WHAT’S INSIDE
Breakfast with Santa,
Tyndall AFB
Trends in the
Outdoors
Are you offering
what customers
want? p. 2
AETC 2010
A1 Awards
Congratulations
to the AETC A1
Annual p. 6-7
Helping Wounded
Warriors
Joint Base San
Antonio (JBSA),
502 FSS, offers
unique program
1
Scoop
p. 9
Air Education & Training Command / A1S
From the Desk of the Chief of Services!
AETC Leaders...Happy New Year and welcome to a new year of exciting challenges and opportunities for success. Although we’ve got a few
hurdles to overcome, with your leadership we’ll easily succeed. On another
note I’d like to share my priorities as the AETC/A1S: first and foremost
we’re here to make you succeed and we’ll do that by providing world class
service to you and your teammates, second will be an increased focus on
our NAF financial challenges (e.g. meeting new Financial Indicators, MOA
adjustments, flagged activities, Sunday premium pay, etc.); third I’d like
to focus on “growing future leaders - identifying and mentoring our teammates towards new leadership and training opportunities; fourth will be a
commitment to innovation and fifth will be our investment in developing an
effective means for offering staff assistance visits to the bases. Please keep us in the loop on key
issues and let us know if we can ever assist you in anyway. We also a heartfelt thank you for all
that you’re doing for our Airmen.
In this edition of the AETC A1S Scoop, we’d like to continue our leadership series by highlighting
a recent interview with Mr. Charles E. “Chuck” Milam, a member of the Senior Executive Service,
Director, Air Force Services, Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Personnel, Headquarters
U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
Milam on Leadership
Who were your leadership role models during your career?
I’ve had several role models during my career, most notably Gen (Ret) Lloyd “Fig” Newton, MGen
(Ret) Pete Sutton, SES (Ret) Art Myers and SES JB Bonapart.
Did you model your leadership style after a particular program or leadership philosophy? If so, what
style did you follow and why?
I never locked onto a specific leadership style and always tried to adapt to the uniqueness of the
organization and its people. I’ve always believed in taking care of your team, and mentoring those
who will replace you one day.
If you could list the top 3, 5 or 10 rules for being an effective leader, what would they be?
1. Live and work by our Air Force Core Values, 24/7
2. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
3. Take care of your wingman, yourself and your family
4. Pay attention to the details and always follow up
5. TEAM = giving credit to others
What’s your advice for those leaders wanting to succeed in the new A1/A1S/FSS construct?
BL: We’re a team focused on a common mission and objective...take care of our Airmen and their
families--they are counting on you.
How important do you think positive education and Professional Military Education (PME) will be in
the coming years?
Very important. Education is your foundation...your base-line. PME provides you with the necessary
understanding of the Air Force/military mission. It’s important to never stop learning.
You’ve mentored hundreds of A1S/FSS/Personnel folks during your career, how important do you
*Continued on next column
Milam on Leadership Continued
Issue. No.4
Winter
2011
think that is today and what would
you recommend our senior leaders do
in terms of “growing future leaders”.
For those without mentors, find one who will
take the time to help you grow. For the leaders, reach down to your personnel and help them
succeed. Lead by example every day. Challenge your
junior personnel. Praise their successes and help develop
their skills.
If you were to look into the future, what do you think A1/
A1S will look like in the future?
We have to be proactive in developing our programs and
initiatives.
Are there any particular leadership books, articles or resources that you’d recommend leaders read?
We are in a transformational era and change is not slowing down anytime soon. I recommend reading “Leading
Change” by John Kotter.
What is the one thing that you’re most proud of in terms of
your MWR/SVS/A1S career?
Having the opportunity to be part of the great Air Force Services team and seeing the incredible difference our people
and programs make every day...that’s what energizes me!
Submission Guidelines
Scoop
for the
MAY BE FOUND ON PAGE 8
HQ AETC Hails/Farewells
HAIL
Jude Sorg, Community Services Branch Chief
Dave Jenkins, Resource & Requirements Branch Chief
Donna Huffman, Airman & Family Services, Family Matters
Ann Lowry, Airman & Family Services, Youth & Child Care
FAREWELL
Randy Harris, Sustainment Services Branch Joint Basing Extrordinaire, retired 30 Oct 10 with over 41 years of combined military/
civil service
Prue Riojas, Services Division Secretary, retired 31 Dec 10 with 44
years of civil service
Alice “Tish” Zauner, Airman & Family Services Branch Chief, retires
28 Jan 11, with 29 years of civil service
Sustainment Services Branch
2
AETC CLUBS – A
YEAR IN REVIEW
It’s been another challenging year for our command clubs.
Our membership continues to decline and over the last four
years it’s dropped by over 15%. We are continually trying to develop work-a-rounds for
a struggling UBU program and our managers are repeatedly looking for innovative ways
to enhance their existing programs as well as entertaining ideas for new ones.
However, across the command we did record a few successful accomplishments in
2010. Specifically, Altus re-opened their club in Jan 10 after a Small Project Initiative
(SPI) totaling over $118K for a club refurbishment. The project included lounge lighting
enhancements, enclosing the dining room, upgrading doorways, removing an antiquated
serving line, replacing kitchen and serving area, removing an outdated hood system,
and a total ballroom renovation to include new wall paper, paint, ceiling tiles, new lighting, refinishing doors, and installing new carpet.
Five years after hurricane Katrina, Keesler opened their new state-of-the-art, 69,000
square ft., $28 million dollar Bay Breeze facility in September. Located near the marina
and across from the signature holes of the golf course, the facility collocates both the
officer and enlisted lounges, and offers casual dining seven days a week, has a 500seat capacity ballroom for catered functions, numerous meeting rooms and a beautiful
view of Biloxi’s back bay.
Lackland led the way as they opened the newest Air Force Signature brand; Rickenbacker’s, located in building 171, at Port San Antonio as well as taking the lead in a
partnership with AFSVA to operate a Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog kiosk to compliment
Rickenbacker’s. These two initiatives support HQ AFSVA’s relocation as well as eight
other agencies occupying the building. It’s estimated that approximately 3,000 DoD
personnel will work at bldg 171 when tenent relocations are complete.
Maxwell, home to the last remaining AETC officers club, received approval to collocate.
One lucky Maxwell club member was selected from the numerous entries across the Air
Force to win a $1K scholarship under the Air Force Clubs Scholarship program.
Randolph Parr O’Club operated out of a temporary kitchen for seven months and in Jul
10 opened a new state-of–the-art kitchen complete with new ceilings, flooring, plumbing, air conditioning, and equipment. And, one lucky club member was a recipient of an
all expenses paid trip to a NFL game as a participant in the Air Force Clubs Football
Frenzy program.
Congratulations went to Sheppard as they were the leader among CONUS bases with
the strongest showing in the 2010 club membership drive, recruiting 280 new members
from March to May 2010.
On the personnel side we saw three club managers accept new assignments, two new
managers joined the AETC family, one sustainment flight chief retired, and one moved
to a new position on their installation.
As a command here’s some 2010 “fun facts” for you ...
• We have the largest club membership in the Air Force serving over 27,000
daily
• We were the only command to fund the attendance of all of our NAF/APF club
mangers to the annual Air Force Club Managers/Flight Chiefs/Food Service
Workshop, Jul 10, in San Antonio ($25K)
• We funded Operation Red Pin Promotion to help enhance our UBU program at
our four AF installations ($8K)
• We funded one attendee to participate in the Food-Trak Boot Camp training
seminar, Scottsdale, AZ ($3K)
• We funded seven NAF catering managers attendance for Catersource 2010, Las
Vegas, NV ($20K)
• We conducted two staff training visits requested by installations ($3K)
Although it’s an ongoing struggle our “hats off” and kudos to our two AF installations and
their recruitment effort with the Air Force UBU program. Their hard charging endeavors
and commitment resulted in over 800 of our newest Air Force Airmen becoming club
members.
With even more challenges facing us in 2011 such as the budget crunch, food transformation, work force reductions, and deployments there is no doubt we have our work
cut out for us. Thanks to all for your continuing contributions to the Air Force and the
masses of innovative programs you offer and deliver to our 27,000 club members and
families on a daily basis. Let’s be positive as we move into the coming year. (Mr. Steve
Cowan, HQ AETC/A1SS, DSN 487-7641)
Point of Sale (POS)
Information Security
In Nov 10, AFSVA/CC issued system administrator guidance to
follow regarding POS Information Security for NAF activities. The
guidance relates to the industry witnessing an increase in organized theft of credit card and personally identifiable information
which puts our customers, their families, and others at risk.
This new guidance focuses on three areas POS administrators
must follow to protect personal credit information. As an absolute
minimum, systems administrators must make certain they change
system default passwords, ensure approved anti-virus software
is installed and signature files are up-to-date, and validate users
are trained on POS terminal security. Users must inspect POS
terminals prior to daily use to guarantee unauthorized devices are
not connected.
If unauthorized devices are connected, users must notify the system administrator or activity manager immediately. Personal credit
information is everyone’s responsibility and it must be protected.
Administrators must be vigilante this guidance is practiced and
system integrity is maintained as well as followed. As referenced
in the AFSVA guidance any questions on POS information security can be referred to Mr Bob Diaz, DSN 969-7386, commercial
210-395-7386, or email robert.diaz.1@us.af.mil. (Mr. Steve Cowan,
HQ AETC/A1SS, DSN 487-7641)
Closing Club Member Accounts
As a reminder, AFSVA centrally manages the No Current Club Affiliation (NCCA) report in Club Works on behalf of the installations.
According to their statistics, to date, they’ve assigned dues plans
to almost 4,700 accounts with potential dues revenue of over
$419K. In doing so however, a “recurring issue” has come to their
attention. According to AFSVA program managers, many members
have indicated they went to their installation club and “cancelled
their membership.” It appears that installations may be resigning
members’ dues plans in Club Works but the member is not calling
the Bank and closing their account. Many callers are telling AFSVA
they were not informed they needed to call the Bank. As a result,
their account remains open and active, it appears on the NCCA
listing, and AFSVA continues to assign dues.
In April 2009, AFSVA issued instructions on closing club membership card accounts; these instructions were provided to the appropriate flight chief and club manager at each installation; should you
need a copy, please email Mr. Steve Cowan.
Bottomline: we must inform our members who wish to close their
MasterCard account that it is their responsibility to call Chase Bank
Card Member Service (CMS) toll-free, 1-800-759-0294. This
phone number is listed on the back of each club membership
card. Local installations must close all Proprietary card accounts
as we ultimately “own” the liability. (Mr. Steve Cowan, HQ AETC/A1SS,
DSN 487-7641)
Community Services Branch
3
Trends in the Outdoors
“Go outside and play!” Those four words defined many of our childhoods, and many
of us are living that way as adults. Think about it….“Real living, starts when we step
outside.”
Imagine living life indoors. Imagine days spent watching television, playing on the computer, without exercise or fresh air. To those of us who believe in the power of nature,
living a life inside our homes and offices for days and weeks at a time sounds like torture. Most of us can’t image a life without taking in the sights and sounds of nature, and
enjoying the fulfillment that comes with a brisk winter hike or a relaxing family camping
trip. For a lot of Americans, the great outdoors is something to be watched on TV, not
appreciate in person. Over the past few decades, more and more children have grown
up inside, and their connection to nature has faded. As a result, the overall health of
our children and planet has been compromised.
According to the Outdoor Foundation, Outdoor Recreation Participation Top Line Report
for 2010, participation in “core” outdoor sports and activities increased 3.3% for ages six
and above. In a tough economy, activities that can be “done in a day” fulfill the needs
of participants to help keep costs down and fit in with busy schedules. 42 percent of
outdoor participants said the economy impacted how often they participated in outdoor
activities in 2009.
Statistics show that companies offering value-priced day trips, especially within a short
drive of metro areas or National Parks, did well. This emphasizes the need for AF recreators to explore more day excursions that offer a great value for price paid.
Key Findings:
• Camping continues to be strong as it represents a cost effective activity or vacation for the whole family.
• Hiking has remained strong through 2009 with 32.6 million participants.
• Adventure racing, bow hunting, triathlon participation and whitewater kayaking all
showed double-digit increases in participation.
• Although there was an overall downward slide in outdoor recreation among 6 to 12
year olds; 62 percent participated in some form of outdoor recreation in 2009.
• Nearly 50 percent of Americans ages six and older participated in outdoor recreation in 2009 with 82 percent indicating they plan to spend more time participating in outdoor activities in 2010.
The general outlook for the outdoor recreation industry in 2010 is optimistic, with expectations that participation in most recreation activities will increase as the economy is
driving people back to nature.
Getting Americans active often requires a spark, an outside force that will provide incentive to move off the couch and away from the television. That spark can come from
a ‘gateway’ outdoor activity like fishing, running, camping, bicycling or hiking. Activities like these are popular, accessible and often lead to participation in other outdoor
activities.
You have the opportunity to help strengthen Air Force families by expanding your programming to include more low-cost, day trips. Spending time with family + outdoors +
extracurricular activity = healthy people with a better family relationship. When families
spend time together, practice an active lifestyle, and learn to appreciate their natural
surroundings, this quality time results in positive relationships. (Ms. Denise Rossignol, HQ AETC/
A1SC, DSN 487-2187)
Caring For People Survey Concludes
The Air Force concluded the FY 10 Caring for People survey on 31 Dec. Over 11,400 participants from AETC bases
completed the survey including 5,200 military. The survey
gave total force Airmen, civilians, retirees and dependents
an opportunity to voice their concerns on how the Air Force
can better address their quality-of-life needs. The last survey, administered in 2008, helped leadership identify four
broad categories of services important to Airmen and their
families: health and wellness; Airmen and family support;
education and development; and housing and communities. Look for the results in the next newsletter. (POC Lynda
Cipollone DSN 487-7642)
Chief’s Corner
Happy New Year!
The Air Force offers endless opportunities
for new beginnings. Wherever you are is
always the right place. Our best job or assignment is the one we are currently occupying. There is always a need to fix things,
to hitch up the bootstraps and start a project. Start right where you are, you have to
begin in order to complete a task.
Don’t wait until everything is just right to
start a project. It will never be perfect.
There will always be challenges, obstacles
and less than perfect conditions. Therefore,
get started now. With each step we take,
we grow stronger, more skilled, confident,
and thus achieve our goals.
Take the first step. “You don’t have to see
the whole staircase, just take the first step.”
Don’t wait for something big to occur. Start
where you are, with what you have and that
will always lead you into something greater.
Your present circumstances don’t determine
where you will end; they merely determine
where you start.
Let’s start today and make a new ending.
2011 is a new beginning, this year purpose
in your heart to make your dreams bigger
than your memories. Have a safe, prosperous and joyous year!
CMSgt Gerald Z. Gooding
Chief Enlisted Manager
THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL but the weather inside is delightful.
Have you started making your plans for spring?
In golf, during the winter months we start gathering our information on the new
products, scheduling tournaments, and planning our purchases for the PGA Merchandise show and the season that lies ahead. Are you ready for the spring and
summer blasts of customers that will descend on your golf course? Are you clearing
out that winter merchandise to prepare for the new spring arrivals in a few months?
Are you gearing up for a big sale to clear out the last few drivers that are last
years technology? Is your tournament schedule already established for next summer? When the days are cold and you have no customers, take that time to lay out
your plans for the upcoming season. It will make a big difference when spring rolls
around and you are ready to take the season on by storm!
Airman & Family Services Branch
4 4
Key Spouse Program
Military Family & Deployer
Appreciation Night @ Sheppard
Sheppard AFB Military
Family of the Year
Our Military families know that military service is
not a job, it’s a lifestyle. While this lifestyle provides endless opportunities for adventure and
learning, families are subject to unique challenges.
To honor Sheppard AFB families for their contributions, the Airman & Family Readiness Center
hosted a Military Family & Deployer Appreciation
Night at the Community Center on 4 November
to celebrate Month of the Military Family. There
were 270 active duty, family members, and
community leaders in attendance. A delicious
barbeque meal was provided for all attendees
by the Burkburnett Roustabouts.
The A&FRC also hosted the 2010 Military Family of the Year Social on 1 December at the Sheppard Club. Family
members are valuable and instrumental, not only to the mission, but to the
community in which they reside.
It’s often challenging to balance work,
family, and community involvement,
but our military families work together
to get it done!
It was an honor to recognize Maj Kenneth Cook, his wife Lindy, and their
children McKell, Kenzie, Nicholas, and
Shelby as the Sheppard AFB Family of
the Year for 2010!
O peration C ookie C utter provides deployed
Vance Airmen holiday cheer
Fifty-five care-packages were prepared and mailed to
Vance Airmen, currently deployed around the world,
by 30 volunteers working out of the Airman & Family
Readiness Center (A&FRC) Thursday, Nov. 4. This is
the 16th year for Operation Cookie Cutter. The packages contained home-made cookies, holiday popcorn, candy, a stuffed animal and letters from the
students at Eisenhower Elementary School on base
and the 71st Flying Training Wing commander, Col.
Russ Mack.
Members of the Officers’ Spouses’ Club, the Enlisted
Spouses’ Group, the spouses of senior leadership
and the A&FRC staff spent four hours Thursday morning preparing and mailing the
packages. “More than 1,200 cookies were brought in,” said Greg Waide, the A&FRC
director. There were chocolate chip, peanut butter, no-bake cookies, all kinds.”
“We even baked some here in the A&FRC kitchen,” said Terri Presa, School Liaison
Officer and Volunteer Coordinator at the readiness center. The volunteers went through
600 plastic bags preparing the cookies for the care-packages. A new item included in
the packages this year was popcorn to not only keep the cookies from crumbling, but
also to provide another type of snack.
“One of the spouses went out and bought
20 tins of the premade holiday popcorn with
caramel, cheese and regular flavors,” said Mr.
Waide. Other new items for the packages this
year were stuffed animals donated by the OSC
Thrift Store on base. “We wanted to send some
holiday cheer to our deployed members,” said
Mr. Waide. “We want them to know we’re
thinking about them,” said Ms. Presa. “We’re
still their family you know. “When we hear
from the deployed folks, the part they seem to
enjoy the most is getting the cards and letters
from the elementary school children,” said Ms.
Presa. “We have some budding artists in the
group that make the cards.”
From left to right: Dana Fredrickson, Tammy Risinger, Jeannette Figueriedo
and Kerry Thornell form the volunteer core for Air Forces Northern’s new Key
Spouse Program, a program designed to assist military spouses immerse into the
organization, understand what resources are available to them, and improve lines
of communication between military members and their families. (U.S. Air Force
photo by Lt. Col. Susan A.Romano)
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - While it’s inherent for
military members and their families to expect the unexpected short-notice deployments, permanent change of station orders,
new missions, new people, new places - it doesn’t mean it’s
always comfortable or easy to manage.
To help prepare its members for such events, Air Forces
Northern has established the Key Spouse Program to help
ease the burdens that come with military life.
While still in the final planning phases, the program aims not
only to help spouses, but all assigned military personnel and
their family members who might need assistance, from locating the base exchange and commissary to understanding
the complex mission of AFNORTH. Currently, there are four
trained spouses in the program: Tammy Risinger, Jeannette
Figueriedo, Dana Fredrickson and Kerry Thornell, who all
agree that between each other, they have a wide array of
experience and knowledge which is a definite asset to making
the program a success. The program will officially kick off in
January 2011.
“Our primary goal is to have a link between home and the unit,”
said Mrs. Risinger. “Just because a duty member gets information at work, it doesn’t always mean it gets to the home,”
said Mrs. Risinger. “We hope to bridge that communication
gap.”
To officially prepare for their roles in the program, each attended a training session at the 325th Fighter Wing’s Airmen
& Family Readiness Center. There, they received information
on topics that included roles and responsibilities, privacy issues and concerns, and learning about resources and referral
agencies.
According to Catherine Tarrant, community readiness consultant at the center, after initial training there is also recurring
training. She said it provides an opportunity to network, address new and updated information and interact with other key
spouses.
“The Key Spouse position works with leadership to plan, coordinate and execute the unit’s Key Spouse program, she added.
“This program impacts mission readiness and retention by ensuring families have appropriate information and resources to
meet their needs.”
In addition to attending training, the spouses have been invited
to attend mission briefings and weekly staff updates to stay
abreast of current events that impact not only those wearing
the uniform, but those at home.
“We’re not just here for spouses, though,” said Mrs. Figuerie*Continued on next page
Airman & Family Services Branch
5
Neal Family of Maxwell AFB Named Alabama Family of the Year
rare Awana Club Citation Award. She volunteered as a candy-striper at Baptist East
Hospital and was a three year volunteer at the Alabama National Archives. Christal
also likes to babysit, especially when the many Air University students and families
need her services on short notice.
Danielle is an active member in a church youth group and earned the “Awana Club
Timothy Award.” She qualified in the high-jump at USA Track and Field Junior Olympics. She participated and volunteered during a National Christian Forensics and Communications Association speech and debate tournament and she currently endeavors
in radio and television, participating in weekly broadcasts of high school football games
and in preparing commercials for event sponsors.
Tiffani has volunteered her time as a babysitter and served food at the Salvation Army.
She helped raised money for orphans in Africa, donated to Awana Adopt-a-Club in
South America, and gave gifts to Operation Christmas Child. She also plays piano,
sings, and dances for Crowne Health Care and Hillview Terrace nursing homes.
“We are extremely humbled by this recognition, especially with many other deserving
families here at Maxwell-Gunter. This has allowed our family to see the fruits of get2010 marked the 22nd “Annual Families of the Year Award,” as rec- ting involved within your circle of influence. This experience will be something that we’ll
ognized by the Family Guidance Center of Alabama. This award pro- cherish the rest of our lives,” Colonel Neal said of the award.
gram is designed to recognize and encourage the development of the
qualities that are so valuable to healthy family living. Nominees were
Empowers Spouses at Altus
evaluated on qualities such as teamwork, growth in personal goals and
contributions to the community. This year, Maxwell Air Force Base is
proud to announce the selection of Colonel John Neal, AU/IG, and his
family as one of five Families of the Year for the state of Alabama.
Colonel Neal, his wife Tracy and daughters Christal, 17, Danielle, 15,
and Tiffani, 12, have been a pivotal family at Maxwell Air Force Base
Alabama while stationed here the past four years and counting. The
Neal family is very active in community activities and has contributed greatly to making not only Maxwell-Gunter, but the River Region
community, a better place to live, work, and play. They have served
as members at Gateway Baptist Church, homeschooled their three
daughters, volunteered at various events at Maxwell, and participated
in activities around Montgomery, such as dance, track and field, swimming, soccer, and piano. Due to their dynamic contributions to our
community, they were selected as the Maxwell-Gunter Spotlight Family
for August 2009.
Colonel Neal is an Elder at Gateway Baptist Church and is the commander of their Awana Club International. He has led many Bible Stud- The HeartLink program was held at Al- sented their own personal spouse coin
ies, participated in leadership conferences, and supported many of the tus Air Force Base Oct. 20, 2010.
by Col. Stuart Shaw, 97th AMW vice
community’s youth.
The HeartLink program is spearheaded commander.
Tracy participates in women’s Bible studies, served as second vice by the Airman and Family Readiness “Whether new to the Air Force family
president Officer Spouses Club, and was recently selected as a Max- Center to empower military spouses, or a veteran spouse, HeartLink is the
well Key Spouse. The Key Spouse is charged to support deployed inspiring the fortitude and strength and perfect environment to ask the tough
families’ needs and serves as the face of unit leadership to families. providing the resources to meet the questions and get the right answers in
She provides peer-to-peer support, informs families on issues pertinent challenges of being a military spouse.
a relaxed and fun atmosphere.” said
to them, and refers family members to various helping agencies as
Debra Valerio.
The
class
incorporated
fun
interactive
needed.
games, presentations by base agencies HeartLink will be offered again at Altus
Christal was an active member in church youth group and earned the and a free lunch. Each spouse was pre- on a Mar. 23, 2011.
HEARTLINK
Key Spouse Program
Continued from page 4
do. “We also plan to make ourselves available for military members -- married and single -- and even children of members. Perhaps the children are not
getting enough of mom or dad, be it the ops tempo, temporary duty assignments or deployments, and that can be very stressful. We want to be available
to offer a source of relief as well as a shoulder to lean on or an ear to listen, especially since we’ve all been in their shoes before.”
Tyndall’s community readiness coordinator couldn’t agree more. “This program has undeniable benefits,” said Ms. Tarrant. “Issues get resolved at the lowest
level, the sense of unit support increases, and ultimately that improves the quality of life among unit families. Additionally, it offers enhanced family resiliency
and preparation.”
Currently, the four women in the AFNORTH program plan to send out a letter to all unit members explaining how Key Spouse works and a questionnaire to
gather information about unit families. “The questionnaire is completely voluntary,” said Mrs. Thornell. “We just want to ensure we have the right resources
and information to address any existing concerns.”
Informality and confidentiality are both stressed as well. “We plan for our interactions with members to be confidential and informal,” said Mrs. Thornell. “Just
by the nature of the mission, there is a lot of higher rank in the AFNORTH organization, and that can make some people uncomfortable - thinking what they
share will affect their spouse’s job in the organization and that’s simply not the case. Helping is our only goal.”
Mrs. Risinger agreed. “There are just so many new resources out there to help people, and we want to make sure we spread the word that this is not a
static effort; it is active and ongoing, and there are new resources being made available all the time to our family members,” she said. But the group’s focus
is not just about helping in times of newcomer need or because of a particular crisis. Mrs. Fredrickson said the group is about socializing as well. “We want
to provide an avenue for people to get out more and let them know they are not alone, in good times and bad.”
Around the Bases...
6
F
AETC A1 Annual Award Winners
INSTALLATION AWARDS:
General Curtis E. LeMay Award: 802 FSS, Lackland AFB
Major General Eugene L. Eubank Award: 17 FSS, Goodfellow AFB
LEGACY TEAM AWARDS:
Nathan Altschuler Outstanding Education and Training Program: 802 FSS, Lackland AFB
Colonel L. Joseph Brown Award Equal Opportunity Program: 97 AMW, Altus AFB
Gerrit D. Foster, Jr. Outstanding Military Personnel Program: 17 FSS, Goodfellow AFB
TEAM/PROGRAM AWARDS:
Airman & Family Readiness Program of the Year: 81 FSS, Keesler AFB
Arts and Crafts Program of the Year: 17 FSS, Goodfellow AFB
Bowling Program of the Year: 902 FSS, Randolph AFB
Child Development Program of the Year: 802 FSS, Lackland AFB
Civilian Personnel Program of the Year: 902 FSS, Randolph AFB
Club of the Year (All installation club activities): 902 FSS, Randolph AFB
Community Center Program of the Year: 802 FSS, Lackland AFB
Enlisted Professional Military Education Team of the Year: 325 FSS, Tyndall AFB
Family Child Care Program of the Year: 56 FSS, Luke AFB
Fitness and Sports Program of the Year: 325 FSS, Tyndall AFB
Golf Program of the Year: 56 FSS, Luke AFB
Human Resources Program of the Year: 42 FSS, Maxwell AFB
Library Program of the Year: 56 FSS, Luke AFB
Marketing Program of the Year: 42 FSS, Maxwell AFB
Manpower and Organization Program of the Year: 81 FSS, Keesler AFB
Operations Program of the Year: 42 FSS, Maxwell AFB
Outdoor Recreation Program of the Year: 56 FSS, Luke AFB
Youth Program of the Year (includes school age program): 802 FSS, Lackland AFB
LEGACY INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:
Roger M. Blanchard Memorial Award: Mr. Robert Hanson, HQ AETC/A1, Randolph AFB
General Robert J. Dixon Award: Ms. Amanda Braden, HQ AETC/A1, Randolph AFB
General Horace M. Wade Innovation Award: SMSgt Michael Rehm, HQ AETC/A3, Randolph AFB
General Benjamin Oliver Davis, Jr. Management Engineering Award: Mr. Roger Brickley, HQ AETC/A1, Randolph AFB
Lieutenant General Norm Lezy Award: Ms. Gail Lampman, HQ AETC/A1, Randolph AFB
Dr. Beverly L. Schmalzried Award: Ms. Carolyn Waits, HQ AETC/A1, Randolph AFB
Dr. Edwin C. Peterson Education and Training Manager Award: TSgt Tiffany Robinson, AFIT, Wright-Patterson AFB
Solomon Starks, Jr. EO Director of the Year Award: Capt Scott Simoneaux, 97 AMW, Altus AFB
CMSgt Billy R. Hunter SNCOA Instructor of the Year Award: MSgt Christopher Robinson, SNCOA, Maxwell AFB
A1 Special Recognition Award: Mr. Gregory Davisson, HQ AETC/A1, Randolph AFB
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:
Officer/STAFF
Force Support Field Grade Officer of the Year: Lt Col Mark Gaubert, HQ AETC/A1, Randolph AFB
Force Support Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt Johanna Jaboneta, HQ AETC/A1, Randolph AFB
Officer/OPERATIONAL
Force Support Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt Olivia Moss, Holm Center, Maxwell AFB
Officer/INTALLATION
Force Support Field Grade Officer of the Year: Maj Kathryn Brown, 42 FSS, Maxwell AFB
Force Support Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt Jeremy St. John, 12 FTW, Randolph AFB
Enlisted/STAFF
Force Support NCO of the Year: TSgt Kevin Rice, HQ AETC/A1, Randolph AFB
Force Support SNCO of the Year: MSgt Theodore Fariss, HQ AETC/A1, Randolph AFB
Congratulations !!
Around the Bases...
AETC A1 Annual Award Winners
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS: (cont’)
Enlisted/OPERATIONAL
Force Support Airman of the Year: A1C Erica Reuber, AFIT, Wright-Patterson AFB
Force Support NCO of the Year: TSgt Timothy Sanders, AFROTC Det 105, University of Colorado
Force Support SNCO of the Year: MSgt Katherine Kwarcinski, AFROTC Det 752, Wilkes University
Enlisted/INSTALLATION
Airman & Family Readiness Center Enlisted Manager of the Year: MSgt Jessica Wondruff, 81 FSS, Keesler AFB
Career Assistance Advisor of the Year: MSgt Brian Bailey, 14 FSS, Columbus AFB
Education and Training NCO of the Year: TSgt Peter Knapp, 14 FSS, Columbus AFB
Education and Training SNCO of the Year: MSgt Lyman Howard II, 47 FSS, Laughlin AFB
Equal Opportunity Specialist of the Year: TSgt Debra Reddecliff, 10 ABW (formerly of 71 FTW, Vance AFB OK), USAF Academy
Enlisted Professional Military Education NCO of the Year: TSgt Rick Dunaway, Barnes Center, Maxwell AFB
Enlisted Professional Military Education SNCO of the Year: MSgt Stacey Mercer, 42 FSS, Maxwell AFB
First-Term Airmen Center NCOIC of the Year: SSgt Charmaine Carnes, 81 FSS, Keesler AFB
Manpower NCO of the Year: TSgt Bryan Dochnahl, 81 FSS, Keesler AFB
Manpower SNCO of the Year: SMSgt Rachelle Slater, 802 FSS, Lackland AFB
Personnel Airman of the Year: SrA Laura Garcia, 17 FSS, Goodfellow AFB
Personnel NCO of the Year: SSgt Jacob Williams, 81 FSS, Keesler AFB
Personnel SNCO of the Year: SMSgt Charles Mills, HQ AFPC (formerly of 802 FSS, Lackland AFB TX), Randolph AFB
Services Airman of the Year: A1C Aaron Anstrom, 56 FSS, Luke AFB
Services NCO of the Year: TSgt Jessica Rashid, 325 FSS, Tyndall AFB
Services SNCO of the Year: MSgt Ed Flanders, 325 FSS, Tyndall AFB
Civilian/STAFF
Action Officer of the Year: Mr. Kenneth Sargent, HQ AETC/A1, Randolph AFB
Technician of the Year: Ms. Penelope Smith, HQ AETC/A1, Randolph AFB
Civilian/OPERATIONAL
Manager of the Year: Ms. Joan Parten, Education Support Center, Maxwell AFB
Specialist of the Year: Mr. Richard Harris, Education Support Center, Maxwell AFB
Technician of the Year: Ms. Carol Jones, Education Support Center, Maxwell AFB
Civilian/INSTALLATION
Force Support Senior Civilian of the Year: Mr. Eric Weston, 802 FSS, Lackland AFB
Force Support Manager of the Year: Mr. Mark Tharp, 802 FSS, Lackland AFB
Manpower and Personnel Flight Manager of the Year: Mr. Michael Fix, 81 FSS, Keesler AFB
Manpower and Personnel Flight Specialist of the Year: Mr. Curtis Greer, 81 FSS, Keesler AFB
Manpower and Personnel Flight Technician of the Year: Ms. Brittney Welchon, 17 FSS, Goodfellow AFB
Sustainment Services Flight Manager of the Year: Ms. Maria Zander, 802 FSS, Lackland AFB
Sustainment Services Flight Specialist of the Year: Mr. Jeremy Stevens, 97 FSS, Altus AFB
Sustainment Services Flight Technician of the Year: Mr. William Moulder, 802 FSS, Lackland AFB
Airman & Family Services Flight Manager of the Year: Ms. Susan Brasel, 802 FSS, Lackland AFB
Airman & Family Services Flight Specialist of the Year: Ms. Alicia Gibbons, 325 FSS, Tyndall AFB
Airman & Family Services Flight Technician of the Year: Ms. Lisa Lyons, 81 FSS, Keesler AFB
Force Development Flight Manager of the Year: Mr. Edward Hodge, 14 FSS, Columbus AFB
Force Development Flight Specialist of the Year: Ms. Kimberly Chism, 325 FSS, Tyndall AFB
Force Development Flight Technician of the Year: Ms. Juanita Garcia-Farley, 97 FSS, Altus AFB
Community Services Flight Manager of the Year: Mr. Brian Milkovich, 802 FSS, Lackland AFB
Community Services Flight Specialist of the Year: Ms. Sherry Calloway, 42 FSS, Maxwell AFB
Community Services Flight Technician of the Year: Ms. Nancy Henderson, 42 FSS, Maxwell AFB
FSS Command Staff Manager of the Year: Ms. Corey Coleman, 325 FSS, Tyndall AFB
FSS Command Staff Specialist of the Year: Mr. Rocky Williams, 802 FSS, Lackland AFB
FSS Command Staff Technician of the Year: Mr. Daniel Albin, 325 FSS, Tyndall AFB
Congratulations !!
7
F
Around the Bases...
Submission Guidelines
Scoop
Air Education & Training Command / A1S
Submissions to the AETC A1S Scoop are due to AETC/
A1SC by COB the third Monday of the last month of the
calendar year quarter. Dates are listed below:
CY 2011
Due to AETC/A1SC
Mar 21, 2011 • Jun 21, 2011
Sep 19, 2011 • Dec 19, 2011
Articles can highlight programs, events, personnel,
“best practices”, or even industry trends. If you would like
to see something specific addressed by HQ AETC staff,
please let us know!
Photos should not be provided in the body of the Word
document. Photos should be provided in a separate .tif, or
.jpg file format.
All individuals in a photo should be identified with full name
and rank, along with a brief description of what’s in the
photograph, in a paragraph at the bottom of the article
Word document.
Digital Photos should be 300 DPI (approximately 5 x 7 at
pixel size 2,000 x 1,200) and submitted as .jpg or .tif files.
These high-resolution specifications give the best reproduction in the print media.
Submissions should be sent to:
Lynda Cipollone AND Jennifer Greenwood
lynda.cipollone@us.af.mil
jennifer.greenwood.1@us.af.mil
8
Perfect CDC Score...
Fact or Fiction?
A1C Craig Cole arrived at Altus Air Force Base
in September 2009. The Chief of Unit Training,
Kathy Cowan, had no idea that this young man
was going to provide her with one of the highlights of her career. Airman Cole progressed
with his upgrade training to the 5 skill level quite
ordinarily.
He completed his CDCs (3M051A) in the required time, but a paralyzing ice storm halted
all upgrade training, the mission dominated the
97th Force Support Squadron for nearly two weeks. When life returned to normal, Airman Cole
prepared for his course exam and took a comprehensive evaluation (pretest) scoring 99% on the
202 question test. He took the course exam on 3 March 2010. Shortly after completing the test he
arrived at Mrs. Cowan’s office to get his score, an astounding 98%! A1C Cole was rewarded for his
achievement with a three-day pass!
After the dust settled, A1C Cole was issued his 3M051B CDC. Again, progress was quite ordinary
and determined to better his previous score, Airman Cole scored a 100% on the comprehensive
evaluation. On 7 July 2010 A1C Cole entered the testing room at the Education Center. “Within an
hour”, says Mrs. Cowan “I received a text message from the Base Training Manager informing me
that he had scored 100%.” It happened that there was a Mission Support Group Commander’s Call
later that afternoon. It was very quickly arranged to recognize Airman Cole as part of the Commander’s Call. “For the rest of the afternoon I was dodging Airman Cole” says Cowan. “I told him
I was going to pick up the print-out of the score and he was to meet me at Commander’s Call so
he could get it.”
The Base Theater was filled with MSG personnel. “I avoided eye contact with Airman Cole. I just
couldn’t even look at him” laughed Mrs. Cowan. Colonel Peccia, 97 MSG Commander entered
the theater to an attentive crowd. When placed ‘at ease’ he instructed A1C Cole to the front of the
theater and introduced him to the group. He asked Airman Cole what he scored on his course
exam earlier that day, and Airman Cole told him that he did not know.
“Well,” Colonel Peccia told the crowd “Airman Cole scored an outstanding 98% on his CDC 3M051A
earlier this year. That was not good enough. He bettered his first score by 2%, scoring a perfect
100%.”
The entire group stood, giving Cole a standing ovation. A1C Cole, described as shy and humble
stood smiling! Again, A1C Cole was rewarded for his accomplishment with a three-day pass! Recently, Cole was recognized by the Wing Commander for his outstanding accomplishment.
Lackland Opens New Golf Cart Storage Facility
By Debbie Milner, 802 FSS Marketing Director
Lackland’s Gateway Hills Golf Course held a ribbon-cutting
ceremony on December 1st for its new golf cart storage facility. The day featured a tour of the building for customers
as well as a free lunch and range balls courtesy of Weston
Solutions, the project’s construction company.
A modern storage facility was a long time coming – 62 years
to be exact – and much needed. For many years, carts had
been stored in the basement of a prior Officers’ Club, which
had been destroyed by fire back in 1948. Although it did give
shelter to the carts and staff members, it was woefully inadequate in addition to being an eyesore.
In May 2009, the remains of the building were torn down and
construction began on the new facility. The entire new structure was built to “green” specifications including environmentally-friendly oil and water separators. The resulting $1.4M
state-of-the-art facility also features two wash stations, a
utility area, and it holds up to 100 Club Car electric carts.
Lackland looks forward to using the building for many years to
come with improved cart maintenance and customer service.
(No Federal Endorsement of Sponsor Intended)
Around the Bases...
9
R e t i r e e A p p r e c i at i o n D ay @ M a x w e l l
By Christen Huffman and Adrienne Stevens, 42 FSS Marketing & Publicity
The Nov. 19 Retiree Appreciation was a great success as attendees played several games of bingo,
browsed more than 40 information booths regarding products and services geared toward retirees, and
enjoyed a cookout lunch and coffee, provided by Golden Corral and Royal Cup.
Retired men and women from all branches of the military and their guests were welcomed at 9 a.m.
in the Maxwell Honor Guard Hangar with AAFES reusable shopping bags filled with samples, baseball
caps and feedback forms. Admission was free to all retirees and only $3 for their guests. Nearly fifty
volunteers, along with various 42nd Force Support Squadron employees, came together for the annual
event; without which would have proved almost impossible.
The day’s festivities began with the Maxwell Elementary School Choir singing a beautiful rendition of the
National Anthem, followed by Chaplain, Captain Kennie Neal leading the invocation. Inspirational words
of gratitude and admiration from Colonel Killough; reminding guests of the reason for the celebration and
thanking them for their service. To conclude the morning’s opening ceremonies the children performed
their renditions of the songs “You Are Our Heroes” and “We Will Not Forget”; moving many attendees to tears.
“BINGO” became the word of the hour as players enjoyed the lighthearted game of chance; each contestant hoping to win one of the five $20 prizes awarded.
Any guests that chose not to participate in the games were free check out all the rest of the day had to offer. Booths lined the entirety of the hangar with a wide
range of vendors. From Maxwell run facilities such as Outdoor Recreation to nationally known companies like AARP, there was a little something for everyone. Flu
shots were even available for the health conscious. Drawings for several door prizes were also presented throughout the morning, along with endless information
pamphlets and giveaways on nearly every table.
As 11 a.m. neared, the buffet style lunch of hamburgers and hotdogs was a satisfying end to the day. Cold drinks, potato chips, assorted fruit and slices of cake
were prepared and served by many of the volunteers.
Reluctant goodbyes were said as the hangar emptied, tables cleared and booths packed away. Although Retiree Appreciation Day 2010 is done, the thanks received by all will be felt for many months to come.
Horseback riding program now provides certified therapy for wounded warriors
By Dimice Perry, Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, 502 FSS Marketing
A child with a severe cognitive disability suddenly giggles sitting atop a horse. A teen smiles broadly
discovering he can control a 900-pound animal, though his legs were amputated. A spouse whose
husband is deployed enjoys the backwoods trails on horseback.
Riding horses has been used as a viable supplement to traditional therapy for physical disabilities,
mental and behavioral challenges, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and
substance abuse for years according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Horseback riding is an activity that distracts the mind from the stress that these patients deal with on
a regular basis,” said Heather Miller, a recreational therapist at Brooke Army Medical Center. “It gets
them out of the clinical setting and into nature, but it also requires them to focus their mind and energy
solely on one thing.”
Though using horses to help treat a variety of physical and psychological issues has been a part of
therapy programs outside the military, the Army only officially recognized equine therapy as beneficial
recently, offering wounded warriors an opportunity to participate in the North American Riding for the
Handicapped Association, Inc.’s “Horses for Heroes” program at Fort Sam Houston; and certifying four therapeutic riding instructors.
Cindy Tripoli, Beth Mann, Connie Blocker and Annie Blakely were certified as therapeutic riding instructors, Oct. 23 after a year-long process that included 24
hours of hands-on mentoring. The four Equestrian Center employees are the first certified instructors for equine therapy on a military installation.
The equestrian center has been providing recreational riding for Exceptional Family Member Program Families and wounded warriors since 2006. However, there
were times they would have to turn away riders due to safety concerns. Certification provides instructors with expertise in safety procedures for riders with the severest challenges seeking therapy. “We have seen the benefits of recreational riding for wounded warriors, Family members
and patrons enrolled in the EFMP,” Tripoli said. “With our certification, we can now do more to safely provide therapeutic
riding and facilitate a higher quality of life for persons with a broad range of disabilities.”
Part of equine therapy is getting the rider and the horse familiar with each other as well as teaching the rider how to care
for the horses. Riders are encouraged to do the majority of the work with supervision including brushing,
cleaning hooves and saddling so that horses and riders interact before riding. Therapy riders are not
expected to have experience with horses and many have never been on or near a horse. “As they learn
to become comfortable with their horse, they learn how to relax. These are lessons that they can take
back to the clinic,” Miller said.
With the establishment of the Fort Sam Houston equine therapy program, the instructors are looking to
expand. Tripoli, Mann, Blocker and Blakely are also trained as NARHA mentors, which qualifies them
to provide training to other installations. “There is such a need across the country and we would like to
reach out to help other installations develop their own programs and become certified,” Mann said, as she
prepared for the arrival of a group of wounded warriors for an equine therapy session. “Our goals are to
continue our training and [that the Fort Sam Houston Equine Center’s therapy program] be a leader for
other military centers by becoming a Premier Accredited Center.”
“As the program grows, we are going to need a lot more volunteers,” Tripoli said. “Volunteers are always
appreciated and we need them to help [walk along with] or lead the horses.” For information about the
program, click on the NARHA website at http://www.narha.org. To volunteer, call 224-7207.
Around the Bases...
10
Luke Fitness Center Ends 2010 With a Bang!
While the temperature was beginning to drop in the valley of the sun, the Luke Air Force Base Thunderbolt fitness center was heating up the month of
December with two unique events.
After three years of planning, the fitness center hosted Luke’s first ever Fight Night
at Luke Boxing event. The night included a total of nine bouts, featuring 14 military
fighters and four civilian fighters. The civilian fighters were members of Knockout
Fitness, a local boxing gym in Surprise, AZ. Knockout Fitness brought their ring,
trainers, judges and some fighters out to Luke for this event. Over 250 people attended the fight! The event was so successful that Luke is planning another fight
night as part of May Fitness Month.
The Thunderbolt Fitness Center also held its third annual Luke Winter Games event
during the week of 13-17 December. This week long competition gives squadrons
the opportunity to compete in events such as Tug-o-War, 3-on-3 basketball, humvee push, 2-on-2 sand volleyball, 3-on-3 football and many more! Teams earn
points towards their squadrons for placing in each event.
The squadron with the most points at the end of the week
earned the 2010 Luke Winter Game trophy. This year’s
winner was the 56 Civil Engineering Squadron.
The winter games concluded on Friday 17 December with the 1.5 mile Jingle Bell Fun Run and unit competitions. The run invited
individual and squadron runners to dress up in holiday wear on a quick run around the fitness center. Awards were given to the
top first through third place male and female runners. Squadron teams were also judged on their overall festive appearance and
holiday cadences, with a trophy going to the most festive squadron.
After the run, everyone was invited into the decorated gym for the presentation of the Luke Commanders Cup trophy and a
plethora of fun competitions. Spectators were randomly drawn through a raffle to compete in games such as a dance contest,
football toss and body pull. Competitors had the chance to win a digital camera, bikes, a blue ray player, and many other exciting prizes.
While the year may be winding down, the staff at the Thunderbolt fitness center are gearing up for a busy 2011 featuring more
sports and fitness events to keep the Luke airmen fit to fight!
Coconut Trees Sprout at Columbus AFB
By Jana Hall, 14th Force Support Squadron
“A told B, and B told C, ‘I’ll meet you at the top of
the coconut tree.’”
Take a walk through the new colorful, yet calming,
state-of-the art Columbus AFB Child Development
Center (CDC) and you will find yourself smack in
the middle of the beloved storybook “Chicka Chicka
ABC” by Bill Martin, Jr., and John Archanbault.
The bright and cheery building is decorated with the book
theme and colors – including a
giant coconut tree in the special reading area as you enter
the building. The new CDC
opened its doors Nov. 1 and
celebrated the grand opening of
its 24,400-square-foot facility
with the fifth chief master sergeant of the Air Force, CMSgt
Robert D. Gaylor, retired, presiding over the ribbon cutting on
Nov. 8, 2010.
Coming from a much smaller facility (only 14,000
square feet comprised of a main structure and eight
connected modular buildings), children, parents and
staff alike are still in awe of the learning-friendly, ergonomic environment. The classrooms are furnished
with solid wood Amish chairs, and natural light fills
the facility through huge windows in every room.
“It’s so nice just to have us all under one roof,” said
Martha Mann, CDC Director. “[The Army Corps of
Engineers] really did such a nice job on this building. There’s so much steel in the structure and
bomb-resistant glass in the windows that we are
able to get through the regular tornado warnings in
this part of the country without disrupting our classes
or upsetting the children.”
The open-concept layout and size of the facility can
accommodate more children and offer increased
programming to include more weekday Parents’ Day
Outs. In the center of all the classrooms, a huge
multipurpose room is set up for indoor play when the
weather does not permit the children to play on one
of the three separate outdoor
playgrounds, each designed for
a different age group.
Each universal classroom has
its own kitchen area, children’s
toilets and diaper changing
facilities. The main kitchen is
decked out with commercial
stainless steel appliances, ample storage and counter space,
walk-in coolers and freezers
and much more.
“The move has made it so much easier for us,”
said Eileen Comer, CDC food service worker, “We
no longer have to go outside to get to the storage
facilities or use push carts to feed the children in
the annexes.”
Among the many other improvements, the new
facility houses a resource room, employee locker
room, employee lounge, a parent room and laundry
facilities which will save approximately $12,000 per
year in contracted laundry services.
“We’re just so blessed and delighted to be in this
incredible building,” said Mann, still beaming with
excitement. “We truly have a home away from home
for our Columbus AFB children.”
The 802D FSS named AETC
2011 Hennessy Trophy Award winner
Gary Daniels serves lunch to SrA Joseph Swartout, a student in the military
working dog handler’s course, at the Lackland Training Annex dining facility
Nov. 10. Photo by: Antonio Morano
Classic Novel Selected for
THE BIG READ
at the Luke Library
The Luke Library hosted THE
BIG READ program in October
and November; Luke community
members were invited to read,
discuss, and celebrate books and
writers from American and world
literature.
On Nov. 4 discussions centered on an American classic set in the Nebraska frontier, “My Antonia” by Willa
Cather (1918) featuring a local guest speaker, Mr. Douglas Hickins. A native Nebraskan, Mr. Hickins is actually
distantly related to two of the novel’s characters, shared
his surprising knowledge and insights of the region and
characters depicted in Cather’s novel – a rare treat for
Luke the community.
Around the Bases...
11
By Ms. Alicia J. Ballor – 97 FSS Marketing Director
If
you look around Altus Air Force
Base on any given day, you’ll
see a lot of things. You’ll see
families, retirees, veterans, civilians
and, of course, people in uniform.
You’ll also see the new Club Manager,
Ms. Marlene Diaz, who has injected
new life into Club Altus and helped
bring programming to an often undertargeted demographic at Altus AFB:
Millennials.
Millennials, also known as Generation
Y, Generation Next, Net Generation
and Echo Boomers, were born somewhere between 1982 and 1995, putting them in the 15 – 28 age group.
Many of our younger Airmen belong to
this generation and have grown up in
a different Air Force, a different world
even; one with internet, cell phones,
X-Box and gaming.
How do we bring this generation into
the Air Force, into the Clubs and hold
their attention? Ms. Diaz has the answer: give them what they want! They
want UFC Fights, Dance Nights and a
safe place where they can party and
let loose with their friends or even just
get together on a Sunday for some
football at Football Frenzy.
Ms. Diaz arrived in August and after
focus groups and a few weeks of informally polling the local community,
programming began to boom and all
the trends are pointing in the right
direction. September saw four large
programs hit the street –
Airmen’s Night, 2-for-1
Steak Night, Mongolian Barbecue and the introduction of
the first UFC Fight at Club Altus in a
long time. The UFC Fight was a success with May’s Lounge and the ballroom busier than ever. The fight was
shown on seven HD TVs in the bar
and three projector screens in the ballroom. When Ms. Diaz aims a swing
and a punch to get this Club rolling,
she doesn’t miss!
In October, things really began to heat
up. Between the new Bingo program,
the Haunted Halloween Bash, Family
Fun Night, the first ever Latin Night,
R & B Night, Steak Night and another
huge UFC Fight, the Club was hopping
all month long! A big part of this new
programming is Club Millennial. Club
Millennial is our way of targeting the
18-24 year old Airmen. There’s not
a place for Airmen under 21 to go in
downtown Altus; but they know that at
Club Altus, it’s 18 to party, 21 to drink.
They can have a rockin’, safe time at
Club Altus and not have to drive to
Lawton or Wichita Falls. And sometimes, they’ll get to see the Bud Girls!
At Club Altus, the good times rolled
right into the holiday season. November saw another Latin Night, another
R & B Night, the new Hip Hop Night
(all complete with a live DJ, light show
and dance-offs!); all geared toward
our Millennial generation – a generation of music lovers, dancers and fun
people who just want to have a good
time. In addition to these dance nights,
there were great food specials as well,
with Mongolian BBQ and 2-for-1
Steak Night again. There’s certainly no
shortage of events at Club Altus!
Ms. Diaz has also reinvigorated another staple of Clubs: Sunday Brunch.
But, she’s not ready to rest on her laurels when things go well. She’ll tweak
the program here, move a buffet line
there, all in the hopes of making it a
little friendlier and easier for our customers. It has become a huge success and in fact, Brunch with Santa in
December had an amazing turn-out,
fantastic food and all the kids enjoyed
free pictures with Santa!
But, she’s not content. She wants to
give Altus even more! In January, Ms.
Diaz is bringing Champagne Brunch
to Club Altus along with a redesigned
menu that will be out of this world! A
new concept for the buffet line, even
more dance nights for our Millennials
and Comedy Nights. Gourmet Nights
and Girls Nights Out are on the horizon as well.
One thing is certain. The spunky,
sassy chica from New York has
breathed new life into Club Altus and,
Millennial or not, the Airmen at Altus
Air Force Base couldn’t be happier.
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