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
J O I N T B A S E S A N A N T O N I O - 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 • Vo l . 6 9 N o . 1 2 • M A R C H 2 3 , 2 0 1 2
Bronze Star
JBSA-Lackland NCO
earns military honor
PG3
CSAF Visit
Base units host
top AF general
PG4
Water Conservation
Stage 'Normal'
Follow your local
watering guidelines
INSIDE |
Outstanding!
Photo by Senior Airman Corey Hook
Members of the 59th Medical Wing Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility transfer a wounded warrior from a C-17 onto an ambulance bus recently
at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. Establishment of the CASF at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center was a contributing factor to the 59th MDW
earning the U.S. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. The unit received the award for the period of July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011, as recognition for a year
of dedication to the mission, to include the transition from a medical center to an outpatient surgical center and relocating nearly 2,000 personnel to the
San Antonio Military Medical Center at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston.
Commentary 2
News 3
Community Briefs 13
What’s Happening 14
Sports 15-16
PAGE 2
commentary
TALESPINNER
MARCH 23, 2012
'MyPlate'
Shaping 2012 National Nutrition Month
By Robert Goetz
JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs
T
he U.S. Department of Agriculture
last year unveiled MyPlate as a
simpler, more direct successor to
the food guide pyramid it introduced 20
years ago.
This year, the Academy of Nutrition and
Dietetics is promoting the same concept
with its theme “Get Your Plate in Shape”
for National Nutrition Month, which is observed in March.
“That theme follows the USDA’s plate
method,” Jennifer Sides, Joint Base San
Antonio-Randolph Health and Wellness
Center registered dietitian, said. “Fruits
and vegetables should take up half of your
plate, and whole grains and proteins should
take up the other half, with low-fat or fatfree dairy on the side.”
Sides, who called the MyPlate concept
more user-friendly than the food guide
pyramid, said a healthy, balanced meal
should also contain more vegetables than
fruits – in a variety of colors.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,
formerly the American Dietetic Association,
also recommends a variety of vegetables,
“especially dark-green, red and orange
varieties, as well as beans and peas.” The
organization advises consumers to buy
reduced-sodium or no-salt-added canned
vegetables.
“Vegetables and fruits are what most
people are lacking in,” Sides said. “They
are good because they fill you up and have
a lot of health benefits.”
million food items
Fruits and vegetables
that lists information
contain essential vitamins,
such as calories and
minerals, fiber and antioxifat grams, a personaldants that may protect people
ized diet profile and
from chronic diseases, includdiscussion forums.
ing stroke, cardiovascular
“It’s all about
diseases and certain cancers,
accountability and
according to the Centers for
awareness of what
Disease Control and Prevenyou’re taking in,”
tion.
Sides said. “People
“Your plate should be half
don’t realize how
fruits and veggies for a reaPhoto courtesy U.S. Department of Agriculture much they’re eating,
son,” Sides said. “If you can
so it’s a very good
increase your fruit and vegetable intake,
awareness tool.”
that’s a good place to start.”
Sides said the traditional American meal
She said the HAWC’s class Nutrition and
is “a large portion of meat, something
Fitness 101 addresses the MyPlate concept.
starchy like potatoes, then a little bit of
“We talk about making healthy choices
vegetables,” so the theme “Get Your Plate
for each portion of the plate,” Sides said.
in Shape” is an admonition to consumers to
The class’ nutrition-related topics also in- rearrange their mealtime priorities.
clude serving sizes and reading food labels.
“It’s reshaping your plate,” she said. “It
Staff Sgt. Dennis Wichter, HAWC diet
helps you put in perspective how much
technician, said serving sizes are an imporyou’re eating – it’s moderation and portion
tant part of good nutrition. Portion sizes in
control.”
the American diet are often too large.
Sides said people should also be aware
“It’s more about moderation than cutting
of the drinks they consume because sugarthings out completely,” he said.
and calorie-laden drinks can pack on the
As an example, Wichter said a serving
pounds and lead to health issues.
of lean meat – one protein source – is just
A nutrition education and information
three ounces.
campaign created by the Academy of NutriSides said an online tool she recomtion and Dietetics, National Nutrition Month
mends is www.myfitnesspal.com. A webwas initiated in March 1973 as a week-long
site that promotes good eating habits and
event before it became a month-long obweight loss, myfitnesspal.com provides
servance seven years later. The academy’s
members with the ability to track what
yearlong mission is to promote optimal
they eat, a database of more than 1.5
nutrition and well-being for all people.
COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE
The Action Line is your
avenue for addressing issues you’ve been unable to
resolve through your chain
of command or an appropriate agency.
It also allows you to give
feedback and recognize outstanding people and units.
If you leave your name
and telephone number or
email address, you will receive a reply.
Your contact information
allows us to obtain more information, if needed, to help
resolve your issue.
To submit an Action Line
comment, email the JBSALackland Public Affairs Office at actionline@lackland.
af.mil.
For issues related to the
Wilford Hall Ambulatory
Surgical Center, call the
WHASC Action Line at 210-
292-4567, or email your request to [email protected].
mil.
For issues related to basic
training or technical training, email the 37th Training
Wing at 37TRW.PA.INBOX@
us.af.mil.
Items of interest may
be printed in the Lackland
Talespinner.
Anonymous inquiries will
not be published.
Joint Base San Antonio
Lackland
Editorial Staff
BRIG. GEN. THERESA C. CARTER,
COMMANDER
OSCAR BALLADARES,
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
JOE BELA, CHIEF,
INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
671-4111
STAFF SGT. MELISSA B. WHITE,
MANAGING EDITOR, 671-5066
MIKE JOSEPH,
SENIOR WRITER, 671-4357
JOSE GARZA,
SPORTS EDITOR/STAFF WRITER,
671-0478
DOROTHY LONAS,
DESIGN/LAYOUT, 671-5049
Office:
1701 Kenly Ave. Suite 102
Lackland AFB, Texas
78236-5103
(210) 671-1786;
(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) 250-2519
(fax) 250-2570
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
endorsement by the Department of
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or Prime Time Military Newspapers, of
the products or services advertised.
Everything
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in
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for purchase, use or patronage without
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physical handicap, political affiliation,
or any other non-merit factor of the
purchaser, user or patron.
Editorial content is edited, prepared
and provided by the Public Affairs Office
of the 502nd Air Base Wing. All photos,
unless otherwise indicated, are U.S. Air
Force photos.
Deadline for submissions
is noon Thursday the week prior
to publication.
MARCH 23, 2012
NEWS IN BRIEF
AFIT ACQUISITION LIFECYCLE COURSE
An AFIT Acquisition Lifecycle course will
be offered through the Air Force Institute of
Technology Tuesday and Wednesday at Joint Base
San Antonio-Lackland. The course provides a
general overview of the latest in acquisition policy,
processes, management tools and acquisition
reform initiatives.
For details, contact Joanne Cavin, DSN 7857777, Ext. 3245, or register at http://atrrs.army.
mil/channels/afitnow/.
LRS MUNITIONS FLIGHT CLOSURE
The 802nd Logistics Readiness Squadron’s
munitions management flight will be closed
through March 30 for semi-annual stock record
account inventory.
Only emergency requests will be considered.
For details, call 210-671-9030 or 210-671-4265.
502ND ABW PROMOTION CEREMONY
The 502nd Air Base Wing promotion ceremony
is March 30, 1 p.m., at the Gateway Club.
Submissions for the Wingman Award are due
Tuesday.
For information, contact Master Sgt. Christina
Warner at 210-671-3179.
FEDERAL WOMEN’S WEEK AWARDS BREAKFAST
The Federal Women’s Week Awards Breakfast
is March 30, 7:45 a.m., at the Gateway Club
Ballroom. Winners of the Federal Women’s Week
Award will be announced at the breakfast.
For details, call 210-671-9234 or 210-2923418/4522/4134.
EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE
An Easter sunrise service by the Freedom
Chapel Protestant Parish is April 8, 7 a.m., at the
Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland basic military
training parade grounds behind 37th Training
Wing headquarters, Bldg. 2484, 1701 Kenly Ave.
Tickets for a complimentary breakfast at Mitchell
Hall will be distributed to the first 275 attendees.
For details, call Freedom Chapel at 210-6714208.
LEADERSHIP SIMULCAST TRAINING
LEADERCAST, a one-day leadership simulcast
training session for Department of Defense
employees, is May 4, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the
Gateway Club. Check in begins at 6:30 a.m.
The simulcast provides leadership advice, and
offers ideas for creative problem solving, creating
strong team cultures, and advice for avoiding,
detecting and reversing decline.
Simulcast speakers include Denver Broncos
NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, and authors Patrick
Lencioni and John Maxwell.
The event is $25, and online pre-registration
is required. For ticket information or more details,
call Debbie Milner, 802nd Force Support Squadron
marketing director, at 210-671-3906.
news
JBSA-Lackland NCO earns Bronze Star
TALESPINNER
By Airman 1st Class Christina Coulson
JBSA-Lackland Public Affairs
An NCO from the 802nd Comptroller
Squadron was presented the Bronze
Star March 14 for her actions in
Afghanistan.
Tech. Sgt. Christina Gamez, a financial
analyst in the 802nd CPTS, received the
Bronze Star for meritorious service from
Brig. Gen. Theresa C. Carter, 502nd
Air Base Wing commander, prior to
a commander’s call at Joint Base San
Antonio-Lackland.
The Bronze Star is the U.S. military’s
fourth highest individual decoration
for bravery, heroism or meritorious
service.
Gamez distinguished herself by
meritorious achievement as the NCO in
charge during a 365-day deployment,
January 2011 to January 2012. While
in Afghanistan, she accurately executed
operational funds across eight remote
bases, providing commanders with
flexibility in support of counterinsurgency
efforts. Gamez trained 68 operational
fund teams, reviewed 34 projects
and funded 280 joint acquisition
board packages enabling critical base
sustainment.
PAGE 3
“Ask me to recognize anyone
else and I can talk for days, but
to brag about myself, I’m not the
best,” said Gamez. “I feel like I
did my job, kept a very busy
pace and made improvements
any place I could.
“I did my best to make a
positive impact on the mission,
and was surrounded by countless
others doing the same,” she
said. “Between my husband,
my leadership both here and in
the field, and those who served
with me, I had set the bar high.
I am truly grateful for their
support.”
As the financial reviewer of
the joint facilities utilization
board, Gamez validated forward
operating base requirements to
provide the facilities in support
Photo by Robbin Cresswell
of Operation Enduring Freedom Brig. Gen. Theresa C. Carter, 502nd Air Base Wing
missions.
commander, presents Tech. Sgt. Christina Gamez,
Gamez took the lead as 802nd Comptroller Squadron, with the Bronze Star
program manager to draft the during a commander's call March 14 at Joint Base San
statement of work, initiated the Antonio-Lackland.
joint acquisition review board
package and solicited estimates for a system to more than 2,500 personnel
mass notification system. Her work will at the installation and a nearby camp
provide an early-warning notification in the event of imminent attack.
Base AFAF campaign starts Monday
By Mike Joseph
Senior Writer
Fundraising for the Lackland Air
Force
Assistance
Fund
six-week
campaign begins Monday with a goal of
raising $281,000 for the four charitable
affiliates under the AFAF umbrella.
Chief Master Sgt. James A. Cody,
command chief master sergeant of Air
Education and Training Command, is the
guest speaker at this morning’s AFAF
breakfast, which begins at 7:30 a.m. in
the Gateway Club.
Donations to the AFAF’s “For the
Airmen, By the Airmen” campaign help
support the Air Force Aid Society, Air
Force Villages, Inc., Air Force Enlisted
Village, Inc., and the Gen. and Mrs.
Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.
AFAF was established as an annual
effort to raise monies for the fund’s
affiliates. Air Force active duty, retirees,
Reservists, Guard and their dependents,
including surviving spouses, can apply
for assistance.
Master Sgt. James Clawson, Lackland
installation campaign project officer, and
Master Sgt. Eugenia Cowan, alternate
campaign project officer, said with fair
share giving to the assistance fund based
on rank for both officers and enlisted
Airmen, both believe the campaign goal
is within reach.
“I think (reaching the base goal) is very
attainable as long as we stay proactive,”
Clawson said. “If a unit hasn’t picked
a unit project officer and hasn’t been
contacted, we ask them to contact us.”
The fund’s four charitable affiliates
and their assistance areas are:
• The Air Force Aid Society provides
emergency assistance to Airmen and
their families, and sponsors education
and quality of life programs in
communities.
• The Air Force Enlisted Village
provides homes for surviving spouses of
retired enlisted Airmen.
• Air Force Villages, a retirement
community, cares for retired Air Force
officer widows who need financial
assistance.
• The LeMay Foundation awards
grants to retired Airmen and their
spouses in financial need.
Contributions to AFAF are tax
deductible. Active-duty military members
and retirees can donate through payroll
deduction, and Department of Defense
civilians can donate by cash or check.
Donations can be made through unit
project officers. For more information,
contact Clawson at 210-671-8633,
Cowan at 210-925-7832 or visit www.
afassistancefund.org
PAGE 4
TALESPINNER
MARCH 23, 2012
SEEING STARS
Air Force Chief of Staff
Gen. Norton Schwartz
visits with Army Sgt.
Kerry Miler during a
stop at the 59th Medical Wing Contingency
Aeromedical Staging
Facility March 12 at
Joint Base San AntonioLackland. The CASF,
which opened June 13,
2011, at Wilford Hall
Ambulatory Surgical
Center, provides medical care and comfort
measures to wounded
warriors while they await
transportation to their
final destination.
Photo by
Senior Airman Kevin Iinuma
Photo by Alan Boedeker
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz meets with two Peruvian partner nation
military students, Sgts. Wilmer Hurtado, left, and Miguel Ortiz, at the Inter-American Air
Force Academy's new Airfield Training Complex March 12 at Joint Base San AntonioLackland. IAAFA's mission is to build enduring inter-American partnerships through education and training, highlighting the Air Force's commitment to building partnerships in
the Western Hemisphere.
PAGE 6
TALESPINNER
Congratulations to the
following 74 Airmen for
being selected as honor
graduates among 748
Air Force basic military
trainees graduating today:
320th Training Squadron
Flight 231
Reese McClaflin
Wayne Stufflebeem
Mark Wesson
Flight 232
Dana Bevilacqua
Allyson Hemby
Hannah Metz
Alicia Pennington
Coleman Warner
Flight 230
Adam Benjaminson
James Higgins
Clayton Kirby
Dan Mel
Adam Mosher
Morgan Newton
Jacob Thompson
Kyle Toolen
James Zwerenz
322nd Training Squadron
321st Training Squadron
Flight 229
Austin Doyle
Johnathan Gutierrez
Michael Tavale-Esteban
Flight 227
Tymetrius Haley
Lance Hayes
Cameron Jones
Joshua Kern
Keith Maurer
Castro Rodriguez
Flight 228
Dereck Coleman
Philip Davis
Tanner Davis
Colby Douglas
Eduardo Flores
Cory Peterson
323rd Training Squadron
Flight 237
George Brahler II
Kristofer Erickson
Bruce Jackson
Richard Nguyen
Austin Pritchett
Alexander Reneau
Paul Ruiz
Jackson Tranel
Shane Turner
Kip Vaughan
Flight 238
Sadie Browning
Olga Chinikaylo
Dorothy Fitzgerald
Talon Hinson
Yvette Schutt
Kathleen Svenson
324th Training Squadron
Flight 235
Robert Andersen Jr.
MARCH 23, 2012
Steven Beaupierre
Benjamin Chumney
Owl Crying
Anthony Jones
Jon Mangels II
Robert Rice
Jarrod Schultz
Zachary Schwendiman
Daniel Valeri
Flight 236
Andrew Finnegan
Aaron Ibrao
Qadry Jenkins
Daniel Ogburn
Lucas Paper
Zachary Rupert
Aaron Scott
Joshua Weideling
326th Training Squadron
Flight 233
Joseph Jurasovich
Flight 234
Zachary Gates
Joseph Moore II
331st Training Squadron
Flight 225
Robert Cameron
Cody Conomacos
Matthew Godec
Tyler Stanley
Flight 226
Michele Marchant
Female Airmen
Olga Chinikaylo,
323rd TRS, Flight 238
Elise Terrell,
320th TRS, Flight 232
Christina Stanger,
320th TRS, Flight 232
Stevie Jacob,
323rd TRS, Flight 238
Top BMT Airman
Lucas Paper,
324th TRS, Flight 236
Male Flights
320th TRS, Flight 231
331st TRS, Flight 225
323rd TRS, Flight 237
Most Physically Fit
Male Airmen
Corey Hedman,
323rd TRS, Flight 237
Frank Datello,
324th TRS, Flight 236
Christopher Coleman,
320th TRS, Flight 231
James Zwerenz,
321st TRS, Flight 230
Female Flights
323rd TRS, Flight 238
320th TRS, Flight 232
331st TRS, Flight 226
Top Academic Flights
320th TRS, Flight 231
324th TRS, Flight 235
321st TRS, Flight 230
CHIEF'S GRATITUDE
Engineer society recognizes 802nd CES
The 802nd Civil Engineer Squadron was
recently selected as
the recipient for the
Society of Military Engineers 2011 Public
Agency Award.
Representatives
from the squadron
will accept the award
during an honors luncheon May 23 at the
2012 Joint Engineer Education and
Training Conference and Expo in
St. Louis.
The Public Agency Award is an
honor presented to organizations
for eminent contributions to SAME by appointing
individuals
to public agency positions, participating in
procurement opportunity briefings, taking
on leadership positions
at the post level, supporting young member
participation in SAME
activities and mentoring programs, supporting school
outreach and community service
activities, and by participating in
small business programs sponsored
by SAME or federal agencies.
Courtesy photo
Be Responsible!
Seat Belts Save Lives!
Buckle Up And Wear Yours!
Chief Master Sgt. Shaun Ashley, 5th Combat Communications Group, Robins Air Force Base,
Ga., presented chief's coins to three Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland military clothing sales
associates for their service above and beyond the call of duty. Ashley arrived on base recently
for temporary duty and required a mess dress uniform for an organizational event. Cathy
Doughty (left), inventory control associate, along with senior store associates Eunice Martin
(right) and Brenda Smith (not pictured), outfitted the chief within one hour. He returned
later that afternoon to pick up his mess dress from alterations. The chief presented the
associates as well as store manager Beverly Schippmann with his coin as a sign of gratitude.
PAGE 8
TALESPINNER
AETC to save money, boost security
with DBIDS system improvements
By Maj. Rosaire Bushey
Air Education and Training Command
Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE,
Texas – Security forces throughout Air Education and Training
Command are using technology
improvements to make base access more secure while saving
money and resources at the same
time.
In 2010, the command began
using a system called DBIDS,
or Defense Biometric Identification System, to check IDs at base
entry control points. According
to Maj. Russell Waight, Chief of
Integrated Defense Program and
Technology, the initial system was
worth the effort.
"Since we started with DBIDS,
we've registered more than
300,000 people and we average about half a million scans
per month," Waight said. "We
are finding about 25,000 people
every month who have expired
ID cards, who aren't registered
or who are barred from base –
from a security standpoint, that's
significant."
In 2012, DBIDS will get a
command-wide upgrade which
will significantly reduce security
forces workload at visitor control centers and eliminate multiple satellite registration sites
throughout AETC bases.
"Currently, when someone
comes to a new base from a different region, or when visitors or
contractors come onto base, we
have to run a check through state
and federal databases when we
register them into the system,"
Waight explained. "This takes
about five to 10 minutes per person, which doesn't seem like a lot
until you figure we've registered
300,000 people in 2011 alone.
That's a lot of man-hours and a
lot of money."
When the new version of DBIDS
comes online, it will eliminate the
need for DOD-issued card holders to go to the visitor's center
by automatically registering the
card into the DBIDS database
when it's first scanned. The card
will also be recognized CONUSwide as opposed to the current
system which breaks the country
into four separate regions.
"By the end of the year, DBIDS
will be fully connected to the National Crime Information Center
database which will significantly
reduce the number of manual
queries performed by security
forces daily," said Derrick Austin,
AETC's DBIDS program manager.
"We are moving toward total
automation for proofing and vetting all personnel requesting access to our installations which
will increase our probability of
stopping potential threats at the
perimeter," he said.
As part of the upgrade, DBIDS
workstations will also be consolidated from six different stations,
down to two. "We're becoming a
cost-conscious culture in how we
field solutions," Austin said. "The
bottom line is that we're going to
protect the force – and we're going to do it more efficiently – to
the tune of a projected savings of
$130,000 annually in sustainment
costs across the command."
Air Force civilians play a crucial role in carrying out the Air Force's expeditionary mission.
Many deployment opportunities are available for civilians. For more information, visit www.cpms.osd.mil/expeditionary
4 x 3
MARCH 23, 2012
FOSTER a PUPPY
The Department of Defense dog breeding program needs families to foster puppies for three
months.
Potential foster families need:
• time and patience to raise a puppy age 12
weeks to six months,
• a stimulating and safe home environment, and
• a desire to help raise a military working dog.
Call 671-3686
MARCH 23, 2012
TALESPINNER
SPOTLIGHT ON MILITARY JUSTICE
The 802nd Mission Support Group Office of the Staff Judge Advocate processed
the following judgments on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland for Feb. 1-29:
• An airman basic from the 343rd Training Squadron was found guilty of dereliction of duty. The individual received
forfeiture of $689 pay per month for two
months, 15 days restriction, 15 days extra duty, and a reprimand.
• A staff sergeant from the 59th Surgical
Specialties Squadron was found guilty
of disrespecting a commissioned officer.
The individual received a reduction to
senior airman, forfeiture of $1,181 pay
per month for two months (suspended),
and a reprimand.
• An airman first class from the 68th
Network Warfare Squadron was found
guilty of multiple counts of failing to
go. The individual received a reduction
to airman, forfeiture of $835 pay per
month for two months (suspended), and
a reprimand.
• An airman basic from the 344th Training Squadron, Det. 1, was found guilty
of dereliction of duty by drinking under
the legal age. The individual received
a forfeiture of $347 pay per month for
two months (one month suspended), and
a reprimand.
• An airman first class from the 344th
TRS was found guilty of wrongful use of
Oxymorphone. The individual received
a forfeiture of $409 pay per month for
one month, restriction for 14 days, and
a reprimand.
• An airman basic from the 343rd TRS
was found guilty of dereliction of duty
by refraining from self-medicating with
Coricidin. The individual received a forfeiture of $745 pay per month for two
months, 15 days restriction to base, 15
days extra duty, and a reprimand.
• An airman basic from the 342nd
TRS was found guilty of wrongful use
of marijuana. The individual received
a forfeiture of $689 pay per month for
two months, 60 days restriction to base,
and a reprimand.
• An airman basic from the 343rd TRS
was found guilty of wrongful use of
Oxymorphone. The individual received
a forfeiture of $745 pay per month for
two months, 15 days restriction to base,
15 days extra duty, and a reprimand.
PAGE 9
PAGE 10
TALESPINNER
MARCH 23, 2012
MARCH 23, 2012
TALESPINNER
PAGE 11
Planting seeds
Wisconsin farm boy makes good on AF career, education
By Mike Joseph
Senior Writer
I
1981
Col. Gary Grape’s basic military training photo
Courtesy photo
n addition to serving his country, there
was another reason a Wisconsin farm
boy decided to join the Air Force in
1981 – he saw it as the road to a college
education.
Now a senior leader with four college degrees and 30 years in the Air Force, Col.
Gary Grape wants young Airmen to know
the value of higher education and how it’s
achievable in the Air Force.
“I came in for college,” said Grape, who
was raised in the country. “My mom and dad
didn’t have the money to send me. I’d never
heard of the Air Force Academy or ROTC
(Reserve Officer Training Corps). I only knew
I wanted to go to college and the recruiter
made it sound pretty good, ‘Get a paycheck
while you’re going to school instead of paying to go.’”
In fact, when his recruiter implied it would
probably take more than four years to get a
degree while working, Grape signed up for
six, that’s how important attending college
was to him.
And along his Air Force and educational
journey, Grape also made the transition from
the enlisted corps to being commissioned an
officer. It, too, was tied to an educational
opportunity.
Now the Air Education and Training Command’s chief of programs division, Grape recently talked informally with several groups
of young Airmen at Joint Base San AntonioLackland about college degrees and why it’s
important to take advantage of the post-9/11
GI bill and the 100 percent tuition it pays.
“I was honored to talk to them,” Grape
said about meeting the young Airmen, 30
years to the day he arrived at Lackland for
basic military training. “I wanted to tell them
about the great educational opportunities in
the Air Force.
“When I came in, the Air Force paid
70 percent of your tuition until you made
staff sergeant, then they’d pay 90 percent.
My goal was to make staff so I would have
enough money to pay for college. Everything
I did was geared to doing my very best so I
could put staff on.”
Grape was promoted to staff sergeant
in 1984, and then maximized evening and
weekend opportunities to take college courses. Then fate intervened in 1987.
Armed with a bachelor’s degree in professional aeronautics, Grape was accepted
into a master’s program at the Embry Riddle
Aeronautical University branch on Home-
stead Air Force Base, Fla. Within a week
of acceptance, he was offered a two-year
scholastic opportunity and a navigator’s slot
in the University of Miami’s ROTC program.
The Miami program was responsible for all
Air Force ROTC in South Florida, and Grape
received guaranteed student loan approval.
In August 1987, Grape was honorably
discharged from the enlisted corps. Twelve
hours later, he enrolled in the University of
Miami’s Detachment 155 ROTC cadet corps.
Two years later, he completed his master’s
in aviation with Embry Riddle and was commissioned a second lieutenant.
“I had a two-month break, started my
navigator training and haven’t looked back
since,” Grape said.
Driven and focused to continue moving forward, Grape eventually attained a
senior navigator rating on KC-135A/Q/R/T
with nearly 2,000 flight hours. He also rose
through the officer ranks, being promoted
to colonel in early 2011 before landing at
AETC headquarters last August.
His is a story he wants to tell young Airmen. Not for personal gain or gratification,
but to give back and show what’s possible
in the Air Force with hard work, dedication,
desire, and a willingness to take advantage
of educational opportunities.
“I wanted to tell young Airmen about some
of the opportunities that you hear about, but
few ever meet anyone who has actually done
it,” Grape said.
“To go from airman basic all the way to
full-bird colonel? Sure, you hear about it,”
he said. “Now they’ve met someone who’s
done it and know it’s possible for them if
the desire is there.”
2012
Col. Gary Grape’s current official service photo
Courtesy photo
Photo by Alan Boedeker
Col. Gary Grape visits with Col. Glenn Palmer, 737th Training Group
commander, prior to a recent Airman Coin and Retreat ceremony.
Both senior leaders began their Air Force careers in the enlisted corps
before becoming officers.
Photo by Alan Boedeker
John Hancock (left), 737th Training Group honorary commander
emeritus, talks with Col. Gary Grape after a recent Airman Coin and
Retreat ceremony.
Courtesy photo
Left: Col. Gary Grape (circled) and members of Flight
687, 3708th Training Squadron, arrived for basic
military training at Lackland in December 1981.
Photo by Alan Boedeker
Bob Rubio (left), 37th Training Wing Public Affairs Office, Col. Gary Grape and
Chief Master Sgt. Craig Recker, 37th TRW command chief master sergeant, listen
to a speaker at a recent Airman Coin and Retreat ceremony.
PAGE 12
TALESPINNER
MARCH 23, 2012
Avoid refund anticipation loans
A refund anticipation loan is a short-term consumer loan obtained in anticipation of a tax refund. The loans, secured by an expected tax refund, are provided
by companies promising to eliminate waiting time by offering quick cash.
The loans may come in the form of gift debit cards or checks. Under typical
terms for refund anticipation loans, tax refunds are directly deposited to the
lender, minus interest and fees.
Along with the quick cash, however, come hidden administrative fees, high
interest rates, and fees assessed for tax preparation errors.
Interest rates charged for these types of loans can range from a minimal amount
up to 500 percent. American taxpayers who opt for the quick cash pay hundreds
of millions of dollars in interest and fees each year. This has prompted many
state Attorney General offices and consumer protection agencies to warn against
refund anticipation loans.
For a speedy return, people are encouraged to file returns electronically with
instructions for direct deposit into a bank account. Electronic refunds assessed to
an account will be deposited more quickly than by mailing the returns.
The Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Tax Center is currently open to help
eligible people prepare their tax returns free of charge.
JBSA Tax Centers provide free tax preparation of both federal and state income
tax returns for active duty, Reserve, National Guard, retired military, and their
dependents.
JBSA-Lackland Tax Center
By appointment only
37th Training Wing Headquarters Building
1701 Kenly Ave., Bldg. 2484, Rm. 041(basement)
Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Phone: 210-671-1001
MARCH 23, 2012
LOCAL BRIEFS
NW 19th St. Call Enitra Claybrooks at
210-364-0882 or Nikki Allen at 210800-3675 for more information.
LACKLAND HOUSING MEETING
A Lackland housing community
meeting is today, 11 a.m. to noon, in
the Balfour Beatty Community Center,
2254 Brian McElroy. A light lunch
will be provided.
For details, call Claudia Moreno at
210-645-95511.
RETIRED ENLISTED MEETING
WILFORD HALL AUXILIARY AUCTION
EASTER BUNNY LUNCH, EGG HUNT
The Wilford Hall Auxiliary’s “Diamonds and Denim” charity auction
to support the San Antonio military
community and their families,
wounded warriors, deployed families
and those with significant medical
and emotional needs is Saturday,
6-10 p.m., at the Fair Oaks Ranch
and Country Club.
For more information, contact
Lindsay Meagher at 210-520-7082 or
email [email protected].
YOUTH ORATORICAL CONTEST
community
TALESPINNER
The San Antonio Chapter of
Blacks in Government’s annual Youth
Oratorical and Information Contest
is Saturday, 10 a.m., at the Greater
New Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1407
Retired Enlisted Association,
Chapter 80, meetings are held at the
Gateway Club every fourth Wednesday of the month at 1 p.m. Call Don
Higginbotham at 210-658-2344 for
more details.
The Gateway Club hosts lunch
with the Easter Bunny followed by a
traditional egg hunt April 7, 10:30
a.m. to 1 p.m. Patrons must bring
their own basket for the egg hunt.
Prices are adult members, $6.95
each; member children, $4.95; nonmember adults, $7.95; non-member
children, $5.95; and ages 4 and
under, free. Reservations and prepayment are required. To sign up, call
645-7034.
GATEWAY CLUB EASTER BRUNCH
Tickets are on sale for the Gateway Club Easter Sunday brunch April
8, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Prices are members or trainees,
$17.95 each; non-members, $20.95;
children ages 6-12, $9.95; and ages
5 and under, free. Coupons will not
be accepted for the brunch.
To sign up, call 210-645-7034.
BARIATRIC CLINIC DIABETES STUDY
The Wilford Hall Bariatric Clinic is
conducting a research study regarding weight loss surgery. Candidates
for the study are military medical
beneficiaries age 18-65 who have
been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes
and are on medication. Active-duty
personnel are unable to participate.
Call 210-292-2210 for more information.
EARTH DAY FUN RUN
The third annual Earth Day fun
run and activities are April 19, 9
a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Lackland
Outdoor Adventure Center.
Events include a 5K fun run, environmental exhibits, fitness activities,
prize drawings and free lunch.
For more information or registration, contact Judy Lopez at 210-6715305 or Lisa Copeland at 210-6715371.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG ‘TAKE BACK’ DAY
A Drug Enforcement Agency
“Take Back” Day on Joint Base San
Antonio-Lackland is April 28.
Old, outdated or unnecessary prescription medication can be disposed
on Lackland April 28 at the Satellite
Pharmacy parking lot, between the
pharmacy and commissary, from 10
a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more details, call Charles
Nail, 559th Aerospace Medicine
Squadron, at 210-671-9470 or Lisa
Frantz, 802nd Security Forces Squadron, at 210-671-2262.
DROP-IN DENTAL SCREENINGS
The Lackland Pediatric Dental
Department will offer drop-in dental
screenings for eligible military medical beneficiaries April 13, 8-11 a.m.,
in the Skylark Community Center
Longhorn Room. No appointment is
necessary.
Children under 13 years of age
will receive a dental screening exam,
an opinion about the child's dental
condition and appropriate treatment
recommendations or alternatives.
If possible, parents should bring a
copy of their child's treatment plan
or referral letter from their private
dentist.
Call 210-671-9876 for details.
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.
Spanish Mass, 8 a.m.
Orthodox
Saturday:
Airmen Memorial Chapel
Divine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m.
Religious Ed., 10:45 a.m.
Protestant
Saturday:
Gateway Chapel
Seventh-Day Adventist
Service, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
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.
Friday:
Jummah Prayer, 1:15 to 2:15
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
Sunday:
Hope Chapel, Bldg. 10338
The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints
8-10 a.m.
1st Wednesday:
Freedom Chapel Room 8,
San Antonio Military Open
Circle, 6 p.m.
Islamic
Sunday:
BMT Reception Center,
10 a.m. to noon.
Friday:
Global Ministry Center, Bldg.
7452
Buddhist
Eckankar
Every first, third, fifth Saturday:
Gateway Chapel
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Baha'i
Every first, third, fifth Sunday:
Gateway Chapel
11 a.m. to noon
FOR MORE DETAILS,
CONTACT
Freedom Chapel
671-4208
Gateway Chapel
671-2911
Hope Chapel
671-2941
PAGE 13
LOSC SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
The Joint Base San AntonioLackland Officers’ Spouses’ Club is
accepting scholarship applications
for fall 2012.
Military dependents, both children
and spouses, are eligible to apply.
For more on eligibility requirements and a downloadable application, visit www.lacklandosc.org and
click on the “Scholarship Program”
tab.
Applications must be postmarked
by April 2.
BALFOUR BEATTY SCHOLARSHIPS
Balfour Beatty Communities
Foundation academic scholarships
applications are available for high
school students who reside in family
housing.
The scholarships are for students
attending undergraduate programs in
the 2012-2013 academic year.
For applications and eligibility
requirements, visit the web site at
www.bbcommunitiesfoundation.org.
The deadline for submissions is
April 15.
For more information about the
scholarships, contact Claudia Moreno
at 210-645-9511.
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
Lackland Enlisted Spouses’ Clubwww.lacklandesc.org
Lackland Force Support Squadron www.lacklandfss.com
Lackland ISD
www.lacklandisd.net
Lackland Officers’ Spouses’ Clubwww.lacklandosc.org
Lackland Public website
www.lackland.af.mil
My Air Force Life
www.MyAirForceLife.com
PAGE 14
TALESPINNER
What’s Happening
A couponing class is today,
1:30-3:30 p.m., at the Airman and
Family Readiness Center. The class
covers the advantages of coupon
use, places to access coupons, and
organizing expenses.
For details, call 210-671-3722.
deploying
personnel is
Monday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.,
at the Airman and Family Readiness
Center.
The briefing is for personnel who
are deploying, or are going on remote
assignments or extended temporary
deployments.
For information, call the AFRC at
210-671-3722.
BMT FAMILY SEMINAR
RETURN AND REUNION SEMINAR
The Air Force Basic Military Training Family Seminar is scheduled for
today 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 information, call the Airman
and Family Readiness Center at
210-671-3722.
A return and reunion seminar is
Monday, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.
The seminar is an informal
forum for family members who
wish to talk about their individual
experiences and the stress caused by
deployment-related separations.
For information, call the AFRC at
210-671-3722.
MARCH 26
AMVET REPRESENTATIVE
FAMILY READINESS BRIEFING
An American Veterans National
Service Officer is available to help
Family Support Events
MARCH 23
COUPONING CLASS
A family readiness briefing for
MARCH 27
Monthly Meetings
ENLISTED SPOUSES’ CLUB
The Lackland Enlisted Spouses’ Club meets every third Tuesday of the
month at the Gateway Club, 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.
lacklandesc.org.
OFFICERS’ SPOUSES’ CLUB
The Lackland Officers’ Spouses’ Club meets every third Tuesday of the
month. For meeting location information, visit www.lacklandosc.org.
MILITARY COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN
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.
On the web
www.lacklandfss.com
with disability claims Tuesday, 8 a.m.
to noon, at the Airman and Family
Readiness Center.
For details, call 210-699-5087.
DISABILITY TAP SEMINAR
A disability transition assistance
program seminar is scheduled for
Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to noon, at the
Airman and Family Readiness Center.
For information, call the AFRC at
210-671-3722
PRE-SEPARATION RETIREE CLASS
A mandatory counseling class for
retiring personnel is scheduled for
Tuesday, 9-11:30 a.m., at the Airman
and Family Readiness Center.
Participants will be briefed on
benefits and services.
For details, call 210-671-3722.
MARCH 23, 2012
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Airman and Family Readiness Center,
Bldg. 1249.
The class provides information
for military members who plan to retire. Call 210-671-3722 for details.
MARCH 29
PRE-SEPARATION CLASS
A mandatory counseling class
for separating personnel is Thursday,
9-11:30 a.m., at the Airman and
Family Readiness Center.
Attendees will be briefed about
benefits and services.
For details, call 210-671-3722.
DISABILITY TAP SEMINAR
A disability transition assistance
program seminar is scheduled for
Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to noon, at the
Airman and Family Readiness Center.
For details, call the AFRC at
210-671-3722.
MARCH 28
MARCH 30
FOUR TO GO CLASS
BMT FAMILY SEMINAR
A Four to Go class is Wednesday,
The Air Force Basic Military Train-
ing Family Seminar is scheduled
for March 30 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 information, call the AFRC at
210-671-3722.
FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT SEMINAR
A seminar on the federal employment process is March 30, noon to
2:30 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.
SURVIVOR'S BENEFITS PLAN
A Survivor’s Benefits Plan class
is March 30, 1:30-3 p.m., at the
Airman and Family Readiness Center.
The class provides a better understanding of the Uniform Survivors
Benefit Plan and how it works.
For more information, call 210671-3722.
sports
543rd SPTS wins first title
MARCH 23, 2012
TALESPINNER
PAGE 15
Hawkins, Jones lead team to base basketball trophy
Lackland Intramural Sports Manager Dwayne Reed presents the 543rd SPTS with its first
JBSA-Lackland intramural basketball championship.
By Jose T. Garza III
Sports Editor
Photos by Alan Boedeker
543rd Support Squadron's Antonio Enis, left, and Ivan James, crowd 802nd Communications/
Operations Support Squadron's Juan Isales on his way to the basket during the Joint Base San
Antonio-Lackland intramural basketball finals March 15 at Chaparral Fitness Center.
“What that did was let them know
what we were going to do right from
the beginning,” said Hawkins. “We let
The 543rd Support Squadron de- them know that we came to play, and
feated the 802nd Communications/ we were going to maintain our intenOperations Support Squadron, 55-40, sity throughout the game.”
at the Chaparral Fitness Center March
The 543rd turned up the heat de15 to win the Joint Base San Antonio- fensively in the second half by holding
Lackland intramural
COMM/OSS
scorebasketball champiless for six minutes
543rd SPTS advances to JBSA finals
onship.
to build a game-high
The 543rd Support Squadron met the
Guard
Julian 32nd Medical Brigade in Thursday's final of 18-point lead.
Jones scored 21 the Joint Base San Antonio intramural bas“We had to stay on
points and Brandon ketball tournament at Fort Sam Houston.
them in the second
Hawkins added 16
half,” Jones said.
The 543rd beat Cryptologic Division, 56to lead the 543rd to 54, in a JBSA semifinal Wednesday.
“We had to let them
its first base chamknow that we were
Look for JBSA tournament details in
pionship by downing next week's Talespinner.
here to stay.”
their Division II opHawkins
and
ponent.
Jones proved to be a
“We came out focused and ready to formidable duo throughout the contest,
win,” Hawkins said. “We just tried to including a Jones to Hawkins alley-oop
get easy buckets like we always do and layup late in the second half.
not let them get back in the game.”
Both, however, had wanted a dunk
The Division I 543rd got into an ear- rather than a layup.
ly rhythm of easy buckets by jumping
“That was my bad, but still, it felt
to a quick 6-0 lead and never looked good to throw that alley-oop toward
back.
the end,” Jones said.
PAGE 16
TALESPINNER
MARCH 23, 2012
UPCOMING
WOUNDED WARRIOR FUN RUN
The Gillum Fitness Center
will host a 1.5-mile fun run
April 6, 1-3 p.m.
There is a $5 fee, and
all proceeds will benefit the
Wounded Warrior Project. Water
and food will be provided.
Contact Airman 1st Class
Benjamin Griess at 210-9774405 for details.
RAPE PREVENTION SEMINAR
The Warhawk Fitness Center
will host a free rape prevention
seminar for women Wednesday,
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Interested participants may
sign up now; class space is
limited.
For details, call 210-6713490.
MONDAY GOLF MADNESS
The Gateway Hills golf
course has a special promotion
through the end of April.
Patrons can play 18 holes
for the price of a golf cart each
Monday through April.
Call 210-671-3466 for
information and tee times.
FREE TRX SUSPENSION CLASSES
The Warhawk and Bennett
Fitness Centers offer free Total
Resistance Exercise suspension
classes.
The Bennett offers classes
Tuesdays and Thursdays at
10 a..m., and Mondays and
Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Call
210-925-4848 for details.
The Warhawk holds classes
Mondays and Wednesdays at
11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Call
210-671-2016 for information.
SCOREBOARD
VOLLEYBALL
Men
W
1. AFISRA ..................................5
2. 737th TRG..............................5
3. Crypto Div .............................3
4. 802nd LRS.............................1
L
1
1
3
5
Women
W
1. Med Ops Gp ..........................5
2. 737th TRG..............................4
3. Mission Spt Gp......................4
4. Crypto Div .............................3
5. AFISRA ..................................3
6. IAAFA ....................................1
L
0
1
2
2
2
5
Photo by Robbin Cresswell
Registered dietitian Joanne Villaflor instructs civilian and military personnel on proper nutrition and improving athletic performance during a sports nutrition
class Tuesday at the Health and Wellness Center.
Reach optimal performance
Class teaches how proper nutrition fuels bodies for fitness
By Jose T. Garza III
Sports Editor
Registered dietitian Joanne Villaflor firmly
believes in the Ralph Waldo Emerson quote,
“The first wealth is health.”
In keeping with that philosophy, Villafor
gives wealthy health tips to students in a
sports nutrition class twice a month at the
Health and Wellness Center. The class teaches enlisted and civilian personnel on how to
fuel optimally for athletic performance.
Whether it’s a beginner or advanced athlete, the class is designed for anyone who
wants information about healthy food intake.
“This class is for people who want to learn
the proper ratio of carbohydrates to proteins
to fats, portion control, how to stay hydrated
and how to stay overall fit to fight,” Villaflor
said.
The sports nutrition class offers advice,
like eating clean and often, for military
members preparing for their next physical
training test.
“Look at the time of your meals, the quality of your foods, and make sure to eat before
and, most importantly, after your workout,”
Villaflor said. “Make sure the ratio of carbs
to proteins to fats are included, as well as
fruits and vegetables, to maximize your nutrition just like you would fuel your vehicle
so you have enough fuel to be at your most
optimal performance.”
Two students who listened intently to
Villaflor’s nutrition advice were Cryptologic
Systems Group Tech. Sgts. Desiree Yago and
Eleuteria Inman. Both learned how to adjust
their food portion intake.
“Before, I would just eat however I wanted,” Yago said.
She admitted to also occasionally skipping
meals.
“I would eat a big lunch, go workout, and
then eat whatever I wanted for dinner,” Yago
said. “I would workout once or twice a day
with no results. Now I know why.”
Yago plans to make adjustments to her
diet for more energy by eating breakfast,
snacks and a light lunch, and a light dinner
as well.
“I’m going to try,” she said.
From the class, Inman learned how to fuel
her body after working out.
“I would eat a little bit after I worked
out but not as much as she was specifying,”
Inman said. “Now I’ll adjust and have a banana and a piece of toast. Before, I would
have just a banana.”
Both like to indulge in an occasional
“sweet treat” or “cheat meal,” but try to
keep in mind Air Force fitness guidelines.
“There are days when I want a piece of
candy, and I remember that it’s okay to have
that one piece, just not the whole bag,” Inman said.
For more information about the sports
nutrition class, contact Villaflor at 210-6717481.