Pararescuemen train so others may live

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E 5 0 2 n d A I R B A S E W I N G
JOINT
BASE
SAN
ANTONIO-LACKLAND,
TEXAS
•
Vol.
72
No.
15
•
April
17,
2015
Pararescuemen train
so others may live
Photo by Airman First Class Justine Rho
Pararescue students recover from a series of callisthenic exercises April 8 before entering the waters of Boerne Lake outside of San Antonio, Texas. These Airmen are in the third week of
indoctrination training that is headquartered at the 342nd Training Squadron pararescue schoolhouse at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The PJ trainees are physically and mentally
tested everyday during training to ensure they can meet their mission to rescue, recover and return American or allied forces in times of danger or extreme duress. If the students can
complete the training, they will go to Air Force Dive School in Panama City, Fla. See more photos of Airmen around Joint Base San Antonio on page 9.
INSIDE |
Commentary 2
News 3
Community Briefs 10
Sports 13
ONLINE | http://www.jbsa.af.mil
PAGE 2
commentary
TALESPINNER
April 17, 2015
Why they serve
Sexual assault victim advocates
By Tech. Sgt. Christopher G. Dion
802nd Security Forces Squadron flight chief
I often get asked why I am a sexual
assault victim advocate. The answer is
simple and it begins with a personal connection – my sister, Teresa.
As children, Teresa, as well as my
older brother Richard and I, were all
victims of physical abuse. Teresa was also
sexually molested at a very young age.
I saw the impact this had on her then
and throughout her life. She struggled
as an adult in relationships, and was
married to a man who abused her physically, mentally, emotionally and sexually
for more than 20 years.
I remember the helplessness and
frustration of hearing stories of what she
had to endure and being unable to do
anything for her because she lived so far
away from me.
She was alone; unable to break the
grip of control her abusive husband held
on her, which was reinforced by all those
around her who did not understand the
truth of what constituted rape and sexual
assault as we know it today.
I saw my sister struggle for years.
Many times she did escape, only to have
her abusive husband convince her to
return utilizing a variety of emotional
methods.
Only after a second divorce did my
sister finally turn her back on the past
and come home. In 2011, she finally left
Tennessee to come live with me.
Since that time, my sister has risen
from the ashes of her past. She confronted her past and now has self respect and
forgiveness for herself and others. She
has learned that the difference between
victim and survivor is the power we give
to the events and the people who have
hurt us.
After suffering from child abuse and
witnessing what happened to my sister,
I decided to use the evil we endured for
good.
I now seek to help others. In 2005,
while deployed to Al Dhafra Air Base in
the United Arab Emirtes, I was offered
an opportunity that has changed my life.
A chaplain, advertising the new sexual
assault prevention and response, was
Joint Base San AntonioLackland
Editorial Staff
Brig. Gen. Bob LaBrutta
502nd Air Base Wing/JBSA
Commander
Todd G. White
502nd Air Base Wing/JBSA
Public Affairs Director
Oscar Balladares
JBSA-Lackland Public Affairs Chief
Senior Airman Lynsie Nichols
Editor
Jose T. Garza, III
Sports/Staff Writer
Dorothy Lonas
Page Design/Illustrator
Office
2230 Hughes Ave.
JBSA-Lackland, Texas
78236-5415
671-2908;
(fax) 671-2022
Email: tale.spinner@us.af.mil
Straight Talk: 671-6397 (NEWS)
For advertising information:
EN Communities
P.O. Box 2171
San Antonio, Texas 78297
250-2440
seeking out volunteers to help victims of
sexual assault.
That chaplain said something that has
stayed with me: Serving was an opportunity to change the world one survivor at
a time. He said we may not end assault,
but we can diminish it. We will take the
power away from the perpetrator by empowering those whom they victimized. We
will educate those around the situation
and make them more aware of how they
enable this crime.
In the end, we will gauge our success
by the single victim turned victor. If you
can save the one, you can change the
world.
Since then, I have served as a SAPR
victim advocate, Joint Base San Antonio
SAPR community advocate, cheerleader
and educator. I was one of the first to
attend the Bystander Intervention Trainthe-Trainer Course and I returned to
produce commercials and radio spots for
the program.
I have had the honor to assist sev-
eral victims in taking their first steps to
becoming survivors and it has meant the
world to me.
Edmund Burke once stated that “all
evil needs to prevail is for good men to
do nothing.”
So I ask you, what will you do to stop
evil people, both male and female, from
sexually victimizing others? You cannot
save them all but you can save the one
and life is all about the one whose life
you changed.
This newspaper is published by
EN Communities, a private firm in no
way connected with the U.S. Air Force,
under exclusive written contract with
JBSA-Lackland, Texas. This commercial
enterprise Air Force newspaper is an
authorized publication for members
of the U.S. military services. Contents
of the Talespinner are not necessarily
the official views of, or endorsed by,
the U.S. government, the Department
of Defense, or the Department of the
Air Force.
The appearance of advertising in
this publication, including inserts or
supplements, does not constitute
endorsement by the Department of
Defense, the Department of the Air
Force or EN Communities, of the
products or services advertised.
Everything
advertised
in
this
publication shall be made available
for purchase, use or patronage without
regard to race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, age, marital status,
physical handicap, political affiliation,
or any other non-merit factor of the
purchaser, user or patron.
Editorial content is edited, prepared
and provided by the Public Affairs Office
of the 502nd Air Base Wing. All photos,
unless otherwise indicated, are U.S. Air
Force photos.
Deadline for story submissions
is noon Wednesday the week prior
to publication.
April 17, 2015
News in Brief
air force taking applications for summer jobs
The Air Force will hire hundreds of students and others through the summer hire
program which kicked off March 9.
Participation in the program varies from
base to base, but all listings will be posted at
https://www.usajobs.gov/. The summer hire
program will end Sept. 25.
Clerical, lifeguard, recreation aid, computer clerk, general laborer positions and
more are available. Most summer hire positions are open to people eligible for the
Pathways Summer Intern Program, but
some may be open to Veteran Recruitment
Appointment, 30 percent or more disabled
veterans, reinstatement, military spouse
and disability-eligible applicants, or to the
general public.
Student applicants must be enrolled in an
accredited high school or enrolled/accepted
for enrollment as degree-seeking students,
taking at least a half-time course load in
an accredited technical, vocational, two-or
four-year college or university, or graduate or professional school. All Pathways
summer interns will be required to complete
a Pathways participant agreement.
VRA applicants must be disabled veterans or veterans who served on active duty in
the armed forces during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign
badge has been authorized, or veterans
who - while serving on active duty - participated in a United States military operation
for which an armed forces service medal was
awarded, or a recently separated veteran.
To qualify under the veterans’ 30 percent disabled hiring authority, individuals
must have served in the military, be able to
produce proof of service and disability (DD
Form, Certificate of Release or Discharge
from Active Duty, 214 Member 4 copy and
VA Disability Rating), and have a serviceconnected disability of 30 percent or more.
Not all bases will have summer hire
positions available.
Job seekers should call 800-5250102 (if hearing impaired, call TTY/TTD
800-382-0893) for more information. Applicants located outside the U.S. will first dial
a toll-free AT&T direct access number for
the country they are in, then 800-525-0102.
When the phone system answers, press 2 for
civilian employees, then follow the prompts.
For a list of the AT&T toll free access numSee NEWS IN BRIEF Page 7
TALESPINNER
news
PAGE 3
AF sexual assault prevention:
moving in the right direction
By Tech. Sgt. Terri Paden
15th Wing Public Affairs
“I was raised in a household where
you take responsibility for your own actions and don’t blame others for your
downfalls,” said Tech. Sgt. Kathleen
Thorburn. “Instead of seeing a crime
that had occurred, all I could see were
my mistakes. Why did I go to that party? Why did I accept the drink? Why
did I laugh at their jokes? Why didn’t
I scream?”
Thorburn was sexually assaulted by a
co-worker she trusted shortly after joining the Air Force. She’d been invited to
a party by one of her instructors and
encouraged to drink and take shots of
alcohol, even though she was underage.
Although she can’t remember all the details from the night, she clearly remembers her ride leaving, being led into a
bedroom and waking up with someone
on top of her.
“The next day I woke up in a haze …
confused by my missing clothes, where I
was and what had happened,” she said.
“I was very aware of the fact that someone had been inside of me and it hurt
down there.”
She was convinced by a friend to report the incident to her chain of command, which ultimately resulted in
an investigation by Air Force Office of
Special Investigations and a letter of
reprimand for underage drinking. This
was before the Sexual Assault Prevention Response program had really been
implemented, so after the paperwork,
she was switched to a new team and no
one spoke with her about the incident
again.
“At the time, that’s what I wanted,”
she said. “I was a brand new Airman. I
had only been in the shop for a couple
of weeks and I just wanted this to go
away. Sometimes when I think about it, I
feel guilty that I didn’t do more and ‘let’
him walk away, because who knows if
he might have done the same thing to
someone else.”
Shortly after this incident, the options
of restricted and non-restricted reporting of sexual assaults were introduced
to the Air Force; a concept Thorburn
believes really helped change the way
the service deals with victims and sexual
assault for the better.
“After that happened to me, not one
person asked if I needed to talk to a
counselor … not one person suggested
I go to medical for a checkup, but that
was fine with me because at the time
I just wanted it to go away,” she said.
“But two months later, they announced
restricted and non-restricted reporting
and I thought, ‘That would have been
helpful a few months ago.’ I think going restricted would have been a good
option for me.”
She said the changes in reporting
protocols also came with additional
training and education about how to assist victims, which she believes helped
change the culture.
“When I think about my leadership
at the time and how little training and
experience they must have had dealing
with sexual assault and how much training everyone receives today … I think
today we are much better equipped to
deal with it,” she said. “There is a greater understanding of sexual assault.”
Thorburn said the culture at the time
made it easy for her to pretend her as-
sault didn’t happen, which is what she
tried to do.
Hurt, angry, frustrated and confused
following the assault, she said she began
to try to move on with her life. It wasn’t
until she was approached by her new
supervisor, who offered moral support
and empathy, that she realized what
had happened to her was wrong, but
that she could rise above it.
“It took me a long time to even admit
to myself or agree with the fact that I had
been raped,” she said. “I could agree
verbally, but I could not fully accept it.
Years went by and it was constantly in
the back of my mind, yet I was always
ignoring it and pretending it didn’t happen. Slowly, but surely, I began to come
to terms with what happened.”
Right around that time, the sexual
assault response coordinator began to
look for victim advocates to support the
new program and assist in victim recovery, and Thorburn took her first step
toward recovery.
“No one was really there for me when
I needed help, and a VA may have been
just the person that could have helped
me,” she said. “I wanted to take what
See DIRECTION Page 5
PAGE 4
TALESPINNER
April 17, 2015
Secretary of Defense: sexual assault
undermines military’s values
“Sexual assaults and retaliation against people who report them undermine the military’s
values of honor and trust,” Defense Secretary
Ash Carter said April 2 in a message to the
Department of Defense workforce.
Here is the text of the secretary’s message:
This April, the Department of Defense observes Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. While we must spread awareness
and prevent these crimes each and every day,
this is an important opportunity to remind ourselves why ridding our ranks of sexual assault
and sexual harassment is so critical.
The values of honor and trust are the lifeblood of our military, and every act of sexual
assault directly undermines those values. So
too does every act of retaliation against those
who report these crimes.
This year’s theme, “Eliminate Sexual Assault:
Know Your Part. Do Your Part.” reminds us that
we all have a responsibility to prevent these
crimes and support the survivors not only to
live our core values and protect one another,
but also to ensure our people can focus on the
mission. This is an issue our force, both of
today and tomorrow, cares deeply about.
When I spoke at my high school earlier this
week, a young student asked me about the
issue of sexual assault and wanted to know
what we were doing to ensure our military is
“a safe and welcome place.”
That is why it is the responsibility of every
service member to help make our military the
last place a sexual offender wants to be.
Together, we must assure an environment
where sexual assault is neither condoned nor
ignored; we must reinforce a culture of prevention, accountability, dignity, and respect
throughout our ranks; and we must advocate
for and staunchly support all who courageously
report this crime.
Our nation looks to us to lead boldly on this
front and to care for our fellow men and women
who bravely serve. Every single one of us must
know our part, do our part, and keep doing
whatever it takes to eliminate sexual assault
in the military.
(Source: DOD News, Defense Media Activity)
Department of Defense photo
Defense Secretary Ash Carter wears the teal pin April 2 that recognizes the observance of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention
Month. The theme for this year’s observance is “Eliminate Sexual
Assault: Know Your Part. Do Your Part.”
TAJ LIT IN TEAL FOR
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH
Photo by Joel Martinez
In recognition of April being Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month,
throughout April the Taj at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph will be bathed
in teal lighting. The goal of SAAPM is to raise public awareness about sexual
violence and to educate communities on how to prevent it. Teal is the official color of
SAAPM, and the teal ribbon is the symbol of sexual violence prevention.
April 17, 2015
TALESPINNER
Expanded use-or-lose leave
law set to expire soon
With the expiration of a law that
allowed service members to carry up to
75 days of leave from one fiscal year
to the next, troops should plan to carry
no more than 60 days of leave into fiscal year 2016, Department of Defense
officials announced March 31.
Service members will automatically
lose any accumulated ordinary leave
in excess of 60 days on Oct. 1, officials
said. Troops covered by special leave
accrual rules may still carry up to 120
days from one fiscal year to the next,
officials noted.
The National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2013 extended the
authority to carry over an additional 15
days of leave (total of 75 days) to Sept. 30.
Previous authority was set to expire
Sept. 30, 2013, but DOD recommended a two-year extension of the 75 day
leave carry-over limit in 2013 to provide ample time for affected members
to plan and use accumulated leave and
to coincide with the reduction in combat
posture in Afghanistan.
The fiscal year 2010 National Defense
Authorization Act initially extended the
2008 temporary authorization for all
service members to carryover an additional 15 days of leave because the high
operations tempo resulted in less opportunity for members to use the leave they
had earned.
The 75-day leave carry-over limit
does not apply to members who qualify
for Special Leave Accrual; they may
carry over up to 120 days of leave.
Members may qualify for Special
Leave Accrual if they:
• Served on active duty for a
continuous period of at least 120 days
in a hostile fire or imminent danger pay
area;
• Were assigned to a designated
deployable ship, mobile unit, or other
similar prescribed duty as determined
by the service secretary concerned; or
• Performed qualifying duties designated by the Secretary concerned.
Service members are encouraged to
check their Leave and Earnings Statement and talk with their finance office
to help understand their correct use-orlose balance and to work with their commands to manage their leave balances
throughout the rest of this fiscal year.
Although previous LES’s did not
account for the 75-day leave carryover
expiration in projecting use-or-lose leave
amounts, officials from the Defense
Finance and Accounting Service say
those LES projections have now been
corrected for active component Army,
Navy and Air Force service members.
They will appear on the April LES.
Members can access their April
LES through the myPay system as of
Thursday. However, the projected
use-or-lose balance will only take into
account leave that was charged to
members’ accounts through Wednesday.
Any leave taken or posted to the members’ account after that date will not be
reflected. Reserve component members
with projected use-or-lose leave, will
be contacted individually by DFAS and
given their use-or-lose balance.
(Source: DOD News, Defense
Media Activity)
DIRECTION from Page 3
I learned and gained from this horrific
event in my life and help someone else.”
Before she would be able to fully help
someone else, she knew she would need
to face her own past head on.
“I’m not very good at journaling, but
I do believe in spoken word,” she said.
“I no longer fully believed that it was
my fault, but I knew I that I could never
help someone else if I could not admit
what happened to me. I was a seeing a
counselor at the time and one day I just
sat down in her office and explained my
story from beginning to end — it was
liberating. I told a couple of my best
friends and it was even more liberating.
No longer did I have this secret to hide.”
After that defining point in her life,
Thorburn joined the SAPR program and
became an active participant.
“With each new event I became more
and more confident in myself,” she said.
“I think the feelings I have, I will have
for the rest of my life, but it gets better.”
As part of her work as an advocate
against sexual assault, she speaks out
against myths regarding alcohol use and
sexual assault.
“Sexual assault is not a side effect
of drinking,” she said. “Just because
PAGE 5
you’ve been drinking does not equal
rape. Dizziness, headaches and nausea
are all side effects of drinking, but rape
is not one of them.”
Thorburn said it’s important to teach
Airmen about responsible drinking
practices and being good wingmen, but
it’s just as important, if not more so, to
talk to them about sexual assault and
respecting other people.
“Air Force training has become more
assailant-based and it’s great that it’s
shifted focus from victim blaming,” she
said. “Assailant-based training, I think,
addresses so many questions about
what happens to people after the assault and what happens to the assailant and I think that’s a good way to
go. We’re moving in the right direction,
working toward prevention and not just
response.”
JBSA Sexual Assault
Prevention and Response
JBSA SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE • 808-SARC
(7272)
DOD SAFE HELPLINE • (877) 995-5247
JBSA CRISIS HOTLINE • 367-1213
JBSA DUTY CHAPLAIN • 365-6420
PAGE 6
TALESPINNER
April 17, 2015
Sacrifices of the military child recognized during April
By Amaani Lyle
Department of Defense News, Defense Media Activity
To highlight the year-round contributions, courage
and patriotism of the military community’s youngest
members, the Defense Department observes April
as the Month of the Military Child, said a Pentagon
official.
Established by then-Defense Secretary Caspar
Weinberger in 1986, the month recognizes some
1.9 million U.S. military children ranging in age
from infants to 18 years old, who have one or both
parents serving in the armed forces, said Barbara
Thompson, the director of DOD’s Office of Family
Readiness Policy.
“We want to highlight their sacrifices (and) support of the military member in their families, so
it behooves us to take time from the busy calendar of our events and recognize military children,”
she said.
Permanent change of stations, deployments and
training activities, among other facets of military
life, can present unique challenges to children who
must constantly adjust to distance, unfamiliarity and
uncertain schedules, Thompson explained.
“That can be a real sacrifice, because each parent
is a very important part of that child’s makeup,” she
said. “So we want to make sure that when they move
or change schools, all of those transition times are
supported with resources, programs and services.”
DOD offers a variety of programs to help military
children overcome these challenges, Thompson said.
For example, the Child Development Program
offers child care up to age 12. Similarly, youth development programs offer older children opportunities
for recreation, and character, social and emotional
development.
Thompson reported that parents, too, have
Courtesy photo
resources to help best guide and nurture their
children of all ages.
The New Parents Support Program helps parents
during pregnancy and childbirth, and children up
to 3 years of age, to reach their full potential through
home visitations and parent support groups, she
said.
Military OneSource is another resource available 24/7, 365 days a year, to support parents to
learn more about parenting skills, as well as to find
support for themselves, Thompson added. It also
offers telephonic, face-to-face, online and video
nonmedical and financial counseling, which she de-
scribed as “strengthening pillars” for military households separated from extended family or settling into
a new environment.
“On the installations, we have military family support centers,” she said, “where a multitude of services for transitions and life skills are offered to make
sure our families can be resilient and strengthen
them in their efforts to be the parents they want
to be.”
Family support has evolved over the last 40 years
to become the family readiness system, which is
a collaborative network of agencies, programs,
services and professionals who promote the readiness and quality of life of military families both on
installations and in the community, Thompson said.
“There is no ‘wrong’ door,” she said. “So regardless of where you’re seeking support, whether it’s
with your pediatrician or with your chaplain, he or
she will also know the resources to support you in
your efforts to navigate the military life course.”
Across the services, Thompson said, parades,
fairs, art and poetry contests will abound as installations develop engaging and amusing activities to
solidify the bonds among families and communities.
“We want to make sure that children’s voices are
heard during the Month of the Military Child,” she
said. “It’s a fun time to be with their families (and)
to take part in the various activities that the services
developed to recognize military children.”
Community outreach initiatives include partnerships with the Department of Agriculture and the
National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s 4-H
youth group to promote “Purple Up!” on April 15,
Thompson said. Students, school sports team members, teachers and community leaders will wear
purple as a visual tribute to military children.
“It is hard to be a military child, and they’re doing
it super well,” Thompson said.
Military children: keep them covered under TRICARE
Is there a new baby coming or just arrived in
the household? There’s so much to remember and
in order to keep up with your baby’s growth and
medical checkups, add “Enroll in DEERS” on your
to-do list.
By policy, newborns are covered under TRICARE
Prime for 60 days after birth, as long as another
family member is already enrolled in a Prime option. This gives parents time to decide if Prime or
Standard is the best plan for the baby and the family. If it is decided Prime is best for the family, the
new child must be enrolled in TRICARE Prime.
After those first 60 days in Prime, the child’s
health coverage is moved into TRICARE Standard
unless there is a formal enrollment into Prime.
Remember, Prime is care received mostly through
military treatment facilities (no cost shares or deductibles) and Standard is care received in the community with associated cost-shares and deductibles.
Think ahead to decide if Prime or Standard is
best for your family. Then, enroll them in DEERS
as soon as possible.
Documents from the hospital are the best way to
start the DEERS enrollment. Don’t wait the two to
six months it may take for a formal state/state department birth certificate. When you are discharged
from the hospital or birth center you will receive a
certificate of live birth or documents that validate
the child’s connection to a member of the military.
If both parents are active duty, you must decide
which parent will add the baby to their DEERS account. DEERS enrollment needs to be done in per-
son – by the active duty military member – with all
required paperwork to avoid unnecessary confusion
or bills for co-payments and cost-shares.
If your family is growing with an adopted child,
start the process as soon as you have the information to enroll them in DEERS. For more information
visit the “Enroll or Purchase a Plan” page on the
TRICARE website at http://www.tricare.mil/Plans/
Enroll.aspx.
To find the nearest DEERS registration site
online, visit https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/appj/
site?execution=e1s1. If there are special circumstances for you, e.g., you are a single parent, visit
milConnect’s “Life Events that Impact Your Benefits” page at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect.
(Source: TRICARE Online at http://www.tricare.mil)
April 17, 2015
TALESPINNER
PAGE 7
April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Women are often the people in the family responsible
for taking care of their family’s health concerns and
often neglect their own health including the health of
their eyes.
Yet, did you know that two thirds of the people in the
world affected by visual impairments and blindness are
women even though they represent only 53 percent of
the population?
The rate of eye disease is on the rise in this country
mostly because people are living longer and women, on
average, live longer than men. As a result, more women
are susceptible to age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, dry eyes, glaucoma and
diabetic changes of the eye as well as other conditions.
Because of this, Prevent Blindness America has designated April as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month
to help educate women about the steps that they must
take to help prevent vision loss by making their own eye
health a priority. While the following recommendations
NEWS IN BRIEF from Page 3
bers, go to http://www.usa.att.com/traveler/index.jsp.
For more information about Air Force personnel programs
go to myPers at https://mypers.af.mil. Individuals who do not
have a myPers account can request one at www.retirees.af.mil/
shared/media/document/AFD-120510-068.pdf.
climate survey is opportunity to share opinions
with air force leaders
The Total Force Climate Survey, available through April 27,
offers active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and
civilian Airmen a chance to express their opinions, perceptions
and suggestions to help leaders improve their units.
The Air Force Survey Office at Joint Base San AntonioRandolph has emailed participation invitations to all Airmen.
The survey is designed to assess Airmen’s opinions and
perceptions on a wide range of topics including resources,
recognition, job satisfaction and unit performance. The survey
also includes major command-specific questions, and a chance
for Airmen to make improvement recommendations through
written comments.
Once the data is gathered, results will be briefed to the
secretary of the Air Force and chief of staff of the Air Force, and
will be released to unit leaders this summer.
Unit reports will only contain demographic information regarding service component and officer, enlisted or civilian. If
fewer than seven members from a component or officer, enlisted
or civilian status respond, the results will not be reported in
the breakout at the unit level. All responses will roll up to the
next unit level. No other demographic information is provided
in unit reports. This protects the confidentiality of respondents.
For more information about the survey and to view the results
of the previous survey, go to the Air Force Portal at http://www.
my.af.mil, enter “Air Force Survey Office” in the search window,
select the survey office link and click on the “Total Force Climate
Survey” link in the left hand column.
apply to all, during April, the emphasis is on women so
that they remember to take care of themselves as well
as their families
Get routine eye care. Many causes of eyesight problems are preventable so all women should make having
regular eye examinations a regular part of their health
routine to minimize the risk. It is recommended that all
women receive a comprehensive eye examination by
the age of 40 if not sooner and obtain routine follow-up
care as recommended by their eye care professional.
Know your family history. Everyone is aware that
genetics play an important role in what diseases you
are at risk for including eye diseases. By knowing what
conditions your ancestors have had, you can notify your
eye care professional of what those conditions are and,
in some cases, do things to prevent or lessen the effect
of those conditions in you.
Eat healthy and exercise. Eating healthy and exercising is important in maintaining a proper weight to reduce the risk factors for certain conditions. Doing so can
also assist you in guarding against vision loss. Obesity,
a lack of exercise, stress and a bad diet all can affect
the health of your eyes.
Avoid smoke. Smoking, even secondhand smoke, increases the risks for certain eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Avoid smoking and
being around smokers if at all possible.
Wear good sunglasses. Ultraviolet light exposure has
also been linked to the development of cataracts and
macular degeneration. So, it is recommended that when
you go outside, consider wearing brimmed hats and
UV-rated sunglasses.
Use cosmetics and contacts safely. You know the rules
for using these safely. Wash your hands first. Throw
away old makeup and contacts. Do not share them with
others. Do not apply them while driving. By following
these directions, you can prevent a serious eye infection
that could result in permanent loss of vision.
Remember, as the one who is responsible for making
certain that everyone is healthy, it is important that you
remain around to continue to take care of your family
and that you see well enough to maintain that role.
Taking care of your eyes is an easy way to assist you
in meeting those important functions for years to come.
(Source: Tri-Service Vision Conservation and Readiness Program Staff, U.S. Army Public Health Command)
PAGE 8
TALESPINNER
April 17, 2015
April 17, 2015
TALESPINNER
PAGE 9
One day at JBSA-Lackland
P
hotojournalist, from the 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office participated in an Armed Forces
project called “One Military Day.” The photojournalists captured several photos of Airmen training
in and around Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland April 8. These photos showcase a small piece of the
complex training mission of the 37th Training Wing, the largest training wing in the Air Force.
Photo by Joshua Rodriguez
Air Force basic military trainees from the
737th Training Group participate in a live fire
exercise at the Basic Expeditionary Airman
Skills Training Course April 8 at Joint Base San
Antonio-Lackland.
Photo by Benjamin Faske
Air Force basic military trainees from the 737th Training
Group use pugil sticks to practice combative skills April 8.
Photo by Joshua Rodriguez
Air Force basic military trainees from the 737th Training Group participate in a basic
introduction to Air Force combatives at the Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training
Course April 8.
Photo by Airman First Class Justine Rho
Photo by Joshua Rodriguez
Air Force basic military trainees from the 737th Training Group participate in a live fire exercise at the Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training Course
April 8 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.
Airman Taylor Valerio, 342nd Training Squadron
pararescue trainee, recovers after completing
open water training April 8 at Boerne Lake in
Boerne, Texas. Valerio is in his third week of
the indoctrination course headquartered at the
pararescue school. The training will help prepare the Airmen for extreme water conditions.
Photo by Benjamin Faske
Photo by Benjamin Faske
Air Force basic military trainees from the 737th Training Group are issued protective
gear before sparring with pugil sticks at the Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training
Course April 8.
Staff Sgt. Ian Porter, 341st Training Squadron Military
Working Dog School dog trainer, conducts obedience
training during live fire drills at the rifle range April 8 at
Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.
PAGE 10
community
LocAL Briefs
To register, call 671-7273 or send an
email to 502abw.cvk.ola@us.af.mil.
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
volunteer fair
freedom 5k
A volunteer fair will be hosted
at Arnold Hall Friday from 9 a.m. to
noon. For details, call 671-3722.
2015 u.s. army soldier show
The U.S. Army Soldier Show,
proudly presented by the Installation
Management Command, returns to
San Antonio with its 2015 production
“WE SERVE”. Showtimes are
Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. at the
Fort Sam Houston Theatre. Admission is free. For more information,
visit http://www.ArmyMWR.com/
soldiershow or call 466-2020.
drive out seXual assault
golf tournament
Raise awareness at the Gateway
Hill Golf Club course on Joint Base
San Antonio-Lackland and join in
“Driving Out Sexual Assault” during
this year’s golf tournament with
tee times beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Awards will be given and each
participant receives a goody bag.
Tickets are $50 each and include a
box lunch. Registration ends Friday.
TALESPINNER
April 17, 2015
host a run, walk or dash at the
MacArthur Parade Field on Joint Base
San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston at
7:30 a.m. to raise awareness about
sexual assault impact and prevention. Registration fees are found on
the event’s website at http://www.
athleteguild.com/running/fort-samhouston-tx/2015-2nd-annual-sexualassault-awareness-and-preventionmonth-sapr-sharp. Advanced
individual training and technical
school students can attend for free.
There will be a 5K run at the
Pfingston Reception Center at
8 a.m. Registration is $10. For
more information, call 671-3026.
bicycle registration
Register your bike at the Military
& Family Readincess Center, building
2797, on Joint Base San AntonioLackland from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For
more information, call 671-3722.
APRIL 28
relationship enhancement luncheon
The 502nd Air Base Wing Chaplain's
office is hosting a communication
workshop titled “Communication:
Talking Safely without fighting” from
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Gateway
Club. Lunch is provided. Call 6712911 to sign up.
THURSDAY
lackland enlisted spouses club
speed-friendship and miXer
The Lackland Enlisted Spouses
Club will host a speed-friendship
and mixer at the Freedom Chapel,
Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30
p.m. This event is open to all
enlisted spouses, members and nonmembers. For details, call 671-4208.
THROUGHOUT APRIL
survivor artwork from
the rape crisis center
The San Antonio Rape Center
for Children and Adults will display
artwork created by sexual assault
survivors at locations throughout
JBSA-Randolph. Call 652-4386 for
dates and location.
APRIL 25
seXual assault awareness and
prevention month 5k run/walk and
100 meter dash
The 32nd Medical Brigade will
INFORMATIONAL
dining facilities price change
The below rates apply to dining
facilities not using the a la carte
pricing system: Slagel, Rocco,
B5107, B5105, Medical Readiness
DFAC and all BMT facilities.
Breakfast – $3.45
Lunch – $5.55
Dinner – $4.85
In addition, Meals-Ready-to-Eat
and flight meals are priced at $5.55
each. For details on dining facilities
to include hours, contact information
and address, visit http://www.jbsa.
af.mil/library/diningfacilities.asp
Assistance to those in need of
services related to the prevention of
family maltreatment in our community.
To report incidents of spouse or
child abuse and to coordinate an
emergency response for victims of
domestic violence, call 292-5967.
This line is monitored 24 hours per
day, 7 days a week.
shape up with free workout classes
The JBSA-Lackland Gillum Fitness
Center offers high-energy cardio
programs guaranteed to get gym
Daily Mass
Contemporary Service
Religious Education Sun.
Gospel Service
Sun.
Spanish Service
Sun.
Sun.
—ISLAMIC
Global Ministry Center – Building 7452
8:00 a.m
CHURCH OF CHRIST
New BMT Reception Center – Building 6330
Sun.
7:30 a.m. (Rm. 175)
SEVENTH - DAY ADVENTIST
Gateway Chapel – Building 6300
Sat.
12:30 p.m.
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE
New BMT Reception Center – Building 6330
Sun.
7:30 a.m. (Rm. 112)
—ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN
Airmen Memorial Chapel – Building 5432
Sun.
9:30 a.m.
The JBSA-Lackland Gillum Fitness
Center offers high-energy cardio
programs guaranteed to get gym
enthusiasts in great shape. The
total body toning classes Monday,
Wednesday and Friday, 11:30 a.m.
to 12:30 p.m., target strength and
cardiovascular fitness. The stand-up
fighter workout Tuesday and Thursday offers a combination of mixed
martial arts, basic boxing, Muay
Thai and ground defense boxing
techniques focusing on cardiovascular aerobics and stress relief. These
classes are free. For details, call
977-2353 or 977-2354.
JBSA-LACKLAND
—WICCA
New BMT Reception Center – Building 6330
Sun.
For upcoming movie dates and
times, call the movie line at
671-3985 or view the schedules
online at https://www.shopmyexchange.com/reel-time-theatres/
Lackland-AFB.
KEY FAMILY SUPPORT RESOURCES
—PROTESTANT WORSHIP SERVICES
Freedom Chapel – Building 1528
LITURGICAL SERVICE
Airman Memorial Chapel – Building 5432
the lackland gateway theater is open
shape up with free workout classes
jbsa fap care line
CHAPEL SERVICES
Sun. 9:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
enthusiasts in great shape. The
Total Body Toning classes Monday,
Wednesday and Friday, 11:30 a.m.
to 12:30 p.m., target strength and
cardiovascular fitness. These classes
are free. For additional information,
call 977-2353 or 977-2354.
9:00 – 11:00 (Auditorium)
Freedom Chapel – Building 1528
Wicca Open Circle
1st Tues.
6 – 7 p.m.
—REFUGE STUDENT CENTER
Building 9122 (Tech Training & TDY Students)
Wednesday 6 – 8 p.m.
Thursday
6 – 8 p.m.
Friday 6 – 11 p.m.
Saturday
12 – 9 p.m.
Sunday
11 – 5 p.m.
—JEWISH
Airmen Memorial Chapel – Building 5432
Sabbath & Kiddush Fri.
Religious Education Sun.
4:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
—ROMAN CATHOLIC
Freedom Chapel – Building 1528
Religious Education Sun.
Mass Sat. 5:00 p.m. Sun.
Reconciliation
Sat.
9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
4:00 – 4:45 p.m.
Mon., Tues. & Thur. 11:30 a.m.
Note: Reconciliation(s) may be scheduled by appointment
Jumu'ah Prayer
Fri.
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
—BUDDIST
New BMT Reception Center – Building 6330
Sun.
10 a.m. (Rm. 175)
—ECKANKAR
Gateway Chapel – Building 6300
1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays
12:30 p.m.
—BAHA'I
Gateway Chapel – Building 6300
1st, 3rd, and 5th Sun.
11:00 a.m.
—THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF
LATTER-DAY SAINTS
Gateway Chapel – Building 6300
Religious Education Tues.
LDS Institute
Thurs.
LDS Service
Sun.
6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
For more details, contact Freedom Chapel - 671-4208 • Gateway Chapel - 671-2911
Air Force Aid Society
671-3722
Airman & Family Readiness Center
671-3722
Airman’s Attic
671-1780
American Red Cross
844-4225
Base Post Office
671-1058
Bowling Center
671-2271
DEERS
800-538-9552
Exceptional Family Member Program
671-3722
Family Child Care
671-3376
Legal Office
671-3362
Library
671-3610
Medical Appointment Line
916-9900
MPF ID Cards
671-6006
Outdoor Recreation
925-5532
TRICARE Info
800-444-5445
Thrift Shop
671-3608
Enlisted Spouses’ Club http://www.lacklandesc.org
Force Support Squadron http://www.lacklandfss.com
Lackland ISD
http://www.lacklandisd.net
Officers’ Spouses’ Club http://www.lacklandosc.org
JBSA Public website
http://www.jbsa.af.mil
My Air Force Life
http://www.MyAirForceLife.com
April 17, 2015
TALESPINNER
PAGE 11
The ‘JBSA Express’: a community transportation partnership
Photo by Olivia Mendoza
Jeffrey Arndt (left), president and chief executive officer of VIA Metropolitan Transit, and Brig. Gen. Bob LaBrutta,
commander of the 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio, pose in front of a VIA Vanpool Van and the newly
renamed “JBSA Express” VIA hybrid bus that provides round-robin express bus service from the USO in downtown San
Antonio to JBSA-Fort Sam Houston and JBSA-Lackland.
By James L. Williams
Deputy Director, 502nd Logistics Readiness Squadron
The 502nd Air Base Wing and VIA Metropolitan
Transit officials recently partnered to expand
weekend Express service from Joint Base San
Antonio-Lackland and JBSA-Fort Sam Houston
to the downtown USO Saturdays and Sundays.
The new bus routes were recently renamed the
“JBSA Express.”
The routes and hours of operation are:
JBSA Express Route 16 service to JBSA-Fort
Sam Houston
• Saturday from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (every
30 minutes and once an hour for the last three
hours).
• Sunday from 9:45 a.m. to 7 p.m. (once an
hour).
JBSA Express Route 65 service to JBSALackland
• Saturday from 8:15 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
(every 30 minutes and once an hour for the last
three hours).
• Sunday from 9:15 a.m. to 7 p.m. (once an hour).
The cost is $2.50 each way or $4 for an
all-day pass. Tickets can be purchased – with
exact change – at the bus. VIA bus service to other
routes (including local theme parks) is available
with stops just outside the gates at both JBSA
locations.
More than 1,000 JBSA personnel are utilizing
the service every week and it’s an alternative to
driving your car downtown and dealing with traffic
congestion and parking.
For additional information, visit http://www.viainfo.net. The JBSA-Fort Sam Houston route can
be viewed at http://www.viainfo.net/Shared/ViewAttachment.aspx?AttachmentId=6774, the JBSALackland route is at http://www.viainfo.net/Shared/
ViewAttachment.aspx?AttachmentId=6781.
Stay safe with proper spring cleaning fire safety tips
By Ricardo S. Campos
Public Fire and Life Safety Educator 502nd Civil Engineer Squadron
With the arrival of spring comes blue skies, blooming bluebonnet flowers and of course – spring cleaning.
This is the perfect time for a refresher on fire safety
tips that should be followed all year long. Keeping fire
safety in mind when doing things around the house,
such as cleaning a dryer’s lint filter after each load of
laundry, will help prevent fires.
Smoke alarm facts:
Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of reported
home fires.
Ensure smoke alarms are installed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of
the home, including the basement.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing
the test button.
Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once
a year. If an alarm “chirps,” the battery is low and
should be replaced immediately.
Dryer lint facts:
The leading cause of home clothes dryer fires is
failure to clean dryer lint filters.
Clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
Keep the area around your dryer clear of things that
can burn like boxes, cleaning supplies and clothing.
Cooking fire facts:
Most cooking fires in the home involve the stovetop.
Keep anything that can catch fire – oven mitts,
wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains –
away from your stovetop.
Always stay in the kitchen when frying on the
stovetop.
Extension cord facts:
Extension cord fires outnumbered fires beginning with permanent or detachable power cords by
two to one.
Check electrical cords to make sure they are not
running across doorways or under carpets. Extension
cords are intended for temporary use.
Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle
outlets so you don’t have to use extension cords.
To learn more about spring cleaning home fire safety tips, call the fire prevention offices at Joint Base
San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston at 221-2727, JBSALackland at 671-2921 or JBSA-Randolph at 652-6915.
PAGE 12
Congratulations to the
following 70 Airmen
for being selected as
honor graduates among
the 700 Air Force basic
military trainees who
graduated April 17:
320th Training Squadron
–Flight 211
Jay Brody
Jeremiah Burns
Antonio Farias
Joshua Gettings
Kyle Hanson
Christopher Hart
Taylor Scott
Brian Shuey
Scott Taylor
Shawn White
Batson Wilson
–Flight 212
Andrew Conover
Frederick Ford Jr
Jeffrey Golden
Matthew Helmich
Steve Lee
Daniel Meador
Christopher Noall
321st Training Squadron
–Flight 213
Gregory Adams
Alvaro Aguilera
Christien Bibler
Jordan Bruckmeier
Michael Collins
Nathanial Johnson
Garion Martsch
David Revel
Terence Woore
–Flight 214
Kelsey Koontz
Malia Lynch
Nicole Travis
322nd Training Squadron
–Flight 219
Avery Anderson
Peter Espinoza
Madison Rubin
TALESPINNER
–Flight 220
Michael Atkinson
Justin Brummett
Medina Castro
Christopher Escobar
Johnny Hernandez
Nicholas Mrotek
Elliott Smith
Ryan Sweet
Jesse Warner
–Flight 223
Thomas Beighley
Seth Boynton
Adam Heemstra
Khalil Jones
Justis Mackenzie
Ronald Ramcheran
Rocky Silva
Thaddeus Wireman
–Flight 224
Elizabeth Etter
Alleggra Harry
Ashley Sampson
Callie Waller
323rd Training Squadron
–Flight 217
Cody Renwick
Robin Strickland
–Flight 218
Ellen Etchison
Kayla Johnson
–Flight 221
Quentin Steiner
–Flight 222
Dana Rolfes
331st Training Squadron
–Flight 215
Michael Frook
Parker Jones
Nicholas Trebelhorn
–Flight 216
Nestor Alvarez
Joseph Bach
Garrett Gillis
Daniel Jacobson
Jared Norris
Tristan Ott
Colin Standish
Top BMT Airman
Antonio Farias
320th TRS FLT 211
Most Physically Fit
–Female Airmen
Carola Anselmi
322nd TRS, Flight 224
Anneke Bentley
322nd TRS, Flight 224
Judith Lopez Chavez
323rd TRS, Flight 222
Jessica Locci
321st TRS, Flight 214
–Male Airmen
Steven Gonzales
320th TRS, Flight 205
Michael Lapierre
320th TRS, Flight 211
Jonathan Dabel
320th TRS, Flight 212
Nash Honodel
320th TRS, Flight 211
–Female Flights
322nd TRS Flight 224
323rd TRS, Flight 218
323rd TRS, Flight 222
321st TRS, Flight 214
–Male Flights
320th TRS, Flight 211
320th TRS, Flight 212
322nd TRS, Flight 220
322nd TRS, Flight 216
322nd TRS, Flight 219
322nd TRS, Flight 223
Top Academic Flights
320th TRS, Flight 211
322nd TRS, Flight 223
321st TRS, Flight 213
331st TRS, Flight 216
32nd TRS, Flight 219
322nd TRS, Flight 224
320th TRS, Flight 212
323rd TRS, Flight 217
323rd TRS, Flight 221
322nd TRS, Flight 220
323rd TRS, Flight 218
331st TRS, Flight 215
321st TRS, Flight 214
323rd TRS, Flight 222
Be Responsible!
Seat Belts Save Lives!
Buckle Up And Wear Yours!
April 17, 2015
Sexually transmitted
infections: Are you at risk?
By Miranda Andrews and Nikki Jordan
Disease Epidemiology Program, U.S. Army Public
Health Command
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that
more than 20 million new sexually
transmitted infections occur annually
in the United States, contributing to
roughly 110 million total infections and
$16 billion in medical costs each year.
Common STIs include human papillomavirus, chlamydia, trichomoniasis,
gonorrhea, herpes simplex virus, syphilis, hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus. About half of new STIs
occur in youth who are 15-24 years old.
STIs are also common among the
military active duty population, where
more than a third of service members
are under 25. Risk factors for infection
and disease trends tend to mirror those
observed nationally.
Depending on the STI, symptoms
can include painful urination, itching,
discharge, painful or swollen testicles,
bleeding between menstrual cycles,
painful intercourse, abdominal or pelvic
pain or rashes. More often, an STI may
not have noticeable symptoms.
Chlamydia, for example, is known
as the “silent infection,” and fails to
show symptoms in about 80 percent of
infected women and 50 percent of
infected men.
Likewise, syphilis is another STI that
often goes unnoticed in early stages. It is
on the rise in both civilian and military
communities, especially among men
who have sex with men.
And having an STI can make it easier to get another. In several major U.S.
cities, about half of men who have sex
with men with syphilis are co-infected
with HIV. Periodic STI testing is often
the best way to identify infections.
Common high-risk behaviors include
having unprotected sex, inconsistent
condom use, multiple partners, one
night stands, soliciting sex and being
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Technology such as “hook-up” apps
has also increased STI risk by linking
anonymous partners for casual sex.
Online profiles can be deceptive, setting you up for a dangerous situation
and leave lingering uncertainty about
STIs. The anonymous encounters make
Graphic courtesy U.S. Army Public Health Command
it challenging to notify a partner of a
positive STI test.
All STIs are preventable, many are
curable and all can be treated to manage symptoms. Prevention starts with
communicating with intimate partners and taking charge of one’s sexual
health. Effective ways to reduce your
risk include:
• Using a condom correctly every
time when engaging in oral, vaginal or
anal sexual activity
• Reducing the number of sexual
partners and the number of high-risk
partners, situations and sex acts
• Being in a mutually monogamous
relationship with an uninfected partner
• Talking to a medical provider about
getting tested (every three to six months)
• Getting the HPV and Hepatitis B
vaccines
If you are concerned about your STI
risk, you can request testing through
your primary care clinic. Military treatment facilities offer free, confidential
testing, treatment and counseling for
TRICARE beneficiaries. Local public
health departments also offer low cost
testing and treatment. In some cases you
can even collect the sample at home.
For additional information regarding
STIs or HPV and Hepatitis B vaccination, contact your primary care provider
or Preventive Medicine. People can also
visit the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention websites at http://www.cdc.
gov/std/default.htm and http://www.cdc.
gov/hpv/vaccine.html.
Remember, prevention starts with you.
April 17, 2015
Upcoming
TALESPINNER
sports
Warhawks start tournament with confidence
think you’re a hot shot?
Warhawks guard Staff Sgt. Deandre Snow, 59th Medical Support
Squadron NCO in charge of career
development, drives to the basket during the team’s exhibition
game against a group of local San
Antonio athletes April 8 at the
Chaparral Fitness Center. The
Warhawks will compete in the
Central United States Military
Basketball Tournament Friday and
Saturday at the Chaparral Fitness
Center. If the Warhawks finish in
the top two of the tournament,
they will compete in the National
Military Basketball Tournament
May 22-24 at Joint Base San
Antonio-Lackland.
Put those shooting skills
to the test during this oneminute timed basketball
shootout and prove you’re
a “Hot Shot” at 11 a.m.
April 24 at the Kelly Fitness
Center. Call 925-4848.
joint base san antonio
half marathon
The Joint Base San
Antonio Half Marathon takes
place at 7:30 a.m. April 26
at JBSA-Randolph. The race
begins to the right of the
main gate. Registration
must be completed by
April 22, and forms can be
found online at http://www.
myjbsa-fss-mwr.com. The
entry fee is $25 and can
be paid by cash or check.
Payment and registration
forms can be picked up at
the Rambler Fitness Center
on JBSA-Randolph, the METC
Fitness Center at JBSA-Fort
Sam Houston or the JBSALackland Heath and
Wellness Center.
For more details, call
652-7263.
wednesday special
Visit the Skylark Bowling
Center and bowl for $1 per
game and $1 per shoes.
Call 671-1234.
Scoreboard
volleyball
west division
w l
1. 25th AF......................... 4 0
2. 343rd TRS ..................... 2 0
3. AFLCMC ........................ 3 1
4. 668th ALIS...................... 2 1
5.502nd OSS ...................... 2 2
6. 543rd SPTS .................... 1 2
7. 559th MDG .................... 0 2
8.772nd ESS ...................... 0 2
9. 91st NWS ...................... 0 4
east division
w l
1. 341st TRS ...................... 3 0
2. 90th IOS ....................... 4 0
3. 93rd IS ......................... 4 1
4. 59th DG ........................ 2 1
5. 149th FW....................... 1 2
6. 59th MLRS...................... 1 2
7. 33rd NWS....................... 0 3
8. 502nd CONS ................... 0 3
9. 802nd SFS ..................... 0 3
PAGE 13
Photo and story by Jose T. Garza III
JBSA-Lackland Public Affairs
The Joint Base San AntonioLackland Warhawks are gearing up for the Central United
States Military Basketball Conference Tournament.
The team will enter the
tournament Friday and Saturday at Fort Sill, Okla. as the
number- one seed with a 19-5
conference record, despite early season struggles. The team
will compete in the National
Straight
Talk Line
Military Basketball Tournament May 22-24 at Joint Base
San Antonio-Lackland if they
finish in first or second place
in the CUSMBC tournament.
“We had our ups and downs
this season, but our chemistry is there. We have a lot of
confidence since we are the
number one team in the conference and that gives us more
motivation to win it.” said Warhawks guard/forward Wendell
Thibeaux.
Thibeaux said players’ dis-
For current, automated information during a natural disaster,
crisis or emergency, call your local Straight Talk line.
•JBSA-Fort Sam Houston: 466-4630
•JBSA-Lackland: 671-6397 • JBSA-Randolph: 652-7469
trust for each other is what
attributed
to
the
team’s
“horrible” chemistry early in
the season. Once the team
spent more time together,
chemistry improved.
“We came together with
trust. Before, we didn’t trust
one another,” he said. “We
know where a man is going to
be on the floor and are confident in him that he is going to
make the shot.”
Tech. Sgt. Calvin Conliffe,
coach from 25th Air Force,
chalks up the Warhawks’
successful season to being
improved on both ends of the
court. To further boost the
team’s confidence, he added
the team has beaten every
team in the CUSMBC, including Fort Hood, Texas’ varsity basketball team, which
he noted was their best
competition.
“Our offense is more controlled and our defense is vastly, improved” the coach noted.
“We are swinging the ball and
everyone is getting baskets.
This year, we have six or seven players who can put up 20
points on any given night.”
Besides
their
individual
and team ability on the court,
Thibeaux believes “heart, trust
and discipline” will be keys to
their success.
“If we have those three
things, it is going to be easy
trimmings as far as winning,”
he explained. “If we don’t, we
will suffer, but everyone has the
goal to win the tournament and
compete in the national tournament. The only people who
can stop us from achieving our
goal is ourselves.”
One of the best things about ICE is that
people can let service providers know
when they do a great job, not just for
poor service. It takes five minutes or less
to submit a comment at http://ice.disa.mil.