JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH No 6 bull FEBRUARY 13 2015

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

INSIDE SAFETY FIRST P2 JBSA WATER RESTRICTIONS P7 PAYING IT FORWARD P8

PAGE 4

PAGE 2 WINGSPREAD FEBRUARY 13 2015

COMMENTARY ON THE COVER Bob Seger 12th Maintenance Director-SAFETY FIRST ALWAYS ate Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory equipment calibration techshynician calibrates a tire inflator kit Feb 6 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Close call I really shouldnt be here For the complete story see page 4

By Capt David Liapis 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

A couple of feet and a half a secshyond These may seem like insignificant measurements but when combined with fatigue a couple of feet almost cost me my career and that half a second almost ended my life

There was a time when I was an enlisted aircraft electrical and environshymental systems specialist and was part of the 19th Aircraft Maintenance Unit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Alaska In the summer of 2008 while I was assigned to work in the supshyport section my supervisor and I were tasked to move much of the equipment from the 19th AMU hangar to the 12th AMU hangar because of renovation

We had a tight deadline and the NCO I was working for was determined to complete the task during our shift that night even if it meant working more than 12 hours That night wore on and turned into morning and I knew it would not be long before the recently set sun would peek up again over the Chugach Mountains

Things were going well for the first few hours I remember gawking at Elmendorfs very first F-22 Raptor that had arrived only days prior as I hauled load after load of pallets and equipment across the hangar floor I felt privileged to be able to get up close to this jet named after a Jurassic Park antagonist that all manner of military and civilian men and women of rank and position had been flocking to the base to see in the preceding days

Then unexpectedly I got a closer look than I ever hoped for

I wasnt sure how I deviated so far off my well-established path down the centerline of the hangar However I was sure I saw the half-ton of palletized

ldquoIts true getting the job done is what we are all about However we need to make appropriate risk assessments and ensure well be here to take on the next mission Our line of work has inherent risks but

most can be easily mitigatedrdquo

equipment I was backing into the hanshygar pass less than a yard from the nose tip of the $150 million pride of the base

I didnt say a word to anyone about it at the time All I could do was imagine what my fate would have been if I had destroyed the pointy end of that beautishyful fighter jet The thought made me sick to my stomach My line number for staff sergeant ndash gone My future in the Air Force ndash shot

Can you imagine being that Airman who smashed up Elmendorfs first F-22

If I had still managed to get proshymoted and apply for officer training school I can picture the conversation at the officer accessioning board goshying something like this ldquoand next up is a Sgt David Liapis wait I know that name from somewhere Oh yeah hes the guy that cost the Air Force millions of dollars because he was an idiot ndash next applicantrdquo

As you might have guessed fatigue was the main contributing factor in the previously related incident however I was not the only one suffering from too much work and too little rest that night

My supervisor was stacking some pallets with a forklift as I guided him forward Im not sure how I ended up between a moving pallet and a wall but I did I gave the hand signal for the

sergeant to stop but he didnt I manshyaged to squeeze out of that tight spot just in time to avoid having the pallet pin me against the wall at my midsecshytion He was too tired and didnt react quickly enough to my signal ndash again it was fatigue

The Air Force Safety Program is nothing new All the right rules and guidelines existed that night as they had for years prior and have for years since We just got so wrapped up in what we were doing that we failed to consider and put into pracshytice what we had been taught and what common sense told us

We knew better but the mission needed to be accomplished ndash or did it Did it really all have to be done that night

Its true getting the job done is what we are all about however we need to make appropriate risk assessshyments and ensure well be here to take on the next mission Our line of work has inherent risks but most can be easily mitigated

The goal rather the quest is for zero ndash zero fatalities zero mishaps zero dolshylars spent to repair or replace needlessly damaged resources That night failure to appropriately address fatigue almost cost me a whole lot times two

Check us out on bull Facebook Joint Base San Antonio JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Lackland JBSA and JBSA-Randolph bull Twitter JBSA_Offi cial JBSAFSH JBSALackland and JBSARandolph bull YouTube Joint Base San Antonio

Photo by Airman 1st Class Stormy Archer

Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Editorial Staff

Brig Gen Bob LaBrutta 502nd Air Base WingJBSA Commander

Todd G White 502nd ABWJBSA Public Affairs Director

Marilyn C Holliday JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs Chief Airman 1st Class Alexandria Slade

Editor Airman 1st Class Stormy Archer

Robert Goetz Staff Writers

Maggie Armstrong Graphic Designer

This newspaper is published by EN Communities a private fi rm in no way connected with the US Air Force under exclusive written contract with Joint Base San Antoshynio-Randolph Texas This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the US military services Contents of the Wingspread are not necessarily the offi cial views of or endorsed by the US government the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force

The appearance of advertising in this publication includshying inserts or supplements does not constitute endorseshyment 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 affi liation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser user or patron

Editorial content is edited prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Offi ce of JBSA-Randolph All photos unless otherwise indicated are US Air Force photos

The deadline for submissions is noon Wednesday the week prior to publication All submissions can be emailed to randolphpublicaffairsusafmil

Wingspread Office 1150 5th Street East

JBSA-Randolph Texas 78150 Phone (210) 652-4410

Wingspread email randolphpublicaffairsusafmil

Wingspread Advertisement Office EN Communities

PO Box 2171 San Antonio Texas 78297

(210) 250-2440

FEBRUARY 13 2015 WINGSPREAD PAGE 3

PAGE 4 WINGSPREAD FEBRUARY 13 2015

Photo by Airman 1st Class Stormy Archer Bob Seger 12th Maintenance Directorate Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory equipment calibration technician calibrates a tire inflator kit Feb 6 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph The JBSA-Randolph PMEL is one of 77 labs that calibrate precision measurement equipment for the Air Force ensuring accuracy reliability and safety

Precision Measurement Equipment Lab calibrates JBSA for success By Airman 1st Class Stormy Archer Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

Voltage current power impedance frequency temshyperature force torque these are the measurements of success that members of the 12th Maintenance Directorshyate Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory use every day to ensure accuracy reliability and safety at Joint Base San Antonio

Members of the 12th MXD PMEL received a cershytificate of compliance Jan 28 at JBSA-Randolph The biennial inspection team ensures that all calishybrations done at the lab are done correctly and acshycording to Air Force standards

ldquoEvery two years Air Force PMELs need to be certified worldwide to make sure they are meeting standardsrdquo Gabriel Moreno 12th MXD PMEL electronic measureshyment equipment mechanic supervisor said ldquoThe certifishycation demonstrates that we can perform safe accurate and reliable measurements that are traceable through the Air Force Primary Standards Laboratory to the Nashytional Institute of Standards and Technologyrdquo

ldquoThis is something you canrsquot get preshypared for the day before Itrsquos something everyone here is trained to do at their

job on a daily basis We understand that if we do things right it could save someshyonersquos life and if you do something wrong

there could be serious consequencesrdquo Stephen Boswell

12th Maintenance Directorate PMEL electronic measurement equipment mechanic inspector

The 12th MXD PMEL is one of 77 labs in the Air Force that specializes in the precision calibration and repair of test equipment called metrology the science of measurement Technicians from the JBSA-Randolph PMEL perform metrology for more than 200 work centers across Air Force locations in South

Texas including JBSA-Randolph Lackland Fort Sam Houston and Laughlin Air Force Base

ldquoCalibration is a form of quality assurancerdquo Moreno said ldquoWe ensure the accuracy of equipment from simple items like torque wrenches and tire inflators to complex navigation and communication systems and test sets for F-16 guided missilesrdquo

During the inspection technicians performed their calibrations with an evaluator watching over their shoulshyder Inspectors checked for proper use of procedure and correct equipment use

ldquoThis is something you canrsquot get prepared for the day beforerdquo Stephen Boswell 12th MXD PMEL electronic measurement equipment mechanic inspector said ldquoItrsquos something everyone here is trained to do at their job on a daily basis We understand that if we do things right it could save someonersquos life and if you do something wrong there could be serious consequences

ldquoThis certification is a big accomplishmentrdquo he said ldquoThis is a result of a lot of hard work by a lot of people We have a lot of dedicated people who care about what they dordquo

FEBRUARY 13 2015 WINGSPREAD PAGE 5

Academy students learn innovative problem solving By Joe Bela 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

The inaugural class of the 59th Medical Wings Gateway Academy at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center graduated Jan 14 marking a first for an organization whose quest is to bring innovative thinking to patient health care

The Gateway Academy launched in November 2014 Develshyoped by the 59th MDWs Gateway Innovation Center the curriculum is designed to teach innovative problem solvshying techniques inspire people to challenge the status quo and teach leadership skills that foster empowerment trust and respect

We are on a mission to enhance our world-class health services by embracing a culture of patient-centered care quality and patient safety said 59th MDW Commander Maj Gen Bart Iddins In order to accomplish this we must also empower all memshybers of the 59th Medical Wing and ensure a culture of dignity and respect that extends throughout the entire organization

Iddins also expressed the greatest sources for ways to improve customer service come from within and regardless of rank age or expeshyrience its necessary to value all sources in order to be successful

novation Center

The academy falls in line with the 59th MDWs recently adopted strashytegic map which emphasizes the patient The wing is taking a hard look

at the way daily business is done and seeking to improve every aspect of patient care said Maj Janet Blanchard chief of the Gateway In-

Course attendance extends over a period of nine non-consecutive days Students receive instruction from myriad experts in innovashytion process improvement leadership and customer service In adshy

dition each participant must conduct an improvement project over the course of the class

Being a part of the first class was truly an invaluable opportunity said Tech Sgt Meredith Bricker-King inshy

augural class member We learned vital skills that are force multipliers for enhancing human capital perfectshying the patient experience and minimizing unnecesshysary system waste Although not a new concept there is a renewed

focus on improving the patient experience and not accepting less than a perfect experience Blanchard said Gone are the days when the way weve always done it was acceptable

The only way to move forward with providing preeminent medical care is to empower our people to make the necessary changes Iddins said

For more information on the Gateway Innoshyvation Center email 59mdwccbusafmil

PAGE 2 WINGSPREAD FEBRUARY 13 2015

COMMENTARY ON THE COVER Bob Seger 12th Maintenance Director-SAFETY FIRST ALWAYS ate Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory equipment calibration techshynician calibrates a tire inflator kit Feb 6 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Close call I really shouldnt be here For the complete story see page 4

By Capt David Liapis 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

A couple of feet and a half a secshyond These may seem like insignificant measurements but when combined with fatigue a couple of feet almost cost me my career and that half a second almost ended my life

There was a time when I was an enlisted aircraft electrical and environshymental systems specialist and was part of the 19th Aircraft Maintenance Unit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Alaska In the summer of 2008 while I was assigned to work in the supshyport section my supervisor and I were tasked to move much of the equipment from the 19th AMU hangar to the 12th AMU hangar because of renovation

We had a tight deadline and the NCO I was working for was determined to complete the task during our shift that night even if it meant working more than 12 hours That night wore on and turned into morning and I knew it would not be long before the recently set sun would peek up again over the Chugach Mountains

Things were going well for the first few hours I remember gawking at Elmendorfs very first F-22 Raptor that had arrived only days prior as I hauled load after load of pallets and equipment across the hangar floor I felt privileged to be able to get up close to this jet named after a Jurassic Park antagonist that all manner of military and civilian men and women of rank and position had been flocking to the base to see in the preceding days

Then unexpectedly I got a closer look than I ever hoped for

I wasnt sure how I deviated so far off my well-established path down the centerline of the hangar However I was sure I saw the half-ton of palletized

ldquoIts true getting the job done is what we are all about However we need to make appropriate risk assessments and ensure well be here to take on the next mission Our line of work has inherent risks but

most can be easily mitigatedrdquo

equipment I was backing into the hanshygar pass less than a yard from the nose tip of the $150 million pride of the base

I didnt say a word to anyone about it at the time All I could do was imagine what my fate would have been if I had destroyed the pointy end of that beautishyful fighter jet The thought made me sick to my stomach My line number for staff sergeant ndash gone My future in the Air Force ndash shot

Can you imagine being that Airman who smashed up Elmendorfs first F-22

If I had still managed to get proshymoted and apply for officer training school I can picture the conversation at the officer accessioning board goshying something like this ldquoand next up is a Sgt David Liapis wait I know that name from somewhere Oh yeah hes the guy that cost the Air Force millions of dollars because he was an idiot ndash next applicantrdquo

As you might have guessed fatigue was the main contributing factor in the previously related incident however I was not the only one suffering from too much work and too little rest that night

My supervisor was stacking some pallets with a forklift as I guided him forward Im not sure how I ended up between a moving pallet and a wall but I did I gave the hand signal for the

sergeant to stop but he didnt I manshyaged to squeeze out of that tight spot just in time to avoid having the pallet pin me against the wall at my midsecshytion He was too tired and didnt react quickly enough to my signal ndash again it was fatigue

The Air Force Safety Program is nothing new All the right rules and guidelines existed that night as they had for years prior and have for years since We just got so wrapped up in what we were doing that we failed to consider and put into pracshytice what we had been taught and what common sense told us

We knew better but the mission needed to be accomplished ndash or did it Did it really all have to be done that night

Its true getting the job done is what we are all about however we need to make appropriate risk assessshyments and ensure well be here to take on the next mission Our line of work has inherent risks but most can be easily mitigated

The goal rather the quest is for zero ndash zero fatalities zero mishaps zero dolshylars spent to repair or replace needlessly damaged resources That night failure to appropriately address fatigue almost cost me a whole lot times two

Check us out on bull Facebook Joint Base San Antonio JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Lackland JBSA and JBSA-Randolph bull Twitter JBSA_Offi cial JBSAFSH JBSALackland and JBSARandolph bull YouTube Joint Base San Antonio

Photo by Airman 1st Class Stormy Archer

Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Editorial Staff

Brig Gen Bob LaBrutta 502nd Air Base WingJBSA Commander

Todd G White 502nd ABWJBSA Public Affairs Director

Marilyn C Holliday JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs Chief Airman 1st Class Alexandria Slade

Editor Airman 1st Class Stormy Archer

Robert Goetz Staff Writers

Maggie Armstrong Graphic Designer

This newspaper is published by EN Communities a private fi rm in no way connected with the US Air Force under exclusive written contract with Joint Base San Antoshynio-Randolph Texas This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the US military services Contents of the Wingspread are not necessarily the offi cial views of or endorsed by the US government the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force

The appearance of advertising in this publication includshying inserts or supplements does not constitute endorseshyment 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 affi liation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser user or patron

Editorial content is edited prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Offi ce of JBSA-Randolph All photos unless otherwise indicated are US Air Force photos

The deadline for submissions is noon Wednesday the week prior to publication All submissions can be emailed to randolphpublicaffairsusafmil

Wingspread Office 1150 5th Street East

JBSA-Randolph Texas 78150 Phone (210) 652-4410

Wingspread email randolphpublicaffairsusafmil

Wingspread Advertisement Office EN Communities

PO Box 2171 San Antonio Texas 78297

(210) 250-2440

FEBRUARY 13 2015 WINGSPREAD PAGE 3

PAGE 4 WINGSPREAD FEBRUARY 13 2015

Photo by Airman 1st Class Stormy Archer Bob Seger 12th Maintenance Directorate Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory equipment calibration technician calibrates a tire inflator kit Feb 6 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph The JBSA-Randolph PMEL is one of 77 labs that calibrate precision measurement equipment for the Air Force ensuring accuracy reliability and safety

Precision Measurement Equipment Lab calibrates JBSA for success By Airman 1st Class Stormy Archer Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

Voltage current power impedance frequency temshyperature force torque these are the measurements of success that members of the 12th Maintenance Directorshyate Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory use every day to ensure accuracy reliability and safety at Joint Base San Antonio

Members of the 12th MXD PMEL received a cershytificate of compliance Jan 28 at JBSA-Randolph The biennial inspection team ensures that all calishybrations done at the lab are done correctly and acshycording to Air Force standards

ldquoEvery two years Air Force PMELs need to be certified worldwide to make sure they are meeting standardsrdquo Gabriel Moreno 12th MXD PMEL electronic measureshyment equipment mechanic supervisor said ldquoThe certifishycation demonstrates that we can perform safe accurate and reliable measurements that are traceable through the Air Force Primary Standards Laboratory to the Nashytional Institute of Standards and Technologyrdquo

ldquoThis is something you canrsquot get preshypared for the day before Itrsquos something everyone here is trained to do at their

job on a daily basis We understand that if we do things right it could save someshyonersquos life and if you do something wrong

there could be serious consequencesrdquo Stephen Boswell

12th Maintenance Directorate PMEL electronic measurement equipment mechanic inspector

The 12th MXD PMEL is one of 77 labs in the Air Force that specializes in the precision calibration and repair of test equipment called metrology the science of measurement Technicians from the JBSA-Randolph PMEL perform metrology for more than 200 work centers across Air Force locations in South

Texas including JBSA-Randolph Lackland Fort Sam Houston and Laughlin Air Force Base

ldquoCalibration is a form of quality assurancerdquo Moreno said ldquoWe ensure the accuracy of equipment from simple items like torque wrenches and tire inflators to complex navigation and communication systems and test sets for F-16 guided missilesrdquo

During the inspection technicians performed their calibrations with an evaluator watching over their shoulshyder Inspectors checked for proper use of procedure and correct equipment use

ldquoThis is something you canrsquot get prepared for the day beforerdquo Stephen Boswell 12th MXD PMEL electronic measurement equipment mechanic inspector said ldquoItrsquos something everyone here is trained to do at their job on a daily basis We understand that if we do things right it could save someonersquos life and if you do something wrong there could be serious consequences

ldquoThis certification is a big accomplishmentrdquo he said ldquoThis is a result of a lot of hard work by a lot of people We have a lot of dedicated people who care about what they dordquo

FEBRUARY 13 2015 WINGSPREAD PAGE 5

Academy students learn innovative problem solving By Joe Bela 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

The inaugural class of the 59th Medical Wings Gateway Academy at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center graduated Jan 14 marking a first for an organization whose quest is to bring innovative thinking to patient health care

The Gateway Academy launched in November 2014 Develshyoped by the 59th MDWs Gateway Innovation Center the curriculum is designed to teach innovative problem solvshying techniques inspire people to challenge the status quo and teach leadership skills that foster empowerment trust and respect

We are on a mission to enhance our world-class health services by embracing a culture of patient-centered care quality and patient safety said 59th MDW Commander Maj Gen Bart Iddins In order to accomplish this we must also empower all memshybers of the 59th Medical Wing and ensure a culture of dignity and respect that extends throughout the entire organization

Iddins also expressed the greatest sources for ways to improve customer service come from within and regardless of rank age or expeshyrience its necessary to value all sources in order to be successful

novation Center

The academy falls in line with the 59th MDWs recently adopted strashytegic map which emphasizes the patient The wing is taking a hard look

at the way daily business is done and seeking to improve every aspect of patient care said Maj Janet Blanchard chief of the Gateway In-

Course attendance extends over a period of nine non-consecutive days Students receive instruction from myriad experts in innovashytion process improvement leadership and customer service In adshy

dition each participant must conduct an improvement project over the course of the class

Being a part of the first class was truly an invaluable opportunity said Tech Sgt Meredith Bricker-King inshy

augural class member We learned vital skills that are force multipliers for enhancing human capital perfectshying the patient experience and minimizing unnecesshysary system waste Although not a new concept there is a renewed

focus on improving the patient experience and not accepting less than a perfect experience Blanchard said Gone are the days when the way weve always done it was acceptable

The only way to move forward with providing preeminent medical care is to empower our people to make the necessary changes Iddins said

For more information on the Gateway Innoshyvation Center email 59mdwccbusafmil

FEBRUARY 13 2015 WINGSPREAD PAGE 3

PAGE 4 WINGSPREAD FEBRUARY 13 2015

Photo by Airman 1st Class Stormy Archer Bob Seger 12th Maintenance Directorate Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory equipment calibration technician calibrates a tire inflator kit Feb 6 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph The JBSA-Randolph PMEL is one of 77 labs that calibrate precision measurement equipment for the Air Force ensuring accuracy reliability and safety

Precision Measurement Equipment Lab calibrates JBSA for success By Airman 1st Class Stormy Archer Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

Voltage current power impedance frequency temshyperature force torque these are the measurements of success that members of the 12th Maintenance Directorshyate Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory use every day to ensure accuracy reliability and safety at Joint Base San Antonio

Members of the 12th MXD PMEL received a cershytificate of compliance Jan 28 at JBSA-Randolph The biennial inspection team ensures that all calishybrations done at the lab are done correctly and acshycording to Air Force standards

ldquoEvery two years Air Force PMELs need to be certified worldwide to make sure they are meeting standardsrdquo Gabriel Moreno 12th MXD PMEL electronic measureshyment equipment mechanic supervisor said ldquoThe certifishycation demonstrates that we can perform safe accurate and reliable measurements that are traceable through the Air Force Primary Standards Laboratory to the Nashytional Institute of Standards and Technologyrdquo

ldquoThis is something you canrsquot get preshypared for the day before Itrsquos something everyone here is trained to do at their

job on a daily basis We understand that if we do things right it could save someshyonersquos life and if you do something wrong

there could be serious consequencesrdquo Stephen Boswell

12th Maintenance Directorate PMEL electronic measurement equipment mechanic inspector

The 12th MXD PMEL is one of 77 labs in the Air Force that specializes in the precision calibration and repair of test equipment called metrology the science of measurement Technicians from the JBSA-Randolph PMEL perform metrology for more than 200 work centers across Air Force locations in South

Texas including JBSA-Randolph Lackland Fort Sam Houston and Laughlin Air Force Base

ldquoCalibration is a form of quality assurancerdquo Moreno said ldquoWe ensure the accuracy of equipment from simple items like torque wrenches and tire inflators to complex navigation and communication systems and test sets for F-16 guided missilesrdquo

During the inspection technicians performed their calibrations with an evaluator watching over their shoulshyder Inspectors checked for proper use of procedure and correct equipment use

ldquoThis is something you canrsquot get prepared for the day beforerdquo Stephen Boswell 12th MXD PMEL electronic measurement equipment mechanic inspector said ldquoItrsquos something everyone here is trained to do at their job on a daily basis We understand that if we do things right it could save someonersquos life and if you do something wrong there could be serious consequences

ldquoThis certification is a big accomplishmentrdquo he said ldquoThis is a result of a lot of hard work by a lot of people We have a lot of dedicated people who care about what they dordquo

FEBRUARY 13 2015 WINGSPREAD PAGE 5

Academy students learn innovative problem solving By Joe Bela 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

The inaugural class of the 59th Medical Wings Gateway Academy at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center graduated Jan 14 marking a first for an organization whose quest is to bring innovative thinking to patient health care

The Gateway Academy launched in November 2014 Develshyoped by the 59th MDWs Gateway Innovation Center the curriculum is designed to teach innovative problem solvshying techniques inspire people to challenge the status quo and teach leadership skills that foster empowerment trust and respect

We are on a mission to enhance our world-class health services by embracing a culture of patient-centered care quality and patient safety said 59th MDW Commander Maj Gen Bart Iddins In order to accomplish this we must also empower all memshybers of the 59th Medical Wing and ensure a culture of dignity and respect that extends throughout the entire organization

Iddins also expressed the greatest sources for ways to improve customer service come from within and regardless of rank age or expeshyrience its necessary to value all sources in order to be successful

novation Center

The academy falls in line with the 59th MDWs recently adopted strashytegic map which emphasizes the patient The wing is taking a hard look

at the way daily business is done and seeking to improve every aspect of patient care said Maj Janet Blanchard chief of the Gateway In-

Course attendance extends over a period of nine non-consecutive days Students receive instruction from myriad experts in innovashytion process improvement leadership and customer service In adshy

dition each participant must conduct an improvement project over the course of the class

Being a part of the first class was truly an invaluable opportunity said Tech Sgt Meredith Bricker-King inshy

augural class member We learned vital skills that are force multipliers for enhancing human capital perfectshying the patient experience and minimizing unnecesshysary system waste Although not a new concept there is a renewed

focus on improving the patient experience and not accepting less than a perfect experience Blanchard said Gone are the days when the way weve always done it was acceptable

The only way to move forward with providing preeminent medical care is to empower our people to make the necessary changes Iddins said

For more information on the Gateway Innoshyvation Center email 59mdwccbusafmil

PAGE 4 WINGSPREAD FEBRUARY 13 2015

Photo by Airman 1st Class Stormy Archer Bob Seger 12th Maintenance Directorate Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory equipment calibration technician calibrates a tire inflator kit Feb 6 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph The JBSA-Randolph PMEL is one of 77 labs that calibrate precision measurement equipment for the Air Force ensuring accuracy reliability and safety

Precision Measurement Equipment Lab calibrates JBSA for success By Airman 1st Class Stormy Archer Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

Voltage current power impedance frequency temshyperature force torque these are the measurements of success that members of the 12th Maintenance Directorshyate Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory use every day to ensure accuracy reliability and safety at Joint Base San Antonio

Members of the 12th MXD PMEL received a cershytificate of compliance Jan 28 at JBSA-Randolph The biennial inspection team ensures that all calishybrations done at the lab are done correctly and acshycording to Air Force standards

ldquoEvery two years Air Force PMELs need to be certified worldwide to make sure they are meeting standardsrdquo Gabriel Moreno 12th MXD PMEL electronic measureshyment equipment mechanic supervisor said ldquoThe certifishycation demonstrates that we can perform safe accurate and reliable measurements that are traceable through the Air Force Primary Standards Laboratory to the Nashytional Institute of Standards and Technologyrdquo

ldquoThis is something you canrsquot get preshypared for the day before Itrsquos something everyone here is trained to do at their

job on a daily basis We understand that if we do things right it could save someshyonersquos life and if you do something wrong

there could be serious consequencesrdquo Stephen Boswell

12th Maintenance Directorate PMEL electronic measurement equipment mechanic inspector

The 12th MXD PMEL is one of 77 labs in the Air Force that specializes in the precision calibration and repair of test equipment called metrology the science of measurement Technicians from the JBSA-Randolph PMEL perform metrology for more than 200 work centers across Air Force locations in South

Texas including JBSA-Randolph Lackland Fort Sam Houston and Laughlin Air Force Base

ldquoCalibration is a form of quality assurancerdquo Moreno said ldquoWe ensure the accuracy of equipment from simple items like torque wrenches and tire inflators to complex navigation and communication systems and test sets for F-16 guided missilesrdquo

During the inspection technicians performed their calibrations with an evaluator watching over their shoulshyder Inspectors checked for proper use of procedure and correct equipment use

ldquoThis is something you canrsquot get prepared for the day beforerdquo Stephen Boswell 12th MXD PMEL electronic measurement equipment mechanic inspector said ldquoItrsquos something everyone here is trained to do at their job on a daily basis We understand that if we do things right it could save someonersquos life and if you do something wrong there could be serious consequences

ldquoThis certification is a big accomplishmentrdquo he said ldquoThis is a result of a lot of hard work by a lot of people We have a lot of dedicated people who care about what they dordquo

FEBRUARY 13 2015 WINGSPREAD PAGE 5

Academy students learn innovative problem solving By Joe Bela 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

The inaugural class of the 59th Medical Wings Gateway Academy at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center graduated Jan 14 marking a first for an organization whose quest is to bring innovative thinking to patient health care

The Gateway Academy launched in November 2014 Develshyoped by the 59th MDWs Gateway Innovation Center the curriculum is designed to teach innovative problem solvshying techniques inspire people to challenge the status quo and teach leadership skills that foster empowerment trust and respect

We are on a mission to enhance our world-class health services by embracing a culture of patient-centered care quality and patient safety said 59th MDW Commander Maj Gen Bart Iddins In order to accomplish this we must also empower all memshybers of the 59th Medical Wing and ensure a culture of dignity and respect that extends throughout the entire organization

Iddins also expressed the greatest sources for ways to improve customer service come from within and regardless of rank age or expeshyrience its necessary to value all sources in order to be successful

novation Center

The academy falls in line with the 59th MDWs recently adopted strashytegic map which emphasizes the patient The wing is taking a hard look

at the way daily business is done and seeking to improve every aspect of patient care said Maj Janet Blanchard chief of the Gateway In-

Course attendance extends over a period of nine non-consecutive days Students receive instruction from myriad experts in innovashytion process improvement leadership and customer service In adshy

dition each participant must conduct an improvement project over the course of the class

Being a part of the first class was truly an invaluable opportunity said Tech Sgt Meredith Bricker-King inshy

augural class member We learned vital skills that are force multipliers for enhancing human capital perfectshying the patient experience and minimizing unnecesshysary system waste Although not a new concept there is a renewed

focus on improving the patient experience and not accepting less than a perfect experience Blanchard said Gone are the days when the way weve always done it was acceptable

The only way to move forward with providing preeminent medical care is to empower our people to make the necessary changes Iddins said

For more information on the Gateway Innoshyvation Center email 59mdwccbusafmil

FEBRUARY 13 2015 WINGSPREAD PAGE 5

Academy students learn innovative problem solving By Joe Bela 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

The inaugural class of the 59th Medical Wings Gateway Academy at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center graduated Jan 14 marking a first for an organization whose quest is to bring innovative thinking to patient health care

The Gateway Academy launched in November 2014 Develshyoped by the 59th MDWs Gateway Innovation Center the curriculum is designed to teach innovative problem solvshying techniques inspire people to challenge the status quo and teach leadership skills that foster empowerment trust and respect

We are on a mission to enhance our world-class health services by embracing a culture of patient-centered care quality and patient safety said 59th MDW Commander Maj Gen Bart Iddins In order to accomplish this we must also empower all memshybers of the 59th Medical Wing and ensure a culture of dignity and respect that extends throughout the entire organization

Iddins also expressed the greatest sources for ways to improve customer service come from within and regardless of rank age or expeshyrience its necessary to value all sources in order to be successful

novation Center

The academy falls in line with the 59th MDWs recently adopted strashytegic map which emphasizes the patient The wing is taking a hard look

at the way daily business is done and seeking to improve every aspect of patient care said Maj Janet Blanchard chief of the Gateway In-

Course attendance extends over a period of nine non-consecutive days Students receive instruction from myriad experts in innovashytion process improvement leadership and customer service In adshy

dition each participant must conduct an improvement project over the course of the class

Being a part of the first class was truly an invaluable opportunity said Tech Sgt Meredith Bricker-King inshy

augural class member We learned vital skills that are force multipliers for enhancing human capital perfectshying the patient experience and minimizing unnecesshysary system waste Although not a new concept there is a renewed

focus on improving the patient experience and not accepting less than a perfect experience Blanchard said Gone are the days when the way weve always done it was acceptable

The only way to move forward with providing preeminent medical care is to empower our people to make the necessary changes Iddins said

For more information on the Gateway Innoshyvation Center email 59mdwccbusafmil

PAGE 6 WINGSPREAD FEBRUARY 13 2015

JBSA-Randolph African American Heritage Committee chooses essay contest winners

The Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph African American Heritage Commitshytee hosted an essay writing contest themed ldquoA Century of Black Life History and Culturerdquo Winners Erika Evans (front left) third-grade student and Mary-Katherin Land (front right) fourth grade student were awarded certificates Feb 5 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Back row from left Senior Master Sgt Yasheda Lyons African American Heritage Committee chairman Angie Schneider Randolph Elementary School third-grade teacher Laurie Tabeb Randolph Elementary School fourth-grade teacher and Master Sgt Nidia Hodge African American Heritage Committee co-chairman presented the certificates Photo by Johnny Saldivar

WINGSPREADFEBRUARY 13 2015 PAGE 7

By Benjamin Martinez JBSA Water Conservation Manager

The 10-day average of the Bexar County J-17 index well has risen above 640 feet mean sea level as of Jan 30 Stage 2 water restrictions for all Joint Base San Antonio

locations is triggered at the following levshyels Bexar (J-17) lt650 Comal Springs lt200 San Marcos Springs lt80

The J-17 well serves as the official well for recording groundwater elevations in the San Antonio Pool of the Edwards Aquifer according to the Edwards Aquishyfer Authority website (httpwwwedwardshysaquiferorg)

The JBSA Base Civil Engineer declared Stage 2 water restrictions effective imshymediately in accordance with the current JBSA Critical Period Management Plan and Biological Opinion issued by the US Fish and Wildlife Service

The biological opinion limits JBSArsquos water draw from the Edwards Aquifer in order to protect eight endangered species which live in the aquifer and its associated springs These species can only survive when aquifer levels and spring flows are adequately maintained

The restrictions within Stage 2 facing base residents and personnel are substanshytial and all must comply with the JBSA Critical Period Management Plan

All the Stage 1 restrictions in addition to

Stage 2 water restrictions are in place bull Continue practices from Stage

1 except as noted or replaced by Stage 2 rules

bull Landscape watering with an irriga-tion system sprinkler or soaker hose is allowed only once a week from 7-11 am and 7-11 pm on your designated water-ing day as determined by your address or facility number

bull Watering with drip irrigation or five-gallon bucket is permitted any day but only between 7-11 am and 7-11 pm

bull Watering with a hand-held hose is al-lowed any time on any day Use of founshytains waterfalls or other aesthetic water features ndash outdoors or indoors ndash is prohibshyited unless a variance has been granted for 100 percent non-potable water use

bull Installation of new landscape plant-ings or turf is prohibited unless included in contract deliverables required to repair damage resulting from maintenance or construction actions or authorized by the base civil engineer

bull Irrigation of new turf or landscape outside of the allowed times requires base

civil engineer approval Irrigation of athshyletic fields is permitted only as required to maintain the turf viabilitysafety Athletic fields may water between the hours of 3-8 am and 8-10 pm once per week on the days from Table 2 Government vehicle washing allowed twice a month during the first (full) and third weeks

In Stage 2 the watering days are as follows if addressfacility number ends in 0 or 1 Monday 2 or 3 Tuesday 4 or 5 Wednesday 6 or 7 Thursday and 8 or 9 Friday

All water restriction details are listed in the JBSA Critical Period Management Plan available at httpwwwjbsaafmilshared mediadocumentAFD-130809-013pdf

JBSA personnel should not confuse the JBSA water restrictions with the San Antonio Water System restriction levels The JBSA water restrictions are more stringent and begin sooner than SAWS restrictions

Call 671-5337 to report abuse Those not abiding with the JBSA Critical Period Management Plan may face disciplinary measures Reports are anonymous

WINGSPREADFEBRUARY 13 2015 PAGE 7

By Benjamin Martinez locations is triggered at the following lev- Stage 2 water restrictions are in place civil engineer approval Irrigation of ath-

Stage 2 water restrictions implemented across JBSA

PAGE 8 WINGSPREAD FEBRUARY 13 2015

Reservist repays role models helps children through volunteerism By Robert Goetz Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

A senior master sergeant assigned to the Air Force Personnel Center decided six years ago to repay the kindness of people who had positively influenced her during her formative years by helping others through community service

An online search led her to an organization that turned out to be a perfect match

Senior Master Sgt Laura Wilson Air Force Reshyserve Knowledge Operations superintendent is a Court Appointed Special Advocates volunteer Also known as CASA the organization is devoted to helpshying abused and neglected children who have been removed from their homes

CASA volunteers enter childrenrsquos lives after they have been removed from their homes and stay with them while they are in state protective custody providing them with a consistent support system Volunteers also collect inforshymation about the childrenrsquos lives and needs so judges can make better decisions about their futures

The organization holds special meaning for Wilson beshycause her early life was not unlike the lives of the children CASA serves With help from role models in her life she was able to overcome an unsettled childhood and choose a successful lifersquos path

ldquoIrsquom convinced none of this would have been possible if it wasnrsquot for the kindness generosity and guidance of those selfless people of my past who didnrsquot have to care about me but did anywayrdquo she said

Wilson said she can best give back to those who directly affected her life by ldquomaking a difference in but has served most of her Air Force career as a full-time children We do it well and with priderdquo someone elsersquos liferdquo reservist She was assigned to Dobbins Air Reserve Base CASA volunteers in Bexar County must be at least 21

Several role models made a difference in Wilsonrsquos life in Marietta Ga when she became a CASA volunteer for years old have a valid Texas driverrsquos license have access at a time when she could have chosen the wrong path As an 8-month-old baby who was living with relatives to a vehicle and proof of insurance and must undergo a child she moved from a home headed by her mother Wilson came to JBSA-Randolph in the summer of complete criminal and CPS background checks to an adoptive home that proved to be unsafe 2013 and by December was working as a CASA volshy They also must make a minimum 12-month commitshy

ldquoI was born to a very young motherrdquo she said ldquoShe unteer through Child Advocates San Antonio which ment complete volunteer training visit their child or chilshytried her best to care for me and my brother but eventushy serves children in Bexar County and is part of the dren once per month and maintain confidentiality ally there came a point in her life when she admitted she nationwide CASA organization Wilson said there is a great need for more volunteers was unable to provide for usrdquo ldquoI have a sibling group ndash three boys who are 16 12 especially male advocates and believes military members

Wilsonrsquos mother made the difficult decision to give and 11 years oldrdquo she said ldquoThe children have been are an ideal fit for these children who are afraid feeling her and her brother to a family she believed she through a lot and no matter what they go through alone and completely vulnerable could trust I am with themrdquo ldquoYour presence can help them feel safe and more seshy

ldquoWhen I was 7 I lived with a family in the beautiful Wilson who has three children of her own said cure as their world has changed so drasticallyrdquo she said countryside of upstate New Yorkrdquo she said ldquoUnfortushy the oldest boy lives in a shelter in a nearby city ldquoIn many cases you may be the only positive male role nately the home turned out not to be safe and years later while the others live with an aunt She often takes model a boy has experienced or the only positive female New York State Child Protective Services removed me the younger boys to see their big brother role model a girl feels safe to talk to Imagine by investing from the home terminated my adopted motherrsquos rights ldquoI share parts of my life with themrdquo she said ldquoTheir a few hours a month you can change the outcome of a and placed me into foster carerdquo circumstances may be different from mine but I explain young persons life and help them not repeat the cycle of

Thatrsquos when Wilsonrsquos fortunes started to turn Her fosshy to them that I have my own shoes that Irsquove walked inrdquo child abuse and neglectrdquo ter parents were the ldquokindest gentlest most structuredrdquo CASA volunteers are a constant in childrenrsquos lives durshy Wilson said being a CASA volunteer is rewarding human beings she had ever encountered ing the court process with an ultimate goal of reunifishy ldquoItrsquos amazing to learn about different cultures and the

ldquoIn their home I was safe and lovedrdquo she said cation with their parents They also work hand-in-hand resiliency of these youngstersrdquo she said ldquoThese children ldquoThey put so much of themselves into me They with Child Protective Services caseworkers help me appreciate my family and life even more The gently guided me helped me develop my faith and CASA volunteers are integral to the court process best part is when you get to actually see and hear a shift taught me the beautiful side of liferdquo ldquoThis is a very influential positionrdquo Wilson said in your CASA childrsquos voice and demeanor from sadness

Other positive influences in Wilsonrsquos life included teachshy ldquoJudges focus on our reports and give them serishy and fear to hope and plans of a futurerdquo ers friends parent figures and church members ous weight They know that if yoursquore volunteering For more information about being a CASA volunteer

Wilson joined the Air National Guard when she was 20 you want to do it and you know the most about the visit httpwwwcasa-satxorg or call 225-7070

Photo by Johnny Saldivar Senior Master Sgt Laura Wilson (right) Air Force Personnel Center Air Force Reserve Knowledge Operations superinshytendent mentors Staff Sgt Jameson Whitfield Air Force Personnel Center system support technician Feb 2 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph

WINGSPREADFEBRUARY 13 2015 PAGE 7

By Benjamin Martinez JBSA Water Conservation Manager

The 10-day average of the Bexar County J-17 index well has risen above 640 feet mean sea level as of Jan 30 Stage 2 water restrictions for all Joint Base San Antonio

locations is triggered at the following levshyels Bexar (J-17) lt650 Comal Springs lt200 San Marcos Springs lt80

The J-17 well serves as the official well for recording groundwater elevations in the San Antonio Pool of the Edwards Aquifer according to the Edwards Aquishyfer Authority website (httpwwwedwardshysaquiferorg)

The JBSA Base Civil Engineer declared Stage 2 water restrictions effective imshymediately in accordance with the current JBSA Critical Period Management Plan and Biological Opinion issued by the US Fish and Wildlife Service

The biological opinion limits JBSArsquos water draw from the Edwards Aquifer in order to protect eight endangered species which live in the aquifer and its associated springs These species can only survive when aquifer levels and spring flows are adequately maintained

The restrictions within Stage 2 facing base residents and personnel are substanshytial and all must comply with the JBSA Critical Period Management Plan

All the Stage 1 restrictions in addition to

Stage 2 water restrictions are in place bull Continue practices from Stage

1 except as noted or replaced by Stage 2 rules

bull Landscape watering with an irriga-tion system sprinkler or soaker hose is allowed only once a week from 7-11 am and 7-11 pm on your designated water-ing day as determined by your address or facility number

bull Watering with drip irrigation or five-gallon bucket is permitted any day but only between 7-11 am and 7-11 pm

bull Watering with a hand-held hose is al-lowed any time on any day Use of founshytains waterfalls or other aesthetic water features ndash outdoors or indoors ndash is prohibshyited unless a variance has been granted for 100 percent non-potable water use

bull Installation of new landscape plant-ings or turf is prohibited unless included in contract deliverables required to repair damage resulting from maintenance or construction actions or authorized by the base civil engineer

bull Irrigation of new turf or landscape outside of the allowed times requires base

civil engineer approval Irrigation of athshyletic fields is permitted only as required to maintain the turf viabilitysafety Athletic fields may water between the hours of 3-8 am and 8-10 pm once per week on the days from Table 2 Government vehicle washing allowed twice a month during the first (full) and third weeks

In Stage 2 the watering days are as follows if addressfacility number ends in 0 or 1 Monday 2 or 3 Tuesday 4 or 5 Wednesday 6 or 7 Thursday and 8 or 9 Friday

All water restriction details are listed in the JBSA Critical Period Management Plan available at httpwwwjbsaafmilshared mediadocumentAFD-130809-013pdf

JBSA personnel should not confuse the JBSA water restrictions with the San Antonio Water System restriction levels The JBSA water restrictions are more stringent and begin sooner than SAWS restrictions

Call 671-5337 to report abuse Those not abiding with the JBSA Critical Period Management Plan may face disciplinary measures Reports are anonymous

WINGSPREADFEBRUARY 13 2015 PAGE 7

By Benjamin Martinez locations is triggered at the following lev- Stage 2 water restrictions are in place civil engineer approval Irrigation of ath-

Stage 2 water restrictions implemented across JBSA

PAGE 8 WINGSPREAD FEBRUARY 13 2015

Reservist repays role models helps children through volunteerism By Robert Goetz Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

A senior master sergeant assigned to the Air Force Personnel Center decided six years ago to repay the kindness of people who had positively influenced her during her formative years by helping others through community service

An online search led her to an organization that turned out to be a perfect match

Senior Master Sgt Laura Wilson Air Force Reshyserve Knowledge Operations superintendent is a Court Appointed Special Advocates volunteer Also known as CASA the organization is devoted to helpshying abused and neglected children who have been removed from their homes

CASA volunteers enter childrenrsquos lives after they have been removed from their homes and stay with them while they are in state protective custody providing them with a consistent support system Volunteers also collect inforshymation about the childrenrsquos lives and needs so judges can make better decisions about their futures

The organization holds special meaning for Wilson beshycause her early life was not unlike the lives of the children CASA serves With help from role models in her life she was able to overcome an unsettled childhood and choose a successful lifersquos path

ldquoIrsquom convinced none of this would have been possible if it wasnrsquot for the kindness generosity and guidance of those selfless people of my past who didnrsquot have to care about me but did anywayrdquo she said

Wilson said she can best give back to those who directly affected her life by ldquomaking a difference in but has served most of her Air Force career as a full-time children We do it well and with priderdquo someone elsersquos liferdquo reservist She was assigned to Dobbins Air Reserve Base CASA volunteers in Bexar County must be at least 21

Several role models made a difference in Wilsonrsquos life in Marietta Ga when she became a CASA volunteer for years old have a valid Texas driverrsquos license have access at a time when she could have chosen the wrong path As an 8-month-old baby who was living with relatives to a vehicle and proof of insurance and must undergo a child she moved from a home headed by her mother Wilson came to JBSA-Randolph in the summer of complete criminal and CPS background checks to an adoptive home that proved to be unsafe 2013 and by December was working as a CASA volshy They also must make a minimum 12-month commitshy

ldquoI was born to a very young motherrdquo she said ldquoShe unteer through Child Advocates San Antonio which ment complete volunteer training visit their child or chilshytried her best to care for me and my brother but eventushy serves children in Bexar County and is part of the dren once per month and maintain confidentiality ally there came a point in her life when she admitted she nationwide CASA organization Wilson said there is a great need for more volunteers was unable to provide for usrdquo ldquoI have a sibling group ndash three boys who are 16 12 especially male advocates and believes military members

Wilsonrsquos mother made the difficult decision to give and 11 years oldrdquo she said ldquoThe children have been are an ideal fit for these children who are afraid feeling her and her brother to a family she believed she through a lot and no matter what they go through alone and completely vulnerable could trust I am with themrdquo ldquoYour presence can help them feel safe and more seshy

ldquoWhen I was 7 I lived with a family in the beautiful Wilson who has three children of her own said cure as their world has changed so drasticallyrdquo she said countryside of upstate New Yorkrdquo she said ldquoUnfortushy the oldest boy lives in a shelter in a nearby city ldquoIn many cases you may be the only positive male role nately the home turned out not to be safe and years later while the others live with an aunt She often takes model a boy has experienced or the only positive female New York State Child Protective Services removed me the younger boys to see their big brother role model a girl feels safe to talk to Imagine by investing from the home terminated my adopted motherrsquos rights ldquoI share parts of my life with themrdquo she said ldquoTheir a few hours a month you can change the outcome of a and placed me into foster carerdquo circumstances may be different from mine but I explain young persons life and help them not repeat the cycle of

Thatrsquos when Wilsonrsquos fortunes started to turn Her fosshy to them that I have my own shoes that Irsquove walked inrdquo child abuse and neglectrdquo ter parents were the ldquokindest gentlest most structuredrdquo CASA volunteers are a constant in childrenrsquos lives durshy Wilson said being a CASA volunteer is rewarding human beings she had ever encountered ing the court process with an ultimate goal of reunifishy ldquoItrsquos amazing to learn about different cultures and the

ldquoIn their home I was safe and lovedrdquo she said cation with their parents They also work hand-in-hand resiliency of these youngstersrdquo she said ldquoThese children ldquoThey put so much of themselves into me They with Child Protective Services caseworkers help me appreciate my family and life even more The gently guided me helped me develop my faith and CASA volunteers are integral to the court process best part is when you get to actually see and hear a shift taught me the beautiful side of liferdquo ldquoThis is a very influential positionrdquo Wilson said in your CASA childrsquos voice and demeanor from sadness

Other positive influences in Wilsonrsquos life included teachshy ldquoJudges focus on our reports and give them serishy and fear to hope and plans of a futurerdquo ers friends parent figures and church members ous weight They know that if yoursquore volunteering For more information about being a CASA volunteer

Wilson joined the Air National Guard when she was 20 you want to do it and you know the most about the visit httpwwwcasa-satxorg or call 225-7070

Photo by Johnny Saldivar Senior Master Sgt Laura Wilson (right) Air Force Personnel Center Air Force Reserve Knowledge Operations superinshytendent mentors Staff Sgt Jameson Whitfield Air Force Personnel Center system support technician Feb 2 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph

PAGE 8 WINGSPREAD FEBRUARY 13 2015

Reservist repays role models helps children through volunteerism By Robert Goetz Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

A senior master sergeant assigned to the Air Force Personnel Center decided six years ago to repay the kindness of people who had positively influenced her during her formative years by helping others through community service

An online search led her to an organization that turned out to be a perfect match

Senior Master Sgt Laura Wilson Air Force Reshyserve Knowledge Operations superintendent is a Court Appointed Special Advocates volunteer Also known as CASA the organization is devoted to helpshying abused and neglected children who have been removed from their homes

CASA volunteers enter childrenrsquos lives after they have been removed from their homes and stay with them while they are in state protective custody providing them with a consistent support system Volunteers also collect inforshymation about the childrenrsquos lives and needs so judges can make better decisions about their futures

The organization holds special meaning for Wilson beshycause her early life was not unlike the lives of the children CASA serves With help from role models in her life she was able to overcome an unsettled childhood and choose a successful lifersquos path

ldquoIrsquom convinced none of this would have been possible if it wasnrsquot for the kindness generosity and guidance of those selfless people of my past who didnrsquot have to care about me but did anywayrdquo she said

Wilson said she can best give back to those who directly affected her life by ldquomaking a difference in but has served most of her Air Force career as a full-time children We do it well and with priderdquo someone elsersquos liferdquo reservist She was assigned to Dobbins Air Reserve Base CASA volunteers in Bexar County must be at least 21

Several role models made a difference in Wilsonrsquos life in Marietta Ga when she became a CASA volunteer for years old have a valid Texas driverrsquos license have access at a time when she could have chosen the wrong path As an 8-month-old baby who was living with relatives to a vehicle and proof of insurance and must undergo a child she moved from a home headed by her mother Wilson came to JBSA-Randolph in the summer of complete criminal and CPS background checks to an adoptive home that proved to be unsafe 2013 and by December was working as a CASA volshy They also must make a minimum 12-month commitshy

ldquoI was born to a very young motherrdquo she said ldquoShe unteer through Child Advocates San Antonio which ment complete volunteer training visit their child or chilshytried her best to care for me and my brother but eventushy serves children in Bexar County and is part of the dren once per month and maintain confidentiality ally there came a point in her life when she admitted she nationwide CASA organization Wilson said there is a great need for more volunteers was unable to provide for usrdquo ldquoI have a sibling group ndash three boys who are 16 12 especially male advocates and believes military members

Wilsonrsquos mother made the difficult decision to give and 11 years oldrdquo she said ldquoThe children have been are an ideal fit for these children who are afraid feeling her and her brother to a family she believed she through a lot and no matter what they go through alone and completely vulnerable could trust I am with themrdquo ldquoYour presence can help them feel safe and more seshy

ldquoWhen I was 7 I lived with a family in the beautiful Wilson who has three children of her own said cure as their world has changed so drasticallyrdquo she said countryside of upstate New Yorkrdquo she said ldquoUnfortushy the oldest boy lives in a shelter in a nearby city ldquoIn many cases you may be the only positive male role nately the home turned out not to be safe and years later while the others live with an aunt She often takes model a boy has experienced or the only positive female New York State Child Protective Services removed me the younger boys to see their big brother role model a girl feels safe to talk to Imagine by investing from the home terminated my adopted motherrsquos rights ldquoI share parts of my life with themrdquo she said ldquoTheir a few hours a month you can change the outcome of a and placed me into foster carerdquo circumstances may be different from mine but I explain young persons life and help them not repeat the cycle of

Thatrsquos when Wilsonrsquos fortunes started to turn Her fosshy to them that I have my own shoes that Irsquove walked inrdquo child abuse and neglectrdquo ter parents were the ldquokindest gentlest most structuredrdquo CASA volunteers are a constant in childrenrsquos lives durshy Wilson said being a CASA volunteer is rewarding human beings she had ever encountered ing the court process with an ultimate goal of reunifishy ldquoItrsquos amazing to learn about different cultures and the

ldquoIn their home I was safe and lovedrdquo she said cation with their parents They also work hand-in-hand resiliency of these youngstersrdquo she said ldquoThese children ldquoThey put so much of themselves into me They with Child Protective Services caseworkers help me appreciate my family and life even more The gently guided me helped me develop my faith and CASA volunteers are integral to the court process best part is when you get to actually see and hear a shift taught me the beautiful side of liferdquo ldquoThis is a very influential positionrdquo Wilson said in your CASA childrsquos voice and demeanor from sadness

Other positive influences in Wilsonrsquos life included teachshy ldquoJudges focus on our reports and give them serishy and fear to hope and plans of a futurerdquo ers friends parent figures and church members ous weight They know that if yoursquore volunteering For more information about being a CASA volunteer

Wilson joined the Air National Guard when she was 20 you want to do it and you know the most about the visit httpwwwcasa-satxorg or call 225-7070

Photo by Johnny Saldivar Senior Master Sgt Laura Wilson (right) Air Force Personnel Center Air Force Reserve Knowledge Operations superinshytendent mentors Staff Sgt Jameson Whitfield Air Force Personnel Center system support technician Feb 2 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph

FEBRUARY 13 2015 WINGSPREAD PAGE 9

The entire first floor of the new medical complex located off Westover Hills Boulevard will be dedicated to TRICARE beneficiaries It will be the largest community-based medical home within Brooke Army Medical Centerrsquos arsenal Photo by Lori Newman

Westover Hills Medical Home slated to open this summer By Lori Newman Brooke Army Medical Center Public Affairs

A new 12500-square-foot community based medical home is scheduled to open later this summer on the Northwest side of San Antonio

ldquoThere is a large beneficiary population in that area and a growing population as San Antonio expandsrdquo said Maj Alex Montgomery operations officer Department of Family and Community Medicine ldquoOur intent is always to provide the best access to military medicine for our beneficiariesrdquo

The entire first floor of the new medical complex located off Westover Hills Boulevard will be dedicated to serving TRICARE beneficiaries It will be the largest community-based medical home within Brooke Army Medical Centerrsquos arsenal

ldquoWe use a team approach to health care with licensed vocational nurses registered nurses and physicians all working together to take care of our patientsrdquo Montshygomery said

ldquoIndividuals over the age of 65 can enroll specifically to this facility and seek the same care and practice model that they see at the internal medicine clinic at

ldquoIndividuals over the age of 65 can enroll specifically to this facility

and seek the same care and pracshytice model that they see at the internal medicine clinic at San

Antonio Military Medical Centerrdquo

Maj Alex Montgomery Department of Family and Community Medicine operations officer

San Antonio Military Medical Centerrdquo Thirteen board-certified providers with varied medishy

cal backgrounds and experience will provide compreshyhensive coordinated care that is customized to meet the holistic health care needs of the patients they serve

ldquoThe staff has varied backgrounds with a multitude of experience We are going to have a lot of folks who have trained and worked in the civilian sector as well as

in the military sectorrdquo said clinic administrator Anthony OrsquoBryant ldquoWe have the capability to care for babies who are two weeks old to folks who are retired and in their golden yearsrdquo

The new medical home will also have laboratory cashypabilities and a drive-through pharmacy

ldquoThe pharmacy will have a drive-through lane so peoshyple will be able to come and pick up their prescriptions without even leaving their vehiclerdquo Montgomery said

An official opening date has not been set yet ldquoWe know people are excited to sign up for care at

this new medical homerdquo Montgomery said ldquoEnrollment for the new medical facility will not open until itrsquos about 30 days from completionrdquo

People can look for updates about the new medical home opening on the Brooke Army Medical Center webshysite at httpsbamcameddarmymil the BAMC Facebook page at httpswwwfacebookcomBrookeArmyMedical-Center in the Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston News Leader and other local publications

ldquoWe want to bring the military on-base experience closer to your homerdquo OrsquoBryant said ldquoItrsquos military medishycine for military families We want to be your first choice in primary carerdquo

PAGE 10 WINGSPREAD FEBRUARY 13 2015

SAMCC commercial main gate closures The San Antonio Military Medical Center main gate entrance will

be closed from 10 pm today until 10 pm Monday The gate will close again 10 pm Feb 20 through 10 pm Feb 22 The SAMMC Commercial Gate will maintain a normal closure schedule during these periods The closures will allow necessary safety tests for the denial barriers at the main gate and commercial access drives

Transition Information Program A Transition Information Program workshop will take

place 8 am to 4 pm Wednesday at the Joint Base San Antonio Military amp Family Readiness Center The workshop is designed to assist service members and families with information to support them upon separating or retiring from DOD service Areas of focus will include education health housing employment and networking

For reservations call 652-5321

Single parents are not alone Single parents are encouraged to bring a lunch and atshy

tend the monthly Single Parents Support Group at the JBSA-Randolph Military amp Family Readiness Center Thursday noon to 1 pm and discuss Effective Communication in Confl ict Resolution For more information call 652-5321

Tax center operating hours The JBSA-Randolph tax center will operate through April 15

Hours will be as follows bull Monday Closed bull Wednesday 8 am to noon bull Tuesday Thursday and Friday 8 am to 2 pm

For more information call 652-1040

JBSA-Randolph legal assistance hours The new JBSA-Randolph legal assistance hours have

shifted to a primarily appointment-based system To schedule an appointment call 652-6781

Bowling special Bowlers can celebrate Presidents Day weekend at the JBSA-Randolph Bowling Center Saturday through Monday during normal hours The special bowling rate is $250 per game per person with $250 shoe rental (excluding cosmic bowling) For more information call 652-6271

Golfers compete in a holiday tournament The Randolph Oaks Golf Course hosts a Presidents Day

individual low-net low-gross tournament Monday Tee times are 7-9 am The entry fee is $10 per person plus green fees and cart rental To sign up call 652-4653

It weighs more than a ton Join the 150-Ton Club by lifting 150 tons of weight on any free

weight or plate-loaded machine at the JBSA-Randolph Rambler Fitness Center Stop by the front desk to pick up a log book to track daily progress For more information call 652-7263

FEBRUARY 13 2015 WINGSPREAD PAGE 11

One of the best things about ICE is that people can let service providers know when they do a great job not just for poor sershyvice It takes 5 minutes or less to submit a comment at httpicedisamil

FEBRUARY 13 2015 WINGSPREAD PAGE 11

One of the best things about ICE is that people can let service providers know when they do a great job not just for poor sershyvice It takes 5 minutes or less to submit a comment at httpicedisamil

PAGE 12 WINGSPREAD FEBRUARY 13 2015

Total force CMSgt evaluation static closeout date to be May 31 By Debbie Gildea Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

Enlisted evaluation and promotion changes announced in July 2014 continue with establishment of a May 31 enshylisted performance report static closeout date ndash or SCOD ndash for regular Air Force Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve chief master sergeants effective Feb 2 Air Force Personnel Center officials said Also effective Feb 2 change of reportshying official EPRs will be eliminated for all chief master sershygeants

Enlisted Evaluation System and Weighted Airman Promotion System changes initiated in July 2014 for regular Air Force will continue to be implemented in stages over the next two years for regular Air Force Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Component Airmen The changes focus on ensurshying job performance is the most important factor when evaluating Airmen

Chiefs whose EPRs close out before Feb 2 will get another EPR closing out May 31 that will cover perforshymance during the months between their most recent EPR and May 31

For example a chief whose EPR closes out Jan 31 2015 will get that EPR and another May 31 that will cover performance between Feb 1 and May 31

Chiefs whose EPRs would have closed out between Feb 2 and May 31 includshy

ing those who sew on after Feb 2 will not get an EPR until the May 31 SCOD Chiefs whose EPRs would have closed

out after May 31 2015 will have their EPR closeout date moved to May 31 For ANG chiefs only drill status guardsmen to include

technicians will receive an initial evaluation for June 1 2013 through May 31 2015 Active Guard Reserve and Statshyutory Tour Personnel migration will be in accordance with ANG specific guidance provided through the National Guard Bureau Director for Manpower Personnel and Services

Additional enlisted evaluation and promotion system changes will be announced as they are approved for implementation

For more information about enlisted evaluations and promotions and other personnel issues visit the myPers website at httpsmypersafmil To read the chief master sergeant SCOD knowledge

article select Search All Components from the drop down window and enter 28616 in the search

window To visit the evaluation page for regular Air Force Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard select

the appropriate component and corps from the drop down menu and click on the evaluations link under Learn More

About Air Force retirees who do not have a myPers account can find

instructions to create an account at wwwretireesafmilsharedmedia documentAFD-120510-068pdf

What should I drink during winter workouts By Col Joanna Reagan US Army Public Health Command

While the temperatures might be heading lower dont use that as a reason to slow down on your winter health plan Winter is a great time to join a gym try a new class or get into a new sport

Winter is also a time to prevent dehydration It is imshyportant for warrior athletes to remember their sweat rate does not change just because the temperature drops This is because sweat rate is determined by numerous factors including fitness level pace and acclimatization ndash not just ambient temperature Warrior athletes are just as likely to become dehydrated during winter workouts as sumshymer workouts

The message to drink water is easy to understand in the summer but not so much in the winter Dehydration can occur because people feel less thirsty during winter workouts Some may overdress for cold-weather exercise sessions by wearing too many layers of clothes and athshyletes may convert to indoor workouts during the winter and sweat more while inside

One can check for dehydration by checking the color of their urine If the urine looks like lemonade this indicates proper hydration If it is darker and looks like apple juice or pale ale then more fluids are needed In contrast if the urine looks clear this can indicate over hydration and drinking too much

Other symptoms of dehydration may include drowsishyness headaches dry skin dizziness or nausea Rememshyber dont rely on thirst as an indicator of hydration stashytus Usually an individual is already 3 percent dehydrated when they become thirsty

What are the recommendations for healthy drinks Water is the best choice since its calorie-free inexpenshy

sive and easy to find It is the perfect choice to re-hydrate and restore fluids lost during a workout As a basic guide an adequate intake of total water from fluids and foods is 12 cups a day for men ages 19 to 30 years old and nine cups a day for women of the same age based on the dietary reference intake

For most people about 80 percent of this water volume comes from beverages the rest comes from food

Sports beverages are designed to give athletes carshybohydrates electrolytes and fluid during high-intensity workouts greater than one hour For other folks theyre just another source of sugar and calories

If your workout consists of moderate to heavy intensity for 45 to 60 minutes then a sports drink may be recomshymended Examples would be activities where you have minimal conversation an increased sweat rate heavy breathing and a high heart rate

Try to avoid drinks that have added sugars for flashyvor such as sugar-sweetened soda sweet tea or energy drinks One bottle of regular 16-ounce soda has about 185 calories one 16-ounce bottle of sweet tea has 200

calories and one 16-ounce energy drink has about 250 calories

Energy drinks have as much sugar as soft drinks They contain caffeine to raise your blood pressure and addishytives whose long-term health effects are unknown For these reasons its best to skip energy drinks Over time the extra calories add to weight gain and increased risk of Type 2 diabetes heart disease and gout

For some people who are accustomed to drinking flavored beverages water can initially taste bland One recommendation is to increase water consumption withshyout losing flavor or increase daily water intake by trying infused water

Infused water can be made at home by adding sliced citrus fruits or zest (lemon lime orange grapefruit) or crushed fresh mint Sliced fresh ginger sliced cucumshyber or crushed berries can also be used to flavor water Sparkling water with a splash of juice is another idea to increase fluids

Other drinks to try in the winter are sugar-free apple cider or sugar-free hot chocolate Coffee and tea without added sweeteners are healthy choices too Try carrying a water bottle throughout the day to sip at work or at home Also try eating foods high in water content such as oranges and grapefruit

Winter is a great time to focus on your health Rememshyber it is also a time to drink more fluids to stay hydrated and achieve your performance goals

FEBRUARY 13 2015 WINGSPREAD PAGE 13

Members of Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph gathered to kick off African American Heritage Month during a luncheon Feb 3 at JBSA-Randolph The luncheon was hosted by the JBSA-Randolph African American Heritage committee and included a speech by guest speaker Chief Master Sgt Bruce McKenzie Air Education and Training Command Aerospace Medical Service functional manager Other highlights included singing poetry readings significant African American history facts and soul food provided by various JBSA-Randolph members

JBSA-Randolph members gather to kick off African American Heritage Month

Photos by Johnny Saldivar

Airman Jack Johnson 802nd Force Support Squadron customer support technician reads poetry he authored during a luncheon to kickshyoff African American Heritage Month Feb 3 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph

JBSA Sexual Assault Prevention Response

To report a sexual assault call the 247 Joint Base San Antonio Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Hotline at 808-7272 or the Department of Defense Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247