Master sergeantrecognized as

MTI of the Year

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH No. 24 • JUNE 17, 2016

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

PAGE 4

Loan Locker aids Airmen in transition, page 8 Marathon training, page 12P4 helps transitioning members, page 9

Photo by Sean Schroeder

Photo by Joel Martinez Photo by Senior Airman Stormy ArcherPhoto by Janis El Shabazz

Master Sgt. Raul Hernandez Jr., 326th Training Squadron acting superintendent, observes Air Force basic trainees as they march to the Pfi ngston Reception Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

JUNE 17, 2016PAGE 2 WINGSPREAD

COMMENTARY

Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph

Editorial Staff

Brig. Gen. Bob LaBrutta

502nd Air Base Wing/JBSA Commander

Todd G. White

502nd ABW/JBSA Public Affairs Director

Dan E. Hawkins

JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs Chief

Senior Airman Stormy Archer

Photojournalist Journeyman

Airman 1st Class Lauren Ely

Photojournalist Journeyman

Robert Goetz, David DeKunder

Staff Writers

Maggie Armstrong

Graphic Designer

This newspaper is published by EN Communities, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclu-sive written contract with Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military servic-es. 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, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or EN Communities, of the products or services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Office of JBSA-Randolph. All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.

The deadline for submissions is noon Wednesday the week prior to publication. All submissions can be emailed to randolphpublicaffairs@us.af.mil.

Wingspread Office

1150 5th Street East

JBSA-Randolph, Texas 78150

Phone: 210-652-4410

Wingspread email

randolphpublicaffairs@us.af.mil

Wingspread Advertisement Office

EN Communities

P.O. Box 2171

San Antonio, Texas 78297

210-250-2052

By Maj. Naomi Henigin60th Force Support Squadron Travis Air Force Base, Calif.

As the Air Force focuses on resil-iency for our Airmen and their families, concepts like work-life balance are given renewed consideration.

The health benefits of maintaining a balance between our career identity and our "true self," the one typified by the activities we engage in outside of work, has led to special attention on finding the happy medium.

Members of the military have one of the strongest work identities forged through shared experiences starting in basic military training and continuing through deployments, routine missions, daily life in a common uniform and speaking a common language.

For those who serve, our work iden-tity is so closely tied to our "true self" that the lines between work and every-thing else become blurred. Our friends and colleagues are one in the same. We live mere steps from the office and we devote so much of ourselves to the mis-sion that its success becomes a singular driving force in our lives.

And we like it that way. We love our profession and we are what makes us the world's premier fighting force.

That love and drive for the Air Force, however, can overtake our "true self." When we lose what makes each of us unique and strong

individually in the pursuit of our common mission, the entire organi-zation will suffer. We all must find a balance in how we pursue profes-sional excellence, while remaining true to our other identities.

For many of us, that balance is in being a parent. For others, it's being a friend, sibling or child. It might be connected to a hobby. For some, it's all of those things. In the end it doesn't matter. The "life" in work-life balance is whatever you do outside of work, and it's important.

If there is any question as to the weight the Air Force places on work-life balance, consider the Diversity and Inclusion and Force of the Future policy initiatives our Air Force leadership have implemented in the last year. Programs targeted at recruiting and retain-

ing America's best and brightest are demonstrating there is more to being an Airman than just work. The life part of balance is critically important to ensur-ing we achieve and maintain a margin of excellence.

We will never attain a perfect 50/50 balance between work and home life, but we as Airmen should strive to find an equilibrium that allows us to perform at our best. The Air Force is making room for it. As hard as it may be to slow down our own personal ops tempo, it's critical to the success of the mission.

For me, being a good mother, wife, friend and athlete takes time away from my squadron, but that side of my iden-tity is an important source of strength and resiliency. By spending some time on those aspects of my life, I am un-doubtedly a better Airman at work.

EXCELLENCE IN ALL WE DO

Balancing work, life strengthens identity“We will never attain a perfect 50/50 balance between work and home life, but we as Airmen

should strive to find an equilibrium that allows us to perform at our best. The Air Force is making

room for it. As hard as it may be to slow our own personal ops tempo down, it's critical to the

success of the mission.”

From TRICARE

Severe weather can happen at any time, during any season. Disaster prepa-ration is important and knowing how to get help is just as essential.

TRICARE makes it easy to get the care you need in the event of a natural disaster.

In emergencies, the Department of Defense can approve a waiver of primary care manager referrals. Waiving the PCM referral require-ment allows affected beneficiaries to get care from TRICARE-authorized providers without a PCM referral,

avoiding point-of-service charges.The “Emergency Refill Too Soon”

waiver authorizes early prescription refills for affected beneficiaries. When a prescription waiver is authorized for an impacted area, information about early refills is posted on the TRICARE website. Beneficiaries who’ve signed up for TRICARE updates at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USMH-STMA/subscriber/new via email or SMS text messaging receive the update directly. Also, members can check TRICARE’s social media pages for updates.

Everyone should have an emergency “go-to” kit, and copies of important

documents, such as your Uniformed Services ID card or other health in-surance card, driver’s license, Social Security card and a list of prescriptions and shot records.

Have the numbers to family doctors and the regional contractor close at hand. Make a disaster plan at https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan and prac-tice it. TRICARE has a downloadable contact wallet card with all the contacts you need for help with your health plan. Visit the TRICARE website at http:// tricare.mil/disasterinfo for details on how to stay safe and get the care you need in a disaster.

Summertime is disaster preparation time

WINGSPREADJUNE 17, 2016 PAGE 3

Photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Huddleston From left: Brig. Gen. John A. Cherrey (left), Air Education and Training Command Director of Intelligence, Operations and Nuclear Integration; Maj. Jennifer Giovannetti, 359th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Aerospace and Operational Physiology fl ight com-mander; and Col. Dana James, 359th Medical Group commander, cut the ribbon for the spatial disorientation trainer June 7 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. The trainer will be used to teach pilots how to correctly identify different types of air sickness they may experience during fl ight.

Spatial disorientation trainer ready for use

JUNE 17, 2016PAGE 4 WINGSPREAD

By David DeKunderJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

Five Military and Family Life Counselors have been added to units at Joint Base San Antonio as part of an Air Force initiative to prevent suicides among service members.

The new MFLCs are being assigned to seven units within JBSA, including one unit at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, one unit at JBSA-Camp Bullis and fi ve units at JBSA-Lackland.

MFLCs provide non-medical, short-term, situational and problem-solving counseling services for active-duty members, National Guard and Reserve members and their family members.

Essie Whitworth-Nurse, 502nd Air Base Wing interim JBSA Resilience and Community Support coordinator, said the additional MFLCs who have been assigned to units within JBSA are part of the Targeted Resilience Outreach initiative which is included in the Air Force Suicide Prevention Lines of Effort plan.

“Line of effort entails an initiative to help with the pre-

vention of suicide,” Whitworth-Nurse said. “It’s a great effort and it’s much needed.”

The TRO is one of six initiatives included in the Suicide Prevention Lines of Effort that came about after the Air Force suicide prevention summit held at Joint Base Andrews, Md., in September 2015.

At the summit, discussions by Air Force offi cials centered on the problem of the increasing number of suicides in the Air Force and ways to improve suicide prevention strategies and programs.

Plans for the TRO initiative include placing MFLCs

within units and installations to increase support and education, promote positive coping strategies and prevent suicides.

Whitworth-Nurse said the new MFLCs being assigned to JBSA units will be readily available to service mem-bers for counseling and other activities within those units.

“The MFLCs are able to teach classes,” Whitworth-Nurse said. “They can do one-on-one counseling ses-sions and they can do commander’s call briefi ngs. They become part of the unit.”

With the fi ve additional MFLCs, JBSA now has 18 MFLCs serving the adult population and 19 MFLCs for children at the schools and youth centers.

MFLCs can assist and provide support to ser-vice members and their families experiencing is-sues and problems in their lives, including deploy-ment stress, reintegration, relocation adjustment, separation, anger management, confl ict resolution, parenting, parent/child communication, relation-ship and family issues, coping skills, homesickness and grief and loss.

By Jose T. Garza IIIJoint Base San Antonio-Lackland Public Affairs

Master Sgt. Raul Hernandez Jr., 326th Training Squadron acting superintendent, is not big on awards.

When he found out he earned the Air Education and Training Command Military Training Instructor of the Year, the native of Goliad, Texas, said he felt humbled.

“Out of the 506 MTI’s in Air Force Basic Military Training, I think any of them could have won the award,” Hernandez said. “It just happened to be my turn and I am proud to represent them.”

To earn the recognition, the master sergeant wrote the policies and procedures for Airmen’s Week, a one-week course following BMT for graduates that rein-forces core values and what it means to be an Airman before they head to technical school. In ad-dition, Hernandez dedicated 28 hours to Habitat for Humanity, mentored 27 troubled youth and organized two security events as a North East Independent School District Bulldog Dad.

Lt. Col. Meghan Doherty, 326th TRS commander, commended him for shaping the Airmen’s Week cur-riculum since its inception in March 2015.

“He is basically the focal point of the policy changes and how we communicate policy to our Airmen,” she said. “Not only has he shaped Airmen’s Week, but he has had a lot to do with our training

group being successful in how we went about preparing it. He started from scratch on how to evaluate the course and is creating the standards for it and the Air Force. He always goes above and beyond.”

That arduous work ethic stems from being around his grandfather and par-ents. His grandfather was a ranch hand and his father was an oil mechanic, while his mother was a retail salesperson, Her-nandez explained.

“They are not flashy people,” Hernandez said of his family. “They are ‘do the best with what you can’ folks. When I entered the Air Force, my fam-ily didn’t know what to expect because they hadn’t been in the service. They told me ‘do what you can and we will be proud,’ and that is what I tell my Airmen.”

Hernandez hopes to continue grooming future Airmen to inherit his work ethic and take it with them for the rest of their Air Force careers.

“I tell my Airmen when they get here their past doesn’t matter,” Hernandez said. “They can be any-thing and everything they want to be, and I am going to give them the tools and time to be successful. You don’t have to be the troublemaker you may have been before. Instead, be the guy or girl who does everything right because this is a new start.”

By Jose T. Garza III group being successful in how we went about

Master sergeant recognized as MTI of the Year JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO FRONT AND CENTER

Photo by Sean SchroederMaster Sgt. Raul Hernandez Jr., 326th Training Squadron act-ing superintendent, speaks to Airmen about the expectations for Airmen's Week at the Pfi ngston Reception Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

By David DeKunder within units and installations to increase support

Air Force directive aimed at preventing Airmen suicideMFLC

Military & FamilyLife Consultants

WINGSPREADJUNE 17, 2016 PAGE 5

Sept. 16, 2016Hyatt Hill Country Resort9800 Hyatt Resort DriveSan Antonio, Texas 78251

6 p.m. - Social begins7 p.m. - Event commencement

JUNE 17, 2016PAGE 6 WINGSPREAD

By Jose T. Garza IIIJoint Base San Antonio-Lackland Public Affairs

Ten people die daily from unintentional drowning, which ranks fi fth among lead-ing causes of unintentional injury and death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Roughly, of the 10 who succumb to drowning, two are youths aged 14 and younger while another fi ve receive emer-gency department care for nonfatal sub-mersion injuries.

In Texas, drowning is already a deep concern this summer as 35 children have already died this year, accounting for nearly half of last year’s total of 75, ac-cording to a Texas Department of Family and Protective Services press release.

In recognition of the Summer Safety Campaign – an Department of Defense-wide initiative from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend that targets on and off-duty risk management of summer activities – Scotty Johns, 502nd Air Base Wing occupational safety and health specialist, imparted water safety tips for

adults and children with the goal of re-ducing water casualties this summer.

“We have had a lot of rain lately,” he said, referring to the torrential downpours that have fl ooded South Texas recently. “The currents are moving at a different pace and with fl ash fl oods you want to get out of the water because you don’t know how fast water levels are going to rise. Lightning is also a killer.

“Be aware of your surroundings be-cause there are critters out in water ar-eas and they can jump off trees,” Johns added.

According to the CDC, some of the factors that infl uence the drowning risk include:

• Lack of swimming ability among adults and children.

• Lack of barriers, such as pool fencing, to prevent young children from accessing pool areas without supervision.

• Lack of close supervision; drownings can happen quickly and quietly anywhere there is water (such as bathtubs, swim-ming pools, buckets), and even in the presence of lifeguards.

JUNE 17, 2016WINGSPREAD

By Jose T. Garza III adults and children with the goal of re-

Staying safe around water

See WATER SAFETY P13

WINGSPREADJUNE 17, 2016 PAGE 7

By Terry L. ToddJBSA-Fort Sam Houston occupational safety manager

As the joke goes, some people can’t chew gum and walk at the same time. A large number of us can’t walk and text at the same time either. Unforgiving lessons are learned from deaths and pointless injuries which occur due to the failure of individuals to exercise sound personal risk management.

As the Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Occupational Safety Manager, my staff and I have a lot of opportunities to observe people’s behavior.

One thing we have noticed is an increase in peo-ple – civilian, military and family members alike – spending a large amount time looking down. They are not looking at their feet to see if their shoes are untied. They are looking at their cell phones. These individuals are participating in a dangerous habit – texting while walking.

You may be unaware that injuries from distracted walking, or texting while walking, are on the rise. It has become such a problem in recent years that Injury Facts® 2015, the statistical report on uninten-tional deaths and injuries published by the National Safety Council, included statistics on cell phone dis-tracted walking for the fi rst time.

Unintentional injuries are the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. Take the time to look

around your unit, the installation and your home. Almost every individual you see has some form of cellular communications device. That makes this issue even more serious.

According to a study in the Journal of Safety Research, 52 percent of distracted walking incidents involving cell phones happen at home – not near roadways as many might believe. Fifty-four percent of those injuries were people ages 40 or younger, while 21 percent of those injured were 71 and older.

Talking on the phone accounted for 62 percent of injuries, the most common of which were dislocations or fractures, sprains or strains and concussions. Nearly 80 percent of the injuries were due to a fall.

The increase in cell phone distracted walking injuries parallels the eight-fold increase in cell phone use in the last 15 years.

It is just as important to walk cell-phone-free as it is to drive using hands-free devices.

According to the National Safety Council, pedestrians and drivers using cell phones are both impaired and too mentally distracted to fully focus on their sur-roundings.

For pedestrians, this distraction can cause them to trip, cross roads unsafely or walk into stationary ob-jects such as street signs, doors, furniture, walls or even parked cars.

The National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration

and National Safety Council offer these tips for children and adults of all ages:

• Look left, right and left again before crossing the street. Looking left a second time is necessary because a car can cover a lot of distance in a short amount of time.

• Make eye contact with drivers of oncoming vehicles to make sure they see you.

• Be aware of drivers even when you’re in a cross-walk; vehicles have blind spots.

• Don’t wear headphones while walking.• Never use a cell phone or other electronic device

while walking.• If your view is blocked, move to a place where you

can see oncoming traffi c.• Never rely on a car to stop.• Children younger than 10 should cross the street

with an adult.• Only cross at designated crosswalks.• Wear bright and/or refl ective clothing.• Walk in groups.To stay safe as you and your family walk across the

Joint Base San Antonio commissary, exchange, work center or roadway parking lots, remember, “Distracted Walking is Dangerous Walking.”

For military unique requirements of walking and tex-ting in uniform, refer to your branch- and unit-specifi c uniform wear regulations.

By Terry L. Todd around your unit, the installation and your home. and National Safety Council offer these tips for children

Distracted walking: Heads up, phones down for safety

JUNE 17, 2016PAGE 8 WINGSPREAD

By Robert Goetz Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

For active-duty members and their families, one of the stressors of the military lifestyle is moving to a new installation and awaiting the arrival of their household goods.

That waiting period often lasts weeks, leaving military families in an empty home without basic necessities such as dishes and silverware, pots and pans, irons and iron-ing boards, and many other items.

Fortunately, at installations throughout the armed services, military members can borrow a variety of household items at storage spaces known by names like lending closets, loan closets and loan lockers until their shipments arrive.

“The Loan Locker provides temporary household items such as dish kits, coffee pots, and pots and pans for service members and their families during reloca-tion,” said Kathleen Moree, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Military & Family Readiness Center chief. “This is a great resource to utilize when you arrive at your next duty station or are about to make a per-manent-change-of-station move and your household items are packed up or haven’t arrived yet.”

The Loan Locker’s normal operating hours are 8-11 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday, but military members may borrow items whenever the M&FRC is open.

“We have more assistance from volunteers during the Loan Locker’s normal operating hours, so members will be helped right away,” said Kelli Franklin, JBSA-Randolph M&FRC community readiness consultant. “At those other times, they may have to wait.”

Franklin said active-duty members who require Loan Locker items should come to the M&FRC and fi ll out two forms – a client information form and a relocation assistance loan locker contract agreement. The contract agreement spells out loan conditions, a “hold harmless” agreement that denotes acceptance of full liability and responsibility for the use of loaned items, and a return policy.

“Items are available on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis for up to 30 days, but members may request additional time if necessary,” she said. “More than 30 days may not be possible during PCS season because of greater demand.”

Franklin said items must be returned in the same condition they were in when they were received and in a timely manner.

Household goods at the Loan Locker run the gamut from two- to six-person dish kits – which include drink-ing cups, coffee mugs, silverware, plates, bowls, serving bowls and platters – and pot-and-pan kits to strollers and futons.

“We have everything you could want while you’re waiting for your household goods,” Franklin said. “We want to make your transition as smooth as possible and eliminate unnecessary expenses.”

Tech. Sgt. Quan Holmes, 33rd Network Warfare Squadron cyberspace operator, said he saved hundreds of dollars during his recent PCS to JBSA-Lackland by

borrowing items that included a dish kit, box fans, a card table and chairs, coffee maker and toaster at the JBSA-Randolph Loan Locker.

“I would’ve had to purchase these items even though I already had them in transit,” he said.

Not every Air Force base has a facility like JBSA-Randolph’s Loan Locker, but JBSA has two places where active-duty members can borrow household goods. JBSA-Fort Sam Houston has a Lending Closet.

The JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Lending Closet and the JBSA-Randolph Loan Locker are open to active-duty members throughout JBSA, regardless of service affi li-ation, Franklin said.

“The Loan Locker is a great enhancement to the JBSA-Randolph Relocation Program and helps us support our families on their fi rst or last day on-base,” Moree said. “The Loan Locker is not a mandatory service, but we are fortunate to have one at JBSA-Randolph. However, we want to en-sure the word gets out to our service members and families before they purchase duplicate items that they may not really need.”

She said the Loan Locker also provides potential vol-unteer opportunities for those looking for a way to assist in the JBSA-Randolph community.

For more information, call the M&FRC at 652-5321 or visit their JBSA-Randolph location at 555 F St. W.

JUNE 17, 2016

By Robert Goetz

Loan Locker provides household items for Airmen in transition

Photo by Joel MartinezKelli Franklin (left), Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Military & Family Readiness Center community readiness consul-tant, provides a microwave to Airman 1st Class Yan Cui from the Loan Locker June 8 at JBSA-Randolph.

“The Loan Locker is a great enhancement to the JBSA-Randolph Relocation Program and helps us support our families on their fi rst or last day on-base. ... We want

to ensure the word gets out to our service members and families before they purchase duplicate items that they

may not really need.” Kathleen Moree

Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Military & Family Readiness Center chief

WINGSPREADJUNE 17, 2016 PAGE 9

By David DeKunderJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

A partnership between Joint Base San Antonio, businesses and public entities in the San Antonio area is providing job skills and training to service members who are making the transition from the military to a civilian career.

In January, the 502nd Force Support Group at JBSA launched its Career Skills Program for active-duty members who are transitioning out of the military. The program allows companies to provide training, an ap-prenticeship or job shadowing for active-duty members who are within 180 days of leaving the military, with the permission of their unit commander.

The Career Skills Program is part of the JBSA Public/Public/Public/Private (P4) Community Partnership Initiative, which allows JBSA and the 502nd Air Base Wing to enter into partnerships in the community to provide, receive or share installation support services for many of its mu-nicipal and morale, welfare and recreation functions.

Serafi na De Los Santos, 502nd FSG executive director, said the P4 initiative includes several programs that provide resources, training and job skills for transitioning service members seeking employment in the civilian workforce.

“Under P4, we are trying to ensure we prepare transitioning service members for a soft landing, for their life outside the military,” De Los Santos

said. “Whatever they want to do is what we are helping them with.”

De Los Santos said the P4 initiative and the Career Skills Program are helping to enhance the services of the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program, which provides information and training to active-duty members who are transitioning out of the military, whether it’s pursuing additional education, looking for a job in a civilian career fi eld or starting their own business.

The P4 initiative has enabled JBSA to reach out to businesses and organizations within the community to provide opportunities for transitioning service members, De Los Santos said.

“There is a sea of goodwill outside of the JBSA gates,” De Los Santos said. “P4 allows us to tap into that. It has allowed us to open our gates and work with the community.”

Included in the Career Skills Program is Onward to Opportunity, which provides training for ca-reers in customer service and information tech-nology. Transitioning service members who par-ticipate in Onward to Opportunity can earn their certification in customer service or the IT field. Onward to Opportunity is a partnership between the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, the Schultz Family Foundation and the Department of Defense.

The fi rst session of Onward to Opportunity for JBSA members, held at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston in

April, had 23 members. The second session, which started June 6, has 31 members.

Companies participating in the Career Skills Program include Holt Cat, which sells and services Caterpillar heavy equipment, engines and generators for construc-tion, mining, industrial, petroleum and agricultural ap-plications; Accenture, a professional services company; and Tenet Health, a network of medical facilities that provide services including wellness, primary care, ur-gent care, outpatient surgery, rehabilitation and acute hospital care.

De Los Santos said Holt Cat was the fi rst company to participate in the Career Skills Program, providing training in their state-of-the-art facility in San Antonio and jobs that pay a living wage.

Solar Ready Vets, a Department of Energy program that trains service members for careers in the solar en-ergy fi eld, will begin in the fall at St. Philip’s College. The program is being offered to transitioning service members through an agreement between JBSA and Alamo Colleges.

De Los Santos said JBSA has partnerships with the United Services Organizations Inc. offi ce in San Antonio which will enable USO counselors to assist service mem-bers in fi nding jobs and resume writing, and with the U.S Department of Labor, the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Veterans Commission to provide help to transitioning service members.

For more information on P4 initiative programs, contact the 502nd FSG at 221-2632.

By David DeKunder said. “Whatever they want to do is what we are April, had 23 members. The second session, which

Career Skills Program, P4 helps Airmen with post-military careers

Jim Ockenden, Information Technology Foundations Facilitator for Onward to Opportunity, provides instruction and gives an insider perspective to the Information Technology world during a briefi ng June 9 at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston.

Photo by Janis El Shabazz

JUNE 17, 2016PAGE 10 WINGSPREAD

Case lot sale The Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Commissary is hosting a Customer Appreciation Case Lot Sale 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

JBSA SAPR advocate training Joint Base San Antonio Sexual Assault Prevention and Response training Victim Advocates and Community Advocates training takes place 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through June 24 at each JBSA location. Applicants must have leadership approval, a background check and interview by a SAPR representative. The 40-hour training class must be com-pleted to serve. Call 652-4386 for details.

JBSA-Randolph Technology Expo The 502nd Communications Squadron hosts a technology expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Parr O’Club. All military, civilian and contrac-tor personnel are invited to attend this free event. To pre-register, visit http://www.FederalEvents.com, click on the “JBSA-Randolph Tech Expo” link and select the pre-register button. For more information, call 443-561-2418.

Enlisted commissioning briefi ng A briefi ng to provide an overview of the enlisted commissioning programs available for all ranks is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center Auditorium. Individuals will be available to answer questions about specifi c programs. There are 200 available slots for the briefi ng. Interested individu-

als can register at: https://cs3.eis.af.mil/sites/OO-ED-AE-25/Pathways/Registration/Registration.aspx. Select Wilford Hall - Enlisted Commissioning Briefi ng. Click view, then register.

Marriage Checkup Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Clinic behav-ioral health consultants are offering a Marriage Checkup as part of a research study sponsored by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Material Command. The checkup is offered to active-duty members and their spouses who would like to fi nd out more about the health of their marriage. The Marriage Checkup offers tools and resources to strengthen the marriage connection. Couples may receive compensation for participat-ing in the study. For dates and times, call 446-8857 or email marriagecheckupusaf@gmail.com.

AAFES service station operational status The following is an overview of the projected timeline to return the JBSA-Randolph AAFES Service Station to fully operational status:• Regular unleaded is available at pumps 1-4; super unleaded is available at pumps 5-8; midgrade is not yet available.• 502nd Civil Engineer Squadron repair of the asphalt surface around the service station takes place in two phases: Phase 1 – The area behind pumps 4 and 5 should be nearing completion and all pumps are accessible. Phase 2 – Projected date: through June 25 for the area behind the service station.

59th Medical Wing posts holiday hoursDue to the upcoming holiday and Air Education and Training Command family

day, 59th Medical Wing clinics and pharmacies will be closed July 4 and 5. The 59th MDW Urgent Care Center in the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center basement will remain open regular hours, serving walk-in patients

24 hours, seven days a week. The UCC can be reached at 292-7331.

Blue Cross Blue Shield site visit A Blue Cross Blue Shield representative will conduct a health benefi ts site visit from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday in room 222 of building 399 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. The repre-sentative will be available to discuss health benefi ts, claims and other health benefi t concerns with civilian employees.

WINGSPREADJUNE 17, 2016 PAGE 11

By Bo JoynerAir Force Reserve Command Public Affairs

Making sure medical records are up to date and accurate could save Airmen selected for a random drug test a lot of trouble.

In addition to testing for illegal substances, random drug tests also screen for a number of prescription medications, including amphetamines and opiates, like morphine and oxycodone, among others.

“If an Airman tests positive for one of these prescrip-tion medications during drug testing, they need to have a valid prescription for it in their medical records,” said Dr. Don Jenrette, the Air Force Reserve Command’s Drug Demand Reduction Program manager. “If not, a determi-nation has to be made if the member is taking the drug illegally or if he or she simply does not have the proper documentation in his or her medical records.”

Taking the drug illegally can lead to legal action or even discharge from the Air Force. Having to prove they have a valid prescription can lead to a lot of headaches for Airmen, including possible disciplinary action for not ensuring their medical records are correct, and unnecessary work for the medical squadron.

“According to Air Force Instruction 48-123, 'Medical Examinations and Standards,' it’s the members’ respon-sibility to ensure their medical records are up to date

and correct,” said Col. June Cook, the chief of profes-sional services within the command’s Medical Services Directorate.

“Primarily, making sure your medical records are up to date and correct is a readiness issue,” Cook continued. “Having an accurate picture of a member’s health status enables the medics to give an accurate assessment to the commander of the person’s mission capability. Sec-ondarily, accurate records eliminate a lot of unnecessary work for our people and the member.”

It’s a waste of time when medical personnel have to jump through hoops to fi nd out that an Airman had the prescription to begin with, said Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Kupcho, the manager of the command’s Aerospace Medicine Division.

“Taking a few minutes to make sure your new prescription gets reported to your medical unit could save you a lot of time and frustration in the future,” he said.

The chief said the Air Force has entered into data exchange agreements which allow for some medical information to fl ow automatically from a civilian health care provider to a military mem-ber’s medical unit. However, Airmen should always check to make sure the correct information makes its way into their records.

For more information, call the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Medical Clinic at 652-6403.

By Bo Joyner and correct,” said Col. June Cook, the chief of profes-

Keeping medical records current

JUNE 17, 2016PAGE 12 WINGSPREAD

By Robert GoetzJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

With the Air Force Marathon at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, three months away and the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon less than six months away, it’s time for runners who wish to compete in either or both of those races to commit themselves to a training program.

The prospect of running in a marathon may seem especially daunting to runners who are used to running 15 to 20 miles a week but have never risen to the chal-lenge of a 26.2-mile race.

However, proper preparation – including a dedi-cated training program – can help them reach that lofty milestone, according to Tommy Brown, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Rambler Fitness Center recreation aide.

“It’s good to have some 5K and 10K runs under your belt before you train for a marathon,” he said. “We recommend a 16-week beginners’ training program for those who haven’t run in a marathon before. It’s a gradual process.”

The 16-week plan, which is outlined in the Marathon Training Guide available at the Rambler Fitness Center, starts at 15 to 16 miles the fi rst few weeks and works up to a peak of 39 miles a week, including a 20-mile run, by week 13. The plan includes aerobic intervals, uphill runs, easy runs, long runs, speed work and rules for race day. In addition, three to four rest days are prescribed each week.

The guide also includes a plan for intermediate run-ners – those who have regularly run 20 to 30 miles per week for a year or more and have experience in 10K races, half marathons and possibly a marathon.

Brown said one thing that can help an aspiring marathoner is to run with a partner while training for the race.

“Some of the advantages of running with a partner are accountability, motivation and the competition,” he said. “Once you reach a certain level, you’ll be able to train by yourself.”

The proper mindset is also essential, Brown said.“Running 26.2 miles is tough, so you have to follow

the plan and believe in yourself,” he said. “You have to tell yourself you’re capable of it.”

Other considerations are diet and nutrition as well as hydration.

“You have to know what to add and subtract from your diet and you want to be sure you have enough energy to complete these runs,” he said. “Running this distance will require more calories.

“Hydration is also very important,” Brown said. “People underestimate how important water is for the body.”

Drinking water during the race is vital, he said, but too much can be detrimental.

Latoya Marble, Air Force Personnel Center force sup-port career fi eld administrator and a runner with three marathons to her credit, said her advice for runners

training for their fi rst marathon is to slowly build up miles and follow a training plan.

“Ensure you get your training runs in during the week,” she said. “Running long on the weekend is im-portant, but you maximize your conditioning by complet-ing the training runs through the week.”

Marble, who plans to run in the Chicago Marathon in October, also suggests adding strength training on non-running days.

“Strength training builds muscle and also helps with endurance,” she said. “I also suggest trying out any new energy gels or breakfast before race

day to avoid any tummy problems.”Runners also need to consider the proper gear, espe-

cially footwear, Brown said.“Select running shoes that are comfortable and have

the proper spacing,” he said, referring to the recom-mended half-inch of space between the front of the shoe and the longest toe.

The Marathon Training Guide also covers weight training, the selection of running shoes, nutrition and eating tips.

For more information, call the Rambler Fitness Center at 652-7263.

By Robert Goetz

Proper preparation essential for marathoners

Photo by Senior Airman Alexandria SladeJoint Base San Antonio members run down Harmon Drive April 26 during the start of the JBSA Half Marathon at JBSA-Randolph.

“It’s good to have some 5K and 10K runs under your belt before you train for a marathon. We recommend a 16-week beginners’ training program for those who haven’t run in

a marathon before. It’s a gradual process. ... Running 26.2 miles is tough, so you have to follow the plan and believe in

yourself. You have to tell yourself you’re capable of it.” Tommy Brown

Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Rambler Fitness Center recreation aide

WINGSPREADJUNE 17, 2016 PAGE 13

Courtesy photo The 59th Medical Operations Squadron defeated the 326th Training Squadron, 18-21, 21-10, 22-10 in a volleyball game in observance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month June 10 at the Gillum Fitness Center at Joint Base San An-tonio-Lackland. The game served as a platform for Joint Base San Antonio commu-nity members to recognize equality among all service members and build morale.

Volleyball game highlights LGBT observance

• People of different ages drown in different loca-tions. For example, most children ages 1-4 drown in home swimming pools. The percentage of drownings in natural water settings – including lakes, rivers and oceans – increases with age.

• Failure to wear life jackets; 672 people died from drowning during a boating adventure with 88 percent of the victims reported not having a life jacket on in 2010.

• Alcohol use; 70 percent of water recreation deaths amongst adults and adolescents involved alcohol use.

• Seizure disorders; drowning is attributed as the most common cause of unintentional injury and death for people with seizure disorders.

Johns stressed the importance of swim lessons and life jacket safety while discouraging alcohol use during water recreation.

“Drinking and swimming is bad news. Never drink and swim period,” he said.

Even without drinking, some people can struggle be-ing in the water for various reasons like lack of boating knowledge or inability to swim.

“All of our Joint Base San Antonio pools offer swim lessons,” he said. “This is the perfect time to learn be-cause the water is beginning to warm up. Also, JBSA Outdoor Recreation offers boating lessons if you want to rent a boat.

The bottom line is, at some point you can get pres-sured into jumping to a pool or go tubing.

Most of people aren’t going to admit they can’t swim, but will go along with it and perhaps put on a life vest or not.

At JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, call the Aquatic Center, located at building 3300 on Win-ans Road, at 221-4887 for more information on swim lessons. The JBSA Canyon Lake

Recreation Park, located at 698 Jacobs Creek Park Road in Canyon Lake, Texas, offers a boating safety class weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. by calling 830-964-3576 or 800-280-3466. The JBSA Recreation Park at Canyon Lake is open to all Department of De-fense ID cardholders.

At JBSA-Lackland, swimming lessons are offered to youth ages 3 and up Tuesday through Friday throughout the day and limited classes for adults at the Skylark

Aquatics Center, building 6482. Classes are $65 per student. The JBSA-Lackland Outdoor Adventure Center offers a 95-minute course on basic boating procedures Mondays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. and Tuesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m.

At JBSA-Randolph, swimming lessons are given at the South Pool, building 980, next to the Rambler Fit-ness Center, from 8-11 a.m. Mondays through Thurs-days. Call 652-2053 for more information. A Texas Parks and Wildlife-sanctioned boater’s safety course is offered daily Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Community Services Mall, building 895, in Outdoor Rec-reation. Learn boater safety tips and requirements along with the “rules of the road” for water travel. The cost for the course is $2 per person and takes about 1 1/2 hours to complete. Call 652-5142, option two, to sign up.

WATER SAFETY from P6

Courtesy graphic