socialize with others in their age groupwhich increases their confidence before startingschool.

Gulcan Breitkreutz, an Air Force active dutyspouse, and her 18-month-old daughter, Gracie, havebeen coming to the playgroup since September.

“At first she was very shy because she wasn’t usedto playing with other kids but now she isn’t becauseshe plays here every week,” said Mrs. Breitkreutz.

The playgroup is also a way for the parents andcaregivers to meet. Many are military spouses andthey are able to get much needed support from theother parents while their children play.

“Our collaboration works so well because our pro-grams are on exactly the same wavelength,” saidDoctor Furukawa.

C.A.M.P. is a program that supports special needs

children and their family. The playroom thatLackland’s playgroup meets in is used by C.A.M.P. fortheir Parents Night Out program. This allows theparents to leave their special needs children andtheir siblings for activities and interaction while theparents get some time to themselves.

The two programs being housed in the samebuilding has also created some crossover situations.Parents who are involved with C.A.M.P. now knowabout the playgroup and some bring their children toboth.

Also, parents and caregivers who bring their spe-cial needs children to playgroup are able to get moreinformation on getting involved with C.A.M.P.

Doctor Furukawa is applying for a $10,000 grantthat would completely remodel the outdoor playarea. Both the children in the playgroup and C.A.M.P.would benefit from this.

“We started and continue with such wonderfulcooperation,” said Doctor Furukawa. “I would likeLackland’s playgroup to be a part of C.A.M.P. wellinto the future. This is a terrific partnership.”

For more information on Lackland’s playgroupcontact the Lackland Family Advocacy Program at292-5967.

For more information on C.A.M.P call 671-5411.

C.A.M.P.givesLackland’splaygroup anew home

C.A.M.P.givesLackland’splaygroup anew home


Photo by Alan BoedekerStudents from Tafolla Middle School tour Lackland'sC-9 Nightingale static display as Fernando Cortez(center), History and Traditions Museum curator,explains the aircraft's history Jan. 14.

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

Knowingly or not, LacklandAirmen are making an impact onarea middle school students.

“Lackland (Airmen have) been apositive influence on our students,”said Tiffany Venzor, a Tafolla MiddleSchool counselor who has escortedtwo at risk groups for recent basetours. “After our last visit, there werekids saying I want to join the AirForce!”

Tafolla, a San AntonioIndependent School District school,participates in Giving AmericansMotivational Education for the RealWorld (GAMER), a Motivate OurStudents Texas program.

Its mission is to assist publicschool systems in preparing studentsto succeed in life.

At-risk students are the program’starget. Its purpose is to share lifeexperiences with the students andexpose them to elements they nor-mally would not see.

“We have approximately 90-95percent at-risk minorities,” said Ms.Venzor. “At-risk can be any studentwho has been (held back in school) orfailed the state TAKS test. There areother factors that would qualify astudent for being at-risk, such asbeing homeless. There are somethings that they (the student) have nocontrol over.”

This school year, Lackland hashosted 13 groups totaling 900 chil-dren from various San Antonio-areamiddle schools.

“This has been a wonderful oppor-tunity for us as Airmen to share ourexperiences with these children,”said Senior Airman Melissa White,

civic outreach specialist for 37thTraining Wing Public Affairs Office.

“Lackland began participating inthe GAMER program this schoolyear,” Airman White added. “This isone way the base can be involved inthe community while giving back atthe same time.”

Airmen meet with the students toexplain the benefits of being in theAir Force and also some choices theyhave made in life. They also let themknow that the future is in theirhands, and it doesn’t matter whereyou grow up or what schools youattend.

“When you enter the outsideworld, they’re not going to ask you ifyou’re from the West Side or the EastSide. You need to do the best that youcan to succeed in life,” said Ms.Venzor of another point that is madeto the students.

“I see the motivation in the stu-dents as far as better behaviorbecause they do want to attend thefield trips,” she added. “It’s a changeof environment for them; they’re see-ing something different.”

The students arrived on basebrimming with enthusiasm, set totour the Security Forces Museum andthe air park.

“I was on a bus with a lot of boysand they were so excited,” Ms.Venzor said. “They said ‘It’s theMarines! It’s the Marines!’ We had tocorrect them; but just to see theireyes get really wide when they sawthe airplanes and the service mem-bers training.

“They hear military, military, mili-tary (all the time) but to actually beon a base and to see it with their owneyes, it was a different opportunityand experience for them.”

Lackland supports GAMER program


COMMUNITY

PROPERTY OFFICE SEEKS PCSING AIRMEN

The Lackland Personal PropertyOffice seeks participants for a newWeb-based management system forpermanent change of station moves.

Beginning Monday, the DefensePersonal Property System will allowregistered users to set up and tracktheir household goods movement viathe Web. It will also have an automat-ed claims settlement module andbuilt-in customer satisfaction survey.

To participate, a hard copy of PCSorders and a DPS account arerequired.

For more information, contact thepersonal property office at 671-2821.

Additional information about DPSis available at www.move.mil.

HYPERTENSION EDUCATION CLASS

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

The class is open to any patient orfamily member interested in learning

more about hypertension.For more information or to register,

call the Nephrology Clinic at 292-6868.

THRIFT SHOP BAG SALE

The Lackland Thrift Shop’s bagsale is Feb. 6, 9:30 a.m. to noon.

The thrift shop is open from 9:30a.m. to noon on Mondays for salesonly. Tuesdays and Wednesdays thethrift shop is open from 9:30 a.m. to 1p.m. for sales, and 10 a.m. to noon forconsignments.

After-business-hours donationscan be placed in the back of thebuilding; clothing must be bagged toprotect it from the elements.

Call 671-3608 during non-busi-ness hours for the weekly list of itemsnot being accepted.

AACA NEEDS SINGERS

The African American CulturalAssociation needs singers for itsannual gospel celebration program

Feb. 6. Rehearsals are in the GatewayChapel, each Monday and Fridaythrough the performance date.

Contact Karen Knowles at 671-1721 or Chiretta Boclair at 977-6545for more information.

ANNUAL FASHION SHOW

The Team Lackland AfricanAmerican History CulturalAssociation’s annual fashion show isFeb. 13.

The theme for the show is“Motown in Review.” Event proceedswill go to the AAHCA scholarshipfoundation, which gives scholarshipsto Department of Defense graduatingseniors in the San Antonio area.

Contact Tracy Parmer at 292-8145or Staff Sgt. Jennifer Brown at 671-5858 for more information.

SAT TEST SCHEDULED

Eligible active-duty, Reserve orGuard can take the ScholasticAptitude Test Feb. 20, 7:30 a.m., in

Bldg. 5725, Room 153.Personnel are authorized for only

one Department of Defense-fundedadministration of the SAT for a serviceor education requirement.

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

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

The Lackland Officers’ SpousesClub scholarship applications for fall2010 are available at the GatewayClub cashier’s cage, the thrift shop,the education office and on the LOSCWeb site at www.lacklandosc.org. Thesubmission deadline is March 1,2010.

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

SUPPLY TRAINING

The 37th Logistics ReadinessSquadron’s equipment accountability

office conducts supply training thethird Wednesday each month in Bldg.5160, second floor commander’s con-ference room, 8 a.m.

The class covers introduction togeneral supply training, benchstocktraining and supplemental trainingfor supply custodians.

Contact Rosa Ledesma or BethanyCuevas at 671-3803 for class regis-tration.

LACKLAND WINGMAN AWARDS

Nominations are being acceptedfor the monthly Lackland WingmanAwards.

The program creates a direct linefor Airmen or their families to getword to wing leadership of the dailyefforts their peers are taking to helpone another.

Nomination forms can be e-mailedto [email protected].

For more information and nomina-tion forms, contact Master Sgt. JasonHohenstreiter at 671-3722.

LocalBRIEFS

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

Monday-Friday:Wilford Hall ChapelMass, 11 a.m

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

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

Hope ChapelHispanic Mass, 9:15 a.m.Wilford Hall ChapelMass, 3 p.m.

OrthodoxSaturday:Airmen Memorial ChapelDivine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m.Religious Education,10:45 a.m.

ProtestantSunday:Airmen Memorial ChapelLiturgical Service, 8 a.m.

Hope ChapelSpanish Contemporary,12:45 p.m.Contemporary, 10:45 a.m.

Freedom ChapelContemporary Service,9:30 a.m.Gospel Service, 12:30p.m.Children’s ChurchprovidedReligious Education, 11a.m.Wednesday and

Thursday:Bible Study, 6 p.m.

Sunday:Medina ChapelContemporary Service, 9a.m.

Wilford Hall ChapelTraditional Service, 1:30 p.m.

IslamicFriday:Defense LanguageInstituteStudent CenterFaith Study, 1:30 p.m.Jummah Prayer, 1:30-2:30p.m.Sunday:Religious Education, 10:00a.m.-12:00 p.m.

JewishFriday:Airmen Memorial ChapelSabbath Eve Service,

5:45 p.m.Religious Education, 4:30p.m.

Wicca1st Wednesday:Freedom ChapelRoom 8,San Antonio MilitaryOpen Circle,6:15 p.m.

For more information, contact the chapel staff:

Freedom Chapel • 671-4208Gateway Chapel • 671-2911

Hope Chapel • 671-2941WHMC Chapel • 292-7373

CHAPEL SERVICES KEY FAMILY SUPPORT RESOURCESAir Force Aid Society 671-3722Airman & Family Readiness Center 671-3722Airman's Attic 671-1780Base Post Office 671-1058Bowling Center 671-2271DEERS 800-538-9552Family Child Care 671-3376Legal Office 671-3362Library 671-3610Medical Appointment Line 916-9900MPF ID Cards 671-6006Outdoor Recreation 925-5532TRICARE Info 800-444-5445Thrift Shop 671-3600

Lackland Enlisted Spouses’ Club www.lacklandesc.orgLackland Force Support Squadron www.lacklandfss.comLackland ISD www.lacklandisd.netLackland Officer Spouses’ Club www.lacklandosc.orgLackland public Web site www.lackland.af.milMy Air Force Life www.MyAirForceLife.comYear of the Air Force Family www.af.mil/yoaff

2


JAN. 29BUDGET AND SPENDING CLASS

A budget and spending class istoday, 10:30 to noon, at the Airmanand Family Readiness Center, Bldg.1249.

The class teaches the basics offinancial management.

For more information, call 671-3722.

FEB. 1RETURN AND REUNION SEMINAR

A return and reunion seminar isMonday, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at the Airmanand Family Readiness Center, Bldg.1249.

The seminar is an informal forumabout the stress families and individu-als experience during separation.

Call 671-3722 for more informa-tion.

PRAISE DANCE CLASS

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

FEB. 2PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL

Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Tuesday, 10 a.m.,at Freedom Chapel in Rooms 5 and 6.

Activities for children are offeredduring the meeting.


FEB. 3FOUR TO GO CLASS

A Four to Go class is Wednesday,8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Airman andFamily Readiness Center, Bldg. 1249.

The class provides information forthose planning to separate or retirefrom the military in the next four years.


FEB. 4HEARTS APART

The Hearts Apart meeting fordeployed families is Thursday, 6-8p.m., in Bldg. 1249. The meeting willfocus on making the most of deploy-ment and overcoming holiday stress.Limited activities for children will beoffered.

Families preparing for deploymentare also encouraged to attend. Formore information, call 671-3722.

SWING DANCE LESSONS

Free swing dance lessons areThursday, 6-7 p.m., at Arnold HallCommunity Center.


FEB. 5PARENTS NIGHT OUT

The Youth Center is sponsoring aParents Night Out/Give Parents aBreak Feb. 5 for children ages 6-12.

Children can have a night of

supervised fun and activities whileparents enjoy an evening out. Hoursare 6:30-11:30 p.m.

Cost is $10 per child or free with areferral. Call 671-2388 for more infor-mation.

RESUME PREPARATION CLASS

A resume preparation class is Feb.5, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Airman andFamily Readiness Flight, Bldg. 1249.

The class will teach differentstyles and content of resume writing.For more information or to register forthe class, call 671-3722.

FEB. 8RETURN AND REUNION SEMINAR

A return and reunion seminar isFeb.8, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at the Airmanand Family Readiness Center, Bldg.1249.

The seminar is an informal forumabout the stress families and individu-als experience during separation.


MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS

Mothers of Preschoolers, or MOPS,meets for Bible study and fellowship

Feb. 8, 9:30 a.m., at the FreedomChapel’s Fellowship Hall.

Child care for preschool-aged chil-dren will be provided.


PRAISE DANCE CLASS

Praise dance class meets Feb. 8, 6p.m., at Arnold Hall Community Center.For details on the free classes, call671-2619.

FEB. 9PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL

Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Tuesday, 10 a.m.,at Freedom Chapel in Rooms 5 and 6.

Activities for children are offeredduring the meeting.


FEB. 16HEART LINK ORIENTATION

Heart Link, the Air Force’s officialorientation program for spouses, isFeb. 16, 6-9 p.m., at the Airman andFamily Readiness Center, Bldg. 1249.

Reservations can be made by call-ing Terryca Fuller at 671-3722.

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 v v Family Support Events

WWW.LACKLANDFSS.COM


SPORTS

Stars light up BXStars light up BX

(Left to Right) Astros broadcaster Jim Deshaies, pitchers Matt Lindstrom and Bud Norris, and former first baseman Jeff Bagwell meet with fansduring an autograph session at the base exchange Wednesday. The Lackland visit is part of the Astros 15-city 2010 community outreach tour.

Astros

Story and photo by Patrick DesmondSports Editor

Autograph sessions, like the Houston Astros’visit to the base exchange Wednesday, are a fan’sdream, an opportunity to meet childhood idols andinteract with athletes normally admired at a dis-tance from recliners or hard plastic seats.

It’s also a chance for players to meet the peoplethat support them. And, when military membersare concerned, support carries different mean-ings.

“It probably does more for us than it does forthem,” former Astros first baseman Jeff Bagwellsaid, sitting in front of a line of fans snaking backinto the store. “A lot of these people have followedmy career, and more importantly followed theAstros. For us, it’s well worth it to give back.

“I see the kids around here, the kids who go towar for us. It’s quite a moving experience.”

The stop at Lackland, featuring pitchers BudNorris and Matt Lindstrom, and broadcaster andformer pitcher Jim Deshaies, alongside Bagwell,

was the first of four venues around San AntonioWednesday.

For many fans waiting at the exchange, such asShane MacDonald, 433rd Civil EngineerSquadron, Astros baseball is a big part of theirlives.

“I played baseball,” MacDonald said. “I love thesport. I admire the things they can do on the field.

“I thought it was really cool when I found out,especially about Jeff Bagwell,” MacDonald said. “Iwatched him play on TV as a kid and at (MinuteMaid Park).”

MacDonald left with pictures provided by theMLB team and signed by the ballplayers, whileother Airmen waited their turn with balls, cards,gloves and pictures in hand.

A sports enthusiast and memorabilia collector,MacDonald put himself in the players’ shoes.

“If I were ever to become a professional ath-lete, what would I do?,” MacDonald said, rhetori-cally. “I think it would be very flattering to be ableto sign autographs.

“Then, you have Jeff Bagwell. He’s been retired

for a couple years and he still comes out.”Taken from the Astros’ community outreach

Web page, events such as this one are “as impor-tant as throwing strikes and hitting home runs.”

Add the caravan’s later stop at Brooke ArmyMedical Center, and Bagwell might argue one ismore important than the other.

“(The visit at Brooke Army Medical Center)means a lot,” he said, pausing to take pictures andshake an Airman’s hand. “They made sacrificesfor our country. We just want go out there and puta couple of smiles on people’s face.

“Those are tough places to go. We went to theveteran’s hospital a few days ago. It’s an emotion-al time.”

Setting up more of these mutually-beneficialevents is something Lackland varsity sports direc-tor Dwayne Reed is looking to coordinate in thefuture.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring professionalathletes and the men and women of the armedforces together,” he said. “I hope to bring theCowboys and Spurs out to Lackland.”


RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE (AFNS) – AirForce officials are accepting applications untilFeb. 15 for the inaugural Warrior Games inColorado Springs, Colo.

Wounded, ill and injured servicememberswill compete across all branches of the militaryin a joint effort between the Department ofDefense and the U.S. Olympic Committee.Active duty, Guard, and Reserve members aswell as retired personnel and veterans are eli-gible to compete regardless of their injuries,including those diagnosed with post traumaticstress disorder and traumatic brain injuries.

Defense Department officials announcedrecently about 200 participants will compete inthe Warrior Games May 10-14.

The U.S. Olympic Committee will host thegames, and events will include shooting, swim-ming, archery, track, discus, shot put, cycling,sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball,said Army Brig. Gen. Gary Cheek, the com-mander of the U.S. Army Warrior TransitionCommand, at a Pentagon news conference.

In preparation for this event, Air Force offi-cials will host a one-week training camp priorto the games in Colorado Springs. “We under-stand that several of our athletes cannot takethree weeks off from their full-time jobs todedicate their time for the competitions, so wehave reduced the training camp from twoweeks to one week,” said Capt. Sarah Bruno,Air Force Warrior and Survivor Care actionofficer at the Pentagon.

“We need a minimum of one week for thevolleyball and basketball teams to train togeth-er,” Captain Bruno said. “But for the otherevents, we can reduce the training time tothree or four days on a case-by-case basis.”

The Army will choose 100 Soldiers out of apool of almost 9,000 wounded warriors. TheMarine Corps will send 50 competitors, whilethe Navy, the Air Force and the Coast Guardwill send 25 each, General Cheek said.

“The value of sports and athletic competi-tion and the fact that you can get great satis-faction from what you do is really what we’reafter,” he said. “And we’re really looking forthis opportunity to (grow) this program in Mayand have it get bigger and stronger.”

The goal isn’t just to determine the best ath-letes, but rather to maximize wounded veter-ans’ abilities and to show their true potentialthrough competitive sports, he explained.

“While we’ve made enormous progress inall the military services in our warrior care, ...it’s not enough,” the general said. “And whatwe have to do with our servicemembers isinspire them to reach for and achieve a richand productive future, to defeat their illness orinjury to maximize their abilities and knowthat they can have a rich and fulfilling lifebeyond what has happened to them in serviceto their nation.”

For more details or to request an applica-tion, call Air Force Services Agency lead actionofficer 1st Lt. Hannah McDaniels at 652-7021.

DoD, Olympic Committee plan inauguralwounded warriors competition for May

25 Airmen wanted: AF VS. ARMY

Photos by Robbin CresswellThe Lackland varsity flag football team gears up for its SanAntonio Flag Football Association regular season with a friendlyexhibition game against Fort Sam Houston Saturday at WarhawkField. After a 6-6 stalemate at the end of regulation, theRangers beat the Warhawks in overtime by outgaining theiropponent in the single four-down possession. (Above) Defensive back Bryan Jones leaps for an interception.(Below) Jeremy Jenkins evades a Ranger cornerback.

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