F R I D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 5 , 2 0 0 9

G AT E W AY T O T H E A I R F O R C E • L A C K L A N D A I R F O R C E B A S E , T E X A S • w w w. l a c k l a n d . a f . m i l • V o l . 6 7 N o . 3 6

INSIDECommentary 4

Straight Talk 5

Recognition 6

News & Features

Stem cell transplant 12

Assisting Armenia 14

Adopting MWDs 15

POW/MIA marathon 22

View the Talespinner onlineat www.lackland.af.mil

PAYING TRIBUTE

Photo by William BelcherMembers of the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency ColorGuard unfurl the POW/MIA flag during a ceremony Sept. 17. The agency's annualremembrance of those held prisoner of war and missing in action recognized five ex-POWs in attendance and paid tribute to fallen comrades from the U.S. Armed Forces.

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

Renovation of one ofthe largest buildings inSan Antonio, Bldg. 171at Port San Antonio, ison time as the first per-manent tenants prepareto move into their newsurroundings in mid-October.

“Everything is run-ning on schedule,” saidHeath Drader, Bldg. 171program manager andchief of Air Educationand Training Com-mand’s Base Realign-ment and Closure pro-gram management of-fice. “The contractor hasdone a superior jobalthough we’ve thrownhim a few curves aswe’ve gone along.”

The renovated build-ing, more than 450,000square feet, is a single-story structure thatstretches one-quartermile.

When complete, Mr.Drader said it would beone of the largest single-level administrativebuildings in the Depart-ment of Defense.

A former shippingdepot and logistics cen-ter before BRAC 1995closed Kelly Air ForceBase, Bldg. 171 was

divided into eight baysafter Port San Antoniotook control of the facili-ty. Each bay runsbetween 40,000 and50,000 square feet.

Port San Antonio wasunable to find enoughoccupants to fill thebuilding, and an agree-ment was worked outfollowing BRAC 2005that now will allow theAir Force to take backthe building through aseries of fair marketvalue land and buildingexchanges between thetwo parties.

BRAC 2005 providedthe Air Force withmoney to move and con-solidate agencies. Withsome additional pro-gram dollars, Bldg. 171became a viable housingoption for these newagencies.

“When you crunch allthe numbers (and do) acost benefit analysis, itmakes perfect sense todo it all in this buildingversus new buildings atLackland,” Mr. Dradersaid.

Mr. Drader said asmuch as possible wassalvaged but basically,each bay had to be reno-vated. Still, renovating

Bldg. 171 projectright on schedule

See PROJECT P2

TALESPINNERPAGE 2 SEPTEMBER 25, 2009

A new policy is changing the wayvisitors can be sponsored on base atLackland.

Sponsoring a visitor onto the instal-lation requires an authorized sponsor.Authorized sponsors are limited toactive duty and retired military andtheir dependents over age 18,Department of Defense civilianemployees, Reserve and NationalGuard on orders, and Inter-AmericanAir Force Academy instructors. Thereare no other personnel categories thatcan sponsor a visitor onto the installa-tion.

Authorized sponsors may requestvisitor entry in one of three ways:• Send a digitally signed e-mail from agovernment e-mail account tolackland.vrc@lackland.af.mil;• Personally go to one of the visitorcenters to vouch for the guest; or• Send a hardcopy memo to 37thSecurity Forces Squadron, Pass andRegistration. The hardcopy memooption requires a signed signaturecard be on file in Pass andRegistration.

E-mail requests can be sent while avisitor is at the VRC although advancenotice is preferred. For groups of 30or more, 10 business days is requiredfor processing.

According to Mark Levasseur, chief,plans and programs for 37th SFS, thechange may be an inconvenience, buta necessary step in securing Lacklandassets. All sponsors and visitors to the

installation should be aware that acriminal history check may be con-ducted on all non-DoD individualsrequesting access.

All visitors over the age of 18 musthave a valid photo identification cardin their possession and have anauthorized sponsor.

“Every visitor on the installation, beit a contractor, personal guest, pizzadelivery person, etc., are the responsi-bility of the wing commander,” Mr.Levasseur said. “To mitigate risk tothe Lackland personnel and mission,stringent entry protocols are a must.”

Personal visit requests of less than30 days require an authorized spon-sor. Visit requests of more than 30days but less than 179 days require anauthorized sponsor along with anendorsed memo from the unit com-mander. The 37th Mission SupportGroup commander must approve visitsin excess of 180 days.

“Although the base entry proce-dures may seem to be inconvenient,they are necessary to ensure Lack-land remains a secure place to live,work and play,” said Mr. Levasseur.“Through education and cooperationby all Team Lackland members, wecan help to ensure we aren’t the nextnational headline reporting a viciousattack.”

Additional information can beobtained by calling 37th SFS PoliceServices at 671-7255.

(Courtesy of 37th SFS)

SFS implements new visitor access policy

Photo by Alan BoedekerJames Ramos checks an ID card at Lackland’s Airman’s Gate Monday. The 37th SecurityForces Squadron no longer accepts phone call requests to sponsor a non-DoD ID card-holder onto Lackland. Authorized sponsors may request visitor entry in person, through adigitally signed e-mail from a government account, or by sending a hardcopy memo to37th SFS, Pass and Registration.

Bldg. 171 was more cost effective forthe Air Force than erecting new facili-ties.

“Nobody can afford to build any-thing,” said George DeCoux, 37thMission Support Group deputy com-mander. “Everyone wants to renovateexisting buildings if possible.”

According to Rumel Bohannon-Bey,Lackland BRAC/Joint Basing programmanager, over the next year, severalunits from Brooks City-Base will move

into Bldg. 171 as bays are completed.“But those BRAC agencies weren’t

going to fill up the building, so severalother agencies that needed to region-alize are moving here that aren’t tiedto BRAC,” said Mr. Bohannon-Bey.

One of the agencies relocated intoBldg. 171 before October 2010 is theAir Force Services Agency.

Consolidating the services agencyoperations and moving to Bldg. 171will save the Air Force about $2.5 mil-lion a year in leases.

Barring any unforeseen problems,

Mr. Drader said bays 1, 3 and 4should be completely occupied bymid-November.

Bay 2, which is being used as swingspace now, and bays 5, 6, 7 and 8 willbe finished and occupied in multiplephases during 2010.

When the $70 million project iscomplete, about 2,900 workers willcall Bldg. 171 their new office home.

Although the BRAC programmingoffice is managing the massive reno-vation project, the building will beturned over to the 37th Mission

Support Group upon completion inlate 2010.

Recently, Lackland, Port SanAntonio and the City of San Antonioentered into an agreement to fund agrowth management study to providetraffic and infrastructure recommen-dations at Port San Antonio.

The increased traffic flow, Mr.DeCoux said, should not affectLackland as a minimum of two gatedentries are planned for Bldg. 171.

“It’s like having another wing tosupport,” said Mr. Bohannon-Bey.

PROJECT from P1

To report Fraud, Waste & Abuse matters or if you have a concern and are unsure if you should file a complaint,contact the 37 TRW/IG Office at 671-3347 or e-mail to 37trw.ig@lackland.af.mil.

PAGE 3TALESPINNERSEPTEMBER 25, 2009

FLU VACCINE AVAILABLE

The seasonal flu vaccine is availableat several base locations, and base med-ical officials recommend that it be takenwithin the next two weeks.

Locations are:• Wilford Hall Medical Center flu vaccinetent, WHMC front lawn, Monday,Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 7:30a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 3p.m.• Kelly and North Central clinics, Mondaythrough Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Immunization clinic, Monday throughFriday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Activities for Hispanic Heritage Monthcontinue for Team Lackland.

A Hispanic Heritage-themed 5K run isWednesday, a luncheon Thursday at theGateway Club and a Latin dance Oct. 3at Mitchell Hall.

AFISR CELEBRATION

The Air Force Intelligence,Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agencywill celebrate its 61st anniversary todayand Saturday with a series of events.

A dedication ceremony for an RF-4aircraft is 9-10 a.m. today in front forBldg. 2012 on Kirknewton Street. Alsotoday, a remembrance ceremony andspecial tribute for 1st Lt. Roslyn Schulte,who was killed in May while deployed toAfghanistan as an intelligence officer, is11:30 a.m. to noon in front of Bldg. 2000.An anniversary picnic follows atStapleton Park from noon to 3:30 p.m.

On Saturday, past members will beinducted in the Hall of Honor between9:30 and 11:30 a.m. in the Ardisanacourtyard between Bldgs. 2000 and2007. Maj. Gen. Brad Heithold, AFISRAcommander, will deliver a state of theagency address.

An anniversary banquet is Saturdaynight at the Gateway Club. Cocktailsbegin at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person anddress is civilian semi-formal.

Contact Maj. Marcos Garcia at 977-6106 for more information.

NewsBBRRIIEEFFSS

RIFLE DRILLS

Photo by Robbin CresswellMembers of the Air Force Honor Guard drill with M-1 Garand rifles with fixed bayonets during a Sept. 18 performance. TheAir Force Honor Guard drill team tours worldwide in public and military venues to recruit, retain and inspire Airmen.

By Staff Sgt. Steve GreverAir Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE(AFNS) – Air Force Personnel Centerofficials have developed a new AirForce civilian employment Web site toeducate potential applicants and thegeneral public about available civilianjobs, the eligibility and applicationprocess and finding job opportunities invarious specialties and career fields.

“Over the next five years, the AirForce plans to hire 20,000 more civil-ians into civil service,” said MichelleLoweSolis, Civilian Force Integrationdirector at AFPC. “The new civilianemployment Web site is a proactiveapproach to arm job seekers with everytool they need to confidently apply forAir Force jobs.”

Ms. LoweSolis also said the new sitewill help clarify the Air Force’s currentcivilian hiring process and provide site

visitors with detailed information aboutavailable career fields. The site alsohelps explain federal employment ben-efits and educates visitors on studentjob opportunities.

The launch of the new civilian

employment site also aligns with AFPC’sroll out of the “Your Future” employ-ment marketing and recruiting cam-paign this month.

“The overall strategy of the ‘YourFuture’ campaign is to help market andbrand the Air Force as a premier civil-ian employer,” said Shirlene LeBleu, theForce Renewal and DevelopmentDivision chief at AFPC’s Civilian ForceIntegration Directorate.

“The initiative, once released AirForce-wide, will help fill civilian vacan-cies more quickly by targeting qualified,local candidates as well as increaseemployment opportunities for militarydependents.”

Air Force civilian employmentopportunities can be found at the newWeb site, http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/afcivilianjobs. For more informa-tion call the Total Force Service Centerat 1-800-525-0102 or e-mail tfsc.sa_feedback@randolph.af.mil.

Personnel officials launch new civilian employment Web site

Courtesy Graphic Air Force Personnel Center officials devel-oped a new Air Force civilian employmentWeb site to better inform interested appli-cants about available civilian jobs.

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

Call 671-NEWS

TALESPINNERPAGE 4 SEPTEMBER 25, 2009

COMMENTARY

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

COMMANDER

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: talespinner@lackland.af.milCommander’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 Lauren Pena37th Training Wing Safety Office

Recently I had the distinctopportunity to serve the AirForce as a summer hireemployee. I worked at the 37thTraining Wing Safety office andthough only for a few shortweeks, the time there was atremendous learning experi-ence.

One of the most interestingtasks I encountered was lookingat the number and type of fatalmishap reports involving youngpeople similar in age to me.What really captured my atten-tion was the fact that a largeportion of the fatal mishapswere caused by the Airmen. Ican’t help but think what atremendous loss of talent; manylives could have been saved ifthe Airmen would have made abetter decision.

You are such a valuable

member of the Air Force. As anAirman you have a responsibili-ty to make good decisions,especially when it comes toyour well-being and the well-being of those around you.

Be an example for yourpeers instead of another statis-tic.

We are constantly faced withdecisions that could affect oursafety and well-being. It is vitalto remember to think thesedecisions through.

Should I drive even though Imay have had too much todrink? Is it really safe for me tobe out here this late at night?Am I really able to trust thisperson? Should I skip the sun-screen? Should I run that yel-low light? Did I check bothways when crossing the street?Did I drink enough waterbefore I went outside? The listgoes on.

At times you may be

ridiculed by some for choosingnot to drink and drive or choos-ing to play it safe in a numberof situations. In reality, you arefar stronger than the peoplewho mock you. It is not alwayseasy or enjoyable to do theright thing, but always keep thepossible consequences of yourdecisions in sight.

Many people care about you.When you are making a deci-sion regarding your personalsafety, this decision does notonly affect you.

Consider how your decisionwill affect those you love andthose who love you. Any dan-gerous choices you choose tomake that may harm you willharm them too.

Every choice you make hasrepercussions for the peoplearound you, even those youhave never met. Take time torecognize that.

Do not deny others the

opportunity to know what anexceptional person you are bymaking an irresponsible deci-sion that could change thecourse of your life forever oreven cut it short.

Do not deny yourself theopportunity to fulfill yourpotential. In the end, no onecan tell you what to do in atough situation. You areresponsible for the choices youmake. Even if somethingappears to be a trivial action,remember that everything hasconsequences.

Enjoy this time of your lifeand take actions necessary tominimize the risks involved inyour activities.

There is a differencebetween being brave and beingreckless. Making the right calland tough call is not alwayseasy but you and I can make adifference if we will step up tothe challenges.

Safety begins with personal choices

By Lt. Col. James DeLoachDLIELC Operations Squadron commander

Lackland is changing the world. Mostpeople are aware of Lackland’s impact onthe Air Force in sustaining the flow oftrained Airmen into the ranks. Some,however, may not be aware that Lacklandhas an impact far beyond the Air Force.

Every day, officers and enlisted person-nel from more than 100 partner nationsare trained on Lackland. Lackland hashosted English language training for morethan 55 years; this program has had adirect and indirect impact on U.S. govern-ment international relations.

The Defense Language Institute EnglishLanguage Center is a Department ofDefense agency whose campus is the firstassignment for many international mili-tary students enrolled in U.S. training pro-grams. Students are provided the Englishlanguage training necessary to qualifythem for military professional and techni-cal training in the U.S. After training,

some will return home to operate hard-ware bought through foreign militarysales while others will fill key positions intheir military or government. DLIELCEnglish training is not your high schoolEnglish class studying “Catcher in theRye;” rather, it prepares IMS to betterfunction in a coalition and use U.S. hard-ware in defense of their own country.

DLIELC hosts 800 to 1,200 students onits campus in any given week. Each week,50-90 international students graduate andproudly move on to the next training siteor return to their country to teach theAmerican Language Course.

DLIELC brings together the DoD’s mostdiverse student body to teach, train andbuild partnerships with nations that his-torically are not friendly with one another.Students learn to leave politics to thepoliticians and focus on their mission oflearning English. The program has fos-tered international relationships on anunprecedented scale and has been a keyenabler for partner nation missions.

Not only do the international militarymembers have the opportunity to learnEnglish at Lackland, they also have thechance to experience U.S. military profes-sionalism and American culture. DLIELCprovides the opportunity for TeamLackland to have a global impact and beambassadors for the U.S.

If you see someone wearing a uniformyou don’t recognize while shopping at thebase exchange or walking down thestreet, offer a friendly greeting and issueproper customs and courtesies to demon-strate Lackland’s professionalism and hos-pitality. To help you identify their rank,international students have U.S. rank dis-played on the front of their uniforms.Don’t hesitate to ask questions; butremember, if you get a blank stare itmight be because this student has justarrived in the U.S.

You are a key component of Lackland’sworld-changing mission. Together, we’llbe building partner capacity one interna-tional student at a time.

The world in your backyard

PAGE 5TALESPINNERSEPTEMBER 25, 2009

TALK

STRAIGHT

By Patrick DesmondStaff Writer

Why did you join theAir Force?

To do something different; I wasin the Army. There really isn’tthat much of a difference, butfacilities are a lot better (in theAir Force). – Staff Sgt. JoseMarrero, 204th Security ForcesSquadron.

Health care was a big reason forme. That, and knowing I canprovide for my family on aconsistent basis rather thanworking at Taco Bell wonderingif I was going to get the hours Ineed. – Staff Sgt. Alan Quevy, 882ndTraining Squadron.

For fun and adventure. – Airman1st Class Zachariah Warren, 59thDiagnostic and TherapeuticsSquadron.

I joined the Air Force for thecollege benefits. I put in mytime on the enlisted side, gotmy degree and then got pickedup for Officer Training School. –Capt. Jose Geiger, 346th TestSquadron.

LacklandConservationCorner

CONSERVE ENERGY!A common misconception is that screen savers reduce energy use by monitors;they do not. Automatic switching to sleep mode or manually turning monitors

off is always the better energy-saving strategy.

TALESPINNERPAGE 6 SEPTEMBER 25, 2009

BMT HONORSCongratulations to the fol-

lowing 62 Airmen for beingselected as honor graduatesamong 752 trainees graduat-ing today:

320th Training SquadronFlight 637Matthew McDonaldFlight 638Jonathan NickelJohn Wildey

321st Training SquadronFlight 639Alec CallahanCorey HaunJeffrey LewisChristian MarshallKellen RiceAndre RichardsonTaylor SpenceRandee WhiteFlight 640Sarah FooteAmber Jacobs

Kelly PowersKathryn TarltonKaitlin Vollmer

322nd Training SquadronFlight 645Andrew CondonCasey DwyerBenjamin WellsDerrick WyattFlight 646Chase BryanKyle Head

323rd Training SquadronFlight 631Eric HillMatthew WaiteFlight 643Daniel BurnsSteven ChambleRichard HunterSteven La RueDerek PatersonErich ReitzMitchell Spees

Flight 644Brittany Tryon

324th Training SquadronFlight 633Craig BrockJoshua LarwoodJeffery LyonsJoshua McIntoshBrett SchicklerJoseph SentenoRyan ThomasMichael YurchakFlight 634Peter BaileyJoseph RiceZachary RosenbergSteven Sands

326th Training SquadronFlight 635Robert MonksBrett PeltzEric PlantsBenjamin WoelfelFlight 636

Courtney Burrows Alysha DavisAshley McGillKendra SchmittCrystal SmithAlexandra Vaquera

331st Training SquadronFlight 641Nicholas EberhartAndrew LaborinGavin LoweryAdam McDanielCameron SmithLee WilsonFlight 642Rachael Fishman

Top BMT AirmanAshley McGill, 326th TRS,Flight 636

Most Physically FitMale AirmenMatthew Waite, 323rd TRS,Flight 631

Joseph Senteno, 324th TRS,Flight 633Female AirmenNairi Cornejo, 321th TRS,Flight 640Morgan McGrew, 323rd TRS,Flight 644

Top PT FlightsMale Flights323rd TRS, Flight 643323rd TRS, Flight 631Female Flights326th TRS, Flight 636323rd TRS, Flight 644

Top Academic Flights321st TRS, Flight 639 326th TRS, Flight 635

Congratulations to the following Airmen whograduated from Airman Leadership School Tuesday.

Air Force Intelligence, Surveillanceand Reconnaissance AgencySenior Airman Joseph McClellandSenior Airman Karina NilvaSenior Airman Justin MooreSenior Airman Robbie TedderSenior Airman Aaron Wendel

Coast GuardPetty Officer 3rd Class Allen Shouse

323rd Training SquadronSenior Airman Adam Massey

342nd Training SquadronSenior Airman Andrew CaygillSenior Airman Jason SmithSenior Airman Nathan ClarkSenior Airman Brandon LaytonSenior Airman Quentin Gray

346th Test SquadronSenior Airman Stephen Colegrove

37th Communications SquadronSenior Airman Shanikqua Kinlaw

37th Force Support SquadronSenior Airman Gladys Robinson

37th Medical Operations SquadronSenior Airman Rebecca Flores

37th Security Forces SquadronSenior Airman Christopher Whiting

59th Dental Support SquadronSenior Airman Lekaya Land

59th Dental Training SquadronSenior Airman Marivel VasquezSenior Airman Santana Koszarek

59th Inpatient Operation GroupStaff Sgt. Robert Perryman

59th Medical Logistics and Readiness SquadronSenior Airman Linwood CypressSenior Airman James BeaulieuSenior Airman Matthew LeeSenior Airman Jose Morga

59th Medical Support SquadronSenior Airman Latoya SealsSenior Airman Carlos LeijaSenior Airman Jacob Miller

Senior Airman Carlos Urcuyo

59th Radiology SquadronSenior Airman Lindsay Taylor

68th Network Warfare SquadronSenior Airman Alphonzo DossSenior Airman Joshua Widick

90th Information Operation SquadronSenior Airman Alfred Kelly

93rd Intelligence SquadronSenior Airman Jeffrey NestorSenior Airman Sophia PerezSenior Airman Joquanna Wengerd

Award winners

John L. LevitowSenior Airman Andrew CaygillAcademic AchievementSenior Airman Carlos UrcuyoLeadership AwardSenior Airman Joseph McClellandDistinguished GraduateSenior Airman Jason SmithSenior Airman Alfred KellySenior Airman Adam Massey

Airmen complete leadership school

PAGE 7TALESPINNERSEPTEMBER 25, 2009

Tech. Sgt. Cybèl Luna:59th Diagnostic andTherapeutics Squadron

Duty title: NCOIC, ClinicalNutrition Flight

Time in service: 12years, three months

Hometown: El Paso

Ethnic group back-ground: Mexican

Describe your proudest moment as a Hispanicduring your career and why? My grandmother

has a Luna military family wall that I alwaysadmired. On that wall, there are pictures, start-ing with my grandpa who was an Army medic inWorld War II, streaming down to all her sonsand grandsons who are all in the military. When I was 7, I told my grandma that she wouldhave military women on that wall soon, but I wasgoing to be the first. I was the first woman to bepart of the Luna military family wall, something Iam very proud of.

What do you admire most about the Hispanicsyou have met in your career? There is oneHispanic that comes to mind immediately whomI admire the most: that is the love of my life. Hetakes his culture and Air Force core values andembraces them so fiercely that there is no room

other than total success without forgetting wherehe comes from and what he was taught as ayoung child.

What family value(s) have you applied most asan Airman to help you accomplish the AirForce mission? My Mexican heritage is rich andproud; it embraces God and family.

This value has enhanced the overall success ofmy Air Force career and helped me accomplishmy mission in many ways.

We never give up; the key is perseverance,determination, and hard work. My parentstaught me that there is nothing I could not do.No one could dictate what I was capable of doingunless I gave them that power, but that is not anoption.

Tech. Sgt. Cybèl Luna

Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight

TALESPINNERPAGE 8 SEPTEMBER 25, 2009

COFFEE, COLONEL?

Photo by Alan BoedekerMussad Almotiri serves a traditional Ghohoa, a spiced coffee to Col. Howard JonesIII, Defense Language Institute English Language Center commandant, during the2009 Eid al-Fiter celebration at the Gateway Club Wednesday. Eid al-Fitr is aMuslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month offasting. The celebration included dinner, music and dancing.

PAGE 9TALESPINNERSEPTEMBER 25, 2009

By Tech. Sgt. LaCanta Corbin341st Recruiting Squadron

Lt. Col. Eric Johnson, 341st RecruitingSquadron commander recently presented certifi-cates of achievement to Adrienne Devore andRomana McKinley, commending them for theirsupport to the Air Force recruiting mission.

Ms. Devore and Ms. McKinley, both fromHouston, are members of the Air Force’s DelayedEntry Program, which allows Airmen recruits toenter basic military training at a later date afterswearing in. These future Airmen have each dedi-cated more than four hours per week assisting 10people with improving their Armed ServicesVocational Aptitude Battery test scores.

“They’ve made a significant impact in just theirfirst five weeks of mentoring, “said Tech. Sgt.Derek Rivera, 341st RCS, F-Flight chief.

The ASVAB scores of the potential Airmenincreased by an average of 18 points as a result ofthe mentoring. About half are now in the highestenlistment category and two who did not previous-ly meet entry standards are now qualified andawaiting a BMT class date.

Ms. Devore and Ms. McKinley’s recruiter hasnothing but praise for them and said their hardwork and dedication contribute to the mission ofthe Air Force.

Staff Sgt. Cheryl Vercellona, a 341st RCSrecruiter whose applicants have benefited fromthe tutoring sessions, described these women asselfless. “They truly understand the meaning ofwhat it means to be a wingman,” SergeantVercellona said.

Ms. McKinley is scheduled to attend Air ForceBMT in December, while Ms. Devore’s BMT date isstill to be determined.

341st Recruiting Squadron recognizes future Airmen

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Derek Rivera (From left to right) Tech. Sgt. LaCanta Corbin, 341st RecruitingSquadron recruiter; Romana McKinley; Adrienne Devore; andStaff Sgt. Cheryl Vercellona, 341st RCS recruiter. Ms. McKinleyand Ms. Devore were recently recognized for their support ofthe Air Force recruiting mission.

TALESPINNERPAGE 10 SEPTEMBER 25, 2009

By Master Sgt. Paul DeanSecretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (AFNS) – Air Force Chief of StaffGen. Norton Schwartz joined 13 other generals dur-ing a panel discussion Sept. 16 at the 2009 AirForce Association Air and Space Conference andTechnology Exposition held at the National Harborin Oxon Hill, Md.

“This is the group of leaders that strives everyday to be worthy of the brilliance and excellence ofour Airmen,” General Schwartz said in kicking offthe forum.

Each general offered an opening remarkaddressing their two main challenges on the 5-to-10year horizon, answered questions from audiencemembers, and closed the forum by addressing thetheoretical question, “If you had one more dollar tospend, what would you do with it?”

Many of the generals focused on recapitalizationand Airmen development in the midst of a “resourceconstrained environment.”

“[Special Operations Command] has what itneeds to do what we’re doing now,” said Lt. Gen.Donald Wurster, Air Force Special OperationsCommand commander. But the AFSOC commanderalso reminded the audience that many of the air-frames his command flies entered service in the1960s. He stressed that special operations missionsrely heavily on the reliability of equipment, and thathis major command would benefit from more CV-22Ospreys or some other vertical lift platform.

Generals Donald Hoffman, Air Force MaterielCommand commander; Arthur Lichte, Air MobilityCommand commander; and Duncan McNabb, U.S.Transportation Command commander, all indicatedtheir commitment to move forward with a newtanker program.

“I think you can all guess where my next – andany dollar – would go,” said General Lichte.“Tankers, tankers, tankers!”

Without a new tanker airframe, the service’s KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-10 Extenders are shoul-dering the load. “With our tankers operating in anew steady state that was once a surge, the combat-ant commanders can be confident that we willalways get them the forces and supplies they needto win,” said General McNabb. “We will always getthrough.”

The training and equipping of Airmen was also insharp focus for many of the panel members.

Gen. William Fraser III, Air Combat Commandcommander, said it is clear to him after just a shorttime in the job that one of his main priorities will beto take a hard look at unmanned aerial system per-sonnel issues, including how to ensure Airmen haveappropriate opportunities for career progression.

The Air National Guard and Air Force Reserveface unique, yet complimentary challenges to thoseof the active force.

Lt. Gen. Charles Stenner Jr., chief of Air ForceReserve specifically indicated he would spend anynew money for the Air Force Reserve’s seasoningtraining program, which speeds upgrade from 3 to5-level for enlisted reservists as they perform tem-porary, active-duty tours.

General Stenner is committed to providing “tier-one readiness” as a partner with the active-dutycomponent, which drives his commitment to season-ing training. “I used to have 85 percent prior serviceAirmen,” said the general. “Now it’s 65 percent.”

Gen. Roger Brady, U.S. Air Forces in Europe com-mander, believes the best approach is to operate asif today’s funding level will be the norm.

“We need to train, mentor and teach our youngpeople to live in the present and make do with whatthey’ve got,” General Brady said. “We have to getpeople out of the habit of thinking that they can’tsolve a problem if there isn’t money attached to it.”

The diversity of perspectives, needs and issuesthey raised spotlighted the complexity of the AirForce.

In concluding, the chief of staff of the Air Forceindicated his sense that the Air Force mandate formoving ahead is clear.

“As we go forward, it is absolutely important that... we live in the present, but also put an eye onwhere we want to be, and who we want to be,” saidGeneral Schwartz. “And we are going to make thosetwo charges resonate for our Airmen.

The panel discussion also featured Gens. C.Robert Kehler Air Force Space Command com-mander; Stephen Lorenz, Air Education andTraining Command commander; Craig McKinley,National Guard Bureau chief; Gary North, PacificAir Forces commander; Lt. Gens. Frank Klotz, AirForce Global Strike Command commander; andHarry Wyatt III, Air National Guard director.

Generals look to future challenges, opportunities

“… Changing Lives One Gift at a Time …”… Please support the Combined Federal

Campaign Sept. 2 – Oct. 14, 2009Contact your unit reps for more info.

TALESPINNERPAGE 12 SEPTEMBER 25, 2009

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

On Sept. 10, Maj. (Dr.) Dustin Stevenson, medicaldirector for bone marrow transplants at Lackland’sWilford Hall Medical Center, was the first physicianto perform a stem cell transplant involving a match-ing unrelated donor in a Department of Defensehospital.

Stem cell transplants from a donor’s bone mar-row are a relatively common practice when thedonor is closely related to the patient, including sib-lings or other close relatives. It is rare for a perfectmatch to come up when the donor is not related tothe patient.

Christine Jackson was the first patient to receivethis type of transplant at a military treatment facili-ty. She was diagnosed with Acute LymphoblasticLymphoma in 2007 and began chemotherapy. Thecancer causes white blood cells to stop defendingagainst bacteria.

“She was diagnosed with lymphoma thatrelapsed after her initial therapy,” Dr. Stevensonexplained. “This situation is 100 percent fatal with-out a transplant.”

More than 6,000 people search for a donor daily,and thousands die without one every year.

Any DoD beneficiary having bone marrow fail-ure, lymphoma or any other situation where a stemcell transplant would cure them is eligible for thisprocedure.

“We’d like more people to be potential donors,”he said. “All that is needed is a swab in the mouthto see if you are eligible.”

Eligibility requirements include being between18 and 60 years of age, of good health, and a DoDemployee or immediate family of an active-dutymember.

There are two ways to donate. The first is havingit harvested in the operating room. The second is amuch more common method using an apheresismachine, which separates out one specific part ofthe blood and puts the rest back into the donor. Thismethod doesn’t involve an operating room or even

anesthesia; it is similar to donating platelets.“It gives me a very good feeling to have the

opportunity to provide this procedure,” Dr.Stevenson said. “As a physician it is very rewarding.I hope to expand our services and perform more ofthese types of transplants.”

AF doc performs first DoD stem cell transplant

Christine Jackson (left) watches as Roland Bautista, staff registered nurse, and Maj. (Dr.) Dustin Stevenson,medical director for bone marrow transplants (right) prepare to give her a stem cell transplant at Wilford HallMedical Center.

TALESPINNERPAGE 14 SEPTEMBER 25, 2009

By Master Sgt. Gregory Ripps149th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

YEREVAN, Armenia – Airmen fromthe 149th Civil Engineer Squadronrecently deployed to Armenia for sev-eral projects providing humanitarianassistance and improving theArmenian’s military ability to supportoperations worldwide.

In early August, 45 civil engineersfrom the 149th CES, along with twomedical technicians and two publicaffairs specialists, traveled toArmenia with only basic tools and

supplies for their mission.From a language barrier to diffi-

culty finding all the necessary partsand tools to complete the project, theengineers encountered many chal-lenges along the way. “Use yourimagination” and “be flexible” quick-ly became slogans for the deploy-ment.

“These projects not only provideexcellent opportunities for our (civilengineers) to practice their skills butit also offers them experience indeploying to a far-away, developingcountry and interacting with its peo-

ple,” said Lt. Col. Susan Vaneau,149th CES commander. “They haveto learn how to deal with situationswhen tools or supplies are not readilyavailable.”

The main project continued workon the Expeditionary MedicalSupport, or EMEDS, building on thegrounds of the Military CentralHospital. The building will housemedical equipment, supplies andtents to assist Armenian militarymedical personnel providing rapidresponse to natural disasters or mili-tary contingencies.

“We needed a separate space tostore our EMEDS equipment,”explained Armenian Maj. (Dr.) AraGhazaryan. The doctor becameinvolved in the project because of hisfluency in English. He said theEMEDS team was already formedand equipment was temporarilystored elsewhere. “Our governmentand (the United States) made anagreement to build the building,” hesaid.

Army Maj. Michael McCullough,

149th Civil Engineers tackle projects in Armenia

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Rene CastilloMembers of the 149th Civil Engineer Squadron use a front-end loader tomove construction supplies at the site of the Expeditionary Medical Supportbuilding during their deployment to Yerevan, Armenia. Forty-nine TexasNational Guard Airmen deployed from San Antonio to support security coop-eration initiatives and humanitarian assistance projects.

See ENGINEERS P18

PAGE 15TALESPINNERSEPTEMBER 25, 2009

By Tech. Sgt. Amaani LyleSecretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (AFNS) – Modernbattlefield and customs conditionsbring forth complex and ever-chang-ing challenges, and as such,Department of Defense officials havecreated a clear standard operatingprocedure used by all kennels toensure excess military working dogshave a chance to go to deservingadoptive homes.

The DoD, in accordance with theNovember 2000 “Robby Law,” enablesmilitary working dogs to be trans-ferred or adopted out to former han-dlers, law enforcement agencies orfamilies who are willing and able totake on the responsibility of formerMWDs. Currently the DoD adopts outabout 300 dogs per year to privatehomes; of that 300, about 100 dogs goto law enforcement agencies outsideof the DoD.

Dogs are also available for adoptionthroughout the United States andsome overseas locations. Most avail-able dogs have failed to meet MWDstandards while others become avail-able for adoption once they have com-pleted their military service.

Although the Military Working Dogschoolhouse’s adoption process is rig-orous, contingent on demand and eli-gibility, officials said families canexpediently obtain former MWDs.

According to officials, families cannormally complete the adoptionprocess in less than 30 days if theyand the dogs meet the eligibilityrequirements.

Maj. Kathy Jordan, 341st TrainingSquadron commander, described thetwo-page adoption application as asimple tool to garner informationabout the prospective family.

“It’s an application, not an essay –we’re seeking basic information aboutother pets or children in the house-hold to ensure that we have the rightfit and that you’re able to properlytake care of your dog,” the major said.

A follow-up interview queriesprospective families about theirexpectations of a DoD dog.

“Are the adopters looking for a dogto guard their house or go walkingwith them?” the major asked. “Are

they seeking a high activity or lowactivity dog? We collect these detailsbecause we want the adoption to besuccessful.”

High demand for adoption, not theadoption process, can put prospectiveadopters on the waiting list for 2-3months. On most days there are about250 dogs training at Lackland and asmall percentage of dogs unfit to workin the field will become eligible foradoption. All MWDs are trained atLackland then sent to operationalunits throughout the DoD.

Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherd,German Shepherd and LabradorRetriever dogs, ranging in age from 2-12 years, are declared “excess” whenthey are no longer in the DOD pro-gram. Dogs adopted from field kennelsare typically 8-12 years old, whiledogs adopted from the schoolhouserange in age from 2-4 years old.Eligibility requirements include suit-ability testing, a veterinary screening,eligible home location and requiredpaperwork completion.

Major Jordan said the stateside andoverseas demand for MWDs, especial-ly explosive detector dogs, has spikedsince 9/11 and the average retirementage has dropped from 10 1/2 to 8 1/2years due to the rigors of the MWDs’jobs. The DoD has also added combattracker and off-leash specializedsearch dog capabilities to the MWDprogram.

Most field dogs have deployed atleast once, often multiple times, whiledogs adopted from the schoolhousehave almost never deployed, MajorJordan said. She added that the vari-ous experiences a DoD dog may havewarrants a thorough assessment oftheir temperament and acclimationback into a home.

“These dogs, for the most part,have been aggression trained, so rig-orous screening is critical,” MajorJordan said. “The bite muzzle processinvolves muzzled and unmuzzled sce-narios for the dog, putting him in thetraining environment and seeing howlikely he or she is to attack the decoy.”

Depending on the score rating atthe end of the test, the dog is deemed“suitable,” “guarded” or “not suit-

Officials outline adoption process for military working dogs

See DOGS P19

Photo by Senior Airman Christopher GriffinStaff Sgt. William Riney, 341st Training Squadron, rewards his military working dogfor detecting narcotics around vehicles on the training grounds of Lackland.Department of Defense officials have recently created a clear standard operatingprocedure used by all kennels to ensure excess military working dogs have a chance togo to deserving adoptive homes.

TALESPINNERPAGE 16 SEPTEMBER 25, 2009

By Lt. Col. Karen HawkinsDeCA dietitian

FORT LEE, Va. – The search justgot easier for customers looking fornutrition guidance on the front of thefoods purchased in the commissary.The Smart Choices Program wasdeveloped based on the value of asingle, credible and uniform front-of-package nutrition labeling systemthat U.S. food manufacturers andretailers can voluntarily adopt.

This system is designed to helpshoppers identify smarter food and

beverage choices within product cat-egories that fit within their dailycalorie needs. The new symbol willbe allowed only on those productsthat meet strict science-based nutri-tion criteria derived from the DietaryGuidelines for Americans, reportsfrom the Institute of Medicine andother sources of consensus dietaryguidance.

Specific qualifying criteria weredeveloped for 19 product categories,such as beverages, cereals, meats,dairy and snacks, based on the pres-ence of nutrients to limit (for exam-

ple, fats and added sugars), nutri-ents to encourage (for example, cal-cium and potassium), and foodgroups to encourage (for example,fruits and vegetables and wholegrains).

By developing nutrition criteriafor these 19 product categoriesbased on consensus dietary guid-ance, the Smart Choices Program isdesigned to help guide consumerchoices within each product catego-ry. More information about the pro-gram is located at www.smartchoicesprogram.com.

For more information about mak-ing healthy choices, visit Ask theDietitian on http://www.commissaries.com and post yourquestions on the DeCA Dietit ianForum. Be sure to look for other use-ful information in the Dietitian’sVoice archive.

Sign up with the DeCA Dietitian onwww.twitter.com and get messagessent to your cell phone today. Fordelicious recipes, check out Kay’sKitchen. And to enjoy all your com-missary has to offer, sign up for theCommissary Connection.

Smart Choices help shoppers meet caloric needs

Reminder! Talking on a cell phone while driving on base is prohibited.

PAGE 17TALESPINNERSEPTEMBER 25, 2009

Story and photo by Senior Airman Amber Bressler59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

A neurologist at Wilford Hall Medical Center isstudying a medication that may significantlyreduce chronic headaches and migraines withoutall the usual side effects from oral medications.

Maj. (Dr.) Maria Alvarez, 59th MedicalOperations Squadron, is the principal investiga-tor for a case study involving 125 traumaticbrain injury patients receiving a series of botu-linum toxin, commonly known as Botox, injec-tions to control their pain.

According to Dr. Alvarez, patients will receivethe botulinum toxin injections every 12 weeks,which would be a huge improvement comparedto taking oral medications up to three times aday.

“Standard methods of treating TBI-relatedheadaches are oral medications that usually haveadverse side effects, such as sleepiness and poorconcentration, making the symptoms theyalready have worse,” said Dr. Alvarez, staff neu-rologist with a special interest in pain manage-ment. “The only side effect patients may get fromthe botulinum toxin injection is dryness ofmouth.”

TBI is a brain injury caused by sudden traumato the brain. It occurs when the head suddenlyand violently hits an object or when an objecthits the head. TBI can range from mild, moder-ate or severe, depending on the extent of damagedone to the brain.

Symptoms of mild TBI are, but not limited to,headache, confusion, fatigue, mood changes, andtrouble with memory, concentration, attention orthinking. Some of the moderate symptoms can bea headache that gets worse or doesn’t go away,vomiting, seizures, loss of coordination,

increased confusion and agitation. The mostprominent of these symptoms are chronicheadaches and cognitive dysfunction, alsodescribed as “brain fog.”

“TBI is an increasingly recognized disorderaffecting Armed Forces members returning fromdeployments to recent conflicts in Iraq andAfghanistan,” said Dr. Alvarez. “Sixty-six percentof individuals wounded sustained blast injuriesand, of these individuals, more than 8,600 sufferfrom TBI.”

Many patients are willing to do anything tofeel normal again.

“Since my injury, I’ve had some memory loss,migraines every week and at least a headacheevery day,” said retired Chief Warrant OfficerRobert O’Reilly. “I am willing to try anything atthis point for some relief.”

“If the results of the study are positive, it willbenefit TBI patients, civilian and military alike,who are affected with chronic headaches,” Dr.Alvarez said.

Air Force doctor studies new medication for TBI patients

Neurologist Maj. (Dr.) Maria Alvarez, 59th MedicalOperations Squadron, injects Mr. Robert O'Reilly with botu-linum toxin Sept. 9 at Wilford Hall Medical Center. Dr.Alvarez is leading a case study to improve treatment of trau-matic brain injury patients with chronic headaches.

“Traumatic brain injury is anincreasingly recognized disorderaffecting Armed Forces members

returning from deployments torecent conflicts in Iraq and

Afghanistan.”

Maj. (Dr.) Maria Alvarez59th Medical Operations Squadron

TALESPINNERPAGE 18 SEPTEMBER 25, 2009

chief of the Office of Defense Cooperation at theU.S. Embassy in Armenia, said the EMEDS pack-age would boost the Armenian military’s ability tocontribute to global operations.

“The facility is the first step in the certificationprocess for deployment,” he said, adding that theEMEDS team would be deployable in 2010. “Andbecause Armenia is in a seismic zone [susceptibleto earthquakes], the EMEDS will be a nationalasset for internal emergencies as well.”

The 149th CES engineers installed insulationand weather proofing, provided the electricalwiring for air conditioning units and light fixturesalong with switches and outlets, and built a two-room office in the back of the building. The engi-neers also had to make several trips to theembassy to pick up materials.

Captain Raul Martinez, 149th CES, led half thecivil engineers in completing the EMEDS projectand said the deployment was a good experience.“It was good (training) for them to go to a place,have to decide what they needed and determinehow to get it,” he said.

“The (civil engineers) did very good work,” saidDr. Ghazaryan. He said that once the EMEDSequipment is formally accepted, it will be moved tothe building.

Airmen from the 149th CES also helped with therehabilitation of three classrooms and conferencerooms at the St. Grigor Lusavorich MedicalCenter’s Regional Training Center. Because St.Grigor’s and three other hospitals make up the

medical system for the entire country, the projectwas important to Armenia’s ability to respond tolarge-scale emergencies.

Originally, the project aimed to replace theflooring. After tearing up about 160 square metersof the old flooring, engineers realized extensiveelectrical work was needed before furtherimprovements could be made. Master Sgt. JohnMontoya, NCO in charge of the project, said thework included routing the plaster walls to run theelectrical wire for the ceiling lights, wall-mountedlamps, light switches and electrical outlets.

Engineers also renovated the Shengavit’s RegionNo. 301 Nursery, a day care center for 150 chil-dren in Shengavit, a district of Yerevan, the capitalof Armenia.

Though the nursery was built in 1983, Capt.Vincent Salazar, project officer for this site, saidthe plumbing and wiring appeared much older orat least reflected older workmanship.

Captain Salazar said that though the originaltask was to complete rehabilitation of five roomson the first floor, installation of new light fixturesrequired new wiring, and the new wiring requireda new distribution box.

Master Sgt. David Lewis said old, bare wiringhad been strung along the wall, creating a dangerto the children.

The civil engineers had to put off painting thewalls until they completed the electrical work,patched walls, reinforced wall paneling, replacedwoodwork and smoothed down and wiped off thewalls.

“They never have everything they need, but

when they’re finished, it will be beautiful,” saidSergeant Lewis. “They never cease to amaze me.”

Other civil engineers repaired or replacedplumbing fixtures, fixed a sink counter andstopped a leak from a tub.

“When we walked in, there were hazardouselectrical conditions. There were two restroomswithout running water and three toilets that wereinoperable,” Captain Salazar added. “We left theplace a lot safer than when we found it.”

The final projects were at the Military AviationInstitute. Located on Yerevan’s southeast side, theinstitute is Armenia’s center for pilot and signalcorpsmen training.

Master Sgt. William Strodtman led the workdetail to install two large air conditioning unitsatop the simulator room in the institute’s mainbuilding.

Once again, the straight-forward tasking provedmore complicated when they had to find bracketsand came up against an unexpectedly thick, stub-born wall.

“It took hours just to drill through the wall,”Sergeant Strodtman said. “But we got the jobdone.”

As work wrapped up on all the projects, thework to redeploy began. Despite frustrations andinconveniences to go with arduous work, thedeployment was a success.

“Even though we had difficult challenges, all theteams considered all the options and thought out-side the box,” said Captain Martinez. “They notonly successfully completed the mission and theirtraining, but also bonded together as a squadron.”

ENGINEERS from P14

Want to share your personal experiences in the military with others? The LacklandSpeakers’ Bureau wants YOU! Call 671-5066 or 671-2907 for more details.Love your job in the Air Force?

PAGE 19TALESPINNERSEPTEMBER 25, 2009

able.” MWD adoption officials consider such factors as children,other dogs in the home, and prior handler experience whendetermining placement for a given dog, the major said.

Dogs wanted by neither their handlers nor law enforcementagencies are posted on the adoption Web site, and families ofhandlers who have been killed in action also have first opportu-nity to adopt the handler’s dog.

The DoD MWD adoption program has even placed some ter-minally ill dogs with adoptive families, giving them an opportu-nity to live out their lives in loving homes, Major Jordan said.

“That dog is not just a piece of equipment – it’s what enablesus to save lives so we exhaust all avenues to ensure the dogsremain as healthy as possible,” she asserted.

Retired MWDs, unless deemed by a veterinarian as seriouslyill and suffering, or unsuitable due to aggression, are not typi-cally euthanized following military service. Since November2000, only a few MWDs have been euthanized for lack of agood home, while thousands have been placed in privatehomes, she added.

The DoD MWD program also offers a breeder and foster pro-gram for families who live in the San Antonio area and areinterested in offering short-term care to dogs. Currently, thereare more than 100 puppies that can be fostered for the first 2-6months of their lives. Foster families must not only bring thedogs to Lackland for monthly check-ups, but they must diligent-ly work to socialize the puppy.

“We want the puppies to spend time with the families tosocialize them to their new environment,” Major Jordan said.“Foster families are screened just as rigorously, if not more so,than adopting families.”

In an effort to further clarify the adoption process, the DoDMWD schoolhouse recently launched an adoption Web site forfamilies who want to take in MWDs for fostering or formerMWDs for adoption.

For more information, visit www.lackland.af.mil/units/341stmwd/index.asp.

DOGS from P15

Be Responsible!Seat BeltsSave Lives!

Buckle UpAnd

Wear Yours!

Flu shots now available for veterans in theSouth Texas Veterans Health Care System

TALESPINNERPAGE 20 SEPTEMBER 25, 2009

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

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

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

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

Hope ChapelHispanic Mass, 9:15 a.m.

Wilford Hall Medical Center ChapelMass, 3 p.m.

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

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

Hope ChapelSpanish Contemporary, 12:45 p.m

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

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

Sunday:Medina ChapelContemporary Service, 9 a.m.

WHMC ChapelTraditional Service, 1:30 p.m.

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

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

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

COMMUNITY

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH

The Lackland library’s secondannual back-to-school bash istoday, 6:15-7:15 p.m., at the library.

Participants will enjoy stories, acraft and back-to-school bingo.

For more information, call 671-3610.

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY RETREAT

A military marriage and familyretreat for active-duty servicemem-bers and their families is todaythrough Sunday at T bar M Ranch inNew Braunfels.

The retreat will focus on pre- andpost-deployment challenges andfamily wellness.

Contact Freedom Chapel, 671-4208, to register or for more infor-mation. A $100 deposit, refundableat the retreat, is due at registration.

LRS CUSTOMER SERVICE

The 37th Logistics ReadinessSquadron customer service is the

point of contact for all supply relat-ed questions, concerns and com-plaints.

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

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

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 wingmanawards@lackland.af.mil.

For more information and nomi-nation forms, contact Master Sgt.Jason Hohenstreiter at 671-3722.

SWISD MENTOR TRAINING

Training sessions for SouthwestIndependent School District mentorsare Oct. 1 and Oct. 15, 9-11 a.m., atthe Skylark Community Center FiestaRoom.

Contact Sally Sobey at 977-5563for more information.

HYPERTENSION EDUCATION CLASS

A hypertension education class isOct. 5, 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.

PEDIATRIC DENTAL SCREENINGS

The Lackland Pediatric DentalDepartment is providing drop-indental screenings for children under13 in October.

The screening will offer opinions

and treatment recommendations oralternatives but no orthodontic eval-uations. A copy of the child’s treat-ment plan or referral letter fromtheir dentist is required.

The screenings will be offeredOct. 7 and Oct. 21 in the LonghornRoom of the Skylark CommunityCenter, 8-11 a.m.

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

SKYLARK CC COLLECTIBLES SHOW

A collectibles show for sports,movie and toy memorabilia is Oct.24, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Skylark

Community Center. Vendor spots areavailable for $10 to the first 30 reg-istered and paid. For more informa-tion, call 671-3191.

HOSPITAL NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

Wilford Hall Medical Center seeksindividuals who can volunteer fouror more hours a week.

WHMC has an immediate needfor step saver cart drivers andadministrative positions in variousclinics.

To sign up, the volunteer office islocated in Room 1C33 in the main

LocalBRIEFS

To see menus forLackland dining

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

the “Services” link.

See BRIEFS P21

For more information, contact the chapel staff:

Freedom Chapel671-4208

Gateway Chapel671-2911

Hope Chapel671-2941

Wilford Hall MedicalCenter Chapel

292-7373

PAGE 21TALESPINNERSEPTEMBER 25, 2009

building. It is open Monday throughFriday, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3:30 p.m.

For more information, contactPatricia Gill at 292-6592.

ASMC TO HELP HABITAT

The American Society of MilitaryComptrollers is looking for volunteersto assist with a Habitat for Humanityproject Oct. 24, 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Habitat is constructing a newcommunity of 17 homes in the PaloAlto heights area, and the ASMC teamwill work on one home under a houseleader.

Family members 14 and older arewelcome to participate. Painting,landscaping and general carpentry isinvolved.

For more information, contactMaster Sgt. Mike Sonderman at 671-3570.

SECURITY AND POLICY REVIEW

If you are preparing a speech ordocument for public release ondefense-related subjects, contact thepublic affairs office first.

The appropriate authorities mustreview material relating to the plans,policies, programs or operations of theDoD or U.S. Government before thepresentation or publication.

Call the 37th Training Wing PublicAffairs Media Division at 671-2909 or671-3439 for more details.

DEALING WITH THE MEDIA

How would you respond if a newsreporter approached you to commenton a matter related to the Air Force oryour job? Here are some tips to know:

Think before you speak. Contactthe public affairs office first if you areasked to do a media interview andwant to do it.

If you are approached on the streetby a reporter, you will be quoted in the

newspaper or appear on the 10 p.m.newscast answering questions thatmay prove embarrassing.

Reporters may also ask for inter-views online. Don’t appear to be theAir Force’s spokesperson; make it clearyou are giving your personal opinionduring an interview.

Don’t try to address Air Force policyissues without first consulting publicaffairs.

And remember, your right of freespeech also means you can refuse tospeak. Politely tell the media no, or tocontact public affairs.

Keep in mind, your on-screen pres-ence reflects the Air Force image tothe public.

If you are interviewed off duty,make sure you project the image youand your commander want to see asrepresentative of the Air Force.

If in doubt, call the 37th TrainingWing Public Affairs Media Division at671-2909 or 671-3439.

BRIEFS from P20GATEWAY THEATERFRIDAYA Perfect Getaway, 6 p.m. (R), star-ring Steve Zahn and TimothyOlyphant.

SATURDAYPost Grad, noon (PG-13), starringAlixis Biedel and Jane Lynch.The Time Traveler’s Wife, 3 p.m. (PG-13), starring Rachel McAdams andEric Bana.The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard, 6p.m. (R, starring Jeremy Piven andVing Rhames.

SUNDAYG.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, noon (PG-13), starring Dennis Quaid andChanning Tatum.The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard, 3p.m. (R).

THURSDAYThe Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard, 4p.m. (R).

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

Adults – $4. Children – $2.

Closed Monday through Wednesday.

A Perfect Getaway

Post Grad

The Time Traveler’s Wife

The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

TALESPINNERPAGE 22 SEPTEMBER 25, 2009

By Patrick DesmondSports Editor

Honor. Power. Dedication. These are some of the words

that weighted the air duringLackland’s first-ever POW/MIA24-hour Vigil Run, Sept. 18.

Col. William H. Mott’s, 37thTraining Wing commander,words were equally succinct onNational POW/MIA RecognitionDay.

Standing in the middle ofeight flights of basic militarytrainees forming a cross, ColonelMott traced the heritage of ser-vicemembers that served duringWorld War II, the Korean Warand the Vietnam War – a legacyubiquitous when he entered theAir Force in 1981.

“Those men were preparedand they had the fortitude towithstand seven years in con-finement,” Colonel Mott said.“Think about this course – eightand a half weeks – this is fun.They were there for years.”

For Colonel Mott, the dayserved to recognize the service’sheritage.

“What we carry forward, weuse to prepare for the next con-flict,” he said. “Remember thosewho have gone before, who gaveit all, who are missing in action,who have served as POWs.”

Integral to BMT, it’s alsoabout preparing for the future.

“Some people say (POW/MIA

Recognition Day is) sorrowfuland very sad,” Col. Mott said. “Ithink it is very powerful andvery strong to take the strengththat those men exhibited almost40 years ago and apply it towhat you are going to do out inthe Air Force. There’s a reasonwhy (BMT) is tough becauseeventually, perhaps unfortunate-ly, some of you may be in anequally tough situation.”

Moments later, Col. Shane P.Courville, 737th Training Groupcommander, watched nearly the

400 trainees in attendancemarch in silence at the 323rdTraining Squadron’s track.

“The importance of this day,for BMT specifically, is it hap-pens to coincide on a Friday, theday we graduate our newestAirmen,” Colonel Courville saidabout remembering POWs andMIAs.”

The vigil, organized by the323rd TRS, began midnight withmembers of squadron teamsrunning in 30-minute blocksthroughout the day until mid-

night Saturday. While the 737th TRG com-

mander illuminated the big pic-ture, Lt. Col Matthew J. Whiat,323rd TRS commander, nar-rowed the lens a bit more.

“The whole point of this is tocreate warrior Airmen of char-acter,” Colonel Whiat said. “Thisis part of their heritage. That’swhy they are running in silence,why there are no jodies.”

He said the 24-hour run wasalso indicative of the MilitaryTraining Instructor work ethic.

“When they are pushing aflight, my guys are going to workon average 120 hours perweek,” the lieutenant colonelsaid. The fact that we’re doing a24-hour run shows exactly thededication shown day in and dayout.”

323rd TRS MTIs Tech. Sgt.Michael Padgett and Staff Sgt.Scott Weimer set the day’s objec-tives into action.

“We ran with it,” SergeantPadgett said. “When I was atTyndall AFB, Fla., we did thisvery same event. I didn’t have tobe asked twice to come out here.Even when they played taps, youget (goose) bumps just beingapart of this day.”

Sergeant Weimer said it’s away to teach trainees and recog-nize the people that once stoodin their place.

National Conference W L

1. 737th TRG 3 02. 59th MLRS 4 13. 93rd IS 4 14. Sec. Forces 2 15. CES 3 26. AFIOC 2 27. 345th TRS 2 28. IAAFA 1 29. CPSG 2 310. NIOC 0 411. 37th COMM 0 5

Sept. 21- 93 IS 25, CPSG 059th MLRS 32, 37th COMM 037 CES 13, 345th TRS 0

American Conference W L

1. Dental 3 02. Clinical Spt Gp 2 03. 59th EMS 3 14. 342nd TRS 2 15. 314th MI Bn 2 16. DLI 2 17. 341st TRS 1 18. 543rd Spt Sq 1 19. 37th LRS 1 310. Force Spt Sq. 0 411. 344th TRS 0 4

Sept. 15-DLI 6, 37 LRS 0Dental 20, 314 MI Bn 059 EMS 6, FSS 0

Sept. 10-37th LRS 12, 344th TRS 0DLI 7, Force Spt Sq 6Clinical Spt Gp 1, 341st TRS 059th EMS 7, 342nd TRS 0

Over-35 W L

1. 737th TRG 4 02. 149th FW 4 03. Sec. Forces 3 14. Force Spt Sq 2 15. CES 2 26. CPSG 1 37. 433rd AW 0 48. 543rd ISR 0 5

Sept. 15-FSS 21, 433rd AW 7FSS 22, 543rd ISR 8CPSG 12, �Sec. F orces 8

Coed W L

1. Force Spt Sq 3 02. CPSG 2 13. LAB 2 14. 37th MDG 2 15. Sec. Forces 2 16. 59th EMS 1 27. 93rd IS 0 38. 314th MI Bn 0 3

SPORTS

GATEWAY HALF-MARATHON

Lackland’s inaugural GatewayHalf-Marathon is Oct. 24 at 8 a.m.Registration is open to all Departmentof Defense cardholders and theirguests. The day’s other events includea 10K and 5K run.

For more details, call 671-2725.

INDOOR SOCCER TOURNAMENT

The inaugural Military City OpenVeteran’s Day indoor soccer tourna-ment is Nov. 6-8 at Aztec IndoorSoccer. Ten-player team registration is$150 for premier, open and coed divi-sions. For more information, callStewart Hess at 875-8143.

DEFENDER CUP

Lackland’s Defender Cup, Oct. 10-12, is home to the largest statesideAir Force soccer tournament with 20military teams participating. Thechampionship is at Warhawk Field.

For more information, contact thesports office at 671-2725.

INTRAMURAL VOLLEYBALL

The men’s and women’s volleyballprograms are slated to start Oct. 5.Women’s games are Tuesday with theMen’s league games on Wednesday.

People interested in joining theprogram, can contact the sports officeat 671-2725.

BBRRIIEEFFSS

SSCCOORREEBBOOAARRDD

SOFTBALL

FOOTBALL

See POW/MIA P23

24-hour POW/MIA Vigil Run

Photo by Alan Boedeker Tech. Sgt. Jason Azua, 323rd Training Squadron, starts his scheduled 30-minute run at the 323rd TRS track after receiving the POW/MIA baton.

BMT carries the POW baton

PAGE 23TALESPINNERSEPTEMBER 25, 2009

By Patrick DesmondSports Editor

Of the 10,000 faces that crowded thestart line at the Air Force Marathon atWright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, Sept. 19,little more than half completed the full-and half-marathon courses. Among thefinishers were five familiar faces toTeam Lackland in Johnny Phelps, MariaMiranda, Zachary Foulk, AnthonyMilunas and Infinity Smith.

Competing in the full marathon,Phelps and Smith both improved on per-formances set at San Antonio’s Rock ’n’Roll Marathon last year.

Running the 26.2 miles past sitessuch as the National Museum of the U.S.Air Force, Phelps recorded a personalbest with a time of three hours, forty-four minutes and sixteen seconds toplace 375th out of the 2,013 competi-tors.

“It was a great opportunity, especiallysince the 37th (Training Wing) hadsponsored travel and arrangements sothat was great to be able to do that forthe five of us,” he said.

Phelps said the support during theportion of the race that ran throughneighborhoods bordering the base wasgreat, too, with “folks out in their frontyards making a lot of noise.”

In her second showing, Smith rannearly a minute faster at Wright-Patterson than she did in San Antonio,finishing 790th with a time of 4:13:39.

Zachary Foulk, Maria Miranda andAnthony Milunas lined up for the half-marathon an hour later.

Leading the way for Team Lackland,Foulk finished sixth overall with a timeof 1:10:50 – a pace faster than his topmilitary marathon time set last year – inthe half-marathon.

Foulk is using the half-marathon astraining for his trip to the Armed ForcesMarathon, Oct. 22-26, in Washington,D.C.

All-Air Force triathlete, Milunas tra-versed the 13.1 miles in 1:33:07 for115th place and Miranda’s time of

2:01:22 in the half-marathon is nearly aminute and a half faster than her finishat the San Antonio Rock ’n’ Roll event.

Back at Lackland, moments that willserve to remind Phelps of the trip areseeing the aircraft that returned thenprisoner of war Sen. John McCain toAmerican soil, but also just bondingwith his fellow Lacklanders.

“Traveling with the other runnerswas really great,” he said. “We were alltalking about running and just gettingenthusiastic about upcoming events andcontinuing our trek toward bigger andbetter things.”

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Lackland takes on AF Marathon He said, “We wanted to do some-

thing where we could have the POWflag visible at all times, and obviouslywe can’t put these trainees in a boxfor 24 hours – we can’t put themthrough what these people wentthrough. It calls attention to the day.”

Master Sgt. Pete Candelario, sec-tion II supervisor, 323rd TRS, hadalready been out at the track for sixhours by 5:30 a.m.

“Pretty much the whole squadronstaff ran the first hour when wekicked it off,” he said, watching thetrainees on the track before sunrise.“I’m ready to run again as soon asthe flights are done. The commanderand the staff will also run the finalhour tonight.”

In addition to the physical effort,450 T-shirts were sold. Proceedswere donated to a POW/MIA charitythrough the government philanthropyprogram, the Combined FederalCampaign.

And like the handing off of thebaton, laser-engraved with thePOW/MIA symbol, from one runner toanother, so the story of the POWs hasbeen passed on as well.

“If I have 500 trainees here, and Ionly reach five percent of the them,then (they) will go on to their nextbase and do something on POW/MIAday and reach others,” Colonel Whiatsaid. “We hope to make this eventeven bigger and better. This will startto become a staple here at Lackland.”

POW/MIA from P22

Photo by Al BrightMarathon runners launch from the starting line of the Air Force Marathon Saturday.