RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE 64th Year • No. 11 • MARCH 19, 2010

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

INSIDE ... JBSA PLAYS ROLE IN DISASTER RESPONSE, P3 ... BREACHED GATES ENDANGER AIRCRAFT, P4 ... CSO CLASS GETS DOWN TO NITTY-GRITTY, P11

See Page 10

Bill Farrow (left), and Mike Gilligan,902nd Civil Engineer Squadron, guide agiant concrete "O" into place March 9 asa replacement for the historic lettersspelling out Randolph Field inWashington Circle. For more photos, seepage 10. Photo by Dave Terry

Wingspread Office1150 5th Street East

Randolph AFB, Texas 78150Phone: (210) 652-5760

Fax: (210) 652-3142Wingspread Advertisements

Prime Time Military Newspapers2203 S. Hackberry

San Antonio, Texas 78210Phone: (210) 534-8848

Wingspread e-mailnews@randolph.af.mil

502nd Air Base WingOperating Location Bravo

Editorial StaffBrig. Gen. Leonard Patrick

Commander1st Lt. Ryan Ernst

OL-B Chief of Public AffairsSenior Airman Katie Hickerson

EditorRobert GoetzSean BowlinStaff Writers

Maggie ArmstrongGraphic Designer

WINGSPREAD

This paper is published by Prime Time Military Newspapers, aprivate firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, underexclusive written contract with Randolph AFB, Texas. This com-mercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publica-tion for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of theWingspread are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsedby, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or theDepartment of the Air Force.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, includinginserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by theDepartment of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, or PrimeTime Military Newspapers of the products or services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made avail-able for purchase, use or patronage without regard to the race,color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical ormental handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factorof the purchaser, user, or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the PublicAffairs Division of the 502nd Air Base Wing OL-B in accordancewith local policy and style guidance. All photos, unless otherwiseindicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.

Articles for the newspaper should be submitted by noonThursday the week prior to the desired publication date. Items canbe dropped off on a PC- or Macintosh-formatted disk at theWingspread office in Hangar 6.

Articles for submission may also be sent by e-mail tonews@randolph.af.mil.

For details about submissions, call 652-5760.

ON THE COVER

PAGE 3WINGSPREADMARCH 19, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 2 MARCH 19, 2010

COMMENTARY

By Maj. Gen. (ret.) Erwin Lessel III

Wow! It’s hard to believethat after 31 years of com-missioned service I’m finallyretiring from our UnitedStates Air Force. Who wouldhave thought that when Ientered the Air ForceAcademy in 1975, the AirForce, our country and theworld could have changed somuch. Back then the Apollomoon landing program hadrecently ended, the VietnamWar was coming to a close,the Cold War was in fullswing and we were still fly-ing T-33s, F-4s, and F-104s.Of course we were also flyingT-38s, C-130s, KC-135s andB-52s! Oh yes, and we didn’tyet have an official Air Forcesong!

Where did the time go?I’ll tell you, it was full ofwonderful experiences,incredible challenges andoutstanding people. It was31 years filled with15 assignments, 10years of TDYs, 10years of general offi-cer assignments andover “5 months”(4,000 hours) of timein the air! It wasfilled with incrediblepeople – officers,enlisted, active,Guard, Reserve, civil-ians, joint, interna-tional and industrypartners. People –that’s what I’llremember most –incredible teammates whomade the impossible lookeasy every day. Every com-mander, first sergeant,command chief, exec, sec-

retary, supervisor,peer and subordinatehad an impact on me– and we shared a lotof awesome experi-ences.

What did I get todo? It wasn’t sciencefiction, but it seemedlike it. I flew airland,airdrop and air refu-eling missions toalmost every corner ofthe world includingAscension Island,Bosnia, Somalia, Iraq,the snow ofGreenland, the BerlinCorridor and even theNorth Pole! And I didit as part of a team, ateam of maintainers,weathermen, flightengineers, loadmas-ters, air traffic controllersand more.

Across more than threedecades of command oppor-tunities and leadership

experiences, the highlightwas my eight-month deploy-ment to Baghdad from 2004to 2005. Serving as thedeputy chief of staff for

strategic communication atMulti-National Force – IraqHeadquarters and helpingbuild a democracy in theMiddle East was incompa-rable. Whether conducting

an interview on CNN, fly-ing into Fallujah, drivingRoute Irish or flying overIraq on their first elec-tion day, it was anincredible experience.And I will never forgetour wounded warriorsand those who paid theultimate sacrifice.Guess what? If I could,I’d sign up and do it allover again. But since Ican’t, I’m encouragedknowing that I leave theAir Force in great hands.

A few weeks ago I attendedthe Basic Military Traininggraduation at LacklandAFB. I saw the young menand women who will be

running our Air Force forthe next 30 years. They areawesome and will be up tothe challenge.

Thanks to all of you withwhom I’ve had the opportu-nity to serve. You are thebest and I wish you god-speed as you continue toserve in the world’s greatestAir Force. And a specialthanks to my family – mywife Cathy and son Mark.They have sacrificed muchover the years to enable meto serve the Air Force andour country. I’ve also beenblessed to be a part of theAir Force family, those I’llmiss most as I transition tothe civilian world and newadventures.

Although I’m retired fromthe Air Force, I will foreverlive by the motto “Once anAirman, always anAirman.” Godspeed!

Thirty-one years of wonderful experiences

“Thanks to all of youwith whom I’ve had theopportunity to serve.You are the best and Iwish you godspeed asyou continue to servein the world’s greatest

Air Force.”

We invite all Airmen assigned to Randolph to share your Air Force story through a commentary published here inthe Wingspread. We continuously look for topics relating to life lessons learned, leadership, values, deploymentexperiences and more that will resonate through the total force. Submissions must be between 500-700 words

typed, and submitted to news@randolph.af.mil for consideration. For more information, call 652-5760.

NEWS

By Brent Boller502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

When disaster strikes in Texas orneighboring states, San Antonio and itsmilitary resources are frequently calledinto action.

Hurricane Katrina in 2005 andHurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008 arestark reminders of the human and mate-rial costs inflicted by these ferocious andcapricious forces of nature.

During Katrina and the 2008 hurricaneseason, local military bases were calledupon to provide major support in evacueeand aircraft sheltering, transportation,medical care and myriad other activities.Now, Bexar County and city officials willfind leveraging those resources mucheasier thanks to the Joint Base SanAntonio structure mandated by the 2005Base Realignment and Closure legislation.

City, county and area base representa-tives met last week at the San AntonioEmergency Operations Center at BrooksCity-Base to receive a briefing on the pro-cedures for requesting local military aid

during natural or man-made disasters.“Civil authorities now have one point of

contact for requesting help, and that’s the502nd Air Base Wing,” said Brig. Gen.Leonard Patrick, 502nd ABW command-er. “In the past they had to contact eachbase,” he said.

“This is the next logical step in how themilitary works with the city – it’s an excit-ing time.” General Patrick commands thesupport assets at Lackland Air ForceBase, Randolph Air Force Base and inlate April, Fort Sam Houston.

“Today’s meeting was historic,” thegeneral said. “Not only did we haveleaders from the 502nd ABW units onLackland and Randolph, we also hadrepresentatives from the 59th MedicalWing, the garrison at Fort SamHouston, Army North and the city. Ican’t remember a pre-hurricanemeeting here in San Antonio that wasso comprehensive. We usually meetfor the first time during the work upto a hurricane.”

District Fire Chief Nim Kidd, emer-gency management coordinator for the

city of San Antonio, echoed the general’senthusiasm for the refined process.

“We now have one button to pushwhen it comes to military help. I thinkwe’re finally there,” the chief said.

“Knowing names and faces is a realplus,” he said. Chief Kidd stated the city’semergency operations center activatesfive to seven days prior to a hurricanestrike and it’s advantageous for the mili-tary to plug in as soon as possible.

Chief Kidd noted that hurricanesare not the only threat, but they’re themost frequent. In fact, the Atlantichurricane season officially beginsJune 1. The 2010 season is more like-ly to resemble 2008 than the relativelybenign 2009 season along the U.S.east and gulf coasts, according toAccuweather.com and chief hurricaneforecaster Joe Bastardi.

General Patrick is pleased that JointBase San Antonio and the city are wellout in front of it this year.

“Now we have a formal opportunityrather than the ‘come as you are’ situa-tion we had in the past,” the general said.

JBSA poised for disaster response, relief

John Goines (left), chief of the Life Sciences EquipmentLaboratory at Brooks City-Base, explains the remnants of a

flight suit to Brig. Gen. Leonard Patrick (center), 502nd AirBase Wing commander, and Robert Graves, 502nd ABW

deputy commander, during a visit to the lab last week. Thelab helps the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, basedin Hawaii, identify servicemembers still missing from past

wars. The lab houses more than 50,000 uniforms andpieces of equipment, some dating back to World War I. The

lab will soon move to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.Photo by Don Sutherland

Never forgotten

Photo by Brent BollerBrig. Gen. Leonard Patrick (left), 502nd AirBase Wing commander, addresses military andcity leadership during a Defense Support toCivil Authorities briefing at the San AntonioEmergency Operations Center at Brooks City-Base. Seated at right is District Fire Chief NimKidd, emergency management coordinator forthe City of San Antonio.

Bill Farrow (left), and Mike Gilligan,902nd Civil Engineer Squadron, guide agiant concrete "O" into place March 9 asa replacement for the historic lettersspelling out Randolph Field inWashington Circle. For more photos, seepage 10. Photo by Dave Terry

Wingspread Office1150 5th Street East

Randolph AFB, Texas 78150Phone: (210) 652-5760

Fax: (210) 652-3142Wingspread Advertisements

Prime Time Military Newspapers2203 S. Hackberry

San Antonio, Texas 78210Phone: (210) 534-8848

Wingspread e-mailnews@randolph.af.mil

502nd Air Base WingOperating Location Bravo

Editorial StaffBrig. Gen. Leonard Patrick

Commander1st Lt. Ryan Ernst

OL-B Chief of Public AffairsSenior Airman Katie Hickerson

EditorRobert GoetzSean BowlinStaff Writers

Maggie ArmstrongGraphic Designer

WINGSPREAD

This paper is published by Prime Time Military Newspapers, aprivate firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, underexclusive written contract with Randolph AFB, Texas. This com-mercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publica-tion for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of theWingspread are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsedby, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or theDepartment of the Air Force.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, includinginserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by theDepartment of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, or PrimeTime Military Newspapers of the products or services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made avail-able for purchase, use or patronage without regard to the race,color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical ormental handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factorof the purchaser, user, or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the PublicAffairs Division of the 502nd Air Base Wing OL-B in accordancewith local policy and style guidance. All photos, unless otherwiseindicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.

Articles for the newspaper should be submitted by noonThursday the week prior to the desired publication date. Items canbe dropped off on a PC- or Macintosh-formatted disk at theWingspread office in Hangar 6.

Articles for submission may also be sent by e-mail tonews@randolph.af.mil.

For details about submissions, call 652-5760.

ON THE COVER

PAGE 3WINGSPREADMARCH 19, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 2 MARCH 19, 2010

COMMENTARY

By Maj. Gen. (ret.) Erwin Lessel III

Wow! It’s hard to believethat after 31 years of com-missioned service I’m finallyretiring from our UnitedStates Air Force. Who wouldhave thought that when Ientered the Air ForceAcademy in 1975, the AirForce, our country and theworld could have changed somuch. Back then the Apollomoon landing program hadrecently ended, the VietnamWar was coming to a close,the Cold War was in fullswing and we were still fly-ing T-33s, F-4s, and F-104s.Of course we were also flyingT-38s, C-130s, KC-135s andB-52s! Oh yes, and we didn’tyet have an official Air Forcesong!

Where did the time go?I’ll tell you, it was full ofwonderful experiences,incredible challenges andoutstanding people. It was31 years filled with15 assignments, 10years of TDYs, 10years of general offi-cer assignments andover “5 months”(4,000 hours) of timein the air! It wasfilled with incrediblepeople – officers,enlisted, active,Guard, Reserve, civil-ians, joint, interna-tional and industrypartners. People –that’s what I’llremember most –incredible teammates whomade the impossible lookeasy every day. Every com-mander, first sergeant,command chief, exec, sec-

retary, supervisor,peer and subordinatehad an impact on me– and we shared a lotof awesome experi-ences.

What did I get todo? It wasn’t sciencefiction, but it seemedlike it. I flew airland,airdrop and air refu-eling missions toalmost every corner ofthe world includingAscension Island,Bosnia, Somalia, Iraq,the snow ofGreenland, the BerlinCorridor and even theNorth Pole! And I didit as part of a team, ateam of maintainers,weathermen, flightengineers, loadmas-ters, air traffic controllersand more.

Across more than threedecades of command oppor-tunities and leadership

experiences, the highlightwas my eight-month deploy-ment to Baghdad from 2004to 2005. Serving as thedeputy chief of staff for

strategic communication atMulti-National Force – IraqHeadquarters and helpingbuild a democracy in theMiddle East was incompa-rable. Whether conducting

an interview on CNN, fly-ing into Fallujah, drivingRoute Irish or flying overIraq on their first elec-tion day, it was anincredible experience.And I will never forgetour wounded warriorsand those who paid theultimate sacrifice.Guess what? If I could,I’d sign up and do it allover again. But since Ican’t, I’m encouragedknowing that I leave theAir Force in great hands.

A few weeks ago I attendedthe Basic Military Traininggraduation at LacklandAFB. I saw the young menand women who will be

running our Air Force forthe next 30 years. They areawesome and will be up tothe challenge.

Thanks to all of you withwhom I’ve had the opportu-nity to serve. You are thebest and I wish you god-speed as you continue toserve in the world’s greatestAir Force. And a specialthanks to my family – mywife Cathy and son Mark.They have sacrificed muchover the years to enable meto serve the Air Force andour country. I’ve also beenblessed to be a part of theAir Force family, those I’llmiss most as I transition tothe civilian world and newadventures.

Although I’m retired fromthe Air Force, I will foreverlive by the motto “Once anAirman, always anAirman.” Godspeed!

Thirty-one years of wonderful experiences

“Thanks to all of youwith whom I’ve had theopportunity to serve.You are the best and Iwish you godspeed asyou continue to servein the world’s greatest

Air Force.”

We invite all Airmen assigned to Randolph to share your Air Force story through a commentary published here inthe Wingspread. We continuously look for topics relating to life lessons learned, leadership, values, deploymentexperiences and more that will resonate through the total force. Submissions must be between 500-700 words

typed, and submitted to news@randolph.af.mil for consideration. For more information, call 652-5760.

NEWS

By Brent Boller502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

When disaster strikes in Texas orneighboring states, San Antonio and itsmilitary resources are frequently calledinto action.

Hurricane Katrina in 2005 andHurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008 arestark reminders of the human and mate-rial costs inflicted by these ferocious andcapricious forces of nature.

During Katrina and the 2008 hurricaneseason, local military bases were calledupon to provide major support in evacueeand aircraft sheltering, transportation,medical care and myriad other activities.Now, Bexar County and city officials willfind leveraging those resources mucheasier thanks to the Joint Base SanAntonio structure mandated by the 2005Base Realignment and Closure legislation.

City, county and area base representa-tives met last week at the San AntonioEmergency Operations Center at BrooksCity-Base to receive a briefing on the pro-cedures for requesting local military aid

during natural or man-made disasters.“Civil authorities now have one point of

contact for requesting help, and that’s the502nd Air Base Wing,” said Brig. Gen.Leonard Patrick, 502nd ABW command-er. “In the past they had to contact eachbase,” he said.

“This is the next logical step in how themilitary works with the city – it’s an excit-ing time.” General Patrick commands thesupport assets at Lackland Air ForceBase, Randolph Air Force Base and inlate April, Fort Sam Houston.

“Today’s meeting was historic,” thegeneral said. “Not only did we haveleaders from the 502nd ABW units onLackland and Randolph, we also hadrepresentatives from the 59th MedicalWing, the garrison at Fort SamHouston, Army North and the city. Ican’t remember a pre-hurricanemeeting here in San Antonio that wasso comprehensive. We usually meetfor the first time during the work upto a hurricane.”

District Fire Chief Nim Kidd, emer-gency management coordinator for the

city of San Antonio, echoed the general’senthusiasm for the refined process.

“We now have one button to pushwhen it comes to military help. I thinkwe’re finally there,” the chief said.

“Knowing names and faces is a realplus,” he said. Chief Kidd stated the city’semergency operations center activatesfive to seven days prior to a hurricanestrike and it’s advantageous for the mili-tary to plug in as soon as possible.

Chief Kidd noted that hurricanesare not the only threat, but they’re themost frequent. In fact, the Atlantichurricane season officially beginsJune 1. The 2010 season is more like-ly to resemble 2008 than the relativelybenign 2009 season along the U.S.east and gulf coasts, according toAccuweather.com and chief hurricaneforecaster Joe Bastardi.

General Patrick is pleased that JointBase San Antonio and the city are wellout in front of it this year.

“Now we have a formal opportunityrather than the ‘come as you are’ situa-tion we had in the past,” the general said.

JBSA poised for disaster response, relief

John Goines (left), chief of the Life Sciences EquipmentLaboratory at Brooks City-Base, explains the remnants of a

flight suit to Brig. Gen. Leonard Patrick (center), 502nd AirBase Wing commander, and Robert Graves, 502nd ABW

deputy commander, during a visit to the lab last week. Thelab helps the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, basedin Hawaii, identify servicemembers still missing from past

wars. The lab houses more than 50,000 uniforms andpieces of equipment, some dating back to World War I. The

lab will soon move to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.Photo by Don Sutherland

Never forgotten

Photo by Brent BollerBrig. Gen. Leonard Patrick (left), 502nd AirBase Wing commander, addresses military andcity leadership during a Defense Support toCivil Authorities briefing at the San AntonioEmergency Operations Center at Brooks City-Base. Seated at right is District Fire Chief NimKidd, emergency management coordinator forthe City of San Antonio.

PAGE 5WINGSPREADMARCH 19, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 4 MARCH 19, 2010

Duty Title: Career development technicianHometown:Baton Rouge, La.Hobbies:Playing video games, reading books, watching movies Goals:Make Chief Master Sergeant and be a great fatherPersonal Inspiration:My parents. We never had much but they still sacri-ficed a lot to ensure I was happy and raised me tohave good morals and manners.Greatest Accomplishment:Joining the Air Force, getting Below the Zone andmarrying my wife, Megan

Personal Motto:Never let anyone see you sweat…Let it roll off you, likewater off a duck.Pet Peeve:When people can’t admit they are wrongCommander’s Comments:“Senior Airman Griffen is a sharp, motivated Airmanand a huge asset to the FSS team. He steps up to alltasks with a positive, can-do attitude. Right nowhe’s also a shining star on the honor guard where hisleadership potential is obvious every day. SeniorAirman Griffen is full speed ahead toward an awe-some Air Force career.”

– Terrye Heagerty902nd Force Support Squadron

Senior AirmanSamuel Griffen902nd FSS/FSM PD

By Sean Bowlin502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Base drivers opening or drivingaround closed Perimeter Road gates ininclement weather are endangeringaircraft landing on Randolph Air ForceBase’s east runway and that is, in fact,illegal on Randolph.

“The east runway is in use during75 percent of the year,” said GaryThompson, Randolph Air Force Baseair traffic manager. “T-38s, T-43s, T-1s and transport aircraft land on it.The Instrument Landing System on itprovides fliers with information oncourse, elevation and guidance andallows aircraft to land in poor

weather. It must be protected frominterference.”

As Mr. Thompson explained further,cars driving on Perimeter Road canobstruct the signals the ILS sends toaircraft wanting to land.

Therefore, he said, the fence gateby the base’s east gate and the swing-ing barricades near the base horsestables are closed by security forcesduring times of poor visibility so carswon’t drive close to the ILS andobstruct ILS-radiated signals.

But, Mr. Thompson said, the problemis the closed gates aren’t locked.

So, as a result, some drivers areopening gates after they’re closed andare driving through them, or drivingaround them, as in the case of theswing barricade blocking off PerimeterRoad near the stables.

This exposes the ILS to obstructionand possible signal compromise, Mr.Thompson explained.

He said although air traffic con-trollers in the east side operationstower are constantly watching closed

Perimeter Road during bad flyingweather, six incidents of PerimeterRoad gate penetration happened in thelast two months.

“Those were in bad weathermonths,” he said. Fortunately, therewere no aircraft crashes this year.

Mr. Thompson praised security forcesfor closing the Perimeter Road gatesduring bad weather, however.

“We call them and tell them whenwe see somebody out there duringgate closures. They do a fantastic jobof closing the gates,” he said. “Whenthey’re closed, they’re closed for areally good reason – to protect thatsignal so aircraft can land safely.”

Maj. Frank Hellstern, 902nd Security

Forces Squadron commander, said byclosing the gates on Perimeter Road,Security Forces just want to ensure thatmaximum safety happens in low to novisibility conditions, to allow pilots toland their planes with as few distrac-tions as possible.

“When we close the perimeter gates,we are essentially reducing the amountof risk associated with that event. It justmakes good sense,” he added.

Major Hellstern added it may be aninconvenience to drivers to have to goanother route when the PerimeterRoad gates are closed.

“But sometimes going the extra mile– no pun intended – will prevent anaccident from occurring,” he said.

Breaching gates on Perimeter Road endangers aircraftCars on closedroad compromiseILS on flight line

“When they’re closed, they’re closed for a really goodreason – to protect that signal so aircraft can land safely.”

Gary ThompsonRandolph Air Force Base air traffic manager

RetirementCongratulations to Maj. Ruben

Garza, Air Education and TrainingCommand, on his retirement.

Award winnersCongratulations to the winners of

the 2009 Logistics Readiness, AirEducation and Training CommandAviation Resource Management andManpower Awards.

For a complete list of award win-ners, visit www.randolph.af.mil.

Women’s History MonthThe Women’s History Month obser-

vance continues today with a 5K funrun, walk and health fair at EberlePark from 7:15-9 a.m. Upcomingevents are the book reading and craft-making events scheduled forWednesday and the Women’s HistoryMonth luncheon March 31.

For more information on theseRandolph events, call 652-4848.

Easter Egg HuntThe 902nd Force Support

Squadron is scheduled to host itsannual Easter Egg Hunt March 27 at9 a.m. at Airman’s Heritage Park.The event is open to children aged 2-12, and those interested shouldbring their own basket.

MOAA events• The Military Officers Association

of America hosts its monthly luncheonat the Ft. Sam Houston Golf ClubThursday at 11 a.m. The featuredspeaker is Judge Nelson Wolff.

For details, call 228-9955.

ToastmastersThe Randolph Toastmasters Club

meets Wednesdays at noon at theKendrick E-Club and Mondays at 7 p.m. at the Longhorn Café. AllRandolph military and civilian employ-ees are welcome to attend. Call Capt.Jomia Blas for details at 565-1515.

Your Pet, Your Family eventThe Defense Commissary Agency

will host a ‘Your Pet, Your Family’ eventMarch 27 at 10 a.m. at the RandolphCommissary.

The event features a variety of petcontests with prizes and offers savingson all pet needs: treats, food, toys andhealth products. Those interested inparticipating should register byTuesday at the commissary office orcall 652-5102.

Health Care CouncilThe Health Care Consumer’s

Advisory Council meets April 1 in thelarge conference room at the RandolphClinic at 9 a.m.

The meeting is intended to fostercollaborative, two-way communicationbetween the health clinic and thegreater Randolph community, and willinclude discussion of clinic programsand services. Patients of the Randolphclinic are invited to attend.

EDUCATION CENTER - 652-5964

U.S. Air Force AcademyAir Force Academy cadets will be at

the education center Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon, in Room 27.

The cadets will brief those interest-ed on the Air Force Academy programand the application process.

OTSA new basic officer training pro-

gram guide dated Feb. 4 is on theAFRS BOT Web site. The changes areeffective July 19.

Individuals currently working onOTS packages need to check the guidefor changes prior to submitting theirpackages, which are due at OTS nolater than June 11.

Visit https://www.my.af.mil/gcssaf/USAF/ep/browse.do?categoryId=2191492&parentCategoryId=1611609&channelPageId=-1537972.

Base BRIEFS

$4 for adults$2 for children 11 and underCall 652-3278 for details.

“The Wolfman” - (R)Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins

Today @ 7 p.m.

“The Wolfman” - (R)Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins

Saturday @ 6 p.m.

“From Paris With Love” - (R)John Travolta, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers

Sunday @ 3 p.m.

NOW SHOWINGat the

Randolph Theater

For a complete listing ofbase briefs, visit

www.randolph.af.mil andclick on ‘Round Randolph

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

All they could think about was their daughter’shealth and a bleak financial future.

The leukemia kept her from producing red bloodcells. Barely 2 years old, Hannah Richter’s tiny bodywas being bombarded with chemotherapy to battle thedisease.

With her immune system depleted and vulnerable,Hannah contracted spinal meningitis. It seemed anendless number of spinal taps and bone marrow biop-sies followed.

It’s a nightmare no parents expect to experience. Herparents’ only thoughts were to be at Hannah’s side, totake care of her and their other three small children.

But if that weren’t enough, reality threw more coldwater on her mom and dad. What happens when thecar tires wear out from the constant trips to the hospi-tal? Will they make the 40-mile round trip? What aboutother unexpected car repairs? After all, it was theironly vehicle, a necessity.

For Staff Sgt. Eric Richter and his wife Alyssa, it wasreal life, not a made-for-TV movie. But with a helpinghand from the Air Force Aid Society, the Richter fami-ly’s story did have a Hollywood-like happy ending.

The Air Force Aid Society is one of four organizationssupported by current the Air Force Assistance Fundcampaign. AFAS provides loans and grants to Airmenworldwide with specific emergency needs in addition toother family support functions.

“Air Force Aid helped us get new tires and a tune-upwith an interest-free loan,” said Sergeant Richterrecalling the events in Colorado that began to unfold in2003. “We were able to get our vehicle 100 percentdependable and we didn’t have to worry about anyissues with it.”

“Here I was withfour young kids allunder the age of 6and one of thembeing treated forcancer,” he said.“Without that vehi-cle, I would havebeen hurting pret-ty bad. But when itwas all said anddone, the AidSociety actually

facilitated a grant from the First SergeantsAssociation.”

It wasn’t the first time Sergeant Richter, a civil lawparalegal in the 802nd Mission Support Group JudgeAdvocate office, had received assistance from the AidSociety nor would it be the last.

Several months after the Aid Society helped theRichters with their vehicle, AFAS stepped up again toprovide assistance.

With Hannah still in treatment and trying to makeends meet on one income, Sergeant Richter neededhelp with transportation expenses for the family toattend his grandfather’s funeral. At the time, he wasstationed at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., and thefuneral was in Wisconsin.

“Air Force Aid reworked our interest-free loan andprovided the money to attend the funeral,” he said.

A TIME OF NEED

Lackland family benefits from AF Aid Society assistance

Courtesy photoThe Richter family: (Top left) Staff Sgt. Eric Richter, AlyssaRichter (Bottom left) Kelsey, Carter, Hannah and Meranda.Sergeant Richter is with the 802nd Mission Support GroupStaff Judge Advocate office.

See ASSISTANCE P6

PAGE 5WINGSPREADMARCH 19, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 4 MARCH 19, 2010

Duty Title: Career development technicianHometown:Baton Rouge, La.Hobbies:Playing video games, reading books, watching movies Goals:Make Chief Master Sergeant and be a great fatherPersonal Inspiration:My parents. We never had much but they still sacri-ficed a lot to ensure I was happy and raised me tohave good morals and manners.Greatest Accomplishment:Joining the Air Force, getting Below the Zone andmarrying my wife, Megan

Personal Motto:Never let anyone see you sweat…Let it roll off you, likewater off a duck.Pet Peeve:When people can’t admit they are wrongCommander’s Comments:“Senior Airman Griffen is a sharp, motivated Airmanand a huge asset to the FSS team. He steps up to alltasks with a positive, can-do attitude. Right nowhe’s also a shining star on the honor guard where hisleadership potential is obvious every day. SeniorAirman Griffen is full speed ahead toward an awe-some Air Force career.”

– Terrye Heagerty902nd Force Support Squadron

Senior AirmanSamuel Griffen902nd FSS/FSM PD

By Sean Bowlin502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Base drivers opening or drivingaround closed Perimeter Road gates ininclement weather are endangeringaircraft landing on Randolph Air ForceBase’s east runway and that is, in fact,illegal on Randolph.

“The east runway is in use during75 percent of the year,” said GaryThompson, Randolph Air Force Baseair traffic manager. “T-38s, T-43s, T-1s and transport aircraft land on it.The Instrument Landing System on itprovides fliers with information oncourse, elevation and guidance andallows aircraft to land in poor

weather. It must be protected frominterference.”

As Mr. Thompson explained further,cars driving on Perimeter Road canobstruct the signals the ILS sends toaircraft wanting to land.

Therefore, he said, the fence gateby the base’s east gate and the swing-ing barricades near the base horsestables are closed by security forcesduring times of poor visibility so carswon’t drive close to the ILS andobstruct ILS-radiated signals.

But, Mr. Thompson said, the problemis the closed gates aren’t locked.

So, as a result, some drivers areopening gates after they’re closed andare driving through them, or drivingaround them, as in the case of theswing barricade blocking off PerimeterRoad near the stables.

This exposes the ILS to obstructionand possible signal compromise, Mr.Thompson explained.

He said although air traffic con-trollers in the east side operationstower are constantly watching closed

Perimeter Road during bad flyingweather, six incidents of PerimeterRoad gate penetration happened in thelast two months.

“Those were in bad weathermonths,” he said. Fortunately, therewere no aircraft crashes this year.

Mr. Thompson praised security forcesfor closing the Perimeter Road gatesduring bad weather, however.

“We call them and tell them whenwe see somebody out there duringgate closures. They do a fantastic jobof closing the gates,” he said. “Whenthey’re closed, they’re closed for areally good reason – to protect thatsignal so aircraft can land safely.”

Maj. Frank Hellstern, 902nd Security

Forces Squadron commander, said byclosing the gates on Perimeter Road,Security Forces just want to ensure thatmaximum safety happens in low to novisibility conditions, to allow pilots toland their planes with as few distrac-tions as possible.

“When we close the perimeter gates,we are essentially reducing the amountof risk associated with that event. It justmakes good sense,” he added.

Major Hellstern added it may be aninconvenience to drivers to have to goanother route when the PerimeterRoad gates are closed.

“But sometimes going the extra mile– no pun intended – will prevent anaccident from occurring,” he said.

Breaching gates on Perimeter Road endangers aircraftCars on closedroad compromiseILS on flight line

“When they’re closed, they’re closed for a really goodreason – to protect that signal so aircraft can land safely.”

Gary ThompsonRandolph Air Force Base air traffic manager

RetirementCongratulations to Maj. Ruben

Garza, Air Education and TrainingCommand, on his retirement.

Award winnersCongratulations to the winners of

the 2009 Logistics Readiness, AirEducation and Training CommandAviation Resource Management andManpower Awards.

For a complete list of award win-ners, visit www.randolph.af.mil.

Women’s History MonthThe Women’s History Month obser-

vance continues today with a 5K funrun, walk and health fair at EberlePark from 7:15-9 a.m. Upcomingevents are the book reading and craft-making events scheduled forWednesday and the Women’s HistoryMonth luncheon March 31.

For more information on theseRandolph events, call 652-4848.

Easter Egg HuntThe 902nd Force Support

Squadron is scheduled to host itsannual Easter Egg Hunt March 27 at9 a.m. at Airman’s Heritage Park.The event is open to children aged 2-12, and those interested shouldbring their own basket.

MOAA events• The Military Officers Association

of America hosts its monthly luncheonat the Ft. Sam Houston Golf ClubThursday at 11 a.m. The featuredspeaker is Judge Nelson Wolff.

For details, call 228-9955.

ToastmastersThe Randolph Toastmasters Club

meets Wednesdays at noon at theKendrick E-Club and Mondays at 7 p.m. at the Longhorn Café. AllRandolph military and civilian employ-ees are welcome to attend. Call Capt.Jomia Blas for details at 565-1515.

Your Pet, Your Family eventThe Defense Commissary Agency

will host a ‘Your Pet, Your Family’ eventMarch 27 at 10 a.m. at the RandolphCommissary.

The event features a variety of petcontests with prizes and offers savingson all pet needs: treats, food, toys andhealth products. Those interested inparticipating should register byTuesday at the commissary office orcall 652-5102.

Health Care CouncilThe Health Care Consumer’s

Advisory Council meets April 1 in thelarge conference room at the RandolphClinic at 9 a.m.

The meeting is intended to fostercollaborative, two-way communicationbetween the health clinic and thegreater Randolph community, and willinclude discussion of clinic programsand services. Patients of the Randolphclinic are invited to attend.

EDUCATION CENTER - 652-5964

U.S. Air Force AcademyAir Force Academy cadets will be at

the education center Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon, in Room 27.

The cadets will brief those interest-ed on the Air Force Academy programand the application process.

OTSA new basic officer training pro-

gram guide dated Feb. 4 is on theAFRS BOT Web site. The changes areeffective July 19.

Individuals currently working onOTS packages need to check the guidefor changes prior to submitting theirpackages, which are due at OTS nolater than June 11.

Visit https://www.my.af.mil/gcssaf/USAF/ep/browse.do?categoryId=2191492&parentCategoryId=1611609&channelPageId=-1537972.

Base BRIEFS

$4 for adults$2 for children 11 and underCall 652-3278 for details.

“The Wolfman” - (R)Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins

Today @ 7 p.m.

“The Wolfman” - (R)Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins

Saturday @ 6 p.m.

“From Paris With Love” - (R)John Travolta, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers

Sunday @ 3 p.m.

NOW SHOWINGat the

Randolph Theater

For a complete listing ofbase briefs, visit

www.randolph.af.mil andclick on ‘Round Randolph

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

All they could think about was their daughter’shealth and a bleak financial future.

The leukemia kept her from producing red bloodcells. Barely 2 years old, Hannah Richter’s tiny bodywas being bombarded with chemotherapy to battle thedisease.

With her immune system depleted and vulnerable,Hannah contracted spinal meningitis. It seemed anendless number of spinal taps and bone marrow biop-sies followed.

It’s a nightmare no parents expect to experience. Herparents’ only thoughts were to be at Hannah’s side, totake care of her and their other three small children.

But if that weren’t enough, reality threw more coldwater on her mom and dad. What happens when thecar tires wear out from the constant trips to the hospi-tal? Will they make the 40-mile round trip? What aboutother unexpected car repairs? After all, it was theironly vehicle, a necessity.

For Staff Sgt. Eric Richter and his wife Alyssa, it wasreal life, not a made-for-TV movie. But with a helpinghand from the Air Force Aid Society, the Richter fami-ly’s story did have a Hollywood-like happy ending.

The Air Force Aid Society is one of four organizationssupported by current the Air Force Assistance Fundcampaign. AFAS provides loans and grants to Airmenworldwide with specific emergency needs in addition toother family support functions.

“Air Force Aid helped us get new tires and a tune-upwith an interest-free loan,” said Sergeant Richterrecalling the events in Colorado that began to unfold in2003. “We were able to get our vehicle 100 percentdependable and we didn’t have to worry about anyissues with it.”

“Here I was withfour young kids allunder the age of 6and one of thembeing treated forcancer,” he said.“Without that vehi-cle, I would havebeen hurting pret-ty bad. But when itwas all said anddone, the AidSociety actually

facilitated a grant from the First SergeantsAssociation.”

It wasn’t the first time Sergeant Richter, a civil lawparalegal in the 802nd Mission Support Group JudgeAdvocate office, had received assistance from the AidSociety nor would it be the last.

Several months after the Aid Society helped theRichters with their vehicle, AFAS stepped up again toprovide assistance.

With Hannah still in treatment and trying to makeends meet on one income, Sergeant Richter neededhelp with transportation expenses for the family toattend his grandfather’s funeral. At the time, he wasstationed at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., and thefuneral was in Wisconsin.

“Air Force Aid reworked our interest-free loan andprovided the money to attend the funeral,” he said.

A TIME OF NEED

Lackland family benefits from AF Aid Society assistance

Courtesy photoThe Richter family: (Top left) Staff Sgt. Eric Richter, AlyssaRichter (Bottom left) Kelsey, Carter, Hannah and Meranda.Sergeant Richter is with the 802nd Mission Support GroupStaff Judge Advocate office.

See ASSISTANCE P6

PAGE 7WINGSPREADMARCH 19, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 6 MARCH 19, 2010

By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

The brutality that American prisoners of war suf-fered at the hands of their captors during theVietnam War is one of the darkest chapters in ourcountry’s military history.

But these bona fide heroes have remarkable stories ofsurvival to tell and inspire, and some of them – a specialgroup of former Air Force pilots – will again share theirexperiences in the infamous POW camps of NorthVietnam with the Randolph community.

Known as the Freedom Flyers, these former POWswill reunite next week for the 37th time at the basewhere the “Chargin’ Cheetahs” of the 560th FlyingTraining Squadron requalified some of them for flightfollowing the Vietnam War and have given all of thema “freedom flight,” the fini flight they never had anopportunity to take.

“The Freedom Flyer Reunion celebrates the repatria-tion of the Air Force pilots who were POWs in SoutheastAsia,” said Maj. Jeffrey D’Ambra, reunion director. “The560th was charged with giving them their fini flights,the champagne flights they never got in theater, andrequalifying them. It is the longest continuously runningreunion in the Air Force.”

One of the highlights of the reunion is a symposiumset for 8:45 a.m. March 26 in the base theater that fea-

tures six Freedom Flyers who will tell the stories of theircaptivity, including a failed escape attempt, the success-ful employment of a “tap code” and other ways to com-municate with each other.

Major D’Ambra said the symposium is an oppor-tunity for the base community to listen to realAmerican heroes talk about an experience his gen-eration has not had to endure.

“These men were horribly tortured, but they neverlost faith in each other and their country,” he said.

The reunion also pays homage to “those who didn’treturn,” Major D’Ambra said, the POWs who died incaptivity and the pilots who died in combat, with awreath-laying ceremony and a missing man flyby fol-lowing the symposium. An aerial review with 13 aircraftfrom the Vietnam and modern eras at 6 p.m. and a din-ing-in mess at 6:45 p.m. will wrap up the activities. Agolf tournament and banquet will conclude the reunionMarch 27.

Another former Air Force pilot and POW will join thefraternity of Freedom Flyers at this year’s reunion whenretired Lt. Col. Jay Hess, who was imprisoned morethan five years after his F-105 was shot down in August1967, takes his freedom flight to become the 195thFreedom Flyer. His pilot will be Lt. Col. Darryl Parkinsonof the 560th FTS.

Mr. Hess retired from the Air Force in November1973 and was a longtime Air Force Junior ROTCinstructor in Utah.

Major D’Ambra said the reunion allows theFreedom Flyers and members of the 560th FTS toshare their common bond as Air Force aviators.

“We get to hear their stories and they want toknow about our careers,” he said. “It’s a greatforum to trade information.”

Major D’Ambra said the Freedom Flyers not only sur-vived the unspeakable horrors of North VietnamesePOW camps such as the Hanoi Hilton, where they wereconsidered war criminals, they thrived following the

war, leading productive lives and rising to great heightsin the Air Force and the civilian world.

“They remembered what happened to them, butthey didn’t let it interfere with the future,” he said.“We’re in awe of what they’ve done.”

Lt. Col. Mark Doria, 560th FTS commander, saidthe squadron takes pride in its kinship with theFreedom Flyers.

“The 560th FTS is extremely proud of its role in wel-coming back these American heroes and continuing thetradition of honoring our Air Force warriors,” he said.“This is an outstanding opportunity to show them howmuch we respect their sacrifices and for Randolph tolearn from their experiences.”

For more information about the reunion, callMajor D’Ambra at 652-0785 or e-mail him at jeffrey.dambra@randolph.af.mil.

Freedom Flyers returning to RandolphHeroes reunite for37th annualreunion this month

FREEDOM FLYERS REUNIONSCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, March 268:45-11:30 a.m - Freedom FlyerSymposium at base theaterNoon - Wreath-laying ceremony andflyby at Missing Man Monument 5:30 p.m - Cocktails at the Parr O’Club6 p.m - Evening aerial review6:45 p.m - Dining-in mess

Saturday, March 279 a.m. to noon - River Rats’ Golf Tournament12:30 p.m - Shotgun start for golf tournament5:30 p.m - Golf banquet

“There was no way to get the gas moneyfor us to drive without their help; wenever would have been able to go.”

But the best was yet to come for theRichters before they arrived at Lacklandin 2006.

Hannah, who is now 8, fought off theleukemia and meningitis that had invad-ed her 18-pound body after 30 monthsof chemotherapy, several extended hos-pital stays, 74 spinal taps and 34 bone

marrow biopsies. She has been in remis-sion more than four years.

An initial contact made by the AidSociety on their behalf – and with thehelp of the Air Force Academy andPeterson AFB – led the Richters to bechosen as the 2005 Academy Family ofthe Year. The Academy selects one fami-ly annually in the Colorado Springs mili-tary area that has undergone some typeof hardship or adversity.

“It’s a neat presentation they do in themiddle of the boxing ring,” Sergeant

Richter said about the award ceremonyheld during an annual base boxing tour-nament. “They pass a hat (in the crowd)and the money raised goes to the fami-ly.”

“We have amazing medical benefitsand I am blessed to have those benefits,”he said. “But when you’re literally livingin a hospital like we were, it gotextremely expensive. It was an amazingfundraiser they did for her to help uspay off all the other bills we had pilingup attached to the medical procedures.”

Humbled by the honor and grateful tothose responsible, the Richters paid offexpenses incurred during Hannah’s ill-ness, a real modern-day story of themovie classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

“They do a lot more than just hand acheck to you,” Sergeant Richter saidabout the Aid Society. “It’s pretty impres-sive.

“It’s nice to know we have that,” headded. “If there is ever a terrible emer-gency, there’s always Air Force Aid youcan turn to – you don’t have to worry.”

ASSISTANCE from P5

By Airman 1st Class Precious Yett502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

The Randolph Transition Assistance Program hosts aspecial “Marketing Yourself for a Second Career” semi-nar today from 9 a.m. to noon at the base theater.

The annual briefing, conducted by retired Col. DanKoslov, a Washington lecturer on career transitionfrom military to civilian employment, is geared towardNCOs and officers nearing retirement. Everyone is wel-come but spouses are highly encouraged to attend.

“He brings his past experiences, but he also talksabout transitioning services like writing resumes, net-working, salary negotiation, this is what you have to doif you want to get that job. He’s straightforward. It’s notlike he’s going to paint it green. He’s going to tell youexactly what you need to do to be successful, regard-

less of your rank,” said Ray Ramos, Randolph TAPManager.

Some subjects covered during the presentation are:job competition, a plan for the transition, strengtheninga resume, networking, interviewing and rejection.

“This guy has prevalent updated information ontransitioning. He’s from Washington. He finds outwhat’s going on with jobs, better ways to market your-self and additional information on resumes,” said Mr.Ramos. “When you go on an interview this is whatthey’re going to look at, how you dress, etc. We teach ithere, but he’s able to go into a more real-world aspectbecause he’s retired. He’s been through it and it’s cur-rent. He sees everything going on in Washington, D.C.,and throughout the bases he visits.”

The presentation is given annually at more than 150military installations of all services worldwide.

“A lot of retirees didn’t even know that theAirman and Family Readiness Center offered all ofthis stuff for people separating. They didn’t knowabout the interviewing or the resumes and the VAbenefits. The AFRC really prepares you for gettingout of the military and lets you know what you haveto do in order to complete your retirement or sepa-ration,” said Denise Blunt, 902nd Force SupportSquadron transition specialist.

The seminar is free and those who participatereceive a copy of the book “Marketing Yourself for aSecond Career.”

Those interested in finding out more about the tran-sition assistance program should visit Mr. Ramos or Ms.Blunt at the A&FRC in Bldg. 693.

“You have to take care of yourself, and that’s whatwe do here,” said Mr. Ramos.

Seminar today for those transitioning

By 1st Lt. Gina Vaccaro McKeenAir Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

Air Force and Air Force Association officialsrecently announced remotely piloted aircraft sensoroperators as the 2010 Team of the Year.

AFA officials named five enlisted Airmen in theRPA sensor operators’ career field as individual 2010Team of the Year award winners.

Each year, the AFA recognizes a specific enlistedcareer field as well as Airmen from across the AirForce in that specialty who demonstrate profession-alism, technical expertise and leadership.

The following are Airmen representing the RPAsensor operators team of this year’s award:

• Master Sgt. John Allen, 3rd Special OperationsSquadron, Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.;• Master Sgt. Richard Jones, 78th ReconnaissanceSquadron, Nellis AFB, Nev.;• Staff Sgt. Ryan Carabajal, 111th RS, Ellington FieldJoint Reserve Base, Houston;• Senior Airman Jon Turney, 29th Attack Squadron,Holloman AFB, N.M.; and• Senior Airman Abby Korovich, 17th RS at CreechAFB, Nev.

Award winners will be recognized during a pres-entation ceremony April 19 in Washington, D.C.

For more information on Air Force awards, visitthe AFPC personnel services Web site or call theTotal Force Service Center at (800) 525-0102.

RPA sensor operators named team of year

PAGE 7WINGSPREADMARCH 19, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 6 MARCH 19, 2010

By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

The brutality that American prisoners of war suf-fered at the hands of their captors during theVietnam War is one of the darkest chapters in ourcountry’s military history.

But these bona fide heroes have remarkable stories ofsurvival to tell and inspire, and some of them – a specialgroup of former Air Force pilots – will again share theirexperiences in the infamous POW camps of NorthVietnam with the Randolph community.

Known as the Freedom Flyers, these former POWswill reunite next week for the 37th time at the basewhere the “Chargin’ Cheetahs” of the 560th FlyingTraining Squadron requalified some of them for flightfollowing the Vietnam War and have given all of thema “freedom flight,” the fini flight they never had anopportunity to take.

“The Freedom Flyer Reunion celebrates the repatria-tion of the Air Force pilots who were POWs in SoutheastAsia,” said Maj. Jeffrey D’Ambra, reunion director. “The560th was charged with giving them their fini flights,the champagne flights they never got in theater, andrequalifying them. It is the longest continuously runningreunion in the Air Force.”

One of the highlights of the reunion is a symposiumset for 8:45 a.m. March 26 in the base theater that fea-

tures six Freedom Flyers who will tell the stories of theircaptivity, including a failed escape attempt, the success-ful employment of a “tap code” and other ways to com-municate with each other.

Major D’Ambra said the symposium is an oppor-tunity for the base community to listen to realAmerican heroes talk about an experience his gen-eration has not had to endure.

“These men were horribly tortured, but they neverlost faith in each other and their country,” he said.

The reunion also pays homage to “those who didn’treturn,” Major D’Ambra said, the POWs who died incaptivity and the pilots who died in combat, with awreath-laying ceremony and a missing man flyby fol-lowing the symposium. An aerial review with 13 aircraftfrom the Vietnam and modern eras at 6 p.m. and a din-ing-in mess at 6:45 p.m. will wrap up the activities. Agolf tournament and banquet will conclude the reunionMarch 27.

Another former Air Force pilot and POW will join thefraternity of Freedom Flyers at this year’s reunion whenretired Lt. Col. Jay Hess, who was imprisoned morethan five years after his F-105 was shot down in August1967, takes his freedom flight to become the 195thFreedom Flyer. His pilot will be Lt. Col. Darryl Parkinsonof the 560th FTS.

Mr. Hess retired from the Air Force in November1973 and was a longtime Air Force Junior ROTCinstructor in Utah.

Major D’Ambra said the reunion allows theFreedom Flyers and members of the 560th FTS toshare their common bond as Air Force aviators.

“We get to hear their stories and they want toknow about our careers,” he said. “It’s a greatforum to trade information.”

Major D’Ambra said the Freedom Flyers not only sur-vived the unspeakable horrors of North VietnamesePOW camps such as the Hanoi Hilton, where they wereconsidered war criminals, they thrived following the

war, leading productive lives and rising to great heightsin the Air Force and the civilian world.

“They remembered what happened to them, butthey didn’t let it interfere with the future,” he said.“We’re in awe of what they’ve done.”

Lt. Col. Mark Doria, 560th FTS commander, saidthe squadron takes pride in its kinship with theFreedom Flyers.

“The 560th FTS is extremely proud of its role in wel-coming back these American heroes and continuing thetradition of honoring our Air Force warriors,” he said.“This is an outstanding opportunity to show them howmuch we respect their sacrifices and for Randolph tolearn from their experiences.”

For more information about the reunion, callMajor D’Ambra at 652-0785 or e-mail him at jeffrey.dambra@randolph.af.mil.

Freedom Flyers returning to RandolphHeroes reunite for37th annualreunion this month

FREEDOM FLYERS REUNIONSCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, March 268:45-11:30 a.m - Freedom FlyerSymposium at base theaterNoon - Wreath-laying ceremony andflyby at Missing Man Monument 5:30 p.m - Cocktails at the Parr O’Club6 p.m - Evening aerial review6:45 p.m - Dining-in mess

Saturday, March 279 a.m. to noon - River Rats’ Golf Tournament12:30 p.m - Shotgun start for golf tournament5:30 p.m - Golf banquet

“There was no way to get the gas moneyfor us to drive without their help; wenever would have been able to go.”

But the best was yet to come for theRichters before they arrived at Lacklandin 2006.

Hannah, who is now 8, fought off theleukemia and meningitis that had invad-ed her 18-pound body after 30 monthsof chemotherapy, several extended hos-pital stays, 74 spinal taps and 34 bone

marrow biopsies. She has been in remis-sion more than four years.

An initial contact made by the AidSociety on their behalf – and with thehelp of the Air Force Academy andPeterson AFB – led the Richters to bechosen as the 2005 Academy Family ofthe Year. The Academy selects one fami-ly annually in the Colorado Springs mili-tary area that has undergone some typeof hardship or adversity.

“It’s a neat presentation they do in themiddle of the boxing ring,” Sergeant

Richter said about the award ceremonyheld during an annual base boxing tour-nament. “They pass a hat (in the crowd)and the money raised goes to the fami-ly.”

“We have amazing medical benefitsand I am blessed to have those benefits,”he said. “But when you’re literally livingin a hospital like we were, it gotextremely expensive. It was an amazingfundraiser they did for her to help uspay off all the other bills we had pilingup attached to the medical procedures.”

Humbled by the honor and grateful tothose responsible, the Richters paid offexpenses incurred during Hannah’s ill-ness, a real modern-day story of themovie classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

“They do a lot more than just hand acheck to you,” Sergeant Richter saidabout the Aid Society. “It’s pretty impres-sive.

“It’s nice to know we have that,” headded. “If there is ever a terrible emer-gency, there’s always Air Force Aid youcan turn to – you don’t have to worry.”

ASSISTANCE from P5

By Airman 1st Class Precious Yett502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

The Randolph Transition Assistance Program hosts aspecial “Marketing Yourself for a Second Career” semi-nar today from 9 a.m. to noon at the base theater.

The annual briefing, conducted by retired Col. DanKoslov, a Washington lecturer on career transitionfrom military to civilian employment, is geared towardNCOs and officers nearing retirement. Everyone is wel-come but spouses are highly encouraged to attend.

“He brings his past experiences, but he also talksabout transitioning services like writing resumes, net-working, salary negotiation, this is what you have to doif you want to get that job. He’s straightforward. It’s notlike he’s going to paint it green. He’s going to tell youexactly what you need to do to be successful, regard-

less of your rank,” said Ray Ramos, Randolph TAPManager.

Some subjects covered during the presentation are:job competition, a plan for the transition, strengtheninga resume, networking, interviewing and rejection.

“This guy has prevalent updated information ontransitioning. He’s from Washington. He finds outwhat’s going on with jobs, better ways to market your-self and additional information on resumes,” said Mr.Ramos. “When you go on an interview this is whatthey’re going to look at, how you dress, etc. We teach ithere, but he’s able to go into a more real-world aspectbecause he’s retired. He’s been through it and it’s cur-rent. He sees everything going on in Washington, D.C.,and throughout the bases he visits.”

The presentation is given annually at more than 150military installations of all services worldwide.

“A lot of retirees didn’t even know that theAirman and Family Readiness Center offered all ofthis stuff for people separating. They didn’t knowabout the interviewing or the resumes and the VAbenefits. The AFRC really prepares you for gettingout of the military and lets you know what you haveto do in order to complete your retirement or sepa-ration,” said Denise Blunt, 902nd Force SupportSquadron transition specialist.

The seminar is free and those who participatereceive a copy of the book “Marketing Yourself for aSecond Career.”

Those interested in finding out more about the tran-sition assistance program should visit Mr. Ramos or Ms.Blunt at the A&FRC in Bldg. 693.

“You have to take care of yourself, and that’s whatwe do here,” said Mr. Ramos.

Seminar today for those transitioning

By 1st Lt. Gina Vaccaro McKeenAir Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

Air Force and Air Force Association officialsrecently announced remotely piloted aircraft sensoroperators as the 2010 Team of the Year.

AFA officials named five enlisted Airmen in theRPA sensor operators’ career field as individual 2010Team of the Year award winners.

Each year, the AFA recognizes a specific enlistedcareer field as well as Airmen from across the AirForce in that specialty who demonstrate profession-alism, technical expertise and leadership.

The following are Airmen representing the RPAsensor operators team of this year’s award:

• Master Sgt. John Allen, 3rd Special OperationsSquadron, Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.;• Master Sgt. Richard Jones, 78th ReconnaissanceSquadron, Nellis AFB, Nev.;• Staff Sgt. Ryan Carabajal, 111th RS, Ellington FieldJoint Reserve Base, Houston;• Senior Airman Jon Turney, 29th Attack Squadron,Holloman AFB, N.M.; and• Senior Airman Abby Korovich, 17th RS at CreechAFB, Nev.

Award winners will be recognized during a pres-entation ceremony April 19 in Washington, D.C.

For more information on Air Force awards, visitthe AFPC personnel services Web site or call theTotal Force Service Center at (800) 525-0102.

RPA sensor operators named team of year

PAGE 9WINGSPREADMARCH 19, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 8 MARCH 19, 2010

Patriotic Scouts

Photo by Steve ThurowMembers of the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, Randolph Service Unit fold the UnitedStates Flag during a retreat ceremony they conducted in front of the Airman LeadershipSchool March 9. The ceremony teaches the young scouts about their country’s flag andits customs and courtesies.

Randolph ChapelSchedule

REGULAR SERVICES

• PROTESTANTTraditional Service

8:15 - Chapel 1

ContemporaryService

11 a.m. - Chapel 2

• CATHOLICMonday-Friday

11:30 a.m. - Chapel 1Saturday

5:30 p.m. - Chapel 1Sunday

8:30 a.m. - Chapel 211:30 a.m. - Chapel 1

ConfessionSaturday

4:30 - Chapel 1

EASTER SERVICES

• PROTESTANTSame time and location

as regular services

• CATHOLICStations of the Cross/Lenten Soup

Now through March 266 p.m. - Chapel 1/Chapel Center

Lenten Reconciliation ServiceWednesday - 6 p.m. - Chapel 1

Palm SundayRegular Mass scheduleMass of the Last Supper

April 1 - 7 p.m. - Chapel 1Veneration of the Cross

April 2 - 3 p.m. - Chapel 1Easter Vigil

April 3 - 8 p.m. - Chapel 1

Summit Summation

Photo by Steve ThurowBrig. Gen. Leonard Patrick (left), 502nd Air Base Wing commander, discusses the history and traditions ofSan Antonio-area bases with master sergeants selected for promotion to senior master sergeant during asenior master sergeant summit at the Randolph Air Force Base Parr O’Club March 10. The summit allowedthe selectees to learn from senior leaders and peers and tour the facilities of Joint Base San Antonio,seeing key aspects of each installation’s missions.

ADVERTISEMENT

902nd Force Support Squadron Briefs

PAGE 9WINGSPREADMARCH 19, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 8 MARCH 19, 2010

Patriotic Scouts

Photo by Steve ThurowMembers of the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, Randolph Service Unit fold the UnitedStates Flag during a retreat ceremony they conducted in front of the Airman LeadershipSchool March 9. The ceremony teaches the young scouts about their country’s flag andits customs and courtesies.

Randolph ChapelSchedule

REGULAR SERVICES

• PROTESTANTTraditional Service

8:15 - Chapel 1

ContemporaryService

11 a.m. - Chapel 2

• CATHOLICMonday-Friday

11:30 a.m. - Chapel 1Saturday

5:30 p.m. - Chapel 1Sunday

8:30 a.m. - Chapel 211:30 a.m. - Chapel 1

ConfessionSaturday

4:30 - Chapel 1

EASTER SERVICES

• PROTESTANTSame time and location

as regular services

• CATHOLICStations of the Cross/Lenten Soup

Now through March 266 p.m. - Chapel 1/Chapel Center

Lenten Reconciliation ServiceWednesday - 6 p.m. - Chapel 1

Palm SundayRegular Mass scheduleMass of the Last Supper

April 1 - 7 p.m. - Chapel 1Veneration of the Cross

April 2 - 3 p.m. - Chapel 1Easter Vigil

April 3 - 8 p.m. - Chapel 1

Summit Summation

Photo by Steve ThurowBrig. Gen. Leonard Patrick (left), 502nd Air Base Wing commander, discusses the history and traditions ofSan Antonio-area bases with master sergeants selected for promotion to senior master sergeant during asenior master sergeant summit at the Randolph Air Force Base Parr O’Club March 10. The summit allowedthe selectees to learn from senior leaders and peers and tour the facilities of Joint Base San Antonio,seeing key aspects of each installation’s missions.

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902nd Force Support Squadron Briefs

PAGE 11WINGSPREADMARCH 19, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 10 MARCH 19, 2010

By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

As combat systems officer training prepares to entera new era at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., wherethe first class will soon begin, the final class to gradu-ate at Randolph is getting down to the nitty-gritty.

Members of Class No. 10-15, who belong to the562nd Flying Training Squadron’s C Flight, are nowin their 15th week of instruction overall and threeweeks into the systems navigation part of the pri-mary phase, learning about radar and the inertialnavigation system – essential equipment for thecombat systems officer.

“The systems navigation phase, in my opinion, is themost difficult part of the curriculum,” said Capt. JayGilbert, 562nd FTS C Flight commander. “If you makeit through this part, your chances of making it throughthe program are greatly increased.”

Prior to beginning systems navigation, students com-pleted the fundamentals of navigation part of the pri-mary phase, taking their first check ride in a simulator.Captain Gilbert defined a check ride as “an evaluationof everything they’ve learned in the phase.”

“It’s just like one of their training missions,” he said.“However, they are required to show they can meet allof the requirements without any instructor help.”

Captain Gilbert said all class members successfullyfinished their first check ride.

“They seem to be grasping it pretty well, but nowwe’re adding extra pieces of equipment,” he said. Students are getting used to radar, seeing land-

marks on the ground such as cities as marks on ascreen and matching them up on their navigationcharts.

“It usually takes a lot of practice,” CaptainGilbert said.

The class, now bumped up to 24 members afterstarting with 21, took five simulator and four aircraftflights in fundamentals of navigation and are takingseven simulator and five aircraft flights in systems nav-igation. They will have to pass one check ride in a sim-ulator and one in an aircraft to move on to the interme-diate navigation phase, which begins next month. Thenthey’ll apply skills acquired in this phase to a numberof operations, including air refueling, search-and-res-cue missions and in-flight diverts, said Captain Gilbert.

Second Lt. Elizabeth Thigpen, a product of the AirForce ROTC program at the University of Pittsburgh,said systems navigation introduces a lot of new infor-mation – and equipment – to students.

“Radar is something different than what we’re usedto,” she said. “We’re dealing with more equipment, butthe information is better.”

Captain Gilbert said the intermediate phase willintroduce students to more “real-world” situations, butall in a simulator environment. When that month-longphase is over, students will learn about electronic war-fare at the 563rd FTS, then have the option of studyingadvanced navigation or advanced electronic warfarebefore taking part in the integrated operations phase,

which includes a simulated war.Students agree the CSO course requires their full

attention.“Academics occupy most of my time during the

week,” said 2nd Lt. Tim Donlan, an Air Force Academygraduate. “You have to put in a lot of effort.”

He said the most challenging aspects of the courseare “getting used to all the tasks you have to do anddoing everything the way it’s supposed to be done.”

Second Lt. Conrad Ruiz, a Caracas, Venezuela, nativewho grew up in the Detroit area, said time manage-ment is essential to succeeding in the course.

“It’s a lot different from the college environment,” hesaid. “But it’s interesting to me. It’s not dry or boring.”

Students in Class No. 10-15 also agree they wanteach other to succeed, so they are there for each other.

“If there’s something some of us don’t understand,we really help each other,” Lieutenant Thigpen said.“We want to make sure we all graduate.”

“We all work together well,” said Lieutenant Donlan.

DOWN TO THE NITTY-GRITTY

Last CSO class at Randolph learning about radar

Photos by Steve ThurowNavigation instructor Maj. Callum McGough prepares a562nd Flying Training Squadron navigator simulator for astudent systems navigation familiarization flight March 11.

Capt. Tim Morris (right), 563rd Flying Training Squadroninstructor, explains the details of the day’s objectives to2nd Lt. Jestin Boelman before the check ride sortie.

Combat Systems Officer students from the 562nd FTS C-Flight at Randolph listen as their instructor goes over the navi-gation chart prior to a simulator flight.

Photos by Steve Thurow

Bill Farrow positions a bucket filled with cement over a formwhile Mike Gilligan smoothes out the newly-poured concreteduring the replacement of the Randolph Field letters facingWashington Circle March 11. Mr. Farrow and Mr. Gilligan arecement finishers with the 902nd CES.

Above: A 902nd CES member adds rocks to anewly-poured concrete letter.

Right: Bobby Pogue (left) and Bill Farrow addfinishing details of river rocks and bricks in thewet cement as a design feature that matches theexisting letters in Washington Circle.

Members of the 902nd Civil Engineer Squadron replaced the letters spelling out

R-A-N-D-O-L-P-H located in front of the Taj Mahalin Washington Circle, which were originally

placed in the 1930s. The letters were replaced aspart of a beautification initiative taking place on

Harmon Drive and Washington Circle. Randolph isknown as the “The Showplace of the Air Force and was designated by theNational Park Service in 2001 as a

National Historic Landmark.”

Sprucing upfor SpringSprucing upfor Spring

PAGE 11WINGSPREADMARCH 19, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 10 MARCH 19, 2010

By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

As combat systems officer training prepares to entera new era at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., wherethe first class will soon begin, the final class to gradu-ate at Randolph is getting down to the nitty-gritty.

Members of Class No. 10-15, who belong to the562nd Flying Training Squadron’s C Flight, are nowin their 15th week of instruction overall and threeweeks into the systems navigation part of the pri-mary phase, learning about radar and the inertialnavigation system – essential equipment for thecombat systems officer.

“The systems navigation phase, in my opinion, is themost difficult part of the curriculum,” said Capt. JayGilbert, 562nd FTS C Flight commander. “If you makeit through this part, your chances of making it throughthe program are greatly increased.”

Prior to beginning systems navigation, students com-pleted the fundamentals of navigation part of the pri-mary phase, taking their first check ride in a simulator.Captain Gilbert defined a check ride as “an evaluationof everything they’ve learned in the phase.”

“It’s just like one of their training missions,” he said.“However, they are required to show they can meet allof the requirements without any instructor help.”

Captain Gilbert said all class members successfullyfinished their first check ride.

“They seem to be grasping it pretty well, but nowwe’re adding extra pieces of equipment,” he said. Students are getting used to radar, seeing land-

marks on the ground such as cities as marks on ascreen and matching them up on their navigationcharts.

“It usually takes a lot of practice,” CaptainGilbert said.

The class, now bumped up to 24 members afterstarting with 21, took five simulator and four aircraftflights in fundamentals of navigation and are takingseven simulator and five aircraft flights in systems nav-igation. They will have to pass one check ride in a sim-ulator and one in an aircraft to move on to the interme-diate navigation phase, which begins next month. Thenthey’ll apply skills acquired in this phase to a numberof operations, including air refueling, search-and-res-cue missions and in-flight diverts, said Captain Gilbert.

Second Lt. Elizabeth Thigpen, a product of the AirForce ROTC program at the University of Pittsburgh,said systems navigation introduces a lot of new infor-mation – and equipment – to students.

“Radar is something different than what we’re usedto,” she said. “We’re dealing with more equipment, butthe information is better.”

Captain Gilbert said the intermediate phase willintroduce students to more “real-world” situations, butall in a simulator environment. When that month-longphase is over, students will learn about electronic war-fare at the 563rd FTS, then have the option of studyingadvanced navigation or advanced electronic warfarebefore taking part in the integrated operations phase,

which includes a simulated war.Students agree the CSO course requires their full

attention.“Academics occupy most of my time during the

week,” said 2nd Lt. Tim Donlan, an Air Force Academygraduate. “You have to put in a lot of effort.”

He said the most challenging aspects of the courseare “getting used to all the tasks you have to do anddoing everything the way it’s supposed to be done.”

Second Lt. Conrad Ruiz, a Caracas, Venezuela, nativewho grew up in the Detroit area, said time manage-ment is essential to succeeding in the course.

“It’s a lot different from the college environment,” hesaid. “But it’s interesting to me. It’s not dry or boring.”

Students in Class No. 10-15 also agree they wanteach other to succeed, so they are there for each other.

“If there’s something some of us don’t understand,we really help each other,” Lieutenant Thigpen said.“We want to make sure we all graduate.”

“We all work together well,” said Lieutenant Donlan.

DOWN TO THE NITTY-GRITTY

Last CSO class at Randolph learning about radar

Photos by Steve ThurowNavigation instructor Maj. Callum McGough prepares a562nd Flying Training Squadron navigator simulator for astudent systems navigation familiarization flight March 11.

Capt. Tim Morris (right), 563rd Flying Training Squadroninstructor, explains the details of the day’s objectives to2nd Lt. Jestin Boelman before the check ride sortie.

Combat Systems Officer students from the 562nd FTS C-Flight at Randolph listen as their instructor goes over the navi-gation chart prior to a simulator flight.

Photos by Steve Thurow

Bill Farrow positions a bucket filled with cement over a formwhile Mike Gilligan smoothes out the newly-poured concreteduring the replacement of the Randolph Field letters facingWashington Circle March 11. Mr. Farrow and Mr. Gilligan arecement finishers with the 902nd CES.

Above: A 902nd CES member adds rocks to anewly-poured concrete letter.

Right: Bobby Pogue (left) and Bill Farrow addfinishing details of river rocks and bricks in thewet cement as a design feature that matches theexisting letters in Washington Circle.

Members of the 902nd Civil Engineer Squadron replaced the letters spelling out

R-A-N-D-O-L-P-H located in front of the Taj Mahalin Washington Circle, which were originally

placed in the 1930s. The letters were replaced aspart of a beautification initiative taking place on

Harmon Drive and Washington Circle. Randolph isknown as the “The Showplace of the Air Force and was designated by theNational Park Service in 2001 as a

National Historic Landmark.”

Sprucing upfor SpringSprucing upfor Spring

PAGE 13WINGSPREADMARCH 19, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 12 MARCH 19, 2010

SPORTS and FITNESS

By Sean Bowlin502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Because the Air Force wants its “Fit Family” pro-gram to be an important component of its overall fit-ness and health initiative, the Rambler Fitness andRandolph Youth Programs centers are holding fitnessevents augmenting it.

Jeri Peterson, 902nd Force Support Squadron youthdirector, said she’s seen 68 family members register atwww.usaffitfamily.com at the Randolph YouthPrograms Center since the new year. She added regis-tering for the program is open to all active duty, AirForce Reserve, Air National Guard, Department ofDefense and civilian families, retired military members,honorably discharged veterans with 100 percent serv-ice-connected disabilities and former and survivingmilitary spouses and their family members.

Ms. Peterson said the program defines a “family” asat least two people being active together and added theWeb site is a good tool for a variety of fitness, healthand nutrition articles, healthy recipes, fitness tips andquizzes – and opportunities for families to post pic-tures, recipes and to tell of ways to stay active.

To assist in keeping families active throughNovember, Ms. Peterson has planned several fami-ly-based fitness events to be held at the YouthPrograms Center. Completing them garners pointstoward fitness goals families can set on the Website’s goal tracker.

The first event, Fit Family Iron Chef Contest, takesplace Saturday at 6 p.m.

“Our staff will run that and the aspect of it isnutritional,” Ms. Peterson said. “We’ll give familymembers some healthy ingredients and they’ll pre-pare a dish. It’ll then be judged on its taste and itsnutritional value.”

On April 10 at the Youth Programs Center, duringFamaganza, there will be a fitness challenge courseand additionally, family members have the option ofregistering for Fit Family.

On May 15, the “America’s Kid Run Family Event” inhonor of National Fitness Month will be held at 10 a.m.;then June 12, a GPS Amazing Race is scheduled for 1

p.m. as part of the Great Outdoor Family Fun Event.She said the Youth Programs Center will hold a Fit

Family Punt, Pass and Kick Challenge Aug. 17, a Sept.18 Day for Kids, an Oct. 14 Fit Family BasketballChallenge and a Nov. 13 Fit Family Team-BuildingChallenge.

“The team-building challenge involves trust-walksand problems the family has to solve together,” Ms.Peterson explained. “The basketball challenge is aparent-child shootout, making points from differentareas around the basketball court. All of theseevents give parents and their kids a chance to getout and play together.”

The Rambler Fitness Center wants parents andchildren to play together and get fit together, too,said Adriana Ortiz, 902nd FSS fitness and sportsspecialist.

“We encourage parents and their young childrenwho can’t use the weights and treadmills to come into

the basketball court, where they can play basketball,volleyball and other sports – and run,” she said.

Ms. Ortiz said to encourage family fitness, theRambler has scheduled a Randolph Warriors MiniBiathlon May 22, which consists of a 10-mile bike rideand a 5K run for adults and a three-mile bike and one-mile run for children.

Additionally, at the Rambler on July 1 there is a“Stars & Stripes” adult 5K run and for children, a 1.5-mile run-walk. July 25 is “Military Family FitnessNight,” where there will be circuit stations, basketball,volleyball and other various activities.

Finally, Ms. Ortiz said Oct. 2 is the OktoberfestFitness Celebration, featuring a 5K run and a 10Kbike ride for adults and a 1.5-mile run-walk forchildren.

For more information on these events, call theRandolph Youth Programs Center at 652-3298 or theRambler Fitness Center at 652-2955.

Rambler, youth programs participate in ‘Fit Family’Full calendar of eventsplanned to help familiesmeet fitness goals

Photo by Steve ThurowDonovan Wells (left), a student at the University of Texas, San Antonio, and his brother Dominique, a student at JudsonHigh School, work out at the Rambler Fitness Center Monday.

FREELANCE WRITING POSITION AVAILABLE AT THE WINGSPREADThe Randolph Air Force Base newspaper, the Wingspread, is seeking a freelance sports writer to cover Randolph intramural sports and Randolph High School sports. For more information, call the Wingspread office at 652-5760.

MONDAYS TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS THURSDAYS FRIDAYS SATURDAYS

6 a.m. - Cycling9 a.m. - Step11 a.m. - Step11:15 a.m. - Cycling5 p.m. - Step5:15 p.m. - Cycling6 p.m. - Yoga7:15 p.m. - Kick Boxing

9 a.m. - Yoga10 a.m. - Senior Strength 11 a.m. - Step5 p.m. - Zumba6 p.m. - Kick Boxing

6 a.m. - Cycling9 a.m. - Step11 a.m. - Step11:15 a.m. - Cycling4 p.m. - Power Yoga5 p.m. - Step and Kick5:15 p.m. - Cycling6 p.m. - Sets & Reps7:15 p.m. - Kick Boxing

9 a.m. - Step/Weights9 a.m. - Yoga10 a.m. - Senior Strength11 a.m. - Step5 p.m. - Zumba5:15 p.m. - Cycling6 p.m. - Kick Boxing

6 a.m. - Cycling9 a.m. - Step10:15 a.m. - Cardiofusion11:15 a.m. - Cycling5:30 p.m. - Yoga

9 a.m. - Kick Boxing9 a.m. - Pilates10:15 a.m. - Zumba

SUNDAYS1 p.m. - Yoga

Rambler Fitness Center group exercise class scheduleMarch

$3 per class. 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.

SportsBRIEFS

MOAA hosts golf tournamentThe Military Officers Association of America -

Alamo Chapter hosts the Third Annual WoundedWarrior Golf Tournament March 26 at 1 p.m at theFt. Sam Houston Golf Club.

The cost is $85 and all proceeds benefit theFisher House and Wounded Warrior Center.Opportunities to play with, or sponsor a WoundedWarrior remain available.

For details, call 228-9955.

Baseball, T-ball and softball registration Registration for baseball and softball takes

place now through Monday.All youth must have a current annual physi-

cal, up-to-date immunizations, birth certificate,sports registration form and fees on file. Thecost is $40 per child.

The leagues are as follows:• T-Ball for 5- to 6-year-old boys and girls• Coach-pitch coed baseball for 7- to 8-year-olds

• Softball for 9- to 12-year-old girls• Baseball for 9- to 12-year-old boys

For more information on any of the leagues, callthe youth center at 652-2088.

Coaches neededVolunteer coaches are needed for all leagues. A

completed application including a backgroundcheck must be on file prior to first practice. CallJeri Peterson at 652-3298 for more information.

PAGE 13WINGSPREADMARCH 19, 2010WINGSPREADPAGE 12 MARCH 19, 2010

SPORTS and FITNESS

By Sean Bowlin502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Because the Air Force wants its “Fit Family” pro-gram to be an important component of its overall fit-ness and health initiative, the Rambler Fitness andRandolph Youth Programs centers are holding fitnessevents augmenting it.

Jeri Peterson, 902nd Force Support Squadron youthdirector, said she’s seen 68 family members register atwww.usaffitfamily.com at the Randolph YouthPrograms Center since the new year. She added regis-tering for the program is open to all active duty, AirForce Reserve, Air National Guard, Department ofDefense and civilian families, retired military members,honorably discharged veterans with 100 percent serv-ice-connected disabilities and former and survivingmilitary spouses and their family members.

Ms. Peterson said the program defines a “family” asat least two people being active together and added theWeb site is a good tool for a variety of fitness, healthand nutrition articles, healthy recipes, fitness tips andquizzes – and opportunities for families to post pic-tures, recipes and to tell of ways to stay active.

To assist in keeping families active throughNovember, Ms. Peterson has planned several fami-ly-based fitness events to be held at the YouthPrograms Center. Completing them garners pointstoward fitness goals families can set on the Website’s goal tracker.

The first event, Fit Family Iron Chef Contest, takesplace Saturday at 6 p.m.

“Our staff will run that and the aspect of it isnutritional,” Ms. Peterson said. “We’ll give familymembers some healthy ingredients and they’ll pre-pare a dish. It’ll then be judged on its taste and itsnutritional value.”

On April 10 at the Youth Programs Center, duringFamaganza, there will be a fitness challenge courseand additionally, family members have the option ofregistering for Fit Family.

On May 15, the “America’s Kid Run Family Event” inhonor of National Fitness Month will be held at 10 a.m.;then June 12, a GPS Amazing Race is scheduled for 1

p.m. as part of the Great Outdoor Family Fun Event.She said the Youth Programs Center will hold a Fit

Family Punt, Pass and Kick Challenge Aug. 17, a Sept.18 Day for Kids, an Oct. 14 Fit Family BasketballChallenge and a Nov. 13 Fit Family Team-BuildingChallenge.

“The team-building challenge involves trust-walksand problems the family has to solve together,” Ms.Peterson explained. “The basketball challenge is aparent-child shootout, making points from differentareas around the basketball court. All of theseevents give parents and their kids a chance to getout and play together.”

The Rambler Fitness Center wants parents andchildren to play together and get fit together, too,said Adriana Ortiz, 902nd FSS fitness and sportsspecialist.

“We encourage parents and their young childrenwho can’t use the weights and treadmills to come into

the basketball court, where they can play basketball,volleyball and other sports – and run,” she said.

Ms. Ortiz said to encourage family fitness, theRambler has scheduled a Randolph Warriors MiniBiathlon May 22, which consists of a 10-mile bike rideand a 5K run for adults and a three-mile bike and one-mile run for children.

Additionally, at the Rambler on July 1 there is a“Stars & Stripes” adult 5K run and for children, a 1.5-mile run-walk. July 25 is “Military Family FitnessNight,” where there will be circuit stations, basketball,volleyball and other various activities.

Finally, Ms. Ortiz said Oct. 2 is the OktoberfestFitness Celebration, featuring a 5K run and a 10Kbike ride for adults and a 1.5-mile run-walk forchildren.

For more information on these events, call theRandolph Youth Programs Center at 652-3298 or theRambler Fitness Center at 652-2955.

Rambler, youth programs participate in ‘Fit Family’Full calendar of eventsplanned to help familiesmeet fitness goals

Photo by Steve ThurowDonovan Wells (left), a student at the University of Texas, San Antonio, and his brother Dominique, a student at JudsonHigh School, work out at the Rambler Fitness Center Monday.

FREELANCE WRITING POSITION AVAILABLE AT THE WINGSPREADThe Randolph Air Force Base newspaper, the Wingspread, is seeking a freelance sports writer to cover Randolph intramural sports and Randolph High School sports. For more information, call the Wingspread office at 652-5760.

MONDAYS TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS THURSDAYS FRIDAYS SATURDAYS

6 a.m. - Cycling9 a.m. - Step11 a.m. - Step11:15 a.m. - Cycling5 p.m. - Step5:15 p.m. - Cycling6 p.m. - Yoga7:15 p.m. - Kick Boxing

9 a.m. - Yoga10 a.m. - Senior Strength 11 a.m. - Step5 p.m. - Zumba6 p.m. - Kick Boxing

6 a.m. - Cycling9 a.m. - Step11 a.m. - Step11:15 a.m. - Cycling4 p.m. - Power Yoga5 p.m. - Step and Kick5:15 p.m. - Cycling6 p.m. - Sets & Reps7:15 p.m. - Kick Boxing

9 a.m. - Step/Weights9 a.m. - Yoga10 a.m. - Senior Strength11 a.m. - Step5 p.m. - Zumba5:15 p.m. - Cycling6 p.m. - Kick Boxing

6 a.m. - Cycling9 a.m. - Step10:15 a.m. - Cardiofusion11:15 a.m. - Cycling5:30 p.m. - Yoga

9 a.m. - Kick Boxing9 a.m. - Pilates10:15 a.m. - Zumba

SUNDAYS1 p.m. - Yoga

Rambler Fitness Center group exercise class scheduleMarch

$3 per class. 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.

SportsBRIEFS

MOAA hosts golf tournamentThe Military Officers Association of America -

Alamo Chapter hosts the Third Annual WoundedWarrior Golf Tournament March 26 at 1 p.m at theFt. Sam Houston Golf Club.

The cost is $85 and all proceeds benefit theFisher House and Wounded Warrior Center.Opportunities to play with, or sponsor a WoundedWarrior remain available.

For details, call 228-9955.

Baseball, T-ball and softball registration Registration for baseball and softball takes

place now through Monday.All youth must have a current annual physi-

cal, up-to-date immunizations, birth certificate,sports registration form and fees on file. Thecost is $40 per child.

The leagues are as follows:• T-Ball for 5- to 6-year-old boys and girls• Coach-pitch coed baseball for 7- to 8-year-olds

• Softball for 9- to 12-year-old girls• Baseball for 9- to 12-year-old boys

For more information on any of the leagues, callthe youth center at 652-2088.

Coaches neededVolunteer coaches are needed for all leagues. A

completed application including a backgroundcheck must be on file prior to first practice. CallJeri Peterson at 652-3298 for more information.