base dedicates mwd hospitalextras.mysanantonio.com/lackland_talespinner/tale... · recognition 6...

F R I D AY, J U N E 5 , 2 0 0 9

G AT E W AY T O T H E A I R F O R C E • L A C K L A N D A I R F O R C E B A S E , T E X A S • w w w. l a c k l a n d . a f . m i l • V o l . 6 7 N o . 2 1

INSIDECommentary 4

Straight Talk 5

Recognition 6

News & Features

Saving lives 8

Finger painting 11

Safety academy 14

Trio of triathletes 23

SPACE SHUTTLE STOPOVER

Photo by Alan BoedekerA Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, carrying the space shuttle Atlantis, landsat Lackland's Kelly Field Tuesday to refuel. The shuttle was on its way to NASA'sKennedy Space Center in Florida.

Photo by Robbin CresswellTeam Lackland representatives and family members ofArmy Lt. Col. Daniel Holland, an Army veterinariankilled in Iraq, unveil a plaque dedicated to the memoryof Colonel Holland May 28.

The Department ofDefense Military Work-ing Dog VeterinaryService Hospital wasofficially named theHolland Working DogVeterinary Hospital inmemory of Army Lt. Col.Daniel Holland during aceremony May 28.

The one of a kind,$15 million Lacklandfacility was dedicated tothe service and memoryof Colonel Holland, anArmy veterinarian whowas killed in Iraq May18, 2006. Colonel Hol-land was the first Armyveterinarian to be killedin action since theVietnam War.

“Daniel was a Soldierand a warrior leaderwho exemplified thevery best this nation hadto offer,” Maj. Gen.Russell Czerw, com-mander, U.S. ArmyMedical DepartmentCenter and School andFort Sam Houston, toldthe dedication audience.

Sheryl Holland, Col-onel Holland’s widow,said in her remarks,“Daniel didn’t just lovethe Army, he lovedevery aspect of theArmed Forces.”

Following the cere-mony, the Holland fami-

Base dedicatesMWD hospital

See HOSPITAL P16

TALESPINNERPAGE 2 JUNE 5, 2009

Team Lackland has been work-ing overtime this year with anincreased focus on programs, ourmission, and regular exercises inpreparation for the unit compli-ance inspection. As we go into thefinal weekend before the inspec-tion team arrives, here are somereminders to help you fine-tuneyour performance and polish anyrusty areas.• Keep a positive mental attitudeas you go through the inspection.We are all experts and profes-sionals in the specific duties weperform day in and day out. Don’tget nervous just because youhave inspectors looking over yourshoulder.• Use your checklists. If you haveone, use it every time.• Keep the Airman’s Manual 10-100 handy and carry it with youthroughout the exercises andinspection. Review the sectionson chemical, biological, radiologi-cal, nuclear, and high-yield explo-sives training, and self aid and

buddy care. During the UCI, 120Airmen will be selected at ran-dom and evaluated on how wellthey perform CBRNE and SABCtasks.• Take your time and provide theright answer. If the inspector asksa question, think about the cor-rect and appropriate response. Ifyou’re not sure what the questionis, ask the inspector to repeat thequestion. If still confused, askyour supervisor to help clarify. Ifyou don’t know the answer, tellthe inspector you’ll get him theanswer.• Keep your area clean on a dailybasis. Looks are important. Walkaround outside of your facilitieson a daily basis to pick up debris.Clean up inside your facilities.Take out the trash every day.Keep a clean desk. And don’t for-

get to clean up common areas,hallways, break rooms, etc.• Remember your customs andcourtesies. The inspection teamwill definitely look at how wepresent ourselves in these areas.Poor marks here can negate agood showing in all other areas.• Don’t argue with the inspectors.If you have any disagreements,elevate your concerns or issues toyour supervisor for assistance.The inspectors are experts intheir field and that’s why they’rehere inspecting us. If you have adifferent interpretation than theinspector’s, ask your supervisorfor assistance. Use objective factsand not subjective arguments towin the disagreement.• If the inspectors find a problem,fix it and notify your leadershipso it can be closed before theteam departs. Many findings canbe averted and fixed by the endof the inspection week.(Compiled by 37th Training WingPublic Affairs)

How to ace the inspection PROTECT THE NETWORKThe following removable flash media are

unauthorized on all DoD information systems:

• Memory sticks

• Thumb drives

• Camera flash memory cards

TALESPINNERJUNE 5, 2009

LACKLAND IDOL CONTEST

Auditions for the 2009 Lackland Idol tal-ent contest will be held Tuesday at 6 p.m.;the show is scheduled for June 26, 7 p.m., atthe Bob Hope Theater.

Contestants will vie for a $500 first-place prize, $300 for second and $200 forthird.

Registration forms are available atArnold Hall Community Center. For moreinformation, call 671-2619 or 671-2352.

ANIMAL DEFENSE LEAGUE PRESENTATION

The Animal Defense League of SanAntonio will present a program about petadoption and other ADL activities at theLackland library Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to12:30 p.m.

Laura Richter of the ADL will speakabout June being Adopt a Shelter Cat Monthand other shelter projects. The ADL shelter isa no-kill facility and houses up to 400 ani-mals.

VARIETY SHOW DEADLINE

Sign up deadline for the “Sir MitchVariety Show” is today. The show is July 18,7 p.m., at the Bob Hope Theater.

Persons interested in performing, props,designing or other show activities can con-tact Mitch Anderson at 671-8945.

NATIONAL CANCER SURVIVORS DAY

Wilford Hall Medical Center and BrookeArmy Medical Center will jointly hold aNational Cancer Survivors Day Saturday, 3-6p.m., at the BAMC Medical Mall.

The event will bring survivors, patientsand families together to share experiences.Cancer survivors and one guest, as well aschildren under 12, will be admitted free.There will be a $5 charge for all others.

Reservations are required, and can bemade by calling 916-8835 or 292-4906.

HEALTH CARE CONCERNS

Concerns about patient safety and qual-ity of care at a Joint Commission accreditedhealth care organization, such as WilfordHall Medical Center, can be reported to TheJoint Commission if the hospital patientadvocate program or hospital managementhas not resolved them.

Visit www.jointcommission.org or call Lt.Col. Mary Anne Yip at 292-6979 or LindaCamp at 292-6934 for more details.

NewsBRIEFS

GOOD DOG

Photo by Senior Airman Christopher GriffinStaff Sgt . Chr is ta Quam, 341st Tra iningSquadron, holds her puppy which will enter themilitary working dog program in a year. Militaryworking dogs are enrolled in a 60 to 90 daytraining program where they are taught to detectexplosives and drugs. They are also taught deter-rence training and how to protect their handler.

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

The 737th Training Group hasreceived the American Association ofBlood Bank’s 2009 Award of Merit forits support of the Lackland Blood DonorCenter.

The 737th TRG was nominated bythe 59th Medical Wing in the group cat-egory for its continued donations to theblood donor center, which suppliesblood to patients in Iraq andAfghanistan.

The LBDC also supports WilfordHall, the Veterans Administration hos-pital and Brooke Army Medical Centerwith blood products such as plateletsand plasma

Basic military trainees donate bloodMonday, Tuesday and Wednesday. TheBMT program is the only one in theDepartment of Defense that has theircorresponding blood donor center offi-cially on a regular schedule.

“The 737th Training Group BMTshave sustained the 59th Medical Wing’sblood mission for decades,” said Col.Dale Ferguson, 59th LaboratorySquadron commander. “In 2003 theyramped up support for our theaterdemands and account for 85 percent ofthe blood we send overseas. They’vecontinued to this day to provide thatstrong support.”

Col. Edward Westermann, 737thTRG commander, was flattered by theaward announcement.

“BMT is honored to be recognizedwith an award that is directly related tosaving American lives in and out ofcombat,” he said. “We are proud to beteamed up with the 59th MDW in thiscritical mission.”

BMT accounts for more than 70 per-cent of all units collected by the blooddonor center. In turn, the LBDC pro-vides 43 percent of all units collected inthe Air Force worldwide at a cost sav-ings of nearly $5 million annually to

taxpayers.Nearly 2,000 institutions, including

community and hospital blood banks,hospital transfusion services and labo-ratories, and about 8,000 individuals,are members of AABB. AABB’s activemembership is located in all 50 statesand 80 countries.

BMT recognized for blood donor center support

Photo by Alan BoedekerBasic military trainees wait to donateblood at the blood donor center. The737th Training Group recently receivedthe American Association of Blood Bank's2009 Award of Merit.


COMMENTARY

Editorial staffBRIG. GEN. LEN PATRICK,37TH TRAINING WING

COMMANDER

KIRK FRADY,DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS

JOE BELA,CHIEF OF INTERNAL

COMMUNICATIONS, 671-4111

SHANNON CARABAJAL,MANAGING EDITOR, 671-1786

MIKE JOSEPH,STAFF WRITER, 671-4357

PATRICK DESMOND,SPORTS EDITOR/STAFF WRITER,671-5049

PAUL NOVAK,DESIGN/LAYOUT, 671-0478

Office:1701 Kenly Ave. Suite 102Lackland AFB, Texas 78236-5103(210) 671-1786;(fax) 671-2022E-mail: [email protected]’s Action Line:actionline@lackland. af.mil.Straight Talk: 671-6397 (NEWS)For advertising information:Prime Time Military Newspapers2203 S. HackberrySan Antonio, Texas 78210(210) 534-8848(fax) 534-7134

This newspaper is published byPrime Time Military Newspapers, aprivate firm in no way connected withthe U.S. Air Force, under exclusivewritten contract with Lackland AFB,Texas. This commercial enterprise AirForce newspaper is an authorizedpublication for members of the U.S.military services. Contents of theTalespinner are not necessarily theofficial views of, or endorsed by, theU.S. government, the Department ofDefense, or the Department of the AirForce.

The appearance of advertising inthis publication, including inserts orsupplements, does not constituteendorsement by the Department ofDefense, the Department of the AirForce or Prime Time MilitaryNewspapers, of the products or servicesadvertised.

Everything advertised in thispublication shall be made available forpurchase, use or patronage withoutregard to race, color, religion, sex,national origin, age, marital status,physical handicap, political affiliation,or any other nonmerit factor of thepurchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited,prepared and provided by the PublicAffairs Office of the 37th Training Wing.All photos, unless otherwise indicated,are U.S. Air Force photos.

Deadline for submissions isnoon Thursday the week prior topublication.

By Staff Sgt. Steven Lingebach343rd Training Squadron

Pride in who we are andwhat we do is the glue thatholds the Air Force together.How are you displaying yourpride every day? Here are afew simple ways to show it alittle better:• Render proper customs andcourtesies. If someone who out-ranks you enters the room,stand up. This practice may not

be practical in every workplaceof every situation, but that is noexcuse to dismiss it entirely.When saluting an officer orsaluting during retreat, do sosharply. A sloppy salute isalmost as bad as no salute.How you render customs andcourtesies says a lot about you.• Use cell phones properly. AirForce Instruction 36-2903 pro-hibits walking and talking onour cellular phones, unless it isin the line of duty on a govern-

ment-issued device. AFI 31-218forbids the use of cellularphones while driving unless ahands-free device is used. • Know AFI 36-2903. Keepyour hands out of your pocketsunless you are putting some-thing in, or taking somethingout. Make sure you understandthe difference between author-ized and unauthorized sun-glasses. Carry the right colorbackpack, and carry it proper-ly. If we can’t take pride in the

uniform that distinguishes usfrom civilians, what can wetake pride in?• Finally, remember that whenoff base in uniform, we are ondisplay. As important as it is tomaintain strict standards onbase, it is doubly importantoutside the gate. The Air Forceas a whole is judged by theconduct of those who wear itsuniform, and it is imperativethat we show people our great-est asset -- our pride.

By Master Sgt. Marc Gilbert59th Dental Group

As a young staff sergeant select, I wasfrequently irritated by my boss. She was afast-burning master sergeant select only acouple of years older than I and she con-stantly added tasks to my daily workload.I was used to working hard but this wascompletely different; she kept giving mewhat I considered to be her work.

Not wanting to risk my line number, Isaluted smartly and pressed on throughgritted teeth. As fate would have it, sheleft for the NCO Academy and I was left tohandle both jobs. No worries, I thought. Ihave been doing her job lately anyway.

Several weeks later, she was nearingher return to the work center when oursuperintendent pulled me aside. He saidhe noticed that I was coming in to work abit earlier than usual and staying a later,but the productivity in our office wasnearly the same and thanked me for a jobwell done in my supervisor’s absence.

As I left his office nearly bursting withpride, he quietly asked if I was still mad

at my boss for making me do her work. Atthat moment, I realized what she haddone; she was developing me as a leader.Without realizing it, I was leading byexample as I performed above what Ithought was my level.

Why take time to develop others? Thereasons, both professional and personal,are numerous. Our core value of servicebefore self immediately comes to mind.The next step beyond accomplishing themission to the best of our abilities is toguide those who will eventually replaceus. It is the only legacy we leave. In thistime of high operational tempo, you oryour supervisor could deploy with verylittle notice. Being ready to step in isinvaluable to the Air Force missionbecause flexibility truly is the key to airpower.

Good supervisors understand thatdeveloping subordinates goes a long wayand benefits everyone. Airmen whounderstands the mission and their rolesare capable of carrying larger loads. In-turn, supervisors are better developed.

Furthermore, future leaders will be

drawn to supervisors who not only lead,but also teach how to lead. The criticalelement of this process is performancefeedback. If you are not giving it, startnow. If you are not receiving it, ask for it.Bottom line, professional developmentbrought about by honest communicationbreeds success.

Developing leaders is like saving forthe future; if you invest early and often,assets compound faster and growth isinevitable. The Airman you invest intoday becomes the NCO who invests inanother Airman; it is learned behavior.The NCO becomes the senior NCO whoinvests in the NCOs, Airmen and youngofficers.

Eventually, that senior NCO becomes achief who leverages leadership and expe-rience to bring together all parts of themission.

It is a daunting task, but one that isachievable when we each do our part. Myboss is now a chief, and is winding downan outstanding career that leaves behindcountless leaders who will take the AirForce into the future. Thanks chief!

To submit an ActionLine, e-mail the 37thTraining Wing [email protected].

For concerns regardingthe Wilford Hall MedicalCenter, contact the WilfordHall Action Line at 292-4567, or e-mail 59mdw.pa

@lackland.af.mil.The 37th Training Wing

Action Line is your directcommunication line to the37th Training Wing com-mander.

It is an avenue toresolve issues if you havebeen unable to resolvethem through the responsi-

ble agency or your chain ofcommand, or provide feed-back.

It also allows you to rec-ognize outstanding peopleand units.

Items of general interestmay be printed in theLackland Talespinner.

If you leave your name

and telephone number, ore-mail address, you’llreceive a reply.

Including your contactinformation will also giveus a chance to get moreinformation, if needed, tosolve the problem.

Anonymous inquirieswill not be published.

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE

Brig. Gen.Len Patrick

Take time to develop tomorrow’s leaders

Customs and courtesies demonstrate pride


TALK

STRAIGHT

It carries on our traditions, andheritage. It keeps our historyalive. – Master Sgt. Amy Woods,59th Mental Health Squadron.

By Patrick DesmondStaff Writer

Why are AirForce customsand courtesiesimportant?

It’s more than just saluting:there’s a bigger picture. Yes,you are saluting to showrespect but it’s appearance,it’s attitude and how youpresent yourself. – Staff Sgt.Dawn Mackenzie, 59th MentalHealth Squadron.

To preserve our traditions andto acknowledge our higherranking leadership. – Tech. Sgt.Cybel Luna, 59th Diagnostics andTherapeutics Squadron.

Customs and courtesies areparticularly important here atLackland, the Gateway to theAir Force. It’s important to setthe example for trainees as anentry point to the service. –Maj. Gregory Riddle, 37th Aeromedical Dental Squadron.

Stay up-to-date during special events and rough skies. Call 671-NEWS


Congratulations to the fol-lowing 68 Airmen for beingselected as honor graduatesamong 680 trainees graduat-ing today.

320th Training SquadronFlight 411Peter CapitoChristopher CarpenterMatthew SkingelFlight 412Alicja AdamczykWhitney Mandt

321st Training SquadronFlight 407Geovanny AriasJohnathan CawkinsMark GuldnerMatthew JewettDavid LukenTrevor WilkinsonFlight 408Tonzon DecteAlison LeCavalier

Jaime StyerTiffany WilliamsMonica Wilson

322nd Training SquadronFlight 409Joseph BrockMichael DraperScott HallsFlight 410Alissia RhodenCadie Vlach

323rd Training SquadronFlight 399Layne EnglishCas HutsonChristopher KuhnDavid SierraMatthew UnderwoodAnthony WhitneyFlight 400Sean BarrettJohn CandidoNathan DewittMarcus Garcia

Sean HamelGalen Schumm

324th Training SquadronFlight 403Jake BradfieldAndrew MeyerCaleb RodriguezFlight 404Leilani BenaventeHeather DyerKatherine FassDeborah HurchanikHeather MellorEmilynn PangelinanKyla RairighVirginia RichShanna RissmillerLeeann VanSittertBrittany Zalin

326th Training SquadronFlight 401Tyler CrawfordSeth DunworthMichael Prock

Samuel SpaetheAnthony SteeleFlight 402Collin DrottBenjamin JohnsonCarlos LopezFelix VaraMichael Wofford

331st Training SquadronFlight 405Jonathan AllenChristopher BinghamTravis GolsonBranden KochanowiczGage RicksFlight 406Jeffrey BaldelliGarrett GoodwinNathanial JohnsonPhilip O’NeillJoshua Roberts-LetawKeith Thompson

Top BMT AirmanLeeann VanSittert, 324th TRS,

Flight 404

Most Physically FitMale AirmenRyan Brown, 331st TRS,Flight 405Tyler Gustman, 331st TRS,Flight 406Female AirmenDeborah Hurchanik, 324thTRS, Flight 404Leeann VanSittert, 324th TRS,Flight 404

Top PT FlightsMale Flights326th TRS, Flight 402323rd TRS, Flight 400Female Flights324th TRS, Flight 404321st TRS, Flight 408

Top Academic Flights331st TRS, Flight 406324th TRS, Flight 403

BMT HONORS

LACKLAND 1ST QUARTER AWARDWINNERS NAMED

Congratulations to the following members of Team Lackland recognizedduring the first quarter awards banquet May 26:

Junior Enlisted Member of the QuarterSenior Airman Matthew Andes, Cryptologic Systems Group

Noncommissioned Officer of the QuarterStaff Sgt. Shannon Donahue, 37th Medical Group

Senior Enlisted Member of the QuarterMaster Sgt. Ervin Tate, Air Force Security Forces Center

Company Grade Officer of the QuarterCapt. Chad Gerdes, 37th Logistics Readiness Squadron

Civilian of the Quarter Category IKimberly Nichols, 37th Contracting Squadron

Civilian of the Quarter Category IIUlysses Gonzalez, Cryptologic Systems Group

Civilian Supervisor of the Quarter Category ISamantha Garcia, 59th Pharmacy Squadron

Civilian Supervisor of the Quarter Category IIBelinda Suarez, Cryptologic Systems Group

Honor Guard Member of the QuarterSenior Airman Isaiah Moreno, 59th Medical Operations Group

DIFFERENCE MAKERSAirman 1st Class Dustin Sieff: 59th Orthopedics andRehabilitation SquadronDuty title: Orthopedic TechnicianTime in service: 1 1/2 yearsHometown: South Bend, Ind.Family: Father, mother, brother and a sister.Personal and career goals: Finishing school, applying toand attending physician assistant school, traveling toEurope and starting a family.What do you enjoy most about your job? Working one onone with patients to assist in their recovery.

How has the Air Force added to your life? The Air Force has made me amore responsible person, and has given me a drive to do my best in every-thing I do.What accomplishment during your career are you most proud of? I ammost proud of the leadership role I play as vice president of my squadron’sbooster club.Supervisor’s comments: “Airman 1st Class Sieff is, by far, one of the bestAirmen I have met in the Air Force. His outstanding accomplishmentsspeak volumes of his character and drive to succeed, no matter the task,”said Staff Sgt. Nicole Johnson, orthopedic technician, 59th ORS. “He self-lessly volunteers his free time to help others. Recently, he prepared andserved meals to more than 300 servicemembers and their families at thedowntown United Service Organization in one day. Airman Sieff is an excel-lent example for all Team Lackland Airmen to follow.”

Airman 1st ClassDustin Sieff


By Mike JosephStaff Writer

The 319th Training Squadronrecently added a new program ele-ment in its continuing effort to assisttrainees who are on medical hold.

Relying on the experiences of pre-viously deployed Airmen fromLackland, Thursday morning academ-ics are now called Warrior Leader asguest speakers address the flightabout their deployment experiences.

“You’ve got to understand what’sgoing on around you,” said ChiefMaster Sgt. Robert Rubio. “They(319th trainees) watch (networknews) and get some kind of spin withwhat’s happening in Iraq and

Afghanistan. The warriors who havereturned know exactly what’s goingon.”

Tech. Sgt. Gregory Fox, wing exec-utive for Chief Master Sgt. JuanLewis, 37th Training Wing commandchief, spoke to the trainees about hisexperiences. Sergeant Fox deployedto Afghanistan for six months with theArmy in 2005-06 and with the AirForce to Iraq in 2007-08.

In his remarks, Sergeant Foxexplained the differences between hisAir Force and Army deployments,what trainees can expect andanswered questions. “He really moti-vated me,” said Nicholas Fretty, a

Trainees mentored by returning warriors

See MENTORED P18

Photo by Robbin CresswellTech. Sgt. Gregory Fox shares his deployment experi-ences with basic military trainees.


By Linda Frost59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

A team from Wilford Hall Medical Center rushedto Okinawa, Japan, over Memorial Day weekend tosave the lives of two critically ill babies.

The infants – one nine months and the other 20days – were moved from Kadena Air Base, Japan, toSan Antonio May 26 aboard a C-17 Globemaster III.Both are military dependents needing specializedcare at medical facilities in the United States.

A 9-month-old was suffering from congestiveheart and severe lung failure at the U.S. NavalHospital in Okinawa. Despite the efforts of the med-ical team there, the infant required immediate andlong term cardiac care.

Doctors felt the child needed to be placed onextracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or ECMO, tosurvive.

WHMC is the only medical center in the worldwith an ECMO team capable of transporting ECMOpatients. ECMO is a machine that provides cardiacand respiratory support to patients whose heart andlungs are so severely diseased or damaged that they

can no longer serve their functions.The 20-day-old premature infant with respiratory

distress was also moved on the same aircraft andcared for by an Air Force neonatal intensive careteam. The baby did not require ECMO.

According to Lt. Col. (Dr.) Daniel Dirnberger,director of 59th Medical Wing’s Neonatal IntensiveCare Unit, the 9-month-old was not making anyprogress with conventional medical and ventilatortherapy and needed immediate evacuation to theU.S. for life-sustaining open heart surgery. However,the baby was too unstable to be transported withouta heart-lung bypass.

“This was a massive undertaking requiring com-plex coordination across multiple agencies through-out the (Department of Defense),” said Dr.Dirnberger.

The lifesaving team included people from ScottAir Force Base, Ill.; Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii;Kadena Air Base, Japan; U.S. Naval Hospital inOkinawa, Japan; Tripler Army Medical Center,Hawaii; and Wilford Hall Medical Center.

WHMC team saves two livesCritically ill babies flown across ocean

Courtesy PhotoDr. Mary Edwards (left) and Ford Brandon (right) preparea 9-month-old infant at U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa,Japan, for a 15-hour flight to San Antonio May 25. Mr.Brandon is a Wilford Hall Medical Center extracorporealmembrane oxygenation coordinator.See BABIES P9

• After using the toilet• After changing a diaper• After touching animals or

animal waste• Before and after preparing food• Before and immediately after

handling food• Before eating• After blowing your nose

• After coughing or sneezing intoyour hands

• Before and after treatingwounds or cuts

• Before and after touching asick person

• After handling garbage• Before inserting or removing

contact lenses

Steps for proper hand washing:• Wet hands with warm, running water and apply soap.• Lather well.• Rub hands vigorously together for at least 15 to 20 seconds.• Scrub the backs of hands, wrists, between fingers and under fingernails.• Rinse well and dry hands with a clean or disposable towel.• Use a towel to turn off the faucet.

If using hand sanitizer:• Only use alcohol-based products containing at least 60 percent alcohol.• Apply about 1/2 teaspoon to the palm of your hand.• Rub hands together, covering all surfaces, until they’re dry.

Always wash your hands:


The WHMC ECMO team traveled toOkinawa May 24 and placed the firstbaby on ECMO. He was transportedChristus Santa Rosa Hospital in SanAntonio 26 hours later with no compli-cations. The second infant with respi-ratory distress had some instabilityduring transport, but physicians saythis is not uncommon for a baby hisage.

The ECMO team included twoneonatologists, two neonatology fel-lows, a pediatric intensivist, pediatriccardiologist, a team of neonatal andpediatric intensive care nurses, med-ical technicians and respiratory techni-cians.

Since the WHMC pediatric surgeonwas currently returning from deploy-ment, an Army pediatric surgeon wasflown from Tripler Army MedicalCenter to meet the ECMO team inOkinawa and perform the surgery nec-essary to place the infant on ECMO.

“I'm extremely proud of our entireteam. From technician through physi-cian, every member gave 200 percentof themselves to this mission,” said Dr.Dirnberger.

Meantime, there were challenges.The C-17 had last-minute mechanicalproblems, while the lives of two criti-cally ill infants on life support were

waiting on the flight line.The clock was ticking fast while a

new aircraft was quickly reallocated toassume the medical mission. Asground and aircrews worked feverish-ly, the ECMO and neonatal transportteams were running out of medical airand electrical power. The infants weretaken to the Kadena clinic, where theywere able to use oxygen, medical air,and electricity while they awaiteddeparture.

Once the aircraft was loaded, doc-tors, nurses and technicians beganrotating their shifts so fresh eyes andalert minds were on the patients at alltimes.

With the aide of the 168th AirRefueling Wing, Eielson Air ForceBase, Alaska, an in-air refueling mis-sion significantly reduced the trans-oceanic transport time to 14 hours,saving four to five hours.

“Our ability to support militarydependents overseas with phenomenalmedical and surgical capability reflectsa dedication to our families that isunparalleled in the world,” said Dr.Dirnberger. “The coordination acrossmultiple agencies, and the logisticaland medical complexities accom-plished to bring these babies safelyhome is a testament to the quality andcharacter of our military healthcaresystem and the people in it.”

Courtesy Photo Two critically ill infants are loaded onto a waiting C-17 Globemaster III for transporta-tion to Lackland from Kadena Air Base, Japan, on May 26. The combined efforts ofthe 59th Medical Wing’s ECMO team, ground and aircrews from Kadena, Elmendorfand Eielson Air Force bases, Alaska and reserve support from Lackland's 433rd AirliftWing helped to ensure a successful mission to bring the ill infants to advanced carethat was unavailable at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Okinawa.

BABIES from P8


By Staff Sgt. Steve Grever Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

Taking care of today’s Airmen isthe responsibility of everyone in lead-ership and supervisory positions inthe Air Force. But, for a select groupof senior non-commissioned officers,this specific mission is their primaryjob. Air Force first sergeants are theeyes and ears of a unit and serve asthe commander’s critical link for allunit matters concerning enlistedmembers.

According to Master Sgt. TracyDeason, Air Force Personnel Centerfirst sergeant and special duty assign-ments superintendent, Air Force offi-cials are always looking for mastersergeants or master sergeant selectswho are highly motivated and want tomake a difference in Airmen’s lives.

“First sergeants are responsible forproviding sound advice to the com-mander on a wide range of topicsincluding the health, esprit de corps,discipline, mentoring, well being,career progression, recognition and

professional development of allassigned enlisted members,” saidSergeant Deason. “A first ser-geant is on call 24 hours aday, and should expectlong and irregularduty hours based on(his or her) cumulativeand important respon-sibilities as well as theimpact of this positionon units and person-nel.”

Working long andirregular days cansometimes be chal-lenging, but first ser-geants know that with-out their dedication andsacrifice, today’s Airmenwill not be able to reach theirfull potential or be at their best whenthey are needed most.

Air Force Instruction 36-2113, TheFirst Sergeant, outlines the process tobecome a first sergeant. Here are thebasic criteria that need to be complet-ed to join the first sergeant ranks:

• pass the annual fitness test, • have no negative quality-force

indicators, • be an E-7 upon attendance

at the First SergeantAcademy, • complete Senior NCOAcademy by corre-spondence or in-resi-dence, and • have the ability tocommunicate clearlyand effectively.

Selection and app-roval is done throughthe member’s immedi-ate chain of commandas well as the wing

commander and com-mand chief master ser-

geant, according to SergeantDeason.

Tech. Sgt. Lisa Giedeman, AFPCfield account representative, wasinterested in the first sergeant careerfield because she wanted to helpshape the next generation of Airmen.She is scheduled to attend the First

Sergeant Academy in July. “What attracted me was the oppor-

tunity to guide and mentor ourAirmen for the future of our AirForce,” Sergeant Giedeman said. “Ifeel that the effects we have on ourAirmen today determine the futureleaders of tomorrow.”

Tech. Sgt. Yolanda Cole, AFPCassignment program manager, also isanswering the call to join the first ser-geant ranks. She will attend the acad-emy in September.

“I have always been interested infirst sergeant duty,” Sergeant Colesaid. “However, I didn’t really startthinking about it seriously until theretraining list came out last year andmy name was on it. I did some seriousthinking and noticed a requirementfor first sergeants. After talking withmy mentors, going to briefings andasking questions about the duty, Idecided to put in a package.”

There are about 1,100 active-dutyAir Force first sergeants worldwide.

Officials look for best, brightest to fill first sergeant positions

See SERGEANT P16


CONSERVE WATER!Did you know that the Lackland Water Conservation Plan prohibits

washing impervious surfaces (roads, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks,etc.) unless for health or safety reasons? If your sidewalks need

washing in preparation for the UCI contact CES to have them cleanedwith recycled water.

FUN WITH FINGER PAINTS

Photos by Robbin Cresswell(Left) Allya Pedalino fingerpaints during the Friday storyand craft hour at the baselibrary May 28. Every Friday,the themed program includesstory time, songs, and parentassisted craft projects thechildren can take home. Formore information, call thelibrary at 671-3610.

Victoria Mott gets herhands di r ty dur ingthe Friday story andcraft hour at the baselibrary May 28.

Lackland Conservation Corner


Increased violations ofbase motor vehicle laws,particularly excessivespeeding, has prompted37th Training Wing officialsto remind base personnelabout the policy for drivingon base.

“Recent trends have iden-tified an increase in exces-sive speeding as well asdriving at an unsafe dis-tance or failing to yield topedestrians or formations,”stated Lt. Col. DavidJohnson, 37th MissionSupport Group deputy com-mander, in a memorandumto base personnel.

According to Air ForceInstruction 31-204, violatorswho are cited for failure to

yield to pedestrians or for-mations, driving near pedes-trians or formations at anunsafe speed, or excessivespeeding violations will besubject to an automatic sus-pension of base driving priv-ileges.

The memorandum alsocites base instruction 31-204: “when meeting a troopformation, the operator of amotor vehicle will slow to 10miles per hour or less, andpass the formation withextreme caution.”

Violators cited for failureto yield to pedestrians orformations as well as driv-ing near pedestrians or for-

mations at an unsafe dis-tance or speed will be sub-ject to an automatic 60-daysuspension of base drivingprivileges.

Other suspensions of basedriving privileges include anautomatic 30 days for beingcited at 15-19 mph or moreabove the speed limit, andan automatic 60 days forbeing cited at 20 mph ormore above the speed limit.

Limited driving privilegeswill be considered on acase-by-case basis aftercomplying with applicableprerequisites. Contact the37th Security ForcesSquadron, reports andanalysis section, at 671-2417 for questions.

The 37th Training WingOffice of the Staff JudgeAdvocate administered thesejudgments from May 21-27:

• An airman basic from the344th Training Squadron vio-lated Article 86 and Article 92and received forfeitures of$699 pay for two months, onemonth suspended, and a repri-mand.

• A staff sergeant from the344th Training Squadron vio-lated Article 92 and received areduction to senior airman, 45days extra duty and a repri-mand.

• An airman first class from

the 345th Training Squadronviolated Article 92 and receiveda reduction to airman, forfei-ture of $399 and a reprimand.

• An airman first class fromthe 37th Logistics ReadinessSquadron violated Article 86and received a reduction to air-man, 15 days extra duty and areprimand.

Mandatory Uniform Code ofMilitary Justice briefings forsecond-term re-enlistees areconducted on a walk-in basis inthe 37th TRW headquarterscourtroom.

For more information, call671-2007.

MILITARY JUSTICE SPOTLIGHT Speed violators: slow down

Talking on a cellphone while driving

on base is prohibited.Reminder!Be Responsible!

Seat Belts

Save Lives!

Buckle Up

And

Wear Yours!

Do not provide your CAC cardfor photocopying.

Don’t make yourself a target forsurveillance, kidnapping, or worse.

Special purpose IDs such as access badges,etc. should not be used for identification

except for the organization whichissued them.

CACs should not be used for identificationoutside U.S. government compounds.

Use identification that any U.S. Citizen wouldhave when checking into hotels.

Protect your personal information and provide

only the minimum required.


By Master Sgt. Scott Ransom37th Logistics Readiness Squadron

Have you ever seen a governmentvehicle parked somewhere strange,like your favorite restaurant, andwondered, “Can they do that?”

The Department of Defense isrequired by law to establish an effec-tive means of limiting the use of gov-ernment motor vehicles to officialgovernmental purposes. Air ForceInstruction 24-301, Vehicle Oper-ations, directs the logistics readinesssquadron’s vehicle operations ele-ment to oversee the installation’sofficial use program.

Unauthorized use of GMVs oftenresults in unnecessary expenditureof funds and public criticism.

Air Force policy, derived fromPublic Law 99-550 and Departmentof Defense regulation 4500.36,establishes one rule that applies withrespect to official use of governmentvehicles: Restrict the use of all DoDmotor vehicles, including those rent-ed or leased, to official purposesonly; that is, uses that would further

the mission of the Air Force.Providing a government vehicle sole-ly or even principally to enhance thecomfort or convenience of the mem-ber(s) is not permitted.

When making official use determi-nations, here are a few questions toconsider:• Is the purpose of the trip official?• Does the use of the GMV have thepotential to create a perception thatwill reflect unfavorably on the AirForce or cause public criticism?• Will the request impact missionrequirements?• Is commercial or DoD scheduledtransportation available?• Is GMV transportation the mostcost effective method of satisfyingthe requirement?

As a general rule, do not useGMVs for the following reasons:• rank or grade prestige; • personal convenience or businessor social engagements;• fitness program support or eventsupport, including icebreakers,

Government vehicle use restricted

See VEHICLES P18

By Sharon AmannLackland Library

Pets are an integral part of manyfamilies. These animals are oftentreated as furry children.

But for animals in shelters, hav-ing a family to care for them is noguarantee.

“June is Adopt a Shelter CatMonth, which is a good time tohave someone from theAnimal Defense League ofSan Antonio explain petadoption,” said LenoreShapiro, Director of theLackland Library System.“ADL supporters work hardfor these often forgotten animals,pounding the pavement to find lov-ing homes for them.”

ADL advocate Laura Richter willbe at the library Thursday, 11:30a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to talk about petadoption and other league pro-grams that help the community.

“Ms. Richter will bring a few ofthe shelter’s guests and will give theaudience the detai ls needed to

adopt them,” Ms. Shapiro added.“She’ll also talk about pet therapyfor those with special needs, med-ical treatment for abandoned ani-mals and the low cost spay/neuterprogram.”

The Animal Defense League is ano-ki l l shelter for abandoned,abused or neglected cats and dogs.It was established in 1934 and has

capacity for 400 animals.A true no-kill shelter, the

ADL will never euthanize ananimal if it can be treatedback to health.

When the shelter reachescapacity, no other animals

are taken in, and none will beput down to make room for oth-

ers.“San Antonio has a real problem

with abandoned animals,” said Ms.Shapiro. “This program educates uson how we can help take care ofcats and dogs that can’t help them-selves. Bring your lunch and spendan hour learning about pet adoptionthrough the Animal DefenseLeague.”

Library going to the dogs and cats


By Staff Sgt. Vincent Borden37th Training Wing Public Affairs

The last incident Tech. Sgt. JohnSkelton was involved in nearly endedhis Air Force career before it evertruly got started.

An aircraft structural maintainer atthe time, Sergeant Skelton wasexposed to hazardous chemicals in hisworkplace that, over months ofrepeated exposure, caused him tobecome sensitized to its vapors.

His body’s resistance to it culminat-ed in a final fit of acute respiratorydistress; all of a sudden, he felt as ifan invisible hand was squeezing thelife out of him. He struggled to regainhis breath, surrounded by fellowAirmen confused at his plight andnearly clueless as how to make it stop.

Sergeant Skelton is surrounded bya different group of Airmen now;namely, students who attend theSafety Academy on Lackland. Therehe teaches the safety craftsmancourse, a curriculum that focuses oncreating clarity on safety principles

and guidelines, instead of confusion.But the coincidence of his past experi-ence and his current profession isn’tlost on him.

“I’m able to take my experiencesand what happened to me, and conveythat information on to the studentsI’ve taught,” said Sergeant Skelton,Lackland Safety Academy instructor.“My story has a direct correlation towhat we teach.”

The curriculum of Lackland’sSafety Academy covers the broadspectrum of issues facing the dailyoperation of the Air Force and itsnumerous missions. There’s theweapons safety course, with its combi-nation of nuclear surety and safetymanagement. There are also theapprentice and craftsman courses,both of which are essential to anAirman’s proficiency in the field.

Altogether, the Academy teachesfour courses in Air Force safetyinstruction and guidance. Its class-rooms produce all the service’s safetymanagers worldwide, around 80newly-minted managers per year.

The instructor’s ability to relate tothe students is important given thefact that all of them, at some point intime, were involved in separatecareers around the Air Force. Thesafety specialty only accepts crosstrainees from other Air Force special-ties in its field, giving it a unique andvaried quality in the skills and abilitiesof its Airmen.

“There really isn’t a specific demo-graphic that comes into safety,”Sergeant Skelton said. “You can getsecurity forces, finance, personnelmaintenance, or civil engineers. Youname it. We have a wide variety and adiverse group, although a majoritywill come from maintenance or civilengineering because of the sheernumbers.”

Military members from other serv-ices are also welcome to the school’scourses. To date, members from SaudiArabia, Jordan, Kuwait and Indiahave enrolled and graduated fromcourses at the Academy.

Master Sgt. Sid Guidry, superin-tendent of the Safety Academy and

instructor of theweapons safety course,said there were numer-ous reasons for theprior-service require-ment for all its students.

“Safety works directlyfor the wing commander;they’re going in and tellingcommanders what is good orbad with their units,” SergeantGuidry said. “An airman or an air-man basic trying to do that just does-n’t work. They don’t have enoughexperience. We do occasionally getsenior airmen, but it’s primarily staffsergeants and above up from active-duty, Guard and Reserve units thatget the training.”

For the most part, that maturityand experience is necessary and vitalin performing safety inspections andinvestigations around the Air Force’svarious commands and tenant units.But at times it comes as a detriment,especially for noncommissioned offi-

Photos by Robbin Cresswell Master Sgt. Adolfo Gonzalez and Staff Sgt. Vincent Houseknecht, Air Force Safety Academy students, verify that the bulletsused by security forces are identified on the explosive safety license while doing inspections at the Security Forces Armory.

Academyteachesservice-widesafety

See ACADEMY P15


cers used to running shifts in theirprevious career fields.

Tech. Sgt. David Roller, anapprentice and craftsman courseinstructor, said some security forcesairmen have a particularly difficulttime, especially when it comes to thereport writing phase of the curricu-lum.

“When we do our inspections orinvestigations, we are not looking forfault in individuals,” Sergeant Rollersaid. “We are looking for root causesfor mishaps. All we’re trying to do isprevent mishaps for mishap preven-tion purposes. It’s hard for them totake off that NCO hat sometimes andthink like a safety person.”

The Academy’s apprentice course,its only Air Force specialty codeawarding course, attempts to elimi-nate those viewpoints. The courselasts seven weeks; all Airmen, no

matter what their back-ground, must graduate

the course in orderto perform safety

managementduties.Eighteenmonthsafter stu-dents grad-uate fromthe appren-tice course,they comeback for thethree-weekcraftsmancourse,

which givesthem the skills

necessary toupgrade to seven-level

status.From that point, safety managers

have different classes they can beenrolled in, depending on the capa-bilities they have at their bases andtheir backgrounds.

The importance of the Academy’smission, to produce the most capa-ble, versatile safety professionalspossible, is reflected in theAcademy’s course offerings and itsstaff’s motivation and instruction.

Sergeant Guidry, for instance, hasa deep understanding of the role theschool’s curriculum plays in thedevelopment of the safety profession-

al. He wrote the books on it. Literally.“The course rewrite was one of my

main objectives to get done when Ifirst got here,” Sergeant Guidry said.“When I first arrived, the stuff wewere teaching was word for word outof the book.

“We’ve tweaked our course so thatwe’re pretty confident now that we’reputting out the best qualified weaponssafety guys that have come out of herein quite some time,” said SergeantGuidry.

Sergeant Guidry said that eventhough everyone gets safety trainingthroughout their entire career, whenAirmen come to the Academy they’reintroduced to it with a new set of eyes.

“We tell them, ‘People have beensaying you can’t do it this way and youhave to do it this way. This is why ithappens,’” said Sergeant Guidry.

Getting the students to understandthe “why” of Air Force safety guide-lines was one reason for the courserewrite; relating personal experience

in curriculum is more effective in itsdelivery. But it also helps the gradu-ates who find themselves back out inthe operational Air Force, armed withnew knowledge they’ll need to handlesituations anywhere from the flight-line to the filing cabinet.

In fact, obtaining the skill set tohandle problems and situations in thatrange of different circumstances ispart of the appeal for many safetymanagers.

“The one thing I enjoyed aboutsafety was I knew I could go to workevery day and expect something dif-ferent,” Sergeant Skelton said. “It maybe the same thing sometimes, but itwas different in the way it cametogether.

“I didn’t know what the next phonecall was going to be or the next per-son who was going to walk throughthe door. It was exciting, and it couldchange just like that,” said SergeantSkelton.

The excitement of spreading the

knowledge to different areas doesn’tstop with Air Force workplaces, atleast not for Sergeant Roller. In hisspare time he teaches a motorcyclesafety course for instructors, qualify-ing them before they share theirknowledge of motorcycle safety withclasses of new motorcycle riders.

For him, safety is something helives on the job on and off. At theAcademy, that’s a very good quality tohave in its instructors; because of thecareer field’s size, some would say it’salmost necessary. Whatever the rea-son, the Academy’s goal is clear, sin-gular and consistent among itsinstructors and staff.

“Put out the best managers possi-ble,” said Sergeant Guidry, who isheaded to the Air Force Safety Centerat Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.

There’s no confusion there.

From left to right, Safety Academy students Master Sgt. Adolfo Gonzalez, Staff Sgt. Vincent Houseknecht and Tech Sgt. JoannaClute ensure security forces have the approved amount of bullets during field training at the Security Forces Armony while Tech.Sgt. Tyrone Criss, Safety Academy superintendent, observes.

ACADEMY from P14

CAUTION


ly donated 13 units of blood at theLackland Blood Donor Center.According to Tracy Parmer, publicaffairs specialist for the ArmedServices Blood Program, ColonelHolland was a regular blood donorand the family wanted to donateblood in his honor.

Colonel Holland served in manyveterinary assignments in the U.S.and abroad, and commanded theArmy’s South Plains Veterinary com-mand at Fort Hood, Texas.

Army veterinarians are responsi-ble for the medical evaluations ofmilitary working dogs, and supportthe 341st Training Squadron, theDoD’s home of the military workingdog program.

“I’m sure he’s watching us todayand thinking ‘What a wonderfulthing that they remembered me thisway,’” said Robert Holland, an olderbrother of the honoree. “I looked athim with admiration because he wasso good with animals all the time.”

The hospital opened Oct. 21,2008, and supports more than 800dogs undergoing detection and sen-try training at Lackland, replacing afacility that was built in 1968.Among the hospital’s capabilities areultrasound, CT scan technology,rehabilitation and physical therapysections.

“No matter how much money theyput into the electronic sniffingmachine, it just hasn’t worked,” saidLt. Col. Robert Vogelsang about thefacility for the working dogs. “Therejust isn’t anything more efficient,more economical than a dog.”

David Holland, another olderbrother of Colonel Holland, echoedbrother Robert’s comments.

“He’d (Colonel Holland) just bethrilled with the technology and thethings that are here today to servethe injured dogs from all over theworld,” David Holland said. “Theremight be a shade of embarrassment,but he’d be honored.”

(Complied by Mike Joseph,Talespinner staff writer)

HOSPITAL from P1

This special duty also isdeployable and theirtaskings are on par withmost Air Force special-ties across the service.

For more information

on becoming a first ser-geant, members areencouraged to talk totheir first sergeant whocan answer basic ques-tions about the careerfield.

After a member de-

cides on applying forthis special duty, he orshe should schedule aface-to-face meetingwith the command chiefmaster sergeant whowill determine his or hereligibility and fitness.

SERGEANT from P10

By Senior Airman Nicole Roberts59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

Summertime is approaching;children will soon be out of schooland some with no place to go. Forfamilies living in base housing,children ages 10-13 are requiredto take a mandatory class beforethey can stay home without anadult.

A SAFEKids class was held atWilford Hall Medical Center May20 for the children of active dutypersonnel living in base housing.

“SAFEKids is (part of) Lack-land’s base-wide effort to keepkids safe at home,” said Lois VanSlyke, family advocacy manager,59th Mental Health Squadron.

Air Force regulations requirechildren to take the class beforestaying home on base without anadult present. The regulation isenforced by security forces.

Parents who live off base arehighly encouraged to follow onbase guidelines and have theirchildren attend the class beforestaying home alone.

It is important for all parents –those who live off base, as well asparents who live on base – to bringtheir kids to this class, said Mrs.

Van Slyke. “If your family lives onbase, the class is mandatory. If youlive off base, your family st i l lneeds to know and follow on-baseguidelines.”

Various base agencies providedinformation about staying safewhile home without an adult .Representatives from the 37thSecurity Forces Squadron talkedabout stranger danger and impor-tant numbers to have accessible incase of an emergency. The FireDepartment discussed fire safetyand offered tips on fire prevention.Nutritional medicine taught waysto make healthy snacks without anadult.

“(Representatives from) familyadvocacy, security forces, nutri-tional medicine, the medical inpa-tient squadron, and the Lacklandfire department came together toteach this all-important class,”Mrs. Van Slyke said. “The class istaught age appropriately and isvery entertaining and interactive.”

The SAFEKids class is held atWilford Hall Medical Center quar-terly and is sponsored by familyadvocacy. It is available to allDepartment of Defense ID holders.For more information, call Mrs.Van Slyke at 292-5967.

Love your job in the Air Force?Want to share your personal experiences in the military with others? The Lackland Speakers’ Bureau wants YOU! Call 671-5066 or 671-2907 for more details.

SAFEKids entertains, informs

JOGGING RULESOF THE ROAD:

Wearing portable headphones, earphones,or other listening devices while operating a

motor vehicle, running, jogging,walking, bicycling, or skating on Lacklandroadways and sidewalks is PROHIBITED,

with the exception of a hands-free telephoneheadset or single-bud earpiece. This does notinclude the use of hearing aids and hearing

protective equipment must still be wornwhere conditions dictate their use.


By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu436th Airllift Wing Public Affairs

The distinctive clicking of metalplates striking concrete is a familiarsound for Airmen who have beenthrough Air Force Basic MilitaryTraining.

The slow click, click, click, couldsignal the approach of impendingdoom, as a military training instructormoves to correct a trainee in a direc-tive and forceful manner.

Taps, worn by MTIs to make theclicking sound, are part of the trainingmethod, as MTIs drill their trainees toobey commands, become disciplinedand to perform under stress and pres-sure.

“The purpose of an MTI is to helpshape and mold trainees into profes-sional and motivated Airmen who willnot falter and will not fail,” said Tech.Sgt. James Thomas, an MTI with the320th Training Squadron.

The sergeant is serving six monthsof temporary duty from Dover AFB,Del.

Trainees may believe that MTIs arealways mad or angry, but that’s a mis-conception, said Sergeant Thomas.

“The only reason I yell at a traineeis to help address and correct theproblem,” he said. “I call out what atrainee has done to let the rest of theflight know what was done wrong andto correct it immediately so they learn

the right way to do things.”Time is limited for MTIs, who don’t

have an ample amount of time tocoach and correct each individual pri-vately every time they mess up, saidthe sergeant.

“I always let my trainees know thatI have their best interest in mind andthat they will be learning life-savingskills to keep them safe during awartime environment,” said SergeantThomas. “I love interacting withtrainees, because we spend so muchtime shaping them into the Air Forceculture.”

MTIs are responsible for everythingfrom teaching trainees to lace boots,wearing uniforms properly, marchingand building a regular civilian into adisciplined Airman.

“I’m with my flight day and night. Igo in from 4 a.m. and wind up stayinguntil 8 p.m.,” said the sergeant.“They’re like dependents that requirea lot of direction and training.”

The MTI’s life revolves around thetrainees, especially for the first two tothree weeks.

“We get individuals from all walksof life who have answered theirnation’s call during this time of war,and we’re responsible for keepingthem focused and share with themwhat to expect,” said SergeantThomas.

The sergeant said the 366 days hespent deployed to Afghanistan is first-

hand experience and knowledge thathe can share with new Airmen.

“(Many) Airmen will deploy andwill need to support operations, so Ilike to get them in that mindset, not toscare them, but to show them theyneed to take their training seriously sothey are prepared for what’s ahead,”he said.

Being an MTI can be challenging

since they play many roles and char-acters, not just doing their job as adrill instructor.

“Sometimes you have to take thehat off and play the different roles –knowing how to be a counselor, moti-vator and a problem-solver,” saidSergeant Thomas. “Though it may bedemanding and exhausting at times,this is a very rewarding job.”

MTIs shape the Air Force’s future

Photo by Alan BoedekerTech. Sgt. James Thomas, a Military Training Instructor assigned to the 320thTraining Squadron, corrects a trainee giving a salute.


trainee from Houston who is inthe 319th TRS trying to improvehis medical condition.

Trainee Fretty said listening toSergeant Fox’s remarks wereinspiring, and also made himrealize that if he is sent homebecause of his medical conditionhe could still hold his head uphigh and not be ashamed of notsucceeding.

“If they do send me home, Ihave to take it for what it is andtry to make it a positive,” he said.

Trainee Amber Hain wasapprehensive about deployment,and after listening to SergeantFox, found some of those fearseased.

“When he talked about deploy-

ing, it made me feel better,” saidTrainee Hain, who is sufferingfrom stress fractures in bothknees but expects to rejoin hersquadron soon. “He said the AirForce usually didn’t go off postand that was something I wasworried about. He told us it(deployment) was harder on ourfamily than on you, and I wasworried about that, too.”

Ross Arney, a trainee fromGeorgia who also has stress frac-tures in his knees, took a differentperspective from the sergeant’sdiscussion.

“At times, he remarked that hedid his job according to his coun-try even though it may not havebeen the job he wanted,” TraineeArney said, “but he does his bestno matter what.”

MENTORED from P7

socials, holiday parties,picnics, wing/unit boosterclubs, Top 3 Council ,fridge funds, fundraisers,company grade officersor enlisted councils, orAir Force Balls.

Also, unless perform-ing official duties, do notuse or park GMVs atcommissaries, base ex-changes, bowling centers,officer and enlisted clubs,gymnasiums or any non-appropriated funds activ-ity.

Misuse of GMVs may

result in discipl inaryaction.

Servicemembers aresubject to disciplinaryaction under provisionsof the Uniform Code ofMilitary Justice or otheradministrative proce-dures deemed appropri-ate.

Civilians are subject tosuspension from duty,without pay, for not lessthan one month, andshall be suspended for alonger period or summar-ily removed from office ifcircumstances warrant.

Report all suspected

misuses to the operatorrecords and l icensingoffice at 671-6117.

The OR&L off ice isresponsible for conduct-ing a technical assess-ment of the incident todetermine if regulatoryofficial use guidance hasbeen violated.

Remember, the nexttime you see that govern-ment vehicle parkedsomewhere strange, callthe OR&L office. As stew-ards of government prop-erty, we must all remainvigilant to stop vehiclemisuse.

VEHICLES from P13


Facts, testimony bust IDEA mythsBy April RowdenAir Force Manpower Agency Public Affairs

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – From 2004to 2008, almost 35,000 ideas were submitted to theAir Force Innovative Development ThroughEmployee Awareness Program for evaluation.

Nearly 50 percent of those ideas were acceptedand personal incentive awards were given. This fis-cal year, close to $850,000 has already been award-ed for innovative ideas.

In an effort to debunk the myths surrounding theIDEA Program, both users and officials offer adviceon how to make the program work for everyone.

Myth: I have no ideas worthy of a submission.“Everyone has good ideas,” said Master Sgt. Art

Hoven, assigned to Offutt AFB, Neb. “The challengeis to find a way to sell them and work them into themaster plan.”

Sergeant Hoven’s ideas - mostly technical orderchanges and aircraft modification ideas - have net-ted him several $200 awards.

“If you don’t know where to start or if you’reunsure if your idea meets the program’s eligibilitycriteria, call your local IDEA office,” said Air ForceIDEA analyst Lori Sudol. “They will help you getgoing in the right direction. Starting in the rightplace helps ensure your idea will speed through theentire process.”

Myth: The program is only for those on the flightline.Steve James and Thomas Finely from Sheppard

AFB shared a $10,000 award fortheir idea to standardize parkinglot lights with light emitting diode,or LED, lights.

Maj. Carol Gordon from LukeAFB, Ariz., earned $10,000 for heridea to delay reissuing common accesscards to junior enlisted Airmen untilthey become NCOs.

“If you have ever submitted anaction line or talked with your fellowco-workers about what could legitimatelybe done to improve your productivity and your base,then you have valid ideas,” said Nathaniel Zabel,chief of the Innovation Programs Branch at the AirForce Manpower Agency. “Save the Air Force realmoney and you could get real money in your pock-et.”

Myth: My idea doesn’t save the Air Force money.A proposal doesn’t have to reflect an actual sav-

ings amount to be eligible for an award. Intangibleideas – such as identifying a dangerous intersectionor installing proximity card readers – are frequentlyconsidered by the IDEA Program.

Staff Sgt. Edward Sells, 37th Civil EngineerSquadron, received $200 – the maximum awardamount for an intangible idea – for his idea to haveprintable certificates available as proof that Airmenhad taken the physical health assessment online sur-vey.

“While these ideas do not necessarily save the AirForce money up front, imagine what is being saved

in manpower hours and frustration because ofSergeant Sells’ submission,” said Mr. Zabel.

Myth: Few cash rewards are distributed.“There’s this misconception that the pro-

gram only works in unique circumstances,and that these select instances are fewand far between,” said Staff Sgt. Erik Figi.

Sergeant Figi, assigned to the Spaceand Missile Systems Center at Los Angles

Air Force Base, Calif., received $10,000 for hisidea on historical film restoration.Since 2004, close to $10 million has been award-

ed to Airmen for ideas that have saved the Air Forcemore than $537 million. In 2008 alone, the Air Forcepaid out $1.4 million in IDEA awards.

Myth: The evaluation process takes too long. One of the common culprits leading to an extend-

ed evaluation period is a lack of details required toimplement the idea, according to Ms. Sudol.

“The clearer the information the submitter pro-vides, the easier that submission is to evaluate,” shesaid.

“Sometimes an idea just needs a simple re-writeor some additional details to make it viable,” saidKaryne Berman, Air Force IDEA program data sys-tem program manager. “Contact your local IDEAprogram office and we can help you polish up yoursubmission.”

For more information on the IDEA Program, con-tact the Lackland IDEA program office or [email protected].


By Carl BergquistAir University Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNS) –Two 37th Training Wing nominees wereamong approximately 130 civilian leaders inbusiness, education and government from allacross America attending the NationalSecurity Forum May 18 – 22 at Maxwell AirForce Base, Ala.

The forum, hosted by the faculty of the AirUniversity Spaatz Center for OfficerEducation’s Air War College and sponsored bythe secretary of the Air Force, is designed tofamiliarize members of the private sector withwhat the Air Force is doing in terms of nation-al security.

“Gen. Muir S. Fairchild started the NSF in1947 with the purpose of the program beingto gain the insight of prominent citizens,” saidMaj. Gen. Maurice Forsyth, Spaatz Centercommander and Air War College comman-dant. “But, NSF has turned into a door thatswings both ways. We have found that NSFattendees learn as much about the Air Forcefrom the program as we learn from their

insight, and that has really made NSF worth-while.”

The general said the NSF is also a greatopportunity to showcase some “incrediblespeakers” who challenge the NSF attendeesand AWC students by debating ideas aboutnational security. He said a highlight of theweek-long forum experience is the Wednesdayaerial demonstration and static displays. Thatgives attendees the opportunity to see some ofthe Air Force’s most impressive hardware inthe air and on the ground.

The 37th Training Wing nominated two SanAntonio civilian leaders for the forum: BradBeldon, President of Beldon Roofing Companyand the 342nd Training Squadron honorarycommander, and Mark Frye.

Mr. Beldon said he really enjoyed the NSFand the opportunity to interact with currentand future Air Force leaders, and have opendiscussions about various topics and how theyaffected both the military and private sector.

“(I) came back with a greater appreciationfor the military and what it has to do on adaily basis to protect our freedoms,” he said.“We sometimes take a lot of that for granted.”

Air War College faculty hosts 56th National Security Forum

Photo by Jamie PitcherDuring the National Security Forum at MaxwellAir Force Base, Ala., a B-52 Stratofortressconducts a flyover May 20 for attendees of the2009 forum. After the B-52 came flyovers by aB-1 Lancer and a B-2 Spirit.

Do you have a photographer’s eye? Do you catch those candid moments?Let us see your work and you could be published! E-mail your Lackland-related

photos to: [email protected] Action shots only please.


CHAPEL SERVICESChristianCatholicMonday-Friday:WHMC ChapelMass, 11 a.m

Wednesday-Friday:Freedom ChapelMass, 11:30 a.m.

Saturday:Freedom ChapelConfessions, 4:45 p.m.Mass, 5:30 p.m.

Sunday:Freedom ChapelReligious Education, 9 a.m.Mass, 11 a.m.

Hope ChapelHispanic Mass, 9:15 a.m.

Wilford Hall Medical Center ChapelMass, 3 p.m.

Orthodox Sunday:Airmen Memorial ChapelDivine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m.Religious Education, 10:45 a.m.

ProtestantSunday:Airmen Memorial ChapelLiturgical Service, 8 a.m.

Hope ChapelSpanish Service, 12:45 p.m

Freedom ChapelContemporary Service, 9:30 a.m.Gospel Service, 12:30 p.m.Children’s Church providedReligious Education, 11 a.m.

Wednesday and Thursday:Bible Study, 6 p.m.

Sunday:Medina ChapelContemporary Service, 9 a.m.

WHMC ChapelTraditional Service, 1:30 p.m.

IslamicFriday:Defense Language InstituteStudent CenterFaith Study, 1:30 p.m.Jummah Prayer, 2 p.m.

JewishFriday:Airmen Memorial ChapelSabbath Eve Service, 6 p.m.

WiccaWednesday(1st only):Freedom Chap-el, Room 8, SanAntonio Military Open Circle, 6:30 p.m.

COMMUNITY

AF SERVICES SCHOLARSHIPS

Air Force Services will give away$25,000 in scholarships this year tocurrent Air Force club members andtheir family members, includinggrandchildren, who have beenaccepted or are enrolled for the fall2009 semester as a full or part-timestudent in an accredited college oruniversity.

Recipients must submit an essayon this year’s topic of “The High Costof Freedom.”

Rules, eligibility and applicationsare available at www.afclubs.net orwww.lacklandservices.com.

Entries must be submitted by July1 to the Gateway Club.

SKYLARK FLEA MARKET

The Skylark Community Centerwill sponsor a flea market Saturdayfrom 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Spots areavailable for $10 or $15. The $15 feeincludes a table.

Call the community center at 671-

3191 for more information.

SMALL ANIMAL CLINIC SURVEY

The Lackland Small Animal Clinicis conducting an online survey atwww.lacklandservices.com until June16.

For more information, contactDebbie Milner at 671-3920.

MARRIAGE AND COMMUNICATION CLASS

A marriage and communicationclass by a military family life consult-ant is June 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at theAirman and Family Readiness Flight,Bldg. 1249.

Call 671-3722 for reservations.

SURVIVING MORTGAGE CLASS

The Airman and Family ReadinessFlight Surviving the MortgageMeltdown class is June 18, 10-11:30a.m., in Bldg. 1249.

The class covers obtaining a newmortgage, keeping current with anexisting mortgage, and how to avoid

foreclosure if delinquent on pay-ments.

Contact Jerry Jackson at 671-3722 for reservations.

SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP

The Small Business DevelopmentCenter, a workshop on starting abusiness, is June 18, 1-4 p.m., at theAirman and Family Readiness Flight,Bldg. 1249.

Entitled “How to Start Your OwnBusiness,” the workshop will discussthe following topics: writing an effec-tive business plan, market research,choosing a location and time man-agement.

To sign up for the class or formore information, contact Tim Walkerat 671-3722.

WAR MOVIES AT LIBRARY

The Lackland Library has addednearly 50 new DVD movies to its col-lection on America’s participation inmilitary conflicts ranging from World

War I to present day.The collection includes documen-

taries and feature films.Integrated with the regular video

collections, the added DVDs will carrya “new” sticker for the next threemonths.

For more information, call 671-3610.

EQUIPMENT CUSTODIAN TRAINING

The 37th Logistics ReadinessSquadron’s equipment accountabilityoffice has equipment custodian sup-plemental training (block III) and newsquadron commander’s equipmentbriefing available on the 37th LRS

community of practices Web site.The block III supplemental train-

ing is provided by the EquippedAccountability Office; block III train-ing is conducted via the Air ForceEquipment Management System CBT.

The new squadron commanderbriefing informs commanders of theirduties for the safe guarding and con-trol of government property issued toor purchased by their organizations.

For more information, contact theEAO at 671-3803.

LocalBRIEFS

To see menus forLackland dining

halls, go online towww.lackland.af.mil and click on

the “Services“ link.

See BRIEFS P22

For more information, contact the chapel staff:

Freedom Chapel671-4208

Gateway Chapel671-2911

Hope Chapel671-2941

Wilford Hall MedicalCenter Chapel

292-7373


PERSONAL PROPERTY MOVES

Air Education and TrainingCommand supplement 1 to Air Forcesupplement joint federal travel regula-tions/joint travel regulation paragraph10.11.9.2 directs local commandersand supervisors to allow personnel suf-ficient time to receive counseling andarrange for shipment or receipt of per-sonal property.

For more information, call the per-sonal property shipping office at 671-1449.

PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR WEIGHT STUDY

Wilford Hall and Brooke ArmyMedical Centers are seeking overweightmilitary dependent adolescents, ages12 to 17, for a free weight managementintervention study.

The study incorporates professionalmedical attention, behavioral therapy,nutrition counseling and medication forweight loss at no cost to participantsfor a 12-month period.


LRS CUSTOMER SERVICE

The 37th Logistics ReadinessSquadron customer service is the pointof contact for all supply related ques-tions, concerns and complaints.

LRS customer service also managesthe zero overpricing program, anddefense reutilization and marketingoffice transaction assistance.

To contact LRS customer service,call 671-2575, 671-3801 or 671-3802.Email addresses are [email protected] [email protected].

LACKLAND WINGMAN AWARDS

Nominations are being accepted forthe new monthly Lackland WingmanAwards.

The program creates a direct line forAirmen or their families to get word towing leadership of the daily effortstheir peers are taking to help oneanother.

Nomination forms can be e-mailedto [email protected].

For more information and nomina-tion forms, contact Master Sgt. Jason

Hohenstreiter at 671-3722.

STARBASE KELLY SUMMER PROGRAM

Starbase Kelly, sponsored by the433rd Airlift Wing, will offer a free sum-mer educational program to childrenwho are associated with Lackland, andwho have completed either the fourth orfifth grade.

The program includes aircraft tours,scientific experiments, teamwork andgoal setting, rocket building andlaunching, computer aided design, andcomputer flight simulation.

Two sessions are offered, July 13-17or July 20-24. Program hours are 9 a.m.to 2:30 p.m.

The sessions will be held at the433rd AW ramp in Bldg. 909. Childrenneed to bring lunch.

Register via e-mail by submittingthe child’s name, address, home tele-phone and grade completed this year;the sponsor’s name, organization andduty phone; and the session requestedto [email protected].

BRIEFS from P21GATEWAY THEATERFRIDAYFighting, 6 p.m. (PG-13), starringChanning Tatum and TerrenceHoward.

SATURDAYState of Play, noon (PG-13), starringRussell Crowe and Ben Affleck.Crank: High Voltage, 3 p.m. (R), star-ring Jason Statham and Amy Smart.Sunshine Cleaning, 6 p.m. (R), star-ring Amy Adams and Emily Blunt.

SUNDAYState of Play, noon (PG-13).Crank: High Voltage, 3 p.m. (R).

THURSDAYCrank: High Voltage, 4 p.m. (R).

For more information and futuremovie listings, go to www.aafes.com/ems/conus/lackland.htm.

Fighting

State of Play

Crank: High Voltage

Sunshine Cleaning

Adults – $4.Children – $2.Closed Monday through Wednesday.


By Patrick DesmondSports Editor

Leading the Air Force team to third placeat the military’s top triathlon, James Balesearned his fifth Armed Forces Triathlon sil-ver medal at Point Mugu, Calif., May 30.

The Wilford Hall senior resident orthope-dic surgeon extended his streak to sevenstraight years as the top Air Force triathletewith a time of 1 hour, 55 minutes and 29seconds in the 1,500-meter swim, 40K bikeride and 10K run.

“I work in the orthopedic clinic, a lot ofpeople there are mobility impaired,” Balessaid. “(I’m) thankful just to be out therecompeting. There are a lot of people thatcan't.”

A bane to Bales winning gold, the Navyfound yet another winning triathlete thisyear – former six-time champion TimothyO’Donnell having gone pro – in DerekOskutis, who edged Bales by 39 seconds inthe three-sport competition.

“I was right in the thick of it and justcouldn't pull it off in the end,” Bales said.“You can’t make excuses in this sport; hewas just better that day.”

Coming out of the water and hopping onhis bike, Bales was caught at a disadvantagein between the lead and chase packs duringthe draft-legal race.

“I ended up being able to single-handedlycatch the lead pack,” he said. “That is hardto do. Three cyclists working together aretremendously stronger than one cyclist.”

Bales said the necessary solo effort mayhave led him to come up short, despite

recording the third-best run time in the finalsection.

“It’s such a strategic race,” he said. “Justnot having quite as much left for the run asyou would hope, and this time it was 39 sec-onds too little.”

Newcomer Anthony Milunas also helpedthe Air Force to third place, surpassing 44other competitors for 64th place.

In his first year competing against ser-vicemembers from other military branches,he recorded a personal best time of 2:13:37.

Impressed by the level of competition,Milunas said, “Easily, it has to be the high-light of my career.”

Earning his best time of the triathlon inthe bike event, Milunas completed the 40K

ride in 58:37. Milunas teamed up with competitors from

the Navy and Army, taking turns leadinginto the wind during the bike ride.

“It was a great show of comradeshipbetween the Army, Navy and Air Force,” hesaid. “We were taking turns, drafting offeach other.”

The Navy team won first place, followedby the Army, with the Marine and Air Forceteams tying for third.

The women’s Air Force team took first asfour members placed in the top eight.

The general consensus of the triathleteswas that official timing for the event wastwo minutes slow, affecting personal besttimes.

SCOREBOARD

American League W L

1. MSS 10 02. 342nd TRS 9 13. 543rd Spt Sq 8 34. C.E.S. 6 35. AFIOC 6 46. 690th ALIS 5 47. Navy-Marines 4 48. LAB 4 59. Radiology 4 510. 149th FW 4 711. 314th MI Bn 1 812. 59th Dental 1 913. 433rd A.W. 1 9

Monday-MSS 21, 149th FW 6342nd TRS 16, 59th Dental 0Radiology 14, 690th ALIS 10543rd Spt Sq 11, AFIOC 10

National League W L

1. 737th TRG 10 02. 651st MUNS 9 13. 690th NSG 7 34. NIOC / Co H. 7 3 5. CPSG 7 46. Security Forces 5 47. 701st MP Bn 6 58. 343rd TRS 3 69. 345th TRS 3 8 10. COMM 1 911. 93rd IS 1 9

Tuesday-CPSG 15, 701st MP Bn 6NIOC/ Co H. 6, COMM 9737th TRG 19, 93rd IS 2

Women’s W L

1. Mission Spt Gp 5 12. CPSG 5 23. 543rd ISR 5 24. Clinical Spt Gp 3 45. 37th Med Gp 1 56. Surgical Operations 1 6

Tuesday-543rd ISR 9, Surg Ops 237th Med Gp 8, Clinical Spt Gp 6CPSG 8, MSG 3

May 26-MSG 10, 37th Med Gp 6Clinical Spt Gp 13, Surg Ops 1543rd ISR 10, CPSG 8

MOTORCYCLE RIDE

The Lackland Outdoor Adventure Center isleading a motorcycle ride Saturday. The ridestarts at the Kelly Club at 10 a.m. and contin-ues to Pleasanton, then back again. The ride isfree, with on-site registration before departure.


SKEET PROGRAM

The Lackland Outdoor Adventure Center isorganizing a skeet shoot at Randolph AFB June20. The $30 registration fee is due June 13,and includes shotgun rental, eye and hearingprotection and 50 skeet targets.


SUMMER POOL HOURS

The Chaparral pool is open Tuesdaythrough Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Warhawkpool hours are Monday, Wednesday and Fridayfrom 1-7 p.m., and weekends, 1-8 p.m. TheMedina pool hours are Tuesday through Friday,3-7 p.m., and weekends, 2-7 p.m.

SWIMMING LESSONS

The Skylark Aquatic Center is offering four,eight-day swimming sessions during the sum-mer. The first class begins June 16.Registration is $45, starting Tuesday at 10a.m. at the Skylark Community Center.

For more information call, 671-3780.

BRIEFS

SPORTS

SOFTBALL

Lacklanders competeat military triathlon

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Elisha Abercrombie Air Force triathlete James Bales (right) transitions from the 1,500-meter swim to the 40K bike rideat the Armed Forces Triathlon, Point Mugu, Calif., May 30.

WHMC triathlete earns fifth silver


Steve ReichertFitness & Sports Director

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With Memorial Day crossedout on calendars, people arebeginning to play theirfavorite summer sports.

But old sports pros andnew fitness enthusiasts alikesuffer injuries that are oftenavoidable.

Health and Wellness Centerprogram manager ClaudiaHoltz has seen her fair shareof injuries.

“I see a lot of kneeinjuries,” she said of the basepopulation, adding, “shin andarch problems, and stressfractures” are also typical ofathletes.

Most sports injuries –ankle, knee, lower back,elbow and shoulder injuries –can be sidestepped by usingproper equipment, correctposture and technique, andregular exercise.

Ms. Holtz said alleviatingaches and pains can be aseasy as evaluating the equip-ment being used.

“The first thing I ask is ‘canI see your shoes,’” she said.“Sometimes it's just as simpleas their shoes.”

Patrons at the HAWC canrequest a gait analysis to takea closer look at the anatomyof their run.

“We use software to ana-lyze how they run on a tread-mill barefoot and then withtheir running shoes on,” Ms.Holtz said.

After analysis, appropriatefootwear or sole inserts arerecommended, which canalleviate ankle, knee andlower-back pain.

Incorporating core-strengthening exercises, tar-geting the lower back andabdomen, into workout rou-tines can also help avoidinjuries.

“If you develop corestrength, everything else willfollow as far as posture andbalance,” Ms. Holtz said.

When pain is encounteredwhile exercising, Ms. Holtzsays “just RICE it: rest, ice,compression, elevation.

“If you are hurting and it’stolerable, ice it down orstretch it out as much as youcan, especially after you run.”

If pain is persistent orunbearable, consult a physi-cian or primary care managerimmediately, she said.

HAWC cites simple solutionsfor common sports injuries

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The Cryptological SystemsGroup gave the 37th MissionSupport Group their first lossof the women’s softball intra-mural season Tuesday, rally-ing four hits and three runsin the sixth inning to securethe 8-3 win.

Third baseman CherylBurchfield went 3-for-3 withtwo RBIs and left fielderCelsa Salazar was 2-for-4with two RBIs to lead a CPSGteam that totaled 15 hits.

CPSG coach ReginaldMann said he didn’t alter hisstrategy against the first-place team.

“I just told them to find aspot in the outfield and hit it

there, and they camethrough for us,” he said.

On defense, CPSG playedtight, allowing only two runsin the second and one inthird inning, before blankingMSG in the final three.

“I kept the players in thespots where I felt comfort-able they would make theright play,” Mann said. “Wemade some errors in the out-field, but we stuck togetheras a team and fought hard.”

The CPSG did have onetactical advantage: MSG wasmissing a player from their10-man lineup, and had toforfeit an out every 10 atbats.

In the first of three shut-down innings, MSG threat-ened to blow the game open

in the fourth with the score5-3, before CPSG shortstopLaura Newberg threw out animminent run at home plateand an obligatory out endedthe inning.

After accumulating tworuns in the second and threein the third, the CPSG wentinto the sixth inning up 5-3.

Burchfield led off with asingle, then Sonia Vaquerapowered her home on atriple. Two outs ensuedbefore Newberg's single toleft field plated the outfield-er. Then, Belen Mendoza hitin Newberg for the team’sfinal run.

In the bottom of the sixth,the CPSG defense did notallow a run, despite givingup three hits, to seal the win.

CPSG stifles MSG, 8-3

Cryptological Systems Grouppitcher Biviana Gutierreztags out 37th MissionSupport Group’s KylieHerron at home plate duringthe fourth inning Tuesday.

CPSG stifles MSG, 8-3Sharp fielding, big rallies sink last undefeated women’s softball team

Photo by Alan Boedeker

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