RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE 64th Year • No. 46 • NOVEMBER 19, …extras.mysanantonio.com/randolph/111910_WGSP.pdf · Staff Sgt. Chris Curtis after the wing's change of command ceremony

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE 64th Year • No. 46 • NOVEMBER 19, 2010

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

INSIDE ... AETC WELCOMES GENERAL RICE, P2 ... COOKING SAFETY TIPS, P 5 ... GRATITUDE FOR MILITARY, P6 ... WARRIOR GAMES PARTICIPANTS NEEDED, P12

PAGE 2

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. NortonSchwartz, left, presents Gen. Edward A.Rice, center, with the Air Education andTraining Command colors during achange of command ceremonyWednesday. General Rice succeededGen. Stephen R. Lorenz, right. Photo by Richard McFadden

Wingspread Office1150 5th Street East

Randolph AFB, Texas 78150Phone: (210) 652-5760

Fax: (210) 652-3142Wingspread Advertisements

Prime Time Military Newspapers2203 S. Hackberry

San Antonio, Texas 78210Phone: (210) 534-8848

Wingspread [email protected]

This paper is published by Prime Time Military Newspapers, aprivate firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, underexclusive written contract with Randolph AFB, Texas. This com-mercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publica-tion for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of theWingspread are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsedby, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or theDepartment of the Air Force.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, includinginserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by theDepartment of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, or PrimeTime Military Newspapers of the products or services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made avail-able for purchase, use or patronage without regard to the race,color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical ormental handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factorof the purchaser, user, or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the PublicAffairs Division of the 502nd Air Base Wing OL-B in accordancewith local policy and style guidance. All photos, unless otherwiseindicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.

Articles for the newspaper should be submitted by noonThursday the week prior to the desired publication date. Items canbe dropped off on a PC- or Macintosh-formatted disk at theWingspread office in Hangar 6.

Articles for submission may also be sent by e-mail [email protected].

For details about submissions, call 652-5760.

ON THE COVER

PAGE 3WINGSPREADNOVEMBER 19, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 2 NOVEMBER 19, 2010

COMMENTARY

By Gen. Leonard Patrick502nd Air Base Wing commander

Thanksgiving is less than a weekaway and we have much to be grate-ful for again this year. We can all bethankful we live in a country that pro-duces men and women who are will-ing to serve in uniform, defending thevalues we hold dear.

On this Thanksgiving holiday, ourservicemembers continue to put theirlives on the line in Afghanistan andIraq and many stand watch in otherlocations far from home. Let us keepthem and their families in ourthoughts and prayers. Also, let’s notforget those warriors among us here inthe United States who are separatedfrom family.

As leaders, supervisors, co-workersand friends we should also be mindfulthat the holidays tend to sharpen feelingsof loneliness and personal troubles. Thesuicide statistics within all the servicesare alarming. Financial problems, rela-

tionship chal-lenges and

many other issues cause additionalstress during the holidays. Please getwith your personnel, co-workers andfamilies of our deployed members todetermine the best way to reduce theadded stress and risk.

Let’s also think safety when driving toholiday locations. Don’t over-extendyourself. Get plenty of rest, safety-check

your vehicle and don’t drink and drive. On that note, I hope supervisors, wing-

men/battle buddies will speak with thosewho may be at high-risk and discusstheir intentions. I want you all back safe-ly following the holiday.

Finally, Lynne and I wish you and yourfamilies the happiest of Thanksgivings.We are grateful for your service and allyou do for Joint Base San Antonio andour great country.

Being thankful for those who serve

502nd Air Base WingOperating Location Bravo

Editorial StaffBrig. Gen. Leonard Patrick

CommanderMarilyn Holliday

Chief of Public AffairsAirman 1st Class Precious Yett

EditorRobert Goetz, Brian McGloin

Airman Alexis SiekertStaff Writers

Maggie ArmstrongGraphic Designer

WINGSPREAD

“On this Thanksgiving holiday, ourservicemembers continue to put theirlives on the line in Afghanistan andIraq and many stand watch in otherlocations far from home. Let us keep

them and their families in ourthoughts and prayers.”

By Master Sgt. Paul Kilgallon Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

Gen. Edward Rice took com-mand of Air Education andTraining Command from Gen.Stephen Lorenz during a cere-mony here Wednesday.

“The set of act iv i t ies forwhich the United States AirForce is responsible isextremely complex,” saidGeneral Rice, who previouslycommanded U.S. Forces Japanand 5th Air Force. “Findingand developing the types ofmen and women who can notonly execute these activities intoday’s highly dynamic environ-

ment, but who can shape thefuture in a way that allows usto continue to be dominate inthe years ahead is a breathtak-ing responsibility.”

AETC, headquartered atRandolph, is the Air Forcemajor command responsible forrecruiting, training and educat-ing America’s Airmen throughinnovation. With an assignedforce of more than 70,000active-duty Airmen, Reservistsand civilians, AETC trains andeducates more than 340,000American and internationalstudents each year on basesthroughout the country.

New commandertakes reins of AETC

Photo by Melissa J. PetersonGen. Edward A. Rice, Commander Air Education andTraining command, addresses the audience after takingcommand of AETC in a change of command ceremonyhere Wednesday.

See COMMANDER P3

By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

The Randolph Tax Center is seeking volunteers tohelp members of the base community prepare their2010 federal tax returns.

Volunteers can be active-duty personnel, civilianemployees, retirees or dependents and will undergoInternal Revenue Service training Nov. 29 to Dec. 3at the tax center, which is scheduled to open Jan. 31for tax season. The course will teach volunteershow to prepare tax returns and handle a widerange of specific tax issues, providing them with allthe training they need.

LaMarr Queen, Randolph tax program coordinator,called volunteers the “heart and soul” of the center’sVolunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, which isrun in conjunction with the IRS and supervised by spe-cialists from the base legal office.

“Without their gracious donations of time and effort,we wouldn’t have such a valuable program for ourRandolph community,” he said. “They deserve all the

thanks we can give them.”Mr. Queen said Randolph volunteers are encour-

aged to work at least one four-hour shift per weekat the Randolph Tax Center, but they don’t have tocome to the tax center to prepare tax returns. Theymay set their own schedules for clients and operatefrom any Internet-connected computer in their dutysections or at home.

Because tax assistance may be accomplished dur-ing duty hours, unit commanders and supervisorsmust give interested individuals their permissionbefore volunteering, he said.

Mr. Queen said the program also needs volunteersfor duties other than preparing tax returns.

“We can also use general assistance in receptionistduties, filing and making copies,” he said. “Regardlessof the amount of time you can volunteer, or the extentof your expertise, we can most certainly use your help.”

Capt. Joel Andreason, Randolph tax programattorney, said he is looking forward to workingwith volunteers.

“For many in the Randolph community, navigat-

ing the intricacies of the tax code can be stressful,”he said. “Life-changing events such as the death ofa spouse, the birth of a child or the purchase of anew home may have unanticipated tax conse-quences, good or bad. The volunteers help alleviatethe stress. I think it is great that so many are willingto help at such an important time of year.”

Mr. Queen said volunteers assisted more than 1,600Randolph community members last year, saving clientsmore than $416,000 in preparation fees and securingmore than $3.6 million in tax refunds.

“I didn’t think we could top the year before, butlast year’s numbers surpassed all my expecta-tions,” he said. “The VITA tax preparers werenothing less than phenomenal. It was an honor forme to work with each of them during the tax filingseason. Their dedication, hard work and commit-ment to the Randolph community were an inspira-tion to me.”

To volunteer for the VITA tax program, e-mail Mr.Queen at [email protected] or call him at652-1040 or 652-6781.

Randolph’s tax assistance program seeks volunteers

Greetings commander

Brig. Gen. Byron Hepburn(left), new 59th MedicalWing commander, greets

Staff Sgt. Chris Curtis afterthe wing's change of

command ceremony atWilford Hall Medical

Center, Lackland Air ForceBase, Texas,

Nov. 16. Sergeant Curtis,who became a wounded

warrior when his helicoptercrashed in AfghanistanApril 9, was treated at

Walter Reed Army MedicalCenter, Washington, D.C.,

where General Hepburnvisited him during his

recovery. Sergeant Curtis isnow being treated at theCenter for the Intrepid at

Fort Sam Houston, SanAntonio, Texas.

Photo by Staff Sgt.Robert Barnett

“What we do herematters a great deal,”General Rice said. “Iam honored to joinyour team today as wecontinue to meet thevital mission of recruit-ing and developing theAirmen who will keepour Air Force andNation strong today,and tomorrow.”

A distinguished grad-uate of the U.S. AirForce Academy in1978, General Rice is acommand pi lot withmore than 3,900 flyinghours. He has consider-able experience in com-bat and contingencyoperations, includingcommanding bomberoperations during thef irst four monthsof Operation EnduringFreedom as the com-mander of the 28th AirExpeditionary Wing. Healso served as com-mander of the AirForce Recruit ingService.

COMMANDER from P2

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. NortonSchwartz, left, presents Gen. Edward A.Rice, center, with the Air Education andTraining Command colors during achange of command ceremonyWednesday. General Rice succeededGen. Stephen R. Lorenz, right. Photo by Richard McFadden

Wingspread Office1150 5th Street East

Randolph AFB, Texas 78150Phone: (210) 652-5760

Fax: (210) 652-3142Wingspread Advertisements

Prime Time Military Newspapers2203 S. Hackberry

San Antonio, Texas 78210Phone: (210) 534-8848

Wingspread [email protected]

This paper is published by Prime Time Military Newspapers, aprivate firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, underexclusive written contract with Randolph AFB, Texas. This com-mercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publica-tion for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of theWingspread are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsedby, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or theDepartment of the Air Force.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, includinginserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by theDepartment of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, or PrimeTime Military Newspapers of the products or services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made avail-able for purchase, use or patronage without regard to the race,color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical ormental handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factorof the purchaser, user, or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the PublicAffairs Division of the 502nd Air Base Wing OL-B in accordancewith local policy and style guidance. All photos, unless otherwiseindicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.

Articles for the newspaper should be submitted by noonThursday the week prior to the desired publication date. Items canbe dropped off on a PC- or Macintosh-formatted disk at theWingspread office in Hangar 6.

Articles for submission may also be sent by e-mail [email protected].

For details about submissions, call 652-5760.

ON THE COVER


COMMENTARY

By Gen. Leonard Patrick502nd Air Base Wing commander

Thanksgiving is less than a weekaway and we have much to be grate-ful for again this year. We can all bethankful we live in a country that pro-duces men and women who are will-ing to serve in uniform, defending thevalues we hold dear.

On this Thanksgiving holiday, ourservicemembers continue to put theirlives on the line in Afghanistan andIraq and many stand watch in otherlocations far from home. Let us keepthem and their families in ourthoughts and prayers. Also, let’s notforget those warriors among us here inthe United States who are separatedfrom family.

As leaders, supervisors, co-workersand friends we should also be mindfulthat the holidays tend to sharpen feelingsof loneliness and personal troubles. Thesuicide statistics within all the servicesare alarming. Financial problems, rela-

tionship chal-lenges and

many other issues cause additionalstress during the holidays. Please getwith your personnel, co-workers andfamilies of our deployed members todetermine the best way to reduce theadded stress and risk.

Let’s also think safety when driving toholiday locations. Don’t over-extendyourself. Get plenty of rest, safety-check

your vehicle and don’t drink and drive. On that note, I hope supervisors, wing-

men/battle buddies will speak with thosewho may be at high-risk and discusstheir intentions. I want you all back safe-ly following the holiday.

Finally, Lynne and I wish you and yourfamilies the happiest of Thanksgivings.We are grateful for your service and allyou do for Joint Base San Antonio andour great country.

Being thankful for those who serve

502nd Air Base WingOperating Location Bravo

Editorial StaffBrig. Gen. Leonard Patrick

CommanderMarilyn Holliday

Chief of Public AffairsAirman 1st Class Precious Yett

EditorRobert Goetz, Brian McGloin

Airman Alexis SiekertStaff Writers

Maggie ArmstrongGraphic Designer

WINGSPREAD

“On this Thanksgiving holiday, ourservicemembers continue to put theirlives on the line in Afghanistan andIraq and many stand watch in otherlocations far from home. Let us keep

them and their families in ourthoughts and prayers.”

By Master Sgt. Paul Kilgallon Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

Gen. Edward Rice took com-mand of Air Education andTraining Command from Gen.Stephen Lorenz during a cere-mony here Wednesday.

“The set of act iv i t ies forwhich the United States AirForce is responsible isextremely complex,” saidGeneral Rice, who previouslycommanded U.S. Forces Japanand 5th Air Force. “Findingand developing the types ofmen and women who can notonly execute these activities intoday’s highly dynamic environ-

ment, but who can shape thefuture in a way that allows usto continue to be dominate inthe years ahead is a breathtak-ing responsibility.”

AETC, headquartered atRandolph, is the Air Forcemajor command responsible forrecruiting, training and educat-ing America’s Airmen throughinnovation. With an assignedforce of more than 70,000active-duty Airmen, Reservistsand civilians, AETC trains andeducates more than 340,000American and internationalstudents each year on basesthroughout the country.

New commandertakes reins of AETC

Photo by Melissa J. PetersonGen. Edward A. Rice, Commander Air Education andTraining command, addresses the audience after takingcommand of AETC in a change of command ceremonyhere Wednesday.

See COMMANDER P3


The Randolph Tax Center is seeking volunteers tohelp members of the base community prepare their2010 federal tax returns.

Volunteers can be active-duty personnel, civilianemployees, retirees or dependents and will undergoInternal Revenue Service training Nov. 29 to Dec. 3at the tax center, which is scheduled to open Jan. 31for tax season. The course will teach volunteershow to prepare tax returns and handle a widerange of specific tax issues, providing them with allthe training they need.

LaMarr Queen, Randolph tax program coordinator,called volunteers the “heart and soul” of the center’sVolunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, which isrun in conjunction with the IRS and supervised by spe-cialists from the base legal office.

“Without their gracious donations of time and effort,we wouldn’t have such a valuable program for ourRandolph community,” he said. “They deserve all the

thanks we can give them.”Mr. Queen said Randolph volunteers are encour-

aged to work at least one four-hour shift per weekat the Randolph Tax Center, but they don’t have tocome to the tax center to prepare tax returns. Theymay set their own schedules for clients and operatefrom any Internet-connected computer in their dutysections or at home.

Because tax assistance may be accomplished dur-ing duty hours, unit commanders and supervisorsmust give interested individuals their permissionbefore volunteering, he said.

Mr. Queen said the program also needs volunteersfor duties other than preparing tax returns.

“We can also use general assistance in receptionistduties, filing and making copies,” he said. “Regardlessof the amount of time you can volunteer, or the extentof your expertise, we can most certainly use your help.”

Capt. Joel Andreason, Randolph tax programattorney, said he is looking forward to workingwith volunteers.

“For many in the Randolph community, navigat-

ing the intricacies of the tax code can be stressful,”he said. “Life-changing events such as the death ofa spouse, the birth of a child or the purchase of anew home may have unanticipated tax conse-quences, good or bad. The volunteers help alleviatethe stress. I think it is great that so many are willingto help at such an important time of year.”

Mr. Queen said volunteers assisted more than 1,600Randolph community members last year, saving clientsmore than $416,000 in preparation fees and securingmore than $3.6 million in tax refunds.

“I didn’t think we could top the year before, butlast year’s numbers surpassed all my expecta-tions,” he said. “The VITA tax preparers werenothing less than phenomenal. It was an honor forme to work with each of them during the tax filingseason. Their dedication, hard work and commit-ment to the Randolph community were an inspira-tion to me.”

To volunteer for the VITA tax program, e-mail Mr.Queen at [email protected] or call him at652-1040 or 652-6781.

Randolph’s tax assistance program seeks volunteers

Greetings commander

Brig. Gen. Byron Hepburn(left), new 59th MedicalWing commander, greets

Staff Sgt. Chris Curtis afterthe wing's change of

command ceremony atWilford Hall Medical

Center, Lackland Air ForceBase, Texas,

Nov. 16. Sergeant Curtis,who became a wounded

warrior when his helicoptercrashed in AfghanistanApril 9, was treated at

Walter Reed Army MedicalCenter, Washington, D.C.,

where General Hepburnvisited him during his

recovery. Sergeant Curtis isnow being treated at theCenter for the Intrepid at

Fort Sam Houston, SanAntonio, Texas.

Photo by Staff Sgt.Robert Barnett

“What we do herematters a great deal,”General Rice said. “Iam honored to joinyour team today as wecontinue to meet thevital mission of recruit-ing and developing theAirmen who will keepour Air Force andNation strong today,and tomorrow.”

A distinguished grad-uate of the U.S. AirForce Academy in1978, General Rice is acommand pi lot withmore than 3,900 flyinghours. He has consider-able experience in com-bat and contingencyoperations, includingcommanding bomberoperations during thef irst four monthsof Operation EnduringFreedom as the com-mander of the 28th AirExpeditionary Wing. Healso served as com-mander of the AirForce Recruit ingService.

COMMANDER from P2


The holiday season is here. For most, that meansfamily gatherings, shopping, hurrying about and, bestof all, delicious food.

The last thing anyone wants this holiday season isan illness. Raw foods of animal origin carry bacteria;Thanksgiving turkeys are no exception.

Salmonella or campylobacter can be found on orin a turkey and could potentially cause a food-borne illness. Here are some simple, but impor-tant tips on handling and preparing foods duringthe holiday season..• Begin clean

Wash hands and food-contact surfaces often with soapand water. Bacteria can spread throughout the kitchenand get onto cutting boards, knives, sponges and countertops. Sponges and dishtowels can harbor bacteria aswell and should be replaced or washed frequently toprevent germs spreading around the kitchen.• Separate

Don’t let bacteria spread from one food product toanother. This is especially true for raw meat, poultryand seafood. Experts advise that raw dishes such assalads, fruit trays, deviled eggs, etc., be preparedbefore raw meat is put on the counter, reducing therisk of inadvertently contaminating these ready-to-eatfoods and/or counters and utensils with raw meatjuices. If raw meat comes in contact with food prepa-ration surfaces, ensure thorough cleaning with soapand water and sanitizing with chlorine solution beforepreparing other dishes.• Thawing

Thawing the turkey completely before cooking isimportant and necessary to reduce the risk of food-borne illness. If a turkey is not properly thawed, theoutside of the turkey will appear done before theinside is ready and harmful bacteria will remain.

Thawing a turkey is best done by placing it on the

bottom shelf of the refrigerator, which should be setat 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less. The bottom shelf ofthe refrigerator is ideal because it will reduce the riskof raw turkey juices dripping on or touching otherfoods. The time needed to thaw a turkey depends onthe size of the turkey, which generally requires 24hours for every five pounds:

Refrigerator Thawing Times for a Whole Turkey:4 to 12 pounds … 1 to 3 days 12 to 16 pounds … 3 to 4 days 16 to 20 pounds … 4 to 5 days 20 to 24 pounds … 5 to 6 days

Thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator forone to two days before cooking. If the turkey is notcompletely thawed when you remove it from therefrigerator, place the turkey in the sink with coldrunning water, until it is completely thawed. Neverthaw a turkey at room temperature, as this promotes

the growth of bacteria, including some that produceheat stable toxins that remain even after cooking.• Stay clean

Since most bacteria are found on the surfaces offoods, all items the turkey comes in contact with needto be first washed with soap and water and then sani-tized with two teaspoons chlorine bleach to one gallonwater. This solution can be used to sanitize utensilsand cutting boards. Allow the solution to air dry andwipe off any remaining residue.• Cooking

Cook the turkey thoroughly in order to kill bac-teria. Cook according to the cooking directions onthe manufacturer’s package; however, be sure tocheck the temperature of the meat using a cook-ing thermometer by inserting it at the inner thighnear the breast to ensure it reaches 180 degreesFahrenheit. If the turkey is stuffed, ensure thestuffing reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.• Chill

Once the meal is over, remove any remaining meatfrom the bone that will be served later as leftovers,and refrigerate promptly allowing even and rapidcooling. Do not leave the turkey out at room tempera-ture for sandwiches later on that day. Leaving themeat out at room temperature can allow bacteria togrow and result in illness.

Key points to remember:• Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly and often.• Thaw turkey completely in refrigerator and cook

to internal temp of 180 degrees F.• Do not cross-contaminate ready-to-eat foods with

raw meat.• Refrigerate leftovers. Contact Public Health at 671-9621 for questions

about preparing a holiday meal safely. (Courtesy of Public Health food sanitation office)

SAFETY FIRST DURING HOLIDAYS

Following simple tips keeps holiday feasting safe

Gen. Stephen Lorenz,outgoing Air Educationand Training Commandcommander, receives thetraditional hose-downafter his fini flightMonday. General Lorenzrelinquished commandof AETC Wednesday toGen. Edward Rice. Forcomplete change ofcommand coverage, see page 4. Photo by David Terry

A soaking goodbye


Each Wednesday morning and Fridayafternoon, Geneen Morris dutifully standsat her post inside the Randolph BaseExchange pharmacy, dispensing medica-tion to retirees, active-duty members andtheir dependents, who fill the seats of thefacility on a regular basis.

She is one of some 40 part-time work-ers who log 6,000 to 7,000 hours a yearserving military beneficiaries as a coresegment of the 359th Medical Group’spharmacy team.

Unlike their fulltime colleagues at themain clinic and BX satellite pharmacies,which includes active-duty personnel andcivilian employees, these public servantsnever receive any financial compensation,but the work they perform is vital to theoperation’s success.

“We need our volunteers more thanthey need us,” said Master Sgt. VanessaYoung, 359th Medical Support SquadronPharmacy Flight NCO in charge. “Ifthey’re not there, they know we suffer.We are a tight-knit family group, and ourvolunteers are part of that.”

First Lt. Tiffany McMackin, 359thMDSS TRICARE Operations and PatientAdministration Flight deputy commander,calls the volunteers “critical to missionsuccess.”

Their mission is also critical since theyare the link between beneficiaries and thepharmacy and must strive for 100 per-cent accuracy while filling or refilling26,000 to 27,000 prescriptions permonth.

“They work at the dispensing windows,verifying the patient’s ID and comparingthe medication in the bag with the infor-mation on the computer screen,”Sergeant Young said. “They’re a hugeforce in ensuring the patient gets the rightmedication.”

She said the pharmacies’ accuracy rateis 99.98 percent, which is much higherthan the rate at civilian pharmacies, atestament to the volunteers’ attention todetail.

“Our volunteers will catch problemsat the window,” Sergeant Young said.“They’re part of error prevention. Thesystem doesn’t work without them;

Pharmacy volunteers ‘critical to mission’s success’

Photo by Robert GoetzGeneen Morris (left), Randolph pharmacy volunteer, hands a customer her prescriptionrefill on a recent busy morning.See PHARMACY P5

they work hard to maintain accuracy.”Most of the pharmacy volunteers are retirees or

dependents of retirees, but they cover a broad range ofages, from the teens to the 80s. They usually work oneday a week for four hours, but it’s not unusual for someto work all day or several days a week. Some haveserved Randolph for more than two decades.

Volunteer positions are filled through the AmericanRed Cross representative at the clinic, Sergeant Youngsaid. Their indoctrination includes an orientation sessionat the clinic and Health Insurance Portability andAccountability Act training so they understand patients’privacy rights.

Ms. Morris, who started as a volunteer in March,works at the BX pharmacy at least twice a week, prima-rily bagging and dispensing refills, but she also volun-teers in the pediatrics department. Her husband, Tim,

was stationed at Randolph from 1998 to 2001. Theymoved back to the area after he retired as a colonel in2006.

“I wanted to give back and I understand how the mili-tary works,” she said. “I feel a brotherhood with peoplein the military.”

Ms. Morris said she learned her duties primarilythrough on-the-job training.

“I picked up most of it the first week,” she said. “ButI’m still learning. If I have a question, someone will teachme the next step.”

Ms. Morris is one of the volunteers who work morethan a morning or afternoon each week.

“I’m scheduled for eight hours a week, but I will gladlypick up another shift,” she said. “I have worked fourdays in a week.”

The pharmacies’ busiest time of the day is lunchtime,and the busiest days come after weekends and holidays,Sergeant Young said. Late Friday afternoon can also

become quite hectic, Ms. Morris added.“But it’s also dependent on outside influences – like

whenever there’s a peak in illness,” Sergeant Young said. The busy times are when volunteers’ impact is really felt,especially by the pharmacy’s fulltime staff. If not for vol-unteers, fulltime staff members would have to be pulledfrom their positions to fill the void, resulting in longerwaits for patients.“We have only 21 fulltime personnel assigned, but mayonly have 15 or 16 available to work,” Sergeant Youngsaid. “It makes the job nearly impossible without our vol-unteers. Every base relies heavily on its volunteer core.”Most of the clinic’s volunteers work at the two pharma-cies, but some work in other areas as well, including thefront desk and records.“Their presence is felt throughout the facility,” SergeantYoung said. “The pharmacy staff truly appreciates all theassistance volunteers provide at Randolph, in particularat the main clinic and BX pharmacies.”

PHARMACY from P4


The holiday season is here. For most, that meansfamily gatherings, shopping, hurrying about and, bestof all, delicious food.

The last thing anyone wants this holiday season isan illness. Raw foods of animal origin carry bacteria;Thanksgiving turkeys are no exception.

Salmonella or campylobacter can be found on orin a turkey and could potentially cause a food-borne illness. Here are some simple, but impor-tant tips on handling and preparing foods duringthe holiday season..• Begin clean

Wash hands and food-contact surfaces often with soapand water. Bacteria can spread throughout the kitchenand get onto cutting boards, knives, sponges and countertops. Sponges and dishtowels can harbor bacteria aswell and should be replaced or washed frequently toprevent germs spreading around the kitchen.• Separate

Don’t let bacteria spread from one food product toanother. This is especially true for raw meat, poultryand seafood. Experts advise that raw dishes such assalads, fruit trays, deviled eggs, etc., be preparedbefore raw meat is put on the counter, reducing therisk of inadvertently contaminating these ready-to-eatfoods and/or counters and utensils with raw meatjuices. If raw meat comes in contact with food prepa-ration surfaces, ensure thorough cleaning with soapand water and sanitizing with chlorine solution beforepreparing other dishes.• Thawing

Thawing the turkey completely before cooking isimportant and necessary to reduce the risk of food-borne illness. If a turkey is not properly thawed, theoutside of the turkey will appear done before theinside is ready and harmful bacteria will remain.

Thawing a turkey is best done by placing it on the

bottom shelf of the refrigerator, which should be setat 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less. The bottom shelf ofthe refrigerator is ideal because it will reduce the riskof raw turkey juices dripping on or touching otherfoods. The time needed to thaw a turkey depends onthe size of the turkey, which generally requires 24hours for every five pounds:

Refrigerator Thawing Times for a Whole Turkey:4 to 12 pounds … 1 to 3 days 12 to 16 pounds … 3 to 4 days 16 to 20 pounds … 4 to 5 days 20 to 24 pounds … 5 to 6 days

Thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator forone to two days before cooking. If the turkey is notcompletely thawed when you remove it from therefrigerator, place the turkey in the sink with coldrunning water, until it is completely thawed. Neverthaw a turkey at room temperature, as this promotes

the growth of bacteria, including some that produceheat stable toxins that remain even after cooking.• Stay clean

Since most bacteria are found on the surfaces offoods, all items the turkey comes in contact with needto be first washed with soap and water and then sani-tized with two teaspoons chlorine bleach to one gallonwater. This solution can be used to sanitize utensilsand cutting boards. Allow the solution to air dry andwipe off any remaining residue.• Cooking

Cook the turkey thoroughly in order to kill bac-teria. Cook according to the cooking directions onthe manufacturer’s package; however, be sure tocheck the temperature of the meat using a cook-ing thermometer by inserting it at the inner thighnear the breast to ensure it reaches 180 degreesFahrenheit. If the turkey is stuffed, ensure thestuffing reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.• Chill

Once the meal is over, remove any remaining meatfrom the bone that will be served later as leftovers,and refrigerate promptly allowing even and rapidcooling. Do not leave the turkey out at room tempera-ture for sandwiches later on that day. Leaving themeat out at room temperature can allow bacteria togrow and result in illness.

Key points to remember:• Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly and often.• Thaw turkey completely in refrigerator and cook

to internal temp of 180 degrees F.• Do not cross-contaminate ready-to-eat foods with

raw meat.• Refrigerate leftovers. Contact Public Health at 671-9621 for questions

about preparing a holiday meal safely. (Courtesy of Public Health food sanitation office)

SAFETY FIRST DURING HOLIDAYS

Following simple tips keeps holiday feasting safe

Gen. Stephen Lorenz,outgoing Air Educationand Training Commandcommander, receives thetraditional hose-downafter his fini flightMonday. General Lorenzrelinquished commandof AETC Wednesday toGen. Edward Rice. Forcomplete change ofcommand coverage, see page 4. Photo by David Terry

A soaking goodbye


Each Wednesday morning and Fridayafternoon, Geneen Morris dutifully standsat her post inside the Randolph BaseExchange pharmacy, dispensing medica-tion to retirees, active-duty members andtheir dependents, who fill the seats of thefacility on a regular basis.

She is one of some 40 part-time work-ers who log 6,000 to 7,000 hours a yearserving military beneficiaries as a coresegment of the 359th Medical Group’spharmacy team.

Unlike their fulltime colleagues at themain clinic and BX satellite pharmacies,which includes active-duty personnel andcivilian employees, these public servantsnever receive any financial compensation,but the work they perform is vital to theoperation’s success.

“We need our volunteers more thanthey need us,” said Master Sgt. VanessaYoung, 359th Medical Support SquadronPharmacy Flight NCO in charge. “Ifthey’re not there, they know we suffer.We are a tight-knit family group, and ourvolunteers are part of that.”

First Lt. Tiffany McMackin, 359thMDSS TRICARE Operations and PatientAdministration Flight deputy commander,calls the volunteers “critical to missionsuccess.”

Their mission is also critical since theyare the link between beneficiaries and thepharmacy and must strive for 100 per-cent accuracy while filling or refilling26,000 to 27,000 prescriptions permonth.

“They work at the dispensing windows,verifying the patient’s ID and comparingthe medication in the bag with the infor-mation on the computer screen,”Sergeant Young said. “They’re a hugeforce in ensuring the patient gets the rightmedication.”

She said the pharmacies’ accuracy rateis 99.98 percent, which is much higherthan the rate at civilian pharmacies, atestament to the volunteers’ attention todetail.

“Our volunteers will catch problemsat the window,” Sergeant Young said.“They’re part of error prevention. Thesystem doesn’t work without them;

Pharmacy volunteers ‘critical to mission’s success’

Photo by Robert GoetzGeneen Morris (left), Randolph pharmacy volunteer, hands a customer her prescriptionrefill on a recent busy morning.See PHARMACY P5

they work hard to maintain accuracy.”Most of the pharmacy volunteers are retirees or

dependents of retirees, but they cover a broad range ofages, from the teens to the 80s. They usually work oneday a week for four hours, but it’s not unusual for someto work all day or several days a week. Some haveserved Randolph for more than two decades.

Volunteer positions are filled through the AmericanRed Cross representative at the clinic, Sergeant Youngsaid. Their indoctrination includes an orientation sessionat the clinic and Health Insurance Portability andAccountability Act training so they understand patients’privacy rights.

Ms. Morris, who started as a volunteer in March,works at the BX pharmacy at least twice a week, prima-rily bagging and dispensing refills, but she also volun-teers in the pediatrics department. Her husband, Tim,

was stationed at Randolph from 1998 to 2001. Theymoved back to the area after he retired as a colonel in2006.

“I wanted to give back and I understand how the mili-tary works,” she said. “I feel a brotherhood with peoplein the military.”

Ms. Morris said she learned her duties primarilythrough on-the-job training.

“I picked up most of it the first week,” she said. “ButI’m still learning. If I have a question, someone will teachme the next step.”

Ms. Morris is one of the volunteers who work morethan a morning or afternoon each week.

“I’m scheduled for eight hours a week, but I will gladlypick up another shift,” she said. “I have worked fourdays in a week.”

The pharmacies’ busiest time of the day is lunchtime,and the busiest days come after weekends and holidays,Sergeant Young said. Late Friday afternoon can also

become quite hectic, Ms. Morris added.“But it’s also dependent on outside influences – like

whenever there’s a peak in illness,” Sergeant Young said. The busy times are when volunteers’ impact is really felt,especially by the pharmacy’s fulltime staff. If not for vol-unteers, fulltime staff members would have to be pulledfrom their positions to fill the void, resulting in longerwaits for patients.“We have only 21 fulltime personnel assigned, but mayonly have 15 or 16 available to work,” Sergeant Youngsaid. “It makes the job nearly impossible without our vol-unteers. Every base relies heavily on its volunteer core.”Most of the clinic’s volunteers work at the two pharma-cies, but some work in other areas as well, including thefront desk and records.“Their presence is felt throughout the facility,” SergeantYoung said. “The pharmacy staff truly appreciates all theassistance volunteers provide at Randolph, in particularat the main clinic and BX pharmacies.”

PHARMACY from P4


By Airman Alexis Siekert502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

When thinking of the Thanksgiving holiday,food, family, giving thanks and football oftencomes to mind.

Few find late November an ideal time to pack up thecar and drive the family to the country for a camping tripand a good outdoor-cooked Thanksgiving feast.

However, that is exactly what Michael Redfern,Randolph Native American Committee chairman, andhis family intend to do this Thanksgiving.

For generations, Americans have gathered onthe fourth Thursday of November with food,friends and family.

To follow trend, the Redferns are preparing fortheir holiday feast with a little Native Americaninfluence.

“Like many families, we have the very traditionalThanksgiving dinner of turkey, deer, squash, cranber-ries and, of course, pumpkin pie,” said Mr. Redfern,

Air Force Personnel Center Civil Engineer CareerField administrator, “except we may have a bit moredeer than some families.”

The Redfern family takes this time to reflect onthings to be grateful for.

“We always take time to talk about the things weare thankful for, even if we all don’t agree that 24-hour cartoon channels are worthy of praise,” he said.

Deciding against hosting a Thanksgiving dinner attheir home, the family decided to take this time toenjoy the outdoors.

“This year we will do something a bit differentand go camping with a couple of other families,”Mr. Redfern said.

The families attending the trip are going tocamp on the Colorado River in Texas, he said.They plan on bringing everything with them inorder to prepare a delicious outdoor-cookedThanksgiving dinner.

“The plan is to grill and smoke turkeys and deersausage, and each group will bring some traditional food

from their family, with mine being jalapeno and cheesedeer sausage and a batch of giblet gravy made withturkey, eggs, flour, butter and pepper,” Mr. Redfern said.“One family will bring potato stuffing and the other willbring fresh cranberries in cream. My wife, Bridget, willalso make our favorite dessert – pumpkin roll, sort of likepumpkin bread with cream cheese rolled up inside.”

November not only kicks off the holiday season,but it also serves as National American IndianHeritage Month.

“When the kids were younger I would alwaysread excerpts from a short book by Chief JakeSwamp of the Mohawk Nation, ‘Giving Thanks: ANative American Good Morning Message,’” hesaid. “This is the same book I read to the childrenat the Randolph Child Development Center lastyear for American Indian Heritage Month.”

The Randolph Native American Committee hasseveral events, mostly for the children on base, toeducate them on Native American heritage duringthe month of November.

Native American family observes Thanksgiving in great outdoors

Joseph J Dunteman, 359th AerospaceMedicine Squadron

Mic Stephenson-Pino, 359th AerospaceMedicine Squadron

Al Davis, Air Force Personnel CenterJason R Davis, Air Force Personnel CenterCharles E Mills, Air Force Personnel CenterBrian D Wanke, Air Force Personnel Center

Bradley T Elkjer, Air Force Recruiting ServiceTimothy W Garcia, Air Education Training

and CommandCharles E IV Ahlm, Air Education Training

and CommandBrian K Martin, Air Education Training and

CommandMichael L Pearce, Flying Training Operations

Congratulations 10 E9 Chief Master Sergeant Promotions

Courtesy photoMembers of the Cat’s Away group show off their handiwork after a pumpkin-carving event Oct. 24.

By Brian McGloin502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

When Airmen travel to far-flung cornersof the globe for deployments or permanentchanges in station, their spouses are oftenleft behind raising children and running ahousehold.

Family members and spouses have medicalcare and education, they have housing andgrocery money, but something was missing –something personal.

“The Cat’s Away group started as an offi-cers’ spouses’ club special activities groupseveral years ago,” said Cathy Murphy, Cat’sAway chairwoman. “This summer, as we dis-cussed the special activities groups to beoffered to membership, this group came upand I was told it was a group to supportspouses of the deployed.”

She said the Cat’s Away group fell into inac-tivity because of a lack of leadership.

“These spouses are near and dear to myheart, so I offered to chair the group,” shesaid. “As I have met spouses in our communi-ty, I realized there was a need to supportmore than officers’ spouses.”

Ms. Murphy said it can be difficult forspouses of deployed servicemembers to

find other spouses in the same situation,since many deployments and PCS’s aren’twith entire units. Some spouses staybehind to allow children to finish highschool, start college or raise special-needschildren.

“I realized there were young enlistedspouses to seasoned general officer spous-es, as well as Army and Air Force spousesholding down the fort,” she said. “They allhave one thing in common: a need forfriendships that could relate to what theyare going through.”

She said her goal is to partner with theAirman and Family Readiness Center andother groups such as the chaplain staff to coor-dinate support and hopefully build a strongconnected community for these spouses.

“The group is still in its infancy andgrowing faster than I could ever imagine.The support has been incredible with fam-ilies offering to babysit, mow lawns, handywork around the house,” Ms. Murphy said.“I believe if there was a need requested, Icould put out an e-mail to the group ofvolunteers and someone would come for-ward to help out.”

For more information, e-mail Cat’s Away [email protected].

Supporting the spouses who support the AirmenWoke up with the bright orange sunriseHad to wipe the sad tears from my eyes

I stared numbly at the place you laidEvents of yesterday were replayed

The concerned look as you opened the doorEchoed familiar words I’ve heard before“I’ve got to pack, it’s my turn to leave”

Plan on me gone for six months at least

I know my heart must have skipped several beatsSomehow I managed to get on my feet

Working together we packed all your thingsYou took my hand, and kissed my wedding ringThe kids were sad when they heard the news

They said, “Dad, we’re going to miss you.”You replied, “I’ll miss everyone too.I promise to call, and e-mail you.”

Yes I’m a military wifeWho makes countless sacrificeSeparated from the man I love

Who’s committed to his job becauseWe both want a world of loving peaceThat stretches from the west to east

So our children can grow up freeIn a world where all wars would cease

I’m a military wifeLiving the military life

Sometimes I find it hard to copeMy friends comfort me, give me hope

I’m a military wifeYes a military wife

Now it’s time to face a new dayGrocery shopping and bills to pay

Running the kids to soccer and bandLaundry and meals, there’s so much to plan

Emotions range from the lows to highsStress mounts; I need a moment to cry

Then I carry on the daily paceI long to hear your voice, see your face

The children and I prepare treats for youOatmeal cookies, brownies, corn muffins too

I send you a special perfumed noteAlong with pictures of how we’ve grownThough neither of us can say for sure

What this rough road will have us endureWe’ve seen separation times before

Our strong love will last, it can’t be tornWe’re making the ultimate sacrifice

It’s all part of this military lifeThat comes with a very high price to pay

For all to have life in a better way




I’m military wifeWaiting for a call tonight

Hoping that my man will sayHe’ll be coming home soon someday

I’m a military wifeYes a military wife.

Military WifeA poem by Dessa Anderson

RetirementsCongratulations to Senior Master Sgt. James

Jefferson, Jr. and Chief Master Sgt. ToyaJohnson, Air Education Training Command, ontheir retirement.

902nd SFS traffic advisoryEffective immediately, left-hand turns into the

BXtra parking lot from the northbound lane ofThird Street West are prohibited.

Base motorists are advised to make the left-hand turn onto Third Avenue West, adjacent to theKendrick Club, or turn left before the BroadwayBank. Violators will be issued a citation.

Thanksgiving Day bowlingThe bowling center is open on Thanksgiving

Day from 4-11 p.m. Bowling is $2 per game perperson and shoe rental is $2 per pair. For moreinformation, call 652-6271.

Win a Washington D.C. tripThe Army & Air Force Exchange Service is

accepting entries for the opportunity to win afive-day four-night trip to the nation’s capitol. For details, call Arturo Peña at 214-312-2132.

American Red CrossThe American Red Cross is looking for dedicatedvolunteers available at least four hour a week toserve our base community at the RAFB MedicalClinic. For more information, call the Red Crossdesk at 652-6372.

Thrift ShopThe Randolph Thrift Shop will be closed Nov. 22-26 for Thanksgiving and reopen Nov. 29 at 9 a.m.The Thrift Shop is in need of brown paper bags.For more information, call 658-5990.

BAMC neurosurgery clinicThe Brooke Army Medical Center neurosurgery

clinic is moving into newly built transitionaloffice space effective Thursday. The clinic will belocated in C Lot 1 clinical swing space, outsidethe hospital’s medical mall entrance. For moreinformation, call Susan A. Merkner at 808.4994.

Popcorn saleCub Scout Pack 338 would like to thank the

Randolph Community for the support on theirsuccessful popcorn sale. For details about Pack338, e-mail [email protected].

Monthly game nightRandolph Enlisted Spouses’ Club will hold its

monthly Game Night Tuesday, at 6:30 p.m. at theKendrick Club. For more information, call LonaMoore at 659-4896.

Base BRIEFS

“Secretariat” (PG)Diane Lane, John Malkovich

Today @ 7 p.m., Saturday @ 6 p.m.

“My Soul to Take” (R)Max Thieriot, John Magaro

Sunday @ 3 p.m.

NOW SHOWING atthe Randolph Theater

$4.50 for adults$2.25 for children 11 and under

Randolph Chapel Schedule• CATHOLICMonday-Friday

11:30 a.m. - Chapel 1Saturday

5:30 p.m. - Chapel 1Sunday

8:30 a.m. - Chapel 211:30 a.m. - Chapel 1

ConfessionSaturday

4:30 p.m. - Chapel 1

• PROTESTANTTraditional

Service8:15 a.m.Chapel 1

ContemporaryService11 a.m.Chapel 2


By Airman Alexis Siekert502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

When thinking of the Thanksgiving holiday,food, family, giving thanks and football oftencomes to mind.

Few find late November an ideal time to pack up thecar and drive the family to the country for a camping tripand a good outdoor-cooked Thanksgiving feast.

However, that is exactly what Michael Redfern,Randolph Native American Committee chairman, andhis family intend to do this Thanksgiving.

For generations, Americans have gathered onthe fourth Thursday of November with food,friends and family.

To follow trend, the Redferns are preparing fortheir holiday feast with a little Native Americaninfluence.

“Like many families, we have the very traditionalThanksgiving dinner of turkey, deer, squash, cranber-ries and, of course, pumpkin pie,” said Mr. Redfern,

Air Force Personnel Center Civil Engineer CareerField administrator, “except we may have a bit moredeer than some families.”

The Redfern family takes this time to reflect onthings to be grateful for.

“We always take time to talk about the things weare thankful for, even if we all don’t agree that 24-hour cartoon channels are worthy of praise,” he said.

Deciding against hosting a Thanksgiving dinner attheir home, the family decided to take this time toenjoy the outdoors.

“This year we will do something a bit differentand go camping with a couple of other families,”Mr. Redfern said.

The families attending the trip are going tocamp on the Colorado River in Texas, he said.They plan on bringing everything with them inorder to prepare a delicious outdoor-cookedThanksgiving dinner.

“The plan is to grill and smoke turkeys and deersausage, and each group will bring some traditional food

from their family, with mine being jalapeno and cheesedeer sausage and a batch of giblet gravy made withturkey, eggs, flour, butter and pepper,” Mr. Redfern said.“One family will bring potato stuffing and the other willbring fresh cranberries in cream. My wife, Bridget, willalso make our favorite dessert – pumpkin roll, sort of likepumpkin bread with cream cheese rolled up inside.”

November not only kicks off the holiday season,but it also serves as National American IndianHeritage Month.

“When the kids were younger I would alwaysread excerpts from a short book by Chief JakeSwamp of the Mohawk Nation, ‘Giving Thanks: ANative American Good Morning Message,’” hesaid. “This is the same book I read to the childrenat the Randolph Child Development Center lastyear for American Indian Heritage Month.”

The Randolph Native American Committee hasseveral events, mostly for the children on base, toeducate them on Native American heritage duringthe month of November.

Native American family observes Thanksgiving in great outdoors

Joseph J Dunteman, 359th AerospaceMedicine Squadron

Mic Stephenson-Pino, 359th AerospaceMedicine Squadron

Al Davis, Air Force Personnel CenterJason R Davis, Air Force Personnel CenterCharles E Mills, Air Force Personnel CenterBrian D Wanke, Air Force Personnel Center

Bradley T Elkjer, Air Force Recruiting ServiceTimothy W Garcia, Air Education Training

and CommandCharles E IV Ahlm, Air Education Training

and CommandBrian K Martin, Air Education Training and

CommandMichael L Pearce, Flying Training Operations

Congratulations 10 E9 Chief Master Sergeant Promotions

Courtesy photoMembers of the Cat’s Away group show off their handiwork after a pumpkin-carving event Oct. 24.

By Brian McGloin502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

When Airmen travel to far-flung cornersof the globe for deployments or permanentchanges in station, their spouses are oftenleft behind raising children and running ahousehold.

Family members and spouses have medicalcare and education, they have housing andgrocery money, but something was missing –something personal.

“The Cat’s Away group started as an offi-cers’ spouses’ club special activities groupseveral years ago,” said Cathy Murphy, Cat’sAway chairwoman. “This summer, as we dis-cussed the special activities groups to beoffered to membership, this group came upand I was told it was a group to supportspouses of the deployed.”

She said the Cat’s Away group fell into inac-tivity because of a lack of leadership.

“These spouses are near and dear to myheart, so I offered to chair the group,” shesaid. “As I have met spouses in our communi-ty, I realized there was a need to supportmore than officers’ spouses.”

Ms. Murphy said it can be difficult forspouses of deployed servicemembers to

find other spouses in the same situation,since many deployments and PCS’s aren’twith entire units. Some spouses staybehind to allow children to finish highschool, start college or raise special-needschildren.

“I realized there were young enlistedspouses to seasoned general officer spous-es, as well as Army and Air Force spousesholding down the fort,” she said. “They allhave one thing in common: a need forfriendships that could relate to what theyare going through.”

She said her goal is to partner with theAirman and Family Readiness Center andother groups such as the chaplain staff to coor-dinate support and hopefully build a strongconnected community for these spouses.

“The group is still in its infancy andgrowing faster than I could ever imagine.The support has been incredible with fam-ilies offering to babysit, mow lawns, handywork around the house,” Ms. Murphy said.“I believe if there was a need requested, Icould put out an e-mail to the group ofvolunteers and someone would come for-ward to help out.”

For more information, e-mail Cat’s Away [email protected].

Supporting the spouses who support the AirmenWoke up with the bright orange sunriseHad to wipe the sad tears from my eyes

I stared numbly at the place you laidEvents of yesterday were replayed

The concerned look as you opened the doorEchoed familiar words I’ve heard before“I’ve got to pack, it’s my turn to leave”

Plan on me gone for six months at least

I know my heart must have skipped several beatsSomehow I managed to get on my feet

Working together we packed all your thingsYou took my hand, and kissed my wedding ringThe kids were sad when they heard the news

They said, “Dad, we’re going to miss you.”You replied, “I’ll miss everyone too.I promise to call, and e-mail you.”




I’m a military wifeLiving the military life

Sometimes I find it hard to copeMy friends comfort me, give me hope

I’m a military wifeYes a military wife

Now it’s time to face a new dayGrocery shopping and bills to pay

Running the kids to soccer and bandLaundry and meals, there’s so much to plan

Emotions range from the lows to highsStress mounts; I need a moment to cry

Then I carry on the daily paceI long to hear your voice, see your face

The children and I prepare treats for youOatmeal cookies, brownies, corn muffins too

I send you a special perfumed noteAlong with pictures of how we’ve grownThough neither of us can say for sure

What this rough road will have us endureWe’ve seen separation times before

Our strong love will last, it can’t be tornWe’re making the ultimate sacrifice

It’s all part of this military lifeThat comes with a very high price to pay

For all to have life in a better way




I’m military wifeWaiting for a call tonight

Hoping that my man will sayHe’ll be coming home soon someday

I’m a military wifeYes a military wife.

Military WifeA poem by Dessa Anderson

RetirementsCongratulations to Senior Master Sgt. James

Jefferson, Jr. and Chief Master Sgt. ToyaJohnson, Air Education Training Command, ontheir retirement.

902nd SFS traffic advisoryEffective immediately, left-hand turns into the

BXtra parking lot from the northbound lane ofThird Street West are prohibited.

Base motorists are advised to make the left-hand turn onto Third Avenue West, adjacent to theKendrick Club, or turn left before the BroadwayBank. Violators will be issued a citation.

Thanksgiving Day bowlingThe bowling center is open on Thanksgiving

Day from 4-11 p.m. Bowling is $2 per game perperson and shoe rental is $2 per pair. For moreinformation, call 652-6271.

Win a Washington D.C. tripThe Army & Air Force Exchange Service is

accepting entries for the opportunity to win afive-day four-night trip to the nation’s capitol. For details, call Arturo Peña at 214-312-2132.

American Red CrossThe American Red Cross is looking for dedicatedvolunteers available at least four hour a week toserve our base community at the RAFB MedicalClinic. For more information, call the Red Crossdesk at 652-6372.

Thrift ShopThe Randolph Thrift Shop will be closed Nov. 22-26 for Thanksgiving and reopen Nov. 29 at 9 a.m.The Thrift Shop is in need of brown paper bags.For more information, call 658-5990.

BAMC neurosurgery clinicThe Brooke Army Medical Center neurosurgery

clinic is moving into newly built transitionaloffice space effective Thursday. The clinic will belocated in C Lot 1 clinical swing space, outsidethe hospital’s medical mall entrance. For moreinformation, call Susan A. Merkner at 808.4994.

Popcorn saleCub Scout Pack 338 would like to thank the

Randolph Community for the support on theirsuccessful popcorn sale. For details about Pack338, e-mail [email protected].

Monthly game nightRandolph Enlisted Spouses’ Club will hold its

monthly Game Night Tuesday, at 6:30 p.m. at theKendrick Club. For more information, call LonaMoore at 659-4896.

Base BRIEFS

“Secretariat” (PG)Diane Lane, John Malkovich

Today @ 7 p.m., Saturday @ 6 p.m.

“My Soul to Take” (R)Max Thieriot, John Magaro

Sunday @ 3 p.m.

NOW SHOWING atthe Randolph Theater

$4.50 for adults$2.25 for children 11 and under

Randolph Chapel Schedule• CATHOLICMonday-Friday

11:30 a.m. - Chapel 1Saturday

5:30 p.m. - Chapel 1Sunday

8:30 a.m. - Chapel 211:30 a.m. - Chapel 1

ConfessionSaturday

4:30 p.m. - Chapel 1

• PROTESTANTTraditional

Service8:15 a.m.Chapel 1

ContemporaryService11 a.m.Chapel 2


Salute to Veterans

The Joint ServicesColor Guard prepares topost the colors duringthe Veterans Dayceremony at the FortSam Houston NationalCemetery Nov. 11.Photo by Steve Elliott

Generally speaking

Photo by Brent BollerMaj. Gen. Alfred Stewart (right), Air Force Personnel Center commander, chats withUniversity of Texas at San Antonio Air Force ROTC Cadet Edward Benningfield duringthe Combat Breakfast at the Randolph Air Force Base Kendrick Club Nov. 9. TheCombat Breakfast, sponsored by the Alamo Chapter of the Air Force Association, wasone of many Celebrate America’s Military events in San Antonio. General Stewart, in anaddress peppered with humor, spoke about the mission of AFPC and saluted veterans.

Duty Title: NCOIC, Personnel Systems ManagementHometown:Yokosuka, JapanHobbies:Ice skating, studying the Bible, watching Anime andreading manga (Japanese comics)Personal Motto:“There is only one you ... don’t you dare change justbecause you’re outnumbered!”– Charles SwindollPersonal Inspiration:Jesus, my late father and my childrenPet Peeve:When people “jump the gun” on something that’sreally important and not consider the consequences

Greatest Accomplishment:Security+ certificationGoals:Obtain a bachelor’s degree and take the Japanesedefense language proficiency test Commander’s Comments:“Amy is a true professional and a team player.Her computer knowledge has made a differencein the Personnel Systems Management (PSM)area and she always gives 100 percent to thefolks she supports. She really stepped up andtook care of the unit’s reporting duties while afellow squadron member was deployed. A trueteam player.”

– Ms. Terrye Heagerty902nd Force Support Squadron director

Tech. Sgt. Amy Farley902nd Force Support Squadron

Photo by Steve Thurow

ADVERTISEMENT

902nd Force Support Squadron Briefs


Salute to Veterans

The Joint ServicesColor Guard prepares topost the colors duringthe Veterans Dayceremony at the FortSam Houston NationalCemetery Nov. 11.Photo by Steve Elliott

Generally speaking

Photo by Brent BollerMaj. Gen. Alfred Stewart (right), Air Force Personnel Center commander, chats withUniversity of Texas at San Antonio Air Force ROTC Cadet Edward Benningfield duringthe Combat Breakfast at the Randolph Air Force Base Kendrick Club Nov. 9. TheCombat Breakfast, sponsored by the Alamo Chapter of the Air Force Association, wasone of many Celebrate America’s Military events in San Antonio. General Stewart, in anaddress peppered with humor, spoke about the mission of AFPC and saluted veterans.

Duty Title: NCOIC, Personnel Systems ManagementHometown:Yokosuka, JapanHobbies:Ice skating, studying the Bible, watching Anime andreading manga (Japanese comics)Personal Motto:“There is only one you ... don’t you dare change justbecause you’re outnumbered!”– Charles SwindollPersonal Inspiration:Jesus, my late father and my childrenPet Peeve:When people “jump the gun” on something that’sreally important and not consider the consequences

Greatest Accomplishment:Security+ certificationGoals:Obtain a bachelor’s degree and take the Japanesedefense language proficiency test Commander’s Comments:“Amy is a true professional and a team player.Her computer knowledge has made a differencein the Personnel Systems Management (PSM)area and she always gives 100 percent to thefolks she supports. She really stepped up andtook care of the unit’s reporting duties while afellow squadron member was deployed. A trueteam player.”

– Ms. Terrye Heagerty902nd Force Support Squadron director

Tech. Sgt. Amy Farley902nd Force Support Squadron

Photo by Steve Thurow

ADVERTISEMENT

902nd Force Support Squadron Briefs


FEATURE

Practicing deployment process eases anxietyAirmen from the 902nd Mission Support Group

prepare for future deployments in an exercise in thepredawn hours of Nov. 4. The exercise is meant totrain the Airmen in what they need to do and what

to expect when they deploy, so they’re ready regardless of where they go.

Airman 1st Class Andrew Speicher, 902nd Contracting Squadron, inspects a gas maskprior to placing it in his C-bag while inventorying mobility bags during an exercise simu-lating being deployed to a forward operating base Nov. 4.

Airman Oscar Bodden,902nd ContractingSquadron, pushes a cartcontaining an A, B andC bag to the exercisestaging area. The 902ndMission Support Groupmembers participated inan exercise simulatingdeployment Nov. 4.

Staff Sgt. Paul Nanez, 902nd Communications Squadron, and George Smoot,902nd Logistics Readiness Division, check the inspection date of a field first aidkit during a Nov. 4 exercise.

Up, Up and Stay: Randolph’s T-43 lands on static display as aircraft ages,Combat Systems Officer training moves to Florida

On Nov. 6, members of the 12th FlyingTraining Wing Maintenance Directorate

moved Randolph’s last remaining T-43A from base operations to placethe aircraft on static display. The T-

43A was used by the 562nd and 563rdFlying Training Squadrons training

combat systems officers at Randolphfor 17 years. The dedication ceremony

for the T-43A is today at 9 a.m. on 5th Street East to the left of

Pitsenbarger Hall. The inactivation ofthe 562nd and 563rd Flying TrainingSquadrons takes place at 10 a.m. at

the former CSO training campus,between buildings 743 and 745.

Photos by Melissa Peterson

Photos bySteve Thurow

Dusty Dyer and Dwayne Bennett, 12thFlying Training Wing MaintenanceDirectorate, use a hydraulic jack toraise the main landing gear of the T-43A in preparation for being put onstatic display.

Mark Gutierrez and Trini Garcia, 12th Flying Training WingMaintenance Directorate, use a hydraulic lift to help raisethe aft in preparation for the T-43 static display.

Matt McLendon, Express Metalwork Steel Fabrication,places the base support for the T-43 static display.

Matt McLendon, Express Metalwork Steel Fabrication, weldsthe base support for the T-43 static display.


FEATURE

Practicing deployment process eases anxietyAirmen from the 902nd Mission Support Group

prepare for future deployments in an exercise in thepredawn hours of Nov. 4. The exercise is meant totrain the Airmen in what they need to do and what

to expect when they deploy, so they’re ready regardless of where they go.

Airman 1st Class Andrew Speicher, 902nd Contracting Squadron, inspects a gas maskprior to placing it in his C-bag while inventorying mobility bags during an exercise simu-lating being deployed to a forward operating base Nov. 4.

Airman Oscar Bodden,902nd ContractingSquadron, pushes a cartcontaining an A, B andC bag to the exercisestaging area. The 902ndMission Support Groupmembers participated inan exercise simulatingdeployment Nov. 4.

Staff Sgt. Paul Nanez, 902nd Communications Squadron, and George Smoot,902nd Logistics Readiness Division, check the inspection date of a field first aidkit during a Nov. 4 exercise.

Up, Up and Stay: Randolph’s T-43 lands on static display as aircraft ages,Combat Systems Officer training moves to Florida

On Nov. 6, members of the 12th FlyingTraining Wing Maintenance Directorate

moved Randolph’s last remaining T-43A from base operations to placethe aircraft on static display. The T-

43A was used by the 562nd and 563rdFlying Training Squadrons training

combat systems officers at Randolphfor 17 years. The dedication ceremony

for the T-43A is today at 9 a.m. on 5th Street East to the left of

Pitsenbarger Hall. The inactivation ofthe 562nd and 563rd Flying TrainingSquadrons takes place at 10 a.m. at

the former CSO training campus,between buildings 743 and 745.

Photos by Melissa Peterson

Photos bySteve Thurow

Dusty Dyer and Dwayne Bennett, 12thFlying Training Wing MaintenanceDirectorate, use a hydraulic jack toraise the main landing gear of the T-43A in preparation for being put onstatic display.

Mark Gutierrez and Trini Garcia, 12th Flying Training WingMaintenance Directorate, use a hydraulic lift to help raisethe aft in preparation for the T-43 static display.

Matt McLendon, Express Metalwork Steel Fabrication,places the base support for the T-43 static display.

Matt McLendon, Express Metalwork Steel Fabrication, weldsthe base support for the T-43 static display.

WINGSPREADPAGE 12 NOVEMBER 19, 2010

WASHINGTON – Air Force officials areseeking 25 warriors to compete in the 2011Warrior Games, an Olympic-style competi-tion open to wounded, ill and injured mili-tary members and veterans.

The Warrior Games were developedthrough the partnership between the UnitedStates Olympic Committee and the DefenseDepartment, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chair-man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in arecent Pentagon news conference.

Admiral Mullen explained that athleteswho compete in the Warrior Games demon-strate that, regardless of circumstance,physical fitness and a passion to win remainat the core of military culture.

“While these values are certainly impor-tant on the battlefield, they’re also impor-tant to the recovery process of our wounded,ill and injured troops,” he said. “When wefocus on abilities rather than disabilities, wesee that physical fitness and sports can havea healing effect on the mind, on the bodyand on the soul.”

The 2010 Air Force Warrior Games team

consisted of 18 servicemembers who repre-sented the best of the Air Force, said Capt.Courtnee Cruz, Air Force Warrior andSurvivor Care policy chief.

“We had a great team last year, and thisyear we’re expecting the games to be evenbetter,” the captain said.

Charlie Huebner, head of the U.S.Olympic Committee’s ParalympicsDivision, said the emotion, intensity andcompetitive atmosphere he felt at lastyear’s games eclipsed any other sportingevent he had ever witnessed.

“The some 200 injured service mem-bers who came to Colorado Springs lastyear got to feel that magic,” Mr. Huebnersaid. “The power to heal, the power tocompete and the power to dream, theywere touched by that at the inauguralWarrior Games.”

Approximately 200 warriors from allservices will compete in the event, whichwill be held May 16-21 in ColoradoSprings, Colo., with training camps sched-uled in February and May, Captain Cruzsaid. Athletes will compete in archery,cycling, basketball, shooting, swimming,track and field and volleyball.

People interested in applying should do soimmediately by calling the Air ForceWounded Warrior office at 800-581-9437 orsending an e-mail to [email protected] for application informa-tion. The application deadline is Dec. 16.

For more information about the 2011Warrior Games, visit http://usparalympics.org/usoc-paralympic-military-program/war-rior-games-presented-by-deloitte.

(Courtesy of Air Force News Service)

SPORTS – HEALTH – FITNESS

AF officials seek Warrior Games participants“When we focus on abilities rather than disabilities, wesee that physical fitness and sports can have a healing

effect on the mind, on the body and on the soul.”

Navy Adm. Mike MullenChairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Those interested inparticipating shouldapply immediately

Fitness centerholiday hours

The Rambler FitnessCenter will be openThanksgiving Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The center’s hours forNov. 26 will be from 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. All other days willoperate under normal busi-ness hours.

Turkey burnerThe Rambler Fitness

Center offers a cardiofusion class Nov. 26 from9:45-11:15 a.m. in groupexercise room 128. The costis $3 per person.

For more information,call 652-2955.

Thanksgiving Day golfThe Randolph Oaks Golf

Course opens ThanksgivingDay at 8 a.m. for allpatrons who wish to golfbefore their holiday meal.Mulligan’s Grill is closed allday and the pro shop clos-es at 1 p.m.

Twilight golf hoursThe Randolph Oaks Golf

Course offers the followingTwilight and Super Twilighthours and prices:• Twilight hours normallystart at 1 p.m.• Twilight Monday-Friday:$11 to walk and $20 to ride •Twilight weekends andholidays: $12 to walk and$21 to ride•Super Twilight Monday-Friday: start at 5 p.m. with$6 to walk and $12 to ride

SportsBRIEFS

JBSA flag football championshipThe 59th Medical Logistics and ReadinessSquadron quarterback, Milo Otis, shakesoff a tackle during the inaugural Joint BaseSan Antonio flag football championshipWednesday. MLRS beat Randolph's 559thMedical Group, 26-15, to become JBSA'sfirst-ever undisputed champion. Otis scoredfour touchdowns in the game and wasselected the offensive MVP; teammateSteffon Adams earned defensive MVP. Basechampions from Lackland and RandolphAFBs, and Fort Sam Houston played in thetwo-day tournament at Warhawk FieldTuesday and Wednesday. Photo by Alan Boedeker

Documents

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE 64th Year • No. 46 • NOVEMBER 19, …extras.mysanantonio.com/randolph/111910_WGSP.pdf · Staff Sgt. Chris Curtis after the wing's change of command ceremony