FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2010 • GATEWAY TO THE AIR FORCE...

F R I D AY, J A N U A R Y 8 , 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 . 1

INSIDECommentary 4

Recognition 6

What’s Happening 22

News & Features

Hometown news 12

Master gunsmith 14

Basketball 23

AF Bowl game 24

View the Talespinner onlineat www.lackland.af.mil

Senior Airman Melissa White37th Training Wing Public Affairs

Two Airmen were recently selected to representthe base as 2010 Lackland AFB Ambassadors.

Tech. Sgt. Kathleen May, 737th TrainingSupport Squadron, and Staff Sgt. VicenteRodriguez, 59th Orthopedics and RehabilitationSquadron, were selected as the top two of 10applicants after meeting a seven-person panelDec. 17.

Lackland Ambassadors and ambassadors fromother San Antonio military installations representthe military during various community eventsincluding parades and visits to local schools, nurs-ing homes and retirement facilities. The ambassa-dors will also face many events during the tradi-tional, 11-day Fiesta celebration held annually inSan Antonio, boasting more than 200 differentevents.

“The Ambassador Program is importantbecause it puts a professional face of the militaryout in the community,” said Bill Gaines, 37thTraining Wing Public Affairs chief of civic out-reach. “They help educate the public about themilitary, encouraging their ongoing support forour servicemembers and the Air Force mission.”

Sergeant May was born and raised in Lincoln,Neb., and serves in the 737th TRSS as an inde-pendent duty medical technician.

As an IDMT, she helps provide medical diagno-sis, treatment and emergency care to a 7,000-plusBasic Military Training population.

“I’m very excited and proud of this honor and tolearn about how important Lackland is to SanAntonio,” said Sergeant May. “I’m also looking for-ward to working with my counterpart ambassadorand the other ambassadors as we get out in the

Team Lacklandselects 2010ambassadors

See AMBASSADORS P6

SECAF ARRIVAL

Photo by Robbin CresswellGen. Stephen Lorenz, commander of Air Education and Training Command,greets Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley after his arrival at Lackland’sKelly Field Annex Wednesday. Secretary Donley met with wing leadership, visitedthe Holland Military Working Dog Hospital and toured Lackland’s BasicExpeditionary Airman Skills Training complex during his three-day visit to SanAntonio. The secretary is scheduled to serve as reviewing official for today’s AirForce Basic Military Training graduation ceremony.

TALESPINNERPAGE 2 JANUARY 8, 2010

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

The first registrationsfor an upgraded Depart-ment of Defense identityauthentication and forceprotection system startMonday.

The mandatory pro-cess begins by squadronfor registration into theDefense BiometricIdentification System.Squadrons will beassigned by dates andthe entire base registra-tion process is expectedto last through July,according to Lisa Frantz,37th Security ForcesSquadron installationsecurity chief.

“It’s going to be a

massive undertaking,”she said. “Right now,we’re basing it off55,000 personnel (whohave to be registered)and we feel that numberis going to rise.”

Included in the55,000 are 13,000active-duty dependentsand 23,500 retirees andtheir dependents thatwill also necessitate reg-istration. Registrationdates for those groupswill be announced later.

Current registration isfor only Common AccessCard holders in eachscheduled unit.

Personnel are beingassigned in five-minuteintervals on three DBIDSmachines in Pass and ID,

Bldg. 5616. Wilford Hallwill have one machineon the 9th floor, Ward Breserved only for Wil-ford Hall personnel.

Anyone with perma-nent base access willregister into the Lack-land DBIDS system.DBIDS verifies a card-holder’s information andan electronic fingerprintis taken.

It will also require acriminal history checkon personnel enteringmilitary installations.

DBIDS has beeninstalled at all visitorgates and contractorpasses will require regis-tration into the system.

DBIDS enhances in-stallation security and

improves force protec-tion.

It allows a gate guardto use a hand-held wire-less scanner on the barcodes of CACs andDBIDS issued creden-tials.

The scanners willinstantly identify whothe person is andwhether or not they’reallowed on base.

In addition to provid-ing personal informationat the point of entry,DBIDS will notify guardsabout lost or stolen IDcards, individuals bar-red from the base, orpersons being sought bytheir commander for anemergency or key res-ponse notification.

January DBIDS Registration Schedule8-11 a.m., noon-4 p.m.

Jan. 11-14, 37th Security Forces Squadron,Pass and ID, Bldg. 5616

Jan. 11-12, 59th Medical Wing staff,WHMC 9th floor, Ward B

Jan. 13-Feb. 12, 59th Clinical Support Group,WHMC 9th floor, Ward B

Jan. 15, 37th Mission Support Group staff,8-11 a.m., Pass and ID, Bldg. 5616

Jan. 15, 37th Operations Support Squadron,12-4 p.m., Pass and ID, Bldg. 5616

Jan. 16-21, 37th Civil Engineer Squadron,Pass and ID, Bldg. 5616

Jan. 22-26, 37th Contracting Squadron,Pass and ID, Bldg. 5616

Jan. 28-Feb. 1, 37th Logistics Readiness Squadron,Pass and ID, Bldg. 5616

DBIDS registration begins Monday

To report Fraud, Waste & Abuse matters or if you have a concern andare unsure if you should file a complaint, contact the 37 TRW/IG office at 671-3347 or e-mail to [email protected].

TALESPINNERJANUARY 8, 2010

MLK DAY LUNCHEON

Team Lackland will host a MartinLuther King Jr. Day luncheon Thursday,beginning at noon in the Gateway Club.

Tickets for the luncheon, whichincludes Southern-style food and gospelmusic, are $7. Retired Brig. Gen. ToreaserSteele will be the guest speaker.

For more information contact HopeChapel at 671-2941, Freedom Chapel at671-4208, the Wing Chapel’s office at671-4101 or the Wilford Hall MedicalCenter Chapel at 292-7272.

ACADEMY REOPENING

A reopening ceremony for the RobertD. Gaylor NCO Academy is Jan. 15 at 1:30p.m.

The $6 million renovation of the acad-emy began in November 2008. The proj-ect relocated all 16 military flight roomsand administrative offices to the firstfloor, and the student learning centerwas moved to the second floor.

RELOCATION CLEARANCE PACKAGES

Airmen with family members ordependents who expect a permanentchange of station within the next sixmonths have packages that must becomplete before receiving orders.

For an overseas location, includingHawaii and Alaska, a family memberrelocation clearance package should becompleted four to six months before thereport-no-later-than date. Packagesmust be complete before orders will bereleased.

Active-duty members moving withfamily members or dependents inside thecontinental United States must completean Air Force special needs screener, AF4380.

Those answers could lead to requiringa family member relocation clearancepackage. The completed documents mustbe turned in to the exceptional familymember/special needs office or theMilitary Personnel Flight four to sixmonths prior to reassignment. Incom-plete forms will delay orders.

For more information, contact 292-5864, 292-4721 or 292-2775.

NewsBBRRIIEEFFSS

GUN CHECK

Photo by Senior Airman Christopher HubenthalStaff Sgt. Miguel Serrang reads off weapon serialnumbers as Staff Sgt. Randall Blackdeer, 332ndExpedit ionary Medical Group, documents thenumbers at the Air Force Theater Hospital at JointBase Balad, I raq, Dec. 24, 2009. SergeantBlackdeer, deployed from the 59th Medical Logisticsand Readiness Squadron, is responsible for thehospital's structure, plumbing and electrical upkeep.

By Capt. Rose RichesonAir Education and Training Command Public Affairs

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE (AFNS) – The 2010 AirEducation and Training Command Symposium will honorfive special Airmen at a formal ball Jan. 15 in San Antonio.

“The remaining five Air Force Medal of Honor recipientswho were honored for valor during the Vietnam War willbe recognized for their heroic actions and the sacrificesthey made to ensure our freedom,” said Lt. Col. AndrewHuisentruit, the AETC Symposium action officer.

Retired Cols. Bernard Fisher, Joe Jackson, Jim Fleming,Leo Thorsness and Bud Day will sit among AETC Airmenentertained by a drill team and musical string performanc-es throughout the night. Gen. Norton Schwartz, the AirForce chief of staff, will provide the keynote speech com-plementing the rare occasion in which all five membersare gathered together.

The symposium will highlight technological advance-

ments in the Air Force training through two days of semi-nars and a technology exposition by the nation’s leadingmilitary members and defense contractors.

The John Jay High School Air Force National ChampionArmed Drill Team from San Antonio will perform onceagain after their extended standing ovations at last year’ssymposium events. The varsity drill team took top individ-ual and team honors at the annual Texas State DrillCompetition. The Strolling Strings element of the Air ForceBand will also perform during the symposium.

Retired Gen. Lloyd “Fig” Newton, former AETC com-mander, returns to the convention center for his secondconsecutive year as emcee of the symposium and ball.

“This event will give our servicemembers an opportunityto learn more about our military training heritage and paytribute to the people who have served before us,” saidJames Sturch, the AETC Symposium event director.

To register for the 2010 AETC Symposium and Ball, visithttp://www.aetcsymposium.com.

AF honorees to attend AETC Ball


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.

Lorenz on Leadership

Jessica’s legacyBy Gen. Stephen LorenzAir Education and Training Command commander

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE – Thereare certain times in our lives where a singlemoment or significant event causes us topause … and reflect. These moments cancatch us after both happy times and sad –after accomplishments of our own or thoseof others. Sometimes they catch us offguard, by surprise. More often, though,these moments sit out in front of us … andwe either run into their embrace or aredrawn toward them despite struggles toavoid them.

This holiday season I found myself at oneof those moments. I was hosting a tourthrough the Center for the Intrepid at FortSam Houston. The CFI is an amazing facilitythat helps rehabilitate military memberswho have suffered significant injury. I lovewalking through the CFI – it is a bright, airybuilding filled with hope. On the top floor ofthe circular building there is a hallway withwindows lined with pictures of those injured

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen andMarines whose lives were touched bythe CFI team. It was there, looking atthe large photos, that a particularpose caught my eye.

The photo took me back to lastJune, at a memorial service for oneof our Airmen who, at 24 years ofage, left our ranks far too soon.Senior Airman Jessica Tarverstared from the photo, a smilebeaming from ear to ear. Her story is one ofperseverance and strength. A rare infectionthat she contracted during her second tourin Iraq tragically led to two years of chal-lenges that, along the way, took both of herlegs and, eventually, her life.

Jessica’s memorial ceremony at the CFIhad seating for 75, but twice as many stoodaround the perimeter to attend. Such acrowd is one of the simplest and strongestcompliments anyone can receive.

She was an inspirational person and I,along with so many others, am better forhaving known her.

During the ceremony, many peo-ple stood to talk and reflect on theirspecial relationship with Jessica. Hersquadron commander, Lt. Col.Raymond James, had flown to SanAntonio from Hurlburt Field, Fla.Jessica’s battle began right after hetook command of the 1st SpecialOperations Helicopter MaintenanceSquadron. In fact, he’d only been onthe job for two weeks when Jessica

first went into the hospital.His words resonated; someone who had

been forced to deal with a challenging situa-tion from the very first days of command.Through Jessica, Colonel James grew intothe seasoned, well-respected leader that heis today. All of the members of the 1st andthe Air Force at large benefited fromJessica’s courage, inner strength and perse-verance.

One of her doctors stood to reflect on hermemories of Jessica. While most double-

Gen. StephenLorenz

See LEGACY P5

By Chief Master Sgt. Rob TappanaAir Education and Training Command command chief

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE – It all started during anElmendorf staff meeting. Seeing a major I didn’t know, Iintroduced myself. In reply she spoke a sentence that stillechoes in my mind.

“Hello Chief, I’m Maj. Jennifer Halter. I am a crew chiefon the human weapons system.”

Puzzled, I asked for clarification and she replied, “I am acrew chief on the human weapons system; I maintain thecritical emotional guidance system of our most valued asset.” Shewas our new mental health officer.

I paused to consider her unique point of view. Was I a “weaponssystem?” Did I want to be one? The answer to that question was aquick “yes.” In the Air Force we revere our weapons systems. WhenI enlisted there were seldom pictures of people on the walls butthere were always pictures of our weapons: aircraft, missiles, satel-lites, etc. We are a technological force and we love our stuff.

Afterward, I looked out my window and pondered the F-15s onthe flight line. Each is a complex system of systems requiring dedi-cated and skilled maintenance. Each is assigned a crew chief and

assistant crew chief responsible for ensuring the jet isalways in good repair. No pilot steps to a jet until the crewchiefs prepare it and verify it is ready to go.

“Sir/ma’am, the jet is ready. All systems are green. If youhandle it properly it will take you out and back and you’llboth be ready for tomorrow’s mission.”

The crew chiefs have access to specialists in the “backshops” to provide specialized maintenance beyond theirexpertise. Avionics, fuels, weapons, etc; whatever help isneeded to ensure the performance and safety of the jet. Onoccasion, we will even take a jet off the line and send it for

depot-level maintenance, an upgrade of its major systems. Thisallows us to fly our aircraft for 50 years and more.

I realized there are many parallels between Airmen and aircraft.I am, we are, a complex system of systems. We require constant andcompetent maintenance. Who is my crew chief? I believe I am. Basicmaintenance: food, rest, exercise, education, is my responsibility. Mysupervisor, teammates, wingmen, and chain of command serve asassistant crew chiefs. Sometimes though, I need more maintenancethan my supervisor and I can provide. This is where the “back

Maintaining the Human Weapons System

Chief Master Sgt.Rob Tappana

See HUMAN P5


amputees work hard to walk inathletic shoes, Jessica told the doc-tors and physical therapists thatshe wanted to walk in six-inchheels. A tear fell from the doctor’seye while remembering themoment when Jessica strutteddown the hall on four-inch stilettoheels with her prostheses. She hadbeen an inspiration.

The others who flowed past thepodium to tell their story andreflect on their relationship withJessica shared a similar theme.Although their interaction varied,in each case they described awoman who challenged them to bebetter than before. She made a dif-ference in their lives and they werethere to say, “Thank you.” Throughher example, Jessica left themwiser, stronger and more able tohandle future challenges. She wastheir wingman.

The caregivers from the CFIstood around the ceremony,embracing the sadness. These areselfless heroes, who meet theunknown each and every day with

a steadfast confidence and compas-sion. Their approach instills hopeand enables otherwise impossibleopportunities for their patients.They too make a difference in peo-ple’s lives.

I could still feel the warmth ofthat embrace standing in the circu-lar hallway last month, gazing atthe portrait of Jessica. She taughteveryone so much, challenged all togrow, and strengthened our AirForce family. It is now our duty topay this forward and push every-one to be better Airmen, team-mates and wingmen.

Such a message must never die.Standing in that hallway, I foundmyself feeling so thankful for hav-ing known Jessica Tarver and theway her smile could brighten anyroom. I also felt thankful for themembers of the CFI team and allthe good that they do. Lastly, I wasthen and am forever thankful foreach of you, the service you provideour nation, and the difference youmake each and every day. May wenever forget the positive exampleand spirit of those Jessicas in ourlives.

LEGACY from P4

shops” play their role inmaintaining our humanweapons system.

Should my spiritual com-pass go askew, our chap-lains will help me re-centerit. The professionals at thedining facility are here toensure I am properlyfueled. Should I suffer aphysical breakdown, themedical group is standingby with specialists for all myphysical systems. If I findmy thrust-to-weight ratiooff and my performanceslowing, I can go to theHealth and Wellness Centerand the fitness center for afitness tune up. Just as wehave preventative mainte-nance for aircraft, we alsohave preventative mainte-nance for people includingroutine performance feed-back, proper diet and exer-cise and preventative healthassessments. We even havedepot-level maintenance.

After all, what is profession-al military education butdepot-level maintenance forthe leadership guidancemodule of the humanweapons system?

Too often, we treat ourequipment like treasure andour people like labor. Weoften work our people ashard as we can and thenare disappointed when theybreak down or fail. Wedon’t do it intentionally butit still works out that way.I’d like to serve in an AirForce where our humanweapons systems are asrevered as our otherweapons systems. Onewhere each member worksas hard at maintainingthemselves and their peopleas the weapons andprocesses they are responsi-ble for. One where noAirman is sent on the day’smission until his/her super-visor checks him/her overand ensures he/she is mis-sion-ready.

“Sir/ma’am, I’ve checkedout Airman Snuffy. All sys-tems are green. If you treather right she’ll perform welland be ready for tomor-row’s mission when weneed her.”

There is no reason wecannot become more capa-ble as we age. It all boilsdown to how well we main-tain ourselves and ourteams.

I owe Major Halter agreat deal. She reshapedhow I look at maintainingmyself and my team. Shewas right: we are the AirForce’s most valued asset.America provides us withher most precious treasure,her sons and daughters. Itis up to us to ensure thateach reaches their maxi-mum potential and providestheir best to our mission ofdefending the nation. I amChief Master Sgt. RobTappana. I am a crew chiefon the human weapons sys-tem, and so are you.

HUMAN from P4


BMT HONORSCongratulations to the fol-

lowing 70 Airmen for beingselected as honor graduatesamong 703 trainees graduat-ing today:

320th Training SquadronFlight 069Terence WilliamsFlight 070Taylor HrenRosendo Rangel

321st Training SquadronFlight 081Christopher BrennanSeth DrakeZachary PiwkoKyle PringleDarryl UnderwoodFlight 082Zachary CoxDavid CrumrineJared DarnallIsaiah EscorciaNicolas KaufenbergMichael MartellMitchell Modlich

Nathaniel SynerDavid ThompsonLuke Underwood

322nd Training SquadronFlight 075Devin ClarkeRichard CulpJon PorubskyFlight 076Eric CarterJustin CostaBryan HubertyNathaniel IversonChristopher JanousekMoreno JimenezDouglas Raymond

323rd Training SquadronFlight 071Samuel AponteChristian DlugajczykTaylor RootKyle TaylorFlight 072Robert DuboisJoshua GreenRicardo Huerta

Robert LammiAaron LewisDallas MaloneSiarhei MaryninShane Osier Erik Smith

324th Training SquadronFlight 077Jesse JohnsonRyan KennedyJohn Rapp

326th Training SquadronFlight 079Colton CasteeleKody FieldsTrevor HarenzaJustin LambertDaniel NormanNicholas StowersBenjamin WalshCody WolkFlight 080Loan LeJennifer ShackelfordCinde Yoho

331st Training SquadronFlight 073Joshua AndersonRyan BeckMitchell BeedeNicholas BlossomChad CoeJoseph CollettJoshua DowseyRandall FrazierMichael HigginsEthan PalmerJuan ParejaJohnny RossMaxwel TerzanoJames WagnerFlight 074Janna Welch

Top BMT AirmanMitchell Modlich, 321st TRS,Flight 082

Most Physically FitMale AirmenJon Porubsky, 322nd TRS,Flight 075Zachary Palokangas, 323rd

TRS, Flight 071Female AirmenJennifer Shackelford, 326thTRS, Flight 080Seren Aydemir, 326th TRS,Flight 080Male Flights320th TRS, Flight 069321st TRS, Flight 082Female Flights326th TRS, Flight 080324th TRS, Flight 078

Top Academic Flights331st TRS, Flight 073323rd TRS, Flight 071

community to meet the people andbe the face of the Air Force.”

Sergeant Rodriguez hails fromSacramento, Calif., and works in the59th ORS as a physical medicinetechnician.

His job involves helping patientswith physical rehabilitation so theycan recover from injury and returnto daily activities.

“My leadership actuallyapproached me and encouraged meto put in an application, so I’m verygrateful for that because I know alot of people deserved this and I feelvery honored,” said SergeantRodriguez. “I’m excited about Fiestaweek and meeting important peoplein the community so they know whatwe (the military) do as whole andhow we support the community.”

The ambassadors will serve forall of 2010, but they will also havethe help of their alternate ambassa-dors: Staff Sgt. Kelly Bergelin-Loemeli, 59th Medical Logistics andReadiness Squadron, and Staff Sgt.David Veliquette, 319th TrainingSquadron.

AMBASSADORS from P1

Photo by Armando Flores Tech. Sgt. Kathleen May, 737th Training Support Squadron, andStaff Sgt. Vicente Rodriguez, 59th Orthopedics and RehabilitationSquadron, were selected as the 2010 Lackland Ambassadors.

Love your job in theAir Force?

Want to share your personal experiencesin the military with others?

The Lackland Speakers’ Bureau wantsYOU! Call 671-5066 or 671-2907

for more details.


Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Barnett59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

Military ophthalmologists from all branches ofservice were recently presented a DistinguishedService Award in appreciation for their ongoing serv-ice and vision care contributions.

The award was presented by the AmericanAcademy of Ophthalmology and recognized all mili-tary ophthalmologists, past and present, for their per-sistent dedication to serving the eye care needs ofactive-duty members, their dependents, and retirees.

“I know the commitment to excellence in eye carethat these physicians bring to our profession, and weare proud to honor them for their dedication at homeand abroad,” said Dr. Michael Brennan, president ofthe academy and a former military ophthalmologist.

“Literally half of the current active-duty ophthal-mologists have served in the war,” said Lt. Col. (Dr.)Charles Reilly, 59th Ophthalmology Flight commanderat Wilford Hall Medical Center, and consultant to theAir Force Surgeon General on refractive surgery. “Ithink that is probably the biggest factor contributingto this award.”

Defense Department ophthalmologists, in collabo-ration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, areworking to provide the best available surgical andrehabilitative eye care to military personnel.

The Vision Center of Excellence experts at WHMCare tracking serious eye injuries and eye diseases,updating clinical progress in timely and accessiblemanners and jointly arranging and collaborating onvision research studies.

The center’s staff is charged specifically to prevent,diagnose, mitigate, treat and rehabilitate military eyeinjuries.

“In the world of eye surgery there’s no truer senseof being a center for excellence than at Wilford Hall,”Dr. Reilly said.

The Lackland center uses state-of-the-art technolo-gy to provide the highest level of care to patients. Dr.Reilly recently performed the first Department ofDefense Intralase Enabled Keratoplasty, or IEK, usinga “top hat” cut which results in a superior corneatransplant. The procedure was the first of its kind inthe city of San Antonio, as well.

“The IEK is the biggest leap forward in corneatransplant technique in the last two decades,” said Dr.Reilly. “It’s an honor to be able to provide the bestpossible service to those who are serving this country.Military ophthalmology is at the forefront, the worldleader in ophthalmology patient care.”

Lt. Col. (Dr.) Charles Reilly, Ophthalmology Flightcommander at Wilford Hall Medical Center (right), examinesa patient’s eyes. Dr. Reilly performed the first Department ofDefense Intralase Enabled Keratroplasty using a “top hat”cut to provide a superior cornea transplant.

Ophthalmologists receive award

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

Congratulations to the follow-ing Airmen who graduated fromAirman Leadership School Dec. 17,2009:

319th Training SquadronSenior Airman Earl Foreman

320th Training SquadronSenior Airman Skylar Swank

324th Training SquadronSenior Airman Aaron James

33rd Network Warfare SquadronSenior Airman Andrew DistlerSenior Airman Terrence Sears

342nd Training SquadronSenior Airman Scott FitzgeraldSenior Airman H. Jett

37th Civil Engineer SquadronSenior Airman Dawn Greenman

37th Communications SquadronSenior Airman Kylie Herron

37th Medical Operations SquadronSenior Airman Cendy Brown-Hernandez

37th Operations Support SquadronSenior Airman John Murphy

37th Security Forces SquadronStaff Sgt. Jason AbneySenior Airman Jeffrey CorreaSenior Airman Brent Deen

Senior Airman Raymond HysonSenior Airman Walter StilesSenior Airman Robert VillalpandoStaff Sgt. Jonathan Wheeler

737th Training Support SquadronSenior Airman Zachariah Gianessi

453rd Electronic WarfareSquadronSenior Airman Alex BacaSenior Airman Tyler LussierSenior Airman Eric Tate

543rd Support SquadronSenior Airman Dustin AlveySenior Airman Oscar Perez

59th Dental SquadronSenior Airman William Herko

59th Dental Support SquadronStaff Sgt. William Wood

59th Diagnostic and TherapeuticsSquadronSenior Airman Cory Ruddell

59th Medical Logistics andReadiness SquadronSenior Airman Porshia ReynoldsSenior Airman David Robbins

59th Medical Operations SquadronSenior Airman Teresa AquinoSenior Airman Matthew DarlingtonSenior Airman Louis Favela

Airmen graduate ALS

See ALS P17


By Staff Sgt. Vanessa YoungDefense Media Activity-San Antonio

Upon completion of an estimated $65 millionrenovation, a building at Kelly Field Annex willhouse more than 2,800 workers from 11 Air Forceagencies.

Various agencies including the Air Force RealProperty Agency, the Air Force Medical OperationsAgency, the Air Force Center for Engineering, andthe Environment and the Air Force Services Agencywill now be colocated at Port San Antonio.

The building was previously used for weaponsstorage during World War II and later as a shelterfor victims of Hurricane Katrina.

AFRPA officials are the first new tenants whorecently moved into the quarter-mile long buildingafter the renovation.

As the Air Force’s provider of real property man-agement, AFRPA members work closely with offi-cials from the AFCEE to complete their mission andnow will work down the hall from members of thatagency.

“Air Force Center for Engineering and theEnvironment is our execution agent helping us doevery aspect of our job,” said Bob Moore, the direc-

tor of AFRPA. “We expect working here with AFCEEwill provide a level of synergy that didn’t exist atany other locations.”

According to Steve TerMaath, the chief of theBase Realignment and Closure program manage-ment division, as AFRPA officials transfer propertyto the local redevelopment areas, the BRAC groupat AFCEE will be picking up some of the environ-mental functions AFRPA had performed.

Even though AFRPA officials transfer propertiesAir Force officials still may have environmentalfunctions and activities that continue on for manyyears to protect the health and the environment ofthe people who now have that property.

Now that they are working in close proximity,AFRPA and AFCEE officials can work together toget information out in a far more effective and effi-cient manner in supporting the communities thatnow have the Air Force properties, Mr. TerMaathsaid.

“Our move into the newly renovated facility pro-vides the Agency team with new office space andequipment and colocates the Agency with manyother Air Force organizations, which will result inimproved support to the Air Force and the localcommunity,” Mr. Moore said.

11 Air Force agencies to colocate

Photo by Staff Sgt. Desiree Palacios The Air Force Real Property Agency, as the first tenant inthe newly renovated, quarter-mile long Bldg. 171 at PortSan Antonio, hosted a holiday open house Dec. 16.Building 171 will be home to 11 Air Force agencies andwill house 2,800 Air Force, government, and civilian staff.The AFRPA houses 400 cubicles, and uses hallway namesto find people’s working space.


By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael CardenAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (AFNS) – Militarymembers will see an average raise of2.5 percent in housing allowancerates in 2010, a BAH program ana-lyst for the Defense Department saidrecently.

The increase comes averages outto around $37 per month for themore than 900,000 servicemembersexpected to draw the basicallowance for housing in 2010. Someareas will see a higher increase,while others will see less, CherylAnne Woehr said.

The 2010 raise is down from2009’s 6.5 percent average, and isthe smallest percentage increasesince the inception of the BAH pro-gram in 2000. This is due to the past

year’s recession and declining hous-ing market, she said.

“Rates are set based on actualhousing data, so as the economy hasdecl ined, vacancy rates haveincreased [and] rental prices havedeclined, which results directly tolower BAH rates in various areas,”Ms. Woehr said.

Those who do notice the BAHrates are lower in their area thanlast year shouldn’t worry, she said,because an individual rate protectionlaw is in place. The policy protectsthose who already are under a rentalagreement. So if BAH rates in theirarea are lower Jan. 1 than on Dec.31, the previous, higher rate applies.

“Servicemembers are able to takeadvantage of the increase in rates,but are not affected by decreasingrates,” she said. But servicemembers

who change duty stations, changedependency status or get promotedon or after Jan. 1 will be affected bythe new rates.

Ms. Woehr stressed that it isn’tnecessarily bad news for the service-member in areas that see a decreasein rates.

“Servicemembers who are newlyreporting to an area get to takeadvantage of the lower market whenthey arrive,” she said.

The BAH program is designed tobenefit the servicemember, but it’snot designed to pay 100 percent ofhousing expenses, Ms. Woehr said.The rate is intended to cover rent,renter’s insurance and utilities basedon pay grade and dependency status.

The local market economy deter-mines annual BAH changes and setsthe next year’s BAH rates. Military

housing offices from each installa-tion begin collecting data on thelocal rental market as early asJanuary each year. The off icesresearch the current rates for two-bedroom houses, townhouses, single-family homes and the different stan-dards and profiles for homes, Ms.Woehr said.

Typically, rates are higher in larg-er, more heavily populated metropol-itan areas, such as New York City,Chicago and Washington D.C. Ratesin rural areas usually are more sta-ble, and although they may increaseto some degree, the rise doesn’t havethe same impact as in larger cities,she said.

An estimated $19 billion in BAHwill be paid to nearly 1 million ser-vicemembers in 2010, Ms. Woehrsaid.

Military housing allowance rates set for 2010

JOGGING RULESOF THE ROAD:

Wearing portable headphones, earphones, orother listening devices while operating amotor vehicle, running, jogging, walking,

bicycling, or skating on Lackland roadwaysand sidewalks is PROHIBITED.


The director of the South TexasVeterans Health Care System is urgingveterans to take advantage of thequality health care available to them.

“I am convinced many veterans eli-gible for high quality health care arecurrently paying for it,” MarieWeldon, an Army veteranwho assumed leadership ofthe award winninghealth care system lastAugust, said. TheSTVHCS is rated in thetop 10 among VA med-ical centers.

“Our mission is toprovide the best healthcare available. I want toinvite all veterans to comein to the VA hospital or clinicand enroll for health care. You servedour country well and we want to offeryou all the benefits you have earned,”she said.

Veterans who have enrolled in thepast but were told they did not qualifydue to their financial income shouldreapply. Under a regulation datedJune 15, 2009, the Department ofVeterans Affairs began enrolling vet-erans whose income exceeds currentmeans-tested thresholds by up to 10percent. These veterans were exclud-ed from VA health care enrollment

when income limits were imposed in2003 on veterans with no service-con-nected disabilities or other special eli-gibility for care. There is no incomelimit for veterans with compensableservice-connected disabilities or for

veterans being seen for their serv-ice-connected disabilities.

For more information,call 1-877-222-VETS(8387) or visit the VAwebsite at www4.va.gov/healtheligibility.

Information aboutenrollment and anincome and assets cal-

culator are available atwww.va.gov/

healtheligibility. The calcula-tor provides a format in which

veterans enter their householdincome, number of dependents, andzip codes to see if they may qualify forVA health care enrollment.

In addition to applying online, vet-erans may also contact VA’s HealthBenefits Service Center at 1-877-222VETS (1-877-222-8387). Each VAmedical center across the country hasan enrollment coordinator available toprovide veterans with enrollment andeligibility information.

(Courtesy South Texas VeteranHealth Care System)

High quality health care available to veterans

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

The 2010 Air Education and Training CommandSymposium will be held Jan. 14 and 15 at the Henry B.

Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio.

PAGE 11TALESPINNERJANUARY 8, 2010

With the conclusion of a majorenvironmental cleanup project at theformer Kelly Air Force Base, the AirForce Real Property Agency is poisedfor whole base transfer in 2010 tothe local redevelopment authority,Port San Antonio.

AFRPA is responsible for the envi-ronmental cleanup and propertytransfer program at former KellyAFB, and has worked with the AirForce Center for Engineering andthe Environment, the EnvironmentalProtection Agency, and the TexasCommission on EnvironmentalQuality to prepare the former basefor completing its transfer to thelocal community.

Demonstrating the Air Force’scommitment to protecting humanhealth and the environment, AFRPAutilized innovative remediation tech-nologies to complete the environ-mental cleanup at the site of Bldg.301, a former metal plating facilitythat was demolished in 2003.

“During operation of the platingfacility from 1978 to 1999, chlorinat-

ed solvents from Bldg. 301 werereleased into the underlying soil andshallow groundwater,” said PaulCarrol l , Base EnvironmentalCoordinator. “Using cutting-edgeelectric resistance heat-ing technology, wewere able to removethe volatile and semi-volatile contaminantsin a year, whereasbefore i t may havetaken decades toclean up, clearingthe way for thetransfer of thelast 368 acresfrom Kelly to thePort.”

The ERH system wasbrought online in July 2008and achieved cleanup goals inSeptember 2009.

The ERH system places electrodesin the ground throughout the con-taminated region to heat the soiltemperature to 198 degrees. At thattemperature, the contaminants are

then removed by a soil vapor extrac-tion system. CAPE, Inc., an environ-mental engineering firm, installedand operated the ERH system.

Over 1,200 lbs of chlorinated sol-vents were removed,

and confirmationsamples col lected

were found to becleaner than regulatorystandards.

Remediation goalsfor this site havebeen met, and theAir Force re-ceived approval

from TCEQ to shutdown the ERH sys-

tem and close thesite without any proper-

ty restrict ions for futurereuse. Restoration of the Bldg. 301

site and paving are now complete,freeing up over 300 parking spacesfor the adjacent Boeing facility.

The Air Force invites interestedmembers of the public to attend themeetings of the Restoration Advisory

Board. This group of interested com-munity members meets with the AirForce and regulatory representativesquarterly to discuss the cleanup pro-gram.

The next Kelly RAB meeting isTuesday at 6:30 p.m. For location,please call 925-0956.

The Air Force Real PropertyAgency is responsible for remedia-tion and property transfer at 40 for-mer Air Force installations through-out the U.S. under the BaseRealignment and Closure program.At the height of the BRAC process,AFRPA managed 87,000 acres, orabout 137 square miles of property.

In the two decades since the firstBRAC in 1988, the agency has trans-ferred 88 percent, or more than 116square miles of land – twice the areaof Washington, D.C. – back to com-munities for public use.

Throughout the transfer process,the Air Force remains committed toprotecting human health and theenvironment.

(Courtesy AFRPA public affairs)

Former Kelly AFB completes cleanup project

See if your business sensecould earn you

extra money.Learn how tosubmit your

ideas bycalling

671-CASH


By Mike JosephStaff Writer

More than 650,000 Airmenthrough the past 20 years haveheard the following phrase: “Takeout a pen and using that, not themarker, begin filling out the formwith last name first, first name,middle initial, flight number androster number.”

With that opening remark,basic military trainees on theverge of graduation are introducedto Ernestine Manigault, 37thTraining Wing Public Affairshometown news release programmanager.

Ms. Manigault has run the pro-gram for two decades, briefingtrainees twice a week on the pro-cedure for filling out the newsrelease and photograph that willbe sent to family and hometownnewspapers announcing theirBMT graduation.

The releases include informa-tion about the graduate such asthe name of parents or parent,high school or college attended,and any individual BMT honors.

“I really enjoy doing my job,”said Ms. Manigault. “It’s a greatprogram. It makes me feel specialwhen I get a letter from a familymember saying thank you. Thatjust makes my day.”

Averaging 700 to 800 graduatesa week for 50 weeks a year,approximately 33,000 soon-to-beAirmen annually fill out the home-town news release form and arephotographed by a base photogra-pher.

Mailings to family membersinclude a 4 x 4 photograph of theAirman and a courtesy letter fromCol. William H. Mott V, 37th TRWcommander. A separate mailing tothe Airman’s hometown newspa-per includes a news releaseannouncing the Airman’s gradua-

tion from BMT, current assignmentand a 4 x 4 photograph.

Two trainees four days a weekassist Ms. Manigault in theprocess. Before any release ismailed out, graduates and honorsmust be verified, and zip codeschecked.

Ms. Manigault and the traineeshandle an average of 1,500 mail-ings a week, after matchingreleases with photographs andstuffing the materials inside ofenvelopes. Families usually receivetheir letter two weeks after gradu-ation while the news releasearrives at a graduate’s hometownnewspaper within 30 days.

“It is the largest (hometownnews release) program in the AirForce and I love what I do,” saidMs. Manigault, wading through thestack of papers and preparing tobrief another group of trainees.

Later that day, it will be time forher to say, “Take out a pen…”

Program publicizes personal accomplishments

Photo by Robbin Cresswell Ernestine Manigault, 37th Training Wing Public Affairs,explains the Hometown News Release Program to AirForce Basic Military Training trainees Dec. 29. Everyweek, Ms. Manigault gives BMT trainees the opportunityto publicize their Air Force achievements through theirhometown newspaper. The program showcases theworldwide accomplishments and activities of all Airmenthrough print and electronic news releases.


Photo by Robbin Cresswell Ernestine Manigault, 37th Training Wing Public Affairs, helps BMT trainees complete theHometown News Release form. The program is open to military and civilians.

The hometown news release pro-gram is available to all Lackland per-manent party and civilian employeesfor the purpose of announcingaccomplishments to their hometownmedia.

Department of Defense Form2266, available in the 37th TrainingWing Public Affairs office and onlineat http://ww1.dmasa.dma.mil/hometown, is required for therelease. Head and shoulder photo-graphs may also be submitted withthe form.

The forms should be submitted tothe hometown news release programin the Public Affairs office for reviewbefore it will be released.

Achievements that warrant ahometown news release include:

Military: Graduation from basic

military training, Officer TrainingSchool or technical school; promo-tion to airman first class or higher asit occurs; selected for promotion tochief master sergeant and above;selected for promotion to colonel andabove; permanent change of station;awards and decorations; re-enlist-ments; retirements; Olympic or PanAmerican Games selection; awardingof a college degree; suggestionawards of $50 or more; or participa-tion in a national news event.

Civilian: Numerous awards at alllevels; decoration for exceptionalcivilian service; suggestion awards of$500 or more; or graduation frommilitary school.

For more information, contact thehometown news release program at671-5082.

HNR program open to all


Master Gunsmith William Moore uses aprecision binochular visor to magnifythe hammer of a Colt 45. The opticalvisor helps him measure and see imper-fections in a weapon’s various parts.

Story and photos by Tech. Sgt. Samuel BendetTorch Magazine

For William Moore Jr., having a gun in his hand isas natural as having a hand on his wrist. It’s part ofwho he is.

For the past 26 years, Moore has been a smallarms repairman for the Air Force Shooting Team andthe Air Force Gunsmith Shop. Nestled in a bunker-like building at Lackland the shop ensures Airmen getweapons that will shoot straight and not blow up intheir hands.

The shop is manned by 18 weapons specialists, butMoore is … well, something more. He is a master ofhis craft – the Air Force’s only certified master gun-smith.

To become a master gunsmith, Moore had to gothrough 3,000 hours of training at the ColoradoSchool of Trades in Denver. It is one of the premiergunsmith schools in the nation.

But safe gun handling and maintenance began at amuch earlier age for the 54-year-old weapons expert.

“My dad taught me to shoot almost as soon as Icould walk,” said Moore, who was born and raised inthe southwest Texas town of McAllen.

His dad didn’t only teach him to pull the trigger,though. He was a stickler for details. He taught Mooreimportant gun safety lessons like, “Never point a gunat anything you don’t intend to kill,” or “Don’t put

your finger on the trigger until you are ready toshoot.” He also taught his son to clean and maintainhis weapon. Moore knew how to take apart and put agun back together almost as soon as he knew hisABCs.

“My dad took me on my first hunt at age 7 at mygrandma’s rattlesnake ranch (so nicknamed becausethey’d kill a half dozen rattlesnakes there each year).I shot five doves that day,” Moore said. “My happiestchildhood memories were hunting with my dad,brother, friends and Boo, our bird dog.”

So when it came time to decide what he wanted todo with his life, it’s little wonder that the path eventu-ally led him back to guns.

“I just looked at what I enjoyed most in life, and,well, here I am,” Moore said with a smile.

Moore has been with the gunsmith shop so long,he’s seeing his sixth generation of military memberscome through the unit.

“The group we have now is the best – the hardestworking bunch of people that I have ever beenaround,” Moore said.

That’s important for the end user. Not only doesthe shop perform heavy maintenance repair andmanufacturing on all the small arms in the Air Force,they test fire each one as well. Attention to detail is amust because if they send a gun that is malfunction-ing back to the warfighter, it could result in severehand or eye injuries – or even death.

Moore says Airmen can help keep their guns out ofthe gunsmith’s hands by performing routine mainte-nance and cleaning the weapons – inside and out.

He said the shop also sees a lot of guns that weredropped or ones that Airmen allowed debris to getinside by not maintaining muzzle control or evenleaning on them as if they were canes.

“You need to treat a gun with respect,” he said.“But if Airmen do find worn parts, cracks and othersigns of excessive wear on their firearms, theyshouldn’t hesitate to take them to the combat armstraining and maintenance.”

In the field, one of the worst things that can hap-pen is having a gun jam, Moore said.

“If you hear a pop instead of a bang, it probablymeans the round did not go off properly and is stuckin the barrel,” he said. “If this happens, don’t fireanother round. If you do, the weapon will likely blowup in your hands.”

The results could be injuries to the operator’shands and face. But also, the person next to the mal-functioning weapon might get the worst of it as mostof the shrapnel will blow out of the sides of the gun.

“I love guns, but I still recognize they can be dan-gerous if mishandled,” Moore said. “If people followthe rules of safe gun handling, the chances of amishap go down to almost zero.”

Sounds like the safety advice from this master gun-smith is right on target.

Throughthe eyesof agunsmith

Throughthe eyesof agunsmith

Master craftsmanmakes weapons safe

for Airmen


4 Always treat the gun as if it’s loaded. 4 Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. 4 Always keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. 4 Always keep the gun unloaded until you are ready to use it. 4 Never point the gun at anything you don’t intend to destroy. 4 Be sure of your target and what is beyond it. 4 Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the gun you are using. 4 Always use proper ammunition. 4 Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before loading and shooting. 4 If your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, hold your shooting position for several seconds; then with the muzzle

pointed in a safe direction, carefully unload the gun. 4 Don’t rely on the gun’s safety to keep it from firing. 4 Be aware of your surroundings when handling guns so you don’t trip or lose your balance and accidentally point

and/or fire the gun at anyone or anything.

Golden rules: a dozen vital tips for safe gun handlingGolden rules: a dozen vital tips for safe gun handling

For the past 26 years, William Moore has been a small arms repairman for the Air ForceShooting Team and the Air Force Gunsmith Shop. Nestled in a bunker-like building atthe Lackland Training Annex, the shop ensures Airmen get weapons that will shootstraight and not blow up in their hands.

With his tools of the trade always near his side to take precision measurements andaccomplish the most detailed work, William Moore can fix or refurbish just aboutany small arms, including this Colt 45 with a red dot optical sight for the Air ForceShooting Team.

At right is a 6-inch caliper,which provides the detailneeded to ensure a gunworks properly.


Senior Airman Jennifer McCormick

59th Medical WingSenior Airman Amber Bressler

59th Pharmacy SquadronSenior Airman Juan GarzonSenior Airman Jackie Wolfe

59th Surgical Inpatient SquadronSenior Airman Laquita Mason

59th Surgical Operations SquadronSenior Airman Marckus Newhouse

59th Surgical Specialties SquadronSenior Airman Erika Archer

68th Network Warfare SquadronStaff Sgt. Winter Braman Senior Airman Megan Kallina

688th Information Operations WingSenior Airman Rodney Hill

Air Force Intelligence, Surveillanceand Reconnaissance AgencySenior Airman Gabriel BrunerSenior Airman Carlton DavisSenior Airman Christopher GibsonSenior Airman Matthew GibsonSenior Airman Daniel HoffmanSenior Airman Christopher PerrySenior Airman Antwon Toson

Defense Media ActivitySenior Airman Michael Hutchinson

Robert D. Gaylor NCO AcademySenior Airman Joshua Swisher

USAF School of Aerospace MedicineSenior Airman Charles Dorsey

Award winnersJohn L. LevitowSenior Airman Megan KallinaAcademic AchievementSenior Airman Earl ForemanLeadership AwardSenior Airman Zachariah GianessiDistinguished GraduateSenior Airman Cendy Brown-HernandezSenior Airman Earl ForemanSenior Airman Raymond HysonSenior Airman Jackie Wolfe

ALS from P7

FIRST BABY OF 2010

Photo by Master Sgt. Kimberly Yearyean-SiersArmy Staff Sgt. Angelina Ellis, United States Army Institute of Surgical ResearchBurn Intensive Care Unit, Fort Sam Houston, and Charles Ellis show off theirnewborn baby daughter, Celia, Jan. 1. Celia was born at 1:31 a.m., making herthe first infant born in 2010 at Wilford Hall Medical Center. The family receiveda gift basket from WHMC volunteer services.

Lackland Conservation CornerSAVE HEAT

Make sure fireplace dampers arein the closed position when notin use. Fireplaces send warmair from inside of your home

up the chimney.


By Capt. Bob Krause24th Air Force Public Affairs

The Headquarters Air Force Space CommandInspector General Team concluded an InitialOperational Capability Assessment of 24th AirForce units Dec. 22. The assessment evaluated theunits’ ability to conduct U.S. Air Force networkoperations, and command and control of the AirForce network.

Major command inspections and exercises arecommon for operational units across the Air Forceand, like other operational units, the 24th AF isrequired to conduct assigned missions while cop-ing with additional inspection scenarios.

The inspection team evaluated the units’ abilityto respond to a variety of threats that couldimpact the Air Force portion of theDepartment of Defense networks using bothcrisis action and deliberate planningprocesses.

“This was the first of many tests ouroperators and support staff will be subjectto in the next year,” said Maj. Gen. RichardWebber, 24th AF commander.

“Assessments are how we determinemission effectiveness,” said Col. VictorDiaz, 624th Operations Center commander.“Cyberspace impacts all Air Force missions; weneed to know how well we can execute missionassurance in a contested environment.”

The mission of the 624th OC is to command andcontrol cyberspace operations and capabilities onthe Air Force portion of the DoD networks, and as

directed by Joint commanders.The assessment was observed by representa-

tives from the joint community including the U.S.Strategic Command’s Joint Functional Component

Command for Network Warfare and JointTask Force for Global NetworkOperations, and the Marine CorpsNetwork Warfare Command.

“This assessment validates our initialplans for how we operationalize Air Forcenetwork operations,” said GeneralWebber. “We need to have the capabilityto assure the joint warfighter missioneven while fighting through a contestedenvironment. We’re enforcing operationalrigor on our critical Air Force networks.”

During the evaluation, Col. Scott Gilson, theAFSPC Inspector General, presented coins to twooperators on the 624th OC f loor. CrewCommander, 1st Lt. Michael Piersimoni, andOperations Controller, Master Sgt. Brian Meeks,were singled out for their significant contribu-

tions. Following the assessment, General Webberheld a commander’s call and recognized threeadditional members: Senior Airman Cody Pavitt,Capt. George Sconyers, and Lt. Col.Brandon Pierceas professional performers for their part in thissuccessful assessment.

The final assessment awarded by the IG Teamwas “ready” – a crucial milestone on the path toinitial operational capability as determined by thecommander of Air Force Space Command.General Webber stated, “While this is great newsfor the entire 24th Air Force team, they know thisis just another key step on the path to operationalreadiness.

“The 24/7 mission of cyber warriors is to sup-port the Air Force Mission of Fly, Fight and Win inAir, Space and Cyberspace. Fight’s On!”

Twenty-Fourth Air Force was activated Aug.18, 2009, under the Air Force Space Command.The mission of 24th AF is to provide jointwarfighter mission assurance by providing capa-bilities in, through and from cyberspace.

24th Air Force completes MAJCOM readiness assessment

Maj. Gen.Richard Webber

“This assessment validates our initial plans for how we operationalizeAir Force network operations. We need to have the capability to assure

the joint warfighter mission even while fighting through a contestedenvironment. We’re enforcing operational rigor on our critical Air

Force networks.”- Maj. Gen. Richard Webber

24th Air Force commander

PROTECT THE NETWORKThe following removable flash media are unauthorized on all DoD information systems:

• Memory sticks • Thumb drives • Camera flash memory cards •


COMMUNITY

AACA NEEDS SINGERS

The African American CulturalAssociation needs singers for itsannual gospel celebration programFeb. 6.

Rehearsals start today at 5:30p.m. in the Gateway Chapel, andcontinue each Monday and Fridaythrough the performance date.

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

THRIFT SHOP BAG SALE

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

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

Call the Thrift Shop at 671-3608during non-business hours for theweekly list of items not beingaccepted or e-mail [email protected].

HYPERTENSION EDUCATION CLASS

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

The class is open to any patientor family member interested inlearning more about hypertension.

For more information or to regis-ter, call the Nephrology Clinic at292-6868.

ASMC TO MEET

The January meeting of theAlamo chapter of American Societyof Military Comptrollers is Jan. 21,11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Pico de Gallorestaurant, 111 St. Leona Street.U.S. Army North is the luncheon’shost.

Patrick Reynolds, Army Northchief of the Program andCapabilities Division at Fort SamHouston, is the guest speaker. Histopic is “Quadrennial DefenseReview.”

Call Michael Pukansky at 221-

1309 by Jan. 18 for reservations.

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 scholar-ships to Department of Defensegraduating seniors in the SanAntonio area.

Contact Tracy Parmer at 292-8145 or Staff Sgt. Jennifer Brown at671-5858 for more information.

TRS SERVICES AVAILABLE

The Wilford Hall Medical Center’straumatic stress response team isavailable to serve as traumaresponse consultants to unit lead-ers.

The team can prepare personnellikely to be exposed to potentially

traumatic events, and also providescreening, education, psychologicalfirst aid and referral for thoseexposed to traumatic events.

For TSR services, call 292-7361or 292-6065.

For pre-exposure training, con-tact 292-5993.

NOMINATIONS BEING ACCEPTED

The Alamo chapter of theAmerican Society of MilitaryComptrollers is accepting nomina-tions for its 2009 annual ASMCawards.

Awards will be presented to indi-viduals and teams for outstandingaccomplishment in the field ofcomptrollership Feb. 8-9.

Local nominations are due Jan.11 submitted on a one-page elec-tronic document endorsed by thenominee’s comptroller and submit-ted by e-mail to Denise Perryman atRandolph Air Force Base.

National nominations are due

Jan. 31, and essay submissions byFeb. 28.

For more information, visit theASMC Web site, www.asmconline.

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-mailed to [email protected].

For more information and nomi-nation forms, contact Master Sgt.Jason Hohenstreiter 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

To see menus forLackland dining halls,

go online towww.lackland.af.mil and

click on the “Services” link.


JAN. 8UNIFORMED THRIFT SAVING PLAN

A discussion about choices andlimitations in the uniformed thrift sav-ing plan is today, 1:30-3:30 p.m., atthe Airman and Family ReadinessCenter, Bldg. 1249.

For more information, call 671-3722.

JAN. 11MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS

Mothers of Preschoolers, or MOPS,meets for Bible study and fellowshipMonday, 9:30 a.m., at the FreedomChapel’s Fellowship Hall.

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


JAN. 12PRE-SEPARATION RETIREES CLASS

A mandatory counseling class forpre-separation retirees is Tuesday, 9-10:30 a.m., at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg. 1249.

Attendees will be briefed aboutbenefits and services.

Call 671-3722 for more informa-tion.

DISABILITY TAP SEMINAR

A disability transition assistanceprogram seminar is Tuesday, 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg. 1249.

The seminar is for separating orretiring personnel on vocational reha-bilitation and how it works.

Call 671-3722 for more informa-tion.

PROTESTANT 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 offered dur-ing the meeting.


JAN. 13SOCIAL SECURITY SEMINAR

Learn about qualification require-ments for retirement, recent changesand other Social Security programs byattending the Social Security seminarWednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.,at the Airmen and Family ReadinessCenter, Bldg. 1249.

The event is co-sponsored by AFRCand the Lackland library.

For information, call 671-3610 or671-3722.

JAN. 14FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT SEMINAR

A How to Apply for Federal

Employment seminar by the Airmanand Family Readiness Center isThursday, 6-8 p.m., at the Lacklandlibrary.

The class will teach participantstools to enhance the job-hunting

process.For information, call 671-3610.

JAN. 15FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CLASS

The Airman and Family ReadinessCenter will hold a basic financial man-agement class Jan. 15, 10:30 a.m. tonoon, Bldg. 1249.

The class will focus on basicfinancial management, budgeting andspending.

Discussions will center on budget,basic banking, saving, investing, andcontrolling debt.

For reservations, call 671-3722.

JAN. 16COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

A program on college scholarshipsis Jan. 16, 3-5 p.m., at the Lacklandlibrary.

Tips on how to obtain scholarshipsfrom businesses, fraternal orders,social and base organizations will bepresented.

Representatives from variousscholarship-granting organizationswill also be in attendance.


JAN. 19PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL

Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Jan. 19, 10 a.m.,at Freedom Chapel in Rooms 5 and 6.Activities for children are offered dur-ing the meeting. For more information,call 671-4208.

JAN. 20CREDIT MANAGEMENT CLASS

A credit management class is Jan.20, 10:30 to noon, at the Airman andFamily Readiness Center, Bldg. 1249.

The class will focus on under-standing terms and conditions associ-ated with credit, credit reporting andcredit scores.


JAN. 21INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES CLASS

An interview techniques class bythe Airman and Family ReadinessCenter is Jan. 21, 6-8 p.m., at theLackland library.

What questions to expect, how todress, grooming tips and types ofinterviews will be discussed. Call 671-3610 or 671-3722 to enroll.

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.lacklandesc.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

By Patrick DesmondSports Editor

The Temple Junior College Leopardsbrought their hounding defense toLackland Monday night, and again,came away with a victory, 101-95. Butnot without a fight.

This time, the action that streakedup and down the Chaparral FitnessCenter court went both ways – a far cryfrom a sound defeat 119-77 handed tothe Warhawks a year ago.

One clear differentiation of therematch from its predecessor: in 40minutes of Temple’s backcourt bullying,Lackland coughed up few forcedturnovers.

Leading the Warhawks in scoring,and past Temple's pressure, guardsLaron Smith (23 points) and A.J. Govan(18) consistently found a way to get theball upcourt and in the hoop.

“They tried to push up on us and we

pushed back,” Govan said. “A veryphysical game.”

Temple dictated the pace of thegame with its full-court press, but thehome team embraced it.

Using speed, skilled dribbling andaccurate side passes, the Warhawkguards averted the press time andagain to find open players downcourt.

Warhawks center Quentin Leatherstook it from there. He showcased hisgift of flight through and over defendersin a sequence of ooh-and-awe elicitingslam dunks, giving the crowd a tasteone of the most spectacular plays with-in five minutes of the opening whistle.

Smith beat the Leopards to the half-court line and then lofted the ball overtwo Leopard defenders for a Leathersreverse jam. Two Timothy Andersonfoul shots later, the Warhawks cappedan 8-0 run for an early 10-5 lead.

Despite the offense's success skirtingthe full-court press, problems with

defensive rebounding plagued theWarhawks ability to hold the lead,allowing Temple to test its rangefrom downtown and put up secondchance buckets. By halftime, theLeopards led 49-42.

After four lead changes in the firsthalf, the Warhawks opened the sec-ond on a 12-6 run to grab the leadduring the first three minutes by cre-ating transition buckets earned witha stingy interior defense and disrup-tive trap.

Smith provided the lead-changingbucket. While driving the lane, hecrossed over two defenders in thepaint, made the layup, drew a fouland sank the ensuing free throw.

Eventually, the lead grew to agame-high eight points before theLeopards made a final run. A Templethree-point play provided the final leadchange, 94-92, with 2:39 to play.

For Warhawks coach CurtisMcGlown, the loss was not a result ofthe Leopards’ pressure.

“We missed a lot of good shots,” hesaid. “We just have to finish strong,make open shots and not turn the ballover. It was a good fight.”

Like the late first-half surge, theLeopards managed to eke out the winfollowing three Warhawk three-pointmisses to close the game.

Leopards stalk Warhawks for late win

Dogfight at Chaparral CenterJan. 9-10 at Dyess AFBJan. 15-18 MLK Tournament at

Sheppard AFBJan. 19 vs. Schreiner

University Jan. 31 at Concordia University Feb. 6-7 at Brooks City-BaseFeb. 19-21 Great Midwestern

Shootout, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

Feb. 27-28 vs. Goodfellow AFBMarch 13 vs. Dyess AFBMarch 20 at Sheppard AFBApril 3-5 SWMAC Championship

at Lackland

The road ahead

Photos by Robbin CresswellThe Warhawks battled Temple Junior College down to the wire before dropping a 101-95 decision Monday. Laron Smith (left photo) draws a foul from a Temple defender, Smith andSterling Collins (middle) grapple for a loose ball, and Quentin Leathers (right) rises high for a slam dunk.


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YOUTH CENTER BASKETBALL

The youth center islooking for volunteercoaches to work with chil-dren 5-12 years old duringthe youth basketball sea-son, Jan. 9 to Feb. 27.

For more details, call671-2388.

POLAR BEAR 5K

The 737th TrainingGroup is sponsoring theTexas Polar Bear 5K RunFeb. 6. The $15 race-dayregistration opens at 7a.m., with the race at 8a.m.

The start and finishare behind the ReceptionCenter, Bldg. 7246.Registration is due Jan.28.

For more information,call 210-497-8214.

GOLF CLINIC

The Gateway Hills GolfCourse’s free short gameclinic is Saturday, 2 p.m.

A PGA professional willlead the 30-minute clinic,giving tips and pointers.The clinic is limited to thefirst 20 registrants.

INTRAMURAL VOLLEYBALL

Letters of intent for co-ed volleyball are dueTuesday. People interestedin playing can contacttheir organization’s sportsrepresentatives or theSports office at 671-2725.

The season has a pro-jected Feb. 2 start date.

AIR FORCE MARATHON

Registration for the AirForce Marathon at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, beganJan. 1.

Register online atwww.usafmarathon.com.

BBRRIIEEFFSSBy John J. KruzelAmerican Forces Press Service

FORT WORTH (AFNS) – TheAir Force and Naval Academyfootball teams triumphed intheir respective bowl games,shining a spotlight on the ser-vicemember-athletes comprisingthe rosters and the armed forcesthey represent.

Military honors were repletehere at the 5th annual ArmedForces Bowl, which pitted theunderdog Air Force Falconsagainst the University ofHouston Cougars in a rematchof last year’s bowl game thatsaw the Falcons falter.

The nation’s highest-rankingmilitary officer, who has a pen-chant for handing out coinsbearing the insignia of the chair-man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,accepted a coin at the 50-yardline for the official toss thatwould grant the Falcons firstpossession of the ball.

Navy Adm. Mike Mullensounded a hopeful prediction forthe Falcons before kickoff.

“We come in as underdogsroutinely in games like this, andI can’t think of a team that’s bet-ter prepared than Air Forcetoday to go up against this verygood team, and Navy a littlelater on to go up againstMissouri,” he said, referring to a

separate bowl game. “I look for-ward to both service academieswinning.”

More than a quarter of theestimated crowd of 40,000 fanscomprised servicemembers andtheir family members who tookadvantage of complimentarytickets donated by Bell Heli-copter, which joined ESPN as aco-sponsor of the game startingin 2006.

During the first half, thechairman of the Joint Chiefsmade his rounds throughout thestadium, greeting military per-sonnel and civilians alike andfrequently replenishing hishandshake with supplies fromthe hulking change purse con-taining his military coins.

One of the troops to acceptAdmiral Mullen’s coin-laden gripwas Army Spc. Jason William-son, who was assigned to the3rd Armored Cavalry Regimentwhen he was injured in Mosul,Iraq, in July 2008.

Specialist Williamson, takinga break from his recovery atFort Hood, and his family tookadvantage of the complimentarytickets along with some 12,000others.

With Air Force taking a com-manding lead at halftime, theteams retired to their lockerrooms as Admiral Mullen andservicemembers representing

each military branch congregat-ed at midfield, where the chair-man accepted the GreatAmerican Patriot Award onbehalf of the 2.2 million menand women in the armed forces.

After accepting the award inhonor of troops already in uni-form, the chairman then official-ly enlisted some 125 recruits,comprising 25 members of eachservice branch and a cross-sec-tion of troops that included bothenlisted members and officercandidates.

The columns of youngrecruits repeated the oath ofenlistment in lock-step with thechairman, after which AdmiralMullen told them over the audi-ence’s applause, “Welcomeaboard!”

One member of the wave ofAmerica’s newest troops toreceive the oath of enlistmentand a coin from the nation’s topmilitary officer was Army cadetCapt. Travis Barrington. Theyoung recruit, somewhatawestruck, remarked that he’dnever seen so many ribbons onone uniform.

“I’ve been to general promo-tions before,” said CadetBarrington, a student at TexasChristian University, “but I’venever met someone this high up.

“I wanted to serve my coun-try in the best way I knew how,

and the best way I knew how todo that was to join the ROTCand become an officer and leadsoldiers,” he said, describing hisreason for enlisting. And in con-trast to Admiral Mullen’s visionupon his joining the ranks,Cadet Barrington, an aspiringtransportation officer, added,“I’d like to make a career out ofit. Then I’d like to become aminister someday.”

As a young sailor at the U.S.Naval Academy, Admiral Mullennever would have predicted hewould be reading to someonelike Cadet Barrington the mili-tary scripture that turns civil-ians into troops.

In his own words, AdmiralMullen arrived at the academywith “no long-term vision” ofremaining in the military for thelong haul.

But in hindsight, he advisesyoung servicemembers toremain open to considering themilitary as a long-term career,reflecting his own serendipitousdecision to stay in uniform.

Admiral Mullen’s predictionfor the games’ outcomes provedmore accurate than the personalvision he divined as a youngsailor looking into his ownfuture. At the conclusion of thebowl matchups, Air Forcetrounced Houston 47-20 beforeNavy beat Missouri 35-13.

Academies shine in bowl games

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2010 • GATEWAY TO THE AIR FORCE...

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