RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE 64th Year • No. 16 • APRIL 23, 2010

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

INSIDE ... LEAVE POLICY EMPHASIZED, P3 ... HOT-WEATHER LIMITS, P7 ... CASH FOR BRIGHT IDEAS, P10 ... RO-HAWK TRACK TEAMS HEAD TO REGIONALS, P12

By Gen. Stephen LorenzAir Education and Training Commandcommander

These are challengingtimes for our Air Force. Wehave been engaged in com-bat operations since 1990and are balancing limitedresources against an aggres-sive operations tempo. Weare once again adjusting tomaintain our authorized endstrength while juggling prior-ities within a leveling budget. Many ofour aircraft are beyond expected serv-ice lives and current operations areaging them even faster. Handling allthese demands will be challenging – itwill not be fun.

This is where leadership comes intoplay. Whether at work or at home,everyone has issues. As some issues areresolved, others are always waiting inline to take their places. The “pay menow or pay me later” mindset isexhausting. It is up to each organiza-tion’s leadership to set the tone, moti-vate the workplace and create a sus-tainable culture of success. After all, wewant our Airmen to invest themselvesin our service and our mission.

So, how can a leader attack suchchallenges and create sustainableexcellence? We all know that it isn’teasy to do. It will take dedication andobjectivity … and a lot of patience andperseverance. Along the way, toughdecisions will be required and eachwill call for a tailored approach. In

other words, leaders mustadapt differently to eachsituation. Situationalleadership is how wekeep our organizationsmotivated and headed inthe best direction.

We all have uniqueleadership styles. Some ofus probably smile a littletoo much while others notquite enough. We all fitsomewhere along a lead-ership continuum, where

the ends are defined by the extremes.Although you may feel most comfort-able in one region of that continuum,realize that every leader will have toutilize approaches from the full range ofthe continuum in response to differentchallenges. A career brings many lead-ership challenges and leaders mustadapt to meet each one.

After all, some challenges will requireleaders to soften their approaches. Forexample, someone in the organizationmay be directly affected by our endstrength reductions. Maybe the unit willsuffer the loss of one of its members.Other situations will require a sternapproach. This may be necessary whenaccountability and disciplinary chal-lenges confront the organization orsome of its personnel. Effective leadersmust be able to approach difficult deci-sions or situations with the entire con-tinuum at their disposal.

In the end, a leader must approach achallenge with an eye toward crafting asolution to meet their organizational

needs. They should consciously select aleadership style or customizedapproach in order to create a certaineffect. For most situations, missionaccomplishment will be the effect, theend goal. However, before one canachieve such an effect, situational lead-ership must be used to motivate otherstoward success. After all, a motivatedforce can move mountains.

Motivation is an interesting concept.In some situations, motivation is morespontaneous and flows from the heart.In others, motivation is far from intrin-sic and needs a little added emphasisfrom the top. I call it “added emphasis”because sometimes your organizationwon’t be too thrilled with the changesafter they’re announced. It may feel likeyou are marching your team uphill andinto the wind.

A leader must look at each challenge,develop a plan and push for success.As part of their plan, leaders mustdevelop the motivation necessary toassist their organizations through thechallenges. In the end, people don’t quittheir jobs (despite all the challenges weface each and every day) – they quittheir bosses. The art of motivatingorganizations through challenges is oneof the keys to any leaders’ success.

Today, more than ever before, weneed leaders of intellect who value thepower of thought and innovativeapproaches. After all, having leaderswho think, assess challenges objectivelyand motivate their teams to succeed iswhat makes us the formidable fightingforce we are today.

Ambassadors from each of the localmilitary installations ride with Gen.Stephen Lorenz (second from back), AirEducation and Training Commandcommander, in the Texas Cavaliers RiverParade Monday as part of Fiesta.Photo by Steve Thurow

Wingspread Office1150 5th Street East

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

Fax: (210) 652-3142Wingspread Advertisements

Prime Time Military Newspapers2203 S. Hackberry

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

Wingspread e-mailnews@randolph.af.mil

502nd Air Base WingOperating Location Bravo

Editorial StaffBrig. Gen. Leonard Patrick

Commander1st Lt. Ryan Ernst

Deputy Chief of Public AffairsSenior Airman Katie Hickerson

EditorRobert GoetzSean BowlinStaff Writers

Maggie ArmstrongGraphic Designer

WINGSPREAD

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

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

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

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

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

Articles for submission may also be sent by e-mail tonews@randolph.af.mil.

For details about submissions, call 652-5760.

ON THE COVER

PAGE 3WINGSPREADAPRIL 23, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 2 APRIL 23, 2010

COMMENTARY

Lorenz on Leadership – Motivation

The Action Line is the direct path for addressing issues with the 502nd Air Base Wing commander that have not been resolved through chain of command orthe appropriate responsible agency action. Items of general interest may be printed in the Randolph Wingspread. Anonymous inquiries will not be published.

Commander’s Action Line e-mail randolph.actionline@randolph.af.mil

Although Randolph’s south gate has reopened, canyou please provide some insight to why it took monthslonger than projected? We were told it would beclosed for 60 days, then it was extended a number of

times. I sure hope we’re not paying the contractor for this jobthat has taken twice as long as projected. Thanks.

Thank you for the inquiry. Unfortunately the projectsuffered several delays due to inclement weatherearly in the project. Additionally, as the project

neared its initial completion, there was a catastrophic fail-ure approximately six feet below the surface, which was not

visible during the construction. As you may know, San Antonio suffered extensive drought

conditions over the last two years.This year, the above normal rainfall since last October result-ed in something similar to a cave washing out beneath theroad, and the roadbed collapsed under the weight of a con-struction vehicle.

The good news is though, that the construction has beencompleted and was returned to regular service April 13.Thank you for your interest and patience.

– 902nd Mission Support Group commander

A

Q

NEWS

By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Abuses of the Air Force’s absence and leave policycan have dire consequences, including loss of job.

But the way for civilian employees to avoid suchan outcome is simple, say human resource spe-cialists at Randolph.

“If you leave work early, make sure you’re takingleave in accordance with regulations,” said JesseSolano, 902nd Force Support Squadron WorkforceEffectiveness Element chief. “You must have leaveapproved by your supervisor and document that youwill be away from work.”

The Air Force’s absence and leave policy is spelledout in Air Force Instruction 36-815, which explainshow much leave employees earn and when and underwhat conditions employees are granted annual leave,sick leave, leave without pay and other specializedforms of leave and absence.

AFI 36-815 also sets out requirements for installationcommanders, supervisors and employees alike:• Responsibilities for commanders or their designatedcivilian personnel officers include administering leaveaccording to law and regulation and identifying andpromptly correcting sick leave abuses.• Supervisors must “ensure that all employees undertheir supervision are informed of the procedure they

must follow in requesting and using leave” and “ensurethat all absences from duty are appropriately chargedaccording to applicable laws and regulations.”• Employees are required to “be dependable and regu-larly report for work” and “report unexpectedabsences to the supervisor and request approval forthe absence according to established policies.”

Though AFI 36-815 clearly states compliance withthe policy is mandatory, abuses can happen.

“Most people are honest,” Mr. Solano said, “butthere are exceptions we have to deal with.”

He said some people are leaving work early but

are not taking the appropriate leave.“That’s wrong,” Mr. Solano said. “Failure to

take the appropriate leave and documenting it (ontheir time cards) could lead to disciplinary action,up to and including dismissal.”

He said knowingly certifying a time card thatcontains inaccurate information is “falsifying agovernment document.”

Rodney Morris, 902nd FSS employee relationsspecialist, said commanders establish duty hoursfor various organizations. One common work day is7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with 45 to 60 minutes setaside for lunch.

“Employees are expected to work that entire shiftunless a need arises, then leave is required,” hesaid. “Examples are medical emergencies, doctorappointments and pre-scheduled events such asschool activities. But you must get your supervisor’sapproval prior to leaving work.”

According to regulations, employees who leave workwithout approved leave are considered absent withoutleave, and their timecards should be coded that way.

Mr. Solano said other examples of abuses are comingto work late or taking long lunches, circumstances thatalso must be documented as absent without leave. Buthe said supervisors may excuse employees if they are

TIMELY MATTER

Officials emphasize adherence to leave policy“Failure to take the appropriate

leave and documenting it (ontheir time cards) could lead todisciplinary action, up to and

including dismissal.”Jesse Solano

902nd Force Support SquadronWorkforce Effectiveness Element chief

See POLICY P4

By Sean Bowlin502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Educators, students, family members,Airmen and their leaders on RandolphAir Force Base learned last week thatfor those Airmen or family membersconfused by homework, there’s now help24 hours a day.

As 60 people listened in the baselibrary, representatives fromTutor.com demonstrated how stu-dents of any age needing academicaid can connect on the Internet with1,800 professional tutors for safe,one-to-one learning sessions.

“This is exceptional,” said Col. AlanLake, 902nd Mission Support Groupcommander, “because parents aren’tnecessarily experts when it comes tohomework.”

Kara Froman, a Tutor.com account

executive, said the free service provid-ed by the Department of Defense-endorsed company authorized to workwith the Air Force since January, pro-vides a secure online classroom envi-ronment. It includes real-time chat fea-tures and an interactive whiteboardwith screened advisers ready to assiststudents perplexed with math, science,English, social studies, standardizedtests, resume-writing, grammar andliterature questions.

She also said the service works by giv-ing “targeted tutoring,” which leveragesthe student’s current question to supportkey concepts taught in class, incorporat-ing teaching strategies while helping stu-dents with the immediate class assign-ment. Students can also sign up to workwith favorite tutors and can save

Tutor.com – a 24-7 solution to homework questions

Photo by ??Randolph students and base leaders listen as a representative from Tutor.comexplains how the Web site can help with homework questions. See TUTOR.COM P4

By Gen. Stephen LorenzAir Education and Training Commandcommander

These are challengingtimes for our Air Force. Wehave been engaged in com-bat operations since 1990and are balancing limitedresources against an aggres-sive operations tempo. Weare once again adjusting tomaintain our authorized endstrength while juggling prior-ities within a leveling budget. Many ofour aircraft are beyond expected serv-ice lives and current operations areaging them even faster. Handling allthese demands will be challenging – itwill not be fun.

This is where leadership comes intoplay. Whether at work or at home,everyone has issues. As some issues areresolved, others are always waiting inline to take their places. The “pay menow or pay me later” mindset isexhausting. It is up to each organiza-tion’s leadership to set the tone, moti-vate the workplace and create a sus-tainable culture of success. After all, wewant our Airmen to invest themselvesin our service and our mission.

So, how can a leader attack suchchallenges and create sustainableexcellence? We all know that it isn’teasy to do. It will take dedication andobjectivity … and a lot of patience andperseverance. Along the way, toughdecisions will be required and eachwill call for a tailored approach. In

other words, leaders mustadapt differently to eachsituation. Situationalleadership is how wekeep our organizationsmotivated and headed inthe best direction.

We all have uniqueleadership styles. Some ofus probably smile a littletoo much while others notquite enough. We all fitsomewhere along a lead-ership continuum, where

the ends are defined by the extremes.Although you may feel most comfort-able in one region of that continuum,realize that every leader will have toutilize approaches from the full range ofthe continuum in response to differentchallenges. A career brings many lead-ership challenges and leaders mustadapt to meet each one.

After all, some challenges will requireleaders to soften their approaches. Forexample, someone in the organizationmay be directly affected by our endstrength reductions. Maybe the unit willsuffer the loss of one of its members.Other situations will require a sternapproach. This may be necessary whenaccountability and disciplinary chal-lenges confront the organization orsome of its personnel. Effective leadersmust be able to approach difficult deci-sions or situations with the entire con-tinuum at their disposal.

In the end, a leader must approach achallenge with an eye toward crafting asolution to meet their organizational

needs. They should consciously select aleadership style or customizedapproach in order to create a certaineffect. For most situations, missionaccomplishment will be the effect, theend goal. However, before one canachieve such an effect, situational lead-ership must be used to motivate otherstoward success. After all, a motivatedforce can move mountains.

Motivation is an interesting concept.In some situations, motivation is morespontaneous and flows from the heart.In others, motivation is far from intrin-sic and needs a little added emphasisfrom the top. I call it “added emphasis”because sometimes your organizationwon’t be too thrilled with the changesafter they’re announced. It may feel likeyou are marching your team uphill andinto the wind.

A leader must look at each challenge,develop a plan and push for success.As part of their plan, leaders mustdevelop the motivation necessary toassist their organizations through thechallenges. In the end, people don’t quittheir jobs (despite all the challenges weface each and every day) – they quittheir bosses. The art of motivatingorganizations through challenges is oneof the keys to any leaders’ success.

Today, more than ever before, weneed leaders of intellect who value thepower of thought and innovativeapproaches. After all, having leaderswho think, assess challenges objectivelyand motivate their teams to succeed iswhat makes us the formidable fightingforce we are today.

Ambassadors from each of the localmilitary installations ride with Gen.Stephen Lorenz (second from back), AirEducation and Training Commandcommander, in the Texas Cavaliers RiverParade Monday as part of Fiesta.Photo by Steve Thurow

Wingspread Office1150 5th Street East

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

Fax: (210) 652-3142Wingspread Advertisements

Prime Time Military Newspapers2203 S. Hackberry

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

Wingspread e-mailnews@randolph.af.mil

502nd Air Base WingOperating Location Bravo

Editorial StaffBrig. Gen. Leonard Patrick

Commander1st Lt. Ryan Ernst

Deputy Chief of Public AffairsSenior Airman Katie Hickerson

EditorRobert GoetzSean BowlinStaff Writers

Maggie ArmstrongGraphic Designer

WINGSPREAD

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

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

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

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

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

Articles for submission may also be sent by e-mail tonews@randolph.af.mil.

For details about submissions, call 652-5760.

ON THE COVER

PAGE 3WINGSPREADAPRIL 23, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 2 APRIL 23, 2010

COMMENTARY

Lorenz on Leadership – Motivation

The Action Line is the direct path for addressing issues with the 502nd Air Base Wing commander that have not been resolved through chain of command orthe appropriate responsible agency action. Items of general interest may be printed in the Randolph Wingspread. Anonymous inquiries will not be published.

Commander’s Action Line e-mail randolph.actionline@randolph.af.mil

Although Randolph’s south gate has reopened, canyou please provide some insight to why it took monthslonger than projected? We were told it would beclosed for 60 days, then it was extended a number of

times. I sure hope we’re not paying the contractor for this jobthat has taken twice as long as projected. Thanks.

Thank you for the inquiry. Unfortunately the projectsuffered several delays due to inclement weatherearly in the project. Additionally, as the project

neared its initial completion, there was a catastrophic fail-ure approximately six feet below the surface, which was not

visible during the construction. As you may know, San Antonio suffered extensive drought

conditions over the last two years.This year, the above normal rainfall since last October result-ed in something similar to a cave washing out beneath theroad, and the roadbed collapsed under the weight of a con-struction vehicle.

The good news is though, that the construction has beencompleted and was returned to regular service April 13.Thank you for your interest and patience.

– 902nd Mission Support Group commander

A

Q

NEWS

By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Abuses of the Air Force’s absence and leave policycan have dire consequences, including loss of job.

But the way for civilian employees to avoid suchan outcome is simple, say human resource spe-cialists at Randolph.

“If you leave work early, make sure you’re takingleave in accordance with regulations,” said JesseSolano, 902nd Force Support Squadron WorkforceEffectiveness Element chief. “You must have leaveapproved by your supervisor and document that youwill be away from work.”

The Air Force’s absence and leave policy is spelledout in Air Force Instruction 36-815, which explainshow much leave employees earn and when and underwhat conditions employees are granted annual leave,sick leave, leave without pay and other specializedforms of leave and absence.

AFI 36-815 also sets out requirements for installationcommanders, supervisors and employees alike:• Responsibilities for commanders or their designatedcivilian personnel officers include administering leaveaccording to law and regulation and identifying andpromptly correcting sick leave abuses.• Supervisors must “ensure that all employees undertheir supervision are informed of the procedure they

must follow in requesting and using leave” and “ensurethat all absences from duty are appropriately chargedaccording to applicable laws and regulations.”• Employees are required to “be dependable and regu-larly report for work” and “report unexpectedabsences to the supervisor and request approval forthe absence according to established policies.”

Though AFI 36-815 clearly states compliance withthe policy is mandatory, abuses can happen.

“Most people are honest,” Mr. Solano said, “butthere are exceptions we have to deal with.”

He said some people are leaving work early but

are not taking the appropriate leave.“That’s wrong,” Mr. Solano said. “Failure to

take the appropriate leave and documenting it (ontheir time cards) could lead to disciplinary action,up to and including dismissal.”

He said knowingly certifying a time card thatcontains inaccurate information is “falsifying agovernment document.”

Rodney Morris, 902nd FSS employee relationsspecialist, said commanders establish duty hoursfor various organizations. One common work day is7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with 45 to 60 minutes setaside for lunch.

“Employees are expected to work that entire shiftunless a need arises, then leave is required,” hesaid. “Examples are medical emergencies, doctorappointments and pre-scheduled events such asschool activities. But you must get your supervisor’sapproval prior to leaving work.”

According to regulations, employees who leave workwithout approved leave are considered absent withoutleave, and their timecards should be coded that way.

Mr. Solano said other examples of abuses are comingto work late or taking long lunches, circumstances thatalso must be documented as absent without leave. Buthe said supervisors may excuse employees if they are

TIMELY MATTER

Officials emphasize adherence to leave policy“Failure to take the appropriate

leave and documenting it (ontheir time cards) could lead todisciplinary action, up to and

including dismissal.”Jesse Solano

902nd Force Support SquadronWorkforce Effectiveness Element chief

See POLICY P4

By Sean Bowlin502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Educators, students, family members,Airmen and their leaders on RandolphAir Force Base learned last week thatfor those Airmen or family membersconfused by homework, there’s now help24 hours a day.

As 60 people listened in the baselibrary, representatives fromTutor.com demonstrated how stu-dents of any age needing academicaid can connect on the Internet with1,800 professional tutors for safe,one-to-one learning sessions.

“This is exceptional,” said Col. AlanLake, 902nd Mission Support Groupcommander, “because parents aren’tnecessarily experts when it comes tohomework.”

Kara Froman, a Tutor.com account

executive, said the free service provid-ed by the Department of Defense-endorsed company authorized to workwith the Air Force since January, pro-vides a secure online classroom envi-ronment. It includes real-time chat fea-tures and an interactive whiteboardwith screened advisers ready to assiststudents perplexed with math, science,English, social studies, standardizedtests, resume-writing, grammar andliterature questions.

She also said the service works by giv-ing “targeted tutoring,” which leveragesthe student’s current question to supportkey concepts taught in class, incorporat-ing teaching strategies while helping stu-dents with the immediate class assign-ment. Students can also sign up to workwith favorite tutors and can save

Tutor.com – a 24-7 solution to homework questions

Photo by ??Randolph students and base leaders listen as a representative from Tutor.comexplains how the Web site can help with homework questions. See TUTOR.COM P4

PAGE 5WINGSPREADAPRIL 23, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 4 APRIL 23, 2010

Welcome to the 435th FTS

Photo by Steve WhiteCol. Ronald Buckley (left), 12th Operations Group commander, officially passes the guidon of command to Lt.Col. David Drichta, the incoming 435th Fighter Training Squadron commander. Colonel Drichta officiallyassumed command during a ceremony held April 16.

absent or tardy due to unforeseen circumstances suchas car problems or incidents that tie up traffic. Typicallythose absences must be less than one hour, and theyare recorded as regular duty.

Supervisors may also grant a brief period of early dis-missal, but that authority must be used sparingly andon an individual basis.

Much of the burden for following the requirements ofAFI 36-815 falls on supervisors.

“As a supervisor, I have to make sure I’m gettingeight hours of work from my people,” Mr. Solano said.

If employees aren’t at work for eight hours, he said,supervisors and managers have the responsibility tomake sure they are charged appropriate leave.

“Supervisors have a higher responsibility thanemployees,” Mr. Morris said. “We hold them to ahigher standard. It’s possible they could be removedfrom their position.”

But Col. Richard Murphy, 12th Flying Training Wingcommander, also called it a shared responsibility.

“I expect employees and supervisors to beaccountable for accurately recording time worked,time in an approved paid leave status and time in anon-pay status,” he said in a policy letter on timecard accountability. “In addition, all employees arereminded that you are expected to maintain highstandards of honesty, responsibility and accountabil-ity as well as to adhere to the Air Force Core Valuesof ‘integrity first, service before self and excellencein all we do.’”

POLICY from P3

their online sessions to study them later forgreater reinforcement of learned concepts.

“This is a great thing for military families, becausethey move around a lot and sometimes, from that,school subjects are taught differently in different statesand often, there are gaps in learning and prerequisiteskills are sometimes missed. Also, parents who normal-ly check homework, get deployed,” Ms. Froman noted.

Ms. Froman’s colleague, Tutor.com account execu-tive Susan Del Rosario, said the service is also greatfor students who don’t feel like asking questions inclass for fear of embarrassment, or who don’t wantto or can’t wait around after school to get home-work questions answered.

The service answered one military family member’shomework questions that arose after checking her son’spre-algebra homework.

That’s why Francine Gonzales, 902nd ForceSupport Squadron library technician, endorsesTutor. com.

“I checked my son’s homework after writing it on thecomputerized whiteboard. I found it was a good tool tohave, like having an extra set of eyes on the homework.I loved it,” Ms. Gonzales commented.

Tutor.com is authorized for active duty servicemem-bers, reservists, deployed National Guardsmen,deployed DoD civilians and military family members.

For more information on how to use www.Tutor.comfrom the convenience of your own computer, visit theWeb site or call 800-411-1970.

Wild Times

Photo by Rich McFaddenKaty Breyer (right), 902nd Civil Engineer Squadron environmental engineer, helps second-graders fromRandolph Elementary School collect native wildflower seeds to scatter across the lawns at the Airman’sHeritage Park Monday. The class joined with civil engineers in recognition of Earth Day.

TUTOR.COM from P3

By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

The U.S. Department of Health andHuman Services each year designatesApril as Alcohol Awareness Month torecognize a problem that affects societyat all levels – including institutions suchas the military.

Medical personnel at Randolph arecalling attention to the ramificationsof alcohol use and the need to makegood decisions in regard to alcoholconsumption.

“We want people to be aware of howtheir decisions can affect their career,and impact the lives of others,” saidTech. Sgt. Brian Hornberger, 359thMedical Operations Squadron MentalHealth Flight chief.

For Airmen, embracing the wingmanconcept can be a life-saver.

“If you are going out to drink, youshould have a plan to get home safelybefore you have your first drink,” hesaid. “You need to know how you’llget home, and have a backup plan incase the initial one falls through. Bethe designated driver, or call a cab,your supervisor or your first sergeantto get home safe.”

Sergeant Hornberger said the desig-nated driver should refrain from con-suming even one alcoholic beverage.

“It only takes one drink to impair yourjudgment, making it crucial to have aplan set in place before you head outthat you follow through with,” he said.“Just think about each choice you makein less than a minute and how it couldaffect you for the rest of your life.”

An Airman who doesn’t have a des-ignated driver has another alterna-tive. The Airmen Against DrunkDriving program allows an Airmanwho has been drinking at a night club,party or other function to call the hot-line number, 1-877-AADD-123, andrequest a ride home as far away as 25miles from Randolph from a pair ofAADD volunteers.

The program operates on Friday,Saturday and holiday nights from 11p.m. to 4 a.m. and is available to allactive duty, Reservists and Guardmembers.

Capt. (Dr.) John Waggoner, 359thMDOS clinical psychologist, said Airmenalso should be aware of how much theyare drinking. Twelve ounces of beer con-stitute one drink, so don’t count thatschooner of beer as one drink.

“Just because it’s one container does-n’t mean it’s one drink,” he said.

A shot, or 1.5 ounces, of 80-proofwhiskey, vodka, gin or other distilledalcoholic beverage and a 5-ounce glassof table wine also count as one drink.

Sergeant Hornberger said party hostscan contribute to a more responsible cli-mate by de-emphasizing the consump-tion of alcohol. They can offer nonalco-holic drinks and ensure there are activi-ties that are not focused on drinking.

He said Airmen should follow the 0-0-1-3 prevention campaign that is part ofthe Air Force’s Culture of ResponsibleChoices program. The numbers standfor 0 drinks if you’re under 21, 0 drivingunder the influence incidents, no morethan 1 drink per hour and no more than3 drinks per setting.

“The first two are self-explanatory,”Sergeant Hornberger said

No more than one drink per hour isrecommended because that’s the aver-age time it takes someone to metabolizea standard-size drink, he said. No morethan three drinks per setting is impor-tant to deter binge drinking, which canlead to irrational decision making andincreased health risks.

“It’s not just a saying; it works,”Sergeant Hornberger said.

The consequences of alcohol con-sumption can be severe – from a driv-ing under the influence charge with a

hefty fine to a tragic accident – andcan lead to serious career repercus-sions, such as an Article 15, reductionin pay or, depending on the situation,even court-martial.

“The worst-case scenario is beinginvolved in an accident that hurts or killssomeone,” Sergeant Hornberger said.“How can you put a price on that?”

He said those with problematic drink-ing behavior should seek help before itgets worse. That help is available atRandolph’s Mental Health Flight and atfacilities in the community.

Captain Waggoner said some Airmenwon’t seek help because it will affecttheir flying or deployment status, butone mistake can be disastrous.

“If you don’t get treatment, you canmake a big mistake,” he said. “The goalwith treatment is to get you to do thosethings again, like flying or deploying. It’sa very positive thing.”

Good judgment critical with alcohol use

PAGE 5WINGSPREADAPRIL 23, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 4 APRIL 23, 2010

Welcome to the 435th FTS

Photo by Steve WhiteCol. Ronald Buckley (left), 12th Operations Group commander, officially passes the guidon of command to Lt.Col. David Drichta, the incoming 435th Fighter Training Squadron commander. Colonel Drichta officiallyassumed command during a ceremony held April 16.

absent or tardy due to unforeseen circumstances suchas car problems or incidents that tie up traffic. Typicallythose absences must be less than one hour, and theyare recorded as regular duty.

Supervisors may also grant a brief period of early dis-missal, but that authority must be used sparingly andon an individual basis.

Much of the burden for following the requirements ofAFI 36-815 falls on supervisors.

“As a supervisor, I have to make sure I’m gettingeight hours of work from my people,” Mr. Solano said.

If employees aren’t at work for eight hours, he said,supervisors and managers have the responsibility tomake sure they are charged appropriate leave.

“Supervisors have a higher responsibility thanemployees,” Mr. Morris said. “We hold them to ahigher standard. It’s possible they could be removedfrom their position.”

But Col. Richard Murphy, 12th Flying Training Wingcommander, also called it a shared responsibility.

“I expect employees and supervisors to beaccountable for accurately recording time worked,time in an approved paid leave status and time in anon-pay status,” he said in a policy letter on timecard accountability. “In addition, all employees arereminded that you are expected to maintain highstandards of honesty, responsibility and accountabil-ity as well as to adhere to the Air Force Core Valuesof ‘integrity first, service before self and excellencein all we do.’”

POLICY from P3

their online sessions to study them later forgreater reinforcement of learned concepts.

“This is a great thing for military families, becausethey move around a lot and sometimes, from that,school subjects are taught differently in different statesand often, there are gaps in learning and prerequisiteskills are sometimes missed. Also, parents who normal-ly check homework, get deployed,” Ms. Froman noted.

Ms. Froman’s colleague, Tutor.com account execu-tive Susan Del Rosario, said the service is also greatfor students who don’t feel like asking questions inclass for fear of embarrassment, or who don’t wantto or can’t wait around after school to get home-work questions answered.

The service answered one military family member’shomework questions that arose after checking her son’spre-algebra homework.

That’s why Francine Gonzales, 902nd ForceSupport Squadron library technician, endorsesTutor. com.

“I checked my son’s homework after writing it on thecomputerized whiteboard. I found it was a good tool tohave, like having an extra set of eyes on the homework.I loved it,” Ms. Gonzales commented.

Tutor.com is authorized for active duty servicemem-bers, reservists, deployed National Guardsmen,deployed DoD civilians and military family members.

For more information on how to use www.Tutor.comfrom the convenience of your own computer, visit theWeb site or call 800-411-1970.

Wild Times

Photo by Rich McFaddenKaty Breyer (right), 902nd Civil Engineer Squadron environmental engineer, helps second-graders fromRandolph Elementary School collect native wildflower seeds to scatter across the lawns at the Airman’sHeritage Park Monday. The class joined with civil engineers in recognition of Earth Day.

TUTOR.COM from P3

By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

The U.S. Department of Health andHuman Services each year designatesApril as Alcohol Awareness Month torecognize a problem that affects societyat all levels – including institutions suchas the military.

Medical personnel at Randolph arecalling attention to the ramificationsof alcohol use and the need to makegood decisions in regard to alcoholconsumption.

“We want people to be aware of howtheir decisions can affect their career,and impact the lives of others,” saidTech. Sgt. Brian Hornberger, 359thMedical Operations Squadron MentalHealth Flight chief.

For Airmen, embracing the wingmanconcept can be a life-saver.

“If you are going out to drink, youshould have a plan to get home safelybefore you have your first drink,” hesaid. “You need to know how you’llget home, and have a backup plan incase the initial one falls through. Bethe designated driver, or call a cab,your supervisor or your first sergeantto get home safe.”

Sergeant Hornberger said the desig-nated driver should refrain from con-suming even one alcoholic beverage.

“It only takes one drink to impair yourjudgment, making it crucial to have aplan set in place before you head outthat you follow through with,” he said.“Just think about each choice you makein less than a minute and how it couldaffect you for the rest of your life.”

An Airman who doesn’t have a des-ignated driver has another alterna-tive. The Airmen Against DrunkDriving program allows an Airmanwho has been drinking at a night club,party or other function to call the hot-line number, 1-877-AADD-123, andrequest a ride home as far away as 25miles from Randolph from a pair ofAADD volunteers.

The program operates on Friday,Saturday and holiday nights from 11p.m. to 4 a.m. and is available to allactive duty, Reservists and Guardmembers.

Capt. (Dr.) John Waggoner, 359thMDOS clinical psychologist, said Airmenalso should be aware of how much theyare drinking. Twelve ounces of beer con-stitute one drink, so don’t count thatschooner of beer as one drink.

“Just because it’s one container does-n’t mean it’s one drink,” he said.

A shot, or 1.5 ounces, of 80-proofwhiskey, vodka, gin or other distilledalcoholic beverage and a 5-ounce glassof table wine also count as one drink.

Sergeant Hornberger said party hostscan contribute to a more responsible cli-mate by de-emphasizing the consump-tion of alcohol. They can offer nonalco-holic drinks and ensure there are activi-ties that are not focused on drinking.

He said Airmen should follow the 0-0-1-3 prevention campaign that is part ofthe Air Force’s Culture of ResponsibleChoices program. The numbers standfor 0 drinks if you’re under 21, 0 drivingunder the influence incidents, no morethan 1 drink per hour and no more than3 drinks per setting.

“The first two are self-explanatory,”Sergeant Hornberger said

No more than one drink per hour isrecommended because that’s the aver-age time it takes someone to metabolizea standard-size drink, he said. No morethan three drinks per setting is impor-tant to deter binge drinking, which canlead to irrational decision making andincreased health risks.

“It’s not just a saying; it works,”Sergeant Hornberger said.

The consequences of alcohol con-sumption can be severe – from a driv-ing under the influence charge with a

hefty fine to a tragic accident – andcan lead to serious career repercus-sions, such as an Article 15, reductionin pay or, depending on the situation,even court-martial.

“The worst-case scenario is beinginvolved in an accident that hurts or killssomeone,” Sergeant Hornberger said.“How can you put a price on that?”

He said those with problematic drink-ing behavior should seek help before itgets worse. That help is available atRandolph’s Mental Health Flight and atfacilities in the community.

Captain Waggoner said some Airmenwon’t seek help because it will affecttheir flying or deployment status, butone mistake can be disastrous.

“If you don’t get treatment, you canmake a big mistake,” he said. “The goalwith treatment is to get you to do thosethings again, like flying or deploying. It’sa very positive thing.”

Good judgment critical with alcohol use

PAGE 7WINGSPREADAPRIL 23, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 6 APRIL 23, 2010

Air Force officials here announced uniform policyupdates April 12 resulting from recent Air ForceUniform Board decisions.

The following policy modifications are effective imme-diately, unless otherwise stated, and will be incorporat-ed into Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Air ForceUniform Dress and Appearance.

The tucking of trousers on utility uniforms into bootswill remain optional. This reverses a mandatory tuck-inrequirement previously announced by the 98th AirForce Virtual Uniform Board. When tucked in orbloused, the trouser must be even and draped looselyover the top of the combat boot to present a blousedappearance.

The green fleece watch cap is approved for wear withthe all-purpose environmental clothing system,improved rain suit, cold weather parka, sage greenfleece and the physical training uniform.

Air Force officials encourage all Airmen to affix name,rank and service designator tapes instead of waiting for

the Oct. 1 mandatory wear date. However, officerswanting to wear a watch cap with the sage green fleecemust now have their name, rank and service designatortapes affixed to the fleece effective immediately.

Other authorized cold weather items remainunchanged. They include the black or sage greenleather, suede or knit gloves; black scarves that aretucked in; and black earmuffs.

The sage green fleece can still be worn as a liner forthe APECS without name, rank and service designatortapes. The black fleece will no longer be authorized forwear as an APECS liner on Oct. 1.

Air Force officials also modified the 97th AFUB deci-sion that stated the women’s A-line skirt would becomethe primary mess dress skirt for the Air Force. Thechange allows the side-slit mess dress skirt to continueto be worn as an optional item.

For more information on uniform policy changes,contact your chain of command or call the Total ForceService Center at 800-525-0102.

Air Force officials announce uniform policy changes

U.S. Air Force photo illustration

Courtesy of 559th Aerospace Medicine Squadron

Preventing heat stress becomes more impor-tant as the heat and humidity continues toincrease in South Texas. Heat stress can causeinjury and even death when someone exceedstheir body’s ability to cool itself.

Heat injuries can range from fainting andcramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke,which may result in brain damage or deathunless treated promptly.

Those who play, exercise or work outsidemust pace themselves and get adequate hydra-tion, preferably with cold or cool water, and getplenty of shade to avoid the added heat burdengenerated by the sun. Those working indoorsdaily are unlikely to get fully acclimated to theheat and should take extra care when exposedto hot conditions. Hourly fluid intake should notexceed 1 1/2 quarts to help prevent hypona-tremia, or acute water intoxication.

Military training instructors have a special chal-lenge ensuring their trainees do not suffer heatstress. Military trainees arrive at Lackland from allacross America and are acclimated to many differ-ent climatic zones. Many areas tend to be very coldlong after the San Antonio summer has arrived.The greater the temperature differences, thelonger it generally takes for trainees to adapt.

Heavy clothing and protective vests can interferewith this natural cooling mechanism.

Commanders and training supervisors mustbe vigilant to ensure their Airmen don’t exceedtheir ability to cope with the high heat andhumidity. At Lackland, flags are posted to signalthe degree of heat intensity.

These flags are flown in accordance with AirEducation and Training Command Instruction 48-101 and indicate training requirements for hotenvironments. Colors, temperature readings, haz-ard explanations and work-rest requirements are:

Heat, humidity present significant health risks

White Flag Conditions78-81.9 degrees FEasy work with no work limits1/2 quart of water per hourModerate work with no work limits3/4 quart of water per hourHard work with 40 minutes of workto 20 minutes of rest3/4 quart of water per hour

Green Flag Conditions82-84.9 degrees FEasy work with no work limits1/2 quart of water per hourModerate work with 50 minutes ofwork to 10 minutes of rest3/4 quart of water per hourHard work with 30 minutes of workto 30 minutes of rest1 quart of water per hour

Red Flag Conditions88-89.9 degrees FEasy work with no work limits3/4 quart of water per hourModerate work with 30 minutes ofwork to 30 minutes of rest3/4 quart of water per hourHard work with 20 minutes of workto 40 minutes of rest1 quart of water per hour

Black Flag Conditions90 degrees F and aboveEasy work with 50 minutes of workto 10 minutes of rest1 quart of water per hourModerate work with 20 minutes ofwork to 40 minutes of rest1 quart of water per hourHard work with 10 minutes of workto 50 minutes of rest1 quart of water per hour

Yellow Flag Conditions85-87.9 degrees FEasy work with no work limits3/4 quart of water per hourModerate work with 40 minutes ofwork to 20 minutes of rest3/4 quart of water per hourHard work with 30 minutes of workto 30 minutes of rest1 quart of water per hour

KNOW THE HOT-WEATHER LIMITS

(Information courtesy of 559th Aerospace Medicine Squadron)

RetirementCongratulations to Master Sgt.

Chris Panula and Master Sgt. AaronSchrott, Air Education and TrainingCommand, on their retirement.

Pharmacy closureThe main pharmacy at the

Randolph Clinic is closed Thursdaythrough April 30 for completion of thefinal stages of construction. All servic-es will be provided at the BaseExchange satellite pharmacy.

CongratulationsJosh Tabeb, Grade 5 from the

Randolph Elementary School, andAntoine Henderson, Grade 8 from theRandolph Middle School, each receiveda $400 scholarship from the TexasAssociation of Gifted and Talented toattend the Lone Star LeadershipAcademy this summer.

Josh will visit Dallas and Antoinewill head to Houston.

Air Force YouthAir Force Force Support is scheduled

to host the first-ever five-day residen-tial Teen Leadership Camp July 12-16on the campus of the University ofTexas San Antonio. Applications areavailable at Bldg. 584 and online atwww.afyouthprograms.com. The appli-cation process is competitive and isopen to upcoming high school fresh-men through seniors. For more infor-mation, call 652-3298.

Leadership simulcastThe Lackland Air Force Base mar-

keting department will host a leader-ship simulcast training event May 7from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the LacklandGateway Club. Training is open to allDepartment of Defense employees andwill cover new ideas for creative prob-lem solving, best practices for creat-ing strong teams and detecting andreversing decline. Tickets are $25.

For more information, call 671-7187.

Weight loss surgery studyThe Wilford Hall Medical Center

Bariatric Clinic seeks overweightindividuals with Type-2 diabetes toparticipate in a research study. Allnon-active duty military medicalbeneficiaries ages 18-65 are invitedto participate.

For more details, call 292-5915.

My Air Force Life song contestThe Year of the Air Force Family ini-

tiative announced the “Original Song”competition. Youth and adults maycompose an original song on what theAir Force life means to you. Songsmust be submitted by May 23.

For contest details and rules, visitwww.myairforcelife.com.

Enlisted SpousesThe Randolph Enlisted Spouses Club

hosts a Bunko Night card game for allretired or active enlisted spouses everyfourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Kendrick Club.

Effective Discipline for TeensThe Airman and Family Readiness

Center hosts an Effective Discipline forTeens workshop at the A&FRCConference Room Thursday and May 13at noon. Parents of teens age 13-17are welcome to attend.

Call 426-6499 for more information.

Toastmasters The Randolph Toastmasters Club

meets Wednesdays at noon at theKendrick E-Club and Mondays at 7p.m. at the Longhorn Café. AllRandolph military and civilian employ-ees are welcome to attend.

For details, call Capt. Jomia Blas at565-1515.

Chapel meetingThe Protestant Women of the Chapel

host bible study time and fellowshipTuesdays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at9:30 a.m. Children’s ministry is alsoavailable Wednesdays.

For details, call 566-3006.

For a complete listing of basebriefs, including educationbriefs, visit www.randolph.af.miland click on ‘Round Randolph.

Base BRIEFS

$4 for adults$2 for children 11 and underCall 652-3278 for details.

“Remember Me” - (PG-13)Robert Pattinson, Emile De Ravin

Today @ 7 p.m.

“She’s Out of My League” - (R)Jay Baruchel, Alice Eve

Saturday @ 6 p.m.

“Our Family Wedding” - (PG-13)Forest Whitaker, America Ferrera

Sunday @ 3 p.m.

NOW SHOWINGat the

Randolph Theater

Story clarificationThe ‘Former fitness center completely renovated’article on page 15 of the April 16 edition of theWingspread should have clarified that the southwall of the reception area in Hangar 71, theDeployment Readiness Center, is dedicated to allAir Force warriors as a “Wall of Honor.” The firstinductee dedication to the “Wall of Honor” isTech. Sgt. Israel “DT” Del Toro.

PAGE 7WINGSPREADAPRIL 23, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 6 APRIL 23, 2010

Air Force officials here announced uniform policyupdates April 12 resulting from recent Air ForceUniform Board decisions.

The following policy modifications are effective imme-diately, unless otherwise stated, and will be incorporat-ed into Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Air ForceUniform Dress and Appearance.

The tucking of trousers on utility uniforms into bootswill remain optional. This reverses a mandatory tuck-inrequirement previously announced by the 98th AirForce Virtual Uniform Board. When tucked in orbloused, the trouser must be even and draped looselyover the top of the combat boot to present a blousedappearance.

The green fleece watch cap is approved for wear withthe all-purpose environmental clothing system,improved rain suit, cold weather parka, sage greenfleece and the physical training uniform.

Air Force officials encourage all Airmen to affix name,rank and service designator tapes instead of waiting for

the Oct. 1 mandatory wear date. However, officerswanting to wear a watch cap with the sage green fleecemust now have their name, rank and service designatortapes affixed to the fleece effective immediately.

Other authorized cold weather items remainunchanged. They include the black or sage greenleather, suede or knit gloves; black scarves that aretucked in; and black earmuffs.

The sage green fleece can still be worn as a liner forthe APECS without name, rank and service designatortapes. The black fleece will no longer be authorized forwear as an APECS liner on Oct. 1.

Air Force officials also modified the 97th AFUB deci-sion that stated the women’s A-line skirt would becomethe primary mess dress skirt for the Air Force. Thechange allows the side-slit mess dress skirt to continueto be worn as an optional item.

For more information on uniform policy changes,contact your chain of command or call the Total ForceService Center at 800-525-0102.

Air Force officials announce uniform policy changes

U.S. Air Force photo illustration

Courtesy of 559th Aerospace Medicine Squadron

Preventing heat stress becomes more impor-tant as the heat and humidity continues toincrease in South Texas. Heat stress can causeinjury and even death when someone exceedstheir body’s ability to cool itself.

Heat injuries can range from fainting andcramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke,which may result in brain damage or deathunless treated promptly.

Those who play, exercise or work outsidemust pace themselves and get adequate hydra-tion, preferably with cold or cool water, and getplenty of shade to avoid the added heat burdengenerated by the sun. Those working indoorsdaily are unlikely to get fully acclimated to theheat and should take extra care when exposedto hot conditions. Hourly fluid intake should notexceed 1 1/2 quarts to help prevent hypona-tremia, or acute water intoxication.

Military training instructors have a special chal-lenge ensuring their trainees do not suffer heatstress. Military trainees arrive at Lackland from allacross America and are acclimated to many differ-ent climatic zones. Many areas tend to be very coldlong after the San Antonio summer has arrived.The greater the temperature differences, thelonger it generally takes for trainees to adapt.

Heavy clothing and protective vests can interferewith this natural cooling mechanism.

Commanders and training supervisors mustbe vigilant to ensure their Airmen don’t exceedtheir ability to cope with the high heat andhumidity. At Lackland, flags are posted to signalthe degree of heat intensity.

These flags are flown in accordance with AirEducation and Training Command Instruction 48-101 and indicate training requirements for hotenvironments. Colors, temperature readings, haz-ard explanations and work-rest requirements are:

Heat, humidity present significant health risks

White Flag Conditions78-81.9 degrees FEasy work with no work limits1/2 quart of water per hourModerate work with no work limits3/4 quart of water per hourHard work with 40 minutes of workto 20 minutes of rest3/4 quart of water per hour

Green Flag Conditions82-84.9 degrees FEasy work with no work limits1/2 quart of water per hourModerate work with 50 minutes ofwork to 10 minutes of rest3/4 quart of water per hourHard work with 30 minutes of workto 30 minutes of rest1 quart of water per hour

Red Flag Conditions88-89.9 degrees FEasy work with no work limits3/4 quart of water per hourModerate work with 30 minutes ofwork to 30 minutes of rest3/4 quart of water per hourHard work with 20 minutes of workto 40 minutes of rest1 quart of water per hour

Black Flag Conditions90 degrees F and aboveEasy work with 50 minutes of workto 10 minutes of rest1 quart of water per hourModerate work with 20 minutes ofwork to 40 minutes of rest1 quart of water per hourHard work with 10 minutes of workto 50 minutes of rest1 quart of water per hour

Yellow Flag Conditions85-87.9 degrees FEasy work with no work limits3/4 quart of water per hourModerate work with 40 minutes ofwork to 20 minutes of rest3/4 quart of water per hourHard work with 30 minutes of workto 30 minutes of rest1 quart of water per hour

KNOW THE HOT-WEATHER LIMITS

(Information courtesy of 559th Aerospace Medicine Squadron)

RetirementCongratulations to Master Sgt.

Chris Panula and Master Sgt. AaronSchrott, Air Education and TrainingCommand, on their retirement.

Pharmacy closureThe main pharmacy at the

Randolph Clinic is closed Thursdaythrough April 30 for completion of thefinal stages of construction. All servic-es will be provided at the BaseExchange satellite pharmacy.

CongratulationsJosh Tabeb, Grade 5 from the

Randolph Elementary School, andAntoine Henderson, Grade 8 from theRandolph Middle School, each receiveda $400 scholarship from the TexasAssociation of Gifted and Talented toattend the Lone Star LeadershipAcademy this summer.

Josh will visit Dallas and Antoinewill head to Houston.

Air Force YouthAir Force Force Support is scheduled

to host the first-ever five-day residen-tial Teen Leadership Camp July 12-16on the campus of the University ofTexas San Antonio. Applications areavailable at Bldg. 584 and online atwww.afyouthprograms.com. The appli-cation process is competitive and isopen to upcoming high school fresh-men through seniors. For more infor-mation, call 652-3298.

Leadership simulcastThe Lackland Air Force Base mar-

keting department will host a leader-ship simulcast training event May 7from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the LacklandGateway Club. Training is open to allDepartment of Defense employees andwill cover new ideas for creative prob-lem solving, best practices for creat-ing strong teams and detecting andreversing decline. Tickets are $25.

For more information, call 671-7187.

Weight loss surgery studyThe Wilford Hall Medical Center

Bariatric Clinic seeks overweightindividuals with Type-2 diabetes toparticipate in a research study. Allnon-active duty military medicalbeneficiaries ages 18-65 are invitedto participate.

For more details, call 292-5915.

My Air Force Life song contestThe Year of the Air Force Family ini-

tiative announced the “Original Song”competition. Youth and adults maycompose an original song on what theAir Force life means to you. Songsmust be submitted by May 23.

For contest details and rules, visitwww.myairforcelife.com.

Enlisted SpousesThe Randolph Enlisted Spouses Club

hosts a Bunko Night card game for allretired or active enlisted spouses everyfourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Kendrick Club.

Effective Discipline for TeensThe Airman and Family Readiness

Center hosts an Effective Discipline forTeens workshop at the A&FRCConference Room Thursday and May 13at noon. Parents of teens age 13-17are welcome to attend.

Call 426-6499 for more information.

Toastmasters The Randolph Toastmasters Club

meets Wednesdays at noon at theKendrick E-Club and Mondays at 7p.m. at the Longhorn Café. AllRandolph military and civilian employ-ees are welcome to attend.

For details, call Capt. Jomia Blas at565-1515.

Chapel meetingThe Protestant Women of the Chapel

host bible study time and fellowshipTuesdays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at9:30 a.m. Children’s ministry is alsoavailable Wednesdays.

For details, call 566-3006.

For a complete listing of basebriefs, including educationbriefs, visit www.randolph.af.miland click on ‘Round Randolph.

Base BRIEFS

$4 for adults$2 for children 11 and underCall 652-3278 for details.

“Remember Me” - (PG-13)Robert Pattinson, Emile De Ravin

Today @ 7 p.m.

“She’s Out of My League” - (R)Jay Baruchel, Alice Eve

Saturday @ 6 p.m.

“Our Family Wedding” - (PG-13)Forest Whitaker, America Ferrera

Sunday @ 3 p.m.

NOW SHOWINGat the

Randolph Theater

Story clarificationThe ‘Former fitness center completely renovated’article on page 15 of the April 16 edition of theWingspread should have clarified that the southwall of the reception area in Hangar 71, theDeployment Readiness Center, is dedicated to allAir Force warriors as a “Wall of Honor.” The firstinductee dedication to the “Wall of Honor” isTech. Sgt. Israel “DT” Del Toro.

PAGE 9WINGSPREADAPRIL 23, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 8 APRIL 23, 2010

Alamo defenders honored

The 502nd Air Base Wing leader-ship (left to right), Brig. Gen.Leonard Patrick, 502nd ABWcommander, Chief Master Sgt.Juan Lewis, 502nd ABWcommand chief, and Mr. RobertGraves, 502nd ABW deputycommander, carry the Joint BaseSan Antonio wreath during theannual Fiesta Pilgrimage to theAlamo Monday. The solemnprocession began at theMunicipal Auditorium and endedat the Alamo where the wreathsare placed as the names of theAlamo defenders are read.Photo by Robbin Cresswell

• CATHOLICMonday-Friday

11:30 a.m. - Chapel 1Saturday

5:30 p.m. - Chapel 1Sunday

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

ConfessionSaturday

4:30 - Chapel 1

• PROTESTANTTraditional Service

8:15 - Chapel 1

ContemporaryService

11 a.m. - Chapel 2

RandolphChapel

Schedule

ADVERTISEMENT

902nd Force Support Squadron Briefs

PAGE 9WINGSPREADAPRIL 23, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 8 APRIL 23, 2010

Alamo defenders honored

The 502nd Air Base Wing leader-ship (left to right), Brig. Gen.Leonard Patrick, 502nd ABWcommander, Chief Master Sgt.Juan Lewis, 502nd ABWcommand chief, and Mr. RobertGraves, 502nd ABW deputycommander, carry the Joint BaseSan Antonio wreath during theannual Fiesta Pilgrimage to theAlamo Monday. The solemnprocession began at theMunicipal Auditorium and endedat the Alamo where the wreathsare placed as the names of theAlamo defenders are read.Photo by Robbin Cresswell

• CATHOLICMonday-Friday

11:30 a.m. - Chapel 1Saturday

5:30 p.m. - Chapel 1Sunday

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

ConfessionSaturday

4:30 - Chapel 1

• PROTESTANTTraditional Service

8:15 - Chapel 1

ContemporaryService

11 a.m. - Chapel 2

RandolphChapel

Schedule

ADVERTISEMENT

902nd Force Support Squadron Briefs

PAGE 11WINGSPREADAPRIL 23, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 10 APRIL 23, 2010

FEATURE

By Sean Bowlin502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Airmen or Air Force civilians withthoughts on improving processesor saving resources have an outletto get those thoughts to thosewho can implement them –and earn up to $10,000 foreach approved suggestion.

The InnovativeDevelopment throughEmployee Awareness, orIDEA, program, adminis-tered by the 902nd ForceSupport Squadron’s man-power and organizationflight, evaluates about 200 “IDEAs”yearly, said Adam Liebel, 902nd FSSmanpower analyst.

“Of all Air Education and TrainingCommand bases, Randolph Air ForceBase processes the most IDEAs,” addedMr. Liebel. “Ninety-nine percent of the

eligible IDEAs areapproved.”

Mr. Liebel’scolleague, ChristineBuchholz, 902ndFSS manpower ana-lyst, said approved

IDEAs she’s seenhave ranged

from the sim-ple to thehighly tech-nical.

“I’veseen IDEAscome inabout

adding stop and yield signs on streetsand wheelchair ramps on buildingshere,” Ms. Buchholz said. “Then therewas the guy who fixed aircraft andnoted that there were discrepancies intechnical orders – and earned a totalof $15,000.”

Ms. Buchholz said submitted IDEAshave to state the current method, pro-cedure, task, directive or policy andexplain the new, proposed method –by stating the problem with the cur-rent method and why it should bechanged. A detailed description orsolution on how to change the currentmethod or implement the IDEA mustalso be given.

Ms. Buchholz said if base-level evalu-ators can implement the IDEA, thenthey have the authority to approve ordisapprove it. If they don’t have thatauthority, base-level evaluators mustrecommend approval or disapprovalbefore sending the IDEA to major com-mand level. Throughout the evaluationprocess, all involved – the submitter, hissupervisor, the unit point of contact,evaluator and analyst – receive elec-tronic notification of where the IDEA isin the evaluation process.

Submitters, said Ms. Buchholz, can

check the status of their IDEAs on line24 hours a day. IDEAs can be reviewedcomplete with evaluations and com-ments from superiors.

When the IDEA is approved, submit-ters get an e-mail notification and theappropriate manpower analyst on thesubmitter’s base prepares therequired paperwork for payment, Ms.Buchholz said. If the award is morethan $2,000, the submitter’s com-mander can recognize him at a com-mander’s call or staff meeting.

Anyone can submit an IDEA, Ms.Buchhholz said. But only Airmen andAir Force civil servants are eligible forcash awards.

Ms. Buchholz said IDEAs can besubmitted via computer tohttps://ipds.randolph.af.mil/ipds/land-ing. For additional information aboutthe Air Force’s IDEA program, contactthe 902nd FSS Manpower andOrganization office at 652-8951.

GOT AN IDEA?

Program pays cash for suggestions used in improvements

By Sean Bowlin502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

A little-known program providing quickloans for productivity improvements at all AirForce bases is available at Randolph Air ForceBase for organizations wanting to improve effi-ciency and sidestep conventional budgeting.

The Productivity Enhancing CapitalInvestment program identifies investmentopportunities that can provide measurablesavings and return money invested in it withintwo to four years, said Tony Riffle, a 902ndForce Support Squadron manpower analystadministering Randolph’s PECI program.

“It’s a loan program from the Air Force,” Mr. Riffleexplained. “Here’s an example of how it was usedrecently. The recreation staff at our Canyon Lake areanoticed they were spending a lot of money on puttingmulch on the trails there. They knew they had a lot ofwood out there and could make mulch out of it, so theyasked for a loan for a $28,000 mulcher. We ran the num-bers and figured it would actually be a lot cheaper forthem to have a mulcher than to have to buy mulch andhave it spread. So they got one.”

Mr. Riffle added there were also several contracts forworkers to travel to the recreation area at Canyon Lake

and dig holes where barbecue grills would be placed.Again, Air Force civilians working there wondered if itwould be cheaper to buy a brush tractor with a diggerattached to it and do the work themselves. They request-ed a PECI loan.

In the vetting process, analysts at the 902nd FSS ranthe numbers and found reason to grant the organizationa loan to buy the tractor-digger, and the Air Force can-celed the more expensive digging contract.

Mr. Riffle added monies lent under PECI don’t have tobe just for operations and maintenance projects. He saidif an office wants a special computer program that cando an employee’s job, the office can take that employee’ssalary and benefits off the office’s books while the office

reimburses the PECI loan. Meanwhile, the personnel slotcan be sent to another office.

Mr. Riffle said the administrative requirements for theprogram are “fairly simple.” Most projects are up andrunning within a few months of request approval.

“There’s one form to fill out and you provide docu-mentation on the needed equipment, proving thatthere’s a way to enhance productivity and save theAir Force money. The money is out there for use afterthat,” Mr. Riffle said.

He explained there are two sub-programs that existunder PECI. There’s the Fast Capital InvestmentProgram for projects of $200,000 or less which producesavings to offset total investment costs in two years orless, with a MAJCOM approval level; and there’s theProductivity Investment Fund for projects costing morethan $200,000 which produce savings to offset totalinvestment costs in four years or less. PIF loans areapproved at the Air Staff level.

Literature on the PECI program provided by theAir Force said the self-sustaining program gener-ated savings of more than $1.2 billion on invest-ments of just past $100 million, which is an aver-age 12:1 return on investment.

For more information on PECI and its sub-programs,visit www.dp.hq.af.mil/dpm/peci, or contact Mr.Riffle at 652-4332.

Air Force program invests bucks in organizational efficiency

PAYING IT FORWARD

By Annette CrawfordHeadquarters Air Force Recruiting Service

Nearly 26 years ago Doug Sikat feltit was time for a change in his three-year Air Force career. The New YorkCity native was an E-4 and working asan F-15 crew chief at Kadena AirBase, Japan. While he loved his job,he knew there was something else outthere for him.

That “something else” turned outto be a career in recruiting andtoday, Chief Master Sgt. DouglasSikat retires as the Air Force’s most-tenured recruiter.

“The Recruit the Recruiter teamcame to Kadena and they talked aboutmaking a difference and changinglives. I applied the next day,” ChiefSikat said. “What intrigued me mostwas being able to offer kids the samechances and opportunities I had. Icould pay it forward.”

The most obvious changes between hisfledging recruiting days and today arethe technological advances, said thechief, who spent the past two years serv-ing as superintendent of the StrategicMarketing and Communications Divisionat Headquarters Air Force RecruitingService.

“At that time the high-tech AirForce consisted of a Smith Coronatypewriter. If you made a mistake youhad to take out the black cartridgeand put in a white one and hope yougot everything lined up,” Chief Sikatsaid. “When we moved up to IBMSelectric IIIs we thought we were inheaven – a built-in correction tape!”The technology payoff came in the

form of time. A case file that normallytook one and a half to two hours nowtakes 20 minutes. If someone sent in apostcard requesting information itcould take weeks to get back to them.

“Now it’s almost real-time,” thechief said. “E-mail, our online data-base system, scanning – they’ve revo-lutionized what we do.”

While technology has gone through arevolution, Chief Sikat said that today’srecruits are inherently the same as theywere when he joined in 1980.

“They have the desire to serve andto better themselves, but today’s

young adults are much smarter andwell educated. They have savvy andknow what’s going on in today’sworld,” he said.

As most Airmen soon discover, theAir Force is a small world andrecruiting is no different.

“In recruiting, life comes full circle. Iwas teaching a workshop about fiveyears ago and I thought one of the flightchiefs looked familiar. Turns out Irecruited him in ‘87 in Tampa,” he said,adding that “people I put into the AirForce 25 years ago want to be myfriend on Facebook.”

Chief Sikat said that he has never lostsight of why he came into recruiting.

“I went from working as a DJ in NewYork City to being responsible for amultimillion-dollar jet at 18. The AirForce did so much for me and helpedme grow a lot as a person.”

One of his most poignant examplesof how life-changing the Air Forcecan be is through the story of one ofhis recruits. The young man was 17years old and had just graduatedfrom high school.

“He was married and his wife waspregnant. They really had an uphillbattle with a start like that but he hada lot of determination. He went intothe admin field and five years later hegot commissioned. He had received afull-ride scholarship through theUniformed Services University of theHealth Sciences and went on tobecome a pediatrician.”

The chief’s favorite assignment was asa flight chief with the 333rd RecruitingSquadron in Miami Lakes, Fla.

“It was a great market and includedthe Keys and the Caribbean. I got to seeand do things others paid a lot ofmoney for. But the best part of the jobwas that I got to take someone right outof recruiting school, someone whocould barely talk to an audience of one,and help turn them into ambassadorsfor the Air Force. They’d go on tobecome flight chiefs, superintendents,etc. It was a great feeling.”

Chief Sikat said the No. 1 reason for hisfavorite assignment was it was the placehe met his wife, Marietta. They havethree sons – Shaun, 25, an Air Force vet;Dakota, 9; and Drew, 8. The chief said

Drew wants to be a Marine, “…but I’mworking on that.”

The next few weeks will be a whirl-wind for the chief as he moves to FortWorth to work for a government contrac-tor. He’ll be setting up a recruiting infra-structure within the company’s humanresources department. He described hisnew job as a dovetail fit for the skills he’s

acquired in the Air Force – coaching,leading, training, public speaking.

“This shows that when you’re ready tomake the move out of the Air Force, don’tsell yourself short. If you did the rightthings during your career, your leader-ship and experience make you a greatasset for any civilian firm. You are whatmost people are looking for.”

Courtesy photoChief Master Sgt. Douglas Sikat, a former F-15 crew chief, retires today after nearly 26years as an Air Force recruiter.

Air Force’s most tenured recruiter retires

Show Us a Better Way

AI R F O R C E

P R O D U C T I V I T YA Way To The Future

PAGE 11WINGSPREADAPRIL 23, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 10 APRIL 23, 2010

FEATURE

By Sean Bowlin502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Airmen or Air Force civilians withthoughts on improving processesor saving resources have an outletto get those thoughts to thosewho can implement them –and earn up to $10,000 foreach approved suggestion.

The InnovativeDevelopment throughEmployee Awareness, orIDEA, program, adminis-tered by the 902nd ForceSupport Squadron’s man-power and organizationflight, evaluates about 200 “IDEAs”yearly, said Adam Liebel, 902nd FSSmanpower analyst.

“Of all Air Education and TrainingCommand bases, Randolph Air ForceBase processes the most IDEAs,” addedMr. Liebel. “Ninety-nine percent of the

eligible IDEAs areapproved.”

Mr. Liebel’scolleague, ChristineBuchholz, 902ndFSS manpower ana-lyst, said approved

IDEAs she’s seenhave ranged

from the sim-ple to thehighly tech-nical.

“I’veseen IDEAscome inabout

adding stop and yield signs on streetsand wheelchair ramps on buildingshere,” Ms. Buchholz said. “Then therewas the guy who fixed aircraft andnoted that there were discrepancies intechnical orders – and earned a totalof $15,000.”

Ms. Buchholz said submitted IDEAshave to state the current method, pro-cedure, task, directive or policy andexplain the new, proposed method –by stating the problem with the cur-rent method and why it should bechanged. A detailed description orsolution on how to change the currentmethod or implement the IDEA mustalso be given.

Ms. Buchholz said if base-level evalu-ators can implement the IDEA, thenthey have the authority to approve ordisapprove it. If they don’t have thatauthority, base-level evaluators mustrecommend approval or disapprovalbefore sending the IDEA to major com-mand level. Throughout the evaluationprocess, all involved – the submitter, hissupervisor, the unit point of contact,evaluator and analyst – receive elec-tronic notification of where the IDEA isin the evaluation process.

Submitters, said Ms. Buchholz, can

check the status of their IDEAs on line24 hours a day. IDEAs can be reviewedcomplete with evaluations and com-ments from superiors.

When the IDEA is approved, submit-ters get an e-mail notification and theappropriate manpower analyst on thesubmitter’s base prepares therequired paperwork for payment, Ms.Buchholz said. If the award is morethan $2,000, the submitter’s com-mander can recognize him at a com-mander’s call or staff meeting.

Anyone can submit an IDEA, Ms.Buchhholz said. But only Airmen andAir Force civil servants are eligible forcash awards.

Ms. Buchholz said IDEAs can besubmitted via computer tohttps://ipds.randolph.af.mil/ipds/land-ing. For additional information aboutthe Air Force’s IDEA program, contactthe 902nd FSS Manpower andOrganization office at 652-8951.

GOT AN IDEA?

Program pays cash for suggestions used in improvements

By Sean Bowlin502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

A little-known program providing quickloans for productivity improvements at all AirForce bases is available at Randolph Air ForceBase for organizations wanting to improve effi-ciency and sidestep conventional budgeting.

The Productivity Enhancing CapitalInvestment program identifies investmentopportunities that can provide measurablesavings and return money invested in it withintwo to four years, said Tony Riffle, a 902ndForce Support Squadron manpower analystadministering Randolph’s PECI program.

“It’s a loan program from the Air Force,” Mr. Riffleexplained. “Here’s an example of how it was usedrecently. The recreation staff at our Canyon Lake areanoticed they were spending a lot of money on puttingmulch on the trails there. They knew they had a lot ofwood out there and could make mulch out of it, so theyasked for a loan for a $28,000 mulcher. We ran the num-bers and figured it would actually be a lot cheaper forthem to have a mulcher than to have to buy mulch andhave it spread. So they got one.”

Mr. Riffle added there were also several contracts forworkers to travel to the recreation area at Canyon Lake

and dig holes where barbecue grills would be placed.Again, Air Force civilians working there wondered if itwould be cheaper to buy a brush tractor with a diggerattached to it and do the work themselves. They request-ed a PECI loan.

In the vetting process, analysts at the 902nd FSS ranthe numbers and found reason to grant the organizationa loan to buy the tractor-digger, and the Air Force can-celed the more expensive digging contract.

Mr. Riffle added monies lent under PECI don’t have tobe just for operations and maintenance projects. He saidif an office wants a special computer program that cando an employee’s job, the office can take that employee’ssalary and benefits off the office’s books while the office

reimburses the PECI loan. Meanwhile, the personnel slotcan be sent to another office.

Mr. Riffle said the administrative requirements for theprogram are “fairly simple.” Most projects are up andrunning within a few months of request approval.

“There’s one form to fill out and you provide docu-mentation on the needed equipment, proving thatthere’s a way to enhance productivity and save theAir Force money. The money is out there for use afterthat,” Mr. Riffle said.

He explained there are two sub-programs that existunder PECI. There’s the Fast Capital InvestmentProgram for projects of $200,000 or less which producesavings to offset total investment costs in two years orless, with a MAJCOM approval level; and there’s theProductivity Investment Fund for projects costing morethan $200,000 which produce savings to offset totalinvestment costs in four years or less. PIF loans areapproved at the Air Staff level.

Literature on the PECI program provided by theAir Force said the self-sustaining program gener-ated savings of more than $1.2 billion on invest-ments of just past $100 million, which is an aver-age 12:1 return on investment.

For more information on PECI and its sub-programs,visit www.dp.hq.af.mil/dpm/peci, or contact Mr.Riffle at 652-4332.

Air Force program invests bucks in organizational efficiency

PAYING IT FORWARD

By Annette CrawfordHeadquarters Air Force Recruiting Service

Nearly 26 years ago Doug Sikat feltit was time for a change in his three-year Air Force career. The New YorkCity native was an E-4 and working asan F-15 crew chief at Kadena AirBase, Japan. While he loved his job,he knew there was something else outthere for him.

That “something else” turned outto be a career in recruiting andtoday, Chief Master Sgt. DouglasSikat retires as the Air Force’s most-tenured recruiter.

“The Recruit the Recruiter teamcame to Kadena and they talked aboutmaking a difference and changinglives. I applied the next day,” ChiefSikat said. “What intrigued me mostwas being able to offer kids the samechances and opportunities I had. Icould pay it forward.”

The most obvious changes between hisfledging recruiting days and today arethe technological advances, said thechief, who spent the past two years serv-ing as superintendent of the StrategicMarketing and Communications Divisionat Headquarters Air Force RecruitingService.

“At that time the high-tech AirForce consisted of a Smith Coronatypewriter. If you made a mistake youhad to take out the black cartridgeand put in a white one and hope yougot everything lined up,” Chief Sikatsaid. “When we moved up to IBMSelectric IIIs we thought we were inheaven – a built-in correction tape!”The technology payoff came in the

form of time. A case file that normallytook one and a half to two hours nowtakes 20 minutes. If someone sent in apostcard requesting information itcould take weeks to get back to them.

“Now it’s almost real-time,” thechief said. “E-mail, our online data-base system, scanning – they’ve revo-lutionized what we do.”

While technology has gone through arevolution, Chief Sikat said that today’srecruits are inherently the same as theywere when he joined in 1980.

“They have the desire to serve andto better themselves, but today’s

young adults are much smarter andwell educated. They have savvy andknow what’s going on in today’sworld,” he said.

As most Airmen soon discover, theAir Force is a small world andrecruiting is no different.

“In recruiting, life comes full circle. Iwas teaching a workshop about fiveyears ago and I thought one of the flightchiefs looked familiar. Turns out Irecruited him in ‘87 in Tampa,” he said,adding that “people I put into the AirForce 25 years ago want to be myfriend on Facebook.”

Chief Sikat said that he has never lostsight of why he came into recruiting.

“I went from working as a DJ in NewYork City to being responsible for amultimillion-dollar jet at 18. The AirForce did so much for me and helpedme grow a lot as a person.”

One of his most poignant examplesof how life-changing the Air Forcecan be is through the story of one ofhis recruits. The young man was 17years old and had just graduatedfrom high school.

“He was married and his wife waspregnant. They really had an uphillbattle with a start like that but he hada lot of determination. He went intothe admin field and five years later hegot commissioned. He had received afull-ride scholarship through theUniformed Services University of theHealth Sciences and went on tobecome a pediatrician.”

The chief’s favorite assignment was asa flight chief with the 333rd RecruitingSquadron in Miami Lakes, Fla.

“It was a great market and includedthe Keys and the Caribbean. I got to seeand do things others paid a lot ofmoney for. But the best part of the jobwas that I got to take someone right outof recruiting school, someone whocould barely talk to an audience of one,and help turn them into ambassadorsfor the Air Force. They’d go on tobecome flight chiefs, superintendents,etc. It was a great feeling.”

Chief Sikat said the No. 1 reason for hisfavorite assignment was it was the placehe met his wife, Marietta. They havethree sons – Shaun, 25, an Air Force vet;Dakota, 9; and Drew, 8. The chief said

Drew wants to be a Marine, “…but I’mworking on that.”

The next few weeks will be a whirl-wind for the chief as he moves to FortWorth to work for a government contrac-tor. He’ll be setting up a recruiting infra-structure within the company’s humanresources department. He described hisnew job as a dovetail fit for the skills he’s

acquired in the Air Force – coaching,leading, training, public speaking.

“This shows that when you’re ready tomake the move out of the Air Force, don’tsell yourself short. If you did the rightthings during your career, your leader-ship and experience make you a greatasset for any civilian firm. You are whatmost people are looking for.”

Courtesy photoChief Master Sgt. Douglas Sikat, a former F-15 crew chief, retires today after nearly 26years as an Air Force recruiter.

Air Force’s most tenured recruiter retires

Show Us a Better Way

AI R F O R C E

P R O D U C T I V I T YA Way To The Future

WINGSPREADPAGE 12 APRIL 23, 2010

SPORTS and FITNESS

Junior Golf ClinicThe Randolph Oaks Golf

Course hosts a free juniorgolf clinic Saturday from 9-11 a.m. Putting and chip-ping will be taught.

Driving rangeGolfers can buy a full

basket of balls for only $6 ora half basket for $3 at theRandolph Oaks DrivingRange. The range is closedMonday mornings for main-tenance. The Pro Shop offersa debit key for 30 half bas-kets for only $60, which is a$30 savings.

Tae kwon doThose interested in repre-

senting the Air Force in Taekwon do at the Armed ForcesChampionship June 17-21(location TBA) need to sub-mit their AF Form 303,Request for USAF SST, toRikk Prado at the RamblerFitness Center by May 3.Rikk Prado can be reachedvia e-mail at Rick.Prado@randolph.af.mil or by call-ing 652-7272.

Intramural volleyballThe Randolph intramural

volleyball season will soonbe under way. Organizationsinterested in playing shouldcall 652-7272 to sign up. AllDoD ID cardholders are eligi-ble to play.

Coaches neededVolunteer coaches are

needed for all leagues. Acompleted applicationincluding a backgroundcheck must be on file priorto first practice.

Call 652-3298 for moreinformation.

Sports BRIEFS

By David DeKunderNortheast Herald, contributing Wingspread writer

Several Randolph boys and girls athletesare headed for the regional meet after qual-ifying at the District 27-2A track and fieldchampionships held April 14-15 atRandolph High School.

Both Randolph girls and boys teams hadto overcome rainy weather conditions tofinish in the top three of their respectivedivisions. The Lady Ro-Hawks finished insecond place with 147 points, 11 pointsbehind district champion Blanco, and theRo-Hawks came in third with 123 points,behind district champion Cole (147 points)and runner-up Comfort (129 points).

The Randolph girls head to the Region IV-2A meet, which will be held May 3-4 atJudson’s D.W. Rutledge Stadium, on theheels of eight first place, three second placeand one third place showings at district.The Lady Ro-Hawks, the defending regionalchampions, won all three relay events atdistrict and were bolstered with first placefinishes from Jasmine Waring, high jump (4-10) and 400 meters (60.82); Sydney

Solomon, triple jump (35-0); Courtney Perry,shot put (32-8); and Ebony Collins, 100meters (12.35).

Second place finishers for the Lady Ro-Hawks were Solomon, long jump (15-7); andMacKenzie Luna in both the 3,200(13:16.11) and 1,600 (6:13.60) runs. AshleeAllen came in third in the shot put forRandolph. The top three finishers in eachevent advanced to the regional meet.

In the boys division, the Ro-Hawkswere led by Reece Washington, who wonthe long jump (21-4) and the 100 meters(11.08), and finishedthird in the triplejump (40-10).Randolph’s otherindividual firstplace showingcame in the highjump, withJacorian Duffieldwinning the eventwith a leap of 6feet, 4 inches.

Like the LadyRo-Hawks, theRandolphboysalsowonall

three relay events. The Ro-Hawks won the400 relay in 51.06, the 800 relay in1:49.83 and the 1,600 relay in 4:15.29.

Randolph had top three finishes from ColeCallaway, second, in the shot put (42-3), andDanny Atalig, third, in the 100 meter hur-dles (16.32).

Randolph boys coach Phil Karrer said histeam made strides at district this year,improving on last year’s performances. “Weimproved by 35 points (from last year’sshowing),” Karrer said. “We were closer tothe first place team (this year). I am excited,

I am taking more(athletes in) eventsto the (regional)track meet thisyear. I took six(athletes) last year

and this year I amtaking nine.”Karrer said he

feels Washington inthe 100 and Duffieldin the long jumpare the Ro-Hawkswho have the bestchance of advanc-ing to state in their

events. He said otherRandolph athletes and

the relay teams have achance to make it out of region-

als if they can improve their timesand performances.

“We are getting better,” Karrer said. “Weare still improving.”

Randolph track teams going strongFirst place relayfinishes instrumentalin powerful showingat district meet

MONDAYS TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS THURSDAYS FRIDAYS SATURDAYS

6 a.m. - Cycling9 a.m. - Step11 a.m. - Step11:15 a.m. - Cycling5 p.m. - Step5:15 p.m. - Cycling6 p.m. - Yoga7:15 p.m. - Kick Boxing

9 a.m. - Yoga10 a.m. - Senior Strength 11 a.m. - Step5 p.m. - Zumba6 p.m. - Kick Boxing

6 a.m. - Cycling9 a.m. - Step11 a.m. - Step11:15 a.m. - Cycling4 p.m. - Power Yoga5 p.m. - Step and Kick5:15 p.m. - Cycling6 p.m. - Sets & Reps7:15 p.m. - Kick Boxing

9 a.m. - Step/Weights9 a.m. - Yoga10 a.m. - Senior Strength11 a.m. - Step5 p.m. - Zumba5:15 p.m. - Cycling6 p.m. - Kick Boxing

6 a.m. - Cycling9 a.m. - Step10:15 a.m. - Cardiofusion11:15 a.m. - Cycling5:30 p.m. - Yoga

9 a.m. - Kick Boxing9 a.m. - Pilates10:15 a.m. - Zumba

SUNDAYS

1 p.m. - Yoga

Rambler Fitness Center group exercise class schedule - April 2010

$3 per class or class passes are available as follows: 10 classes for $25 or 20 classes for $50. All passes are non-refundable. For details on classpasses or holiday class schedules, call the Rambler Fitness Center at 652-2955. Equipment orientation available upon request for all patrons.