RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE 65th Year • No. 13 • APRIL 1, 2011

A publication of the 502nd Air Base Wing – Joint Base San Antonio
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE
65th Year • No. 13 • APRIL 1, 2011
Page 12
INSIDE ... FIRE SAFETY TIPS FOR SPRING, P3 ... JBSA PRESENCE IN LOCAL COMMUNITY, P 4 ... CHARGIN’ CHEETAHS HOST PILOT FOR A DAY, P8 ...
PAGE 2
WINGSPREAD
COMMENTARY
AF leadership: Sexual assault a crime
APRIL 1, 2011
ON THE COVER
Staff Sgt. Christina Blake, Randolph Air
Force Base Honor Guard, waits for a
wreath-laying ceremony in honor of
America’s military heroes who never
made it home from war to begin at the
Missing Man Monument at Randolph
March 25. For more on the event, see
Page 12. Photo by Don Lindsey
WINGSPREAD
502nd Air Base Wing
Operating Location Bravo
Editorial Staff
Brig. Gen. Leonard Patrick
Commander
Marilyn Holliday
Chief of Public Affairs
Airman 1st Class Precious Yett
Editor
Robert Goetz, Brian McGloin
Airman Alexis Siekert
Staff Writers
Maggie Armstrong
Graphic Designer
Wingspread Office
1150 5th Street East
Randolph AFB, Texas 78150
Phone: (210) 652-5760
Fax: (210) 652-3142
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Articles for submission may also be sent by e-mail to
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For details about submissions, call 652-5760.
APRIL 1, 2011
WINGSPREAD
PAGE 3
Focus on fire safety during spring cleaning
Spring is here and for many that means it’s time for
spring cleaning. The Lackland Fire Department reminds
Joint Base San Antonio members to keep safety in mind
and offers the following tips:
Filters
• Check the furnace filter once a month and replace or
clean as needed. Some filters are reusable and may be
removed, washed with a hose and reinserted. A dirty filter lowers the efficiency of heating and cooling systems,
increases costs and can cause fires.
• Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter.
Electrical system
• Look for burn marks at the main electrical panel; they
can be a sign of arcing inside the panel, often caused by
loose connections or damaged insulation, which can easily lead to a fire. Only a qualified electrician should
remove the front panel cover.
• Trip and reset the circuit breakers regularly.
• Remove combustible materials such as boxes or flammable liquids away from the main electrical panel.
• Check all electrical outlets for loose-fitting plugs, an
indication of a worn-out receptacle. Worn receptacles
can cause overheating and fires and should be replaced.
• Have a qualified electrician diagnose and fix any
switches, outlets or receptacles that aren’t working.
Electrical outlets and switches that aren’t working properly can cause fires inside the walls of your house.
• Install safety covers to help protect children from elec-
trical shock. Any appliance or tool that gives even the
slightest shock should be unplugged and checked by an
electrician or repair shop.
Light bulbs
• Make sure light bulbs are the correct wattage recommended by the light fixture manufacturer. If the wattage
limit of a fixture is exceeded, heat produced inside the
fixture can lead to fire inside the fixture, ceiling or wall.
Air conditioner
Air-conditioning systems should be regularly inspected
and maintained by a professional air-conditioning contractor. Maintenance should include:
• cleaning the evaporator coil
• lubricating fans and motors
• tightening or changing the belts
• checking electrical safeties
• checking the drain pan for leaks
• testing the capacitors
• checking the condensate drain
• testing the crankcase heater
• calibrating the thermostat
• visually checking the wiring for potential short circuits
• checking the condensation hose for blockage
• cleaning the outside condensing unit screen of leaves
and listening for unusual noises
Water heaters
• Check to make sure gas-fired water heaters are venting properly. Improper ventilation can cause carbon
monoxide and other combustibles to build up in the
home. Light a match next to the vent and wave it out
(don’t blow it out). The smoke should be pulled up into
the vent. If it isn’t, a professional should inspect and
repair the heater.
• Check around the base of the water heater for evidence of leaks. If the water heater is more than five
years old, it should be checked monthly for any leakage
or rusting at the bottom. If water leakage or rust is
found, the water heater should be replaced.
Clothes dryer
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and
space under the dryer. Poor maintenance allows lint to
build up in the exhaust duct and cause fire.
General safety
• Replace all brittle, worn or damaged extension cords.
Exposed wires may cause arcing, which will produce
heat and can start a fire. Keep appliances and their
power cords away from water or a heat source because
this will damage the cord’s insulation.
• Review fire escape plans with your family.
• Always have a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible. Make sure it is Underwriters Laboratories, or UL,
listed or Factory Mutual, or FM approved, and check the
gauges to make sure they are charged and ready to use.
• Inspect and clean dust from the covers of smoke and
carbon monoxide alarms.
(Courtesy of Lackland Air Force Base Fire Department)
Tech. Sgt. Norman Williams III
561st Network Operation Squadron, Det. 2
Duty Title:
NCO in charge of network protection
Pet Peeve:
Tyler, Texas
I would love to be a CEO of a fortune 500 company
Hometown:
Hobbies:
Motorcycles, auto mechanics, woodworking, remote
control planes and cars, basketball and computers
Greatest Accomplishment:
Owned my own custom motorcycle and
car shop
Personal Inspiration:
My parents, who have sacrificed so much
so I could be successful
Personal Motto:
Photo by David Terry
You are only as successful as the people
you associate with.
People who say they can’t do something
Goals:
Commander’s Comments:
“Tech. Sgt. Norman Williams is a very dedicated and
enthusiastic member of the unit. He has developed a
vision and plan of action for his work center and executed it with great results. His positive attitude,
focus on the mission and goal-oriented approach will
have long-lasting positive impacts on his Airman, the
detachment’s mission and the Air Force’s cyber security. I’m proud to have him as a member of the
team.”
Maj. Mickey Evans
561st Network Operatioin Squadron, Det. 2 commander
PAGE 4
WINGSPREAD
APRIL 1, 2011
NEWS
JBSA partners with San Antonio-area schools
By Shannon Carabajal
502nd Air Base Wing OL-A Public Affairs
Photo by Robbin Cresswell
Joint Base San Antonio senior leaders and school superintendents from three counties pose
around a declaration signed by Dr. John Folks, Northside Independent School District superintendent, which pledges his support to the Destination Tomorrow’s Leaders program, a partnership benefitting school children and making a positive impact on the community at the
Gateway Club at Lackland Air Force Base on March 24.
Joint Base San Antonio senior leaders and school superintendents from
three counties joined forces to create
a partnership benefitting school children and making a positive impact on
the community during a ceremony
March 24 at the Gateway Club at
Lackland Air Force Base.
Reaching more than 20,000 children across 23 local school districts,
the
multifaceted
Destination
To m o r r o w ’s L e a d e r s p r o g r a m
ensures every student, regardless of
home environment, has at least one
positive role model. The largest components of DTL are the Adopt-AClassroom and mentoring programs.
The program aims to improve academic achievement, self-esteem and
social competence while avoiding
problem and high-risk behavior by
providing a relationship with a caring
adult friend working to help youth
achieve their potential.
Superintendents from 10 San
Antonio-area school districts signed
a declaration during the ceremony
pledging their support to DTL. Keith
Toney, a Fort Sam Houston school
liaison officer, said bringing everybody together was an important
milestone.
“Our local education agencies have
a long history of supporting our military children. By signing this declaration, they are agreeing to (adopt) policies and practices inherent in the DTL
program” which will lead to a more
consistent and uniform mentoring
program benefiting all children, Mr.
Toney said.
“I am thrilled that this new partnership will allow our relationship with
the military to grow even deeper and
serve so many more students,” said
Dr. John Folks, superintendent of
Northside Independent School District.
He added that children in San Antonio
face many challenges which can affect
school performance.
See JBSA P8
JBSA takes part in disaster relief planning
By Brent Boller
502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins
June 1, so Joint Base San Antonio leadership and
staff met last week at the San Antonio Emergency
Operations Center at Brooks City-Base to review
the process for requesting military aid by state
and local governments.
District Fire Chief Larry Trevino is the soon-tobe appointed emergency management coordinator for the City of San Antonio.
“It’s good to see who we need to call,” Trevino
said as he addressed Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Byron
Hepburn, 59th Medical Wing commander, and
Brig. Gen. Leonard Patrick, 502nd Air Base
Wing/Joint Base San Antonio commander.
Two natural disaster nightmare scenarios
keep some Texas emergency planners up at
night, according to Col. Sean Kavanagh,
emergency preparedness liaison officer for
Texas. One event is a category four or five
hurricane affecting the Rio Grande Valley
resulting in catastrophic flooding. Kavanagh
said some one to two million people could be
evacuated and head north to San Antonio.
Kavanagh said the other disaster would
involve an earthquake along the New Madrid
Fault which affects several southern and
Midwestern states. Quakes along this fault line
in the early 1800s rang church bells on the
east coast and caused the Mississippi River to
run backwards. A quake today in this now
densely populated area would likely result in
massive death and property damage.
San Antonio would almost certainly
become an evacuation point in both scenarios and during any other natural or manmade disaster that threatened Texas or surrounding states. That’s when Joint Base San
Antonio installations could be asked by state
and local authorities to provide major support in evacuee and aircraft sheltering,
transportation, medical care and other
needs. The Joint Base structure mandated
by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure
legislation streamlines the process for
requesting military resources.
“Civil authorities now have one point of contact
for requesting help, and that’s the 502nd Air Base
Wing,” said General Leonard Patrick. “In the
past they had to contact each base.”
Photo by Brent Boller
Brig. Gen. Leonard Patrick (right), 502nd Air Base Wing/Joint Base San
Antonio commander, speaks at a briefing on Defense Support of Civil
Authorities in the event of a natural or man-made disaster, as Maj. Gen.
(Dr.) Byron Hepburn, 59th Medical Wing commander, looks on.
APRIL 1, 2011
WINGSPREAD
PAGE 5
Proclamation recognizes issues on Randolph
By Airman Alexis Siekert
502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs
Randolph leadership this month is
taking the opportunity to raise
awareness of problems that affect
mission readiness and members of
the base community.
April is now recognized at Randolph as
Month of the Military Child, Child Abuse
Prevention Month, Alcohol Awareness
Month and Sexual Assault Awareness
Month, with the theme, “Hurts one.
Affects all. It’s everyone’s duty.”
Col. Scott Peel, 902nd Mission
Support Group commander, met with
organization representatives for the
signing of the proclamation March 21,
in front of the Taj Mahal.
The proclamation addresses these
issues as ongoing psychosocial problems in our society which greatly affect
the community. The Randolph Family
Advocacy Program, Alcohol and Drug
Abuse Prevention and Treatment
Program, Sexual Assault Prevention
and Response Program, Airman and
Family Readiness Center and other
integrated delivery system agencies will
work collaboratively as the action arm
of the community to implement and
promote prevention and support programs to curb incidents of, and risk for,
child maltreatment, alcohol abuse and
sexual assault.
“This is part of something the Air
Force is emphasizing as a whole,” said
Tech. Sgt. Brian Hornberger, 359th
Medical Operations Squadron Mental
Health flight chief. “We need to make
responsible and proper risk-mitigating
choices. Don’t put yourself in the wrong
place at the wrong time.”
“The proclamation signing for Sexual
Assault Awareness Month dedicates the
month of April to officially recognize
the problem of sexual assault within
our Air Force, offering support and
information to service members and
their families on our programs here in
hopes of preventing sexual assaults
from occurring,” said Jacqueline
Shiflet, Randolph Air Force Base, sexual assault response coordinator.
All month long, events are planned to
promote awareness and offer education.
Starting today, information booths are
open at the Rambler Fitness Center and
Randolph Clinic.
In addition, the Sexual Assault
Prevention and Response Program presents Dr. Christopher Kilmartin, a comedian and professor of psychology at the
University of Mary Washington, for a
mandatory briefing for all airmen to
staff sergeants and first and second lieutenants at the base theater Tuesday at
10 a.m. However, all others are highly
encouraged to attend, Ms. Shiflet said.
The Sexual Assault Prevention and
Response Program will also be at Kids
Day in the Park along with many other
helping agencies San Antonio-wide.
The event, hosted by the San Antonio
Association for the Education of Young
Children, is a fun-filled day promoting
happy, healthy families to reduce the
number of children at risk for abuse or
neglect. This year’s event will again be
held at San Pedro Springs Park April 9
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Members of the child care, arts, cultural, health and social service communities will provide free, fun, developmentally appropriate activities and events for
young children and their families, said
Mitzi Wood, family advocacy intervention specialist. There will be many new
and exciting booths this year, with art
projects, games and special activities, as
Photo by David Terry
Col. Scott Peel (left), 902nd Mission Support Group commander, signs a proclamation
March 21 declaring April Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Child Abuse Prevention
Month, Month of the Military Child and Alcohol Awareness Month with representatives of
the organizations involved.
well as many performances and many
other surprises.
Last year, more than 10,000 people
attended.
“All of these programs are here to
ensure people are mission ready,” Ms.
Wood said. “The emphasis of the Month
of the Military Child and Child Abuse
Prevention Month is to encourage parents to spend time with their kids. See
what they are doing. Make that extra
effort to build a relationship with your
kids. This will increase trust.”
Also in attendance at Kids Day in the
Park will be representatives from the
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and
Treatment Program.
“We are trying to stress responsible
drinking,” Sergeant Hornberger said.
“Plan accordingly before going out.
Remember 0013: zero drinks if you’re
under the age of 21, zero drinks if have
to drive driving, and no more than one
drink per hour and three drinks per setting.”
For more information on events
happening this month or details, contact the base organizations featured.
“Create better lives for our military
families. Make responsible choices to
ensure the Air Force continues to
thrive,” he said.
PAGE 6
WINGSPREAD
APRIL 1, 2011
NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
Strong families key to reducing child abuse cases
By Robert Goetz
502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs
Randolph’s Family Advocacy Program will reinforce its
daily mission by participating in several special activities
during National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.
The events – Kids Day in the Park, Randolph Youth
Programs’ Famaganza and the Randolph Field
Independent School District’s health and wellness fair –
all promote this year’s Child Abuse Prevention Month
theme, “Strengthening Families and Communities.”
Kids Day in the Park celebrates and encourages early
childhood development. A free event for the San Antonio
community, it takes place April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
at San Pedro Springs Park, 1315 San Pedro Ave.
“This fun-filled day helps promote happy, healthy families, which reduces the number of children at risk for
abuse or neglect,” said Mitzi Wood, 359th Medical
Operations Squadron Mental Health Flight family advocacy intervention specialist. “It’s a huge event, and it gets
bigger every year.”
Ms. Wood, who serves as the event’s volunteer coordinator, said last year’s Kids Day in the Park drew
more than 10,000 people. She said members of the
child care, arts, cultural, health and social service
communities provide fun, developmentally appropri-
ate activities and events for young children through
10 years of age and their families.
“There will be many new and exciting booths this
year, with art projects, games and special activities
as well as many performances and many other surprises,” she said.
Youth Programs’ Famaganza, planned for April 16
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will focus on the theme “Growing
Healthy Children Today.”
Ms. Wood said the Mental Health Flight will have a
booth at the event and provide informational items.
“We will talk about stress and wellness,” she said.
Family Advocacy will focus on anti-bullying efforts
during Randolph Field Independent School District’s
health and wellness fair April 30 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in
the Randolph Elementary School commons area.
“We’re excited because it’s a collaborative effort
involving the Randolph ISD, Youth Programs and Family
Advocacy,” Ms. Wood said. “There will be information
booths and videos. We’ll show parents how they can help
their children cope with bullying.”
She said children who see abuse at home are more at
risk for becoming perpetrators or victims of bullies. One
way parents can help their children avoid bullying is by
teaching them how to interact socially.
Ms. Wood said child abuse prevention starts with five
Randolph’s newest promotion selectees
protective factors – conditions in families and communities that increase the health and well-being of children
and families.
“One is the parents’ connectiveness to their children, which should start when the child is born,”
she said. “They need to develop that bond. The
father has to make sure he’s hands-on as well. If
there is a bond in the early years, and parents continue with positive regard for their children,
respecting them and listening to them, they are
more likely to have a good relationship with their
children as they move into their teenage years.”
Other protective factors are understanding children’s development stages, parental resilience, creating a social network and connecting with
resources, which for military parents include
Military OneSource and Family Advocacy.
Ms. Wood said parental resilience is important
because parents who successfully manage stress and
anger and handle relationship issues are healthy role
models for their children.
“If you’re not managing stress well, your children
won’t know how to, either,” she said.
For more information about the Family Advocacy
Program and Child Abuse Prevention Month events, call
Ms. Wood at 652-3828.
JBSA plays active role
in Fiesta 2011
Courtesy photo
Lt. Cols. (left to right) Matt Humes, Air Education and Training Command; Tom Schmidt, AETC; Debbie Landry, Air
Force Personnel Center; Otto Habedank, AETC; and Mark Gaubert, AETC; gather at a promotee party March 24 at
the Parr Club to celebrate their recent selection for promotion to Colonel. Also selected for promotion are Lt. Cols.
James Forand, AFPC; Ronald Jobo, AFPC; Mark Doria, AETC; and Brian Dudas, AETC.
Joint Base San Antonio plays an active role in many events during the city’s 120-year-old Fiesta celebration, including the
Lackland Fiesta parade April 13 and the Fiesta in Blue musical
extravaganza at Trinity University’s Laurie Auditorium April 12-13.
The following Fiesta 2011 events are scheduled to be held on
JBSA. For a complete list of Fiesta events, visit www.fiesta-sa.org.
• April 9 – 10K Walk: Caminada de Fiesta, 7:30 a.m. to noon at
the Army Medical Museum, Fort Sam Houston
• April 10 – Fort Sam Houston Fiesta Ceremony and
Fireworks Extravaganza from 1-9 p.m. at MacArthur Field,
Fort Sam Houston
• April 11 – Air Force at the Alamo from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
at Alamo Plaza
• April 12 and 13 – Fiesta in Blue; an Air Force Musical
Extravaganza from 7-9 p.m. at Laurie Auditorium, 715 Stadium
Drive, Trinity University
• April 13 – Lackland Fiesta Military Parade from
9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Lackland Parade Grounds
• April 14 – Navy Day at the Alamo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
at Alamo Plaza
• April 14 – Navy Fiesta Reception from 6-9:30 p.m at the Fort
Sam Houston Golf Clubhouse, 2901 Harry Wurzbach Hwy.
• April 14 – Marines at the Alamo from 4-5 p.m. at Alamo Plaza
APRIL 1, 2011
WINGSPREAD
PAGE 7
Dorm manager strives to go ‘above and beyond’ for Airmen
By Airman 1st Class Precious Yett
502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs
Imagine being responsible for the
housing needs of approximately 100
Airmen, getting them moved on-base,
off-base, assisting with room inspections, maintenance needs, advising of
volunteer events and supporting the
dorm council members to make sure
the dorms are a clean and comfortable place to live.
Now envision that on top of all those
duties there are 40 to 50 new Airmen
moving in per year and you’re one
man in one office.
Meet Joe Horton, the unaccompanied
housing dormitory manager for the junior
enlisted dorms on base.
“Mr. Horton completes room assignments, conducts room terminations,
performs building managerial duties,
financial planning, reviews and
adjusts the budget, monitors disbursement funds and participates in various conferences and meetings with
installation officials and other organizations,” said Mr. Tom Killingbeck,
902nd Civil Engineering Squadron
housing program manager. “He also
supervises the bay orderly program,
maintains daily occupancy records
while establishing and maintaining
positive working relationships with
the residents.”
Mr. Horton, 902nd Civil Engineer
Squadron unaccompanied enlisted
dorm m a n a g e r, i s a Wo u n d e d
Warrior who spent 10 years in the
military. He retired as a staff sergeant and came to Randolph where
he has worked for the past three
years. Mr. Horton was hired as dorm
manager through a civilian selection
process Oct. 25.
Mr. Horton said his favorite part of
being the dorm manager is interacting with the dorm council and the
residents of the dorms. The dorm
council was created to be the voice
of the dorm residents up the chain of
command.
“Working with the Airmen here at
Randolph is rewarding, especially when I
can engage an Airman to the point where
they feel that I’ve gone above and beyond
my best to help them,” he said.
The dorm has gone through a series of
renovations. While most of those changes
are seen mainly in space and appearance, Mr. Horton believes his contributions are seen through the lives of
Airmen.
“I had to start with myself,” he said.
“I’ve changed my perspective about the
dorms. I see the dorms as a community
with many branches that if I water it right
will blossom and prosper. I feel the most
contributions I’ve made thus far have
gone into the dorm council.
“They are the voice of the dorms, so if I
help build the visions of the officers,
which are incredible ones of accountability and community building, and we all
share the same mission, then the vision is
bright. Like the officers of the dorm council say ‘living here just got better,’” Mr.
Horton said.
In addition to the renovations already
completed in the dorms, there are other
long-term improvements on the horizon
such as upgrading the game room,
Photo by Rich McFadden
Joe Horton (right), Randolph dorm manager, discusses future dorm plans with Airman 1st
Clas Kelly Boos, bay orderly.
replacing the carpet in the dorm rooms,
as well as improving the lighting in the
rooms, Mr. Horton added.
In Mr. Horton’s job there is always a
challenge, said Airman 1st Class Ashlee
Baldon, 359th Medical Support
Squadron outpatient records technician
and the president of the dorm council.
His office hours are from 7:30 a.m.
until 4:30 p.m., but he is available
whenever the residents or first ser-
geants need him, often working late
past duty hours and on weekends.
Mr. Horton’s words of wisdom to the
Airmen who live in the dorms and at
Randolph are: “Keep the faith, personal and career wise. Search out a mentor; surround yourself with people who
are examples for your future, people
who are already where you want to be.
Your friends and mentors should be a
reflection of you.”
Graphic by Joe Beach
PAGE 8
WINGSPREAD
APRIL 1, 2011
Chargin’ Cheetahs continue to make dreams come true
By Airman 1st Class Precious Yett
502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs
The Pilot for a Day program originated at Randolph Air Force Base in
1994, funded through donations from
organizations such as the Randolph
Officers’ Spouses Club.
For more than six years this program has been helping children with
chronic illnesses fulfill their dream of
being affiliated with the United States
Air Force.
Twenty-year-old Brandon Steffen was
able to live his dream March 24.
Brandon has been fighting his terminal
illness for approximately four years,
but refuses to give up. Last year he was
the poster child of the Kansas City
Leukemia/Lymphoma foundation and
played the piano at their black-tie dinner. His grandmother, Phylis Murrow,
902nd Communications Squadron
budget technician, nominated him for
the Pilot for a Day program.
“I never thought in a million years
that these kinds of uncertainties
would permeate our family,” said
Stuart Steffen, Brandon’s father and
a prior Air Force pilot. “And so we
continue, truly, one day at a time.
Brandon? What can I say? He is
more of a man than I’ll ever be, and
yet one of the kindest spirits on this
earth. Even though we face an emotional trial that rivals some of the
worst, I’m happy for every second
that I’ve had with him and for how
he has molded me.”
Brandon said one of his dreams
was to fly in a T-38 Talon II and tour
an Air Force traffic control tower.
Due to limited time constraint, medical and other requirements needed
to get approval, a live flight couldn’t
be accomplished.
However, Mr. Thomas, Maj. Joel
Neeb, who also coordinates the Giving
Americans Motivational Education for
the Real World program, and the 12th
Operations Group pilots, mainly from
the 560th Flying Training Squadron,
stepped up to conduct an abbreviated
Pilot for a Day program for Brandon
and his family. The day included a
simulator demonstration, aircraft
tours, photos with pilots, air traffic
control tower tour and a trip to the
top of the Taj Mahal.
Second Lt. Matthew Sanders, a student of the 558th Flying Training
Squadron, in response to assisting
with the Taj tour, said, “Brandon’s
aspiration to be a part of the Air
Force was extremely evident as he
admired the dual runways from atop
the Taj Mahal. Being a part of the
Pilot for a Day program allowed him
to be an element of something he is
not only interested in, but appreciates
very much. Under different circumstances, he would make a very knowledgeable and dedicated Airman.
“I think having Brandon come to
Randolph gave him an opportunity to
really see and experience what the
Air Force stands for,” he continued.
“Brandon’s dream has been to be a
pilot and, boy, did Team Randolph
mobilize to give him the true meaning.
It shows how the smallest act of compassion can have a big impact on a
Photo by David Terry
Maj. Joel Neeb (left), 560th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, gives Pilot for a Day
Brandon Steffen a tour of the squadron.
person’s life. I wish everyone could
have seen the look on his face when
he was given his flight suit. For a brief
shining moment, it took his mind off
his issue and gave him a reason to
smile and be encouraged.”
“Many people take having the privilege to be in the Air Force for granted,
but for this young man, the opportunity
of being a part of the Air Force mission
even for a day will be etched in his mind
forever,” Mr. Thomas said. “Sponsoring
this event for Brandon not only highlighted the Air Force core values –
Integrity first, service before self and
excellence in all we do – but it also illustrates what the Air Force family exem-
plifies, taking care of our own.”
Randolph’s support of the Pilot for a
Day program not only touched
Brandon, but his family as well.
“I wanted to sincerely thank you for
taking Phylis’ request to heart and
creating a special day for Brandon,”
Mr. Steffen said. “He has certainly
been through the fires over the course
of the last four years and gestures like
these mean a lot to him and also us.
Brandon and I talk frequently of my
Air Force memories and how he
would give for a chance to experience
the same. It was awesome for him to
experience a taste of it. I wouldn’t
trade mine for the world.”
JBSA from P4
“Unfortunately, we have many students who, for a
number of reasons, don’t get to spend a lot of quality time with their parents. Many students live in single-parent homes or with grandparents or other
relatives. A lot of our families are struggling financially and parents work multiple jobs just to pay for
basic necessities. This can make a child feel very
unsettled, which in turn affects their behavior and
their grades at school,” he said.
Having positive role models, especially from the
military, will help students in the district overcome
those challenges, Dr. Folks said.
“I can’t think of a better role model and mentor
for our students than a member of the military. This
program has the potential to make an enormous
impact on our students and their futures. Research
shows that just 15 minutes a day of positive contact
with an adult makes students feel centered and
cared about and increases their self-esteem,
reduces their stress and gives them a sense of
belonging. This in turn helps young people avoid
making risky or dangerous choices,” he said.
Joint Base San Antonio school liaison officers will
match JBSA members and organizations with local
schools requesting mentors or Adopt-A-Classroom
participants. The program is based on the time-tested adage that every child counts, said Lori Phipps,
Lackland school liaison officer.
“Our military members are investing in the future of
our society. It makes a difference, a difference that for a
child in school can boost grades, improve discipline and
enable the ability to interact socially. There is always
that one person who made a difference in our lives and
this is our opportunity to be that person,” Ms. Phipps
said.
Cindy Ybanez, also a Fort Sam Houston school liaison
officer, said DTL extends beyond academics to reach students on a personal level.
“It will be a proactive approach to mentoring,
allowing the student and the mentor to discuss issues
(important) to the student. Studies have shown that a
large and growing segment of our youth lack a caring,
responsible adult in their lives. DTL can help fill that
void,” Ms. Ybanez said.
For more information, or to participate in a mentoring or classroom adoption program, call Wanda
Cooper, JBSA school liaison officer from Randolph,
at 652-3060.
APRIL 1, 2011
WINGSPREAD
PAGE 9
Tops in Blue wraps up tour with local concert
By Brian McGloin
502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs
After touring the world performing for servicemembers home and abroad, Tops in Blue took the stage
Sunday at Trinity University’s Laurie Auditorium in
downtown San Antonio.
Tops in Blue is the premier performance group of
the Air Force, made up of 35 active-duty amateur
musicians and performers who compete to be part
of the special unit.
Tickets for the free performance were available
through the Randolph Information, Tickets and Travel
office. Sunday’s performance was the last of the group’s
2010 “We Believe” tour, but plans are under way for the
group’s 2011 season.
Members of the Randolph community volunteered their time to work at the theater as part of
the support staff.
“‘We Believe’ was a great theme, which we all need to
hear. Whether it’s a message to all our great troops serving in the war zones and conflict areas, those affected by
the natural devastations around the world or the families,
we have got to believe that everything’s going to be all
right eventually or things may appear to difficult to bear,”
said Cynthia Webber, 12th Operations Support Squadron,
who worked as an usher during the concert. “I am such a
fan of the Tops in Blue and proud of them for the relevant
messages they bring on a very busy schedule.”
Staff Sgt Steven Sonnier, a vocalist with Tops In Blue,
performs during the final concert of the 2010 “We
Believe” tour.
Photos by Steve Thurow
Senior Airmen Breyson Robinson, drummer, and Johnathatn Velasquez, keyboardist, perform during the final Tops in Blue
concert of the 2010 March 27 at the Laurie Auditorium in San Antonio.
“It was an outstanding event and tour as usual, the
show was heartfelt and very entertaining,” she said.
“The last song touches me every time I hear it, so thanks
to the performers and all responsible for the show.”
Airmen from Randolph and the Joint Base San
Antonio community were some of those responsible for the show.
Tech. Sgt. Daniel Fountain, 882nd Training Support
Squadron military training leader, said he was part of
the seven-member tear-down crew after the show.
“I didn’t get to watch the show unfortunately,” he
said. “I’d seen it a couple of times while stationed at
Hickam Air Force Base prior to coming here and
thought they put on a great show.”
This tour featured some changes from past programs with the addition of current, popular music
in addition to the standards.
“From speaking with some of the other setup crew,
they’d changed up some of the older, more traditional
music and opted for more current mainstream music
such as Lady Gaga and The Black-Eyed Peas,” Sergeant
Fountain said. “The stage looked awesome. A lot of
attention to detail was put in to the setup.
“All of the crews did a great job with the teardown. I hope to catch the next show that comes
through.”
PAGE 10
Randolph Chapel
Holy Week and
Easter Schedule
Catholic Holy Week Schedule
• Stations of the Cross, April 15 at 5 p.m.
• Palm Sunday Vigil, April 16 at 5:30 p.m.
• Palm Sunday Mass, April 17
at 8:30 a.m. and noon
• Holy Thursday Mass, April 21 at 5 p.m.
• Good Friday Stations of the Cross,
April 22 at 5 p.m.
• Good Friday Veneration of the Cross,
April 22 at 6 p.m.
• Holy Saturday Mass, April 23 at 7 p.m.
• Easter Sunday Mass, April 24,
8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
All Catholic Services and Masses will be held at
the Religious Activity Center, Bldg. 975
Protestant Easter Schedule
• Protestant Easter Service, at 10 a.m. in
the Randolph AFB Theater, Bldg. 100
WINGSPREAD
APRIL 1, 2011
APRIL 1, 2011
WINGSPREAD
Honoring past commander
PAGE 11
Promotion
Congratulations to Lt. Col. Dwayne Gray, Air Education and
Training Command air field operations, on his promotion.
NOW SHOWING
at the
Randolph Theater
“Justin Bieber: Never Say Never” (G)
Justin Bieber
Today @ 7 p.m.
“Gnomeo and Juliet” (G)
Voices of: James McAvoy, Emily Blunt
Saturday @ 6 p.m. and Sunday @ 3 p.m.
Photo by Rich McFadden
Retired Gen. Billy Boles (left to right), former Air Force Personnel Center commander, his wife Kay and Maj. Gen. A.J.
Stewart, current AFPC commander, unveil the plaque dedicating the Boles Conference Center in honor of General
Boles’ contributions to the United States Air Force.
$4.50 for adults
$2.25 for children 0-11
Base BRIEFS
Retirements
Congratulations to Col. John Lopardi, Air Education and Training
Command, on his retirement.
Mandatory sexual assault briefing
A mandatory Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program
briefing for all airmen to staff sergeants and first and second lieutenants takes place Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the base theater. Dr.
Christopher Kilmartin, a comedian and professor of psychology at
the University of Mary Washington, will be the guest speaker. For
more information, call Jacqueline Shiflet at 652-4386.
Health and wellness extravaganza
Randolph Field Independent School District hosts a Health and
Wellness Extravaganza April 30. The event begins with a Family
Fun Walk at 8:30 a.m. at Heritage Park, followed by the Health and
Wellness Fair at the Randolph Elementary School. For more information, or to register an exhibit, call Katie Hodgkins at 357-2477.
Earth Day
In observance of Earth Day, the Randolph Air Force Base Library
offers an environmental awareness display during April. For more
information, call the library at 652-2617.
Alamo Travel, PPO hours change
Alamo Travel’s hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the
personal property office hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more
information, call 652-1154.
Air Force Assistance Fund
The 38th annual Randolph Air Force Assistance Fund campaign, “Commitment to Caring,” continues to capture our proud
heritage by taking care of our own through our four Air Force charities: Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village, Air Force
Village and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. The
AFAF runs through May 6. Those interested in donating can contact Maj. Gordon Pfeil at 652-8042 or 1st Lt. William Waterworth
at 652-5171.
Red Cross Japanese relief
Officials from the Japanese Red Cross have indicated they
would be grateful for donations from the American Red Cross to
support their earthquake and tsunami response. Those who want
to help can go to www.redcross.org and donate to Japan
Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami. People can also donate $10 by
texting REDCROSS to 90999 to support disaster relief efforts in
Japan and throughout the Pacific.
Clinic volunteers needed
The American Red Cross is looking for dedicated volunteers
to serve the base community at the Randolph Medical Clinic. If
you have four or more hours a week of available time, please
consider becoming a Red Cross volunteer. For more information, call the Red Cross desk at 652-6372 or stop by the
Resource Management Office at the clinic, Bldg. 1040, Room
1C301, next to the records section.
PAGE 12
WINGSPREAD
APRIL 1, 2011
APRIL 1, 2011
WINGSPREAD
PAGE 13
FEATURE
560th FTS hosts Vietnam-era Freedom Flyers reunion
By Airman Alexis Siekert
502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs
Every year since 1973 the Freedom Flyer
Reunion and Prisoner of War/Missing in Action
Symposium has been held on Randolph Air
Force Base in honor of repatriated
Vietnam War POW pilots. The annual
event also offers a “freedom flight” for
those who never received the opportunity to take their final, champagneshowered, flight.
The last group of the POWs
returned to the United States during
the last week of March 1973 after
being released from their imprisonment in North Vietnam.
This year’s ceremony marked the
38th year since their return. The
event, hosted by the 560th Flying
Training Squadron, took place
March 25 at the base theater.
“Launching American heroes over southeast
Texas is our way of paying them back,” said Col.
Richard Murphy, 12th Flying Training Wing commander. “Our nation learned a valuable lesson at
their expense.”
The symposium featured the stories and reflections of eight POWs as they shared their experiences from the grim times in the “Hanoi Hilton,”
the infamous POW camp, and their inspiring stories of perseverance.
Stories including the establishment of the tap
code, a successful form of communication in which
the alphabet was arranged in a grid with each letter assigned to a different tapping combination, as
well as a prison break were highlighted.
“Belief in God, belief in our country, Uniform
Code of Military Justice, leadership and comrades
helped us return home,” said Col. Carlyle Harris,
eight-year POW and featured speaker at the symposium. “We won. We prevailed over the enemy. It
was they who ended up with mud on their faces as
we came out victorious.”
During the Vietnam War, 3,326 military personnel were killed in action or were missing. Only
1,322 people were returned, said Lt. Col. Elmo
Baker, six-year POW.
This year, the squadron began recording both
the symposium and the stories told by individual
“flyers” as a means of preserving history and use
in the future.
“It is important to begin recording now so future
generations can benefit from their experiences,”
Colonel Murphy said.
The symposium was followed at noon by a
wreath-laying ceremony at the Missing Man
Monument in honor of America’s military heroes
who never made it home from war.
The ceremony, which was open to the base community, included members from the Randolph
Honor Guard for a three-volley rifle salute, a Band
of the West bugler for “Taps” and a T-38 Talon IIp
fly-over in missing man formation.
“Thank you,” Colonel Murphy said. “Your legacy
will never be forgotten.”
Above: Col. Richard
Murphy (center), 12th
Flying Training Wing
commander, and retired
Col. William Goldfein
(right) lay a wreath in
honor of America’s military
heroes who never made it
home from war at the
Missing Man Monument
March 25 during the 38th
annual Freedom Flyers
Reunion.
Photo by Don Lindsey
Photo by Rich McFadden
The Randolph Air Force Base Honor Guard provides a three-volley rifle
salute March 25 during the annual wreath-laying ceremony held each
year in conjunction with the Freedom Flyer reunion and symposium.
Left: Freedom Flyers salute
during the national anthem
at the symposium held in
conjunction with the
annual reunion.
Photo by Joel Martinez
PAGE 14
WINGSPREAD
APRIL 1, 2011
April observance calls attention to importance of 911 system
By Robert Goetz
502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs
A presidential commission in 1967 recommended a
single number nationwide for reporting emergency situations.
The American Telephone and Telegraph Company
adopted the digits 911 as the emergency code
throughout the country the next year; Congress designated 911 as the national emergency call number
31 years later.
Now, the month of April is set aside to call attention to
the proper use of the emergency number with the establishment of National 911 Education Month, which officially kicked off last year. A Randolph Fire Emergency
Services official said using the three-digit number is
“vitally important to assure emergency forces are notified as soon as possible.”
“Oftentimes seconds do count during a call,” said
Jesus Lopez, 902nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire
inspector. “A small fire may turn into a major fire, a
vehicle accident can cause others to get hurt and a
hazardous materials incident can impact the environment we live and work in.”
Mr. Lopez said it is important that people realize that
911 is for emergencies only – if someone is hurt or in
danger or if police, fire or medical assistance is required.
He said people who work or live at Randolph should
make sure they provide the right information to the dispatcher at the Randolph fire station if they call 911.
“We need the building number, not the mailing
address,” he said.
Mr. Lopez estimated the dispatch office fields an average of “a couple of 911 calls per day.” If the call is from a
“Oftentimes seconds do count during a
call. A small fire may turn into a major
fire, a vehicle accident can cause others
to get hurt and a hazardous materials
incident can impact the environment we
live and work in.”
Jesus Lopez
902nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire inspector
commercial number on base, it will go directly to the
Randolph dispatcher.
“But if the call is from a cell phone, the caller has to
make sure they say their emergency is at Randolph
because the call is received at the nearest tower and
routed back to the base,” he said.
Staff Sgt. Matthew Kitchen, 902nd CES dispatcher, said the Randolph dispatch office “is the main
hub for the base.”
“It operates like a county system,” he said. “We
get calls from other dispatchers, too. We usually
arrive within minutes.”
Sergeant Kitchen said the 902nd Security Forces
Squadron also fields 911 calls, though the fire station
dispatch office provides initial response.
Mr. Lopez said the dispatch office also handles administrative, or non-emergency, calls, and is the direct link
with the east and west air traffic control towers.
Although 911 is for emergencies, callers who aren’t
sure their situation is an emergency should err on the
side of safety. Dispatchers have a checklist of questions
to ask for a variety of situations.
“Everybody has their own opinion of what an
emergency situation is,” Sergeant Kitchen said.
“That’s why we’re here – to make that call. But
sometimes we don’t know the seriousness of a situation until we get to the scene.”
He said security forces plays a key role in emergency
response, often making it easier for the firefighters and
paramedics to do their job.
“They make it safe for us to get on the scene for what
we need to do,” Sergeant Kitchen said.
Mr. Lopez said the majority of 911 calls at Randolph
are for medical responses, followed by fire alarm activations and smoke investigations. Actual structural fires
continue to decline.
“That’s the trend in cities throughout the country, for
more medical responses,” he said.
Mr. Lopez said it is also important to “train children
early so they can learn the proper use of 911.”
Children should know when to call 911 and what
happens when they call 911. They should also be
taught to stay on the line until the dispatcher tells
them to hang up, important information the dispatcher needs to know – such as their address and parents’
names – and the importance of staying calm.
Mr. Lopez said the 911 system continues to improve.
“Now we have enhanced 911, which gives the location
of the caller if it’s a land line,” he said.
Mr. L o p e z s a i d R a n d o l p h F i r e Emergency
Services’ goal is to “arrive on the scene in a safe
manner and mitigate the situation.”
“That’s what we train for and we stand ready for
the next call,” he said.
APRIL 1, 2011
WINGSPREAD
ADVERTISEMENT
902nd Force Support Squadron Briefs
PAGE 15
PAGE 16
WINGSPREAD
APRIL 1, 2011
SPORTS – HEALTH – FITNESS
Sports
BRIEFS
Special recognition
Little Renegades
registration
Little Renegades is a
parent/child program that
helps build confidence in
children 3-5 years old while
they learn basic baseball
skills. Registration takes
place through April 30 at
youth programs, Bldg. 585.
Children must be 3 years
old by April 1. The cost is
$30 per child and the program runs for six weeks
beginning in May.
Master’s blind draw
The Randolph Oaks Golf
Course hosts a master’s
blind draw April 9 with tee
times from 7-9 a.m. The
entry fee is $10 per person.
Photo by Tony Morano
Command Chief Master Sgt. Juan Lewis (left), 502nd Air Base Wing command chief, exchanges coins with Florida State's Bernard James during a
practice for a Southwest regional semifinal in the NCAA college basketball tournament March 24. Mr. James served in the Air Force from 2003 to
2008, spending time at Lackland for basic military training, security forces training and leadership schools.
Rambler Fitness Center group exercise class schedule – April 2011
MONDAYS
9 a.m. - Step
10:05 a.m. - Strength
11 a.m. - Step
11:15 a.m. - Cycling
5 p.m. - Step
5:15 p.m. - Cycling
6 p.m. - Yoga
7:15 p.m. - Kick Boxing
TUESDAYS
9 a.m. - Yoga
10 a.m. - Senior Strength
11 a.m. - Step
5 p.m. - Zumba
6 p.m. - Kick Boxing
WEDNESDAYS
9 a.m. - Step
11 a.m. - Step
11:15 p.m. - Cycling
5 p.m. - Zumba
5:15 p.m. - Cycling
6 p.m. - Pilates
7:15 p.m. - Kick Boxing
THURSDAYS
FRIDAYS
9 a.m. - Step/Weights
9 a.m. - Yoga
10 a.m. - Senior Strength
11 a.m. - Sets & Reps
5 p.m. - Zumba
6 p.m. - Kick Boxing
10:15 a.m. - Cardiofusion
11:15 a.m. - Cycling
5:30 p.m. - Yoga
SATURDAYS
9 a.m. - Kick Boxing
9 a.m. - Pilates
10:15 a.m. - Zumba
SUNDAYS
1 p.m. - Yoga
$3 per class. For details on class passes or holiday class schedules, call the Rambler Fitness Center at 652-2955.
Equipment orientation available upon request for all patrons.
The Rambler Fitness Center will observe regular hours during the Easter holiday.
Golf tournament
Members of the 470th
Military Intelligence
Brigade will host a golf
tournament at the Palmer
Course at La Cantera May 6
starting at 11 a.m. The
tournament will benefit the
Army Emergency Relief
Fund. The $75 cash registration covers green fees,
fully stocked golf course
and AER donation. The
deadline for registration is
April 1. For more information, call Ron Johnson at
246-3010 or 221-7581.
Get ready to golf
The cost for five days of
golf lessons plus time on
the course is $99 (clubs
furnished). All participants will also get a
punch card for 10 ninehole rounds of golf.
Call PGA golf professional Charles Bishop at 2443415 for more information.