F R I D AY, J U N E 2 6 , 2 0 0 9

G AT E W AY T O T H E A I R F O R C E • L A C K L A N D A I R F O R C E B A S E , T E X A S • w w w. l a c k l a n d . a f . m i l • V o l . 6 7 N o . 2 4

INSIDECommentary 4

Straight Talk 5

Recognition 6

News & Features

Tech. Sgt. promotions 7

Grenade training 14

4th of July preview 18

Softball champions 22

View the Talespinner onlineat www.lackland.af.mil

Photo by Robbin CresswellAn enthusiastic crowd cheers on Team Lackland during the Unit Compliance Inspection outbrief at the Bob Hope Performing Arts Theater Wednesday. The37th Training Wing and the 59th Medical Wing earned excellent ratings from Air Education and Training Command inspectors.

IG to Wings: Excellent!By Mike JosephStaff Writer

With repeated cheers among a backdropof horns, sirens, drums and any kind of itemthat made noise, the 37th Training Wing and59th Medical Wing received overall excellentratings in the Unit Compliance Inspection.

The 59th MDW received its news in anoutbrief Tuesday afternoon with a packedaudience at the Wilford Hall Medical Centerauditorium, and the 37th TRW got itsWednesday morning before a standing-roomonly crowd of more than 1,000 at the BobHope Performing Arts Theater.

The combined UCI, which required 172inspectors combing the base for 10 days, is

the largest inspection in Air Education andTraining Command and the biggest teamever taken on the road.

The purpose of the UCI, which happensevery three years, is to evaluate and meas-ure how effectively, efficiently and safelyunits accomplish their mission.

“During the executive outbrief, my eyeswere watering because I was so proud ofyou,” Brig. Gen. Len Patrick, 37th TRW com-mander, told the boisterous crowd at theHope Theater. “This is your grade. (The IGteam) recognized what I knew all along; youare excellent.”

Maj. Gen. Tom Travis, 59th MDW com-mander, expressed the same sentiments inaddressing his pumped up Airmen at their

outbrief.“This is a great day for the 59th Medical

Wing,” General Travis said. “ This is a placeof great spirit, a place of real pride, and I’mextremely proud of what you do for yourcountry.”

Col. Monty Brock, AETC inspector gener-al, lavished praise on both wings.

“This was a huge Team Lackland effort,”he said. “For me and my team, this has beena re-bluing experience, and I’m walkingaway from Lackland a little taller and feel-ing a little prouder about the direction theAir Force is going.”

Two 37th TRW groups stood out in the

See EXCELLENT P10

TALESPINNERPAGE 2 JUNE 26, 2009

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

With two teenagers and agrowing weariness of movingevery two years, Col. (Dr.)Mark Werner, 37th MedicalGroup commander, has decid-ed it’s time to hang up his AirForce uniform and concen-trate fully on practicing medi-cine.

Dr. Werner’s retirement ceremonyis today, though winding up adminis-trative matters and outprocessing willkeep him on base until July 8. Later inJuly, the Werner family begins thetrek to Albuquerque, N.M., where Dr.Werner was offered a job as chief oforthopedics and an orthopedic sur-geon at the Veterans Administrationhospital.

“My family had a big part in thisdecision,” said Dr. Werner, whosefather was an Army physician whenhe was growing up. “There was themoving every two years and my kidsare about to start high school.

“My next job leaving herewould most likely be adminis-trative, which means up tonow I’ve been able to be anorthopedic surgeon and acommander. I only see it get-ting much more difficult (tocontinue practicing orthope-dics) as time goes on.”

Dr. Werner’s retirementwill conclude a career that

began in 1985 at the UniformedServices University of Health Sciencesin Bethesda, Md., and included over-seas assignments in England andKorea, and a deployment to Iraq.

It was his deployment to Joint BaseBalad, Iraq, that he calls one of thehighlights of his service.

“I will remember it was my biggestchallenge and also my biggestreward,” said Dr. Werner, who was asquadron commander and in chargeof a trauma center. “When we tookcare of our wounded warriors andwounded Iraqis, they were apprecia-tive of the medical care we providedin the challenging environment of

working out of a temper tent.“There were daily challenges of

electrical supply, heat and keepingpeople healthy. We were bombed withmortars on a daily basis.”

In his past two years at Lackland,Dr. Werner and the 37th MDG faceddifferent challenges.

“I feel like our community supportin the swine flu (exposure) and BMT(basic military training) support in theadno virus has been one of our biggestchallenges but also one of our biggestsuccesses,” he said. “It’s an ongoingeffort to control infection in a difficult-to-control environment, and the adnovirus has been under reasonable con-trol with the things we’ve implement-ed.”

One preventive measure, estab-lished by the 37th MDG, to contain thespread of the adno virus, is to wipedown entire buildings and commonareas in BMT on a daily basis, and insome cases, twice daily.

Another preventive measure isusing ultraviolet light with in-air han-dlers to reduce the amount of bacteria

in the air.Under Dr. Werner’s command, the

37th MDG has been able to find afuture despite the many upcomingchanges in the San Antonio militarymedical community. He said planshave been made for the medical groupto be incorporated into the ambulato-ry surgery clinic that will be built toreplace Wilford Hall Medical Center asWHMC converts to strictly outpatientstatus in the coming years.

But it’s the medical help providedto BMT that may stand out the most.

“The most interesting and valuablepart of my job is seeing how we takepeople who are non-military and turnthem into Airmen, and the importantpart that medical people have in help-ing them get to that point,” Dr.Werner said. “We make sure they stayhealthy throughout their training, andif they’re not, we get them healthy.”

Col. Karen Kinne will be in chargefollowing Dr. Werner’s retirementuntil Col. (Dr.) Ricky Campese arrivesin October to take command of the37th MDG.

Col. (Dr.) MarkWerner

Col. Werner retires to practice medicine

PAGE 3TALESPINNERJUNE 26, 2009

BONG, SELFRIDGE ROAD CLOSURES

Road closures for installation ofdenial barriers continue around SelfridgeEast Gate but all roads around that gatewill be open for the July 4th weekend.

Bong Avenue (Kenly Avenue becomesBong at Tindale), south of SelfridgeAvenue, and Selfridge Avenue eastboundwill be closed through Wednesday; west-bound traffic on Selfridge Avenue hasbeen converted to one lane in both direc-tions during the closures.

Following the holiday weekend, thesecond phase of roadwork begins July 6on Selfridge Avenue that continues untilJuly 14. Selfridge Avenue westbound willbe closed; Selfridge Avenue eastboundwill be converted to a one-way west-bound detour between Pucket Street andBong Avenue. Bong Avenue south ofSelfridge Road will be a two-way detourwhile Pucket Street will be a one-wayeastbound detour.

LACKLAND IDOL CONTEST

The Lackland Idol talent show, featur-ing active duty, dependent and civilianperformers, is tonight, 7 p.m., at the BobHope Performing Arts Theater. Admissionis free.

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

IDOL CONTEST ONLINE VOTING

A short video of the 16 competitors inthe Lackland Idol contest is available onthe Team Lackland Sharepoint, whereviewers can vote for their favorite con-testant.

From the Sharepoint homepage, go to37 TRW, 37 Services Division, LacklandIdol and follow the directions. Online vot-ing ends at 5 p.m. today.

For more information, call Arnold HallCommunity Center at 671-2619 or 671-2352.

COMMISSARY HOLIDAY HOURS

The commissary will be open July 4from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in accordance withDefense Commissary Agency rules onfederal holidays.

NewsBBRRIIEEFFSS

SITE INSPECTION

Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn WeismillerTech. Sgt. Bryan Calaman, Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team engineer, conducts a quality assurance inspection of a develop-ment site in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. The PRT is responsible for development and reconstruction projects in Nangarharprovince. Sergeant Calaman is deployed from Lackland’s 37th Civil Engineer Squadron.

Pentagon officials recentlyrevised special duty assignment payfor military training instructors.

According to officials, Air ForceBasic Military Training has faced ashortage of MTIs since 2007. As anincentive for MTI recruitment andretention, Lt. Gen. Richard Newton,Air Force deputy chief of staff forPersonnel and Manpower, approvedan increase to SDAP for MTIs onJune 1.

“Increased accessions and therecent extension of BMT from six toeight weeks triggered a requirementfor additional instructors and placeda heavy burden on our currentMTIs,” General Newton said. “Thepay increase will help compensateMTIs for their increased workloadand help with the recruitment ofmore.”

According to the Air ForcePersonnel Center, the increasedlength of basic training coupled withan increase in active-duty acces-

sions rapidly raised the requirementfor MTIs.

MTIs receive SDAP based on theirduty positions and with the increasewill now receive the following:• $300 a month for Officer TrainingSchool instructors;• $375 a month for instructors insupport positions; and• $450 a month for BMT flightinstructors at Lackland and theUnited States Air Force Academy.

In addition to the increased SDAPlevel for permanently assignedMTIs, the personnel and manpowercommunity also approved SDAP forAirmen performing MTI duties in amanning assist capacity (179-daytemporary duty to BMT). TheseMTIs are authorized SDAP based onthe MTI duties they perform whiletemporarily deployed.

For more information, contact themilitary personnel flight at 671-6006 or 671-4178, or visit the “Ask”AFPC site and search for “MTI.”

Airman’s Roll CallSpecial duty assignment pay increase approved for MTIs

Photo by Master Sgt. Cecilio RicardoTech. Sgt. Ricardo A. Chavez is a militarytraining instructor with the 321st TrainingSquadron. Air Force Basic Military Traininghas faced a shortage of MTIs since 2007. Asan incentive for MTI recruitment and reten-tion, Air Force officials approved an increaseto special duty assignment pay for MTIs.

TALESPINNERPAGE 4 JUNE 26, 2009

COMMENTARY

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

COMMANDER

KIRK FRADY,DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS

JOE BELA,CHIEF OF INTERNAL

COMMUNICATIONS, 671-4111

SHANNON CARABAJAL,MANAGING EDITOR, 671-1786

MIKE JOSEPH,STAFF WRITER, 671-4357

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

PAUL NOVAK,DESIGN/LAYOUT, 671-0478

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

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

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

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

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

Deadline for submissions isnoon Thursday the week prior topublication.

By Lt. Col. Steve Gibson331st Training Squadron

Team Lackland received theresults of our 2009 Air Edu-cation and Training CommandInspector General UnitCompliance InspectionWednesday. How did your unitfare? If you were rated out-standing, congratulations are inorder because that’s a loftyachievement indeed.

Those organizations thatwere rated as excellent havedemonstrated their prowess atperforming the mission at a

level clearly above the standard.And hopefully everyone at leastreceived a satisfactory rating,because that’s what is expectedof us.

Now that the IG team hascome and gone, that means wecan all relax a little and throttleback, right?

Unfortunately, if that’s ourattitude, then we’re missing themark. The reality is that ourchallenge has just started, andwe should strive to be IG-readyeach and every day.

Those units rated outstand-ing or excellent already have a

leg up on everyone else, yeteven these organizations canfind a way to make improve-ments. The task for them is tomaintain their level of excel-lence, which I’m sure they willtell you is no easy task.

For those organizations ratedsatisfactory or less, there’s nowa target to shoot for. Regardlessof the rating, all units need tofind a way to take the processesand make them better by incre-asing the efficiency levels andreducing our wasted efforts. Inthe end, these efforts pay off foreverybody.

Take the time to documentwhat works well and what doesnot.

Finally, don’t be afraid to trynew things; sometimes the bestideas can come from our newestpeople. We all need to take thetime to listen and learn.

When it comes to our ass-igned duties, it is our duty asAirmen to continually practicethe core value of excellence inall we do. Wake up every daywith the attitude needed toensure both you and yourorganization are performingabove the line.

By James Craney37th Services Division Chief

Laten “Tony” Williams was born inJamaica and joined the Air Force shortlyafter graduating from high school. Over theyears, our paths would cross many times.

I first worked with Tony in 1989. After20 years on active duty, I had just startedmy career as an Air Force civilian. At thattime, Laten was a young staff sergeant andwas serving as the NCOIC of the LacklandHonor Guard. From the very beginning, itwas apparent he was special. In terms ofhis military appearance and bearing, he faroutshined his peers, but that wasn’t whatmade him special. What set him apart washis uncommon passion for helping othersand the most incredible determination toimprove that I had ever observed.

I vividly recall his first attempts to pre-pare performance reports and award sub-missions. Frankly, the results of his effortswere poor. When told his product was notacceptable, he eagerly sought guidance onhow he could improve. The next day, hewould come to work before everybody elseand try to apply the guidance he received.His products would get a little better, butstill weren’t acceptable. This process wasrepeated many times. Amazingly, he nevergot discouraged and just kept seeking guid-ance from more experienced members andcontinued with his early morning sessions.Over a few months, his hard work started topay dividends. He wasn’t yet skilled, but he

was making progress.Tony approached all his duties with the

same unwavering determination to excel.Accordingly, it came as no great surprise tothose of us who had the distinct privilege ofworking with him when he was selected asthe wing NCO of the Year and later the wingcommander paid a visit to announce hisSTEP promotion to technical sergeant. Thatwas in 1991, and Tony was subsequentlyreassigned overseas. I bid farewell to theyoung man for whom I had come to greatlyrespect. However, our paths would crossagain.

In 1997, Tony, now a master sergeant,was reassigned to Lackland. My “son” hadcome home. He still had the same passionfor helping people, but now was in the posi-tion to have greater influence on others. Hehad obviously continued with his earlymorning improvement sessions as he hadbecome quite accomplished in the art ofrecognizing his people. His dynamic leader-ship, with emphasis on developing others toachieve their potential, created an unprece-dented surge in morale and productivitythroughout our organization. Plus, he hadhoned the skills necessary to facilitate get-ting our deserving people recognized andpromoted. He quickly became the go-to guyfor military members who wanted to im-prove their enlisted performance report/a-ward submission preparation skills.Although he was clearly the best, he contin-ued to work harder than anyone else toimprove those skills that he so effectively

applied to help others progress.Before departing for his next assignment

in 2001, his people won many awards, hewas promoted to senior master sergeantand, with only 17 years time in service,Tony had his line number for promotion tochief.

Over the years, we kept in touch andpredictably, he continued to earn progres-sively more responsible positions. He servedas the wing command chief at Lajes Fieldand then returned to San Antonio to serveas the chief enlisted advisor for the AirForce Services Agency. Now his leadershipis impacting an entire career field.

Recently, I attended the Air Force Per-sonnel, Manpower and Services world-wideconference. At the conference, Lt. Gen.Richard Newton, Air Force deputy chief ofstaff for Personnel and Manpower, askedTony to come to the front of the ballroomand said to the 500-plus senior career fieldleaders, “Ladies and gentlemen, here’s thenew wing command chief for Aviano AirBase – join me in congratulating ChiefMaster Sergeant Laten Williams.”

The young NCO who couldn’t write isnow consulted for assistance on officer per-formance reports for colonels! ThroughoutTony’s brilliant career, the two constantshave been his passion for helping othersand tremendous determination for continu-ous improvement. If you are a young NCOstruggling with writing those first perform-ance reports, Chief Master Sergeant LatenWilliams is your role model for success.

Finding a role model for success

Inspection readiness should never end

PAGE 5TALESPINNERJUNE 26, 2009

TALK

STRAIGHT

Colonel Myer. He’s one of theAir Education and TrainingCommand oral surgeons. He’sbeen in the military 20 yearsand I came in four years ago.He knew the ropes, took me onand led me around base. – Maj.James Pledger, 59th Dental TrainingSquadron.

By Patrick DesmondStaff Writer

Who has been arole model for yourAir Force career?

My recruiter. It is harder to geta prior servicemember in theAir Force than a new recruit.He taught me to stay thecourse, not give up and fightfor what I want. – Staff Sgt.William Nelson, 37th LogisticsReadiness Squadron.

One of our chiefs back home. Ilearned not to forget my people,those working for and with me,and to make sure their needsare met so that they are workingat a high level of productivity. –2nd Lt. Josh Hornick, 345th TrainingSquadron.

My first shop superintendentbecause he exemplified what anNCO and superintendent shouldbe. He did everything to a T andhe was a great guy to bearound. I tried to emulate mycareer from his example. –Senior Airman Cody Foreman, 737thTraining Support Squadron.

See if your business sense could earn you extra money.

Learn how to submit your ideas by calling 671-CASH

TALESPINNERPAGE 6 JUNE 26, 2009

Congratulations to the fol-lowing 56 Airmen for beingselected as honor graduatesamong 663 trainees graduat-ing today.

321st Training SquadronFlight 443David BarryBrandon CroninCameron CrossMichael DentonWilliam FrysingerAron HoffmanNathan RamsayFlight 444Matthew BurnsDante LarneyCorey Palmer

322nd Training SquadronFlight 441Russell Elliott

Brian HollandRichard LeuJoseph McCoyJesus MendozaKyle PottsTerrance SmithBerkeley WardAllen WrightFlight 442Robert AndrewsIvan CarrejoJason DavenportRoderick FerrellJoseph FragaleMichael GuzmanTony JohnsonBrennan MarJordan PappasJesse SlussJames Spicola

323rd Training SquadronFlight 453

Steven BrutcherLarry GaughJohn O’BrienMartin WermannMitchell WibergAndrew WrinnFlight 454Katherine Jones

324th Training SquadronFlight 451Joshua AllenFrancis CalvoAnthony HickmanFlight 452Darron BradfordTimothy MasonJames MurphyJared Sanchez

326th Training SquadronFlight 445Matthew Arbor

Jacob CovertMatthew EskuchenBrian RiceLee Whittelsey

331st Training SquadronFlight 447Eric NagelWilliam SmithShane VernickKevin WebbFlight 448Matthew AndersonAndrew SmithRyan Smith

Top BMT AirmanRichard Leu, 322nd TRS,Flight 441

Most Physically FitMale AirmenChad Butler, 322nd TRS,

Flight 442Raymon Figueroa, 321st TRS,Flight 443Female AirmenLauren Nila, 320th TRS,Flight 450Brittany Groteguth, 320thTRS, Flight 450

Top PT FlightsMale Flights322nd TRS, Flight 442320th TRS, Flight 449Female Flights326th TRS, Flight 446320th TRS, Flight 450

Top Academic Flights322nd TRS, Flight 441326th TRS, Flight 445

BMT HONORS

RECOGNITION

Photo courtesy of Estonian Defence ForcesLt. Gen. Ants Laaneots, Commander of the Estonia Defence Forces, presents BetheLewis, Defense Language Institute English Language Center, with the EstonianDefence Forces Meritorious Service Cross at the Laidoner Museum in Viimsi, Estonia,June 18. Ms. Lewis was recognized for her work as an English instructor.

AIRMEN EARNLOOK SHARP

Congratulations to the following recipients of the Lackland Chief’s LookSharp Award, received in recognition of their outstanding performance,

appearance and dedication.

Airman Basic Tessa Miers, 326th Training SquadronAirman 1st Class Amanda Turner, 59th Medical Operations Group

Airman 1st Class Nathan Chamberland, 59th Medical Support SquadronAirman 1st Class Nathan Neal, 93rd Intelligence Squadron

Senior Airman Nakia Dumas, 690th Network Support GroupAirman 1st Class Reginald Buie, Air Force Information Operations Center

Senior Airman Shelia Kin, 37th Aerospace Medicine SquadronStaff Sgt. Shannon Donahue, 37th Medical Group

PAGE 7TALESPINNERJUNE 26, 2009

By Shannon Carabajal37th Training Wing Public Affairs

Air Force officials selected7,724 of 37,172 eligible staffsergeants for promotion totechnical sergeant for aselection rate of 20.78 per-cent.

The average score forthose selected was 319.69,with an average t ime ingrade and time in service of5.68 and 10.85 years respec-tively.

The average score wasbased on the following pointaverages: 133.29 for enlistedperformance reports, 67.67for the promotion f i tnessexam, 56.78 for the specialtyknowledge test, 40.54 fortime in grade, 23.95 for timein service and 5.36 for deco-rations.

Congratulations to the fol-lowing 257 Lackland Airmen

selected for promotion totechnical sergeant:

318th Training SquadronJuan ChavezFernando Samaniego

319th Training SquadronTamara JohnsonChristopher Pavia

320th Training SquadronItxel Goncalves

321st Training SquadronRaul Lopez

322nd Training SquadronShawn CochranMatthew ColtrinJeremy GomezJames MatthewsMichelle Stewart

323rd Training SquadronBobby BassJulie Depriest

Joseph FloresJon Hauge

324th Training SquadronRoshad MaysBrandon McFrazierRyan Threatt

331st Training SquadronDarryn Donaldson

341st Training SquadronLarry BrownAdolph Rodriguez

342nd Training SquadronDeroni BrownMark BunnellStewart BurnsEric CasteelJason ClapperJason FikeRobert GormanNeil GertiserRyan HallJames HansenMichael Harder

Jeremiah HerrChris HopfenspergerThomas JennAdrian JohnsonChristopher MinatelKyle MinshewDaniel NestorJoseph PearcyAdam RadeckiKenneth RileyMichael RutterFranklin SmoakBrian VanderwerfRobert WernerShaun Wood

343rd Training SquadronMichael Bridgman Chanda CoxwellAshleyan FedusenkoJoseph FreieslebenRicky FurrowGregory HarrisRyan HarterTravis JacksonChad LukkesAmy McIntosh

Justin MendygralDustin OberSheldon RichardsonRobby RobinsonNathan RohdertKevin SmithAvita Weeks

344th Training SquadronRamona AkamuDavid BrierRobert BrockmanSandra CichonRose DavisJay HiggsJoseph LopezEric RossJohn SkeltonMichael TurnerRichard York

345th Training SquadronGonzalo AmezcuaRory BaumgartenBenjamin Bazaldua

Lackland Airmen selected for technical sergeant

See SELECTED P16

TALESPINNERPAGE 8 JUNE 26, 2009

BOOK! BOOK! BOOK!

Photo by Alan BoedekerAlice Serafin reads "Book! Book! Book!" to children at the base library during thekickoff to the summer reading program June 19. This year’s theme, “Deep in the Heartof Texas,” will focus on everything Texas. Students in grades four to six meet Thursdaymornings at the library at 8 a.m. for stories and computer scavenger hunt activities;story time for children from pre-kindergarten through grade three is on Fridays at 9a.m. For more information, call the library at 671-3610.

TALESPINNERPAGE 10 JUNE 26, 2009

inspection by achieving the IG’s overallhighest rating of outstanding: Inter-American Air Forces Academy andDefense Language Institute.

Other organizations cited by the IGwith excellent ratings were the 37thTRW commander’s items, 37th TrainingGroup, 737th Training Group, 37thMission Support Group, 59th MDWcommander’s items, 59th MDW MedicalPrograms, and 59th MDW response tothe Major Accident Response Exercise.

The inspection team recognized the

following individuals for superior per-formances with UCI coins:Candy Lewandowski, 37th ContractingSquadron;Airman 1st Class Ryan Odle, 37thLogistics and Readiness Squadron;Staff Sgt. Gregory Harris, 343rdTraining Squadron;Master Sgt. Justin Apticar, 737th TRG;Capt. Craig Nordskog, 322nd TrainingSupport Squadron;Ron Little, 59th Medical Readiness andLogistics Squadron;Maj. Rashon Gilbert-Steele, 59thMedical Readiness and Logistics

Squadron;Senior Airman Jeff Wallace, 59thMedical Readiness and LogisticsSquadron;Tech. Sgt. John Ospina, 59th DentalTraining Squadron; Master Sgt. Laura Herring, 59thMedical Wing staff; Airman 1st Class Ashley Dandridge,59th Emergency Medicine Squadron;and Airman 1st Class Tisha Olson, 59thTraining Squadron.

Professional teams acknowledgedinclude:

37th LRS Checkpoint Inspection Team,341st Military Working Dog TrainingTeam,319th TRS Discharge Team,37th MDG Field Response Team,37th TRW Sexual Assault Preventionand Outreach Team,59th MDW In-place Patient Decontam-ination Team,59th MDW Manpower Team,59th MDW Medical Control CenterTeam,59th MDW Patient AdministrationTeam, and59th MDW Safety Team.

EXCELLENT from P1

PAGE 11TALESPINNERJUNE 26, 2009

Nothing puts a damper on summer fun like a fireor an injury. Here are a few fire safety tips toensure a safe summer.

Barbeque SafetyFire up the grill, not the patio

• Read the owners manual prior to operating a gasgrill.• Open the lid while igniting gas barbeque burnersor wait five minutes to allow the gas to clear if thebarbeque does not light.• Never leave a grill unattended, especially whenchildren are around. • Always have a hose, bucket of water, or fire extin-guisher nearby in case of fire.• Keep clothing, towels, and hot pads away from theflames. Use long-handled barbecuing utensils.• Use charcoal lighter fluid sparingly and with cau-tion. Never squirt more once the fire is lit as the firecan shoot back along the stream and explode thecontainer in your face and hands.• Always discard spent briquettes and warm ashesin a metal can far from combustibles. Never place inthe garbage dumpster until sufficiently soaked with

water ensuring briquettes are thoroughly extin-guished.• Store briquettes in a dry place away from poten-tial ignition sources and combustible materials.

Gasoline SafetyFuel for equipment, not for the fire

• When refueling your lawnmower or other gasolinepowered lawn equipment, always turn off theengine to avoid stray sparks.• Always place a portable gas container on theground while filling with gas. Do not fill in the bedof your pickup truck.

• Keep gasoline in an approved container with atight fitting lid to contain the vapors.• Never store or use gasoline in an enclosed area orin the presence of pilot lights.

Matches and LightersTools for grown-ups, not toys for kids

• Always keep matches and lighters out of the sightand reach of children; children have a naturalcuriosity about unknown things. If these are left outin the open children will naturally investigate.• Discourage children from picking them up andencourage them to tell an adult if found.

Smoking MaterialsUse the ashtray, not the roadway

• During the summer months, especially duringSouth Texas drought season, there is an increasedchance of wild land/brush fires. • Ensure smoking items are properly discarded intometal containers or ashtrays and not tossed intoroadside shrubbery or grass while driving.

(Courtesy of the Lackland Fire Prevention Office)

Remember fire safety this summer

PAGE 13TALESPINNERJUNE 26, 2009

By Shannon Carabajal37th Training Wing Public Affairs

Annual reports detailing thequality of drinking water providedon Lackland and the LacklandTraining Annex was recentlyreleased by base officials statingthat drinking water on base meetsEnvironmental Protection Agencyrequirements and is safe to drink.

“We continually ensure that weprovide the highest quality waterto our customers on base,” saidCapt. Tu Tran, BioenvironmentalEngineering Flight Commander.

She added that though thereport is required annually, wateris tested on a continual basisthroughout the year to make surecustomers are getting the highestquality water.

Each year BioenvironmentalEngineering, jointly with the CivilEngineer Squadron’s Environ-mental Flight, is required by theEPA and the Texas Commission onEnvironmental Quality to conductseparate water sample analysisand testing of the two propertiesand provide separate ConsumerConfidence reports on each loca-tion to consumers.

Two reports are requiredbecause the properties are servedby different water distribution sys-tems.

According to the report, verysmall levels of contaminants werefound in the drinking water onLackland and Lackland Annex.

The report pointed out, howev-er, that some contaminants arenaturally occurring in the environ-

ment and all drinking water,including bottled water, may rea-sonably be expected to contain atleast small amounts of some con-taminants.

According to Capt. Tran, thepresence of these contaminantsdoes not indicate that water posesa health risk.

The samples taken fromLackland and the LTA are collect-ed and analyzed by Bioenviron-mental Engineering and CivilEngineer Environmental.

To validate the results, samplesare also analyzed by state certifiedlabs and validated by the TexasCommission on EnvironmentalQuality.

To view the reports, go towww.foia.af.mil/reading/documents/index.asp.

Lackland drinking water safe

To report Fraud, Waste & Abuse matters or if you have a concern and are unsureif you should file a complaint, contact the 37 TRW/IG Office at 671-3347

or e-mail to 37trw.ig@lackland.af.mil.

TALESPINNERPAGE 14 JUNE 26, 2009

KA-BOOM!

Tech. Sgt. Eric Thomas, 343rd Training Squadron, prepares M-67 handgrenade training simulators at Camp Bullis June 18.

Staff Sgt. John Plemons, 343rd Training Squadron, describes the proper way toemploy the M-67 hand grenade to officers in the Security Forces Basic Officers’

Course. The course teaches students to be a security forces flight commanderand covers basic career field knowledge and history, law enforcement

functions, security operations and air base defense. Lt. Col. Francisco Orellana, a student in the SecurityForces Basic Officers’ Course, prepares to throw anM-67 trainer grenade as Tech. Sgt. Kerissa Rivasobserves June 18 at Camp Bullis. Sergeant Rivas iswith the 343rd Training Squadron.

Photos by Robbin CresswellA row of M-67 training grenades sit on top of a bay ledgeat Camp Bullis. Students with the Security Forces BasicOfficers’ Course practice throwing the trainer grenadesbefore moving on to live ordnance.

Security ForcesBasic Officers’

Course

PAGE 15TALESPINNERJUNE 26, 2009

Photo by Senior Airman Nicole RobertsMaj. Corey Anderson, periodontics resident, performs a procedure on a patient June 18 atMacKown Dental Clinic. Major Anderson was one of 22 dental residents who graduated June 23from the 59th Dental Training Squadron dental residency program.

By Senior Airman Nicole Roberts59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

In a ceremony at the Gateway Club, 22 dental residents andtwo dental fellows from the 59th Dental Training Squadron grad-uated Tuesday from various dental residency and fellowship pro-grams.

Graduates will be assigned to Air Force dental clinicsthroughout the world, providing clinical dentistry for eligiblebeneficiaries, teaching at Air Force-sponsored graduate dentalresidency programs, or serving as dentists-in-charge of basedental clinics.

“I am excited to start teaching new general dentists at the AirForce Academy after graduation,” said Capt. Audra Myers, peri-odontics resident. “I am very prepared and I have learned somuch through the residency program here. The staff is outstand-ing.”

There are six residency programs and two fellowship pro-grams at Lackland. They include two-year residencies in com-prehensive general dentistry, endodontics, and orthodontics;three-year residencies in periodontics and prosthodontics; afour-year residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery; a one-yearfellowship in maxillofacial prosthetics; and a two-year fellowshipin hospital dentistry.

“The primary function of our graduate programs is to trainoutstanding specialist clinicians and educators, in addition toproviding experience in cutting edge research,” said Col. ThomasSchneid, commander, 59th Dental Training Squadron.

Board certification procedures vary among the programs.“After completion of residency training, additional specialty

board certification is not required in order to practice their den-tal specialty,” said Colonel Schneid. “Graduates of Air Force den-tal residencies have an extraordinarily high board certificationrate, especially in periodontics and oral and maxillofacial sur-gery, who have had 100 percent board certification for theirgraduating residents over at least the past three years.”

Tuesday’s event marked the 51st graduation ceremony theprogram has conducted. Including this year’s graduates, therehave been 1,092 dental interns, residents, and fellows who havegraduated from the program. The internship program was ter-minated in 1972.

“Our programs rank among the best in the country,” saidColonel Schneid. “Our residents consistently score among the topin the country on national in-service residency examinations andannually compete for, and often win, many research awards.”

Ninety-five percent of the faculty is board certified in theirspecialties and many hold Masters of Science degrees, in addi-tion to their specialty certificates. They frequently lecture in thelocal community, nationally and internationally.

“Our residents and fellows are great students, dedicated offi-cers and have outstanding work ethics,” said Colonel Schneid.“They and their families have made a joint commitment andmany sacrifices to complete their education over the past one tofour years. Our graduates are well prepared and will providegreat care for their patients and great mentorship to young den-tists.”

59th DTS graduatesresidents, fellows

TALESPINNERPAGE 16 JUNE 26, 2009

Zacheriah BlazonMatthew CannonEdwin ColonChristopher DeckJohn HebdonMichael HumphreyJohn LamarJason MallAaris MorrisClaire NajarroAntoine NorrisJames SayresWilliam TruebloodSapira WalkerJames WeltinAdam West

37th Aerospace MedicineSquadronTina McNeal-LoveJay Nelson

37th Civil Engineer SquadronJustin BashMichael MaloneKevin MurphyStephen Vlaming

37th Communications SquadronJoshua ChurchDana PerryMonique Wright

37th Contracting Squadron

Brian Rollins

37th Logistics ReadinessSquadronDerrick DanielsAdrian DouglasJeremy FoxMatthew HerterJennifer JittlertmongkolKelly WilliamsRoger Rivas

37th Medical Operations SquadronChristina CoxJenelle JohnsonBrien Morris

37th Mission Support SquadronJanell BallShane BussartJermaine Rowe

37th Security Forces SquadronJason AdamsMichael GilbertJesse JenkinsAntroine LovettMatthew SwimeleySamaki TongeBret Wallace

37th Training WingLucas BishopNicole ClelandSamuel GirardJason Floyd

Lindsay HernandezVence HillJeanine JacksonElizabeth ManBilma Romero

37th Training SquadronMarvin JimersonAdam Jipson

37th Training Support SquadronLoren CossetteEverett Wiler

737th Training Support SquadronJanice AgansRaymond CummingsNicholas FranzLewis IsassiLarry LacourGary MillerNicole PinoDavid Veliquette

837th Training Support SquadronJorge AnchundiaRene PenaHermes Sanchez

Air Force Security Forces CenterEsperanza AvilesJanaea CommodoreHarylza Gonzalez

Inter-American Air ForcesAcademy

Jessica FleurimondMaria Gomez

Air Force Information OperationsCenterAdrian GeorgeBrian HammondClaudine JarvisDennis Wilson

Air Force Intelligence, Surveil-lance and Reconnaissance AgencyJames AguilarJason BichlerShannon DavisonCherieamour DossAnthony HoxieSherry MatthewsJose NazarioNicholas OfficerSheila RiggsDaniel RuizrosarioEmaleen ScismMichael SebelNicholas Valdez

Cyber Analysis SquadronJason HetzelMaria Prater

Cryptologic Systems GroupRobert GiedemanJohn GollAaron GuffordAntywnn JonesOscar Medina

Amy Shanty

Technical Training OperationsCenterKristine Fontenot

23rd Information OperationsSquadronRodney James

33rd Network Warfare SquadronCarmencita Worland

59th Clinical Support GroupInfinity Smith

59th Dental SquadronRichard Nugent

59th Dental Support SquadronBrian DickinsonKevin MurrayJay Schaefer

59th Dental Training SquadronKenya OwensDeanna Shore

59th Diagnostic and TherapeuticSquadronTiffany Patterson

59th Laboratory SquadronVictor Licon

SELECTED from P7

See SELECTED P17

PAGE 17TALESPINNERJUNE 26, 2009

Jennifer NievesJarvis ReeseShaneik Washington

59th Emergency MedicalSquadronJalkennen Joseph

59th Inpatient Operations GroupAaron Fanning

59th Maternal Child CareSquadronDanelle Kent

59th Medical Logistics andReadiness SquadronSteven MillerCarlot MonetathchiByron OwensBytron SneedJaime Torres

59th Medical Operations Squadron

Jeremy AlfJeffrey GraySakinah JacksonFequiereke LabonteJacquelin Martinez

59th Medical Support SquadronAnival MedranoJennifer TealAndrea Wood

59th Mental Health SquadronJose BerriosChristina Valdez

59th Orthopedic and Rehabili-tation SquadronPompilio Alfaro

59th Pharmacy SquadronJohn GarciaMark HarewoodHarmony PriskBryan Salazar

59th Radiology Squadron

Jan DuenasThomas Roomsburg

59th Surgical OperationsSquadronBernard EdwardsWilliam LopezChristina Morris

59th Surgical SpecialtiesSquadronMosa VargasMalia Ware

67th Network Warfare WingRoland Bazan

67th Operations Support SquadronCandi Corona

91st Network Warfare SquadronCory Adams

93rd Intelligence SquadronAzhia AntoineNathan Chappell

Chacaro GuessCrystal LunsfordStephanie PorterGregory SowinskiGeoffrey VandyckKimberly Wolfe

453rd Electronic WarfareSquadronMichael Dewitt

543rd Support SquadronChristopher DutchLuis MendezBianca NealCrissy PereiraDamien RawlsBrian Werner

575th Combat SustainmentSquadronChad Brewer

651st Munitions SquadronAdam AlbrechtJohn Benavidez

Alec EigenbergerCurtis GarceauJerrod Paige

690th Alteration/InstallationSquadronLevar ColesBenjamin DelarosaPaul FinneganKristoffer HelfertAlexande HernandezAlvin Opilas

690th Intelligence SupportSquadronEarl CoffeyDarrance HearnsMark Schmidt

690th Network Support SquadronJason ConklinMichelle Cruz

SELECTED from P16

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

Love your job in the Air Force?

Want to share your personal experiencesin the military with others? The Lackland

Speakers’ Bureau wants YOU! Call671-5066 or 671-2907 for more details.

TALESPINNERPAGE 18 JUNE 26, 2009

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

The sights and sounds ofAmerica’s birthday celebration willfill the air at the base amphitheaterJuly 4 as Team Lackland opens itsgates to the public for its 31st annu-al Star Spangled Festival.

The festival begins at 2 p.m. andconcludes at 9:30 p.m. with a 20-minute fireworks extravaganza. Inbetween, children and adults willbe entertained with activities andmusic.

“This is Team Lackland’s way ofgiving back to the community,” saidBrian Milkovich, events director for

the 37th Services Division. “The fes-tivities promise to be a fun-filledevent for the entire family.”

Headlining the music will be ThePictures Band, which has per-formed for clients such as formerPresident George W. Bush, DallasCowboys owner Jerry Jones andDell computer founder Michael Dell.Mick Hernandez and the Silveradoswill open the free concert at 7 p.m.followed by The Pictures at 8:20p.m.

“We are really looking forward tothe performance,” Mr. Milkovichsaid.

Among the activities will be anarts and crafts fair, children’s carni-

val, paintball challenge, hip hoptent with a disc jockey, kidz zone,and food and beverage booths. Afirst for the festival will be a livebroadcast by Radio Disney.

Gates open at 2 p.m. and visitorswill only be allowed entry to thebase through the Gateway EastGate on southwest Military Drive.Base visitors must have a validphoto ID and proof of car insur-ance. No weapons, backpacks, cool-ers, video cameras or pets areallowed on the event grounds.

For more information, call 37thMarketing and Publicity at 671-3906 or visit their Web site atwww.lacklandservices.com.

Lackland celebrates with July 4 festival

TALESPINNERPAGE 20 JUNE 26, 2009

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

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

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

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

Hope ChapelHispanic Mass, 9:15 a.m.

Wilford Hall Medical Center ChapelMass, 3 p.m.

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

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

Hope ChapelSpanish Contemporary, 12:45 p.m

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

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

Sunday:Medina ChapelContemporary Service, 9 a.m.

WHMC ChapelTraditional Service, 1:30 p.m.

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

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

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

COMMUNITY

AUTO HOBBY SHOP CLOSED

The auto hobby shop is closedthrough July 6 for maintenance.Normal hours resume July 7.

SEMINAR FEATURES CADETS

Air Force Academy cadets willparticipate in a question-and-answer seminar about becoming anAir Force officer Monday, 11 a.m., inthe 37th Training Wing conferenceroom, Bldg. 2484.

For more information, contactMaster Sgt. Timothy J. Godfrey at671-1575.

STARBASE KELLY SUMMER PROGRAM

Starbase Kelly, sponsored by the433rd Airlift Wing, will offer a freesummer educational program tochildren who are associated withLackland, and who have completedeither the fourth or fifth grade.

The program includes aircrafttours, scientific experiments, team-work and goal setting, rocket build-

ing and launching, computer aideddesign, and computer flight simula-tion.

Two sessions are offered, July 13-17 or July 20-24. Program hours are9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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

Register via e-mail by submittingthe child’s name, address, hometelephone and grade completed thisyear; the sponsor’s name, organiza-tion and duty phone; and the sessionrequested to starbase@stic.net.

SPOUSE CAREER ADVANCEMENT SEMI-NAR

A new program about militaryspouse career advancement, pre-sented by a Military One source rep-resentative, is Wednesday, 1:30-2:30p.m., at the Airman and FamilyReadiness Flight, Bldg. 1249.

The military spouse careeradvancement account program,

sponsored by the Department ofDefense, can help spouses with upto $6,000 in financial assistance.

The DoD is partnering withschools and other agencies to sup-port military spouses in pursuit ofeducation, training, licensing, cre-dentialing and employment in highgrowth, high demand portablecareers.

Call Terryca Fuller at 671-3722for reservations or information.

RESUME PREPARATION CLASS

A resume preparation class isJuly 10, 10 a.m.-noon, at the Airmanand Family Readiness Flight, Bldg.1249.

For more information, contactTerryca Fuller at 671-3722.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Freedom Chapel vacation bibleschool for children pre-kindergartenthrough fifth grade is July 13-17,5:30-8:30 p.m. each evening.

Registration forms are availableat Freedom Chapel. For more infor-mation, call Beth Key at 671-4208.

HYPERTENSION EDUCATION CLASS

A hypertension education class isJuly 13, 12:30-3:30 p.m., at WilfordHall Medical Center.

The class is open to any patientor family member interested inlearning more about hypertension.

For more information or to regis-ter, call the Nephrology Clinic at292-6868.

SIR MITCH VARIETY SHOW

The “Sir Mitch Variety Show” is

July 18, 7 p.m., at the Bob HopePerforming Arts Theater.

Persons interested in props,designing or other show activitiescan contact Mitch Anderson at 671-8945.

ALTITUDE RESEARCH STUDY

The Air Force research laboratoryis looking for moderately fit men andwomen, age 18-44, to participate inan altitude research study.

Participation will occur at BrooksCity-Base. Subjects will be finan-cially reimbursed for their time.

LocalBRIEFS

To see menus forLackland dining

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

the “Services” link.

See BRIEFS P21

For more information, contact the chapel staff:

Freedom Chapel671-4208

Gateway Chapel671-2911

Hope Chapel671-2941

Wilford Hall MedicalCenter Chapel

292-7373

PAGE 21TALESPINNERJUNE 26, 2009

Contact Tech. Sgt. Palmer at 536-2963 or Staff Sgt. Scott at 536-2338for more information.

DIABETES RESEARCH STUDY

Volunteers are needed for aresearch study, “translating the dia-betes prevention program into a virtu-al lifestyle management program.”

Candidates between the ages of 18and 62 who are overweight, have Typetwo diabetes, high blood pressure,high cholesterol or glucose intolerancemay qualify for the Internet-based vir-tual lifestyle management programdirected at promoting long-termweight loss through healthy eatingand physical activity.

Active-duty and beneficiaries whoreceive medical care at Wilford HallMedical Center are eligible to partici-pate.

Call Tina Bhargava at 866-461-3218 for more information.

SCHOOL IMMUNIZATIONS

New immunization recommenda-tions, which may affect children enter-ing kindergarten or seventh grade inthe fall, are available at the WilfordHall Medical Center immunizationclinic.

For more information on thechanges, call 292-5730 or visitwww.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/rulechange.shtm.

EDUCATION GRANTS AVAILABLE

Grants to offset the cost of booksand fees not covered by the militarytuition assistance program are avail-able through the Alamo Chapter schol-arship committee of the Armed ForcesCommunications and ElectronicsAssociation.

The enlisted education grant pro-gram offers grants to enlisted mem-bers pursuing a degree in a scientificfield of study.

These fields include, but are notlimited to, engineering, computer sci-

ence, information systems, chemistry,physics and math.

Education grant applications areavailable online at the AFCEA Web sitewww.alamoafcea/org.

VEHICLE OPS CERTIFICATION

Recent changes in Air ForceInstruction 24-301, vehicle operations,now mandate that new operators ofbuses and tractor trailer rigs on basemust receive certification by the 37thLogistics Readiness Squadron vehicleoperations training and validationsoffice.

Training will still be provided at theunit level but personnel will be re-quired to take written and drivingtests administered by vehicle opera-tions.

The new requirement applies onlyto new operators; currently licensedoperators require no action.

The training and validations officeis located in Bldg. 5008, room 203. Formore information, call 671-0624.

BRIEFS from P20GATEWAY THEATERFRIDAYThe Soloist, 6 p.m. (PG-13), starringJamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr.

SATURDAYX-Men Origins: Wolverine, noon (PG-13), starring Hugh Jackson and RyanReynolds.Star Trek, 3 p.m. (PG-13), starringChris Pine and Zachary Quinto.X-Men Origins: Wolverine, 6 p.m.(PG-13).

SUNDAYStar Trek, noon (PG-13).X-Men Origins: Wolverine, 3 p.m.(PG-13).

THURSDAYAngels and Demons, 4 p.m. (PG-13),starring Tom Hanks and Ayelet Zurer.

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

Adults – $4. Children – $2.

Closed Monday through Wednesday.

The Soloist

Wolverine

Star Trek

Angels and Demons

TALESPINNERPAGE 22 JUNE 26, 2009

SSCCOORREEBBOOAARRDD

RAGBALL TOURNAMENT

Similar to softball, a two-day coed ragballtournament begins July 3 at Randolph. Thegame employs a 10-inch rubber ball and a tee-ball bat. Register a 15-player team by Tuesday.

For more information, call tournamentdirector Hestroverto Martinez at 844-1279.

SKYLARK BOWLING CENTER GRAND REOPENING

The Skylark Bowling Center celebrates thecompletion of major renovations with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Brig. Gen. Len PatrickTuesday. Bowling is free 5-9 p.m. and $1 pergame the rest of the day.

For more information, call 671-2271.

YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL

Registration for the fall flag football sea-son starts July 1 at the Youth Center, bldg.8420, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Five- to 10-year-old children are eligible to join. Volunteercoaches are also needed.

For more information, call 671-2388.

FUN RUN

The Base Walk-Run for a Healthier You isThursday. The run starts at the commissaryparking lot at 7 a.m., followed by activities,prizes and refreshments at 7:30 a.m.

For more information, call the sports officeat 671-2725.

BBRRIIEEFFSS

SPORTS

SOFTBALL

By Patrick DesmondSports Editor

The American and Nationalleagues’ top teams, the 737thTraining Group and the 37thMission Support Squadron, metfor the base intramural softballchampionship Tuesday night inwhat became a spirited contestof "anything you can do I can dobetter."

The 737th TRG prevailed asthe last undefeated team, top-ping their opponent in the sixthand final inning with four runswhile holding the 37th MSS toone run to win, 16-13.

“We were just ready to play,”737th TRG coach and pitcherBill Hamrick said. “We don’t shyaway from anybody.”

737th TRG right-center field-er Mike Padgett went 3-for-4,including the deciding three-runshot to break the tie in the finalinning. Teammate and thirdbaseman Tony Formell addedhis own three-run homer in thesecond inning.

37th MSS right fielder SteveReichert was perfect from theplate, hitting 3-for-3 with fourRBIs on a double and two solohome runs in the losing effort.

In a finale characterized by

lead changes, home runs, divingcatches and judicious fielding,Hamrick said the level of compe-tition made the win all the moremeaningful.

Despite admitting somepregame jitters, Hamrick’s teampresented confidence from thevery first pitch, scoring two runsin the top of the first.

However, the 37th MSSresponded with the first of fourtotal lead changes to take a 4-2edge after one inning.

In the second inning, the737th TRG returned the favorplus one, scoring five runs with

two outs to retake the lead 7-4.After holding the 37th MSS to

one hit, 737th TRG returned tothe plate for two more runs inthe third.

Left fielder Jason Boland gotthe hitting started on a triple,and then Jeff Jenkins' sacrificefly brought him in. CatcherTeddy Ayon doubled to left-cen-ter field. A fielding error onHamrick's single brought Ayonhome.

The 37th MSS cut the deficitto two with three runs in thebottom of the third.

After Reichert hit a lead off

home run, Brett Cannon, DerekJones and Jason Tucker all sin-gled to load the bases. Cannonreached home on a fielder’schoice and Gardner's singleplated Jones.

Matching their opponents'strict defense, the 37th MSS heldtheir opponent to one hit in thefourth, while creating three runsand overtaking the 737th TRG,10-9.

Both Brian Goelz and MarcusWilliams walked. Culver wasthrown out on a double which

Postseason tournament ranking

1. 737th TRG2. MSS3. NIOC / Co H 4. 651st MUNS5. 342nd TRS6. 543rd Spt Sq7. C.E.S.8. AFIOC9. CPSG10. 690th NSG11. Navy-Marines12. Security Forces13. 701st MP Bn

Tuesday- 737th TRG 16, MSS 13NIOC/ Co H 11, 651st MUNS 6

Consolation tournament ranking

1. LAB 2. Radiology3. 690th ALIS4. 343rd TRS5. 149th FW6. 345th TRS7. LAB8. 93rd IS9. Radiology10. COMM11. 433rd AW12. 59th Dental13. *37th Med Gp 14. *IAAFA15. *59th Medical LRS

*teams from the recreation league

Tuesday-LAB 15, Radiology 12

Women’s W L

1. CPSG 8 22. Mission Spt Gp 8 23. 543rd ISR 8 24. Clinical Spt Gp 3 75. Surgical Operations 2 86. 37th Med Gp 1 9

Tuesday-543rd ISR 7, 37th Med Gp 4 CPSG 8, Surgical Ops 4MSG 9, Clinical Spt Gp 0

Battle for softball’s best

See CHAMPS P23

Photos by Alan Boedeker737th Training Group third base coach Col. Ed Westermann (left) gives Mike Richardson the go-ahead to scoreduring the second inning of the base intramural softball championship.

Four-run sixth inningpropels 737th TRGto intramural champs

PAGE 23TALESPINNERJUNE 26, 2009

Photo and story By Patrick DesmondSports Editor

The last time Lackland’s varsitybaseball team took the field at NelsonWolff Municipal Stadium was fiveyears ago. With their coach lobbyingfor a return the past three seasons,the Warhawks will take another swingat the home of the San AntonioMissions on Sunday.

“We loved it,” Warhawks coachDavin Dukes said, remembering theballpark. “However, because it’s aprofessional field, sometimes the play-ers try to do too much. We have tokeep them calm in order to play well.”

Keeping the team focused andcomposed will be assistant coachMike Corrigan’s responsibility asDukes is on leave.

Corrigan, who participated in bat-ting practice at the field before, saidhe is looking forward to stepping upto the plate in competition.

“It’s a nice ballpark,” the two-yearWarhawk said. “We play some prettynice fields here in San Antonio butnothing of this magnitude or quality.”

The league plays at the Universityof Texas at San Antonio, St. Mary’sUniversity and the University ofIncarnate Word among others.

Relatively similar in size to otherballparks, Corrigan said the 6,200fixed-seats creates the illusion of abigger field, but more impressive tothe assistant coach is the field’supkeep.

“Normally the size of the field does-n’t change that much wherever yougo,” he said. “It’s always good to playin a ballpark that is manicured likethis one. It makes it a lot of fun andenhances the experience.”

This time around the Warhawksare scheduled to face the Titans at 10a.m. Sunday in San Antonio Men’sSenior Baseball League play. The factthat the matchup won’t have thedrawing power of a Missions game isfine to the players.

Warhawks players and even leaguepresident Skip Bradley have referredto the SAMSBL as the place for peoplethat love to play the game.

“There will probably be eight ornine fans out there,” Bradley said ofthe morning ballgame. “We play forourselves.”

Another reason for SAMSBL’s pop-ularity is the level of competition asteams from its four divisions havebrought home 11 national titles in thelast eight years.

Corrigan said “it’s the closest tocollege-level competition” that some

players reach, and the field at WolffStadium brings them that much closerto professional ball.

“The team is looking forward to it,”he said. “It’s all about having fun andcontinuing to play the game, asopposed to having the heart of a base-ball player and having to play soft-ball.”

Bradley said landing a game at thestadium is a matter of chance.

“It’s a secret,” he jested, beforeilluminating the process. “I try mybest not to put one team out theretwice before another gets a chance toplay. With 36 teams it gets difficult.”

The game moving forward, barringinclement weather, the Warhawks willlook to repeat the successful three-to-four man pitching rotation used in the4-3 win over the Titans in their firstmeeting.

“They are probably out for bloodnow,” Corrigan said about the No. 3ranked SAMSBL team, “but we’vebeen playing solid defense. We hadsome success keeping the Titans offbalance and not allowing them to lockin one pitcher.”

The Warhawks (7-4-1) are enteringthe contest on a four-game winstreak.

Admission to Sunday’s game is freeand concessions are not available.

Warhawks on a MissionWarhawks on a Mission

drove in Goelz. Ayon's sacrifice flycleared the bases, and Reichert hit hissecond solo homer to give his team thelead.

In the top of the fifth, 737th TRGregained the lead with three runs onfive hits.

Left-center fielder Saul Bookmanand right fielder Terrell Thames bothsingled. Boland reached first on a forceout at third. Jenkins batted in Thameson a shallow single to center and Ayon'ssingle to center plated Boland andadvanced Jenkins to third. Hamrick’ssingle scored Jenkins.

The 37th MSS tied the game onthree hits in the bottom of the inningdespite two quick outs.

After Tucker walked, Padgett madea diving web gem on a center-field flyand a lineout to shortstop Rich Burleyput the 37th MSS in a bind. Patanojump started the rally with a single.Goelz singled to bring in Tucker andmove Patano to third base. Williamsbatted in Patano on a center-field singleto tie the game at 12.

The 737th TRG outscored the 37thMSS 4-1 in the sixth and final inning tocapture the base title.

Burley led off with a single up themiddle. Formell hit a single to left field.Padgett hit a three-run homer to givehis team the lead. The next batter,Bookman, tripled and Thames' sacrificefly brought him home.

With bases loaded in the bottom halfof the inning, 737th TRG held 37th MSSto one run to hold on to victory, 16-13.

CHAMPS from P22

Of 36 league teams, Lackland hit the schedulingjackpot with a game at one of San Antonio’s bestballparks, the Wolff, home of the SA Missions.

Of 36 league teams, Lackland hit the schedulingjackpot with a game at one of San Antonio’s bestballparks, the Wolff, home of the SA Missions.

737th Training Group first baseman JeffJenkins drives in a run during the thirdinning Tuesday night.