F R I D A Y, J U LY 3 , 2 0 0 9

G AT E WAY T O T H E A I R F O R C E • L A C K L A N D A I R F O R C E B A S E , T E X A S • w w w. l a c k l a n d . a f . m i l • Vo l . 6 7 N o . 2 5

INSIDE

GREETINGS FROM THE GENERAL

Commentary

4

Straight Talk

5

Recognition

6

News & Features

Officer promotions

7

Check Six

14

MTL

15

Baseball

22

Photo by Robbin Cresswell

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz meets with Defense Language Institute English Language Center students during his visit to Lackland June 26. From left, the students are Lt. Michael Onalaja, Nigeria; Lt. Juan Pina Duluc, Dominican Republic; and Lts. Emre Vuran and Unal Karahan, Turkey.

Base welcomes community to Star Spangled fest By Mike Joseph Staff Writer

View the Talespinner online at www.lackland.af.mil

It will be a red, white and boom Fourth of July Saturday for Team Lackland as it hosts the 31st annual Star Spangled Festival, an event open to the public. A 20-minute fireworks display beginning at 9:30 p.m.

will conclude the festival that starts Saturday at 2 p.m. All activities will be at the base amphitheater. Mick Hernandez and the Silverados kick off a free concert at 7 p.m. followed by the Pictures Band at 8:20 p.m. Other activities to occupy festival goers in the afternoon will be an arts and crafts fair,

children’s carnival, paintball challenge, hip hop tent with a disc jockey, kidz zone, a live broadcast by Radio Disney, and food and beverage booths. Gates open Saturday at 2 p.m. and visitors will only be allowed entry to the base through the Gateway East Gate on southwest Military Drive. Base visitors must have a

valid photo ID and proof of car insurance. No weapons, backpacks, coolers, video cameras or pets are allowed on the event grounds. For more information, call 210-671-3906 or visit the Marketing and Publicity Web site at www.lacklandservices. com.

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County disaster declaration restricts fireworks use By Shannon Carabajal 37th Training Wing Public Affairs A disaster declaration by Bexar County went into effect June 23 limiting the fireworksselling season and restricting the use of fireworks to specified safe zones. The 2009 Fourth of July fireworks-selling season in Bexar County began at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday and ends at midnight Saturday. Residents are allowed to use fireworks only in one of seven designated safe areas from

6 p.m. to midnight today and Saturday. Those found violating the order could be fined up to $1,000. According to the declaration, the U.S. Weather Monitor currently indicates that Bexar County is experiencing an exceptional or extreme drought, and no precipitation is anticipated before Saturday. Consequently, County Judge Nelson Wolff exercised his authority to declare a state of local disaster for “the occurrence or imminent threat of widespread

or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from any natural or man-made cause, including fire.” The declaration also prohibits the selling and use of fireworks that have the potential of reaching a height of greater than 16 feet, including skyrockets with sticks, missiles with fins, helicopters, cakes, reloadables and tubes. Those living outside Bexar County should check with local officials about burning bans and the use of fireworks in their area.

Where to shoot fireworks U.S. 281 South, just inside Loop 1604 (two locations) U.S. 90 West at Montgomery Road I-10 West at Old Fredericksburg Road (two locations) Talley Road at FM 471 Kinney Road at the I-35 South

JOGGING RULES OF THE ROAD:

Wearing portable headphones, earphones, or other listening devices while operating a motor vehicle, running, jogging, walking, bicycling, or skating on Lackland roadways and sidewalks is PROHIBITED.

JULY 3, 2009

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News BR I E F S

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ANGELIC VOICES

ROAD WORK RESUMES MONDAY

There will be no road closures this weekend around Selfridge East Gate but closures for installation of denial barriers in that area resume Monday. Following the July 4th weekend, the second phase of roadwork begins Monday on Selfridge Avenue and continues until July 14. Selfridge Avenue westbound will be closed; Selfridge Avenue eastbound will be converted to a one-way westbound detour between Pucket Street and Bong Avenue (Kenly Avenue becomes Bong at Tindale). Bong Avenue south of Selfridge Road will be a two-way detour while Pucket Street will be a one-way eastbound detour. Phase III of the project runs July 1522 with a road closure and detours. The north entrance to Bong Avenue from Selfridge Avenue will be closed; however, traffic traveling south on Bong Avenue will have access to the base exchange, commissary, Burger King and Bank of America but no through traffic will be allowed. Southbound Bong Avenue traffic attempting to use the Selfridge East Gate will be detoured to McChord Street, Truemper Street and Selfridge Avenue. AUTO HOBBY SHOP CLOSED

The auto hobby shop is closed through Monday for maintenance. Normal hours resume Tuesday. COMMISSARY HOLIDAY HOURS

The Lackland commissary will open Saturday, July 4, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in accordance with Defense Commissary Agency rules on federal holidays. SCHOOL IMMUNIZATIONS

New immunization recommendations, which may affect children entering kindergarten or seventh grade in the fall, are available at the Wilford Hall Medical Center immunization clinic. For more information call 292-5730 or visit www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/ rulechange.shtm.

Photos by Alan Boedeker

(Above) Tech. Sgt. Sandra Schmidt, 37th Comptroller Squadron, sings "Don't Know Why" to the crowd at the Bob Hope Performing Arts Theater during the Lackland Idol contest June 26. (Right) Julie Mammaro entertains the audience with her version of "Never Alone." Contestants, including active-duty military, dependents and civilians, competed for $1,000 in prizes.

Airman’s Roll Call

PCS policy changes allow Airmen more options The Air Force has modified two permanent change of station policies to give Airmen more flexible assignment options and better force development opportunities. PCS changes: • The time-on-station requirement for government funded joint-spouse assignments, where military couples are assigned (when possible) to a location where they can live in the same residence, has changed from 24 to 12 months. • Recent adjustments in manning requirements for Airmen at stateside bases is expected to open up more base-of-preference opportunities for first-term and career Airmen. • The manning requirements change is expected to open up opportunities in the Voluntary Stabilized Base Assignment Program, which gives Airmen the option to volunteer for

Courtesy Photo

Tw o m o d i f i e d p e r m a n e n t c h a n g e o f station policies will give Airmen more flexible assignment options and better force development opportunities.

certain bases in the continental U.S. that historically have been hard to fill. The benefit to the volunteer is a stabilized tour of either four or five years depending on the location. • The TOS requirement change for join-spouse assignments is designed to give Airmen more flexibility and help minimize financial hardships for married couples who are geographically

separated and managing two households. • This TOS policy change also applies to Airmen with projected permissive join-spouse assignments who have not departed their current duty station. Permissive reassignments are those where Airmen pay all moving expenses and travel time is charged as leave. • All other PCS policies, including assignment lengths, remain the same. In 2006, Air Force officials extended the average assignment length for most Airmen from three years to four years, which has reduced the number of yearly PCS moves. Although 48 months is the goal, some Airmen, depending on the career field and mission needs, may rotate more often. For more information, Airmen can call the Total Force Service Center at (800) 525-0102, commercial (210) 565-5000 or DSN 665-5000.

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JULY 3, 2009

COMMENTARY 37th TRW CC

Celebrate holiday, stay focused on safety By Brig. Gen. Len Patrick 37th Training Wing Commander

no secret that the one disturbing trend we see – not just during the holidays but throughout the I would like to take this opporyear – is private motor vehicle tunity to thank all of you for the accidents. superb leadership, enthusiasm, Motorcycle and automobile and can-do attitude displayed accidents claim the lives of more during our recent Unit CompliAirmen than any other mishap ance Inspection. category. Brig. Gen. You’ve made us all proud to be Sports and recreation is the Len Patrick a part of Team Lackland. As we second leading cause of lost enjoy time off for the Fourth of July, I work days and fatal mis-haps. encourage everyone to continue their Water related accidents like swimming, commitment to the Wingman way of life, boating and tubing have had a detrimenboth on and off duty. tal impact as well. Lackland has experienced some diffiOur focus this holiday is no different: cult times this year dealing with personsafe motorcycle and automobile operanel losses. tions, safe recreational activities, proacWe need your continued focus and sup- tive drinking and driving prevention port to make this a safe holiday for every- through responsible decisions, and manone. aging risk by actively relying on our felWhen it comes to personal safety, it is low Wingmen to safeguard lives.

It all starts with a sound plan and is sustained through faithful execution. Commanders, command chiefs, first sergeants and supervisors, please take advantage of the Web sites below to assist in your safety education efforts. The Air Force Safety Center Web site contains a wealth of seasonal safety information from across the Air Force and the different branches of service. It can be found at www.afsc.af.mil. As we celebrate this patriotic holiday, let’s show how much we care by taking the time to incorporate risk management into our daily activities. Ensure a safe Independence Day weekend, not just for you but for your loved ones and friends. It’s up to us to make a difference and I’m asking everyone to join me in making this a safe holiday. Enjoy the time off and we look forward to seeing you at work on Tuesday.

Build community wherever you are By Lt. Col. Patrick Burke 322nd Training Squadron Commander

We are designed to be part of a community. As members of the military, we need to create community wherever we are. Building community, however, is easier said than done. Today, more than ever before, it is increasingly difficult to create community. Our society is becoming more fragmented and people are less inclined to meet face-to-face with one another. Internet and wireless technology contribute to these phenomena with My Space, Facebook, text messaging, e-mail and the ever pres-

ent cell phone or perThe benefits can sonal digital assistant. take some time to These are poor substiemerge and are often tutes for real face time, difficult to quantify, which is critically but they are huge. important to building Many studies have community because shown that people face time helps build with strong social nettrust. works generally: Lt. Col. • have a greater sense The key is to build Patrick Burke of safety, community wherever • have improved health status, you are. Like a friend, a community is a group of like-mind• have an improved sense of control over their lives, ed people, with common inter• feel more valued, and ests, fascinations or passions. • have more involvement in Such groups help one find or civic life. create a sense of purpose. While traditionally we would Think of cultivating a community for yourself as an investnormally turn to family and ment with huge returns. relatives, military members

often find that the distances between family members makes getting together impractical. We must intentionally build community among those we live near. Venues for building community include sports, church, volunteerism, and hobbies. The important aspect to remember is that building relationships is the key to forming community. Close-knit communities provide an extra support network when things at work become hectic or harrowing, and furthermore, they add that spice to our lives where we can value others and likewise feel valued.

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

Editorial staff BRIG. GEN. LEN PATRICK, 37TH TRAINING WING COMMANDER KIRK FRADY, DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS JOE BELA, CHIEF OF INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS, 671-4111 SHANNON CARABAJAL, MANAGING EDITOR, 671-1786 MIKE JOSEPH, STAFF WRITER, 671-4357 PATRICK DESMOND, SPORTS EDITOR/STAFF WRITER, 671-5049 PAUL NOVAK, DESIGN/LAYOUT, 671-0478

Office: 1701 Kenly Ave. Suite 102 Lackland AFB, Texas 78236-5103 (210) 671-1786; (fax) 671-2022 E-mail: [email protected] Commander’s Action Line: actionline@lackland. af.mil. Straight Talk: 671-6397 (NEWS) For advertising information: Prime Time Military Newspapers 2203 S. Hackberry San Antonio, Texas 78210 (210) 534-8848 (fax) 534-7134

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 Lackland 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 37th Training Wing. All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are U.S. Air Force photos. Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday the week prior to publication.

T STRAIGHT A L K

JULY 3, 2009

By Patrick Desmond Staff Writer

What advice do you have for someone who is deploying for the first time?

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Pack light. Bring one bag instead of eight; otherwise you’ll end up dragging bags to the various stops on the way. This way you’ll only be responsible for a small amount of stuff. – Maj. Dan Lamothe, 59th

Get everything in order. Don’t wait until you are over there. Get your power of attorney, family care plan and finances in order. – Staff Sgt. Justin Hatch, 344th Training Squadron.

Surgical Specialties Squadron.

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

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Make sure you bring more than just a little bottle of shampoo. A lot of people only bring the travel shampoo. Also, bring hygiene products – baby powder. – Tech. Sgt. Robert Blankenship, Squadron.

344th

Training

Stock up on personal hygiene products because you might not find what you need over there. – Master Sgt. Mike Brubaker, 344th Training Squadron.

BMT HONORS

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Congratulations to the following 55 Airmen for being selected as honor graduates among 665 trainees who graduated Thursday. 320th Training Squadron Flight 457 Joshua Kohn James Lavimoniere Michael Morgante Jason Soles Christopher Tierney Christopher Wood Flight 458 David Finney Gabriel McMahon Joe Peacock 322nd Training Squadron Flight 459 Jonathan Austin Victor Blazevic Victor Interiano

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Justin Rocheleau Mitchell Schimmels Flight 460 Joy Albury Katherine Mackey Mindy St. John Flight 461 Robert Desantis Michael Gray Robert Lockheed Daniel Mihm Dustin Tarpley Chad Tilleraas Scoyoc Van Flight 462 Adam Dahlke Matthew Von Borstel 323rd Training Squadron Flight 455 Chad Blevins Bryan Nelson Obed Salazar Flight 456

Stephen Doyle Ross Kauffman Chet Long Nikolas Preusser Jeremy Quesada

326th Training Squadron Flight 467 John Franze

Congratulations to the Airmen who graduated from Military Training Instructor School Tuesday. Tech. Sgt. Michael Zeigler Tech. Sgt. Ronda Roberts Tech. Sgt. Shaun Reith Tech. Sgt. Julian McMeans Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Harnack Tech. Sgt. Erich Dye Tech. Sgt. David Caples Staff Sgt. Kyle Billiot

George Liandrakis Timothy Tollefson Flight 468 Kayla Mosley

324th Training Squadron Flight 465 Devan Farrell Joshua Forrest Eli Goff Derrick Johnson Matthew LaClair Trent Murphy Flight 466 James Evans Joshua Grimes Jamie Matekaitis Michael Mothena Richard Row

Newest crop of MTIs graduate

Staff Sgt. Jason Davies Staff Sgt. Sean Douglas Staff Sgt. Timothy Jenkins Staff Sgt. Daniel McKeown Staff Sgt. Gregory Minor Staff Sgt. Corey Norris Staff Sgt. Daniel Olds Staff Sgt. Eddy Soto

JULY 3, 2009

331st Training Squadron Flight 463 Jonathan Casebolt Dennis Castellano Michael Kirschke Douglas Traumer Flight 464 Shanna Curtis Cheri Daly Top BMT Airman Obed Salazar, 323rd TRS, Flight 455

Flight 462 Female Airmen Christine Luce, 326th TRS, Flight 468 Joy Albury, 322nd TRS, Flight 460 Top PT Flights Male Flights 324th TRS, Flight 465 320th TRS, Flight 457 Female Flights 326th TRS, Flight 468 322nd TRS, Flight 460 Top Academic Flights 323rd TRS, Flight 456 320th TRS, Flight 457

Most Physically Fit Male Airmen Joshua Buker, 320th TRS, Flight 457 Travis Leonard, 322nd TRS,

324th TRS welcomes new commander Rank/Name: Lt .Col. George Irving IV Squadron: 324th Training Squadron Date assumed command: July 1 Previous assignment: Air Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Time in service: 17 years Family: Single Hobbies: Sailing Why the squadron is important to the Air Force mission: The 324th Training Squadron is one of the few Air Force Lt. Col. units solely dedicated to transforming civilians to Airmen. George Irving IV Success of the Air Force mission starts with proper basic military training and the production of Warrior Airmen. Command philosophy: The Air Force mission is always the top priority; successful and sustained accomplishment of that mission is achieved through proper training, equipping and utilization of our most important resource, our people. Goals for new position: Safety in all training; military training instructor manning and morale; and, preparing warrior Airmen for service in expeditionary arenas.

Lackland Conservation Corner

PUT FOOD COLORING IN YOUR TOILET TANK

If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

JULY 3, 2009

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Lackland officers selected for promotion RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE – The 2009A Line of the Air Force, Biomedical Science Corps and Nurse Corps Central Selection boards selected 466 lieutenant colonels, 92 majors and 271 captains for promotion June 24 here. The boards considered 4,156 lieutenant colonels, 729 majors and 407 captains for promotion. Congratulations to the following members of Team Lackland selected for promotion: Colonel selects: 23rd Information Operations Squadron Stan Cole

67th Network Warfare Group Michael Shields

59th Surgical Inpatient Squadron Aven Strand

Rehabilitation Squadron Joseph Kirkman

Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency Edward Ford

Air Force Medical Operations Agency Beverly Thornberg

59th Medical Inpatient Squadron Jon Long

Major selects: Lieutenant colonel selects: 59th Surgical Operations Squadron Mimi Cannonier Mary Holmstrand Richard Terraccian 59th Emergency Medical Squadron Penny Jess 59th Medical Inpatient Squadron Robyn Nelson Gemma Smith

37th Medical Operations Squadron Jacqueline King Sarah Linthicum Darrell Svatek 59th Medical Operations Squadron Glenn Bankson 59th Medical Inpatient Amber Barker Latasha Dunn 59th Orthopedic and

59th Laboratory Squadron Carolann Miller 59th Surgical Operations Squadron Ervin Hernandez David Pojman Hector Stephenson

59th Surgical Specialties Squadron Carlos Flores Brandon Tourtillott 59th Emergency Medical Squadron Clinton Wahl 59th Mental Health Squadron James Winter Air Force Medical Operations Agency Edwin Santos

59th Surgical Inpatient Squadron Jamale Hart Gricel Rodriguez Pablo Snead 59th Radiology Squadron Kelli Silverstrim

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

MILITARY JUSTICE SPOTLIGHT

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The 37th Training Wing Office of the Staff Judge Advocate administered these judgments from June 18-24:

• An airman from the 343rd Training Squadron violated Article 128, assault, and received a reduction to airman basic, forfeitures of $500 in pay for two months with one month suspended, 14 days restriction, 14 days extra duty, and a reprimand. • A technical sergeant from the 37th Security Forces Squadron violated Article 92, failure to obey an order or a regulation, and received forfeitures of $400 in pay for one month, 20 days extra duty, and a reprimand. • A staff sergeant from the 37th Training Support Squadron violated Articles 107, false official statements, and 134, general article, and received a reduction to senior airman, suspended forfeitures of $1,109 in pay for

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two months, and a reprimand. • An airman basic from the 345th Training Squadron, Detachment 1, violated Article 92, failure to obey an order or a regulation, and received forfeitures of $699 in pay for two months, 45 days restricted to base in Port Hueneme, Calif., 45 days extra duty, and a reprimand. • A staff sergeant from the 59th Emergency Medical Squadron violated Article 92, failure to obey an order or a regulation, and received a suspended reduction to senior airman and forfeitures of $1,000 in pay for two months. Mandatory Uniform Code of Military Justice briefings for second-term re-enlistees are conducted on a walk-in basis in the 37th TRW headquarters courtroom. For more information, call 671-2007.

JULY 3, 2009

Do you … have a photographer’s eye? Do you … catch those candid moments? Let us see your work and you could be published! E-mail your Lackland-related photos to:

[email protected] Action shots only please.

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JULY 3, 2009

July 4th safety should be a priority The Fourth of July is a great opportunity for family and friends to relax and enjoy a little summer fun in the sun. Unfortunately, with the excitement that comes with a little time off, there is a tendency to overlook safety. Adopting a risk management plan before setting out for a holiday celebration is an important part of ensuring a safe holiday weekend. Forethought and common sense must be exercised with any activity. To meet the challenge of this extended Fourth of July weekend, keep in mind the following tips to minimize risks and prevent injury or even death to you or one of your family members:

Gas build up has led to explosions where people have been severely burned.

Alcohol • Moderation, moderation, moderation; drink responsibly and know when enough is enough.

Swimming • Swim where lifeguards are present. They are trained to identify hazards and assist swimmers. • Never dive unless the water depth is known and obstacles are identified. A bad decision can leave a swimmer paralyzed for life.

Barbecue safety • Follow manufacturer’s instructions for lighting and extinguishing gas grills.

Boating • Take a boating course. • File a float plan. A float plan includes a description of the boat, a list of who is on board, a description of the safety equipment on board, along with a description of where you are going and when you plan to return. • Never exceed the boat’s maximum capacity. • Wear a personal flotation device. • Keep an eye on the weather. • Avoid alcohol when operating a boat.

Fireworks • In most cases, it is best to leave fireworks to the professionals. If fireworks are legal, it is still important to use caution. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. Careless use of fireworks can cause serious injury or death. Driving • Make sure vehicles are in excellent operating condition before a road trip. • Carry a roadside emergency kit, firstaid kit and extra water. • Buckle up. Its is a simple habit and can mean the difference between walking away from a crash or being carried off on a stretcher; it’s also the law. • Keep children safe. The back seat is the safest place for children to ride, and all children must be restrained with the correct safety equipment. • Don’t speed. Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the road. You never know what’s around that next corner: a deer, stalled car, or pedestrian in the

roadway. • Most importantly, do not drink and drive and don’t get into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking. Off-road driving • Ensure drivers of off-road have the proper training. • Know the conditions and route so speed can be altered as necessary in areas with limited visibility or poor road conditions. • Maintain proper speed and wear personal protective equipment. Whatever your plans are for this holiday, make safety your priority, remain vigilant and take time to practice sound risk management. Tragedy can strike when least expected; identifying and managing risks will help keep you and your wingmen safe. (Courtesy of 37th Training Wing Safety Office)

JULY 3, 2009

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Preparations ease packing-day troubles The 37th Logistics Readiness Squadron personal property section has counselors ready to help servicemembers prepare for a military move. Located in Bldg. 5616, Room 112, they offer a few tips to help ensure Airmen are properly prepared when moving day arrives: • Get up early and be ready for the movers. • Get pets under control before movers arrive; it may be wise to leave them with a neighbor. • The servicemember, or a representative designated in writing, must be home from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m so the

movers can arrive to pack and remove household goods. Do not negotiate with the carrier or agent to deviate from this responsibility. • While movers are packing the household goods, monitor the wrapping and packing of items. Make sure everything is wrapped individually and adequately. The carrier has several responsibilities during a military move. Prior to packing day, the carrier is responsible for contacting the servicemember for a pre-move survey. The survey allows them to estimate how many cartons may be needed to pack the goods, and

to determine if anything requires special handling. During the packing, the carrier must: • Use new, clean packing materials for linen, clothing and bedding. • Pack mirrors, pictures, and glass tabletops in specially designed cartons. • Properly roll and protect rugs and rug pads at residence. Only your small throw rugs may be folded. • Mark each carton to show general contents. • Pack professional books, papers, and equipment in separate cartons.

Each carton must be identified as “Professional Books, Papers and Equipment (PBP&E)”, and listed on the descriptive inventory with their respective weights. If problems arise during the packing of household goods, call the personal property section at 671-2821. For information on an inbound household goods shipment, contact the Joint Personal Property Shipping office at 321-4200. For more information, visit afmove. hq.af.mil. (Courtesy of 37th LRS)

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Photos by Alan Boedeker

Airman 1st Class Phillip Steen, 59th Dental Squadron, dives into the Warhawk Pool during the Check Six event June 24. Check Six is an outreach program intended to provide inspiration and enjoyment to Team Lackland's dorm residents. The event featured free food, door prizes, music and entertainment.

JULY 3, 2009

Brig. Gen. Len Patrick, 37th Training Wing commander, serves grilled chicken to Airman 1st Class Diaydra Harrell, 59th Medical Support Squadron, during the Check Six event June 24.

t Chief Master Sgt. Juan Lewis talks to Airmen during the Check Six event June 24. Chief Lewis is the 37th Training Wing command chief. Elizabeth Sahady sees how low she can go during the Check Six limbo contest June 24. Elizabeth is the daughter of Chaplain (Maj.) Mark Sahady, 37th Training Wing. u

JULY 3, 2009

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Training leadership

A special duty with special effects By Staff Sgt. Vincent Borden 37th TRW Public Affairs After a Washington winter checking the blood pressures and vital signs of irate patients, Tech. Sgt. Keith Rotz thought it was time for a change. He had already mulled the idea of donning a campaign hat and taps and marching flights of trainees as a military training instructor. He had his package signed, sealed and ready to go. He was going to do this. “And one day I just went back onto AMS (Airman Management System) and I was scrolling down and saw some military training leader position openings,” said Sergeant Rotz. “It looked like such a really good job, I thought I’d be better off applying for that.” Three years after donning his aiguillette, or blue rope, Sergeant Rotz still feels he made the right call. Performing duties as an MTL, first at the 343rd Training Squadron and now at the 345th TRS, has opened his eyes to the responsibility and necessity the leaders play in transitioning Airmen from basic military training to the operational Air Force. Even if he didn’t know exactly how much when he was making that transition himself. “The only time I saw my MTL was when I was trying to phase up,” Sergeant Rotz recalled of his technical school experience. “I tried to stay away from him as much as I could. But it’s a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. There’s a lot of paperwork, a lot of dealing with problems Airmen have that I didn’t know existed because I didn’t have those problems, and I didn’t see them when I was a (student).” Sergeant Rotz gets a front row seat to them now. Every day, long lines of Airmen stand outside his office after their class day is over, asking for everything from more liberty to financial help to some things he thought he’d never hear. And he’s there to handle them all, by mentoring, counseling or referring them to agencies and organizations where they can get help. For the student Airmen, this part of their budding careers is crucial to their success. Without the ability to juggle the responsibilities of being an Airman with those of their personal lives, the student Airmen would be set up to fail. Take this step out of the loop, and Sergeant Rotz believes there would be “chaos,” with many of the BMT graduates failing to reach any five or 10 year milestone in their careers. Staff Sgt. Charles Lane wants to make sure he gets them there. An MTL at the 343rd TRS,

Photo by Sid Luna

Staff Sgt. Charles Lane, 343rd Training Squadron, and Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Willemin, 37th Training Group, make spot corrections on technical training school students at the Live Oak dining facility June 26. Sergeants Lane and Willemin are military training leaders.

Sergeant Lane said to go from the obedience training of BMT, where technical instructors “tell them what time they’re going to go to sleep, what time they’re going to eat and how much water they’re going to drink,” to becoming independent Airmen able to juggle military and personal responsibilities is essential to functioning successfully in the operational Air Force. For the MTL, that requires being able to address issues of the head and the heart. Sergeant Lane said the job is reminiscent of being a first sergeant. For students. “The primary responsibility of the MTL is to mentor and always encourage Airmen,” said Sergeant Lane, who is leading his first security forces team through their 13-week technical training. Sergeant Lane is especially equipped to encourage; as a former chaplain’s assistant, he spent years building Airmen up through effective counseling.

But the MTL sees it all, the putrid and the pleasant. Dealing with those two sorts of problems, as well as everything in between, can effectively make or break an MTL’s success. “We deal with the good and the bad, as mentors,” Sergeant Rotz said. “We’re not just disciplinarians and we’re not here just to yell. First sergeants do it all; they’re there to help you when you need help and to get on you when you need a little kick in the butt. And this job is a lot like it.” Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Willemin, an MTL at the 37th TRG, remembers those long lines, counseling sessions and extra hours. She also remembers what it was like to be a student. Eight years ago, she said she was that “young Airman with an attitude,” whose non-verbal cues of anger and disagreement earned her a few counseling sessions with her MTL.

See TRAINING P19

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JULY 3, 2009

Joint Base San Antonio moves closer toward implementation Story and photo by Ron Rogers San Antonio Joint Program Office RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE – Representatives from the Office of the Secretary of Defense and participating branches of the service met to finalize the way ahead for Randolph, Lackland and Fort Sam Houston during a joint basing workshop hosted by Air Education and Training Command last month. The memorandum of agreement review workshop was focused on detailing exactly how the soon-to-be established 502nd Air Base Wing and its three mission support groups will provide installation support in the San Antonio area. The joint basing MOA lists services the 502nd ABW will provide as well as the people and funding allocated for that support.

During the workshop, joint basing representatives and military leaders pored through each detail of the MOA, solving problems and reaching agreements. The San Antonio MOA workshop was one of 12 similar workshops conducted at other joint base locations across the Unites States. “I’m very pleased. It’s very encouraging to come to a workshop, our 11th, to see how the Army and the Air Force come together very well in a team effort,” said Col. Kenny Weldon, office of the Secretary of Defense joint basing program manager. “We had some issues to work through but we were able to do that. It was very successful.” Col. Vincent Feck, joint basing implementation office director at Randolph, guided efforts to synchronize and

integrate all the functional representatives during the workshop. “We had very strong agreement locally on the MOA,” said Colonel Feck. “OSD and service representatives added some standardization to our MOA from other joint bases and they brought to the table other issues that maybe we had not thought of. It was a total team effort.” Under the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure joint basing plan for San Antonio, approximately 49 installation support functions at Fort Sam Houston will combine with those at Randolph and Lackland to support what will be the largest customer-based organization in the Department of Defense when completed in 2011. Fort Sam Houston’s mission remains the same. “When we think of the his-

tory at Fort Sam Houston and all that it has contributed to the history of our nation, it’s pretty amazing,” said Gen. Stephen Lorenz, AETC commander. “What happens with the implementation of joint basing at Fort Sam should be totally transparent. We’re in this together as a team.” Army Col. Mary Garr, Fort Sam Houston garrison commander, was an integral player during the workshop. “Everybody came in with a focus that we were one military, one team – not representing a specific service,” Colonel Garr said. “We focused on what is the right thing to do for Joint Base San Antonio. Obviously we needed to work the service-specific component issues, and those are being worked appropriately.” Colonel Garr added that the joint basing team still has

a lot of work ahead, but the progress toward laying the foundation for success is impressive. “I think the hard work of the AETC staff, the staff of all three of the bases paid off,” said Dr. Cem Maxwell, San Antonio Joint Program Office deputy director responsible for integrating the 2005 BRAC program in San Antonio. “It’s been a couple years or more of preparations to get to this point. It’s not the end, but it’s a major milestone that I think we did extremely well with.” Air Force officials announced in May that Brig. Gen. Len Patrick will command the 502nd ABW after serving as 37th Training Wing commander at Lackland. “There were times when there were disagreements,

See CLOSER P17

JULY 3, 2009

CLOSER from P16 but we were able to adjust and think about what’s best for the servicemembers who will live and work at Joint Base San Antonio,” General Patrick said. “We know there are some things we will have to work out during

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execution, but that’s the beauty about this conference. We got the right people in the room, at the right time, with the right level of cooperation to do what’s right for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines and the DoD civilians who will work at the Joint Base.”

Gen. Stephen Lorenz, Commander of the Air Education and Training Command, talks to the team during the memorandum of agreement review workshop at Randolph. AETC hosted the workshop.

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TRAINING from P15 After having supervised thousands of Airmen at the 343rd TRS, she’s learned an MTL must have a flexible leadership style in order to be effective. She said some need a “stern talking to, while others need a pat on the back, and others need recognition. “MTL’s have to figure out the most effective way to counsel and motivate the 60 to 100 Airmen they supervise on a daily basis.” She also said it’s important to relate. “Sharing this information with Airmen you are counseling takes you off that authoritative pedestal, and helps them understand that you understand,” Sergeant Willemin said. “As leaders, we shouldn’t be above relating to and sharing personal experiences with our subordinates.” For MTLs like Sergeant Lane, a rookie to the rigors of the MTL world, the technical training environment provides a wonderful testing ground for applying that leadership wisdom and seeing their results. Sergeant Lane said he loves the job; for the first time in his career, he is getting experience supervising and leading Airmen to an important end. And despite the uncertainty of the problems he’ll face and the length of his days, he enjoys the responsibility. He mostly describes it as fun. “It’s my first special duty,” said Sergeant Lane. “But it definitely won’t be my last.”

PROTECT THE NETWORK

The following removable flash media are unauthorized on all DoD information systems:

• Memory sticks • Thumb drives • Camera flash memory cards

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Tech. sergeant ‘selects’ prepare for leadership By Staff Sgt. Tamara Johnson 319th Training Squadron Team Lackland Airmen selected for promotion to technical sergeant had an opportunity to learn about leadership while experiencing what it means to be an Airman during the inaugural technical sergeant summit June 25. After opening comments from Brig. Gen. Len Patrick, 37th Training Wing commander, a panel of chief master sergeants gave the Airmen hard-hitting advice and shared their expectations. “Let us celebrate success,” said Chief Master Sgt. Paul Weseloh, Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency command chief, as he opened the panel and com-

pared the achievements of those selected for promotion with those of Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to climb Mount Everest. The chiefs also talked about the importance of a good attitude and of leading by example. “The Air Force needs strong leadership from its technical sergeants,” said Chief Master Sgt. Juan Lewis, 37th TRW command chief. Chief Lewis also challenged all the promotees to make a pledge to take care of future Airmen. After the chiefs’ panel, the Airmen received career advice from Master Sgt. Timothy Godfrey, 37th TRW career advisor. “Investing in your career is the best (investment plan) you can ever have,” he said. Sergeant Godfrey stressed the

value of education and pointed out that both professional military education and personal education is important. Later, the promotees had an opportunity to observe Air Force Basic Military Training milestones including the Airman’s Run and the Airman’s Coin Ceremony, and meet with new Airmen and their parents who shared their viewpoints and expectations of leadership. Staff Sgt. Lucas Bishop, 37th TRW legal office, said talking with the parents has helped him think of new Airmen differently. “Before, I just saw them as new Airmen. Talking with the parents and seeing the pride on their faces, I see (Airmen) a little differently and understand how important it is to look out for them,” he said.

Do not provide your CAC card for photocopying. Don’t make yourself a target for surveillance, kidnapping, or worse. Special purpose IDs such as access badges, etc. should not be used for identification except for the organization which issued them. CACs should not be used for identification outside U.S. government compounds. Use identification that any U.S. Citizen would have when checking into hotels. Protect your personal information and provide only the minimum required.

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JULY 3, 2009

COMMUNITY Local BRIEFS RHEUMATOLOGY CLINIC MOVES

The Wilford Hall Medical Center rheumatology clinic has moved to Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston. Inquiries regarding staff, medication or other rheumatology issues can contact the clinic at 916-0797. RESUME PREPARATION CLASS

A resume preparation class is July 10, 10 a.m.-noon, at the Airman and Family Readiness Flight, Bldg. 1249. For more information, contact Terryca Fuller at 671-3722. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Freedom Chapel vacation bible school for children pre-kindergarten through fifth grade is July 13-17, 5:30-8:30 p.m. each evening. Registration forms are available at Freedom Chapel. For more infor-

CHAPEL SERVICES Christian Catholic Monday-Friday: WHMC Chapel Mass, 11 a.m Wednesday-Friday: Freedom Chapel Mass, 11:30 a.m. Saturday: Freedom Chapel Confessions, 4:45 p.m. Mass, 5:30 p.m. Sunday: Freedom Chapel Religious Education, 9 a.m. Mass, 11 a.m. Hope Chapel Hispanic Mass, 9:15 a.m.

mation, call Beth Key at 671-4208. HYPERTENSION EDUCATION CLASS

A hypertension education class is July 13, 12:30-3:30 p.m., at Wilford Hall Medical Center. The class is open to any patient or family member interested in learning more about hypertension. For more information or to register, call the Nephrology Clinic at 292-6868.

Warhawk Pool. Sponsored by the Lackland Chapel and 37th Logistics and Readiness Squadron, the event will feature free food, prizes, music and guest speaker retired Chief Master Sgt. Rodney Ellison, former Air Education and Training Command command chief. For more information, contact Chaplain Jonathan Hurt or Senior Airman Floriendo Maruzzo at 6714208.

SIR MITCH VARIETY SHOW

The “Sir Mitch Variety Show” is July 18, 7 p.m., at the Bob Hope Performing Arts Theater. Persons interested in props, designing or other show activities can contact Mitch Anderson at 671-8945. CHECK SIX POOL EVENT

A Check Six pool event for Team Lackland permanent party dorm residents is July 30, 6-8 p.m., at

SOAR SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Scholarships for Outstanding Airman to ROTC offers active-duty enlisted personnel the opportunity to earn a commission while completing a bachelor’s degree as an Air Force ROTC cadet. Those selected separate from the active-duty Air Force, join an Air Force ROTC detachment, and become a fulltime college student. The Air Force provides a

tuition/fees scholarship up to $18,000 per year, an annual textbook allowance of $900, and a monthly nontaxable stipend of $250-$500. Students may not pay the difference to attend higher cost institutions. The scholarship is awarded for two to four years, dependent on credits needed to complete a bachelor’s degree. Airmen with some or no college credit may apply for the program. A limited number of SOAR selects will be offered a scholarship with no tuition cap and is

Wilford Hall Medical Center Chapel Mass, 3 p.m.

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

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

Sunday: Medina Chapel Contemporary Service, 9 a.m.

Protestant Sunday: Airmen Memorial Chapel Liturgical Service, 8 a.m. Hope Chapel Spanish Contemporary, 12:45 p.m Freedom Chapel Contemporary Service, 9:30 a.m. Gospel Service, 12:30 p.m. Children’s Church provided Religious Education, 11 a.m.

WHMC Chapel Traditional Service, 1:30 p.m.

Islamic Friday: Defense Language Institute Student Center Faith Study, 1:30 p.m. Jummah Prayer, 2 p.m.

Jewish Friday: Airmen Memorial Chapel Sabbath Eve Service, 6 p.m.

open to students in any major field of study. Upon graduation and completion of the program, the cadet will be commissioned as a second lieutenant and returned to active duty with a military obligation of four years active duty and four years in the Air Force Reserves. A wing commander or equivalent must nominate applicants. Completed applications must be received in the education office by Sept. 9. For more information or an

See BRIEFS P21 To see menus for Lackland dining halls, go online to www.lackland.af. mil and click on the “Services” link.

Wicca Wednesday (1st only): Freedom Chapel, Room 8, San Antonio Military Open Circle, 6:30 p.m.

For more information, contact the chapel staff: Freedom Chapel 671-4208 Gateway Chapel 671-2911 Hope Chapel 671-2941 Wilford Hall Medical Center Chapel 292-7373

JULY 3, 2009

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BRIEFS from P20

Hohenstreiter at 671-3722.

application, visit the SOAR Web site http://www.au.af.mil/au/holmcenter/ AFROTC/EnlistedComm/SOAR.asp.

ALTITUDE RESEARCH STUDY

OFFICE LOOKS FOR HELP

The Retiree Activities Office is seeking volunteers with a military background. Contact the RAO Tuesdays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at 671-2728 or fax 671-6062 for more information.

The Air Force research laboratory is looking for moderately fit men and women, age 18-44, to participate in an altitude research study. Participation will occur at Brooks City-Base. Subjects will be financially reimbursed for their time. Call 536-2963 or 536-2338 for more information. DIABETES RESEARCH STUDY

LACKLAND WINGMAN AWARDS

Nominations are being accepted for the monthly Lackland Wingman Awards. The program creates a direct line for Airmen or their families to get word to wing leadership of the daily efforts their peers are taking to help one another. Nomination forms can be emailed to wingmanawards@ lackland.af.mil. For more information and nomination forms, contact Master Sgt. Jason

Volunteers are needed for a research study, “translating the diabetes prevention program into a virtual lifestyle management program.” Candidates between the ages of 18 and 62 who are overweight, have Type two diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or glucose intolerance may qualify for the internet-based virtual lifestyle management program directed at promoting long-term weight loss through healthy eating and physical activity. Active-duty and beneficiaries who

receive medical care at Wilford Hall Medical Center are eligible to participate. Call Tina Bhargava at 866-4613218 for more information. EDUCATION GRANTS AVAILABLE

Grants to offset the cost of books and fees not covered by the military tuition assistance program are available through the Alamo Chapter scholarship committee of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association. The enlisted education grant program offers grants to enlisted members pursuing a degree in a scientific field of study. These fields include, but are not limited to, engineering, computer science, information systems, chemistry, physics and math. Education grant applications are available online at the AFCEA Web site www.alamoafcea/org.

GATEWAY THEATER

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The Soloist

FRIDAY The Soloist, 6 p.m. (PG-13), starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr.

Drage Me To Hell

Dance Flick

SATURDAY Drag Me To Hell, noon (PG-13), starring Lorna Raver and Justin Long. Dance Flick, 3 p.m. (PG-13), starring Shoshana Bush and Damon Wayans Jr. SUNDAY Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins, noon (PG-13), starring Christian Bale and Sam Worthington Drag Me To Hell, 3 p.m. (PG-13). THURSDAY Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins, 4 p.m. (PG-13).

Terminator Salvation

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

Adults – $4. Children – $2. Closed Monday through Wednesday.

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SPORTS S C OR E B OA R D SOFTBALL

Warhawks fall at Wolff

Postseason tournament ranking

Seven-run first inning too much to turn around

1. 737th TRG 2. MSS 3. NIOC / Co H 4. 651st MUNS 5. 342nd TRS 6. 543rd Spt Sq 7. C.E.S. 8. AFIOC 9. CPSG 10. 690th NSG 11. Navy-Marines 12. Security Forces 13. 701st MP Bn

By Patrick Desmond Sports Editor

June 23737th TRG 16, MSS 13 NIOC/ Co H 11, 651st MUNS 6

Consolation tournament ranking 1. LAB 2. Radiology 3. 690th ALIS 4. 343rd TRS 5. 149th FW 6. 345th TRS 7. LAB 8. 93rd IS 9. Radiology 10. COMM 11. 433rd AW 12. 59th Dental 13. *37th Med Gp 14. *IAAFA 15. *59th Medical LRS *teams from the recreation league June 23LAB 15, Radiology 12

Women’s

W L

1. CPSG 2. Mission Spt Gp 3. 543rd ISR 4. Clinical Spt Gp 5. Surgical Operations 6. 37th Med Gp

8 8 8 3 2 1

Semifinals,TuesdayCPSG 13, Surgical Ops 3 MSG 16, 543rd ISR 4 Finals,Tuesday at 7 p.m.MSG vs. CPSG

2 2 2 7 8 9

The Warhawks varsity baseball team surrendered their season-best four-game win streak Sunday at Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium in a 13-4 loss to the Titans, falling behind 7-0 by the end of the first inning. Scoring more than half their runs, much of the damage done by the Titans came in the first inning on three hits. “Our defense was less than stellar,” assistant coach and first baseman Mike Corrigan said. “We made outs when we could, but it’s hard when we give them extra runners.” The Warhawks secured two outs before giving up six of the seven first-inning runs, five of which scored on two balls hit out of the yard. Following the game, Corrigan didn’t place blame for the twoout homers, focusing instead on ways to improve “I can’t fault the pitcher for a home run,” he said. “All I can do is tip my hat to the batter. (The breakdown) comes when we give them two or three extra

Photos by Alan Boedeker

Warhawks pitcher Lachlan Galbraith tosses a pitch at Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium in San Antonio Senior Men’s Baseball League play Sunday.

base runners and then a hit.” The Warhawks allowed six walks in the game, an area Corrigan hopes to improve. Warhawks pitcher Rendon Corbin replaced starter Lachlan Galbraith in the third inning and calmed the Titans down, allowing three runs in five innings of work. Lackland’s ballclub started to

turn the game around, scoring four runs in the fifth and looking as though it would repeat a comeback win they had over the Titans nearly two months ago. But with only three runners reaching base through their final three at-bats, the Warhawks fell short as the game’s time limit expired in the bottom half of the eighth.

“It’s pretty hard to come back but this team has always fought. After that first inning we stuck with them and had our one inning where we scored four runs just getting to their pitcher. It’s difficult to come back from a big lead.” The team also might have run out of gas, too, with game day temperatures reaching a pinnacle of 101 degrees. “It kind of drains you a little bit,” Corrigan said, “but then again (the Titans) had to play out here, too; they had to deal with the heat and they came out to play some ball.” Addressing the team after the loss, Corrigan saw the game as a way to learn from their mistakes, even including plays he missed himself. Despite the loss, heat and his own mistakes, Corrigan took away more than things to learn from but also remember about Wolff Stadium. “It was fun,” he said. “For me, when I’m playing first and I have a hit coming down the line like that, I live for those, because whether I get the ball or not, at least I’m getting dirty, and that’s what it’s all about. It’s all fun. Any day we can get out and play competitive baseball, win, lose or draw, is a good day.” The win improves the Titans to the No. 1 spot while the Warhawks (7-5-1) remain in fifth. The Warhawks play their next game at home July 17.

B R IE FS AIR FORCE MARATHON

YOUTH SOCCER

YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL

LACKLAND VARSITY SPORTS

Lackland Airmen interested in competing at the 2009 Air Force Marathon need to complete Air Force form 303, listing 10K, half marathon, and full marathon experience, by July 10. For more information, call the Chaparral Fitness Center at 671-2401.

Registration for the fall soccer season continues until July 30 at the Youth Center, Bldg. 8420, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Five- to 17- yearolds are eligible to join. Volunteer coaches are needed for all divisions. For more information, call 671-2388.

Registration for the fall flag football continues until July 30 at the youth center, Bldg. 8420, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Five- to 10-yearold children are eligible to join. Volunteer coaches are also needed. For more information, call 671-2388.

Applications for flag football, men’s and women’s basketball, soccer and boxing varsity sports are being reviewed by the sports office. Coach, player and trainer positions are available. For more information, call 671-2725.

JULY 3, 2009

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r o s s t r a i n i n g C

342nd training manager maximizes time, results

Story and photo By Patrick Desmond Sports Editor What if someone said participating in daily 20-minute workouts would help tone core muscles, improve cardiovascular performance, build overall strength, and develop agility and coordination, all within the time it takes to cook a frozen pizza? Typical responses might be “sounds like a Tony Little info-mercial,” “sounds too good to be true,” or, “sounds like I’m too out of shape.” Two years ago, 342nd Training Squadron training manager Chris Hoover was skeptical, too. But a simple click on the CrossFit program’s home page changed his life, a decision he considers second only to joining the 342nd TRS. When a parachuting accident as an operational combat controller left Hoover unable to exercise for a year and a half, he needed a routine to get back into shape. Impressed by the intensity of CrossFit workouts, he decided to give it a try. “I thought, ‘man, if I can do that, I can do anything’,” Hoover said. “Now, it’s all I do and it’s really all you need to do. When I first started I would get my workout done in 17 minutes, and if that’s not enough then I need to do the same amount of work in 12.” CrossFit, as the name indicates, a convergence program, takes 10 defined areas

Level-one CrossFit instructor Chris Hoover (left) jumps rope to demonstrate the range of exercises used by the class members. The 20-minute workouts engage entire body exercises.

of fitness – cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy – found within disparate athletic circles and equally combines them into one comprehensive approach. Hoover, assisted by Nicholas Seibel, 342nd TRS, began instructing daily CrossFit workout sessions at the old gym on Medina Annex in early March. Hoover exemplified the program’s holistic approach in a session that included thruster, hang powerclean and sumo deadlift high-pull exercises.

“Since your heartbeat is going to get up to above 150 beats or more for 20 minutes, you’re accomplishing the same cardiovascular exercise as you would running, but at the same time you’re developing strength, endurance and stamina,” the level-one certified CrossFit trainer said. But it’s not about the routine. Contrarily, Hoover said it’s the lack of specialization in one fitness area that is important, adding, “Everyday is different.” “That’s one of the basic fundamentals of CrossFit, routine is the enemy,” he said. “If you are doing the same thing every day, you are

not challenging your body after a certain point. That’s why people plateau.” Other workouts include push-ups, kettle bell swings and a quarter-mile run, while still others involve repeatedly tossing a medicine ball. For workouts done in a maximum of 20 minutes, intensity plays an integral role in its effectiveness. The goal is to increase the number of sets or shorten the amount of time. “Rather than how many rounds you can do, sometimes it’s about how fast you can do it,” Hoover said. Triathlete and Lackland’s top-military runner at the San

Antonio Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, Chris Edgerton incorporates the regimen into his normal training. “There’s really no comparison,” Edgerton said, following a workout. “Twenty minutes is probably one of the longer workouts. Sometimes it’s eight minutes and you’re done, but you’re completely drenched. It’s a good mix of upper and lower body.” But it's not just for already well-conditioned athletes. The intensity level of the course is altered to accommodate its constituents. “We all walked into it complete beginners,” Edgerton said. “We are still working into it and there are still some things that we haven’t done yet. (Seibel and Hoover) are trying to make sure we don’t get into it too heavy and get injured.” As the 342nd TRS training manager, Hoover prepares Airmen for combat control’s two-year training pipeline and is used to introducing people to a physically demanding regimen. “That’s one of the things I want to emphasize,” he said. “We teach people the fundamentals of CrossFit. People have to show that they can do the exercises correctly, do them correctly throughout the workout and then we slowly raise the intensity level. Before you do anything like this, because it’s very high in intensity and there is a danger of hurting yourself, you need to be taught correctly.”