airman fulﬁ lls childhood dream in military page...

Airman fulfi lls childhooddream in military

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH No. 36 • SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

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

PAGE 8

ID requirements changing, page 4 Randolph Inn welcomes visitors, page 13Tree trimming in full swing, page 7

Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Ely

Courtesy graphic Photo by Joel MartinezPhoto by Joel Martinez

Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Ely

Maj. Gavin Peterson (left), 435th Fighter Training Squadron fl ight commander, and 2nd Lt. Chris Hsu, Air Education and Training Command Judge Advocate legal intern, taxi onto the runway in a T-38 Talon before an incentive fl ight July 27 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2016PAGE 2 WINGSPREAD

By Lt. Col. Bryan Elder 8th Flying Training Squadron commander Vance Air Force Base, Okla.

In Air Education and Training Command, we are challenged with delivering innovative Airmen.

But what is the recipe for innovative Airmen?

Equal parts adaptability, creativity, persistence and the ability to see con-nections between ideas and patterns? Mix, bake and presto, we’re done, right?

After a year of looking, I still have not found that recipe.

In the very rigid and syllabus-con-strained environment of Undergraduate Pilot Training, I keep looking for that one “golden nugget,” the one “best practice,” the one flight commander that obviously had a new and innovative way to produce the world’s best warriors for victory in the air.

Commanders and Airmen alike are hungry for innovation. Over the years I’ve learned that it is not about creating new programs or finding the one best practice.

Instead, it is the culture and environ-ment each and every one of us sets in our group, squadron, flight, section or office that will foster and cultivate new and innovative ways of thinking.

This is not driven from the top and we certainly don’t need another new program to tell us how to be innovative.

In his book, “Good to Great,” Jim Collins argues that large companies often fail because they “launch change programs with huge fanfare, hoping to "enlist the troops."

“They start down one path, only to change direction. After years of lurch-ing back and forth, these companies discover that they’ve failed to build any sustained momentum,” Collins writes.

“Companies that make the change from good to great have no name for their transformation – and absolutely no program. They neither rant nor rave about a crisis and they don’t manufac-ture one where none exists,” he writes.

So the solution is not a new program.Then how can we harvest innovation?

The one simple truth of command is the men and women under your command will be passionate for your ideas. My recipe – let us be passionate about cre-ating an environment where calculated risk and ideas are rewarded.

If you are a shop chief or supervi-sor, do you have an environment in which your people can express and test new ideas? Or have you created an environment so paralyzed by products and processes that it doesn’t allow for innovation?

Have we become so scared of failure that we fail to dare for success?

Growing up in fighter squadrons, this was subconsciously engrained in our upgrade programs. For the first year, new pilots concentrate on being experts in the aircraft and follow the tactics and procedures to the letter without ques-tion.

This may be similar to when you get someone new in your office, shop or squadron. You want them to know the processes, Air Force Instructions and procedures as a starting point.

However, after the first year of being

a wingman, we then ask our pilots to upgrade to flight leads. With this added responsibility comes a certain amount of “leash.”

We allow them to apply their own ideas to the Air Force’s tactics, tech-niques and procedures learned over the previous year. What does this do? It al-lows a flight lead to take some calculat-ed risk in areas they think may produce better results.

It does not always work. After six hours of debriefing one of my flight lead upgrade rides, I realized a calculated risk drove my wingman and I inside the “minimum abort range.” This eliminated our ability to turn away from the threat.

As a result, my two-ship had to square up to the threat and split our formation in order to try and get one of us to merge with the threat. Hopefully the other one could quickly follow it up with a shot.

I lost my wingman that day – simu-lated of course – but it still hurt the same. My new innovative idea was a failure – or was it?

By creating an environment in which Airmen have the opportunity to take an educated and calculated risk, you foster innovation. I learned more from that failure than I would have from applying the status quo.

My recipe for innovation? Start with technical expertise, throw in leaders who are willing to let their people fail, and finish it by giving ev-ery subordinate a venue to share new ideas and innovations.

Every Airman has an incredible idea. We just have to listen.

COMMENTARY

REWARDING IDEAS

Recipe for innovative Airmen Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph

Editorial Staff

Brig. Gen. Heather L. Pringle

502nd Air Base Wing/JBSA Commander

Todd G. White

502nd ABW/JBSA Public Affairs Director

Dan Hawkins

JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs Chief

Senior Airman Stormy Archer

Photojournalist

Airman 1st Class Lauren Ely

Photojournalist

Robert Goetz, David DeKunder

Staff Writers

Maggie Armstrong

Graphic Designer

This newspaper is published by EN Communities, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclu-sive written contract with Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military servic-es. Contents of the Wingspread 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 nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Office of JBSA-Randolph. All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.

The deadline for submissions is noon Wednesday the week prior to publication. All submissions can be emailed to [email protected].

Wingspread Office

1150 5th Street East

JBSA-Randolph, Texas 78150

Phone: 210-652-4410

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Changes to processing Personally Procured Moves Effective immediately and in accordance with Personal Property Activity Advisory, PPA-16-2013, all Air Force Personal Property Shipping Offices and Personal Property Processing Offices (PPSOs and PPOs) will no longer require members to submit their final receipts to Accounting and Finance for tax deductible items, when finalizing their personally procured move if the member’s move does not exceed 95 percent of the Governments Constructive Cost (GCC). However, if the member’s expenses will exceed 95 percent

of the GCC, the PPSOs and PPOs will request all of the member’s receipts be submitted to Accounting and Finance. Members are required to submit the following documentation: DD 1351-2 (Travel Voucher), DD Form 2278 (Application for Do It Yourself Move and Counseling Checklist), Official Travel Orders and certified weight tickets to the PPSO/PPO. For further assistance, call the local Personal Property Processing Office at the following locations: Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, 221-1605; JBSA-Lackland, 671-2821 or JBSA-Randolph, 652-1848.

WINGSPREADSEPTEMBER 9, 2016 PAGE 3

NEWS

By Tech. Sgt. Joshua DeMottsSecretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Air Force Undersecretary Lisa S. Disbrow and Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Goldfein welcomed Gen. Stephen W. Wilson as the service’s new vice chief of staff at a re-ception Aug. 26 at the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Offi cers’ Club.

The senior leaders and their guests then attended a public event at the Air Force Memorial, where the ser-vice honored Vietnam War veterans with performances by the U.S. Air Force Band and Honor Guard, and a T-38 Talon formation fl yover.

At the reception, Disbrow expressed her excitement to have Wilson on the Air Staff.

“With more than 35 years of dedicated service to the Air Force and joint time as well … I have to say I’m really honored to be working with you, and looking for-ward to a lot of great efforts together,” she said. “I see you reaching back to the Air Force’s past and looking forward to the future, and being that bridge for us. So thank you already.”

Wilson said he’s truly honored and humbled to serve as the service’s 39th vice chief.

As vice chief, Wilson said his focus will be on support-ing the Air Force secretary and chief of staff in execut-ing the Air Force’s Strategic Master Plan. He also looks forward to advancing the secretary’s three priorities of taking care of people, balancing readiness and modern-ization, and making every dollar count.

“I plan on focusing on the things that make a dif-

ference to our Airmen and their families,” Wilson said. “I have a fundamental philosophy that if we start with the right people, we give them the right training and resources, and we ensure they are per-sonally and professionally satisfi ed … the result is mission success.”

Wilson said he’s also excited to help the chief of staff execute his top three priorities: revitalizing squadrons, preparing Airmen to lead in the joint fi ght, and rethink-ing how the service can execute multi-domain global command and control.

“Our nation counts on airpower every day to defend our interests and way of life,” he said. “Our Air Force remains the best in the world, and today we are glob-ally engaged as we continue to navigate through a very challenging security environment.”

He went on to say that with all challenges come oppor-tunities, and he is looking forward to being in a position to help infl uence the strategic vector of the Air Force.

“I have had the good fortune to command at multiple levels in our Air Force, and to serve in joint jobs, with partner nations and in deployed locations,” Wilson said. “I have seen fi rsthand how crucial airpower is to the fi ght, and how Airmen lead the way in using innovative technol-ogy in air, space, cyber and electronic warfare.”

By the end of the evening, the Air Force had wel-comed a new vice chief of staff and honored Vietnam veterans in a ceremony that established a new National Capital Region tradition, which includes the Air Force’s vision of creating more opportunities for Airmen to in-teract with the public they serve.

By Tech. Sgt. Joshua DeMotts ference to our Airmen and their families,” Wilson

Air Force offi cials welcome new vice chief of staff, honor Vietnam War vets

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Joshua DeMottsGen. Stephen W. Wilson, Air Force vice chief of staff, speaks at a reception Aug. 26 at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Offi cers' Club.

From U.S. Air Force

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 created a new military retirement system that blends elements of the legacy retirement system with a more modern, 401(k)-style plan.

The new Blended Retirement System goes into ef-fect Jan. 1, 2018 and combines the legacy 20-year military retirement system in which the U.S. govern-ment provides monthly retired pay based on years of service and a percentage of a service member’s pay with a defi ned contribution plan, similar to the civil-ian equivalent of a 401(k)-style retirement system, where the service member and the U.S. government both contribute to the retirement.

The new Blended Retirement System provides service members an automatic and matching portable contri-bution retirement plan, while maintaining a traditional pension for those who serve at least 20 years.

The change to a Blended Retirement System is a key step in modernizing the military’s ability to

recruit, retain and maintain the talent required of the future force. The plan provides additional op-tions to attract and manage a military force, which requires increasingly diverse and technical skill sets in an evolving global economy.

The legacy defi ned-benefi t military retirement system was a signifi cant incentive in retaining a ca-reer military force and has served the Department of Defense and service members well for decades. However, 81 percent of service members who left before reaching 20 years of service had no govern-ment retirement benefi t.

The new Blended Retirement System will now en-sure nearly 85 percent of military members leave the service with retirement savings, as opposed to just 19 percent today. It is one of the most wide-reaching and signifi cant changes to military pay and bene-fi ts of the last 70 years. For the fi rst time, service members will receive automatic and matching DOD contributions to their retirement and have control over their investments.

The Department’s immediate focus is on educating and training more than two million active, Reserve and National Guard members and their families.

The Blended Retirement System Leader Course, released June 1 is one of four targeted educa-tion courses for leaders, fi nancial and retirement counselors, service members and their families who are eligible to opt-in and individuals new to the military. It is available through the military’s Joint Knowledge Online or at http://www.Military-OneSource.mil. Although geared towards leaders, the course is available to all service members and their families.

No service member needs to make a decision until Jan. 1, 2018. However, all service members should take advantage of training and informational resources as they become available. It is incumbent that service members who are eligible to opt into the Blended Retirement System during 2018 be equipped with the knowledge necessary to make the best deci-sion for their own individual circumstances.

From U.S. Air Force recruit, retain and maintain the talent required of The Department’s immediate focus is on educating

Blended Retirement System modernizes retirement plan for uniformed services

GEARING UP FOR MISSION SUCCESS


From 502nd Security Forcesand Logistics Support Group

The REAL ID Act of 2005 implements the 9/11 Commission’s recommenda-tion that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance…of sources of identifi cation, such as driver's licenses.” The Act prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for offi cial purposes State driver’s licenses or identifi cation cards that do not meet specifi ed standards.

Congress modifi ed U.S. federal law pertaining to security, authentication, stan-dardization and issuance procedures standards for the state driver's licenses and identifi cation (ID) cards, as well as various immigration issues pertaining to terrorism. Secure driver's licenses and identifi cation documents are a vital component of our national security framework.

The Department of Defense (DOD) directed implementation of REAL ID Act re-quirements in October 2015, with enforcement commencing here at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) on September 15, 2016 through the invalidation of identifi cation from American Samoa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Washington; all non-compliant States and Territories that did not have an approved waiver to the Act. More than two dozen additional non-compliant states whose identifi cation is currently accepted through a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) waiver are sched-uled to invalidate on October 10, 2016.

This means, unless further extensions are approved, visitors, vendors, and con-tractors using a driver’s license or identifi cation card from one of the four previously invalidated States and Territories, as well as Alaska, Arkansas, California, Guam, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Northern Marianas, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, must show an approved alternative source of identifi cation for unescorted access. In cases where alternative identifi cation is unavailable, the individual must be sponsored by a DOD credentialed escort (DOD ID holders may escort up to fi ve individuals at a time), or will be denied access to the installation.

DHS approved forms of alternative identifi cation include a U.S. Passport; U.S Passport Card; Permanent Resident Card/Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551); foreign passport with a temporary stamp or temporary printed notation on a machine readable immigrant visa; employment authorization document that contains a photograph (Form I-766); identifi cation card issued by Federal, State, or local government agencies provided it contains a photograph and biographical information including name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and address; U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Cards/Credentials; Federally-issued Personal Identifi cation Verifi cation (PIV), PIV-1, or PIV-I Cards; DHS “Trusted Traveler Card” (Global entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST); Merchant Mariner Card issued by DHS/United States Coast Guard; Border Crossing Card (Form DSP-150); U.S. Certifi cate of Naturalization or Certifi cate of Citizenship (Form N-550), and U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551).

While the REAL ID Act alters access requirements for some JBSA visitors, vendors, and contractors, there is no change for individuals who already pos-sess valid and current DoD credentials, including a DoD CAC or locally-issued DBIDs Card.

For questions about installation access, call any of the JBSA Visitor Control Centers: JBSA-Fort Sam Houston at 221-2650; JBSA-Lackland at 671-6174 or JBSA-Randolph at 652-3939.

From 502nd Security Forces

JBSA to implement REAL ID Act Thursday

To advertise in the Wingspread,call 250-2052.


By Robert GoetzJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

A presentation that tells the stories of prisoners of war and missing-in-action service members will begin a weeklong tribute to those American heroes in dramatic fashion next week at Joint Base San Antonio.

This year’s POW/MIA Recognition Week will feature an event for each day of the week at JBSA-Randolph, starting with the production “A Moment in Time” from 1-2 p.m. Monday in Fleenor Auditorium and concluding with the Missing Man Vigil from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Missing Man Monument on Washington Circle.

“Since 1979, the Air Force Sergeants Association as well as countless organizations across the country have set aside a week in September to hold ceremonies honor-ing America’s POWs and MIAs,” said Master Sgt. Elizabeth Sewell, AFSA Chapter 1075 Family Affairs trustee. “This year we brought on the Air Force Personnel Center Top 3, Air Education and Training Command Top 3 and Randolph Top 3 in order to make this a true joint event. We also added a new event, the production ‘A Moment in Time,’ to kick off the week with a show that highlights the history of each war starting with World War I.”

The theme of the weeklong observance is “A Moment in Time” to mirror Monday’s production, which will feature service members “honoring the spirits of our POW and

MIA service members,” Sewell said.“It’s a play that tells the story of ser-

vice members from World War I up to current-day operations,” she said. “The actors will wear the uniforms of those times and tell the stories of service members who were captured or who were declared missing in action.”

Other events planned during the week are a breakfast from 8-9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Parr Club, a commem-orative 5K run/walk from 7-8:30 a.m. Wednesday at Eberle Park, a retreat cere-mony from 4-4:30 p.m. Thursday at Washington Circle and the Missing Man Vigil from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Missing Man Monument on Washington Circle.

During the breakfast, sponsored by AFSA Chapter 1075, the stories of four families of MIAs will be told, said Sewell, who is the breakfast chair.

Cost of the breakfast is $12. Those who wish to attend must RSVP to [email protected].

Sponsored by the AETC Top 3, the 5K run/walk will begin with military members leading the way with the United States and POW/MIA fl ags for the fi rst quarter mile of the event.

Sign-up is at https://www.signmeup.com/115846. Cost is $10, which includes a commemorative T-shirt.

The retreat ceremony is sponsored by the AFPC

Top 3, said Master Sgt. Constance Pizeno, Air Force Evaluation Policy manager.

“Col. Joel Carey, 12th Flying Training Wing commander, will offer words of re-membrance, and the Air Force Band of the West will play the national anthem as the retreat detail team lowers the Ameri-can fl ag for folding,” said Pizeno, retreat ceremony co-chair.

The Missing Man Vigil, sponsored by the Randolph Top 3, will conclude POW/MIA Recognition Week. This event will

feature a wreath-laying ceremony and an all-day vigil to remember missing service members.

Military members will stand at parade rest in 30-minute increments throughout the day.

Pizeno said it’s a great honor to participate in POW/MIA Recognition Week.

“We’re excited to be part of it for another year,” she said.

Sewell said the event is a tribute to the many Americans who have paid the ultimate sacrifi ce for their country.

“One of the promises we make is emphasized in the Airman’s Creed – ‘I will never leave an Airman behind,’” she said. “The POW/MIA Recognition Week is our way to honor those Americans who returned home to freedom and renew our commitment to account for and recover those Americans still missing.”

By Robert Goetz MIA service members,” Sewell said. Top 3, said Master Sgt. Constance Pizeno,

'A Moment in Time' pays tribute to POWs, MIAs


By Airman 1st Class Lauren ElyJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

In the midst of this political season, service members and Department of Defense personnel should be aware of behaviors, on social media and in real-world activities, to steer clear of.

Here are a list of Do’s and Do Not’s for social media and political activities:

Do:• Register to vote and vote. • Make personal monetary donations. • Express personal views. This is the same as writ-

ing a letter to the editor, however, do not engage in any political partisan activity.

• Include a disclaimer if you are identifi able as a mili-tary member.

• “Friend,” “like” or “follow” the Facebook page or Twitter account of a political party or partisan candidate, campaign or group. But refrain from engaging in politi-cal activities with respect to partisan political entities’ accounts that would constitute political activity.

• Forward all inquiries from political campaign orga-nizations to a public affairs offi cer for awareness and appropriate action.

Do Not:• Suggest that others “like, “friend,” or “follow” the

partisan account.

• Forward invitations to partisan events.• Post direct links of “likes” to partisan sites. • Solicit others or fundraise. • Imply or appear to imply Department of Defense

sponsorship, approval or endorsement of a political can-didate, campaign or cause.

• Campaign for a candidate on or off base. • March in a partisan parade. • Wear a military uniform to a partisan event. • Attempt to infl uence the voting or participation of

any other service member. Partisan political activity is defi ned as activity directed

at the success or failure of a political party, partisan political candidate, campaign group or cause.

A political campaign or election begins when a candidate makes a formal announcement that he/she seeks to be elected to a federal, state or local political offi ce or when an individual fi les for candidacy with the Federal Election Commission or equivalent state or local regulatory offi ce. A political campaign or election does not end until one week after the conclusion of the relevant election.

For a complete list of permissible and prohibited ac-tivities, please refer to DOD Directive 1344.10, Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces Guidance for Military Personnel.

For voting assistance information, visit http://www.FVAP.gov or contact the voting assistance offi cer within your unit.

By Airman 1st Class Lauren Ely • Forward invitations to partisan events.

Social media, political guidance for military members

By David DeKunderJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

Contractors with the 502nd Civil Engineer Squadron are removing trees and shrubs at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph to reduce the nesting areas of birds that pose a fl ying hazard to aircraft.

The project is focused on the removal of dead and inva-sive trees and shrubs, roosting areas for the white-winged dove, at Heritage Park – the site of the former Wherry housing area. The white-winged dove is the species of birds that causes the most damage and poses the most risk to aircraft operations at JBSA-Randolph.

Forrest Hughes, 502nd CES chief of service contracts, said the project to remove the dead trees and shrubbery started in August, which was the end of the nesting season for the birds. He said by removing the nesting sites of the birds, the 502nd CES is trying to mitigate bird strikes on aircraft at JBSA-Randolph.

Over the last two years, there have been 230 bird strikes to aircraft at JBSA-Randolph totaling $1.6 million in damag-es, said Maj. William Rose, 12th Flying Training Wing Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard program manager. BASH is a program that utilizes several approaches to wildlife hazard management, from wildlife habitat modifi cation to wildlife depredation, to reduce the risks of bird strikes to aircraft.

Rose said the removal of the trees and shrubs follows a project last year that focused on tree trimming in the JBSA-Randolph housing area. He said the purpose of both

projects is to eliminate, minimize and reduce the nesting and roosting locations of the white-winged doves.

“We are trying to reduce the risks of bird strikes by mak-ing the airfi eld less attractive for wildlife, and that helps decrease the chances of bird strikes,” Rose said.

A bird strike can result in engine damage to an aircraft during takeoff, Rose said.

Rose said other wildlife habitat modifi cations in the BASH program include cutting the grass along the runways to seven to 14 inches and making sure storm water and waste-water at JBSA-Randolph are not attractive to birds.

Other methods include wildlife dispersal in which py-rotechnics and noise makers are used to scare away and prevent birds from crossing the runways. Paintball guns are also used to move birds from their nests.

The aircraft with the most bird strikes is the T-38C Talon, which accounts for 40.63 percent of all strikes, followed by the T-6A Texan II, 32.8 percent and the T-1A Jayhawk, 21.9 percent.

Rose said a T-38C Talons can sustain more damage than other aircraft because they fl y lower longer before climbing up and are a high performance aircraft that can hit a bird at a higher rate of speed.

To avoid the fl ight path of white-winged doves, which fl y from their roosting to their feeding sites south of JBSA-Randolph during the early morning hours, the fl ight operations of the T-38C and the T-1A are moved from the east runway to the west runway to reduce the risk of bird strikes.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

By David DeKunder projects is to eliminate, minimize and reduce the nesting

502nd CES removing trees, shrubs to reduce bird strikes

Photo by Joel MartinezHerman Hernandez cuts down a tree Aug. 30 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph's Heritage Park.


By Airman 1st Class Lauren ElyJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

As children, boys often dream of growing up to be-come a fi refi ghter, doctor, policeman or soldier.

Few ever fulfi ll those childhood dreams, however, 2nd Lt. Chris Hsu did.

“As a little boy, I think like all little kids, I wanted to be a Soldier one day,” Hsu, Air Education and Training Command Judge Advocate legal intern, said. “I never grew out of that little dream.”

Hsu, an immigrant from Taiwan, moved to the United States in grade school. His parents would move him and his brother, Tim, to Taiwan and back to the United States again after sixth grade before the family settled in Houston.

“My parents moved us intentionally so we could be fl uent in both languages,” Hsu said. “They sacrifi ced a lot, because coming here [United States], it’s always hard as immigrants to start up.”

Hsu attended Texas A&M University and received a degree in mechanical engineering in 2014. While at Texas A&M, Hsu was awarded a scholarship with the Corp of Cadets, where he spent four years in a military academy-type environment and received his commis-sion to the U.S. Air Force upon his graduation.

“Lieutenant Hsu gave up his Taiwanese citizenship when he joined the Air Force,” Lt. Col. Trinh Peterson, AETC Judge Advocate Association chief of civil law, said. “That tells you his dedication to this country and serv-ing here.”

After graduation, Hsu was accepted to the University of Houston Law Center and is slated to graduate law school in spring 2017, when he will also apply for a position in the JAG. While attending law school, Hsu is on reserve status and will return to active duty status upon his graduation.

“We got really lucky,” Peterson said of having Hsu as their summer intern. “He really is a shining star.”

During his internship, Hsu said he rotated through different divisions at the JAG offi ce, such as contract-ing, military justice, operations and the civil division, to “learn what they do.”

Peterson said Hsu was able save the Air Force money by resolving protests to a pending contract, which can result if contractors believe they didn’t get a fair chance at the contract.

Hsu was also able to clear the back log of packages on adverse actions against senior enlisted people and offi cers, which are sent up to the Air Force chief of staff for approval on discharges.

“Hsu drafted legal reviews, put the packages together and sent it to a two-star general,” Peterson said. “We don’t even really allow young captains to do that, but Hsu showed us he could. He writes very, very well.”

Due to his impressive work performance, Col. Polly S. Kenny, AETC staff judge advocate, nominated Hsu for an incentive ride.

Incentive rides are an award granted to enlisted or young offi cers based upon signifi cant achieve-ments and allow service members to ride in air-

craft operated on base. “He did such amazing work for us and cleared work

we had just sitting because we were low on personnel for a while,” Peterson said. “She [Kenny] thought he really deserved it.”

Before taking the fl ight, Maj. Gavin Peterson, 435th Fighter Training Squadron fl ight commander, gave Hsu a brief on what to expect, as well as on safety precau-tions such as how to eject.

“When we were done with all of the exercise in fl ight, Maj. Peterson gave the control to me and taught me how to turn left and right,” Hsu said.

Hsu said getting to see the view was the best part of the fl ight, and he was honored to get to see the opera-tions side of what pilots do.

“It’s absolutely gorgeous and beautiful up there,” Hsu said. “It’s not like a commercial airplane with a small window; you’re immersed in the clouds and sky.”

At the end of the experience, Hsu credited God, his family and the people he’s been surrounded with in the Air Force for his success.

“That’s what makes being here in the Air Force so cool; it’s the people,” Hsu said. “I wouldn’t be here with-out these people that I meet. I just want to give credit to all of them.

“I really don’t have any accomplishments,” Hsu con-tinued. “If I do have anything, it’s because of the people who invest in me. Hopefully one day I can do the same for other people. That’s really my goal.”

Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren ElySecond Lt. Chris Hsu, Air Education and Training Command Judge Advocate legal intern, prepares for an incentive fl ight in a T-38 Talon July 27 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.

By Airman 1st Class Lauren Ely

Airman fulfi lls childhood dream in military

Lt. Col. Trinh PetersonAir Education and Training Command Judge Advocate Association chief of civil law

“He did such amazing work for us and cleared work we had just sitting because we were low on personnel for a while. Lieutenant (Chris) Hsu drafted legal reviews, put the packages together and sent it to a two star general.

We don’t even really allow young captains to do that, but Hsu showed us he could.”


By Ashley PalaciosJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

National Hispanic Heritage Month, ob-served annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, is a time to celebrate the histories, cul-tures and contributions of American citi-zens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

This year’s theme, as decided by the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, is “Embracing, Enriching and Enabling America.”

Sept. 15 is a signifi cant day because it is the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Additionally, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.

Columbus Day, the holiday which of-fi cially celebrates the anniversary of Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus’ arrival in and discovery of the American continent, is celebrated on Oct. 12, which also falls during this time period.

The National Hispanic Heritage obser-vation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 31-day period. This expansion was the direct result of the efforts made by retired Air Force Col. Gil Coronado, a San Antonio native.

Coronado grew up in the barrios of San Antonio. Orphaned at age fi ve, he often found himself in trouble with the law. He dropped out of high school and was soon involved in gangs. At age 16, Coronado lied about his age and enlisted in the Air Force. After a 30-year Air Force career, he had earned his GED, a college degree and had been presented with more than 35 awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star. A long-time crusader for Hispanic issues, Coronado lobbied President Reagan in 1988 for the expansion of Hispanic Heri-tage Week to National Hispanic Heritage Month.

“The more you understand Hispanic heritage, the more you begin to un-derstand what America is all about,” Coronado said at a Ft. Sam Houston

National Hispanic Heritage Month event in 2013. “Hispanic family values – honor, duty, integrity among them – have served the nation well.”

Maria Preda, JBSA-Randolph Equal Opportunity alternative dispute resolu-tion manager, agrees with Coronado.

“It’s important for the Air Force to rec-

ognize National Hispanic Heritage Month because the Hispanic people have made great contributions to the Air Force and military at large, and it’s important for us to recognize those contributions and to educate people on that legacy.”

Hispanics have, indeed, made sig-nifi cant contributions to all branches

of military service, the U.S. Air Force included.

The founder of the American G.I. Forum, one of the top Air Force aces of the two world wars and the Korean War combined, as well as the fi rst female to complete Air Force military pilot training were all Hispanic.

Preda went on to say that, “His-tory is rich with contributions from the Hispanic community but we are not a selft-aggrandizing people; we are quiet when it comes to our achievement. That’s why this month is so important – it al-lows our voice to be heard so we are not forgotten.”

Preda has a saying she uses to describe the humble Hispanic nature: “Estamos tan numerosos y brillantes como las es-trellas. Pero cuando aparece la luz del dia desaparecemos. We are so numerous and bright like the stars. But when daylight appears we disappear.”

Randolph Air Force base is known as the “Showplace of the Air Force" because of the Spanish Colonial Revival Style ar-chitecture in which all structures includ-ing hangars were constructed. The “Taj Mahal," building 100, is also one of the Air Force's most famous buildings.

“We all pass these buildings every sin-gle day and admire them, yet, we take for granted the culture and history that contributed to this beauty,” said Preda.

So what does this legacy mean for cur-rent Airman?

“I’m an American, but I’m also Hispanic and that’s always been some-thing I’ve been proud of throughout my career as an Airman,” said Maj Jonathan “Ganso” Gallego, 435th Flight Training Squadron instructor pilot.

“There aren’t many Hispanics in the fi ghter pilot community, so it’s helped me to stand out, especially on deploy-ments,” Gallego continued. “The locals are quicker to trust if they feel they can relate to you in some way, but it’s also the differences that have helped with my fellow Airmen. Learning from each other’s differences has built trust and comradery in the units I’ve been in. It’s a long legacy of greatness I’m following and it’s a privilege and an honor to be a part of it.”

SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

By Ashley Palacios of military service, the U.S. Air Force

National Hispanic Heritage Month: 'As Numerous as the Stars'

JBSA Randolph landmark to undergo preservation project A preservation project has been awarded for the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph's landmark building 100, the "Taj." Base personnel and visitors can expect to see work begin this month. The work involves the removal and repair of exterior windows and doors and is being done in accordance with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Preservation. Any questions about the project may be directed to the JBSA Cultural Resources Offi ce at 652-0181.


Two articulate, self-confi dent Air Force, Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard members are needed to serve as military ambassadors at community events to represent Joint Base San Antonio in 2017. One male and one female ambassador are chosen each year to represent the Air Force at many community events and promote the military's commitment and relationship with the local communities around South Texas. All E-4 to E-7 Air Force members, 21 years old

and older and assigned to JBSA are eligible to apply to be a military ambassador. Nomina-tion packages will be distributed to public affairs offi ces across JBSA Monday. Once nominated, candidates appear before a selection board of chief master sergeants and former Air Force ambassadors. The selection panel reviews applications, conducts interviews and selects the ambassadors. The nomination deadline is Oct. 3. For more information, call 808-0002 or 221-0546.

Two articulate, self-confi dent Air Force, Air and older and assigned to JBSA are eligible to

AF military ambassador programaccepting applications

Joint Base San Antonio military ambassadors present a valentine card to Rodrick Killebrew during the 2016 National Salute to Veteran Patients pro-gram Feb. 19 at Audie Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio.Photo by Melissa Peterson

American Idol to perform at JBSA David Cook, 2008 American Idol winner, performs 7-8:30 p.m. Friday at the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Outdoor Amphitheater. Opening the event at 6:30 p.m. will be the top four winners of the JBSA Talent Search who will perform before David Cook and win prize money. The free concert is open to JBSA Department of Defense ID cardholders and families. This is an outdoor event and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.

JBSA 5th Annual 9/11 Commemorative Run Joint Base San Antonio is hosting this year's 5th Annual 9/11 Commemorative Run 7 a.m. to 4:11 p.m. Sunday at JBSA-Lackland's Medina Annex track. The free event is open to all Department of Defense ID cardholders and dependents who want to pay tribute to those who perished Sept. 11, 2001. To register, visit https://www.signmeup.com/115374. For more informa-tion, call 977-5452 or 925-8863.

Munitions closure The 12th Flying Training Wing munitions offi c-es and storage area are closed Monday through Sept. 16 to conduct inventory. Call 652-6780 or 652-3361 for questions or concerns.

First Sergeant's Council symposium The Joint Base San Antonio First Sergeant's Council is hosting the 2016 JBSA-Lackland Additional Duty First Sergeant's Symposium from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Sept. 19-22 at the JBSA-Lackland base theater. Those wishing to attend must call 671-9234 before signing up. This event is limited to 250 participants. The symposium will provide critical training to current and future Additional Duty First Sergeants and prepare future First Sergeants for their role. RSVP using the following link: https://einvitations.afi t.edu/inv/anim.cfm?i=308295&k=01614A0B7252.

The Power of Forgiveness workshop The Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Chapel presents a lecture on the power of forgive-ness 9 a.m. Saturday at the JBSA-Randolph Chapel Center. The free event features guest speaker Scarlett Lewis, the mother of Jesse Lewis, who was killed during the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy Dec. 14, 2012. Break-fast will be available. To RSVP for the event, call 652-6121. Lewis will be signing her book, “Nurturing, Healing and Love,” at 11 a.m. Saturday at the JBSA-Randolph Base Exchange.


By Lori NewmanBrooke Army Medical CenterPublic Affairs

The Brooke Army Medical Cen-ter Refi ll Pharmacy on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston re-opened Aug. 12 after closing tem-porarily for repairs.

“The safety of our patients and staff is and always will be our top priority,” said Army Maj. Walter Unruh, BAMC Pharmacy Depart-ment assistant chief.

Most of the operations performed within the refi ll pharmacy are trans-parent to our patients, Unruh said.

“The personnel at that location are responsible for refi lling 30,000 prescriptions per month to support all the BAMC pharmacy locations in the outlying clinics and the hospi-tal,” he added. “However, we realize this closure did affect our patients who use the refi ll pharmacy to pick up their prescriptions. The closure also temporarily added to the vol-ume of customers at both the Main

Pharmacy and the pharmacy in the Capt. Jennifer M. Moreno Primary Care Clinic.”

The repairs to the existing struc-ture will sustain refi ll pharmacy op-erations until a new 6,000-square-foot pharmacy will open in the new Post Exchange, once it is built.

“The 502nd Air Base Wing com-mander and BAMC medical lo-gistics, facilities management and their partners were very support-ive throughout the entire process,” Unruh said. “Without them, none of this would have been possible.

“The pharmacy department is always looking for ways to provide more options for our patients,” Unruh said. “We are looking at different ways to enhance our patient’s experience as we go for-ward. We really do appreciate the patience of our pharmacy custom-ers throughout the repair process and look forward to serving them in the future.”

To request a prescription refi ll, visit https://www.tricareonline.com.

By Lori Newman Pharmacy and the pharmacy in the

BAMC Refi ll Pharmacy re-opens, ready to serve

Photo by Robert ShieldsArmy Sgt. Dustin Belletty (left) refi lls a prescription for Marcia Sierra-Williams Aug. 16 at the newly renovated Fort Sam Houston Refi ll Pharmacy.



Mission readiness depends on many factors, including the emotional health of military members’ fami-lies.

A program offered through-out the Department of Defense, including Air Force installa-tions worldwide, strengthens families through its mission of preventing maltreatment and supporting readiness and retention.

“The stated goal of the Air Force Family Advocacy Program is to promote both readiness and family wellness by enhancing the health, wel-fare and morale of Air Force families,” said Angela Nance, 359th Medical Operations Squad-ron Family Advocacy Program inter-vention specialist.

At Joint Base San Antonio, the FAP strives for family wellness through inter-vention in response to reports of maltreat-ment; the New Parent Support Program, which of-fers expectant parents and parents of newborn and young children under the age of 3 the opportunity to learn or improve parenting skills; and community outreach, a range of briefi ngs, classes and services that focus on prevention.

As intervention specialist, Nance responds to reports of child and spouse or intimate partner maltreatment involving active-duty members and their families.

“Cases can be referred by anyone – the medical clinic, a neighbor, a commander, an active-duty member and others,” she said. “Anyone can report a case, and can do so anonymously. We have a number of cases – physical, emotional and sexual abuse – so it’s a needed resource here.”

When a report of suspected maltreatment is received, Nance consults with the 359th MDOS Family Advocacy offi cer to determine if the case meets the criteria for the FAP to look further into the allegations.

“If it meets criteria, the initial appointment with ev-eryone in the family is made through the fi rst sergeant or commander,” she said. “The family will then come in for an assessment – we are not here to investigate – to see what services are needed or how the FAP can assist the family regarding the allegations. Each family member will be seen separately by the Family Advocacy intervention specialist.”

The case then goes to the FAP’s Central Registry Board, a multidisciplinary team that determines wheth-er maltreatment occurred, Nance said.

“If the case does not meet criteria, the case will be closed with services recommended, if needed,” she said. “If the case meets criteria, the family will be asked to

return to the FAP to see what services the

alleged offender can get involved in so that this issue

will no longer be a problem.“Services are also offered to the victim,” Nance said.

“Once all of the recommended services have been com-pleted, the case will be closed as resolved.”

The FAP’s New Parent Support Program enhances readiness by helping couples who are expecting a child or have young children adapt to parenthood.

“The program ensures military members can focus on the mission while their families’ needs are being met,” said Audrey Thompson, 359th MDOS NPSP nurse.

The main focus of the NPSP is a voluntary home visi-tation program.

“Because it’s offered in the privacy of their home, parents will be more comfortable,” she said.

Thompson provides education on pregnancy and in-fant development, while a social worker addresses re-lationship counseling, stress management, depression, behavioral issues with older children and other topics. They are also available to answer parents’ questions about a variety of topics – from pregnancy and baby care to relationships and stress.

Other topics that are discussed include safety, nutri-tion, child-rearing and improving parenting skills.

Thompson typically spends an hour every two weeks with families who enroll in the program, but she said the needs of families determine the number of visits they require. She also said families and couples may visit her at her offi ce in building 860, where they also have access to books, booklets, DVDs and other materi-als on parenting.

Another component of the NPSP is child car seat safety.

Connie Wilson, 359th MDOS Family Advocacy Program

assistant and senior certifi ed child passenger safety technician, presents two classes, “Car Seat 101” and “Curbside Car Seat Clinic,” that focus on safety.

In Car Seat 101, she educates parents and expectant parents on state laws regarding child safety restraints and gives them the tools to know if a car seat is safe, fi ts their child and vehicle and is easy to use. During the curbside clinic, Wilson shows parents how to install a seat correctly.

Prevention is another focus of the Family Advocacy Program.

“We focus heavily on prevention so that the treat-ment side is minimal,” said Gina Ramirez, 359th MDOS outreach/resiliency coordinator. “As we gear up for the new school year, September focuses on the parent-child relationship with the classes ‘Active Parenting of Teens,’ ‘Dangers of Social Media,’ ‘Fit Mom’ and ‘Infant Massage.’ These classes are designed to strengthen the bond of parent and child.”

Other classes scheduled for this month are a mari-tal enhancement class, “Lasting Intimacy through Knowledge and Skills,” or LINKS, as well as “Stress and Time Management” and “Master Your Emotions.”

FAP professionals also provide outreach through briefi ngs to commanders, fi rst sergeants, squadrons and other organizations, Nance said.

“We talk about our program and who we are,” she said.

Emphasis months are another form of the FAP’s out-reach efforts, Nance said.

“We focus on domestic violence awareness in October, teen dating violence awareness in February and child abuse awareness in April,” she said.

For more information on the FAP, call the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston offi ce at 539-6350, the JBSA-Lackland offi ce at 292-5967 or the JBSA-Randolph offi ce at 652-6308.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

By Robert Goetz

Program enhances mission readiness by strengthening families

Angela Nance359th Medical Operations Squadron Family Advocacy Program

intervention specialist

“Cases can be referred by anyone – the medical clinic, a neighbor, a

commander, an active-duty member and others. Anyone can report a

case, and can do so anonymously. We have a number of cases – physi-cal, emotional and sexual abuse – so it’s a needed resource here.”



Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph is home to hun-dreds of active-duty members and their families in base housing and single Airmen in their dormitory, but it also has its own “hotel” to serve distinguished visitors, ser-vice members on temporary duty, 12th Flying Training Wing students and other guests.

The 802nd Force Support Squadron’s Randolph Inn, a past recipient of Air Education and Training Command’s Inns of Excellence Award, encompasses 24 buildings and 388 rooms clustered in two areas on the east side of JBSA-Randolph.

A team of 80 employees – management, housekeep-ers, laborers and front desk, maintenance and logistics personnel – keeps the operation running smoothly.

“We operate as a family environment,” said Marina Lucia, Randolph Inn lodging manager. “We take care of our employees so they can take care of our guests.”

The lodging team is responsible for meeting the needs of guests and for upkeep of the buildings, which include visiting quarters, distinguished visitors quarters and temporary living facilities.

Lodging for students – 12th FTW students training to become pilot instructors, fi ghter pilots, remotely piloted aircraft pilots and RPA sensor operators – comprises 264 rooms in buildings 111, 121 and 393.

“Our main clientele are our students,” Lucia said. “The rooms in the visiting quarters are similar to one-bedroom hotel rooms with a kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom. There are also a community kitchen and game room in building 393.”

Distinguished visitors quarters consist of 76 one-bed-room suites and two two-bedroom suites in buildings 110 and 120 as well as one general offi cer house near the Parr Club.

Temporary living facilities – primarily for active-duty members and families who are awaiting base housing or community housing following a permanent change of station to JBSA-Randolph – include 21 three-bedroom houses and 24 one-bedroom houses.

Some of the Randolph Inn’s amenities are a fi tness room in building 121 and the Hitchin’ Post Sundries Store in building 112, where the front desk and admin-istrative offi ces are located.

Ensuring that the “right groups get into the right rooms” requires constant communication, Lucia said.

“It’s a lot of communication between us and fi ve pro-tocol offi ces – AETC, Air Force Personnel Center, the 12th Flying Training Wing, the 59th Medical Wing and the 502nd Air Base Wing,” she said.

Preparation also involves setting up communications for visitors and implementing security measures.

Lodging employees are responsible for a lion’s share of the work.

“We have 50 employees in housekeeping, including housekeepers, laborers and janitors,” Lucia said. “Our seven maintenance workers handle everything that’s not a major electrical or plumbing issue and accomplish a lot of in-house projects. They’re a phenomenal team.”

The team also includes fi ve members in the logis-tics department who run lodging’s warehouse and handle supplies and 15 employees at the front desk who welcome visitors, answer phones and attend to other duties.

The lodging manager, assistant lodging manager, an accountant and quality assurance specialist are the ad-ministrative arm of the team.

Richard Rayos, who joined Randolph Inn as assistant lodging manager this summer after working at Air Force Village, said he and Lucia work well together.

“We basically split the oversight of the day-to day op-erations, which include fi nancial forecasts, management of personnel and labor cost, monthly budget planning and overseeing the organization of all distinguished visi-tor visits,” he said.

Rayos said that he and Lucia also ensure compliance with Air Force Instructions, health regulations and safe-ty standards and often inspect rooms.

“It is not uncommon for us to help housekeeping clean rooms or supply move things around,” he said. “There is no cookie-cutter approach to any given day besides veri-fying the fi nancial paperwork with our accountant.”

Longevity plays a key role in the lodging team’s

effi ciency, Lucia said.“Our department managers have a wealth of experi-

ence,” she said. “They just know the ins and outs of the operation and can solve any problems that arise.”

One of those managers, Sarah Baker, provides leader-ship for the front desk as guest representative manager, a position she has held for more than 16 years.

“I really enjoy working here,” she said. “Sometimes it’s a challenge, but challenge is good.

“Our employees handle a lot – from distinguished visi-tors and leisure travelers to members on temporary duty and families being relocated,” Baker said.

Lodging’s employees take a great deal of pride in what they do each day, Rayos said.

“They care about the guests, our image and our mis-sion,” he said.

Perhaps the greatest tribute to the Randolph Inn’s ambiance and employees comes from the guests themselves.

“We defi nitely get positive feedback from our guests,” Lucia said. “They say JBSA-Randolph is one of the best lodging operations in the Air Force and they want to return. They like the charm of the historic buildings and the updated comforts.”

By Robert Goetz

Randolph Inn welcomes distinguished visitors, students, guests

Photo by Joel MartinezKevin Harris (right), Randolph Inn guest service representative, assists a customer Aug. 24 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.

Marina LuciaRandolph Inn lodging manager

“We defi nitely get positive feedback from our guests. They say Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph is one of the best lodging operations in

the Air Force and they want to return.”

airman fulﬁ lls childhood dream in military page...

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