Partywraps up Year of the Air Force Familyextras.mysanantonio.com/lackland_talespinner/Talespinner...properly installed booster seat. In addition to a free booster seat, par-ents or

A PUBLICATION OF THE 502nd AIR BASE WING – JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO

L A C K L A N D A I R F O R C E B A S E , T E X A S • w w w. l a c k l a n d . a f . m i l • V o l . 6 8 N o . 3 0 • J U LY 3 0 , 2 0 1 0

INSIDECommentary 2

Recognition 6

What’s Happening 18

News & Features

Suicide awareness 3

Soldier show 10

Teaching English 12

Winning ways 20

Happy AnniversaryJoint Base San Antonio

The 502nd Air Base Wing(Joint Base San Antonio)

was activated on July 31, 2009.

SECURITY FORCES! HANDS UP!

Photo by Robbin CresswellAirman 1st Class Dennis Eldridge and Airman Isiah Fowler, both Security Forces Apprentice students with the 343rd Training Squadron,clear the stairwells of a building during an exercise at the Urban Operations Facility at Camp Bullis July 14.

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

Today’s “Sizzling Summer Block Party”by the 802nd Force Support Squadron atthe Warhawk Fitness Center and pool con-cludes Lackland events under the Year ofthe Air Force Family initiative.

A crowd of 1,500 or more is expected toofficially end 12 months of YoAFF activi-ties, which began Aug. 1, 2009.

“It’s our big wrap-up, a fun way to cele-brate the Year of the Air Force Family forthe entire Lackland community,” said DebWilley, Airman and Family Services Flightchief, 802nd FSS.

The family event, open to all base per-sonnel, includes a pool party with a discjockey, children’s activities, indoor sportsactivities for all ages in the fitness center,water games every hour, a Spurs activitybooth, a dunking booth, a unit/organiza-

tion cardboard boat race at 5 p.m. and aG-rated outdoor movie at dusk.

There will also be a drink concessionstand, and free hamburgers and hot dogs,grilled by the First Sergeants.

Ms. Willey said the YoAFF initiative hada positive effect on Lackland. It fosteredpartnerships and better communicationbetween base organizations and agencies

Party wraps up Year of the Air Force Family

See FAMILY P4

PAGE 3TALESPINNERJULY 30, 2010TALESPINNERPAGE 2 JULY 30, 2010

SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE FAIR

A Joint Base San Antonio special needsresource fair and activity day, presentedby Army and Air Force family member pro-grams, is Aug. 6, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., atMorgan’s Wonderland, 5523 DavidEdwards Drive.

Registration is at http://armypride.wufoo.com/forms/morgans-wonder-

land-resource-fair-and-activity-day/.

DENTAL CLINIC CONSTRUCTION TO START

Construction begins Aug. 9 on the newMacKown Dental Clinic in a two-blockarea near Wilford Hall Medical Center. Theexpected completion date is summer2012.

Several parking lots located within theconstruction area, containing about 300parking spaces, will be closed during con-struction. The fenced off construction areais north of Luke Avenue – Ladd Street toPepperrell Street, and Kenly Avenue to themodular trailers near Bong Avenue.

Parking is available in three recentlycompleted lots along Luke Boulevardintersections: at Kenly Avenue, BongAvenue and Holloman Avenue.

Additionally, Holloman Avenue fromLadd Street to Pepperrell Street will bepermanently closed.

For more information, contact theFacilities Management Office at 292-7171.

FREE BOOSTER SEATS AVAILABLE

Free vehicle booster seats for qualify-ing children of military identificationcardholders will be available at FreedomChapel, 8 a.m. to noon, Aug. 9.

Children will be weighed and meas-ured to determine if a booster seat is nec-essary in accordance with a new Texaslaw.

The law, which was effective June 1,now requires children under the age of 8or shorter than 4 feet, 9 inches to be in aproperly installed booster seat.

In addition to a free booster seat, par-ents or guardians of qualifying childrenwill also be instructed on proper seatinstallation.

For more information, call 671-3380.

NewsBRIEFS

COMMENTARY

Editorial staffBRIG. GEN. LEONARD PATRICK,502ND AIR BASE WING

COMMANDER

OSCAR BALLADARES,DIRECTOR, 502ND ABW OL-APUBLIC AFFAIRS

JOE BELA,CHIEF OF INTERNAL

COMMUNICATIONS, 671-4111

SHANNON CARABAJAL,MANAGING EDITOR, 671-1786

MIKE JOSEPH,STAFF WRITER, 671-4357

PATRICK DESMOND,SPORTS EDITOR/STAFF WRITER,671-5049

PAUL NOVAK,DESIGN/LAYOUT, 671-0478

Office:1701 Kenly Ave. Suite 102Lackland AFB, Texas78236-5103(210) 671-1786;(fax) 671-2022E-mail: [email protected]’s Action Line:actionline@lackland. af.mil.Straight Talk: 671-6397 (NEWS)For advertising information:Prime Time Military Newspapers2203 S. HackberrySan Antonio, Texas 78210(210) 534-8848(fax) 534-7134

This newspaper is published byPrime Time Military Newspapers, aprivate firm in no way connected withthe U.S. Air Force, under exclusivewritten contract with Lackland AFB,Texas. This commercial enterprise AirForce newspaper is an authorizedpublication for members of the U.S.military services. Contents of theTalespinner are not necessarily theofficial views of, or endorsed by, theU.S. government, the Department ofDefense, or the Department of the AirForce.

The appearance of advertising inthis publication, including inserts orsupplements, does not constituteendorsement by the Department ofDefense, the Department of the AirForce or Prime Time MilitaryNewspapers, of the products or servicesadvertised.

Everything advertised in thispublication shall be made available forpurchase, use or patronage withoutregard to race, color, religion, sex,national origin, age, marital status,physical handicap, political affiliation,or any other nonmerit factor of thepurchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited,prepared and provided by the PublicAffairs Office of the 502nd Air BaseWing. All photos, unless otherwiseindicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.

Deadline for submissions isnoon Thursday the week prior topublication.

By Chaplain (Maj.) Jonathan Wade332nd Air Expeditionary Wing

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq (AFNS) – I’llcall him “Rick.”

In the words of his military friends andco-workers, Rick was one of the greatestguys you’d ever want to meet: A hardworking NCO in a high operations tempounit, a family man, a compassionatefriend always seeking opportunities tohelp others in his unit succeed.

Rick was humble, they said. He wouldnever take credit for his talents, insteadcalling it a “team effort.”

His supervisors noticed, at times, thatRick was unusually hard on himself andseemed depressed about his job abilities,despite the opinion to the contrary of theentire supervisory chain. Then, quitesuddenly, Rick’s attitude perked up. Heseemed to enjoy his job. Gone were theself-criticisms that had plagued him inthe past. His friends noticed, andremarked about the positive change.

Within a week or two, Rick requestedleave so he could take his family on adream vacation. Word was that it was thebest vacation he and his family had everenjoyed together.

Upon his return from leave, Rick qui-etly slipped out of his home and into hisoffice in the pre-dawn hours, telling hiswife there was unfinished business hehad to complete. She thought nothing ofit, as Rick often gave up his free time forwork needs. Rick carefully stacked proj-ect binders and folders on his desk withnotes to co-workers of what was unfin-ished and how to complete each project.Then Rick drove out to a remote part ofthe base, put a gun to his head andended his life.

It’s been many years since I cared forRick’s devastated wife, his grieving chil-dren, and his friends and co-workers.

Despite the time, I have never forgot-ten Rick or the serious damage that sui-cide leaves in its wake.

Suicide is about more than just anabrupt, untimely end to a human life. Itis about unanswered questions, unful-filled dreams, possibilities that will neverbe, a struggle for closure that may nevercome.

As one child (now an adult) said of hismother’s suicide, “For years, I thoughtthat one of the reasons she killed herselfwas because she couldn’t get us to brushour teeth or other things we were sup-posed to do.”

He’ll never really know the answer,and will struggle to find one, just asRick’s circle of relationships struggles tothis day to understand.

Is there good news? Absolutely. Rick’sdeath taught me early in my career thatthere is a simple but powerful tool to pre-vent suicide from taking another life andleaving behind its human wreckage. Thattool is you!

As servicemembers, we would fight tothe death to save our wingman fromdeath at the hands of the enemy. Whenwe fight, we fight for each other.Whether the firefight is with an externalfoe or an internal battle against an emo-tionally crushing problem, we are theinstrument of help that can rescue ourfriend and all those who love and carefor him or her. How? By simply remem-bering and implementing the ACE plan.

A – Ask your friend how he is doing.Most people will typically respond “okay,”because we use the “how ya doin’?”question as a common greeting. Take the

time to ask him how he is really doing.Sometimes all a person needs is some-

one to listen to them. So, talk less, listenmore and let your friend share his storywith you.

If you suspect he may be self-destruc-tive, ask him directly if he is thinking ofkilling himself. Is that uncomfortable?Yes, but it can be the most importantquestion you ever ask. Get over the dis-comfort and ask him.

What if the answer to the question is“yes?”

C – Care for your friend. Don’t leavehim alone. Calmly control the situationby continuing to listen without judginghim. Your job now is to care for yourfriend until you can get him to competentemergency care. Let him know that thereis help available to navigate him throughhis troubles to a place of hope and peace.

E – Escort your friend to the emer-gency room. His emotional wound is aslife-threatening as a shrapnel wound tothe heart. Don’t leave your friend aloneuntil you find the expertise to help him.He may give you many reasons he doesn’twant to seek help, and you will have tobe persistent and truthful. He may askabout how this affects his career andfamily. You can’t tell him what you don’tknow. Let the experts handle that. Whathe needs now is someone to help him.

Remember, you are the best tool forhelping a suicidal friend or co-worker.Remember ACE. There is help, there ishope, and there is an answer.

I’ll call him ‘Rick’“Suicide is about more than just an abrupt, untimely endto a human life. It is about unanswered questions, unful-

filled dreams, possibilities that will never be, a struggle forclosure that may never come.”

– Chaplain (Maj.) Jonathan Wade332nd Air Expeditionary Wing

Stay up-to-date during special events and rough skies. Call 671-NEWS

Program raises suicide awarenessBy Mike JosephStaff Writer

Participants had high praise for aLackland training program that teach-es skills to recognize potential suicidesigns.

SafeTALK (Suicide Alertness forEveryone; Tell, Ask, Listen, andKeepSafe), a suicide preventionawareness program, helps develop theability to recognize and engage per-sons who might have suicidalthoughts, and to connect them withcommunity resources specializing insuicide prevention.

“The Chief of Chaplains sees it as apriority in the spiritual care forAirmen,” said Chaplain (Maj.) StephenAllen, permanent party branch chiefand certified safeTALK trainer.

He said chaplains are involved insuicide prevention programs to pro-vide spiritual care.

One specific area in that care is

offering hope since most having suici-dal thoughts experience a sense ofhopelessness.

Two attendees from a recentsafeTALK training session wereimpressed with the course.

“The training was exceptional;everyone should have it,” said MasterSgt. Thomas Petterson, 59thOrthopedic Squadron, additional dutyfirst sergeant. “It covers the topic in anon-threatening and practical man-ner. I think it would help lower thenumber of suicides because it makesyou think about the people whowouldn’t seem like the type to do it.”

Clara Brideforth, basic militarytraining Pentecostal religious educa-tion, agreed. She said the course wasenlightening and advocated starting itin BMT to increase awareness.

The interactive safeTALK trainingincludes visual aides and small groupscenarios, and takes about four hours,said Chaplain (Capt.) Jonathan Hurt,

permanent party chaplain staff. Timeis allotted for group discussionbecause of the difficulty most peoplehave talking about suicide.

In addition to raising interventionawareness, the training gives partici-pants skills on how to recognizepotential warning signs, to communi-cate confidently and help make con-nections to professional resources forhelp.

“There’s a fear factor that thiscourse can help people overcome sothey feel confident enough to helpsomeone,” Chaplain Hurt said. “Thecourse makes people comfortable intalking about the subject.

“We want to help Airmen under-stand, to take the stigmas out of ask-ing or recognizing those who may bethinking about suicide. The more wehave trained to recognize and observethe warning signs in co-workers, fami-

See AWARENESS P4

PAGE 3TALESPINNERJULY 30, 2010TALESPINNERPAGE 2 JULY 30, 2010

SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE FAIR

A Joint Base San Antonio special needsresource fair and activity day, presentedby Army and Air Force family member pro-grams, is Aug. 6, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., atMorgan’s Wonderland, 5523 DavidEdwards Drive.

Registration is at http://armypride.wufoo.com/forms/morgans-wonder-

land-resource-fair-and-activity-day/.

DENTAL CLINIC CONSTRUCTION TO START

Construction begins Aug. 9 on the newMacKown Dental Clinic in a two-blockarea near Wilford Hall Medical Center. Theexpected completion date is summer2012.

Several parking lots located within theconstruction area, containing about 300parking spaces, will be closed during con-struction. The fenced off construction areais north of Luke Avenue – Ladd Street toPepperrell Street, and Kenly Avenue to themodular trailers near Bong Avenue.

Parking is available in three recentlycompleted lots along Luke Boulevardintersections: at Kenly Avenue, BongAvenue and Holloman Avenue.

Additionally, Holloman Avenue fromLadd Street to Pepperrell Street will bepermanently closed.

For more information, contact theFacilities Management Office at 292-7171.

FREE BOOSTER SEATS AVAILABLE

Free vehicle booster seats for qualify-ing children of military identificationcardholders will be available at FreedomChapel, 8 a.m. to noon, Aug. 9.

Children will be weighed and meas-ured to determine if a booster seat is nec-essary in accordance with a new Texaslaw.

The law, which was effective June 1,now requires children under the age of 8or shorter than 4 feet, 9 inches to be in aproperly installed booster seat.

In addition to a free booster seat, par-ents or guardians of qualifying childrenwill also be instructed on proper seatinstallation.


NewsBRIEFS

COMMENTARY

Editorial staffBRIG. GEN. LEONARD PATRICK,502ND AIR BASE WING

COMMANDER

OSCAR BALLADARES,DIRECTOR, 502ND ABW OL-APUBLIC AFFAIRS

JOE BELA,CHIEF OF INTERNAL

COMMUNICATIONS, 671-4111

SHANNON CARABAJAL,MANAGING EDITOR, 671-1786

MIKE JOSEPH,STAFF WRITER, 671-4357

PATRICK DESMOND,SPORTS EDITOR/STAFF WRITER,671-5049

PAUL NOVAK,DESIGN/LAYOUT, 671-0478

Office:1701 Kenly Ave. Suite 102Lackland AFB, Texas78236-5103(210) 671-1786;(fax) 671-2022E-mail: [email protected]’s Action Line:actionline@lackland. af.mil.Straight Talk: 671-6397 (NEWS)For advertising information:Prime Time Military Newspapers2203 S. HackberrySan Antonio, Texas 78210(210) 534-8848(fax) 534-7134

This newspaper is published byPrime Time Military Newspapers, aprivate firm in no way connected withthe U.S. Air Force, under exclusivewritten contract with Lackland AFB,Texas. This commercial enterprise AirForce newspaper is an authorizedpublication for members of the U.S.military services. Contents of theTalespinner are not necessarily theofficial views of, or endorsed by, theU.S. government, the Department ofDefense, or the Department of the AirForce.

The appearance of advertising inthis publication, including inserts orsupplements, does not constituteendorsement by the Department ofDefense, the Department of the AirForce or Prime Time MilitaryNewspapers, of the products or servicesadvertised.

Everything advertised in thispublication shall be made available forpurchase, use or patronage withoutregard to race, color, religion, sex,national origin, age, marital status,physical handicap, political affiliation,or any other nonmerit factor of thepurchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited,prepared and provided by the PublicAffairs Office of the 502nd Air BaseWing. All photos, unless otherwiseindicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.

Deadline for submissions isnoon Thursday the week prior topublication.

By Chaplain (Maj.) Jonathan Wade332nd Air Expeditionary Wing

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq (AFNS) – I’llcall him “Rick.”

In the words of his military friends andco-workers, Rick was one of the greatestguys you’d ever want to meet: A hardworking NCO in a high operations tempounit, a family man, a compassionatefriend always seeking opportunities tohelp others in his unit succeed.

Rick was humble, they said. He wouldnever take credit for his talents, insteadcalling it a “team effort.”

His supervisors noticed, at times, thatRick was unusually hard on himself andseemed depressed about his job abilities,despite the opinion to the contrary of theentire supervisory chain. Then, quitesuddenly, Rick’s attitude perked up. Heseemed to enjoy his job. Gone were theself-criticisms that had plagued him inthe past. His friends noticed, andremarked about the positive change.

Within a week or two, Rick requestedleave so he could take his family on adream vacation. Word was that it was thebest vacation he and his family had everenjoyed together.

Upon his return from leave, Rick qui-etly slipped out of his home and into hisoffice in the pre-dawn hours, telling hiswife there was unfinished business hehad to complete. She thought nothing ofit, as Rick often gave up his free time forwork needs. Rick carefully stacked proj-ect binders and folders on his desk withnotes to co-workers of what was unfin-ished and how to complete each project.Then Rick drove out to a remote part ofthe base, put a gun to his head andended his life.

It’s been many years since I cared forRick’s devastated wife, his grieving chil-dren, and his friends and co-workers.

Despite the time, I have never forgot-ten Rick or the serious damage that sui-cide leaves in its wake.

Suicide is about more than just anabrupt, untimely end to a human life. Itis about unanswered questions, unful-filled dreams, possibilities that will neverbe, a struggle for closure that may nevercome.

As one child (now an adult) said of hismother’s suicide, “For years, I thoughtthat one of the reasons she killed herselfwas because she couldn’t get us to brushour teeth or other things we were sup-posed to do.”

He’ll never really know the answer,and will struggle to find one, just asRick’s circle of relationships struggles tothis day to understand.

Is there good news? Absolutely. Rick’sdeath taught me early in my career thatthere is a simple but powerful tool to pre-vent suicide from taking another life andleaving behind its human wreckage. Thattool is you!

As servicemembers, we would fight tothe death to save our wingman fromdeath at the hands of the enemy. Whenwe fight, we fight for each other.Whether the firefight is with an externalfoe or an internal battle against an emo-tionally crushing problem, we are theinstrument of help that can rescue ourfriend and all those who love and carefor him or her. How? By simply remem-bering and implementing the ACE plan.

A – Ask your friend how he is doing.Most people will typically respond “okay,”because we use the “how ya doin’?”question as a common greeting. Take the

time to ask him how he is really doing.Sometimes all a person needs is some-

one to listen to them. So, talk less, listenmore and let your friend share his storywith you.

If you suspect he may be self-destruc-tive, ask him directly if he is thinking ofkilling himself. Is that uncomfortable?Yes, but it can be the most importantquestion you ever ask. Get over the dis-comfort and ask him.

What if the answer to the question is“yes?”

C – Care for your friend. Don’t leavehim alone. Calmly control the situationby continuing to listen without judginghim. Your job now is to care for yourfriend until you can get him to competentemergency care. Let him know that thereis help available to navigate him throughhis troubles to a place of hope and peace.

E – Escort your friend to the emer-gency room. His emotional wound is aslife-threatening as a shrapnel wound tothe heart. Don’t leave your friend aloneuntil you find the expertise to help him.He may give you many reasons he doesn’twant to seek help, and you will have tobe persistent and truthful. He may askabout how this affects his career andfamily. You can’t tell him what you don’tknow. Let the experts handle that. Whathe needs now is someone to help him.

Remember, you are the best tool forhelping a suicidal friend or co-worker.Remember ACE. There is help, there ishope, and there is an answer.

I’ll call him ‘Rick’“Suicide is about more than just an abrupt, untimely endto a human life. It is about unanswered questions, unful-

filled dreams, possibilities that will never be, a struggle forclosure that may never come.”

– Chaplain (Maj.) Jonathan Wade332nd Air Expeditionary Wing

Stay up-to-date during special events and rough skies. Call 671-NEWS

Program raises suicide awarenessBy Mike JosephStaff Writer

Participants had high praise for aLackland training program that teach-es skills to recognize potential suicidesigns.

SafeTALK (Suicide Alertness forEveryone; Tell, Ask, Listen, andKeepSafe), a suicide preventionawareness program, helps develop theability to recognize and engage per-sons who might have suicidalthoughts, and to connect them withcommunity resources specializing insuicide prevention.

“The Chief of Chaplains sees it as apriority in the spiritual care forAirmen,” said Chaplain (Maj.) StephenAllen, permanent party branch chiefand certified safeTALK trainer.

He said chaplains are involved insuicide prevention programs to pro-vide spiritual care.

One specific area in that care is

offering hope since most having suici-dal thoughts experience a sense ofhopelessness.

Two attendees from a recentsafeTALK training session wereimpressed with the course.

“The training was exceptional;everyone should have it,” said MasterSgt. Thomas Petterson, 59thOrthopedic Squadron, additional dutyfirst sergeant. “It covers the topic in anon-threatening and practical man-ner. I think it would help lower thenumber of suicides because it makesyou think about the people whowouldn’t seem like the type to do it.”

Clara Brideforth, basic militarytraining Pentecostal religious educa-tion, agreed. She said the course wasenlightening and advocated starting itin BMT to increase awareness.

The interactive safeTALK trainingincludes visual aides and small groupscenarios, and takes about four hours,said Chaplain (Capt.) Jonathan Hurt,

permanent party chaplain staff. Timeis allotted for group discussionbecause of the difficulty most peoplehave talking about suicide.

In addition to raising interventionawareness, the training gives partici-pants skills on how to recognizepotential warning signs, to communi-cate confidently and help make con-nections to professional resources forhelp.

“There’s a fear factor that thiscourse can help people overcome sothey feel confident enough to helpsomeone,” Chaplain Hurt said. “Thecourse makes people comfortable intalking about the subject.

“We want to help Airmen under-stand, to take the stigmas out of ask-ing or recognizing those who may bethinking about suicide. The more wehave trained to recognize and observethe warning signs in co-workers, fami-

See AWARENESS P4

to disseminate information aboutYoAFF programs.

“It brought us together and helpedus find (more effective) ways to getthat information out to the communi-ty,” she said.

One program continuing is theweb-based FitFamily, which encour-ages families to make healthy lifestylechoices together. A local spinoff fromthat program was the Lackland YouthCenter offering various fun andhealthy activities that are more fami-ly-oriented.

“YoAFF was a good start to get usgoing,” Ms. Willey said. “It helped usrefocus on the needs in our communi-ty and build partnerships, to thinkabout some things we were doing andhow to make them better.

“Having that focus, thinking aboutthings differently and looking at waysto better deliver our services and getthe word out has made it a successfulventure.”

The Air Force Services Agency sur-veyed families Air Force-widethrough a series of discussion groupsat various bases last fall that focused

on quality of life issues. Lackland wasone of two Air Education andTraining Command bases selected tohost discussion groups with AFSAcommander Col. Sandra Adams.

From those service-wide surveys,funding has been allocated to helpfamilies with special needs at 38bases. Based on a large number ofregistered families with specialneeds, Lackland will receive fundingto staff a new position dedicated toassisting those families.

Ms. Willey said families with spe-cial needs will have a contact personat Lackland to connect them withresources and be an advocate to localagencies.

“The Air Force realized there wasa gap in that service,” she said.“That’s a benefit to help our families.”

The purpose of the YoAFF initiativewas to assist Air Force families inreaching their personal and profes-sional goals, enhance mission accom-plishment and maintain a wartimeoperations tempo. It was supportedby funding to create or enhance baseprograms, guided by a nationaltheme, “The Air Force is a greatplace to LIVE, WORK, PLAY.”

TALESPINNERPAGE 4 JULY 30, 2010 PAGE 5TALESPINNERJULY 30, 2010

ly and friends, the better.”The Air Force has been a leader in

suicide prevention for nearly 15 years.With suicide rates peaking higherthan 16 per 100,000 active-dutyAirmen in the mid-1990s, the serviceestablished a suicide prevention pro-gram built on fostering a sense ofcommunity and identifying problemsbefore Airmen became suicidal. Thepreventative measures helped drop

rates below 6 by the end of the ‘90s. Gen. William Fraser III, former Air

Force vice chief of staff, testifiedbefore a House of Representativessubcommittee last year on Air Forcesuicide prevention programs, tellingCongressmen “we recognize that evenone suicide is too many.”

For more information aboutsafeTALK training, call FreedomChapel at 671-4208 or e-mailChaplains Hurt or Allen. The trainingis open to all base personnel.

AWARENESS from P3

FAMILY from P1


There is no doubt Wednesday was diffi-cult for Col. Maria Cordero, Inter-AmericanAir Forces Academy commandant.

That’s when she concluded her three-year tenure at the IAAFA helm, the longestin the academy’s history. Colonel Corderohanded over the reins to Col. Carl Hunterin a change of command ceremony thatday.

“I have a great replacement – I’ve knownColonel Hunter for years and he’s a great officer,”Colonel Cordero said. “I leave IAAFA in goodhands.”

Commanding a primarily Hispanic Americanworkforce was gratifying for Colonel Cordero,whose family was of Cuban descent. But it’s herpassion about the job that stands out, so evidentas she reflected on the past 36 months.

“This is the best job I’ve ever had in the AirForce,” the colonel said. “Everyone in the AirForce says that, but this truly is.

“IAAFA is a unique organization. There is no

other like it in the Air Force,” she added.She laughingly adds, “I may be clawing

my way out the front gate. They might haveto drag me away.”

Colonel Cordero was responsible for pro-viding technical and military educationtraining in Spanish for more than 600 stu-dents annually to military forces and gov-ernmental agencies of 21 Latin Americacountries.

While most Air Force commands turnover every two years, the additional time allowedColonel Cordero to implement changes and seeprojects come to fruition.

“When I got here, I had to actively participatein making things happen,” she said. “The mostgratifying thing for me is now I can probablynever show up for work and it’ll run.

“I think the people here now feel empowered.They know they have the ability – they’re self-motivated and self-directing. The environment isgreat and there’s a lot of heart here. It’s a family.”

She also takes pride in IAAFA’s first-ever out-standing rating in last year’s Unit ComplianceInspection.

“They have worked hard for many years. Thatrecognition, I know, was important to them,” shesaid.

A new maintenance complex to be completednext year and a planned campus beautificationprogram are other satisfying achievements toColonel Cordero.

The state of art maintenance complex willbring all IAAFA facilities together in a commonarea.

Projects on the drawing board for next yearinclude a manpower study and a curriculumdevelopment process.

For the short term, Colonel Cordero will haveLackland in her rearview mirror. The career per-sonnel officer heads across town to Randolph AirForce Base for an Air Education and TrainingCommand personnel position.

She plans to retire next May after more than 29years in the Air Force, and expects to eventuallyreturn to her native Florida but she will still belinked to Lackland.

“I always said I am IAAFA, I’ l l always beIAAFA,” Colonel Cordero said. “Thanks for thememories.”

Cordero ends 3-year IAAFA tour

Col. MariaCordero

to disseminate information aboutYoAFF programs.

“It brought us together and helpedus find (more effective) ways to getthat information out to the communi-ty,” she said.

One program continuing is theweb-based FitFamily, which encour-ages families to make healthy lifestylechoices together. A local spinoff fromthat program was the Lackland YouthCenter offering various fun andhealthy activities that are more fami-ly-oriented.

“YoAFF was a good start to get usgoing,” Ms. Willey said. “It helped usrefocus on the needs in our communi-ty and build partnerships, to thinkabout some things we were doing andhow to make them better.

“Having that focus, thinking aboutthings differently and looking at waysto better deliver our services and getthe word out has made it a successfulventure.”

The Air Force Services Agency sur-veyed families Air Force-widethrough a series of discussion groupsat various bases last fall that focused

on quality of life issues. Lackland wasone of two Air Education andTraining Command bases selected tohost discussion groups with AFSAcommander Col. Sandra Adams.

From those service-wide surveys,funding has been allocated to helpfamilies with special needs at 38bases. Based on a large number ofregistered families with specialneeds, Lackland will receive fundingto staff a new position dedicated toassisting those families.

Ms. Willey said families with spe-cial needs will have a contact personat Lackland to connect them withresources and be an advocate to localagencies.

“The Air Force realized there wasa gap in that service,” she said.“That’s a benefit to help our families.”

The purpose of the YoAFF initiativewas to assist Air Force families inreaching their personal and profes-sional goals, enhance mission accom-plishment and maintain a wartimeoperations tempo. It was supportedby funding to create or enhance baseprograms, guided by a nationaltheme, “The Air Force is a greatplace to LIVE, WORK, PLAY.”


ly and friends, the better.”The Air Force has been a leader in

suicide prevention for nearly 15 years.With suicide rates peaking higherthan 16 per 100,000 active-dutyAirmen in the mid-1990s, the serviceestablished a suicide prevention pro-gram built on fostering a sense ofcommunity and identifying problemsbefore Airmen became suicidal. Thepreventative measures helped drop

rates below 6 by the end of the ‘90s. Gen. William Fraser III, former Air

Force vice chief of staff, testifiedbefore a House of Representativessubcommittee last year on Air Forcesuicide prevention programs, tellingCongressmen “we recognize that evenone suicide is too many.”

For more information aboutsafeTALK training, call FreedomChapel at 671-4208 or e-mailChaplains Hurt or Allen. The trainingis open to all base personnel.

AWARENESS from P3

FAMILY from P1


There is no doubt Wednesday was diffi-cult for Col. Maria Cordero, Inter-AmericanAir Forces Academy commandant.

That’s when she concluded her three-year tenure at the IAAFA helm, the longestin the academy’s history. Colonel Corderohanded over the reins to Col. Carl Hunterin a change of command ceremony thatday.

“I have a great replacement – I’ve knownColonel Hunter for years and he’s a great officer,”Colonel Cordero said. “I leave IAAFA in goodhands.”

Commanding a primarily Hispanic Americanworkforce was gratifying for Colonel Cordero,whose family was of Cuban descent. But it’s herpassion about the job that stands out, so evidentas she reflected on the past 36 months.

“This is the best job I’ve ever had in the AirForce,” the colonel said. “Everyone in the AirForce says that, but this truly is.

“IAAFA is a unique organization. There is no

other like it in the Air Force,” she added.She laughingly adds, “I may be clawing

my way out the front gate. They might haveto drag me away.”

Colonel Cordero was responsible for pro-viding technical and military educationtraining in Spanish for more than 600 stu-dents annually to military forces and gov-ernmental agencies of 21 Latin Americacountries.

While most Air Force commands turnover every two years, the additional time allowedColonel Cordero to implement changes and seeprojects come to fruition.

“When I got here, I had to actively participatein making things happen,” she said. “The mostgratifying thing for me is now I can probablynever show up for work and it’ll run.

“I think the people here now feel empowered.They know they have the ability – they’re self-motivated and self-directing. The environment isgreat and there’s a lot of heart here. It’s a family.”

She also takes pride in IAAFA’s first-ever out-standing rating in last year’s Unit ComplianceInspection.

“They have worked hard for many years. Thatrecognition, I know, was important to them,” shesaid.

A new maintenance complex to be completednext year and a planned campus beautificationprogram are other satisfying achievements toColonel Cordero.

The state of art maintenance complex willbring all IAAFA facilities together in a commonarea.

Projects on the drawing board for next yearinclude a manpower study and a curriculumdevelopment process.

For the short term, Colonel Cordero will haveLackland in her rearview mirror. The career per-sonnel officer heads across town to Randolph AirForce Base for an Air Education and TrainingCommand personnel position.

She plans to retire next May after more than 29years in the Air Force, and expects to eventuallyreturn to her native Florida but she will still belinked to Lackland.

“I always said I am IAAFA, I’ l l always beIAAFA,” Colonel Cordero said. “Thanks for thememories.”

Cordero ends 3-year IAAFA tour

Col. MariaCordero


BMT HONORSCongratulations to the follow-ing 54 Airmen for beingselected as honor graduatesamong 546 trainees graduat-ing today:

321st Training SquadronFlight 509Nolan BongeBradley GertschStephen GilbertRyne JordanJustin KriegerNathan MoneymakerStorm SheaJavis Sullivan

322nd Training SquadronFlight 503Cody CarlowCody FryEric Harmon

Matthew HurtMark WatsonFlight 504Gavriel Deprenger-GottfriedMaxwell FloydAnthony KurillaCody MayMichael McLaughlinKevin MeineckeDarius Roberts

320th Training SquadronFlight 513Alex BraatzJacob HillyerJoseph KetronJeremy LantzBrandon MassieMatthew MathisonNicholas PeggBenjamin QuigleyMatthew Stewart

Flight 514Victoria BurnsMarissa O’Shea

331st Training SquadronFlight 511Alexander ElmlingerLouis HoltThomas RileyMichael StallsmithFlight 512Jamie EllisMegan LimaLindsay LinnaneKatherine LoJodi MartinezFelicia Milling

323rd Training SquadronFlight 505Daniel BollichGarett Furniss

Zachary HallLuke HigginsAlexander StewartFlight 506Jonathan AlvarezDavid MorrisBeau Wood

326th Training SquadronFlight 507Andrew DanelzRyan HutchisonKyle SuttonFlight 508Jenna StewartAshley Wright

Most Physically FitMale AirmenJoshua Lewis, 322nd TRS,Flight 504Joseph Ketron, 320th TRS,

Flight 513

Female AirmenJodi Martinez, 331st TRS,Flight 512Marissa O’Shea, 320th TRS,Flight 514

Male Flights323rd TRS, Flight 506323rd TRS, Flight 505

Female Flights326th TRS, Flight 508320th TRS, Flight 514

Top Academic Flights321st TRS, Flight 509320th TRS, Flight 513

Top BMT AirmanBenjamin Quigley

SWEARING IN

Photo by Alan BoedekerMembers of the 341st Recruiting Squadron Delayed Enlistment Program take theAir Force oath of enlistment at the San Antonio Silver Stars Military AppreciationNight basketball game Saturday. Brig. Gen. Leonard Patrick, 502nd Air BaseWing commander, administered the oath.


His job is career assistance advisor, butlike many Airmen in today’s Air Force, mis-sion success may require an additionalduty. In this case, the role of career/lifecounselor unofficially comes with the terri-tory.

“My job is to inform, guide and provideAirmen the information to help furthertheir careers,” said Master Sgt. Timothy Godfrey,Lackland career assistance advisor, 802nd ForceSupport Squadron. “Some Airmen want me to tellthem what to do and I can’t do that; it’s hardsometimes, but I have to leave what I think out.

“I have to be very objective even though thereare times I want to be subjective, especially withthe younger Airmen. It’s career counseling but it’smore like career/life counseling.”

Sergeant Godfrey’s best advice for all Airmen issummed up in one word: education. He said get-ting a Community College of the Air Force degree,

working toward a bachelor’s degree andcompleting career development coursesbuild a foundation for career advance-ment.

“When I talk to senior airmen andbelow, I ask them ‘what do you want to dowith your career?’” Sergeant Godfrey said.‘“Do you want to make senior or chief(master sergeant)? Do you want to go toOTS (Officer Training School)? What areyou doing to set yourself up for success in

the future?’ “If you seriously want to make the Air Force a

career, you have to go to school,” he added.Part of the life counseling comes into play when

he’s approached by first-term Airmen who areconsidering separation or are interested in chang-ing career fields.

Though there is no guarantee, SergeantGodfrey said first termers have a better chance ofretraining into another career field; the longer theservice time, the more difficult it is to switchcareer fields.

“The Air Force wants to keep the first term-ers,” Sergeant Godfrey said, “and will probablygive an Airman the opportunity to retrain. But asan Airman advances and gains experience, it ismore difficult to change career fields; their careerfield also wants to keep them.”

He said the Air Force promotes a whole personconcept for Airmen, with special duties availablefor career enhancement. Among those assign-ments are military training instructors, militarytraining leaders, first sergeants, recruiters, NCOAcademy instructors and career field instructors.

And career assistance advisors.“There’s only one (career assistance advisor)

per wing,” Sergeant Godfrey said with a laugh,“and you have to leave after three years. I’malready thinking about what I want to do.”

Like all Airmen, Sergeant Godfrey has to planfor his future, too. His assignment ends in October2011.

The Lackland Career Assistance Office is locat-ed in Military Personnel Flight, Building 5616, orcall 671-1575.

Career assistance advisor offers help to Airmen

Master Sgt.Timothy Godfrey

Lackland Conservation CornerTest refrigerator seals by closing the door over a piece of paper or a dollar bill so it is half inand half out of the refrigerator. If you can pull the paper or bill out easily, the latch may need

adjustment, the seal may need replacing, or you might consider buying a new unit.

SAVEENERGY!


BMT HONORSCongratulations to the follow-ing 54 Airmen for beingselected as honor graduatesamong 546 trainees graduat-ing today:

321st Training SquadronFlight 509Nolan BongeBradley GertschStephen GilbertRyne JordanJustin KriegerNathan MoneymakerStorm SheaJavis Sullivan

322nd Training SquadronFlight 503Cody CarlowCody FryEric Harmon

Matthew HurtMark WatsonFlight 504Gavriel Deprenger-GottfriedMaxwell FloydAnthony KurillaCody MayMichael McLaughlinKevin MeineckeDarius Roberts

320th Training SquadronFlight 513Alex BraatzJacob HillyerJoseph KetronJeremy LantzBrandon MassieMatthew MathisonNicholas PeggBenjamin QuigleyMatthew Stewart

Flight 514Victoria BurnsMarissa O’Shea

331st Training SquadronFlight 511Alexander ElmlingerLouis HoltThomas RileyMichael StallsmithFlight 512Jamie EllisMegan LimaLindsay LinnaneKatherine LoJodi MartinezFelicia Milling

323rd Training SquadronFlight 505Daniel BollichGarett Furniss

Zachary HallLuke HigginsAlexander StewartFlight 506Jonathan AlvarezDavid MorrisBeau Wood

326th Training SquadronFlight 507Andrew DanelzRyan HutchisonKyle SuttonFlight 508Jenna StewartAshley Wright

Most Physically FitMale AirmenJoshua Lewis, 322nd TRS,Flight 504Joseph Ketron, 320th TRS,

Flight 513

Female AirmenJodi Martinez, 331st TRS,Flight 512Marissa O’Shea, 320th TRS,Flight 514

Male Flights323rd TRS, Flight 506323rd TRS, Flight 505

Female Flights326th TRS, Flight 508320th TRS, Flight 514

Top Academic Flights321st TRS, Flight 509320th TRS, Flight 513

Top BMT AirmanBenjamin Quigley

SWEARING IN

Photo by Alan BoedekerMembers of the 341st Recruiting Squadron Delayed Enlistment Program take theAir Force oath of enlistment at the San Antonio Silver Stars Military AppreciationNight basketball game Saturday. Brig. Gen. Leonard Patrick, 502nd Air BaseWing commander, administered the oath.


His job is career assistance advisor, butlike many Airmen in today’s Air Force, mis-sion success may require an additionalduty. In this case, the role of career/lifecounselor unofficially comes with the terri-tory.

“My job is to inform, guide and provideAirmen the information to help furthertheir careers,” said Master Sgt. Timothy Godfrey,Lackland career assistance advisor, 802nd ForceSupport Squadron. “Some Airmen want me to tellthem what to do and I can’t do that; it’s hardsometimes, but I have to leave what I think out.

“I have to be very objective even though thereare times I want to be subjective, especially withthe younger Airmen. It’s career counseling but it’smore like career/life counseling.”

Sergeant Godfrey’s best advice for all Airmen issummed up in one word: education. He said get-ting a Community College of the Air Force degree,

working toward a bachelor’s degree andcompleting career development coursesbuild a foundation for career advance-ment.

“When I talk to senior airmen andbelow, I ask them ‘what do you want to dowith your career?’” Sergeant Godfrey said.‘“Do you want to make senior or chief(master sergeant)? Do you want to go toOTS (Officer Training School)? What areyou doing to set yourself up for success in

the future?’ “If you seriously want to make the Air Force a

career, you have to go to school,” he added.Part of the life counseling comes into play when

he’s approached by first-term Airmen who areconsidering separation or are interested in chang-ing career fields.

Though there is no guarantee, SergeantGodfrey said first termers have a better chance ofretraining into another career field; the longer theservice time, the more difficult it is to switchcareer fields.

“The Air Force wants to keep the first term-ers,” Sergeant Godfrey said, “and will probablygive an Airman the opportunity to retrain. But asan Airman advances and gains experience, it ismore difficult to change career fields; their careerfield also wants to keep them.”

He said the Air Force promotes a whole personconcept for Airmen, with special duties availablefor career enhancement. Among those assign-ments are military training instructors, militarytraining leaders, first sergeants, recruiters, NCOAcademy instructors and career field instructors.

And career assistance advisors.“There’s only one (career assistance advisor)

per wing,” Sergeant Godfrey said with a laugh,“and you have to leave after three years. I’malready thinking about what I want to do.”

Like all Airmen, Sergeant Godfrey has to planfor his future, too. His assignment ends in October2011.

The Lackland Career Assistance Office is locat-ed in Military Personnel Flight, Building 5616, orcall 671-1575.

Career assistance advisor offers help to Airmen

Master Sgt.Timothy Godfrey

Lackland Conservation CornerTest refrigerator seals by closing the door over a piece of paper or a dollar bill so it is half inand half out of the refrigerator. If you can pull the paper or bill out easily, the latch may need

adjustment, the seal may need replacing, or you might consider buying a new unit.

SAVEENERGY!


By: Brent Boller502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

A change in senior leadershipat Joint Base San Antonio occurstoday when Robert Graves, 502ndAir Base Wing deputy command-er, retires and Army Col. RobertBridgford assumes his position.

Mr. Graves, one of the primearchitects of JBSA, goes back intoretirement after 43 years of mili-tary and civil service. ColonelBridgford comes to JBSA fromFort Sill, Okla., where he previ-ously served as chief of staff forthe Artillery Center of Excellenceand as garrison commander.

The 502nd ABW operates asJBSA and oversees installationmanagement of Lackland andRandolph Air Force Bases andFort Sam Houston.

Before serving with the 502ndABW, Mr. Graves retired fromcivil service as the garrison man-ager of the Detroit Arsenal, aposition he said is similar to agarrison commander.

The Air Force is the leadagency for JBSA and an Armycolonel serves as the vice com-mander of the 502nd ABW.Serving with the 502nd ABW wasan unexpected opportunity forMr. Graves.

As the 502nd ABW was stand-ing up, the Army needed a

colonel with base com-mand experience toserve as the vice com-mander.

U n f o r t u n a t e l y ,nobody was availablewhen the wing wasactivated in July 2009,he said.

“The InstallationManagement Com-mand regional direc-tor, J. Randall Robin-son, asked if I would considercoming back on duty for a year tohelp stand up the 502nd ABW. Mywife and I discussed it and I saidyes. Three weeks later, I was inSan Antonio,” Mr. Graves said.

Brig. Gen. Leonard Patrick,502nd ABW commander, said Mr.Graves has been invaluable toestablishing JBSA.

“Robert was in the first origi-nal cadre of the wing staff whenwe activated. Without Robert andhis experience, his previous rela-tionships from his garrison direc-tor days in Detroit, and hisdetailed knowledge of the Armyprocesses, doors to our new hostson Fort Sam Houston wouldn’thave been opened so quickly,”General Patrick said. “Robertbrought maturity, professionalismand a ‘can do’ attitude to workevery day.”

Working with the Air Force has

been a bit of anadjustment for Mr.Graves as minor dif-ferences in protocolhave occasionallycaught him offguard. The first timehe and GeneralPatrick went togeth-er to a meeting onRandolph, for exam-ple, he was sur-prised to learn

General Patrick didn’t have adriver.

“As we proceeded to the car,he was looking for my driverbecause in the Army the seniorofficers (have drivers) and aren’tassigned individual cars,”General Patrick said.

“He was horrified I was goingto drive myself. He was con-cerned I might get lost, get aspeeding ticket, or maybe get inan accident. He was also con-cerned the gate guards mightthink he was a very senior civil-ian official since a general wasdriving him to the meeting.

“He was relieved the gateguards recognized me and allwas good as we enteredRandolph. But to this day it stillbothers him,” the general said.

Reflecting on his experience

Graves retires after 43 years

See GRAVES P10

Robert Graves


SHOW TIME

Photo by Alan BoedekerSoldiers perform during the U.S. Army Soldier Show at the Bob Hope PerformingArts Center Sunday. The show is a highly integrated, high-energy ensembleproduction, offering a wide range of popular music and stage spectacle toservicemembers and their families.

with JBSA during itsfirst year, Mr. Gravessaid this is only thethird time he’s had anopportunity to start anew organization.

“(It’s not) very oftenthat you get to be in onthe ground floor ofsomething,” he said.

Mr. Graves will beremembered as thefirst, and probably thelast, Army civilian to

serve as an Air Forcedeputy wing com-mander, GeneralPatrick said.

But more impor-tantly, the general saidhe helped start a truespirit of cooperation todeliver common stan-dards and proceduresacross the JBSA com-munity.

Although a little sadabout leaving the502nd ABW, Mr.Graves is eager to be

with his wife again. “My wife and I

decided to treat it as adeployment and shewasn’t able to join medown here,” Mr.Graves said. “We’vebeen mostly separatedthis year. So, I havemixed feelings aboutmy departure. I lovethe place, I love thework, I love the people,and I’m going to missthat mightily when I goback into retirement.”

GRAVES from P8

PROTECT THE NETWORKThe following removable flash media are unauthorized on all DoD information systems:

• Memory sticks • Thumb drives • Camera flash memory cards •


By Janie SantosDefense Media Activity-San Antonio

With the buzzing of chatter, some in English, somein another tongue, and people moving about thebuilding, the Defense Language Institute EnglishLanguage Center here is a beehive of activity.

The international military students attending theresident program here have a purpose, and theinstructors and professionals are dedicated to ensur-ing that all students attain their goal, according toDLI officials.

“The 1,000 or so students here are steppingstones to future American relationships within theircountry’s military,” said Army Lt. Col. Terry St.

Peter, deputy commandant of DLIELC.Outside his office was the newest graduate, a

Southern Sudanese air force general officer. Thisgraduation is important as the Department ofDefense has stepped up operations in Africa with theformation of the U.S. Africa Command.

Many times, entering the school is the interna-tional student’s first experience with Americans,Colonel St. Peter said. The faculty and staff interactwith students to further their careers, and buildinglasting partnerships is the primary mission of theinstitute.

Iraqi navy Captain Mahmammed said he is abeliever of the school and its benefits. When hereturns to Iraq, he said he’ll gain responsibility and

rank as he works with naval contracts and acquisi-tion projects.

“This is a good opportunity and will help mycountry contribute to its advancement,” he said.“And speaking without a translator will be good.

“I first scored 37 on my English (comprehensionlevel) test; I now have an 80,” he said with pride.

According to school officials, this is what he needsto be able to attend follow-on training at the NavalWar College in Newport, R. I.

Captain Mahmammed not only is excited aboutattending the college to further his education, he willbring his wife from Iraq to be with him during histime in Rhode Island.

DLIELC is divided into three resident academic

training areas: general English, specialized Englishand instructor development. Depending on the needsof the students, training can range from nine weeks(in specialized English, for example) to 52 weeks ingeneral English if the student arrives with limitedEnglish knowledge.

Some students train to a predetermined Englishcomprehension level in general English and thentransfer to specialized English before going to fol-low-on training. They can go to an academic envi-ronment, as Iraqi Captain Mahmammed did, or tojob-specific training, as did Afghan air force MajorKhial Mohammed.

Afghan Major Khial Mohammed said he has want-ed to be a pilot since the age of eight, and now is onthe verge of attending undergraduate pilot trainingat Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. He needs a slot toopen as his scores on his comprehension tests arepassing.

“When I first arrived here, all I knew was ‘Hi,how are you,’” he said with a wide smile.

He was in the computer field after college gradua-tion, but he said he wanted another career.

“I wanted to train as a pilot since my entire familyis with the military,” he said. “But, no one is a pilot.”

He said his long-range goal is to continue his avi-ation training and ultimately become an instructorpilot.

“I am excited to go back to my country and helpmodernize the air force,” Major Mohammed said.“Most of the people now only know about Russianaircraft.”

He also has high praise for the DLIELC methodsand materials.

“The teachers and staff are respectful to everyoneequally,” he said.

The schedules and instruction are tailored tomeet the students’ needs. A typical day may consistof six hours of instruction with one or sometimestwo teachers, depending on the course. Some of thetime may be spent in a computer-based languagelaboratory where the students practice what they’vebeen taught.

All students have access to a learning resourcecenter, which has a variety of multimedia softwareand includes a library. It’s not all school work; extra-curricular activities also help with English languagecomprehension and speaking skills. CaptainMahmammed said that he had many friends outsidethe base environment.

He also has a “pal” in a volunteer program knownas AMIGO or American Members of InternationalGoodwill to Others. This program provides interac-tion with volunteer sponsors from the local commu-nity.

The AMIGO program provides the students withan opportunity to better understand the Americanway of life with field trips to museums, ethnic activi-ties, government institutions and other places ofinterest in the surrounding area.

“In many cases, I have learned a lot more thanjust the language,” Captain Mahmammed said.

In addition to international students, DLIELC hasa resident program for U.S. Army recruits whoaren’t native speakers of English. These studentscome to DLIELC to improve their English skillsbefore going to basic training.

The institute also has a non-resident programwhere instructors go to a country to teach. On anygiven day, approximately 60 DLIELC civilians are onassignments across the globe. All instructors havesigned a mobility agreement, and will go whereneeded. Many even volunteer to go to the war zonesin Iraq and Afghanistan.

Take fresh-faced Andrea Gjorevski. She taught attwo Texas high schools before joining DLIELC. Aftera year at the institute, she was on her way to Kabul,Afghanistan.

She worked at the base located at the KabulInternational Airport teaching English to some of theAfghan pilots and Afghan commandos.

“After I got over the initial shock of being in acombat zone, I didn’t feel like I was in a combatzone,” she said. “I was in place working with thecoalition forces, working with people who were veryserious about their jobs.”

She said this professional atmosphere made hermore relaxed and not so worried. She also said itmade her a better teacher since she could spendmore time developing lessons and be more inventivesince there was no Internet access available.

“We work together with the students to help themachieve the greater goal of peace and security intheir country by giving them the foundation neces-sary to continue their efforts,” Ms. Gjorevski said.

“One of the main reasons I volunteered is that theAfghan students are just wonderful,” she said. “Igenuinely wanted to be a part of their cause. Theywanted help in English language training, and that’sthe small part that I could offer.

“We’re giving them the language that the worlduses to communicate,” she said. “I think that’s asmall part of what we do, but it’s an important role.

“We help them build that bridge to connect to theinternational community,” she said. “We’re alsohelping them professionalize their military, andthat’s partly why they are choosing to attend follow-on training.”

In addition to the airport in Kabul, Ms. Gjorevskialso taught at Camp Morehead with U.S. Army

Special Forces. The Afghan commandos were invitedto attend a qualification course, and they needed tolearn English to participate.

Working in Afghanistan was surreal, she said. It’snothing like the news.

“I’m fascinated by different cultures so it was avery interesting experience.”

Then there’s seasoned DLIELC veteran, LauraMacKenzie who was an integral part of establishingan English language program in Iraq. She is now thechief of the General English Branch at DLIELC, andshe was assigned in Iraq with the Multi-NationalSecurity Transition Command-Iraq as bases weretransitioning to the country’s control.

“Serving in a combat zone was one of the high-lights of my career,” said Ms. MacKenzie, who hasworked with DLIELC for 17 years. “It was an honorto serve in Iraq alongside the Air Force officersassigned to the Iraq mission at Phoenix Base inBaghdad.”

Language Institute’s mission reaches for the future

Photos by Staff Sgt. Desiree Palacios International military students receive a class assignment from Andrea Gjorevski as she asks questions during a general English class recently at the Defense Language Institute. Mrs.Gjorevski is a general English section instructor.

Iraq Navy Captain Mahmammed discusses how importantit is to learn the English language recently at the DefenseLanguage Institute. The captain is on his way to Naval WarCollege in Rhode Island.

See FUTURE P14


In Iraq, she was in charge of all the Englishlanguage training, which at the time was primari-ly for Iraqi air force cadets who needed to learnEnglish so they could work with U.S. and coalitioninstructors at undergraduate pilot training.

“I visited all the sites where English languagetraining was taking place,” she said. “It’s anevolving program as the drawdown occurs.

“While I was there, (Forward Operating Base)Rustamiyah was the beginning language trainingopportunity for the cadets,” Ms. MacKenzie said.“The basic officer course also was taking placethere where U.S. military personnel were helpingthe Iraqis with that program.”

She and the team tracked the training toensure that the Iraqi students were put in theright books and were making progress in theirlanguage training classes.

“Decisions had to be made for the best studentsto go into UPT because it had the highest require-ment for English,” she said. “We gave the studentstheir American language course placement test,and those who scored the highest were thenplaced in UPT if they indicated a desire for an avi-ation career. Others went into air traffic controland other fields related to aviation.

“When students were within 10 points of theirrequired score, they went to Kirkuk Regional Air

Base, and that’s where UPT took place,” she said.“It was quite motivational for them to be in theEnglish classroom that was so close to the flight-line.”

She said she witnessed the progress the cadetsmade in their English classes.

“They were eager to learn and excited to speakEnglish,” Ms. MacKenzie said. “I found all of theIraqis that I met to be friendly, generous and hos-pitable, and I was proud to have been a part ofthis partnership building effort.”

“A part of my job was also to recruit Iraqiinstructors because we are transitioning so thatthey will eventually be in charge of their ownEnglish language training program,” she said.“We hired Iraqi instructors to fill some of theteaching billets, and they worked alongside theDLI instructors at the various locations.

“I think one of my best accomplishments was tohave had the opportunity to work with Iraqi mili-tary transition officials who would take over theprogram so that they got a better idea and senseof Americans,” Ms. MacKenzie said. “They neededto understand the timeline involved for languagetraining and how important it is if we’re going tocontinue to work together. English is the first stepand communication is truly the key to under-standing.”

She’s also been to other countries to teachEnglish and help with their programs. She spent

three months in both Slovenia and Macedonia.She’s also undertaken shorter assignments inRomania, Lithuania and Armenia.

“It was challenging in Iraq. I can’t deny it waschallenging, wearing a leg holster and having aweapon,” she said. “Because I left the base a lot,they really encouraged me to have a weapon.

“The Iraqis want peace desperately, but thereare still insurgents who are trying to make it seemworse than it is,” Ms. Mackenzie said. “Suicidebombers are still a threat.”

Both women went through the rigorouspreparatory training before leaving, said DawnMoore, the chief of the nonresident programs divi-sion.

She said instructors going to combat zonesreceive training for the combat zone in the sameway that the military does.

Ms. Moore supports in-country English lan-guage training programs in ever-changing loca-tions. The mobile training teams go to more than25 different countries every year.

DLIELC’s vision, officials say, is to build“bridges through communication and peacethrough understanding,” through their programs.

And it appears they are succeeding as AfghanMajor Khial Mohammed explains: “If everyone(who doesn’t speak English) had access to thebooks and teachers at DLI, learning the languagewould be no problem.”

FUTURE from P13

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


COMMUNITY

ChristianCatholicMonday-Friday:Freedom ChapelMass, 11:30 a.m.

Wilford Hall ChapelMass, 11 a.m

Saturday:Freedom ChapelConfessions, 4:45 p.m.Mass, 5:30 p.m.

Sunday:Freedom ChapelReligious Education, 9a.m.Mass, 11 a.m.

Hope ChapelHispanic Mass, 9:15 a.m.

Wilford Hall ChapelMass, 3 p.m.

OrthodoxSunday:Airmen Memorial ChapelDivine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m.Religious Education,10:45 a.m.

ProtestantSunday:Airmen Memorial ChapelLiturgical Service, 8 a.m.

Hope ChapelSpanish Contemporary,12:45 p.m.Contemporary, 10:45 a.m.

Freedom ChapelContemporary Service,9:30 a.m.Gospel Service, 12:30p.m.Children’s ChurchprovidedReligious Education, 11a.m.Wednesday and

Thursday:Bible Study, 6 p.m.

Sunday:Medina ChapelContemporary Service, 9a.m.

Wilford Hall ChapelTraditional Service, 1:30 p.m.

IslamicFriday:Defense LanguageInstituteStudent CenterFaith Study, 1:30 p.m.Jummah Prayer, 1:30-2:30p.m.Sunday:Religious Education, 10:00a.m.-12:00 p.m.

JewishFriday:Airmen Memorial ChapelSabbath Eve Service,5:45 p.m.Religious Education, 4:30p.m.

Wicca1st Wednesday:Freedom ChapelRoom 8,San Antonio MilitaryOpen Circle,6:15 p.m.

For more information, contact the chapel staff:

Freedom Chapel • 671-4208Gateway Chapel • 671-2911

Hope Chapel • 671-2941WHMC Chapel • 292-7373

CHAPEL SERVICES KEY FAMILY SUPPORT RESOURCESAir Force Aid Society 671-3722Airman & Family Readiness Center 671-3722Airman's Attic 671-1780Base Post Office 671-1058Bowling Center 671-2271DEERS 800-538-9552Family Child Care 671-3376Legal Office 671-3362Library 671-3610Medical Appointment Line 916-9900MPF ID Cards 671-6006Outdoor Recreation 925-5532TRICARE Info 800-444-5445Thrift Shop 671-3600

Lackland Enlisted Spouses’ Club www.lacklandesc.orgLackland Force Support Squadron www.lacklandfss.comLackland ISD www.lacklandisd.netLackland Officer Spouses’ Club www.lacklandosc.orgLackland public Web site www.lackland.af.milMy Air Force Life www.MyAirForceLife.comYear of the Air Force Family www.af.mil/yoaff

JOGGING BAN ON TWO ROADWAYS

Jogging is no longer permitted ontwo east side roadways of Lackland,Hall Street and Westover Road, afterthe traffic safety working groupdetermined those two thoroughfaresare unsafe for joggers.

Joggers in that area are encour-aged to use the walk and jog trailsat the Lackland Outdoor AdventureCenter.

MASS SPORTS PHYSICALS

Mass sports physicals at theWilford Hall Medical Center PediatricClinic begin today and continue eachFriday afternoon in August.

The mass physicals are forWHMC pediatric prime patients ages8 to 22, and may be scheduled bycalling the central appointment lineat 916-9900.

Special needs children shouldmake individual appointments otherthan Friday afternoons.

A patient’s military identification,

shot record, third party liability cardand any school forms are needed forthe appointment.

For more information, call Tech.Sgt. Jacqueline Martinez at 292-0786.

THRIFT SHOP TO REOPEN

The Lackland Thrift Shop reopensMonday after being closed themonth of July.

The shop accepts donations dur-ing regular business hours Mondaythrough Wednesday or at the backdoor after business hours, andrequests any type of electronicdevices, such as large televisionsets, be dropped off only duringbusiness hours.

The shop is open for sales 9:30a.m. to noon on Mondays, and 9:30a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays andWednesdays.

For more information, call thethrift shop at 671-3600 or [email protected].

HYPERTENSION EDUCATION CLASS

A hypertension education class isMonday, 1-3:30 p.m., at Wilford HallMedical Center.

The class is open to any patientor family member interested inlearning more about hypertension.

For more information or to regis-ter, call the Nephrology Clinic at292-6868.

BASE RAMADAN OBSERVANCES

Ramadan, the Islamic month offasting, will be observed daily atsunset in the Global Ministry Center,Bldg. 7452, beginning on Aug. 10 orAug. 11 through Sept. 9 or Sept. 10.

Observances include breaking offast, prayers and lectures.

For more information, callChaplain (Capt.) Sharior Rahman at671-2941.

NEW PROCESS AT KELLY CLINIC

The Kelly Family Medicine Clinicat Port San Antonio is replacing the

current military sick call processwith acute appointments beginningAug. 30.

Active-duty military memberswith illnesses requiring an appoint-ment within 24 hours will call theConsult and AppointmentManagement Office at 916-9900. Inaddition to acute appointments, theCAMO can send telephone consultsfor administrative needs such asprofile updates, medication refills,and questions for their providers.

Active duty calling between 6:30-8 a.m. will be given first priority foracute appointments.

After 8 a.m., any unfilled acuteappointments will be made avail-able to all beneficiaries. Those whoare unable to make an acuteappointment may leave a telephoneconsult with their provider and theirnurse will return the call.

Individuals who cannot wait foran appointment or have an emer-gency can go to the Wilford Hall

Medical Center EmergencyDepartment.


SERVICE OPPORTUNITY

The American Society of MilitaryComptrollers will sponsor volunteerservice hours at the Sunshine PlazaApartments, 455 E. Sunshine Drive,9 a.m. to noon, Aug. 14.

Students can earn a communityservice certificate for up to threehours by participating in light clean-ing for senior residents.

To volunteer, contact AngelCrawford at 536-3549.

TWO INTERSECTIONS CHANGE

Two intersections in the WilfordHall Medical Center area, north ofLuke Avenue, are now 4-way stops.

The intersections converting to 4-way stops are Kenly Avenue andLadd Street, and Holloman Avenueand Pepperrell Street.

LocalBRIEFS

JOGGING RULES OF THE ROAD:Wearing portable headphones, earphones, or other listening deviceswhile operating a motor vehicle, running, jogging, walking, bicycling,

or skating on Lackland roadways and sidewalks isPROHIBITED.


COMMUNITY

ChristianCatholicMonday-Friday:Freedom ChapelMass, 11:30 a.m.

Wilford Hall ChapelMass, 11 a.m

Saturday:Freedom ChapelConfessions, 4:45 p.m.Mass, 5:30 p.m.

Sunday:Freedom ChapelReligious Education, 9a.m.Mass, 11 a.m.

Hope ChapelHispanic Mass, 9:15 a.m.

Wilford Hall ChapelMass, 3 p.m.

OrthodoxSunday:Airmen Memorial ChapelDivine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m.Religious Education,10:45 a.m.

ProtestantSunday:Airmen Memorial ChapelLiturgical Service, 8 a.m.

Hope ChapelSpanish Contemporary,12:45 p.m.Contemporary, 10:45 a.m.

Freedom ChapelContemporary Service,9:30 a.m.Gospel Service, 12:30p.m.Children’s ChurchprovidedReligious Education, 11a.m.Wednesday and

Thursday:Bible Study, 6 p.m.

Sunday:Medina ChapelContemporary Service, 9a.m.

Wilford Hall ChapelTraditional Service, 1:30 p.m.

IslamicFriday:Defense LanguageInstituteStudent CenterFaith Study, 1:30 p.m.Jummah Prayer, 1:30-2:30p.m.Sunday:Religious Education, 10:00a.m.-12:00 p.m.

JewishFriday:Airmen Memorial ChapelSabbath Eve Service,5:45 p.m.Religious Education, 4:30p.m.

Wicca1st Wednesday:Freedom ChapelRoom 8,San Antonio MilitaryOpen Circle,6:15 p.m.

For more information, contact the chapel staff:

Freedom Chapel • 671-4208Gateway Chapel • 671-2911

Hope Chapel • 671-2941WHMC Chapel • 292-7373

CHAPEL SERVICES KEY FAMILY SUPPORT RESOURCESAir Force Aid Society 671-3722Airman & Family Readiness Center 671-3722Airman's Attic 671-1780Base Post Office 671-1058Bowling Center 671-2271DEERS 800-538-9552Family Child Care 671-3376Legal Office 671-3362Library 671-3610Medical Appointment Line 916-9900MPF ID Cards 671-6006Outdoor Recreation 925-5532TRICARE Info 800-444-5445Thrift Shop 671-3600

Lackland Enlisted Spouses’ Club www.lacklandesc.orgLackland Force Support Squadron www.lacklandfss.comLackland ISD www.lacklandisd.netLackland Officer Spouses’ Club www.lacklandosc.orgLackland public Web site www.lackland.af.milMy Air Force Life www.MyAirForceLife.comYear of the Air Force Family www.af.mil/yoaff

JOGGING BAN ON TWO ROADWAYS

Jogging is no longer permitted ontwo east side roadways of Lackland,Hall Street and Westover Road, afterthe traffic safety working groupdetermined those two thoroughfaresare unsafe for joggers.

Joggers in that area are encour-aged to use the walk and jog trailsat the Lackland Outdoor AdventureCenter.

MASS SPORTS PHYSICALS

Mass sports physicals at theWilford Hall Medical Center PediatricClinic begin today and continue eachFriday afternoon in August.

The mass physicals are forWHMC pediatric prime patients ages8 to 22, and may be scheduled bycalling the central appointment lineat 916-9900.

Special needs children shouldmake individual appointments otherthan Friday afternoons.

A patient’s military identification,

shot record, third party liability cardand any school forms are needed forthe appointment.

For more information, call Tech.Sgt. Jacqueline Martinez at 292-0786.

THRIFT SHOP TO REOPEN

The Lackland Thrift Shop reopensMonday after being closed themonth of July.

The shop accepts donations dur-ing regular business hours Mondaythrough Wednesday or at the backdoor after business hours, andrequests any type of electronicdevices, such as large televisionsets, be dropped off only duringbusiness hours.

The shop is open for sales 9:30a.m. to noon on Mondays, and 9:30a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays andWednesdays.

For more information, call thethrift shop at 671-3600 or [email protected].

HYPERTENSION EDUCATION CLASS

A hypertension education class isMonday, 1-3:30 p.m., at Wilford HallMedical Center.

The class is open to any patientor family member interested inlearning more about hypertension.

For more information or to regis-ter, call the Nephrology Clinic at292-6868.

BASE RAMADAN OBSERVANCES

Ramadan, the Islamic month offasting, will be observed daily atsunset in the Global Ministry Center,Bldg. 7452, beginning on Aug. 10 orAug. 11 through Sept. 9 or Sept. 10.

Observances include breaking offast, prayers and lectures.

For more information, callChaplain (Capt.) Sharior Rahman at671-2941.

NEW PROCESS AT KELLY CLINIC

The Kelly Family Medicine Clinicat Port San Antonio is replacing the

current military sick call processwith acute appointments beginningAug. 30.

Active-duty military memberswith illnesses requiring an appoint-ment within 24 hours will call theConsult and AppointmentManagement Office at 916-9900. Inaddition to acute appointments, theCAMO can send telephone consultsfor administrative needs such asprofile updates, medication refills,and questions for their providers.

Active duty calling between 6:30-8 a.m. will be given first priority foracute appointments.

After 8 a.m., any unfilled acuteappointments will be made avail-able to all beneficiaries. Those whoare unable to make an acuteappointment may leave a telephoneconsult with their provider and theirnurse will return the call.

Individuals who cannot wait foran appointment or have an emer-gency can go to the Wilford Hall

Medical Center EmergencyDepartment.


SERVICE OPPORTUNITY

The American Society of MilitaryComptrollers will sponsor volunteerservice hours at the Sunshine PlazaApartments, 455 E. Sunshine Drive,9 a.m. to noon, Aug. 14.

Students can earn a communityservice certificate for up to threehours by participating in light clean-ing for senior residents.

To volunteer, contact AngelCrawford at 536-3549.

TWO INTERSECTIONS CHANGE

Two intersections in the WilfordHall Medical Center area, north ofLuke Avenue, are now 4-way stops.

The intersections converting to 4-way stops are Kenly Avenue andLadd Street, and Holloman Avenueand Pepperrell Street.

LocalBRIEFS

JOGGING RULES OF THE ROAD:Wearing portable headphones, earphones, or other listening deviceswhile operating a motor vehicle, running, jogging, walking, bicycling,

or skating on Lackland roadways and sidewalks isPROHIBITED.


AUG. 2RETURN AND REUNION SEMINAR

A return and reunion seminar isMonday, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at theAirman and Family Readiness Center,Bldg. 1249.

The seminar is an informal forumabout the stress families and individ-uals experience during separation.


Aug. 3SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP

The Small Business DevelopmentCenter will sponsor a workshop, Howto Start Your Own Business, 1-4 p.m.,Tuesday at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg. 1249.

Among the topics for discussionwill be writing an effective businessplan, doing market research, select-ing a location and time management.

For class enrollment, call 671-3722.

PRE-SEPARATION RETIREES CLASS

A mandatory counseling class forpre-separation retirees is Tuesday, 9-11 a.m., at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg. 1249.

Attendees will be briefed onDepartment of Defense Form 2648and how to access benefits and serv-ices.


PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL

Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Tuesday, 10a.m., at Freedom Chapel with chil-dren ministry during the meeting.


AUG. 4FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT SEMINAR

A seminar on How to Apply forFederal Employment is Wednesday,11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Airman andFamily Readiness Center, Bldg. 1249.

The class will teach participantstools to enhance the job-huntingprocess.


LPAG MEETING

Members of the LacklandPerforming Arts Group meetWednesday, 6-7 p.m., at Arnold Hall

Community Center.“Expressions,” an open micro-

phone forum, follows the meetingfrom 7-9 p.m.

For more information, call 671-2619 or 671-2352.

AUG. 5HEARTS APART MEETING

A Hearts Apart meeting fordeployed family members isThursday, 6-8 p.m., at the Airman

and Family Readiness Center, Bldg,1249.

Military family life counselorslead a discussion on separation andrelaxation techniques.

To make reservations, call 671-3722.


Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Thursday, 6p.m., at Freedom Chapel.


AUG. 7PARENTS DAY OUT

Give Parents a Break/Parents DayOut at the youth center is Aug. 7, 1-6p.m., for children enrolled in full-daykindergarten through age 12.



A return and reunion seminar isAug. 9, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at the Airmanand Family Readiness Center, Bldg.1249.



AUG. 10PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL

Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Aug. 10, 10a.m., at Freedom Chapel with chil-dren ministry during the meeting.

For information, call 671-4208.

AUG. 10-12TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

A three-day transition assistanceprogram for separating or retiringmilitary personnel is Aug. 10-12, 7:45a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, at theAirman and Family Readiness Center,Bldg. 1249.

The program is presented byTexas Workforce and focuses on howto job search and related topics.



Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Aug. 12, 6 p.m.,at Freedom Chapel.


SEPT. 1OFFICERS SPOUSES CLUB

A membership roundup for theLackland Officers Spouses Club isscheduled for Sept. 1, 11 a.m. to 1p.m., at the Gateway Club. Roundupactivities include learning to linedance and door prizes.

For more information, visitwww.lacklandosc.org.

MONTHLY MEETINGSENLISTED SPOUSES CLUB

The Lackland Enlisted Spouses Club meets every third Tuesday of the month,6:30 p.m., at AFRC, Bldg. 1249. For more information, visit www.lacklandesc.org.

OFFICERS SPOUSES CLUB

The Lackland Officers Spouses Club does not meet during the summer. Nextmeeting is Sept. 1. For more information, visit www.lacklandosc.org.

MILITARY COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN

The Military Council of Catholic Women meet the first Friday of the month, 10a.m., at Freedom Chapel. For more information, call 671-4208.

What’s Happening Family Support Events

WWW.LACKLANDFSS.COM

SPORTS

LACKLAND REGATTA

The cardboard boat race is 5 p.m. today atthe Warhawk pool. First place wins $300, sec-ond place $200 and third place $100.

Other activities include a pool party withmusic, dunk booth, a G-rated movie at dusk,and indoor sports at the Warhawk FitnessCenter. For more information, call 671-2619 or2352.

FLAG FOOTBALL

The flag football intramural season beginsAug. 30. Letters of intent are due Tuesday.

SOFTBALL LEAGUES

Co-ed and over-35 softball leagues beginAug. 10. People who are interested in playingcan contact their organization’s sports repre-sentative or the sports office at 671-2725.

FIRST SERGEANT GOLF

The First Sergeant’s ninth annual golf tour-nament is today at the Gateway Hills GolfCourse. The format is a four-person scramble.To register, call Jason Stroh at 977-3309 orMichael Pelletier at 977-7024.

TECH TRAINING GOLF

The second annual Tech Training golf tour-

nament is Aug. 27 at the Gateway Hills GolfCourse. For more information, call FultonSpriggs at 671-8977 or Jeff Martin at 671-8982.

X-BOX TOURNAMENT

Arnold Hall’s Madden 2011 video gametournament is Aug. 14.

To register, call 671-2619.

BRIEFS

By Patrick DesmondSports Editor

Need a spot? The Medina Fitnessstaff has your back.

Earlier this month, the staff startedan in-house contest at the MedinaFitness Center to see which employeecould score highest under the AirForce’s new revised fitness standards.

Facility manager Jason Sparkssaid the staff contest is an example ofhow base fitness centers are behindAirmen in their physical trainingefforts and are adapting to thechanges with them.

“The staff at the Medina FitnessCenter are taking the new PT test toshow the military we’re on board,”Sparks said.

Additionally, Sparks said the com-petition encouraged the staff to get inbetter shape and to lead by example.

Fitness specialists Brian Goelz andAustin Williams took their test July21.

At first, Goelz agreed it would be agood idea to put his face out thereand try something new,” but after-ward, he found it “was definitely awakeup call.”

Having taken the test the sameday, Williams added, “I did really wellon the push-ups and sit-ups, but therun put us in our place.”

With a wide variety of classes andequipment at their disposal, the staffhelps Airmen improve their scores,and now, it seems, they feel theirpain, too.

Medina staff takes on PTAge30Run11:39Push-ups58Sit-ups57Waist37

Score: 88

Age23Run13:08Push-ups67Sit-ups58Waist331/2

Score: 84


Score: 90

Age20Run11:55Push-ups67Sit-ups58Waist30 1/4

Score: 92


Score: 89

The resultsare in . . .

Austin Williams, Fitness specialist

Ronnie Rainey, Fitness specialist

Reagan Whitfield, Medina trainer

Jason Sparks, Facility manager

Brian Goelz, Fitness specialist

Five Medina Fitness Centerstaff members put their fitnessto the Air Force test and outinto the public eye.

The test includes revisedstandards for the 1.5-mile run,sit-up and push-up and abdom-inal circumferencecomponents.



A return and reunion seminar isMonday, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at theAirman and Family Readiness Center,Bldg. 1249.



Aug. 3SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP

The Small Business DevelopmentCenter will sponsor a workshop, Howto Start Your Own Business, 1-4 p.m.,Tuesday at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg. 1249.

Among the topics for discussionwill be writing an effective businessplan, doing market research, select-ing a location and time management.

For class enrollment, call 671-3722.

PRE-SEPARATION RETIREES CLASS

A mandatory counseling class forpre-separation retirees is Tuesday, 9-11 a.m., at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center, Bldg. 1249.

Attendees will be briefed onDepartment of Defense Form 2648and how to access benefits and serv-ices.



Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Tuesday, 10a.m., at Freedom Chapel with chil-dren ministry during the meeting.


AUG. 4FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT SEMINAR

A seminar on How to Apply forFederal Employment is Wednesday,11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Airman andFamily Readiness Center, Bldg. 1249.

The class will teach participantstools to enhance the job-huntingprocess.


LPAG MEETING

Members of the LacklandPerforming Arts Group meetWednesday, 6-7 p.m., at Arnold Hall

Community Center.“Expressions,” an open micro-

phone forum, follows the meetingfrom 7-9 p.m.

For more information, call 671-2619 or 671-2352.

AUG. 5HEARTS APART MEETING

A Hearts Apart meeting fordeployed family members isThursday, 6-8 p.m., at the Airman

and Family Readiness Center, Bldg,1249.

Military family life counselorslead a discussion on separation andrelaxation techniques.

To make reservations, call 671-3722.


Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Thursday, 6p.m., at Freedom Chapel.


AUG. 7PARENTS DAY OUT

Give Parents a Break/Parents DayOut at the youth center is Aug. 7, 1-6p.m., for children enrolled in full-daykindergarten through age 12.



A return and reunion seminar isAug. 9, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at the Airmanand Family Readiness Center, Bldg.1249.




Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Aug. 10, 10a.m., at Freedom Chapel with chil-dren ministry during the meeting.


AUG. 10-12TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

A three-day transition assistanceprogram for separating or retiringmilitary personnel is Aug. 10-12, 7:45a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, at theAirman and Family Readiness Center,Bldg. 1249.

The program is presented byTexas Workforce and focuses on howto job search and related topics.



Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Aug. 12, 6 p.m.,at Freedom Chapel.


SEPT. 1OFFICERS SPOUSES CLUB

A membership roundup for theLackland Officers Spouses Club isscheduled for Sept. 1, 11 a.m. to 1p.m., at the Gateway Club. Roundupactivities include learning to linedance and door prizes.

For more information, visitwww.lacklandosc.org.

MONTHLY MEETINGSENLISTED SPOUSES CLUB

The Lackland Enlisted Spouses Club meets every third Tuesday of the month,6:30 p.m., at AFRC, Bldg. 1249. For more information, visit www.lacklandesc.org.

OFFICERS SPOUSES CLUB

The Lackland Officers Spouses Club does not meet during the summer. Nextmeeting is Sept. 1. For more information, visit www.lacklandosc.org.

MILITARY COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN

The Military Council of Catholic Women meet the first Friday of the month, 10a.m., at Freedom Chapel. For more information, call 671-4208.

What’s Happening Family Support Events

WWW.LACKLANDFSS.COM

SPORTS

LACKLAND REGATTA

The cardboard boat race is 5 p.m. today atthe Warhawk pool. First place wins $300, sec-ond place $200 and third place $100.

Other activities include a pool party withmusic, dunk booth, a G-rated movie at dusk,and indoor sports at the Warhawk FitnessCenter. For more information, call 671-2619 or2352.

FLAG FOOTBALL

The flag football intramural season beginsAug. 30. Letters of intent are due Tuesday.

SOFTBALL LEAGUES

Co-ed and over-35 softball leagues beginAug. 10. People who are interested in playingcan contact their organization’s sports repre-sentative or the sports office at 671-2725.

FIRST SERGEANT GOLF

The First Sergeant’s ninth annual golf tour-nament is today at the Gateway Hills GolfCourse. The format is a four-person scramble.To register, call Jason Stroh at 977-3309 orMichael Pelletier at 977-7024.

TECH TRAINING GOLF

The second annual Tech Training golf tour-

nament is Aug. 27 at the Gateway Hills GolfCourse. For more information, call FultonSpriggs at 671-8977 or Jeff Martin at 671-8982.

X-BOX TOURNAMENT

Arnold Hall’s Madden 2011 video gametournament is Aug. 14.

To register, call 671-2619.

BRIEFS

By Patrick DesmondSports Editor

Need a spot? The Medina Fitnessstaff has your back.

Earlier this month, the staff startedan in-house contest at the MedinaFitness Center to see which employeecould score highest under the AirForce’s new revised fitness standards.

Facility manager Jason Sparkssaid the staff contest is an example ofhow base fitness centers are behindAirmen in their physical trainingefforts and are adapting to thechanges with them.

“The staff at the Medina FitnessCenter are taking the new PT test toshow the military we’re on board,”Sparks said.

Additionally, Sparks said the com-petition encouraged the staff to get inbetter shape and to lead by example.

Fitness specialists Brian Goelz andAustin Williams took their test July21.

At first, Goelz agreed it would be agood idea to put his face out thereand try something new,” but after-ward, he found it “was definitely awakeup call.”

Having taken the test the sameday, Williams added, “I did really wellon the push-ups and sit-ups, but therun put us in our place.”

With a wide variety of classes andequipment at their disposal, the staffhelps Airmen improve their scores,and now, it seems, they feel theirpain, too.

Medina staff takes on PTAge30Run11:39Push-ups58Sit-ups57Waist37

Score: 88


Score: 84


Score: 90


Score: 92


Score: 89

The resultsare in . . .

Austin Williams, Fitness specialist

Ronnie Rainey, Fitness specialist

Reagan Whitfield, Medina trainer

Jason Sparks, Facility manager

Brian Goelz, Fitness specialist

Five Medina Fitness Centerstaff members put their fitnessto the Air Force test and outinto the public eye.

The test includes revisedstandards for the 1.5-mile run,sit-up and push-up and abdom-inal circumferencecomponents.


FITNESS & SPORTS 90-DAY CHALLENGE

WEEK 3: Which adjustment has been toughest during the fitness challenge?“Being consistent withmy cardio and trying toeat right. They go handin hand. I try to do cardioa lot more now and cutdown on my carbs.”

– Christy CardenasWhite team

“I’ve included moresprints into my programto improve my one-milerun time. It hurts. Doingthe intervals, that’staxing. Just as chal-lenging as doing kettle-bell workouts.”

– Lucas GuiliBlue team

“I’ve had to be morecreative. I injured myheel and now I have towatch what I eatbecause I can’t docardio. I’ve incorpo-rated more upper bodyand core workouts. Thehardest part isadjusting to eating.”

– Frances StackpooleRed team

By Wayne AmannAir Force ISR Agency Public Affairs

Everywhere Tim Anderson has laced up a pairof basketball sneakers, he’s been a winner.

As a senior guard at Franklin High School in ElPaso, he led his team to a 26-7 record while aver-aging 23 points per game, on his way to earningcity and district most valuable player honors, plusa second-team all-state selection.

While team captain at the United States AirForce Academy Prep School, Anderson’s 16 pointsper game average helped the Huskies post an eye-popping 31-3 mark.

During his career with Air Force, he was instru-mental in the Falcons going a four-year best 84-42, reaching the NCAA Tournament in 2006 andthe National Invitation Tournament semifinals in2007.

Though soft-spoken, Anderson’s play spoke vol-umes as he finished second on the academy’s all-time steals list with 175, second in most careergames played at 124 and was named the MountainWest Conference defensive player of the year forthe 2007-2008 season.

Fast forward to April 11, 2010, and theChaparral Fitness Center at Lackland.

Anderson, the Lackland Warhawk team cap-tain, has a potential game-winning buzzer-beatershot fall short in the title game of the inauguralNational Military Men’s Basketball ChampionshipTournament.

Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., won the game,73-72. Even in defeat, Anderson earned all-tour-nament honors averaging 12.2 points per game insix outings.

“Games are often won by the team that’s mostresilient and hard working,” Anderson said. “Even

though our guys finished second in the nationalmilitary tournament, it was all about having funand building relationships.”

Anderson’s practical approach, planted duringhigh school, then cultivated at the Prep School andthe Academy, is now a staple for the 6-foot-3standout who tied the Falcon record with sevensteals in one game against San Diego State at the2008 Mountain West Conference Tournament.

“I love transferring the lessons learned on thecourt to the workplace,” he said. “The winningcombination in both places is work hard, buildchemistry among your team and execute the gameplan.”

As the Chief of Information Management atLackland’s Wilford Hall Medical Center for a littlemore than a year, the former systems engineeringmanagement major couples information technolo-gy with information assurance to carry out themission of the Air Force’s largest military treat-ment facility.

As a leader, he practices a people-centric phi-losophy.

“You have to invest time in those around youand appreciate that everyone has something tooffer,” Anderson explained. “And remember togive credit where it’s due.”

Anderson credits his Academy experience forhoning a variety of skills.

“My time at the academy was often rough anddemanding,” he admitted. “It taught me how tomanage my time and develop quick and effectivesolutions to sticky situations.”

The first lieutenant embraces the challenges ofhis post-academy blue-suit career.

“I plan to be an expert in my career field and pur-sue a master’s degree in the next couple of years,”he said. “I love working in a hospital and I lovecoaching (military athletes) so we’ll see where thattakes me.”

Chances are Anderson’s winning ways will follow.

Winning ways follow academy grad

Photo by Robbin CresswellU.S. Air Force Academy graduate and Warhawks captainTim Anderson drives the baseline against the Fort Lee-FortMeade All Stars during the military’s national champi-onship tournament in April.

Documents

Partywraps up Year of the Air Force Familyextras.mysanantonio.com/lackland_talespinner/Talespinner...properly installed booster seat. In addition to a free booster seat, par-ents or