JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH 65th Year • No. 50 • DECEMBER 16, 2011

INSIDE ... COMMAND HOLIDAY MESSAGES, P2 ... BREAKFAST WITH SANTA, P4 ... RELIEF FOR BLUES, P9 ... RAMBLER BASKETBALL, P13

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

PAGE 10

DECEMBER 16, 2011PAGE 2 WINGSPREAD

By Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr.Air Education and Training Command commander

The winter holidays bring an array of cel-ebrations that highlight the diverse cultures that make our nation great. What unites so many of those festivities is a spirit of thankfulness for the many blessings we share. Teresa and I want to wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday season and say thank you to all the men and women of Air Education and Training Command for making 2011 such a success.

Closest to our hearts are all the de-ployed members of the command and their families. Having gone through this experience ourselves, we know how deployments over the holidays can be particularly tough, not just on the Airmen, but particularly the families back home. This year, more than 6,000 AETC Airmen have de-ployed around the globe. Thanks to your exceptional diligence and readi-

ness, AETC answered the call to send our people to

multiple worldwide operations while also maintaining our total commitment to training and educating the world’s fi nest Air Force!

For those of us not deployed, I ask that as you make your holiday plans for quality time with family and friends, please know that I take personal inter-est in your safety and well-being. Be smart and make good decisions. If you’re traveling, use caution and allow yourself time for delays. Make arrange-ments ahead of time so you’re never in a position to consider drinking and driving. The world’s greatest Air Force

is nothing without its number one asset – you.

As we celebrate together, I also ask you to remember the families of our deployed Airmen as well as our single Airmen. In the spirit of camaraderie that makes our Air Force such a spe-cial family, I hope you’ll welcome them into your holiday gatherings here at home.

The bonds we build today serve to strengthen the command for tomorrow and continue to make our United States Air Force the most respected airpower in the world. Happy holidays, AETC. Thank you for all that you do to keep our nation secure.

COMMENTARY

This newspaper is published by Prime Time Military News-papers, a private fi rm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive 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 services. Contents of the Wingspread 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, 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 affi liation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs Offi ce. All photos, unless oth-erwise 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 502ABW.pa.wingspread@us.af.mil. For more information, call the Wingspread offi ce at 652-4410.

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Joint Base San Antonio-RandolphEditorial Staff

Brig. Gen. Theresa CarterCommander

Marilyn HollidayChief of Public Affairs

Senior Airman Precious YettEditor

Airman 1st Class Alexis SiekertRobert Goetz, Alex Salinas

Staff WritersMaggie ArmstrongGraphic Designer

Staff Sgt. Joshua Clements, 902nd Secu-rity Forces Squadron, and Schlather Inter-mediate School sixth-graders, (from left) Isabelle Aimone, Mykiah Ausby and Nick Fulbright participate in Operation Shoebox Dec. 9 by preparing holiday care packages to be mailed to deployed Joint Base San Antonio service members. For the com-plete story, see page 10.Photo by Airman 1st Class Alexis Siekert

"As we celebrate together, I also ask you to remember the families of our deployed Airmen as well as our single Airmen. In the spirit of camaraderie that makes our Air Force such a special family, I hope you’ll welcome them into your holiday

gatherings here at home."

ON THE COVER

By Brig. Gen. Theresa CarterJoint Base San Antonio commander

Like many of you, one of the things I enjoy do-ing every year during the holidays is watching the classic Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Many of us probably know the fi lm by heart at this point in our lives. But for those who have not seen it, here’s a brief synopsis: The fi lm is about an angel named Clarence who is trying to earn his wings, and a man named George who plans to end his life by jumping off a bridge into icy water. The men cross paths when Clarence jumps into the water before George in order to take George’s mind off his taking his life.

Clarence’s ac-tions ended up taking George’s attention away from his attempted suicide and instead had him focus on saving an old man who was wildly fl apping his arms trying to stay above water.

George was ready to end his life because he was convinced things would be better if he had never been born but, in

fact, things would have been much worse. He wouldn’t have been there to save his brother from drowning, to help his neighbors secure desperately needed home loans or to provide a help-ing hand to his family.

George fi nally realized he had made an impact each and every day in the lives of his family, friends and co-workers

and pleaded with Clarence to let him live again. His wish was granted and Clarence earned his wings by showing George how important his contributions were to the lives of others.

I never fail to take away a new insight or meaning from the fi lm each time I watch it. I often wonder how many of us appreciate the impact we have every day on our fellow service members, civilian employees, family and friends. Whenever I have the chance to talk with students at Airman Leadership School, I always discuss the important role fi rst-level su-pervisors play in the lives of the Airmen who work for them.

Time and again in climate surveys, the one thing our Airmen say they value most is a simple thank you or a pat on the back from their immediate supervi-sor. When was the last time you thanked

Gen. Rice sends holiday message

How will you earn your wings this holiday season?

See HOLIDAY SEASON P5

WINGSPREADDECEMBER 16, 2011 PAGE 3

By Debbie GildeaAir Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs

The hiring freeze implemented in August was fully lifted Thursday, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.

The freeze, preceded by hiring controls, was one of several measures implemented in 2011 to bring manning down to mandated 2010 levels. In addition, voluntary separation incen-tives were offered.

“We have made significant progress in reducing man-ning levels through various programs,” Michelle Lowe-Solis, AFPC civilian force integration director, said. “But in some areas we are still short of the goal, so the freeze was extended in those targeted areas to help us work toward that end.

“Even with the hiring freeze being lifted, budget and funding issues are still fluid, so major command and wing leaders must be alert to changing conditions as they’ll have the responsibility to control hiring to stay below targeted levels,” LoweSolis explained.

Since the spring, nearly 9,000 positions have been trimmed from Air Force manning levels, but an additional 4,500 are necessary to reach required levels. Many of the positions identi-fied for elimination are already vacant and the hiring freeze resulted in more vacant positions, which will help the Air Force reach its goals, LoweSolis said.

“Nevertheless, our nation faces significant challenges and we all must remain firmly focused on force management,”

LoweSolis said. “Toward that end, a second round of voluntary separation measures is anticipated in January.”

Once current voluntary early retirement authority and voluntary separation incentive pay actions are complete, Air Force leaders will be able to fully as-sess the manning situation and determine if additional measures will be implemented, she said.

Who will be able to apply for Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and/or Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay during the next round has not yet been determined.

“We at AFPC are committed to assisting the person-nel strategic advisers in the field, and our benefits and entitlements team has been working round-the-clock to ensure Air Force employees get the best care possible,” LoweSolis explained.

“There are many moving parts involved in this effort, and we are all working to ensure employees whose posi-tions have been targeted for elimination are quickly placed in positions vacated by those who accepted VERA and/or VSIP, while keeping in mind the fact that we have a variety of mandatory placements to handle as well,” she said.

Mandatory placements include people returning from over-seas and outplacing centrally funded interns and employees in professional military education, LoweSolis said.

“In this difficult and challenging time, we are committed to making placement decisions that will benefit both our invalu-able civilian employees and our critical Air Force mission,” she said. “Nothing less will do.”

Air Force lifts hiring freeze

All gates, excluding the Main Gate, will be operating under different hours. The East Gate will be closed Dec. 24-26 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1. The South and West gates will be open from 6 a.m. to noon Dec. 24, 26 and 31, but will be closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. For more information, call Richard Coon at 652-5012.

Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph

Holiday Gate Hours

By Senior Airman Kevin Iinuma59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

Lt. Col. Susan Davis, 59th Training Squadron command-er, gathered her family together on the front steps of their house Oct. 16, for a group photo before her husband, Lt. Col. Curtis Davis, deployed.

The two Air Force officers posed with their two sons and two daughters, all six members of the Davis family wearing Air Force blues.

“Having the entire family in the Air Force is excit-ing,” Colonel Susan Davis said. “We have a common framework of professional experience as well as a shared Air Force culture to draw from.”

Based on their individual observations and experi-ences, each of the Davis children made the decision to follow their parents’ example.

“Joining the Air Force has opened them up to many valu-able opportunities they may not have otherwise received had they chosen a more conventional path, especially in today’s civilian job market,” Colonel Susan Davis said. “As parents, we take great comfort knowing our children are in good hands and on a glide path toward success.”

Lt. Col. Curtis Davis, deploying to Afghanistan for 365 days shortly after Christmas, is assigned to the Headquar-ters Air Education and Training Command Strategic Plans Branch at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.

Oldest son, 1st Lt. Trent Davis, is an air weapons officer

with the 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadron at Tinker AFB, Okla., and their youngest son, 2nd Lt. Austin Davis, is a cyber military utility analyst, HQ Air Force Space Com-mand at Peterson AFB, Colo.

The Davises' eldest daughter, 2nd Lt. Shannon Da-vis, is an Intel student in the 315th Training Squad-ron at Goodfellow AFB, Texas, and Air Force cadet Arieal Davis, their youngest daughter, is attending the University of Texas, at San Antonio.

“We are all going to Orlando and visiting Disney World over the Christmas holiday,” Colonel Susan Davis said. “Be-tween everyone’s professional obligation and my husband’s deployment, this is expected to be the last time we will all be together for the next year.”

The Davis family is establishing a legacy of service and will enjoy a unique connection not often expe-rienced by other families – a bond that only occurs between members in the profession of arms.

Air Force family establishes legacy of service

From top to bottom: Husband and father, Lt. Col. Curtis Davis, Air Education and Training Command, stands on the top of the steps at his home with his family; sons, 1st Lt. Trent Davis, 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., and 2nd Lt. Austin Davis, Air Force Space Command at Peterson AFB, Colo.; daughter 2nd Lt. Shannon Davis, 315th Training Squadron at Goodfellow AFB, Texas; wife Lt. Col. Susan Davis, 59th Training Squadron commander, Lackland AFB; and daughter Air Force cadet Arieal Davis.

Courtesy photo

DECEMBER 16, 2011PAGE 4 WINGSPREAD

NEWS

By Bekah Clark12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

The 479th Flying Training Group earned a “Sat-isfactory” grade on their 2011 Combined Unit In-spection Dec. 6-9.

A team of higher headquarters inspectors visited the 479th FTG, located at Naval Air Station Pensa-cola, to review every functional discipline executed by the group.

“The grade is a reflection of incredible work,

long hours and great diligence in their inspection preparation and in the standing up of the U.S Air Force’s only combat systems officer program over the course of the last two years,” Col. Richard Murphy, 12th Flying Training Wing commander, said. “I am so proud of each member of the 479th and their accomplishments.”

The group’s CUI included three separate inspections, the Unit Compliance Inspection, Aircrew Standardiza-tion and Evaluation Visit and a Logistics Compliance Assessment Program.

“The men and women of the 479th Flying Train-ing Group continue to uphold the 12th Flying Training Wing’s tradition of excellence,” Col. Neil Allen, 479th FTG commander, said.

“Our CUI success reflects very hard work across the wing and group. It also reinforces that our program, while young, is robust and accomplishing the goals that our Air Force senior leadership has set for us – to gradu-ate world-class combat systems officers,” he said. “We appreciate the support and confidence to showcase our program. I could not be prouder of my team.”

479th FTG earns 'Satisfactory' on CUI

Breakfastwith Santa

Far left: James and Pat Tay-lor share a dance as Santa and Mrs. Claus at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph's Breakfast with Santa event for children Dec. 10.

Left: Monty Alexander colors a holiday picture during the festivities at Breakfast with Santa Dec. 10.Photos by Don Lindsey

Right: Chloe Saxton decorates a cookie with the help of her mother

at Breakfast with Santa Dec. 10.

Far right: Frosty the Snowman and Elf

Denise Mena greet chil-dren outside the base

exchange food court at JBSA-Randolph dur-

ing the Breakfast with Santa event Dec. 10.

The Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Base Exchange Food Court,

the Army and Air Force Exchange Service and Charley’s Grilled Subs

hosted JBSA-Randolph’s second annual Breakfast with Santa Dec. 10. The free breakfast featured activities and music.

More than 150 children and their parents

attended.

WINGSPREADDECEMBER 16, 2011 PAGE 5

Airman 1st Class Alexis SiekertJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

According to the U.S. Department of Transporta-tion, thirty people in the United States die every day in motor vehicle crashes that involve an al-cohol-impaired driver and 18 percent of all motor vehicle deaths involve drugs other than alcohol.

During the holidays, the statistics are likely to spike due to alcohol- and drug-influenced social gatherings and celebrations. December is Nation-al Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, helping to increase awareness of the dangers of drugs and alcohol for Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph members.

“3D Month is aimed at decreasing the risk of individuals being involved in mishaps involving im-paired driving,” Tech Sgt. Brian Hornberger, 359th Medical Group Mental Health Flight chief, said.

Throughout December, an information table will be on display at the JBSA-Randolph Medical Clinic. Additionally, 902nd Security Forces Squad-ron members will perform field sobriety tests on holiday shoppers wearing drunken goggles to educate them on the dangers of impaired driv-ing in the base exchange Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“We want the community to be aware of the con-sequences and dangers impaired driving involve, and know what they can do to reduce their risks,” Hornberger said.

Impaired driving can lead to serious conse-quences, such as “suspended or revoked driv-ing privileges, military and civilian disciplinary/judicial actions, time away from work, financial and personal relationship strains due to legal and court fees, possible reduction in rank, increased insurance rates, physical injuries, death or the guilty of knowing you injured or killed someone else,” he said.

Hornberger suggested a few tips to ensure the safety of holiday drinkers.

“Plan your night prior to beginning drinking,” he said. “After you’ve had your first drink, it’s too late.”

Hornberger encourages individuals to have sev-eral options if the first plan falls through.

“You need to have more than one backup plan prior to learning your designated driver has been drinking,” he said.

Being a good wingman could make the differ-ence between life and death, Hornberger said.

“If you know someone has been drinking, don’t let them drive,” he said. “Take away their keys,

call a cab, set up a safe ride home with a sober driver or arrange a safe place for them to stay.”

Hornberger recommended writing down phone numbers for a safe ride in case the drinker’s phone battery runs low.

“Call a cab, friends, co-workers, supervisor, shirt, command post or anyone who you know can get you home safe,” he said. “Don’t decide which of your friends is least drunk; just because you don’t ‘feel’ intoxicated, your judgment and decision-making ability is compromised after the first drink.”

Hornberger said party hosts can play a signifi-cant role as well.

“If you are hosting a party, remind your guests to make plans for a safe ride home well in advance,” he said. “Have non-alcoholic beverages and food available, don’t encourage drinking games or al-low friends to leave without a sober ride home, and be ready to allow friends to stay over.”

Hornberger also urged all drivers to be cautious on the roads late at night due to the increased number of impaired drivers on the roads between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.

For more information, contact the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program at 652-2448.

359 MDG cautions Airmen to avoid impaired driving

one of your subordinates at the end of the day for their efforts? Have you ever told them how important they are or how they contribute to successful mission accomplishment?

As we prepare to celebrate another holiday season and ring in a new year, stop and think about an average day at any military installation.

Maintainers are preparing helicopters to fly and ships to sail. Aircrews are flying combat and training sorties. Combat sup-port personnel are providing the infra-structure and services needed to support our service members where they live, work and play. Medical personnel are car-ing for our most precious resource – our service members, family members and retirees. Instructors are mentoring and training our future leaders.

It’s not easy to keep all of these parts moving smoothly – every single person plays a key role and is essential to suc-cess.

Whether you are a supervisor or subordinate, recognize and understand the powerful influence your words and actions can have on those around you. I know personally of several individuals who decided to re-enlist rather than sep-

arate and in the extreme, to live rather than to die simply because someone on that decisive day said “thanks, you’ve done well and we appreciate what you do for the unit.”

So during this busy holiday season, let’s take time to remember those who are deployed by sending a letter or email to them and checking in on their family. Let’s take time to visit those who must work over the holidays, standing watch at entry control points, operating control centers or caring for the sick and injured at San Antonio Military Medi-cal Center. Let’s remember that not all of our trainees will depart on exodus and ensure they have a place to go on Christmas day. Let’s all remember to cel-ebrate responsibly over the holidays by using designated drivers and employing personal risk management as we deck the halls and hang holiday decorations around the house.

And finally, let’s take time to say thanks to the dedicated Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who keep our coun-try safe each and every day. Let them know how important their contributions are to keeping our nation free. Let them know they make a difference every day. You never know, like Clarence, it just may help you earn your wings.

HOLIDAY SEASON from P2

CAC/IDs require appointmentsJoint Base San Antonio has

implemented new procedures for customers requiring new identifica-tion cards, common access cards and Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System services.

To reduce excessive wait times, JBSA has replaced the walk-in customer services available at its main ID Card/CAC issuance facilities with an all-day appoint-ment-only process for all military members, retirees, dependents, civil service employees and contractors. Appointment times are between 8 a.m. and 3:20 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will be sched-uled at 20 minute intervals.

Changes to existing ID Card/CAC and DEERS services will only affect the main DEERS ID Card/CAC issuance facilities at these locations:

• 902nd Force Support Squad-ron, Bldg. 399, Randolph AFB; 652-1845

• 502nd Force Support Squad-ron, Bldg. 367, Fort Sam Houston; 221-0415

• 802nd Force Support Squad-ron, Bldg. 5616, Lackland AFB; 671-4178

To schedule appointments at any of these facilities, visit https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil/ or call to set up an appointment.

DECEMBER 16, 2011PAGE 6 WINGSPREAD

Base BRIEFSToy shop helpers The Salvation Army Angel Tree seeks volunteers today and Monday to sort and pack toys and clothing, and distrib-ute gifts. For more information, email Cathy Tompkins at cathy_tompkins@uss.salvationarmy.org or call Senior Airman Clinton Jenkins at 665-4815.

Healthcare Town HallThe Health Care Consumer’s Advisory Council meets

Jan. 18, 1-2:30 p.m. in the base theater. The group will meet to discuss clinic programs and services. For more informa-tion, call 652-6075.

Commander’s Action LineTo submit an Action Line, email the Joint Base San Antonio

Public Affairs Office at randolph.actionline@us.af.mil.The Action Line is the direct path for addressing issues if

unable to resolve them through the chain of command or the appropriate responsible agency. It also provides an avenue for feedback and to recognize outstanding people and units. Leave the person’s name and telephone number or email ad-dress and the correct office will reply.

Contact information allows us to obtain more informa-tion, if needed, to help resolve the problem. Items of general interest may be printed in the JBSA-Randolph Wingspread. Anonymous inquiries will not be published.

American Red Cross seeks volunteersThe American Red Cross seeks volunteers to serve the

base community at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Medical Clinic.

For more information, call the Red Cross at 652-6372 or stop by the Resource Management Office at the clinic (Bldg. 1040, Room 1C301).

AF representatives needed The Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs Office needs volunteers for its speakers’ bureau. JBSA-Randolph members interested in increasing public awareness and understanding of the U.S. Armed Forces, and the mission, policies and programs of the Air Force are encouraged to participate in JBSA-Randolph's speakers' bureau. Volunteers will represent the Air Force at local career days and various community events. Those interested in volunteering can call the JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs Office at 652-4410 or email public.affairs@us.af.mil.

NOW SHOWINGat JBSA-Randolph Theater

"A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas" (R)John Cho, Kal Penn, Neil Patrick Harris

Today at 7 p.m.

"Tower Heist" (PG-13)Eddie Murphy, Ben Stiller, Casey Affleck 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 publication in the Wingspread,email all information to 502ABW.pa.wingspread@us.af.mil.

Protestant Christmas Schedule Christmas Eve Candlelight

Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. at the base theater Worship Services

Dec. 25 at 8:15 & 10 a.m. at the base theater

Catholic Christmas Mass Schedule No Confessions Scheduled

Christmas Vigil Mass – Dec. 24 at 5:30 p.m. Lessons and Carols – Dec. 24 at 10:30 p.m.

Midnight Mass – Dec. 25 at midnight Christmas Day Mass – Dec. 25 at 10 a.m.

New Year’s Weekend

Confessions - Dec. 31 at 4:30 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass - Dec. 31 at 5:30 p.m.

Sunday Mass of the Holy Family - Jan. 1 at 10 a.m.

(All Catholic services are held in Chapel 1)

JBSA-Randolph ChapelHoliday Schedule

Duty TitleCyber systems operatorHometownAugusta, Ga.HobbiesI enjoy kickboxing, spending time with my son, dancing, playing cards and skating.Greatest AccomplishmentJoining the Air Force – I was born into a military family, so I wanted to follow in my father’s foot-steps and join the military as well.GoalsI’d love to make it to 20 years in the Air Force.Pet PeevePeople who tail-gate me while I’m driving.

Personal MottoToday is the oldest you’ve ever been, and the youngest you’ll ever be. Live life to the fullest!Personal InspirationMy inspiration is my son, who I would do any-thing for. Seeing his little smile makes my day.Commander’s Comments “Senior Airman Kennedy is a motivator to the entire squadron. Her smile and attitude are con-tagious, and her co-workers and commander love her positive attitude and sense of humor. Motivat-ed, enthusiastic, capable and professional – she is a pleasure to have in the squadron.”

Lt. Col. Michael MoylesAETC Computer Systems Squadron commander

Senior Airman Liana Tenorio KennedyAir Education and Training Command

Computer Systems Squadron

Photo by Airman 1st Class Alexis Siekert

WINGSPREADDECEMBER 16, 2011 PAGE 7

902nd Force Support Squadron Briefs

DECEMBER 16, 2011PAGE 8 WINGSPREAD

PUBLIC SPEAKING TIPS• Know your material. Pick a topic you are inter-

ested in. Know more about it than you include in your speech. Use humor, personal stories and conver-sational language – that way you won’t easily forget what to say.

• Practice. Practice. Practice! Rehearse out loud with all equipment you plan on using. Revise as nec-essary. Work to control filler words; practice, pause and breathe. Practice with a timer and allow time for the unexpected.

• Know the audience. Greet some of the audience members as they arrive. It’s easier to speak to a group of friends than to strangers.

• Know the room. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids.

• Relax. Begin by addressing the audience. It buys you time and calms your nerves. Pause, smile and count to three before saying anything. (“One one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand. Pause. Begin.) Transform nervous energy into enthu-siasm.

• Visualize yourself giving your speech. Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear and confi-dent. Visualize the audience clapping – it will boost your confidence.

• Realize that people want you to succeed. Audi-ences want you to be interesting, stimulating, infor-mative and entertaining. They’re rooting for you.

• Don’t apologize for any nervousness or problem – the audience probably never noticed it.

• Concentrate on the message – not the medium. Focus your attention away from your own anxieties and concentrate on your message and your audience.

• Gain experience. Mainly, your speech should represent you – as an authority and as a person. Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking.

JBSA-Randolph offers public speaking class to hone skills

Photos by Airman 1st Class Alexis SiekertShalondra Smith, Air Force Personnel Center, presents a speech during the public speaking class Dec. 9. To sign up for the class, call 652-2525.

What was the most valuable part of the

public speaking class?“Knowing everyone else

also had a fear of public speaking put me at ease. Knowing we’re all just as

nervous makes me feel more confident. This was a

good refresher.”

Senior Master Sgt. Hugo GuerreroAir Force Personnel Center

“This course was great for learning the basics, such as outlining, and I’ve gained more confidence speaking in

front of others.”

Airman 1st ClassContessa Fredrickson

Air Force Personnel Center

“I took the most from the structure of speech

building – the body, prepa-ration and transitions. It

was a big help.”

Jacobey FelderAir Force Personnel Center

The public speaking course that originated at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland’s Robert D. Gaylor NCO Academy is now offered across all JBSA installations.

The course was created to provide basic speaking principles to Department of Defense staff and is usually attended by NCOs, Senior NCOs and civilian personnel in managerial positions, but is available to all active-duty and DoD members.

The regime for the class includes clear organiza-tion of effective speaking, how to write an outline, the various patterns and strategies of speaking and how to mask nervousness. To sign up for the class at JBSA-Randolph, call Master Sgt. Terri Harmon at 652-2525.

An appointment is designated as a no-show when a patient does not keep a scheduled ap-pointment or cancels less than two hours prior to a scheduled appointment.

Patients can cancel their appointments by se-lecting the cancellation option during the audiocare appointment reminder call, canceling via TRICARE online or simply calling the Consult Appointment Management Office appointment line.

For any no-shows, patients will be contacted within 48 hours of their missed appointment. The reason for missed appointment will be de-termined and follow-up recommendations made based upon the patient’s clinical need.

For two or more no-shows within a six-month period in a specialty clinic without valid justification (example: sudden acute ill-ness), all future specialty appointments within

that clinic will be canceled and the patient’s Primary Care Manager will be contacted. The patient will require a new referral from the PCM if the specialty care is still needed.

Patients who arrive more than 10 minutes past their scheduled appointment time will be considered late.

Questions can be directed to the Group Prac-tice Manager office at 652-8677 or 652-1603.

Policy letter for patient appointments

WINGSPREADDECEMBER 16, 2011 PAGE 9

Alex SalinasJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

The holidays, during which many pre-ventable accidents occur, are no time to rest on laurels, advised the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Safety Office. Even the most prepared must be ready to practice general holiday safety to ensure they, their family and friends are protected.

Much of the nation scrambles to hop in a plane or car to visit loved ones. For drivers especially, “winter weather – snow, ice, or wet, slippery roads – cre-ates a great challenge,” Tech. Sgt. David Roller, JBSA-Randolph NCO in charge of ground safety, said.

“Knowing how to handle road conditions is probably the most vital inclement weather factor,” Roller said.

Linda Howlett, JBSA-Randolph ground safety manager, said more people on the road with longer road trips means there will be a spike in road hazards.

“There’s greater exposure to danger all around,” she said.

Proper winter weather driving techniques

include decreasing vehicle speed and leaving three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you; breaking gently to avoid skidding; using low gears to keep traction; not using cruise control or overdrive on wet and icy roads; turning and accelerating slowly to avoid sliding; and not using your cellphone while driving.

The holiday season includes people bring-ing trees inside their homes to decorate.

“Before you string up a single strand of lights on the tree, be it real or artificial, carefully look for cracked cords, frayed ends or loose connections,” Roller said. “The combination of shortages in elec-trical lights and a tinder-dry tree can be deadly. There are 250 Christmas tree fires and 14 related deaths each year, accord-ing to the U.S. Fire Administration. So, keep your tree well-watered and keep your house from burning down.”

Other Christmas tree safety tips include replacing strands of lights without fuses; replacing burned out bulbs; using the cor-rect wattage of bulbs; plugging outdoor lights into a ground fault interrupter outlet to reduce the risk of shortages and shocks;

and carefully handling tree pine needles and decoration pins with sharp tips.

Decoration safety should also extend be-yond the home’s interior. A more prominent, and visible, expression of the holidays are homes that display Christmas lights and other decorations.

When setting up Christmas lights, ladders are heavily used, especially for two-story homes, and homeowners should practice safety first.

“Ladder accidents injure professionals and non-professionals daily and the sad part is most of the injuries could have been prevented,” Roller said.

Gift giving, another holiday tradition, also warrants safe practicing.

“For many children, the holiday season means one thing: toys,” Roller said. “Each year, an estimated 169,300 toy-related inju-ries in children ages 14 years and younger are treated in hospital emergency rooms in the United States. While federal toy safety standards have greatly improved since 2008, shoppers should still read labels on toys to ensure the toy is age-appropriate and follow toy safety guidelines.”

Holiday practices require safety measuresOne person should hold the ladder

Use a bucket and rope to carry tools

Wear sneakers or shoes with

good grip

Do not use metal ladders for

electrical work

Keep the area under the ladder

clear

By Alex SalinasJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

Stress, the feeling of being over-whelmed or of not having resources to handle a given situation, will likely affect the Air Force and Department of Defense members this winter season. In the spirit of the upcoming holiday celebrations, Mitzi Wood, 359th Medi-cal Operations Squadron Family Ad-vocacy intervention specialist, wants military personnel to exercise joviality to overcome feelings of blue.

“Get to the true meaning of what the holidays mean to you,” Wood said. “Decide what’s important and do what makes you happy. If something is causing you stress, stop doing it.”

Figuring out one’s meaning of the holi-day season requires the person to “identify what it is they struggle with (or causes them stress), figure out why that is and manage that stressor,” Capt. Amanda Hardy, 359th Medical Operations Squadron Family Advo-cacy officer, said.

Many anticipate performing their family traditions and rituals during the

holidays, such as get-togethers and din-ners, but continuing them can often be difficult, or impossible, causing family members stress, Wood said.

“Families get into ruts doing the same things every year,” Wood said. “Some-times traditions may not be able to hap-pen, so families must be able to think of something new to do.”

An example of a military family need-ing to create new traditions would be when they are experiencing deployment, a major stress-inducing issue. If there are children in the family, the issue becomes greater and the parents must try harder to create new traditions and keep the holidays fun and stress-free, Wood said.

“The military way of life is ever-changing,” she said. “Being adaptable is imperative, and people shouldn’t put importance in always wanting to do things a certain way.”

New traditions can be as simple eat-ing out instead of staying home and cooking, or as technologically savvy as using a webcam to communicate with family members instead of stressing out over traveling to visit them.

For deployed parents, spouses or fam-ilies as a whole, making new friends in new cities allows holidays to be easier to handle. Meeting and reaching out to other people experiencing deployment may also help reduce stress and build relationships, Wood said.

One potential stressor of a celebration like Christmastime is gift giving, which Wood suggested families not overindulge in, especially with children.

“Make a list and make a budget,” she said. “Be realistic with your kids and help them understand money at an early age. It’s not positive to set them up thinking they will get everything they want.”

Hardy said people should rely on other means rather than just gifts to send messages to their loved ones, helping lighten the load on their pock-etbooks.

“For those who are financially stressed, it’s really about perspective,” Hardy said. “Figure out what message you want to send, and tap into your creativity with gift giving so it doesn’t only become about the amount of money you spend.”

Additionally, parents who buy their chil-

dren too many gifts can overwhelm them, Wood said, in turn overextending the par-ents for future stressful holiday debacles.

Aside from difficulties in gift giving, Hardy suggested everyone “eliminate any unnec-essary commitments” that may cause them more stress than good, which helps them prioritize what is meaningful to them.

For those families and individuals experi-encing loss of a loved one, Wood suggested they let people know they need help.

“Tell people exactly what you need help with and how much help you need,” Wood said. “People tend to over- or under-help if you are experiencing loss based on what they feel they would need, so be very clear with them. Also, buddy up with someone and make a plan to avoid being lonely.”

Feeling lonely, Wood said, is the opposite of the holiday spirit, a time for coming to-gether and celebrating others’ company.

“If you find yourself working, enjoy the time you have off,” she said. “It’s about the quality of time you have with others, not the quantity. Remember to breathe, pre-plan your holidays and have fun.”

To contact the Randolph Family Advo-cacy Program, Bldg. 863, call 652-2448.

Family Advocacy offers Rx for holiday blues

DECEMBER 16, 2011PAGE 10 WINGSPREAD WINGSPREADDECEMBER 16, 2011 PAGE 11

FEATURE

Carter Arispe, Schlather Intermediate School sixth-grader, and Carla Barnes, Schlather coun-selor, participate in Operation Shoebox Dec. 9 by placing American flags into each care pack-age to be send to deployed Joint Base San Antonio servicemembers over the holidays.

Photos by Airman 1st Class Alexis SiekertMaster Sgt. Karla Iglesias, Airman and Family Readiness Center NCO in charge, works with Matthew Avila, Schlather Intermediate School fifth-grader, to put together care packages for 35 Joint Base San Antonio service members Dec. 9. Through Operation Shoebox, the students were able to send packages spreading holiday cheer to deployed troops.

By Robert GoetzJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

Home can seem even farther away for service members when they are on deployment during the holiday season, but students from a local intermediate school recently opened their hearts to narrow that distance.

Students from Elaine S. Schlather Intermediate School in the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District participated in Operation Shoebox, a national effort to send care packages, letters and other items to deployed members.

They spent more than a week filling U.S. Postal Service flat-rate boxes with candy, dental products, snacks, drink mixes, toiletries, reading materials and other items they brought from home, culminat-

ing in a “packing party” Dec. 9 at the school. The “shoeboxes” were then shipped to 35 deployed service members whose names were pro-vided by Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph military personnel – or one for each of the fifth- and sixth-grade campus’ 35 homerooms.

Carla Barnes, a counselor at Schlather Intermediate, said the school’s participation in Operation Shoebox marked its third consecutive community service project.

“When Schlather Intermediate opened three years ago, staff de-cided that we would do an annual service project in honor of Elaine S. Schlather, who had a heart for service,” she said, referring to the longtime SCUCISD educator for whom the school was named. “The first year we collected hundreds of books for Boysville of Converse.

Last year, our campus raised over $5,000 for the Pennies for Pasta Leukemia Foundation. Because of the large number of students connected to the military at our school, we decided that this year we would honor our military.”

Barnes said the staff chose Operation Shoebox for the school’s project this year after discovering the organization online.

“They are an organization that works with individuals and groups to adopt troops to send care pack-ages to them,” she said.

Because the school wanted to impact the local community, Barnes said she contacted the JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs Of-fice, which referred her to Staff Sgt. Joshua Clements, JBSA-Ran-dolph Readiness Support Commit-tee chairman, and Senior Airman Brian Wing of the 902nd Logistics

Local students send goodie boxes to deployed military members

A handmade holiday card sits on top of a care package put together by Schlather In-termediate School’s fifth and sixth grade students during Operation Shoebox Dec. 9.

Nicholas Fulbright Elaine S. Schlather Intermediate School sixth-grader

“This project gives me a chance to help deployed members when otherwise I wouldn’t be able to help them, and it gives me a chance to thank them for

serving our country.”

Readiness Squadron for assistance.“They were responsible for getting

me the names of deployed individuals who would be recipients of the shoe-boxes,” she said.

Barnes said students worked on the project from Nov. 30 to Dec. 9. In addition to gathering items for the care packages, they brought in enough money to cover shipping costs and included a letter to each deployed member thanking them for their service.

Barnes said it is “a joy to see the project develop into something that helps students realize the importance of giving back.

“Giving back to the community teaches children to think outside of themselves,” she said. “By contributing, they learn that they, too, can make the world a better place. Service projects teach the importance of connection that gives children a sense of security and values.”

Barnes said this year’s project gave the school an opportunity to “thank the Air Force and all military members that give daily sacrifices for that freedom.”

Students’ comments echoed those sentiments.

“This project gives me a chance to help deployed members when other-wise I wouldn’t be able to help them, and it gives me a chance to thank them for serving our country,” sixth-grader Nicholas Fulbright said.

Another sixth-grader, Isabelle Aimone, said the project “brings a little of home to the deployed members of the military.”

Fifth-grader Jillian Moore said “it is cool to do this because deployed members get items mailed to them that they don’t have where they are deployed.”

DECEMBER 16, 2011PAGE 12 WINGSPREAD

By Sue Campbell59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

The Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center Nephrology Clinic will move to San Antonio Mili-tary Medical Center at Ft. Sam Houston Dec. 30. The move is part of the Base Realignment and Clo-sure process. After that date there will be limited nephrology service at Wilford Hall.

“The Air Force Nephrology Clinic is merging with the existing clinic at SAMMC,” Lt. Col. (Dr.) Laveta McDowell, 59th Medical Operations Group said. “Combining strengths and experience will en-hance care for our patients and training for future Air Force nephrologists – as this is the site of the Air Force’s only nephrology fellowship.”

The nephrology clinic provides a complete range of consultative, diagnostic and treatment services for patients with kidney diseases. The scope of care encompasses all stages of kidney disease, from earliest detectable changes in kidney func-tion through end-stage kidney disease, as well as patients with high blood pressure, kidney stones and other kidney-related problems.

The Air Force nephrology clinic will merge with

the Army nephrology clinic in the dialysis unit at SAMMC on the third floor in the outpatient clinical wing. The new clinic area, which is anticipated to be opening in March, is adjacent to the SAMMC Dialysis Unit.

The nephrology clinic hours of operation at SAMMC will be 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Fri-day, the phone number will be 916-1455. The exist-ing Wilford Hall Nephrology Clinic phone number will continue to be in operation for 30 days after the move, with a voicemail giving instructions on how patients can reach the new clinic at SAMMC.

Some services will still be provided at Wilford Hall after the main clinic moves. The Anemia Management Clinic, which is part of Nephrology, will move to SAMMC after construction of their new area is complete.

“We are excited about the move and are dedicated to continue providing the same high-quality, patient-centered care our patients have come to expect and deserve,” McDowell, Air Force Surgeon General neph-rology consultant, said.

Nephrology clinic patients are encouraged to verify location when making appointments.

Wilford Hall Nephrology Clinic moves to SAMMC“The Air Force Nephrology Clinic is merging with the existing clinic at

SAMMC. Combining strengths and experience will enhance care for our patients and training for future Air Force nephrologists – as this is the

site of the Air Force’s only nephrology fellowship.”

Lt. Col. (Dr.) Laveta McDowell59th Medical Operations Group

Keeping things straightin Washington Circle

Base safety and security officials want people to be aware of the procedures for driving in and out of Washington Circle. Officials want to ensure motorists know which lanes they should be in when entering and exiting the circle. The biggest safety issue occurs when vehicle try to directly exit the circle from the left lane instead of moving to the right lane in advance of their exit turn. Officials urge people to drive defensively and use caution in and around Washington Circle.

TRAFFIC RULES FOR WASHINGTON CIRCLE •Trafficenteringthecirclemustyieldtotraffic already in the circle •Whenenteringthecircle: If you are exiting at the first or second exit, stay in the outside or right lane. If you are exiting at the third exit or beyond, use the inside of left lane until ready to exit •Iftwovehiclesaresidebyside,thevehicleinthe outside or right lane has the right-of-way •Alltrafficinthecirclemustsignalforturnswhen exiting the circle

1

2 Traffic onWashington Circle

is ONE WAYTO THE RIGHT

(counterclockwise)

WINGSPREADDECEMBER 16, 2011 PAGE 13

SportsBRIEFS

SPORTS – HEALTH – FITNESS

Ramblers lose two games in tournamentBy Robert GoetzJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

The Randolph Ramblers are still search-ing for team chemistry after falling twice in the Joe Hall Tournament last weekend at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

Playing two games on Saturday, the Randolph basketball team lost to Fort Sill, Okla., 62-52 in a morning contest and to Cannon AFB, N.M., 90-82 in the afternoon. The Air Force Academy Prepa-ratory School defeated Tinker AFB, Okla., to win the tournament.

“We ran into a really good team in Fort Sill,” Randolph head coach Larus Martin said. “We gave it our best effort, but we came up short.”

The game was tied at halftime, 38-38, and the Ramblers matched their op-ponent point for point for much of the second half, Martin said. Despite a 10-2 run by Fort Sill with about seven minutes left, the Ramblers had a chance to narrow the deficit to one point with less than two minutes left.

“We stole the ball, but missed the shot,” he said. “Then we got an offensive re-bound but were unable to score. Fort Sill

hit a three-pointer to go up by six.”Fort Sill extended their lead by hitting

a series of free throws, and the Ramblers were unable to score down the stretch.

“The game was much closer than what the score indicated,” Martin said.

Power forward Marqus Armour led Randolph with 16 points, while small forward Aaron Stafford contributed 12 points.

The Ramblers also started off quickly against Cannon, leading 40-38 at half-time, but were unable to match the War-riors’ intensity in the second half. Cannon gained momentum midway through the half, pulling ahead by seven points, then increasing their lead to 10.

“We were playing uphill at that point,” Martin said. “We just couldn’t get it done

when we needed to.”Armour again led the way with 20

points and 12 rebounds. Guard Nicho-las Reese scored 18 points. Stafford and center Xavier James were also in double figures with 16 and 12 respectively.

The Ramblers, still winless in the 2011-12 campaign, have also lost to JBSA-Lack-land, Coastal Bend College of Beeville, Northwest Vista College, Gary Job Corps Center and Huston-Tillotson University.

Martin said playing against established collegiate programs will help the Ram-blers, who have few returnees from last year, mature as a team.

“We are going to find a way to win with what we have,” he said. “I think we have the talent. It’s just a matter of everything coming together to be successful.”

“We ran into a really good team in Fort Sill.We gave it our best effort, but we came up short.”

Aerobathon The Rambler Fitness Center hosts the Rambler Aerobathon Jan. 7. The event kick offs at 10:30 a.m. and runs through 1:30 p.m. Attendees can have fun while exercising and trying out the different group exercise classes offered at the center.

Attention bikers The fitness center offers bike rides every Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A road bike or cyclo-cross bike in good working condition is needed. Appropri-ate cycling attire and gear are required. These rides are led by a member of USA Cycling.

Randolph Oaks Golf Course

• New Year’s Day Golf Randolph Oaks Golf Course patrons are invited to cel-ebrate the new year playing golf Jan. 1 with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. The pro shop will be open until 1 p.m. and Mulligan’s Grill is closed all day.

• Holiday golf purchasesThe Randolph Oaks Golf

Course offers patrons an opportunity to win a set of irons, driver, putter or a golf bag during December. With the purchase of $10 or more in merchandise, customers receive a ticket for a chance to win the prizes.

• Wi-Fi connected The Randolph Oaks Golf Course club house offers wireless Internet.

• Driving range Golf patrons can warm up at the Randolph Oaks Golf Course Driving Range. A full basket of balls is $6 or a half-basket is $3. Patrons can stop by the Pro Shop to purchase a debit key for the new machine and get 30 half-baskets for $60.

Rambler Fitness Centergroup exercise class schedule

December 2011MONDAY

9 a.m. - Step10:05 a.m. - Strength11 a.m. - Step11:15 a.m. - Cycling5 p.m. - Step5:15 p.m. - Cycling6 p.m. - Yoga7:15 p.m. - Kickboxing

TUESDAY9 a.m. - Yoga10 a.m. - Senior Strength11 a.m. - Step5 p.m. - Zumba6 p.m. - Kickboxing

WEDNESDAY9 a.m. - Step10 a.m. - Yoga11 a.m. - Step11:15 a.m. - Cycling5 p.m. - Zumba5:15 p.m. - Cycling6 p.m. - Pilates

THURSDAY9 a.m. - Step/Weights9 a.m. - Yoga10 a.m. - Senior Strength11 a.m. - Sets/Reps5 p.m. - Zumba6 p.m. - Kickboxing

FRIDAY9 a.m. - Step10:15 a.m. - Cardiofusion11:15 a.m. - Cycling5:30 p.m. - Yoga

SATURDAY9 a.m. - Kickboxing9 a.m. - Pilates10:15 a.m. - Zumba

SUNDAY1 p.m. - Yoga

$3 per class, schedule subject to change. For details on class passes or holiday class schedules, call the Rambler Fitness Center at 652-2955.Equipment orientation available upon request for all patrons.

Larus MartinRambler head basketball coach

The Rambler Fitness Center Holiday HoursDec. 24, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. ~ Dec. 25, CLOSED ~ Dec. 26, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Dec. 30, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. ~ Dec. 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. ~ Jan. 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.