RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE 65th Year • No. 12 • MARCH 25, 2011

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

INSIDE ... AF BUDGET PRESENTED TO SENATE, P3 ... BASH KEEPS SKIES SAFE, P8 ... FIRST SHIRTS’ MISSION, P12 ... JBSA BASKETBALL TOURNEY, P14

Page 13

Bill Lemieux (left) and Rick Madison,contractors with Worldwide AircraftRecovery LTD, remove transport bracingfrom inside a C-17 fuselage here recentlyprior to the aircraft being reassembled fordevelopment into training simulator foraeromedical missions. For more photos,see Page 13. Photo by Rich 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 e-mailnews@randolph.af.mil

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 tonews@randolph.af.mil.

For details about submissions, call 652-5760.

ON THE COVER

PAGE 3WINGSPREADMARCH 25, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 2 MARCH 25, 2011

COMMENTARY

By Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan – Longshifts, little sleep and an operations tempoakin to attempting to sprint a marathoncan make us lose sight of the bigger pic-ture — Japan is in its largest and mostexpensive crisis since World War II, andneeds us more than ever before. Recently,I saw that need first-hand, and it put newperspective on my role here, now.

I remember disasters in the past,watching them on TV like some sort ofdemented television series, always dis-connected from the devastation. Eventhe events of 9/11 never sunk in all thatdeep, despite growing up inConnecticut. As I sit here at my desk,writing this, head swimming with sleepdeprivation and trying to get my headaround what might come next in thesebusy times, I have to reflect on the sur-realistic nature of the past few days.

I just moved here a little over twoweeks ago, but I’ve been living in Japanfor more than three years. Before thisassignment, I was at Misawa Air Basein northern Japan. I did my best to trav-el around Japan when I could, visitingAomori, Oirase Gorge, Towada andeven spending an entire day exploringdowntown Sendai and the massive elec-tronics store there. When it came timeto move to Yokota AB, I opted to drivethe roughly 700 kilometers rather thanfly or take the train.

Then, the earthquake hit. Having livedin Japan for a while, I’m used to earth-quakes. Usually, they are barely notice-able, feeling similar to that slight loss ofequilibrium caused by mild dehydrationor sleep deprivation. This started out thatway, but slowly grew in intensity. Iremember the moment that I realized thiswas no ordinary earthquake, and fear setin. I scrambled to the nearest door frame,and waited what seemed like a very longtime before the shaking finally abated. Iremember it being roughly on par withstanding on one of Tokyo’s metro rail carswhile in motion.

As odd as it is to have solid groundmove beneath your feet, things did notreturn to normal. Our public affairs office“spun-up” with a fervor. We began cover-ing the aftermath immediately, startingwith the civilian airliners diverted here

from Narita International Airport. Still,the reality of the situation never reallysunk in for me. Yokota AB was left intact,and we still had all the creature comfortsfrom before the quake.

It wasn’t until two days later that thegravity of Japan’s suffering hit me. I wascalled upon to go with a survey missionon an HH-60G Pave Hawk, assigned tosearch for useable air strips where wecould land planes for supplies closer tothe affected area. This meant flying upthe coast through Sendai. I was veryexcited at the prospect of flying since myjob normally does not allow me to do so,and helicopters are my favorite. I wascurious to see what had happened in thenorth, but did not really understand theimpact it might have on me.

I had driven this route only twoweeks prior when I moved to YokotaAB, and saw it countless times travelingto and from Tokyo, as the bullet train(called the Shinkansen) was my pre-ferred means of travel. The landscapeof mountains, farmland and cities wasfamiliar to me, and I was recognizingthe terrain we passed over.

But, as we traveled farther and farthernorth, the landscape became more for-eign to me. It started with rice paddiesthat were flooded more than usual, riversdevouring their banks and a few over-turned or stranded boats. Gradually, Iwatched the peaceful Japanese country-side become a desolate wasteland. Therewere fields of shattered timber, rooftopswith no house to stand on, cars strewnabout as if a toddler was playing withMatchbox cars and even a train torn fromthe tracks and mangled like a discardedtin can.

I was able to see the land I had driventhrough superimposed through the car-nage and was left dumb, unable to evenexplain my reaction to myself.

I have grown to love Japan, and it left a

pit in my stomach to see such destructionsweep its coast. I captured the photo-graphs I needed to, reminding myself ofthe importance of my mission — provid-ing decision makers with quality imageryof airfields as well as informing theAmerican public of current events. It wassmall consolation though, as I foundmyself feeling incredibly small against theawe-inspiring destruction below my feet.It was hard to believe a few curved piecesof glass and a digital sensor could makeany sort of measurable difference.

And yet, here I am. My small piece ofthe puzzle has helped rescue forces getthe momentum they need to get to a for-ward airfield. I’ve been “pulling” some ofthe longest work hours in my career,ranging from 14- to 18-hour shifts, put-ting a face on the relief effort.

The times that I’ve encounteredJapanese workers here at Yokota AB,they’ve thanked me for my contributionswithout asking what they were. I’m notalways sure if what I do always makes adifference, but it would seem that beinghere and giving it my all means a gooddeal to the honor-bound culture of Japan.

I ask my fellow Airmen to take astep back during their day to reflecton what they do. Commanders regu-larly drill into us the importance ofeveryone for mission success, but it’snot very often that the success is inour own backyard.

We owe it to our host nation and to thehonor of the United States to work atthe pinnacle of integrity, service andabove all excellence. This is one of thefew opportunities we have at home sta-tion to make a verifiable difference inthe world, so don’t give up because oflong shift hours, and don’t give in tocomplacency or a “good-enough” atti-tude because you’re tired and haven’tslept. Let’s show the world the benevo-lent and awe-inspiring side of air power.

By Master Sgt. Amaani LyleSecretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the AirForce Michael Donley and Air Force Chiefof Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz discussedthe Air Force fiscal-2012 budget requestand recent developments in Japan andLibya during a Senate Armed ServicesCommittee hearing here March 17.

The Air Force’s baseline budget requestof $150 billion and $16 billion in overseascontingency operations supplementalappropriations represents a careful bal-ance of resources among Air Force corefunctions necessary to implement thepresident’s national security strategy,Secretary Donley said.

“This budget request, fully appreciatingthe nation’s extraordinary fiscal condi-tion, supports our Airmen in their contin-uing efforts to structure the force formaximum versatility across the spectrumof operations for today’s requirementsand for future challenges,” GeneralSchwartz added.

During the session, the Air Force’s topleaders said investment priorities will

continue to minimize risk and maximizeefficiency across the full spectrum ofpotential conflict.

“Proceeding with development andproduction of the KC-46 tanker aircraft;implementing the joint strike fighterrestructuring; meeting the combatantcommanders’ need for more intelli-gence, surveillance and reconnais-sance; investing in the long-range strikefamily of systems, including a new pen-etrating bomber; and enhancing spacecontrol and situational awareness allremain critical capabilities for bothtoday’s and tomorrow’s Air Force,”Secretary Donley said.

In addition to these investments, AirForce officials will continue to addresschallenges in readiness – in particular, theslow but persistent decline in materielreadiness most notable in the service’snon-deployed forces and the personnelchallenges across 28 stressed officer andenlisted career fields, both of which arethe result of today’s high operationaltempo, he added.

A wakeup call to why we’re hereAir Force officials present budget to Senate

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

“Gradually, I watched the peacefulJapanese countryside become a

desolate wasteland.”

Photo by Scott AshAir Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz answers a question on the Air Force's fiscal2012 budget proposal during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing March 17. See BUDGET P7

By Brian McGloin502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Two dining facilities on base wereawarded the Randolph Air Force Base 2010Silver Plate Award for Excellence in Sanitationin both the large and small facility categories.

First Lt. Michael Scannon, 359th AerospaceMedicine Squadron, Public Health Officer, saidthe Rendezvous Dining Facility earned theaward in the large facility category, whileSpare Time Grille in the Randolph BowlingCenter earned it in the small facility category.Charley’s Grilled Subs in the Randolph BaseExchange earned an honorable mention.

The award applies only to 902ndMission Support Group food facilities andthe facility must have been open for theentire rating period.

Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Woodland, 359thAMDS, Public Health Flight, said the SilverPlate Award recognizes food service facilitieson base that maintain high scores in overallcleanliness and food handling during theentire calendar year of 2010. The top facilitiesscored “satisfactory” or better on everyinspection, which are every month.

The 359th AMDS, Public Health Flight, does

the food inspections and they look for viola-tions of the Food and Drug AdministrationFood Code such as food handling procedures,proper food holding temperatures and foodstorage, same as inspectors in the civilianworld. They also look for cross-contaminationin food storage and preparation areas.

In addition to the kitchen and storage areas,inspectors also look at the food handlersthemselves to determine if they know how toproperly and safely handle food. Foodinspectors consider the personal hygiene ofthe food handlers as well.

The inspectors take the overall sanitation ofthe facility into account when rating a facility.If the facility looks clean, the food is cookedand stored at proper temperatures and foodhandlers are ensuring the safety of food prod-ucts the facility passes their inspection.

Sergeant Woodland said all of the food facil-ities on base are clean but some “receivemore ‘excellent’ ratings than other places.”

“The best thing to say is that Spare TimeGrille is very happy to have won this award,”said William Baker, 902nd Force SupportSquadron. “The staff earned it due to theirhard work and I’m glad their efforts are beingrecognized. They deserve it.”

Randolph dining facilities earn Silver Plate Award

Courtesy photoWilliam Baker (left to right), 902nd Force Support Squadron bowling centermanager, and Steven Barinque, 902nd FSS bowling center assistant manager,were given the 2010 Silver Plate Award recently for sanitation and cleanliness atthe Sparetime Grille by Richard Parkinson, 902nd Mission Support Group deputydirector of installation support.

Bill Lemieux (left) and Rick Madison,contractors with Worldwide AircraftRecovery LTD, remove transport bracingfrom inside a C-17 fuselage here recentlyprior to the aircraft being reassembled fordevelopment into training simulator foraeromedical missions. For more photos,see Page 13. Photo by Rich 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 e-mailnews@randolph.af.mil

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 tonews@randolph.af.mil.

For details about submissions, call 652-5760.

ON THE COVER

PAGE 3WINGSPREADMARCH 25, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 2 MARCH 25, 2011

COMMENTARY

By Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan – Longshifts, little sleep and an operations tempoakin to attempting to sprint a marathoncan make us lose sight of the bigger pic-ture — Japan is in its largest and mostexpensive crisis since World War II, andneeds us more than ever before. Recently,I saw that need first-hand, and it put newperspective on my role here, now.

I remember disasters in the past,watching them on TV like some sort ofdemented television series, always dis-connected from the devastation. Eventhe events of 9/11 never sunk in all thatdeep, despite growing up inConnecticut. As I sit here at my desk,writing this, head swimming with sleepdeprivation and trying to get my headaround what might come next in thesebusy times, I have to reflect on the sur-realistic nature of the past few days.

I just moved here a little over twoweeks ago, but I’ve been living in Japanfor more than three years. Before thisassignment, I was at Misawa Air Basein northern Japan. I did my best to trav-el around Japan when I could, visitingAomori, Oirase Gorge, Towada andeven spending an entire day exploringdowntown Sendai and the massive elec-tronics store there. When it came timeto move to Yokota AB, I opted to drivethe roughly 700 kilometers rather thanfly or take the train.

Then, the earthquake hit. Having livedin Japan for a while, I’m used to earth-quakes. Usually, they are barely notice-able, feeling similar to that slight loss ofequilibrium caused by mild dehydrationor sleep deprivation. This started out thatway, but slowly grew in intensity. Iremember the moment that I realized thiswas no ordinary earthquake, and fear setin. I scrambled to the nearest door frame,and waited what seemed like a very longtime before the shaking finally abated. Iremember it being roughly on par withstanding on one of Tokyo’s metro rail carswhile in motion.

As odd as it is to have solid groundmove beneath your feet, things did notreturn to normal. Our public affairs office“spun-up” with a fervor. We began cover-ing the aftermath immediately, startingwith the civilian airliners diverted here

from Narita International Airport. Still,the reality of the situation never reallysunk in for me. Yokota AB was left intact,and we still had all the creature comfortsfrom before the quake.

It wasn’t until two days later that thegravity of Japan’s suffering hit me. I wascalled upon to go with a survey missionon an HH-60G Pave Hawk, assigned tosearch for useable air strips where wecould land planes for supplies closer tothe affected area. This meant flying upthe coast through Sendai. I was veryexcited at the prospect of flying since myjob normally does not allow me to do so,and helicopters are my favorite. I wascurious to see what had happened in thenorth, but did not really understand theimpact it might have on me.

I had driven this route only twoweeks prior when I moved to YokotaAB, and saw it countless times travelingto and from Tokyo, as the bullet train(called the Shinkansen) was my pre-ferred means of travel. The landscapeof mountains, farmland and cities wasfamiliar to me, and I was recognizingthe terrain we passed over.

But, as we traveled farther and farthernorth, the landscape became more for-eign to me. It started with rice paddiesthat were flooded more than usual, riversdevouring their banks and a few over-turned or stranded boats. Gradually, Iwatched the peaceful Japanese country-side become a desolate wasteland. Therewere fields of shattered timber, rooftopswith no house to stand on, cars strewnabout as if a toddler was playing withMatchbox cars and even a train torn fromthe tracks and mangled like a discardedtin can.

I was able to see the land I had driventhrough superimposed through the car-nage and was left dumb, unable to evenexplain my reaction to myself.

I have grown to love Japan, and it left a

pit in my stomach to see such destructionsweep its coast. I captured the photo-graphs I needed to, reminding myself ofthe importance of my mission — provid-ing decision makers with quality imageryof airfields as well as informing theAmerican public of current events. It wassmall consolation though, as I foundmyself feeling incredibly small against theawe-inspiring destruction below my feet.It was hard to believe a few curved piecesof glass and a digital sensor could makeany sort of measurable difference.

And yet, here I am. My small piece ofthe puzzle has helped rescue forces getthe momentum they need to get to a for-ward airfield. I’ve been “pulling” some ofthe longest work hours in my career,ranging from 14- to 18-hour shifts, put-ting a face on the relief effort.

The times that I’ve encounteredJapanese workers here at Yokota AB,they’ve thanked me for my contributionswithout asking what they were. I’m notalways sure if what I do always makes adifference, but it would seem that beinghere and giving it my all means a gooddeal to the honor-bound culture of Japan.

I ask my fellow Airmen to take astep back during their day to reflecton what they do. Commanders regu-larly drill into us the importance ofeveryone for mission success, but it’snot very often that the success is inour own backyard.

We owe it to our host nation and to thehonor of the United States to work atthe pinnacle of integrity, service andabove all excellence. This is one of thefew opportunities we have at home sta-tion to make a verifiable difference inthe world, so don’t give up because oflong shift hours, and don’t give in tocomplacency or a “good-enough” atti-tude because you’re tired and haven’tslept. Let’s show the world the benevo-lent and awe-inspiring side of air power.

By Master Sgt. Amaani LyleSecretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the AirForce Michael Donley and Air Force Chiefof Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz discussedthe Air Force fiscal-2012 budget requestand recent developments in Japan andLibya during a Senate Armed ServicesCommittee hearing here March 17.

The Air Force’s baseline budget requestof $150 billion and $16 billion in overseascontingency operations supplementalappropriations represents a careful bal-ance of resources among Air Force corefunctions necessary to implement thepresident’s national security strategy,Secretary Donley said.

“This budget request, fully appreciatingthe nation’s extraordinary fiscal condi-tion, supports our Airmen in their contin-uing efforts to structure the force formaximum versatility across the spectrumof operations for today’s requirementsand for future challenges,” GeneralSchwartz added.

During the session, the Air Force’s topleaders said investment priorities will

continue to minimize risk and maximizeefficiency across the full spectrum ofpotential conflict.

“Proceeding with development andproduction of the KC-46 tanker aircraft;implementing the joint strike fighterrestructuring; meeting the combatantcommanders’ need for more intelli-gence, surveillance and reconnais-sance; investing in the long-range strikefamily of systems, including a new pen-etrating bomber; and enhancing spacecontrol and situational awareness allremain critical capabilities for bothtoday’s and tomorrow’s Air Force,”Secretary Donley said.

In addition to these investments, AirForce officials will continue to addresschallenges in readiness – in particular, theslow but persistent decline in materielreadiness most notable in the service’snon-deployed forces and the personnelchallenges across 28 stressed officer andenlisted career fields, both of which arethe result of today’s high operationaltempo, he added.

A wakeup call to why we’re hereAir Force officials present budget to Senate

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

“Gradually, I watched the peacefulJapanese countryside become a

desolate wasteland.”

Photo by Scott AshAir Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz answers a question on the Air Force's fiscal2012 budget proposal during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing March 17. See BUDGET P7

By Brian McGloin502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Two dining facilities on base wereawarded the Randolph Air Force Base 2010Silver Plate Award for Excellence in Sanitationin both the large and small facility categories.

First Lt. Michael Scannon, 359th AerospaceMedicine Squadron, Public Health Officer, saidthe Rendezvous Dining Facility earned theaward in the large facility category, whileSpare Time Grille in the Randolph BowlingCenter earned it in the small facility category.Charley’s Grilled Subs in the Randolph BaseExchange earned an honorable mention.

The award applies only to 902ndMission Support Group food facilities andthe facility must have been open for theentire rating period.

Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Woodland, 359thAMDS, Public Health Flight, said the SilverPlate Award recognizes food service facilitieson base that maintain high scores in overallcleanliness and food handling during theentire calendar year of 2010. The top facilitiesscored “satisfactory” or better on everyinspection, which are every month.

The 359th AMDS, Public Health Flight, does

the food inspections and they look for viola-tions of the Food and Drug AdministrationFood Code such as food handling procedures,proper food holding temperatures and foodstorage, same as inspectors in the civilianworld. They also look for cross-contaminationin food storage and preparation areas.

In addition to the kitchen and storage areas,inspectors also look at the food handlersthemselves to determine if they know how toproperly and safely handle food. Foodinspectors consider the personal hygiene ofthe food handlers as well.

The inspectors take the overall sanitation ofthe facility into account when rating a facility.If the facility looks clean, the food is cookedand stored at proper temperatures and foodhandlers are ensuring the safety of food prod-ucts the facility passes their inspection.

Sergeant Woodland said all of the food facil-ities on base are clean but some “receivemore ‘excellent’ ratings than other places.”

“The best thing to say is that Spare TimeGrille is very happy to have won this award,”said William Baker, 902nd Force SupportSquadron. “The staff earned it due to theirhard work and I’m glad their efforts are beingrecognized. They deserve it.”

Randolph dining facilities earn Silver Plate Award

Courtesy photoWilliam Baker (left to right), 902nd Force Support Squadron bowling centermanager, and Steven Barinque, 902nd FSS bowling center assistant manager,were given the 2010 Silver Plate Award recently for sanitation and cleanliness atthe Sparetime Grille by Richard Parkinson, 902nd Mission Support Group deputydirector of installation support.

PAGE 5WINGSPREADMARCH 25, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 4 MARCH 25, 2011

NEWS

By Debbie GildeaAir Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs Office

This month, civilian employees willbe able to use the updated version ofthe Airmen Development Plan to createcareer development plans.

In addition to providing civilianswith easier access to career guidanceand mentorship, the ADP is an onlinecollaborative tool that enables super-visors, development teams andcareer-field mentors to work togetherto grow civilian employees and lead-ers. The secure Web-based tool allowscivilians to communicate their experi-ence, training and education goals,which are then visible to people who

can help them achieve those goals.Civilian career-field team members

will be able to access career briefs,career-planning diagrams and allother pertinent information, helpemployees develop a plan to achievetheir goals and give them feedback onhow their preferences fit with AirForce needs, officials said. The infor-mation will also enable functionaldevelopment teams to more effectivelymanage career fields.

Calls for ADP submissions will goout this month to support summerdevelopment team meetings.Employees should ensure they aresigned up for their career field listserver messages in order to get thosee-mails. To sign up, go to the AFPC

website and enter “list server” in thekeyword search box.

Introduced in September 2007 as areplacement for the transitional officerdevelopment plan, ADP now replacesthe transitional civilian developmentplan, officials said. It integrates numer-ous force development tools, such aselectronic records, duty histories,career planning diagrams, awards andassignment preferences into one plat-form, drawing information from theDefense Civilian Personnel DataSystem. This benefits employeesbecause they won’t have to go throughthe process of inputting all of theircareer brief data.

To prevent inaccurate informationfrom populating the ADP fields, civil-

ian employees should thoroughlyreview their career brief information.Those who find errors can go to theDCPDS My Biz site to correct them, orcontact their local civilian personnelsection for help, officials said.

ADP is accessible through the AirForce Portal under the “Quick Links”section, officials said. There is also acomprehensive AFPC tutorial websiteavailable. Select the “help” button inADP to access it.

For more information about civilianemployee developmental opportunitiesand other civilian personnel programs,visit the AFPC personnel services web-site at http://gum.afpc.randolph.af.milor call the Total Force Service Center at800-525-0102 or DSN 665-5000.

Web-based tool improves civilian career planning

By 2nd Lt. Matthew Sanders502nd Air Base Wing OL-B public affairs

Choosing school over being “cool” is a hard decisionto make as an adolescent student. That decision iseven harder to make when a guiding parental figure isnonexistent.

Randolph’s Giving Americans Motivational Educationfor the Real World program hosted 30 elementary, mid-dle and high school students from the Texas-basedBoysville foster care group to discuss the importance ofeducation and significance of abstaining from the pres-sures of drugs and alcohol.

GAMER exposes at-risk students to the successesthat can be attained by taking advantage of opportuni-ties and making the right decisions. By listening toAirmen who have overcome similar obstacles, the stu-dents, who have been ordered by the state into fostercare for abandonment or inadequate parenting, aretaught that they, too, can be successful.

“Bad things happen that aren’t your fault,” said Maj.Joel Neeb, 12th Operations Group T-38C PilotInstructor Training branch chief and GAMER eventcoordinator. “Don’t let the situation define who youare; let the decisions you make define the situation.”

Major Neeb was the first of four speakers to explainhow decisions the students make now will have impact-ing consequences that could be helpful or damaging toa successful career.

By showing the students the movie “Fighter Pilot:Operation Red Flag,” which portrays air operationsduring a major training exercise at Nellis AFB, Nev.,Major Neeb emphasized that if he didn’t make“uncool” decisions and separate from negativeinfluences to stay focused in school, he wouldn’t beable to have such a “cool” job now.

“You have to set boundaries on the things you do tohave fun to keep your dreams alive,” Major Neeb said.

Retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. DewayneThomas, who volunteers at a juvenile detentioncenter, discussed the risks of experimenting with

drugs and premarital sex. “Life’s not all about the things you see on TV,”

Sergeant Thomas said.Tech. Sgt. Sam Look, Air Force Personnel Center, and

Senior Airman Christian Alexis, 902nd Civil EngineerSquadron firefighter, shared their experiences as well.Sergeant Look, whose family has a history of drugs andalcohol abuse, and Airman Alexis, a Judson HighSchool graduate, were able to exemplify how chal-lenges similar to those of the students have been over-come by making the right decisions.

Faith Green, Boysville Education Coordinator,explained that programs like GAMER are a greatmeans of motivation for the students.

“It’s always good to have outside positive rein-forcement,” said Ms. Green.

Through GAMER, Randolph’s 12th Flying TrainingWing has reached out to more than 8,000 studentsin the local area.

“In life, there’s no easy button,” Major Neeb said.“We have one opportunity to make our future whateverwe want it to be. What I want to resonate with thechildren is that they all get one shot.”

Esther, a Boysville freshman, explained how shelearned from the choices other people made and howthose choices affected them.

“We need to choose what we do and not let oursituation choose for us,” Esther said.

Boysville eighth-grader Jacob also understood themessage.

“The most importing thing I learned is that you haveone opportunity,” Jacob said. “Choices you make nowcan affect the rest of your life.”

GAMER motivates Boysville residents to be successful“In life, there’s no easy button.

We have one opportunity tomake our future whatever wewant it to be. What I want toresonate with the children isthat they all get one shot.”

Maj. Joel Neeb12th Operations Group T-38C Pilot Instructor Training branch chief

and GAMER event coordinator

Program presents importanceof overcoming obstacles,making wise life decisions

A refund anticipation loan is a short-termconsumer loan that you may obtain in anticipa-tion of your expected refund for your tax return.RALs, which are secured by your expected taxrefund, are offered by companies to cut out thewaiting time for customers by offering you cashnow. These loans may come in the form of“gift” debit cards or checks.

What you may not know about are the highinterest rate and fees that are charged by suchcompanies to customers who obtain RALs.Under typical RAL terms, when the InternalRevenue Service issues your refund, it can bedirectly deposited to the lender, minus interestand fees. Examples of fees include hiddenadministrative fees and fees assessed for mis-takes made by the tax preparer in calculatingyour refund. Interest rates charged for RALscan range from a minimal amount to 500 per-cent. According to the Arkansas AttorneyGeneral’s Office, some 7 million American tax-payers received RALs and paid more than $650million in interest and fees in 2009. This hasprompted many state AG offices and consumerprotection agencies to warn against RALs.

For a speedy return, we recommended thatyou file your tax return electronically withinstructions for a direct deposit of your refundinto your bank account. Any refunds assessedto your account will be deposited more quickly

than physically mailing the returns. Joint Base San Antonio Tax Centers are cur-

rently open to help eligible individuals preparetheir tax returns free of charge:

• Randolph AFBBy appointment onlyHours: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.;Fridays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.Phone: 652-1040Location: Bldg. 202 (the old dry clearners)• Lackland AFBBy appointment onlyHours: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Phone: 671-5847Location: Bldg. 7065, Room 321B (at the cornerof Selfridge and Carswell Avenues)• Fort Sam Houston (Main Location)Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Phone: 295-1040Location: 2272 Rattlesnake (off of Wilson Roadbetween Brought Fitness Center and the mainpost chapel)• Fort Sam Houston (BAMC Location)Hours: Monday – Friday, 0900 to 1700Phone: 916-1040Location: Brooke Army Medical Center

(Information courtesy of Joint Base SanAntonio tax centers.)

Think rapid refunds are a good idea? Think again!

Exercise preparationsRandolph Air Force Base holds training

exercises on a regular basis, with thenext one taking place Monday throughWednesday. Exercises on Mondaythrough Wednesday will primarily focuson anti-terrorism. Personnel should befamiliar with the following procedures:force protection conditions, single-pointentry into facilities, base lock down,take-shelter and shelter in place.

In an effort to continuously test emer-gency procedures, expect to hear giantvoice announcements and alarm signalsthroughout the base during the exercise.In addition to shelter-in-place practices,expect gate closures and traffic delaysand detours as force protection condi-tions change. Units should have eitherexercise evaluators or disaster prepared-ness representatives with more informa-tion to “train like we fight” and to betterequip individual units to be ready incases of actual emergencies.

The following are FPCON applications:

FPCON Alpha: Applies when there isan increased general threat of possibleterrorist activity against personnel orfacilities, the nature and extent ofwhich are unpredictable.

FPCON Bravo: Applies when anincreased or more predictable threat ofterrorist activity exists.

FPCON Charlie: Applies when anincident occurs or intelligence isreceived indicating some form of terror-ist action or targeting against person-nel or facilities is likely.

FPCON Delta: Applies in the immedi-ate area where a terrorist attack hasoccurred or when intelligence has beenreceived that terrorist action against aspecific location or person is imminent.

EXERCISE ALERT

In an initiative designed to improveSan Antonio’s tree canopy, the city hasembarked on a $1.4 million tree plant-ing program with the goal of planting9,000 trees in city parks by May.

As part of Earth Day monthly activities,Joint Base San Antonio encourages itsmembers to attend the City 9,000 TreeInitiative Planting Event in San PedroPark April 1 from 8-11 a.m.

Earth Day eventThe 38-year tradition carried on by

the 560th Flying Training Squadron,honoring repatriated Vietnam War POWpilots, continues at Randolph Air ForceBase March 24-25.

Every year since 1973, the 560th FTShas held a Freedom Flyer Reunion andPOW/MIA Symposium in honor of theseVietnam veterans, including offeringthose who never got back in an AirForce cockpit the chance to take theirfinal flight.

The POW/MIA Symposium runs Fridayfrom 8:45-11:30 a.m. at the base theater,followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at

noon honoring America’s military heroeswho never made it home from war at theMissing Man Monument.

For the 13th straight year, the sympo-sium features Freedom Flyers and the grim,but inspiring stories of their experiences inthe POW camps in North Vietnam, as wellas the equally moving perspective of an ex-POW’s spouse. There will be eight speakersfor the symposium.

Both the symposium and the wreath lay-ing event are open to all members atRandolph. The traffic circle around the Tajwill be closed to traffic from 5 a.m. to 1:30p.m. March 25.

Randolph marks 38th anniversary oflegendary “Freedom Flyers”Washington Circle closes for most of day Friday

PAGE 5WINGSPREADMARCH 25, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 4 MARCH 25, 2011

NEWS

By Debbie GildeaAir Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs Office

This month, civilian employees willbe able to use the updated version ofthe Airmen Development Plan to createcareer development plans.

In addition to providing civilianswith easier access to career guidanceand mentorship, the ADP is an onlinecollaborative tool that enables super-visors, development teams andcareer-field mentors to work togetherto grow civilian employees and lead-ers. The secure Web-based tool allowscivilians to communicate their experi-ence, training and education goals,which are then visible to people who

can help them achieve those goals.Civilian career-field team members

will be able to access career briefs,career-planning diagrams and allother pertinent information, helpemployees develop a plan to achievetheir goals and give them feedback onhow their preferences fit with AirForce needs, officials said. The infor-mation will also enable functionaldevelopment teams to more effectivelymanage career fields.

Calls for ADP submissions will goout this month to support summerdevelopment team meetings.Employees should ensure they aresigned up for their career field listserver messages in order to get thosee-mails. To sign up, go to the AFPC

website and enter “list server” in thekeyword search box.

Introduced in September 2007 as areplacement for the transitional officerdevelopment plan, ADP now replacesthe transitional civilian developmentplan, officials said. It integrates numer-ous force development tools, such aselectronic records, duty histories,career planning diagrams, awards andassignment preferences into one plat-form, drawing information from theDefense Civilian Personnel DataSystem. This benefits employeesbecause they won’t have to go throughthe process of inputting all of theircareer brief data.

To prevent inaccurate informationfrom populating the ADP fields, civil-

ian employees should thoroughlyreview their career brief information.Those who find errors can go to theDCPDS My Biz site to correct them, orcontact their local civilian personnelsection for help, officials said.

ADP is accessible through the AirForce Portal under the “Quick Links”section, officials said. There is also acomprehensive AFPC tutorial websiteavailable. Select the “help” button inADP to access it.

For more information about civilianemployee developmental opportunitiesand other civilian personnel programs,visit the AFPC personnel services web-site at http://gum.afpc.randolph.af.milor call the Total Force Service Center at800-525-0102 or DSN 665-5000.

Web-based tool improves civilian career planning

By 2nd Lt. Matthew Sanders502nd Air Base Wing OL-B public affairs

Choosing school over being “cool” is a hard decisionto make as an adolescent student. That decision iseven harder to make when a guiding parental figure isnonexistent.

Randolph’s Giving Americans Motivational Educationfor the Real World program hosted 30 elementary, mid-dle and high school students from the Texas-basedBoysville foster care group to discuss the importance ofeducation and significance of abstaining from the pres-sures of drugs and alcohol.

GAMER exposes at-risk students to the successesthat can be attained by taking advantage of opportuni-ties and making the right decisions. By listening toAirmen who have overcome similar obstacles, the stu-dents, who have been ordered by the state into fostercare for abandonment or inadequate parenting, aretaught that they, too, can be successful.

“Bad things happen that aren’t your fault,” said Maj.Joel Neeb, 12th Operations Group T-38C PilotInstructor Training branch chief and GAMER eventcoordinator. “Don’t let the situation define who youare; let the decisions you make define the situation.”

Major Neeb was the first of four speakers to explainhow decisions the students make now will have impact-ing consequences that could be helpful or damaging toa successful career.

By showing the students the movie “Fighter Pilot:Operation Red Flag,” which portrays air operationsduring a major training exercise at Nellis AFB, Nev.,Major Neeb emphasized that if he didn’t make“uncool” decisions and separate from negativeinfluences to stay focused in school, he wouldn’t beable to have such a “cool” job now.

“You have to set boundaries on the things you do tohave fun to keep your dreams alive,” Major Neeb said.

Retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. DewayneThomas, who volunteers at a juvenile detentioncenter, discussed the risks of experimenting with

drugs and premarital sex. “Life’s not all about the things you see on TV,”

Sergeant Thomas said.Tech. Sgt. Sam Look, Air Force Personnel Center, and

Senior Airman Christian Alexis, 902nd Civil EngineerSquadron firefighter, shared their experiences as well.Sergeant Look, whose family has a history of drugs andalcohol abuse, and Airman Alexis, a Judson HighSchool graduate, were able to exemplify how chal-lenges similar to those of the students have been over-come by making the right decisions.

Faith Green, Boysville Education Coordinator,explained that programs like GAMER are a greatmeans of motivation for the students.

“It’s always good to have outside positive rein-forcement,” said Ms. Green.

Through GAMER, Randolph’s 12th Flying TrainingWing has reached out to more than 8,000 studentsin the local area.

“In life, there’s no easy button,” Major Neeb said.“We have one opportunity to make our future whateverwe want it to be. What I want to resonate with thechildren is that they all get one shot.”

Esther, a Boysville freshman, explained how shelearned from the choices other people made and howthose choices affected them.

“We need to choose what we do and not let oursituation choose for us,” Esther said.

Boysville eighth-grader Jacob also understood themessage.

“The most importing thing I learned is that you haveone opportunity,” Jacob said. “Choices you make nowcan affect the rest of your life.”

GAMER motivates Boysville residents to be successful“In life, there’s no easy button.

We have one opportunity tomake our future whatever wewant it to be. What I want toresonate with the children isthat they all get one shot.”

Maj. Joel Neeb12th Operations Group T-38C Pilot Instructor Training branch chief

and GAMER event coordinator

Program presents importanceof overcoming obstacles,making wise life decisions

A refund anticipation loan is a short-termconsumer loan that you may obtain in anticipa-tion of your expected refund for your tax return.RALs, which are secured by your expected taxrefund, are offered by companies to cut out thewaiting time for customers by offering you cashnow. These loans may come in the form of“gift” debit cards or checks.

What you may not know about are the highinterest rate and fees that are charged by suchcompanies to customers who obtain RALs.Under typical RAL terms, when the InternalRevenue Service issues your refund, it can bedirectly deposited to the lender, minus interestand fees. Examples of fees include hiddenadministrative fees and fees assessed for mis-takes made by the tax preparer in calculatingyour refund. Interest rates charged for RALscan range from a minimal amount to 500 per-cent. According to the Arkansas AttorneyGeneral’s Office, some 7 million American tax-payers received RALs and paid more than $650million in interest and fees in 2009. This hasprompted many state AG offices and consumerprotection agencies to warn against RALs.

For a speedy return, we recommended thatyou file your tax return electronically withinstructions for a direct deposit of your refundinto your bank account. Any refunds assessedto your account will be deposited more quickly

than physically mailing the returns. Joint Base San Antonio Tax Centers are cur-

rently open to help eligible individuals preparetheir tax returns free of charge:

• Randolph AFBBy appointment onlyHours: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.;Fridays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.Phone: 652-1040Location: Bldg. 202 (the old dry clearners)• Lackland AFBBy appointment onlyHours: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Phone: 671-5847Location: Bldg. 7065, Room 321B (at the cornerof Selfridge and Carswell Avenues)• Fort Sam Houston (Main Location)Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Phone: 295-1040Location: 2272 Rattlesnake (off of Wilson Roadbetween Brought Fitness Center and the mainpost chapel)• Fort Sam Houston (BAMC Location)Hours: Monday – Friday, 0900 to 1700Phone: 916-1040Location: Brooke Army Medical Center

(Information courtesy of Joint Base SanAntonio tax centers.)

Think rapid refunds are a good idea? Think again!

Exercise preparationsRandolph Air Force Base holds training

exercises on a regular basis, with thenext one taking place Monday throughWednesday. Exercises on Mondaythrough Wednesday will primarily focuson anti-terrorism. Personnel should befamiliar with the following procedures:force protection conditions, single-pointentry into facilities, base lock down,take-shelter and shelter in place.

In an effort to continuously test emer-gency procedures, expect to hear giantvoice announcements and alarm signalsthroughout the base during the exercise.In addition to shelter-in-place practices,expect gate closures and traffic delaysand detours as force protection condi-tions change. Units should have eitherexercise evaluators or disaster prepared-ness representatives with more informa-tion to “train like we fight” and to betterequip individual units to be ready incases of actual emergencies.

The following are FPCON applications:

FPCON Alpha: Applies when there isan increased general threat of possibleterrorist activity against personnel orfacilities, the nature and extent ofwhich are unpredictable.

FPCON Bravo: Applies when anincreased or more predictable threat ofterrorist activity exists.

FPCON Charlie: Applies when anincident occurs or intelligence isreceived indicating some form of terror-ist action or targeting against person-nel or facilities is likely.

FPCON Delta: Applies in the immedi-ate area where a terrorist attack hasoccurred or when intelligence has beenreceived that terrorist action against aspecific location or person is imminent.

EXERCISE ALERT

In an initiative designed to improveSan Antonio’s tree canopy, the city hasembarked on a $1.4 million tree plant-ing program with the goal of planting9,000 trees in city parks by May.

As part of Earth Day monthly activities,Joint Base San Antonio encourages itsmembers to attend the City 9,000 TreeInitiative Planting Event in San PedroPark April 1 from 8-11 a.m.

Earth Day eventThe 38-year tradition carried on by

the 560th Flying Training Squadron,honoring repatriated Vietnam War POWpilots, continues at Randolph Air ForceBase March 24-25.

Every year since 1973, the 560th FTShas held a Freedom Flyer Reunion andPOW/MIA Symposium in honor of theseVietnam veterans, including offeringthose who never got back in an AirForce cockpit the chance to take theirfinal flight.

The POW/MIA Symposium runs Fridayfrom 8:45-11:30 a.m. at the base theater,followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at

noon honoring America’s military heroeswho never made it home from war at theMissing Man Monument.

For the 13th straight year, the sympo-sium features Freedom Flyers and the grim,but inspiring stories of their experiences inthe POW camps in North Vietnam, as wellas the equally moving perspective of an ex-POW’s spouse. There will be eight speakersfor the symposium.

Both the symposium and the wreath lay-ing event are open to all members atRandolph. The traffic circle around the Tajwill be closed to traffic from 5 a.m. to 1:30p.m. March 25.

Randolph marks 38th anniversary oflegendary “Freedom Flyers”Washington Circle closes for most of day Friday

By Airman 1st Class Precious Yett502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Randolph Air Force Base strives to have a positiverelationship with its neighboring community andschools. Wanda Cooper, 902nd Force SupportSquadron, is Randolph’s school liaison specialist. Herjob is to make sure the parents and students ofRandolph have the best resources possible to makeinformed decisions about their education and to helpease some of the stressors families experience whenrelocating with children to a new place.

“I am a link between base leadership, militaryfamilies and on and off base schools. I am here toequip parents to be the best advocate they can befor their child’s education by providing informationand referral services. My job is to level the playingfield for military children when it comes to theireducation, be it academic or extracurricularinvolvement,” Ms. Cooper said.

Ms. Cooper has been a military spouse for 23 years.Her husband retired from the Air Force in 2008. Sheworked for the Department of Defense for more than10 years in jobs ranging from after-school tutor tohousing inspector. Ms. Cooper formally transitionedinto her new position late November 2010.

Before she was officially school liaison, Ms. Cooperworked here for three years at the Airman and Family

Readiness Center as the relocation specialist – beingthe school liaison was an additional duty for her.Ms. Cooper is one of four school liaisons serving JointBase San Antonio.

Through the school liaison program, they have astrong collaboration with Region 20 Training Center,the education center for Fort Sam Houston. Theliaisons go out to the center to provide training abouttheir program to superintendents, school counselorsand teachers.

“We educate the educators on some of the challengesa military child may face that they may not be awareof, such as the fact that the student may have to moveevery two to three years, one or both of their parentsmay deploy and the child may have to live with a familymember until the parent returns,” Ms. Cooper said.

Since Ms. Cooper has been school liaison she hasreceived requests for after-school tutors, classroommentors, military financial aid briefs, school readingprograms, calendar planning committees, science fair

Photo by Airman 1st Class Precious YettWanda Cooper (left), school liaison for Randolph Air ForceBase, and Yvette Ross, former principal of SalinasElementary School, participate in Reading Across America:A celebration of Dr. Seuss, in which more than 20 volun-teers from Randolph read to the students at Salinas.

PAGE 7WINGSPREADMARCH 25, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 6 MARCH 25, 2011

School liaison connects with local community

See LIAISON P7

In observance of National Women’s History Month, the Randolph communitycomes together Thursday to honor Lucille Bridges, mother of Ruby Bridges, thefirst African American to integrate a public school in 1960. The event beginswith a breakfast program at 7:30 a.m. at 555 E Street East, Bldg. 581, in the

basement conference room. Ms. Bridges will be available for a “meet and greet”from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the base exchange. The Ruby Bridges story will be

presented from 2-3 p.m. in the Randolph Elementary School gym.

National Women’s History Month observance

Lucille Bridges

“And of course, we’ll continue to sup-port our active, Guard, Reserve and civil-ian Airmen, and their families, with quali-ty housing, health care, schools and com-munity support,” Secretary Donley said.

The secretary and general also notedthe effect of the continuing resolution onthe Air Force and its mission, as the oper-ations tempo around the globe continuesto intensify.

“Without a 2011 appropriations bill,we will have to further reduce flyinghours, cancel training and exerciseopportunities, delay or cancel weaponsystem sustainment and depot main-tenance activities, and disrupt a mul-

titude of other day-to-day operations,”General Schwartz said.

In the wake of Japan’s earthquake andits effect on that country’s nuclear reac-tors, Secretary Donley and GeneralSchwartz said the service is bringing tobear all possible capabilities to supportongoing humanitarian assistance and dis-aster relief there.

“We are using C-17 (Globemaster IIIs)and other assets to help move search-and-rescue capabilities from the UnitedStates to Japan,” the secretary said.“We’ve used our helicopter and fixed-wing airlift capabilities to move food andwater, equipment and key personnel

around the main island in support of thelocal requirements, as defined byJapanese officials.”

Secretary Donley also stated that theAir Force will continue to work closelywith U.S. Pacific Command to support theDepartment of State-authorized voluntarydeparture of family members anddependents of U.S. officials who wish toleave northeast Japan.

“To date, Airmen and their families arenot at risk on our bases,” SecretaryDonley said, adding that the service willcontinue to monitor potential health haz-ards to the 30,000 Air Force membersand dependents in Japan.

The Senate panel also asked the serviceleaders about the current situation inLibya and the U.S. military’s ability toestablish a no-fly zone over the country.

“It is clear that we could establish a no-fly zone if that was the mission that wasassigned,” General Schwartz said, addingthat the mission would undoubtedlyrequire both United States- and Europe-based resources.

Prudent planning by the U.S. military isongoing, Secretary Donley said.

“We are working to provide the civilianleadership with options, and ultimately,the president will decide what he wantsus to do,” the secretary said.

BUDGET from P3

judges and elementary school reading programs.The most recent program Randolph participated

in was Reading Across America, an event to cele-brate Dr. Seuss. Volunteers ranging from seniormaster sergeants to airmen basic went out toSalinas Elementary School to share their literacywith the young students.

“We have had several very successful programssince November. We have gone out to four schoolsin the local community. At Randolph we’ve had over60 members go out to schools to read to over 1,500students. We also had about 14 members go to aprivate school off-base to judge over 125 sciencefair projects,” Ms. Cooper said.

The local community has given Ms. Cooper posi-tive feedback about the local bases interacting withthe neighboring population, especially in regard tothe reading in schools.

“The military member can have such a positive effecton a child. They look up to that uniform and it doesn’tmatter what branch of service it is. The child feels hon-ored to have the member in their school and the princi-pal and teachers feel the same,” Ms. Cooper said.

Ms. Cooper has had several good experiencessince becoming school liaison, but the one thatstands out the most stemmed from working direct-ly with a Randolph family.

“I was able to assist a military couple with a depend-ent who was a senior in high school. Their child wouldnot have been able to graduate with their slated seniorclass due to the different graduation requirements inTexas. After speaking with the school counselors, wewere able to find a solution and their child will be grad-uating at their scheduled time at the end of the schoolyear,” said Ms. Cooper.

The school liaison is a fairly new position. It was

officially funded for Randolph in October. The addi-tional services offered are information on localschools, regulations, graduation requirements anddeployment support.

“My favorite part of being the school liaison is work-ing with children, seeing their faces light up when wevisit,” Ms. Cooper said. “I am looking forward to gettingthe word out in the community about our services andpartnering with base agencies to bring the best possi-ble educational experience to our military children.The base will also have several events coming up forthe Month of the Military Child in April, includinganother reading program and participation inFamaganza April 16.

Ms. Cooper’s office is located in the Airman andFamily Readiness Center, 555 F Street West, Bldg. 639.Her normal duty hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Formore information call 652-3060.

LIAISON from P6

Duty Title:Logistics planner – “Loggie”Hometown:Tucson, Ariz.Hobbies:Working on my cars, helping my friends when theyhave car trouble and riding my all-terrain vehicleGreatest Accomplishment:Marrying the love of my life, Danyel, and our twoamazing, beautiful girlsPersonal Motto:We all may not be great people, but we all can dogreat things.Personal Inspiration:My wife is my personal inspiration. After beingdiagnosed with cancer, she still gets up every dayand lives life to its fullest. She has shown me howto be strong and keep moving, no matter what

curve ball life throws at you.Pet Peeve:Slackers – people who think they can skate throughlife and be rewarded without putting in any effort.Goals:Retire from the Air Force, travel the world and openmy own automotive hobby shopCommander’s Comments:“Airman Wing hit the ground running when he arrivedin November and hasn’t slowed down yet. He hasalready mastered the daily operational requirementsof a very busy and visible Logistics Plans office. Hismotivation and enthusiasm in approaching all jobrequirements continue to set the bar for others to fol-low and has made him an invaluable member of theJoint Base San Antonio Deployment Readiness Team.”

James Williams902nd Logistics Readiness Squadron director

Airman 1st Class Brian Wing902nd Logistics Readiness Squadron

Photo by David Terry

By Airman 1st Class Precious Yett502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Randolph Air Force Base strives to have a positiverelationship with its neighboring community andschools. Wanda Cooper, 902nd Force SupportSquadron, is Randolph’s school liaison specialist. Herjob is to make sure the parents and students ofRandolph have the best resources possible to makeinformed decisions about their education and to helpease some of the stressors families experience whenrelocating with children to a new place.

“I am a link between base leadership, militaryfamilies and on and off base schools. I am here toequip parents to be the best advocate they can befor their child’s education by providing informationand referral services. My job is to level the playingfield for military children when it comes to theireducation, be it academic or extracurricularinvolvement,” Ms. Cooper said.

Ms. Cooper has been a military spouse for 23 years.Her husband retired from the Air Force in 2008. Sheworked for the Department of Defense for more than10 years in jobs ranging from after-school tutor tohousing inspector. Ms. Cooper formally transitionedinto her new position late November 2010.

Before she was officially school liaison, Ms. Cooperworked here for three years at the Airman and Family

Readiness Center as the relocation specialist – beingthe school liaison was an additional duty for her.Ms. Cooper is one of four school liaisons serving JointBase San Antonio.

Through the school liaison program, they have astrong collaboration with Region 20 Training Center,the education center for Fort Sam Houston. Theliaisons go out to the center to provide training abouttheir program to superintendents, school counselorsand teachers.

“We educate the educators on some of the challengesa military child may face that they may not be awareof, such as the fact that the student may have to moveevery two to three years, one or both of their parentsmay deploy and the child may have to live with a familymember until the parent returns,” Ms. Cooper said.

Since Ms. Cooper has been school liaison she hasreceived requests for after-school tutors, classroommentors, military financial aid briefs, school readingprograms, calendar planning committees, science fair

Photo by Airman 1st Class Precious YettWanda Cooper (left), school liaison for Randolph Air ForceBase, and Yvette Ross, former principal of SalinasElementary School, participate in Reading Across America:A celebration of Dr. Seuss, in which more than 20 volun-teers from Randolph read to the students at Salinas.

PAGE 7WINGSPREADMARCH 25, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 6 MARCH 25, 2011

School liaison connects with local community

See LIAISON P7

In observance of National Women’s History Month, the Randolph communitycomes together Thursday to honor Lucille Bridges, mother of Ruby Bridges, thefirst African American to integrate a public school in 1960. The event beginswith a breakfast program at 7:30 a.m. at 555 E Street East, Bldg. 581, in the

basement conference room. Ms. Bridges will be available for a “meet and greet”from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the base exchange. The Ruby Bridges story will be

presented from 2-3 p.m. in the Randolph Elementary School gym.

National Women’s History Month observance

Lucille Bridges

“And of course, we’ll continue to sup-port our active, Guard, Reserve and civil-ian Airmen, and their families, with quali-ty housing, health care, schools and com-munity support,” Secretary Donley said.

The secretary and general also notedthe effect of the continuing resolution onthe Air Force and its mission, as the oper-ations tempo around the globe continuesto intensify.

“Without a 2011 appropriations bill,we will have to further reduce flyinghours, cancel training and exerciseopportunities, delay or cancel weaponsystem sustainment and depot main-tenance activities, and disrupt a mul-

titude of other day-to-day operations,”General Schwartz said.

In the wake of Japan’s earthquake andits effect on that country’s nuclear reac-tors, Secretary Donley and GeneralSchwartz said the service is bringing tobear all possible capabilities to supportongoing humanitarian assistance and dis-aster relief there.

“We are using C-17 (Globemaster IIIs)and other assets to help move search-and-rescue capabilities from the UnitedStates to Japan,” the secretary said.“We’ve used our helicopter and fixed-wing airlift capabilities to move food andwater, equipment and key personnel

around the main island in support of thelocal requirements, as defined byJapanese officials.”

Secretary Donley also stated that theAir Force will continue to work closelywith U.S. Pacific Command to support theDepartment of State-authorized voluntarydeparture of family members anddependents of U.S. officials who wish toleave northeast Japan.

“To date, Airmen and their families arenot at risk on our bases,” SecretaryDonley said, adding that the service willcontinue to monitor potential health haz-ards to the 30,000 Air Force membersand dependents in Japan.

The Senate panel also asked the serviceleaders about the current situation inLibya and the U.S. military’s ability toestablish a no-fly zone over the country.

“It is clear that we could establish a no-fly zone if that was the mission that wasassigned,” General Schwartz said, addingthat the mission would undoubtedlyrequire both United States- and Europe-based resources.

Prudent planning by the U.S. military isongoing, Secretary Donley said.

“We are working to provide the civilianleadership with options, and ultimately,the president will decide what he wantsus to do,” the secretary said.

BUDGET from P3

judges and elementary school reading programs.The most recent program Randolph participated

in was Reading Across America, an event to cele-brate Dr. Seuss. Volunteers ranging from seniormaster sergeants to airmen basic went out toSalinas Elementary School to share their literacywith the young students.

“We have had several very successful programssince November. We have gone out to four schoolsin the local community. At Randolph we’ve had over60 members go out to schools to read to over 1,500students. We also had about 14 members go to aprivate school off-base to judge over 125 sciencefair projects,” Ms. Cooper said.

The local community has given Ms. Cooper posi-tive feedback about the local bases interacting withthe neighboring population, especially in regard tothe reading in schools.

“The military member can have such a positive effecton a child. They look up to that uniform and it doesn’tmatter what branch of service it is. The child feels hon-ored to have the member in their school and the princi-pal and teachers feel the same,” Ms. Cooper said.

Ms. Cooper has had several good experiencessince becoming school liaison, but the one thatstands out the most stemmed from working direct-ly with a Randolph family.

“I was able to assist a military couple with a depend-ent who was a senior in high school. Their child wouldnot have been able to graduate with their slated seniorclass due to the different graduation requirements inTexas. After speaking with the school counselors, wewere able to find a solution and their child will be grad-uating at their scheduled time at the end of the schoolyear,” said Ms. Cooper.

The school liaison is a fairly new position. It was

officially funded for Randolph in October. The addi-tional services offered are information on localschools, regulations, graduation requirements anddeployment support.

“My favorite part of being the school liaison is work-ing with children, seeing their faces light up when wevisit,” Ms. Cooper said. “I am looking forward to gettingthe word out in the community about our services andpartnering with base agencies to bring the best possi-ble educational experience to our military children.The base will also have several events coming up forthe Month of the Military Child in April, includinganother reading program and participation inFamaganza April 16.

Ms. Cooper’s office is located in the Airman andFamily Readiness Center, 555 F Street West, Bldg. 639.Her normal duty hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Formore information call 652-3060.

LIAISON from P6

Duty Title:Logistics planner – “Loggie”Hometown:Tucson, Ariz.Hobbies:Working on my cars, helping my friends when theyhave car trouble and riding my all-terrain vehicleGreatest Accomplishment:Marrying the love of my life, Danyel, and our twoamazing, beautiful girlsPersonal Motto:We all may not be great people, but we all can dogreat things.Personal Inspiration:My wife is my personal inspiration. After beingdiagnosed with cancer, she still gets up every dayand lives life to its fullest. She has shown me howto be strong and keep moving, no matter what

curve ball life throws at you.Pet Peeve:Slackers – people who think they can skate throughlife and be rewarded without putting in any effort.Goals:Retire from the Air Force, travel the world and openmy own automotive hobby shopCommander’s Comments:“Airman Wing hit the ground running when he arrivedin November and hasn’t slowed down yet. He hasalready mastered the daily operational requirementsof a very busy and visible Logistics Plans office. Hismotivation and enthusiasm in approaching all jobrequirements continue to set the bar for others to fol-low and has made him an invaluable member of theJoint Base San Antonio Deployment Readiness Team.”

James Williams902nd Logistics Readiness Squadron director

Airman 1st Class Brian Wing902nd Logistics Readiness Squadron

Photo by David Terry

PAGE 9WINGSPREADMARCH 25, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 8 MARCH 25, 2011

Photo by David TerryMike Pacheco, U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Service wildlife biologist, scares birds away from Randolph runwayswith a 12-gauge shotgun.

By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

“The Miracle on the Hudson” capturedworldwide attention more than two yearsago when Capt. Chesley “Sully”Sullenberger piloted a US Airways jetwith two damaged engines onto the coldwaters of the Hudson River, a maneuverthat saved the life of everyone on board –more than 150 lives.

The incident turned CaptainSullenberger into a celebrity, but italso brought attention to an ever-present danger for aircraft pilots: thepossibility of a bird strike. In this case,the Airbus A320 collided with a flockof Canada geese and the resultingimpact crippled its engines.

“That incident made it real,” saidMike Pacheco, a U.S. Department ofAgriculture wildlife biologist assignedto Randolph. “It highlighted the prob-lem and brought it to the surface.”

Mr. Pacheco confronts the problem ofbird strikes every day as the most visiblerepresentative of Randolph’s BirdAircraft Strike Hazard program, a jointeffort of various base organizations,including the 12th Flying Training WingSafety Office, the 902nd Civil EngineerSquadron, the 12th FTW OperationsGroup and the 12th FTW MaintenanceDivision. He drives around both on andoff base “looking for threats and hazards”that might endanger the base’s flyingtraining mission and “responding asneeded.”

“I’m here to make recommenda-tions and make it a safer environmentfor flying,” he said.

Mr. Pacheco said his responsibilitiesinclude assisting the 12th FTW with theirBASH program, proactive wildlife man-agement practices and technical assis-tance to Randolph.

“The greatest bird threats to flyingoperations begin in March and runthrough October,” he said. “The Marchthreat is due to spring bird movementsheading north as weather warms here inthe south. The May-August period is thepeak white-winged dove breeding andnesting season, and from September-October we typically see vultures return-ing from the north as northern tempera-tures drop and cold fronts move south.Vultures and other birds will use coldfronts to travel south.”

Mr. Pacheco said aircrews, air trafficcontrollers and flightline personnel typi-cally report strikes to the 12th FTW

Safety Office. Evidence of bird strikescomes in the form of feathers or featherfragments, which are sent to theSmithsonian Institution National Museumof Natural History’s Feather IdentificationLab for analysis.

Bird strikes exact a financial toll onRandolph’s aircraft, an estimated$467,000 in fiscal 2010, the second high-est total in the last 10 years. The numberof bird strikes averaged seven per month.

“Last year was a rough year,” Mr.Pacheco said.The highest total in the last decade camein fiscal 2008, when damage amounted to$534,000, which he attributed to environ-mental factors – a wet winter and spring– that cause a bird population explosion.

“More nesting success was experiencedbecause birds had more food and water,”Mr. Pacheco said. “In 2010 we experi-

enced similar environmental factors inthe fall and winter of 2009-10.”

Black vultures account for a sizablenumber of strikes, but the base’s currentnemesis is the white-winged dove, whichis diminutive in comparison.

“A single dove can destroy a T-38engine,” Mr. Pacheco said. “Their num-bers are really high in this region. Theyare spreading north and west. They pro-liferate in urban environments – like hereon base. The dense canopy of trees is aperfect habitat for them to nest inbecause predators can’t get to them.”

Mr. Pacheco said white-wingeddoves are also “very aggressive.”

“They will push out a lot of theother bird species,” he said.

Bat strikes are also reported, butto a much lesser extent.

“They’re only a problem when they are

emerging in columns,” Mr. Pacheco said.“But we have no night flying, so it’s not abig issue for us.”

He said civil engineering and mainte-nance work to “bat-proof” buildings onbase.

Mr. Pacheco said the BASH programemploys an “integrated approach” tomake bird strikes less likely. Strategiesinclude habitat manipulation or manage-ment, such as keeping grass near therunways mowed to between 7 and 14inches in height and using drought-resist-ant vegetation rather than water-thirstyplants and grass attractive to birds, aswell as lethal and non-lethal bird popula-tion management, which includes the useof pyrotechnics and propane cannons todisperse birds.

BASH program makes skies safer for base pilots

Other habitat-altering methods are thinning trees andprohibiting fruit- and nut-bearing vegetation and birdfeeders on base.

Mr. Pacheco said one of his most important duties offbase is “creating a good working relationship with neigh-bors,” apprising them of the dangers that birds pose forthe base’s aircraft and pilots. He said cell phone towers innearby communities are a particular problem becausethey provide large-scale roosting opportunities for birds.

Randolph’s unique layout – a flightline on each side ofthe base with housing in the middle – is problematicbecause there is a greater likelihood that birds roostingon base, especially in residential areas, will fly across therunways, he said.

Among Mr. Pacheco’s other duties is training baseoperations and safety personnel on the safe use ofpyrotechnics. A current project is removing nests fromthe T-6 sun shelters on the west flightline. Birds not onlyendanger flight safety, their feces can quickly corrode anaircraft’s paint.

Keeping the skies safe for Randolph pilots is a “bigjob,” one that requires constant attention andaction, Mr. Pacheco said.

Photo by David TerryMike Pacheco, U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Service wildlife biologist, demonstrates a Zon Gun propane cannon used to scarebirds away from the runways at Randolph.

See BASH P9

BASH from P8

By Airman 1st Class Precious Yett502 Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

The Randolph Transition Assistance Program willhost a special “Marketing Yourself for a SecondCareer” seminar Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.at the base theater.

The annual briefing, conducted by retired Col. DanKoslov, a Washington lecturer on career transition frommilitary to civilian employment, is geared toward NCOsand officers nearing retirement and their spouses, buteveryone is welcome to attend.

“He brings his past experiences, but he also talksabout transitioning services like writing resumes, net-working, salary negotiation and advice on what you haveto do if you want to get that job. He’s straightforward. It’snot like he’s going to paint it green. He’s going to tell youexactly what you need to do to be successful, regardlessof your rank,” said Ray Ramos, Randolph TAP Manager.

Some subjects covered during the presentation are jobcompetition, a plan for the transition, strengthening a

resume, networking, interviewing and rejection.“This guy has prevalent updated information on

transitioning. He finds out what’s going on with jobs,better ways to market yourself and additional infor-mation on resumes,” Mr. Ramos said. “When you goon an interview this is what they’re going to look at,how you dress, etc. We teach it here but he’s able togo into a more real-world aspect because he’sretired. He’s been through it and it’s current. Hesees everything going on in Washington, D.C., and

throughout the bases he visits.”The presentation is given annually at more than 150

military installations of all services worldwide. Spousesare highly encouraged to attend.

“A lot of retirees didn’t even know that the Airmanand Family Readiness Center offers all of this stuff forpeople separating. They didn’t know about the inter-viewing or the resumes and the VA benefits. The AFRCreally prepares you for getting out of the military andlets you know what you have to do in order to completeyour retirement or separation,” said Denise Blount,902nd Force Support Squadron transition specialist.

The seminar is free and those who participate alsoreceive a copy of the book “Marketing Yourself for aSecond Career.” The book is an in-depth, all-in-oneresource for the transition process.

“You have to take care of yourself, and that’s what weare here to help you do,” Mr. Ramos said.

Those interested in finding out more about thetransition assistance program should call Mr. Ramosor Ms. Blount at 652-5321.

Seminar offers career transition expertise“A lot of retirees didn’t even know

that the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center offers all of this

stuff for people separating.”Denise Blount

902nd Force Support Squadron transition specialist

PAGE 9WINGSPREADMARCH 25, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 8 MARCH 25, 2011

Photo by David TerryMike Pacheco, U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Service wildlife biologist, scares birds away from Randolph runwayswith a 12-gauge shotgun.

By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

“The Miracle on the Hudson” capturedworldwide attention more than two yearsago when Capt. Chesley “Sully”Sullenberger piloted a US Airways jetwith two damaged engines onto the coldwaters of the Hudson River, a maneuverthat saved the life of everyone on board –more than 150 lives.

The incident turned CaptainSullenberger into a celebrity, but italso brought attention to an ever-present danger for aircraft pilots: thepossibility of a bird strike. In this case,the Airbus A320 collided with a flockof Canada geese and the resultingimpact crippled its engines.

“That incident made it real,” saidMike Pacheco, a U.S. Department ofAgriculture wildlife biologist assignedto Randolph. “It highlighted the prob-lem and brought it to the surface.”

Mr. Pacheco confronts the problem ofbird strikes every day as the most visiblerepresentative of Randolph’s BirdAircraft Strike Hazard program, a jointeffort of various base organizations,including the 12th Flying Training WingSafety Office, the 902nd Civil EngineerSquadron, the 12th FTW OperationsGroup and the 12th FTW MaintenanceDivision. He drives around both on andoff base “looking for threats and hazards”that might endanger the base’s flyingtraining mission and “responding asneeded.”

“I’m here to make recommenda-tions and make it a safer environmentfor flying,” he said.

Mr. Pacheco said his responsibilitiesinclude assisting the 12th FTW with theirBASH program, proactive wildlife man-agement practices and technical assis-tance to Randolph.

“The greatest bird threats to flyingoperations begin in March and runthrough October,” he said. “The Marchthreat is due to spring bird movementsheading north as weather warms here inthe south. The May-August period is thepeak white-winged dove breeding andnesting season, and from September-October we typically see vultures return-ing from the north as northern tempera-tures drop and cold fronts move south.Vultures and other birds will use coldfronts to travel south.”

Mr. Pacheco said aircrews, air trafficcontrollers and flightline personnel typi-cally report strikes to the 12th FTW

Safety Office. Evidence of bird strikescomes in the form of feathers or featherfragments, which are sent to theSmithsonian Institution National Museumof Natural History’s Feather IdentificationLab for analysis.

Bird strikes exact a financial toll onRandolph’s aircraft, an estimated$467,000 in fiscal 2010, the second high-est total in the last 10 years. The numberof bird strikes averaged seven per month.

“Last year was a rough year,” Mr.Pacheco said.The highest total in the last decade camein fiscal 2008, when damage amounted to$534,000, which he attributed to environ-mental factors – a wet winter and spring– that cause a bird population explosion.

“More nesting success was experiencedbecause birds had more food and water,”Mr. Pacheco said. “In 2010 we experi-

enced similar environmental factors inthe fall and winter of 2009-10.”

Black vultures account for a sizablenumber of strikes, but the base’s currentnemesis is the white-winged dove, whichis diminutive in comparison.

“A single dove can destroy a T-38engine,” Mr. Pacheco said. “Their num-bers are really high in this region. Theyare spreading north and west. They pro-liferate in urban environments – like hereon base. The dense canopy of trees is aperfect habitat for them to nest inbecause predators can’t get to them.”

Mr. Pacheco said white-wingeddoves are also “very aggressive.”

“They will push out a lot of theother bird species,” he said.

Bat strikes are also reported, butto a much lesser extent.

“They’re only a problem when they are

emerging in columns,” Mr. Pacheco said.“But we have no night flying, so it’s not abig issue for us.”

He said civil engineering and mainte-nance work to “bat-proof” buildings onbase.

Mr. Pacheco said the BASH programemploys an “integrated approach” tomake bird strikes less likely. Strategiesinclude habitat manipulation or manage-ment, such as keeping grass near therunways mowed to between 7 and 14inches in height and using drought-resist-ant vegetation rather than water-thirstyplants and grass attractive to birds, aswell as lethal and non-lethal bird popula-tion management, which includes the useof pyrotechnics and propane cannons todisperse birds.

BASH program makes skies safer for base pilots

Other habitat-altering methods are thinning trees andprohibiting fruit- and nut-bearing vegetation and birdfeeders on base.

Mr. Pacheco said one of his most important duties offbase is “creating a good working relationship with neigh-bors,” apprising them of the dangers that birds pose forthe base’s aircraft and pilots. He said cell phone towers innearby communities are a particular problem becausethey provide large-scale roosting opportunities for birds.

Randolph’s unique layout – a flightline on each side ofthe base with housing in the middle – is problematicbecause there is a greater likelihood that birds roostingon base, especially in residential areas, will fly across therunways, he said.

Among Mr. Pacheco’s other duties is training baseoperations and safety personnel on the safe use ofpyrotechnics. A current project is removing nests fromthe T-6 sun shelters on the west flightline. Birds not onlyendanger flight safety, their feces can quickly corrode anaircraft’s paint.

Keeping the skies safe for Randolph pilots is a “bigjob,” one that requires constant attention andaction, Mr. Pacheco said.

Photo by David TerryMike Pacheco, U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Service wildlife biologist, demonstrates a Zon Gun propane cannon used to scarebirds away from the runways at Randolph.

See BASH P9

BASH from P8

By Airman 1st Class Precious Yett502 Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

The Randolph Transition Assistance Program willhost a special “Marketing Yourself for a SecondCareer” seminar Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.at the base theater.

The annual briefing, conducted by retired Col. DanKoslov, a Washington lecturer on career transition frommilitary to civilian employment, is geared toward NCOsand officers nearing retirement and their spouses, buteveryone is welcome to attend.

“He brings his past experiences, but he also talksabout transitioning services like writing resumes, net-working, salary negotiation and advice on what you haveto do if you want to get that job. He’s straightforward. It’snot like he’s going to paint it green. He’s going to tell youexactly what you need to do to be successful, regardlessof your rank,” said Ray Ramos, Randolph TAP Manager.

Some subjects covered during the presentation are jobcompetition, a plan for the transition, strengthening a

resume, networking, interviewing and rejection.“This guy has prevalent updated information on

transitioning. He finds out what’s going on with jobs,better ways to market yourself and additional infor-mation on resumes,” Mr. Ramos said. “When you goon an interview this is what they’re going to look at,how you dress, etc. We teach it here but he’s able togo into a more real-world aspect because he’sretired. He’s been through it and it’s current. Hesees everything going on in Washington, D.C., and

throughout the bases he visits.”The presentation is given annually at more than 150

military installations of all services worldwide. Spousesare highly encouraged to attend.

“A lot of retirees didn’t even know that the Airmanand Family Readiness Center offers all of this stuff forpeople separating. They didn’t know about the inter-viewing or the resumes and the VA benefits. The AFRCreally prepares you for getting out of the military andlets you know what you have to do in order to completeyour retirement or separation,” said Denise Blount,902nd Force Support Squadron transition specialist.

The seminar is free and those who participate alsoreceive a copy of the book “Marketing Yourself for aSecond Career.” The book is an in-depth, all-in-oneresource for the transition process.

“You have to take care of yourself, and that’s what weare here to help you do,” Mr. Ramos said.

Those interested in finding out more about thetransition assistance program should call Mr. Ramosor Ms. Blount at 652-5321.

Seminar offers career transition expertise“A lot of retirees didn’t even know

that the Airman and FamilyReadiness Center offers all of this

stuff for people separating.”Denise Blount

902nd Force Support Squadron transition specialist

PAGE 11WINGSPREADMARCH 25, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 10 MARCH 25, 2011

“Just Go With It” (PG-13)Jennifer Aniston, Adam Sandler

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

“I Am Number Four” (PG-13)Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant, Teresa Palmer

Sunday @ 3 p.m.

NOW SHOWINGat the

Randolph Theater

$4.50 for adults$2.25 for children 0-11

RetirementsCongratulations to Col. Phillip Andrews, Air Education and

Training Command, on his retirement.

Red Cross Japanese reliefOfficials from the Japanese Red Cross have indicated they

would be grateful for donations from the American Red Cross tosupport their earthquake and tsunami response. Those who wantto help can go to www.redcross.org and donate to JapanEarthquake and Pacific Tsunami. People can also donate $10 bytexting REDCROSS to 90999 to support disaster relief efforts inJapan and throughout the Pacific.

Town hall meetingThe 902nd Security Forces Squadron hosts a town hall meeting

for the Randolph community Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at theLandings Community Center, Bldg. 133. Refreshments will beserved. For more information, call Master Sgt. John Clowe, 902ndSFS NCO in charge of installation security, at 652-5968.

Alamo Travel, PPO hours changeAlamo Travel’s hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the

personal property office hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For moreinformation, call 652-1154.

Air Force Assistance Fund The 38th annual Randolph Air Force Assistance Fund cam-

paign, “Commitment to Caring,” continues to capture our proudheritage by taking care of our own through our four Air Force chari-ties: Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village, Air ForceVillage and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. TheAFAF runs Monday through May 6. Those interested in donatingcan contact Maj. Gordon Pfeil at 652-8042 or 1st Lt. WilliamWaterworth at 652-5171.

Fiesta ticketsFiesta parade tickets are on sale now at the information, tickets

and tours office. Chair and blanket ticket prices are $11 with alimit of 10 tickets. For details, call the ITT office at 652-2301.

Monte Carlo NightThe Parr Club will hold its first-ever Monte Carlo Night April

1 from 6-11 p.m. The night will feature blackjack, craps,roulette and poker. The cost for this event is $17.50, whichincludes a pasta buffet and glass of house wine or a domesticbeer. Prizes, such as an iPad, 32-inch flat-screen TV, XBox 360with Kinect, iPod, six Sunday brunches, two nights in a cabinat Canyon Lake with a ski boat and a prime rib dinner for two,will be available for bidding following the games.

Clinic volunteers neededThe American Red Cross is looking for dedicated volunteers to

serve the base community at the Randolph Medical Clinic. If youhave four or more hours a week of available time, please considerbecoming a Red Cross volunteer. For more information, call theRed Cross desk at 652-6372 or stop by the Resource ManagementOffice at the clinic, Bldg. 1040, Room 1C301, next to the recordssection.

AFPC shuttle service and satellite parkingIn order to alleviate the parking congestion at the Air Force

Personnel Center, a shuttle system with satellite parking will beavailable for all AFPC employees beginning Monday.

The two satellite parking areas are the BXtra parking lot adja-cent to the Kendrick Club and at Hangar 16. AFPC employees canpark their cars at one of these two locations and take the shuttlebus to and from the AFPC Bldgs. 499, 663, 667 and 977.

The bus will run from 6-8 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.For more information, call Richard Trevino at 652-2401.

Base BRIEFS

For more news and a complete list ofbase briefs, visit www.randolph.af.mil

Building strategy

Courtesy photoA.J. Trimble (left) and Gracin Harris peer over a chess board during the Randolph YouthCenter’s chess tournament March 12. Gracin Harris was the winner in the 6- to 8-year-old group. Christopher Phan and Eric Ayers (not pictured) were the winners of the 9- to12- and 13- to 15- year old groups, respectively.

ADVERTISEMENT

902nd Force Support Squadron Briefs

PAGE 11WINGSPREADMARCH 25, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 10 MARCH 25, 2011

“Just Go With It” (PG-13)Jennifer Aniston, Adam Sandler

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

“I Am Number Four” (PG-13)Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant, Teresa Palmer

Sunday @ 3 p.m.

NOW SHOWINGat the

Randolph Theater

$4.50 for adults$2.25 for children 0-11

RetirementsCongratulations to Col. Phillip Andrews, Air Education and

Training Command, on his retirement.

Red Cross Japanese reliefOfficials from the Japanese Red Cross have indicated they

would be grateful for donations from the American Red Cross tosupport their earthquake and tsunami response. Those who wantto help can go to www.redcross.org and donate to JapanEarthquake and Pacific Tsunami. People can also donate $10 bytexting REDCROSS to 90999 to support disaster relief efforts inJapan and throughout the Pacific.

Town hall meetingThe 902nd Security Forces Squadron hosts a town hall meeting

for the Randolph community Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at theLandings Community Center, Bldg. 133. Refreshments will beserved. For more information, call Master Sgt. John Clowe, 902ndSFS NCO in charge of installation security, at 652-5968.

Alamo Travel, PPO hours changeAlamo Travel’s hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the

personal property office hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For moreinformation, call 652-1154.

Air Force Assistance Fund The 38th annual Randolph Air Force Assistance Fund cam-

paign, “Commitment to Caring,” continues to capture our proudheritage by taking care of our own through our four Air Force chari-ties: Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village, Air ForceVillage and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. TheAFAF runs Monday through May 6. Those interested in donatingcan contact Maj. Gordon Pfeil at 652-8042 or 1st Lt. WilliamWaterworth at 652-5171.

Fiesta ticketsFiesta parade tickets are on sale now at the information, tickets

and tours office. Chair and blanket ticket prices are $11 with alimit of 10 tickets. For details, call the ITT office at 652-2301.

Monte Carlo NightThe Parr Club will hold its first-ever Monte Carlo Night April

1 from 6-11 p.m. The night will feature blackjack, craps,roulette and poker. The cost for this event is $17.50, whichincludes a pasta buffet and glass of house wine or a domesticbeer. Prizes, such as an iPad, 32-inch flat-screen TV, XBox 360with Kinect, iPod, six Sunday brunches, two nights in a cabinat Canyon Lake with a ski boat and a prime rib dinner for two,will be available for bidding following the games.

Clinic volunteers neededThe American Red Cross is looking for dedicated volunteers to

serve the base community at the Randolph Medical Clinic. If youhave four or more hours a week of available time, please considerbecoming a Red Cross volunteer. For more information, call theRed Cross desk at 652-6372 or stop by the Resource ManagementOffice at the clinic, Bldg. 1040, Room 1C301, next to the recordssection.

AFPC shuttle service and satellite parkingIn order to alleviate the parking congestion at the Air Force

Personnel Center, a shuttle system with satellite parking will beavailable for all AFPC employees beginning Monday.

The two satellite parking areas are the BXtra parking lot adja-cent to the Kendrick Club and at Hangar 16. AFPC employees canpark their cars at one of these two locations and take the shuttlebus to and from the AFPC Bldgs. 499, 663, 667 and 977.

The bus will run from 6-8 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.For more information, call Richard Trevino at 652-2401.

Base BRIEFS

For more news and a complete list ofbase briefs, visit www.randolph.af.mil

Building strategy

Courtesy photoA.J. Trimble (left) and Gracin Harris peer over a chess board during the Randolph YouthCenter’s chess tournament March 12. Gracin Harris was the winner in the 6- to 8-year-old group. Christopher Phan and Eric Ayers (not pictured) were the winners of the 9- to12- and 13- to 15- year old groups, respectively.

ADVERTISEMENT

902nd Force Support Squadron Briefs

PAGE 13WINGSPREADMARCH 25, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 12 MARCH 25, 2011

FEATURE

By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Early in his Air Force career, MasterSgt. Shawn Herdman benefited fromthe behind-the-scenes assistance ofhis unit’s first sergeant during a timeof personal tragedy.

He didn’t know about the firstsergeant’s actions at first, but whenhe found out, the impact on him wasprofound.

“Someone I hadn’t seen much stuck hisneck out for me,” Sergeant Herdmanrecalled. “It meant a lot to me. I wantedto do that same job.”

Sergeant Herdman’s dream came tofruition. He is the 902nd Security ForcesSquadron’s first sergeant, responsible forthe morale, welfare and conduct of 180active-duty and civilian personnel.

Also known as “shirts,” first sergeantsserve as the “vital link between the com-mander, enlisted personnel and supportagencies,” according to Air ForceInstruction 36-2113. The special-dutyposition is demanding, requiring a 24/7commitment to unit members, but therewards are many, say SergeantHerdman and other shirts at Randolph.

“I can do some of the smallestthings, such as referring Airmen tothe Air Force Aid Society or OperationWarm Heart, but for the people youimpact, it’s long and it’s lasting,” hesaid. “It’s super rewarding when youmake a difference in someone’s life.”

Master Sgt. John Kiernan, 359thMedical Group first sergeant, calls theposition the “pinnacle” of his AirForce career.

“It’s the best job in the Air Force,but it’s not for everybody,” he said.“My satisfaction comes from makingsure people are taken care of and areable to fulfill their part of the AirForce mission every day.”

Senior Master Sgt. Brian Posten, a vet-eran first sergeant who now serves 2,700Airmen and civilians at Air ForcePersonnel Center, finds fulfillment inmaking a difference in people’s lives.

“Every time I’m able to influencesomebody, that’s another life I’vechanged,” he said. “It could be noth-ing more than a conversation.”Sergeant Kiernan, who previously servedas first sergeant for the Air Education andTraining Command Computer Systems

Squadron and Headquarters AETC, saidhe became a shirt because he wanted to“take care of people.”

“We take care of commanders, and wetake care of them best by taking care oftheir people,” he said. “I’m here for mypeople. I spend 99 percent of my timewith my folks. I go through the clinicthree or four times a day.”

With 2,700 personnel under his watch,Sergeant Posten isn’t able to make therounds as often as other shirts, but hesaid his door is always open.

“I don’t shut the door on anybody,” hesaid. “I have about 800 counseling ses-sions a year. Most people just need a littlebit of guidance.”

Sergeants Herdman, Kiernan andPosten all wear a diamond on their rankinsignia, which distinguishes them fromadditional-duty shirts. Their only missionis serving as first sergeant.

“With that diamond comes a lot ofresponsibility,” Sergeant Posten said.“You have to take it seriously. You have tosupport your people and live by core val-ues. You have to do whatever it takes totake care of those who need it.”

First sergeants help Airmen and civil-

ians work their way through myriadproblems, from marriage issues andfinancial matters to dealing with personaltragedies and the stresses of deployment.

Sergeant Herdman said stress is amajor issue in his career field.

“Because of the suicide rate, securityforces is one of the career fields mostscrutinized,” he said. “I get my personnelthe tools they need. I carry my phone24/7. I give newcomers my card so theyhave my number and I tell them to puttheir supervisor’s name on the back, too.”

Sergeant Kiernan said there are fewissues that surprise him.

“Marital issues are common, and soare financial problems,” he said. “Withyounger folks, some of it’s just learning tobecome a military citizen. Some peoplejust want to talk – sometimes they justneed to get something off their chest.”

Sergeant Kiernan said even smallthings can affect the mission.

“What’s so big and pressing issomething that’s not always a bigdeal,” he said. “But when they can’tconcentrate on their job, we’re talkingabout mission degradation.”

Decisions regarding discipline are up to

the commander, but shirts offer advice,Sergeant Kiernan said.

“I will always stand with my Airmanand in front of them if they’re right,”he said, “but there are consequencesto the bad decisions they make. Youhave to be the hammer when it comestime to be the hammer. You need avast toolbox to pull from.”

Because being a first sergeant is a24/7 commitment, the shirts agreethat an understanding spouse andfamily are essential.

“You have to make sure your familybuys off on it,” Sergeant Kiernan said.“You belong to your Airmen 24 hours aday. Your time is now theirs.”

Sergeant Herdman said he is fortunateto have the support of his wife.

“It really is a servant position; I’m therefor my Airmen and spend with them anytime they need,” he said. “If I have thesupport of my family, I can focus on peo-ple here. I steal time with my family.”

The first sergeants also concur theyshare common traits.

Sergeant Kiernan said shirts are“pretty high-speed, self-motivating”individuals.

“It’s the ability to take care of a multi-tude of things,” he said. “I want to leavenothing unfinished at the end of the day.”Sergeant Kiernan said compassion, pas-sion for the job, a sense of humor and theability to read people are important traitsfor first sergeants.

Sergeant Herdman said shirts are “alltype-A personalities” working in a chal-lenging field with one mission.

“It’s not about promotion, it’s abouthelping people,” he said. “If you become afirst sergeant for you, you’re doing it forthe wrong reason.”

Sergeant Posten, who described him-self as “brutally honest, but compassion-ate,” said shirts should never leave anissue unresolved.

“Always find an answer for them,”he said.

Sergeant Posten formerly served asfirst sergeant of the 331st TrainingSquadron at Lackland Air Force Base,where basic trainees kept “his phoneringing like you couldn’t imagine.”

“I’m still on the phone a lot, but it’s notas bad as you’d think,” he said. “It’s awonderful job. If you’ve ever consideredit, give it a try. It will open your eyes to theentire Air Force.”

Shirts’ mission: taking care of people 24/7

Photo by Airman Alexis SiekertMaster Sgt. Shawn Herdman (right), 902nd Security Forces Squadron first sergeant,shares a moment with Master Sgt. Richard Orwig (left) and Tech. Sgt. Kyle Warner,both 902nd SFS members.

Randolphunit buildsmedicaltrainingsimulator

A C-17 aircraft is reassembledMarch 21 at Randolph Air Force

Base by contractors fromWorldwide Aircraft Recovery Ltd.The aircraft will be developed into

a training tool for aeromedicalmissions over the next year and

then transported to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

Photos by Rich McFadden

A C-17 Globemaster IIIcargo aircraft is reassem-bled near the westflightline of Randolph AirForce Base, Texas, afterbeing transported bytruck in sections from theaircraft’s manufacturer inLong Beach, Calif. Theaircraft, formerly used fortesting by Boeing andnever actually flown, willbe converted into a simu-lator to train and test foraeromedical evacuationas well as in-flight andlanding scenarios. Afterthe assembly andconversion are complete,the trainer will be trans-ported to Wright-PattersonAir Force Base, Ohio,where it will join simula-tors based on otherairframes.

PAGE 13WINGSPREADMARCH 25, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 12 MARCH 25, 2011

FEATURE

By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Early in his Air Force career, MasterSgt. Shawn Herdman benefited fromthe behind-the-scenes assistance ofhis unit’s first sergeant during a timeof personal tragedy.

He didn’t know about the firstsergeant’s actions at first, but whenhe found out, the impact on him wasprofound.

“Someone I hadn’t seen much stuck hisneck out for me,” Sergeant Herdmanrecalled. “It meant a lot to me. I wantedto do that same job.”

Sergeant Herdman’s dream came tofruition. He is the 902nd Security ForcesSquadron’s first sergeant, responsible forthe morale, welfare and conduct of 180active-duty and civilian personnel.

Also known as “shirts,” first sergeantsserve as the “vital link between the com-mander, enlisted personnel and supportagencies,” according to Air ForceInstruction 36-2113. The special-dutyposition is demanding, requiring a 24/7commitment to unit members, but therewards are many, say SergeantHerdman and other shirts at Randolph.

“I can do some of the smallestthings, such as referring Airmen tothe Air Force Aid Society or OperationWarm Heart, but for the people youimpact, it’s long and it’s lasting,” hesaid. “It’s super rewarding when youmake a difference in someone’s life.”

Master Sgt. John Kiernan, 359thMedical Group first sergeant, calls theposition the “pinnacle” of his AirForce career.

“It’s the best job in the Air Force,but it’s not for everybody,” he said.“My satisfaction comes from makingsure people are taken care of and areable to fulfill their part of the AirForce mission every day.”

Senior Master Sgt. Brian Posten, a vet-eran first sergeant who now serves 2,700Airmen and civilians at Air ForcePersonnel Center, finds fulfillment inmaking a difference in people’s lives.

“Every time I’m able to influencesomebody, that’s another life I’vechanged,” he said. “It could be noth-ing more than a conversation.”Sergeant Kiernan, who previously servedas first sergeant for the Air Education andTraining Command Computer Systems

Squadron and Headquarters AETC, saidhe became a shirt because he wanted to“take care of people.”

“We take care of commanders, and wetake care of them best by taking care oftheir people,” he said. “I’m here for mypeople. I spend 99 percent of my timewith my folks. I go through the clinicthree or four times a day.”

With 2,700 personnel under his watch,Sergeant Posten isn’t able to make therounds as often as other shirts, but hesaid his door is always open.

“I don’t shut the door on anybody,” hesaid. “I have about 800 counseling ses-sions a year. Most people just need a littlebit of guidance.”

Sergeants Herdman, Kiernan andPosten all wear a diamond on their rankinsignia, which distinguishes them fromadditional-duty shirts. Their only missionis serving as first sergeant.

“With that diamond comes a lot ofresponsibility,” Sergeant Posten said.“You have to take it seriously. You have tosupport your people and live by core val-ues. You have to do whatever it takes totake care of those who need it.”

First sergeants help Airmen and civil-

ians work their way through myriadproblems, from marriage issues andfinancial matters to dealing with personaltragedies and the stresses of deployment.

Sergeant Herdman said stress is amajor issue in his career field.

“Because of the suicide rate, securityforces is one of the career fields mostscrutinized,” he said. “I get my personnelthe tools they need. I carry my phone24/7. I give newcomers my card so theyhave my number and I tell them to puttheir supervisor’s name on the back, too.”

Sergeant Kiernan said there are fewissues that surprise him.

“Marital issues are common, and soare financial problems,” he said. “Withyounger folks, some of it’s just learning tobecome a military citizen. Some peoplejust want to talk – sometimes they justneed to get something off their chest.”

Sergeant Kiernan said even smallthings can affect the mission.

“What’s so big and pressing issomething that’s not always a bigdeal,” he said. “But when they can’tconcentrate on their job, we’re talkingabout mission degradation.”

Decisions regarding discipline are up to

the commander, but shirts offer advice,Sergeant Kiernan said.

“I will always stand with my Airmanand in front of them if they’re right,”he said, “but there are consequencesto the bad decisions they make. Youhave to be the hammer when it comestime to be the hammer. You need avast toolbox to pull from.”

Because being a first sergeant is a24/7 commitment, the shirts agreethat an understanding spouse andfamily are essential.

“You have to make sure your familybuys off on it,” Sergeant Kiernan said.“You belong to your Airmen 24 hours aday. Your time is now theirs.”

Sergeant Herdman said he is fortunateto have the support of his wife.

“It really is a servant position; I’m therefor my Airmen and spend with them anytime they need,” he said. “If I have thesupport of my family, I can focus on peo-ple here. I steal time with my family.”

The first sergeants also concur theyshare common traits.

Sergeant Kiernan said shirts are“pretty high-speed, self-motivating”individuals.

“It’s the ability to take care of a multi-tude of things,” he said. “I want to leavenothing unfinished at the end of the day.”Sergeant Kiernan said compassion, pas-sion for the job, a sense of humor and theability to read people are important traitsfor first sergeants.

Sergeant Herdman said shirts are “alltype-A personalities” working in a chal-lenging field with one mission.

“It’s not about promotion, it’s abouthelping people,” he said. “If you become afirst sergeant for you, you’re doing it forthe wrong reason.”

Sergeant Posten, who described him-self as “brutally honest, but compassion-ate,” said shirts should never leave anissue unresolved.

“Always find an answer for them,”he said.

Sergeant Posten formerly served asfirst sergeant of the 331st TrainingSquadron at Lackland Air Force Base,where basic trainees kept “his phoneringing like you couldn’t imagine.”

“I’m still on the phone a lot, but it’s notas bad as you’d think,” he said. “It’s awonderful job. If you’ve ever consideredit, give it a try. It will open your eyes to theentire Air Force.”

Shirts’ mission: taking care of people 24/7

Photo by Airman Alexis SiekertMaster Sgt. Shawn Herdman (right), 902nd Security Forces Squadron first sergeant,shares a moment with Master Sgt. Richard Orwig (left) and Tech. Sgt. Kyle Warner,both 902nd SFS members.

Randolphunit buildsmedicaltrainingsimulator

A C-17 aircraft is reassembledMarch 21 at Randolph Air Force

Base by contractors fromWorldwide Aircraft Recovery Ltd.The aircraft will be developed into

a training tool for aeromedicalmissions over the next year and

then transported to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

Photos by Rich McFadden

A C-17 Globemaster IIIcargo aircraft is reassem-bled near the westflightline of Randolph AirForce Base, Texas, afterbeing transported bytruck in sections from theaircraft’s manufacturer inLong Beach, Calif. Theaircraft, formerly used fortesting by Boeing andnever actually flown, willbe converted into a simu-lator to train and test foraeromedical evacuationas well as in-flight andlanding scenarios. Afterthe assembly andconversion are complete,the trainer will be trans-ported to Wright-PattersonAir Force Base, Ohio,where it will join simula-tors based on otherairframes.

WINGSPREADPAGE 14 MARCH 25, 2011

SPORTS – HEALTH – FITNESS

Lil Renegades registration

Little Renegades is aparent/child program thathelps build confidence inchildren 3-5 years old whilethey learn basic baseballskills. Registration takesplace April 1-30 at youthprograms, Bldg. 585.Children must be 3 yearsold by April 1. The cost is$30 per child and the pro-gram runs for 6 weeksbeginning in May.

Golf tournamentMembers of the 470th

Military IntelligenceBrigade will host a golftournament at the PalmerCourse at La Cantera May 6starting at 11 a.m. Thetournament will benefit theArmy Emergency ReliefFund. The $75 cash regis-tration covers green fees,fully stocked golf courseand AER donation. Thedeadline for registration isApril 1. For more informa-tion, call Ron Johnson at246-3010 or 221-7581.

Get ready to golfThe cost for five days of

golf lessons plus time onthe course is $99 (clubsfurnished). All partici-pants will also get apunch card for 10 nine-hole rounds of golf.

Call PGA golf profession-al Charles Bishop at 244-3415 for more information.

Driving RangeThe Randolph Oaks Golf

Course driving rangeaccessible at any timeexcept Monday morningsfrom daylight until noon.

SportsBRIEFSJBSA hosts basketball tournament

Above: Derrean Stallings (No. 10)and Winn Covey (No. 15) from FortSam Houston’s 32nd MedicalBrigade, go for the rebound duringthe first Joint Base San Antoniobasketball tournament March 17.

Far left: Ernest Banks (No. 11) fromRandolph’s Air Force PersonnelCenter team, takes a shot at the goalduring the JBSA basketball tourna-ment champioship game against FortSam Houston’s 32nd MedicalBrigade.Left: Fort Sam Houston’s 32ndMedical Brigade took the champi-onship trophy at the first JBSAbasketball tournament. Pictured backrow left to right are: Jacory Phoenix,Phillip Clipps III, Winn Covey andEdmond Williams. Front row left toright are: Phillip Clipps II, DerreanStallings and Earl Young, Fort SamHouston intramural and varsity sportscoordinatorPhotos by Robbin Cresswell

Fort Sam Houston’s32nd MedicalBrigade beat

Randolph’s AirForce Personnel

Center, 50-37, toclaim the first-ever

Joint Base SanAntonio Basketball

ChampionshipMarch 17. The six-team, single-elimi-

nation tournament,held at Lackland

March 14-17, wasseeded by the top

two intramuralteams from

Lackland Air ForceBase, Randolph

AFB and Fort SamHouston.