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JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH No. 34 • AUGUST 30, 2013

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

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AUGUST 30, 2013PAGE 2 WINGSPREAD

Joint Base San Antonio-RandolphEditorial Staff

Brig. Gen. Bob LaBruttaJBSA/502nd Air Base Wing Commander

Todd G. WhiteJBSA/502nd ABW Public Affairs Director

Marilyn C. HollidayJBSA-Randolph Public Affairs ChiefAirman 1st Class Lincoln Korver

EditorAirman 1st Class Alexandria SladeAirman 1st Class Kenna Jackson

Robert Goetz, Alex SalinasStaff Writers

Maggie ArmstrongGraphic Designer

Exceptional Family Member Program ath-letes and volunteers make their way back to the starting line after a race during a Special Olympics equestrian competition Aug. 13 at the Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Equestrian Center.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Alexandria Slade

ON THE COVER

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 Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, 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 JBSA-Randolph. All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.

The deadline for submissions is noon Wednesday the week prior to publication. All submissions can be emailed to [email protected].

Wingspread Offi ce1150 5th Street East

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

Wingspread [email protected]

Wingspread Advertisement Offi cePrime Time Military Newspapers

2203 S. HackberrySan Antonio, Texas 78210

(210) 534-8848

COMMENTARY

L.A. ShivelyJBSA-Fort Sam Houston Public Affairs

The 502nd Air Base Wing bids fare-well to its senior enlisted leader as he advances to another level of Air Force enlisted leadership Aug. 31.

Chief Master Sgt. Jose LugoSantiago will take the reins as the Command Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force District of Washington, headquartered at Joint Base Andrews, Md., to chart a course for the enlisted corps responsible for all matters affecting professional develop-ment, wartime operations, sustainment training, career progression, effective utilization, morale, welfare, quality of life and mission effectiveness for more than 40,000 Airmen assigned to the AFDW, and Air Force Elements worldwide.

On the threshold of a new chapter in his life, LugoSantiago refl ected on his time with the wing.

“When you look at the time period – almost two years – it doesn’t seem like a long time, but it was a lifetime,” Lu-goSantiago said, adding there have been some very satisfying, as well as very challenging, moments.

As the Command Chief Master Ser-geant of JBSA and the 502nd ABW, Lu-goSantiago led the enlisted corps during a transition period where the support functions of four unique locations were consolidating under one entity, which in-cluded changes in organizational struc-ture, leadership roles and responsibili-ties.

At the top on LugoSantiago’s agenda when he arrived at JBSA was to develop a sense of teamwork within his enlisted force. He saw that communication be-tween the command chiefs and other senior enlisted leaders was one of the

biggest challenges to developing that teamwork.

“For instance, among the command chiefs there was not a common agree-ment on how we wanted to do ceremo-nies,” the chief recalled. He targeted the senior enlisted inductions, the Air Force Ball and the Joint Base Annual Awards ceremonies.

“The command chiefs came together to discuss what was going to be our com-bined vision for ceremonies on a joint base. The same was true for the JBSA Annual Awards ceremonies, with the dis-cussion taking place also with the ser-geants major and master chiefs to cre-ate synergies which were never before realized. We were able to set the pace for all the ceremonies from that point forward,” he said.

Hammering out a shared tactic for executing ceremonies led to teamwork between both the enlisted force and of-fi cer cadre, as well as across the services

on other issues. The chief said he never would have

thought that he would be a command chief master sergeant early in his ca-reer and certainly not in charge of an enlisted corps on the largest joint base in the Department of Defense. But some-thing happened during his formative Air Force years.

“As you go through your journey, you meet people who inspire you,” LugoSan-tiago said. “Those people open your eyes to a world you previously did not see.”

His mentors helped him with the larger perspective on what the Air Force actually does in the world and what it stands for. It was at this point that he fell in love with the organization.

LugoSantiago shares the impact men-toring had on him by using social media through Facebook and an online blog to reach out to service members and share examples of integrity, professionalism and volunteerism. He believes mentor-ing is the key to building successful people and in a hands-on approach to leadership.

“If you want to be a great leader, you better be walking around your organiza-tion fi nding out what is happening. It is so important for your troops to see you on the ground. That’s how they know you care,” LugoSantiago said.

LugoSantiago said his tenure here has prepared him for his newest chal-lenge in a command which must work closely with other services at a strategic level; its mission at the hub of worldwide political infl uence.

“I leave with the biggest sense of appreciation for our people of all the services,” LugoSantiago said, “and the greatest gratitude for having the oppor-tunity to serve them.”

502nd ABW bids farewell to senior enlisted leader

Chief Master Sgt. Jose LugoSantiago

COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN POINTS OF CONTACTThe 2013 Combined Federal Campaign runs through Dec. 15. The following is a list of points of contact for Joint Base San Antonio:

502 Air Base Wing: 1st Lt. Amanda McGowin, 221-4321

Alternate: Master Sgt. Mason Wilson, 671-6705

502nd Mission Support Group: Manny Henning, 221-1844

Alternate: Duane Dunkley, 221-2207802nd MSG:

1st Lt. Brandon Langel, 671-2528

Alternate: Master Sgt. Robert Brinson, 671-5511902nd MSG: Matt Borden, 652-3797

Alternate: Master Sgt. Ennis Fowler, 652-6915Alternate: Master Sgt. Shawn Waghorn, 652-3088

WINGSPREADAUGUST 30, 2013 PAGE 3

By Robert GoetzJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

Education, one of the hallmarks of the Air Force Sui-cide Prevention Program, will be the focus of Joint Base San Antonio’s Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month activities in September.

Resource tables will be set up Wednesday at the JBSA-Randolph Exchange and Sept. 11 at the Randolph Medical Clinic, a 5K Family Run is scheduled Sept. 14 at Eberle Park and a suicide awareness symposium is planned Sept. 19 at the chapel annex.

“Taking a month to educate the public is critically important,” Jennifer Mitchell, 359th Medical Operations Squadron behavioral health consultant, said. “Education and advertisement help to enhance known protective factors, which buffer individuals from suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In this way, we are promoting resilience by providing information, providing easy access to a va-riety of clinical interventions and support, and advertis-ing effective clinical care for individuals seeking help.”

The suicide awareness symposium will feature a presentation by Margy Agar, the mother of Army Sgt. Kimberly Agar, a 25-year-old active-duty Soldier who died by suicide in October 2011.

Agar, who is on a mission to help educate service members and the community on military suicides, has become an advocate for military families who have a service member who died by suicide.

“The guest speaker will have her personal story about her daughter and how she coped with it,” Gina Ramirez, 359th MDOS psychology technician, said.

Suicide prevention is a top priority in the military, Ramirez said.

“It’s a message Airmen hear at basic training, at the fi rst-term Airman’s course and throughout their ca-reers,” she said.

In 1996, the Air Force launched its suicide prevention program, which is built on 11 overlapping core elements stressing leadership and community involvement.

Lt. Gen. Darrell Jones, Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services, called the pro-gram “an integrated network of policy and education that focuses on reducing suicide through the early iden-tifi cation and treatment of those at risk.”

“Last year’s suicide rate was the highest rate in the military since they started collecting data,” Ramirez said. “This year’s rate is down so far, but it’s important to get the word out that services are available.”

In addition to services provided at the Randolph Medi-cal Clinic and the 359th MDOS Mental Health Flight, agencies such as the Airman and Family Readiness Center and the chaplain’s offi ce are available for as-sistance, she said.

The key to suicide prevention is awareness – to know the warning signs and not be afraid to ask questions and provide support, Mitchell said.

“All clinic staff are trained in this area,” she said.

“Warning signs include talking about, wanting to and threatening to hurt themselves, talking or writing about death or dying, increased substance use or abuse, lack of meaning or purpose in life, hopelessness, feeling trapped, social withdrawal, anger or rage, reckless activity and dramatic mood changes. We also strive to identify risk factors and enhance protective factors, so that we can address each individual’s needs.”

One of those protective factors is social support, Ramirez said.

She said the events planned in September will educate people by helping them “spot warning signs and know what to do to get their loved ones help.”

September events at JBSA-Randolph focus on suicide prevention

Resource table, 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, JBSA-Randolph Exchange

Resource table, 1-3 p.m. Sept. 11, JBSA-Randolph Medical Clinic

5K Family Run, 7:30 a.m. Sept. 14, Eberle Park

Suicide Awareness Symposium, 9-10:30 a.m. Sept. 19, JBSA-Randolph Chapel Annex

JBSA-Randolph Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month event schedule


NEWS

By Alex SalinasJBSA-Randolph Public Affairs

Triple-digit temperatures make outdoor condi-tions for exercise dangerously hot, but there are plenty of ways to stay cool during a summer work-out.

If choosing to be outside, “in the morning before 9 a.m. and in the evening after 7 p.m.” is best, Marlin Richardson, 902nd Force Support Squadron fitness and sports manager, said.

Running, walking, cycling and swimming are popular activities that provide cardiovascular ben-efits, but when the weather heats up, “work out underneath shade structures and canopies if pos-sible,” Richardson said.

Apply plenty of sunblock with a sun protection factor rating of at least 15, which ensures a per-son who burns in 10 minutes gets 150 minutes of ultraviolet ray protection.

“Everyone is different, but if you engage in con-tinuous outdoor activities, don’t go more than 30 to 45 minutes without stopping for a break and

rehydrating,” Brett Cannon, 802nd Force Support Squadron aerobics programs coordinator, said.

Wearing the right clothes is as important as us-ing the right sunscreen.

“Clothing should be light in color and breath-able,” Richardson said. “A hat or cap should also be worn.”

Research clothing before making a purchase, Cannon suggested.

“With apparel technology these days, you can buy gear that keeps your body cool in any climate,” Cannon said. “If you are trying to stay cool, stay away from hoodies and thick cotton clothing.”

For those with access to military installations, there is also the option to use indoor gymnasium facilities.

“You don’t have to go outside to work up a sweat,” Cannon said. “Take advantage of any cardio room that is in each fitness center. If you aren’t a fan of cardio, you can always try a superset workout.”

A superset is performing an exercise right after another one without rest.

Doing cable curls followed by dumbbell curls is

an example of a superset that works out the same muscle group – in this case, biceps.

Cannon recommended performing supersets that work opposing muscle groups instead.

Examples include the back and chest, thighs and hamstrings, and biceps and triceps.

“It increases your metabolism, not only because your heart rate stays higher throughout, but also because the body works harder afterward to re-cover,” Cannon said.

A challenge of summer workouts is sticking to them, so having a goal can keep spirits high.

“Think about reaching the goal you have in mind,” Richardson said. “Think about how much better you’re going to feel about yourself after the workout. Use music to get you hyped.”

Working out with a friend can also be beneficial when it comes to staying motivated.

“A lot of people use music to get them going, but all I need is my workout part-ner,” Cannon said. “I don’t get a good workout without my buddy alongside me.”

Fitness experts say keep cool during summer workouts

By Robert GoetzJBSA-Randolph Public Affairs

Dogs have been part of the Air Force mis-sion since 1952, when the service’s first sentry dog school was activated at Showa Air Station, Japan.

Since that time, Air Force canines assumed addi-tional responsibilities. Now known as military work-ing dogs, they are trained for patrol functions and drug, arms, ammunition and explosives detection and assigned throughout the Department of Defense.

However, there comes a time when MWDs can no longer perform their duties effectively and are re-tired, often for a medical condition. Some of them move on to a new career in civilian law enforcement, while others take up domestic duties – as a family pet – all of them placed through the DOD MWD Adoption Program. In addition to retired MWDs, the adoption pool includes young dogs that failed to certify in de-tection or patrol training.

“MWDs that are healthy and show potential are first offered to federal law enforcement agencies,” Tech. Sgt. Joseph Null, DOD MWD Logistics NCO in charge, said. “When an MWD is not fit for any type of law enforcement duty, the previous handler or an-other handler has the option to adopt the dog. If neither of those options happens, then the MWD can

be adopted by the general public.”The 341st Training Squadron at Joint Base San

Antonio-Lackland is the “central repository and cra-dle-to-grave location for MWD logistics and training,” Null said, but dogs are available for adoption at all bases where they are assigned.

“Each location handles their adoptions separately, so a person looking to adopt a dog would be best served by contacting the base closest to them to check for availability,” he said.

Not all MWDs are suited to life as a family pet, Null said.

“Every MWD is given a series of adoption suitabil-ity tests to determine if they would make a suitable pet,” he said. “These tests include food, toy and dog aggression. If a dog fails a portion of the test, then that is noted and limitations are placed on who can adopt the dog.”

MWDs that are “too dangerous for public adoption and too medically unfit for law enforcement duty” are euthanized as a last resort, Null said. This happens to less than four percent of the dogs.

“This is always the last option and many experts in the MWD program evaluate the options prior to this decision being reached,” he said.

NeeNee, a young Belgian Malinois adopted more than two years ago by Staff Sgt. Darrell Williams, 902nd Security Forces Squadron, is an example of

a dog well-suited to being a family pet but did not possess enough drive to become an MWD.

“She’s just a very lovable dog,” he said. “She didn’t have an aggressive bone in her while going through her initial training, which is why she failed out of the course. But she is very protective of my kids and our other dog if she thinks they’re in any kind of danger.”

Williams, former 902nd SFS kennel master, said an advantage of MWDs is that they are “already pre-trained in most obedience tasks.”

Null said the adopting party is also subject to cer-tain criteria.

“Generally speaking, we want the family or person adopting the dog to have a fenced-in backyard where the dog can get exercise, even on a rainy day,” he said.

Null said the process to adopt a MWD begins with a request for an adoption application at [email protected].

“Once the application is returned, the wait to adopt begins,” he said. “The wait typically ranges from 12 to 18 months.”

Null said the demand to adopt an MWD is “very high,” and only 10-15 dogs are available each month. Since 2010, more than 1,000 MWDs have been adopted worldwide.

For military working dogs, there’s a new life after retirement


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By Alex Salinas JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs

The dental clinic at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, which performs about 1,000 procedures a month for a total patient population of 3,200 active-duty members, uses a seasoned staff to serve the needs of service members.

Handling basic cleanings and fill-ings to root canals and tooth implants, JBSA-Randolph dentistry is consistent-ly ranked in the top 10 percent of 80 Air Force-wide dental clinics in terms of customer satisfaction, Lt. Col. James Kutner, 359th Dental Squadron chief of dental services, said.

“A strong foundation with personnel who’ve been here five to 10 years, has helped build a positive patient rapport,” Kutner said. “Patients request certain people; they get to know us and vice versa.”

There are currently five active-duty dentists and one civilian dentist.

According to a report, 99 percent of military members treated by them in July were satisfied and said they would return.

Partly what explains the favorable sta-tistics is overall awareness displayed by patients, Capt. Jessamy Thornton, 359th DS preventive dentistry officer, said.

“People have been more aware of den-tal hygiene now than in the past years,” she said. “With all the information out there, the general state of teeth I see is good. That highlights the importance of educating our patients.”

Taking the time to brush in small, circular motions and floss, as well as

getting regular cleanings and checkups, is the key to keeping patients out of the chair from serious conditions down the road, Thornton said.

According to the American Dental Association, when choosing a tooth-brush, pick one that fits comfortably in the mouth and, ideally, with soft bristles.

Brushing two to three times a day for at least two minutes is also best, the ADA said.

Thornton also credited a drop in ac-tive-duty tobacco users – from 27 per-cent in 2001 to 21 percent in 2012 – as helping to improve dental health.

For customer convenience, the JBSA-Randolph clinic is equipped with an in-house lab consisting of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufactur-ing technology, or CAD/CAM. This means dental restorations such as crowns, veneers and implants take an average of 10 days to deliver to patients as opposed to 20 days or more, Kutner said.

The bigger picture is meeting the Air Force standard to have 90 percent of all patients dentally suitable to deploy; the JBSA-Randolph clinic exceeds the standard with 98 percent of its patients dentally fit for duty, Thornton said.

“Our goal is to not only restore patients’ teeth to their proper form, but to provide education so they don’t be-come regulars,” Kutner said.

The JBSA-Randolph dental clinic is open 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday and serves only active-duty members. For more information, call 652-1846.

JBSA-Randolph Dental Clinic offers top-notch service

Photo by Rich McFaddenCapt. Jessamy Thornton (left), 359th Aerospace Medicine Squadron dentist, and Senior Airman Jorge Rojas, 359th Aerospace Medicine Squadron dental technician, perform a den-tal procedure on a patient Aug. 22 at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Dental Clinic.


By Alex SalinasJBSA-Randolph Public Affairs

A memorial 5K run/walk simulta-neously took place at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph and Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 19 to honor the memory of Josie Seebeck, daughter of Lt. Col. Pe-ter Seebeck, Air Education and Training Command deputy staff judge advocate.

Josie, a 19-year-old sophomore mid-fielder on the Central Michigan University women’s soccer team, was injured in an automobile accident along with two other players Aug. 2 outside Lansing, Mich., and died Sunday, Aug. 4.

The 5K, organized by legal office staff members at JBSA-Randolph, fell on the

same day as Josie’s birthday and was a “dual-continent event which stood as a tribute to Jo’s kindness, talent and ath-leticism,” said Capt. Connie Wilkes, AETC judge advocate chief of commercial law.

Josie, who graduated from Ramstein High School in 2012, amassed numerous athletic accolades. She was selected for all-region, all-tournament and all-Europe first teams her junior and senior years and was named Most Valuable Player of the team, Wilkes said.

About 30 of Josie’s friends and former soccer teammates at Ramstein partici-pated in the memorial 5K in Germany. At JBSA-Randolph, more than 40 run-ners arrived on the running trail adjacent to the Rambler Fitness Center including

Josie’s mother Amy, and four younger sis-ters: Katherine, Margaret, Elizabeth and Madeline.

“She was a really nice kid and well loved,” Peter said. “She went to (Catholic) Mass while in college and that moved her. She wanted to be a physical therapist and wanted to have a big family because she loved the one she was in.

“It was a beautiful life.”Before the event kicked off at noon at

JBSA-Randolph – which was 7 p.m. at Ramstein – Maj. LaChandra Richardson, AETC judge advocate chief of strategic services, presented a portrait of Josie she drew as a commemorative birthday gift to the Seebeck family.

The gesture, followed by a prayer from

Chaplain (Col.) Steven Schaick, AETC command chaplain, provided a brief mo-ment for the family to shed some tears and rejoice in the company of those pres-ent.

“When tragedy strikes, communities large and small can step in to make all the difference,” Richardson said.

Blue skies and warm temperatures marked the local 5K.

Some people ran while some walked, but everyone knew why they had to cross the finish line.

“Josie was undoubtedly an athletic person,” Richardson said. “Everything she did bespoke how she pursued life: with purpose.”

Memorials honor memory of 19-year-old


CHURCH PAGES


Photo and story by Airman 1st Class Alexandria SladeJBSA-Randolph Public Affairs

An equestrian camp and competition for special-needs individuals ages 8 and older took place Aug. 12-16 at the Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Equestrian Center.

Hosted by the JBSA Exceptional Family Member Program and Special Olympics Texas-San Antonio, the camp consisted of four days of instruction in varying events before the competition Aug.16.

Coaches, volunteers and 12 athletes were carefully chosen to participate in this activity, Sackett Heejung, EFMP family support specialist, said. Staff members from the Fort Sam Houston Equestrian Center screened all of the athletes on their ability to ride horses prior to participating.

“My daughter, along with the other contestants, has learned not only how to ride horses, but also im-portant problem-solving skills,” said Army Staff Sgt. Julian Grim, father of one of the 12 participants. “All the athletes have learned how to steer and con-trol the horse and how to use their voice and body movements to communicate with these animals enough

to compete.”The purpose of this event was to provide oppor-

tunities for the participants to demonstrate courage, Heejung said. Sharing of talents, skills and friendship with their families, other athletes and the community were also goals.

EFMP, one of the main driving forces behind the event, is a mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide varying aspects of comprehensive and coordinated community support to military families with special needs.

“The JBSA EFMP provides various activities and classes for exceptional family member sponsors and their families,” Heejung said. “JBSA is one of the few installations that have equestrian centers on-post. We wanted to take advantage of having this facility with easy access to provide world-class family support.”

“We are all winners today – athletes, parents, friends, spectators, coordinators and coaches,” Grim said while speaking during the competition’s closing ceremony. “Today we witnessed just a snap-shot of our athletes’ inner strength, cour-age and perseverance. Things we should all strive for.”

Brenden Hoopes, an Exceptional Family Member Program athlete, participates in an exercise to improve coordina-tion during a Special Olympics equestrian camp Aug. 13 at the Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Equestrian Center.

JBSA-Fort Sam Houston hosts Special Olympics Equestrian Camp

JBSA Sexual Assault Prevention and ResponseIf you would like to report a sexual assault, call the 24/7 JBSA Sexual Assault Prevention and Response hotline at 808-7272 or the Department of Defense Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247. You don't have to be alone.

AIR FORCE BALL INFORMATIONThe 2013 San Antonio Air Force Ball, “Into the Wild Blue Yonder: Proud Past . . .

Promising Future,” is Sept. 20 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in downtown San Antonio. The social hour begins at 6 p.m. Ball attire for the military is mess dress or semi-formal; and civilians, formal/black tie.

To purchase tickets at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, contact Tech. Sgt. Brian Jenkins at 652-3365 or Staff Sgt. Jamario Liggins at 565-9217, Senior Master Sgt. Shannon Burrier-Morris at 565-4861 and 1st Lt. Adam Staricha at 565-9251.


SportsSportsSportsBRIEFSBRIEFSBRIEFSSportsSportsSports

Rambler 120 teamsJoint Base San Antonio's premiere adventure race, the Rambler 120, takes place Oct. 5. Teams that sign up before Saturday will pay last year’s fees of only $100 for Xtreme teams (4 people) and $150 for Relay teams (5-8 people). After Saturday, the fees increase to $120 for Xtreme teams and $180 for Relay teams. Teams can start train-ing for the 22-mile bike course, the 6-mile run and the 2-mile raft event. The deadline to enter is Sept. 20. Entry forms are avail-able at the JBSA-Randolph Rambler Fitness Center, building 999 and Commu-nity Services Mall, building 895. You can also print a pdf registration packet, which is available online at http://www.randolphfss.com. For more information, call 267-7358.

Run for LifeA 5K family run/walk for suicide awareness and prevention is scheduled Sept. 14 at Eberle Park. Check-in is at 7:30 a.m. and the run begins at 8 a.m. A limited sup-ply of free t-shirts will be distributed by the event sponsors, Randolph Mental Health, Health and Wellness Center, Rambler Fitness Center and Force Support Squadron.

Suicide awareness, prevention symposiumMargy Agar, parent of an active-duty suicide victim, will educate interested JBSA-Randolph commu-nity members on military suicides and prevention 9-10:30 a.m. Sept. 19 at the JBSA-Randolph Chapel Annex. To register, call 652-2448.

By Airman 1st Class Kenna JacksonJBSA-Randolph Public Affairs

To ensure Airmen are ready and pre-pared to apply their military experience to the civilian workforce, the Air Force provides a Transition Assistance Program for departing service members and their families.

“TAP helps service members start think-ing about things they never had to while they were in the military and how to be successful as a civilian,” Mike Bell, 902nd Force Support Squadron community readi-ness consultant, said.

The goal of TAP is to help Airmen answer

the important questions associated with leaving the military, learn how to “speak as a civilian” and market themselves to other employers.

“For example, what skills, talents and experiences do I have that are needed in the civilian world?” Ray Armando, 902nd FSS community readiness consultant, said. “What kind of work do I want to do? How do I make myself as competitive as pos-sible? How can I make the transition from military to civilian life easier for my fam-ily?”

According to Armando, one of the tricki-est parts for transitioning service members can be translating their military experience

into useful civilian skills. For example, a security forces member who led a fi re team while deployed could highlight managing teams in stressful situations.

“They have many skills that fi t into the civilian community,” Armando said. “How-ever, most of the time they don’t recognize that because the culture is so different. When a separated or retired Airman speaks to a potential employer, they need to be able to explain how their skills benefi t the civilian company.”

Although guiding military members through the civilian job-search maze is a

By Airman 1st Class Kenna Jackson JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs

The Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Airman and Family Readiness Center hosted a U.S. Small Business Administration-sponsored “Boots to Business” workshop Aug. 20-21 for active-duty members, veterans and civil-ians who are interested in entre-preneurship once they are done serving in or for the military.

Boots to Business is an inten-sive two-day, three-step, intro-duction to an entrepreneurship training program. It was devel-oped to introduce and train tran-sitioning service members for business ownership. The course ensures participants have access to a standardized entrepreneur-ship training track and exposes them to potential opportunities for their post-military careers.

In August 2011, according to SBA’s website, President Barack Obama announced his compre-hensive plan to address this issue. Shortly thereafter, he signed the Vow to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, which included steps to improve the mandatory Transition As-sistance Program for service members. The Boots to Business program was one of the three ad-ditional training tracks offered.

“To put it simply, this track is an orientation to business owner-

ship,” Ray Ramos, 902nd Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant, said. “You’ll also have the opportunity to plug into a network of veteran entre-preneur-individuals who have walked this path and found suc-cess as a business owner.”

Those in attendance of the two-day course learned what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.

“This class was a great expe-rience for me,” Tech. Sgt. Erik Herrera, Air Education and Train-ing Command chaplain assistant, said. “I learned a lot about the challenges of being an entrepre-neur as well as some tricks of the trade.”

According to the Small Busi-ness Administration’s latest re-search, veterans often have more diffi culty fi nding jobs in the civil-ian workforce because of a cul-tural divide.

“There are an incredible amount of skills that are easily transferable from the military to the civilian world,” Ramos said. “However, the art of translating military language and skills into terminology that a civilian em-ployer can understand can be rather diffi cult to perfect.”

Success in entrepreneurship is achievable, but it does not come easily. According to Terry Sutherland, SBA Press Offi ce di-rector, it takes incredible com-

mitment and a lot of hard work to become and remain successful as an entrepreneur in the civilian world.

“To be a successful entre-preneur and own your own business, you have to be a self-starter, disciplined and be able to hold yourself accountable, which I think are three core qualities of the military,” Master Sgt. Anthony Witak, 902nd Force Support Squadron, customer

support superintendent, said. “Although I’m not set to retire until next year, I’m glad I took this class. I’ve found this track to be very helpful in my future success as an entrepreneur.”

For more information about the program, visit http://boots2busi-ness.org/about.aspx or call the JBSA-Randolph Airman and Family Readiness Center at 652-5321.

Transition assistance program adds entrepreneurship track

TAP helps Airmen transiti on into civilian world

See TAP, P17

Photo by Airman 1st Class Kenna JacksonMaster Sgt. Anthony Witak, 902nd Force Support Squadron, customer sup-port superintendent, back, and Tech. Sgt. Erik Herrera, Air Education and Training Command chaplain assistant, front, attend Boots to Business en-trepreneur track Aug. 20 in the Airman Family Readiness Center conference room at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. Boots to Business is a three-step training program developed to introduce and train transitioning service members for business ownership.


Photo by Airman 1st Class Lincoln KorverChildren participate in the Spurs Caravan tour Aug. 21 at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Rambler Fitness Center, which included an hour-long children’s basketball boot camp, questionn–and–answer session with former college and professional basketball player Neville Shed and pictures with the Spurs mascot.

SPURS CARAVAN

Photo by Airman 1st Class Lincoln Korver

large part of a TAP counselor’s job, Airman and Fam-ily Readiness Center staff members also offer Airmen individual or small group workshops, customized fi-nancial planning, relocation assistance, educational grants and spouse employment assistance.

“Pre-separation counseling covers a wide range of services and benefits that Airmen might be entitled to upon separation or retirement from the military,” Brian Kenefick, 902nd FSS community readiness consultant, said.

According to Public Law 112-56, 201-265, 125 Stat. 715, all military members must be provided counseling no later than 90 days prior to separation or retirement. Exceptions are made for those leaving under short notice. In those cases, counseling must happen as soon as possible.

Despite this program being a required class prior to service members leaving the military, many partic-ipants find themselves more confident upon comple-tion of the five-day program.

“I feel more prepared coming out of this class than I did before,” Tech. Sgt. Erik Herrera, Air Education and Training Command chaplain assistant, said. “The most useful thing I’m getting out of it is the resume-writing skills. We’re learning how to organize the information to get an advantage when finding a job. It’s nice to know the military is helping its people out.”

For more information, contact the Randolph A&FRC at 652-5321.

TAP, from P16

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