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JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH 65th Year • No. 46 • NOVEMBER 18, 2011
INSIDE ... JBSA CHIEF SELECTS, P3 ... zTAX CENTER SEEKS VOLUNTEERS, P4 ... BX PHARMACY UNDERGOES REMODEL, P5
A publication of the 502nd Air Base Wing – Joint Base San Antonio
PAGE 8
NOVEMBER 18, 2011PAGE 2 WINGSPREAD
By 2nd Lt. Matt SandersJBSA—Randolph Public Affairs
When I was first asked to volunteer to coach a youth soccer team, I immediately and excitedly took advantage of the op-portunity. I thought it would be easy and fun to coach youth soccer, mainly because I’m still young!
I figured I could both relate to the players and be a respected, mentoring figure who led an uncontested dominat-ing team to the playoffs. I reflected on the coaches of my youth athletic pro-grams and remembered how they were always worried about equal playing time and after-game snacks. I wasn’t going to be like that; I was going to be like Samuel L. Jackson from “Coach Carter,” who would lead the team to an undefeated season, while also teaching them life lessons along the way.
That wasn’t necessarily the case.“We can be the Green Smashers...
or the Butts!” This was one of the many creative suggestions for a team name I re-ceived during the first practice. This sug-gestion perfectly epitomized the mindset of the 8-and 9-year-old players. They were capable of being serious and competitive, wanted to be silly and innocent, but were always completely aware of which attitude would help them get what they wanted.
I quickly realized this experience was no longer going to be like the movie “Coach Carter,” but more like “The Big Green.” I felt like Will Ferrell from “Kick-ing and Screaming,” Emelio Estevez from “The Mighty Ducks” or Rick Moranis from “The Little Giants.” My coaching experi-ence was exactly like these youth sports movies, except for the espresso, bash brothers or the winning.
Throughout the season, I answered
questions like, “how do we take a knee if a player gets hurt in the air?” Players claimed to have asthma and claimed to need more water, which I assured them the cure was to run more laps. After double checking the list of illnesses and watching the players pour all their water on ant hills, I still thought I wasn’t doing my job as a coach because the team just didn’t seem like they were motivated to win.
But then one day, one of my players, affectionately nicknamed “Justin Beiber,” came up to me on the verge of tears. I took him to the side, knelt down next to him and asked what was wrong. He looked me dead in the eyes, whimpered, “Coach…,” then jumped up and yelled, “teach me how to dougie! Teach me, teach me how to dougie!”
As Justin Bieber brushed his faux hawk while “dougie-ing” on the field to the laughter of his teammates with nicknames like “Pretty Pretty Prin-cess” and “Booger,” I realized my players were as much in it for the fun as the coaches and parents from my youth always told me I should be. At that moment, I learned vol-unteering to coach wasn’t just about
teaching kids how to play a sport and trying to control and discipline them. The experience had not been bad by any means, but at that moment, it all of a sudden became truly fun.
We didn’t win a single game, but we didn’t lose every game either – we tied once. But that didn’t matter to them. During one game, one of my players cried, saying, “every time I try to kick the ball, the other team kicks it away from me.” I replied, “That’s soccer.” I then explained he should keep trying, but what I re-ally wanted to say was, “that’s life.” Either statement is followed by the same advice of perseverance. A les-son that is applicable to sports, work, relationships and even coaching. Keep trying and you’ll figure it out.
Volunteering to coach youth soccer wasn’t what I had expected, but I kept at it and it became an awesome experience. Although I ended up prioritizing playing times, coordinating snacks and losing, I would volunteer to coach youth sports again and I urge anyone interested to do the same. Do kids say the darndest or the smartest things? The answer just might surprise you.
COMMENTARY
This newspaper is published by Prime Time Military News-papers, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with Randolph AFB, Texas. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Wingspread 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, includ-ing inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or Prime Time Military Newspapers, of the products or services advertised.
Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.
Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Office of the 502nd Air Base Wing. All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.
The deadline for submissions is noon Thursday the week prior to publication. All submissions can be emailed to [email protected]. For more information, call the Wingspread office at 652-4410.
Wingspread Office1150 5th Street East
Randolph AFB, Texas 78150Phone: (210) 652-4410
Wingspread Advertisement OfficePrime Time Military Newspapers
2203 S. HackberrySan Antonio, Texas 78210
Phone: (210) 534-8848Wingspread email
502nd Air Base WingOperating Location Bravo
Editorial StaffBrig. Gen. Theresa Carter
CommanderMarilyn Holliday
Chief of Public AffairsAirman 1st Class Precious Yett
EditorAirman 1st Class Alexis Siekert
Robert Goetz, Alex SalinasStaff Writers
Maggie ArmstrongGraphic Designer
A 902nd Security Forces Squadron po-lice vehicle patrols the flightline Tues-day where construction is blocking the main road to the golf course and the south gate. For the complete story on airfield safety at the point where road-ways cross the taxiways, see page 8. Photo by Rich McFadden
Volunteering to coach is volunteering to learn"At that moment, I learned volunteering to
coach wasn’t just about teaching kids how to play a sport and trying to control and
discipline them. The experience had not been bad by any means, but at that moment, it all
of a sudden became truly fun."
ON THE COVER
JBSA travel surveyThe 502nd Air Base Wing is conducting a Traffic Points
of Origin study to evaluate military, retiree and civilian population traffic patterns at Lackland and Randolph Air Force Bases, Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis.
All Joint Base San Antonio active-duty service members, Reserve, Department of Defense civilians and contractors, retirees, and dependents age 18 and older who travel on
and around JBSA installations are eligible to participate in the survey. Each respondent will receive a coupon for a free cup of coffee at any JBSA AAFES Express store and automatically be entered to win one of three prizes – a $100 gas card or one of two $50 exchange gift cards.
The survey can be accessed online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JBSAsurvey.
WINGSPREADNOVEMBER 18, 2011 PAGE 3
NEWS
Beginning Dec. 1, the 502nd Air Base Wing will implement new procedures for customers requiring new identification cards, common ac-cess cards and Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System services.
To help reduce excessive wait times currently ex-perienced by customers, the 502nd ABW will replace the existing walk-in customer services available at its main ID Card/CAC issuance facilities with an all-day
appointment-only process for all military members, retirees, dependents, civil service employees and contractors. Appointment times will be between 8 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. Monday through Friday, and will be scheduled in 20 minute intervals.
Changes to existing ID Card/CAC and DEERS ser-vices will only affect the main DEERS ID Card/CAC issuance facilities at these locations:
• 902nd Force Support Squadron, Bldg. 399,
Randolph AFB; 652-1845• 502nd Force Support Squadron, Bldg. 367, Fort
Sam Houston; 221-0415• 802nd Force Support Squadron, Bldg. 5616,
Lackland AFB; 671-4178Customers can schedule appointments at any
of these facilities by visiting https://rapids-ap-pointments.dmdc.osd.mil/ or they can call to set up an appointment.
502nd ABW/JBSA changes to appointments for CAC/ID cards
Air Force officials announced Nov. 3 the selection of 487 of 2,201 eligible senior master sergeants for promo-tion to chief master sergeant, a selection rate of 22.13 percent. Forty-five of the 487 selectees were from Joint Base San Antonio installations.
The average score for those selected was 659.88, with an average time in grade of 3.09 years and time in service of 22.85 years. The average score was based on the following point averages: 134.98 for enlisted perfor-mance reports, 24.39 for decorations, 68.38 for the Air Force supervisory exam and 383.12 board score.
Those selected for chief master sergeant will be pro-moted according to their promotion sequence number beginning in January.
The following individuals were selected to promotion at JBSA-Lackland and JBSA-Randolph: Randolph Chief Selects William Adams III, Air Education and Training Command Gregory Arven, Air Force Personnel Center Cynthia Barrowman, AETC Kendall Briscoe, 902nd Comptroller Squadron Keith Collins, AFPC Eliezer Cruz, 902nd Security Forces Squadron Tihamer Fenyoe, Air Force Recruiting Service Duane Frey, AETC Jeffrey Hoyt, Flying Training Operations Billy Humphrey, AFRS Scott Pepper, AETC Mark Peters, Flying Training Operations Russell Robinson, AFPC Reynaldo Roura, AFPC Randy Scanlan, AFPC Brent Sheehan, AFPC Anthony Smith, AFPC Scott Stevenson, AETCLackland Chief Selects Juan Alvarez-Rodriguez, 837th Training Squadron Willard Armagost, 37th Training Support Squadron
Dorenda Barhorst, Air Force Intelligence, Surveil-lance and Reconnaissance Agency Angela Bland, 559th Medical Operations Squadron Jodie Briscoe, 502nd Air Base Wing Clarence Brown, Barnes Center Enlisted Education Michelle Carter, AFISR Agency Robert Corrigan, 59th Medical Wing Michael Foster, 59th Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron Rodney Gates, 802nd Security Forces Squadron Gary Harrington, 59th Radiology Squadron Kevin Jones, 59th Operations Squadron Jeffrey Julig, 24th Air Force David Little, 543rd Support Squadron Steven Longoria, Headquarters Air Force Ser-vices Agency
Derek Madison, 59th Dental Training Squadron Bruce McKenzie, Air Force Medical Operations Agency Thomas Miracle, Air Force Materiel Command Electronic Systems Center Nicole Owens, 59th Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Squadron Diane Ruesing, 59th Medical Logistics and Readi-ness Squadron Gary Sandrowski, AFISR Agency Billy Santaanna, 59th MLRS Marc Schoellkopf, 737th Training Squadron Tiffany Smith, 502nd ABW Daniel Stein, AFISR Agency Aaron Thieken, 37th TSS Joseph Tvelia, 93rd Intelligence Squadron
45 Airmen selected for chief in JBSA
Photo by Alan BoedekerForty-five senior master sergeants from Joint Base Antonio military installations were selected for promotion to chief master sergeant this month.
NOVEMBER 18, 2011PAGE 4 WINGSPREAD
Tomorrow'sleaders
Capt. Jason Hamilton, Air Force Personnel Center analyst, reads to Randolph Elementary School children during the Joint Base San Antonio reading program Nov. 18. This program is a part of “Destination Tomorrow’s Leaders” and helps to provide the framework for positive relationships between the military community, school community and the community at large. Photo by Airman 1st Class Precious Yett
Randolph Tax Office
With tax filing season just around the corner, the Randolph AFB Tax Cen-ter is looking for volunteers to help members of the Randolph community with their 2011 income tax returns.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assis-tance Program is run in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service and supervised by specialists from the base legal office.
According to Lamarr Queen, Ran-dolph tax coordinator, volunteers from last year saved 1,719 Randolph mem-bers more than $399,000 in prepara-tion fees and secured more than $3.5 million in tax refunds.
“It is amazing to me how we just keep increasing our numbers year af-ter year,” Queen said. “I didn’t think we could top the numbers from the 2010 filing season, but last year’s num-bers surpassed all my expectations.
Our VITA tax preparers were re-markable. Their professionalism and dedication to the Randolph commu-nity and the tax center never cease to amaze me. It was an honor for me to work with each of them during the tax filing season. Volunteers are the heart and soul of our program. Their gracious donations of time and effort make this an invaluable program for our Team Randolph members. They deserve all the thanks we can give them.”
Queen said he’s excited to return as this year’s tax coordinator. They are looking at several new ideas for the tax center including the possibility of being open one or two evenings each week.
“Thanks to the wonderful remod-eling job the 902nd Civil Engineer-ing squadron did last year, we will be located in the same building, build-ing 202, here on Randolph again this
year,” Mr. Queen said.Captain Hess also looks forward to
working with this year’s volunteers.“The service provided at our tax
center helps relieve at least the stress that comes with filing taxes,” he said. “Life-changing events such as a death of a spouse, a birth of a child, or a purchase of a new home may have unanticipated tax consequences, good or bad. Our volunteers provide a great service to help clients navigate these issues. I think it is great that so many are willing to help at such an impor-tant time of year.”
Volunteers can be active duty, ci-vilian employees, retired members or their dependents. This year’s free IRS training for VITA representatives will be held Dec. 12-16 on Randolph. This course will teach volunteers how to prepare tax returns and handle a wide array of specific tax issues.
Randolph VITA volunteers are en-
couraged to assist clients by pulling at least one four-hour shift per week at the tax center. However, volunteers won’t have to come to the tax center to prepare taxes. They will be able to set their own schedules for clients and operate from any Internet-connected computer in their duty sections or at home.
Because tax assistance may be ac-complished mostly during duty hours, unit commanders and supervisors must give interested individuals their permission before volunteering.
No experience is needed to be a vol-unteer; the VITA program will provide training. The tax center can also use general assistance in receptionist du-ties, filing and making copies.
To volunteer for the VITA tax pro-gram, call Queen at the tax center at 652-1040; the base legal office at 652-6781; or e-mail Queen at [email protected].
Randolph Tax Center looking for volunteersYOUR MONEY
WINGSPREADNOVEMBER 18, 2011 PAGE 5
By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs
All Randolph Base Exchange phar-macy operations will move to the 359th Medical Group’s main clinic pharmacy next week while the BX fa-cility undergoes a remodeling project to enhance efficiency.
Pharmacy leadership encourages beneficiaries who use the BX pharma-cy to obtain their medications today or wait until the week of Nov. 28-Dec. 2 because they anticipate a crowded lob-by and long waiting times at the main clinic pharmacy during the renovation period, Nov. 21-25.
“You can expect a long waiting time if you go to the main clinic phar-macy next week,” Tech. Sgt. Johnette Hutchinson, 359th Medical Support Squadron satellite pharmacy NCO in charge, said. “The waiting time will be significant.”
The pharmacy staff’s goal is to mini-mize any inconvenience BX pharmacy
patrons may experience, so the prescrip-tion refill call-in system and civilian pre-scription drop box at the BX will remain operational.
Capt. Timothy Weigle, 359th MDSS satellite pharmacy officer in charge, said obtaining their medications before or af-ter the closure will allow beneficiaries to avoid the rush at the main clinic phar-macy next week.
“If they come to the BX pharmacy before or after the closure, the wait-ing times should be more what they’re used to,” he said. “Once the renovation project is over, waiting times may de-
crease because the operation will be more efficient.”
Weigle said the project will not in-volve construction, but a rearrange-ment of shelving and a centralization of inventory that will save the Air Force “tens of thousands of dollars.”
“The project will improve the work-flow,” he said. “We’re going the way ci-vilian pharmacies are set up – an open floor with a common inventory.”
Hutchinson said one benefit of the BX pharmacy reorganization will be a dedicated window for the pickup of new prescriptions. Patrons who wish to leave
the pharmacy while their prescriptions are being filled will now be able to pick them up at window No. 4 when they return without having to get another pickup ticket – as long as they return that same day.
“That way they won’t be waiting behind other people,” Weigle said. “That will be a big benefit to those who want to do something else, like running errands or going to the BX or commissary.”
Weigle said the increased efficiency of the satellite pharmacy following the renovation will help staff as they deal with a bigger workload.
“Both pharmacies filled 30,533 pre-scriptions in October, which was up 11 percent from last October,” he said. “The total volume has increased 12 percent this year. As San Antonio grows, we will continue to grow.”
Weigle said the satellite pharmacy’s goal “is to be more efficient, but to not sacrifice patient safety.”
“Safety is our No. 1 priority,” he said.
BX pharmacy operation moves to main clinic for one week“The project will improve the workflow. We’re going the way civilian pharmacies are set up –
an open floor with a common inventory.”Capt. Timothy Weigle
359th MDSS satellite pharmacy officer in charge
The Randolph Air Force Base902nd Security Forces Squadronhosts its annual "Santa Lock Up"
Dec. 2 ~ 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.Participants can lock up their
co-workers for any length of timeat $10 per 30-minute increment.
To "take out a warrant" on a co-worker, call Airman 1st Class Katie Bowling
at 652-3939.
NOVEMBER 18, 2011PAGE 6 WINGSPREAD
Base BRIEFSTree-lighting ceremony
The Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph holiday tree-lighting ceremony takes place Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Taj Mahal, Bldg. 100. Parking will be avail-able in the commissary, base exchange and housing office parking lots. Music will be provided by Randolph Elementary School and Randolph High School students. Children's activities take place prior to the arrival of Santa Claus.
For more information, call, 652-8587. 2011 Airmen Cookie Drive The Randolph Officers' Spouses' Club, the Randolph Enlisted Spouses' Club, the Randolph Chapel and the base Airman and Family Readiness Center are hosting a cookie drive for Airmen Dec. 1. The base community is asked to participate by dropping off prepackaged (3-4 cookies per baggie and marked whether or not they contain nuts) cookies at the chapel annex building behind Chapel 1 from 7-10 a.m. that day. For more information, including volunteer opportunities, call Sarah Peel at 233-1624.
Randolph Crud TournamentThe first Randolph Crud Tournament,
supporting the Combined Federal Campaign, takes place today at the Parr O'Club. This event is open to all personnel with base access.
The winner of the tournament will play a team composed of Joint Base San Antonio commanders. Registration is $30 and all proceeds from the tournament will be do-nated to the Randolph Air Force Base CFC. To register, contact 2nd Lt. Bryan Fagan at 565-0187 or [email protected].
National Marrow Donor Registry The National Marrow Donor Regis-try seeks volunteers at Randolph Base Exchange Dec. 2, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those eligible are between the ages of 18-60 and in good health. For more informa-tion, call Senior Master Sgt. Russell Buxton at 652-2212.
Federal Benefits Open Season The Federal Benefits Open Season runs through Dec. 12. This is the time to make changes to a current policy or change to a different health provider through the Benefits and Entitlement Service Team. Changes take effect Jan 2.
Lane closure Due to the BXtra entrance realign-
ment, the street between the Kendrick Club and the BXtra, closest to the BXtra parking lot, is closed through today, af-fecting eastbound traffic. The lane closest to the BXtra will be closed Monday through Dec. 2. This lane closure will affect the inbound traffic on Third Street West. For more information, call Vince Darby at 652-1219.
Main Circle closureThe Main Circle in front of Air Educa-
tion and Training Command headquarters, Bldg. 900, is closed through Jan. 18 for roadway repairs.
Traffic will be detoured. Drivers must obey all construction traffic signs in the area. A student bus stop will be temporar-ily moved from Main Circle Drive to Outer Octagon. For details, call 652-1249.
Saturday, Dec. 3 ~ noon - 4 p.m.Kelly Field
303 South Frank Luke DriveHangar 1610
All Military and DoD Kids Invited!!Come and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The first 300 kids receive a toy.For more information, contact Tech. Sgt. De'Lisa Harris
at [email protected] or call 395-7948.
Door Prizes • Food • MusicCaricature Artist • Face Painting
NOW SHOWINGat Randolph Theater
"Moneyball" (PG-13)Brad Pitt, Robin Wright, Jonah Hill
Today at 7 p.m.
"Real Steel" (PG-13)Hugh Jackman, Anthony Mackie, Dakota Goyo
Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.
$4.50 for adults – $2.25 for children 11 and younger
To submit a sports or news brief for publicationin the Wingspread, email all information to
Randolph ChapelMeetings Schedule
• CATHOLICMonday-Friday
11:30 a.m. - Bldg. 975Saturday
5:30 p.m. - Bldg. 975Sunday
8:30 a.m. - Bldg. 97511:30 a.m. - Bldg. 975
ConfessionSaturday
4:30 p.m. - Bldg. 975
• PROTESTANTTraditional
SundayService
8:15 a.m. - Base theater Contemporary
Sunday Service
11 a.m. - Base theater
WINGSPREADNOVEMBER 18, 2011 PAGE 7
By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs
Airmen who seek counseling for themselves or their families may be reluctant to avail themselves of military mental health resources because they will be identified and their visits will be documented.
However, a program that provides short-term situ-ational problem-solving counseling with no documenta-tion is offered throughout the armed services.
The Military and Family Life Consultant Program employs master’s degree- or doctorate-level licensed clinical counselors to help service members and their families cope with a variety of nonmedical is-sues, from deployment-related stresses to problems at work and at home.
“The best thing is that it’s a very friendly ap-proach to counseling,” Master Sgt. Karla Iglesias, 902nd Force Support Squadron readiness NCO in charge, said. “The member doesn’t have to come in uniform or provide identifiable information. There is no documentation whatsoever.”
She said the program “also opens up doors.”“If the issue is more serious, or needs a more for-
mal setting, the counselor will refer them to the best resources available,” Iglesias said.
MHN Inc., a mental and behavioral health services company, provides the program, which began in the Army and has served the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph community for nearly four years. The MFLC program augments the services of the Inte-grated Delivery System.
One counselor, or MFLC, is assigned to the Airman and Family Readiness Center, while another counselor is assigned to the Randolph Youth Center or Randolph Child Development Center through the Child and Youth Behavioral Program, a component of the MFLC program that supports military children and youth. Counselors are rotated every 45 or 90 days to support the concept of anonymity and privacy.
Iglesias said Airmen who wish to take advantage of the MFLC program may visit a consultant at the Airman and Family Readiness Center or meet with the consultant at a location of their choice, as long as it’s not their home or vehicle. After-hours sessions are also possible.
“What’s good about the program is that the MFLC can provide services at the Airman and Family Read-iness Center or they can be flexible to adjust to the Airman’s or family’s needs to meet at a more con-venient location,” she said.
Airmen learn about the program at pre- and post-
deployment briefings, but they can use its services whenever they need them.
“The MFLC can address a wide variety of concerns,” Iglesias said. “Members coming back from deployment are using it more so a neutral party can assist them with situations they are experiencing as they adjust to the changes through the reintegration process.”
Common issues are anger management, com-munication, relationships, productivity at work, conflict resolution, parenting and decision-making skills. Airmen and their families can also learn how to better deal with stresses of the military lifestyle, including relocation adjustment; sadness, grief and loss; homesickness; and separation.
“It’s not just for deployment, but any kind of con-cern,” Iglesias said. “The services are available for any military member and their family who is in need of assistance.”
She said the only exclusions are members undergoing counseling or if they are involved in an open case with Child Protective Services or domestic abuse. In addition, counselors have a duty to report spousal or child abuse, substance abuse, sexual assault or suicidal or homicidal behavior – any duty-to-warn situation.
To schedule an appointment with the Military and Family Life Consultant, call 426-6499.
MFLC program provides counseling to Airmen, families
By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs
Preparations are under way for the third annual Legacy Ball sponsored by the Joint Base San Antonio African-American Heritage Committee.
A highlight of the National Black History Month celebration at all three JBSA instal-lations, the Legacy Ball is set for Feb. 18 at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort and Spa. Ticket sales began Nov. 1.
The committee is seeking volunteers from Fort Sam Houston and Randolph and Lackland Air Force Bases to help make the event a success. More than 330 people attended the 2011 Legacy Ball, and event chairman Tech. Sgt. Letosha Shepherd, 359th Medical Sup-port Squadron, said attendance could top 500 in 2012.
“We need as many volunteers as possible,” she said. “Volunteers will assist with decora-tions, setup and fundraising.”
Some of the fundraising opportunities in-clude clay shooting, bagging groceries at the commissary and a basket donation.
The theme of the 2012 ball is “Black Women in American History and Cul-ture,” Shepherd said.
“We will highlight the impact four ma-jor African-American sororities played in American history,” she said.
The highlighted sororities were estab-lished in the early 20th century to devel-op a support system for black women on college campuses. Three of the sororities – Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta and Zeta Phi Beta – were formed on the campus of Howard University in Wash-ington, D.C. The fourth, Sigma Gamma Rho, was founded at Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind.
“These sororities have given a lot to the community,” Shepherd said. “They banned together for sisterhood and it grew from that. They have a strong record of philanthropy, public service and mentoring.”
Members of the sororities have includ-ed Coretta Scott King, widow of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.; opera sing-er Marian Anderson; Nobel Prize-winning novelist Toni Morrison; and Olympic track star Wilma Rudolph.
The Legacy Ball will feature an ex-hibit honoring a dozen African-Amer-ican women who “have made great contributions to American culture,” she said. There will also be a time-
line of the ascent of African-American women until the present.
Shepherd said the Legacy Ball is also an opportunity for the military to give back to the community.
“The San Antonio community has been very good to the military,” she said. “This is our way of giving back.”
Proceeds from a silent auction at the event will benefit a program of the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas that provides assistance for minority girls who cannot afford uniforms, supplies and other neces-sities, Shepherd said.
The Legacy Ball is a JBSA event, but all three installations are also planning their own events for Black History Month, she said. Randolph’s African-American Heri-tage Committee is making plans for a food-tasting event Feb. 3 and a gospel music festival Feb. 26.
For more information on the Legacy Ball, contact Shepherd at 652-6658 or [email protected]. For information on Black History Month activities at Randolph, contact Maj. Mario Verrett at 565-3475 or [email protected].
2012 Legacy Ball celebrates contributions of black women“We need as many volunteers as possible.
Volunteers will assist with decorations, entertainment and fundraising.”
Tech. Sgt. Letosha Shepherd359th Medical Support Squadron
NOVEMBER 18, 2011PAGE 8 WINGSPREAD WINGSPREADNOVEMBER 18, 2011 PAGE 9
FEATURE
By Alex Salinas502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs
The golf course crossover road, the base road leading to the golf course, crosses three taxiways where vehicles and aircraft operate every day.
This intersection presents a safety hazard, but the crux concern for Geren Fawver, 12th Flying Training Wing’s Airfield driving program manager, is inat-tentive drivers and pedestrians who are unaware of airfield safety rules.
The intersection is one example of an area where safety is a major concern.
“It’s unusual to have a road cross an airfield, such as the base road that crosses the taxiways near the golf course,” Fawver said. “To have a road cross three converging taxiways can be very dangerous,” especially for those unaccustomed to driving, walking or running in such a potentially dangerous environment.
However, the larger problem is civilians and those whose jobs do not pertain to working on airfields not un-derstanding the airfield is designated a “controlled area.”
The airfield runs along the flightline hangars on both sides of the base, with black wrought-iron fence and gates sur-rounding them. All airfield fences and gates are posted with “Warning – Con-trolled Area” signs. One must not enter past the signs unless they receive proper training and are on the entry authoriza-tion list. This includes on-foot passersby.
“Operating a vehicle or walking on our airfield requires very specific training,” Fawver said. “A driver must have a valid AF IMT 483 in his possession, which is basically the airfield driver’s license. If the driver does not have this license, then they should not enter the airfield.”
Those who have an airfield driver’s license will be listed on the EAL, as will those who walk onto the airfield.
“People not listed on the EAL and who do not have an airfield driver’s license, but need or want to enter the airfield must be escorted by someone who does,” Fawver said.
“By far, the most hazardous situation a driver, or a pilot for that matter, could encounter on the airfield is an unauthor-ized vehicle on the runway,” Fawver said. “It does not take a genius to figure out an aircraft full of jet fuel slamming into a vehicle on the runway is something none of us would want to be part of, which en-forces the importance of not entering the airfield unless you are properly trained and authorized.”
Unauthorized people can call airfield management, Bldg. 8, at 652-1861 for assistance entering the airfield, where they can arrange to be escorted.
A person who is escorted should calmly point out and identify their escort if they are stopped by airfield management or security forces, Fawver said.
“The escort is responsible for the visitor on the airfield at all times, and must do whatever it takes to keep the visitor and the airfield safe,” Fawver said.
Regarding the golf course crossover road and taxiway intersection, vehicles and aircraft on taxiways have priority at this in-tersection. Additionally, drivers on taxiways cannot turn onto a converging base road, and drivers on a base road cannot turn onto taxiways.
Fawver said he frequently receives com-plaints from airfield-authorized drivers who are not able to safely cross at the intersec-tion because base traffic fails to stop and yield to crossing airfield traffic.
Drivers are urged to carefully check for priority vehicles crossing before taking off from the stop sign. Next to the stop sign is a 6-foot by 3-foot post − larger than the stop sign − telling drivers to yield to airfield traffic.
Complicating the matter is construc-tion on the runway crossover road leading to the south gate, which is expected to last for a few months. Traf-fic is currently being diverted around the construction spot there a few feet ahead of the stop sign. Drivers must pay extra attention to follow the cones and not cause further disturbance.
Construction and other activity near
the airfield may compound confusion, but should also reinforce the road rules of the airfield.
“The rules are in plain sight,” Fawver said. “Obey all traffic signs and help keep the airfield safe by understanding airfield safety rules.”
Fawver suggested “there are two options on base: we educate the public to com-ply, be safe and follow the rules, or there is potential for a safety board to become involved should an accident occur and rec-ommend closing this base road to eliminate the hazard,” he said. “We all want the road to remain open, but only if we can keep everyone safe in doing so.”
Airfield safety preached, not practiced by everyone“By far, the most hazardous situation a driver, or a pilot for that matter, could encounter on the airfield is an un-
authorized vehicle on the runway.”Geren Fawver
12th Flying Training Wing Airfield driving program manager
Photos by Rich McFaddenSigns posted along the road leading into the base from the south gate warn motorists to stop and yield to all traffic – aircraft and vehicular – on the base taxiways Tuesday. Unauthorized motorists must not enter the taxiways or flightline area.
NOVEMBER 18, 2011PAGE 10 WINGSPREAD
902nd Force Support Squadron Briefs
WINGSPREADNOVEMBER 18, 2011 PAGE 11
SportsBRIEFS
Thanksgiving golf The Randolph Oaks Golf Course is open Thanksgiv-ing Day. There is an 8 a.m. shotgun start. Mulligan’s Grill is closed all day and the pro shop closes at 1 p.m.
Bike fitnessThe Rambler Fitness
Center hosts bike rides every Thursday 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Appropriate cycling gear (no mountain bikes) is required. These rides are led by a member of USA Cycling.
Get ready to golf The Randolph Oaks Golf
Course offers five days of golf lessons plus time on the course for $99 (clubs furnished). All participants will also receive a punch card for 10 nine-hole rounds of golf. Call PGA golf professional Charles Bishop at 244-3415 for more information.
Personal lessonsPatrons of the Randolph
Oaks Golf Course can make a personal appointment with swing doctors Brian Cannon and Charles Bishop. With the help of these golf professionals, golfers will not only enjoy the game more but may also lower their scores. Call 652-4653 to schedule a lesson.
Driving rangeThe Randolph Oaks Golf
Course driving range is closed Monday mornings for maintenance.
A full basket of balls is $6 and a half-basket is $3. Course patrons can stop by the Pro Shop to purchase a debit key for the new machine and get 30 half-baskets for only $60.
SPORTS – HEALTH – FITNESS
The Rambler Fitness Center holiday hours are: Thursday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Nov. 25, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
AFPC runners participate in local marathonBy Tech. Sgt. Steve GreverAir Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs
The Air Force Personnel Center here had more than 90 Airmen, civilians and their family members participate in the Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon and Marathon Nov. 13 in San Antonio.
The personnel center had 19 people participate in the 26.2-mile marathon, and more than 80 ran in the 13.1-mile half marathon race. Other AFPC members also took part in the two-person half-marathon relay and bike tour.
Chief Master Sgt. Ruben Gonzalez, AFPC’s command chief master sergeant, said it was amazing to see the amount of people representing AFPC at this annual race that supports cancer research. Gon-zalez finished the half-marathon with a time of 2:40:36.
“Our Airmen, civilians and family mem-bers stepped up and showcased the best the Air Force has to offer during this community event,” Gonzalez said. “AFPC epitomizes excellence in all we do by our fitness standards and through supporting events in our local communities.”
Tech. Sgt. Dina Delgado, AFPC’s Active Duty Service Commitment Policy Program manager, began running five to eight miles for six weeks to prepare for the half-mara-thon race. Delgado finished the half mara-thon with a time of 2:16:26.
“I realized setting a goal of running a half marathon help me improve my at-titude toward fitness and running as a whole,” Delgado said. “We only have one body and it’s important to take care of ourselves to live happy, healthy and pro-ductive lives.”
Staff Sgt. Deencel Tan, AFPC Separa-tions Branch adverse actions technician, actively participates in the AFPC running club and used Air Force resources to help her reach her fitness and running goals. Tan finished the half-marathon with a time of 2:20:08.
“I attended a Health and Wellness Center running seminar, which helped get me started to train for this half mar-athon,” Tan said. “They provided us a
booklet that included a training program and running schedule. It also included tips on how to eat right and hydrate properly. Fitness has always been part of my everyday activity.”
Senior Master Sgt. Greg Barnes, AFPC’s knowledge operations superintendent for the director of staff, organized a local run-ning club at the center to reinforce the Air Force’s goal of making physical fitness a part of all Airmen’s lifestyles.
“The goal of the club is to get people involved with running races, give them an avenue to meet and talk about run-ning and increase their overall fitness
levels,” Barnes said.Barnes took the initiative to organize
and schedule monthly club meetings and talk face-to-face with Airmen to get them involved in this year’s marathon and half marathon races. He also educated unit members about other running events in the local area. Barnes finished the mara-thon with a time of 5:03:21.
“The turnout was amazing,” he said. “It was really cool to see all the people out there wearing AFPC running shirts and showing their Air Force pride to more than 25,000 runners who participated in this year’s race.”
Photo by Erin TindellMaster Sgt. Donovan Thomas (left), Air Force Personnel Center directorate of personnel services, participates in the 13.1-mile half marathon at the San Antonio Rock n’ Roll Marathon and Half Marathon Sunday.
