65th Year • No. 48 • DECEMBER 2, 2011

INSIDE ... ENGINEERS EARN HONORS, P4 ... OPERATION WARMHEART, P5 ... TOUR OF HOMES, P6 ... AIRMEN WIN TROPHY, P11

A publication of the 502nd Air Base Wing – Joint Base San Antonio

PAGE 8

DECEMBER 2, 2011PAGE 2 WINGSPREAD

(Editor's note: For a feature story on JBSA-Randolph fi refi ghter training, see page 10.)

By Staff Sgt David Gamez902nd Civil Engineering Squadron

Being an Air Force firefighter is one of the greatest jobs one could have. In addition to the duties performed by firefighters in the civilian sector, we are tasked with keeping the pilots safe in case of an aircraft emergency at home station or in deployed locations around the world.

I train extensively day in and day out to remain proficient and hone the techniques we use to successfully mitigate an emergency and keep damage to a minimum. The more we drill, the better we become at our individual respon-sibilities, so when the day comes when we are asked to do our job in the event of a real emergency, we rely on muscle memory to get the job done. Plain and simple, we practice like we play.

Straight out of technical training at the Department of Defense Fire Academy located at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, firefighters are asked to take on a big responsibil-ity. The thing about firefighting is anything can happen at any time. Incidents don’t have a trend and could care less if the firefighter responding is a 15-year veteran

or an airman 1st class on his first shift.

As a new Airman, I was expect-ed to take on a lot of information in a short period of time upon ar-rival at my first duty station. Once you have begun to master the po-sition you are in, you are expected to know your position and the one ahead of you. I gradually made my way from humble beginnings as a “backseater,” to a driver and once I became a non commissioned of-ficer, I received the responsibility of being a crew chief.

Being crew chief is a big re-sponsibility, which requires exten-sive knowledge, confidence and at-tention to detail. I am responsible for not only the people involved in the incident and the situation at hand, but also the safety of my crew.

A crew chief is expected to make life-saving decisions in a split second without thinking twice about it. He is responsible for training his crew so in the event

of an incident, he knows exactly what to expect from each of his crew members. As with anything, the less confusion on the scene of an incident the better it is for everybody. When it is all said and done, as a crew chief, I make sure when it is time to go home, every-body goes home to their families safe and sound.

The job of a crew chief is never-ending. There are station respon-sibilities to include making sure the station is kept clean and or-ganized, accomplishing scheduled training classes and managing the crews. Being an Air Force firefighter is an exciting and often unpredictable job that demands a lot from its personnel. Having the training to take a person’s worst day and make it a little better is a great feeling. I enjoy going to work each day knowing that at any time I might be asked to do something that can make a differ-ence in someone’s life whether it is big or small.

COMMENTARY

This newspaper is published by Prime Time Military News-papers, a private fi rm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with Randolph AFB, Texas. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Wingspread are not necessarily the offi cial 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, includ-ing inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or Prime Time Military Newspapers, of the products or services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affi liation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Offi ce of the 502nd Air Base Wing. All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.

The deadline for submissions is noon Thursday the week prior to publication. All submissions can be emailed to 502ABW.pa.wingspread@us.af.mil. For more information, call the Wingspread offi ce at 652-4410.

Wingspread Offi ce1150 5th Street East

Randolph AFB, Texas 78150Phone: (210) 652-4410

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Phone: (210) 534-8848Wingspread email

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502nd Air Base WingOperating Location Bravo

Editorial StaffBrig. Gen. Theresa Carter

CommanderMarilyn Holliday

Chief of Public AffairsSenior Airman Precious Yett

EditorAirman 1st Class Alexis Siekert

Robert Goetz, Alex SalinasStaff Writers

Maggie ArmstrongGraphic Designer

Randy Simeon (right) and Kenneth Shephard, 902nd Civil Engineer Squadron fi re services, work together Nov. 16 during a training class in high angle and confi ned space rescue. For the complete training class story, see page 8. Photo by Don Lindsey

Split-second decisions save lives"I enjoy going to work each day knowing that at any time I might be asked to do something that can make a difference in someone’s life whether it is big or small."

ON THE COVER

On Dec 14, the 502nd Air Base Wing, 12th Flying Training Wing, 902nd Mission Support Group and 359th Medical Group will conduct a simulated active shooter exercise/mass casualty situation on Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph at Bldg. 2, 902nd Civil Engineer Services Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning shop from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to train fi rst

responders and ABW, MSG and MDG staff. The exercise will test the base's incident response and recovery elements, and will involve use of the installation mass notifi cation and warning systems including the “Giant Voice.” All Giant Voice, com-puter and telephone communi-cations for this exercise will be preceded with clear text stating, “Exercise, Exercise, Exercise.”

JBSA-RandolphUpcoming Exercise

Advent Mission - Presenter: Fr. Eugene PatheTuesday at 6 p.m. - Getting the Best from Advent

Wednesday - 6 p.m. - Advent Penance Service: Forgiveness Brings FreedomThursday - 6 p.m. - The Immaculate Conception: The Wonders of Sinlessness

Holy Day MassThursday - 11:30 a.m., 6 p.m. - The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

All Catholic services take place in Chapel 1.

JBSA-Randolph ChapelCatholic Advent Christmas Schedule

WINGSPREADDECEMBER 2, 2011 PAGE 3

Saving energy pays in a big way

Col. Scott Peel (center), 902nd Mission Support Group commander, receives a check Nov. 22 from Yvonne Haecker, City Public Service representative, for Randolph’s contribution toward conserving energy throughout the summer months. Also pictured are Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph energy managers (from left), Shawn Church, Ruben Ramos and Bruce Dschuden.Photo by Joel Martinez

By 2nd Lt. John Fox12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

International pilots from around the globe come to 12th Flying Training Wing locations to hone skills and strengthen friendships.

Whether it’s at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph or the 12th FTW’s geographically separated unit, the 479th Flying Training Group at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., the wing has trained more than 150 students hailing from 20 different countries in the last year.

“This builds good relationships so we can go fight wars together,” Maj. Allan McDonald, assistant director of op-erations, special courses and training, and international military student officer at the 479th Operations Sup-port Squadron at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. said. “Building those relationships is really key.”

Roy Lozano, 12th Operations Support Squadron in-ternational military student officer, is responsible for all administration, training and issues pertaining to the 12th FTW’s international students at Randolph.

The main mission and goal of hosting international students is to “support the U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives,” Lozano said. “By doing this we are increasing our partners’ ability to share in the defense burdens.”

International students in the Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals course at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph and Combat Systems Officer training at Pensacola claim professionalism and respect are defining qualities of the United States Air Force.

Lieutenants Ravinpal Singh and Tomasz Grzy-bowski of Malaysia and Poland respectively, say the military atmosphere of the 435th Fighter Training

Squadron at Randolph isn’t much different from what they’re used to back home.

“It’s pretty much the same,” Singh said. “It is a very professional atmosphere.”

“The main difference between my previous base and here is that here everything is getting faster and is more effective,” Grzybowski said.

While the U.S. military lifestyle may resemble what they’re used to back home, they have encoun-tered other hurdles.

“The main barrier is language,” Grzybowski said. Students are required to be proficient in English

before participating in the 12th FTW’s internation-al training programs. According to McDonald, they must pass the Defense Language Institute’s English language test with at least an 80 percent score.

Capt. Ryan Bernier, 435th FTS B-Flight com-mander and instructor pilot, said the international students are held to the same high standards as their American counterparts in their respective courses of training.

“We teach these guys the same way,” he said. “We don’t cut them any slack.”

Though the program provides an excellent source of training for these international students McDon-ald said, “We learn a lot from them as well.”

12th FTW trains AF's international partnersThe main mission and goal of hosting international students is to “support the U.S. national

security and foreign policy objectives. By doing this we are

increasing our partners’ ability to share in the defense burdens.”

Roy Lozano12th Operations Support Squadron international military student officer

DECEMBER 2, 2011PAGE 4 WINGSPREAD

NEWS

By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Civil engineers from Head-quarters Air Education and Training Command and the 902nd Civil Engineer Squadron have earned seven command-level awards.

Three HQ AETC civil en-gineers are recipients of the Maj. Gen. William D. Gilbert Award. Maj. Matthew Olijnek earned his award in the of-ficer category, while Senior Master Sgt. Howard Yard III and Patrick Atkinson received their awards in the enlisted and staff civilian categories, respectively. In addition, Cyn-thia Pettit was honored as the Outstanding Civil Engineer Manager of the Year.

“Congratulations are in order for these staff members of the AETC civil engineer’s office,” Capt. David McGhee, AETC Civil Engineer’s Operations Support Office, said. “These individuals set themselves apart and repre-sent the best of the best for the command.”

Master Sgt. Arthur Wholly, Randolph Fire Emergency Ser-vices deputy fire chief, earned the Chief Master Sgt. Larry R. Daniels Award in the military superintendent category.

Fire Chief Mark Ledford said Wholly’s selection reminded him “how fortunate we are to have him on our team.

“Master Sgt. Wholly is a perfect example of someone who understands the whole person concept and who went above and beyond to be a great example for ev-

eryone around him,” he said. “A positive representative of our unit, he’s focused on the job, but is also able to remain invested in organiz-ing various group and wing events that have a direct impact on the ‘Showplace’ and our awesome 502nd Air Base Wing.”

The 902nd CES also earned two team awards – the Gen. Thomas D. White Natural Resources Award in the small base and individ-ual/team categories.

Among the 902nd CES As-set Management Flight’s ac-complishments were develop-ing and implementing natural resource plans, protecting natural resources in installa-tion decision making, improv-ing landscaping and grounds management, developing ur-ban forestry and urban wild-life management programs, conserving wildlife, protecting wetlands and other natural areas and promoting conser-vation education.

The AETC civil engineer’s

office annually recognizes CE organizations and individuals throughout the command for outstanding achievements.

One staff panel evaluates nom-inations to select winners based on scoring criteria, and another staff panel scrubs packages to strengthen them for competition at the Air Force level.

Winners are recognized at the base civil engineer confer-ence and go on to compete at the Air Force level through the Air Force Civil Engineer Sup-port Agency.

AETC, 902nd CES civil engineers earn honors

Master Sgt.Arthur Wholly

Cynthia PettitPatrick AtkinsonSenior Master Sgt.Howard Yard

Maj. Matthew Olijnek

Sharing holiday cheer

Chief Master Sgt. Jose Lopez (center with cap), Air Education and Training Command propulsion chief, and his family, host two Soldiers from Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Privates First Class Benjamin Markland (far left) and Albert Macias and two Airmen from Joint Base San Antonio-Lack-land, Airmen Basic Brittany Osgood and Allie Skallerud, in support of Operation Homecooking Nov. 24. Courtesy photo

WINGSPREADDECEMBER 2, 2011 PAGE 5

HometownEdinburgh, Ind.HobbiesI enjoy reading, dancing, walking my dog, cook-ing, learning to play my acoustic guitar, watching new movies and going to school.Greatest AccomplishmentMy greatest accomplishment is that I am the fi rst person in my family who has enlisted in the armed forces as active duty.Personal InspirationMy grandmother has been the most infl uential person in my life. She taught me to be responsi-ble, considerate and to respect others and myself.Pet PeevePeople who are exceptionally loud for no reason.

Personal Motto"Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship." – BuddhaGoalsMy short-term goal is to complete my associate of science in criminal justice. I am also pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing in hopes of becom-ing an offi cer.Commander’s Comments"Airman 1st Class Katie Bowling is a consummate professional with a work ethic that is second to none. As a base defense operations center controller, she has dealt with hundreds of emergency situations with an uncanny focus and positive attitude. The Air Force is very fortunate to have such a phenomenal Airman."

Capt. Antwan Floyd902nd Security Forces Squadron operations offi cer

Airman 1st ClassKatie Leigh Bowling

902nd Security Forces Squadron

By Airman 1st Class Alexis SiekertJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

The Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph First Sergeants Council’s Operation Warm-heart spreads hope and cheer for the holi-day season through the support of base-wide volunteers and donations, Master Sgt. Ter-rence Link, 902nd Mission Support Group fi rst sergeant, said.

“Operation Warmheart is here to ensure JBSA-Randolph military members, Depart-ment of Defense civilians and their families are taken care of during the holiday season, and to offer emergency aid throughout the year,” he said.

Operation Warmheart funds can be used to fi nance any nonprofi t function supporting the health, welfare and mo-rale of JBSA-Randolph service members and their families.

The funds for Operation Warmheart are collected in part with the assistance from the base chapel and personal donations, but mostly by volunteers from different units who take shifts as bell ringers at collection stations outside the base exchange and com-missary on duty days throughout the season. Also, twice a year, the chapel designates two offerings to help raise money for Operation Warm Heart, collecting between $8,000 and $10,000, cumulatively.

“Without community support, Opera-tion Warmheart would not be possible,” Master Sgt. Jose Silva, 359th Medical Group fi rst sergeant, said. “Every single bit of the money raised goes back to Air-men and their families.”

The fi rst sergeants use the Operation Warmheart money throughout the year; however, “our busiest time of the year be-gins in November and goes through Christ-mas,” Link said.

“Last year, we gave a total of $25,000, $14,000 during the holiday season alone,” he said. “We give turkeys, gift cards from the base commissary and off-base grocery stores, and we also organize “Angel Tree” – these are just some of the things we do on base.”

The Angel Tree is a toy collection run by the fi rst sergeants, open for base contributions.

As part of Angel Tree, a child from a family who may be unable to pro-vide gifts for the holidays is given a paper angel on which they write three toys they would like to receive. The paper angel is then placed on the Angel Tree. Anyone interested picks an angel off the tree and buys pres-ents for the child. The gifts can be given to the fi rst sergeants to ensure they make it to the right child or are turned into the chapel.

The Angel Tree will be placed in the chapel by the beginning of December for people to participate.

The fi rst sergeants, through Opera-tion Warmheart, are surprising junior enlisted members with “Random Acts of Kindness” for the fi rst time on base.

As part of Random Acts of Kindness, the council randomly targets Airmen and staff sergeants and assists them in some way once a month.

“We do things like put $30 in an Airman’s gas tank, go to the food court and buy lunch for any E-5 and below, pay for haircuts, dry cleaning, and we even take care of the bill of an Airman in line at the commissary or BX,” Link said. “It’s just little ran-dom acts of kindness that can really make someone’s day.”

Typically, the fi rst sergeants set aside about $500 per month for random acts; however, during the holiday season, random

acts will take place each week until right before Christmas, he said.

“We want to make everyone aware of Operation Warmheart and know it is avail-able during the holidays,” Link said. “If you need help, contact your fi rst sergeant. They will fi nd a way to support you through most issues that arise.”

For more information on Operation Warmheart, contact Silva at 652-3212. All questions about the Angel Tree may be di-rected to Link at 652-4899.

First Sergeants spread cheer through Operation Warmheart

Photo by Rich McFadden U.S. Navy Petty Offi cer 1st Class Clay Cowley (right), Defense Readiness Medical Training, Houston, with his son, Ian, donate money to Operation Warmheart Nov. 18 at the base commissary as Senior Airman Eddie Green (left), Air Force Personnel Center, takes a shift volunteering as a bell-ringer for the cause.

DECEMBER 2, 2011PAGE 6 WINGSPREAD

By Alex Salinas502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

The 6th annual Holiday Tour of Homes will brighten Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Tuesday, Dec. 6, which will allow Department of Defense card holders ages 12 and older and their guests to visit ten historical Ran-dolph homes.

The ten homes that will be on display were volun-teered by senior officer and enlisted service members, who occupy them. Each hosting family decorated their home’s exterior and interior to give visitors a glimpse of its inherent historic value and showcase a variety of holiday décor. Some have décor from countries around the world such as Japan, Germany and Egypt.

Donations benefit the Waiting Family Program, which supports families of deployed service members. The event is sponsored by Randolph Community Spouses, Randolph Family Housing and the Parr O’ Club.

Early donations of $10 can be made at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 693, and at Randolph Family Housing, Bldg. 144, through Dec. 5 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., and on Dec. 6 donations of $15 can be made at the Parr O’ Club deck, Bldg. 500.

The A&FRC will accept cash and checks, while Ran-dolph Family Housing will accept checks only. Make checks payable to Friends of the Family Support.

A map and wristband will be handed out to donors,

where they can see a recommended path to tour the homes. Participants are encouraged to park at the Parr O’ Club and travel on foot during the tour.

Cathy Murphy, Holiday Tour of Homes coordinator, believes events like this are an opportunity for the com-munity to support a cause while building friendships through volunteerism.

“The Randolph community is very diverse with mul-tiple tenant units and members deploying individually, making it difficult for spouses and families to find oth-ers who are also enduring deployments,” she said. “Our members do not deploy in large masses leaving a group of families to support one another, but through programs such as Waiting Families and spouse groups such as Yel-low Ribbon Spouses (a subgroup of the Randolph Com-munity Spouses Supporting Spouses group), families of deployed members from all different ranks and services are getting connected.”

The A&FRC has recently lost funding from the Com-bined Federal Campaign, causing budget cuts in many of its programs to include the Waiting Family Program. Murphy feels very strongly about supporting this pro-gram to keep families connected.

Master Sgt. Karla Iglesias, 902nd Force Support Squadron readiness NCO in charge, said families of de-ployed members “enjoy gatherings where they can con-nect with other families and be treated with programs that are planned especially for them.”

Iglesias is responsible for briefing deploying members on potential stressors their families could face during their separation and on available resources. She sends emails directly to the families notifying them of upcom-ing events.

One such event is the Waiting Families Dinner, held once a month at different locations for families of de-ployed members. These dinners should not be consid-ered just a free hand out, but an opportunity for spouses and children to meet others who are in the same situ-ation, Iglesias said.

“Funds from the Holiday Tour of Homes will help put together future dinners,” Iglesias said. “Fund-ing is important to keep up events like the Wait-ing Family Dinners. Organizations such as the Top 3 and the First Sergeant’s Council have committed to supporting our programs and we encourage any organization at Randolph to contact us if interested in providing support.”

Holiday Tour of Homes will conduct two tours on Tuesday, the first from 12-3 p.m., and the last from 6-9 p.m. The Parr O’ Club will serve hot cocoa for $1, Glühwein, a spiced warm wine, for $1.50 and cookies for 75 cents on their deck. Participants are encouraged to bring reflectors and flashlights if they choose to do a self-guided nighttime tour.

For more information, email Cathy Murphy at Cathy-Murphy1988@aol.com.

Holiday Tour of Homes benefits Waiting Families Program

Base BRIEFSMain Circle closure

The Main Circle in front of Air Education and Training Command Headquarters will be closed at B900 until Jan. 18 for roadway repairs. Please obey all construction traffic signs. A student bus stop will be temporarily moved from Main Circle drive to Outer Octagon. For more information, call Peggy Hill at 652-1249.

JBSA Childrens’ Holiday Party The Joint Base San Antonio Children’s’ Holiday Party takes place Saturday at Kelly Field, Hangar 1610. There will be door prizes, food, music, face painting and a caricature artist. All military and Department of Defense children are invited. The first 300 children will receive a toy. For more information, contact Tech. Sgt De’Lisa Harris at 395-7948.

Federal Benefits Open SeasonThe Federal Benefits Open Season runs through Dec. 12. This is

an opportunity to make changes on to a current policy or change to a different health provider. All transactions must be made through BEST. Changes made during open season will be effective Jan. 2.

Tax assistance volunteers neededThe Randolph Tax Center is looking for volunteers to help prepare

income taxes during the upcoming tax filing season. Volunteers can be active duty, civilian, retiree or a family mem-ber. Training will be provided by the Internal Revenue Service and by Randolph tax coordinator, Mr. Queen. To volunteer, call Mr. Queen at 652-1040.

Auditions for the legacy ballThe 2011 African-American Heritage Committee is having

an audition to be a part of the talent portion of the 3rd An-nual Legacy Ball, which will be held at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Feb. 18. Military or civilian vocalists, musicians and poets are invited. Auditions will be held Dec. 5 at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, from 3:30-7 p.m. For more information, contact Charles Harris at 652-3256 or charles.harris3@hotmail.com.

Thrift shop openThe Thrift Shop will be open tomorrow from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

The outside sale with consignments will begin at 8 a.m., weather permitting. If it is raining, only the main store will be open for business. The Thrift Shop will be closed Dec. 15-Jan. 3 for the holidays, and will re-open on Jan. 4. For more information, call 658-5990. Health Care Consumer’s Advisory Council

The HCCAC will meet Dec. 21, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., in the base theater. The group will meet to discuss clinic programs and services. Tell the 359th Medical Group what they are do-ing well and seek clarification on challenges encountered in the health care system. For more information, call 652-6075.

Wilford Hall Emergency Room closureWilford Hall has closed its emergency department and re-desig-

nated the area as an urgent care center.

The UCC is an option for common acute minor medical problems when an individual cannot obtain an appointment with a primary care provider or a clinic is closed.

The UCC is not a substitute for an emergency department. For more information, call 292-7331.

NOW SHOWINGat Randolph Theater

"Paranormal Activity 3" (R)Chloe Csengery, Jessica Tyler Brown

Today at 7 p.m.

"Footloose" (PG-13)Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough, Dennis Quaid

Saturday at 6 p.m.

"The Three Musketeers" (PG-13)Logan Lerman, Matthew Macfadyen, Ray Stevenson

Sunday at 3 p.m.

$4.50 for adults – $2.25 for children 11 and younger

To submit a sports or news brief for publication in the Wingspread, email all information to 502ABW.pa.wingspread@us.af.mil.

WINGSPREADDECEMBER 2, 2011 PAGE 7

DECEMBER 2, 2011PAGE 8 WINGSPREAD WINGSPREADDECEMBER 2, 2011 PAGE 9

By Alex Salinas502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

During the week of Nov. 14-20, Staff Sgt. Da-vid Gamez, Randolph Fire Emergency Services crew chief, and eight other firemen were paced through a high angle and confined space tech-nician course at the base fire station, Bldg. 700.

The course, provided by Florida-based Wright Rescue Solutions Inc., teaches Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph firemen, as well as members from the Universal City Fire Department, new techniques and tech-nology for high rise rescue situations.

The training scenario’s gamut ranges from higher-altitude tower and multisto-ried building window rescues to confined space rescues such as around telecom-munication lines and a water tower.

The course consists of five days of rope and high rise training and two days of confined space training.

“The new techniques we’ve learned save us a lot of time and in rescue situations, tim-ing means everything,” Gamez said.

Some of the techniques include improved ways to tie rope used in the rescuing of victims as well as leveraging and protecting the re-sponder’s body. New technology was also intro-duced to the firefighters, including a device that handles descending people to lower ground.

“The descent piece now has a safety feature that lever-locks and stops a line from descending in case its operator becomes incapacitated,” which can prevent potential injury or even death, Gamez said. “However, the technology and techniques are only as good as the person using them, so this is why we’re out here practicing them. Practice is very important.”

Rescue situations do not go without their share of dangers presented to the rescuer. A rescuer can in-

stantly become a victim despite little or no fault of his own, and is the reason why the course offers some supplemental medical knowledge to its trainees.

Scott Flitcraft, Wright Rescue chief instructor, ex-plained suspension syndrome, a dangerous risk for rescuers.

“We have two large arteries called the femo-ral arteries that run along our thighs,” he said. “Anytime a situation happens where a strap or harness pushes up against our torso and holds us upright and suspended, our body produces toxicity. Carbon dioxide and other toxins build in our legs and eventually our brain does not receive enough oxygen, causing death.

“Suspension syndrome happens a lot and it’s

unfortunate,” Flitcraft said, stressing the impor-tance of teaching the group proper high rise training techniques that use rope and harness.

Jimmy Sibley, also a Wright Rescue chief in-structor, said groups such as the Randolph fire-men who work in confined spaces are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Adminis-tration to be urban search and rescue-certified. Once the course is finished, Gamez and his crew will receive a certification of completion.

“This course on Randolph is special,” Sibley said. “[Wright] is usually out teaching for five days. This one will last seven days and we are confi-dent the training will get done successfully.”

Sibley said Randolph has many areas consid-

High-rise rescue course preps JBSA-Randolph, local firefightersFEATURE

Jimmy Sibley (left), Wright Rescue Solutions Inc., instructs Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph and Universal City, Texas fire fighters in the correct way to hook up rigging when performing a high angle and confined space rescue Nov. 16 through the high angle/confined space technician course. The training scenario’s gamut ranges from higher-altitude tower and multistoried building window rescues to confined space rescues such as around telecommunication lines and a water tower.

ered to be confined spaces and plans to cover the topic extensively during the sessions. Randolph’s water tower is an area of concern where Sibley and other instructors plan to dissect safety-wise.

“Confined spaces can be troublesome,” Sib-ley said. “You have to worry about a bad at-mosphere, electricity, toxic chemicals and low oxygen levels to name a few.”

For Gamez, the hands-on training experi-ence has already been a huge success.

“It’s been a lot of fun being out here (at the fire station) learning and applying what we’ve learned for our jobs,” he said. “The more we can learn and be up to date and proficient in our du-ties, the better it is for the people of Randolph.”

Staff Sgt. David Gamez, 902nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire ser-vices, uses a dummy to simulate the role of a victim while dem-onstrating a rescue situation during the high angle and confined space training class at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Nov. 16.

Q: What is suspension trauma? A: An effect which occurs when the human body is held upright without any movement for a period of time. Q: Who is affected by suspension trauma? A: People at risk of suspension trauma include people using industrial harnesses (fall arrest systems, abseiling systems, confined space systems), people using har-nesses for sporting purposes (caving, climbing, parachut-ing, etc) and stunt performers, circus performers.

Q: Can suspension trauma cause death? A: If one faints but remains vertical, one risks death due to one’s brain not receiving the oxygen it requires. Q: Can suspension trauma be avoided? A: Yes, a person should avoid exhausting themselves so much that they end up without the energy to keep moving while participating in rope work.

Q: What can be done to assist someone who is in danger of suspension trauma? A: If it is impossible to rescue someone immediately, then it is necessary to raise their legs to a sitting position, which can be done with a loop of rigging tape behind the knees or specialized equipment from a rescue kit. It is paramount to let the blood flow to the brain and heart.

Facts about SUSPENSION TRAUMA

Photos by Don Lindsey

Kenneth Shephard (top) and Staff Sgt. David Gamez, 902nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire services, train in repelling skills during the high angle and confined space training class at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Nov. 16.

DECEMBER 2, 2011PAGE 10 WINGSPREAD

Randolph ChapelSchedule

• CATHOLICMonday-Friday Daily Mass

11:30 a.m. - Chapel 1Saturday Mass

5:30 p.m. - Chapel 1Sunday Mass

8:30 a.m. - Chapel 111:30 a.m. - Chapel 1Confession - Saturday4:30 p.m. - Chapel 1

Sunday Religious Education9:45-11 a.m.

Bldg. 208

• PROTESTANTTraditional Sunday Service8:15 a.m. - Base theater

Contemporary Sunday Service

11 a.m. - Base theater

Sunday Religious Education9:30-11:30 a.m.

Bldg. 103

For more information,call the Chapel Center at

652-6121

By Maj. John MurrayAir Force Manpower Agency

Phyllis Stillman of the Air Force Manpower Agency retires today after more than 32 years of civil service. The ceremony takes place at 2 p.m. in the Kurt Stillman Conference Room at Bldg. 854, the same conference room dedicated in honor of her husband, the former Air Education and Train-ing Command chief of ac-quisition and data manage-ment, on April 24 after his death.

“There is no other place I’d rather be today, on my last day of service, than in this conference room named for Kurt,” Stillman ex-plained. “I was proud to cut the ribbon dedicating the room, and to end my civil service career here is the perfect ending for me.”

Stillman began her active-duty Air Force career in 1974 and served in the cryogenics and personnel career fields.

After her honorable discharge, she start-ed in civil service in 1979 at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Over the next 32 years, she held several important lead-ership positions in the manpower career field, including Air Force Suggestion Pro-gram manager and chief of performance management and planning for the Air Force Manpower Agency.

AFMA civilian retires in roomdedicated to late husband

Phyllis Stillman

Joint Base San Antonio has implemented new procedures for customers requiring new identifica-tion cards, common access cards and Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System services.

To help reduce excessive wait times, the JBSA has replaced the existing walk-in custom-er services available at its main ID Card/CAC issuance facilities with an all-day appointment-only process for all military members, retirees, dependents, civil service employees and con-tractors. Appointment times will be between 8 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. Monday through Friday, and will be scheduled in 20-minute intervals.

Changes to existing ID Card/CAC and DEERS services will only affect the main DEERS ID Card/CAC issuance facilities at these locations:

• 902nd Force Support Squadron, Bldg. 399, JBSA-Randolph; 652-1845

• 502nd Force Support Squadron, Bldg. 367, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston; 221-0415

• 802nd Force Support Squadron, Bldg. 5616, JBSA-Lackland; 671-4178

Customers can schedule appointments at any of these facilities by visiting https://rapids-appoint-ments.dmdc.osd.mil/ or they can call to set up an appointment.

CAC/ID cards require appointments An appointment is designated as a no-show when a patient does not keep a scheduled appointment or cancels less than two hours prior to a scheduled appointment.

Patients can cancel their appointments by selecting the cancellation option during the audiocare appointment reminder call, canceling via TRICARE online or simply calling the Consult Appointment Management Office appointment line.

For any no-shows, patients will be contacted within 48 hours of their missed appointment. The reason for missed appointment will be determined and follow-up recommendations made based

upon the patient’s clinical need. For two or more no-shows with-

in a six-month period in a specialty clinic without valid justification (example: sudden acute illness), all future specialty appointments within that clinic will be canceled and the patient’s Primary Care Manager will be contacted. The patient will require a new referral from the PCM if the specialty care is still needed.

Patients who arrive more than 10 minutes past their scheduled appointment time will be consid-ered late.

Questions can be directed to the Group Practice Manager office at 652-8677 or 652-1603.

Policy letter for patient appointments

WINGSPREADDECEMBER 2, 2011 PAGE 11

SportsBRIEFS

SPORTS – HEALTH – FITNESS

Air Force fellows win national ACAAI competitionBy Sue Campbell59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

Allergy Immunology fellows from Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center won first place during a competition held during the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Im-munology Annual Meeting in Boston Nov. 5.

Each year the ACAAI conducts an interna-tional conference to present information about the latest allergy, asthma and immunology research, procedures and technologies. The conference includes a fellows-in-training com-petition between allergy/immunology fellows from training programs around the nation.

“The FIT Bowl is designed to mix fun and learning in a fast-paced ‘College Bowl’ style game before a live audience,” Col. Michael Tank-ersley, Allergy/Immunology Program director at Wilford Hall, said. “We had two teams in the competition and both of our teams progressed to the final round with one claiming the victory.”

Maj. (Dr.) Jeremy Sikora and Maj. (Dr.) Shayne Stokes were the first place team. Maj. (Dr.) Tyson Brown and Capt. (Dr.) April Arseneau formed the second Wilford Hall team that placed fourth in the competition. All four doctors are second-year fellows who will graduate in 2012.

“The contest was very competitive, with more than 30 teams entered from around the country,” Tankersley said. “Fellows in our program have won this competition 10 of the last 20 years. Our success is due not just to the quality of the fellows compet-ing, but also the quality of all the fellows, the faculty and the support we receive from the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium and Wil-ford Hall leadership to maintain the high quality and balance of academics, patient care and research within our program.”

Courtesy photoMajors Jeremy Sikora (left) and Shayne Stokes hold the FIT Bowl first-place trophy after winning the competition Nov. 5, during the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Meeting in Boston. The two Air Force doctors are allergy/immunology fellows assigned to the 59th Medical Operations Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

Indoor half-marathonThe Rambler Fitness Center

offers a self-monitored fitness program. Participants try to complete 13.1 miles running or walking within one week, Dec. 12-16. The fitness center will supply participants with cards at the front desk to log their mileage.

Holiday golf purchases The Randolph Oaks

Golf Course offers patrons an opportunity to win a set of irons, driver, putter or a golf bag during December. With the purchase of $10 or more in merchandise, customers receive a ticket for a chance to win the prizes.

Wi-Fi connected The Randolph Oaks Golf Course club house now of-fers wireless internet to its patrons.

Attention all bikers The fitness center holds bike rides every Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. These rides focus on improving fitness, bike handling skills, riding a pace line, drafting and bike etiquette and are open to cyclists of all levels. A road bike or cyclo-cross bike in good working condition is needed. Appropriate cycling at-tire and gear is required. These rides are led by a member of USA Cycling.

Driving range (closed Mon-day mornings for mainte-nance) Warm up at the Randolph Oaks Driving Range or just take a few practice swings. A full basket of balls is $6 or a half basket is $3.Off-base, a basket of balls costs around $10. Patrons can stop by the Pro Shop to purchase a debit key for the new machine and get 30 half-baskets for $60.

Rambler Fitness Center group exercise class schedule – December 2011MONDAY

9 a.m. - Step10:05 a.m. - Strength11 a.m. - Step11:15 a.m. - Cycling5 p.m. - Step5:15 p.m. - Cycling6 p.m. - Yoga7:15 p.m. - Kickboxing

TUESDAY9 a.m. - Yoga10 a.m. - Senior Strength11 a.m. - Step5 p.m. - Zumba6 p.m. - Kickboxing

WEDNESDAY9 a.m. - Step10 a.m. - Yoga11 a.m. - Step11:15 a.m. - Cycling5 p.m. - Zumba5:15 p.m. - Cycling6 p.m. - Pilates

THURSDAY9 a.m. - Step/Weights9 a.m. - Yoga10 a.m. - Senior Strength11 a.m. - Sets/Reps5 p.m. - Zumba6 p.m. - Kickboxing

FRIDAY9 a.m. - Step10:15 a.m. - Cardiofusion11:15 a.m. - Cycling5:30 p.m. - Yoga

SATURDAY9 a.m. - Kickboxing9 a.m. - Pilates10:15 a.m. - Zumba

SUNDAY1 p.m. - Yoga

$3 per class, schedule subject to change. For details on class passes or holiday class schedules, call the Rambler Fitness Center at 652-2955.Equipment orientation available upon request for all patrons.

DECEMBER 2, 2011PAGE 12 WINGSPREAD

902nd Force Support Squadron Briefs