F R I D AY, O C T O B E R 9 , 2 0 0 9

G AT E W AY T O T H E A I R F O R C E • L A C K L A N D A I R F O R C E B A S E , T E X A S • w w w. l a c k l a n d . a f . m i l • V o l . 6 7 N o . 4 0

INSIDECommentary 4

Straight Talk 5

Recognition 6

News & Features

Medal design contest 9

Big IDEA 14

Falcons fall 23

Defender cup preview 24

View the Talespinner onlineat www.lackland.af.mil

READY TO MARCH

Photo by Airman 1st Class Brian McGloinAir Force combat controllers prepare to begin a relay ruck sack march of more than 800 miles from Lackland’s Training Annex to Hurlburt Field,Fla, Tuesday. The march is in honor of 12 fallen special tactics Airmen killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

The Air Force stood up the third of fourcombat camera squadrons during an activa-tion ceremony Oct. 1 at the Gateway Club.

Located at Lackland, the 3rd CombatCamera Squadron falls under the Air ForcePublic Affairs Agency. Commanded by Maj.Thomas Knowles, the squadron’s mission isto deploy combat-ready forces worldwide todocument history. A fourth CCS will be acti-

vated later in October.“Combat camera is an essential battle-

field information resource that supportsoperational and tactical mission objectives,”said Col. Les Kodlick, director of publicaffairs for the Secretary of the Air Force. “Itis an integral part of operations duringwartime, worldwide crisis, contingenciesand other events of significant nationalinterest.”

Colonel Kodlick also said the squadroninfluences the future of governments,

nations, international relations and publicviews through still and video imagery,adding that combat camera is committed tobringing the truth to people across theglobe.

“Combat camera’s specialty in aerial doc-umentation is negating enemy propagandaby capturing what really happened, denyingthe enemy the ability to mislead the public,”said Colonel Kodlick.

AF activates 3rd Combat Camera Squadron

See CAMERA P2

TALESPINNERPAGE 2 OCTOBER 9, 2009

Following the colonel to the podium, MajorKnowles echoed the same sentiments.

“The camera has become an increasingly impor-tant weapon in war,” said Major Knowles. “The menand women of the 3rd CCS, armed with cameras, cap-tion sheets and machine guns, will provide that crucialweapon to the joint warfighter wherever and whenev-er needed.

“I would argue that combat camera capability hasnever been more important in successful militaryoperations than they are today,” he added.

Major Knowles, who said he was humbled, honoredand extremely grateful to assume command, hasserved in a number of locales, domestic and abroad.He has been deployed to Kuwait during OperationIraqi and Enduring Freedom, and has served in avariety of wing, numbered Air Force and joint staffpositions.

He began his military career as a Marine field radiooperator in 1988 and deployed overseas, includingDesert Shield and Desert Storm, several times with the15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Special OperationsCapable.

The major was commissioned into the Air Force in1996, joining the public affairs career field.

“He is a PA warrior,” Colonel Kodlick said. “Yourcommander is ready. He’s hand-picked, a hard charg-er, and the bottom line is he’s ready. He is going tolead this squadron to great heights.”

CAMERA from P1

Photo by Alan BoedekerCol. Les Kodlick, director of Air Force Public Affairs,passes the 3rd Combat Camera Squadron guidon to Maj.Thomas Knowles, 3rd CCS commander, during thesquadron activation ceremony Oct. 1.

PAGE 3TALESPINNEROCTOBER 9, 2009

RETIREE APPRECIATION DAY

A retiree appreciation and informationfair takes place Oct. 17, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., atMitchell Hall.

Federal, state and local agencies will beavailable to give retirees information andanswer questions. Free blood pressure andcholesterol checks will also be offered.

The Pass and ID office, Bldg. 5616, willbe open in conjunction with the event forrenewals.

For more information, call the Airmanand Family Readiness Flight at 671-3722.

BASE ROAD CLOSURES

A series of road closures on the trainingside of Lackland begins Monday.

Starting Monday through Dec. 30,Barnes Avenue will be closed from Nellis toPatrick Streets. The construction will alsoclose the intersections of Barnes and PatrickStreets, Barnes and Stewart Streets, andBarnes and Nellis Streets.

The bus stop across from Arnold Hall willbe relocated to an area on Hughes Avenuebetween Nellis and Stewart Streets.

The second road closure affects CarswellAvenue. From Monday through Nov. 20, thenorthbound outside lane of Carswell Avenuewill be closed from Truemper Street toFemoyer Street.

From Nov. 23 to Dec. 30, the southboundoutside lane of Carswell Avenue fromFemoyer Street to Truemper Street will beclosed. Bus stops that are affected by theconstruction will relocate to the corner ofFemoyer Street and Carswell Avenue on thesame side as the displaced bus stops.

FLU VACCINE AVAILABLE

The seasonal flu vaccine is available atseveral base locations. Locations are:• Wilford Hall Medical Center flu vaccinetent, WHMC front lawn, Monday, Wednesday,Thursday and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.;and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.• Kelly and North Central clinics, Mondaythrough Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Immunization clinic, Monday throughFriday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

COMMISSARY COLUMBUS DAY HOURS

The Lackland commissary will open 8a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday for Columbus Day.

NewsBBRRIIEEFFSS

A PROCLAMATION FROM THE COMMANDER

Photo by Sid LunaCol. William H. Mott V, 37th Training Wing commander, signs a proclamation Oct. 1 declaring October Domestic ViolenceAwareness month on Lackland. This initiative, based on the Department of Defense’s zero tolerance policy, is designed to helpprevent domestic violence and educate service and family members on prevention resources.

By Fred Baker IIIAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (AFNS) – Accordingto officials, Department of Defenseemployees paid under the NationalSecurity Personnel System wil lreceive the same base salaryincreases this year as their generalschedule counterparts.

The move comes as seniorDefense Department, Off ice ofPersonnel Management and WhiteHouse officials work to determinethe future of the troubled pay-for-performance system.

Most civilians under the NSPS lastyear actually received about thesame pay increases as they wouldhave under the general schedule,said Brad Bunn, the DoD’s executiveofficer for NSPS.

But a report this summer byDefense Business Board officialsfound the system’s pay pool process

complicated and confusing for mostemployees.

Employees questioned the assess-ment and evaluation process anddidn’t understand the pay poolprocess, Mr. Bunn said.

Last year, a portion of the moneyallotted for base-salary increaseswas placed into the overall pay pool,which is then divided among those inthe pool based on performance rat-ings. This year, no money allotted forbase-salary increases will go into thepool, Mr. Bunn said.

Employees under the NSPS systemwho receive a satisfactory perform-ance rating of 2 or higher wil lreceive a salary increase equal totheir GS counterparts. Those whoreceive an unsatisfactory rating of 1wil l not receive a base salaryincrease.

DoD officials felt this was the mostprudent course of action, given theproblems reported with the NSPS,

he said.Because most in NSPS received

about the same raise as they wouldhave otherwise, this move will notsignificantly reduce the amount offunds used to reward performance,Mr. Bunn said.

“Most employees were getting (anequal pay increase), so paying it outas an across-the-board increasewould not have a huge impact on ourability to still recognize and rewardthose high performers,” he said.

Those funds come from pots thatwere used for step increases, promo-tions between grades and cashbonuses under the general schedule.No changes are planned this year inhow performance-based awards arepaid.

The amount of the base salaryincrease will not be known until thepresident signs an executive orderimplementing the 2010 pay adjust-ment.

Civilian employees to receive equal salary increases

TALESPINNERPAGE 4 OCTOBER 9, 2009

COMMENTARY

Editorial staffCOL. WILLIAM H. MOTT V,37TH TRAINING WING

COMMANDER

OSCAR BALLADARES,DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS

JOE BELA,CHIEF OF INTERNAL

COMMUNICATIONS, 671-4111

SHANNON CARABAJAL,MANAGING EDITOR, 671-1786

MIKE JOSEPH,STAFF WRITER, 671-4357

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

PAUL NOVAK,DESIGN/LAYOUT, 671-0478

Office:1701 Kenly Ave. Suite 102Lackland AFB, Texas 78236-5103(210) 671-1786;(fax) 671-2022E-mail: talespinner@lackland.af.milCommander’s Action Line:actionline@lackland. af.mil.Straight Talk: 671-6397 (NEWS)For advertising information:Prime Time Military Newspapers2203 S. HackberrySan Antonio, Texas 78210(210) 534-8848(fax) 534-7134

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

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

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

Editorial content is edited,prepared and provided by the PublicAffairs Office of the 37th Training Wing.All photos, unless otherwise indicated,are U.S. Air Force photos.

Deadline for submissions isnoon Thursday the week prior topublication.

By Bill James37th Training Wing safety office

I have a great idea to enhance the AirForce’s stealth technology on fighter air-craft: paint a set of handlebars on them. Ithink it just might work because when I ridemy motorcycle to work in the morning, itappears that I am absolutely invisible. Byapplying personal risk management contin-uously, I can safely navigate through thetraffic jungle.

I have three headlights glaring out fromthe front light-bar and retro-reflective tapeshining back at any light within 100 yards ofme. I wear a screaming orange vest. Evenmy backpack wears an orange vest.

I try my best to be noticed, and yet I stillremain unseen. Evidently my bike is instealth mode and I can’t turn it off.

I had an epiphany the other day. At first itscared me, but now it just makes me sad.Have you heard that time slows to a crawl inemergency situations when people are ableto see and think so clearly that it feels likeslow motion?

I experience this when I’m riding mymotorcycle and see a car stop at an intersec-tion; I immediately recognize the need toassess the situation. The driver doesn’t seeme, but I’m not scared because I know whatto do. I consider possible countermeasures. Iknow he’s going to pull out in front of me; Ieven know what evasive action I should takeas well as possible variations depending on

his reactions.I brake hard, let off braking and adjust

lane position to miss him, and then brakehard again to stay on the road. Having toadjust from a small skid caused by the rainwas unpleasant, but it doesn’t scare mebecause I took appropriate actions and con-tinually monitored those actions.

What does scare me is that while I wasreacting in seemingly slow motion, I hadenough time to think about other thingsbesides avoiding this accident. So while I’mevading, I ask myself why I’m not concen-trating 100 percent on this process.

I ask myself why my mind is wanderingand why I’m not paying closer attention. Irealize it is because I’ve been through thisscenario dozens of times and I could do thisdrill with my eyes closed. That realizationscares me. Effective risk managementrequires continuous monitoring; there is noroom for complacency.

I realized I’ve had so many close callsthat I might be getting desensitized.However, I SEE (search, evaluate and exe-cute) everything because it’s so ingrained inmy riding that I’d have to be unconscious tostop using it. When a car almost creams me,I should be scared, but I’m not. EmployingSEE as an application of personal risk man-agement has helped me emerge unscathed.

All riders need experience, but not by abarrage of near misses. Riders should expe-rience the ride as part of the normal vehicu-lar traffic environment, not as an obstacle to

other traffic. A motorcyclist should be ableto change lanes, merge with traffic, andinteract with the rest of the vehicles just likecars do.

So why can’t they? They’re in stealthmode, that’s why. They are invisible.Automobile drivers just can’t see them. Andbecause of that, riders will continue to expe-rience close calls way more often than ourcar driving brethren.

What can we do? Obviously we need tobe conspicuous. Lights, bright colors, reflec-tors and lane positioning all help makemotorcyclists more visible. But what wereally need is driver awareness; all thosecars sharing the road with us need to knowwe are there and they need to actively lookfor us.

How do we make them aware? Talk tofriends and co-workers. Show them yourmotorcycle; let them attach a face to themachine.

Tell them about how much fun you havewhile riding and get them involved by sug-gesting they see how many motorcycles likeyours they can find while driving.

Talk it up. If you brief safety to a group,include motorcycle awareness. If you briefbudget plans, tell them motorcycles aremore fuel-efficient than Hummers. Tell peo-ple that we’re out there, and to be aware.

Stress the importance of watching for allvehicles, not just those they are used to see-ing. Let’s watch out for each other. After all,bikes belong.

Risk management key to motorcycle safety

ARE YOU DOING SOMETHING DUMB, DIFFERENT, OR DANGEROUS?

ssess the Situation

onsider your Options

ake Appropriate Action

PAGE 5TALESPINNEROCTOBER 9, 2009

TALK

STRAIGHT

By Patrick DesmondStaff Writer

Why is Junior EnlistedAppreciation Dayimportant?

Primarily to let them know thatthey are supported. Everyone inthe military basically trains theirreplacement. We are all goingto move on or retire and theyare going to step up and fill ourshoes. If we take care of ourjunior enlisted, they will in turnadopt that philosophy and takecare of the next crop of Airmen.– Master Sgt. Rene Delarosa, 344thTraining Squadron.

As senior NCOs, we’re out theremaking sure the job gets done,and sometimes we forget tothank the people that really getthe job done. They go aboveand beyond to make sure I lookgood, so I am out here forthem. You have to lead from thefront and get your hands dirtysometimes. – Master Sgt. MiguelCasso, 344th Training Squadron.

I am out here to give back tothe entire junior enlisted onbase because I wore thosesame stripes. This is my way ofsaying, “I appreciate you, for allthe hard work and extra effortthat you do.” – Master Sgt. WarrenRosebrough, 37th Logistics ReadinessSquadron.

It’s the job of a leader to takecare of our enlisted right now.You have to lead by example, sowhen they are senior leadersthey will take care of people thesame way. – Senior Master Sgt.Jesus Valdez, Inter-American AirForces Academy.

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

TALESPINNERPAGE 6 OCTOBER 9, 2009

BMT HONORSCongratulations to the fol-

lowing 71 Airmen for beingselected as honor graduatesamong 715 trainees graduat-ing today:

320th Training SquadronFlight 669Rashad CherryJeffrey PowellRichard TownsendFlight 670Lauren GoodhueChristianna ManningKristiana McDonoughErinne Salo

321st Training SquadronFlight 673Kelly AdkinsChristopher BladenKevin ManabatJason PrinceStan SeiferthColt StuckeyJordan WhiteFlight 674

Jessica DanielBrittany Joyner

322nd Training SquadronFlight 663Weston FischerCraig FlahertyPhilip GrahamSteven HicksGene KizerFlight 664Marshall AlsipZachary GosteliBenjamin Trowbridge

323rd Training SquadronFlight 661Maximilian ContrerasCasey DilbertCory SheltonGarrison SunderlandRaymond TrujilloFlight 662Tyler BorrellMatthew MaggardMauriece PattersonAlexander Rodriguez

John ScarboroughChad Smith

324th Training SquadronFlight 665Geoffrey GilmerBrandon HarveyJustin HubbardJose IbarraMatthew LugeanbealTimothy RoseJeremy ScottBrandon WoodTaylor WulffFlight 666Alicia BrooksKyra CartyAlyssa Miller

326th Training SquadronFlight 671Bryan CrouseJames EversonLouis PonderBrandon ReidSeth ReinhartRandall Tompkins

Flight 672Aaron D’Angelo Johnathan ForstDaniel MaddenMichael TrinidadPatrick Waid

331st Training SquadronFlight 667Jordan CallahanDustin DobbsJael LabornChristopher MortonFlight 668Zachary ArmstrongEarl BallShawn CrandallSteven DeleonElijahu DuggerMichael FortinJared HendenCorey HolterTimothy Washington

Top BMT AirmanEarl Ball, 331st TRS, Flight668

Most Physically FitMale AirmenCarlos Ortiz, 326th TRS,Flight 672 Dustin Pannell, 321st TRS,Flight 673Female AirmenIvory Dantzler, 321st TRS,Flight 674 Kristiana McDonough, 320thTRS, Flight 670

Top PT FlightsMale Flights322nd TRS, Flight 663 321st TRS, Flight 673Female Flights320th TRS, Flight 670321st TRS, Flight 674

Top Academic Flights331st TRS, Flight 668324th TRS, Flight 666

By Larry KishurCryptologic Systems Group

A Cryptologic Systems Group engi-neer was among 30 top scientists andresearch teams recently honored at theAir Force Science, Technology,Engineering and Mathematics Awardsbanquet Sept. 23 at the Air ForceAcademy in Colorado.

Angela Nadem-Mollaei was namedwinner of the Dr. Paul G. Kaminski MostPromising Systems Engineer of the YearAward. The Air Force-level award,named for the former Under Secretaryof Defense for Acquisition andTechnology, recognizes individuals whomake outstanding contributions to theAir Force in the area of SystemsEngineering within the construct of theacquisition process. For her accomplish-ments, Ms. Nadem-Mollaei received acertificate and $5,000.

As the project lead for the WirelessF-22 Concept Refinement Project, Ms.Nadem-Mollaei works closely with Air

Combat Command, the NationalSecurity Agency, the F-22 SystemsProgram Office, and led teams of over15 people to develop and field a wire-less system in less than 18 months forthe F-22 community.

She is also working with members ofthe Army, Navy and NSA to create ajoint transition plan for the new keymanagement system. Because of heroutstanding management of the wire-less project, she was able to cut the timeit takes to key an F-22 from more thanfour hours down to one and one halfhours.

In announcing Ms. Nadem-Mollaei’sselection, Col. Kevin Collamore, CPSGcommander, said “(Angela’s) innovativeideas also led to CPSG initiatives such asthe Off-Aircraft Key Loading InterfaceFixture and the Black Key Server, whichimproved F-22 operational readiness by80 percent and the distribution of keysin the AOR in a safe and secure manner,saving manpower and lives from impro-vised explosive devices.”

CPSG engineer earns AF honors

Courtesy PhotoAngela Nadem-Mollaei (center), Cryptologic Systems Group, receives a$5,000 check from Lt. Gen. Mark Shackelford, the acquisition deputy to theassistant secretary of the Air Force. They are joined by Air Force Vice Chiefof Staff Gen. Howie Chandler (left); Dr. Paul G. Kaminski, namesake of theaward; and Dr. Werner Dahm, the Chief Scientist of the Air Force. Ms.Nadem-Mollaei was recently named winner of the Dr. Paul G. Kaminski MostPromising Systems Engineer of the Year Award.

PAGE 7TALESPINNEROCTOBER 9, 2009

Congratulations to the following recipients of theLackland First Sergeants’ Diamond Sharp Award for

September, received in recognition of their outstandingperformance, appearance and dedication.

37th Logistics Readiness SquadronTech. Sgt. Heather Gonzales

Inter-American Air Forces AcademyTech. Sgt. Aldomar GenaoTech. Sgt. Cesar Santiago

37th Comptroller SquadronAirman 1st Class Elizabeth Bramley

59th Medical Inpatient SquadronStaff Sgt. Andrea Mosca

Airmen earnDiamond Sharp

320th Training SquadronTech. Sgt. David Goff

Staff Sgt. Jermaine HeadenStaff Sgt. James Norton

Senior Airman Justin Butler

321st Training SquadronTech. Sgt. Jake Nichols

Tech. Sgt. Clinton ManuelStaff Sgt. Karina ViescaStaff Sgt. Lance Bartels

322nd Training SquadronStaff Sgt. Jamaal CottrellStaff Sgt. Nicholas Piper

Senior Airman William SwordSenior Airman Marcia White

323rd Training SquadronCapt. Nathan Shin (Korea)Staff Sgt. Bradley BoatmanStaff Sgt. Aaron Drapeylo

324th Training SquadronTech. Sgt. Monica FigueroaStaff Sgt. Salvador MartinezStaff Sgt. Jenny CampbellStaff Sgt. Isaac Sandoval

Staff Sgt. Michael WladischkinSenior Airman Aaron Jones

326th Training SquadronTech. Sgt. James Loera

Staff Sgt. Juan DominguezSenior Airman Joseph Christy

Senior Airman Dcoridrion Hicks

331st Training SquadronStaff Sgt. Clayton Allen

Staff Sgt. Bobby McCraryStaff Sgt. Nathan Beighle

433rd Training SquadronTech. Sgt. Rasheam Moore-Coates

Award winnersTop Graduate

Staff Sgt. Bradley BoatmanDistinguished Graduates

Staff Sgt. Jermaine HeadenTech. Sgt. Clinton ManuelExcellence in Instruction

Staff Sgt. Bradley BoatmanCommandants Award

Senior Airman Aaron Jones

Newest crop of MTIs graduateCongratulations to the Airmen who graduated from

Military Training Instructor School Oct. 2.

TALESPINNERPAGE 8 OCTOBER 9, 2009

Story and photo by Senior Airman Nicole Roberts59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

A Wilford Hall Medical Center doctor has won the2009 Paul W. Meyers Award.

Lt. Col. (Dr.) William “Bo” Hannah, InternalMedicine Program director, earned the award for hisextraordinary work at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.,after Hurricane Katrina and in the 59th MedicalOperations Squadron.

Established in 1982 by the Air Force Associationin honor of former Air Force Surgeon General PaulW. Myers, the award is presented to the Air ForceMedical Corps officer who has made the most signifi-cant contribution to the continued good health of themen and women of the Air Force. Nominations aresolicited by the Office of the Surgeon General and thetop three are submitted to the Air Force Association.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused massive dam-age to Keesler and its medical center. Because of thedamage, the American Medical Association’s resi-dency review committee requested voluntary with-drawal of accreditation. Doctor Hannah helped themedical center achieve a major step in its return topre-Katrina operations by ensuring the quickaccreditation of the internal medicine residencytraining program as a new program despite a limit-ed medicine ward, intensive care, and emergency

room capability.Doctor Hannah reassigned all internal medicine

residents on board at the time of the hurricane sothey could continue training at accredited programs.He improved access and was responsible for thereturn of outpatients to 85 percent of the pre-Katrina level while devoting many of his on- and off-duty hours to working residency accreditationissues.

At Wilford Hall Medical Center, Doctor Hannah isa functional manager for medical readiness skills forinternists in the 59th Medical Operations Group.Among his accomplishments, he has used lessonslearned during his Middle East deployment to pro-mote the effective performance of colleagues onarrival for duty in a combat zone.

He has also served as the Air Force MedicalOperations Agency expert and reviewer for medicalquality of care determinations and served as the keyprovider in litigation of cases chosen by the AirForce Surgeon General’s office for refutation of alle-gations.

Doctor Hannah was presented the award by theAir Force Association at the annual Air and SpaceConference on Sept. 14 in Washington, D.C.

“I am very humbled to have received this award,”said Doctor Hannah. “It was very unexpected and Iam so grateful to have been recognized.”

Wilford Hall doctor wins 2009 Paul W. Myers Award

Lt. Col. (Dr.) William “Bo” Hannah, program director, 59thMedical Operations Squadron, listens to a patient's heartSept. 17 at Wilford Hall Medical Center.

PAGE 9TALESPINNEROCTOBER 9, 2009

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

A design competition is underway forthe 2010 Lackland Fiesta medal.

The medal will represent the historyand spirit of the 37th Training Wing duringFiesta events.

Fiesta began as a way to honor thememory of the heroes of the Alamo andthe Battle of San Jacinto. Over the pastcentury and more, Fiesta has grown into acelebration of San Antonio’s rich anddiverse cultures. The 11-day 2010 event,April 15-25, marks Fiesta’s 119th anniver-sary.

The design contest is open to all military

and Department of Defense civiliansassigned to the 37th TRW. Entries must besubmitted to 37TRW.PA.Inbox@lackland.af.mil in JPEG format bynoon on Nov. 6.

“This is a great opportunity to reward37th TRW artistic and design talent,” saidBill Gaines, 37th TRW Civic Outreach chief.

Colonel William Mott V, 37th TRW com-mander, will select the winner from allentries.

The winner will be awarded time off.For a military winner, the award will be a3-day pass. A civilian winner will receive 8hours time off and a $50 cash award.

For more information, call 671-5055 ore-mail 37TRW.PA.Inbox@lackland.af.mil.

Contest opens for Fiesta medal design

Courtesy GraphicLackland fiesta medals represent the history and spirit of the 37th TrainingWing during San Antonio Fiesta events.

TALESPINNERPAGE 10 OCTOBER 9, 2009

By Terryca Fuller37th Force Support Squadron

The annual Lackland and Brooks City-Base RetireeAppreciation Day is Oct. 17, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., atMitchell Hall.

There are nearly 690,000 retired Airmen in the AirForce family and many are still serving bases andsupporting Airmen worldwide by volunteering thou-sands of hours each year. Hosted by the Airman andFamily Readiness Flight and the Retiree ActivitiesOffice, Retiree Appreciation Day is a way to thankretirees for their service while giving them an oppor-tunity to discuss issues important to them.

The day’s activities include guest speaker Col.Charles “Chuck” Hardin, the co-director of the SanAntonio Medical Base Realignment and ClosureIntegration Office. Retirees will get information about

how BRAC will affect their services at Wilford HallMedical Center.

From 9:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., there will be freemedical screenings, refreshments, informationbooths, door prizes and displays from security forcesand the Air Force History Museum. A representativefrom retiree pay from Cleveland will also be on handto answer questions, and the ID office will be openfrom 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to give retirees an opportunity

to renew their ID cards.Other featured guests include representatives from

the Department of Veterans Affairs, Texas LandBoard, Texas Veteran Commission, Social Security,Military Officers and Retired Enlisted Associations,Combat Related Special Compensation Center, TRI-CARE, Army and Air Force Exchange Services, theServices Flight, Angel Food Ministries and variousfinancial institutions. There will also be agencies look-ing for volunteers.

Robert Zaske, RAO volunteer, said the RAO looksforward to seeing as many retirees come out to thisspecial event as possible. “We would love to see themand thank them for their service,” he said.

This event is open to all card carrying retired mili-tary members, spouses and surviving spouses from allmilitary branches of service.

For more information, call the AFRF at 671-3722.

What: Lackland and Brooks City-Base RetireeAppreciation DayWhen: Oct. 17, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.Where: Mitchell HallWho: Open to all card carrying retired military mem-bers, spouses and surviving spouses from all services.

Lackland Retiree Appreciation Day set for Oct. 17

TALESPINNERPAGE 12 OCTOBER 9, 2009

DONATING BLOOD

Photo by Senior Airman Nicole RobertsA basic trainee from the 326th Training Squadron donates blood Sept. 28 at theLackland Blood Donor Center. The Lackland Blood Donor Center provides bloodproducts to support U.S. combat troops worldwide and military stateside andoverseas hospitals.

PAGE 13TALESPINNEROCTOBER 9, 2009

WASHINGTON (AFNS) – Defense Department offi-cials announced, the details for distributing $555million available under the Homeowners AssistanceProgram Sept. 30.

The program is part of the American Recoveryand Reinvestment Act passed in February, and it’sdesigned to partially reimburse those whose serviceto the nation has required them to relocate and selltheir primary residence at a loss.

Those eligible include active and former service-members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, AirForce and Coast Guard. It also includes DoD andCoast Guard civilian employees and nonappropriat-ed fund civilians.

The money – which also is available to survivingspouses of fallen servicemembers and civilianemployees – is for those who lost money on theirhomes after having to sell them in the down econo-my.

At the top of the program’s priority list are thosewounded, injured or ill. Within that category, appli-cations generally will be processed in chronologicalorder of the wound, injury or illness, officials said.The program covers those wounded, injured, or illsince Sept. 11, 2001, and who relocate for medicaltreatment.

Next are surviving spouses moving within twoyears of the death of the spouse. Applications gener-ally will be processed in chronological order of the

servicemember’s or employee’s date of death.Next up are servicemembers and civilians affect-

ed by the 2005 base realignment and closureprocess. Applications generally will be processed inchronological order of the date of job elimination,officials said. Under the legislation, homeowners donot have to prove that the BRAC process caused thedrop in housing price.

Servicemember homeowners receiving ordersdated on or after Feb. 1, 2006, through Dec. 31,2009, for a permanent change of station move arenext on the priority list. The orders must specify areporting date on or before Feb. 28, 2010, to a newduty station or home port outside a 50-mile radiusof the former duty station. These dates may beextended to Sept. 30, 2012, based on availability offunds, officials said.

The Army Corps of Engineers is handling the pro-cessing. People wishing to apply or seeking moreinformation can go to http://hap.usace.army.mil.

The program has been in place since 1966, whenit was used to mitigate the effect of a base closureon home prices. The current program is expandedto cover those affected by the economic downturn.The program is not designed to pay 100 percent oflosses or to cover all declines in value, officials said,but it can help to protect eligible applicants fromfinancial catastrophe due to significant losses intheir home values.

DoD announces details of homeowners assistance program

TALESPINNERPAGE 14 OCTOBER 9, 2009

By Staff Sgt. Phil Fountain149th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

The Air Force and the Air National Guard recently awarded$10,000 to a 149th Fighter Wing Airman for an idea that willsave more than $180,000 during the first year of implementa-tion.

Master Sgt. Edward Montalvo, an F-16 fuels systems techni-cian assigned to the 149th FW, proposed the money-savingchange to a maintenance procedure through the Air Force’sInnovative Development through Employee Awareness program.The program provides monetary incentives for military and fed-eral civilian employees to identify process improvements.

While performing a scheduled inspection, Sergeant Montalvodiscovered a cracked in-flight refueling induction coil plate. Thecoil plate provides for the critical communications link betweenthe F-16 pilot and fuel boom operator during an in-flight refuel-ing maneuver. Instead of simply replacing the $2,000 coil plate,the technical order calls for the complete removal of a parentassembly that costs over $20,000 and 24 man hours.

Sergeant Montalvo explained that the fuels systems communi-ty is relatively small, so he is in frequent contact with others inthe career field. “This is something we’ve seen over time thatneeded to be fixed,” Sergeant Montalvo said. After reviewing theTOs closely, he worked with quality assurance personnel to sub-mit the proposed changes through the Internet-based IDEAProgram Data System.

Master Sgt. Joel Hernandez, the QA inspector overseeing theIDEA program for the 149th Maintenance Group, said the sub-mission “took over a year to be approved, and is the first onesubmitted by the 149th FW to receive the max award.”

He said the unit typically submits more than 100 IDEA propos-als each year, with an approval rate exceeding 60 percent.Sergeant Hernandez explained that the other 40 percent are usu-ally already identified by another unit or the program’s manager.

Sergeant Montalvo’s initiative led to the implementation of anew repair protocol that will be employed Air Force-wide. “Iknew it was important, but didn’t know how big [the awardwould be],” he said. Beyond the financial prize, SergeantMontalvo said he is honored to help others in his career field tobe able to do their jobs more efficiently.

IDEA program submissions help the Air Force create greaterefficiency, and leverage or save resources. The program’s slogancalls for “improving tomorrow’s Air Force with today’s ideas.”

The IDEA program considers proposals from across the TotalForce, including all work-centers, whether the change wouldaffect an office environment, outdoor procedure or a flightlineoperation.

Approved submissions provide tangible or intangible benefitsand savings to an Air Force function. Monetary awards typicallyrange from $200 up to the $10,000 maximum payout.

To submit an idea, log on to the Air Force Portal and navigateto “Featured Links” on the home page. Expand “Transformation”then click on “IDEA-AF Suggestion Program.”

Once there, Airmen – active-duty, Reserve, Guard – and civil-ians and retirees can submit ideas, see what ideas have beensubmitted, provide feedback and see how much money Lacklandhas received during the current fiscal year.

Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Mike ArellanoMaster Sgt. Edward Montalvo shows an F-16 in-flight refueling door that leads to the coil inductionplate. Through the Innovative Development through Employee Awareness program, SergeantMontalvo was awarded $10,000 for an idea that will save the Air Force $180,000 during the firstyear of implementation.

149th Fighter Wing NCO earns $10K for IDEA

PAGE 15TALESPINNEROCTOBER 9, 2009

IAAFA at forefront of PMEBy Capt. Miguel Colon837th Training Squadron

Professional military education helps Airmendevelop the management and leadership skillsneeded to become Air Force professionals and thesenior leaders of tomorrow.

For nearly six decades, Maxwell Air Force Base,Ala., has been the Air Force staple for developingcompany grade officers at Squadron Officer College,known as one of the service’s premier leadership-development institutions. The Inter-American AirForces Academy’s 837th Training Squadron hasbuilt upon this proud heritage and taken it a stepfurther with the development of the InternationalSquadron Officer School.

Recently, Airmen from the 837th TRS spent manyhours on a self-help project preparing the leader-ship reaction course on Lackland’s Training Annexto host ISOS, beginning Oct. 16.

The ISOS course will train 18 students from nineLatin American countries, including four U.S. AirForce officers.

Allowing Air Force officers to attend this courseand participate alongside coalition partners will aid

in building partnership strategy, increase Inter-American cohesiveness, and aid in the unilateralapproach in developing strong, professional allies.

Capt. Fernando Castañeda, an exchange officerfrom El Salvador, is no stranger to this partnershipsetting of education and training. He is a graduateof undergraduate pilot training at Laughlin AFB andone of the ISOS instructors assigned to IAAFA.

“ISOS strengthens the bonds of friendship andcooperation between the Latin American countriesand the U.S. as it prepares them to be part of acoalition. It allows the U.S. Air Force captains tohave a real cross-cultural experience and learnmore about their allied partners,” said Capt.Castañeda.

The ISOS course, commonly known as the cap-tain’s course, is designed to enhance military educa-tion which prepares officers from different coun-tries, branches and backgrounds for leadership.

In addition to following the same guidelines asthe SOS course taught at Maxwell AFB, the coursehas instituted an additional block of instruction inwhich students travel to Washington, D.C., to visitthe cornerstone of the U.S. Government infrastruc-ture. Students will visit government buildings, mon-uments and museums while experiencing U.S. cul-ture, history and lifestyle.

The key partnerships that surface from thiscross-cultural experience will echo throughout thefuture as the U.S. continues to focus on regionalthreats of narco-terrorism, human-trafficking andthe joint response to humanitarian efforts withinthe Americas.

“International Squadron OfficerSchool strengthens the bonds offriendship and cooperation be-tween the Latin American coun-tries and the U.S. as it preparesthem to be part of a coalition.”

Capt. Fernando CastañedaInter-American Air Forces Academy

JUNIOR ENLISTED SHOWN APPRECIATION

Airmen enjoy food and games at Stillman Park during the Junior Enlisted Appreciation Picnic Oct. 2. The annual picnic is anopportunity for senior enlisted members to thank Team Lackland’s junior enlisted members for their hard work.

Photos by Sid LunaAirman 1st Class Chad Blanton, National Air andSpace Intelligence Center, shows off his soccerskills during the Junior Enlisted AppreciationPicnic at Stillman Park Oct. 2. During the annualpicnic, Airmen were treated to a barbeque,games and a chance to win prizes.

TALESPINNERPAGE 16 OCTOBER 9, 2009

By Frank Thomas37th Civil Engineer Squadron

Protecting our precious waterresource is very important to ourcommunity and to Lackland’s mis-sions. Never before has the need forwater conservation been moreapparent. Here in South Texas, oursprings, rivers and lakes have dimin-ished and we have felt the crunch ofparched grass beneath our feet.

Lackland is committed to doing itspart to conserve water. Lackland’slatest efforts involved teaming upwith the San Antonio Water Systemto make our facilities and installa-tion more water efficient. The baseparticipated in SAWS’ award-win-ning retrofit program to replace oldwater wasting toilets, shower headsand aerators with efficient ones.

In this program, SAWS provides

top quality efficient fixtures at nocost. There is also no cost to havethem installed and the old fixturesremoved.

SAWS and the 37th Civil EngineerSquadron have completed the retro-fits in the Air Force Lease Back facil-ities, the 149th Fighter Wing and the433rd Airlift Wing facilities. In theseareas, the facilities’ water servicehas been privatized; SAWS is now

the water provider.Lackland installed a total of 315

toilets, changed 350 shower headsand 500 aerators. The anticipatedwater savings is approximately11,846,735 gallons per year. Energysavings will also be realized as theefficient shower heads reduce thehot water usage.

Lackland’s goal is to retrofit everyineff icient water f ixture on the

installation. The 37th CES is auditingthe base water systems and identify-ing waste.

Upgrading the water system andrepairing leaks is a priority. Thebase is increasing its use of recycledwater for irrigation and researchingthe use of recycled water for morecooling towers. The result will besaving millions of gallons of potablewater.

The 37th CES asks Team Lacklandto do their part in conserving water.For more information on how to helpsave water, visit http://www.saws.org/conservation/.

To share ideas for water conser-vation on Lackland, contact the baseresource efficiency manager at 671-7221. Report water waste on base tothe water conservation hotline at671-7283 or e-mail 37ces.cevwqp@lackland.af.mil.

Lackland committed to water stewardshipThe 37th Civil Engineer Squadron replaced 315 toi-

lets, 350 shower heads and 500 aerators with moreefficient models. The anticipated water savings isapproximately 11,846,735 gallons per year.

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

PAGE 17TALESPINNEROCTOBER 9, 2009

WASHINGTON (AFNS) – Checks for up to $3,000are available to students who have applied forVeterans Affairs educational benefits and whohave not yet received their government payment.

Check distribution to eligible students at VAregional benefits offices across the country beganOct. 2, said VA Secretary Eric Shinseki.

“Students should be focusing on their studies,not worrying about financial difficulties,” Mr.Shinseki said. “Education creates life-expandingopportunities for our veterans.”

Students can go to one of VA’s 57 regional bene-fit offices with photo identification, a courseschedule and an eligibility certificate to requestadvance payment of their housing and bookallowance.

Because some students don’t live near one of

those offices, VA officials expect to send represen-tatives to schools with large veteran-student bod-ies to work with veteran service groups in helpingstudents with transportation needs, officials said.

A list of VA regional offices is available athttp://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/offices.asp.

“I’m asking our people to get out their roadmaps and determine how we can reach the largestnumber of college students who can’t reach us,”said Patrick Dunne, the VA’s undersecretary forbenefits. “Not everyone has a car. Not everyonecan walk to a VA benefits office.”

Although VA officials said they don’t know howmany students will request emergency funds,about 25,000 claims are pending that may resultin payments to students.

The funds VA will give to students now are

advance payments of the earned benefits for hous-ing and books, and will be deducted from futureeducation payments.

VA officials said students should know that afterthis special payment, they can expect to receiveeducation payments on the normal schedule, thebeginning of the month following the period forwhich they are reimbursed.

“This is an extraordinary action we’re taking,”Mr. Shinseki said. “But it’s necessary, because werecognize the hardships some of our veteransface.”

More than 27,500 students already havereceived benefits for housing or books under thenew Post-9/11 GI Bill, or their schools havereceived their tuition payments, officials said.

(Courtesy of the Department of Veterans Affairs)

VA to provide emergency checks to students awaiting benefits

“… Changing Lives One Gift at a Time …”… Please support the Combined Federal Campaign Sept. 2 – Oct. 14, 2009

Contact your unit reps for more info.

TALESPINNERPAGE 18 OCTOBER 9, 2009

By April RowdenAir Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE – AirForce officials announced recent modi-fications to the post-birth and post-adoption assignment deferment policythat will increase the time a parent candelay reporting to certain assignments,re-emphasizing the Air Force’s com-mitment of taking care of its people.

Birth mothers and adoptive familiesnow have a six-month deferment peri-od instead of four months beforereporting to an assignment, includingfamily-member restricted overseastours, accompanied overseas tourswhen concurrent travel was denied,and temporary duty assignments ordeployments.

This policy change brings the AirForce in line with its sister services.Only the Navy allows more defermenttime, up to 12 months.

The extra two months enable behav-iors that can positively impact the fam-ily later, said Lt. Col. Leslie Wilson, thechief consultant for maternal-childmedicine and pediatrics at the AirForce Medical Operations Agency atLackland.

“From a medical perspective, thiswill give the mother and infant a sub-stantial benefit because it allows foreight additional weeks of breastfeed-ing, which not only helps build thebaby’s immunity system, buthelps the mother return toher pre-pregnancyweight faster, re-duces her risk ofbreast and ovari-an cancer, andim-proves fam-ily bonding,”Colonel Wil-son said.

Accordingto the Amer-ican Academyof Pediatrics,breastfeeding isencouraged forthe first year of lifeand is recommendedas the sole source ofnutrition for the first sixmonths.

For those adopting a child, the addi-tional time can help the family buildthe new relationship prior to a geo-graphic separation.

“Behaviors such as listlessness, apa-thy, refusal to eat and even weight losshave been seen in children of all ageswho have a parent away from homestation,” Colonel Wilson said.

“Couple that with all the addi-tional stressors associated

with an adoption andit’s reasonable to

expect changes inthe child’s behav-ior. Giving thefamily twomore monthstogether canhelp easesome of theanxiety forthis special

population.”Post-adoption

deferment can berequested by a sin-

gle member sponsoror one member of a mili-

tary couple.“While a longer deferment period

could slightly reduce the pool ofAirmen available for various assign-ments, we must keep our sight on thehealth and welfare of our Air Force

families. They are a priority,” empha-sized Lt. Gen. Richard Newton III, thedeputy chief of staff for manpower,personnel and services. “If we havepolicies that are inadvertently con-straining our Airmen, we need to takea hard look at them.”

True to the Air Force’s commitmentto caring for its families, additional pol-icy changes came in late 2008 whenthe Air Force implemented paternityleave for married, active-duty fatherswhose wifes gave birth on or after Oct.14.

The leave authorizes 10 days ofnon-chargeable leave that can be usedin conjunction with ordinary leave.

Now, in the Year of the Air ForceFamily, the Air Force is focusing ongreater improvement of its Caring forPeople programs, including family sup-port, special needs children and spous-es, Air National Guard and Reserveaffairs, deployment support, schoolsupport and single Airmen support.

For more information on the changeto the post-birth/adoption defermentpolicy, visit Air Force PersonnelCenter’s “Ask” Web site or call theTotal Force Service Center at 800-525-0102 or DSN 665-5000.

Assignment deferment extended for births, adoptions

Talking on a cell phone while driving on base is prohibited.Reminder!

PAGE 19TALESPINNEROCTOBER 9, 2009

Fire Prevention Week was estab-lished to commemorate the GreatChicago Fire, the tragic 1871 confla-gration that killed more than 250 peo-ple, left 100,000 homeless, destroyedmore than 17,400 structures andburned more than 2,000 acres.

The fire began on Oct. 8, but contin-ued into and did most of its damage onOct. 9, 1871.

According to popular legend, the firebroke out after a cow, belonging toCatherine O’Leary, kicked over a lamp,setting first the barn, then the wholecity on fire. But recent research byChicago historian Robert Cromie hashelped to debunk this version ofevents.

The ‘moo’ mythLike any good story, the ‘case of the

cow’ has some truth to it. The greatfire almost certainly started near thebarn where Mrs. O’Leary kept her fivemilking cows.

But there is no proof that Mrs.O’Leary was in the barn when the firebroke out, or that a jumpy cow sparkedthe blaze.

Mrs. O’Leary herself swore that

she’d been in bed early that night, andthat the cows were also tucked in forthe evening.

But if a cow wasn’t to blame for thehuge fire, what was?

Over the years, journalists and his-torians have offered plenty of theories.Some blamed the blaze on a couple ofneighborhood boys who were near thebarn sneaking cigarettes.

Others believed that a neighbor ofthe O’Leary’s may have started the fire.Some people have speculated that afiery meteorite may have fallen toearth, starting several fires that day –in Michigan and Wisconsin, as well asin Chicago.

The biggest blaze that weekWhile the Great Chicago Fire was

the best-known blaze to start duringthis fiery two-day stretch, it wasn’t thebiggest.

That distinction goes to the Peshtigo

Fire, the most devastating forest fire inAmerican history. The fire, which alsooccurred Oct. 8, 1871, roared throughNortheast Wisconsin, burning down 16towns, killing 1,152 people and scorch-ing 1.2 million acres before it ended.

Historical accounts of the fire saythat the blaze began when several rail-road workers clearing land for tracksunintentionally started a brush fire.

Before long, the fast-moving flameswere whipping through the area like atornado, some survivors said. It wasthe small town of Peshtigo, Wis. thatsuffered the worst damage. Within anhour, the entire town had beendestroyed.

Eight decades of fire preventionThose who survived the Chicago and

Peshtigo fires never forgot what they’dbeen through; both blazes producedcountless tales of bravery and heroism.

But the fires also changed the way

firefighters and public officials thoughtabout fire safety.

On the 40th anniversary of the GreatChicago Fire, the Fire MarshalsAssociation of North America decidedthe anniversary of the Great ChicagoFire should be observed not with festiv-ities, but in a way that would keep thepublic informed about the importanceof fire prevention.

The commemoration grew incre-mentally official over the years.

In 1920, President Woodrow Wilsonissued the first National Fire Preven-tion Day proclamation, and since 1922,Fire Prevention Week has beenobserved on the Sunday throughSaturday period in which Oct. 9 falls.

According to the National Archivesand Records Administration’s LibraryInformation Center, Fire PreventionWeek is the longest running publichealth and safety observance onrecord.

The President of the United Statessigned a proclamation proclaiming anational observance during that weekevery year since 1925.

(Courtesy NFPA and Lackland FireDepartment)

Fire prevention week: commemorating a conflagration

Floods, Fires, Tornados, Hailstorms? OH MY!Don’t Fret, Here Are Some Ways To Find Out Working Hours During Inclement Weather And/Or Emergencies:

• Listen To Local Television And Radio Stations • Call 671-NEWS• Check Gate Marquees • Check Public Web site www.lackland.af.mil

• Have Up-To-Date Information On Your Recall Roster

Fire prevention week is the longest running publichealth and safety observance on record.

– National Archives and Records Administration

TALESPINNERPAGE 20 OCTOBER 9, 2009

Capt. Miguel Colon: Inter-American Air Forces Aca-demy’s 837th Training Squad-ron

Duty title: International Log-istics Training Flight Com-mander

Time in service: Six years

Hometown: San Juan, PuertoRico

Ethnic group background:Puerto Rican

Family: Both parents, onebrother and one sister

Describe your proudest mo-ment as a Hispanic duringyour Air Force career andwhy? My proudest momentwas earning my commission in

the Air Force which continueda proud heritage of militaryprofessionals within my fami-ly. I currently have the pleas-ure of serving alongside myfather who has been executingthe Air Force mission for morethan 25 years.

What do you admire mostabout the Hispanics you havemet in your career? I havealways admired not only theirdevotion to duty but theirdevotion and loyalty to theirfamily and partners in arms.They will push the limits untilthe mission is accomplishedwhile always maintaining agreat, positive atmosphere.

How has your culture or her-itage enhanced the overallsuccess of your AF career?We currently operate in whatis probably the most culturallydiverse professional force inthe world. Our eclectic cultur-al heritage is what allows usto operate successful lythroughout the world with lit-tle racial judgment and anunrivaled sense of cohesive-ness.

Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight

Capt. Miguel Colon on patrol inAfghanistan July 2008.

PAGE 21TALESPINNEROCTOBER 9, 2009

CHAPEL SERVICESChristianCatholicMonday-Friday:WHMC ChapelMass, 11 a.m

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

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

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

Hope ChapelHispanic Mass, 9:15 a.m.

Wilford Hall Medical Center ChapelMass, 3 p.m.

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

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

Hope ChapelSpanish Contemporary, 12:45 p.m

Freedom ChapelContemporary Service, 9:30 a.m.Gospel Service, 12:30 p.m.Children’s Church providedReligious Education, 11 a.m.

Wednesday and Thursday:Bible Study, 6 p.m.

Sunday:Medina ChapelContemporary Service, 9 a.m.

WHMC ChapelTraditional Service, 1:30 p.m.

IslamicFriday:Defense Language InstituteStudent CenterFaith Study, 1:30 p.m.Jummah Prayer, 2 p.m.

JewishFriday:Airmen Memorial ChapelSabbath Eve Service, 5:45 p.m.

WiccaWednesday(1st only):Freedom Chap-el, Room 8, SanAntonio Military Open Circle, 6:30 p.m.

COMMUNITY

BAN ON TEXTING WHILE DRIVING

The White House issued an execu-tive order Oct. 1 to ban texting whiledriving by all federal employees ingovernment vehicles or in vehiclesused for official business from gov-ernment supplied electronic devices.

Citing safety concerns, the orderalso encourages all government con-tractors and subcontractors to adoptthe same policy.

The new policy will take effectbefore Feb. 1, 2010.

RESUME PREPARATION CLASS

A resume preparation class isTuesday, 2-4 p.m., at the Airman andFamily Readiness Flight, Bldg. 1249.

The class will teach differentstyles and content of resume writing.For more information or to register forthe class, contact Gail Chock at 671-3722.

RECYCLING EVENT UNDERWAY

Team Lackland is participating in

the Air Force’s Live Green recycle pro-gram.

Beginning Tuesday, used ink car-tridges, batteries, eye glasses, cellphones and watches are being col-lected into recycling boxes at theArnold Hall Community Center lobby.The drive continues through Nov. 26.

For more information, call 671-2619.

E-RESOURCES WORKSHOP

An e-resources workshop, spon-sored by the Lackland library, isWednesday at 4:45 p.m. The workshopwill focus on searching for maga-zines, journals and articles.

For more information, call 671-3610.

SOCIAL SECURITY SEMINAR

An informational seminar onSocial Security is Wednesday, 10 a.m.to noon, at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Flight, Bldg. 1249.

Oscar Garcia of the Social Security

Administration will be on hand to dis-cuss and answer questions aboutqualification requirements for retire-ment, SSA programs and any newchanges.

For more information or to registerfor the seminar, contact Jerry Jacksonat 671-3722.

SPECIAL LEAVE ACCRUAL

Active-duty members who havebeen recalled from or were not author-ized annual leave as a consequenceof duty assignments in support ofcontingency operations are authorizedto accumulate leave in excess of 75days as shown on the end of themonth September leave and earningstatement.

Leave in excess of 75 days at fis-cal year end balancing is lost unlesseligible for up to 45 days special leaveaccrual.

Members are ineligible for SLAconsideration if they returned fromdeployment and had the opportunity

to use leave but failed to do so.Post deployment recovery time is

not a valid reason for reinstatement oflost leave when accrued leave couldhave been used.

A letter signed by a member’s unitcommander to recommend approvalof that request must be sent by Nov. 6to the customer service group at37mss.custsprt@lackland.af.mil.

For more information, 37thTraining Wing members may call 671-9202, Air Force Intelligence,Surveillance and ReconnaissanceAgency members may call 969-6101and 59th Medical Wing members maycall 292-2874 or 292-3676.

SWISD MENTOR TRAINING

A training session for SouthwestIndependent School District mentorsis Thursday, 9-11 a.m., at the SkylarkCommunity Center Fiesta Room.

Contact Sally Sobey at 977-5563for more information.

TUITION ASSISTANCE FUNDING

Air Education and TrainingCommand’s voluntary civilian tuitionassistance has been approved for fis-cal year 2010 and funding is limitedto permanent and temporary appro-priated funded AETC employees.

LocalBRIEFS

To see menus forLackland dining

halls, go online towww.lackland.af.mil and click on

the “Services” link.

See BRIEFS P22

For more information, contact the chapel staff:

Freedom Chapel671-4208

Gateway Chapel671-2911

Hope Chapel671-2941

Wilford Hall MedicalCenter Chapel

292-7373

TALESPINNERPAGE 22 OCTOBER 9, 2009

Funds can be requested for classesthat begin on or after Oct. 1, and arerestricted to one course per term.Courses at all levels other than doctor-ate must be determined to be missionrelated; doctorate courses must be jobrelated.

Permanent or temporary AETC civil-ian employees assigned to Lackland areeligible, and personnel must provide ajustification letter endorsed by theirsupervisor.

For more information, contact theEducation Services Flight at 671-2895or 37mss.dpe@lackland.af.mil.

KEY SPOUSE PROGRAM

Training for the Key Spouse Programis Oct. 16 and Oct. 27, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.,at the Airman and Family ReadinessFlight, Bldg. 1249, for spouses whohave volunteered and have beenappointed by unit leadership.

The Key Spouse Program is the AirForce’s readiness program that sup-

ports Airmen and their families duringdeployments, separations and emer-gencies by enhancing and encouragingcommunication between units andfamilies.

Spouses interested in the programshould seek appointment by their spon-sor’s unit commander and then contactAFRF at 671-3722 to register for theclass.

ARNOLD HALL TOURNAMENTS

Arnold Hall Community Center issponsoring two video game tourna-ments Oct. 17 from 5-9 p.m.

The tournaments are for Wii SmashBrothers Brawl and XBOX Halo 3, withprizes for the winners. Registrationdeadline is Thursday.

To sign up, call 671-2619 or 671-2352.

LIBRARY HOSTS ‘MAGICAL BASH’The Lackland library hosts its

“Magical Bash” event for youth on Oct.17, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Activities include a costume con-

test, fortune teller, craft project, story byflashlight and a haunted house.

Call 671-3610 for more information.

RECIPES SOUGHT FOR COOKBOOK

The African-American CulturalAssociation is collecting originalrecipes for its annual cookbook. Thedeadline for e-mailing all recipes toaaca.cookbook@gmail.com is Oct. 19.

The cookbook will be available forpurchase in late November. For moreinformation, call Chief Master Sgt.Candace Crute at 554-3511 or Tech.Sgt. Angela Grice at 671-5545.

ID SECTION TO CLOSE

The customer service ID card sec-tion, room 131 in Bldg. 5616, will beclosed Oct. 21-22 for system hard-ware and software upgrades.

The Wilford Hall Medical Center IDcard section will be open during thattime for those who need assistance.

For more information, call 671-4178.

BRIEFS from P21GATEWAY THEATER

Adults – $4. Children – $2.

Closed Monday through Wednesday.

District 9

Julie & Julia

Gamer

The Final Destination

FRIDAYDistrict 9, 6 p.m. (R), starring SharltoCopley and David James.

SATURDAYJulie & Julia, noon (PG-13), starringMeryl Streep and Amy Adams.Gamer, 3 p.m. (R), starring GerardButler and John Leguizamo.The Final Destination, 6 p.m. (R),starring Bobby Campo and ShantelVanSanten.

SUNDAYJulie & Julia, noon (PG-13).The Final Destination, 3 p.m. (R).

THURSDAYThe Final Destination, 4 p.m. (R).

For more information and future movie listings,go to www.aafes.com/ems/conus/lackland.htm.

PAGE 23TALESPINNEROCTOBER 9, 2009

National Conference W L

1. 737th TRG 5 02. 93rd IS 5 13. 59th MLRS 5 24. CES 5 25. 345th TRS 4 26. AFIOC 3 37. Sec. Forces 2 38. CPSG 2 49. NIOC 1 410. IAAFA 1 511. 37th COMM 0 7

Sept. 30-737th TRG 6, Sec. Forces 059th MLRS 6, AFIOC 6NIOC 27, IAAFA 0

Sept. 28- AFIOC 6, IAAFA 0CES 7, Sec. Forces 693rd IS 14, 37th COMM 0

American Conference W L

1. Dental 7 02. Clinical Spt Gp 5 03. 314th MI Bn 5 14. 59th EMS 4 35. DLI 3 46. Force Spt Sq. 3 47. 37th LRS 3 58. 342nd TRS 2 4 9. 543rd Spt Sq 2 410. 341st TRS 2 5

Oct. 1-Dental 14, 342nd TRS 059th EMS 19, 341st TRS 837th LRS 14, 543rd Spt Sq 12Force Spt Sq 7, 344th TRS 0

Over-35 W L

1. 737th TRG 7 02. 149th FW 6 13. CPSG 4 34. Force Spt Sq 4 35. Sec. Forces 3 46. 543rd ISR 1 67. 433rd AW 1 6

Oct. 1-737th TRG 19, 149th FW 11149th FW 11, Sec. Forces 1CPSG 14, 543rd ISR 2

Coed W L

1. Force Spt Sq 7 02. 37th MDG 6 13. CPSG 5 24. Sec. Forces 4 37. 93rd IS 3 48. 314th MI Bn 1 6

Playoffs, Oct. 7-CPSG 7, 314th MI Bn 0Sec. Forces 17, 93rd IS 2

Games tonight-Force Spt Sq vs. Sec. Forces37th Med Gp vs. CPSG

SPORTSSSCCOORREEBBOOAARRDD

SOFTBALL

FOOTBALL

INDOOR SOCCER TOURNAMENT

The inaugural Military City OpenVeteran’s Day indoor soccer tourna-ment is Nov. 6-8 at Aztec IndoorSoccer. Ten-player team registrationis $150 for premier, open and coeddivisions. For more information, callStewart Hess at 875-8143.

NFL FOOTBALL

The Skylark Community Centeroffers every noon and 3 p.m. NFLgame on Sunday. The games shownon the center’s five big screen TVs areby request and popular demand.

For more information, contact thecenter at 671-3191.

YOUTH BASKETBALL

Youth basketball registration forchildren 5-17-year-olds runs throughOctober. The cost is $45 and proof ofa sports physical conducted withinthe past year must be presented.

For more details, call Youth Sportsand Fitness at 671-2388.

SPIN CLASS

The Medina Fitness Center offersa free spinning class Wednesday at 7a.m. while the 4:30 p.m. class hasbeen changed to a total body fitnessclass. Space is available on a firstcome, first served basis.

For more details, call 671-4225.

BBRRIIEEFFSS

By Airman 1st Class Katherine Windish 11th Wing Public Affairs

BOLLING AIR FORCE BASE, D.C. – AirForce running back Savier Stephensrushed for 81 yards, but the Falcons foot-ball team came up short in a 16-13 over-time loss to Naval Academy’s MidshipmenSaturday at Navy-Marine Corps MemorialStadium.

Stephens helped set up two fieldgoals scored by Falcons kicker ErikSoderberg, and the Falcon’s sole touch-down came by way of Anthony Wright’sinterception in the second quarter of thegame.

“We didn’t score enough points.Period,” said Falcons coach TroyCalhoun. “If you don’t win the game,there’s plenty of work to do. There’salways plenty of work to do anyway. Ilike what we were doing on defense.We’ve got a lot of really capable guys onthat side.”

Both teams played a tough game thatwent into overtime, thanks to a Falconsfield goal with no time left in regulation.In overtime, the Midshipmen kicked a 38-yard field goal to put Navy up by three,and then Air Force’s 31-yard field goalattempt by Soderberg sailed wide leftending the game.

As two of the nation’s top rushingteams, their clash made for an excitinggame for the packed stadium with the AirForce gaining a total of 194 yards rush-ing and the Navy gaining 182.

The Falcons defense kept the Mid-shipmen at bay and were able to keepmajor points off the scoreboard, allowingonly one touchdown and three field goals.

The Air Force dominated in offensiveyardage but were unable to capitalize,forcing Brandon Geyer to punt five times.

Two turnovers coming from each ele-ment of the offense kept the Falcons fromtaking the lead during the game.

“It’s unbelievably tough," said JohnFalgout, an Academy senior football play-er. “This was one of those games whereyou give your blood and your sweat andsometimes, in the end, even your tears.”

“By and large, physically it was anextraordinary football game,” coach

Calhoun said. Though the Navy has won seven

straight games in the series, making thisstreak the second-longest in the rivalry,the Falcons still lead the overall series25-17.

“It’s a heartbreaker,” said Academysenior Ben Garland. “But we’ve just gotto put this behind us and get ready forthe Mountain West (conference game)next week.”

Air Force plays Texas ChristianUniversity at home on Saturday.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Tim Chacon Air Force Academy running back Asher Clark runs the ball against the Naval Academy defense Oct.3 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md.

Falcons fall to Midshipmen in OTNavy 16, Air Force 13

TALESPINNERPAGE 24 OCTOBER 9, 2009

Brian Hansberry37th TRW/PA

Last week: 5-3Season: 17-12

(.586)

Steve ReichertFitness & Sports Dir.

Last week: 6-2Season: 17-12

(.586)

Patrick DesmondTalespinner Sports

Last week: 6-2Season: 23-6

(.793)

PlusGridlocks

DallasSan Francisco

ArizonaNew EnglandIndianapolis

NY Jets

LSUAlabama

DallasSan Francisco

HoustonNew England

TennesseeMiami

FloridaAlabama

NFLDallas at Kansas City SundayAtlanta at San Francisco SundayHouston at Arizona SundayNew England at Denver SundayIndianapolis at Tennessee SundayNY Jets at Miami MondayNCAA FootballFlorida at LSU SaturdayAlabama at Mississippi Saturday

Guest PicksTake on the Gridlocks panel bycontacting the Talespinner at

talespinner@lackland.af.mil

Bronson Gilbert37th Training Wing

DallasSan Francisco

HoustonNew EnglandIndianapolis

Miami

LSUMississippi

DallasSan Francisco

ArizonaNew England

TennesseeNY Jets

FloridaAlabama

DallasAtlantaArizona

New EnglandIndianapolis

NY Jets

LSUAlabama

Dwayne ReedVarsity Sports Dir. Last week: 7-1Season: 23-6

(.793)

Gridlocks Guest

By Patrick DesmondSports Editor

If a 50-year-old soccer coach shows up 30 minutesbefore practice to run two miles around the field, justimagine the training he puts his players through.

Warhawks interim varsity soccer coach SpencerSpriesterbach’s expectations are high when it comesto conditioning.

“The games are nothing,” he said. “The playersknow the hardest part is to get out here and train.”

Spriesterbach said having players committed to thethree-times a week, two-hour practices was the rea-son he agreed to prepare Lackland’s team for the AirForce-wide Defender Cup soccer tournament.

“They want to go to the next level,” the former All-Air Force soccer coach said. “If they are willing to(commit), hopefully that will equate to success in thetournament.”

The Warhawks are on a break from its SanAntonio Soccer Association league to host the 17 AirForce teams at the tournament Saturday throughMonday.

Over the last couple weeks, the team has beenfocused on how to get over the top, having sufferedtwo consecutive losses in the Defender Cup title gameto its Gulf Coast opposite in Eglin, AFB, Fla. includinglast year’s 3-1 title defeat.

Spriesterbach’s comment following Eglin’s success-ful title defense, “If we had a little more opportunityto train together,” explains his resolve to work withthe team longer this time around.

Though the road to the tournament championshipcovers eight games, the fitness variable is not thecoach’s main concern.

Spriesterbach believes most Airmen are fit acrossthe board; training is more about building teamchemistry within the team’s 3-5-2 formation.

“Something that I have always stressed is, ‘justplay the system,’” Spriesterbach said. “It’s amazingthe success we can have if we do that.”

Team chemistry is central to an anticipatory styleof play Spriesterbach wants, in particular having mid-fielders run into the forward position to catch defend-ers off guard. However, creating that connection takestime, and finding the right bench players becomeseven more important.

Of the maximum 20-player tournament roster, theWarhawks squad has seven returning with DefenderCup experience. As many as 30 hopefuls have beengunning for the rest.

With the loss of team captain and striker NanaSaahene, still awaiting medical clearance for hisankle, the large player pool definitely helps.

The recruits that make the cut will have to fulfillroles on the team and wait for their time to play.

“That helps discriminate who makes the team andwho doesn’t,” the tournament coach said. “I’m watch-ing attitudes as well, to see who is going to be able tosit on the bench for two games during the tourna-ment.”

Leading up to the Lackland’s first group gameagainst Seymour-Johnson AFB, N.C., Saturday at 9:30a.m., the team has been scrimmaging the starting 11against the substitutes.

After four years coaching, Stewart Hess has putdown his Warhawks whistle and picked up a clip-board as the tournament’s director working alongsidethe staff at Sports and Fitness.

A major change implemented this year, the games

will be played off base at the executive fields locatedoff of Old Highway 90 and Callaghan road. The cham-pionship game, Monday, will be played at WarhawkField.

Warhawks veterans Saahene and Mike Bailey willcoach the team as it resumes league play Oct. 18.

Lackland’s 20 to host Defender Cup soccer

Photo by Robbin CresswellLackland’s varsity soccer team run sprints during practicein preparation for the upcoming Defender Cup tournament.

“San Fran’s Dforces a pure

Singletary-stylewin, stoppingAtlanta’s run

game in a 21-13victory.”

WeekendForecast

Patrick DesmondTalespinner Sports