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

L A C K L A N D A I R F O R C E B A S E , T E X A S • w w w. l a c k l a n d . a f . m i l • V o l . 6 8 N o . 2 9 • J U LY 2 3 , 2 0 1 0

INSIDECommentary 2

Recognition 6

What’s Happening 26

News & Features

Golden Knights 5

Clothing store relocation 13

Starbase Kelly 16

Intramural golf 28

View the Talespinner onlineat www.lackland.af.mil

By Master Sgt. Paul KilgallonAir Education and Training Command Public Affairs

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE – Morethan 300 Airmen from across AirEducation and Training Command gath-ered in a formal ceremony at theGateway Club on Lackland July 16 toinduct Gen. Stephen Lorenz, AirEducation and Training Command com-mander, into the Order of the Sword.

General Lorenz is the sixth leaderAETC Airmen have chosen for the honor.

The general was informed of his nomi-nation when speaking to a class at theAirman Leadership School. When hewalked into the classroom, he was met byChief Master Sgt. Robert Tappana, AETCCommand Chief Master Sergeant, severalother chief master sergeants and thegeneral’s wife, Leslie. There they readthe official invitation stating the Airmenof AETC wished to induct him into theOrder of the Sword.

“I was just speechless,” GeneralLorenz said. “I was very surprised, andam privileged to be honored by the mostprofessional force in the entire world, thenumber one enlisted force in the entireworld. It is just an amazing feeling, and Iam just humbled.”

During his remarks at the ceremony,General Lorenz, the driving force behindthe Community College of the Air Force’sGeneral Education Mobile Program, said,“The enlisted force today reflects the his-tory of the United States Air Force andservice members today stand on theshoulders of giants.”

The general’s message to the gatheredenlisted Airmen also covered the ser-vice’s foundation in the Army Air Corpsand the Army Air Service.

“Over the years our service and ourpeople have become more and more pro-fessional and more and more educated,”

he said. “With three generations in theAir Force today, each generation bringsdifferent talents and experiences to thefight.

“Today our Air Force is the best in thehistory of our force,” added GeneralLorenz, who transformed Air Universityinto streamlined centers for professionaleducation, research and doctrinal devel-opment. “This is because of our brightyoung noncommissioned officers andAirman corps.

“We take bright, shiny, youngAmericans, send them to basic militarytraining and then technical training toget education and experience, and thenwe send them off today in harm’s way

around the world.”The general said he is impressed when

he looks at the younger generation intoday’s Air Force.

“They are making such a difference inAfghanistan, Iraq, the Horn of Africa,and around the world; they are soimpressive and professional on how theydo things,” General Lorenz said. “Thethings they are doing today are shapingthe future of the world and not just thefuture of our country.”

During the ceremony, Chief Tappanaexplained to the general why he was cho-sen for the Order of the Sword. He said

Photo by Joel MartinezGen. Stephen Lorenz, commander, Air Education and Training Command, and his wife, Leslie, arriveJuly 16 at the Lackland Gateway Club for his induction into the Order of the Sword. The Order of theSword is the highest honor and tribute noncommissioned officers can bestow upon an individual.General Lorenz is only the sixth leader chosen by AETC noncommissioned officers to receive the sword.

AETC inducts newest member into Order of the Sword

See ORDER P4

By Brent Boller502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Imagine a day when you turn on thewater faucet and nothing comes out. Thewater resource many people take forgranted suddenly becomes scarce.

That’s a dire scenario, but withoutproper conservation of this life-perpetu-ating resource, the future availability ofwater may become enormously stressed –particularly with the population growthwe’re experiencing in the San Antonioarea. Consider also, the increased mis-sions and infrastructure that Joint BaseSan Antonio are now supporting, mostnotably at Fort Sam Houston.

The new JBSA drought managementplan addresses the executive orderswhich outline goals for federal agencieswith respect to water conservationefforts. Our need to pursue conservationand eliminate unnecessary uses of wateris more important than ever to ensurethe future health of JBSA. Moreover,water conservation is critical to thenation’s security. JBSA has been directedto reduce water consumption by 2 per-cent a year through the end of FiscalYear 2020.

Recently the San Antonio area hasreceived plentiful rainfall. That hasbrought the Edwards Aquifer well abovethe stage where the San Antonio WaterSystem drought restrictions kick in. Therestrictions limit water use based on thespecific levels of the aquifer. And whilewe are not dealing with a drought rightnow, anyone who has lived in SouthTexas for an extended time knows thatcould change quickly.

JBSA military members, civilians andhousing residents are urged to use waterresponsibly and efficiently. There aremany conservation measures that can beapplied to our daily routines. You maythink they make little difference, buttaken in their totality, the results wouldbe enormous.

Consider some of the following tipsprovided by our civil engineers:• Verify that your facility is leak-free. Ifyou have a leaky faucet or pipe, report itto the facility manager for correction. Afaucet dripping at the rate of one drop

per second can waste 2,700 gallons ofwater per year.• Avoid unnecessary toilet flushes.Dispose of tissues, insects and other suchitems in a trash receptacle rather than inthe toilet.• Take shorter showers.• Turn off the water while shaving orwashing your face. Brush your teethwhile waiting for the water to get hot forface washing or shaving.• Wash full loads when doing laundryand properly set the water level for the

size of load.• Store drinking water in a refrigeratorrather than letting the tap water run toget a cool drink of water.• Report if toilet handle sticks in the flushposition.• Don’t run the hose while washing yourcar. Use a bucket of water and a quickhose rinse at the end.• Adjust your sprinklers so that waterlands on your lawn or garden where itbelongs.• Notify the facility manager of any dam-age or faulty water fixtures.

One of the many goals of the JBSADrought Management Plan is to help allcivilians, military members and residentsto recognize that the water our livesdepend on is a limited resource, and itmust be used wisely, responsibly and effi-ciently.

Each JBSA installation has a point ofcontact for water conservation effortsand questions. They are as follows:

At Lackland: Report water waste tothe water conservation hotline at 671-SAVE (7283). Report water leaks afterduty hours to the EmergencyManagement and Control System at 671-2288.

At Randolph AFB: For water conserva-tion questions contact the AssetManagement Office at 652-5205. Waterwaste and leaks should be reported tothe EMCS at 652-3151.

At Fort Sam Houston: For water wasteand conservation questions contact theFort Sam Houston Environmental Officeat 221-4842. Report water leaks ininstallation facilities other than militaryfamily housing to the 502nd CivilEngineer Squadron service call desk at221-3144. And report water leaks in mil-itary family housing to Lincoln MilitaryHousing at 225-5564.

We will soon post the JBSA DroughtManagement Plan on the 502nd Air BaseWing website at www.502abw.af.mil.Please take the time to download andread this plan.

Our attention to the most basic conser-vation measures can ensure that JBSAand the greater San Antonio communitycontinue to have access to an abundantsupply of water.

PAGE 3TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010TALESPINNERPAGE 2 JULY 23, 2010

YOAFF BLOCK PARTY SCHEDULED

A “Sizzling Summer Block Party” bythe 802nd Force Support Squadron is July30, 4:30-10:30 p.m., at the WarhawkFitness Center and pool.

The block party concludes the Year ofthe Air Force Family initiative, whichbegan Aug. 1, 2009 and ends July 31.

The family event, open to all basepersonnel, includes a pool party with adisc jockey, children’s activities, indoorsports activities for all ages in the fit-ness center, water games every hour, adunking booth, a unit/organization card-board boat race at 5 p.m., free food whileit lasts, and a G-rated outdoor movie atdusk.

For more information, call theWarhawk pool at 671-3445.

SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE FAIR

A Joint Base San Antonio specialneeds resource fair and activity day, pre-sented by Army and Air Force familymember programs, is Aug. 6, 10 a.m. to1:30 p.m., at Morgan’s Wonderland, 5523David Edwards Drive.

To attend the JBSA special needsresource fair and activity day at Morgan’sWonderland, interested persons can reg-ister at the following website: http://armypride.wufoo.com/forms/morgans-wonderland-resource-fair-and-activity-day/.

FREE BOOSTER SEATS AVAILABLE

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

Children will be weighed and meas-ured to determine if a booster seat isnecessary in accordance with a newTexas law.

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

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

For more information, call 671-3380.

NewsBRIEFS

COMMENTARY

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

COMMANDER

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

JOE BELA,CHIEF OF INTERNAL

COMMUNICATIONS, 671-4111

SHANNON CARABAJAL,MANAGING EDITOR, 671-1786

MIKE JOSEPH,STAFF WRITER, 671-4357

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

PAUL NOVAK,DESIGN/LAYOUT, 671-0478

Office:1701 Kenly Ave. Suite 102Lackland AFB, Texas78236-5103(210) 671-1786;(fax) 671-2022E-mail: 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 502nd Air BaseWing. All photos, unless otherwiseindicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.

Deadline for submissions isnoon Thursday the week prior topublication.

Make water conservation a priorityAquifer Level - Feet Above Sea LevelDetermines JBSA Water Conservation Stage

Aquifer level currently is 675.8 ft.

NEW HQ

Courtesy photo(Left to right) Robert Graves, 502nd Air Base Wing deputy commander; Dr. CEM Maxwell, San Antonio Joint Program Officedeputy director; Brig. Gen. Leonard Patrick, 502nd ABW commander; Frank Simas, Joint Project Management Office,Construction, Fort Worth; and Chief Master Sgt. Juan Lewis, 502nd ABW command chief, stand by their shovels duringgroundbreaking ceremonies for the new 502nd ABW headquarters building at Fort Sam Houston July 14.

The sons and daughters of JointBase San Antonio servicemembers willhave the opportunity to “deploy” Aug.13 to Camp Independence, a mockdeployment base on Lackland’sTraining Annex to get a glimpse at acommon part of military life.

In its fifth year, Operation JET, orJunior Expeditionary Team, gives chil-dren ages 7 and up the opportunity toexperience the deployment processfirst hand.

According to 2nd Lt. RachelLanehart, a readiness officer with the802nd Force Support Squadron,Operation JET teaches children aboutthe deployment process and gives thema glimpse into what their parents expe-rience once they are deployed.

The lieutenant said the children willengage in a mobility line and missionbriefing at Arnold Hall before “deploy-ing” to Camp Independence. Uponarrival at Camp Independence, atten-dees will negotiate the tactical courseand visit multiple displays and demon-strations provided by multiple unitsthroughout the base.

Operation JET is Aug. 13 from 8a.m. to 1 p.m. Participating childrenwill receive dog tags, a T-shirt, hat andother freebies. Registration is ongoingat the Airman and Family ReadinessCenter until Aug. 6.

The first 250 children to sign up willbe accepted, and there is no charge forthe program. For more information,call the AFRC at 671-3722.

Operation JET approaching

By Brent Boller502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Imagine a day when you turn on thewater faucet and nothing comes out. Thewater resource many people take forgranted suddenly becomes scarce.

That’s a dire scenario, but withoutproper conservation of this life-perpetu-ating resource, the future availability ofwater may become enormously stressed –particularly with the population growthwe’re experiencing in the San Antonioarea. Consider also, the increased mis-sions and infrastructure that Joint BaseSan Antonio are now supporting, mostnotably at Fort Sam Houston.

The new JBSA drought managementplan addresses the executive orderswhich outline goals for federal agencieswith respect to water conservationefforts. Our need to pursue conservationand eliminate unnecessary uses of wateris more important than ever to ensurethe future health of JBSA. Moreover,water conservation is critical to thenation’s security. JBSA has been directedto reduce water consumption by 2 per-cent a year through the end of FiscalYear 2020.

Recently the San Antonio area hasreceived plentiful rainfall. That hasbrought the Edwards Aquifer well abovethe stage where the San Antonio WaterSystem drought restrictions kick in. Therestrictions limit water use based on thespecific levels of the aquifer. And whilewe are not dealing with a drought rightnow, anyone who has lived in SouthTexas for an extended time knows thatcould change quickly.

JBSA military members, civilians andhousing residents are urged to use waterresponsibly and efficiently. There aremany conservation measures that can beapplied to our daily routines. You maythink they make little difference, buttaken in their totality, the results wouldbe enormous.

Consider some of the following tipsprovided by our civil engineers:• Verify that your facility is leak-free. Ifyou have a leaky faucet or pipe, report itto the facility manager for correction. Afaucet dripping at the rate of one drop

per second can waste 2,700 gallons ofwater per year.• Avoid unnecessary toilet flushes.Dispose of tissues, insects and other suchitems in a trash receptacle rather than inthe toilet.• Take shorter showers.• Turn off the water while shaving orwashing your face. Brush your teethwhile waiting for the water to get hot forface washing or shaving.• Wash full loads when doing laundryand properly set the water level for the

size of load.• Store drinking water in a refrigeratorrather than letting the tap water run toget a cool drink of water.• Report if toilet handle sticks in the flushposition.• Don’t run the hose while washing yourcar. Use a bucket of water and a quickhose rinse at the end.• Adjust your sprinklers so that waterlands on your lawn or garden where itbelongs.• Notify the facility manager of any dam-age or faulty water fixtures.

One of the many goals of the JBSADrought Management Plan is to help allcivilians, military members and residentsto recognize that the water our livesdepend on is a limited resource, and itmust be used wisely, responsibly and effi-ciently.

Each JBSA installation has a point ofcontact for water conservation effortsand questions. They are as follows:

At Lackland: Report water waste tothe water conservation hotline at 671-SAVE (7283). Report water leaks afterduty hours to the EmergencyManagement and Control System at 671-2288.

At Randolph AFB: For water conserva-tion questions contact the AssetManagement Office at 652-5205. Waterwaste and leaks should be reported tothe EMCS at 652-3151.

At Fort Sam Houston: For water wasteand conservation questions contact theFort Sam Houston Environmental Officeat 221-4842. Report water leaks ininstallation facilities other than militaryfamily housing to the 502nd CivilEngineer Squadron service call desk at221-3144. And report water leaks in mil-itary family housing to Lincoln MilitaryHousing at 225-5564.

We will soon post the JBSA DroughtManagement Plan on the 502nd Air BaseWing website at www.502abw.af.mil.Please take the time to download andread this plan.

Our attention to the most basic conser-vation measures can ensure that JBSAand the greater San Antonio communitycontinue to have access to an abundantsupply of water.

PAGE 3TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010TALESPINNERPAGE 2 JULY 23, 2010

YOAFF BLOCK PARTY SCHEDULED

A “Sizzling Summer Block Party” bythe 802nd Force Support Squadron is July30, 4:30-10:30 p.m., at the WarhawkFitness Center and pool.

The block party concludes the Year ofthe Air Force Family initiative, whichbegan Aug. 1, 2009 and ends July 31.

The family event, open to all basepersonnel, includes a pool party with adisc jockey, children’s activities, indoorsports activities for all ages in the fit-ness center, water games every hour, adunking booth, a unit/organization card-board boat race at 5 p.m., free food whileit lasts, and a G-rated outdoor movie atdusk.

For more information, call theWarhawk pool at 671-3445.

SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE FAIR

A Joint Base San Antonio specialneeds resource fair and activity day, pre-sented by Army and Air Force familymember programs, is Aug. 6, 10 a.m. to1:30 p.m., at Morgan’s Wonderland, 5523David Edwards Drive.

To attend the JBSA special needsresource fair and activity day at Morgan’sWonderland, interested persons can reg-ister at the following website: http://armypride.wufoo.com/forms/morgans-wonderland-resource-fair-and-activity-day/.

FREE BOOSTER SEATS AVAILABLE

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

Children will be weighed and meas-ured to determine if a booster seat isnecessary in accordance with a newTexas law.

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

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

For more information, call 671-3380.

NewsBRIEFS

COMMENTARY

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

COMMANDER

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

JOE BELA,CHIEF OF INTERNAL

COMMUNICATIONS, 671-4111

SHANNON CARABAJAL,MANAGING EDITOR, 671-1786

MIKE JOSEPH,STAFF WRITER, 671-4357

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

PAUL NOVAK,DESIGN/LAYOUT, 671-0478

Office:1701 Kenly Ave. Suite 102Lackland AFB, Texas78236-5103(210) 671-1786;(fax) 671-2022E-mail: 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 502nd Air BaseWing. All photos, unless otherwiseindicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.

Deadline for submissions isnoon Thursday the week prior topublication.

Make water conservation a priorityAquifer Level - Feet Above Sea LevelDetermines JBSA Water Conservation Stage

Aquifer level currently is 675.8 ft.

NEW HQ

Courtesy photo(Left to right) Robert Graves, 502nd Air Base Wing deputy commander; Dr. CEM Maxwell, San Antonio Joint Program Officedeputy director; Brig. Gen. Leonard Patrick, 502nd ABW commander; Frank Simas, Joint Project Management Office,Construction, Fort Worth; and Chief Master Sgt. Juan Lewis, 502nd ABW command chief, stand by their shovels duringgroundbreaking ceremonies for the new 502nd ABW headquarters building at Fort Sam Houston July 14.

The sons and daughters of JointBase San Antonio servicemembers willhave the opportunity to “deploy” Aug.13 to Camp Independence, a mockdeployment base on Lackland’sTraining Annex to get a glimpse at acommon part of military life.

In its fifth year, Operation JET, orJunior Expeditionary Team, gives chil-dren ages 7 and up the opportunity toexperience the deployment processfirst hand.

According to 2nd Lt. RachelLanehart, a readiness officer with the802nd Force Support Squadron,Operation JET teaches children aboutthe deployment process and gives thema glimpse into what their parents expe-rience once they are deployed.

The lieutenant said the children willengage in a mobility line and missionbriefing at Arnold Hall before “deploy-ing” to Camp Independence. Uponarrival at Camp Independence, atten-dees will negotiate the tactical courseand visit multiple displays and demon-strations provided by multiple unitsthroughout the base.

Operation JET is Aug. 13 from 8a.m. to 1 p.m. Participating childrenwill receive dog tags, a T-shirt, hat andother freebies. Registration is ongoingat the Airman and Family ReadinessCenter until Aug. 6.

The first 250 children to sign up willbe accepted, and there is no charge forthe program. For more information,call the AFRC at 671-3722.

Operation JET approaching

TALESPINNERPAGE 4 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 5TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

Golden Knights drop in on AirFest 2010By 1st Lt. Natassia Cherne502nd ABW OL-A Public Affairs

The Golden Knights, the Army parachute team,will perform their heart-pounding aerial antics atLackland AirFest 2010 Nov. 6-7 at the historicKelly Field Annex flight line.

Gates for AirFest 2010 will open from 9 a.m. to5 p.m.

Originally known as the U.S. Army ParachuteTeam, the Golden Knights were formed in 1959 byAirborne Soldiers from various military units withthe intent of competing during the Cold War.

This new U.S. All-Army team swept the interna-tional competition circuit, in what was then theSoviet dominated sport of skydiving. Later thatyear, the newly formed team performed their firstdemonstration in Danville, Va.

These days, the Golden Knights do more thanperform at air shows, compete on an internationallevel and perform high-profile tandems. They alsovisit high schools and work with local recruitersshowing young adults what type of opportunitiesthe Army has for them.

“Lackland is excited to have the Golden Knightsperform at our AirFest, because they always put

on a great performance and exude military pro-fessionalism,” said Lt. Col. Robert Montes, AirFestDirector.

The Golden Knights have grown to a team of 91Soldiers who still reside at the “home of theAirborne,” Fort Bragg, N.C.

The team has performed more than 15,000shows in 48 countries and all 50 states, reachingmore than 20,000 people per show.

Having won 450 national championships, 91world championships, 20 national and 10 worldtitles in formation skydiving, they have earned thetitle “Golden Knights.”

“It ’s important for the community of SanAntonio to see an act like the U.S. Army GoldenKnights at our Lackland event because we areJoint Base San Antonio and we support our sisterservices any way we can,” said Colonel Montes.

During the air show, the Golden Knights willdemonstrate the maneuverability of the humanbody while falling from the sky at 120 mph.

The team will also perform four formations,including the cutaway maneuver, to show whatwould happen if a jumper’s parachute malfunc-tioned.

With security being Lackland’s No. 1 priority,visitors will be prohibited from bringing concealedweapons, ice chests, backpacks, large bags, alco-hol, skates and skateboards.

These items must be left in the vehicle. Pets,with the exception of assistance or guide dogs,will not be allowed at the event.

Courtesy photoThe Golden Knights, the Army parachute team, havebeen wowing audiences at air shows and competitionsfor more than 50 years. The Golden Knights will performtheir heart-pounding aerial antics at Lackland AirFest2010 Nov. 6-7.

the sword is given only todeserving leaders; and therecipient must not only be anamazing leader, but alsodemonstrate an unrelentingdedication to the enlistedcorps.

“General Lorenz has along record of taking care ofenlisted people – especiallyduring his t ime at AirUniversity and while com-manding AETC,” ChiefTappana said. “Under hiswatch, we have seen the cre-ation of the Air University’sAssociate to Bachelor coop-erative. Enlisted Airmenused to struggle to getdegrees; they now have afully transportable programwith 40 universities that takeall of our Community Collegeof the Air Force credits.”

Presentation of the Orderof the Sword is important for

enlisted Airmen, ChiefTappana said, because it isthe way Airmen say “thankyou” and recognize out-standing leadership.

“Enlisted people and offi-cers decades from now willlook back and reflect on hisrecord and his contributionsto our Air Force,” ChiefTappana added. “He is a partof Air Force history, and Ithink it is important that thisrecognition come from us(the Airmen of AETC).”

General Lorenz said he istruly humbled to be selectedfor this honor.

“Every Airman out there,every chief, master and tech-nical sergeant, who thissword represents, needs tocontinue to strive for excel-lence,” he said. “Althoughyou don’t always get anaward for that, the greatestaward you get is knowledgeof service to the nation and

service to other people.”The general told the audi-

ence that one of his favoritephotographs is one of a chiefmaster sergeant deployed toBalad Air Base, Iraq, whocame back night after nightto comfort a baby shot byanti-Iraqi forces.

“To me that representedhis service to the nation andto the Air Force, and that iswhat it’s all about,” GeneralLorenz said. “That chief tome is the epitome of whatour NCO corps is all about ...service to others. He made adifference in that baby’s lifeand that chief made a differ-ence in my life – for he rep-resents all that is good inAmerica.”

General Lorenz’s father,Col. (ret ired) J. EdwardLorenz, who was enlistedduring World War II, sharedhis pride in his son’s selec-tion.

“He has worked withenlisted personnel all of hiscareer, from being an air-craft commander, flight com-mander, squadron com-mander, group and wingcommander and so forth,”Colonel Lorenz said. “I thinkhe has worked really hard,and I am glad to hear thatAETC Airmen selected himfor this high honor.”

Colonel Lorenz said hisson’s first introductions toenlisted personnel were as aBoy Scout and playing inLittle League Baseball.

“The coaches and the BoyScout leaders worked withhim and I think that’s wherehe got his first appreciationfor the enlisted members inthe Air Force,” he said.

“This provided him withan incentive to become aleader, and I think this wasinstrumental in his decidingto become a military officer

and to make the military hiscareer.”

Colonel Lorenz recalledhis son always being a goodleader and deciding a longtime ago that he wanted tojoin the Air Force and attendthe Air Force Academy.

“When I was going to mis-si le school at Lowry AirForce Base, he came down tospend a weekend at the AirForce Academy with a friendof his,” Colonel Lorenz said.“He decided that he wantedto go to that school, and henever deterred. He showedleadership while at theAcademy, and he was laterselected to be a cadetsquadron commander.

“He follows the core val-ues of the Air Force:Integrity, Service Before Self,and Excellence in everythingyou do, which characterizethe person he has become,”the proud father said.

ORDER from P1

TALESPINNERPAGE 4 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 5TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

Golden Knights drop in on AirFest 2010By 1st Lt. Natassia Cherne502nd ABW OL-A Public Affairs

The Golden Knights, the Army parachute team,will perform their heart-pounding aerial antics atLackland AirFest 2010 Nov. 6-7 at the historicKelly Field Annex flight line.

Gates for AirFest 2010 will open from 9 a.m. to5 p.m.

Originally known as the U.S. Army ParachuteTeam, the Golden Knights were formed in 1959 byAirborne Soldiers from various military units withthe intent of competing during the Cold War.

This new U.S. All-Army team swept the interna-tional competition circuit, in what was then theSoviet dominated sport of skydiving. Later thatyear, the newly formed team performed their firstdemonstration in Danville, Va.

These days, the Golden Knights do more thanperform at air shows, compete on an internationallevel and perform high-profile tandems. They alsovisit high schools and work with local recruitersshowing young adults what type of opportunitiesthe Army has for them.

“Lackland is excited to have the Golden Knightsperform at our AirFest, because they always put

on a great performance and exude military pro-fessionalism,” said Lt. Col. Robert Montes, AirFestDirector.

The Golden Knights have grown to a team of 91Soldiers who still reside at the “home of theAirborne,” Fort Bragg, N.C.

The team has performed more than 15,000shows in 48 countries and all 50 states, reachingmore than 20,000 people per show.

Having won 450 national championships, 91world championships, 20 national and 10 worldtitles in formation skydiving, they have earned thetitle “Golden Knights.”

“It ’s important for the community of SanAntonio to see an act like the U.S. Army GoldenKnights at our Lackland event because we areJoint Base San Antonio and we support our sisterservices any way we can,” said Colonel Montes.

During the air show, the Golden Knights willdemonstrate the maneuverability of the humanbody while falling from the sky at 120 mph.

The team will also perform four formations,including the cutaway maneuver, to show whatwould happen if a jumper’s parachute malfunc-tioned.

With security being Lackland’s No. 1 priority,visitors will be prohibited from bringing concealedweapons, ice chests, backpacks, large bags, alco-hol, skates and skateboards.

These items must be left in the vehicle. Pets,with the exception of assistance or guide dogs,will not be allowed at the event.

Courtesy photoThe Golden Knights, the Army parachute team, havebeen wowing audiences at air shows and competitionsfor more than 50 years. The Golden Knights will performtheir heart-pounding aerial antics at Lackland AirFest2010 Nov. 6-7.

the sword is given only todeserving leaders; and therecipient must not only be anamazing leader, but alsodemonstrate an unrelentingdedication to the enlistedcorps.

“General Lorenz has along record of taking care ofenlisted people – especiallyduring his t ime at AirUniversity and while com-manding AETC,” ChiefTappana said. “Under hiswatch, we have seen the cre-ation of the Air University’sAssociate to Bachelor coop-erative. Enlisted Airmenused to struggle to getdegrees; they now have afully transportable programwith 40 universities that takeall of our Community Collegeof the Air Force credits.”

Presentation of the Orderof the Sword is important for

enlisted Airmen, ChiefTappana said, because it isthe way Airmen say “thankyou” and recognize out-standing leadership.

“Enlisted people and offi-cers decades from now willlook back and reflect on hisrecord and his contributionsto our Air Force,” ChiefTappana added. “He is a partof Air Force history, and Ithink it is important that thisrecognition come from us(the Airmen of AETC).”

General Lorenz said he istruly humbled to be selectedfor this honor.

“Every Airman out there,every chief, master and tech-nical sergeant, who thissword represents, needs tocontinue to strive for excel-lence,” he said. “Althoughyou don’t always get anaward for that, the greatestaward you get is knowledgeof service to the nation and

service to other people.”The general told the audi-

ence that one of his favoritephotographs is one of a chiefmaster sergeant deployed toBalad Air Base, Iraq, whocame back night after nightto comfort a baby shot byanti-Iraqi forces.

“To me that representedhis service to the nation andto the Air Force, and that iswhat it’s all about,” GeneralLorenz said. “That chief tome is the epitome of whatour NCO corps is all about ...service to others. He made adifference in that baby’s lifeand that chief made a differ-ence in my life – for he rep-resents all that is good inAmerica.”

General Lorenz’s father,Col. (ret ired) J. EdwardLorenz, who was enlistedduring World War II, sharedhis pride in his son’s selec-tion.

“He has worked withenlisted personnel all of hiscareer, from being an air-craft commander, flight com-mander, squadron com-mander, group and wingcommander and so forth,”Colonel Lorenz said. “I thinkhe has worked really hard,and I am glad to hear thatAETC Airmen selected himfor this high honor.”

Colonel Lorenz said hisson’s first introductions toenlisted personnel were as aBoy Scout and playing inLittle League Baseball.

“The coaches and the BoyScout leaders worked withhim and I think that’s wherehe got his first appreciationfor the enlisted members inthe Air Force,” he said.

“This provided him withan incentive to become aleader, and I think this wasinstrumental in his decidingto become a military officer

and to make the military hiscareer.”

Colonel Lorenz recalledhis son always being a goodleader and deciding a longtime ago that he wanted tojoin the Air Force and attendthe Air Force Academy.

“When I was going to mis-si le school at Lowry AirForce Base, he came down tospend a weekend at the AirForce Academy with a friendof his,” Colonel Lorenz said.“He decided that he wantedto go to that school, and henever deterred. He showedleadership while at theAcademy, and he was laterselected to be a cadetsquadron commander.

“He follows the core val-ues of the Air Force:Integrity, Service Before Self,and Excellence in everythingyou do, which characterizethe person he has become,”the proud father said.

ORDER from P1

TALESPINNERPAGE 6 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 7TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

BMT HONORSCongratulations to the fol-

lowing 66 Airmen for beingselected as honor graduatesamong 707 trainees graduat-ing today:

320th Training SquadronFlight 491Charles FilholmEvan GodwinThomas HagenChristopher JonesAnthony LeeJoseph MorganFlight 492Troy CyrJarrod Neujahr

321st Training SquadronFlight 497Brett AbramChristopher BrownMichael ChervanikElias Gallardo-BaezBrian Large

Terrel MinorConnor RichersonMichael TolmanFlight 498Kaili HowardNicole Lauby

322nd Training SquadronFlight 493Scott BunkerChristopher CornellJacob MehlinJustin PalmerKyle RodgersJoshua SantamariaNeil UngsonFlight 494Danielle FifisNicole GummRenee LangmeyerAndrea LiechtiBrittany MarreroAmanda MerrillJayne MitchellRandi Wagner

323rd Training SquadronFlight 501Jon HartBud HolmesCharles PorterStanford RichChristopher WalkerFlight 502Lindsee BeasleyKrista MillerBrittany O’NealCatherine Reynolds

324th Training SquadronFlight 499Steven SetonAdam ShinnBrandon SiegelAndrew SimmonsDylan Steen-RasmussenRodney YolangcoFlight 500Jared CallahamAnthony CassinoTravis Inman

Levi Jacobson-HagaRoyce MachadoChristopher OldenJon TolericoJoel Uptain

326th Training SquadronFlight 495Matthew Matlock

331st Training SquadronFlight 489Thomas HullVaughn JordanEric KellerThomas MitchumSteven PowellStephen QuinonesOrinn WilliamsFlight 490Wayne CampbellJohn Weber

Top BMT AirmanBud Holmes, 323rd TRS,

Flight 501

Most Physically FitMale AirmenVaughn Jordan, 331st TRS,Flight 489Alexander Hedgecock, 320thTRS, Flight 491

Female AirmenMichelle King, 323rd TRS,Flight 502Brittany O’Neal, 323rd TRS,Flight 502

Male Flights323rd TRS, Flight 501326th TRS, Flight 495Female Flights323rd TRS, Flight 502322nd TRS, Flight 494

Top Academic Flights323rd TRS, Flight 501320th TRS, Flight 491

By Kathryn Easter359th Medical Group

There’s a new threat called Spice, also knownas K2, and it has been sold over-the-counter,online and in smart shops in Europe, Canada andother parts of the world since about 2002, pur-portedly as incense.

Spice is an olive-colored plant material that canbe laced with synthetic cannabinoid mimickingcompounds that are a 100 to 800 times morepotent than natural tetrahydrocannabinol, themost active ingredient in marijuana.

Kathryn Easter, 359th Medical OperationsSquadron demand reduction program manager,says that even though the manufacturer warnsagainst ingestion, it is usually smoked for itscannabis-like effects, which are believed to becaused by the mixture of synthetic cannabinoiddrugs. Several different “flavors” are sold, whichhave been shown to contain different proportionsof the synthetic cannabinoid active ingredients,and reportedly produce subtly different effects.Common brand names are Silver Spice, Diamond

Spice, Yucatan Fire Spice, PEPspice and Fire n’ Ice.

According to a Drug AlertReport from south FloridaIntel l igence Center, therewere about a dozen cases in theUnited States, but then it reallyblossomed in recent years. While Missouri isthe epicenter, it’s spreading in other Midwesterncities and states. More than 100 pounds of Spicewere seized in January 2009 in Dayton, Ohio froma shipment bound for Florida. Poison Centersnationwide have reported 352 cases in 35 statessince the initial report. At a presentation by theNaval Criminal Investigative Service, it wasreported that 15 sailors were discharged for useof Spice in July 2009, after the U.S. Naval ForcesJapan commander signed a Prohibited SubstanceInstruction which bans the use of alternativedrugs.

The Drug Alert Report goes on to report thatthe adverse effects of smoking the drug are simi-lar to the effects of marijuana use. Users treatedat hospitals often have rapid heart rate, danger-

ously high blood pressure and some-times hallucinations or paranoia. In

addition, those who smoke Spicemay tend to have many of the

same respiratory problemsthat tobacco smokers have.

Continued smoking canlead to abnormal function-

ing of lung tissue injured ordestroyed by the cannabis-like

smoke. Each bag of Spice could con-tain a different mix of the synthetic

chemical substances. Regardless of theTHC content, the amount of tar inhaled by Spicesmokers and the level of carbon monoxideabsorbed are three to five times greater thanamong tobacco smokers.

Although Spice is not illegal, military membersare reminded that according to AFI 36-3208, drugabuse is incompatible with military service andAirmen who abuse drugs are subject to dischargefor misconduct. Brig. Gen. Leonard Patrick, 502nd

Spice threatens health, careers

See SPICE P22

Chief MasterSgt. Craig How-ell: Robert D.Gaylor NCOAcademy com-mandantDate assumedcommand: July7Previous as-signment: FirstSergeant, 437th Air-craft MaintenanceSquadron, CharlestonAFB, S.C.Time in service: 26.5yearsFamily: WifeHobbies: Classic cars,motorcycles, wood-workingWhy the Gaylor NCOAcademy is importantto the Air Force mis-sion: We prepare thefirst level of managersto become leaders.NCOs are called uponto be more than just

technical ex-perts; theymust also bemother, father,counselor andmentor.Our staff helpsr e i n v i g o r a t eour NCO lead-ers by remind-ing them of

their responsibilities. Inaddition, we also culti-vate new behaviors andmindsets by introduc-ing new principles andconcepts of leadershipand teamwork.Command philosophy:Practice what youpreach. No one can beconsidered a leader ofAirmen if he or shecannot lead themselves.Goals for new position:Continue to build on thelegacy of excellence leftby previous comman-dants.

Robert D. Gaylor NCO Academywelcomes new commandant

Chief Master Sgt.Craig Howell

GLOBAL MEDIC 2010

Photo by Staff Sgt. Donald AllenStaff Sgt. Ricardo Lopez, 433rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, makes connections to a 1000 kilowattmobile generator during Global Medic 2010 at Bush Field, Augusta, Ga., July 12. Global Medic is a joint fieldtraining exercise for Theater Aeromedical Evacuation System and ground medical components designed toreplicate all aspects of combat medical service support allowing participating units to train as they fight. Theexercise involves reserve units from the Army and Air Force.

TALESPINNERPAGE 6 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 7TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

BMT HONORSCongratulations to the fol-

lowing 66 Airmen for beingselected as honor graduatesamong 707 trainees graduat-ing today:

320th Training SquadronFlight 491Charles FilholmEvan GodwinThomas HagenChristopher JonesAnthony LeeJoseph MorganFlight 492Troy CyrJarrod Neujahr

321st Training SquadronFlight 497Brett AbramChristopher BrownMichael ChervanikElias Gallardo-BaezBrian Large

Terrel MinorConnor RichersonMichael TolmanFlight 498Kaili HowardNicole Lauby

322nd Training SquadronFlight 493Scott BunkerChristopher CornellJacob MehlinJustin PalmerKyle RodgersJoshua SantamariaNeil UngsonFlight 494Danielle FifisNicole GummRenee LangmeyerAndrea LiechtiBrittany MarreroAmanda MerrillJayne MitchellRandi Wagner

323rd Training SquadronFlight 501Jon HartBud HolmesCharles PorterStanford RichChristopher WalkerFlight 502Lindsee BeasleyKrista MillerBrittany O’NealCatherine Reynolds

324th Training SquadronFlight 499Steven SetonAdam ShinnBrandon SiegelAndrew SimmonsDylan Steen-RasmussenRodney YolangcoFlight 500Jared CallahamAnthony CassinoTravis Inman

Levi Jacobson-HagaRoyce MachadoChristopher OldenJon TolericoJoel Uptain

326th Training SquadronFlight 495Matthew Matlock

331st Training SquadronFlight 489Thomas HullVaughn JordanEric KellerThomas MitchumSteven PowellStephen QuinonesOrinn WilliamsFlight 490Wayne CampbellJohn Weber

Top BMT AirmanBud Holmes, 323rd TRS,

Flight 501

Most Physically FitMale AirmenVaughn Jordan, 331st TRS,Flight 489Alexander Hedgecock, 320thTRS, Flight 491

Female AirmenMichelle King, 323rd TRS,Flight 502Brittany O’Neal, 323rd TRS,Flight 502

Male Flights323rd TRS, Flight 501326th TRS, Flight 495Female Flights323rd TRS, Flight 502322nd TRS, Flight 494

Top Academic Flights323rd TRS, Flight 501320th TRS, Flight 491

By Kathryn Easter359th Medical Group

There’s a new threat called Spice, also knownas K2, and it has been sold over-the-counter,online and in smart shops in Europe, Canada andother parts of the world since about 2002, pur-portedly as incense.

Spice is an olive-colored plant material that canbe laced with synthetic cannabinoid mimickingcompounds that are a 100 to 800 times morepotent than natural tetrahydrocannabinol, themost active ingredient in marijuana.

Kathryn Easter, 359th Medical OperationsSquadron demand reduction program manager,says that even though the manufacturer warnsagainst ingestion, it is usually smoked for itscannabis-like effects, which are believed to becaused by the mixture of synthetic cannabinoiddrugs. Several different “flavors” are sold, whichhave been shown to contain different proportionsof the synthetic cannabinoid active ingredients,and reportedly produce subtly different effects.Common brand names are Silver Spice, Diamond

Spice, Yucatan Fire Spice, PEPspice and Fire n’ Ice.

According to a Drug AlertReport from south FloridaIntel l igence Center, therewere about a dozen cases in theUnited States, but then it reallyblossomed in recent years. While Missouri isthe epicenter, it’s spreading in other Midwesterncities and states. More than 100 pounds of Spicewere seized in January 2009 in Dayton, Ohio froma shipment bound for Florida. Poison Centersnationwide have reported 352 cases in 35 statessince the initial report. At a presentation by theNaval Criminal Investigative Service, it wasreported that 15 sailors were discharged for useof Spice in July 2009, after the U.S. Naval ForcesJapan commander signed a Prohibited SubstanceInstruction which bans the use of alternativedrugs.

The Drug Alert Report goes on to report thatthe adverse effects of smoking the drug are simi-lar to the effects of marijuana use. Users treatedat hospitals often have rapid heart rate, danger-

ously high blood pressure and some-times hallucinations or paranoia. In

addition, those who smoke Spicemay tend to have many of the

same respiratory problemsthat tobacco smokers have.

Continued smoking canlead to abnormal function-

ing of lung tissue injured ordestroyed by the cannabis-like

smoke. Each bag of Spice could con-tain a different mix of the synthetic

chemical substances. Regardless of theTHC content, the amount of tar inhaled by Spicesmokers and the level of carbon monoxideabsorbed are three to five times greater thanamong tobacco smokers.

Although Spice is not illegal, military membersare reminded that according to AFI 36-3208, drugabuse is incompatible with military service andAirmen who abuse drugs are subject to dischargefor misconduct. Brig. Gen. Leonard Patrick, 502nd

Spice threatens health, careers

See SPICE P22

Chief MasterSgt. Craig How-ell: Robert D.Gaylor NCOAcademy com-mandantDate assumedcommand: July7Previous as-signment: FirstSergeant, 437th Air-craft MaintenanceSquadron, CharlestonAFB, S.C.Time in service: 26.5yearsFamily: WifeHobbies: Classic cars,motorcycles, wood-workingWhy the Gaylor NCOAcademy is importantto the Air Force mis-sion: We prepare thefirst level of managersto become leaders.NCOs are called uponto be more than just

technical ex-perts; theymust also bemother, father,counselor andmentor.Our staff helpsr e i n v i g o r a t eour NCO lead-ers by remind-ing them of

their responsibilities. Inaddition, we also culti-vate new behaviors andmindsets by introduc-ing new principles andconcepts of leadershipand teamwork.Command philosophy:Practice what youpreach. No one can beconsidered a leader ofAirmen if he or shecannot lead themselves.Goals for new position:Continue to build on thelegacy of excellence leftby previous comman-dants.

Robert D. Gaylor NCO Academywelcomes new commandant

Chief Master Sgt.Craig Howell

GLOBAL MEDIC 2010

Photo by Staff Sgt. Donald AllenStaff Sgt. Ricardo Lopez, 433rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, makes connections to a 1000 kilowattmobile generator during Global Medic 2010 at Bush Field, Augusta, Ga., July 12. Global Medic is a joint fieldtraining exercise for Theater Aeromedical Evacuation System and ground medical components designed toreplicate all aspects of combat medical service support allowing participating units to train as they fight. Theexercise involves reserve units from the Army and Air Force.

TALESPINNERPAGE 8 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 9TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

The new 802nd Mission Support Groupcommander, a former all-conference base-ball player in college, is swinging for thefences when it comes to customer service forthe group’s mission partners on Lackland.

Armed with the theme “Base SupportDone Right,” Col. Richard Houghton hasemphasized his message around the 802ndMSG and Lackland since taking command July 7.

“Customer service is definitely our No. 1 priori-ty,” Colonel Houghton said. “We’re taking care of awide range of customers with varied missions whoall need to have the facilities, security, communi-cation and personnel services to accomplish theirmission every day.

“I decided the first week my call sign would be‘Customer One’. (I look at everything we do onLackland from a customer’s point of view to see)how our team is providing service to the huge

array of missions here. I practice being acustomer daily; there are plenty of cus-tomers and plenty of chances for me to seeit through their eyes.”

It ’s been a whirlwind for ColonelHoughton in terms of meeting people,developing relationships, understandingprocesses, signing reams of paperworkand learning about the group’s squadrons.

“I need either a time machine or clonein order to get everything done I want to

accomplish,” he said with a laugh.For Colonel Houghton, his theme comes down to

two words: done right. The 802nd MSG aims tosatisfy the customer by providing high quality, effi-cient support that is done right the first time, ontime.

“If we’re doing it right, that’s exactly what Iwant to hear,” he said.

Colonel Houghton feels Joint Base San Antoniowill allow Lackland to benefit from efficiencies andthe commonality created by working with

Randolph Air Force Base and Fort Sam Houston.“We’re combining forces where it makes sense,

celebrating the best of all three installations andlearning from each other,” he said.

“Customer feedback is important to us, and jointbasing has a built-in scorecard on performance,cost and subjective assessments we’ll try to incor-porate with that feedback,” he added.

“We want to take it a step further and put out asmuch information as we can about how we’reimproving support, to show them what ‘BaseSupport Done Right’ means to us.”

When it comes to identifying better ways tomeet customer needs, he has help at home withhis wife, a former Air Force officer, and three chil-dren.

“They’re helping me be sensors,” ColonelHoughton said. “We’re all sensors on base andthat’s the point we make to our mission partners.We need them to tell us what we can do better sowe can do it. I intend on listening, then actingquickly.”

Houghton takes charge of 802nd MSG

Col. RichardHoughton

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

TALESPINNERPAGE 10 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 11TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

By Patrick DesmondStaff Writer

Lackland is expanding its onlinesocial media presence.

Social networking on the Internet isone of the most popular ways to gainup-to-the-minute news and connectwith others, as suggested byFacebook’s 400 million active usersand counting.

Base entities such as 502nd AirBase Wing Operating Location AlphaPublic Affairs and the 802nd ForceSupport Squadron are taking advan-tage of social media’s reach and imme-diacy to provide the Air Force commu-nity with news about the base andvenues to interact.

The 802nd FSS has had a Facebookpresence since October 2009 whilePublic Affairs added the social mediaplatform to the base website andnewspaper in May.

“Social networking is the marketingwave of the future,” said Debra Milner,

802nd FSS marketing director.The squadron’s Facebook page and

website, www.lacklandfss.com, pro-vide exposure to the many quality oflife programs and services offered onbase.

Their Facebook page can be foundat http://www.facebook.com/pages/L a c k l a n d - A i r - F o r c e - B a s e -TX/Lackland-Force-Support-Squadron/290295195166.

“We receive a lot of inquiries fromfamilies prior to their visit on (AirForce Basic Military Training) gradua-tion weekends,” Ms. Milner said. “Weare able to tell them about lodging,dining and recreational opportunitiesavailable to them during their stay atLackland.”

First Lt. Natassia Cherne, 502ndABW OL-A Public Affairs deputy chief,manages the Lackland Joint Base SanAntonio Facebook fan page andTwitter account, providing a generaloverview of the base: its mission, day-to-day operations and upcoming

events.Lieutenant Cherne agrees social

media is yet another way to communi-cate and interact with the base com-munity. Each site has its own meansand ends, she said.

Facebook is used to upload largerfiles such as videos and pictures, toprovide links to articles and to interactwith fans, while Twitter’s one-waycommunication is more like a textmessage to notify followers of currentactivities.

In addition to information, the lieu-tenant said people – especially parentsof BMT trainees – use the JBSA fanpage to exchange and gather informa-tion, offer social support and strength-en community ties with the Air Forceand Lackland.

The sites are closely monitored toensure unwanted activity is removed.

“Sometimes, there are issues withinappropriate wall postings and off-base business advertisements,” saidFaye Lorena, 802nd FSS visual infor-

mation specialist. “The site is checkeddaily to remove such items.”

Lieutenant Cherne checks the siteshourly, responding to comments andfacilitating discussions regularly.

“It gives us an opportunity to inter-act with people instantly,” she said.“That’s why it is so wonderful. You caninteract with so many people.”

Lieutenant Cherne created anAirFest 2010 Facebook page that goeslive July 26.

The site highlights the Novemberair show with real-time updatesthrough text, videos and pictures. Toaccess the page, search LacklandAirFest 2010 or go to the AirFest web-site and click on the Facebook tab.

Popularity in the platform also hasthe 802nd FSS looking to furtherexpand its online portfolio.

“Sites like Facebook provide aforum for people with common inter-ests to communicate,” Ms. Milner said.“We have (more than 500) fans, andthe number is growing daily.”

Base connects with community online

TALESPINNERPAGE 12 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 13TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

The new home of the Lackland military clothingsales store is the latest example of another successful“Extreme Makeover – Base Edition.”

Army and Air Force Exchange Services showed offthe clothing store’s new location at 1461 Patrick St., inBldg. 7037, with a ribbon-cutting ceremonyWednesday. The facility is south of the mini mall onthe base’s military training side.

The AAFES store was moved from Bldg. 6659,1520 Kirtland Drive. That building, MCSS’ home since1984, will be demolished in August to make way fornext year’s beginning construction on AirmanTraining Complex No. 3.

“I remember when it was a skating rink,” ShellyArmstrong, AAFES general manager, San Antonioexchange, said about the new MCSS. She had spentpart of her youth at Lackland when her father wasstationed on base.

“If you saw what it was before and then see it now,you’d think it’s not the same building,” Ms. Armstrongsaid.

In addition to being a skating rink at one time, thebuilding was also once used as a mini mall. It was lastoccupied by pets of Hurricane Katrina refugees inAugust 2005.

Working with Simplified Acquisition BaseEngineering Requirements (SABER), the structurewas designed for the clothing sales store’s needs whilemeeting new AAFES display standards.

“We gutted it and started over,” said Larry Adkison,SABER chief, 802nd Civil Engineer Squadron.“Basically, it’s a brand new building.”

Stripped to its shell, the $1.7 million, nearly year-long project included replacing the electrical system,air conditioning, plumbing, bathrooms and roof whileadding a new fire sprinkler system. The facility is nowhandicap accessible and meets standards set in theAmericans with Disabilities Act.

Ms. Armstrong said the staff was excited aboutmoving to the 19,425-square foot facility, which willalso include alteration services.

“The other building was an old dining facility thatwas turned into an MCSS,” Ms. Armstrong said. “Nowwe have a nice stock room without all the nooks andcrannies,” said Ms. Armstrong.

Clothing sales store relocates

Photo by Alan BoedekerMess dress display at the new Lackland MilitaryClothing Sales Store. The 19,425-square foot facilityalso features alteration services.

San Antonio Silver Stars Military Appreciation Night

The Silver Stars will honor military service members July 24, 7 p.m. at theAT&T Center when they host the Chicago Sky. The Lackland Drum and Bugle

Corps will perform. The Joint Service Color Guard will be on hand, andeveryone is invited to join in during the five-service medley. Military mem-

bers will also have an opportunity to play games for prizes. Discount ticketswill be available for purchase on game day at the northeast box office at theAT&T Center. Military I.D. cardholders will recieve 40 percent off the ticket

price except the $10 tickets.

TALESPINNERPAGE 12 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 13TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

The new home of the Lackland military clothingsales store is the latest example of another successful“Extreme Makeover – Base Edition.”

Army and Air Force Exchange Services showed offthe clothing store’s new location at 1461 Patrick St., inBldg. 7037, with a ribbon-cutting ceremonyWednesday. The facility is south of the mini mall onthe base’s military training side.

The AAFES store was moved from Bldg. 6659,1520 Kirtland Drive. That building, MCSS’ home since1984, will be demolished in August to make way fornext year’s beginning construction on AirmanTraining Complex No. 3.

“I remember when it was a skating rink,” ShellyArmstrong, AAFES general manager, San Antonioexchange, said about the new MCSS. She had spentpart of her youth at Lackland when her father wasstationed on base.

“If you saw what it was before and then see it now,you’d think it’s not the same building,” Ms. Armstrongsaid.

In addition to being a skating rink at one time, thebuilding was also once used as a mini mall. It was lastoccupied by pets of Hurricane Katrina refugees inAugust 2005.

Working with Simplified Acquisition BaseEngineering Requirements (SABER), the structurewas designed for the clothing sales store’s needs whilemeeting new AAFES display standards.

“We gutted it and started over,” said Larry Adkison,SABER chief, 802nd Civil Engineer Squadron.“Basically, it’s a brand new building.”

Stripped to its shell, the $1.7 million, nearly year-long project included replacing the electrical system,air conditioning, plumbing, bathrooms and roof whileadding a new fire sprinkler system. The facility is nowhandicap accessible and meets standards set in theAmericans with Disabilities Act.

Ms. Armstrong said the staff was excited aboutmoving to the 19,425-square foot facility, which willalso include alteration services.

“The other building was an old dining facility thatwas turned into an MCSS,” Ms. Armstrong said. “Nowwe have a nice stock room without all the nooks andcrannies,” said Ms. Armstrong.

Clothing sales store relocates

Photo by Alan BoedekerMess dress display at the new Lackland MilitaryClothing Sales Store. The 19,425-square foot facilityalso features alteration services.

San Antonio Silver Stars Military Appreciation Night

The Silver Stars will honor military service members July 24, 7 p.m. at theAT&T Center when they host the Chicago Sky. The Lackland Drum and Bugle

Corps will perform. The Joint Service Color Guard will be on hand, andeveryone is invited to join in during the five-service medley. Military mem-

bers will also have an opportunity to play games for prizes. Discount ticketswill be available for purchase on game day at the northeast box office at theAT&T Center. Military I.D. cardholders will recieve 40 percent off the ticket

price except the $10 tickets.

TALESPINNERPAGE 14 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 15TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

By Capt. John SevernsAETC Public Affairs

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE – Airmenwho want to participate in the Air Force’spremier academic and technical showcasecan now put a date on their calendars for the2011 Air Education and Training CommandSymposium and AETC Ball.

The two-day event, co-sponsored by theAlamo Chapter of the Air Force Association,will be held Jan. 20-21 at the Henry B.Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio,according to Mr. Jim Sturch, director of AETCEvent Planning and this year’s event.

“This will be the fifth year we’ve held theAETC Symposium, and every year it has got-ten better,” Mr. Sturch said. “The seminars

and discussion forums led by our educationand training experts offer Airmen a first-hand look at the cutting edge of Air Forcetraining and education, and literally providesa window to the future of our Air Force.”

The 2010 AETC Symposium featured morethan 100 seminars and was attended by3,700 Airmen from across the services,according to event organizers. Mr. Sturchsaid he expected similar numbers for the2011 symposium.

People interested in more informationabout the Symposium can visit www.aetcsymposium.com. Military units interestedin a booth at the expo can also register at thewebsite.

Attendee registration for the Symposiumwill open in early October.

Plans underway for 2011 AETC Symposium

Photo by Don LindseyThe 2011 Air Education and Training Command Symposium will beheld Jan. 20-21 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

By 2nd Lt. Denise Campbell59th Medical Wing Nutritional Medicine

During the summer months, families go to picnics,birthday parties, and other celebrations. Along withthe fun, there is also much concern among parents ofchildren with food allergies about how to approachthese situations.

Living with a food allergy does not have to restrictsummertime activities involving food. A few precau-tionary steps will ensure children stay safe whileenjoying the traditions of summer vacation.

According to the Food Allergy and AnaphylaxisNetwork, three million children in the U.S. have afood allergy, including one in 17 children under 3, themost affected age group.

A food allergy is different from a food intolerance.A food allergy occurs when the immune system reactsto a certain food. A child’s body thinks the food is aninvader, and reacts to it the same way it would to avirus or bacteria – his body will produce an antibody.

The body produces different antibodies dependingon what has invaded the body; for food allergens theantibody is called Immunoglobulin E.

IgE can cause reactions in three areas: the throatand lungs, with problems such as hay fever and asth-ma; the stomach and intestines, with an upset stom-

ach, diarrhea, and nausea; and the skin, resulting inhives, itching or swelling.

If a child has a severe food allergy, he may experi-ence a systemic reaction called anaphylaxis, whichcould be life-threatening. This can occur when heingests the food or, if the child is very sensitive, whenthe allergen touches the skin, or the dust or particlesof food are inhaled, such as peanut dust from a fresh-ly opened bag of peanuts.

Food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance orgluten intolerance, do not involve the immune systemand are not life-threatening.

Parents must know which foods their child is aller-gic to and the symptoms he suffers from.

Eight products account for 90 percent of food aller-gies in the U.S.: peanuts; tree nuts, such as almonds,walnuts, and pecans; milk; eggs; wheat; soy; fish andshellfish.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for food allergies.Some children may outgrow an allergy, but the onlyway to stop a child from having a reaction is toremove the allergen, and all foods that contain it,from his diet.

When removing foods from the child’s diet, speakwith a registered dietitian to ensure the child is stillgetting the correct balance of vitamins and mineralsfor proper growth and development; this is especially

necessary if the child has three or more allergies.Once a parent understands their child’s allergy and

a diagnosis is provided by a pediatrician or allergist, itis important to manage the food allergy.

Parents can plan ahead for summertime partiesand festivities, particularly if the child is at risk forhaving an anaphylactic reaction, by taking thesesteps.• Ask the host to see what is on the menu beforehand.• Make the host aware of their child’s food allergy.• Try to make allergy-friendly equivalents at home,such as dairy-free cupcakes or nut-free cookies, sothe child does not feel left out.• If a child is old enough to give himself an injection,have him practice using an injector without a needleso he is prepared in an emergency.• Invite the party hosts to practice with the trainer incase they need to give the child a shot.• Provide the host with doctor’s notes and emergencycontact phone numbers, along with a list of the child’scommon allergy symptoms.• When dining out, ask to speak with the restaurantmanager or cook to alert them of a child’s allergy, andhave them suggest menu items that will be allergy-friendly.

For more information, go to the The Food Allergyand Anaphylaxis Network at www.foodallergy.org.

Managing food allergies important during festivities

STOPUNDERAGEDRINKINGREPORT IT

BEFORE IT’STOO LATE

TALESPINNERPAGE 14 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 15TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

By Capt. John SevernsAETC Public Affairs

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE – Airmenwho want to participate in the Air Force’spremier academic and technical showcasecan now put a date on their calendars for the2011 Air Education and Training CommandSymposium and AETC Ball.

The two-day event, co-sponsored by theAlamo Chapter of the Air Force Association,will be held Jan. 20-21 at the Henry B.Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio,according to Mr. Jim Sturch, director of AETCEvent Planning and this year’s event.

“This will be the fifth year we’ve held theAETC Symposium, and every year it has got-ten better,” Mr. Sturch said. “The seminars

and discussion forums led by our educationand training experts offer Airmen a first-hand look at the cutting edge of Air Forcetraining and education, and literally providesa window to the future of our Air Force.”

The 2010 AETC Symposium featured morethan 100 seminars and was attended by3,700 Airmen from across the services,according to event organizers. Mr. Sturchsaid he expected similar numbers for the2011 symposium.

People interested in more informationabout the Symposium can visit www.aetcsymposium.com. Military units interestedin a booth at the expo can also register at thewebsite.

Attendee registration for the Symposiumwill open in early October.

Plans underway for 2011 AETC Symposium

Photo by Don LindseyThe 2011 Air Education and Training Command Symposium will beheld Jan. 20-21 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

By 2nd Lt. Denise Campbell59th Medical Wing Nutritional Medicine

During the summer months, families go to picnics,birthday parties, and other celebrations. Along withthe fun, there is also much concern among parents ofchildren with food allergies about how to approachthese situations.

Living with a food allergy does not have to restrictsummertime activities involving food. A few precau-tionary steps will ensure children stay safe whileenjoying the traditions of summer vacation.

According to the Food Allergy and AnaphylaxisNetwork, three million children in the U.S. have afood allergy, including one in 17 children under 3, themost affected age group.

A food allergy is different from a food intolerance.A food allergy occurs when the immune system reactsto a certain food. A child’s body thinks the food is aninvader, and reacts to it the same way it would to avirus or bacteria – his body will produce an antibody.

The body produces different antibodies dependingon what has invaded the body; for food allergens theantibody is called Immunoglobulin E.

IgE can cause reactions in three areas: the throatand lungs, with problems such as hay fever and asth-ma; the stomach and intestines, with an upset stom-

ach, diarrhea, and nausea; and the skin, resulting inhives, itching or swelling.

If a child has a severe food allergy, he may experi-ence a systemic reaction called anaphylaxis, whichcould be life-threatening. This can occur when heingests the food or, if the child is very sensitive, whenthe allergen touches the skin, or the dust or particlesof food are inhaled, such as peanut dust from a fresh-ly opened bag of peanuts.

Food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance orgluten intolerance, do not involve the immune systemand are not life-threatening.

Parents must know which foods their child is aller-gic to and the symptoms he suffers from.

Eight products account for 90 percent of food aller-gies in the U.S.: peanuts; tree nuts, such as almonds,walnuts, and pecans; milk; eggs; wheat; soy; fish andshellfish.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for food allergies.Some children may outgrow an allergy, but the onlyway to stop a child from having a reaction is toremove the allergen, and all foods that contain it,from his diet.

When removing foods from the child’s diet, speakwith a registered dietitian to ensure the child is stillgetting the correct balance of vitamins and mineralsfor proper growth and development; this is especially

necessary if the child has three or more allergies.Once a parent understands their child’s allergy and

a diagnosis is provided by a pediatrician or allergist, itis important to manage the food allergy.

Parents can plan ahead for summertime partiesand festivities, particularly if the child is at risk forhaving an anaphylactic reaction, by taking thesesteps.• Ask the host to see what is on the menu beforehand.• Make the host aware of their child’s food allergy.• Try to make allergy-friendly equivalents at home,such as dairy-free cupcakes or nut-free cookies, sothe child does not feel left out.• If a child is old enough to give himself an injection,have him practice using an injector without a needleso he is prepared in an emergency.• Invite the party hosts to practice with the trainer incase they need to give the child a shot.• Provide the host with doctor’s notes and emergencycontact phone numbers, along with a list of the child’scommon allergy symptoms.• When dining out, ask to speak with the restaurantmanager or cook to alert them of a child’s allergy, andhave them suggest menu items that will be allergy-friendly.

For more information, go to the The Food Allergyand Anaphylaxis Network at www.foodallergy.org.

Managing food allergies important during festivities

STOPUNDERAGEDRINKINGREPORT IT

BEFORE IT’STOO LATE

TALESPINNERPAGE 16 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 17TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

By Staff Sgt. Mareshah HaynesDefense Media Activity-San Antonio

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY- PANA-MA CITY, Fla. (AFNS) – It’s 3 a.m. inPanama City Beach, Fla. The baylooks like black liquid glass as themotor boat filled with combat con-trollers-in-training cuts through thewater.

The boat comes to the insertionpoint. Sitting on the edge of the boat,the Airmen fall backward over the

side and into the water when giventhe order.

They then begin their 3000-meterswim into the night. The Airmen arecombat controllers-in-trainingassigned to the 342nd TrainingSquadron Det. 2.

The event is just part of one of thetraining blocks in the Air ForceCombat Diver Course that combat res-cue officers, pararescuemen, combatcontrollers and special tactics officersgo through at the Naval Diving and

Salvage Training Center in PanamaCity Beach.

The NDSTC is the only military diveschool in the Department of Defense,and each branch of the armed servic-es and the Coast Guard has a detach-ment here to train their divers.

Because of the nature of specialoperations, controllers and specialtactics officers are often attached tounits from other branches of serviceand they must be able to infiltrate anarea by air, land and water.

“Combat controllers don’t deploywith other Air Force members,” saidStaff Sgt. Kaplan Petrik, a pararescue-man and combat dive instructor.“They deploy with the Army or theNavy and they have to be able to doeverything their Army and Navy coun-terparts are doing, and that includesdiving if they’re working with the(Navy) SEALs or Army Green Berets.”

The AFCDC consists of 20 days of

Photo by Staff Sgt. Desiree PalaciosAirmen assist their battle buddies with their dive gear before heading out for an early morning dive during their combat dive course at Panama Beach, Fla. The Airmen, whoare assigned to the 342nd Training Squadron, Detachment 2, are training to become combat controllers.

Airmen train from the air to the water

See AIR P23

Photos by Alan BoedekerStudents attending Starbase Kelly practice their flying skills on flight simulators July 15.The 433rd Airlift Wing sponsored two week-long camps aimed at teaching children aboutscience, math and technology through various demonstrations and tours.

A rocket launches successfully July 15 during the Starbase Kellyacademy. The academy included aircraft tours, scientific experi-ments, rocket building and launching, computer flight simulationand teamwork and goal-setting exercises.

Christopher Martinez assembles a rocket at Starbase Kelly July15. Starbase Kelly is part of Department of Defense Starbase, anational initiative funded by the Department of Defense tointerest school children in science, technology, engineering andmathematics. Christopher is the son of Tech. Sgt. SheenaMartinez, 59th Medical Wing.

Sydney Fischer helps demonstrate the properties of air to students attending the StarbaseKelly Academy July 15. The demonstration was among several activities Starbase Kellyparticipants experienced during the weeklong summer camp. Sydney is the daughter ofMaj. Dean Fischer, 433rd Airlift Wing.

TALESPINNERPAGE 16 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 17TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

By Staff Sgt. Mareshah HaynesDefense Media Activity-San Antonio

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY- PANA-MA CITY, Fla. (AFNS) – It’s 3 a.m. inPanama City Beach, Fla. The baylooks like black liquid glass as themotor boat filled with combat con-trollers-in-training cuts through thewater.

The boat comes to the insertionpoint. Sitting on the edge of the boat,the Airmen fall backward over the

side and into the water when giventhe order.

They then begin their 3000-meterswim into the night. The Airmen arecombat controllers-in-trainingassigned to the 342nd TrainingSquadron Det. 2.

The event is just part of one of thetraining blocks in the Air ForceCombat Diver Course that combat res-cue officers, pararescuemen, combatcontrollers and special tactics officersgo through at the Naval Diving and

Salvage Training Center in PanamaCity Beach.

The NDSTC is the only military diveschool in the Department of Defense,and each branch of the armed servic-es and the Coast Guard has a detach-ment here to train their divers.

Because of the nature of specialoperations, controllers and specialtactics officers are often attached tounits from other branches of serviceand they must be able to infiltrate anarea by air, land and water.

“Combat controllers don’t deploywith other Air Force members,” saidStaff Sgt. Kaplan Petrik, a pararescue-man and combat dive instructor.“They deploy with the Army or theNavy and they have to be able to doeverything their Army and Navy coun-terparts are doing, and that includesdiving if they’re working with the(Navy) SEALs or Army Green Berets.”

The AFCDC consists of 20 days of

Photo by Staff Sgt. Desiree PalaciosAirmen assist their battle buddies with their dive gear before heading out for an early morning dive during their combat dive course at Panama Beach, Fla. The Airmen, whoare assigned to the 342nd Training Squadron, Detachment 2, are training to become combat controllers.

Airmen train from the air to the water

See AIR P23

Photos by Alan BoedekerStudents attending Starbase Kelly practice their flying skills on flight simulators July 15.The 433rd Airlift Wing sponsored two week-long camps aimed at teaching children aboutscience, math and technology through various demonstrations and tours.

A rocket launches successfully July 15 during the Starbase Kellyacademy. The academy included aircraft tours, scientific experi-ments, rocket building and launching, computer flight simulationand teamwork and goal-setting exercises.

Christopher Martinez assembles a rocket at Starbase Kelly July15. Starbase Kelly is part of Department of Defense Starbase, anational initiative funded by the Department of Defense tointerest school children in science, technology, engineering andmathematics. Christopher is the son of Tech. Sgt. SheenaMartinez, 59th Medical Wing.

Sydney Fischer helps demonstrate the properties of air to students attending the StarbaseKelly Academy July 15. The demonstration was among several activities Starbase Kellyparticipants experienced during the weeklong summer camp. Sydney is the daughter ofMaj. Dean Fischer, 433rd Airlift Wing.

TALESPINNERPAGE 18 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 19TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

For the last two years, Col. Joseph Romano III,37th Training Group commander, has deliveredthe same message Tuesday nights to incomingtechnical training school students.

The message might come in a different form, adifferent order or from a staff member when thegroup commander is unavailable, but it’s still thesame.

“I tell the students this: Enthusiasm is alwayscontagious; there is no wrong time for an award;within disaster is opportunity; know when to stoppushing; and if you’re gonna go, go all the way,”Colonel Romano said.

But the nights of Colonel Romano deliveringthat message to the students have come to a close.He turns over group leadership to Col. GregoryReese in a change of command ceremony Tuesday,8 a.m., at the basic military training paradegrounds behind 37th Training Wing headquarters,Bldg. 2484.

Not only is the message a life lesson for young

Airmen, it is also a gauge for group leadership toknow if their mission is being accomplished.

“At the end of the day, I need to look at some-body and ask myself this question: ‘Would I wantthem in my foxhole?’” he said. “If the answer’syes, we’ve done a pretty good job here.”

And it’s an analogy he’s quick to use in assess-ing his time at Lackland.

“Everyone in the 37th TRG is welcome in myfoxhole – in a heartbeat.”

Colonel Romano is headed for Washington,D.C., and a Pentagon assignment after serving thelast 24 months as the 37th TRG commander. Heoversaw six squadrons, four detachments andthree operating locations.

“What we need are leaders, folks to lay foun-dations,” he said. “What I teach is we can’t get itdone tomorrow, but let’s lay the foundation for theperson who comes in behind me or you. Obviously,the fruits of those labors will start maturing.”

Colonel Romano praised the group for its cre-ative cost-saving efficiencies, particularly the reg-istrar’s office in-processing the students for train-ing; establishing an area development plan that

projects out to the year 2030; positive improve-ments in the battlefield Airmen program; andencouraging professional development for thegroup’s military and civilians.

With a security forces background, includingthe first eight years of his 33-year career as anenlisted security policeman before becoming anofficer, Colonel Romano had a keen interest in the342nd and 343rd Training Squadrons under hiscommand.

Security forces had trainees in each squadron,but earlier this year the Security Forces Academywas re-established and all security forces traineeswere realigned into the 343rd TRS.

“It’s a good thing,” Colonel Romano said. “Itallows the 342nd TRS to focus strictly on battle-field Airmen and expeditionary training.”

As group commander, Colonel Romano directedprofessional and technical training for more than36,000 military and civilians in the armed forces,international community and other federal agen-cies. The group has more than 1,600 personnel,180 facilities and equipment valued at more than$100 million.

Romano bound for Pentagon Story and photo by Senior Airman Nicole Mickle59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

The blood donor center staff is making a differencein the quality of blood products used in overseas andbattlefield areas.

The Lackland Blood Donor Center tests all blooddonor samples for more than 50 sites in the UnitedStates Central Command. The testing focuses on pre-venting transfusion-transmitted diseases in theUSCENTCOM area of responsibility.

Blood donor testing for USCENTCOM started herein March 2006. Five to six thousand samples arereceived from USCENTCOM each year for testing.

“Whole blood and apheresed platelet transfusionsare rising rapidly to an all time high in the Afghantheater,” said Col. Richard McBride, director, JointTheater Blood Program, USCENTCOM. “The LacklandBlood Donor Center continues to play a key role inensuring the safety of our theater blood supply.”

The samples sent here are platelet and wholeblood prescreens. The blood donor center also testsplatelets and whole blood samples from emergencyblood drives in USCENTCOM for infectious diseases.

USCENTCOM prescreens their donors which pre-vents anyone from donating who isn’t qualified due toa disease or other determining factors. The samples

are then shipped frozen to Lackland five to six days aweek and are tested. The testing turnaround time isusually less than one duty day.

“We test the samples sent to us from USCENTCOMbefore ours to make sure we make the turnaroundtime goal,” said Robert Purkhiser, technical directorat the blood donor center.

The testing turnaround time has resulted in allplatelet donors being Food and Drug Administrationcompliant and fully tested before they are allowed todonate. Also, 100 percent of all platelet specimensand fresh warm whole blood donor specimens aretested after transfusion.

“To have this kind of support in an active combatzone is nothing short of amazing,” Colonel McBridesaid. “Go back five years and compare testing turn-around time, percentage tested and even reportingstats. It’s a complete turnaround and simply amaz-ing.”

Samples from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,Ohio, and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center,Germany, are also tested here and have a testingturnaround time of usually less than 12 hours.

“It’s our pleasure to help however we can,” Mr.Purkhiser said. “It’s very gratifying for our staff to bea part of ensuring our deployed military membersreceive the best blood products possible.”

Center ensures safety of USCENTCOM blood products

Cassandra Marke, medical lab technician, 59thLaboratory Squadron, sorts through and documentsblood donor samples at the blood donor center. Thefacility tests all blood donor samples for more than 50sites in the United States Central Command. The testingfocuses on preventing transfusion-transmitted diseasesin the USCENTCOM area of responsibility.

JOGGING RULES OF THE ROAD:Wearing portable headphones,

earphones, or other listening deviceswhile operating a motor vehicle, running,jogging, walking, bicycling, or skating on

Lackland roadways and sidewalks isPROHIBITED.

TALESPINNERPAGE 18 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 19TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

For the last two years, Col. Joseph Romano III,37th Training Group commander, has deliveredthe same message Tuesday nights to incomingtechnical training school students.

The message might come in a different form, adifferent order or from a staff member when thegroup commander is unavailable, but it’s still thesame.

“I tell the students this: Enthusiasm is alwayscontagious; there is no wrong time for an award;within disaster is opportunity; know when to stoppushing; and if you’re gonna go, go all the way,”Colonel Romano said.

But the nights of Colonel Romano deliveringthat message to the students have come to a close.He turns over group leadership to Col. GregoryReese in a change of command ceremony Tuesday,8 a.m., at the basic military training paradegrounds behind 37th Training Wing headquarters,Bldg. 2484.

Not only is the message a life lesson for young

Airmen, it is also a gauge for group leadership toknow if their mission is being accomplished.

“At the end of the day, I need to look at some-body and ask myself this question: ‘Would I wantthem in my foxhole?’” he said. “If the answer’syes, we’ve done a pretty good job here.”

And it’s an analogy he’s quick to use in assess-ing his time at Lackland.

“Everyone in the 37th TRG is welcome in myfoxhole – in a heartbeat.”

Colonel Romano is headed for Washington,D.C., and a Pentagon assignment after serving thelast 24 months as the 37th TRG commander. Heoversaw six squadrons, four detachments andthree operating locations.

“What we need are leaders, folks to lay foun-dations,” he said. “What I teach is we can’t get itdone tomorrow, but let’s lay the foundation for theperson who comes in behind me or you. Obviously,the fruits of those labors will start maturing.”

Colonel Romano praised the group for its cre-ative cost-saving efficiencies, particularly the reg-istrar’s office in-processing the students for train-ing; establishing an area development plan that

projects out to the year 2030; positive improve-ments in the battlefield Airmen program; andencouraging professional development for thegroup’s military and civilians.

With a security forces background, includingthe first eight years of his 33-year career as anenlisted security policeman before becoming anofficer, Colonel Romano had a keen interest in the342nd and 343rd Training Squadrons under hiscommand.

Security forces had trainees in each squadron,but earlier this year the Security Forces Academywas re-established and all security forces traineeswere realigned into the 343rd TRS.

“It’s a good thing,” Colonel Romano said. “Itallows the 342nd TRS to focus strictly on battle-field Airmen and expeditionary training.”

As group commander, Colonel Romano directedprofessional and technical training for more than36,000 military and civilians in the armed forces,international community and other federal agen-cies. The group has more than 1,600 personnel,180 facilities and equipment valued at more than$100 million.

Romano bound for Pentagon Story and photo by Senior Airman Nicole Mickle59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

The blood donor center staff is making a differencein the quality of blood products used in overseas andbattlefield areas.

The Lackland Blood Donor Center tests all blooddonor samples for more than 50 sites in the UnitedStates Central Command. The testing focuses on pre-venting transfusion-transmitted diseases in theUSCENTCOM area of responsibility.

Blood donor testing for USCENTCOM started herein March 2006. Five to six thousand samples arereceived from USCENTCOM each year for testing.

“Whole blood and apheresed platelet transfusionsare rising rapidly to an all time high in the Afghantheater,” said Col. Richard McBride, director, JointTheater Blood Program, USCENTCOM. “The LacklandBlood Donor Center continues to play a key role inensuring the safety of our theater blood supply.”

The samples sent here are platelet and wholeblood prescreens. The blood donor center also testsplatelets and whole blood samples from emergencyblood drives in USCENTCOM for infectious diseases.

USCENTCOM prescreens their donors which pre-vents anyone from donating who isn’t qualified due toa disease or other determining factors. The samples

are then shipped frozen to Lackland five to six days aweek and are tested. The testing turnaround time isusually less than one duty day.

“We test the samples sent to us from USCENTCOMbefore ours to make sure we make the turnaroundtime goal,” said Robert Purkhiser, technical directorat the blood donor center.

The testing turnaround time has resulted in allplatelet donors being Food and Drug Administrationcompliant and fully tested before they are allowed todonate. Also, 100 percent of all platelet specimensand fresh warm whole blood donor specimens aretested after transfusion.

“To have this kind of support in an active combatzone is nothing short of amazing,” Colonel McBridesaid. “Go back five years and compare testing turn-around time, percentage tested and even reportingstats. It’s a complete turnaround and simply amaz-ing.”

Samples from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,Ohio, and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center,Germany, are also tested here and have a testingturnaround time of usually less than 12 hours.

“It’s our pleasure to help however we can,” Mr.Purkhiser said. “It’s very gratifying for our staff to bea part of ensuring our deployed military membersreceive the best blood products possible.”

Center ensures safety of USCENTCOM blood products

Cassandra Marke, medical lab technician, 59thLaboratory Squadron, sorts through and documentsblood donor samples at the blood donor center. Thefacility tests all blood donor samples for more than 50sites in the United States Central Command. The testingfocuses on preventing transfusion-transmitted diseasesin the USCENTCOM area of responsibility.

JOGGING RULES OF THE ROAD:Wearing portable headphones,

earphones, or other listening deviceswhile operating a motor vehicle, running,jogging, walking, bicycling, or skating on

Lackland roadways and sidewalks isPROHIBITED.

TALESPINNERPAGE 20 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 21TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

By Maj. Kimberly Vollmer559th Medical Operations Squadron

In an effort to improve customer service foractive duty military members seeking acuteappointments within 24 hours, the Kelly FamilyMedicine Clinic at Port San Antonio has set asideactive duty only acute appointments. These acuteappointments will replace the current sick callprocess for active duty members.

Airmen no longer have to wait in line to obtainan appointment with a provider. They can call theConsult and Appointment Management Office, orCAMO, at 916-9900 for acute appointments in addi-tion to administrative needs such as profile updates,medication refills, and questions for their providers.

Effective Aug. 30, the sick call lines at KellyFamily Medicine Clinic will close and all appoint-ments will be available through the CAMO. Active-

duty members calling between 6:30 and 8 a.m. willbe given first priority for acute appointments. After8 a.m. any unfilled acute appointments will be madeavailable to all beneficiaries.

Individuals unable to make an acute appointmentmay leave a telephone consult with their providerand their nurse will return your call.

Persons who feel they are too sick to wait for anappointment or feel their illness is an emergencycan be seen at the Wilford Hall Medical CenterEmergency Department.

Supervisors can exercise the option of allowingAirmen to stay home for up to 24 hours. Paragraph3.6.4 of AFI 41-210, Patient AdministrativeFunctions, states that “Unit commanders and super-visors have the authority to grant up to 24 hours ofsick status at their discretion if a member’sillness/injury does not require medical treatmentfacility intervention. If the illness/injury persists

beyond 24 hours, then the commander or supervi-sor must refer the member to the military treatmentfacility for treatment and subsequent quartersauthorization.”

Conditions requiring a duty limiting condition, orDLC, previously known as a profile, will be initiatedas appropriate during the individual’s appointment.It is not uncommon for a DLC to take up to five dutydays to process. Updating a DLC is not considered tobe an acute need and, therefore, will not be consid-ered appropriate for an acute appointment.

It is the member’s responsibility to follow up witha provider if they have been placed on a DLC andthe condition has not resolved. Please make follow-up appointments as needed prior to the expirationof the DLC. With that in mind, individuals shouldallow enough time for the DLC to be processed,especially if they have an upcoming physical train-ing test or are coming into their deployment band.

Kelly Clinic discontinues military sick call

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

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

TALESPINNERPAGE 22 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 23TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

Air Base Wing commander, signed apolicy letter March 2, prohibiting theuse of Spice, K2, Salvia Divinorum orany variation or derivative thereof,regardless of form. The prohibitionalso applies to civilians on the instal-lat ions under General Patrick’sauthority.

“The negative consequences ofdrug abuse affect not only individu-als who abuse drugs, but affect allfacets of our society,” said Ms.Easter.

Ms. Easter spent 23 years counsel-ing drug and alcohol abusers in themilitary and the civilian sectors. Shesays that drug abuse, however,touches and changes many sides of a

person’s life. Drugs invariably alterand destroy relationships and affecta person’s educational life. The costis exorbitant and not worth it.

Editor’s Note: The Air Force imple-mented a service-wide Spice banpursuant to AFI 44-121 on June 9,2010; the Army has a Fort SamHouston installation policy prohibit-ing use which was dated in March,and the Navy uses their service drugpolicy to punish use under Art 92,UCMJ.

Drug use is also addressed inOPNAV 5350.4D (June 4, 2009) andSECNAV 5300.28D (Dec. 5, 2005).Plans have also been announced tointroduce legislation banning Spiceduring the 2011 Texas legislativesession.

SPICE from P7

open-circuit training, with controllersand special tactics officers continuingon to a 13-day course of closed-circuittraining using the MK-25 rebreather,a bubbleless underwater breathingapparatus.

“During the one-man confidencetraining (in the open-circuit phase), aninstructor will provide harassment,take the regulator away, shake themup a little and tie up the regulator,wrapping it around the manifold so itforces them to go back and locatetheir gear and remove any deficien-cies in the gear to recover their air,”said Staff Sgt. Brian Zmijewski, apararescueman and combat diveinstructor.

During the closed-circuit training,Airmen learn the basics of the MK-25and how to navigate at night underwater.

On this particular night, the Airmenhad to complete a 1000-meter turtle-back swim, or surface swim with fullgear, followed by a 3000-meter swim12 to 20 feet under the surface, withonly a compass and physical land-marks to guide them to their target.

They must also navigate any obsta-cles they may encounter while under-water.

“Anything that’s above surface isbelow surface,” Sergeant Zmijewskisaid. “Everything from the old bridgethat was destroyed and placed in thewater as an artificial reef to boats,cars, anything you can think of.”

“There’s also dangerous marine lifelike stingrays,” Sergeant Kaplan said.

All of this must be done withapproximately 50 pounds of gearincluding their underwater breathingapparatus, a rifle, simulated fullammunition magazines, an emergencybuoyancy control vest, a tactical vest,canteens.

“They’re trying to achieve a one-knot swim speed,” Sergeant Zmijewskisaid. “They should be able to swim100 yards in three minutes and 1,000in 15 minutes.”

“So basically (multiply) that by 10and double it,” Sergeant Petrik said.“They have an hour to complete thesubsurface swim.”

Soon after the Airmen graduatefrom the AFCDC, they will be off totheir permanent duty stations andpossibly in theater shortly thereafter.

AIR from P17

Love your job in the Air Force?Want to share your personal experi-

ences in the military with others? TheLackland Speakers’ Bureau wants YOU!

Call 671-5066 or 671-2907for more details.

TALESPINNERPAGE 22 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 23TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

Air Base Wing commander, signed apolicy letter March 2, prohibiting theuse of Spice, K2, Salvia Divinorum orany variation or derivative thereof,regardless of form. The prohibitionalso applies to civilians on the instal-lat ions under General Patrick’sauthority.

“The negative consequences ofdrug abuse affect not only individu-als who abuse drugs, but affect allfacets of our society,” said Ms.Easter.

Ms. Easter spent 23 years counsel-ing drug and alcohol abusers in themilitary and the civilian sectors. Shesays that drug abuse, however,touches and changes many sides of a

person’s life. Drugs invariably alterand destroy relationships and affecta person’s educational life. The costis exorbitant and not worth it.

Editor’s Note: The Air Force imple-mented a service-wide Spice banpursuant to AFI 44-121 on June 9,2010; the Army has a Fort SamHouston installation policy prohibit-ing use which was dated in March,and the Navy uses their service drugpolicy to punish use under Art 92,UCMJ.

Drug use is also addressed inOPNAV 5350.4D (June 4, 2009) andSECNAV 5300.28D (Dec. 5, 2005).Plans have also been announced tointroduce legislation banning Spiceduring the 2011 Texas legislativesession.

SPICE from P7

open-circuit training, with controllersand special tactics officers continuingon to a 13-day course of closed-circuittraining using the MK-25 rebreather,a bubbleless underwater breathingapparatus.

“During the one-man confidencetraining (in the open-circuit phase), aninstructor will provide harassment,take the regulator away, shake themup a little and tie up the regulator,wrapping it around the manifold so itforces them to go back and locatetheir gear and remove any deficien-cies in the gear to recover their air,”said Staff Sgt. Brian Zmijewski, apararescueman and combat diveinstructor.

During the closed-circuit training,Airmen learn the basics of the MK-25and how to navigate at night underwater.

On this particular night, the Airmenhad to complete a 1000-meter turtle-back swim, or surface swim with fullgear, followed by a 3000-meter swim12 to 20 feet under the surface, withonly a compass and physical land-marks to guide them to their target.

They must also navigate any obsta-cles they may encounter while under-water.

“Anything that’s above surface isbelow surface,” Sergeant Zmijewskisaid. “Everything from the old bridgethat was destroyed and placed in thewater as an artificial reef to boats,cars, anything you can think of.”

“There’s also dangerous marine lifelike stingrays,” Sergeant Kaplan said.

All of this must be done withapproximately 50 pounds of gearincluding their underwater breathingapparatus, a rifle, simulated fullammunition magazines, an emergencybuoyancy control vest, a tactical vest,canteens.

“They’re trying to achieve a one-knot swim speed,” Sergeant Zmijewskisaid. “They should be able to swim100 yards in three minutes and 1,000in 15 minutes.”

“So basically (multiply) that by 10and double it,” Sergeant Petrik said.“They have an hour to complete thesubsurface swim.”

Soon after the Airmen graduatefrom the AFCDC, they will be off totheir permanent duty stations andpossibly in theater shortly thereafter.

AIR from P17

Love your job in the Air Force?Want to share your personal experi-

ences in the military with others? TheLackland Speakers’ Bureau wants YOU!

Call 671-5066 or 671-2907for more details.

TALESPINNERPAGE 24 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 25TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

COMMUNITY

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

Monday-Friday:Wilford Hall ChapelMass, 11 a.m

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

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

Hope ChapelHispanic Mass, 9:15 a.m.Wilford Hall ChapelMass, 3 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Thursday:Bible Study, 6 p.m.

Sunday:Medina ChapelContemporary Service, 9a.m.

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

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

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

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

For more information, contact the chapel staff:

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

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

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

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

TWO INTERSECTIONS CHANGE

Two intersections in the Wilford HallMedical Center area, north of Luke Avenue,become 4-way stops on Monday.

The intersections converting to 4-waystops are Kenly Avenue and Ladd Street, andHolloman Avenue and Pepperrell Street.

ARMY SOLDIER SHOW

The U.S. Army Soldier Show, featuringactive duty, Guard and Reserve Soldiers, isSunday, 2 p.m., at the Bob Hope PerformingArts Center.

The 90-minute musical is free; no tick-ets are necessary.

For more information, call 671-2619.

NSPS TO GS TRANSITION MEETINGS SET

A town hall meeting is scheduled forbase personnel transitioning from theNational Security Personnel System to theGovernment Service system.

The 802nd Force Support Squadron civil-ian personnel section has sessions at 9 a.m.and 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Bob HopePerforming Arts Center.

The meeting is for all NSPS employeesand their supervisors assigned to Lackland.

TOPS IN BLUE TO PERFORM

Tops in Blue, the Air Force’s premier

entertainment group, presents a free showWednesday, 7 p.m., at the Bob HopePerforming Arts Center.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; no tickets arenecessary.

For more information, call 671-2619.

LAPA ANNIVERSARY LUNCHEON

The Lackland AdministrativeProfessionals Association celebrates 50years with a special anniversary luncheonAug. 26, 11:30 a.m., at the Gateway Club.

Col. William H. Mott V, 37th TrainingWing commander, is the keynote speaker forthe event, a buffet luncheon.

The ticket reservation deadline is Aug.20. To purchase a $15 ticket, call 671-2962,292-0615 or 395-7918.

FAMILY MEDICINE SERVICE RELOCATES

The Family Medicine Service at BrookeArmy Medical Center is closed next week, July22-26, and reopens July 27 in the Fort SamHouston Clinic, 3100 Schofield Road.

During its closure, the Troop MedicalClinic at Fort Sam Houston, 2991 GardenAvenue, will accept acute appointments forFMS patients.

Call the Consult and AppointmentManagement Office at 916-9900 for anappointment.

BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

A back to school supply drive by theAmerican Society of Military Comptrollers,Alamo chapter, for Child Protective Services’Dare to Love foundation continues throughAug. 30.

Contact numbers to make a school sup-ply donation are Lackland, 671-4191;Randolph Air Force Base, 652-4408; FortSam Houston, 221-1309; or Brooks City-Base, 536-2402.

SFS TARGETS SPEEDERS

Lackland drivers are being asked by the802nd Security Forces Squadron to put thebrakes on speed and observe base speedlimits for July.

Security forces have designated July asSpeed Awareness Month, and are steppingup radar enforcement of speed limits aroundbase. The base speed limit is 30 miles perhour unless otherwise posted.

Specific speed limit areas on base are20 mph on Security Hill and the LacklandTraining Annex, 15 mph in housing areas,and 10 mph while passing troops in a troopwalk.

In addition to a citation, drivers going 15mph or more over the speed limit will havetheir base driving privileges automaticallysuspended for 30 days; the suspension

increases to 60 days for going 20 mph ormore over the speed limit.

SUPPLY MASS SPORTS PHYSICALS

Mass sports physicals at the Wilford HallMedical Center Pediatric Clinic begin July 30and continue each Friday afternoon throughAug. 27.

The mass physicals are for WHMC pedi-atric prime patients ages 8 to 22, and maybe scheduled by calling the central appoint-ment line at (210) 916-9900. Special needschildren should make individual appoint-ments other than Friday afternoons.

A patient’s military identification, shotrecord, third party liability card and anyschool forms are needed for the appoint-ment.

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

PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICE CHANGES HOURS

Walk-in hours on Tuesdays andThursdays for the Public Health/MedicalEmployee Health program office have beenchanged.

Office hours are now 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.Tuesday and Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Theoffice is closed each day from noon to 1 p.m.for lunch.

For more information, call 292-3138 or292-3140.

TUSKEGEE AIRMEN TO MEET

The 2010 Tuskegee Airmen Convention,hosted by the San Antonio chapter, is July28-31 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in downtownSan Antonio.

Reservations can be made athttp://www.tuskegeeairmen.org.

For more information, call 818-6585.

THRIFT SHOP CLOSED FOR JULY

The Lackland Thrift Shop will be closedfor July; no donations or consignments willbe accepted during that time.

The shop will reopen Aug. 2 at 9:30 a.m.For more information, call 671-3600 or e-mail thriftshop@lacklandosc.org.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITY

The American Society of MilitaryComptrollers will sponsor volunteer servicehours at the Sunshine Plaza Apartments,455 E. Sunshine Drive, 9 a.m. to noon, Aug.14.

Students can earn a community servicecertificate for up to three hours by partici-pating in light cleaning for senior residents.

To volunteer, contact Angel Crawford at(210) 536-3549.

LocalBRIEFS

By Kelly Parsons502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Col. Alan Lake, 902nd Mission SupportGroup commander, will soon leaveRandolph and become the lead in devel-oping the next generation air traffic sys-tem airspace for the U.S.

Colonel Lake assumed his role as themission support group commander inAugust 2008 and hit the ground run-ning. After Hurricane Ike devastated several partsof the state, there was much to keep the new com-mander busy. He helped set up operations to sup-port areas affected by the hurricane, stood up a 24-hour Emergency Operations Center, worked the beddown of a Rescue Air Expeditionary Group andhelped to prepare for the 12th Flying TrainingWing’s Operational Readiness Inspection.

“It was nonstop those first four months,” thecolonel said, “and while we got high marks on the

ORI, our team was more proud that we helpedsave 27 lives in Houston.”

Colonel Lake arrived at Randolph during atime of great transition. Under the 2005 BaseRealignment and Closure, Joint Base SanAntonio changed Colonel Lake’s role from the12th Flying Training Wing Mission SupportGroup commander, to the 502nd Air BaseWing’s (JBSA) 902nd Mission Support Groupcommander. Colonel Lake says that this change“helped me grow.”

“As the JBSA 902nd MSG commander, I was likea mini-wing commander with special courts martialauthority and the senior host on this base repre-senting the 502nd Air Base Wing commander,” saidColonel Lake.

During his time at Randolph, Colonel Lake had tosuccessfully bring mission partner teams togetheras a senior host and yet retain the group’s positionas mission enablers and supporters for all othermissions on this base. To do this successfully, the

colonel had to be a true servant leader.“The servant ensures our mission partners get

the support they need, the leader organizesresources and gives direction to guide the base, andthe servant leader turns the organization upside-down so that the people who work in the MSG (atthe customer service level) are at the top of theorganization keeping our customers’ needs met aswell as our own mission needs,” said Colonel Lake.

Colonel Lake’s advice for the incoming MSG com-mander is: “give your people ‘lift for their wings’ sothat they can become great.” The colonel believesthat a commander is only as good as the good peo-ple within the MSG.

He went on to say that these great people areeverywhere and found within every organizationwithin the MSG.

“They work hard and ensure every mission andmission partner is successful at Randolph and JBSA.Am I proud of them? You bet! They make RandolphAir Force Base the showplace of the Air Force!”

Lake says farewell to Randolph

Col. AlanLake

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

TALESPINNERPAGE 24 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 25TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

COMMUNITY

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

Monday-Friday:Wilford Hall ChapelMass, 11 a.m

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

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

Hope ChapelHispanic Mass, 9:15 a.m.Wilford Hall ChapelMass, 3 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Thursday:Bible Study, 6 p.m.

Sunday:Medina ChapelContemporary Service, 9a.m.

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

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

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

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

For more information, contact the chapel staff:

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

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

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

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

TWO INTERSECTIONS CHANGE

Two intersections in the Wilford HallMedical Center area, north of Luke Avenue,become 4-way stops on Monday.

The intersections converting to 4-waystops are Kenly Avenue and Ladd Street, andHolloman Avenue and Pepperrell Street.

ARMY SOLDIER SHOW

The U.S. Army Soldier Show, featuringactive duty, Guard and Reserve Soldiers, isSunday, 2 p.m., at the Bob Hope PerformingArts Center.

The 90-minute musical is free; no tick-ets are necessary.

For more information, call 671-2619.

NSPS TO GS TRANSITION MEETINGS SET

A town hall meeting is scheduled forbase personnel transitioning from theNational Security Personnel System to theGovernment Service system.

The 802nd Force Support Squadron civil-ian personnel section has sessions at 9 a.m.and 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Bob HopePerforming Arts Center.

The meeting is for all NSPS employeesand their supervisors assigned to Lackland.

TOPS IN BLUE TO PERFORM

Tops in Blue, the Air Force’s premier

entertainment group, presents a free showWednesday, 7 p.m., at the Bob HopePerforming Arts Center.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; no tickets arenecessary.

For more information, call 671-2619.

LAPA ANNIVERSARY LUNCHEON

The Lackland AdministrativeProfessionals Association celebrates 50years with a special anniversary luncheonAug. 26, 11:30 a.m., at the Gateway Club.

Col. William H. Mott V, 37th TrainingWing commander, is the keynote speaker forthe event, a buffet luncheon.

The ticket reservation deadline is Aug.20. To purchase a $15 ticket, call 671-2962,292-0615 or 395-7918.

FAMILY MEDICINE SERVICE RELOCATES

The Family Medicine Service at BrookeArmy Medical Center is closed next week, July22-26, and reopens July 27 in the Fort SamHouston Clinic, 3100 Schofield Road.

During its closure, the Troop MedicalClinic at Fort Sam Houston, 2991 GardenAvenue, will accept acute appointments forFMS patients.

Call the Consult and AppointmentManagement Office at 916-9900 for anappointment.

BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

A back to school supply drive by theAmerican Society of Military Comptrollers,Alamo chapter, for Child Protective Services’Dare to Love foundation continues throughAug. 30.

Contact numbers to make a school sup-ply donation are Lackland, 671-4191;Randolph Air Force Base, 652-4408; FortSam Houston, 221-1309; or Brooks City-Base, 536-2402.

SFS TARGETS SPEEDERS

Lackland drivers are being asked by the802nd Security Forces Squadron to put thebrakes on speed and observe base speedlimits for July.

Security forces have designated July asSpeed Awareness Month, and are steppingup radar enforcement of speed limits aroundbase. The base speed limit is 30 miles perhour unless otherwise posted.

Specific speed limit areas on base are20 mph on Security Hill and the LacklandTraining Annex, 15 mph in housing areas,and 10 mph while passing troops in a troopwalk.

In addition to a citation, drivers going 15mph or more over the speed limit will havetheir base driving privileges automaticallysuspended for 30 days; the suspension

increases to 60 days for going 20 mph ormore over the speed limit.

SUPPLY MASS SPORTS PHYSICALS

Mass sports physicals at the Wilford HallMedical Center Pediatric Clinic begin July 30and continue each Friday afternoon throughAug. 27.

The mass physicals are for WHMC pedi-atric prime patients ages 8 to 22, and maybe scheduled by calling the central appoint-ment line at (210) 916-9900. Special needschildren should make individual appoint-ments other than Friday afternoons.

A patient’s military identification, shotrecord, third party liability card and anyschool forms are needed for the appoint-ment.

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

PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICE CHANGES HOURS

Walk-in hours on Tuesdays andThursdays for the Public Health/MedicalEmployee Health program office have beenchanged.

Office hours are now 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.Tuesday and Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Theoffice is closed each day from noon to 1 p.m.for lunch.

For more information, call 292-3138 or292-3140.

TUSKEGEE AIRMEN TO MEET

The 2010 Tuskegee Airmen Convention,hosted by the San Antonio chapter, is July28-31 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in downtownSan Antonio.

Reservations can be made athttp://www.tuskegeeairmen.org.

For more information, call 818-6585.

THRIFT SHOP CLOSED FOR JULY

The Lackland Thrift Shop will be closedfor July; no donations or consignments willbe accepted during that time.

The shop will reopen Aug. 2 at 9:30 a.m.For more information, call 671-3600 or e-mail thriftshop@lacklandosc.org.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITY

The American Society of MilitaryComptrollers will sponsor volunteer servicehours at the Sunshine Plaza Apartments,455 E. Sunshine Drive, 9 a.m. to noon, Aug.14.

Students can earn a community servicecertificate for up to three hours by partici-pating in light cleaning for senior residents.

To volunteer, contact Angel Crawford at(210) 536-3549.

LocalBRIEFS

By Kelly Parsons502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Col. Alan Lake, 902nd Mission SupportGroup commander, will soon leaveRandolph and become the lead in devel-oping the next generation air traffic sys-tem airspace for the U.S.

Colonel Lake assumed his role as themission support group commander inAugust 2008 and hit the ground run-ning. After Hurricane Ike devastated several partsof the state, there was much to keep the new com-mander busy. He helped set up operations to sup-port areas affected by the hurricane, stood up a 24-hour Emergency Operations Center, worked the beddown of a Rescue Air Expeditionary Group andhelped to prepare for the 12th Flying TrainingWing’s Operational Readiness Inspection.

“It was nonstop those first four months,” thecolonel said, “and while we got high marks on the

ORI, our team was more proud that we helpedsave 27 lives in Houston.”

Colonel Lake arrived at Randolph during atime of great transition. Under the 2005 BaseRealignment and Closure, Joint Base SanAntonio changed Colonel Lake’s role from the12th Flying Training Wing Mission SupportGroup commander, to the 502nd Air BaseWing’s (JBSA) 902nd Mission Support Groupcommander. Colonel Lake says that this change“helped me grow.”

“As the JBSA 902nd MSG commander, I was likea mini-wing commander with special courts martialauthority and the senior host on this base repre-senting the 502nd Air Base Wing commander,” saidColonel Lake.

During his time at Randolph, Colonel Lake had tosuccessfully bring mission partner teams togetheras a senior host and yet retain the group’s positionas mission enablers and supporters for all othermissions on this base. To do this successfully, the

colonel had to be a true servant leader.“The servant ensures our mission partners get

the support they need, the leader organizesresources and gives direction to guide the base, andthe servant leader turns the organization upside-down so that the people who work in the MSG (atthe customer service level) are at the top of theorganization keeping our customers’ needs met aswell as our own mission needs,” said Colonel Lake.

Colonel Lake’s advice for the incoming MSG com-mander is: “give your people ‘lift for their wings’ sothat they can become great.” The colonel believesthat a commander is only as good as the good peo-ple within the MSG.

He went on to say that these great people areeverywhere and found within every organizationwithin the MSG.

“They work hard and ensure every mission andmission partner is successful at Randolph and JBSA.Am I proud of them? You bet! They make RandolphAir Force Base the showplace of the Air Force!”

Lake says farewell to Randolph

Col. AlanLake

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

TALESPINNERPAGE 26 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 27TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

JULY 23BUDGET AND SPENDING CLASS

A budget and spending class thatteaches basic financial managementis today, 10:30 a.m. to noon, at theAirman and Family Readiness Center,Bldg. 1249.

For information, call 671-3722.

JULY 26RETURN AND REUNION SEMINAR

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

The seminar is an informal forumabout the stress families and individu-als experience during separation.

For more information, call 671-3722.

JULY 27KEY SPOUSE TRAINING

Training for the Key SpouseProgram is Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.,at the Airman and Family ReadinessCenter, Bldg. 1249.

The sessions are for spouses whohave volunteered and been appointedby unit leadership.

The Key Spouse Program is an Air

Force readiness program supportingAirmen and their families duringdeployments, separations and emer-gencies by enhancing and encouragingcommunication between units andfamilies.

For more information call 671-3722.

PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL

Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Tuesday, 10 a.m.,at Freedom Chapel with children min-istry during the meeting.

For more information, call 671-4208.

JULY 27-29SENIOR LEADERSHIP TAP

A three-day transition assistanceprogram for separating or retiring sen-ior leadership military personnel isTuesday through Thursday, 7:45 a.m.to 4 p.m. each day, at the Airman andFamily Readiness Center, Bldg. 1249.

The program is for separating orretiring senior leadership military per-sonnel interested in retaining a man-agement position.

For more information or reserva-tions, call 671-3722.

JULY 29PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL

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

For more information, call 671-4208.

AUG. 2RETURN AND REUNION SEMINAR

A return and reunion seminar isAug. 2, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at the Airman

and Family Readiness Center, Bldg.1249.

The seminar is an informal forumabout the stress families and individu-als experience during separation.

For more information, call 671-3722.

AUG. 3PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL

Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Aug. 3, 10 a.m.,

at Freedom Chapel with children min-istry during the meeting.

For more information, call 671-4208.

AUG. 4LPAG MEETING

Members of the LacklandPerforming Arts Group meet Aug. 4, 6-7 p.m., at Arnold Hall CommunityCenter.

“Expressions,” an open micro-phone forum, follows the meeting from7-9 p.m.

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

AUG. 5PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL

Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Aug. 5, 6 p.m., atFreedom Chapel.

For more information, call 671-4208.

AUG. 7PARENTS DAY OUT

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

For more information, call 671-2388.

AUG. 9RETURN AND REUNION SEMINAR

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

The seminar is an informal forumabout the stress families and individu-als experience during separation.

For more information, call 671-3722.

AUG. 10PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL

Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Aug. 10, 10 a.m.,at Freedom Chapel with children min-istry during the meeting.

For information, call 671-4208.

SEPT. 1OFFICERS SPOUSES CLUB

A membership roundup for theLackland Officers Spouses Club isscheduled for Sept. 1, 11 a.m. to 1p.m., at the Gateway Club.

For information, visit www.lack-landosc.org.

MONTHLY MEETINGSENLISTED SPOUSES CLUB

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

OFFICERS SPOUSES CLUB

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

MILITARY COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN

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

What’s Happening Family Support Events

WWW.LACKLANDFSS.COM

SPORTS

By Patrick DesmondSports Editor

Three evenings out of the week, theManta Rays take over the SkylarkAquatic Center pool.

The skilled swimmers dive in, formgroups in the lanes and dutifully tracethe black line stretching across the bot-tom of the 25-meter pool.

As the warm-up continues, DennisMoore relaxes on a poolside benchwatching his favorite swimmer com-plete three 150-meter repetitions.

His 8-year-old grandson, Jose, “juststarted three weeks ago. It’s somethinggood for the kids to join,” he said.

Jose is one of about 25 swimmers onthe Skylark Aquatic Center youth swimteam, the Manta Rays, ranging fromages 6-16.

The team, led by instructor ChrisFargas, practices year-round at theSkylark pool and recently entered sum-mer competition in the Texas AmateurAthletic Federation. Its fourth yearcompeting, Fargas has seen his shareof swimmers like Jose progress fromprotégé to competition winner on theteam.

Included in the group is a quintet ofsiblings, four brothers and a sister, whocompeted for the first time last sum-mer. “All of them have won,” Fargas said.

“I’ve had them since the beginningwhen they didn’t know how to swim.”

Fargas said even the youngestManta Rays, 6-year-old twins Jonathanand Josey Scholes, are pretty competi-tive.

“(Jonathan) does his own thing fromtime to time,” Fargas said. “Josey’sready to rock ‘n’ roll all the time.”

A lot has changed for the MantaRays the last four years.

When Fargas began the team withnine swimmers, he entered the MantaRays into a local meet, to see whatwould happen. They won. And Fargashas been hooked ever since.

“At first, I was thrown into it,” thewater safety instructor said. “It wasn’tuntil I saw them competing – that’swhat really got me going, when I sawthem competing and winning.

“It was pretty exciting watchingthem go out there.”

Now the team regularly competesin TAAF swim meets downtown at theSan Antonio Natatorium.

The whole team qualified for theRegion 15 championship swim meetSaturday at the downtown facility.

The oldest Manta Ray, JacobMontgomery, 16, has been with theteam little over a year and is experi-enced in navigating a crowded meet.

“It’s pretty hectic,” Montgomerysaid.

He said concentration is neededbefore a race, so “you have to listen toyour coaches very closely, or else youwon’t hear your name.”

Montgomery, a breastroke swimmer,recommends joining the team, espe-cially to work on technique.

“There are some really great, strong

swimmers, and they’ve been here for acouple of years,” he said.

Manta Ray prospects must demon-strate level-four swimming skills tomake the team.

“Most of them know the techniques,they know how to swim already,”Fargas said, adding practices prepareswimmers to compete, sometimes fiveor six heats during one meet, andsometimes back to back.

“I build up their endurance andstrength, that way they can swim fasterand they are not tired when they racesomebody.”

Practice distances sometimes covermore than a mile, he said.

After qualifying for state last sum-mer, the team is eager to rejoin theTAAF Games of Texas SummerSwimming Championship, Aug. 6-8, inWaco.

Photos by Robbin CresswellThe Skylark Aquatic Center youth swim team, the Manta Rays, get ready for the Texas Athletic Amateur Federation’s Region 15 champi-onship swim meet. Below, swim instructor Chris Fargas runs his team through rounds of push-ups and laps in the Skylark pool.

Youth team dives into summer season

TALESPINNERPAGE 26 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 27TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

JULY 23BUDGET AND SPENDING CLASS

A budget and spending class thatteaches basic financial managementis today, 10:30 a.m. to noon, at theAirman and Family Readiness Center,Bldg. 1249.

For information, call 671-3722.

JULY 26RETURN AND REUNION SEMINAR

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

The seminar is an informal forumabout the stress families and individu-als experience during separation.

For more information, call 671-3722.

JULY 27KEY SPOUSE TRAINING

Training for the Key SpouseProgram is Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.,at the Airman and Family ReadinessCenter, Bldg. 1249.

The sessions are for spouses whohave volunteered and been appointedby unit leadership.

The Key Spouse Program is an Air

Force readiness program supportingAirmen and their families duringdeployments, separations and emer-gencies by enhancing and encouragingcommunication between units andfamilies.

For more information call 671-3722.

PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL

Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Tuesday, 10 a.m.,at Freedom Chapel with children min-istry during the meeting.

For more information, call 671-4208.

JULY 27-29SENIOR LEADERSHIP TAP

A three-day transition assistanceprogram for separating or retiring sen-ior leadership military personnel isTuesday through Thursday, 7:45 a.m.to 4 p.m. each day, at the Airman andFamily Readiness Center, Bldg. 1249.

The program is for separating orretiring senior leadership military per-sonnel interested in retaining a man-agement position.

For more information or reserva-tions, call 671-3722.

JULY 29PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL

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

For more information, call 671-4208.

AUG. 2RETURN AND REUNION SEMINAR

A return and reunion seminar isAug. 2, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at the Airman

and Family Readiness Center, Bldg.1249.

The seminar is an informal forumabout the stress families and individu-als experience during separation.

For more information, call 671-3722.

AUG. 3PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL

Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Aug. 3, 10 a.m.,

at Freedom Chapel with children min-istry during the meeting.

For more information, call 671-4208.

AUG. 4LPAG MEETING

Members of the LacklandPerforming Arts Group meet Aug. 4, 6-7 p.m., at Arnold Hall CommunityCenter.

“Expressions,” an open micro-phone forum, follows the meeting from7-9 p.m.

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

AUG. 5PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL

Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Aug. 5, 6 p.m., atFreedom Chapel.

For more information, call 671-4208.

AUG. 7PARENTS DAY OUT

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

For more information, call 671-2388.

AUG. 9RETURN AND REUNION SEMINAR

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

The seminar is an informal forumabout the stress families and individu-als experience during separation.

For more information, call 671-3722.

AUG. 10PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL

Protestant Women of the Chapelmeets for Bible study Aug. 10, 10 a.m.,at Freedom Chapel with children min-istry during the meeting.

For information, call 671-4208.

SEPT. 1OFFICERS SPOUSES CLUB

A membership roundup for theLackland Officers Spouses Club isscheduled for Sept. 1, 11 a.m. to 1p.m., at the Gateway Club.

For information, visit www.lack-landosc.org.

MONTHLY MEETINGSENLISTED SPOUSES CLUB

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

OFFICERS SPOUSES CLUB

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

MILITARY COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN

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

What’s Happening Family Support Events

WWW.LACKLANDFSS.COM

SPORTS

By Patrick DesmondSports Editor

Three evenings out of the week, theManta Rays take over the SkylarkAquatic Center pool.

The skilled swimmers dive in, formgroups in the lanes and dutifully tracethe black line stretching across the bot-tom of the 25-meter pool.

As the warm-up continues, DennisMoore relaxes on a poolside benchwatching his favorite swimmer com-plete three 150-meter repetitions.

His 8-year-old grandson, Jose, “juststarted three weeks ago. It’s somethinggood for the kids to join,” he said.

Jose is one of about 25 swimmers onthe Skylark Aquatic Center youth swimteam, the Manta Rays, ranging fromages 6-16.

The team, led by instructor ChrisFargas, practices year-round at theSkylark pool and recently entered sum-mer competition in the Texas AmateurAthletic Federation. Its fourth yearcompeting, Fargas has seen his shareof swimmers like Jose progress fromprotégé to competition winner on theteam.

Included in the group is a quintet ofsiblings, four brothers and a sister, whocompeted for the first time last sum-mer. “All of them have won,” Fargas said.

“I’ve had them since the beginningwhen they didn’t know how to swim.”

Fargas said even the youngestManta Rays, 6-year-old twins Jonathanand Josey Scholes, are pretty competi-tive.

“(Jonathan) does his own thing fromtime to time,” Fargas said. “Josey’sready to rock ‘n’ roll all the time.”

A lot has changed for the MantaRays the last four years.

When Fargas began the team withnine swimmers, he entered the MantaRays into a local meet, to see whatwould happen. They won. And Fargashas been hooked ever since.

“At first, I was thrown into it,” thewater safety instructor said. “It wasn’tuntil I saw them competing – that’swhat really got me going, when I sawthem competing and winning.

“It was pretty exciting watchingthem go out there.”

Now the team regularly competesin TAAF swim meets downtown at theSan Antonio Natatorium.

The whole team qualified for theRegion 15 championship swim meetSaturday at the downtown facility.

The oldest Manta Ray, JacobMontgomery, 16, has been with theteam little over a year and is experi-enced in navigating a crowded meet.

“It’s pretty hectic,” Montgomerysaid.

He said concentration is neededbefore a race, so “you have to listen toyour coaches very closely, or else youwon’t hear your name.”

Montgomery, a breastroke swimmer,recommends joining the team, espe-cially to work on technique.

“There are some really great, strong

swimmers, and they’ve been here for acouple of years,” he said.

Manta Ray prospects must demon-strate level-four swimming skills tomake the team.

“Most of them know the techniques,they know how to swim already,”Fargas said, adding practices prepareswimmers to compete, sometimes fiveor six heats during one meet, andsometimes back to back.

“I build up their endurance andstrength, that way they can swim fasterand they are not tired when they racesomebody.”

Practice distances sometimes covermore than a mile, he said.

After qualifying for state last sum-mer, the team is eager to rejoin theTAAF Games of Texas SummerSwimming Championship, Aug. 6-8, inWaco.

Photos by Robbin CresswellThe Skylark Aquatic Center youth swim team, the Manta Rays, get ready for the Texas Athletic Amateur Federation’s Region 15 champi-onship swim meet. Below, swim instructor Chris Fargas runs his team through rounds of push-ups and laps in the Skylark pool.

Youth team dives into summer season

TALESPINNERPAGE 28 JULY 23, 2010 PAGE 29TALESPINNERJULY 23, 2010

By Patrick DesmondSports Editor

The 802nd Force Support Squadron securedfirst place and an undefeated golf season with aresounding 135-146 team win over the 717thMilitary Intelligence Battalion Tuesday,

Undefeated at 11-0 in regular season play, FSScompleted the rout over their intramural oppo-nents, guaranteeing the top spot in this year’sintramural championship golf tournament.

One of the best intramural teams at theGateway Hills Golf Course in recent years, FSS isthe only team to manage a weekly-stroke averagein the 130s through 10 matchups, with its 11thwin coming by way of a forfeit.

The feat may not be that surprising to some,considering many of the players work at the golfcourse.

“Everyone that’s here, that actually gets a jobon the golf course, most likely plays golf,” FSS’Jeff Pagan said. “And that usually helps.”

Two or three players haven’t been carrying the15-player capable team, as intramural play dic-tates a two-man, two-team rotation each week.

“Everyone here has been playing for years,”Pagan said, adding most of his teammates carry asingle-digit handicap.

“They are all retired military (members) andhave been playing here for over 20 years on aver-age,” he said.

That accounts for a lot of knowledge of thecourse’s ins and outs.

The 433rd Airlift Wing won the regular seasonlast year and remains a close second at 8-2.

But Pagan said he doesn’t focus on his oppo-nents, but rather his own performance.

“When you get on the tee box, you’re just try-

ing to get the job done rather than worry about whoyou are playing at the moment,” he said. “To behonest, I’m not sure who the 433rd is.”

Intramural sports director Jerry Tiger said thepostseason is slated to begin Aug. 3, with the lastregular season matchups scheduled for Tuesday.

There is also the potential for ties at the end ofthe season. With third through sixth place currentlydeadlocked, a playoff may be necessary to finalizethe six teams advancing to the tournament.

After a championship win was discounted lastyear due to a roster dispute, FSS is ready for anoth-er tournament run.

FSS tops league, looks to postseason

FITNESS & SPORTS 90-DAY CHALLENGE

WEEK 2: What are you doing to improve your overall fitness?“I am working onenhancing my workoutswith shorter rest periodsto increase my heart ratethroughout the workout.I am also running twotimes a week with ourMilitary PersonnelSection superintendentat the 1.5-mile track.”

– Mike KaplanWhite team

“My only weakness isflexibility. I am going toincrease that bystretching twice per day.To lower my body fat, Ihave bumped up mycardio workouts fromthree to five days perweek. And stay awayfrom my favorite fattyfoods.”

– Camellia Brissett-FulkBlue team

Photo by Robbin Cresswell802nd Force Support Squadron golfer Tony Deavers sinks aputt as teammate Geoff McIntosh watches.

“My areas that needwork are flexibility,endurance and weight.I really have to watchwhat I eat, and makesure I don't eat past acertain time. For thepast month, I haveincorporated a lot morecardio in my workoutsthan before.”

– Brett CannonRed team

In the event of a tie at season’s end:

• Teams with the best win-loss recordagainst the other tied teams advance

• If teams are still tied, head-to-headmatchups are played to decide theadvancing teams

L E A D E R B O A R DC U R R E N T S T A N D I N G S

1 FSS 11-02 433rd AW 8-23 COMM 6-44 JIOWC 6-45 24th AF 6-46 737th TRG 6-47 717th MI Bn 5-48 369th Rec Grp 4-59 343rd TRS 4-6

10 AFISR 2-7