A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E 5 0 2 n d A I R B A S E W I N G
JOINT
BASE
SAN
ANTONIO-LACKLAND,
TEXAS
•
Vol.
69
No.
45
•
November
9,
2012
Pictures tell stories
Veterans Day commentary by Brig. Gen. Carter
PG 2
DEFED training
Security Forces leadership
attends resiliency training
PG 3
Airmen donate hours
345th Training Squadron
Airmen volunteer time
PG 6
Saving babies’ lives
ECMO gives the smallest the
greatest chance at healing
PG 12
A Legacy of SERVICE
Flying binds generations of Air Force family
“The Legacy,” an oil and acrylic painting by Ronald Wong was commissioned by retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets Jr. to commemorate
the legacy of service his grandson, Col. Paul W. Tibbets IV, is following. It depicts the Enola Gay, the aircraft Brig. Gen. Tibbets flew over Hiroshima
in World War II in the background, and a B-2 stealth bomber, the aircraft Col. Tibbets flew in the foreground. See page 18.
INSIDE |
Commentary 2
News 3
Community Briefs 28
What’s Happening 29
Sports 30-31
ONLINE |
www.jbsa.af.mil
PAGE 2
commentary
TALESPINNER
November 9, 2012
SALUTE TO VETERANS
Every picture tells a story
By Brig. Gen. Theresa C. Carter
Joint Base San Antonio and 502nd Air Base Wing Commander
O
ne of my all time favorite movie scenes is from
“The Dead Poets Society.”
In front of a display case which
holds trophies and photos of previous students, Robin Williams’ character talks with his students.
“You’ve walked past them many
times, don’t think you’ve really looked at them … eyes full of
hope. They whisper their legacy
to you. Listen, do you hear it?
Carpe Diem, seize the day boys,
make your lives extraordinary.”
I often think about that scene when
I look at photographs of our veterans
and the men and women currently
serving in uniform. I try to imagine
what they were thinking when the
photo was snapped. Was it the sheer
joy and pride of becoming a Soldier,
Sailor, Airman or Marine upon graduating from basic training or earning
a commission? Was it the anguish
and heartache of losing a buddy in
a fierce firefight on a battlefield far
from home? Or was it humility in
receiving a decoration for bravery
and courage under fire when they
felt they were just doing their job?
As I write this, I can see a photograph sitting on my fireplace mantel.
The photo is of my grandfather, Army
Corporal. Michael Carter, wearing
the uniform of a signal corps soldier, a member of the Headquarters
Company, 361st Infantry, 91st Division. On his uniform there is a single
medal, and he looks a bit uncomfortable posing for the camera. I
never met him as he passed away
more than 13 years before I was
born. My dad, a Purple Heart recipient from his service as a Machinist’s
Mate Second Class on the USS Essex in World War II, never talked
much about what either of them
did during their military service.
A few years ago, sourcing from old
newspaper articles, my aunt posted
information about my grandfather on
the Los Angeles Fire Department web-
site. (He was captain of Engine Company 27.) It was then that I learned
more about the medal on his uniform, the Distinguished Service Cross,
which he earned on Sept. 28, 1918,
in the Battle of the Argonne. One
article from the local paper in Bakersfield, Calif., shared this account:
“After much investigation by newspaper reporters and friends it was
finally developed that Carter did earn
the cross of honor stowed away in
his mess kit, and the story of his actions which won the cross leaked out.
During a heavy enemy barrage in the
Battle of the Argonne, a high explosive shell broke the line of communication between headquarters and
outposts, Carter, observing the break
in the line dashed out, in the face
of the terrible barrage, and, without
receiving a scratch repaired the wire.
Carter seems to be of a modest position, as he returned to Bakersfield
and assumed the position as engineer
at the Mercy h ospital without mention of his experiences in the war.”
I share that story not to boast about
my grandfather, though I am obviously
very proud of him, but rather to say
his reluctance to share his experience
is very common among our veterans.
Yet their stories need to be told, not
BRIG. GEN. THERESA C. CARTER,
JBSA/502ND AIR BASE WING,
COMMANDER
TODD G. WHITE,
JBSA/502ND AIR BASE WING
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
OSCAR BALLADARES,
JBSA-LACKLAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS CHIEF
VACANT
INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS CHIEF
210-671-4111
L.A. SHIVELY, MANAGING EDITOR
MIKE JOSEPH, SENIOR WRITER
210-671-4357
JOSE T. GARZA, III, SPORTS/STAFF WRITER,
210-671-0478
DOROTHY LONAS, DESIGN/LAYOUT
210-671-5049
Office
Brig. Gen. Theresa C. Carter
only to inspire the next generation but
also to document the dedication, courage and sacrifice of all who have worn
the nation’s uniform, both in times
of peace and war. Their service,
no matter how long or under what
circumstances, made a difference.
As you pay tribute to and salute our
veterans on Nov. 11, encourage the
veterans in your life to share their
stories, to share their legacy with
future generations. I have no doubt
looking at photographs of their time
in service, young men and women will
be inspired to seize the day, make a
difference and become extraordinary.
U.S. Army Cpl. Michael Carter
Joint Base San Antonio
Lackland
Editorial Staff
In 2000, the United States Congress authorized the creation
of the Veterans History Project.
This program, administered by
the American Folklife Center,
Library of Congress, “collects,
preserves and makes accessible
the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future
generations may hear directly
from veterans and better understand the realities of war.”
Go to http://www.loc.gov/vets/
about.html.
1701 Kenly Ave. Suite 102
Lackland AFB, Texas
78236-5103
(210) 671-4111;
(fax) 671-2022
Email: [email protected]
Commander’s Action Line:
[email protected].
Straight Talk: 671-6397 (NEWS)
For advertising information:
Prime Time Military Newspapers
Ave E at Third Street
San Antonio, Texas 78205
(210) 250-2024
This newspaper is published by Prime
Time Military Newspapers, a private
firm in no way connected with the
U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written
contract with Lackland AFB, Texas.
This commercial enterprise Air Force
newspaper is an authorized publication
for members of the U.S. military
services. Contents of the Talespinner
are not necessarily the official views of,
or endorsed by, the U.S. government,
the Department of Defense, or the
Department of the Air Force.
The appearance of advertising in
this publication, including inserts or
supplements, does not constitute
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or Prime Time Military Newspapers, of
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Everything
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for purchase, use or patronage without
regard to race, color, religion, sex,
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or any other non-merit factor of the
purchaser, user or patron.
Editorial content is edited, prepared
and provided by the Public Affairs Office
of the 502nd Air Base Wing. All photos,
unless otherwise indicated, are U.S. Air
Force photos.
Deadline for submissions
is noon Thursday the week prior
to publication.
November 9, 2012
TALESPINNER
news
PAGE 3
NEWS IN BRIEF
FREE VETERANS DAY CONCERT
The U.S. Air Force Band of the West
and the San Antonio Symphony free annual Veterans Day concert is Sunday, 7
p.m., at the Majestic Theatre in downtown
San Antonio.
Tickets can be picked up at the Joint
Base San Antonio-Lackland Information,
Tickets and Travel Office, the Randolph
ITT office, or the Fort Sam Houston Morale, Welfare and Recreation office.
FEDERAL BENEFITS OPEN SEASON
Federal benefits open season for Air
Force civilian employees begins Monday
and continues through Dec. 10.
The Lackland Federal Employees
Health Benefits Fair is Wednesday, 9 a.m.
to 4 p.m., at Mitchell Hall. Employees will
have an opportunity to meet representatives from different health carriers.
For details, contact Donna Leeth at
210-671-0005.
THANKSGIVING DAY DINING
Photo by Robbin Cresswell
Family members, retirees and their
immediate dependents are authorized to
have dinner Thanksgiving Day, 11 a.m.
to 5 p.m., in the Lackland Training Annex
Dining Facility, Bldg. 124.
Meal prices are a la carte and required
reservations are due by Nov. 16.
For reservations or additional information, call Sylvia Terrell at 210-6712009/3866.
Resiliency Training
FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE AT WHASC
By Dr. Deloria Wilson
Operational Psychologist, A.F. Security Forces Center
The flu vaccine fast track program
is open in the Wilford Hall Ambulatory
Surgical Center atrium for active-duty
personnel and Department of Defense
beneficiaries. Active-duty members are
required to receive the vaccine.
The vaccine is available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to
4 p.m., and Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Active duty in uniform have priority.
Patients with booked appointments
may receive the vaccine from their primary care manager. Medical contractors
not TRICARE eligible need to receive their
vaccine off base and bring proof to the
Public Health Office.
For more information on medical
employee health, contact Staff Sgt.
Shayna Alisasis at 210-292-3138. For
details on the fast track program, contact
the Allergy and Immunizations Clinic at
210-292-4278.
Chief Master Sgt. Patrick Acheson, a Security Forces manager from the Air Force District of Washington, located on Joint Base Andrews,
Md., facilitates Defender’s Edge Training for Security Forces senior leadership, Oct. 20 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, following a
three-day Security Forces Executive Council.
Security Forces senior leadership attend
Security Forces senior leadership
from all major commands and the air
staff met Oct. 20 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, following a three-day
Security Forces Executive Council to
undergo Defender’s Edge Training.
The training was facilitated by Dr.
Deloria R. Wilson, operational psychologist, Headquarters Air Force Security
Forces Center, and Chief Master Sgt.
Patrick Acheson, security forces manager, Headquarters Air Force District of
Washington.
Defender’s Edge Training, or DEFED,
is the umbrella term for Security Forces
efforts to enhance the resilience and
operational capability of members for
both deployed and home-station operations. What originally began as a program developed by an Air Force psychologist in the United States Central
Command area of operations in 2008
for deployed Security Forces members
has evolved to encompass several efforts throughout the deployment cycle.
DEFED builds from the foundation set
by the Air Force’s Comprehensive Airman Fitness program and focuses specifically on Security Forces’ needs.
Brig. Gen. Allen Jamerson, director
of Security Forces, both hosted and attended the training, said DEFED for
senior leaders is critical to enabling
leadership to better take care of Airmen. DEFED’s main focus areas are
performance optimization and combat
and operational stress awareness and
mitigation.
“I absolutely believe that Defenders
are inherently resilient because we have
been trained to adapt, adjust and overcome,” Jamerson said. “It is also true
that sometimes we need help to overcome those personal and professional
challenges. Defender’s Edge is not a
program, but a philosophy. It promotes
excellence and optimal performance, as
well as mental toughness that, when
needed, can help restore ourselves back
to full health,” he added.
Defender’s Edge cadre at Security Forces units worldwide are being trained in skills such as managing
adrenaline, using mental practice and
performance self-talk, as well as discussing topics to include use of lethal
force, countering fatigue and developing a survivor's mindset with clear purpose and goals.
Defender’s Edge concepts, strategies
and tactics are meant to be implemented into existing training at all levels and
daily operations. Implementation and
sustainment are key areas that Security
Forces leaders are considering as they
recognize both the challenge and importance of institutionalizing Defender’s
Edge to better support Security Forces
members and their families.
PAGE 4
TALESPINNER
AF officials delay MilPDS upgrade
By Tech. Sgt. Steve Grever
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
Air Force officials are delaying the upgrade
of the Military Personnel Data System that
was originally scheduled for December.
Delaying the upgrade is necessary to ensure
the new system is thoroughly tested by the
Air Force Personnel Center and other Department of Defense and Air Force agencies that
use personnel information from MilPDS.
“Despite the best efforts of many, we must
delay the upgrade,” said Robert Corsi, Air
Force assistant deputy chief of staaff for manpower, personnel and services. “It’s critical
we ensure our Airmen have the best possible personnel data system, and to do that we
need to complete testing on the new system
before we upgrade MilPDS.”
The delay will have minimal impact on
total force Airmen as personnel processes have
been established to allow Airmen to continue
to submit early retirement and separation
applications until Nov. 16. The personnel
processes and programs identified below
will revert back to the requirements and
timelines outlined in their respective Air
Force instructions:
– Scheduling oral proficiency interviews, De-
fense Language Proficiency Tests for foreign
language proficiency bonuses
– Applying for reenlistments and enlistment
extensions
– Completing base of preference applications
– Completing in-place base of preference applications
– Applying for voluntary retraining
– Updating Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance policies
MilPDS is the primary records database
for personnel data and actions that occur
throughout every total force Airman’s career.
MilPDS is also used to initiate Airman pay actions, maintain Air Force accountability and
strength data and support a host of interactions with other Air Force processes and
systems that rely on personnel data.
Reserve and Guard members will receive
specific instructions from the Air Force Reserve Command and Air Reserve Personnel
Center concerning how the delay will impact
their personnel programs. More information
is available on the ARPC public website at
http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil.
For more information about personnel services and programs, visit the myPers website
at http://mypers.af.mil.
November 9, 2012
Pop Speaks
Photo by Tim Hipps
San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich addresses the
Air Force, Army, Marines and Navy basketball teams hours before
tipoff to the Armed Forces Basketball Tournament, Monday.
PAGE 6
TALESPINNER
November 9, 2012
Airmen
donate
spare man
hours to
local area
By Amy Perry
Fort Lee Public Affairs Office
Instead of having his Airmen in hold
status spend their days cleaning the dormitories over and over, a military training flight commander has found a way to
promote volunteering while helping Fort
Lee and the local community.
On any given day, about 30-50 Airmen are waiting for a start date for
training or orders to their new base
after graduating, and 2nd Lt. Blandon
Prowse, 345th Training Squadron MTF
commander, decided their time could be
better spent than performing “hey-you”
duties around the squadron.
“We waste a lot of federal man
hours when the Airmen are just hanging around the dormitory, cleaning the
same stuff every day,” said Prowse. “We
always try to make a positive impact in
the community – it’s part of our training.
This volunteer project helps show the
Airmen the importance of volunteering
within the community.”
The flight leadership has sought out
opportunities where the Airmen could
volunteer and found several different
places that would benefit from the extra
manpower. They include the Petersburg
National Battlefield, local food pantries
and multiple locations on Fort Lee such
as Outdoor Recreation, the Stray Animal
Facility and Family and Moral, Welfare
and Recreation.
The Airmen’s efforts at the Petersburg National Battlefield are particularly noteworthy. At least three days a
Photos by Amy Perry, Fort Lee Public Affairs
Airman Aubrey Williams, an airman in services training from the 345th Training Squadron military training flight, mows the lawn at City Point
in Hopewell to help landscape the area. Airmen from the MTF volunteer their time while awaiting class start dates at several lo cations through
their partnership with the Petersburg National Battlefield. The Airmen have contributed more than 7,200 hours and saved the battlefield at least
$108,000 since they started in March.
week – sometimes up to five days – 1012 Airmen go to the battlefield to help
out on projects.
“They have participated in general maintenance work (weed-eating/
mowing) at the park, trail restoration,
creek bed restoration, planting trees,
building bridges and other structures,”
said Prowse. “Airmen rotate in and out
quickly – most are able to volunteer one
or two days before starting classes, so
none of them end up getting burnt out
on the project.”
A few Airmen volunteer several more
times, based on how often they want to
go and how long they are in hold status.
Airman Derick Reed, a student awaiting
an air transportation course, has volunteered seven times, and said he likes giving back to the community.
“I enjoy volunteering at the battlefield
– it’s definitely better scenery than being
stuck at the dorms cleaning,” he said.
“I’ve also been able to learn a lot about
the history of the area.”
The battlefield staff definitely appreciates the Airmen’s assistance, said David
Beaver, Petersburg National Battlefield
facility manager. The Airmen have con-
tributed more than 7,200 hours and
saved the battlefield at least $108,000
since they started in March.
“These Airmen allow us to do work
that just wouldn’t get done without
them,” he said. “If I didn’t have these
guys, we wouldn’t be able to do the landscaping we need to do.
“One of the projects they are working
on is weed-eating the headstones at Poplar Grove,” Beaver continued. “I would
have to pull my entire crew to weed-eat
the 6,000 headstones there. The Airmen
knock it out in a day or two with only
one staff member with them. My crew
is able to do work they need to do that
requires more expertise.”
Prowse said he appreciates the effort
the battlefield staff makes with the Airmen. Not only do they get proper safety
briefings, but they also learn about the
history of the local area.
“One of the things we are most grateful for is that the park rangers and
maintenance workers always take the
time to explain the history behind all the
sites before they begin working on them,
such as the Battle of The Crater, Poplar Grove Cemetery, City Point/Grant’s
Headquarters and the Siege of Petersburg,” he said. “This way, we instill in
our Airmen an appreciation for the deep
historical significance of the surrounding area as well as an awareness of the
sacrifices of military members of previous generations.”
Airman 1st Class Jamesrey De Dios, an airman in services training from the 345th
Training Squadron military training flight,
mows the lawn at City Point in Hopewell.
PAGE 8
Congratulations to these
61 Airmen selected as honor
graduates among the 619
Air Force basic military
trainees graduating today:
320th Training Squadron
Flight 695
Mark Aakre
Anthony Arbo
Connor Grosz
Blake Richards
Lance Steck
Flight 696
Christopher Eaton
Derek Ehlers
Sean Fearing
Michael Moore
Matthew Owens
William Reece
321st Training Squadron
Flight 693
Djavlan Babadjanov
Adam Bourdon
Jeffrey Cross
Gerardo Guerra
Kyle Hansen
TALESPINNER
Michael Knepper
Andrew Morgan
Matthew Ohlsen
Zechariah Palmisano
Kyle Parker
Cory Payne
Matthew Rzomp
Julio Sanchez
Morgan Turner
Harold Yochem
Flight 694
Sirena Crowder
Ulises Galindo
Flight 700
Andrew Anderson
Chase Chemero
Joshua Huff
Anthony Naiman
Levi Newton
Jeremy Rich
Zack Throckmorton
Anthony Truesdale
Michael Walters
Austin Wellborn
322nd Training Squadron
Flight 697
Steven Ard
Philip Hendren
Jarrett Lyle
Mark Orszulak Jr
Miguel Romo
Christopher Sauter
Joshua Vander-Heyden
Flight 698
Edward Dwyer
324th Training Squadron
Flight 701
Anthony Fernandez
Robert Lawrence
Collin Matykunas
Joshua Meeks
Jordan Mixer
Flight 702
Linsie Rice
323rd Training Squadron
Flight 699
Christopher Eck
326th Training Squadron
Flight 703
Guadalupe Flores
Neil Kircher
Bradley Larsen
November 9, 2012
Kyle Stage
Flight 704
Jessica Gluth
Savannah Purcell-Kasper
Kayla-Maureen Sant
Brittany Smith
Top BMT Airman
Andrew Morgan,
321st TRS, Flight 693
Most Physically Fit
Male Airmen
Jessy Gallegos,
320th TRS, Flight 695
Kenneth Hinman,
320th TRS, Flight 695
Chase Chemero,
323rd TRS, Flight 700
Joseph Lattimer,
321th TRS, Flight 693
Female Airmen
Bailey Busby,
326th TRS, Flight 704
Rufina Lopez,
321st TRS, Flight 694
Andrea Bower,
326th TRS, Flight 704
Jessica Mcpeters,
326th TRS, Flight 704
Male Flights
320nd TRS, Flight 695
323rd TRS, Flight 700
323rd TRS, Flight 699
320th TRS, Flight 696
321st TRS, Flight 693
326th TRS, Flight 703
324th TRS, Flight 701
322nd TRS, Flight 697
322nd TRS, Flight 698
Female Flights
326th TRS, Flight 704
321st TRS, Flight 694
324th TRS, Flight 702
Top Academic Flights
320th TRS, Flight 695
321st TRS, Flight 693
320th TRS, Flight 696
323rd TRS, Flight 700
322nd TRS, Flight 698
324th TRS, Flight 701
323rd TRS, Flight 699
PAGE 10
TALESPINNER
November 9, 2012
Program gives Airmen, trainees a taste of home for Thanksgiving
37th Training Wing Public Affairs
Area families can express their gratitude and
hospitality to Airmen and trainees at Joint Base
San Antonio-Lackland by inviting them to share a
Thanksgiving meal through the “Operation Home
Cooking” program.
In its 37th year, the program provides an opportunity for families to celebrate with Airmen and
basic trainees, recognizing that many of them are
away from home for the first time.
Last year, local residents hosted 4,889 Air Force
members for Thanksgiving dinner.
Families within the San Antonio metropolitan
area may participate in the program and invite
two Airmen or two trainees through a “General
Request” or a “By Name Request” by calling 6715453, 671-5454, or 671-3701.
To host an Airman or trainee under the “By
Name Request,” requestors must be an immediate family member: mother, father, brother, sister
or grandparent and live in the San Antonio metropolitan area. Exceptions will be for Airmen in the
eighth week of training.
Out-of-town relatives with trainees in basic
training; graduating during Thanksgiving week,
may place a “By Name Request for Thanksgiving
Lunch or Dinner” and must be in the San Antonio
area in order to share a meal with their trainees.
Requests can be made weekdays from 8 a.m. to
3 p.m. Reservations are required to host Airmen
and trainees. Requestors cannot host Airmen or
trainees on Thanksgiving Day without using the
program.
Phone lines will remain open until Nov. 21, or
until all eligible Airmen and trainees have been requested, whichever occurs first; then the program
will stop taking requests and requestors may be
put on a waiting list.
Since trainees are not permitted to have personal transportation during training, hosts must
pick up “General Requests” at the Basic Military
Training or BMT Reception Center, Bldg. 7246. If
the Airman or trainee is a “By Name Request,”
he or she must be picked up from their respective
squadrons on Thanksgiving Day between 7 and
11 a.m.
All Airmen and basic trainees must be returned
to their respective squadrons according to their
designated return time, or no later than 7 p.m.
Please plan accordingly for traffic.
This program is designed for family participation and not intended for groups.
*Security Hill – Kisling Community Center
*JBSA-Randolph – Parr Officers’ Club
*JBSA-Fort Sam Houston – Sam Houston Community Center
*JBSA-Lackland – Gateway Club
PAGE 12
TALESPINNER
The machine that
saves babies’ lives
November 9, 2012
By Maria Gallegos
BAMC Public Affairs
The Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation or ECMO machine continues to save lives after its departure from Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical
Center to San Antonio Military Medical Center.
The life-saving machine is commonly used for newborns and children
suffering from respiratory and/or cardiac failure as a result of birth defects, trauma or severe infection.
ECMO is very similar to a heart-lung bypass machine used for an
open-heart surgery. It mimics the natural function of the heart and lungs
allowing an infant or child to rest while natural healing of the affected
organ takes place.
Since 1985, Wilford Hall has treated 191 ECMO patients including 79
critical neonatal and pediatric cases with support of 59th Medical Wing
personnel.
In December 2011, the ECMO program transferred to SAMMC due to
the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure implementation and continues
today with Army and Air Force personnel working together to provide
the highest quality healthcare system.
SAMMC is the only Department of Defense facility that provides
Courtesy photo
this type of medical procedure for infants, with the 59th MDW Commonly used for newborns and children suffering from respiratory and/or cardiac failure as a result of birth defects, trauma or severe infection, the ECMO machine continues to save lives after its
See ECMO PG15
departure from Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center to San Antonio Military Medical Center.
November 9, 2012
ECMO from PG12
providing world-wide air support for transporting patients to and from the medical centers.
“The ECMO transport function still remains
with the 59th Medical Wing while the inpatient
ECMO care is at SAMMC,” explained Lt. Col.
Michael Shoemaker, SAMMC neonatologist and
ECMO director.
So far, one patient has been treated at SAMMC
and another patient was transported from U.S.
Naval Hospital-Okinawa in Japan to Stanford
University Medical Center in California.
“No question about it, she would have died
without (ECMO),” said Shoemaker, as he explained the situation involving the first ECMO
patient treated at SAMMC.
“Brianna was born on Jan. 13 in a Honduras
hospital. Her mother is Honduran and her father
is active duty stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash. She
was born with undiagnosed, ruptured omphalocele versus gastoshisis (abdominal wall defects
where abdominal contents are out of the body),”
he said.
“She had some surgical repairs in Honduras
but remained very ill and had developed a bloodstream infection. She was scheduled to be transferred from Honduras to Seattle Children’s Hospital, however en route to Seattle, she developed a
pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and hemothorax
(collection of blood between the chest wall and
the lungs), which caused the flight to divert to
TALESPINNER
SAMMC on Feb. 8,” Shoemaker said.
Shoemaker explained that without the use of
the ECMO machine, Brianna had no chance of
survival.
“Due to the bloodstream infection, her acute
respiratory distress syndrome and her illness
worsening, it was decided that she would surely
die without ECMO. On Feb. 11, she was placed
on ECMO and was taken off the machine on Feb.
18,” he said.
On March 21, her health improved and she was
transferred to Madigan Army Medical Center.
“She had a very rocky post-ECMO course but
did manage to improve enough to be transported
to Madigan in March. Since then she has had
definitive surgery on her bowel and is doing very
well,” Shoemaker concluded.
Cheryl Collicott, senior ECMO coordinator since
1985, said she finds the job rewarding.
“I love what I do. It’s the feeling you get when
you know you made a difference in someone’s
life. The thanks and the hugs you receive from
the families you helped in saving their baby’s life
is what keep us going.”
The ECMO program is a multi-disciplinary
team of cardiac intensive care unit physicians,
nurses, specially-trained respiratory therapists
and medical technicians who provide customized ECMO care for each child they treat. The
program also supports the Graduate Medical
Education in surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics and
neonatology.
PAGE 15
Courtesy photo
A child is treated at the San Antonio Military Medical Center using
the ECMO machine
November 9, 2012
TALESPINNER
Universal City Veterans Day parade
Photo by Alan Boedeker
Airmen with the 737th Training Group Drum & Bugle Corps march in formation
while playing patriotic music during Universal City’s Veterans Day parade Nov. 3.
They marched down Pat Booker Road, which leads to the entrance to Joint Base San
Antonio-Randolph in an early celebration of Veterans Day. Originally known as Armistice Day, the commemoration honored the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th
month of 1918, during which an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was
declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War. Veterans
Day, Nov. 11th, became a legal federal holiday in the U.S. in 1938.
PAGE 17
Lackland Exchange Spreads
Holiday Cheer with IndustryLeading Return Policy
AAFES Public Affairs
Nearly 20 percent of Americans will return at least one
holiday gift item this holiday
season, according to Lavi Industries, a provider of public
guidance. To take the stress and
confusion out of the return process, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service has extended the terms
of its hassle-free return policy for the
holidays.
“We want to make returns as simple
as possible for our holiday shoppers,”
said Lisa Hauser, Lackland Exchange’s
PowerZone Associate. “Our relaxed
refund policy will guarantee customer
satisfaction.”
The Exchange’s standard policy limits
returns anywhere from 15 to 90 days
with a sales receipt, but the holiday
return/exchange policy extends these
guidelines through Jan. 31,
2013 for any item purchased
between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24,
2012.
As is the case year-round,
refund requests with sales receipts are processed in accordance with original forms of
payment (cash for cash, credit
for credit card). Refund requests without sales receipts receive an Exchange
gift card.
In addition to returns on items purchased at the Lackland Exchange, online
orders can be returned to the nearest
Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy or
Coast Guard Exchange. Online returns
due to an error on the
Exchange’s part are reimbursed for standard
shipping charges as
well.
PAGE 18
TALESPINNER
November 9, 2012
November 9, 2012
TALESPINNER
PAGE 19
Tibbets shares
stories, legacy of
service in Air Force
By L.A. Shively
Managing Editor
The weather was very bad in theater, but the
crews of the two B-2 Spirits, selected for a
mission over Yugoslavia, took off from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., nonetheless.
Although the B-2 crews weren’t sure they
would be able to carry out their tasking,
they decided they would press on through
the nearly 30-hour round trip.
“We headed into theater,” recalled Col.
Paul W. Tibbets IV, who piloted one of the
batwing-shaped stealth aircraft. “The folks
in theater could not take off, except for our
friends in the Navy, who provided some of
the enemy suppression and support. Their
mentality was that if they were needed, they
would make it happen.”
Both sets of crews achieved their missions
over Yugoslavia. The Navy pilots returned
their aircraft to their carriers and the B-2s
flew back to Whiteman without incident.
Part of NATO’s Operation Allied Force,
the U.S. military strikes in Yugoslavia, from
March through June 1999, led to the withdrawal of Yugoslavian forces from Kosovo
and put an end to the Yugoslav Wars.
Allied Force also proved to be a successful
combat debut for the B-2s.
Tibbets, the grandson of retired Brig. Gen.
Paul W. Tibbets Jr., who delivered the atomic bomb over Hiroshima, Japan, facilitating
the end of World War II, was in San Antonio
recently. He spoke at an Eighth Air Force
Historical Society Gala for 300 guests at the
Crown Plaza hotel, sharing highlights of his
23-year career as a pilot, like his grandfather, and of his family legacy.
But the B-2 pilot did not grow up with the
same passion to fly as his grandfather. He’d
seen his grandfather only twice during his
youth. Instead, the younger Tibbets found
satisfaction serving with organizations such
as Key Club in high school. Students in Key
Club clean parks, collect clothing and organize food drives. They also learn leadership
skills conducting meetings, planning projects
and vying for positions at the club, district
and international levels.
It was Tibbets’ father, Paul W. Tibbets III,
a pharmacist and hospital administrator in
the U.S. Army Reserve, who influenced his
son’s decision to enroll in the Air Force Academy.
At the Academy, Tibbets relished the military lifestyle and then graduated from pilot
training, following in his grandfather’s footsteps after all. He logged more than 3,800
hours flying combat missions in southwest
Asia, the Balkans and Afghanistan, piloting
both the B-1 and B-2 bombers.
After a successful career as a bomber pilot,
Tibbets served as executive assistant to the
commander, Eighth Air Force, and chief of
the nuclear policy branch at NATO headquarters. He is currently serving as commander of
the Air Force Inspection Agency at Kirtland
Air Force Base in Albuquerque N.M.
While in San Antonio, Tibbets discussed
courage, recalling a story his grandfather
related to him. Then U.S. President Harry
Truman called the Enola Gay pilot into his
office to talk about the Hiroshima mission.
An aircrew flies a B-2 Spirit from Whiteman Air Force
Base, Mo., over the airfield as part of an aerial demonstration for the 2010 Airpower Over The Midwest
Airshow, Sept. 11, 2010, at Scott AFB, Ill. Tens of
thousands of people attended the two-day airshow.
Courtesy photos
Retired Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets, Jr. (left) and his grandson, then Capt. Paul W. Tibbets IV aboard Fifi, the only airborne-capable B-29 left in the world, during an actual flight Oct. 2, 1998 at Midland, Texas. The aircraft
belongs to the Commemorative Air Force.
“Look, I’m the one that sent you,” Truman
said to Brig. Gen. Tibbets “If somebody has a
problem with it, tell them to come see me.”
“I call that courage from the top,” Tibbets
said. “Truman never apologized because
he knew the decision to drop the atomic bomb over Hiroshima would save lives
across the board and bring World War II
to an end sooner. What does it mean to
apologize for trying to stop the killing? On
both sides – on all sides?
That’s what I most respect about my grandfather and those folks who were a part of
the fight in World War II – their integrity
and their honesty – to do the right thing, no
matter what.”
Courage to do the right thing means that
Americans must continue to be vigilant in
order to defend our hard-won freedoms Tibbets said, and deterrence through military
strength is the answer to aggression in the
world today.
“We are being tested, we are being looked
at and every day we have to show that America is going to defend the freedoms it has.
If deterrence works then we don’t have to
worry about the next step.”
The first slide in his presentation at the
historical society’s gala quoted former U.S.
President Ronald Reagan: “Freedom is never
more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the
bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected,
and handed on for them to do the same.”
“We have a culture of serving something
bigger than ourselves,” Tibbets said. “That is
my second slide. One half of one percent of
today’s Americans has served. During World
War II there were about nine percent of
Americans serving.”
Official AF photo
Col. Paul W. Tibbets IV.
Tibbets stressed that though the number
of volunteers who serve in the military today
are few, each is providing a huge return on
investment to our country.
“It’s the culture that keeps me in,” Tibbets
said. “They’re a class act and really believe
in what they are doing. We must continue to
earn our freedom through those that serve
in the military. How do you hang a price tag
on freedom?”
PAGE 20
TALESPINNER
San Antonio celebrates
America’s Armed Forces
Celebrate America’s Military
is an annual series of events
honoring the active-duty military, the Guard and Reserve,
wounded warriors and veterans for their service to the
nation.
Nov. 9
Salute to Fisher House Gala – 6
p.m. cocktails and 7:30 p.m. dinner and program at JW Marriott San
Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa,
23808 Resort Parkway. Registration
is required. Call 240-559-2470 for information.
Nov. 10
Veterans Parade and Wreath-Laying Ceremony – 10:30 a.m. ceremony
and parade at noon at Alamo Plaza.
Open to the public.
UTSA Military Day Football Game
– 4 p.m. at Alamodome, 100 Montana
St. The NCAA football game features
the UTSA Roadrunners hosting the
McNeese State Cowboys. Ticket purchase required. To purchase tickets,
visit http://www.ticketmaster.com.
Nov. 11
San Antonio Rock n’ Roll Full, Half,
and Mini Marathons – 7:30 a.m. start
time in downtown San Antonio near
the intersection of South Alamo Street
and East Market Street. There is a $15
registration discount for military members who use the code MILITARY2012.
For more information, visit the
website at http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/san-antonio.
Veterans Day Ceremonies – 9:30
a.m. musical prelude is followed by
a 10 a.m. program at the Fort Sam
Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd. The event is open to
the public.
Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers
Commemorative Ceremony – 1:30
p.m. at the San Antonio National Cemetery, 517 Paso Hondo St. The event is
open to the public.
Veterans Day Concert ‘Salute to
Service’ – 7 p.m. at the historic Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St.,
with the San Antonio Symphony and
Air Force Band of the West. Tickets
required.
November 9, 2012
FOSTER a PUPPY
Department of Defense Military
Working Dog Breeding Program
Worldwide need for
detection dogs has
increased dramatically. The
Department of Defense
Military Working Dog
Breeding program breeds
to meet the growing
requirement for security at
home and abroad.
A large part of the success
of this program is dependent
upon volunteers to provide
temporary homes for
developing puppies.
The 341st Training Squadron
at JBSA Lackland
kl d operates a bbreeding
di program for military working
dogs in support of the Department of Defense Military Working Dog
program. These dogs are a vital part of our national defense and serve in
Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps units around the globe.
You can become part of this important effort by volunteering your
home and time to raise a military working dog.
Call us at 210-671-3686,
or email us at [email protected]
November 9, 2012
TALESPINNER
Edwards Aquifer Level
in feet above sea level
STAGE II
Normal - above 660’
Stage I - 660’
Stage II - 650’
Stage III - 642’
Stage IV - 640.5’
Stage V - 637’
CURRENT LEVEL 647.6'
For water restrictions, visit www.jbsa.af.mil
PAGE 27
Dependents, active duty family members,
retirees and their families are authorized
to eat Thanksgiving dinner at the Lackland
Training Annex Dining Facility, Bldg. 124.
Meals are served 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Prices are a
la carte and reservations are required. Call
210-671-2009 or 210-671-3866, no later
than Nov. 16, with reservation requests.
PAGE 28
community
LOCAL BRIEFS
THRIFT SHOP BAG SALE
The Lackland Thrift Shop’s
monthly INside and OUTside bag sale
is Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Operated by the Lackland Officers’ Spouses’ Club, The thrift shop
is located in the One Stop Facility,
Bldg. 5460, on the corner of Walker
and Selfridge Avenues.
For additional information, call
210-671-3608 or visit http://www.
lacklandosc.org. Proceeds from
all sales benefit scholarships for
military dependents and militaryconnected organizations at Joint
Base San Antonio-Lackland.
DROP-IN DENTAL SCREENINGS
The Joint Base San AntonioLackland Pediatric Dental Department will offer dental screenings for
children of active-duty members and
retirees Tuesday, 8-10 a.m., at the
Dunn Dental Clinic. No appointment
is necessary.
Children under 13 years of age
will receive a dental screening exam,
an assessment of the child’s dental
condition, and appropriate treatment
recommendations or alternatives.
CHAPEL SERVICES
Christian
Catholic
Monday-Friday:
Freedom Chapel
Daily Eucharist, 11:30 a.m.
Saturday:
Freedom Chapel
Eucharist, 5:30 p.m.
Reconciliation after Eucharist
Sunday:
Freedom Chapel
Religious Ed., 9 a.m.
Eucharist, 11 a.m.
Orthodox
Reader's Service
Sunday:
Airmen Memorial Chapel
(Classroom)
8 a.m.–10 a.m.
Protestant
Saturday:
Gateway Chapel
Seventh-Day Adventist
Service, 12:30–2:30 p.m.
Parents should bring a copy of
the child’s treatment plan or referral
letter from their private dentist.
For details, call 210-671-9836.
AARP SAFE DRIVER PROGRAM
The Lackland Retiree Activities
Office is sponsoring an AARP safe
driver program Nov. 17, 9 a.m. to 1
p.m., at Freedom Chapel.
Participants receive a certificate,
which makes them eligible for a
discount on automobile insurance.
The course is good for three years.
Cost is $12 for AARP members
with their membership card and
$14 for non-members. For details,
contact the RAO at 210-671-2728
or B.J. Laymon after 1 p.m. at 210671-4208.
PROTESTANT WOMEN’S GROUP MEETING
The Protestant Women of the
Chapel will meet Nov. 27, 6-7 p.m.,
in the Freedom Chapel Fellowship
Hall.
The meeting includes a report
about the recent Women of Faith
conference at the Alamodome.
LOSC SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
Lackland Officers’ Spouses’ Club
scholarship applications are avail-
Sunday:
Airmen Memorial Chapel
Liturgical Service, 8 a.m.
Freedom Chapel
Contemporary Service,
9:30 a.m.
Gospel Service,
12:30 p.m.
Children’s Church provided
Religious Ed., 11 a.m.
Wednesday and Thursday:
Bible Study, 6 p.m.
Protestant family Sunday
school, a one-hour youth and
adult Christian Bible study,
every Sunday at Freedom
Chapel, 11 a.m. For detailscontact Freedom Chapel at
671-4208.
Sunday:
Hope Chapel
The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints, 8–10 a.m.
Islamic
Friday:
TALESPINNER
able online at the LOSC website.
High school students or spouses
of military officers and enlisted
personnel permanently assigned to
Lackland are eligible.
Submission deadline is March 1,
2013.
To download the application, visit
http://www.lacklandosc.org.
RESEARCH STUDY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are needed for a U.S.
Air Force Surgeon General research
study.
The study’s goal is to establish
a normative database of activeduty personnel, ages 26 to 50, with
a doctorate-level education using
a brain MRI. The database will
be used as a comparison to MRI
findings in U-2 pilots and altitude
chamber technicians.
The study entails completion of a
short medical questionnaire followed
by an MRI scan without contrast
performed by the 59th Medical Wing.
Temporarily deployed expenses will
be covered for out-of-town continental United States members.
For additional information,
contact Project Managers Amanda
Gisch or Deborah Geramita at 210292-0476.
Global Ministry Center,
Bldg. 7452
Jummah Prayer,
12:45–1:45 p.m.
Sunday:
Religious Ed., 9–11 a.m.
Jewish
Friday:
Airmen Memorial Chapel
Sabbath Eve Service, 4 p.m.
Sunday:
Religious Ed., 12:30 p.m.
Wicca
November 9, 2012
PROGRAM SEEKS PATIENTS
The Air Force Post-Graduate
Dental School Department of Periodontics at Joint Base San AntonioLackland seeks additional patients
with specific needs for treatment in
its periodontics residency program.
Applicants must be a military
retiree or family member, or an
active-duty family member and
recently to have been determined
by a dentist to have an existing
periodontal condition.
Eligible applicants need a written
consultation from their referring
dentist; patients will be selected
based on the program’s needs. The
Department of Periodontics provides
treatment of the gums and bone
support of the teeth, along with dental implants; it does not schedule
appointments for fillings, braces,
crowns, or bridgework.
The consultation can be faxed
to periodontics at 210-292-6431 or
taken to the Air Force Post-Graduate
Dental School, 2133 Pepperrell St.,
during normal business hours.
For details, call 210-292-7271.
BICYCLE HELMETS REQUIRED
All persons who ride a bicycle,
tricycle, motordrive bicycle, or oper-
10 a.m. to noon.
Eckankar
Every first, third,
fifth Saturday:
Gateway Chapel
12:30–1:30 p.m.
Baha'i
Every first, third,
fifth Sunday:
Gateway Chapel
11 a.m. to noon
1st Tuesday of each month:
Freedom Chapel
Room 8, San Antonio Military
Open Circle, 6 p.m.
Sunday:
Arnold Hall, Bldg. 5506
12:30–2:30 p.m.
Church of Christ
Buddhist
Sunday:
BMT Processing Center,
Bldg. 5725, 1st Floor
7:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Sunday:
BMT Reception Center
Bldg. 7246, 2nd Floor
Sunday:
BMT Reception Center,
Bldg. 7246, 2nd Floor
7:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Christian Science
For more details, contact Freedom Chapel - 671-4208 • Gateway Chapel - 671-2911 • Hope Chapel - 671-2941
ate non-motorized transportation
such as skateboards, kick-scooters,
and roller skates on an Air Force
installation are required by Air Force
Instruction 91-207 to wear a properly fastened and approved bicycle
helmet.
During hours of darkness, riders
are required to wear retro-reflective
vest jacket or outer garment containing retro-reflective material.
For additional safety information,
call 210-671-5028.
PET CONSULT SERVICES AVAILABLE
Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland
Veterinary Treatment Facility now
provides animal behavior consult
services for family pets.
For additional information, call
210-671-3631/2245.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
A Christmas concert featuring
John Angotti is Dec. 13, 5 p.m., at
Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland's
Hope Chapel.
The concert, "Preparing the Way:
A Christmas Concert," will also be
held at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston's Gift
Chapel Dec. 12, 5 p.m.
For more details, call Brian Merry
at 210-221-5006.
JBSA-LACKLAND
KEY FAMILY SUPPORT RESOURCES
Air Force Aid Society
671-3722
Airman & Family Readiness Center
671-3722
Airman’s Attic
671-1780
Base Post Office
671-1058
Bowling Center
671-2271
DEERS
800-538-9552
Exceptional Family Member Program
671-3722
Family Child Care
671-3376
Legal Office
671-3362
Library
671-3610
Medical Appointment Line
916-9900
MPF ID Cards
671-6006
Outdoor Recreation
925-5532
TRICARE Info
800-444-5445
Thrift Shop
671-3608
Enlisted Spouses’ Club http://www.lacklandesc.org
Force Support Squadron http://www.lacklandfss.com
ISD
http://www.lacklandisd.net
Officers’ Spouses’ Club http://www.lacklandosc.org
Public website
http://www.jbsa.af.mil
My Air Force Life
http://www.MyAirForceLife.com
November 9, 2012
TALESPINNER
PAGE 29
What’s Happening
Family Support Events
NOV. 9
BMT FAMILY SEMINAR
The Air Force Basic Military Training
Family Seminar is at noon in the BMT
Reception Center, Bldg. 7246. The
seminar provides information on the
Air Force and its benefits to family
members of graduating Airmen. For
details, call 210-671-3722.
NOV. 12
AFRC CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY
The Airman and Family Readiness
Center is closed Monday for Veterans
Day.
prerequisite for attending the threeday Transition Assistance Program
seminar.
For details, call 210-671-3722.
Monthly Meetings
ENLISTED SPOUSES’ CLUB
The Lackland Enlisted Spouses’ Club meets every third Tuesday of the
month at the Balfour Beatty Community Center, 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more
information, visit www.lacklandesc.org.
AMVET REPRESENTATIVE
OFFICERS’ SPOUSES’ CLUB
An American Veterans national
service officer is available by appointment only to help with disability
claims Tuesday, 8 a.m. to noon, at
the Airman and Family Readiness
Center.
To schedule an appointment, call
210-699-5087.
The Lackland Officers’ Spouses’ Club meets monthly. For dates and times,
or more information, visit www.lacklandosc.org.
The Military Council of Catholic Women meets the first Friday of the
month, 9:30 a.m., at Freedom Chapel. For information, call 210-671-4208.
www.lacklandfss.com
DISABILITY TAP SEMINAR
NOV. 13
PRE-SEPARATION
RETIREES’ CLASS
A mandatory counseling class for
retiring personnel is Tuesday, 9 a.m.
to noon, at the Airman and Family
Readiness Center.
Participants will be briefed on
benefits, services and complete
Department of Defense Form 2648, a
A disability transition assistance
program seminar is Tuesday, 11:30
a.m. to noon, at the Airman and
Family Readiness Center.
For details, call 210-671-3722.
NOV. 14
KEY SPOUSE TRAINING
Training for new appointees in the
Key Spouse Program is Wednesday,
8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Airman and
Family Readiness Center.
The Key Spouse Program is an Air
Force readiness program supporting
Airmen and their families during
deployments, separations and
emergencies as a quality of life
initiative, and provides peer-to-peer
KEY SPOUSE MEETING
A key spouse meeting is Wednesday,
3 p.m., at the Airman and Family
Readiness Center.
For additional information, call 210671-3722.
PRE-SEPARATION CLASS
A mandatory counseling class for
personnel voluntarily separating is
Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.
Attendees will be briefed on benefits,
services and complete Department
of Defense Form 2648, a prerequisite
for attending the three-day Transition
Assistance Program seminar.
AWANA CLUBS MEETING
MILITARY COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN
On the web
For additional informaton call 210671-3722.
Wingman support. For additional
information, call 210-671-3722.
Awana Clubs, a Bible-based children
and youth ministry offering games
and challenges, meets Wednesday,
6-8 p.m., at Freedom Chapel.
For more details about Awana Clubs,
contact Freedom Chapel at 210671-4208.
NOV. 15
FREEDOM CHAPEL STUDY GROUP
RIGHT START ORIENTATION
Right Start Orientation, a class
designed for Joint Base San AntonioLackland newcomers, is Wednesday,
8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Gateway
Club. Preregistration is required.
A women’s Bible study group meets
Thursday, 9:30-11:30 a.m., at
Freedom Chapel.
For additional information on the
Freedom Chapel Study Group, call
210-671-4208.
DISABILITY TAP SEMINAR
A disability transition assistance
program seminar is Thursday, 11:30
a.m. to noon, at the Airman and
Family Readiness Center.
For details, call 210-671-3722.
NOV. 16
FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT SEMINAR
A seminar on the federal employment process is Nov. 16, 1-3:30
p.m., at the Airman and Family
Readiness Center. The class teaches
participants how to enhance the
job-hunting process.
For details, call 210-671-3722.
PAGE 30
sports
TALESPINNER
November 9, 2012
Photo by Alan Boedeker.
Army guard Ron Bartley shoots over Air Force point guard Evan Washington during the first half of the two teams’ first game of the Armed Forces Basketball Tournament Monday at the
Chaparral Fitness Center. The Air Force defeated Army 88-86.
Challengers primed to knock off Air Force
By Jose T. Garza III
Sports Editor
The Air Force men’s basketball
team has won the Armed Forces tournament six consecutive years in a row,
and the three other military branches
are ready to upend them in the weeklong tournament taking place at the
Chaparral Fitness Center.
While the head coaches of the three
challengers realize the Air Force is
the team to beat, they are also cognizant that they have to defeat each
other in round robin play to be the
last team standing come Sunday
during the Armed Forces Basketball
Championship match.
The head coaches of their respective branches have a variety of reasons on how they can usurp the Air
Force after prepping to end its dominance during their teams’ training
camps, which began last month.
Army Head Coach David Smith said
the team needs to stay healthy if they
want to get over the hump and be
successful this year. Army has placed
second the past two years after last
winning the Armed Forces Basketball
Tournament in 2004.
Smith said they lost their best play-
er, point guard Marcus Nelson, in the
third game of the tournament to a foot
injury.
The fourth-year head coach said
his loss took the wind out of Army’s
sails.
Despite the injury, Smith believes
this year’s Army team is the best team
he’s coached.
“I got six returning veterans. I usually get two or three vets come back,”
Smith said. “I have some guys who
are hungry to win, and we just have
a lot of continuity that we haven’t had
in the past.”
Navy first-year Head Coach Mi-
cah Bonner said the Navy basketball
team’s culture has to change for the
team to return to the top of the heap
after placing last in the Armed Forces tourney the past two years. Navy
last won the Armed Forces basketball
tourney in 2005.
“The Navy basketball team’s culture has been lazy and lethargic over
the years so just have to work hard
and play team ball,” Bonner, who was
a starting point guard on the 2005
gold medal team, said. “If we do that,
we have a good shot of changing the
See TOURNAMENT PG31
November 9, 2012
UPCOMING
BODYBUILDING CLASSIC
The 802nd Force Support
Squadron Fitness & Sports
presents the 32nd Annual Joint
Base San Antonio-Lackland
Bodybuilding Classic Saturday
at the Bob Hope Performing
Arts Center.
Tickets are currently on
sale for prejudging and and/or
finals shows at the FSS Sports
Office, located at the Health
and Wellness Center, through
Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Meet professional
bodybuilder Branden Ray
Saturday from 1-3 p.m. at
JBSA-Lackland BX GNC.
GRIDLOCKS GUESTS
If you wish to test your NFL
knowledge against our team
of prognosticators in a future
edition of GRIDlocks, contact
Talespinner Sports Editor Jose
T. Garza III at 210-671-0478.
TALESPINNER
TOURNAMENT from PG30
culture and winning in the process.”
Bonner likes the team he has established this year.
“The team likes each other and they
share the ball,” he said. “Sometimes you
have one or two players who don’t like
share the ball, but my players do like sharing the ball.”
Marines Head Coach James Jones said
the Marines basketball team has lacked
the resources to field a good team.
Despite placing third the past two years,
Jones said the Marines play hard consistently during the Armed Forces tourneys.
“We always play hard, and every team
knows they are getting into a battle when
playing the Marines,” Jones, eighth-year
Marines head coach, said. “We play hard
and make no excuses.”
Jones said the Marines have to defend
and rebound to end its nine-year drought
of not winning gold.
“We have one of the smaller teams in
the tournament, but that doesn’t mean we
can’t win,” he said. “As long as we defend
and rebound, we can be competitive with
anybody.”
“Philly is on a slide, but the
cowboys seem to always find a
way to play down to their competition in spectacular fashion
so I'm taking the Eagles at
home.”
– Staff Sgt. Wes Wright
NFL - WEEK 10
Jose T. Garza III
Talespinner Sports Editor
Joe Bela
Director of Public Affairs,
59th Medical Wing
PAGE 31
While all three coaches have different perspectives on how their respective
teams can win Armed Forces, they agree
the teams have to go through each other
and not just Air Force.
“We have to treat every game like it’s
the most important game of the tournament,” Smith said. “If you don’t, you’ll get
beat by everybody.
“We are not here to just beat Air Force.
We are here to beat the Marines and
Navy.”
His fellow coaches agree on his philosophy.
“We have to beat everybody,” Jones
said.
“We definitely have to beat the Air
Force, but the Marines and the Army are
both tough,” Bonner said. “Navy-Marines
and Navy-Army are great rivalries, but of
course, if you want to be champions, you
got to beat the champs.”
Air Force Head Coach Ted Albers said
his team is ready for the challenge from
its fellow branches.
“We know we have a target on our
backs, but we are going to show up ready
to play until someone takes the championship from us,” he said.
Dwayne Reed
Fitness and Sports Director
Photo by Alan Boedeker.
Marines forward Chris Harris goes in for a layup
in between two defenders during the Marines’
81-60 victory over Navy Monday.
Oscar Balladares
JBSA-Lackland Public Affairs Chief
Staff Sgt. Wes Wright
NCOIC Community Relations502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs.
11-2
11-2
9-4
8-5
GRIDlocks GUEST
Detroit at Minnesota, Sun
Detroit
Detroit
Detroit
Minnesota
Minnesota
Tennessee at Miami, Sun
Tennessee
Miami
Miami
Miami
Tennessee
Oakland at Baltimore, Sun
Atlanta at New Orleans, Sun
Denver at Carolina, Sun
St. Louis at San Francisco, Sun
N.Y. Jets at Seattle, Sun
Buffalo at New England, Sun
Baltimore
Baltimore
Baltimore
Baltimore
Baltimore
New Orleans
New Orleans
New Orleans
New Orleans
Atlanta
Denver
Denver
Denver
Denver
Denver
San Francisco
San Francisco
San Francisco
San Francisco
San Francisco
Seattle
Seattle
Seattle
Seattle
Seattle
New England
New England
New England
New England
New England
N.Y. Giants at Cincinnati, Sun
N.Y. Giants
N.Y. Giants
N.Y. Giants
Cincinnati
N.Y. Giants
San Diego at Tampa Bay, Sun
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Dallas at Philadelphia, Sun
Dallas
Philadelphia
Dallas
Dallas
Philadelphia
Houston at Chicago, Sun
Houston
Chicago
Chicago
Houston
Chicago
Pittsburgh
Kansas City at Pittsburgh, Mon
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
OVERALL: 75-48 (.610)
OVERALL: 77-46 (.626)
OVERALL: 71-52 (.577)
OVERALL: 71-52 (.577)