A PUBL ICAT ION OF THE 502nd A IR BASE W ING

J O I N T B A S E S A N A N T O N I O - L A C K L A N D , T E X A S • V o l . 7 3 N o . 4 9 • D e c e m b e r 9 , 2 0 1 6

INSIDE | Commentary 2 News 3 Community Briefs 14 ONLINE | http://www.JBSA.mil

Photos by Benjamin FaskeCapt. Luke Luecke, 68th Airlift Squadron pilot, explains the instrument panel on a C-5M Super Galaxy to Inter-American Air Forces Academy students Nov. 17 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The students also toured the engine, metal and structural shops at the 433rd Airlift Wing. See story page 10.

Alamo Wing showcases C-5M Galaxy

PAGE 2 TALESPINNER December 9, 2016commentary

This newspaper is published by EN Communities, a private fi rm 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 offi cial 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 affi liation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Offi ce of the 502nd Air Base Wing. All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.

Deadline for story submissionsis noon Wednesday the week prior

to publication.

Offi ce2230 Hughes Ave.JBSA-Lackland, Texas78236-5415(phone) 671-2908(fax) 671-2022Email: tale.spinner@us.af.mil

Straight Talk: 671-6397 (NEWS)

For advertising information:EN CommunitiesP.O. Box 2171 San Antonio, TX 78297250-2052

Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland

Editorial Staff

BRIG. GEN. HEATHER PRINGLE

502ND AIR BASE WING/JBSACOMMANDER

TODD G. WHITE

502ND ABW/JBSAPUBLIC 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

By Staff Sgt. Soohwa Ono59th Dental Training Squadron

At most dental exams, you’ll hear the dentist or hygienist ask, “How often do you fl oss?” If

this is not something you do routinely, it might take you a moment to come up with an answer.

You may know it is important to fl oss daily, but why? Flossing removes the plaque and debris between the teeth in the areas that brushing alone cannot reach and reduces the possibility of getting gingivitis, which is an infl ammation of the gums.

Signs of gingivitis, a mild form of periodontal disease, include redness and bleeding of the gums. Luckily, you can treat gingivitis through regular dental cleanings and proper brushing and fl ossing.

However, if left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease affecting the supporting bone of the teeth that can eventually lead to tooth loss.

“At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental offi ce, followed by daily brushing and fl ossing,” according to the American Dental Association.

Periodontal disease normally progresses at a slow rate. Once someone develops periodontitis, dental professionals can control the progression of the disease through excellent oral hygiene and professional care.

Periodontal disease is preventable, according to American Academy of

Periodontology. By making fl ossing a habit, people can keep their teeth healthier and reduce the possibility of developing gum disease.

Just as there are different kinds of toothbrushes, there are also many types of fl oss to choose from and with all those choices, it can be overwhelming.

Different types of fl oss include waxed, unwaxed, tape, textured and fl avored. Floss picks and water fl ossers are other options for picking or cleaning debris from between the teeth, but are not as

effective as string fl oss in removing the bacteria off the tooth surfaces, especially from surfaces underneath the gums.

If you use fl oss picks or water fl ossers, dental professionals recommend using string fl oss as well. A dental health professional can help you choose the fl oss type that will benefi t you the most.

The best way to fl oss with string fl oss is to take an 18-inch piece of fl oss and wrap the ends around the middle fi ngers. Gently slide the fl oss between the teeth and wrap it around the teeth like the letter C. While hugging the tooth with the fl oss, slide the fl oss in a controlled up and down direction to remove the plaque and food debris off the tooth surface. Repeat between all teeth and don’t forget the back of the last tooth.

Recently, fl ossing was removed from the 2015 U.S. Dietary Guidelines. When that happened, some people believed fl ossing was no longer a necessary or benefi cial step for good oral hygiene. Instead, the guidelines’ focus changed from the importance of fl ossing to managing certain food intakes, specifi cally emphasizing the importance of limiting sugars in our diet. However, fl ossing is still a vital step in maintaining good oral hygiene and a healthy smile, according to the ADA.

Just remember, you will only have one permanent set of natural teeth. And as those in the dental profession like to say, “You only need to brush and fl oss the ones you want to keep.”

For more information, visit http://www.ada.org, http://www.cdc.gov and http://www.perio.org.

Flossing: Still a vital step in maintaining good oral hygiene

“You only need to brush and fl oss the ones you want to

keep.”

JBSA Sexual Assault Prevention and Response

JBSA SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE • 808-SARC (7272) - DOD SAFE HELPLINE • (877) 995-5247JBSA CRISIS HOTLINE • 367-1213 - JBSA DUTY CHAPLAIN • 365-6420

Engineers are slated to start work on mill and overlay road repairs on Luke Boulevard from Foster Avenue through the Luke Boulevard Gate on Dec. 19, according to the 502nd Civil Engineering Squadron.

Repairs, which will focus primarily on the asphalt road surface and Americans with Disabilities Act ramps on the sidewalk pavement, are scheduled to last until Mid-April 2017. While construction won’t shut down traffi c, lane slowdowns will be in effect periodically, according to CES reports.

Call 502nd CES customer service at 671-5555 for more information on traffi c plan, and gate information.

Luke Boulevard repair set to begin

Courtesy photo

December 9, 2016 TALESPINNER PAGE 3newsgrowden gate weekend operation hours saturday

The Growden Gate operates on new week-end hours from 5 a.m. – 5 p.m. as of Aug. 26. Commercial deliveries on weekends prior to 5 a.m. or after 5 p.m. must go through the Gateway Gate on Military Drive. These hours will be in effect on weekends only.

jbsa children’s christmas party dec. 10

The Joint Base San Antonio Children’s Christmas Party will be held Saturday at the Kelly Hangar at 303 S. Frank Luke Drive from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The party is open to children of active duty, reserve, retirees and Department of Defense civilians. Activities will include games, face painting, arts and crafts, door prizes and a toy giveaway for children 12 and under.

jbsa-lackland legal office hosts retiree appreciation day

The 502nd Installation Support Group Legal Office is slated to host Retiree Appreciation Day Monday at the legal office at 1701 Kenly Ave, building 2484, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

During this time, retirees and their depen-dents can update the following documents: Last Will and Testament, General Power of Attorney, Special Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, Directive to Physicians, and Disposition of Remains, according to Capt. Heather Slawson, 502nd ISG attorney.

Members can access some of the docu-ments that will help expedite the process by visiting the Air Force legal assistance website at https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil/, and clicking the “Legal Worksheets” tab at the top of the screen. If one cannot access the site, worksheets will be provided at the legal office.

For questions about this event and legal matters, contact the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Legal Assistance Office at 671-3362.

federal benefits season to close monday

The 2016 Federal Benefits Open Season will run through Monday, which includes the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance program and the Federal Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAFEDS) program.

Open Season is the only time to enroll, change enrollment or cancel coverage unless an employee has a qualifying life event. Open Season enrollments or changes will be effective Jan. 1, 2017, for FEDVIP and

News in Brief

See NEWS IN BRIEF Page 8

By Jeremy Gerlach502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

The 502nd Civil Engineering Squadron was awarded a U.S. Air Force Design Award for bringing a pair of recently-completed building structures located in the Airman Training Complex at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland into the digital age.

The Air Force Design Award annually recognizes the top level of innovative building design across the service. The ATC development project stands alongside other fellow award-winning projects located at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.; Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; and Minot Air Force Base, N.D.

The two structures, ATC Dorm No. 3 and Dining Classroom Facility No. 2, are part of a six-building quadrangle consisting of four dorms and two dining facilities that caters to thousands of Air Force trainees each year.

The award recognized the building project as a “tremendous” technological upgrade over the old “thousand-man dorms of yesteryear,” said 502nd CES supervisor and team lead Camilo Morales.

“This award is a big feather in our cap, both for the civil engineering squadron as a whole and for all Joint Base San Antonio,” Morales said. “It’s arguably the most prestigious engineering award we’ve gotten here at JBSA-Lackland.”

Work at the JBSA-Lackland ATC included a laundry list of impressive upgrades, Morales noted.

Dorm No. 3 is a 280,000 square foot, four-story structure that houses up to 1,250 Airmen. DCF No. 2, at 108,000 square feet, can accommodate up to 2,500 Airmen dining within a 90 minute period. DCF includes a first floor dining hall, while the second and third floors contain eight auditorium-style classrooms that can accommodate 120 students each.

Both structures are part of an ongoing ATC project aimed to replace the “old, outdated” 1,000-man dorms with bigger, more technologically advanced and much more energy-efficient structures, Morales explained.

“The energy savings on these new buildings are just incredible,” Morales explained. “The old dorms were just energy hogs. We were just wasting an unbelievable amount of energy.

Now these new buildings operate a lot smoother and more efficient, even though they’re about 250 people larger.”

DCF classrooms are equipped with laptop connections and other digital upgrades.

“The old thousand-man dorms didn’t have all these high-tech communication abilities,” Morales said. “That’s some-thing we’ve never had before.”

The award committee jurors were particularly impressed with the DCF building, which combined cafeteria and educational space, said Dave Duncan, Air Force Design Award program manager.

“This is ‘mixed-use’ done the right way,” Duncan said. “The jurors made a big deal out of the dining hall being right under the classrooms. Airmen trainees are always on a tight schedule, so this design ensured that Airmen significantly cut down on travel time.”

Jurors also praised the composition of the two structures, Duncan noted.

“With the rotation of trainees through this facility, the buildings are going to be subject to a lot of hard use,” Duncan explained. “So the designers selected some durable but

really attractive materials.”Morales agreed.“All the materials, the technology, the

engineering, the utilities – everything on this project was just so well thought-out,” he said.

Morales and Duncan both deferred much of the credit for the award to Merrick & Company, a national contracting firm that partnered with the 502nd CES for the project. Merrick & Co.’s San Antonio branch oversaw an eight-month planning stage for the structures, which included design work and construction administration services.

The company’s top priority was helping JBSA-Lackland build a “durable, beautiful” ATC facility, said Tammy Johnson, Merrick & Co. spokeswoman.

“We needed to design something that looked good and lasts forever,” Johnson said. “We were motivated to produce a sustainable design, so we really focused on energy and water use efficiency as well.”

The ATC project represents an ongoing

502nd CES receives award for modernized design

See DESIGN Page 7

Courtesy PhotoThe 502nd Civil Engineer Squadron was recently awarded an Air Force Design Award for the completion of the Airman Training Complexes for Air Force Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The award recognized the squadron personnel for upgrading one dorm and a classroom facility which houses thousands of Air Force basic trainees a year.

PAGE 4 TALESPINNER December 9, 2016

By Ashley Palacios502nd Air Base WIng Public Affairs

Career Assistance Advisors are an often under-utilized resource available to Airmen. In addition to answering career and retirement questions, they can also assist Airmen with finding which professional development classes they can most benefit from.

Advisors can answer questions related to retraining options, retirement and issues with Air Force forms. If they don’t know the answer, they can connect you with the people who do.

“The primary goals of career assistance advisors are professional development and providing career guidance to help Airmen make informed decisions,” said Senior Master Sgt. Sarah Sullivan, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland career assistance advisor. “We’re here to help, these are people’s lives we’re dealing with. If there’s a gap in the

process, we fill it.”Career assistance advisors can

also help Airmen find developmental courses which would be the most beneficial to their careers.

Developmental courses are taught by volunteers across JBSA who want to have a positive impact on the lives and careers of Airmen, said Master Sgt. Elliott Velez, JBSA-Randolph career assistance advisor. The volunteer system not only empowers Airmen to bring their ideas forward and use their skills to teach others, but also encourages other Airmen to follow in their footsteps.

“The Career Assistance Advisor Program is the roadway to professional development, however, the car is driven by the Airmen,” Velez said.

Sullivan and Velez encourage Airmen to take advantage of professional development courses. A variety of topics are covered in the courses, but focus on helping Airmen

Career Assistance Advisors pave the road to professional success

See ADVISORS Page 8

December 9, 2016 TALESPINNER PAGE 5

JBSA-Lackland Holiday Gate HoursOn Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, the following gates will be closed: Luke West,

Selfridge West and Selfridge East, Growden and Secuirty Hill. The Valley Hi, Luke East, Medina and Gen. McMullen Gates

( Port San Antonio) will be open 24/7.

Valley Hi24 hours/inbound & outbound

Luke WestLuke East

24 hours/inbound & outbound

Selfridge West

Medina Training Annex24 hours/inbound & outbound Closed

Closed

Selfridge East

Closed

Growden

Closed

Security Hill

Closed

Gen. McMullenPort San Antonio24 hours/inbound

& outbound

PAGE 6 TALESPINNER December 9, 2016

The latest twist on “phishing” is “spear phishing.” No, it’s not a sport, it’s a scam and you’re the target.

Spear phishing is an email appearing as though it was from an individual or business you know, but it’s not. It’s from the same criminal hackers who want your credit card and bank account numbers, passwords, and the financial information on your personal computer.

Unfortunately, the growth and impact of phishing emails is on the rise. A recent Osterman Research survey found 41 percent of organizations surveyed have lost sensitive data from an employee’s computer and 24 percent have lost sensitive data from a corporate network.

One of the most targeted victims are government organizations likely to possess sensitive information

such as login credentials and passwords. The report found “one of the primary reasons that phishing is so effective is that many email users are not sufficiently skeptical or discriminating about suspicious emails, often because they lack training about how to identify phishing attempts. Our research has found that once users are trained about phishing, they are less susceptible to these attempts.”

Spear phishing has become the more successful vector when it comes to email-based compromise due to the potential victims providing phishers with more information than they need in order for them to craft appropriate looking messages.

The rise of social media places a great deal of information at the attacker’s fingertips. More often than not, individuals will post sensitive information

about their lives, giving the attackers the information needed to successfully compromise the victim.

The best way to ensure spear phishing does not become a more serious problem is training. Organizations must know what spear phishing emails look like and how to differentiate the emails. Otherwise, the next batch of email leaks may be because the individual was not properly trained.

For any security related questions, issues, or concerns, contact your Unit Information Assurance Officer, Joint Base San Antonio Cybersecurity Office or the Information Protection Office.

(Courtesy of 624th Operations Center Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance Division, JBSA-Lackland)

‘Spear phishing’ email scam targets unsuspecting individuals, businesses

Twins serve together at Joint Base San AntonioBy Airman 1st Class Lauren Parsons502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Although she is younger by 19 minutes, Staff Sgt. Codi Goodwin never misses an opportunity to brag about her older fraternal twin sister or tell people she also happens to be stationed at Joint Base San Antonio.

“Whenever we get new command in, they always go around the room and ask one thing about you, so I always brag that I have a twin sister at JBSA-Lackland,” Goodwin said, 359th Medical Group health service management craftsman, stationed at JBSA-Randolph.

With nearly 100 installations spanning three continents, Goodwin and Senior Airman Kaley Weir know it’s a rare opportunity for siblings to be stationed in the same place and they plan to take advantage of it for as long as the Air Force allows them to do so.

“With twins in the military, you would think they’d be at different bases,” Goodwin said. “But we’re 20 to 30 minutes away from each other, so that’s pretty sweet. You just don’t see that combination.”

But the Seal Beach, Calif., natives didn’t both end up at JBSA by chance. While in technical training, Weir received an assignment to Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., but switched with a fellow classmate to go to JBSA-Lackland.

After seeing the amount of respect

her father, a retired Navy master chief petty officer, received at work, Goodwin said she knew from around her sophomore year of high school she wanted to join the Air Force. Weir, however, didn’t have the same career aspirations and planned to go off to college.

After spending two summers in

a Toyota parts factory working in welding, Weir was ready for a change.

“I didn’t want to join when she did,” Weir said, 802nd Security Forces Squadron corrections specialist. I knew she did it, and I thought it was too scary. I didn’t want to leave my friends. I tried the college thing, and I really didn’t like it.

“I wasn’t going anywhere,” Weir continued. “I saw how good she (Goodwin) was doing and I said, ‘I have to try that.’”

So three years after Goodwin enlisted, Weir raised her right hand and joined the Air Force in 2013.

Now Weir works at the confinement facility at JBSA-Lackland Medina Annex, a job she applied and was selected for. She achieved senior airman below the zone and has been selected for staff sergeant, which she will put on in May or June 2017. All of which wouldn’t have been possible if her twin hadn’t joined before her, she said.

While the sisters know they won’t be at the same base forever, they’re enjoying spending as much time together as possible, watching movies while Weir cooks her special, shrimp tacos, for Goodwin and her husband and Weir’s boyfriend. They also meet up with their cousin, Genny, who is also stationed at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston.

And although they aren’t identical, they still get a laugh at being occasionally mixed up as the other at the gate.

“It’s going to be so boring when I permanent change of station,” Goodwin said. “I always have something to do or somewhere to go with Weir. I feel like actually not a lot of people have that. People think the military keeps you away from your family, but obviously, it brought us closer.”

Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren ParsonsSenior Airman Kaley Weir (left), 802nd Security Forces Squadron corrections specialist, and Staff Sgt. Codi Goodwin, 359th Medical Group health service management craftsman, pose for a photo at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Medina Annex Nov. 2. The fraternal twin sisters have been stationed together at JBSA-Lackland and JBSA-Randolph, respec-tively, since 2013.

December 9, 2016 TALESPINNER PAGE 7

2016 Domestic Holiday Shipping Deadlines

For more information, call the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland post office at 671-0952.

For the timely domestic delivery of cards, letters and packages by Dec. 25, mail-by dates are Dec. 15 for U.S. Postal Service retail ground, Dec. 20 for first-class mail, Dec. 21 for priority mail and Dec. 23 for priority mail express.

Domestic Holiday Shipping Deadlines

For more information, call

letters and packages by Dec. 25, mail-by dates are Dec. 15 for U.S. Postal Service retail ground, Dec. 20 for first-class mail, Dec. 21 for priority mail and Dec. 23 for priority mail express.

partnership between JBSA and Merrick & Co. which continues to fi ll several government contracts at installations across the nation, Johnson noted.

“It has been Merrick’s honor to work, and continue working with JBSA-Lackland and the Air Force,” Johnson said. “We’ve relied on the expertise and friendship of numerous individuals across many organizations

at JBSA-Lackland along the way. It’s been a true team effort.”

Helping the 502nd CES win an Air Force Design Award was an added bonus for Johnson.

“We’re beaming with pride to have been involved with two projects that directly support the men and women who serve our country,” Johnson said. “And we can’t say enough how rewarding it is to be recognized for an Air Force Design Award as a result.”

DESIGN from Page 3

PAGE 8 TALESPINNER December 9, 2016

FSAFEDS and Jan. 8, 2017, for FEHB coverage elections. Detailed information regarding Open Season, including a new plan comparison tool, can be

found on the OPM website at https://www.opm.gov/.

jbsa-lackland spouses’ club scholarship program The Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Spouses Club is seeking applicants for their scholar-

ship program. Eligible applicants include military dependents who are high school seniors graduating from a San Antonio area high school (or homeschool) and the civilian spouses or widows of Armed Forces personnel. Military spouses or widows must be pursuing a technical, associate, undergraduate or graduate degree. Military dependents who are geographically separated from their military sponsor currently stationed at JBSA-Lackland are eligible for the scholarship if they are not otherwise eligible for a military “Spouses Club” scholarship at their location. Download the application at http://www.lacklandosc.org/philanthropy/scholarships/ or email lacklandscholarships@gmail.com for more information.

NEWS IN BRIEF from Page 3

understand Air Force processes such as the Airmen Retraining Program, Palace Chase and the Enlisted Commissioning processes.

“True success comes from learning the process,” said Sullivan. “You can then use the process to your advantage.”

Some of the upcoming courses being offered across JBSA include a strategic writing seminar, senior non-commissioned officer leadership development, flight chief course, creating a successful organization, John Maxwell’s 21 indispensable qualities of a leader and first term airman center profession of arms center of excellence briefer training, just to name a few.

“If Airmen come with an open and trainable mind, they’ll get something they can add to their toolbox every

time,” Velez said. Airmen of all ranks should take it

upon themselves to seek opportunities for growth, continued Velez.

One of Velez’s favorite John Maxwell quotes is “change is inevitable but growth is optional.”

Velez feels this statement is important because he believes “by stepping outside your comfort zone and being momentarily uncomfortable, you can become a stronger person and a stronger Airman.”

Rank-specific courses will be designated as such. Civilians are welcome to attend classes based on availability.

For more information contact the installation CAA at one of the following locations: 59th Medical Wing at 292-4308, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston at 808-6428, JBSA-Lackland at 671-3815 or JBSA-Randolph at 652-2525.

ADVISORS from Page 4

JBSA SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE • 808-SARC (7272)DOD SAFE HELPLINE • (877) 995-5247

JBSA CRISIS HOTLINE • 367-1213JBSA DUTY CHAPLAIN • 365-6420

JBSA Sexual Assault Prevention and Response

December 9, 2016 TALESPINNER PAGE 9

By Jose T. Garza III502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

This year’s General John P. Jumper Information Dominance Outstanding Civilian Award was awarded to Michael Boykin, 502nd Communications Squadron Information Technology project manager from Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

The Information Dominance Award recognizes individuals for sustained superior performance and outstanding contribution to Air Force or Department of Defense warfi ghting integration and/or operations support capabilities that reduce cyber attacks and/or enhance the decision cycle.

Boykin handled the installation of 120 laptops in each classroom of the Airman Training Complex and Dining and Classroom Facility’s dorms. He called this signifi cant project that landed him the award a “major undertaking.”

“You have 16 classrooms set up with laptops in each dorm and they are communications intensive,” said Boykin. “The equipment supports Airmen as they are coming through Air Force basic military training and they are able to complete certain training in these classroom environments prior to going to their fi rst permanent duty station.”

In light of his accomplishment Boykin is not resting on his laurels.

Boykin is in discussions with communications carriers about establishing four-gigabyte coverage across Joint Base San Antonio. The plan would entail cell tower construction at all four installations.

“Phone users at JBSA-Camp Bullis don’t have the same phone capabilities that people at other JBSA locations have,” he explained about the need for four-gigabyte coverage. “We want to alleviate that problem so our leadership in their forward thinking is seeing how they can go about providing this capability and doing it in a way that doesn’t the tax the government from a funding standpoint.”

The ability to tackle different projects is what persuaded John Collums, 502nd CS project management chief, to nominate Boykin for the Award.

Collums commended him for being a “high-caliber professional” that excels at his job and never retreats from a challenge.

“Michael’s positive attitude always comes across as a force multiplier,” Collums said. “He assembles a team, manages all phases of the installation, and ensures that nothing is left to chance.”

Operating on various projects is what Boykin loves about the communications fi eld since entering the fi eld 24 years ago as an Airman. He has served as 502nd CS IT project manager since 2012 after retiring from the Air Force after 20 years of service.

He credits God for “fi nding the perfect niche for things that I have been gifted to do” while deferring to his employees for his success.

“Thank you Lord in terms of recognition and showing favor in me,” Boykin said. “I would rather celebrate the things 502nd CS have done as whole because it’s not just about one person. I wouldn’t be talking to you if not for the efforts of our cable and networking shops and the efforts of the project management partners who support me.”

“I work with a lot of smart people and I leverage their knowledge,” Boykin said. “I have been blessed to pull from that knowledge and put it together so commanders use that information to keep airplanes fl ying and ultimately warfi ghters have the capabilities needed to win the war.”

Positive attitude and faith guides IT project manager to award

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 fi ve minutes or less to submit a comment at http://ice.disa.mil.

PAGE 10 TALESPINNER December 9, 2016

By Senior Airman Bryan Swink433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

One of the 433rd Airlift Wing’s C-5M Galaxies was on full display to 40 Airmen from the Inter-American Air Forces Academy and 11 children from the Harmony Science Academy – San Antonio during a tour Nov. 17.

The tour began with the guests getting to meet C-5M Galaxy pilots, flight engineers, and crew chiefs who provided a tour of the aircraft on the flight line and discussed its capabilities.

For many the IAAFA students, this was the first opportunity to get an up-close look at the second largest aircraft in the world and the largest in the U.S. Air Force’s inventory.

“This is a great learning opportunity for our students,” said Master Sgt. Bernardo Johnson, IAAFA instructor. “A large percentage of the

students are logistics specialists who don’t get to spend much time in or around large cargo aircraft.”

After the tour, both groups headed toward the 433rd Maintenance Squadron propulsion shop to get a look at the newly acquired C-5M engines. Senior Airman Shane Smith, 433rd MXS jet engine technician, said he was honored to showcase the engine to the IAAFA students, who were primarily air force members from Paraguay and Columbia.

“This is a great opportunity to share and discuss some of our experiences with our Latin American brethren so they can see how we do things,” Smith said. “It was great to see their excitement and enthusiasm with what we presented to them.”

The final stop of the tour for both groups was the 433rd MXS metals technology and sheet metal shops. These shops ensure the aircraft serviceability and safety. The C-5 aircraft were

originally built by Lockheed in the 1960s and the last one to come off the assembly line was in 1989. Therefore, many of the parts for the aircraft are manufactured in-house.

Tours like this not only provide a clearer understanding of the mission of the wing for participants, but they also provide Airmen the ability to showcase how much the Air Force has to offer and what serving has meant to them.

“I think it’s great that we get an opportunity to show what type of jobs are available in the Air Force and the benefits available to them,” said Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Rymers, 433rd MXS sheet metal mechanic. “There are so many opportunities for people who join and it’s great having the chance to inspire the younger generation.”

For more information about the Alamo Wing Base Tour Program, e-mail the 433rd AW Public Affairs office at 433aw.pa@us.af.mil.

Alamo Wing showcases C-5M during tour

Photos by Benjamin FaskeTech. Sgt. Stephanie Rymers, 433rd Maintenance Squadron sheet metal mechanic, explains the sheet metal fabrication process to Inter-American Air Forces Academy students Nov. 17 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The students also toured a C-5M Galaxy and the engine and structural shops at the 433rd Airlift Wing.

Master Sgt. Eric Mungia, 68th Airlift Squadron load master, shows students from Harmony Science Academy – San Antonio the roller system that is used to move palletized cargo onto C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft Nov. 17 at JBSA-Lackland.

Master Sgt. Bernardo Johnson, Inter-American Air Forces Academy instructor, shows IAAFA students the outside paneling on a C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft Nov. 17 at JBSA-Lackland.

December 9, 2016 TALESPINNER PAGE 11

Alamo Wing honors young aviation enthusiastBy Tech. Sgt. Carlos Trevino433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The Saturday of a Unit Training Assembly is usually fraught with work orders, computer based training or preparing for real-world missions at the 433rd Airlift Wing. However, members took some time to make the dream of a little girl come true: to be an Airman for the day November 5.

The opportunity arose when 5-year-old, Mayra Salinas met some wing members who were volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House. Mayra’s family was staying at the facility, which provides a home away from home for families wishing to stay close to their children being treated at nearby medical facilities.

Mayra’s medical condition, a malignant glioma, is a tumor on her brain stem. This condition is serious, and may take her life within the next six months to a year according to her grandmother, Erica Salinas.

“I pray every day that God will give us a bit longer,” she said. “But I think she is strong; she is a fighter.”

According to Mayra’s family, she likes anything that flies.

“My husband had to go buy her a toy drone,” Erica said.

When Mayra learned that the volunteers were members of a wing with the largest aircraft in the Air Force, the C-5M Super Galaxy, she wanted to see the plane up close.

Upon hearing Mayra’s prognosis, Tech. Sgt. Ernesto Compean, Rising 6 president and 433rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron technician, and his organization immediately went into action planning how to show her the C-5M.

“That is what set the plan in motion,” he said. “Knowing the limited time that she has, we wanted to make it a special day.”

Mayra’s first order of business was taking an oath as she was inducted into the Rising 6, a private

Tech. Sgt. Ernesto Compean, left, and Staff Sgt. Timothy McKay, right, Rising 6 members from the 433rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, help 5-year-old Mayra Salinas onto the front loading ramp of a C-5M Super Galaxy Nov. 5 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

Photos by Tech. Sgt. Carlos J. TreviñoFive-year-old Mayra Salinas, flanked by her parents Gabriel Salinas Jr. and Ashely Salinas, sits in the pilot seat of a 433rd Airlift Wing C-5M Super Galaxy November 5 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The 433rd Airlift Wing Rising 6, a private organization comprised of Airmen, grades E-1 through E-6, honored Mayra as the wing’s Airman of the Day.

organization made up of wing members from the first six enlisted pay grades. The group sponsored her tour of the aircraft and were instrumental in getting her a tailor-made Air Force uniform with chief master sergeant stripes.

“I am so glad they could do this for her,” Erica said. “My family is honored for them (the wing members) to take the time to do it.”

Compean believes in Airmen growing and contributing locally.

“We have to give back to our community,” he said. “When our Airmen see the wing doing stuff like this, it completes the whole Airman concept; it helps them grow.”

At first, the Salinas family was just going to see the C-5M Super Galaxy, Compean said. Then, word spread and Mayra received coins, a flag, T-shirts and models of the aircraft.

“The whole wing showed their support,” Compean said. “It became bigger than the Rising 6. It was great.”

Mayra’s grandmother believes in the power of prayer and in Mayra’s

will to live. “She will fight for as long as she

can,” she said. “Like I tell my son and my daughter-in-law, ‘it is going to be a good long journey.’ I just pray every day because you never know what tomorrow is going to bring. We take it day-by-day and try to make her (Mayra) happy.”

Putting a smile on Mayra’s face is something the wing accomplished with the visit’s finishing touch of having her sit in the pilot’s seat of the largest aircraft in the Air Force.

“This weekend was not just about CBTs, medical appointments or getting shots,” Compean said. “We were helping somebody out. You can see the excitement in everybody’s faces. Yes, you can see that it is a sad situation, but they are extremely happy to be part of this.”

The Rising 6 is an organization comprised of Airmen in the rank of E-1 through E-6. The group is designed to promote professional development opportunities, welfare and morale, mentoring and camaraderie for noncommissioned officers.

PAGE 12 TALESPINNER December 9, 2016

By Jim VarhegyiAir Force District of Washington Public Affairs

Visitors at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum were surprised when their tour of the displays was suddenly interrupted by members of the U.S. Air Force Band and Honor Guard as they kicked off the holiday season with their fourth annual holiday flash mob Nov. 29.

Senior Master Sgt. Joe Reynolds, band percussionist, began the event in the museum’s atrium by hand drumming on a traditional West African instrument called the jembe. He was joined by Master Sgt. Matthew Irish, a vocalist; more vocalists and

instrumentalists quickly joined in, and in a flash the area was filled with 125 band members on five stages, including a chorus from the Singing Sergeants, instrumentalists from the Concert Band, and for the first time a choir of handbells was featured.

This year’s event featured two Christmas carols: “Patapan,” which the vocalists sang in French and English, and “Ding Dong Merrily on High,” which is based on a French dance tune originally by Jehan Tabourot, with the text being written by English composer George Ratcliffe Woodward.

Senior Master Sgt. Bob Thurston, retired bandsman, arranged the

music for the performance, as he has done for the previous three flash mobs. Each venue the band has used has presented unique challenges from a musical and visual perspective. None of the spaces were designed for band performances, but he looks forward to tackling each year’s set of challenges helping to make the event a unique experience for the viewers to enjoy, he said. Thurston hopes this experience puts a human face on the Air Force and that the viewing public walks away from the event with uplifted spirits.

Master Sgt. Megan Ensor, the band’s principle piccolo player and originally from Pittsburgh, echoed Thurston’s sentiment by saying, “This event brings the Air Force face to face with the public in a real and tangible way.”

Though a lot of hard work goes into pulling off the event, it’s rewarding to see the surprise in people’s faces, Ensor said, adding that she’s been very surprised by the impact. When people learn that she is in the Air Force Band they nearly all ask her about the flash mob and tell her how much they enjoy seeing the performances.

Col. Larry H. Lang, U.S. Air Force Band commander and conductor of the, also commented on the impact the annual event has had.

“When we started this event we had no idea how far reaching it would be. To date we’ve reached over 50 million viewers from the first three events.”

Lang appreciates the relationship the band has with the Smithsonian Institution and looks forward to collaborating with them throughout the year on various projects.

He also spoke to the hard work that

members of the band’s sister unit, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, put in to help make the event a success every year.

“We couldn’t do this without their help,” he said. “They are a critical part of pulling off the holiday flash mob every year.”

This year, 28 members of the honor guard participated in the event.

One of their newest members, Airman Melainie Marrero, from Newark, New Jersey, said working with the band on this project has been an eye opening experience for her. Seeing behind the scenes how hard everyone worked on this gives her a better appreciation for the dedication and professionalism of her sister unit.

She wanted to participate in the event because she thought it would be a fun way to see the public’s reaction and to do something completely different than what she does in her job.

Marrero is a member of the honor guard’s firing party and said it is a privilege to render final honors at a funeral for a service member. Her dream is to be a security forces K-9 handler once her time in the honor guard is complete.

The Air Force is fueled by innovation every year the band try to add new elements to what they do. This year they will be releasing their first dynamic and engaging 360-degree panoramic view of the holiday flash mob.

“Through the power of social media the band uses world-class musical presentations to strengthen the bonds between the Air Force and the

Band kicks off holiday season with 4th annual flash mob

See BAND Page 15

December 9, 2016 TALESPINNER PAGE 13

59TH TRG SHAPES FUTURE AF DENTAL ASSISTANTS

Photos by Staff Sgt. Jerilyn QuintanillaAir Force Dental Assistant Apprentice Course students sanitize their work station as part of a lesson on infection control Oct. 20 at the Medical Education and Training campus at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. Close to 300 technical training students make their way through the various courses taught at the Dental Assistant Program under the 381st Training Squadron, a unit of the 59th Training Group. The squadron is comprised of 96 Airmen who serve in leadership, administrative and instructor roles.

Airman Benjamin Moore, Air Force Dental Assistant Apprentice Course trainee, mixes Dycal Oct. 20 at the Medical Education and Training campus at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. Dycal is used as a defensive barrier to protect the pulp.

PAGE 14 TALESPINNER December 9, 2016 community

Air Force Aid Society 671-3722Airman & Family Readiness Center 671-3722Airman’s Attic 671-1780American Red Cross 844-4225Base Post Offi ce 671-1058Bowling Center 671-2271DEERS 800-538-9552Exceptional Family Member Program 671-3722Family Child Care 671-3376Legal Offi ce 671-3362Library 671-3610Medical Appointment Line 916-9900MPF ID Cards 671-6006Outdoor Recreation 925-5532TRICARE Info 800-444-5445Thrift Shop 671-3608

Lackland Spouses’ Club http://www.lacklandsc.orgForce Support Squadron http://www.lacklandfss.comLackland ISD http://www.lacklandisd.netOffi cers’ Spouses’ Club http://www.lacklandosc.orgJBSA Public website http://www.jbsa.milMy Air Force Life http://www.MyAirForceLife.com

JBSA-LACKLAND KEY FAMILY SUPPORT RESOURCES—PROTESTANT WORSHIP SERVICES

Freedom Chapel – Building 1528Contemporary Service Sun 9:30 a.m.

Religious Education Sun 11 a.m.

Gospel Service Sun 12:30 p.m.

Youth Ministry Mon 6 p.m.

—LITURGICAL SERVICEAirman Memorial Chapel – Building 5432 Sun 9:45 a.m

Religious Education Sun 10:45 a.m.

—CHURCH OF CHRISTPfi ngston – Building 6300 Sun 7:30 a.m. (Room 175)

—SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTGateway Chapel – Building 6300 Sat 12:30 p.m.

—CHRISTIAN SCIENCEPfi ngston – Building 6300 Sun 7:30 a.m. (Room 113)

—ORTHODOX CHRISTIANAirmen Memorial Chapel – Building 5432 Sun 8 a.m.

—PENTECOSTAL Religious Education Building – 6300 Sun 8 & 9:30 a.m. (Room. 112)

—WICCAPfi ngston – Building 6330 Sun 9 – 11 a.m. (Auditorium)

Freedom Chapel – Building 1528Open Circle 1st Tue 6 – 7 p.m.

—REFUGE STUDENT CENTERBuilding 9122 (Tech. Training & TDY Students) Wed 6 – 8 p.m.

Thu 6 – 8 p.m.

Fri 6 – 11 p.m.

Sat 12 – 9 p.m.

Sun 11 – 5 p.m.

—JEWISHAirmen Memorial Chapel – Building 5432Sabbath & Kiddush Fri 4:30 p.m.

Religious Education Sun 1:30 p.m.

—ROMAN CATHOLICFreedom Chapel – Building 1528Religious Education Sun 9 a.m.

Adult Religious Education Sun 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

Mass Sat. 5:00 p.m. Sun 11 a.m.

Youth Ministry Sun 4 p.m.

Reconciliation Sat 4 – 4:45 p.m.

Note: Reconciliation(s) may be scheduled by appointment

—ISLAMICGlobal Ministry Center – Building 7452Jumu'ah Prayer Fri 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

—BUDDHISTPfi ngston – 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'IGateway Chapel – Building 6300 1st, 3rd and 5th Sun 11 a.m.

—THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTSGateway Chapel – Building 6300Religious Education Tue 6:30 p.m.

LDS Service Sun 1 p.m.

—LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNODGateway Chapel – Building 6300 Every third Sun 3:30 p.m.

CHAPEL SERVICES

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

FRIDAYtroops to teachers

Military personnel interested in teaching as a second career are encouraged to attend this workshop to identify required certifi cations, review placement assistance and more. It will take place 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Military & Family Readiness Center, building 1249.

Call 671-3722 to register or for more information. To reserve a seat, call 671-3722.

SATURDAYthrift shop closure

The Lackland Thrift Shop, located in the One Stop in building 5460, will be closed Wednesday. The next $5 Bag Sales will be held Dec. 10 and Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Extended holiday shopping hours will be available Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 671-3608 for more information.

WEDNESDAYmoonlight 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 at 4 p.m. For details visit http://www.jbsalibraries.org.

DEC. 16 peer to peer support group

Caregivers have the opportunity to build a support network, share experiences, and information. This group will meet 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Airman Medical Transition Unit Conference Room, 5th fl oor of Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, building 4600. For more information, call 557-2018.

JAN. 4mentor training

Volunteer mentors spend time with young people and encourage positive choices, and academic achievement. This training provides resources for becoming a successful mentor.

After completion, participants are placed within a local public school.

The school liaison offi ce and Community in Schools is facilitating this workshop noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Military & Family Readiness Center, building 1249. Call 671-8388 for additional information.

JAN. 11 single parent support group

A brown bag forum for both long- and short-term single parents to connect, share helpful resources, and ways to overcome challenges as a single parent. The January meeting will focus on creating healthy relationships and meet 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Military & Family Readiness Center, building 1249. Call 671-3723 for more information.

JAN. 12credit building

Review what makes up a credit score and identifi es simple steps to strengthen it. The Air Force Federal Credit Union is facilitating this workshop 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Military & Family Readiness Center, building 1249. Call 671-3722 for more information.

JAN. 18heart link

Heart Link is an orientation for military spouses of any branch of service. Meet new friends while learning about the military mission, lifestyle, protocol and other programs available. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided, registration

required. This group meets 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, building 4600. Call 671-8388 for information.

JAN. 19 how to buy a house

Attendees will discuss the pro’s and con’s of renting versus home ownership, budgets, different types of loans, realtors and more. The Better Business Bureau is facilitating this workshop 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Military & Family Readiness Center, building 1249. Call 671-3722 details.

couponing in the 21st century: there’s an app for that!

Cutting coupons is a way of the past, using mobile applications couponing and saving money has become easier! Discuss the basics of the traditional couponing, ways to save on traveling, eating out, military discounts, rebates, social media tricks and more. This class will touch on a little bit of everything when it comes to saving. This workshop will be held 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Military & Family Readiness Center, building 1249. Call 671-3722 for more information.

JAN. 20peer to peer support group

Caregivers have the opportunity to build a support network, share experiences, and information. This group will meet 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Airman Medical Transition Unit Conference Room, 5th fl oor of Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, building 4600. For more information, call 557-2018.

INFORMATIONAL 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. Total cost varies by household income. School-Age Program paperwork must be completed and on fi le 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 additional information or to register, call 671-2388.

LOCAL BRIEFS

December 9, 2016 TALESPINNER PAGE 15

433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The 433rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron took part in a joint emergency response exercise simulating a tornado strike Nov. 9 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. Aeromedical evacuation technicians escorted

littered patients off of a C-130 Hercules aircraft into awaiting ambulances.

The exercise allowed the South Texas Regional Advisory Council to meet its annual requirement to test its ability to evacuate patients with regional emergency medical service departments.

STRAC is designated by the Texas Department of State Health Services to provide regional trau-ma and emergency healthcare services to residents in southwest Texas, covering more than 26,000 square miles.

The exercise graded the am-bulance services to ensure they

433rd AES plays important role in natural disaster exercise

Photo by Benjamin FaskeAirmen with the 433rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron move littered patients to waiting ambulances during a natural disaster exercise Nov. 9 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The exercise allowed the South Texas Regional Advisory Council to meet its annual requirement to test its ability to evacuate patients with regional Emergency Medical Service departments.

To advertise in the Talespinner,

call 250-2345 for classifi eds or contact

Michelle Bogue at 250-2052 for

retail ads

To advertise in the

BAND from Page 12

were capable of transporting patients during a natural disaster. They were graded on off-loading speed and their ability to properly categorize each patient as they were loaded into ambulances.

“We want to make sure we know where we fi t in when responding to a natural disaster,” said Tech. Sgt. Stephen Constantin, 433rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron aeromedical evacuation tech-nician. “We want to make sure we have everything ready to go so that we aren’t the ones slowing down the process, and that way we can evacuate as many patients as possible in the most effi cient manner.”

American public and to positively impact the global community,” said Chief Master Sgt. Robert Kamholz, the chief of the band’s marketing and outreach.

Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James echoed that sentiment.

“We are the premier air and space force and the band plays a critical role in communicating that message with their outreach efforts for the Air Force,” she said.

James was excited to be able to participate again in this year’s event, this time as a handbell player. “I’m looking forward to helping spread holiday cheer to all the dedicated service members, past and present, who have sacrifi ced so much in service to this great nation, she added.”

PAGE 16 TALESPINNER December 9, 2016

By Staff Sgt. Michael Ellis59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

Eight months ago, three Airmen at the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center were tasked to come up with a PICO, or phrase, intervention, comparison, and outcome, question to improve patient care.

Beginning as a bunch of scribbles on a whiteboard, their innovative idea has evolved into a process estimated to save the 59th Medical Wing $61,000 annually.

The family health clinic team devised a standardization protocol that will increase patient safety and might soon become a standard practice throughout the Air Force Medical Service.

In early March, nurse practitioner Capt. Tara Blackwelder, and medical technicians Airmen 1st Class JaCoy Erickson and Abbey Goff, had a patient with suspected case of onychomycosis come into the clinic. As they went through their normal routine preparing to treat the patient, the team discussed medications, pricing, necessary laboratory tests and why those tests were needed.

Ultimately, the team needed to decide whether it was more beneficial to treat the patient right away or wait for the laboratory results to come back. Their conversation led to months of research and turned the decision-making process into an evidence-based practice.

To tackle this question, they used a team approach. “We all supported each other and filled roles that

catered to our strengths,” Erickson said. “Capt. Tara Blackwelder spearheaded the project and provided mentorship through every step of the process. Airman 1st Class Abbey Goff was more research savvy, so she led the research portion. And I’ve always been good with computers, so I compiled the data and formatted the presentation.”

Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail, occurs in 10 percent of the general population. Symptoms are usually cosmetic such as discoloration of nail, thickening, and separation from the nail bed; however, for certain at risk groups such as older adults and people with diabetes, onychomycosis may have more severe health complications.

It costs the wing approximately $500 to $1,070 to treat each case; last year, the wing spent a $122,000 providing treatment. The family health clinic averages one new case each week.

The team’s research found that less than 50 percent of patients being treated by providers for onychomycosis received laboratory testing prior to treatment, Erickson explained. Additionally, only 50 percent of nail infections are caused by onychomycosis which makes accurate diagnosis even more crucial for successful treatment.

There are several methods of treating onychomycosis ranging from the preferred method — administering terbinafine — to removal of the infected nail.

“We generated a protocol that we’re working on transitioning to a staff support protocol so technicians

can streamline the diagnosis process and save the clinic money,” Erickson said.

By enabling technicians to perform these initial assessments for confirmation of onychomycosis prior to treatment, the team believed there would be a reduction in treatments performed, which would free up providers’ time and save the clinic money.

The team is now assessing the final outcome aspect of their PICO question. The standardization protocol was implemented in the family health clinic in late October. Data is being gathered to determine if the predicted outcomes will be experienced in the clinic throughout the next year.

For Erickson, it’s about more than saving money.“We’re also looking at value to the patient, we’re

looking at saving them time … getting them the proper treatment they deserve. That’s been a very empowering experience for me,” he said.

The experience has been inspirational and has increased the drive for process improvement.

“It has been an amazing experience to work with such motivated technicians who are eager to participate in evidence-based care,” she said. “The enthusiasm garnered from this project has empowered us as a primary care medical home team to make continued improvements that will improve the patient care experience.”

The 59th MDW is AFMS’s largest and most productive research facility, with more than 500 active protocols. Additionally, the wing prides itself in finding new ways to enhance the patient experience through process improvement and innovation.

“From the flight level and all way up the chain, we received tremendous support, which helped elevate any concerns and put us in touch with right people to keep the project moving forward,” Erickson said. “I feel empowered by the clinic and everything that the Air Force has done. I am able to make a change in the Air Force and implement ideas I have to improve processes.”

Empowered Airmen save patients’ time, Air Force money

Photo by Staff Sgt. Michael EllisAirman 1st Class JaCoy Erickson, a medical technician with the 59th Medical Wing, checks a patients vitals at the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center Family Health Clinic at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Nov. 10. Erickson and two of his colleagues recently developed a standardization protocol that will increase patient safety and is estimated to save the wing $61,000 annually.

December 9, 2016 TALESPINNER PAGE 17

By Staff Sgt. Marissa Garner 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

A program at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland is now available for Airmen seeking to gain healthier lifestyle habits and assist them in maintaining or enhancing their physical conditioning .

The Fitness Improvement Program, or FIP, is a 12-week program, which combines physical conditioning and educational courses designed to help participants achieve fi tness goals, according to Claudia Holtz, 559th Medical Wing Health Promotions Program Manager and exercise physiologist.

“This is a great, free tool provided by people who will motivate participants and help establish goals,” said Holtz. “Participants have access to a one-stop shop for tools to improve their current fi tness level, learn about more about nutrition and leading a healthier lifestyle or just participate in group work-out sessions for those that may not belong to a large squadron.”

Participants are expected to attend one hour work-out sessions, three times a week for 12 weeks, designed to concentrate on the Air Force fi tness test components every other week. The other weeks are based with cross training of aerobic and strengthening regimens.

The course is personalized to the needs of each member, so there will be tailored tasks assigned throughout the week for both physical conditioning and educational portions.

“The participants will be given homework or they will work on their weakest component,” said Holtz, program organizer. “Class 1 is given educational material only in nutrition, exercise and behaviors. The second part of class are the physical aspects with three mock tests at week 1, 6, and 11. We have seen that the most committed participants have the greatest results.”

The sessions are conducted 7 a.m.

and 3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Warhawk Fitness Center. Participants only need to attend one session each day.

Designated physical training leaders, motivated and passionate about helping others improve their fi tness level, will be leading the sessions, said Holtz.

The program stems from a fi tness improvement program created by personnel from 559th MDG aimed at improving the physical fi tness assessment scores of Airmen.

Because the program was shown to be highly effective with participants currently at a 98 percent pass rate on their physical fi tness assessments, the 59th Medical Wing commander decided to expand the program across the wing, said Holtz. The current program, which began Wednesday and runs until March 2017, will serve as a baseline study for the FIP.

While improving members Air Force physical fi tness assessment scores is one goal of the program, living a healthier lifestyle is equally just as important.

“This is not just about the PT [physical training] test, but for Airmen to prove to themselves they are able to do it,” said Holtz. “Small steps make a huge difference. Making that commitment in a short 12 week period and having longer term goals can change their behaviors slowly but effectively.”

Although the fi rst class of the course has taken place, Airmen are still encouraged to sign up and participate in the remaining 12-week program. To participate, members must submit a commitment letter signed by their supervisor and squadron commander to ensure program attendance.

“The holidays are coming up. This gives them an opportunity to exercise away their stress, extra food, and meet the goals before the new starts,” Holtz said. “Don’t let working out become a chore when it can be a fun, positive habit.”

To sign up or for more information, call 671-2554.

Fitness Improvement Program seeks to help improve Airmen’s lifestyles

FOSTER a PUPPYThe Department of Defense Dog Breeding Program needs families to foster puppies for three months.

Call 671-3686

Congratulations to the following 43 Airmen for being selected as honor graduates among the 437 Air Force basic military trainees who graduate today:

321st Training Squadron–Flight 045Andrew Barnett Michael Cemprola Alec Lampasona

–Flight 046Jillian Zalunardo

–Flight 037Kyle Austin Austin Harrison Ethan Henry Nicholas Johnson

–Flight 038Sean Beldowski Peter Boru-Kartal Tyler Frazee Ethan Husak William Quinlan

–Flight 039Branden Lee Ray Locher

–Flight 040Katherine Hernandez Samantha Mathenia Jadah Scroggins Lore’el Thomas

331st Training Squadron–Flight 041Matthew Brennan

Quinten Lang Evan Reiss Justin Snyder

–Flight 042Zachary Hausmann

–Flight 043Benjamin Arthur Andrew Gearhart Joseph Gullett Clayton Johnson Connor Moon Lincoln Smith Angel Soto Dakoda Wholly

–Flight 044Daniel Aldrich Trevor Andersen Matthew Barclift Eric Castile Yeshua Farfan Matthew Gilmore Zachary Hundley Cameron Mahon Gabriel Mills Shane Peterson Adam White

Top BMT Airman Matthew Brennan331st TRS, Flight 041

Most Physically Fit–Female AirmenMelanie Fisher 323rd TRS, Flight 040Rylee Laswell-Bernhard 323rd TRS, Flight 040Mariah Hendrickson 323rd TRS, Flight 040

Savanna Recchio 323rd TRS, Flight 040

–Male AirmenXiaija Schuldies 331st TRS, Flight 043Blake Smith 331st TRS, Flight 044Cameron Mahon 331st TRS, Flight 044Craig Smith 331st TRS, Flight 043

–Female Flights321st TRS, Flight 046 323rd TRS, Flight 040

–Male Flights331st TRS, Flight 044 331st TRS, Flight 043 323rd TRS, Flight 037 331st TRS, Flight 041 323rd TRS, Flight 039 323rd TRS, Flight 038 331st TRS, Flight 042 321st TRS, Flight 045

Top Academic Flights331st TRS, Flight 044 323rd TRS, Flight 038 331st TRS, Flight 043 323rd TRS, Flight 039 331st TRS, Flight 042 323rd TRS, Flight 040 321st TRS, Flight 045 323rd TRS, Flight 037 321st TRS, Flight 046 331st TRS, Flight 041

Members of the public, military members, Department of De-fense civilian and contractor employees may report suspicious activity concerning fraud, waste or abuse and employee or man-agement misconduct.

Report suspected FWA to your local inspector general, the 502nd Air Base Wing IG or the DOD FWA Hotline.

502 ABW/IG FWA Hotline 808-1000, http://www.jbsa.af.mil/fwa.asp

DOD Hotline 800-424-9098, http://www.dodig.mil/hotline

Fraud, Waste or Abuse

PAGE 18 TALESPINNER December 9, 2016

By J.D. LeviteAir Force Surgeon Generals Public Affairs

“Trusted Care” is all about transforming the Air Force Medical Service into an organization that consistently produces outcomes better than expected no matter what the operational environment. This means training medical Airmen to better engage with their patients, provide better overall care, reduce harm, and continually engage in process improvement.

These aren’t new aims for the AFMS, which has always strived to provide the best healthcare, but

Trusted Care is about applying real, practical change to help medical Airmen attain those goals. It’s something that has been ongoing for many years and will continue going forward because Trusted Care is not simple.

“Healthcare is a complex endeavor. There are a lot of things that can go wrong,” said Col. John Oh, Air Force Medical Support Agency chief of Preventive Medicine. “Zero harm seems like a utopian idea, but it’s not. That’s what this whole high-reliability organization concept is all about. If we put in some of the principles that have been successful both in healthcare and outside healthcare we can achieve Zero Harm.”

“Zero Harm” is a key result from an organization

built on Trusted Care, and it gets there by building on a series of principals, including cultural enablers and domains of change.

The cultural enablers include “Duty to Speak Up,” “Respect for People,” and “Commitment to Resilience.” They are guiding principles that need to be embraced across the AFMS to create a foundation for change and results.

Col. Gianna Zeh, Air Force Medical Operations Agency vice commander, believes these enablers are essential to establishing a line of communication between leaders and the Airmen who work for them. “Once you’re communicating people will articulate what they’re doing, she said. Once they tell you

what they’re working on, they’ll tell you what they’re struggling with.”

The domains of change include “Leadership Engagement,” a “Culture of Safety,” and “Continuous Process Improvement” all while focusing on patient centeredness.

“We’d like process improvement with a patient centered focus to become ingrained in the medical culture. Let’s make it a natural way of doing business. It’s not something new. It’s just the way we approach care,” said Col. Tim Stevens, project officer for Trusted Care Patient Centeredness at AFMSA. “If we can make improvements in the system, we can get back to what drew many people to this area of work: providing and caring for other people.”

The more medical providers build on those principles and mold them into a patient-centered focus, the closer they get to the ultimate results of zero harm and maximizing value for the patient.

“Ultimately it’s about providing care for the patients that we would want for ourselves,” Oh said. “I think everyone who has been in the position of a patient or family member wants to feel like they’re being heard. When we can meet the needs of our patient population, it translates into better health, better outcomes and better readiness.”

Trusted Care is the path to better medical care

Courtesy graphic