A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E 5 0 2 n d A I R B A S E W I N G
JOINT
BASE
SAN
ANTONIO-LACKLAND,
TEXAS
•
Vol.
69
No.
37
•
September
14,
2012
Not Forgotten
24-hour remembrance run
to recognize POWs, MIAs
PG 2
Welcome Back
37th TRW vice commander
returns to JBSA-Lackland
PG 3
Heroic Flight
F-16 fighter pilot receives
Distinguished Flying Cross
PG 6
9/11
Breath of Life
Airman uses basic training
skills to save brother's life
PG 13
INSIDE |
Commentary 2
Honoring Our Heroes
Photo by Alan Boedeker
Airman 1st Class Nicholas Petrelis, Staff Sgt. Armando Rodriguez, Tech. Sgt. Manuel Molina, and Senior Airman David Herrera (not shown),
members of the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Honor Guard, retreat the colors at the conclusion of the Robert D. Gaylor NCO Academy’s “Let’s
Lift Up Our Fallen” 9/11 remembrance run activities Tuesday at JBSA-Lackland. The event honored those who perished in the Sept. 11, 2001
terrorist attacks on America. See PG 19.
News 3
Community Briefs 17
What’s Happening 18
Sports 19-20
ONLINE |
www.jbsa.af.mil
PAGE 2
commentary
TALESPINNER
September 14, 2012
Until they are home
Remembrance run a commitment to POWs, MIAs
By Lt. Col. Jeffrey Greenwood
Commander, 323rd Training Squadron
I
n 1998, Congress established a
National POW/MIA Recognition Day
by passage of Section 1082 of the
Defense Authorization Act.
This date was chosen for three important reasons: it is not associated with any
one war in particular; it is also not associated with any organization's national
convention; and it is a time when weather
across the country is usually moderate, so
observances and remembrances may be
held in a variety of ways.
With this simple pen stroke, we now
pay tribute and honor as a nation to the
thousands of former prisoners of war and
still missing in action.
The POW/MIA flag, which is officially
flown on only six days a year – Armed
Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day,
Independence Day, Veterans Day and
National POW/MIA Recognition Day – was
formally recognized by public law in 1990
and continues to stand as a symbol to the
heroism of all those warriors who paid a
severe price for their service to our nation.
There are still more than 80,000 Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors unaccounted
for. Our nation must not forget.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day
ceremonies are now held throughout the
nation and around the world on military
installations, ships at sea, state capitols,
schools, churches, national veteran and
civic organizations, police and fire departments, and a multitude of other venues.
The 37th Training Wing, along with
other Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland
organizations, will honor and recognize
these great Americans with the fourth annual POW/MIA remembrance run.
Beginning Sept. 20 at 8 a.m., and
running for 24 hours through Sept. 21,
military members, civilians and family
members are encouraged to participate
by signing up to carry a baton on one of
nine tracks across JBSA.
In addition, commemorative T-shirts
will be on sale across JBSA, with proceeds going to the National League of
POW/MIA Families through the Combined
Federal Campaign.
If you are interested in being a part of
this base-wide event, please contact Tech.
Sgt. Justin Cook at 210-671-3871.
Help us honor and respect our former
prisoners of war and show our commitment to resolving, as fully as possible, the
fates of Americans who are unaccounted
for or missing. We owe them this: to ensure our nation never forgets.
Retired chief urges us to read the Constitution
By Scott Hubbartt
Retired chief master sergeant
C
onstitution Day is right around the
corner, next Monday to be exact.
Sept. 17 is the big day.
However, before you stock up on burgers
and charcoal for the grill, you might want
to read on. Don’t expect to see marching
bands, baton twirlers or to enjoy a federally-mandated day off. It’s more important
than that.
Formally established in 2004 and also
appropriately referred to as Citizenship
Day, it is a day set aside to recognize and
learn about our most important document.
On that day, Sept. 17, 1787, our birth
certificate as a nation was signed by some
very brave and bold people who formed the
Constitutional Convention.
The day was first recognized as Constitution Day in 1911 by Iowa schools, but
did not become nationally recognized until
2004 when the date was established as a
holiday by Congress with the 2004 Omnibus
Spending Bill.
Through time, many cities and states
established various celebrations, recognitions and proclamations to recognize the
most important political document ever
established. But still, no nationwide federal
formal recognition existed.
In 1939, William Randolph Hearst, an
influential American publisher, pushed the
holiday through his newspaper empire
and the next year Congress established the
third Sunday in May as, “I am an American
Day.”
This perpetuated a movement that
spread to all 48 states with their governors
issuing official Constitution Day proclamations. In February 1952, Congress established “Citizenship Day.”
Then, along came the 2004 passage
of an amendment by Sen. Robert Byrd,
D-West Va., formally renaming the holiday
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.
Further, the act directed that on that day
all publicly-funded educational institutions
provide educational programming on the
history of the American Constitution.
So what is this all about? After all it is
only a 225-year-old piece of parchment
– the oldest national constitution in continuous use, written by some 18th century
radicals, dressed in funny clothes and now
locked away in some vault. Right? Wrong!
In response my best advice is to read
this cherished and vital document.
Really read and study it. Ponder its
meaning. Ask yourself, how does this political document apply to me?
Too many of us take this most important
political document for granted. It is a brilliantly written document and, some would
argue, divinely inspired. The best advice I
can give you is to read and study it.
Appreciate and honor it not only on
Sept. 17, but every day as you enjoy the
freedoms, privileges and responsibilities it
spells out, and be thankful you live in the
greatest nation in the history of mankind.
Joint Base San Antonio
Lackland
Editorial Staff
BRIG. GEN. THERESA C. CARTER,
COMMANDER
OSCAR BALLADARES,
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
JOE BELA, CHIEF,
INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
210-671-4111
MANAGING EDITOR,
VACANT
MIKE JOSEPH,
SENIOR WRITER, 210-671-4357
JOSE T. GARZA, III
SPORTS/STAFF WRITER,
210-671-0478
DOROTHY LONAS,
DESIGN/LAYOUT, 210-671-5049
Office:
1701 Kenly Ave. Suite 102
Lackland AFB, Texas
78236-5103
(210) 671-4111;
(fax) 671-2022
Email: tale.spinner@us.af.mil
Commander’s Action Line:
actionline@lackland.af.mil.
Straight Talk: 671-6397 (NEWS)
For advertising information:
Prime Time Military Newspapers
Ave E at Third Street
San Antonio, Texas 78205
(210) 250-2519
(fax) 250-2570
This newspaper is published by Prime
Time Military Newspapers, a private
firm in no way connected with the
U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written
contract with Lackland AFB, Texas.
This commercial enterprise Air Force
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are not necessarily the official views of,
or endorsed by, the U.S. government,
the Department of Defense, or the
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The appearance of advertising in
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Editorial content is edited, prepared
and provided by the Public Affairs Office
of the 502nd Air Base Wing. All photos,
unless otherwise indicated, are U.S. Air
Force photos.
Deadline for submissions
is noon Thursday the week prior
to publication.
September 14, 2012
NEWS IN BRIEF
MUSEUM TEMPORARILY CLOSED
The United States Air Force Security
Forces Museum will be closed today
through Wednesday. The museum will
reopen Thursday at 9 a.m. For details,
call 210-671-2615.
TALESPINNER
The Joint Base San Antonio Air Force
Birthday Ball is Sept. 21 at the Omni
Hotel, 9821 Colonnade Blvd. Social hour
begins at 6 p.m.; dinner is at 7 p.m.
For additional information, call 210292-8001.
The USO and Sesame Street will present two free live children’s shows Sept. 21
at the Bob Hope Performing Arts Center.
Performances will feature the traditional Sesame Street characters and Katie, a new character designed exclusively
for military family audiences.
Show times are 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Sept. 21; doors open 30 minutes before
each performance. Tickets are not
required and seating is first come, first
served.
For details, call Arnold Hall Community
Center at 210-671-2619.
502ND ABW PROMOTION CEREMONY
The 502nd Air Base Wing promotion
ceremony is Sept. 28, 3 p.m., at Mitchell
Hall.
For details, contact Master Sgt. Christina Warner at 210-671-1712 or Master
Sgt. James Wooding at 210-671-2265.
802ND MSG QUARTERLY AWARDS
The 802nd Mission Support Group third
quarter awards ceremony is Oct. 3, 7:30
a.m., at the Gateway Club. Reservations
are due by Sept. 25.
For details, contact Master Sgt. James
Wooding at 210-671-2265.
TROOP WALK CONSTRUCTION
Repair work on the troop walk over
Truemper Street will reduce traffic to one
lane in each direction for six hours weekdays through Tuesday. The lane closures
run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In addition to work on the troop walk,
a six-month project to replace existing
pavement continues on Truemper Street,
from the Airman’s Gate at Valley Hi to
Carswell Avenue.
PAGE 3
Glad
to
be
back
New 37th TRW vice commander returns to JBSA-Lackland
AIR FORCE BIRTHDAY BALL
SESAME STREET COMING TO BASE
news
By Mike Joseph
Senior Writer
The new 37th Training Wing vice
commander is no stranger to Joint
Base San Antonio-Lackland.
Col. Vincent Fisher returns to San
Antonio after 11 years.
“It’s so good to be back,” said Fisher,
“My family and I really enjoy Lackland
and San Antonio, and we love being
part of the Lackland community.
“Everyone has been so welcoming,
and that makes a huge difference,” he
said. “As a commander, you’re always
thinking about taking care of your Airmen; it’s part of the job. So it means
a lot when people take care of us like
they have since we’ve been here.”
A lot has changed since Fisher
left JBSA-Lackland’s Headquarters
Air Force Security Forces Center in
2001.
In addition to becoming a joint base,
what immediately caught the Mississippi native’s eye since becoming vice
commander in July was the growth in
mission sets, new base housing and
the ongoing construction.
“The 37th TRW has a lot of moving
parts,” Fisher said. “When I was here
before, the wing had four groups; now
we’ve got six. The mission to provide
basic and technical training to the
best Airmen in the world has always
been at the core of what we do at
Lackland. The 37th TRW also trains
international partners and Air Force
air liaison officers to help strengthen
coalition relationships.
“And there’s a lot more construction activity happening with the new
Airman Training Complexes going up.
The landscape is changing day to day,
“As a commander, you’re
always thinking about taking care of your Airmen; it’s
part of the job. So it means
a lot when people take care
of us like they have since
we’ve been here.”
– Col. Vincent Fisher
Vice Commander, 37th Training Wing
and it’s impressive,” he said.
However, it’s what Fisher envisions
for trainees, their families and the
wing through his second-floor office
window at 37th TRW headquarters
that grabs his attention.
“I look out and see change across
the base,” he said. “I see cranes, construction crews and new facilities going up that will help improve training
and the quality of life for our Basic
Military Training personnel.
“Every Thursday and Friday, I see
new Airmen about to start their lives.
I watch those Airmen lead their family around the parade field and think
maybe a few months back it was the
family who was leading; now it’s reversed. Those are all changes,” he
added.
Since his arrival following 12 months
at Air War College, Maxwell Air Force
Base, Ala., the career security forces
officer has been focused on the wing
maintaining a “battle rhythm.”
“‘Battle rhythm’ means ensuring
we have a standard process for doing business within the wing,” Fisher
said. “I want to help keep that rhythm
so we can effectively achieve our mission while also being good mission
partners within the joint base community.”
Fisher also spends time stressing
the importance of education to young
Airmen around base. He and his wife
regularly attend the monthly 37th
Training Group technical training
student birthday dinners. It’s another
chance for the couple to share their
experience.
“I took every advantage to get a
higher education,” said Fisher, who
holds a bachelor’s and three master’s
degrees. “My wife Lesia and I try to
impart into young Airmen to get an
education – don’t wait.
“I tell them it’s not going to be ice
cream and cookies. It’s tough,” he
said. “There will be points of opportunity. Get it (education) out of the way
because the military, life and family
will soon all be vying for your attention.”
Fisher said his job for the next two
years is to support the absolute professional men and women of the 37th
TRW.
“My grandfather would always say
that you are either fishing or baiting
the hook,” he said. “We all have a job
to do that’s important to mission accomplishment. I look forward to working with the Warhawk team to be the
best Airmen in the United States Air
Force.”
PAGE 4
TALESPINNER
September 14, 2012
September 14, 2012
TALESPINNER
PAGE 5
Local charities kick off AFISRA CFC
By Marcia Klein
Air Force ISR Agency Public Affairs
“Each one of these young (active-duty) men and
women, and their families gave their todays so you
could do what you want with your tomorrows.”
That was the message from Judith Markelz, of the
Warrior and Family Support Center in San Antonio,
as she participated in the 2012 Combined Federal
Campaign kickoff event at the Air Force Intelligence,
Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency Sept. 5.
Marklez joined four other local representatives from
charities included in this year’s CFC event, which was
hosted by Col. Kevin Dixon, AFISRA assistant vice commander.
“Being in the Department of Defense and federal
government is all about sacrificing on behalf of your
country. CFC is another way to continue that service
and invest in helping with our country’s charitable
needs,” Dixon said as he opened the event.
“By participating in CFC, you have the confidence all
the charities have been vetted, so you know the money
you donate will be used for the purpose intended,” he
said. “You have the ability to positively impact your
local community, if you so desire.”
Markelz told the crowd that The Warrior and Family Support Center is almost nine years old and is the
only U.S. government organization funded by donations, with the exception of a few employee salaries
paid for by the U.S. Army.
Joining her at the event were Dwayne Hopkins, with
the Fisher House at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland,
Eva Fernandez with Big Brothers Big Sisters of South
Texas, Richard Abrams with 211 Texas Military Family
Access Project and Nicole Rodriguez with New Beginnings Children’s Home.
This year marks CFC’s 51st campaign. It was founded in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy to provide
a once-a-year, in-the-workplace fundraiser for vetted
charities.
Since it began, CFC has raised more than $6 billion
through 200 campaigns worldwide.
PAGE 6
Congratulations to the following 70 Airmen for being selected as honor graduates among
the 708 Air Force basic
military trainees graduating
today:
320th Training Squadron
Flight 577
Nicolas Abbott
Colin Bales
Alexander Brady
Seth Brown
Edward Chambers Jr.
Nelson Gosnell Jr.
Kevin McInerny
Kent Noorda
Robert Pregno
Brody Roderick
Brandon Rowe
Flight 578
Stephen Harvey
Chance Howell
Kenneth Mulvey
Austin Nelson
Jacob Perri
Joshua Phillips
David Sandberg
Kyle Wyatt
TALESPINNER
321st Training Squadron
Flight 583
Charles Buchanan
Nicholas Jones
Andrew Kovacs
John Wooten
Flight 584
Tycelee Antos
Julie Stanley
Joanna Wharton
322nd Training Squadron
Flight 587
Kevin Bonn
Brett Cox
Troy Gilbert
Kristopher Guillermo
Jamie Morgan
Alex Rockensock
Flight 588
Luca Cernuschi
Samuel Cobb
Matthew Dross
Edward Harris
Christopher Menne
323rd Training Squadron
Flight 581
Freddie Foust
Timothy Johnson
Trevor Kring
Kai McDonald
Dillon Padilla
Colin Sobol
Flight 582
Franco Luciano
Charles Shepherd
324th Training Squadron
Flight 589
Benjamin Andrews
Gerald Cruz
Ronald Hoette
Darby Jones
Thomas Sudan
Flight 590
Anastasia Frye
326th Training Squadron
Flight 585
Marcus Carlucci Jr.
Stephan Clark
Craig Meyer
Alex Potts
Ethan Telford
Scott Wolfmeyer
Flight 586
Austin Davis
September 14, 2012
John-Paul Fonder
Rodrigo Guillen
Brian Oldham
331st Training Squadron
Flight 579
Jaron Hyer
Christopher Krajcir
William Merrell
Christopher Richardson
Paul Rodriguez
Jacob Rosaia
Ian Sinchak
Flight 580
Liony-Ann Camacho
Alaina Page
Top BMT Airman
Kent Noorda,
320th TRS, Flight 577
Most Physically Fit
Male Airmen
Kevin McInerny,
320th TRS, Flight 577
Robert Sisk,
320th TRS, Flight 577
Mitchel Blake Sly,
320th TRS, Flight 578
William Haynes,
320th TRS, Flight 577
Female Airmen
Amy Donohoe,
324th TRS, Flight 590
Alaina Page,
331st TRS, Flight 580
Shayla Carey,
321st TRS, Flight 584
Hailey Frerichs,
331st TRS, Flight 580
Male Flights
320th TRS, Flight 578
320th TRS, Flight 577
331st TRS, Flight 579
Female Flights
324th TRS, Flight 590
321st TRS, Flight 584
331st TRS, Flight 580
Top Academic Flights
320th TRS, Flight 577
322nd TRS, Flight 587
331st TRS, Flight 579
149th FW pilot earns Distinguished Flying Cross
An Air Force officer from the 149th Fighter Wing recently was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary aerial achievement while deployed to Wardak
Province, Afghanistan.
Maj. Kristian S. Thiele, an F-16 instructor pilot with the
Texas Air National Guard unit, was presented the decoration by Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols, Texas Adjutant General,
during a Sept. 8 ceremony, which included friends and
members of his family.
The Distinguished Flying Cross is reserved for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in
an aerial flight. Thiele received the decoration during a
three-month tour of duty.
According to the citation accompanying the award,
Thiele responded when a five-person American and Afghan team was engaged in a heavy and small arms fire
fight. The ground element’s joint forward observer was
able to communicate only with Thiele, who engaged
ground enemy forces with two high-angle strafe attacks.
The pilot’s immediate and decisive actions and his ability to place accurate fire on enemy forces led the ground
controller to state, “Viper 21, you are an angel from
heaven. I am down to my last 15 bullets and one hand
grenade. You saved our lives today.”
“At the time, I was just relieved that they were no longer
taking fire, and I wanted to continue to make sure I was
providing the proper support for their follow-on actions,”
said Thiele. “It wasn’t until after I’d landed that it really
hit me, what had just happened.”
“We were fortunate not to lose any friendlies that day.
I had nearly 2,000 hours in the F-16 at that time, and
those 12 minutes from when I checked in until they told
me all fire had ceased were by far the most difficult and
taxing,” he said.
“What still keeps me awake at night is hearing the desperation in their voices and how that fire fight must have
been from their perspective. I will never truly understand
what those guys were going through. I’m just glad I was
there to help,” he added.
His father, retired Navy Capt. Gary F. Thiele, who was
present at the ceremony, also received the Distinguished
Flying Cross during his tour in Vietnam. The naval aviator led a division of A-4 Skyhawks 100 nautical miles
into hostile territory near Hanoi, Vietnam. Taking occasional heavy anti-aircraft artillery, the A-4s successfully
accomplished the mission by destroying their primary
land target.
“We do not go out there to seek glory, we go out there
to protect Americans,” said Nichols, who is also a recipient
of the Distinguished Flying Cross. “Major Thiele had the
opportunity to protect Americans and he did.” (Courtesy,
149th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)
Maj. Kristian S. Thiele
149th Fighter Wing
PAGE 8
TALESPINNER
September 14, 2012
The Sesame Street
USO Experience
for Military Families
Sesame Street and the USO are bringing the furry, fuzzy and friendly muppets to military families around the world.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
» Meet Katie, a military kid on Sesame Street who is moving to a new
place
» Free admission for military families and their children
» Mini-show and giveaways
» For tour information visit www.sesamestreet.org/TLC and www.uso.org
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND
PAGE 10
TALESPINNER
September 14, 2012
JBSA imposes Stage IV water restrictions
Joint Base San Antonio officials have
implemented Stage IV water restrictions at military installations. The restrictions are based on current drought
conditions in the local area.
Irrigation is now allowed only with
a hand-held hose or soaker hose once
every other week between 3-8 a.m.
and 8-10 p.m. on designated watering days, which are based on the last
digit of a residential address or building number. Athletic fields may be watered once every two weeks between
3-8 a.m. and 8-10 p.m.
Additional restrictions include the
following:
• The use of portable yard pools is
prohibited.
• Fire hydrant and sewer flushing
is prohibited unless maintenance or
repair work is occurring.
• No new planting is allowed.
Water restrictions on JBSA installations are triggered when the Comal
Springs water flow falls below established rates.
JBSA personnel should not confuse JBSA water restrictions with the
SAWS restriction levels. JBSA is obligated to follow the Biological Opinion
Agreement with U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Services as part of the Endangered
Species Act, which is more stringent
than the San Antonio Water Systems
restrictions.
The agreement establishes the JBSA
Drought Management Plan, which is
available online at www.jbsa.af.mil.
(Source, Anthony Martinez, JBSA engineer)
PAGE 12
TALESPINNER
September 14, 2012
WHASC administering flu vaccinations
Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical
Center kicked off its annual influenza
vaccination program Sept. 4 with a
fast-track service allowing the flu vaccination to be given on a walk-in basis
in the medical center’s atrium.
Patients can receive the vaccine
Monday through Friday from 7:30
a.m. to 4 p.m. Active-duty service
members in uniform will have priority. The mist form of the vaccination
will not be available; only the shot will
be administered.
Free vaccines will also be offered to
Department of Defense beneficiaries 3
years of age and older.
In addition to the walk-in service in
the atrium, all WHASC primary care
clinics will be offering the flu vaccine
during routine medical appointments.
As part of the WHASC’s outreach
program, a mobile unit will be traveling to various organizations on base
to administer the vaccine to those
active-duty members and government
employees who find it challenging to
leave their worksites during the normal course of the duty day.
Specific dates, times and locations
will be released when they become
available.
“Our SAMHS (San Antonio Military
Health System) goal is to have all active-duty members vaccinated by Nov.
21,” said Lt. Col. (Dr.) Kimberly Johnson, flight commander of the Allergy
and Immunizations Clinic.
If for any reason the Allergy Immunization Clinic must shut down, an
alternate fast-track location will be
available at the main immunizations
clinic, on the first floor near pediatrics.
During the flu season, about 90 percent of deaths in the 65-plus age group
are flu-related.
Vaccinations are recommended for
older patrons, pregnant women, and
anyone who cares for individuals with
medical conditions such as asthma,
diabetes and chronic lung disease.
People who have a severe allergy
to chicken eggs, who previously have
had a severe reaction to an influenza
vaccination, or who have a history of
Guillain-Barré Syndrome should consult a physician before getting the influenza vaccination. Children younger
than 6 months of age are not approved
to receive the vaccination.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Corey Hook
Senior Airman Gregory Rodgers administers a flu shot to Airman 1st Class Justin Snyder in the atrium at the Wilford Hall Ambulatory
Surgical Center on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Sept. 4. Flu vaccines are available on a walk-in basis to Department of Defense
beneficiaries and active-duty service members. Rodgers is a medical technician with the 59th Emergency Medical Squadron and Snyder
is an administrator with the 802nd Contracting Squadron.
Health officials emphasize that
good health habits help protect people against the flu. Hygienic practices
include:
• Covering your nose and mouth with
a tissue when you cough or sneeze,
and throw the tissue in the trash after
you use it.
• Washing your hands often with soap
and water. If soap and water are not
available, use an alcohol-based hand
rub.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose
and mouth, and avoiding close contact
with sick people.
• Limiting contact with others as much
as possible while sick.
For anyone with flu-like symptoms
or illness, the Center for Disease Control recommends that you stay home
for at least 24 hours after the fever
breaks, unless medical care or other
urgent matters are necessitated. A typical fever should break without taking
fever-reducing medicines.
“It is important to remember that
the flu is a serious disease that can
lead to hospitalization and sometimes
death,” said Johnson. “Every flu season is different, and flu infection can
affect people differently. The single
best way to prevent seasonal flu is to
get vaccinated each year.” (Courtesy,
59th Medical Wing Public Affairs)
W
WALK-IN
SERVICE
Monday thru Friday
M
7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
7
WHASC Atrium
W
PRIMARY CARE CLINICS
Immunization are offered during routine
medical appointments.
MOBILE OUTREACH
Mobile immunization team will administer
the flu vaccine at various locations on base.
Times to be determined by WHASC.
September 14, 2012
TALESPINNER
PAGE 13
An Airman’s gift
BMT-taught CPR saves her brother’s life
By Mike Joseph
Senior Writer
If the Air Force needs to validate
the importance of teaching Self Aid
Buddy Care in basic training, a former trainee’s brother is living proof
of its effectiveness.
Airman Basic Shelby Goff used CPR,
a technique taught during SABC, to
revive her 6-year-old brother, Amadeaus Foster of Grand Junction, Colo.,
after he nearly drowned in a downtown San Antonio motel swimming
pool Aug. 4, the day after his older
sister graduated from basic training
at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.
Now assigned to the 343rd Training Squadron, Goff continues to train
on base at the security forces technical training school.
“In my experience, this is the
first time we’ve had somebody employ that skill so swiftly, so expertly.
Courtesy photo, Dean Humphrey, The Daily Sentinel
Airman Basic Shelby Goff sits with her
6-year-old brother, Amadeaus Foster, at
their home in Grand Junction, Colo.
It’s quite impressive,” said Maj.
Michael Cohen, 343rd TRS deputy
commander.
“In most cases, 999 times out of a
thousand, you’re not going to have
to put that training into action, but
the one time that you do have to, it
pays for itself,” said Chief Master Sgt.
Eric Stewart, 343rd TRS chief enlisted manager.
“When I was taking the CPR class, I
thought I’d never have to use it,” said
Goff. “When you actually do, it just
hits, and you know what to do. You
don’t have to think twice about it.”
The family is glad the 18-year-old
Airman gave the class her full attention.
Goff was relaxing with her brother
and sister at a motel swimming pool
the day after graduation when the
near tragedy occurred.
Her younger sister, 15-year-old
Anastasia Foster, was watching Amadeaus. When she briefly looked away,
then looked back, Amadeaus was nowhere to be seen. Anastasia jumped
in and soon found her brother listless
at the bottom of the pool. Amadeaus
had slipped off an inner tube in the
shallow end of the pool, hit his head
on concrete and was knocked unconscious.
Anastasia got him out of the water,
but not knowing CPR, she screamed
out for help from her older sister.
“He didn’t have a heartbeat; he
wasn’t breathing,” Goff said.
She tilted her brother’s head back
and breathed air into his lungs. She
then leaned his head to the side and
pushed on his chest, repeating the
cycle three times before Amadeaus
responded.
“Because I’d been stressed during
basic training, and because of the
SABC class, it was really easy for
me to stay calm and deal with the
situation,” Goff said. “I knew at that
point if I didn’t do the right thing, he
wouldn’t make it.”
Photo by Collen McGee
San Antonio media interview Airman Basic Shelby Goff after she saved her brother’s life at
a local motel swimming pool, soon after graduating from Air Force basic training.
Paramedics quickly arrived on
scene, and transported Amadeaus
to a local hospital, where he stayed
three days before going home to
Grand Junction.
The parents, Jack and Brandy Foster, witnessed the incredible sight of
their daughter Shelby methodically
saving her brother’s life.
“When I came around the corner
and picked him up, I was a nervous
wreck and (Shelby) was still calm and
collected. Just amazing,” Jack Foster
said.
Goff’s Air Force family rallied
around her in the wake of the incident and during the media frenzy
that followed. Her first sergeant,
chaplain and commander all showed
up at the hospital to support her and
the family.
Goff said she was proud to be an
Airman because, “I have a big family at home, but I have an even bigger family. No matter where I am, I
have a wingman and somebody beside me.”
Chuckling at the thought she was
a hero and would get an award,
as some local media implied, Goff
said, “The fact is I do have an
award, and that is my little brother’s life. He’s my best friend in the
world. ” (Compiled from articles by
Sig
Christenson,
San
Antonio
Express-News, and Duffy Hayes,
The Daily Sentinel, Grand Junction,
Colo.)
PAGE 16
TALESPINNER
FOSTER a
PUPPY
Call
671-3686
September 14, 2012
September 14, 2012
TALESPINNER
LOCAL BRIEFS
LPAG TO PERFORM MUSICAL COMEDY
A musical comedy production by
the Lackland Performing Arts Group,
“The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree,”
is Friday and Saturday at Arnold Hall
Community Center.
Performances begin at 7 p.m.
each evening. Ticket prices, which
include hors d’oeuvres, are $20 each
for adults; $15 each for age 65 and
older; $10 each for technical training
students; $5 each for children under
10.
A special children’s matinee of
“The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree”
is Saturday at Arnold Hall. Doors
open at noon for face painting,
games, storytelling, tour of a pirate
ship and treasure hunt. Tickets are
$10 for adults and $5 for children.
For details, call 210-671-2619.
AARP SAFE DRIVER PROGRAM
The Lackland Retiree Activities
Office is sponsoring an AARP safe
driver program Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1
p.m., at Freedom Chapel.
Participants receive a certificate,
which makes them eligible for a
discount on automobile insurance.
CHAPEL SERVICES
Christian
Catholic
Monday-Friday:
Freedom Chapel
Daily Eucharist, 11:30 a.m.
Saturday:
Freedom Chapel
Eucharist, 5:30 p.m.
Reconciliation after Eucharist
Sunday:
Freedom Chapel
Religious Ed., 9 a.m.
Eucharist, 11 a.m.
Orthodox
Reader's Service
Sunday:
Airmen Memorial Chapel
(Classroom)
8 a.m.–10 a.m.
Protestant
Saturday:
Gateway Chapel
Seventh-Day Adventist
Service, 12:30–2:30 p.m.
community
The course is good for three years.
Cost is $12 for AARP members
with their membership card and
$14 for non-members. For details,
contact the RAO at 210-671-2728
or B.J. Laymon after 1 p.m. at 210671-4208.
Tricare, the Key Spouse Program, and
Army and Air Force Exchange Service
will have information on their organization and answer questions.
Email Aimee Wood at membershipwha@gmail.com by Tuesday for
reservations.
COMMUNITY YARD SALE
JEWISH HIGH HOLIDAY SERVICES
The Joint Base San AntonioLackland Family Housing quarterly
community-wide yard sale is Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
There is no signing up for the
event, and housing residents may
set up at their individual homes.
For details, email Claudia Moreno
at CMoreno@bbcgrp or call 210674-9366.
WILFORD HALL AUXILIARY EVENT
The Wilford Hall Auxiliary’s “Big
Welcome” is Saturday, 10 a.m. to
noon, in the Wilford Hall Ambulatory
Surgical Center auditorium.
Senior leaders from the 59th
Medical Wing will discuss ongoing
changes at WHASC, and tours of the
ongoing construction are scheduled.
In addition, representatives from
Wilford Hall Auxiliary, Brooke Army
Medical Center Auxiliary, the Airman and Family Readiness Center,
Sunday:
Airmen Memorial Chapel
Liturgical Service, 8 a.m.
Freedom Chapel
Contemporary Service,
9:30 a.m.
Gospel Service,
12:30 p.m.
Children’s Church provided
Religious Ed., 11 a.m.
Wednesday and Thursday:
Bible Study, 6 p.m.
Protestant family Sunday
school, a one-hour youth and
adult Christian Bible study,
every Sunday at Freedom
Chapel, 11 a.m. For detailscontact Freedom Chapel at
671-4208.
Sunday:
Hope Chapel
The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints, 8–10 a.m.
Islamic
Friday:
Services for the Jewish High
Holidays will be held in the Airman
Memorial Chapel.
Service times for Rosh Hashanah,
the Jewish New Year, are Sunday,
Rosh Hashanah eve, 6:30 p.m.;
Monday, Rosh Hashanah morning, 9
a.m., and Rosh Hashanah evening,
6:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, Rosh Hashanah morning, 9 a.m.
Service times for Yom Kippur, the
Day of Atonement, are Sept. 25, Kol
Nidre, 7 p.m.; Sept. 26, Yom Kippur
morning, 9 a.m., and Yom Kippur
afternoon, 6:30 p.m.
For more information, contact
Chaplain (Capt.) Michael Bram at
210-977-2816.
FREEDOM CHAPEL STUDY GROUP
An informational meeting about
a new women’s Bible study group
is Thursday, 9:30 a.m., at Freedom
Chapel.
Global Ministry Center,
Bldg. 7452
Jummah Prayer,
1:15–2:15 p.m.
Sunday:
Religious Ed., 9–11 a.m.
Jewish
Friday:
Airmen Memorial Chapel
Sabbath Eve Service, 4 p.m.
Sunday:
Religious Ed., 12:30 p.m.
Wicca
The study group will meet on
Thursdays, beginning Sept. 27, 9:3011:30 a.m., at Freedom Chapel.
For more information or to sign
up, call 210-671-4208.
FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE AT WHASC
The flu vaccine is available at
the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical
Center Immunizations Clinic for
active-duty personnel. Active-duty
members are required to receive the
vaccine by Nov. 21.
Flu shots are also available to all
Department of Defense beneficiaries
at the WHASC atrium. Flu shots will
be administered Monday through
Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and
active-duty members will have priority. Patients with booked appointments may receive the vaccine from
their primary care manager.
The immunizations clinic’s Mobile
Flu Unit will also administer the
vaccine at active-duty job locations across the base, to include
the Lackland Training Annex. Dates,
times and locations are forthcoming. For additional information, call
210-292-4278.
HAWC TOBACCO CESSATION CLASSES
The Health and Wellness Center
10 a.m. to noon.
Eckankar
Every first, third,
fifth Saturday:
Gateway Chapel
12:30–1:30 p.m.
Baha'i
Every first, third,
fifth Sunday:
Gateway Chapel
11 a.m. to noon
1st Wednesday:
Freedom Chapel
Room 8, San Antonio Military
Open Circle, 6 p.m.
Sunday:
Arnold Hall, Bldg. 5506
12:30–2:30 p.m.
Church of Christ
Buddhist
Sunday:
BMT Processing Center,
Bldg. 5725, 1st Floor
7:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Sunday:
BMT Reception Center
Bldg. 7246, 2nd Floor
Sunday:
BMT Reception Center,
Bldg. 7246, 2nd Floor
7:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Christian Science
For more details, contact Freedom Chapel - 671-4208 • Gateway Chapel - 671-2911 • Hope Chapel - 671-2941
PAGE 17
offers free tobacco cessation classes
for Department of Defense healthcare beneficiaries the first Tuesday of
every month in Bldg. 2513 at 3 p.m.
The classes offer proven methods
for quitting, and combine brief counseling with medications. The classes
run for four consecutive weeks.
For additional information, call
Shannon Jones at 210-925-6301.
JBSA SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE FAIR
The Joint Base San Antonio
Special Needs Resource Fair and
Child Find event will be Oct. 13,
10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Morgan’s
Wonderland.
The event is open to JBSA
Exceptional Family Member Program
participants and immediate military
family members. Admission for
individuals with special needs is
free; for attendees not preregistered,
admission is $10.
The mandatory preregistration
deadline is Oct. 9 at noon.
For family registration, visit
http://jbsaefmp.wufoo.com/forms/
jbsa-3rd/annual-resource-fair-andchild-find-event. For organization
registration, visit http://jbsaefmp.
wufoo.com/forms/jbsa-resource-fairorganization-registration.
KEY FAMILY SUPPORT RESOURCES
Air Force Aid Society
671-3722
Airman & Family Readiness Center
671-3722
Airman’s Attic
671-1780
Base Post Office
671-1058
Bowling Center
671-2271
DEERS
800-538-9552
Exceptional Family Member Program
671-3722
Family Child Care
671-3376
Legal Office
671-3362
Library
671-3610
Medical Appointment Line
916-9900
MPF ID Cards
671-6006
Outdoor Recreation
925-5532
TRICARE Info
800-444-5445
Thrift Shop
671-3608
Lackland Enlisted Spouses’ Clubwww.lacklandesc.org
Lackland Force Support Squadron www.lacklandfss.com
Lackland ISD
www.lacklandisd.net
Lackland Officers’ Spouses’ Clubwww.lacklandosc.org
Lackland Public website
www.jbsa.af.mil
My Air Force Life
www.MyAirForceLife.com
PAGE 18
TALESPINNER
September 14, 2012
What’s Happening
Family Support Events
SEPT. 14
BMT FAMILY SEMINAR
The Air Force Basic Military
Training Family Seminar is today at
noon in the BMT Reception Center,
Bldg. 7246.
The seminar provides information
on the Air Force and its benefits
to family members of graduating
Airmen.
For details, call 210-671-3722.
FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT SEMINAR
A seminar on the federal
employment process is today, 1-3:30
p.m., at the Airman and Family
Readiness Center. The class teaches
participants how to enhance the
job-hunting process.
For details, call 210-671-3722.
SEPT. 17
FAMILY READINESS BRIEFING
A mandatory family readiness
briefing for personnel who are deploying is Monday, 10:30-11:30 a.m., at
the Airman
and Family
Readiness Center. The briefing
is for personnel who are deploying
longer than 30 days, or who are
going on remote assignments.
For details, call 210-671-3722.
RETURN, REUNION SEMINAR
Monthly Meetings
The Lackland Enlisted Spouses’ Club meets every third Tuesday of the
month at the Balfour Beatty Community Center, 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more
information, visit www.lacklandesc.org.
OFFICERS’ SPOUSES’ CLUB
The Lackland Officers’ Spouses’ Club meets monthly. For dates and times,
or more information, visit www.lacklandosc.org.
A return and reunion seminar is
Monday, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.
The seminar is an informal
forum for family members who
wish to talk about their individual
experiences and the stress caused by
deployment-related separations.
For additional information, call
210-671-3722.
To schedule an appointment, call
210-699-5087.
SEPT. 18
PRE-SEPARATION RETIREES’ CLASS
AMVET REPRESENTATIVE
A mandatory counseling class for
retiring personnel is Tuesday, 9 a.m.
to noon, at the Airman and Family
Readiness Center.
Participants will be briefed on
benefits, services and complete
Department of Defense Form 2648, a
An American Veterans national
service officer is available by appointment only to help with disability
claims Tuesday, 8 a.m. to noon, at
the Airman and Family Readiness
Center.
For details, call 210-671-3722.
AWANA CLUBS MEETING
ENLISTED SPOUSES’ CLUB
MILITARY COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN
The Military Council of Catholic Women meets the first Friday of the month,
9:30 a.m., at Freedom Chapel. For information, call 210-671-4208.
On the web
For additional information, call
210-671-3722.
www.lacklandfss.com
SCHOOL MENTOR TRAINING
Training for adults to serve as
mentors for students in elementary,
middle and high school is Tuesday,
2-3 p.m., at the Airman and Family
Readiness Center.
The training is sponsored by the
Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland
School Liaison Office.
For more information, call 210671-3722.
SEPT. 19
KEY SPOUSE TRAINING
prerequisite for attending the threeday Transition Assistance Program
seminar.
For additional information, call
210-671-3722.
DISABILITY TAP SEMINAR
A disability transition assistance
program seminar is Tuesday, 11:30
a.m. to noon, at the Airman and
Family Readiness Center.
Training for new appointees in
the Key Spouse Program is Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Airman
and Family Readiness Center.
The Key Spouse Program is an Air
Force readiness program supporting
Airmen and their families during
deployments, separations and emergencies as a quality of life initiative,
and provides peer-to-peer wingman
support.
Awana Clubs, a Bible-based
children and youth ministry offering
games and challenges, meets
Wednesday, 6-8 p.m., at Freedom
Chapel.
For details, contact Freedom
Chapel at 210-671-4208.
PERFORMING ARTS GROUP MEETING
The Lackland Performing Arts
Group meets Wednesday, 6-7 p.m.,
at Arnold Hall Community Center.
“Expressions,” an open microphone
forum, follows the meeting from
7-9 p.m.
For additional information, call
210-671-2619 or 210-671-2352.
SEPT. 20
DISABILITY TAP SEMINAR
A disability transition assistance
program seminar is Thursday, 11:30
a.m. to noon, at the Airman and
Family Readiness Center. For more
details, call 210-671-3722.
September 14, 2012
TALESPINNER
sports
PAGE 19
Photo by Alan Boedeker
Airmen Basic Joseph Cole, left, and David Martinez, and Airman 1st Class Andrew Watson, members of the 344th Training Squadron, carry
a U.S. flag with the names of those who perished in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks during the Robert D. Gaylor NCO Academy’s “Let’s
Lift Up Our Fallen” 9/11 remembrance run Tuesday. The names were imprinted on the stripes. Several organizations on base participated
in the 9-hour, 11-minute run, which began at 7 a.m. and concluded at exactly 4:11 p.m.
9/11 run draws large participation
By Jose T. Garza III
Sports Editor
Roughly 875 Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland
military and civilian personnel and dependents honored victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks
in the Robert D. Gaylor NCO Academy’s “Let’s Lift
Up Our Fallen” 9/11 Remembrance Run Tuesday at
the 1.5-mile track.
In addition to running, participants from various
organizations on base were given the opportunity to
read the names of the attacks’ nearly 3,000 victims
during the 9-hour, 11-minute run.
For one runner, it was a chance to honor the fallen
of her hometown.
Staff Sgt. Maribelle Hernandez, 802nd Force Support Squadron, manpower and organization section,
is a native of the Bronx in New York City. A high
school senior attending boarding school in Syracuse, N.Y., Hernandez remembered her feelings after
learning planes had slammed into the World Trade
Center’s twin towers.
“I was called to the principal’s office, along with all
the other students from New York City,” Hernandez
said. “The school administrators told us we needed
to contact our families.”
Her immediate thoughts were to find out about
her family, who still lived in the Bronx; her father
worked in Manhattan. With the telephone circuits
either jammed by callers or down completely, it was
an anxious time for Hernandez.
“It took about four or five hours to get through,”
she said.
Finally, after talking to her family, she was relieved to know they were uninjured and safe.
Hernandez and 13 of her squadron co-workers,
including Humberto Aransaenz, a civilian government employee at the unit, ran a total of 67.5 miles
during the event. An avid participant in 9/11 events,
Aransaenz has been honoring the memory of the
victims of 9/11 for years.
“This day brings back so many memories. This is
the least we can do to for those who lost their lives
in the towers and elsewhere,” Aransaenz said. “This
event is just one more way of (demonstrating respect
for) those who lost their lives that day.”
Tech. Sgt. Nonika Green, an event coordinator and
instructor at the NCO academy, was pleased with
tremendous support and participation.
“I am excited this many people turned out,” Green
said. “I really appreciate all the JBSA-Lackland participation, from the volunteers who pledged their
See RUN, PG20
PAGE 20
TALESPINNER
September 14, 2012
UPCOMING
RUN from PG 19
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AIR FORCE
Celebrate the Air Force's
65th birthday Tuesday at 7
a.m. during the Joint Base
San Antonio Formation Run
at the JBSA-Lackland Parade
Grounds. The run is open to all
armed services, Department of
Defense civilians, and family
members. Call Steve Reichert
at 210-671-2632 for details.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS ENROLLMENT
Special Olympics athletes
are invited to participate in
bowling and track & field
events at Joint Base San
Antonio-Lackland, Randolph,
and Fort Sam Houston. The
events are open to ages 7-18
who are military affiliated
and have either a 504 plan,
Individualized Education Play,
or enrolled in the Exceptional
Families Exceptional Service.
For more information, call 210221-2962.
“I would really like to see
the Cleveland Browns do well,
but I guarantee with 99.9999
percent certainty it’s going to
be another year of disappointment and heartbreak for the
Browns and Cleveland sports
in general.”
– Jose T. Garza III
NFL - WEEK 2
Kansas City at Buffalo, Sunday
Photo by Alan Boedeker
Tech. Sgt. Darius Kersh stands at attention as Tech. Sgt. Julie Hernandez sings the
national anthem at the start of the Robert D. Gaylor NCO Academy’s “Let’s Lift Up
Our Fallen” 9/11 remembrance run Tuesday at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.
Hernandez and Kersh, who delivered the invocation, are both instructors at the academy.
Jose T. Garza III
Talespinner Sports Editor
Joe Bela
Chief of Internal Communications
Dwayne Reed
Varsity Sports Director
support early on to the
members of the 802nd Civil Engineer Squadron who
came through at crunch
time. They all stepped up
and made this event a success.
“People were contacting me asking, ‘What can
I do to help?’” Green said.
“There was just a mass of
support by our people, from
volunteering to help pick up
the garbage to reading the
names of the fallen.
“I really want to thank
the civil engineer squadron,” she said. “We found
out the day before the run
the track is no longer used
for physical training fitness
tests. So, we were wondering, ‘Who’s turning the
lights on?’”
The 802nd CES came
through at the 11th hour
Steve Reichert
Fitness & Sports Director
and had the track lights on
early Tuesday morning so
Green and her volunteers
wouldn’t have to work in
the dark to prepare for the
event. Once everything was
set up, military and civilian
participants were ready to
honor the victims of 9/11.
“The
(outpouring
of
support) was tremendous
thanks to everyone – the
military, the civilians and
their
dependent
family
members. Especially the
civilians, they played an instrumental part in the event
because most of them have
a legacy of military service,”
Green said. “A lot of the individuals who lost their lives
on Sept. 11 were civilians
and government employees. Having them reading
the names and joining our
military personnel by participating in the event made
it complete.”
Airman 1st Class Chris Smith
737th Training Support Squadron
10-5
10-5
9-6
7-8
GRIDlocks GUEST
Buffalo
Kansas City
Kansas City
Kansas City
Buffalo
Cleveland at Cincinnati, Sunday
Cincinnati
Cincinnati
Cincinnati
Cincinnati
Cincinnati
Minnesota at Indianapolis, Sunday
Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota
New Orleans at Carolina, Sunday
New Orleans
New Orleans
New Orleans
New Orleans
New Orleans
Houston at Jacksonville, Sunday
Houston
Houston
Houston
Houston
Houston
Oakland
Oakland
Oakland
Oakland
Miami
Arizona at New England, Sunday
Oakland at Miami, Sunday
New England
New England
New England
New England
New England
Tampa Bay at N.Y. Giants, Sunday
N.Y. Giants
N.Y. Giants
N.Y. Giants
N.Y. Giants
N.Y. Giants
Baltimore at Philadelphia, Sunday
Baltimore
Baltimore
Baltimore
Baltimore
Baltimore
Washington at St. Louis, Sunday
Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington
Dallas
Dallas
Dallas
Dallas
Dallas
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
N.Y. Jets
Pittsburgh
N.Y. Jets
Dallas at Seattle, Sunday
N.Y. Jets at Pittsburgh, Sunday
Tennessee at San Diego, Sunday
San Diego
San Diego
San Diego
San Diego
San Diego
Detroit at San Francisco, Sunday
San Francisco
San Francisco
Detroit
San Francisco
San Francisco
Atlanta
Denver at Atlanta, Monday
Denver
Atlanta
Denver
Atlanta
OVERALL: 10-5
OVERALL: 10-5
OVERALL: 9-6
OVERALL: 7-8