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

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE

65th Year • No. 37 • SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

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INSIDE ... AF MEDIC EARNS BRONZE STAR, P3 ... 9/11 REMEMBERED, P4 ... KEY SPOUSES FORGE BONDS, P7 ... AF MARATHON, P13

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WINGSPREAD

COMMENTARY

Family takes top priority for balanced life By Chief Master Sgt. Arlene Murray Texas Cryptologic Center senior enlisted leader

Family. When I think of the word family, vivid images come to mind. I see images of my personal family and my Air Force family. I hope by putting my thoughts on paper, many of you will learn from my lesson and put your own family back on your “to do” list. Plainly, I lost focus on the reason I’m proud to serve in the Air Force: the people. Not long ago, while assigned overseas, I became a compulsive “workaholic.” I came in early and stayed late, I put in extra hours on the weekends and I went above and beyond, not because I had to, but because I wanted to be everything to everybody. Ultimately, this led to neglect on two fronts: my professional and personal life. Professionally, I failed to empower the Airmen I vowed to mentor and groom. I wanted to do everything myself. I lost an opportunity to grow and develop future leaders in our Air Force. I neglected the men and women I’d come to know as my family. By doing it all myself, I hadn’t created any learning opportunities for my Airmen. I hadn’t provided them with challenges that would teach them to be successful.

Graphic by Tommy Brown

" Take control of your time and guard what you’re spending your time on. If it doesn’t involve your family, then maybe you need to shift your focus."

Personally, the long hours at work led to missed Parent-Teacher Association meetings, parent-teacher conferences, basketball games and date nights with my husband. I missed so much that when I did show up, everyone would act like they were seeing snow in July. I’d take the jokes in jest and vow to change my actions over and over again. I made so many unfulfilled promises to myself that I wouldn’t do it again that, ultimately, I couldn’t take myself seriously anymore. The only good thing I can think of that came out of this was my husband’s cooking now tastes like one of the Iron Chefs. He had too many nights of practice by himself that his food now tastes pretty good. I know I’m touching on a very sensitive subject and I’m probably sharing

much more than many of you are comfortable hearing. But as I tell the people that know me, “there’s no shame in my game,” if my mistakes make people better, I’ll share them. For all of you reading this article, please take a moment today to reflect on your family. Take control of your time and guard what you’re spending your time on. If it doesn’t involve your family, then maybe you need to shift your focus. You can always make another dollar, but you can’t get back one day that’s gone. Spend the time you need to cherish your family, your Air Force family and your immediate family. Author and journalist Gail Buckley once said, “Family faces are magic mirrors looking at people who belong to us; we see the past, present and future.”

SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

ON THE COVER Glenn Canales, 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Operating Location A, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, uses heat shrink on the electrical system as part of a modification to a T-38 Talon aircraft at Randolph Aug. 30. For more coverage of the 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Operating Location A, see page 8. Photo by Rich McFadden

502nd Air Base Wing Operating Location Bravo Editorial Staff Brig. Gen. Theresa Carter Commander Marilyn Holliday Chief of Public Affairs Airman 1st Class Alexis Siekert Editor Airman 1st Class Precious Yett Robert Goetz, Alex Salinas Staff Writers Maggie Armstrong Graphic Designer Wingspread Office 1150 5th Street East Randolph AFB, Texas 78150 Phone: (210) 652-4410 Wingspread Advertisement Office Prime Time Military Newspapers 2203 S. Hackberry San Antonio, Texas 78210 Phone: (210) 534-8848 Wingspread email [email protected] This newspaper is published by Prime Time Military Newspapers, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with Randolph AFB, Texas. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Talespinner 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 Prime Time Military Newspapers, 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 the 502nd Air Base Wing. All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are U.S. Air Force photos. The deadline for submissions is noon Thursday the week prior to publication. All submissions can be emailed to [email protected]. For more information, call the Wingspread office at 652-4410.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

WINGSPREAD

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Air Force medic earns Bronze Star medal By Staff Sgt. Robert Barnett 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

Chief Master Sgt. John Balmer, 359th Medical Group superintendent, was awarded the Bronze Star medal Sept. 1. Col. Althea Miller, 359th MDG commander, presented the award to Balmer for his service at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Deployed from Nov. 26, 2009, to Nov. 25, 2010, Balmer performed exceptionally meritorious service while engaged in ground combat operations against the enemy as the senior enlisted leader for Task Force Medical East and as the 455th Expeditionary Medical Group superintendent. His leadership role gave him responsibility over more than 1,200 enlisted soldiers, airmen and sailors, Jordanians, Egyptians, Koreans and other coalition partners operating at more than 70 locations supporting a population at risk of more than 70,000 personnel in regional commands East, North, South and Capitol. His work was paramount in maintaining the highest standards of care for a 140 percent increase in trauma cases and a 262 percent increase in patient movement through the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility. During Balmer’s deployment, Task Force Medical East treated more than 3,350 admitted

patients, an increase of 240 percent; more than 2,000 surgeries for an increase of 175 percent; and more than 5,600 surgical hours performed, adding an additional increase of 166 percent from 2009. Despite increasing threats and significant personal risk, Balmer insisted on regular battlefield circulation, examining key operation issues and affecting positive change. He also led the creation of a robust pool of trauma-trained medics while bringing ambulance response to a level never seen in a wartime area of responsibility. He oversaw the integration of emergency room and evacuation personnel, producing a cohesive team while increasing the number of fully trained emergency room trauma medics by 250 percent from 12 to 30. He was hand-selected by the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander to perform duties as the 455th command chief, the Army equivalent of a brigade-level command sergeant major, for three weeks. “I was truly honored to present Chief Balmer with his Bronze Star medal,” Miller said. “His commitment to the Air Force mission and our people is exemplary. He is an incredible Photo by Tech. Sgt. Erica Buckley role model and mentor for our entire staff, so Col. Althea Miller (left), 359th Medical Group commander, presents the Bronze I was doubly pleased to have them witness Star to Chief Master Sgt. John Balmer, 359th Medical Group superintendant, the presentation.” Sept. 1 at the Randolph Clinic.

Base ceremony highlights POW/MIA Recognition Day By Robert Goetz 502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Randolph Air Force Base has long honored the sacrifices of the Freedom Flyers, the Air Force pilots who endured the horrors of prisoner-of-war camps like the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War. Today, the 12th Flying Training Wing and the rest of the base community will pay tribute to all Americans who suffered as POWs in distant lands and those who are still missing in action during the National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony at 5:15 p.m. at the Missing Man Monument on Washington Circle. “National POW/MIA Recognition Day is an opportunity to acknowledge and reflect on the unique sacrifices POWs, MIAs and their families have made for our country,” Lt. Col. Mark Lewis, event spokesman, said.

The ceremony will feature a wreathlaying ceremony, a missing man flyby and remarks by Col. Richard Murphy, 12th FTW commander. Several former POWs will be in attendance. Traffic will be rerouted around Washington Circle beginning at 4 p.m., so delays and road closures are expected. Lewis said organizations on base that have a National League of POW/ MIA Families POW/MIA flag may fly the banner that day. The flag, a symbol of national commitment to American POWs and MIAs, may be flown on five other days, according to Congressional mandate – Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day. The commitment is evidenced by an ongoing effort by Department of Defense specialists to search foreign battlefields and burial sites, interview witnesses and search na-

tional and international archives for information about those missing from World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, the Vietnam War and other conflicts. POW/MIA Recognition Day, which is traditionally observed on the third Friday in September each year, was created by Congressional resolution in July 1979 and is proclaimed by the president each year. Observances are conducted on military installations and ships at sea and at state capitols, schools and veterans’ facilities. Lewis said it is important for Americans to observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day. “The incredible sacrifices made by POWs, MIAs and their families deserve special recognition,” he said. “POW/ MIA Recognition Day is our opportunity to honor their service to our nation and to let the world know we have not forgotten.”

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WINGSPREAD

SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

NEWS

San Antonio meets BRAC 2005 deadline By Ron Rogers San Antonio Joint Program Office

San Antonio has successfully met the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure mandate. Lt. Gen. Douglas H. Owens, Air Education and Training Command vice commander, called efforts to meet the mandate a “job well done” during the final Executive Integration Oversight Board meeting Sept. 7. The board has been meeting for more than five years to monitor progress on BRAC 2005 actions. “Although it was a complex overall undertaking, with a significant amount of construction, 160 construction projects, we have accomplished the statutory requirement before Sept. 15 and, in some cases, well before Sept. 15,” CEM Maxwell, San Antonio Joint Program Office deputy director, said. Maxwell has been a key leader in the successful accomplishment of BRAC 2005 in San Antonio. “No community was more impacted in terms of numbers, than was San Antonio,” he said. “We have a significant number of government employees, both military and civil service, whose positions were moved as a result of these BRAC recommendations. The total number of positions either moved into, out of, or within S.A., was more than 21,000.”

See BRAC P10

Photo illustration by Chris Graythen

Randolph hosts 9/11 commemoration ceremony By Alex Salinas 502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs On Sept. 11, 2001, many fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters were lost. A decade later, America remembered its fallen brethren and heroes.

Sept. 9 at the Randolph Base Theater, Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Charles Baldwin, retired Chief of Chaplains, who was in the Pentagon when one of the hijacked commercial airplanes hit the building, spoke on behalf of Randolph’s commemoration, “The Stones Cry Out…Again: A Ten Year Commemoration of 9/11.” Other Air Force chaplains joined Baldwin and Brig. Gen. Theresa Carter, 502nd Air Base Wing commander, in words of solemnity. “We still remember that heroes stood tall on that day and the days and years to follow, to save and protect lives,” Carter said. Carter also gave historical perspective to the event’s theme. “In ancient India, hero stones were chiseled in honor of warriors who sacrificed their lives to protect their community or region,” she said. In this act of collective remembrance, coming from all Photo by Don Lindsey who attended the commemoraThe Randolph Honor Guard folds the flag while taps is played during the 9/11 tion, reverence for the Divinity Tenth Commemoration ceremony Sept. 9 at the base theater.

was a powerful, and emotional, component of the program. Chaplain (Capt.) Jason Kim, 502nd ABW Operating Location B Protestant chaplain, recognized and highlighted a positive outcome of 9/11: compassion. “The American Dream is alive and well because of your blessings and because of the brave men and women who serve and protect us,” Kim said in his invocation. And it was focus on the blessings rather than the curses of 9/11 that sparked reverence in Chaplain (Col.) Cherri Wheeler, Air Education and Training Command command chaplain. “Every generation has a defining moment,” she said, citing the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas as defining moments for past generations. “9/11 is my generation’s defining moment. It rekindled a patriotism not experienced in this nation in over 30 years.” Baldwin, who became a first responder chaplain caring for the wounded at the Pentagon, shared the Biblical story of Joshua leading the Israelites to the Promised Land, crossing the Jordan River and having one member from each of the 12 tribes collect a stone from the river and stack them on the other side as a memorial for humanity, as a memorial for

See 9/11 P10

SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

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WINGSPREAD

Randolph stages CFC kickoff Senior leaders gather at Randolph Air Force Base to sign pledge forms during the Joint Base San Antonio Randolph Combined Federal Campaign Kickoff Breakfast Wednesday at the Parr O'Club. Signing from left to right are: Col. Richard Murphy, 12th Flying Training Wing commander; Col. Kimberly Toney, Air Force Recruiting Service vice commander; Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., Air Education and Training Command commander; Maj. Gen. Mark Solo, 19th Air Force commander; Michelle Lowe Solis, Air Force Personnel Center civilian force integration director; and Army Col. Robert Bridgford, 502nd Air Base Wing vice commander. The CFC runs through Oct. 28 and Randolph’s goal is to raise $1,122,923. Photo by Joel Martinez

CDOS wraps up; motor vehicle safety still major concern By Alex Salinas 502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

The Air Force’s 2011 Critical Days of Summer campaign wrapped up Labor Day weekend, and for more than 25 years, the campaigns have aimed to increase safety awareness from Memorial Day to Labor Day, when more Airmen are involved in summer-related mishaps than any other time of the year. In this year’s CDOS, the Air Force lost 18 Airmen in offduty accidents. Seven fatalities occurred in two-wheeled private motor vehicles, another seven occurred in four-wheeled PMVs, three in sports and recreation, and one fatality was labeled as miscellaneous, as a result from a fall. Of the 18 fatalities, two involved Airmen from Air Education and Training Command bases and both happened during Labor Day weekend. Last year, AETC experienced a mishap-free summer and the Air Force suffered two less fatalities compared to this year. The Air Force will have to focus on off-duty safety protocol for Airmen in preparation for next summer, Tech. Sgt. Dave Roller, 502nd Air Base Wing Operating Location B NCO in charge of ground safety, said. While Roller believed an accomplishment of this year’s campaign was zero on-duty fatalities, he also believed offduty Airmen do not practice safety as well as they should. Discretion is the solution, said Roller. “Most of our fatalities this year were behavior-based, due

“Most of our fatalities this year were behavior-based, due to bad decisions. Risk awareness can only take us so far if we don’t use it.” Tech. Sgt. Dave Roller 502nd Air Base Wing Operating Location B NCO in charge of ground safety

to bad decisions,” he said. “Risk awareness can only take us so far if we don’t use it.” Linda Howlett, 502nd ABW ground safety manager, made Roller’s assertion a consensus for Randolph safety personnel. “Ever since I’ve been tracking CDOS data, it seems the only thing that changes are the names,” Howlett said, referring to poor decision-making as a common element to many accidents throughout the years. “We don’t see different types of accidents; they are the same every year. People are going to make mistakes, but you don’t want a first mistake, or any mistake, to be your last one.” Howlett’s statement pointed out an area of concern.

Fourteen out of 18 accidents happened on motor vehicles, and half of the motor vehicle accidents occurred on motorcycles, where less than 10 percent of the Air Force population owns motorcycles. In other words, the smaller motorcycle-riding population seems to be at a higher risk of accident, and death, than other vehicle owners, evidenced in this year’s campaign. Whether the data reflected a bad year or a fluke, following safety on motorcycles must be absolute. “Motorcycles are so unforgiving and any little error on them can end your life,” Howlett said, and the dangers are magnified for those who do not wear the proper gear. Roller described how to better address the target audience, Airmen between the ages of 18 and 25, who are especially prone to making poor safety decisions. “Peer-to-peer instruction is a great way for Airmen to use the Wingman concept,” Roller said. “Supervisors should also be involved in their safety, relaying to their people how valuable they are to the mission.” The lack of rainfall this summer may have saved drivers from slick roads, but Howlett advised any degree of wetness on the oil-based asphalt roads makes conditions extremely dangerous, especially for motorcycle riders. It seems even after 25 years of CDOS, the goal is still the same. “Keep safety awareness high, because people become complacent,” Howlett said.

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

WINGSPREAD

Special-needs children have rights under law By Maj. James Rodriguez 902nd Mission Support Group judge advocate

Parents of children with special needs due to disabilities should be aware that federal law provides their children with rights to early intervention services and a free, appropriate public education. Military families have additional challenges related to frequent permanent change of station moves. Disabilities include mental retardation; hearing, speech, language or visual impairments; serious emotional disturbance; orthopedic impairments; autism; traumatic brain injury; and other health impairments or specific learning disabilities. Definitions and additional examples and are given in federal statutes and regulations. Federal law requires that children with disabilities receive free, appropriate public education between the ages of 3 and 21. This includes development of an Individual Education Program tailored to the child’s specific needs. The IEP should be based on a “least restrictive environment” concept, meaning that to the maximum extent practical, disabled children should be educated with children who are not disabled. Though the school system is responsible for preparing and implementing the IEP, it must be based on peer-reviewed research and parents have the right to meaning-

Parents of a special needs child concerned about obtaining appropriate services from a local school system, are encouraged to schedule a legal assistance appointment at the base legal office. ful participation in the process. In Texas, parents who disagree with a school system’s determination may first file a complaint through the Texas Education Agency and then consider filing suit in state or federal court. Parents should plan ahead when considering a move. When a child with an existing IEP transfers to a new school district, the child must be provided with free, appropriate public education by the new district, including services comparable to the previously implemented IEP. When contemplating a move over the summer, parents should ensure an IEP is implemented before the end of

Base BRIEFS TMO closure The Traffic Management Office will be closed Sept. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. due to an official function. For emergencies, call 830-214-4882. Lane and road closures • The West Gate outbound lane will be closed Saturday and Sunday for a communications upgrade. Motorists should exit Randolph through the Main Gate. For more information, call 652-5700 or the law enforcement desk at 652-5012. • Deployment of denial barriers will cause intermittent road closures at the East and South Gates through Sept. 26 and at the West Gate and clinic parking lot entrances from noon Monday through Sept. 26. Deployments will take place predominantly 9-11 a.m., 1-3 p.m. and after 6 p.m. Flagmen will direct traffic as needed. • Fifth Street West on the west side of Bldg. 499 between C Street West and Northwest Drive will be closed to traffic Oct. 1-16. Traffic will be detoured to Northwest Drive and C Street West. • New B Street west of Harmon Drive to the base exchange parking lot will be open westbound only and the street west of Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union from the commissary to the BX parking lot will be open southbound only Sept. 26-Oct. 17 due to construction. Traffic from the BX parking lot to Harmon Drive, from the commissary parking lot to Harmon Drive and from Harmon Drive to RBFCU will need to detour through Washington Circle during this time.

POW/MIA wreath-laying ceremony The 12th Flying Training Wing will hold a wreath-laying ceremony today at 5:15 p.m. at Bldg. 100 in honor of National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Traffic will be rerouted around Washington Circle beginning at 4 p.m. Delays and road closures are expected. Influenza immunizations The Randolph immunization clinic is open to active-duty members and TRICARE beneficiaries. All active-duty and reserve component personnel are required to receive immunization against influenza; those who are located on an installation with a medical treatment facility must receive their vaccine through the MTF. TRICARE beneficiaries who receive influenza and/or pneumococcal vaccines at a TRICARE retail network pharmacy should provide the MTF with documentation of vaccinations by scanning and emailing the immunization record to [email protected], taking a copy to the immunization clinic or faxing a copy to 652-3111. Those who fax their immunization record should call 6523279 to confirm receipt of the fax. Immunization clinic hours are 7:30-11:45 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 8:30-11:45 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Call 652-3279 for updates on the influenza campaign. To submit a sports or news brief for publication in the Wingspread, email all information to [email protected].

the school year, especially if they want to amend a prior IEP to include additional services. If the new school district wants to change the IEP, parents can send a written “stay put” demand to the school. Under federal law, while an IEP is re-evaluated while under a “stay put” demand, the school has an obligation to maintain the current educational placement for the student. A practical consideration when planning a move is to move to a community that already provides services comparable to those in the system parents are leaving. Children under the age of 3 who are suspected of having a disability are entitled to a free evaluation and may be eligible for free early intervention services. Once parents request such evaluation in writing, schools have 60 days to conduct the evaluation. These programs differ from state to state. Eligibility requirements vary, and some states pay for EIS, while others require parents to pay some or all of the costs. In Texas, Early Childhood Intervention Services, also called “Child Find,” are administered by the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services and are provided through local schools and other agencies. Parents of a special-needs child concerned about obtaining appropriate services from a local school system are encouraged to schedule a legal assistance appointment at the base legal office.

NOW SHOWING at the Randolph Theater "Cowboys & Aliens" (PG-13)

Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde Today at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m.

"The Change Up" (R)

Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman Sunday at 3 p.m. $4.50 for adults – $2.25 for children 11 and younger

Randolph Chapel Schedule • CATHOLIC Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m. - Bldg. 975 Saturday 5:30 p.m. - Bldg. 975 Sunday 8:30 a.m. - Bldg. 975 11:30 a.m. - Bldg. 975 Confession Saturday 4:30 p.m. - Bldg. 975

• PROTESTANT Traditional Sunday Service 8:15 a.m. - Base theater Contemporary Sunday Service 11 a.m. - Base theater

SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

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WINGSPREAD

Key spouses forge special bond with families of deployed Airmen By Robert Goetz 502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Deployments are a time of stress – for deployed members and the families they leave behind. Resources are available for the families of deployed members, helping to ease their anxiety, but one program differs from other military family support efforts in a special way. The Key Spouse Program offers spouses of deployed Airmen a peer-to-peer relationship with a volunteer, typically the spouse of an active-duty or retired service member, who gives them a direct line of communication to unit leadership and helps them cope with the challenges of deployments and remote tours. “Key Spouse is a commander’s program,” John Koztecki, 902nd Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant, said. “Commanders and first sergeants initiate it in their units as they see fit. The primary aim of the key spouse is to not only be a link between the deployed member’s spouse and leadership, but to be there for the spouse to talk to.” The Air Force tested several programs similar to Key Spouse at five bases from 1996 to 1998 and encouraged voluntary implementation of the concept as part of the family support outreach program in 1999. Randolph established the Key Spouse Program in 2007, responding to an issue identified in

the base’s 2006 community needs assessment. Koztecki described a key spouse as “someone who cares about other spouses and families and can relate to them.” The key spouse works primarily with the spouse of the absent Airman, he said, but “is there for all family members.”

“When military members deploy, their families deploy with them as well because their hearts are with them,” he said. A person interested in serving as a key spouse should first contact the commander or first sergeant of a unit, Koztecki said. “The commander or first sergeant will interview the prospective key spouse,” he said. “After the key spouse is appointed, that’s when we come in.” Key spouses receive their initial and continuing training at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Initial training, a six-hour commitment, is conducted quarterly and involves six modules that help prepare key spouses for their role. Continuing training sessions, also part of a quarterly schedule, last two hours.

During initial training, members of the A&FRC professional staff – specialists in family readiness, financial management and other resource areas – and other subject-matter experts from Randolph guide novice key spouses through the modules that address topics from understanding personalities and the makeup of the key spouse team to learning about the Air Force’s resources and supporting the family during deployment. Koztecki said the qualities that define a key spouse include “a drive and desire to help families and being a good listener.” By the time the assignment begins, a key spouse should possess knowledge that will help families adjust to deployments and remote tours. “A key spouse should be aware of all the resources available to family members and know how the commander can provide assistance,” Koztecki said. “A key spouse is a resource for leadership.” Rosie Valdez, key spouse for the 902nd Security Forces Squadron, said the volunteer assignment has given her the opportunity to “give back to the Air Force.” “When I first got married, people were always helping me,” she said. “They were always going the extra mile for me,” Valdez, who was and Air Force spouse for 23 years, volunteered for programs similar to Key Spouse at air bases in Italy and Germany starting in 1999. She moved to San Antonio in 2008 and became a volunteer at the

See KEY SPOUSE P10

Surveys to gauge interest in civilian voluntary separation programs By Pam Ferguson Air Education and Training Command

As defense dollars become more constrained, the Air Force has authorized the use of the voluntary separation programs as a way to limit civilian funding to Department of Defense’s fiscal 2010 levels. Most civilian personnel sections throughout Air Education and Training Command will survey eligible civilian employees beginning in September to determine how many eligible civilian employees are interested in applying for Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay or early retirement under the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority. VSIP is a management tool, not an employee entitlement, that helps minimize the number of involuntary separations. Eligible employees must be serving on an appointment without time limitation. If approved for VSIP, employees commit to voluntarily separate from service by retirement or resignation on the designated date. Additional eligibility requirements apply. The amount of VSIP is equivalent

to the amount the employee would be entitled to as severance pay, up to a maximum of $25,000 before taxes and deductions. VERA may be used alone or in conjunction with VSIP. Employees must be serving on an appointment without time limitation and meet age and service requirements: age 50 with 20 years of creditable service or any age with 25 years of creditable service. Employees under the Civil Service Retirement System who retire under VERA will incur a 2 percent reduction in their annuity for each year under age 55. There is no age reduction for employees covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System. Employees interested in voluntary separation should prepare now by obtaining retirement estimates. Most employees can obtain retirement estimates from the web-based Employee Benefits Information System or the Benefits and Entitlements Service Team automated phone system. Employees can obtain as many retirement estimates from either system as they like. Employees requiring a counselor-pre-

pared estimate will receive only one estimate every three years; however, there are exceptions. For example, if BEST prepared an optional retirement estimate and the employee is now being offered a VERA, BEST will prepare the second estimate within the three-year period. Due to retirementrelated workload, BEST will provide employees their retirement estimate within the expected response date if the employee indicates to the benefits counselor that he or she is in receipt of a VERA and/or VSIP survey and has a short window of opportunity to reply. Firefighters, air traffic controllers, law enforcement officers and retired military members who are combining their military and civilian service should use EBIS instead of BEST to obtain their estimates. Details for accessing the phone system can be found on the Air Force Personnel Center website at https://gum-crm.csd. disa.mil/app/home, keyword search 5828. Instructions for using EBIS can be found using keyword search 4872. Detailed information on obtaining re-

tirement estimates is located using keyword search 5092. Some employees will need to ask BEST to prepare their estimate because estimates obtained through EBIS may not be accurate due to their service history. Employees who need to obtain counselorprepared estimates include: • those with part-time service; • non-appropriated fund service; • rehired CSRS employees who took a contribution refund that will not be repaid; • rehired FERS employees who took a contribution refund; • employees with post-56 military service who have not made a deposit; • employees with temporary service for which a deposit will not be paid (including FERS employees with post Dec. 31, 1988 temporary service); and • employees considering a deferred retirement. For additional information, please email questions to the Randolph VERA/VSIP program office email box at Randolph VERA/ VSIP Program Office at 902fss.civilian [email protected].

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(Left to right) Jim Herwig, Michael Biggs, Bill Sousa and Mathew Zaionez, 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Operating Location A, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, perform final operational checks to complete a depot-level modification to a T-38 Talon aircraft on Randolph Aug. 30.

Steve Lara (left) and Richard Lejuene, 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Operating Location A, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, complete a firewall installation as part of a modification to a T-38 Talon aircraft Aug. 30. The squadron, an operating location out of Hill Air Force Base, Utah, performs depot-level maintenance on T-38s Air Force-wide. Photos by Rich McFadden

T-38 Talon aircraft from (left to right) Randolph Air Force Base, Columbus AFB, Ohio, and Beal AFB, Calif., wait their turn to undergo major modifications at the depot-level maintenance facility on Randolph Air Force Base Aug. 30.

By Alex Salinas 502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

The heat waves of summer gave Randolph Air Force Base its best shot, but the hardworking people of the 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Operating Location A, under the 309th Maintenance Wing at Hill AFB, Utah, who repair and modify the T-38 aircraft, are still standing strong. The ability of Jay Gregson, 571st AMXS OL-A T-38 depot maintenance director, and his unit to remain standing is quite an accomplishment, considering the magnitude of the workload and responsibility they undertook almost a year ago. Previously, Lear Sigler Inc., a contractor field team, handled all T-38 major repairs and modifications, but stopped operations Oct. 1, 2010, following a decision to be transfer operations to the government. In June 2010, Gregson was hired and then deployed to Randolph on behalf of the 571st AMXS to stand up the T-38 depot as a government facility operated under Air Force Materiel Command. Hangars, budgeting issues and hiring personnel were just a few of the challenges for Gregson when he came on board. “We had a lot of work to complete,” Greg-

son said. “However, this is very much like a business. My job is to make sure I take care of my people, attain the proper resources to fix aircraft safely and make sure everything runs smoothly.” “We built a team of folks who have a can-do attitude and they are making it happen,” Gregson added. Despite the heat and long hours it took to renovate the hangars and inventory hundreds of thousands of parts, tools, furniture and equipment, hard work helped operations run smoothly. Gregson was able to obtain $8 million of funding from the 309th Maintenance Wing for facility renovations, tools, communications, training and other factors. The biggest project was the construction effort. Hangars 75 and 76 and renovating part of the 12th Maintenance Directorate, Bldg. 241, while continuing to operate and produce aircraft. Additionally, sections of Bldg. 241 were also completely gutted and cleaned to be used as a backshop for T-38 maintenance and technician training in the near future, Gregson said. Ultimately, this will provide a safe and productive environment for his workers. “The renovation process started in January and will end in December,” Gregson said. He also extended thanks toward the community. “The entire Randolph AFB community and JSR Inc.,

our contractor for renovations, have been awesome and we would not be successful without them,” he said. Part of Gregson’s resume includes 23 years in the Air Force helping build wartime ground zero bases in the United Arab Emirates and Kandahar, Afghanistan, and bedding down new F-16s in Chile. His handson approach contributes to his unit’s work ethic. “I love what I do and I love being involved,” he said. “I dig it.” Abel Diaz, 571st AMXS production supervisor, is one of a team of 72 people who work on T-38s. He said the average years of experience working on aircraft among the team is 21 years, and with his 34 years of experience, he attests to doing a job he loves. “If you’re not used to it, you can get awestruck sometimes,” he said. “It’s not a oneman job; we work as a team.” “One team, one fight” was Gregson’s mantra for the unit. And as a team, individuals in the unit are responsible for different modifications and aspects of T-38 repairs. Ruben Diaz, 571st AMXS structural mechanic, who began work as an aircraft technician in 1980, described his day-to-day outlook. “It’s challenging, yet fulfilling,” Diaz said. “But at the end of the day, it’s rewarding to see our work achieved, especially when the T-38s fly off.”

Rick Davis, 571st AMXS nondestructive inspection mechanic, said “many people, including politicians, business people, civilians and pilots, walk by the hangars and are impressed” by the work his team is able to accomplish, and that is what makes his job worthwhile. Since opening doors for business March 1, Gregson and his team have completed work on 56 T-38s, all of which have been produced on schedule. With five different production lines, which include major inspections, modifications/de-modifications and crash recovery, his unit is slated to complete almost 30,000 hours of work. By fiscal 2014, Gregson said he plans to increase his overall workload to 300,000 work hours, and wants to increase his workforce to over 200 strong. On the many hours it takes to complete the job, Richard Chaplin, 571st AMXS aircraft general mechanic, who has completed 43 years of service in his craft, said the job requires patience and integrity, but still keeps him on his toes. “The task may seem repetitive, but when I open the aircraft, different concerns arise,” he said. “I never know what I will find, and that’s what makes my work a unique experience every day.” It is this accumulated experience that earns the 571st a welcomed, important and reliable spot on the team at Randolph.

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Eleven graduate from Gaylor Airman Leadership School Eleven senior Airmen graduated from the Joint Base San Antonio Airman Leadership School at a ceremony Sept. 7 at the Gateway Club, Lackland Air Force Base. The Airmen successfully completed 24 academic duty-days consisting of 192 hours of classroom instruction in Supervisory Communicator, Supervisor of Airman, Military Professional and Expeditionary Airman. Three of these Airmen were presented special awards during the ceremony. Senior Airman Christina Johnson, 395th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, earned the John L. Levitow Award while Senior Airman Stephanie Adams, Air Education and Training Command, received the Academic Achievement Award. The Commandant Award winner was Senior Airman Telesheia Ward, Air Force Personnel Center. Other graduates were: Senior Airman Marcos Davis 359th Medical Operations Squadron

BRAC from P4 BRAC 2005 became law Nov. 9, 2005, and required all actions be completed by Sep. 15, 2011. Of the approximately 200 BRAC recommendations enacted into law, San Antonio bases were impacted by 19. This is more than any other city in the US. Every military installation in San Antonio is feeling the impact of BRAC 2005. Maxwell said everyone involved in BRAC 2005 in San Antonio has significant bragging rights. “When you drive through Fort Sam Houston, Randolph Air Force Base, Camp Bullis or Lackland AFB, these workers helped shape the ability of our military to produce corpsmen and medics, to take care of the wounded, to train doctors, as well as conduct valuable research,” he said. “We are now doing business in much better facilities, in more efficient ways, and I think that everyone, not just me, deserves to hold their head up and look back on this period with significant pride.” Randolph Air Force Base has been greatly affected by BRAC. BRAC brought Randolph into Joint Base San Antonio. In addition, Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals train-

Senior Airman Teresa Fidermutz 902nd Contracting Squadron Senior Airman Terry George 902nd Security Forces Squadron Senior Airman Steven Hansen 902nd SFS Senior Airman Samantha Harrison Air Force Personnel Center Senior Airman Joanna Lopez AFPC Senior Airman Justin Rankin 902nd SFS Senior Airman Senior Airman Senior Airman Senior Airman Leaisha Rose Christina Johnson Stephanie Adams Telesheia Ward 359th MDOS John L. Levitow Award Academic Commandant Award The guest speaker for the ceremony Achievement Award was retired Chief Master Sergeant Emilio Serano, a former 12th Flying Training Wing senior sional Military Education. The graduates are awarded enlisted adviser. The ALS is affiliated with the Commu- 10 semester hours toward a Community College of the nity College of the Air Force through Enlisted Profes- Air Force degree.

ing for instructor pilots was relocated here while undergraduate navigator training was relocated to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. Another action that impacted the base was the relocation of numerous locations to Randolph for the transactional function of Air Force Personnel Center. The strong relationship between the U.S. military and the city of San Antonio in “Military City, U.S.A.” was instrumental in meeting the BRAC deadline on time, Maxwell said. “The city of San Antonio has been our wingman and our battle buddy throughout this whole process,” he said. “The city was quick early on in the BRAC process, to understand what it was all about.” In the future, whenever there is a call for a medic on the battlefield, that medic will have received training in San Antonio. Maxwell said while the BRAC deadline was met, there are some projects that will continue after Thursday. “For example, we are going to put a new access control point at Brooke Army Medical Center with BRAC funding fully supported by the Department of Defense and that project we will see go on,” he said.

9/11 from P4 those lost and those to come, for future generations. Baldwin said the memorial the Israelites built 3,000 years ago is symbolic toward memorials the U.S. and nations around the world have constructed for the purpose of remembrance. “We honor those who, with their lives, have marked the price of freedom,” he said. “The stones cry out, again.” Baldwin shared an anecdote about what he remembers seeing shortly after the attack on the Pentagon, citing two instances of bravery that struck his memory. “A beautiful female second

lieutenant ran up to me and said, ‘Chaplain, what can I do to help?’” he said. “I saw her throughout the day setting up cots and carrying water bottles to the injured.” “The other person was an Air Force two-star general,” Baldwin said. “He rolled up his blue sleeves and carried litters (to the injured).” Baldwin continued and said the two-star general ran to the front of a volunteer line to re-enter the Pentagon to look for survivors. Just then, the Old Guard, Arlington National Cemetery’s honor guard, arrived to perform the search and rescue. The two-star general then continued to help care for the wounded. Bravery and unity persevered

KEY SPOUSE from P7 A&FRC before joining the Key Spouse Program. “I find satisfaction in being able to help spouses and their families,” she said. “I like helping out and making sure they’re taken care of while their husbands and fathers are gone.” Valdez said she now serves 14 families, but she noted young wives with no children also require the relationship that key spouses can provide them. She told the story of a young wife from Germany who “needed someone.” “She got involved and began coming to the deployment dinners,” Valdez said, referring to the A&FRC’s monthly Waiting Families Dinner for the families of deployed Airmen. “That helped her. It got her to know more about the military.” Valdez said she regularly calls spouses and sees

over terror and tragedy. Baldwin shared a poignant moment with the audience, describing his reaction to a question from a newscaster shortly after 9/11. The question asked to him was, “Where was God on Sept. 11?” His answer, without spiritual falter, was a challenge to those who challenged God’s presence that fateful morning. “He was very present for duty,” Baldwin said. “He brought comfort to the injured, gave strength to the rescue workers, healed the wounded bodies and mended the broken hearts. When His children died, He wept. We could not have made it through the day without Him.”

them and their families at the deployment dinners and at events on special occasions such as Christmas and Easter. “You end up with a special bond because you’ve been there,” she said. Valdez said commanders and first sergeants are also important links in the chain of support. “My commander is very committed,” she said of Maj. Robert Ford, 902nd SFS commander. “He’s there every time for the dinners. That means a lot.” Valdez said she encourages spouses to join the program. “There’s always a need for new spouses,” she said. “It’s a pleasure to be able to help.” For more information on the Key Spouse Program, call the A&FRC at 652-5321.

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Randolph Hispanic Heritage Month tells ‘many stories’ By Robert Goetz 502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

A month-long showcase of the rich history, traditions and contributions of Hispanic-Americans is under way at Randolph. National Hispanic Heritage Month, which began as a week-long observance in 1968, kicked off Thursday at the entrance to the base exchange with a program that featured remarks by Col. Scott Peel, 902nd Mission Support Group commander; a chili cook-off; and Latin music. A Latin social with free dance lessons and hors d’oeuvres is planned from 4 to 6 p.m. today at the Kendrick E’Club. Maj. Angel Betancourt, Randolph Hispanic Heritage Observance Month Committee chairman, said the intent of the month-long celebration is reflected in this year’s theme, “Many Backgrounds, Many Stories … One American Spirit.” “Our goal is to teach people about all the different Latin influences and cultures we have,” he said. “With all the events we have planned, we are trying to reach the gamut of the base population – from active-duty members to children. We want everyone to participate. It’s exciting to promote the Hispanic culture.” Capt. Maggie Silva, committee member, said Hispanic-Americans, whose roots are in Spain, Mexico and Central and South America, represent a diversity of backgrounds.

court said. “San Antonio City “There are so many different Councilman Ray Lopez will be cultures and traditions,” she said. our guest speaker.” “Not only do we come from Mexico, The national celebration of but from Puerto Rico, the DominiHispanic cultures began under can Republic, Cuba, Colombia and President Lyndon Johnson in many other countries. We want to 1968 and was expanded to one expose all those traditions.” month in 1988, when Ronald Betancourt said two events Reagan was president. The Latin planned during Hispanic HeriAmerican countries of Costa Rica, tage Month are geared to chilEl Salvador, Guatemala, Hondudren: a piñata party from 3 to ras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Ranall celebrate their independence dolph Child Development Cendays in September. ter and a storytelling session Silva said planning the Ranfrom 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 27 at dolph celebration was “a labor Randolph Elementary School. of love.” A cooking class from noon “We want to make it festive to 1 p.m. Sept. 29 at the chaand interesting while propel annex will showcase Latin moting diversity and cultural dishes such as arroz con pollo, awareness,” she said. “That’s or chicken with rice, he said. Graphic courtesy of Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute important. We don’t all walk The final events of the month and talk the same way. Diverare a 5K fun run at 7:15 a.m. Oct. 5 at Eberle Park and the JBSA Hispanic Heri- sity is part of our upbringing.” Betancourt said diversity is “what makes us tage Month Luncheon featuring the U.S. Army Medical Command Band from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. stronger.” “All of us bring something different to the mix,” Oct. 12 at the Parr O’Club. “We are hosting the luncheon this year,” Betan- he said.

Awareness emphasized

Due to the extreme drought conditions in Texas, the greater San Antonio area is under a burn ban. Area residents and visitors are reminded to be vigilant in preventing wildfires. Barbeque grills in use during windy conditions and carelessly discarded cigarette butts are igniting fires around the state. Photo by Rich McFadden

Tech Sgt. Helen Trota (left) and Airman 1st Class Gilbert Saenz, 359th Medical Operations Squadron, set up the suicide awareness booth in the Randolph Base Exchange Sept. 9. The Mental Health Flight conducted awareness oppportunities during National Suicide Prevention Week earlier this month. For more information on the base program, call the Mental Health Flight at 652-2448.

The Randolph community is reminded to be careful when participating in outdoor activities.

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902nd Force Support Squadron Briefs

SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Sports BRIEFS Hispanic Heritage Month Golf Tournament The Randolph Hispanic Heritage Month committee is hosting the Randolph Hispanic Heritage Month Golf Tournament today with registration at 11:30 a.m. at the Randolph Oaks Golf Course. To register, email [email protected].

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SPORTS – HEALTH – FITNESS

Randolph to run rampant at Air Force marathon

By Airman 1st Class Alexis Siekert 502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

After training for months, five of Randolph’s runners are finally setting out to compete in the 15th annual Air Force Marathon at WrightPatterson Air Force Base, Ohio, this weekend. Each year’s events are held the third Saturday in September in celebration of the Air Force birthday.

All levels of runners from around the world compete in the marathon, wheelchair race, half-marathon, 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer races and, according to uasfmarathon.com, the official Air Force Marathon website, the races are growing every year, with more than 12,000 participants in 2010. All races for this year are already filled. Alfred Pena Jr., Air Education and

Randolph Oaks Club Championship Golfers can now sign up for the Randolph Oaks Club Championship held Saturday and Sunday. Tee times are 7-9 a.m. Entry fee is $20 per person plus greens fees and cart. 2011 golf survey The Randolph Oaks Golf Course is asking its customers to take a survey and let them know how to improve customer service. There is a kiosk in the lobby of the facility to take the survey or it can be done in the comfort of your own home by going to the following link: http://ngfsurvey.com/cgi/ start.asp?SC=randolphoaks Customer feedback is important and enables management to make decisions concerning improvements to the course and operation. Bike fitness The Rambler Fitness Center hosts bike rides every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Appropriate cycling gear (no mountain bikes) is required. These rides are led by a member of USA Cycling. Custom club fitting The Randolph Oaks Golf Course offers a certified custom club fitting pro shop. Call 652-4653 to schedule a personal fitting.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Alexis Siekert

From left to right: Yasheda Lyons, Air Force Recruiting Service program management operations NCO in charge, David Fain, Air Education and Training Command Fire and Emergency Services functional manager, Debbie Landry, Air Force Personnel Center Airman Assignments Division chief, and Joshua Cates, F-15E electronics weapons assignment officer fighter porch chief, prepare for the Air Force Marathon with a practice run on the track in front of the Ramber Fitness Center during lunch Sept. 7. Not pictured is Alfred Pena Jr., AETC capabilities and integration information technology strategic planner, who will also compete.

Training Command capabilities and integration information technology strategic planner, will be the only full-marathon runner from Randolph; however, Debbie Landry, Air Force Personnel Center Airman Assignments Division chief, Joshua Cates, F-15E electronics weapons assignment officer fighter porch chief, and David Fain, AETC Fire and Emergency Services functional manager, will be running the half-marathon. Yasheda Lyons, Air Force Recruiting Service program management operations NCO in charge, will be representing Randolph in the 10-kilometer competition. A base-wide email was sent out with an application to sign up to represent Randolph at the marathon, Rikk Prado, 902nd Force Support Squadron sports manager, said. Once applications were turned in, a small panel picked those who would be on the team. Typically, AETC sponsors a team, picking the best runners from all its bases; however, they did not chose a team this year, so 902nd FSS was able to send a team to Ohio to compete as well as provide matching warm-ups, he said. With the Randolph runners competing in different distances, they have been training individually, Cates said. “Setting a goal – giving you something to train for – keeps you motivated,” he said. “It’s something to get me out of bed in the morning and running.” The runners left San Antonio Thursday to be ready for the weekend’s events. Looking ahead to the competition, Landry expressed her optimism, but she was happy just to participate. “We all get medals if we finish,” she said. “It’s just about getting out there and being a part of it.”

Randolph Intramural Flag Football Standings 359th MDG 359th AMDS 902nd CES AFPC

5-0 3-1 2-2 2-2

561st DET 2 1-3 902nd SFS 1-3 AFRS 1-4

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

For complete information on the Randolph Air Force Base Air Show 2011, including featured attractions, civilian base entry and parking, and security requirements, visit www.randolph.af.mil. JBSA Stage III September watering schedule Building number ending in ...

Randolph community connects with base Public Affairs Want to get in touch with the Randolph Air Force Base Public Affairs office? Here's how!

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Public Affairs [email protected] Wingspread [email protected]

Straight Talk line 652-SHOW (7469) Multimedia Customer Service 652-4226 RAFB Facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/Randolph-Air-Force-Base Call the RAFB Public Affairs office directly at 652-4410.