JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH 66th Year • No. 8 • FEBRUARY 24, 2012

INSIDE ... AETC COST CONSCIOUSNESS, P3 ... 12TH FTW SCORES EXCELLENT, P4 ... JBSA 2012 AMBASSADORS, P6

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

PAGE 9

FEBRUARY 24, 2012PAGE 2 WINGSPREAD

By Lakreisha JohnsonJBSA-Lackland Equal Opportunity director

Unresolved disputes can create an un-comfortable working environment, have a negative effect on productivity, and be a detriment to mission accomplishment in the Air Force.

A way to resolve or prevent this is through the Alternative Dispute Reso-lution Program. ADR is an alternative means of resolving disputes without resorting to lengthy and often expensive formal complaint processes.

ADR needs to be the Air Force standard for workplace disputes. There are misconceptions that ADR is something to be considered only when employees think their case is weak. In fact, mediation and facilita-tion are more effi cient ways to handle workplace disputes. Managers and employees need to consider it a fi rst choice, not a last resort.

Too many people think their only op-tion is to fi le a complaint or to decline negotiation simply because they are con-vinced they are right. Some employees view participation in an ADR process as giving in or a sign of weakness.

The bottom line is, we all need to respect and understand the differences of others as we attempt to carry out the mission. Mediation, facilitation and other ADR processes help us do that while we are resolving disputes.

Traditionally, in a dispute, the par-ties tend to focus most of their time and attention on positions and what actions can be taken against each other. This makes communication very diffi cult. Without effective communication, the parties won’t know how to address each

other’s underlying interests. Without communication, it is almost impossible to repair a working relationship and achieve a lasting resolution.

Communication is critical to what we do. Often, barriers begin to build between people for several reasons – they don’t feel they can communicate their feelings, opinions, interests, etc.

This is where assistance from a trained, neutral mediator or facilitator can make a positive difference. They can help break down barriers and get communication back on track.

An early resolution to a dispute is benefi cial. Quickly addressing a dispute often leaves less time for a bad situation to worsen and hurt the work environ-ment.

We can’t guarantee the mediation process will be successful in every case, but more times than not, medi-ation has proven to help supervisors and employees arrive at solutions in workplace disputes.

The reason we negotiate is to get bet-ter results than without negotiating.

Employing tried-and-true, inter-est-based principles is more likely to lead us to a win-win resolution

than traditional litigation or dispute adjudication processes.

These principles are focusing on in-terests and not on positions, separating the people from the problem, generating a variety of possibilities before deciding what to do, and basing compromise on an objective standard.

Mediation should be in good faith. The goal is to arrive at a mutual agreement. For every dispute, pos-sible solutions can exist that may satisfy all interests.

We need to change the negative mindset toward negotiation and ADR. We need to encourage both manage-ment and employees to consider the small investment in time. In the end, it may reap big benefi ts for everyone – the parties, the co-workers and the entire organization.

The ADR process does not negate either party’s right to pursue other av-enues for resolution if it is not success-ful, so give the process a chance.

For more information or to schedule mediation, contact the JBSA-Randolph ADR team at 652-4376, the JBSA-Lack-land team at 671-3786, or for the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston team 221-1177.

COMMENTARY

This newspaper is published by Prime Time Military News-papers, a private fi rm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Wingspread are not necessarily the offi cial views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Air Force.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, includ-ing inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or Prime Time Military Newspapers, of the products or services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affi liation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Offi ce of JBSA-Randolph. All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.

The deadline for submissions is noon Wednesday the week prior to publication. All submissions can be emailed to 502ABW.pa.wingspread@us.af.mil.

Wingspread Offi ce1150 5th Street East

Randolph AFB, Texas 78150Phone: (210) 652-4410

Wingspread email502ABW.pa.wingspread@us.af.mil

Wingspread Advertisement Offi cePrime Time Military Newspapers

Avenue E at Third StreetSan Antonio, Texas 78205

(210) 250-2519 • Fax 250-2570

Joint Base San Antonio-RandolphEditorial Staff

Brig. Gen. Theresa CarterCommander

Marilyn HollidayChief of Public Affairs

Senior Airman Precious YettEditor

Airman 1st Class Alexis SiekertRobert Goetz, Alex Salinas

Staff WritersMaggie ArmstrongGraphic Designer

Jazmine White sings “Fix a Heart” by Demi Lovato at the You Got Talent Fam-ily Teen Talent Contest Feb. 17 at the Airman and Family Readiness Center on Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. Jazmine took fi rst place in the Teen Vo-cal category. For the complete story on the event, see page 9.Photo by Rich McFadden

Resolution program benefi ts everyone“An early resolution to a dispute is

benefi cial. Quickly addressing a dispute often leaves less time for a

bad situation to worsen and hurt the work environment.”

ON THE COVER

WINGSPREADFEBRUARY 24, 2012 PAGE 3

By Dianne MoffettAir Education and Training Command Public Affairs

The Air Force will support a smaller, leaner and lethal capable force, and encourage a more disciplined use of defense dollars, according to senior leaders, who unveiled the fiscal 2013 budget Feb. 13. The Air Force is requesting $154.3 billion for fiscal year 2013, five percent less than the FY12 budget.

Despite having to make some hard choices to re-balance the force, a clear priority for Air Force se-nior leaders is continuing to take care of its most im-portant resource – the Airmen and their families.

In a speech at the 2012 Air Education and Train-ing Command Symposium Jan. 11, Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., Air Education and Training Command commander, said that now more than ever is a time for a culture of cost consciousness.

“Every AETC Airman should constantly consider the cost implications of our actions, our inactions and our decisions,” he said. “It is about being good stewards of America’s resources. It is more than just achieving greater efficiency; it really is about a mindset that makes cost considerations a part of everything we do.”

Col. Charles Fiquett, AETC comptroller, said AETC will maintain the right number of Airmen on the jobsite to complete the mission. He said that, while the command will be smaller, the Air Force will help Airmen do their jobs smarter and more

efficiently through new tech-nology and more stream-lined programs. Airmen are also scheduled to receive a 1.7 percent pay increase in 2013.

“Even though the overall budget is becoming more constrained, the Air Force and AETC is committed to the quality of life of its Airmen and their fam-ilies, and will sustain through cost-effec-tive services and programs,” Fiquett said.

“AETC will continue to offer Airmen essen-tial quality of life pro-grams such as the Health and Wellness Center, the Child Development Center and Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs.”

Fiquett also said the Air Force implement-ed the Financial Improvement and Audit Readi-ness plan to reach audit readiness goals.

“Congress and the Secretary of Defense mandat-ed the Department of Defense to achieve auditable financial statements, beginning with the State-

ment of Budgetary Resources in FY14,” Fiquett said. “An independent auditor will come in, look at our books

and provide an opinion on how well we allocate, spend

and track dollars. “This is an important first step

for the DoD, particularly in light of the broader economic chal-

lenges facing the American people and our charge to be good stewards of tax-payer dollars.

“AETC continues to look for innovative ways to promote new

ideas to deliver its mis-sion as we embark on and

embrace a culture of cost consciousness.” “We believe this period of

resource constraints is not a time for hand-wringing and slowly disman-

tling the recruiting, education and training structure we have had in the past, but an op-

portunity to build a fundamentally different con-struct and structure for the future,” Rice said. “If we do it right, it will require less resources and be more effective.”

NEWS

AETC builds culture of cost consciousness

By Robert GoetzJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

A variety of acts – from singers and guitar players to dancers and even a cup stacker – graced the stage of the Airman and Family Readiness Center ballroom Feb. 17 for the 15th annual You Got Talent Family and Teen Talent Contest.

An estimated 130 people attended the show, which featured 21 acts, including young sing-ers who performed hits by chart toppers such as Adele, Taylor Swift and Alicia Keys and a father-and-son guitar duo who tackled Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.”

“It was a great show,” Andrea Black, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Youth Programs coordina-tor, said. “I couldn’t believe the level of talent. The judges had hard decisions to make.”

First-place winners were chosen in seven categories. They included the guitar duo Dave and Logan Marttala in the family performance

category; Rylee, Sharlee, Baylee and Everett Krkosa, who performed Swift’s “Never Grow Up “ in the teen group category; teen specialty performer Rebekah Landry, who accompanied herself on guitar while singing “Rhythm of Love” by the Plain White T’s; Claire Jones in the children’s category, who sang Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive”; pre-teen group act Katryna and Logan Marttala, who performed Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain”; Jazmine White, who sang “Fix a Heart” by Demi Lovato in the teen vocal category; and pre-teen soloist Katryna Marttala, who sang Beyonce’s “Listen.”

Winners at the JBSA-Randolph contest ad-vance to the Air Force-wide competition, where their performances will be judged and first-, second- and third-place winners in eight cat-egories will be announced. First-place winners may be invited to perform with the Air Force’s Tops in Blue when the troupe visits the win-ners’ installation.

Contest showcases young performers’ talents

Photo by Rich McFaddenKatryna (left) and Logan Marttala perform “Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele at the You Got Talent Family Teen Talent Contest at the Airman and Family Readiness Center on Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Feb. 17. They placed first in the Pre-Teen Group Act category. See CONTEST P9

FEBRUARY 24, 2012PAGE 4 WINGSPREAD

By Bekah Clark12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

The Air Education and Training Com-mand Inspector General announced the 12th Flying Training Wing earned an over-all grade of ‘Excellent’ for its 2012 Com-bined Unit Inspection during an executive outbrief Feb. 13.

The grade includes the inspection of the 479th Flying Training Group and associat-ed 12th Maintenance Directorate and staff elements at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., in early December.

“The grade is a reflection of the incred-ible work and attention to detail all of you demonstrated during the inspection [and] of the caliber of performance all of you exhibit every day,” Col. Richard Murphy, 12th FTW commander, said in an e-mail to personnel in both locations.

“Thank you for continuing the 12th FTW’s reputation of excellence,” he said. “I am proud of your accomplishments and honored to be the commander of The Source of America’s Airpower.”

The grade marks more than just the suc-

cessful completion of a higher headquarters inspection; it validates the hard work of the personnel who ensure mission success in the midst of several major mission changes.

Since the last inspection in 2008, the wing has transitioned from host unit to mission partner in accordance with the implementation of Joint Base San Antonio. Additionally, the wing successfully execut-ed the stand up of the Remotely Piloted

Aircraft program at JBSA-Randolph and the Combat Systems Officer program at NAS Pensacola.

In addition to the compliance inspec-tion, the wing also underwent several oth-er evaluations including a Standardization and Evaluation Program for Weather Oper-ations, an Airfield Operations Certification Inspection, an Aircrew Standardization and Evaluation Visit, as well as a Logistics Com-pliance Assessment Program review.

The purpose of inspections is to validate compliance with Air Force and AETC direc-tives and by law requirements.

Combined Unit Inspection programs were recently implemented by an Air Force headquarters directive, and partners two or more inspections to streamline process-es. The 12th FTW was the first unit in AETC to undergo a CUI.

Five grades were possible for each inspect-ed area and include, from lowest to highest: Unsatisfactory, marginal, satisfactory, excel-lent and outstanding.

For a complete list of organizations and functions that received an 'Outstanding' grade, visit www.randolph.af.mil.

12th FTW earns ‘Excellent’ on inspection“The grade is a reflection of the incredible work and attention to detail all of

you demonstrated during the inspection [and] of the caliber of performance all of you exhibit every day.”

Col. Richard Murphy12th Flying Training Wing commander

CATHOLICHOLY WEEK

AND EASTER SCHEDULE

March 28 Lenten Penance Service

5:30 p.m.April 5

Holy ThursdayLast Supper Service

5 p.m.April 6

Good FridayStations of the Cross

5 p.m.Communion Service

6 p.m.April 7

Easter Vigil7 p.m.April 8

Easter Sunday Services8:30 and 11:30 a.m.

All services held inChapel 1. For more information,

call the Chapel Center at652-6121

By Alex Salinas Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph

With tax season lasting until April 17, active duty, re-tirees, Guard and Reserve members on orders, and their dependents are encouraged to set an appointment at the Randolph Tax Center, Bldg. 202, for a free tax filing on Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.

For LaMarr Queen, Randolph Tax Center coordinator, doing tax returns on time and correctly is the name of the game for people assessing their income.

But the most important reminder Queen gives his cli-ents is for them to think about the upcoming year and pre-plan their withholdings to determine whether or not they want to pay money at the end of the year.

Owing on your taxes does not necessarily equate to a “bad” year, Queen said.

“I can’t tell people what to do or how much to with-hold from their income unless they give me an expla-nation of what they want to happen at the end of the year,” he said.

In fact, Danita Porter-McGee, Randolph Tax Center volunteer, said she deals with some clients who prefer having less money withheld during the year who don’t mind paying when they file their taxes.

However, for those who want to stay in a generally neutral zone or who don’t want to pay taxes when they file, Queen recommended a 10 percent rule.

“I call it my ‘how to survive your taxes’ tip: Have at least 10 percent of your income withheld from every source of income you have – wages, retirement, etc.,” he said. “This is a good starting point to at least get you close to where you need to be. Of course, depending on your own unique situation, more may need to be withheld.

A rule of thumb to remember is “if you’re making mon-ey, claim it,” Queen said. “If it’s part of your income then it must be reported to the Internal Revenue Service.”

“Inheritance, for example, is one of those things that scare people,” he said. “The inheritance may not be taxable, but any money you make off that inheritance, such as interest from a bank account, is taxable and you must claim it.”

Another major tip Queen tells his clients is to edu-cate themselves on their income and never assume anything about tax law.

Up-to-date education on your taxes should be a mind-set, Queen said. Every year Congress passes laws that change the tax code and affect personal taxes. There are many avenues people can take to learn more about their income and the details behind a tax return, in turn

giving them an advantage when filing taxes. This is especially relevant to those considering filing

their taxes online. “If you don’t know what you’re doing, one click of

a button can throw your taxes way out of bounds,” Queen said. “If you don’t know the answer to a question, or if you don’t understand the question, don’t assume you are OK and just click an answer.

Tax center offers free filings, welcomes volunteers

See TAX CENTER P5

WINGSPREADFEBRUARY 24, 2012 PAGE 5

Sunday at 3 p.m.Chapel 1

Food will be served immediately following the event at the JBSA-Randolph Airman and Family Readiness Center.For more information, call Staff Sgt. Natca Moye at

565-3930 or email her at natca.moye@randolph.af.mil. Leadercast will be coming to Joint Base

San Antonio locations May 4.

March 3, 3-4 p.m.Igo Branch Library

13330 Kyle Seale ParkwaySan Antonio, Texas

March 23, 1 p.m.323rd Army Band "Fort Sam's Own" Brass Ensemble

Lutheran High North GymnasiumHouston, Texas

For the complete spring schedule, visit www.bandofthewest.af.milJoin us on Facebook at www.facebook/bandofthewest.com

Follow us on Twitter@AFBandofthewest

Saturday, Noon323rd Army Band "Fort Sam's Own" Latin Band

Charro Days and Sombrero FestivalBrownsville, Texas

Saturday, 2-3 p.m.Mission Branch Library

3132 Roosevelt Ave.San Antonio, Texas

Ask questions to better understand.”Use all available resources to learn

about taxes, Queen said, including the base tax center.

“I’ll even loan out books and avail-able information to people to help them,” he said.

Because the tax center on base of-fers free filings for those qualified, Ralph Himelrick, Randolph Tax Cen-ter volunteer, reminded potential cli-

ents and regulars alike that his work as an unpaid volunteer is part of a “worthwhile program especially for young Airmen.

“We don’t compete with other busi-nesses because we don’t charge,” he said. “It’s our way (as volunteers) of giving back.”

Every return done at the tax center is quality-control checked by tax prepar-ers, and receives a second quality con-trol check prior to e-filing the return.

All Randolph volunteers are

trained by the IRS during a week-long course.

Queen said his volunteers are trained to perform different styles and difficulties of tax returns to re-flect the various personnel on base and unique circumstances related to the military community.

“It takes a certain type of person to do this,” Himelrick said.

“Doing returns is challenging, but I get a thrill when I explain information to somebody that they didn’t under-

stand at first,” Porter-McGee said. These senses of satisfaction and

service are a few qualities the tax center looks for in people interested to volunteer.

Contact the Randolph Tax Cen-ter at 652-1040 for volunteer op-portunities, appointments and questions. They are open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Additionally, the cen-ter’s hours are extended every Thurs-day, 5-8 p.m., for this tax season.

TAX CENTER from P4

FEBRUARY 24, 2012PAGE 6 WINGSPREAD WINGSPREADFEBRUARY 24, 2012 PAGE 7

FEATURE

2012 JBSA Army AmbassadorsSgt. 1st Class Patrick Lockett, U.S. Army SouthSgt. 1st Class Rosalba Martinez, Company G,

232nd Medical Battalion

Joint Base San Antonio announces 2012 Ambassadors from area locations

2012 JBSA Air Force AmbassadorsTech. Sgt. Amanda Caldwell, 91st Network Warfare Squadron

Staff Sgt. Joshua Hite, 322nd Training Squadron

2012 JBSA Marine AmbassadorSgt. William Alvarez, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion

2012 JBSA Navy AmbassadorsPetty Officer 2nd Class Barbara Rodriguez, Navy Medicine Training CenterPetty Officer 1st Class Steve Duran, Navy Recruiting District San Antonio

2012 JBSA Coast Guard AmbassadorsPetty Officer 2nd Class Miriam Jimenez, Coast Guard

Cryptologic Unit-TexasPetty Officer 1st Class Tim Cardenas, Coast Guard Recruiting

Office San Antonio

By Mike JosephJoint Base San Antonio-Lackland Public Affairs

Nine military members based at San Antonio locations will represent their respective services as 2012 Military Ambassadors for Joint Base San Antonio.

The ambassadors represent the mil-itary at San Antonio-area community events, including nearly 150 activities associated with Fiesta San Antonio, April 19-29. Ambassadors will also

participate in parades and visit local schools, nursing homes and retirement facilities throughout the year.

“The ambassador program is another tool for the services to get their message out,” Bill Gaines, 502nd Air Base Wing civic outreach chief, said. “Over the course of a year, the ambassadors have a chance to utilize their talents and skills, and really expand on them. It’s certainly a learning experience.

“They’ll participate in local fes-

tivities (during the year) and have an opportunity to meet local leaders, with Fiesta being the highlight simply because of its exposure and the time spent (in the community).”

To retain the uniqueness and significance of the program, each San Antonio-area military service – Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy and Coast Guard – selected ambassadors for representation. Prior to JBSA’s creation in 2010, each JBSA location selected its own ambassadors.

“I’d like to present the most professional military image possible while representing

all Joint Base San Antonio Airmen to the San Antonio community. I’ve never been in

a community more proud of the military presence in the area. It is truly an honor

to have been selected.”Staff Sgt. Joshua Hite

2012 Joint Base San Antonio Air Force Ambassador

Courtesy photos

FEBRUARY 24, 2012PAGE 8 WINGSPREAD

Base BRIEFS559th FTS to conduct change of command The 559th Flying Training Squadron will conduct a change of command today at 3 p.m.

Construction project to affect traffic Construction will occur across Fourth Street next to the Air Force Personnel Center, Bldg. 499. The con-struction will take place during the weekends starting March 3, ending April 1. For more information, call Donald Martin at 652-3638.

Airman’s Attic donates resourcesThe Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Airman’s

Attic, located inside the One Stop Facility, Bldg. 5460, between Walker Avenue and Barnes Street, offers clothing, housewares, toys and furniture free to service members.

The hours of operation are Monday through Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and Thursday (active-duty members only), 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

For more information, call 671-1780.

Reading program seeks volunteers Joint Base San Antonio School Liaison Offices will celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday and Read Across America Day, March 2, 8:30-10 a.m., at Paschall Elementary. Volunteers are needed and must RSVP no later than Wednesday. To sign up, contact Wanda Coo-per at wanda.cooper@us.af.mil or call 652-5321.

LRS promotes recovery programMembers who use base supply items identi-

fied as containing precious metals must turn the items back in to supply when no longer needed. For details, call Tina Schul, 902nd Logistics Readi-ness Squadron precious metals recovery program manager, at 652-2194 or Kay Herrera at 652-3958.

JBSA changes water restrictions Joint Base San Antonio has reverted back to Stage I water restrictions. Watering hours are between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. and new turf can be planted at this time. For details, call Anthony Martinez at 808-0180. Chapel staff relocates The Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph cha-pel staff has relocated from the Chapel An-nex, Bldg. 103, to the basement of Bldg. 100, through March 1. During this time, there will be no facility reser-vation, usage and equipment check-out. All phone numbers will remain the same.

American Red Cross seeks volunteers The American Red Cross seeks volunteers to serve at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Medical Clinic. For details, call 652-6372 or stop by Bldg. 1040, Room 1C301.

Airfield access requires training Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph’s airfield is a controlled area, which means anyone who needs access to the airfield is required to complete training, as well as be listed on an entry autho-rization list, unless escorted by someone who already has access. For more information, call Geren Fawver at 652-8166.

JBSA-Randolph Chapel• CATHOLIC

Daily Mass - Monday-Friday11:30 a.m. - Chapel 1

Saturday Mass5:30 p.m. - Chapel 1

Sunday Mass 8:30 a.m. - Chapel 1

11:30 a.m. - Chapel 1Confession - Saturday4:30 p.m. - Chapel 1

Sunday Religious Education9:45-11 a.m.

Bldg. 208

• PROTESTANTTraditional Sunday Service8:15 a.m. - Base theater

Contemporary Sunday Service

11 a.m. - Base theaterSunday Religious Education

9:30-11:30 a.m.Bldg. 103

For more information,call the Chapel Center at

652-6121

NOW SHOWINGat JBSA-Randolph Theater

"Contraband" (R)Mark Wahlberg, Giovanni Ribisi

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

"Extemely Loud & Incredibly Close" (PG-13)

Thomas Horn, Tom HanksSunday at 3 p.m.

$4.50 for adults – $2.25 for children 11 and younger

WINGSPREADFEBRUARY 24, 2012 PAGE 9

Black said some of the JBSA-Randolph contestants are scheduled to perform at the Youth Programs’ annual Famaganza, which is planned for April 14.

Last year, JBSA-Randolph performers placed in the Air Force competition. The dance team of Madison Trimble and Sharlee Krkosa earned second place in the pre-teen group category and the dance team of Jessyca Woof-fard, Desire Finney, Brittney London, Khamari Culmer, Savaun Paige, Meliyah Tyus, Faith Woods, Beyonce John-son and Breyana Gadson fin-ished third in the teen group category.

The Air Force Services Agency conducts the UGT competition, which is part of the Nell Buckley Perform-

ing Arts Series, to “provide additional opportunities for families and youth to partici-pate jointly in a recreational/educational activity, contrib-

ute to developing creative ex-pression, provide the oppor-tunity for the development of meaningful relationships with peers and adults and develop

an appreciation of the arts.”The competition was open

to families and youth who are eligible to use installation fa-cilities.

By Staff Sgt. Dinah LaDuke59th Medical Wing Hand Hygiene Compliance Team

Most people know to wash their hands to prevent germs, but completely forget to sani-tize their phone.

Cellphones also carry viruses and bacte-ria and phones are taken just about every-where. Many people use their cellphones in bathroom stalls and then text while eat-ing a meal.

Live bacteria can survive on your phone for weeks, including the Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. MRSA causes infec-tions that are resistant to most commonly used antibiotics. The bacteria can end up on a cellphone after touching the skin of an in-fected person or coming into contact with a contaminated surface.

According to research study results pub-lished for Global Handwashing Day, one in six cellphones tested in Britain had traces of E. coli bacteria, which is found in feces. Researchers cited poor hand hygiene as the cause.

In the study, researchers in 12 cities took 390 samples from volunteers’ hands and cellphones. They analyzed the samples to record the type and number of bacteria

they found. More than 90 percent of the phones and 80 percent of the hands had bacteria on them; 16 percent of the hands and phones harbored E. coli bacteria.

Ninety-five percent of the volunteers par-ticipating claimed they washed their hands with soap whenever possible, but the re-searchers’ test results proved otherwise. There are many people who do not wash their hands often enough, the proper way or for the recommended length of time.

If interested in knowing about the risk a cellular device could have on your health, take the quick quiz at http://theoatmeal.com/quiz/phone_germs.

Depending on how much bacteria a per-son is exposed to, how strong their immune system is and how often germs are spread, a cellphone can cause illness.

The bacteria can easily be killed by wiping it down with an antibacterial wipe or cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. It’s recom-mended to clean the phone every few days.

Throughout Joint Base San Antonio bath-rooms and medical facilities, there are signs stating, “A germ is a terrible thing to spread.” These signs give directions for proper hand hygiene. By following these instructions and maintaining proper cellphone hygiene, a per-son can lessen their risk of illness this year.

SPORTS - HEALTH - FITNESSSportsBRIEFS

Youth sports registrationRegistration for the follow-

ing youth sports runs Wednes-day through Wednesday. All youth must have a current physical, immunizations and a sports registration form on file. The cost is $45 per child.

• T-Ball (co-ed) for youth 5-6 years old (must be 5 years old by March 15)

• Coach Pitch (co-ed) for youth ages 7-8

• Boys' baseball or girls' softball for youth ages 9-18

Li'l Renegades basketball Li'l Renegades is a parent/child program that helps 3- and 4-year-old children build confidence while learning basic basketball skills. Regis-ter at Youth Programs, Bldg. 585, through Wednesday. The cost is $40 per child, and the program runs for six weeks beginning in March.

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

Randolph Oaks Golf Course652-4570• Youth golf special

Youth (18 & younger) can golf with their parents (or an adult) Monday-Friday (no holidays) at 4 p.m. for only $2. Adults golfing with youth pay only $3.• Wi-Fi connected

The club house is wired for wireless internet so patrons can take care of business while enjoying something great to eat and drink.• Green fees

Just a friendly reminder to all of the annual greens fee members, it’s time to renew your membership.

Cellphones carry infectious bacteria

CONTEST from P3

Claire Jones, singing “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, placed first in the Children category at the You Got Talent Family Teen Talent Contest at the base Airman and Fam-ily Readiness Center Feb. 17.

Katryna Marttala, singing “Listen” by Beyonce, placed first in the Pre-Teen Solo category at the You Got Talent Family Teen Talent Contest at the base Airman and Family Readiness Center Feb. 17.

Photos by Rich McFadden

FEBRUARY 24, 2012PAGE 10 WINGSPREAD