JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH No. 48 • DECEMBER 2, 2016

A publication of the 502nd Air Base Wing – Joint Base San Antonio

PAGES 8-9

Band of the West holiday concerts, page 3 New simulators help expand training, page 13Physical therapy keeps Airmen fi t, page 12

Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Ely

Courtesy photo Photo by Joel MartinezPhoto by Joel Martinez

Chris Bahe, 12th Flying Training Wing T-38C Talon II crew chief, has worked at Joint Base San Antonio-

Randolph as a crew chief since 2007.

Crew chief brings knowledge, excellence

to 435th FTS mission

DECEMBER 2, 2016PAGE 2 WINGSPREAD

By Capt. Alexis Fletes 96th Medical Group Suicide Prevention Program manager Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

September was Suicide Prevention Month, but the message should be em-phasized year-round, especially around holidays.

We usually hear about suicide preven-tion from the required mandatory an-nual training we attend. This is such an important topic and it affects each and every one of us.

My goal is to provide answers to the following questions: Who is at risk for suicide? What are some of the signs? How can one get help? And why is sui-cide prevention so important?

We have wingmen, co-workers, su-pervisors and dependents who struggle with many challenges on a daily basis. These challenges can sometimes be dif-ficult to identify, but can cost someone their life without the help they need.

Signs that someone may be at risk for suicide include: depression; post-traumatic stress disorder; increased irritability; financial problems; relation-ship issues; recent life changes such as a permanent change of station or a deployment; depressed mood; changes in sleep patterns or appetite; withdraw-ing from others; difficulty concentrating; memory problems and fatigue.

Many of us have experienced these symptoms during times of stress. Nor-mally we are able to move past them fairly quickly. However, in some situa-tions, these symptoms can overwhelm us. It is important to be able to identify these signs not only in ourselves, but in our wingmen, friends and family.

Earlier this year, the Secretary of Defense named this year’s Suicide Prevention Awareness month theme, “Be There.” The campaign aims to emphasize the interactions we have with others on a daily basis that have a significant impact on the well-being of ourselves and others.

“Be There” encourages us to view our interactions as meaningful regardless of how brief or intimate, when help-ing others who may be struggling. The campaign challenges us all to reach out

to others, even if it is just for a cup of coffee or eating lunch together.

We can all do our part. Imagine if every person took this challenge. Think of the number of individuals who cur-rently struggle in silence who would have a listening ear. This small act can change the culture of this base, as well as our society's culture as a whole.

There are several resources avail-able to help anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide, or guide anyone who suspects someone has suicidal

thoughts. Contact the mental health clinic, the chapel, a Military and Family Life or employee assistance program counselor is also available. If needed, tell a first sergeant, supervisor or a fellow wingman who can go with you to one of the places mentioned.

Another option is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

I challenge my fellow Airmen and civilians to “Be There” for one another and not ignore signs of trouble.

COMMENTARY

CALLING ALL WINGMEN

'Be There' to help prevent suicide Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph

Editorial Staff

Brig. Gen. Heather L. Pringle

502nd Air Base Wing/JBSA Commander

Todd G. White

502nd ABW/JBSA Public Affairs Director

Dan Hawkins

JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs Chief

Senior Airman Stormy Archer

Photojournalist

Airman 1st Class Lauren Ely

Photojournalist

Robert Goetz, David DeKunder

Staff Writers

Maggie Armstrong

Graphic Designer

This newspaper is published by EN Communities, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclu-sive written contract with Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military servic-es. Contents of the Wingspread are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Air Force.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or EN Communities, of the products or services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Office of JBSA-Randolph. All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.

The deadline for submissions is noon Wednesday the week prior to publication. All submissions can be emailed to randolphpublicaffairs@us.af.mil.

JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs Office

1150 5th Street East

JBSA-Randolph, Texas 78150

Phone: 210-652-4410

randolphpublicaffairs@us.af.mil

Wingspread Advertisement Office

EN Communities

P.O. Box 2171

San Antonio, Texas 78297

210-250-2052

Suicide Prevention Awareness

I Am Not AloneNeed help? Call 1-800-273-8255

service members choose 1

'Be There'

WINGSPREADDECEMBER 2, 2016 PAGE 3

By Ashley Palacios Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

The holidays are a time when friends and family gather together and express gratitude for all they have. It’s a time of food, fun and togetherness.

In an instant, however, one bad decision can take all of that away.

According to the National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration, 10,265 people across the United States died in 2015 due to alcohol-related accidents.

In 2014, Senior Airman Heath Conde, 902nd Security Forces Squadron police services NCO in charge, received news that two of his friends made a single decision that would change their lives and the lives of their commu-nity forever.

Dave and John, 21 and 22 years-old, respectively, went out, had a few drinks and then decided to drive themselves back home. They both fell asleep and their car hit a tree. John, who was in the passenger’s seat, died on impact while Dave, who was driving, spent sev-eral days in the hospital recovering from the accident.

After seeing what happened when his friends chose to drink and drive, Conde does what he can to ensure no one he knows does the same.

“My friend Dave has been fi lled with regret ever since

that day,” Conde said. “He suffered from depression for a long time afterwards. He doesn’t smile as much any-more and he seems more timid, almost afraid, most of the time. He’s fi nally getting better but he’s still not the same person he once was.”

Conde said John’s family is still mourning their loss. Likewise, the accident deeply affected Conde and his entire community. The accident reinforced his stance against drinking and driving, especially as a member of security forces. It brought the message closer to home and made him realize the very real consequences of drinking and driving.

“We all learned a powerful lesson that day, but it came at a very high price,” Conde said.

Now when he’s around people who are drinking, Conde takes away their keys or makes sure they get a safe ride home. With so many readily available methods to get a safe ride home, such as Uber, Lyft or Armed Forces Against Drunk Driving, Conde believes there’s really no excuse to drive home drunk.

“I think the reasons most people drink and drive are because they don’t want to leave their car parked some-where overnight, they want to look cool in front of their friends or because they feel fi ne until they’re behind the wheel,” Conde said. “All these things, however, can be addressed by having a plan beforehand.”

Choosing to drink and drive can affect a service mem-ber’s life in so many ways. Rank can be taken away, career and fi nances could be ruined, relationships could be damaged, or worse, someone could be killed.

“How would you live with yourself if you killed some-one’s child?” Conde asked.

While most drinking and driving warnings are geared toward younger Airmen, Conde has a re-minder for service members of all ages.

“It’s easy to get complacent the older you get,” Conde said. “You think you won’t make the same bad decisions as someone who’s younger, but whether you’re 18 or 45, you’re still susceptible to making a bad decision.

“No one is invincible,” Conde continued. “Drinking and driving is not something that happens to only certain people. It can happen to anyone at any time. You can be a good person but still make a bad decision.”

Service members should always have a plan in place before going out. Military members who need a safe and confi dential ride home can call Armed Forces Against Drunk Driving at 210-710-7171 between 10 p.m. and 2:15 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

(Editor’s Note: The names of the driver and passenger involved in the accident have been changed to protect their identity.)

By Ashley Palacios that day,” Conde said. “He suffered from depression for Choosing to drink and drive can affect a service mem-

Drinking and driving this holiday season: a high price to pay

By David DeKunderJoint Base San Antonio-RandolphPublic Affairs

The sounds of Christmas will fi ll the air with two “Holiday in Blue” concert performances by the U.S. Air Force Band of the West at 3 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11 at Laurie Auditorium, Trinity University, in San Antonio.

Tickets for the free concerts can be reserved at http://www.Eventbrite.com using search words “USAF Band of the West” and “San Antonio, Texas.” To re-serve tickets, users must register at the Eventbrite website.

The two concerts are part of the band’s annual “Holiday in Blue” per-formance series.

“All of our performances are free and open to the public,” said Tech Sgt. Nicholas Wellman, U.S. Air Force Band of the West NCO in charge. “We have created sites for each perfor-mance on Eventbrite where people can go to reserve seats, which is our preferred method of ticket distri-bution, and the easiest way for the public to ensure they can attend the concert.”

The U.S. Air Force Band of the West will perform a variety of Christmas holi-day songs and selections concertgoers and families can enjoy, Wellman said.

“The goal of every concert is to pro-vide an event that is enjoyable, enter-taining and family friendly,” he said.

Conducting the concerts will be Maj. David Alpar, U.S. Air Force Band of the West commander, and 2nd Lt. Christina Muncey, U.S. Air Force Band of the West fl ight commander and as-sociate conductor.

The U.S. Air Force Band of the West performs hundreds of concerts each year for military and civilian audiences in several states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas.

The mission of the U.S. Air Force Band of the West is honor all the men and women who serve and have served in the Armed Forces and to inspire and connect, Wellman said.

“We strive to inspire all who attend our concerts to greater patriotism and pride in our country,” Wellman said. “We use the medium of music to con-nect with and touch the lives of everyone we come in contact with.”

By David DeKunder The U.S. Air Force Band of the West

Holiday in Blue concerts to be held Dec. 10-11

Courtesy photoThe U.S. Air Force Band of the West will present its holiday season concert, "Holiday in Blue," at 3 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11 at Trinity University's Laurie Auditorium in San Antonio.

DECEMBER 2, 2016PAGE 4 WINGSPREAD

The Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Chapel is hosting the 2016 Airman Cookie Drive at the Chapel Annex, building 103, Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations of homemade baked goods or other sweets, gallon-sized Ziplock bags and individually wrapped candy are needed. Volunteers are also needed Tuesday to help with collection of the donated treats. Call 652-6121 for more information or to sign up as a volunteer.

2016 Airman Cookie Drive

WINGSPREADDECEMBER 2, 2016 PAGE 5

Bowling Center Dec. 24 and 31: noon - 6 p.m.Dec. 25: ClosedDec. 26-27, Jan. 1: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.Jan. 2: 1 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Child Development Program(main and annex) Dec. 24-27; Dec. 31; Jan. 1: Closed

Community Service Mall Dec. 23 and 30: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.Dec. 24-27 and 31; Jan. 1-2: Closed

Rambler Fitness CenterDec. 24, 26, 27, 31; Jan. 1-2: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.Dec. 25: Closed

Kendrick ClubDec. 22,23,27-31: noon - 8 p.m.Dec. 24: noon - 6 p.m.Dec. 25, Jan. 1: ClosedDec. 26; Jan. 2: noon - 10 p.m.

Randolph Oaks Golf CourseDec. 24; Jan. 1-2: 6 a.m. - 1 p.m.Dec. 25: Closed

JBSA Recreation Park at Canyon LakeDec. 24 and 31: 8 a.m. - noonDec. 25; Jan. 1: Closed

Parr ClubDec. 19-30; Jan. 1-2: ClosedDec. 31: 6 p.m. to Jan. 1: 2 a.m. (with reservation)

Youth Programs (open recreation)Dec. 23 and 30: 3-7 p.m.Dec. 24-27, 31; Jan. 1-2: Closed

School Age ProgramsDec. 24-27, 31;Jan. 1-2: Closed

DECEMBER 2, 2016PAGE 6 WINGSPREAD

By Kat BaileyAir Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

Time-in-grade and time-in-service points in active duty enlisted promotion consideration will be eliminat-ed beginning with the 17E7 master sergeant promotion cycle, and all future promotion cycles, the Air Force re-cently announced.

This is the fi nal step in a gradual reduction of points for TIG/TIS that occurred one-third at a time over three years as part of the new enlisted evaluation and promo-tion systems employed in 2015.

In order to create a framework that effectively en-courages and captures performance-based service, over-all enlisted performance report points for the Weighted Airman Promotion System increased while TIG/TIS points were reduced gradually with the goal to remove them completely.

The changes to the enlisted evaluation and promo-tion systems are intended to ensure performance carries the most weight when calculating points for promotion selection.

Airmen will continue to complete their WAPS testing and have their test scores combined with their other weighted factors.

The elimination of TIG/TIS points is effective with 17E7, 17E6, 17E5 and 17E9 promotion cycles.

Additional details regarding WAPS and enlisted promotions are available on https://mypers.af.mil/. Click the Promotion link from the active duty enlist-ed landing page or select “Active Duty AF Enlisted” from the dropdown menu and search “WAPS.”

For more information about Air Force personnel pro-grams, visit https://mypers.af.mil/.

Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one by http://www.retirees.af.mil/mypers.

By Kat Bailey

AF promotions eliminates time-in-grade, time-in-service points

Courtesy graphic

WINGSPREADDECEMBER 2, 2016 PAGE 7

By Jeremy GerlachJoint Base San Antonio-Lackland Public Affairs

Whether a parent just arrived on permanent change of station orders, is about to start a three-day medical shift at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, or needs some time alone with his/her spouse, having an adaptable child-care option can be a lifesaver.

This is where Joint Base San Antonio Family Child Care comes in.

Family Child Care is a home-based network of nine to 15 individual providers who, each year, care for more than 200 area children whose parents need an alternative option to the Child Development Center.

The service matches families with providers, recruited from active duty and reservists spouses, all of whom have undergone intensive background checks, physical exams, immunizations, and health, safety and fi re training.

Each provider is allowed to hosts no more than six children in their homes at any time, and typically offers a wider range of hours than most area daycares.

For Linda Salazar, Family Child care Center coordina-tor, there’s never a typical day for families at JBSA.

“Anybody could walk in at any time, with any sort of re-quest,” Salazar said. “And we’ll drop everything we’re do-ing to help them and get them everything they need.”

The most benefi t to the small, home-based model is the personal attention each child gets, Salazar explained.

“Providers are far from babysitters,” Salazar said. “They are creating lesson plans, activities, taking nature walks, fi eld trips and just offering a rich experience. Pro-viders can take kids on fi eld trips to the DoSeum, the McNay, the zoo, city parks, to the Alamo, the Missions, all because it’s just a small group – providers and their kids can just get up and go.”

Another plus for the fl exible, home-based child care model are the extended hours. While the CDC is typically open Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., many FCC providers are available starting at 5 a.m. and are available on evenings, weekends and even overnight shifts.

“Our biggest customers are typically your training in-structors or medical personnel,” Salazar explained. “Eve-ning hours, three-days on shift – that’s when we come in handy.”

Rebekah Seymour, an FCC provider for 10 years, fo-cuses on outdoor time, arts and crafts, and getting kids ready to start pre-K programs.

“When you’re on duty and you have no family around, it helps having peace of mind that your kids are safe and having fun,” Seymour explained. “This just eases parents’ feelings of being rushed to pick their kids up.”

Christy Whetstone, a JBSA-Lackland parent, has been using FCC for two years. She sends her two kids to Seymour, and was “thankful and blessed” her kids are happy with the experience.

“Every day when I leave my kids, I have peace of mind that they are together in a loving, nurturing, safe envi-ronment,” she said. “My kids love – and are loved – by our provider.”

Parent Esmeralda Puente has sent her son to FCC pro-vider Rosetta Martin for the past year.

“Family Child Care brings a sense of extended family at our duty station here,” Puente said. “It’s a home-like feeling for my son because Ms. Rosetta communicates my son’s eating habits, activities and lessons learned. My son even talks about her at home – he absolutely loves her.”

For Seymour – who was raising a young child at home herself when she started working with the FCC program – providing child care comes as second nature to each provider.

“Military families are stressed out enough,” Seymour explained. “Just knowing that we are giving them that peace of mind that their child is well cared for – that makes all the difference in the world to us.”

Parents can call 671-3379, stop by the FCC offi ce at 2310 Kenly, JBSA-Lackland, or visit any on-base community center to pick up an FCC fl ier. The fl ier contains names, contact numbers and availabilities of various providers. Parents are also welcome to contact the providers directly, or can set up a meet-ing through the FCC offi ce. All providers set their own prices and service contracts.

By Jeremy Gerlach “Providers are far from babysitters,” Salazar said. “Every day when I leave my kids, I have peace of mind

Family Child Care offers JBSA parents a fl exible option

DECEMBER 2, 2016PAGE 8 WINGSPREAD WINGSPREADDECEMBER 2, 2016 PAGE 9

By Airman 1st Class Lauren ElyJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

To some, the loud sound of a jet fi ring up is a nuisance, but to Chris Bahe, it signals “the sound of freedom.”

“I’m used to the noise,” Bahe, 12th Flying Training Wing T-38C Talon II crew chief, said. “I’d rather hear the noise and have the jets ready to go because I know they’re up in the air doing their mission.”

Bahe, who served 20 years in the Navy working on jets, spent part of his career as the crew chief for the No. 5 jet of the

Blue Angels, the Navy’s fl ight demonstration squadron. Now he brings that same precision and expertise to help fuel

the mission of the 435th Fighter Training Squadron, which

is to conduct Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals student training and train new IFF instructors.

Not only does Bahe enjoy the noise of the jets, but he can tell just by the sound of the engine if there’s something wrong.

“I’ve been around the T-38Cs for a while, and I can tell if an engine is not running properly,”

Bahe, who has been a crew chief at JBSA-Randolph for nearly nine years, said. “You know when something is not right. You can hear it or feel it through the ground. It vibrates.”

But the former Sailor does more than just check for engine prob-lems. He performs a walk-around inspection where he checks over various aspects of the aircraft, such as ensuring there’s enough fuel onboard, checking the tires and looking for any hydraulic fuel leaks that may have occurred.

Bahe then signs off, line-per-line, on each item of the aircraft and gives his “blessing” for the pilot to take off.

“I take my job very seriously,” Bahe said. “I try to give the pilot a zero-defect jet and make sure it’s good for fl ight and ready to go when they go up again.”

Bahe also provides training for new crew chiefs after they have completed an aircraft familiarization course. He’s one of about four trainers who can deliver training on the T-38C at JBSA-Randolph to ensure new crew chiefs can perform tasks like refueling the aircraft and changing a tire if need be.

“Everybody here should know everything about the T-38Cs,” he said. “We’re always learning from each other.”

Bahe said he’s proud to be working for the 12th FTW and has confi dence every time he sees a T-38C go up in fl ight that he’s ex-amined, the pilots will be safe and able to complete the mission.

“They put their trust and confi dence in me that I’ve given them a good product,” Bahe said. “It makes me be on my toes and makes sure I put out a good product so the students can train and get to their next duty station.”

Former Navy Blue Angels crew chief brings knowledge, excellence to 435th FTS mission

Photos by Airman 1st Class Lauren ElyChris Bahe, 12th Flying Training Wing T-38C Talon II crew chief, checks the oil of a T-38C Talon II during a pre-fl ight walk-around inspection Nov. 8 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.

Chris Bahe, 12th Flying Training Wing T-38C Talon II crew chief, performs a pre-fl ight walk-around inspection of a T-38C Talon II Nov. 8 at JBSA-Randolph.

Chris Bahe, 12th Flying Training Wing T-38C Talon II crew chief, prepares to do a pre-fl ight walk-around inspection of a T-38C before a pilot is cleared for fl ight Nov. 8 at JBSA-Randolph.

DECEMBER 2, 2016PAGE 10 WINGSPREAD

Pecan harvesting The Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Housing Offi ces and the 902nd Security Forces Squadron are asking residents who reside on JBSA-Randolph to harvest pecans only from their own yard. Those who live off base are asked to refrain from harvesting any pecans from the installation.

Businesses designated off limits All 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio military members are forbidden to enter any establishments named Cracker Box Palace, Planet K, Players Club of San Antonio, MJM Autohaus or VIP Spa. This in-cludes all locations in Bexar, Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina and Wilson counties. These businesses are per-ceived as damaging to the military mission. For more information, call 652-5727.

Save the Date: Taj open house The 502nd Security Forces and Logistics Support Group will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph's Taj Mahal, building 100.

Diabetic-friendly cooking class There are 30 fi rst-come, fi rst-serve seats available for a special edition of Kitchen Addiction: Diabetic-Friendly Cooking. This event will be held Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon and again from noon to 1 p.m. at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Health Promotions, building 999. For more informa-tion, call 652-3641.

JBSA-Randolph Burger King closure Due to plumbing issues, the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Burger King will re-main closed. The repairs are the estimated to be completed by Friday.

RFISD seeks trustee members Randolph Field Independent School District is soliciting resumes for upcoming opening on the Board of Trustees. Eligibility for the position requires the applicant to be living or employed at JBSA-Randolph. Trustees must take an official oath of office and serve without compensation. For more information on submitting a resume no later than today, call 652-5321.

Infant Massage class Parents can learn how to relax their child, relieve discomfort and help baby sleep better during an infant massage class. For more information on the one-on-one sessions, call 652-3708.

The Wingman Café now open Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph’s din-ing facility, “The Wingman Café,” is open Monday-Sunday: Breakfast, 6-9 a.m.; Grab n’ Go, 9-10:30 a.m.; Lunch, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Grab n’ Go, 1:30-4:30 p.m.; Dinner, 4:30-6:30 p.m. It will also be open weekends and holidays: Breakfast, 6:30-9 a.m.; Grab n’ Go, 8:30-10:30 a.m.; Lunch, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Grab n’ Go, 1:30-4:30 p.m.; Dinner, 4:30-6:30 p.m. For more information, call 652-5533.

To advertise in the Wingspread, call 250-2052.

The girls varsity cross country teams from Cole High School on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston and the Randolph High School girls at JBSA-Randolph placed third and fourth, respec-tively at the regional championship at the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi campus Oct. 29. Both teams, as champions in their respective districts, qualifi ed for the University Interscholastic League Texas State 3A cross country meet Nov. 12 in Round Rock, Texas, where the Randolph Ro-Hawks fi n-ished 12th overall and the Cole Cougars fi nished in 15th place. It was the fi rst-ever trip to the state championship for Randolph.

Courtesy photo

WINGSPREADDECEMBER 2, 2016 PAGE 11

By David DeKunderJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

With the holiday season being one of the busiest long-distance travel periods of the year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the 502nd Air Base Wing Safety Offi ce is re-minding travelers to take several safety precautions and be prepared before heading out to their holiday destination.

Whether it’s traveling by vehicle, plane or train, travelers should follow a plan and make preparations for their holiday trip, said John McLaughlin, 502nd Air Base Wing Safety Offi ce occupational safety specialist at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

Travelers going out of town in a ve-hicle should plan their route, McLaughlin said.

“Know where you are planning to stop, how far the next stop is and how much gas is needed to get there,” he said. “Know your planned route, but also be fl exible. Don’t risk trying to make it to the next stop for gas if you think you won’t make it. Stop. A fi ve-to 10-minute stop for gas can save you a day’s worth of walking to the nearest gas station.”

Once the trip has been planned out, motorists should inspect their vehicle to make sure it is ready for the road, including tires, hoses, seatbelts and fl uids, McLaughlin said.

When traveling with children,

McLaughlin said parents should teach their children not to wander away from them, not to talk to strangers and what to do if they are separated from the family. Parents can provide whistles for their children to wear around their neck, which the children could use if they are lost or in danger.

If the family pet is coming along on the holiday trip, plan to make extra stops, research hotels to ensure they allow pets and bring extra money for pet fees since most hotels charge ex-tra to have a pet in the room and could require a pet deposit to be paid up-front, McLaughlin said.

Travelers should not leave their pets inside a hot car and provide them water, McLaughlin said. In addi-tion, motorists should keep their pets on a leash at all times when taking them for a walk.

Be mindful of a dog's collar color, which may indicate to people the tendencies and behavior of a dog, in-cluding green, friendly towards peo-ple and other dogs; orange, friendly towards adults and children, but not other dogs; and red, should be ap-proached with caution.

All valuables in a vehicle should be locked in a trunk and kept out of sight.

Before traveling, be aware of weath-er conditions, including snow, ice and fl ooding, McLaughlin said. To prepare for emergencies, have a supply kit in the

vehicle that includes fi rst aid items, blan-kets, fl ashlights, fl ares, a shovel, food, water and road salt.

McLaughlin said motorists should not drink and drive and avoid driving at night since drunk driving accidents tend to spike near Christmas and New Year’s Day. If driving at night, travel-ers should be careful for wrong way drivers, especially traveling in the left or fast lane.

“If you have to drive late at night, avoid the fast lane, and if you see headlights coming toward you, get out of the way fast,” McLaughlin said.

Travelers should have their iden-tifi cation with them at all times, he added. If traveling with fi rearms in a vehicle, travelers should know the concealed carry laws of the state or states they are going to.

If traveling by plane, know what is allowed and not allowed on the fl ight. Travelers can look up items that are allowed and not allowed on the plane at the Transportation Security Administration website at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/prohibited-items.

Travelers going by Amtrak can check on items allowed and not al-lowed on the train at https://www.amtrak.com/prohibited-items.

Before leaving on a trip, families should make sure their house is safe and secure. McLaughlin said a family friend can stay in the house while the family is away. Also, make sure someone is bring in the mail, newspaper and packages while the family is away.

Other ways to secure the home include setting the lights on timers, locking all doors and windows, securing valuables in a safe or safety deposit box at a bank, making sure the stove is cut off, there is no clutter around thev furnace and any-thing combustible is put away. Keep the heat on in your home so pipes do not bust if there is a freeze.

Any spare keys hidden under the mat should be brought into the house and put away while the family is gone.

For information on traveling safely, go to http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/resources-for-travelers, http://www.jbsa.mil/Resources/Safety, http://www.safety.mil, and for traveling in Texas, http://transguide.dot.state.tx.us.

DECEMBER 2, 2016

By David DeKunder McLaughlin said parents should teach vehicle that includes fi rst aid items, blan- Travelers going by Amtrak can

502nd ABW Safety Offi ce reminds holiday travelers to plan, prepare

Courtesy photo

DECEMBER 2, 2016PAGE 12 WINGSPREAD

By Robert GoetzJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

Back pain is one of the most common medical com-plaints in the United States, affecting an estimated eight in 10 Americans at some point during their lives.

It’s also a common problem for patients at the 359th Medical Group’s Physical Therapy Flight, where a nine-person staff of active-duty members, civilians and con-tractors provide treatment for active-duty personnel, retirees and other benefi ciaries.

“Our staff has nearly doubled in size in the last year and a half, so we’re growing to meet the needs of all our patients,” said Capt. Brittany McCright, 359th Medical Operations Squadron Physical Therapy Flight commander.

The addition of civilian staff members allows the fl ight to provide treatment for more than 1,400 patients per month.

“We used to be an active-duty staff,” said Tech. Sgt. Casey Berry, 359th MDOS Physical Therapy Flight chief. “Adding civilian positions gives the clinic some continu-ity.

“In addition, more staff means more availability,” he said. “We’re serving 100 to 150 more patients per week than before.”

Berry called back problems the fl ight’s “No. 1 diag-nosis” and said back pain is often related to poor body mechanics or overuse.

McCright attributed other back problems, especially for people who sit at a computer all day, to poor pos-ture.

“We get a lot of issues related to poor posture, such as back, shoulder and neck pain,” she said.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, habitual poor posture can stress the joints and place long-term pressure on the lower back and shoulders, causing neck or back pain.

Other complaints addressed by physical therapists – those involving the shoulders, knees, ankles and other body parts – are more injury-related, Berry said.

“Some of those injuries come from working out or playing sports,” he said.

The fl ight’s staff consists of three physical therapists and six physical therapy assistants. The team includes four active-duty members, three contractors and two Department of Defense civilians.

The physical therapists evaluate new patients and determine a plan of care, while the assistants provide the therapy, Berry said.

“After the evaluation is over and therapy begins, the therapist will see each patient every few weeks to see if the plan of care needs to be manipulated,” he said.

Physical therapy sessions last 30 minutes to an hour, and most patients visit the fl ight once or twice a week, Berry said.

“The majority of our patients come for therapy for two or three months, but for a patient who’s had orthopedic surgery, the plan of care will be longer,” he said. “It could be close to a year.”

In addition to attending to their physical therapy du-

ties, members of the fl ight provide education to active-duty members, civilians and retirees, especially at fi tness events such as 5K runs.

“We supervise pre-run warmup exercises for partici-pants and get them thinking about injury prevention,” Berry said.

The fl ight attends to most benefi ciaries seeking treat-ment, but occasionally they can only accept active-duty patients, Berry said.

“We have a standard of care,” he said. “We have to see patients within 28 days of them being referred to us. When we can’t meet that standard, we only accept active-duty members.”

However, patients who aren’t active-duty members have other options.

“We have a partnership with the San Antonio Military Medical Center and the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, so patients can stay within the military health care system,” Berry said. “But most of the year, we’re able to see everybody who is referred to us. The majority of our referrals are from our pa-tients’ primary care managers, but they’re also from

military and civilian orthopedic clinics.”Helping people is one of the benefi ts of being a physi-

cal therapist, Berry and McCright said.“I’ve always loved sports,” Berry said. “This falls in

line with helping people stay active and do the things they love.”

“The body’s a puzzle you get to fi gure out,” McCright said. “Patients’ injuries are never the same. When we’re able to get somebody back to running or a parent back to playing with their children, we get to share in that success.”

Berry advised people to see a physical therapist if they are enduring pain – whether it’s from an accident, a sports injury, poor posture or wear and tear over time.

“We’d rather see you earlier than later,” he said. “When you put it off, an injury will not go away. It of-ten gets worse.”

The physical therapy fl ight at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Medical Clinic is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

By Robert Goetz

359th Physical Therapy Flight has your back

Tech. Sgt. Casey Berry (standing), 359th Medical Operations Squadron Physical Therapy Flight chief, assists Airman 1st Class Gregory Jones on doing hamstring curls Nov. 9 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. Physical therapists provide services that help restore function, improve mobility and relieve pain, therapists work closely with patients to help them heal and promote overall wellness.Photo by Joel Martinez

Capt. Brittany McCright359th Medical Operations Squadron Physical Therapy Flight commander

“Our staff has nearly doubled in size in the last year and a half, so we’re growing to meet the needs of all our patients.”

WINGSPREADDECEMBER 2, 2016 PAGE 13

By Robert GoetzJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

A squadron at Joint Base San Antonio that produces training devices benefi ting diverse Air Force career fi elds is now supplying a 12th Flying Training Wing unit with new, improved simulators to enhance the education of students in the remotely piloted aircraft program.

The 502nd Security Forces and Logistics Support Group’s 502nd Trainer Development Squadron has installed six new T-6 simulators at the 558th Flying Training Squadron to accommodate the growth in the number of students taking the RPA Instrument Qualifi -cation Course.

The six new simulators – along with 10 T-6 simulators that will be replaced by new versions over the next year – will enable the 558th FTS to meet an Air Force task-ing to double RPA pilot production, said Lt. Col. Jason Thompson, 558th FTS commander.

“Based on the requirement, the 558th FTS deter-mined six additional simulators were required to meet a production number of 384 students per year,” he said. “Air Education and Training Command secured funding and a contract avenue to build the new simulators.”

The project to build the six new T-6 simulators

and the 10 replacement simulators began last year at the 502nd TDS, which designs training devices, fabricates parts for them and builds, installs and often maintains them.

“Virtually the entire squadron has been involved in the project, including project managers, designers, sup-ply and warehouse personnel, and machine and struc-tural shop personnel,” said Paul Ramsay, 502nd TDS design and development supervisor. “It’s also important to note the major role of the prime contractors and sub-contractors as well as in-house contractor employees.”

The simulators combine in-house conceptualization, design, manufacturing and assembly with signifi cant components and features obtained from the commer-cial world, he said.

Some of the improvements over the old simulators are ease of ingress and egress and seating that is adjustable to address an appropriate range of student heights and other factors, Ramsay said.

“The new sims also reuse an upgraded version of the present simulators’ software, which minimizes cost and maintains and expands use of the current curriculum for computer currency,” he said.

Other features are contractor-resourced controls and panels that include an upgraded rudder and control stick

assemblies, an innovative display system that overcomes the current system’s visual issues and upgraded projec-tors and visual display components for improved ground and airborne visual effects, Ramsay said.

The new simulators, which are now in the testing phase, offer “better fi delity,” Thompson said.

“The new simulators add eight times the visual resolu-tion of the previous simulators,” he said. “The switches, software, form, fi t, feel and overall functionality more closely mirror the actual T-6 aircraft. Better fi delity simulators equal better training for the students.”

The older simulators provided a template for the new version, said Joseph Domeier, former 502nd TDS project manager.

“We modifi ed the design to what the 558th FTS need-ed,” he said. “We met with the squadron commander, RPA instructors and other personnel to gather their con-cerns and determine additional training needs.”

Simulators used in the RIQ course, the fi rst course taken by prospective RPA pilots, replicate the T-6 cock-pit, Domeier said.

“The simulators get students familiar with what fl ying inside an actual cockpit is like,” he said. “This is the only airframe they learn in.”

By Robert Goetz and the 10 replacement simulators began last year assemblies, an innovative display system that overcomes

New simulators meet remotely piloted aircraft program’s growth

Capt. Mike (left), 558th Flying Training Squadron student, trains on a T-6 simulator, while Capt. Brandt, 558th FTS instructor, operates the instrument computer panel Nov. 7 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.(Editor’s note: In accordance with current Air Force guidance, the last name of the RPA instructor in this story has been omitted due to operational security constraints.) Photo by Joel Martinez

See SIMULATORS P14

DECEMBER 2, 2016PAGE 14 WINGSPREAD

The simulators replicate what it would feel like in a congested air-space, said Capt. Brandt, 558th FTS RIQ instructor.

“We are integrating the new sims into a virtual world and are able to fly all six in the same virtual world,” he said. “We’re testing all six singularly and as a virtual world so everything works as advertised.”

The instructor sits behind the student, using two computer screens – one that duplicates the student’s instrument panel and one that shows the airspace for the virtual world.

“I sit here as the air traffic controller and instructor,” Brandt said. “In the singular world, I can manipulate environmental data, such as the weather and the scenario. In addition, we can have a group chat among instructors using mIRC, an Internet Relay Chat.”

The new simulators will also allow the 558th FTS to operate at full capacity inside its own building, Brandt said.

“Right now we’re sharing simulators with the 559th FTS in another building,” he said. “We’re using them for two full flights of 24 students each day, which creates a lot of scheduling conflicts. The new sims will alleviate that congestion across the street.”

Thompson commended the 502nd TDS’ efforts in building the simulators.

“The 502nd TDS has been an outstanding partner trying to make this happen on an extremely tight timeline,” he said.

Kevin Haley, 502nd TDS director, said the squadron’s team members “take pride in everything they do.

“You can see it in the products they deliver,” he said. “We’re not happy until the customer’s happy.”

(Editor’s note: In accordance with current Air Force guidance, the last name of the RPA instructor in this story has been omitted due to operational security constraints.)

SIMULATORS from P13

JBSA-Randolph Fleenor Theater ScheduleFriday7 p.m.

Hacksaw Ridge (R)

Saturday3 p.m. Trolls (PG)

7 p.m. Jack Reacher : Never Go Back (PG-13)

Sunday3 p.m.

Moana 2D 1st Run (PG)

Dec. 97 p.m.

Doctor Strange (3D) (PG-13)

Dec. 102 p.m. Collateral Beauty (PG-13) FREE SCREENING

7 p.m. Hacksaw Ridge (R)

Dec. 113 p.m.

Trolls (PG)

Dec. 167 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.

Dec. 173 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Dec. 183 p.m.

“Rogue One : A Star wars Story” 1st Run (3D) (PG-13)

Dec. 237 p.m.

“Rogue One : A Star wars Story” 1st Run (3D) (PG-13)

Dec. 243 p.m. Almost Christmas (PG-13)

Dec. 25CLOSED