inside ... transitioning to reserves, p4 ... obtaining a degree, p5 ... tips ...

JUNE 1, 2012 WINGSPREADPAGE 5Education center staff helps Airmen get college degreesBy Airman 1st Class Lincoln KorverJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs“When you’re active duty, you get tuition assistance, so whywouldn’t you want to take advantage of that? Any way youlook at it, with education, you can’t go wrong.”Along with housing and subsistence allowance, oneof the most advantageous benefits the military offersto all of its members is free education continuation.Through avenues like tuition assistance, CollegeLevel Examination Program testing, the GI Bill, nightschool and online classes, as long as service membershave the drive to get a college degree, the militaryhas the resources to help them get it done.Whenever people have questions about the programsoffered through the military, they can get informationat the Joint Base San Antonio-RandolphEducation Center.The Education Center offers formal, enlisted andcivilian training, as well as promotion testing and academiccounseling, Laurie Murphy, Randolph EducationCenter Chief of education and training, said.“I like taking care of people,” she said. “I like takingcare of the Air Force, its mission, the Airman and allof my employees. I like doing things that help peopledevelop their skills so when they are in the Air Force,they will be successful, or if they choose to get out,they’ll be successful doing something else.”A lot of times, it can be easy for people to get inthe mindset of thinking that furthering their educationisn’t something that is important.For those planning on staying in the Air Force,they must have a Community College of the Air Forcedegree before they can make the senior board, Murphysaid. The Air Force has really worked on tyingeducation to promotion.Regardless of that, education is something thathelps develop people in their career, she said; that iswhat makes people well-rounded.A lot of schools have shifted to more military-friendlyprograms that take into consideration moving todifferent locations, deployments and temporary-dutyassignments, Gay Close, Randolph Education Centereducation specialist, said.“When you’re active duty, you get tuition assistance,so why wouldn’t you want to take advantageGay CloseRandolph Education Center education specialistof that?” she said. “Any way you look at it, with education,you can’t go wrong.”Whether or not the military demands that peoplego to college, when service members get their degree,it is a testament – especially to young Airman – thatit’s possible and important.“As an NCO, you want to set the example for yourAirmen,” Murphy said. “So if you’re not developingyourself in your academics and education, then whatdoes that say to your Airmen who you are supposedto be mentoring?”It’s important for service members to be educatedso they can have a successful future when they getout of the military, Close said.“Education is a huge advantage,” she said. “It’s apositive thing any way you look at it.”To submit a news or sports brieffor publication in the Wingspread,email all information to 502ABW.pa.wingspread@us.af.mil.NCOs ‘make their mark’ during professional development courseBy Senior Airman Precious YettJoint Base San Antonio Public AffairsOnce a month, a group of non-commissioned officersparticipate in four days of mentorship, teambuilding, resource and financial management, andmorale building.The NCO Professional Enhancement Seminar, designedto augment and enhance supervisory andleadership skills, is held monthly at Joint Base SanAntonio-Randolph and Lackland, but NCOs assignedto any base within JBSA may attend either seminar.Topics covered in the course are aimed at personaland professional development and include areas suchas motivation, counseling, military writing and theenlisted force structure. The NCOs who attend theRandolph seminar also receive a tour of the Taj Mahaland the Health and Wellness Center.“NCO PES is designed to target NCOs who completedAirman Leadership School at least three yearsprior and have not attended the NCO Academy,” MasterSgt. Terri Harmon, 902nd Force Support Squadronbase career adviser said. “Career assistanceadvisers plan and facilitate the class, while seniorNCOs from across the installation volunteer to briefvarious topics. The senior NCOs involvement in theJBSA professional development program is the keyto its success.”The NCO PES is a reinforcement of the standards,Code of Conduct and regulations of the Air Force.“The NCO PES was a great course; I really enjoyedit,” Staff Sgt. Roberto Conde, Air Force RecruitingService enlisted accessions, said. “There were a lot ofgreat senior NCOs who provided very useful informationthrough a variety of briefings. My favorite briefingcovered financial information; however, interactingand discussing the topics briefed with my peersfrom other units from JBSA also made the coursewell worth attending. It was great to find out whatkind of things other Airmen around the Air Forceare doing.”The program has about 60 NCOs attend per year.At the end of the week, a critique is given to accessthe virtues of the course.“NCO PES is a fast-paced four-day seminar designedto improve supervisory skills, increase selfconfidenceand encourage ethical and exemplaryleadership behavior,” Staff Sgt. Joel Alvior, Fort SamHouston Basic Medical Technician Corpsman Programinstructor, said. “All technical and staff sergeantsseeking to increase their leadership skillsshould attend.”To register, visit https://afkm.wpafb.af.mil/community/views/home.aspx?Filter=oo-ED-AE-15.

PAGE 6WINGSPREADJUNE 1, 2012Flag Plaza evokes pride, memoriesas part of Randolph heritageBy Alex SalinasJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public AffairsThe flags on Harmon Drive were officiallydedicated by the Air Force Sergeants Association,Chapter 1075, on Feb. 27, 1985.The project, spearheaded by the AFSA, was paidfor from donations by individuals and organizations.According to documents chronicling the constructionof the flags on Harmon Drive, theflags represented “actions being taken toshow Randolph’s heritage and its great traditionof patriotic service to our country.”Numerous off-base donations showed how importantthe flags were not only to Randolph, butthe surrounding community, Sharon McDaniel,12th Flying Training Wing chief of protocol, said.“In the past few years, the American peoplehave had a resurgence of patriotic pride intheir country and heritage,” according to anoriginal donation form from the project.McDaniel explained sentiments that ledup to the mid-1980s and how they playeda role into the construction of the flags.“After the Vietnam War, many troops who camehome were spat upon,” McDaniel said. “Men whocame back from overseas were forgotten about;that was the climate of the 1970s. It was arough time for the military, but thatchanged when politicalsupport surroundingRonald Reaganbrought patriotismback to the U.S.”Revived patriotismtranslated into severalAir Force basesreviving their ownlook – resulting in whatwas to become “FlagPlaza” for Randolph.The flags – one foreach of the 50 U.S.states – complementthe landmark “TajMahal,” chapel andMissing-Man Monumenton Harmon Driveand have been wellreceivedby passersby.Even the RandolphHonor Guard’s membersadmire the aestheticquality of Flag Plaza.“It makes for an awesome, picturesque setting,”Senior Airman Colby Albright, RandolphHonor Guard Flight B member, said.“You can’t help but look at them when youdrive into base from the Main Gate.”A part of the honor guard’s duty is towatch over and replace any state flags thatare faded, tattered or torn. They inspect theflags for wear and tear once per month.The honor guards’ vigilance in keeping a watchfuleye over the flags transfers into their personal lives.“When I’m watching football games on TVor driving around base or anywhere else, I’mmore observant,” Albright said. “I pay attentionto certain things now that I didn’t before.”Senior Airman Louis Diaz, Randolph Honor GuardFlight B member, shares Albright’s experience andacts upon what he’s learned as an honor guard whennot in uniform – the honor guard uniform that is.“I never paid much attention to the flags until Ijoined honor guard,” he said. “I can now pick outthings here and there (especially from performinghonor guard routines). I pay attention to detaila lot. I’ll walk into another building and fix a flag.All of this is really embedded in you forever.”Diaz even admitted he’s relearned the stateflags from his work of helping to replace them– elementary knowledge many people forgetbecause they don’t think about it, he said.The 50 flags on Harmon Drive were originallyslated to be flown on special occasions such as onVeterans Day, Memorial Day and Fourth of July accordingto documents. But because they are on constantdisplay, they require attention and inspections.And while Randolph’s honor guard flightsshare the duty of replacing the flags, which Albrightsaid is a fairly easy maneuver with thepole levers, McDaniel said the poles’ design haschanged from when they were first mounted.“The old poles came in two pieces and they hadto be disassembled to replace the flags,” she said.Scott Shepherd, 902nd Civil Engineer Squadroncultural resources manager, said thereused to be individual plaques at the bottomof every flag pole representing the donationsfrom individuals for each state flag.However, when the new poles arrived, Shepherddesigned the large bronze plaque in frontof Harmon Drive directly across from the MainGate, in between the two columns of flags,in November 2009. In that space, dubbedthe “Avenue of American States,”rests the new plaquethat lists more than50 names of individualsand organizationsthat helped donatemoney to the project,as well as three otherplaques dated from1950 and 1985 thathonor Flag Plaza.“It was a reallygreat idea (putting upFlag Plaza),” Shepherdsaid. “For thefew who were onRandolph during thattime, there are a lot ofmemories to be had.“Twenty-seven yearslater, the flags arecreating new memories.It just wouldn’tbe Randolph withoutPhoto by Rich McFadden them,” he said.

JUNE 1, 2012 WINGSPREADPAGE 7

PAGE 8 WINGSPREAD JUNE 1, 2012JUNE 1, 2012 WINGSPREADPAGE 9

PAGE 10WINGSPREADJUNE 1, 2012

JUNE 1, 2012 WINGSPREADPAGE 11Base vet offers pet owners helpful adviceBy Airman 1st Class Lincoln KorverJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public AffairsIf dogs are man’s best friend, then petsshould deserve the best care their ownercan offer.Whether something is wrong witha pet or if it’s simply time for a basiccheckup, as long as owners are militaryID cardholders, they can have their smallanimals taken care of at the Joint BaseSan Antonio-Randolph Veterinary Clinic.Richard Avery, 902nd Force SupportSquadron Veterinary Clinic doctor of veterinarymedicine, said his average daymostly consists of answering sick calls,performing examinations, giving diagnoses’,doing lab work, recommendingtreatments and doing basic tests. If hefinds something unusual, he usually advisesthem to see a local vet.“I always loved working with animals,”he said.Avery started out working for a vetwhen he was 14 years old, doing kennelwork, holding pets, cleaning and sterilizingequipment, he said.“I like having the ability to diagnoseand work with clients, but the main thingis taking care of the animals,” he said.It is important for people to know whatPhoto by Rich McFaddenMargeret Williamson, 902nd Force Support Squadron veterinary technician, uses a microscope tocheck fecal matter for worms May 21 at the Jount Base San Antonio-Randolph veterinary clinic.to look out for in their environment whenthey own a pet, especially if they live inTexas.The main thing seen at the clinic areskin problems, he said, but the clinic alsodoes a lot of routine checkups and diagnosingin older pets to pick up hiddendiseases, tumors and cancer.“Young dogs (and cats) should come inabout once a year until they’re about 10years of age,” Avery said. “After that, theyshould come in one to two times a yearfor a general exam and to have bloodwork done.”The main allergy symptoms seen atthe clinic include itching, losing hair andinflamed skin.“It’s just like people who have allergies,”Avery said. “Dogs show their allergiesby itching, people usually sneeze andcough. We treat it as we see it, there isno real prevention.”When people have a pet or are thinkingabout getting one, it is integral theyknow what makes that certain breedunique.“Certain breeds have certain diseasesthat are common to them,” he said, “sowe have to work with that.”For example, cocker spaniels andpoodles can sometimes have bad earsand eyes, and King Charles spaniels canhave heart problems. Each breed has itsown niche, so it’s important to know whatthat is.Along with other dangers, a big thingto be careful about in Texas are heartworms, he said. Heart worm preventionis easy and can save a pet’s life; it onlytakes giving the pet a pill once a month.Another thing people should be carefulabout is the summer heat, Avery said.When people take their dog out for awalk, the pavement is so hot it can burntheir dogs’ feet. Just like a parent wouldhandle a child, pet owners need to becareful with their animals.CLUBS from P4the membership equation.“This is the socialplace; you may not see alot of people your age oranyone you know at first,but once you get a friendor two to join and they dothe same, the clubs reallytake off,” Gove said.The Randolph clubs’personnel are en route tokeep them fashionable,that is, competitive withoff-base establishments.“We are trying everythingwe can to stay currentwith places outsideof base,” Gove said. “Weare very flexible and valuemember feedback.”Part of the “fashion”statement includes a renovationto the KendrickClub’s Gil’s Pub duringJuly and August, whichGove said will leave thepub as the “benchmarkof all sports bars” –showcasing a large JumboTron-styleTV as wellas other high-definitionTVs for various sportingevents.Jones recommendedbase affiliates apply inperson at the Parr Club,Bldg. 500, and KendrickClub, Bldg. 1039,to receive their monthlycoupons and use clubbenefits immediately.However, those interestedcan apply for clubmembership online atwww.Chase.com/AFClub-Card. For more information,call the Parr Club at658-7445 and the KendrickClub at 652-2986.Safety fair kicks off campaignU.S. Air Force Tech.Sgt. Tranetta Sicesreads a motorcyclesafety pamphlet atthe safety fair May 23in the atrium of theWilford Hall AmbulatorySurgical Center, JointBase San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.The educational fairofficially kicks off theAir Forces' 101 CriticalDays of SummerCampaign which runsfrom Memorial Dayweekend through LaborDay. Sices is a laboratorytraining managerfor the 59th LaboratorySquadron.U.S. Air Force photo byHarold China

PAGE 12WINGSPREADJUNE 1, 2012Base pools open for summer swimmingWith school nearly out of sessionand summer arriving quickly, JointBase San Antonio-Randolph's 902ndForce Support Squadron is proud toannounce the opening of the two basepools.The Center Pool at the Parr Club,located at Bldg. 502, will be openthis summer from May 26 to Sept. 5.The South Pool, located at Bldg. 980,adjacent to Chapel 2 on H Street, willbe open from June 4 to Aug. 19.If someone is looking for activities toinclude swim lessons, lap swimming,day camp through the Youth Centeror private pool parties, the South Poolhas everything they need. If aerobicsclasses and open recreational swimare what someone enjoys, they shouldvisit the Center Pool.Top: Families at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Center Pool enjoy timetogether in the water.Above: Kids at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Center Pool enjoy timetogether in the water.Left: Lifeguards at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Center Pool ensurethe safety of the swimmers May 26 at the Center Pool.U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Lincoln Korver

JUNE 1, 2012 WINGSPREADPAGE 13SPORTS - HEALTH - FITNESSAF launches site to offset mishapsBy Brian RaphaelAir Force Safety Center Public AffairsThe summer is a welcometime of year markedby warmer weather andincreased participation inoutdoor activities. Unfortunately,it's historicallythe time of year whenthe Air Force experiencesdisproportionately moremishaps and fatalities offduty and also marks thebeginning of the Daysof Summer safety campaign.To enhance awarenessof risk management decision-makingand offsetthe chance of mishaps,the Air Force Safety Centerannounces the CriticalDays of Summer publicwebpage to help everyoneenjoy a mishap-free summer.In addition to toolsand features, this one-stopresource contains videoswith important messagesfor all Airmen."Remember to dive intoyour summer off-duty activitieswith a clear eyetoward safely returningto duty," said Bill Parsons,Air Force chief of groundsafety."Every Airmen is preciousand every fatality isone too many!" safety centerofficials said. "Pleaseenjoy your summer andmake the choice to go intothe fall with warm memoriesof the decisions youmade and the time youhad. Spread the word toprevent mishaps."Visit the site at http://www.afsec.af.mil/criticaldaysofsummer/.Football fan delightStaff Sgt. MoniqueJohnson (right), AirEducation and TrainingCommand assistantNCO in chargeof commander supportstaff, receivesan autographed cardfrom the San AntonioTalons footballteam May 18 atthe Joint Base SanAntonio-RandolphBase Exchange. Theevent featured anautograph signing forbase members anda drawing for freegame tickets and anautographed football.Photo byAirman 1st ClassAlexis SiekertRAMBLER GROUP EXERCISE CLASS SCHEDULE AND SPECIAL EVENTS JUNE 1-14JUNE 1*9:00 a.m. - Step (Theanne)10:15 a.m. - Cardiofusion (Theanne)11:15 a.m. - Cycling- (Aurora)5:30 p.m. - Yoga (Regi)JUNE 2*9:00 a.m. - Kick boxing (Bobbie)9:00 a.m. - Pilates(Sandra)10:15 a.m. - Zumba (Sandra)JUNE 3*1:00 p.m. - Yoga (Lisa)JUNE 49:00 a.m. - Step (Claudia)10:00 a.m. - Water aerobics (Regi)10:05 a.m. - Strength training4 the new ages (Claudia)11:00 a.m. - Step (Claudia)11:15 a.m. - Cycling (Regi)5:00 p.m. - Step (Bobbie)*5:15 p.m. - Cycling (Holly)6:00 p.m. - Yoga (Regi)JUNE 59:00 a.m. - Yoga (Wendy)10:00 a.m. - Seniors strength (Regi)11:00 a.m. - Step (Theanne)5:00 p.m. - Zumba (Sandra)*6:00 p.m. - Kick boxing (Bobbie)JUNE 6*9:00 a.m. - Step (Theanne)10:00 a.m. - Water aerobics (Regi)10:00 a.m. - Yoga (Chrissy)11:00 a.m. - Step (Claudia)11:15 - Cycling (Regi)5:00 p.m. - Zumba (Zeny)5:15 p.m. - Cycling (Holly)6:00 p.m. - Pilates (Regi)JUNE 79:00 a.m. - Step/weights (Claudia)9:00 a.m. - Yoga (Wendy)10:00 a.m. - Seniors (Regi)11:00 a.m. - Sets & reps (Theanne)5:00 p.m. - Zumba (Zeny)6:00 - Kickboxing (Bobbie)JUNE 8*9:00 a.m. - Step (Theanne)10:15 a.m. - Cardiofusion (Theanne)11:15 a.m. - Cycling- (Aurora)5:30 p.m. - Yoga (Regi)JUNE 97:30 a.m. - 2- Person Team 10Krelay run at Eberle Park*9:00 a.m. - Kick boxing (Kim)9:00 a.m. - Pilates(Sandra)10:15 a.m. - Zumba (Sandra)JUNE 10*1:00 p.m. – Yoga (Lisa)JUNE 119:00 a.m. - Step (Claudia)10:00 a.m. - Water aerobics (Regi)10:05 a.m. - Strength training4 the new ages (Claudia)11:00 a.m. - Step (Claudia)11:15 a.m. - Cycling (Regi)5:00 p.m. - Step (Bobbie)*5:15 p.m. - Cycling (Holly)6:00 p.m. - Yoga (Regi)JUNE 129:00 a.m. - Yoga (Wendy)10:00 a.m. - Seniors strength (Lisa)11:00 a.m. - Step (Theanne)5:00 p.m. - Zumba (Sandra)*6:00 p.m. - Kick boxing (Bobbie)JUNE 13*9:00 a.m. - Step (Theanne)10:00 a.m. - Water aerobics (Regi)10:00 a.m. - Yoga (Chrissy)11:00 a.m. - Step (Claudia)11:15 a.m.- Cycling (Regi)5:00 p.m. - Zumba (Zeny)5:15 p.m. - Cycling (Holly)6:00 p.m. - Pilates (Regi)JUNE 149:00 a.m. - Step/weights (Claudia)9:00 a.m. - Yoga (Wendy)10:00 a.m. - Seniors (Lisa)11:00 a.m. - Sets & reps (Theanne)5:00 p.m. - Zumba (Zeny)6:00 p.m. - Kickboxing (Bobbie)*Parent/Child classes