A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E 5 0 2 n d A I R B A S E W I N G

JOINT

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ANTONIO-LACKLAND,

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Vol.

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November

11,

2016

Symposium strengthens international security

Photo by Johnny Saldivar

Delegates from 11 U.S. partner nations gave presentations as part of the first-ever Western Hemisphere Exchange Symposium Nov. 2 at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy at Joint Bade San Antonio-Lackland. The participants explored topics ranging from interdiction and disaster relief to anti-gang and counter-narcotics operations. See story page 6.

INSIDE |

Commentary 2

News 3

Community Briefs 14

Sports 17

ONLINE | http://www.JBSA.mil

news Air Force takes initial steps to reduce training unrelated to primary missions PAGE 2

By Tech. Sgt. Robert Barnett Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs, Washington

The Air Force plans to reduce training not related to Airmen’s primary jobs in order to address concerns that excessive and non-mission related demands are impacting Airmen’s ability to focus on and accomplish their core duties, officials announced Oct. 31. As part of ongoing efforts to take care of Airmen and revitalize squadrons, Air Force leadership recently directed the “Airmen’s Time” task force to review 42 ancillary training courses (i.e., training outside of an Airman’s core job). Functional training requirements were not part of this review. According to the official memorandum, for those 42 courses, the Air Force will eliminate 15 stand-alone training courses and streamline 16 courses reducing associated training time. In a recent survey, Airmen identified 10 courses as the most burdensome. The service will eliminate or significantly reduce nine of them as part of this initiative. Air Force leaders emphasized that while this is another positive step following the recent announcement eliminating some additional duties, more work remains. “We’ve taken some modest steps to ensure we use our Airmen’s time in the smartest way, but this is a journey,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein. “We’ll continue to be deliberate about what we cut or streamline, but more is required as we continue to focus our efforts on the business of warfighting, respecting our Airmen’s time and still meeting the necessary requirements to take care of our mission and our force.” The courses reviewed include total

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force awareness training, which is required of all Airmen on an annual basis; selected force training, which is targeted to specific groups, including commanders, civilians and supervisors; eventdriven training, which is triggered by some event, such as moving to a new assignment or duty station; and basic Airman readiness training, which is expeditionary-focused training required of all Airmen every three years. While each of these training modules provide important information, the review found that many of the requirements duplicated information already provided in other trainings. These reductions will, in many cases, eliminate redundant requirements across the service. “This initiative represents the next step in giving time back to our Airmen,“ said Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James. “All these training requirements were created to provide valuable information to our Airmen. The intent was right, but as the lists of requirements increased, our Airmen spent more time away from their core duties.” Reducing ancillary training, according to Air Force leadership, is not intended to reduce emphasis on the need to have well-trained and educated Airmen. Instead, the effort is specifically designed to give the Air Force greater flexibility in how it meets and implements these requirements. “Our Airmen are certainly busy and that dynamic will likely not decrease in the foreseeable future. We understand that dynamic, and we’re willing to accept some risk where we can to better balance our Airmen’s time,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody. “Computer-based training impacts our Airmen’s time, so we’re looking at

November 11, 2016

what we can eliminate, consolidate or substantially relax to cut the demand.” The Air Force believes the initiative will benefit the total force by not only allowing active-duty Airmen more time to focus on their core mission but also giving Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Airmen more time to focus on honing their core skill sets during drill, unit training assembly and annual tour periods. The initiative builds upon a similar effort from the Guard in 2015. “Our Airmen have repeatedly stepped up to increased deployment tempos and manpower shortages,“ Goldfein said. “Reducing the number of hours our Airmen spend on non-critical training requirements goes directly to the heart of secretary James’s priority of taking care of Airmen and our efforts to revitalize the squadron and is another small step in the right direction. Squadrons are the engines of innovation and esprit de corps and the warfighting core of our Air Force, and today, we are giving back time so our Airmen can better focus on their core mission.” Changes will be implemented between January and April 2017; however, Airmen are no longer required to complete the courses set for elimination. To ensure the revisions are implemented in a timely manner, all applicable Air Force instructions will be updated to reflect these changes no later than Jan. 1, 2017, and the Advanced Distributed Learning Service will be updated no later than April 1, 2017. Headquarters Air Force will also establish a screening process to review new policies in order to identify areas that create additional duties or training requirements for Airmen in units. The goal is to prevent unchecked growth of these functions in the future.

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Joint Base San AntonioLackland Editorial Staff BRIG. GEN. HEATHER PRINGLE 502ND AIR BASE WING/JBSA COMMANDER TODD G. WHITE 502ND ABW/JBSA PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR OSCAR BALLADARES JBSA-LACKLAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS CHIEF ALAIN M. POLYNICE COMMAND INFORMATION CHIEF SENIOR AIRMAN LYNSIE NICHOLS SENIOR AIRMAN KRYSTAL WRIGHT PHOTOJOURNALISTS JEREMY GERLACH JOSE T. GARZA III STAFF WRITERS DOROTHY LONAS PAGE DESIGN/ILLUSTRATOR

Office 2230 Hughes Ave. JBSA-Lackland, Texas 78236-5415 (phone) 671-2908 (fax) 671-2022 Email: [email protected] Straight Talk: 671-6397 (NEWS) For advertising information: EN Communities P.O. Box 2171 San Antonio, TX 78297 250-2052

This newspaper is published by EN Communities, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with JBSA-Lackland, 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 EN Communities, of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit 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. Deadline for story submissions is noon Wednesday the week prior to publication.

November 11, 2016

News in Brief operation home cooking phone lines are open

Families can invite Airmen/trainees at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland to enjoy a holiday meal through “Operation Home Cooking.” This program is designed for family participation, not for groups. Requests can be made from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays by calling call 671-5453, 671-5454 or 671-3701. Reservations are required to host Airmen/trainees. The phone lines will remain open till Nov. 23 or until all eligible Airmen/trainees have been requested, whichever occurs first. Families within the San Antonio metropolitan area may invite two Airmen/trainees as a “General Request.” To make a “By Name Request,” the requester must be an immediate family member and live in San Antonio. Out-of-town relatives with trainees who are graduating during Thanksgiving week may request them by name for Thanksgiving lunch/dinner. Due to heightened security measures, hosts without a current Department of Defense identification card are required to have a background check and visitor’s pass to enter the base. Hosts can pick up their visitor’s pass at the Luke Gate Visitor Reception Center, which is open 24/7 and located off Military Drive, until Nov. 23. All Airmen/trainees must be returned according to their designated return time, which will be no later than 7 p.m. holiday meals to go

Save some time during the hustle and bustle of the holidays by taking advantage of the Gateway Club’s holiday meals-to-go between Nov. 1 and Dec. 19. Meat only pricing: • Turkey (12–14 pounds): $50/members or $55/nonmembers • Ham (9–11 pounds): $55/members or $60/nonmembers • Meals pricing: • Turkey: $80/members or $85 nonmembers • Ham: $90/members or $95/nonmembers Meals includes: cornbread stuffing, whipped potatoes with gravy, sweet potatoes, corn, green beans, cranberry sauce and apple pie. Place orders by calling 645-7034 at least two days in advance of pickup. Add $15 to pick up freshly prepared hot meals, which is specified at the time of order. The last day to order is Dec. 15 and the last day to pick up is Dec. 17. Coupons are not accepted. See NEWS IN BRIEF Page 6

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Two generations meet, one command strengthens

2016 AETC Senior Leader Conference

Photo and story by Senior Airman Chip Pons Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

Dozens gathered with hope of reaching mutual understanding and bridging communication gaps between two distinct Air Force generations. Seated within firing range of Air Education and Training Command’s senior leaders were 24 millennials, representing Airmen between the ages of 18-34, traversing wings throughout the command, for the AETC Senior Leader Conference Oct. 27. Millennials invited were given the opportunity to speak not only about important issues faced in day-to-day operations, but to offer insight on topics potentially affecting the total force. The Airman Engagement Panel began with a steady stream of moderator-posed questions and answers. Leaders across the command were able to reflect on what was said and provided feedback, allowing for a constant stream of impactful dialogue. “This event permitted us to not only talk with senior leaders, but to see their way of thinking and perspective,” said Senior Airman Kathy Sells, 97th Operations Support Squadron airfield management shift leader at Altus Air Force Base, Okla. “I was able to understand their concerns for Airmen and see how determined AETC leaders are as a whole, to better understand our generation. “Many Airmen feel they are not being heard by their leaders,” Sells continued. “This engagement panel helped dispel a lot of those feelings, and I think continuing events like this will help all Airmen continue to improve dialogue. Having the chance to engage with all leaders within AETC has strengthened my personal trust in my leadership.” While participants in the panel touched on a variety of important topics that play a pivotal, personal role in their service, the conversation, collectively continued to circle back to communication.

“Leaders showed a genuine willingness to listen and implement change, which helped the panel members give their honest opinion when questions were asked,” said 2nd Lt. Megan Eaton, 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron assistant aircraft maintenance unit officer in charge at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. “The small group sessions were very valuable to everyone involved because it allowed for open and in-depth communication between the Airmen and senior leaders.” While participants and attendees alike may have entered the conference with a preconceived notion of one another, the willingness to be open and to understand different points of view enabled all Airmen, despite rank and birth year, to find common ground. “I thought the engagement panel was an excellent opportunity to interface with senior leaders and aid in closing the gap on some potential inaccuracies surrounding millennials,” said 2nd Lt. Rocco Mazzei, 97th Medical Support Squadron medical readiness flight commander at Altus Air Force Base. “The two-way feedback was very positive and encouraging, and I definitely appreciated the sincerity that AETC senior leaders had in their approach of the panel’s input.” “I think it would be beneficial to replicate events like this in the

future, and even in varying forums,” Mazzei continued. “As one of the panel members referenced, it is a great way to see first-hand how much effort our leaders put into truly making the scope of our Air Force less narrow, with consideration to those on the ground carrying the day-today workload.” While the event was intended to diminish stereotypes on both sides of the generational spectrum, it also provided the opportunity to acknowledge inaccurate perceptions. “I want to personally thank everyone who took the time to be part of this panel,” said Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, AETC commander. “I deeply appreciate your courage to speak candidly about the issues that are important to you, and hope you feel confident that your words had significant impact on this command’s leaders.” “What became apparent here is that these two generations of Airmen have far more in common that unites them, than separates or divides them,” Roberson said. “As we move forward, I challenge our leaders to have the agility to adjust styles and behaviors in order to ensure our future success. We all must commit ourselves to work together in order to achieve what we want – that must continue to be best supporting the needs of the Air Force.”

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November 11, 2016

Reimbursements, tax credits assist military families in adoption process By Robert Goetz JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs

National Adoption Awareness Month is observed every November to direct attention to the tens of thousands of children in the United States who await a permanent, loving family. Although adopting a child is a rewarding and joyful experience, the adoption process itself can be challenging in a number of ways, especially for military members, who face realities such as deployments and permanent changes of station to overseas locations. One of those realities is adoption’s financial burden: adoption fees and expenses that can add up to thousands of dollars. Fortunately for military members, an adoption expense reimbursement of up to $2,000 per child can lighten that burden. In addition, like all taxpayers, they may claim a tax credit of up to $13,460 per child for qualified adoption expenses. “The adoption expense reimbursement is a big advantage for military members,” said Pete Myers, 502nd Security Forces and Logistics Support Group Judge Advocate senior civil law attorney. “They may be able to claim up to $2,000 per child for qualifying adoption expenses.” A publication of the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., “The Military Commander and the Law,” outlines the adoption

expense reimbursement procedure, Myers said. The procedure involves the military member contacting the local military personnel flight for guidance and copies of the application form, Department of Defense Form 2675, and providing required documentation; the unit commander’s certification of the claim’s validity; and the MPF’s forwarding of the member’s package to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service for review, decision and payment. The adoption expense reimbursement also has time limitations. Members must be on active duty when the adoption becomes final and must also be on active duty and have served at least 180 consecutive days on active duty when they file a claim. They also must file no later than one year after the adoption is final or one year after the child’s U.S. citizenship in a foreign adoption. The tax credit of up to $13,460 for qualified expenses paid to adopt an eligible child also benefits adoptive military parents. “However, if the adoptive parents’ modified adjusted gross income is more than $201,010, the credit is reduced,” said LaMarr Queen, 502nd SFLSG JA senior civil law paralegal and Joint Base San AntonioRandolph tax program coordinator. “If their modified adjusted gross income is $241,010 or more, they can’t take the credit.” The credit may be allowed for the adoption of a child with special needs even if the adoptive parents do not

have any qualified expenses, Queen said. “Qualified adoption expenses are reasonable and necessary expenses directly related to and whose principal purpose is for the legal adoption of an eligible child,” he said. “These expenses include adoption fees, court costs, attorney fees, travel expenses while away from home and re-adoption expenses to adopt a foreign child.” Queen defined an eligible child as any individual under 18 years old or one who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself or herself. He also noted the adoption credit is a nonrefundable credit that is applied directly to the taxes the person owes. “Once your tax goes to zero, the remainder of the credit goes away,” Queen said. “However, in some cases, part of the credit may carry over to the next tax year and the credit will be applied to the next year’s return.” Military members are also reminded their adopted children are eligible for TRICARE benefits, Myers said. “As soon as the adoption is complete, the child is immediately eligible for health care,” he said. “The military member has 60 days to register the child into the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Report System. During that period, the child is entitled to health care.” In addition, service members are eligible for 21 days of permissive temporary duty in connection with the adoption, Myers said.

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November 11, 2016

International symposium encourages military cooperation By Jeremy Gerlach JBSA-Lackland Public Affairs

For Brazilian Army Maj. Rafael Novaes da Conceicao, no one country has all the answers to a military, environmental or humanitarian crisis. But every country combined comes pretty close. Novaes, serving in the Brazilian Army for 23 years, was one of 14 delegates gathered for the first Western Hemisphere exchange symposium Nov. 2-3 at the Joint Base San AntonioLackland Inter-American Air Force Academy. It was formed at the suggestion of the Conference of American Air Chiefs, an annual international council that brings together Air Force senior leaders from countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. The symposium invited representatives from various countries to share best practices, strategies, build relationships and strengthen ties. Participating countries included Paraguay, Uruguay, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Argentina, Colombia, Belize and Brazil. Col. Monica Partridge, IAAFA commandant, was thrilled to see the cooperation and information-sharing taking place. “Having experts from all the countries coming to IAAFA to present lessons they’ve learned shows our students that it’s important to cooperate by sharing information,” Partridge explained. “We’re constantly working to increase interoperability with our partner nations.” “No one is better than all of us together,” said Novaes, who participated in two United Nations missions. “No one force has all the capabilities needed to operate in today’s complex military environment. You need to pool together

Photo by Johnny Saldivar

A delegate from the Western Hemisphere Exchange Symposium delivers a lecture on special forces operations Nov. 2 at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland .

capabilities from all the different players, put them together in a unified effort to reach your goals.” The delegates, who represented their respective countries’ armed forces, delivered a series of presentations on logistical, tactical and medical topics to an audience of hundreds of IAAFA cadets. Novaes discussed how the Brazilian Army deploys and operates within dense, urban areas. “Brazil got some good experience during the 2010 U.N. stabilization mission response to the earthquake in Haiti,” Novaes said. “Now, we might need to be able to apply those lessons in Rio de Janeiro or other cities.” Rescue responses and solutions to logistical challenges served as an overarching theme for lectures on the symposium’s first day. Teniente Col. Juan Jose Gutierrez Arenas, Colombia, described how his

NEWS IN BRIEF from Page 3 aafes hosting third-annual “your holiday bill is on us” sweepstakes

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is putting some jingle back in military shoppers’ pockets by picking up the tab on their Military Star card with the third-annual “Your Holiday Bill is on us” sweepstakes. Through Dec. 31, shoppers will be automatically entered in the worldwide sweepstakes each time they use their Military Star card to pay for purchases at any AAFES location or on http://www.shopmyexchange.com. Each transaction counts as one entry. Three grand-prize winners will have their Military Star card

country’s special operations units extracts wounded soldiers and civilians from dangerous situations. Maj. Luis Matias Graziano, Argentina, discussed aerospace command implementation. Afterwards, Teniente Col. Danysh Forero Camacho, Colombia, discussed tactics for air interdiction – or disrupting enemy supply lines. Commodore Fabian Ricardo Lujan, Argentina; Col. Arturo Rafael Sanchez Mejicanos, Guatemala; Col. Cesar Mariano Dominguez, Uruguay; and Teniente Col. Silvio Wilfredo Garcia Valdez, Nicaragua, briefed on their respective countries airborne response capabilities during natural disasters such as earthquakes and severe storms. Drugs, gangs and human smuggling, dominated the discussion on day two of the series. The day kick started with Col. Jose Fredis Parada Umana, El Salvador, deliv-

bill paid in full up to $8,200, with a minimum prize of $2,500. Ten second-prize winners will be awarded a $1,000 credit on their Military Star card statement, while 25 third-place winners will receive a $500 credit. Winners with a balance less than their prize amount will receive a credit on their account and will be randomly selected and announced on or about Jan. 30, 2017. For details, call 674-8917. jbsa uso grand opening

To celebrate the grand opening of the USO location at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, a picnic is planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at the Sam Houston Community Center, building 1395 on Chaffee Road. Live entertainment will be provided by the 323rd Army Band “Fort Sam’s Own,” the

ering a lecture on his country’s efforts to combat an international criminal gang. It was followed up with Mara Salvatrucha, Coast Guard Lt. J.G. Charles Francisco, Belize, covering how Belize counters narcotics trafficking in segments of the fishing industry. Then Sgt. Alexander Gamboa Araya, Costa Rica, explored the struggle against the spread of synthetic drugs, which can be hard to track and identify due to extreme variances in chemical composition. Maj. Walter Adrian Insaurralde Delgado, Paraguay, wrapped up the lecture series with an examination of Air Force capabilities in counter-drug operations. Since these lectures highlight the strengths of each individual nation, they also serve as a good starting point for future coalition building efforts where allies might need to tailor different types of teams to specific incident responses, Novaes explained. “Here we have an opportunity to share information with different people from armed forces around the world,” Novaes explained. “That’s important because you need to know all the players’ capabilities in order to put words into action.” If the friendly atmosphere at the symposium was any indication, U.S. partners in the Western Hemisphere were already well on their way, Novaes added. “I didn’t just come here to teach,” Novaes explained. “I have a very good chance to learn from those same people as well.” The symposium is one example of how IAAFA works at the strategic level to empower partner nation militaries to work regionally and internationally to resolve global problems.

USO Show Troupe and a disc jockey. There will also be a kid’s zone, bouncy castles, face painting, an obstacle course, as well as tours of the USO and explanations of USO programs. diabetes awareness health fair nov. 16

The Medical Management/Disease Management department will be hosting a Diabetes Health Fair 9 a.m. 3 p.m. Wednesday at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center Atrium for Diabetes Awareness Month. There will be various clinics and vendors participating and giving out very useful information that will cater to all diabetic patients. Guest presenter, Melvin Williams, who retired from the New Orleans Saints, will be in attendance to speak about health and wellness. For more details or to participate as a vendor, call 292-2939.

November 11, 2016

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New program will help ISR aircrews cope with different kind of PTSD By Lori A. Bultman 25th Air Force Public Affairs

The nature of modern-day warfare has shifted the burden to the finders of targets, the intelligence and special operations personnel who identify the targets that need to be eliminated. The direct support operators, or PSOs, and tactical systems operators, or TSOs, of the 361st Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group fly as qualified aircrew members and take the weight of that burden, providing direct threat warning and enhanced situational awareness to aircrews. “Our Airmen are on the front lines of the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, literally,” said Col. Matthew Atkins, 361st ISR Group commander. “We undergo some very unique stressors that combine the aspects of special operations and intelligence.” The DSOs and TSOs of the 361st ISRG support and fly with members of Air Force Special Operations Command, as well as U.S. Special Operations Command. They watch and listen to an objective for days on end, learning everything about the intended target. Then, when approval is granted for a strike, they watch the results in high definition, Atkins said. Exposure to risk or trauma can result in posttraumatic stress for ISR Airmen, said Col. Paul A.

Courtesy photo

Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Airmen execute missions aboard special operations aircraft.

Young, 25th Air Force command surgeon. Fear-based Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is something that combat personnel experience, but there is also a moral injury form of PTSD which can effect ISR cryptology personnel like those in the 361st ISRG, Atkins said. Dealing with, and treating, fear-based PTSD is different than dealing with the type of PTSD that goes

against a person’s beliefs and morals. “There has been a significant amount of research on fear-based PTSD,” Atkins said. “There has also been increasing research on the variety of PTSD associated with remotely piloted aircraft and Distributed Common Ground System crews, where the trauma stems from moral injury after participating in acts over time that might be perceived as transgressive. Some ISR cryptologists share characteristics common to both sets of trauma. “Doing this job with today’s technology brings a whole new perspective to the ISR Airmen who invest their time into determining the validity of a target,” Atkins said. “The human in the loop always bears the consequences of making that life-or-death decision.” Finding targets by watching and listening is, by nature, intensely personal and can have a long-lasting effect on the ISR Airmen involved, Akins said. To help combat PTSD among the Airmen under his care, Akins has taken the lead on an initiative to help these silent warriors, both before and after deployment to the field. “Our initial research on this topic led us to believe that modalities of treatment exist that can serve as both rehabilitative and preventative measures for our Airmen,” Atkins said. “We have labeled our goal as a ‘Re-Fit’ program and are

See PTSD Page 18

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November 11, 2016

Patient feedback drives more changes to clinic hours Based on initial patient feedback, the 59th Medical Wing is further adjusting expanded hours throughout the wing. In September, the wing began offering appointments past 4:30 p.m. at clinics where patients were interested in later appointments. These included the family health and pediatrics clinics at both the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center and the Randolph Clinic. “Since expanded services started in September, we have been collecting patient feedback and adjusting appointments as appropriate. So far, indications are that late appointments in the afternoon have been well received by our patients. Based on feedback, we will continue to adjust schedules to better meet our patients’ needs,” said Col. Kara Gormont, 59th Medical Operations Group Administrator. The current list of extended hours, subject to change, is below: Randolph Clinic • Family Health Clinic: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday. • Pediatric Clinic: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday.

• Optometry Clinic: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Wednesday and Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays. Dental services • Dunn Dental Clinic (General Dentistry): 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday (activeduty only) Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center • Family Health Clinic: 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays. • Pediatric Clinic: 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays. • Adolescent Medicine Clinic: 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays. Reid Clinic • Flight and Operational Medicine Clinic: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Wednesday. • Trainee Health Clinic (trainee population only): 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday; and 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., family days. For details about clinic hours, call the clinic or visit the military treatment facility pages online at http://www.59mdw.af.mil. (Source: 59th Medical Wing)

Congratulations to the following 75 Airmen for being selected as honor graduates among the 754 Air Force basic military trainees who graduate today: 321st Training Squadron –Flight 761 Thomas Blasquez Michael Dantzler Adolfo Rojo Pluym Vander –Flight 762 Casey Gilligan Connor Jarvie –Flight 763 Stephen Haynie James Layfield Benjamin Meyer Peter Morris Terrence Reynolds Jared Rutherford Nicholas Selly –Flight 764 Carissa Gildea Christine Seymour 322nd Training Squadron –Flight 757 Jonathon Blancett Sage Colvin Noah Dunlap Hunter Johnson Shawn Molden Cody Morgan Justice Sanders –Flight 758 Caleb Cooper Casey Fujita Jose James Joseph Thompson –Flight 759 David George Daniel Mauchly Ryan Morrissey George Ordonez Samuel Ralphs Aaron Sewell Noah Simoneaux Do Vo –Flight 760 Jazmine Brandon Kayla Frame

Chelsi Gillespie Alysha Helmstetter Kaitlyn Hopp Negron Millan 323rd Training Squadron –Flight 749 Nicholas Balli Logan Balvik Andrew Flores Alexander Koltas Joshua Lynn Benjamin Preston –Flight 750 Matthew Ammons Taylor Cook Nathan Frappier Jason Manasseri Lee Meyer Christopher Rieger Jeffrey Sacks Cody Sugg Alexander Willman –Flight 751 Joel Attardo John Lancaster Tavian Marshall Aaron McGill Ryne Meeks –Flight 752 Jasmin Dowdell Jessica Farkas Kayla Mills 331st Training Squadron –Flight 753 John Aronowitz Dante Banes Louis Frediani III –Flight 754 Joshua Chretin Jacob Turner –Flight 755 Jacob Breitenbauch Travis Green Christopher Greene Kevin Pajor –Flight 756 Catelynn Curnutt Amber Lucks Elizabeth Obrien Top BMT Airman George Ordonez 322nd TRS, Flight 759

Be Responsible! Seat Belts Save Lives! Buckle Up And Wear Yours!

Most Physically Fit –Female Airmen Wang Non 322nd TRS, Flight 760 Sasha Boscoe Rohloff 322nd TRS, Flight 760 Valentina Diaz 323rd TRS, Flight 752 Makinzey Brown 323rd TRS, Flight 752 –Male Airmen Juan Carrasco 322nd TRS, Flight 759 Aaron McGill 323rd TRS, Flight 751 Justice Sanders 322nd TRS, Flight 757 Anje Adkins 322nd TRS, Flight 757 –Female Flights 323rd TRS, Flight 322nd TRS, Flight 331st TRS, Flight 321st TRS, Flight –Male Flights 323rd TRS, Flight 322nd TRS, Flight 322nd TRS, Flight 323rd TRS, Flight 331st TRS, Flight 323rd TRS, Flight 331st TRS, Flight 321st TRS, Flight 331st TRS, Flight 321st TRS, Flight 322nd TRS, Flight 321st TRS, Flight

752 760 756 764 751 759 757 750 755 749 753 761 754 763 758 762

Top Academic Flights 322nd TRS, Flight 759 323rd TRS, Flight 750 323rd TRS, Flight 749 322nd TRS, Flight 758 321st TRS, Flight 761 331st TRS, Flight 753 322nd TRS, Flight 757 331st TRS, Flight 755 322nd TRS, Flight 760 321st TRS, Flight 762 321st TRS, Flight 763 321st TRS, Flight 764 323rd TRS, Flight 751 331st TRS, Flight 756 323rd TRS, Flight 752 331st TRS, Flight 754

November 11, 2016

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AF launches yearlong ‘Cyber Secure’ campaign By Mike Martin Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

The Air Force message is clear — October may be National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, but with the continuous advancement of technology and evolving cyber threats, one month of cybersecurity awareness is no longer enough. In a memorandum sent to Air Force personnel, Lt. Gen. William J. Bender, the Air Force’s chief information officer, was establishing the Chief Information Security Office or, CISO, and beginning a yearlong Cyber Secure campaign in October to address cybersecurity throughout the service. “We must position cyber at the forefront of our thinking, planning, and operations,” Bender said. “Cybersecurity depends on every Airman, regardless of rank or job description. Every time you log onto a system, click on a link, download a file or plug one device into another, we risk exposing our systems to exploitation.” In other words, when it comes to cyberspace, everything is connected. “Every Airman who plugs an unauthorized device into a network or circumvents a security control on a maintenance loader needs to understand that he or she is creating vulnerabilities for our enemies to

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exploit,” Bender said. It’s important to emphasize at every echelon of command that data and information are primary reasons we must take cybersecurity seriously, Maj. Gen. Cedric D. George, Air Force deputy chief of staff for logistics, said. “Data remains a strategic, operational and tactical asset,” George said. “It’s as important to logisticians as fuel. No Jet Propellant 8, no airpower; no secure and synthesized log data, no airpower — period. We need every Airman to understand that cybersecurity awareness and the mission systems we connect to are inextricably linked, and we must be cyber secure.”

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Air Force leadership also emphasized that the cyber domain is much more than the internet. “While the internet is part of cyberspace, it is not all of cyberspace,” Bender said. “Any computer system capable of communicating with other computer systems in some way is part of cyberspace. A desktop computer, an

avionics computer on an aircraft, a smart phone, an industrial controller, and the processors on a modern car are all part of cyberspace, although only some of them are routinely connected to the Internet. Most modern military equipment — from a humble truck to a B-2 Raider bomber — has some form of processor and is thus reliant upon and a part of cyberspace.” Bender called on Airmen across the total force to start considering cybersecurity as part of their normal routine in the same way they’re accustomed to thinking about physical safety. “It is not just the cyberspace warriors who need to adapt; operators and support personnel who focus on the physical domains also need to practice operating effectively in an environment of constant change where not everything works as expected,” he said. “Everyone in the total force must learn to think of cyberspace as a warfighting domain. Mission assurance is not something created by technical experts alone.”

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1st RSM alumni honored for their service in silence By Lori A. Bultman 25th Air Force Public Affairs

Silent service seems to be the common thread shared by the alumni of 1st Radio Squadron Mobile, who began meeting annually in 1999 to share experiences and rekindle friendships formed decades earlier. The group met this year in San Antonio and members were recognized at the 25th Air Force anniversary banquet, at the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Gateway Club. “At the time we served, many scores of years ago, we naturally could not be recognized in any manner, while others were recognized for sneezing in the right direction,” said K Appleget, 1st RSM alumnus. “Hence, the very kind words expressed to all in attendance, and also the words expressed to me and others of our squadron before and after the formalities were most gratifying.” The 1st RSM has a long history, to include service in Japan during World War II and in Korea, according to the squadron’s online history. The 138th Signal Radio Intelligence Company was the first designation for the unit, which was activated on Valentine’s Day in 1942. In their early days, these mobile island hoppers bounced around the Pacific theater, setting up shop in remote locations such as New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan. In 1993, after several iterations and inactivations, the 301st Intelligence Squadron was named and located at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Appleget, the youngest member of the 2016 reunion group, knew the RSM airmen were part of something special. “We had all the perks in the world. We knew what we were doing and we were 18-and 19-year-old kids,” he said. “We knew we were a select unit, just not how select.” One of this year’s attendees, LeRoy Blackbird, began his 1st RSM adventure when he volunteered for service in 1952. His family questioned that decision, he said. “My family said, ‘You are not drafted yet,’” Blackbird recalled. His voluntary enlistment was from 1952 to 1955, but the Air Force Reserve recalled him in 1960 until 1966. “I came to Lackland and it was a tent city. There were tents all over the place,” Blackbird said. “They said there were 100,000 in the tent city.” Blackbird, who attended crypto school, would do it all over again if he had the chance. “I liked the service,” he said. “You get frustrated at something, but just like being married, you get over it.” Frank Murakami, another 1st RSM veteran, joined the Air Force in 1949, after spending time with his immigrant parents in an internment camp during World War II. A buddy who wanted to get away from his family’s farm encouraged Murakami to enlist. “When we took the exam, I passed and my buddy flunked,” Murakami said, so he was on his own. He went to radio operator training to learn Morse code, then continued to his first assignment in Tokyo, Japan. Murakami spent two years monitoring Morse code but then the Korean War started and things changed, he said.

Courtesy photos

Airmen from the 1st Radio Squadron Mobile at work in 1953. The Airman on the left tunes a receiver while the other issues a report.

While Murakami is unable to talk about the details of his service, he feels good about his contributions to the United States military. “We were not able to share our accomplishments back then,” he said. “We were a select bunch, and it was good to know we did something important.” In contrast to Murakami, Bruce Fitzpatrick came from a military family. His father was a pilot in World War I. “I got to go up with him on occasion,” despite his mother’s objections, Fitzpatrick said with a smile. The younger Fitzpatrick entered the Air Force in 1953. He enjoyed his military experience and would go back in if he could. “It is a learning experience and you get to travel,” he said, adding, “It is better than high school math.” But, Fitzpatrick emphasized security service is not for everyone. “They’ve gotta to be nice and they’ve gotta be smart to do it,” he said of young Airmen who want to work in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Fitzpatrick said the 1st RSM reunions help him cope with the past. “It’s nice to see the guys for a day or two. We went through a lot in Korea and Japan,” he said. “You go and you see all that death at 18 or 19 years old, and it makes you think about life.” The reunion group’s official photographer, James Smestad, joined the Air Force in 1948. He said the Air Force coaxed him into service with the offer of selecting a technical school. He wanted to be a photographer. “I was number one in my class and was assigned to a B-29 photo mapping unit. There were 119 people there doing the same thing,” Smestad said, so he decided to actively search for a different unit.

Morse code operators conduct intercept activities at 1st Radio Squadron Mobile, Detachment 4 in 1953.

“I found one outfit, Security Service, which was better than Strategic Air Command. First, you went to language school, and in 1950, I went to radio school. When the Army took Seoul for the third time, the Radio Squadron Mobile went in,” he said. Smestad spent two years in Japan with his RSM comrades and would not trade his time there for anything. “We intercepted information and analyzed it, all in one room,” he said. “I loved Security Service. I loved what I did. We went to Japan as boys and came back as men.” The young at heart veterans of 1st RSM will continue reminiscing at next year’s reunion in Harrisburg, Pa., where they to share more stories and create new bonds with their remaining, no longer silent comrades.

November 11, 2016

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James reiterates focus on modernization, efficiency By Sean Clements 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs, Nashville, Tenn.

Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James took the stage Oct. 28 at the 48th annual Airlift Tanker Association Convention in Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 28, to address the Air Force’s priority to maintain mission readiness and promote modernization in the coming years. With increasing global threats, James reiterated her emphasis on the Air Force maintaining its global readiness. Air Mobility Command, or AMC, assigned with enabling rapid aerial transportation missions, has been in the forefront of mobility efforts to support the current fight in Mosul, Iraq. AMC professionals and capabilities enabled delivery of critical supplies, equipment, and ensured repairs of an airfield at Qayyarah West Airbase, near Mosul. Additionally, they also supplied ground forces in northern Iraq via a robust airdrop capability. “The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant tried to make sure that we could never go back to Qayyarah West Airbase, detonating explosives and digging trenches in the runway to make it unusable for our aircraft,” James said. “The logistics team had to move 1.9 million pounds of supplies and equipment to repair the field. What ISIL spent two years destroying, our Airmen were able to

Photo by Airman 1st Class Melissa Estevez

Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James discusses modernization and how mobility Airmen enable the fight during the 48th annual Airlift Tanker Association Convention in Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 28. The symposium served as a key professional development forum for Air Mobility Command Airmen by enabling direct access to senior mobility leaders and fostering an environment encouraging open dialogue and honest discussions.

rebuild in three weeks.” Supporting combat and humanitarian missions abroad remains a primary focus, not only for AMC, but for the Air Force as a whole. These efforts can

only be continued through modernizing the Air Force’s fleet to make sure it maintains air dominance. “We need to invest in our modernization programs without sacrificing our

readiness to operate effectively today,” James said. “We have to continue to repeat it to our Congress. This is not an either/or proposition. We need both readiness today, and we need to modernize for our future.” With the introduction of the KC-46A Pegasus aerial tanker due to be delivered to McConnell and Altus Air Force Bases in 2017, modernization efforts have already begun for the Air Force. “The KC-46 is one of what we call the ‘Big 3’ modernization programs,” said the secretary. “This is just a piece of the whole modernization picture. We are doing this across the entire enterprise. We have the future fighter, the F-35 Lightning II, and the future bomber, the B-21 Raider, which round out our ‘Big 3.’” Ensuring modernization, while maintaining readiness, has been an essential priority for James as she continues to work toward a more effective Air Force. “Across the total force, with our allies and partners around the world, and with our industry partners, when we all come together, this mobility community creates unique capabilities that transform the fight.” James said. “These bonds we have built have been the foundation of success the Air Force, and the Joint Force, have relied on for generations. It is essential today, and will be even more critical in the years to come.”

Veterans Day tradition continues at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery By Robert Goetz JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs

A long-standing tradition continues Friday at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery as hundreds of visitors pay tribute to the contributions and sacrifices of our nation’s veterans. The annual Veterans Day ceremony will take place at 10 a.m., preceded by a musical prelude at 9:30 a.m., at the national cemetery’s assembly area. The event guest speaker is retired Army Capt. Allen Clark, West Point graduate, Purple Heart recipient and former director of the National Cemetery System. “This ceremony is a way of honoring our brothers and sisters in the armed services – those who have passed on and those who are still living – for their sacrifices in preserving the freedoms we all enjoy,” said retired Air Force Master Sgt. Tom Earnest, Fort Sam Houston Memorial Services Detachment

Honor Guard vice commander and event master of ceremonies. Another highlight of the ceremony is a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization ceremony featuring active-duty members who will be sworn in as citizens. U.S. Magistrate Judge John Primomo of the Western District of Texas will preside over the ceremony, Earnest said. Music during the ceremony will be provided by Army North’s 323rd Army Band “Fort Sam's Own” at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, which will perform prior to the event, and the Texas Children’s Choir of San Antonio. During the ceremony, members of the Southside High School Junior ROTC will present the colors and members of the Fort Sam Houston MSD Honor Guard will provide three volleys of rifle fire and sound taps. Other Veterans Day weekend activities are

planned at JBSA-Lackland and JBSA-Randolph. The Skylark Bowling Center at JBSA-Lackland will offer a special rate of $1 per game per person and $1 shoe rental from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. The JBSA-Randolph Bowling Center will celebrate Veterans Day all weekend with a special rate of $2.50 per game per person and $2.75 shoe rental from 2-10 p.m. today, noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. The Rambler Fitness Center at JBSA-Randolph will honor veterans with an open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today in recognition of their service. Veterans will tour the facility to see how the equipment and programs can improve their quality of life. Staff members will be on hand to answer questions. The Randolph Oaks Golf Course will host a oneperson scramble today, with tee times from 7-9 a.m. The cost to enter is $10 along with green fees and cart rental.

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Advocacy program directs reservists, guardsmen to assistance resources By Stacey Geiger 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio

When dealing with life stressors, reservists and their families may not know where to turn to for help, that’s when the Air Force Reserve Command’s, or AFRC, Psychological Health Advocacy Program, or PHAP, can step in and guide them in the right direction. Born from the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, which is a Defense Department-wide effort to promote the well-being of Air National Guard and Reserve members, their families and communities, the PHAP office was designed by AFRC to assist reservists and guardsmen by connecting them to resources for whatever life challenges they may be dealing with. The PHAP office, located at the 445th Airlift Wing at WrightPatterson Air Force Base, Ohio, oversees the north region, covers 23 states and services approximately 24,000 reservists and their family members. The staff of two — both reservists — averages 70 caseloads daily. Unlike an active-duty member located at a military installation who has resources available within an arm’s reach, reservists and their family members who are not near installations may sometimes feel disconnected. The PHAP office assists reservists and their family members by connecting them to the appropriated resources in their local area.

“There are many resources out there, but many of them have specific criteria to qualify for assistance, so we are designed to help point them in the right direction,” said Pamela Boyd, PHAP outreach specialist. In addition to providing resource assistance, the PHAP offers outreach or morale calls to requesting reservists and families during all the stages of deployment: predeployment, during and post-deployment. “People think because our name has psychological health in it, we are just geared toward mental health assistance,” Boyd said. “But if you think about it, psychological health can come from any type of life stressors.” Boyd looks at each case like an onion. “There could be a lot of things going on, so you keep peeling the layers to find out what we can help with,” she said. “It could be a child whose parent is deploying and since their home is not near a military environment, teachers at that child’s school may not be familiar with the military and deployments and doesn’t understand how the child can be affected,” Boyd said. “PHAP can step in and assist the school by providing them information on deployments on how they can help provide support to that child.” The PHAP can help with other situations, such as a grandparent taking care of a deployed member’s child: The child needs to go to the dentist, but the grandparent is not familiar with TRICARE. The PHAP

office can assist them with the process, Brittney Snider, registered nurse and case facilitator said. “When reservists go active duty or deploy, sometimes it can be a financial burden for a family because it could be a loss of income in comparison to the salary of their civilian job,” Snider said. “We can provide the family with available resources for financial assistance. For instance, we could provide them grant information and an application that could help offset a child’s extracurricular activities.” Lt. Col. Michael Larson, a Reservist who is currently an individual mobilization augmentee assigned to Air Force Materiel Command, said the PHAP office has been very helpful to him and his family. “When I needed assistance with finding help for my mom who has Alzheimer’s, the PHAP responded very quickly,” Larson said. “They were able to help me navigate through all the different helping agencies to select one that would benefit my mother the best. The also helped me find low-cost transportation options for my mom when she could no longer drive and then with finding a nursing home. “I had never had to deal with getting help for my mom before,” Larson said. “My mother lives out of state and I did not know where to begin.” The PHAP works, but sometimes people don’t take an advantage of it Snider said. “We are here 24/7 and always have our phones on,” he said. One of the best things about ICE is that people can let service providers know when they do a great job, not just for poor service. It takes five minutes or less to submit a comment at http://ice.disa.mil.

November 11, 2016

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This holiday season, be in the blood-donating mood By Jose T. Garza III JBSA-Lackland Public Affairs

The Joint Base San Antonio Blood Donor Centers are encouraging the military community to donate blood this upcoming holiday season. The period between Thanksgiving and the new year is considered one of the slowest times to draw in blood donors, said Tracy Parmer, Armed Services Blood Bank Center blood donor recruiter, because they are in the process of uprooting to a new permanent duty station or participating in holiday activities. “We can only draw in people that have base access,” she said. “We don’t have another population we can go to.” Blood donations support medical aid efforts in Afghanistan, San Antonio Medical Military Center, Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Affairs Hospital and trauma centers across the country. “Each person is vital,” Palmer said about the need for blood donations. “If all you need is one unit of blood then it’s my job to ensure that one unit is there when you need it. Blood is one of the most selfless things you can give because someone may need it in the worst moment of their life and their life is dependent on it.” Interested donors can visit the JBSA-Lackland Blood Donor Center between 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or Akeroyd Blood Donor Center at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston from 7:30 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. For convenience, donors have the option to request a blood-draw procedure at

their place of work. “I say one donation saves one life but affects a million,” Palmer added. “Everybody in your life is affected by the unit of blood you received to save your life. The one unit that saves a life becomes an amazing thing because you get to live and affect everyone around you.” There is a significant need for platelets, Palmer noted, as the blood donor center is required to collect 12 a day. Platelet donors are advised to schedule an appointment as there only six machines available for procedures, which last roughly about 90 minutes. A typical blood donation procedure can be completed in 45 minutes to an hour. Palmer encourages ineligible patrons to support the blood donor center in other capacities. “Be a point of contact for your squadron by finding at least two donors in your office,” she explained. “Send people to the blood donor center when there’s an emergency need. People can call to volunteer to be on our various teams – an O-negative team, O-positive team and A-positive team – so that they can be on call in the event there are patients who need blood from those types. Answer the phones at work for the Airmen who are designated to donate blood. Everybody can help.” To schedule an appointment, for information on eligibility requirements or for more details, call the JBSA Blood Donation Center at 292-8145 or the Akeroyd Blood Donor Center at 295-4655.

Photo by Sean Worrell

An Airman donates blood Oct. 28 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Blood Donation Center. Donations support medical aid efforts across the country and in Afghanistan.

community

PAGE 14

LOCAL BRIEFS THURSDAY

role reversal: caring for those who cared for you

Learn about available resources to help with care for an aging parent, both long-distance or locally. Representatives from the Alamo Area Council of Governments, Bexar Area Agency on Aging, and Military &Family Readiness Center will provide information and tools to help make informed choices on information on humanitarian reassignments, secondary dependency, cyber caregiving options, stress management, TRICARE for life, and more. This workshop will be 10 a.m. to noon at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, building 4600. Call 292-3543 for more information. efmp support group: the teXas able program

Management, will discuss the Texas Achieving a Better Life Experience Program and how families can save funds for the purpose of supporting an individual with disabilities to maintain their health, independence, and quality of life. The meeting will be noon to 1:30 p.m. at Children Achieving Maximum Potential, or CAMP facility, building 3850. For more information, call 672-3722. NOV. 18

peer-to-peer support group

Caregivers have the opportunity to build a support network, share experiences, and information. This group meets 9-11 a.m. at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center Airman Medical Transition Unit conference room, 5th floor, building 4600. For additional information, call 557-2018. NOV. 19

The Exceptional Family Member Support Group’s November meeting’s guest speakers Linda Fernandez, Educational Opportunities and Investments Division of the Texas Comptrollers director, and Tim Plachta, Founder or Reliant Wealth

the spaZmatics: nerds that rock

The new-wave 80s band, the Spazmatics, performing a free concert 7:30–10:30 p.m. at the Joint Base San Antonio Amphitheater. In addition, DJ OMG Sounds will be spinning the latest and greatest tunes between their sets. There will

TALESPINNER

November 11, 2016 NOV. 28

be food and beverages available for purchase. Attendees are invited to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and dance the night away! For additional information, call JBSA Community Programs at 652-5763.

car seat 101

Attendees to this workshop can learn which car seat is best for their child and the best practice for car seat safety. At the end of the class, each family will receive a certificate of completion, which grants a free infant/toddler seat. New Parent Support Group will be hosting this class 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, room 9d09, located on the 9th floor. The class is by appointment only and is for military members and their spouses. To register, call 292-5967.

#girlstrong: self-awareness safety class

The Youth Center is hosting this safety class 1-5 p.m. for girls ages 8-18. The class will cover situational awareness and some basic safety maneuvers and techniques to use during unsafe conditions. The cost is $20 per girl. Register Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. by Nov. 14 or until the maximum of 40 participants has been reached. For more information, call 671-2388.

NOV. 29 tree lighting ceremony

Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland will be hosting a tree lighting ceremony 6-8 p.m. at the Gateway Club. For additional information, call 671-5357.

NOV. 22 create an effective resume

Attendees to this workshop will review key elements of a resume and how to effectively write a career objective and a descriptive accomplishment statement. Patrons should bring a copy of their most recent resume. It will be 2-4 p.m. at the Military & Family Readiness Center, building 1249. For more information, call 671-3722.

NOV. 30 moonlight makers craft time

Crafty patrons of all skill levels can participate in do-it-yourself guided projects to build and take home. The library is hosting the event 4 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 14.

CHAPEL SERVICES

Sun Sun Sun Mon

9:30 a.m. 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 6 p.m.

—LITURGICAL SERVICE Airman Memorial Chapel – Building 5432 Sun Sun

Religious Education

9:45 a.m 10:45 a.m.

—CHURCH OF CHRIST Pfingston – Building 6300 Sun

7:30 a.m. (Room 175)

—SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST Gateway Chapel – Building 6300 Sat

12:30 p.m.

—CHRISTIAN SCIENCE Pfingston – Building 6300 Sun

7:30 a.m. (Room 113)

—ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN Airmen Memorial Chapel – Building 5432 Sun

8 a.m.

—PENTECOSTAL Religious Education Building – 6300 Sun

INFORMATIONAL trees for troops

Outdoor Recreation is hosting Trees for Troops, a program supplying free Christmas trees to military members and their families, in December. Times and dates will be posted as soon as dates are confirmed. For more information, call 925-5532 or 925-5533. winter holiday camp

The Youth Center is hosting a winter holiday camp Dec. 19 to Jan. 3. Camp hours will be 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and cost varies by household income. School-Age Program paperwork must be completed and on file prior to registration. It will be closed in observance of Christmas, Dec. 26 and the hours will be limited Dec. 27 for Air Education and Training Command Family Day from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This holiday camp is for youth ages 5 (in kindergarten) through 12 years of age. Please arrange schedule accordingly. The deadline to register is Dec. 13. For more information or to register, call 671-2388.

JBSA-LACKLAND

—PROTESTANT WORSHIP SERVICES Freedom Chapel – Building 1528 Contemporary Service Religious Education Gospel Service Youth Ministry

For more information visit http:// www.jbsalibraries.org.

8 & 9:30 a.m. (Room. 112)

—WICCA Pfingston – Building 6330 Sun

—ISLAMIC Global Ministry Center – Building 7452

9 – 11 a.m. (Auditorium)

Freedom Chapel – Building 1528 Open Circle

1st Tue

6 – 7 p.m.

—REFUGE STUDENT CENTER Building 9122 (Tech. Training & TDY Students) Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

6 – 8 p.m. 6 – 8 p.m. 6 – 11 p.m. 12 – 9 p.m. 11 – 5 p.m.

—JEWISH Airmen Memorial Chapel – Building 5432 Sabbath & Kiddush Fri Religious Education Sun

4:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.

—ROMAN CATHOLIC Freedom Chapel – Building 1528 Religious Education Sun Adult Religious Education Mass Sat. 5:00 p.m. Sun Youth Ministry Sun Reconciliation Sat

9 a.m. Sun 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. 11 a.m. 4 p.m. 4 – 4:45 p.m.

Note: Reconciliation(s) may be scheduled by appointment

Jumu'ah Prayer

Fri

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

—BUDDHIST Pfingston – Building 6330 Sun

10:45 a.m. (Room 175)

—HINDU WORSHIP Gateway Chapel – Building 6300 1st, 3rd and 5th Sat

2 – 4 p.m. (Room 13)

—ECKANKAR Gateway Chapel – Building 6300 1st, 3rd and 5th Sat

12:30 p.m.

—BAHA'I Gateway Chapel – Building 6300 1st, 3rd and 5th Sun

11 a.m.

—THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Gateway Chapel – Building 6300 Religious Education Tue LDS Service Sun

6:30 p.m. 1 p.m.

—LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD Gateway Chapel – Building 6300 Every third Sun

For more details, contact Freedom Chapel at 671-4208 or Gateway Chapel at 671-2911

3:30 p.m.

KEY FAMILY SUPPORT RESOURCES Air Force Aid Society 671-3722 Airman & Family Readiness Center 671-3722 Airman’s Attic 671-1780 American Red Cross 844-4225 Base Post Office 671-1058 Bowling Center 671-2271 DEERS 800-538-9552 Exceptional Family Member Program 671-3722 Family Child Care 671-3376 Legal Office 671-3362 Library 671-3610 Medical Appointment Line 916-9900 MPF ID Cards 671-6006 Outdoor Recreation 925-5532 TRICARE Info 800-444-5445 Thrift Shop 671-3608 Lackland Spouses’ Club http://www.lacklandsc.org Force Support Squadron http://www.lacklandfss.com Lackland ISD http://www.lacklandisd.net Officers’ Spouses’ Club http://www.lacklandosc.org JBSA Public website http://www.jbsa.mil My Air Force Life http://www.MyAirForceLife.com

November 11, 2016

TALESPINNER fort sam houston national cemetery veterans day ceremony

Date/time: Friday, 9:30 a.m. Location: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road Music prelude begins at 9:30 a.m. with ceremony at 10 a.m. Guest speaker is Allen B. Clark Jr., West Point graduate and Vietnam veteran.

2016 Since 1970, the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce has organized Celebrate America’s Military, or CAM, an annual tribute to the military. The two-week celebration during the month of November features events presented with community partners, making it the largest event of its kind nationwide. The following events are open to the public: a&m university-san antonio celebrate america’s military

Date/time: Friday, 8:30 a.m. Location: Patriots’ Casa, Texas A&M-San Antonio, One University Way Texas A&M University-San

Antonio will honor service members with a flag raising along with a wreath-laying ceremony on Veterans Day at the Patriots’ Casa. This event is free and open to the public. moment of silence and national roll call teXas a&m university-san antonio

Date/time: Friday, 9 a.m. Location: Patriots’ Casa, Texas A&M-San Antonio, One University Way Texas A&M University-San Antonio will honor service members with a moment of silence and National Roll Call on Veterans Day at the Patriots’ Casa. This event is free and open to the public.

beXar county buffalo soldiers commemorative ceremony

Date/time: Friday, 1:30 p.m. Location: San Antonio National Cemetery, 517 Paso Hondo St. Comprised of former slaves, freedmen and Black Civil War veterans, the historic Buffalo Soldiers persevered through difficult conditions to become some of the most elite and most decorated units in the U.S. Army. The annual Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers Commemorative Ceremony at the San Antonio National Cemetery honors these past heroes with a keynote speaker, the reading of a memorial list, military honors and taps and a benediction. Speaker is Rear Adm. Rebecca

McCormick-Boyle, commander, Navy Medicine Education and Training Command. san antonio spurs veterans appreciation night

Date/time: Friday, 7:30 p.m. Location: AT&T Center, One AT&T Center Parkway The San Antonio Spurs host the Detroit Pistons with tip-off at 7:30 p.m. All military and friends of CAM can access this special offer by going to http://spursgroups. com/2016veteransday and using the OFFER CODE: MILITARY. Tickets purchased through this offer will receive a special military-themed T-shirt at the game. Instructions on where to pick up T-shirt will be emailed to the address provided at the checkout 48 hours prior to the game. Children 24 months and younger get in free.

u.s. military veterans parade and wreath laying at the alamo

Date/time: Saturday, 10 a.m. wreath laying, parade at noon Location: Alamo Plaza The U.S. Military Veterans Parade Association presents the

PAGE 15 annual Veterans Parade in downtown San Antonio, during the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce’s Celebrate America’s Military Week. Representatives from each branch of the military services and special guests speak briefly then carry wreaths to the entrance of the Alamo in recognition of the nation’s and Texas veterans. Line the downtown streets and wave your American flag and show your pride as veterans past and present are honored. For more parade information, visit http://www.usmvpa.com/indexPARADE_DATE.html. Honorary parade marshall is World War II Navy veteran Susano Ortiz and grand marshalls are District 26 Sen. Jose Menendez and District 19 Sen. Carlos Uresti. army west point tailgate party

Date/time: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Location: Alamo Beer Company, 202 Lamar St. Pricing: Tailgate, free; barbecue plate and iced tea, $10; souvenir beer glass (beer discounted with purchase), $10; parking, $10;

shuttle bus to/from game (one mile from tailgate to stadium), $6. Kids’ activities include free Fun Zone. For stadium game tickets, contact Army West Point at 845-938-2526. For more information and tailgate registration, visit https://secure.west-point.org/ wpsst/armytailgate. For additional information regarding tailgate registration, email [email protected]. segs4vets mobiliZing america’s heroes 5k run/walk

Date/time: Sunday; registration, 7:30-8:30 a.m.; event, 9 a.m. to noon Location: Freetail Tap Room, 2000 S. Presa St. Segs4Vets (http://www.Segs4Vets.org) provides mobility devices to military members severely injured while serving overseas in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Segs4Vets started in 2005 and has since awarded over 1,400 mobility devices to men and women who have served our country. This event will feature a 5K run/walk

See EVENTS Page 16

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November 11, 2016

New course enhances warrior paramedics’ tactical skills By Staff Sgt. Michael Ellis 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

“Get cover! Return fire! Post security.” Most paramedics never need to be familiar with this terminology. For military medics, however, the lingo is part of a life that transcends the typical role of their civilian counterparts. The 59th Medical Wing is leading the way to ensure these warrior medics are prepared. Students from multiple bases across the country came to Joint Base San AntonioLackland and underwent the first revamped Paramedic Recertification Course Sept. 12-20. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians released new guidelines that go into effect April 2017. The wing has already started incorporating theses new guidelines into their training programs. Students underwent five days of didactic classroom instruction with a few hours of hands-on-training in the 59th MDW Simulation Center each day and two days of field exercises. Training ranged from isolated skills and scenarios, airway management, cardiology rhythm interpretation and even an obstetrician/gynecology emergency case. “We already started teaching the new curriculum,” said Tech. Sgt. Richard Carvajal, 59th MDW Emergency Medical Technician program coordinator. “My focus with the refresher is to focus on the battlefield-type injuries that they’ll encounter when they go downrange.” The revamped course incorporates more prehospital trauma life support skills and tactical casualty combat care. Carvajal described how the new course may benefit medics with different levels of experience. “Very few bases have a robust emergency medical service system,” he said. “So you may get people from other bases who do not have much prehospital experience, but they can still apply a lot of the skills and training for when they deploy downrange.” The old refresher focused too much on remembering skills sheets and things that might not be as pertinent as military medics,” he continued. “Whether in a prehospital setting or deployed, you are going to work as team. In addition to the new guidelines we geared the training towards a team concept versus each individual being evaluated for specific skills.” Tech. Sgt. Angel Urgilez, student and paramedic from Hurlburt Field, Fla.,

EVENTS from Page 15 beginning at the Freetail Tap Room, with an awards ceremony and door prizes afterwards. For more information, email at [email protected] or call 913-2563. san antonio rampage military family night

Date/time: Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m. Location: AT&T Center, One AT&T Center Parkway The San Antonio Rampage hockey team hosts the Charlotte Checkers with the puck dropping at 7:30 p.m. All military and friends of CAM can access this special discounted ticket offer by going visiting http:// spursgroups.com/novemberhockey and using the offer code MILITARY. C​ hildren 24 months and younger get in free. the stars behind the stripes

Photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Ellis

A student performs a chest decompression using a large-bore needle on a simulated patient during the Paramedic Recertification Course at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Sept. 19. Needle decompression is the fastest method to release air trapped within the pleural cavity and provides instant improvement of a patient’s hemodynamics.

was previously stationed at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center from 2002 to 2007. He explained how much the course has changed and progressed. “Previously, the course crammed all this information primarily teaching through PowerPoint and then you take test,” Urgilez said. “Then once you got back to your work section, you would ask yourself ‘What did I learn?’” Urgilez is assigned to the Air Force Special Operations Command, where most of the training consists of trauma cases. “We do get medical calls too, but it’s not to the capacity where you get really comfortable in those situations,” he said. “Coming here we had the opportunity to share stories and learning from each other.” Urgilez was teamed up with two medics from the busiest emergency medical service unit in the Department of Defense — the 59th MDW. “You find out where you’re strong and go with it,” Urgilez said. “For example, I was the team lead during the deployment exercises. Being the only one from team who’s deployed, I had the most experience with that setting. But during one of the medical scenario and I told another teammate ‘you’ve done this before. You

run this one.’” Sharing experiences and relying on their training to adapt in any scenario was the goal of the new training. The 59th MDW anticipates hosting more courses with the new curriculum later this year.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Ellis

(From left) Tech. Sgt. Angel Urgilez, student and paramedic from Hurbert Field Air Force Base, Fla., and Staff Sgts. Jesse Curtis and Cassandra Bayerl, students and paramedics from the 59th Medical Wing, practice offloading a simulated patient during the Paramedic Recertification Course at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Sept. 19.

Date/time: Nov. 19, 6 p.m. Location: La Fontana Springs, 27618 Natural Bridge Caverns Road A night of wining and dining presented by Association of the United States Army, myKlick and friends. This special dinner is to honor the spouses and significant others who support the members of the armed forces. Visit myklick.city/ myklick-10000strong-eventstars-behind-the-stripes/ for more information.

One of the best things about ICE is that people can let service providers know when they do a great job, not just for poor service. It takes five minutes or less to submit a comment at http:// ice.disa.mil.

November 11, 2016

UPCOMING JOE HALL MEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT Register to play or watch the action live at the annual event Dec. 3 and 4. All games will be played at the Chaparral and Warhawk Fitness Centers. Admission is free and open to people with access to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The tournament is limited to the first 10 paid teams who sign up. Team fee is $400 and National Collegiate Athletic Associaton rules will apply. Call 671-2632 for more information. TURKEY SHOOT Bring home the holiday bird after scoring at the turkey shoot. Entry fee is $10 and prizes will be awarded for gross and net. Price does not include green and cart fee. Players may participate if their tee time is before noon. Call 671-3466 for tee times. DALLAS COWBOYS PACKAGES Packages for Dallas Cowboys home games against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday and Washington Redskins Nov. 24 are available at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Information, Tickets and Travel. Packages include transportation to the game with a 400-level seat, tailgate party with buffet, autograph and photo opportunity with a Cowboys legend, hotel for one night, breakfast and more. Prices are posted on the ITT Facebook page. Call 671-3059. URBAN TUMBLING The Joint Base San AntonioLackland Youth Center offers Urban Tumbling for children ages 8 and up on Saturdays. The class starts at 1 p.m. and it includes beginners Parkour training. Parents can register their children from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The cost is $45. Call 671-2388 for details.

FOSTER a PUPPY

Call 671-3686

sports Airman takes challenge to impress in Lackland bodybuilding classic debut TALESPINNER

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By Jose T. Garza III JBSA-Lackland Public Affairs

Staff Sgt. Amber Berish, 433rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron self-assessment program monitor, is a self-described “tomboy” who grew up playing softball, volleyball and basketball. A native of Katy, Texas, she will enter another competitive arena when she makes her bodybuilding debut in the annual Lackland Bodybuilding Classic Figure and Fitness Championships Nov. 12. The event is scheduled at the Hyatt Regency, in downtown San Antonio for the second consecutive year. “My father raised me as if I were a boy,” Berish said, who continues to play softball as a member of the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Lady Warhawks varsity softball team. “I have always been an athlete and working out to stay healthy has always been a part of my life.” She hopes, to use a softball analogy, to not strike out in her debut. “I will be totally happy with my performance if I go into the show knowing that I belong there,” Berish said. “I want to view this show as a fun event versus as a real competition. If I set my expectations low and perform better than expected, then I will be extremely ecstatic.” Berish developed an interest in bodybuilding after a friend told her that her tall and slender frame would serve the 6-foot Airman well in competition. She sought advice from her former co-worker Tech. Sgt. Derrick Taylor, 433rd Force Support Squadron unit training manager in February when the two worked together at the Air Force Personnel Center at JBSARandolph. Taylor is a personal trainer outside of the military.

Staff Sgt. Amber Berish, 433rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron wing self-assessment program monitor, works out Oct. 27 at the Warhawk Gym in preparation for her bodybuilding debut in the annual Lackland Bodybuilding Classic Figure and Fitness Championships Nov. 12. Photo by Staff Sgt. Marrisa Garner

Berish began training with Taylor after he assured her she had the physical build to compete in bodybuilding. “When I had a professional tell me that I could do it, then I decided to go for it,” she remembered. “It was a good challenge to take on.” Her training regimen consists of weight training five days a week and daily cardio sessions twice a day. The most challenging aspect of her journey hasn’t been the training, but rather the temptation of delicious but fattening foods that was rather potent. “I had no self control,” Berish said. “If a piece of pizza or some other food was in front of me, I went for it.” Her self-control has improved as the bodybuilding classic approaches. She eats chicken and mixed vegetables daily and eats egg whites for breakfast. Berish has lost 35 pounds since February and experienced a boost in confidence and energy. “I feel super healthy,” she said. “I would make fitness a lifestyle if I wasn’t training to compete. I am more awake now and I don’t need coffee. My ability to play

softball has changed immensely as I am stronger and faster.” Taylor commends Berish for improving her eating habits. “She overcame this challenge through sheer determination to look and feel her best,” he said. As an athlete, Berish understands the similarities and differences in preparing for individual and team sports. Both require a commitment to excellence. “If I don’t play softball for a couple of weeks and get asked to play in a tournament, then I will be terrible at batting,” Berish explained. “If I take a week off from training, then my next session with my trainer is going to be the hardest week ever because I gave my muscles a week off. I have to stay in shape if I want to compete.” Berish’s success in bodybuilding depends on her own individual performance. “I’m my only competition when I’m on that stage,” Berish said. “If I screw up on a play in softball then the whole team backs me up. If I cheat on a meal then I feel extremely bad. It’s a lot tougher to go through this journey without a team.”

She plans to use the bodybuilding classic as a benchmark to assess her future in the sport and hopes to impress the audience in her debut show. “I hope I fit in,” Berish said. “I don’t want to show up there, look at my body and look at the other competitors’ bodies and ask myself what I am doing there. I want the overall satisfaction of knowing I accomplished a goal that I set for myself.” Taylor believes Berish can exceed her expectations. “She has worked hard and is focused and determined to perform well at the show,” he said. “The fear of the unknown has driven her to be the best in her debut.” Berish will compete in the Bikini Military category. Tickets for the Lackland Bodybuilding Classic can be purchased at the JBSA-Lackland Fitness and Sports Office or by phone at 671-0854 and 6712725 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pre-judging tickets are $20 and $40 for the finals. VIP tickets for seating in the first five rows are also offered at $80. The pre-judging event starts at 9 a.m. and the finals begin at 6 p.m.

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PTSD from Page 7 seeking help to develop and resource a program that will overcome existing mental health disorders and prevent future problems.” The treatments received through Re-Fit will augment the existing care the DSOs and TSOs currently receive in the form of mental health counseling, therapy from providers under the Preservation of the Force and Family Program and guidance from military Chaplains, Atkins said. Chaplains can assist Airmen who are having difficulties, but sometimes clinical therapies may be needed. “Chaplains are honored to provide spiritual care for 25th Air Force ISR warriors and their families,” said Chaplain (Col.) Bruce Glover, 25th Air Force senior chaplain. “When helping Airmen deal with moral or spiritual injuries of war, we are privileged to be compassionate caregivers as Airmen wrestle with complicated issues involving adjustment, grief, relationships, forgiveness or even shame. We are also committed to work with other professionals providing medical and psychological care for Airmen.” In addition to chaplains, 361st ISRG Airmen and their families have access to the USSOCOM Preservation of the Force and Family Program. This group is charged with building and implementing a holistic approach to address the pressure military members and their families’ experience.

TALESPINNER

The 361st ISRG is taking a proactive approach to mentally preparing warriors for the fight in an effort to reduce the psychological effects of modern-day warfare, said Malloree Smith, an embedded psychologist with the Preservation of the Force and Family Program. An initiative such as Re-Fit is an example of leaders getting it right, Smith said. “The focus has shifted from repair to prevent, with a full understanding of the psychological impact produced by the unique position the 361st ISRG Airmen are faced with,” Smith said. “Re-Fit is a layered program in that it supports mental strength across the life cycle of the operator.” There are several steps used through Re-Fit to strengthening ISRG warfighters. First, the focus is on prevention through building mental toughness, optimizing human performance and increasing introspective awareness and decreasing stigma, Smith said. Second, participants begin building on their strengths with regular maintenance to increase the resiliency innate to the individual and supporting growth areas. Lastly, there is a holistic approach to treatment of clinical and sub-clinical concerns, Smith said. Smith hopes Re-Fit will help Airmen cope with their reactions to experiences. “Our Airmen are resilient. They are put in situations that are not typical human experiences. It is expected they will have a response to those situa-

November 11, 2016

tions. A response is normal, but does not need to be persistent,” she said, adding that the key to success is having access to varying support options when reacting to an extreme experience. Airmen from the 361st ISRG are an extraordinary group and many have experienced more combat hours in less time than Airmen in other specialties, Atkins said. “We have 22-year-old senior airmen who have more than 1,200 combat hours ... that is a lot of stress on a young person,” Atkins said. “They’ve got their whole career and, more importantly, their whole life still ahead of them. We need to take care of them.” At the end of the day, when these Airmen require assistance coping with the stresses they experience, that help might require multiple avenues and unique methods. Atkins said he knows Re-Fit is the right thing to do to maintain his warrior’s mental health and well-being. “Our airborne operators place themselves in harm’s way all across the globe on a daily basis, and are accumulating a variety of stresses and trauma that span the spectrum of PTSD,” Atkins said. “We are convinced that a rigorous and well-tailored ReFit program will assist us in preventing more trauma and will get more Airmen back into the fight.” The 361st ISRG, part of the 363rd ISR Wing, provides direct support to AFSOC and USSOCOM, and strengthens analytical and targeting support to the rest of the Air Force.