RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE 65th Year • No. 15 • APRIL 15, 2011

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

INSIDE ... JBSA IN STAGE I, P 3 ... JBSA HONOR GUARD, P4 ... AFAF IN FULL SWING, P5 ... AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH, P6 ... PGA GOLFERS FLY WITH EAGLES, P14

PAGE 10

Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., Air Education andTraining Command commander, followed byMaj. Gen. A.J. Stewart, Air Force PersonnelCenter commander, walk with other AirForce representatives as they take theRandolph wreath to the Alamo during theFiesta Pilgrimage April 11. For completecoverage, see Page 10. Photo by David 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

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 3WINGSPREADAPRIL 15, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 2 APRIL 15, 2011

AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

By Maj. Nicholas SabulaDefense Media Activity

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The second ofApril has special significance for my fami-ly – one year ago I was transitioning out ofAfghanistan and returning home to afamily I had not seen in seven months.What kept me going through the deploy-ment was not just the important mission,the camaraderie or the fact that I waslooking forward to some down time uponmy return. It was that I could get homeand see my heroes.

These heroes are my family. One of oursons, who happens to have autism spec-trum disorder, is my inspiration. My wifeis a true unsung heroine, like other mili-tary families raising a child with autism,fighting a daily battle on the homefrontfor our children. I view World AutismAwareness Day as an opportunity to rec-ognize the tremendous sacrifices of these“Autism Warriors.”

Autism is a neurobiological develop-mental disability that impacts normaldevelopment of the brain in the areas ofsocial interaction, communication skillsand cognitive function. The word “autism”comes from the Greek word autos, mean-ing “self” and children with the disorderare often described as being in their ownlittle world, typically having difficulty withsocial communication such as eye contact,interaction or conversation.

Children with autism may give theappearance of a dazed, cold, unfeeling oreven unintelligent individual to peoplewho don’t understand the disability. Thetruth is that under this dark cloud is actu-ally a smart, smiling, beautiful child justwanting to break out. Others may showno distinguishable characteristics otherthan quirkiness, inability to focus, appear-ing shy, or even the other extreme of sen-sory seeking, hyperactive and surprisinglyoverly social.

Autism affects military families, yourco-workers, people you supervise, or evensomeone you work for. Like the militaryrepresents a cross-section of America, sodo families with autism; it does not dis-criminate.

It seems somewhat ironic that as an AirForce public affairs officer communicat-ing stories for the Department of Defense,I have a son who has challenges commu-nicating in general. I see his frustration,

but his diagnosis has emboldened me tobetter support all military families whoshare our story.

Looking for signsI had no clue what autism was when

our son was diagnosed in 2006. It was mywife who pushed us to seek professionalhelp. Being our first child, I just figured itwas a stage, but the old adage that he orshe is “just a slow learner” can be a signalsomething is wrong.

Our son was developing normally untilabout 16 months. Things changed as hegradually regressed from saying about 20words to just babbling, spontaneousscreaming, looking off into space and notreacting when spoken to. We thought itwas because of the birth of our secondson at this time, but soon realized therewas something serious going on.

One tell-tale sign of concern is whatautism families know as stimming, or selfstimulation in a continuous, purposelessmovement. Flapping hands or twisting aspoon or pen; rocking; lining up objects;echolalia, or repeating exactly what isasked instead of an answer; or staringrepetitively at an object are pretty easy tospot. Not making eye contact, talking orinteracting with other children are alsoareas for concern.

If you suspect something is wrong,make an appointment to talk with yourpediatrician about an assessment.Research shows that taking the initial stepof getting your child diagnosed early has adramatic impact on results; the soonerintervention begins, the better.

If your child is diagnosed with autism,your next step is contacting theExceptional Family Member Programoffice for enrollment. EFMP maintainsaccountability of military families withspecial needs and can have a tremendousimpact on future assignments to locationswith support. I have had orders made andcanceled based on the gaining location’s

ability to support him.Getting to know your EFMP coordina-

tor can go a long way in possibleavenues for care at your location andmake it known to them that you havequestions and concerns. They can alsoprovide feedback on the enrollment,required to sign your child up forTricare’s Extended Care Health Optionthat will help cover a type of therapycalled applied behavioral analysis.

What nowIt really comes down to the basics of

knowing your child, getting educated,seeking answers and establishing a treat-ment plan. Autism is not a cookie-cutterdiagnosis. The challenge for parents isevery case is different and requires differ-ent treatment plans; the road ahead istough and you need to think long-term.

To say it can be overwhelming is anunderstatement. Autism, like many otherspecial needs conditions, creates addition-al requirements – many times unforeseento your peers since you try to not bringissues to work with you. It has taken a tollon finances, family and career. That’sreality, but as a military family you getover it and press on.

Having a child with autism changes youin so many ways, but strengthens you inways you could never imagine. Thisstrength becomes an asset for the realitiesof service.

Military life can be particularly difficultfor children with autism and their fami-lies. Children with autism need structurein their lives, and while the military focus-es on structure and order for missionaccomplishment, this doesn’t always cor-relate to the home front.

Stressors the general public typicallydon’t have to deal with such as deploy-ments, temporary duty assignments, per-manent change of station assignments

Help for autism in today’s military

502nd Air Base WingOperating Location Bravo

Editorial StaffBrig. Gen. Leonard Patrick

CommanderMarilyn Holliday

Chief of Public AffairsAirman Alexis Siekert

EditorAirman 1st Class Precious YettRobert Goetz, Brian McGloin

Staff WritersMaggie ArmstrongGraphic Designer

WINGSPREAD

“I had no clue what autism was when our son was diagnosedin 2006. It was my wife who pushed us to seek professionalhelp. Being our first child, I just figured it was a stage, but

the old adage that he or she is “just a slow learner” can be asignal something is wrong.”

every few years or less, exercises and somany other requirements can take a tollon these families, since autistic kids havesuch a hard time adapting to change.When we moved last fall it was our fourthmove in just over five years.

The military stresses providing a unitsupport system. When you have a specialneeds child, it creates challenges forpeople who want to be supportive. Notknowing how to approach parents andexactly what support to offer can act as abuffer against such volunteerism. This iswhere communicating these special fam-ily needs and helping people understandcan pay dividends.

Talking with leaders in your organiza-tion might seem difficult, but is necessaryto help communicate concerns. If theyaren’t aware, they can’t help you. Forcommanders and supervisors, betterunderstanding of autism’s impact canpotentially reduce or eliminate domesticissues affecting the unit.

Get informedEducation is one of the most important

aspects of being a parent of a specialneeds child. Learning about the signs,symptoms and options will be integral to

your child’s recovery.In learning about my son’s condition,

I’ve been exposed to a great number ofscientific topics, from chelation to sensoryissues to oxalates and yeast. I never real-ized the impact of diet and therapies, andunderstanding challenges such as gas-trointestinal problems, food sensitivitiesor sensory issues leading to what arecalled meltdowns. These may not bereadily apparent to most people, butlearning how the smallest thing impactsyour child gives you a new perspective.

Surrounding yourself with people goingthrough the same thing can have a pro-found impact on the type of care you giveyour child. Online forums, local supportgroups and base resources provide agreat means to talk about your issues,learn new options, and information. OnFacebook, a quick search for “militaryautism” can help find a support group.

With April also being recognized as theMonth of the Military Child and NationalAutism Awareness Month, it’s especiallyimportant to recognize the challenges ourchildren face; the sacrifices of our war-riors – the mothers, fathers, family mem-bers and supporters of these special chil-dren – and the hope that we will one dayrecover all our children from this perva-sive disorder. Our heroes deserve no less.

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON – All servicemem-bers will receive their full mid-monthpay they have earned in their pay-checks today, Pentagon officials said.

“Basically, all active-duty andreserve servicemembers will receivefull mid-month pay on the 15th ofApril,” Pentagon spokesman MarineCol. Dave Lapan said. “It may be intwo separate payments, but on the15th everyone will receive their fullallotted pay.”

Confusion arose about the April 15payday due to the threatened closure ofthe U.S. government last week.Administration and congressional lead-ers came to an agreement that endedthat action late April 8.

The Defense Finance andAccounting Service had posted“net pay advice” to some service-members, telling them what toexpect in their accounts.

“Those net pay advice statementswere made . . . before we knew

there was an agreement to fundthe government,” Colonel Lapansaid. “When those were postedthey only showed partial payments,but again, everyone will receivetheir full pay on the 15th for theduty served and it may be in morethan one deposit.”

Officials urge servicemembers tocheck their end-of-month leave andearnings statements carefully. Thenormal end-of-month statementswill be posted to accounts April 22.

The finance and accounting servicehas restored access to all leave andearnings statements, net pay advice oradvice of pay for servicemembers onthe myPay website.

“The most current advice of paywill still only show the partial pay-ments for April 1-8,” the financeservice posted on its website. “Thiswill allow us to make sure we canstill process pay for April 9-15 andtake steps to ensure it is in bankaccounts on the 15th.”

For details, visit the myPay websiteat https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx.

Troops to receive full mid-month pay today

See AUTISM P3

AUTISM from P2

The Bexar County Index Well, or J-17,has gone below 660 feet and Joint BaseSan Antonio Stage I water restrictions arenow in place.

Stage I water restrictions strengthenthe normal water conservation measuresin several ways. First, base housing resi-dents and facility managers are now onlyallowed to water lawns once a week,between the hours of midnight and 10a.m. and 8 p.m. and midnight, on theirdesignated day: • If address/facility number ends in 0 or 1, Monday is the watering day• If address/facility number ends in 2 or 3, Tuesday is the watering day• If address/facility number ends in 4 or 5, Wednesday is the watering day• If address/facility number ends in 6 or 7, Thursday is the watering day• If address/facility number ends in 8 or 9,Friday is the watering day

Additional Stage I water restrictionsinclude:• Athletic fields must follow the samewatering guidelines as above • Water new landscaping to maintainadequate growth until established.

• Restaurants and other eating establish-ments are prohibited from serving waterto customers unless it is requested by thecustomer.• Swimming pools must have a minimumof 25 percent of the surface area coveredwith effective evaporation screens orshields when not in use for maintenanceor swimming.

As we continue during this drought, wemust all look for ways to conserve water,protect our base missions, and supportthe region’s conservation efforts. Theaquifer level will continue to fall withoutour help while at work or at home; now isthe time to conserve!

We need everyone’s awareness, and weneed everyone to share our concern withall of our base water consumers. We con-tinue JBSA’s normal water conservationmeasures that include:• No person may waste water.• Don’t wash roads, parking lots, drive-ways, or sidewalks except for health orsafety reasons.• Use landscaping that features indige-nous natural plant species.• Report all water leaks and any out-

doors puddling.• Avoid driving vehicles overlandscape or grassy areas andcompacting the soil.• Privately owned vehicle andcharity car washes are permittedproviding they are conducted atcar wash facilities that recyclewater.• Use a glass or cup when gettingwater from a fountain.• Residential washing of vehiclesor other equipment is allowedonly with the use of a 1 inch hosewith auto-shut-off nozzle and abucket of 5 gallons or less water.• Use recycled water on golfcourse and parade field turf. • Lawns and landscaping maynot be overwatered.• All leaks must be fixed immedi-ately.• Only two car washes per monthare permitted.

The Joint Base San AntonioDrought Management Plan is on the502nd Air Base Wing website atwww.502abw.af.mil. For more informa-

tion, or to report misuse, call your baseasset management flight: Randolph, 652-5205; Lackland, 671-4844; or Fort SamHouston, 221-5063.

JBSA drought management ensures quality of lifeEdwards Aquifer

Levelin feet above sea level

Normal - above 660’Stage I - 660’Stage II - 650’Stage III - 642’Stage IV - 640.5’Stage V - 637’

CURRENT LEVEL*as of Thursday – 659.4’

*determines Joint Base San Antonio water conservation stage

*Stage I restrictions apply

Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., Air Education andTraining Command commander, followed byMaj. Gen. A.J. Stewart, Air Force PersonnelCenter commander, walk with other AirForce representatives as they take theRandolph wreath to the Alamo during theFiesta Pilgrimage April 11. For completecoverage, see Page 10. Photo by David 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

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 3WINGSPREADAPRIL 15, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 2 APRIL 15, 2011

AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

By Maj. Nicholas SabulaDefense Media Activity

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The second ofApril has special significance for my fami-ly – one year ago I was transitioning out ofAfghanistan and returning home to afamily I had not seen in seven months.What kept me going through the deploy-ment was not just the important mission,the camaraderie or the fact that I waslooking forward to some down time uponmy return. It was that I could get homeand see my heroes.

These heroes are my family. One of oursons, who happens to have autism spec-trum disorder, is my inspiration. My wifeis a true unsung heroine, like other mili-tary families raising a child with autism,fighting a daily battle on the homefrontfor our children. I view World AutismAwareness Day as an opportunity to rec-ognize the tremendous sacrifices of these“Autism Warriors.”

Autism is a neurobiological develop-mental disability that impacts normaldevelopment of the brain in the areas ofsocial interaction, communication skillsand cognitive function. The word “autism”comes from the Greek word autos, mean-ing “self” and children with the disorderare often described as being in their ownlittle world, typically having difficulty withsocial communication such as eye contact,interaction or conversation.

Children with autism may give theappearance of a dazed, cold, unfeeling oreven unintelligent individual to peoplewho don’t understand the disability. Thetruth is that under this dark cloud is actu-ally a smart, smiling, beautiful child justwanting to break out. Others may showno distinguishable characteristics otherthan quirkiness, inability to focus, appear-ing shy, or even the other extreme of sen-sory seeking, hyperactive and surprisinglyoverly social.

Autism affects military families, yourco-workers, people you supervise, or evensomeone you work for. Like the militaryrepresents a cross-section of America, sodo families with autism; it does not dis-criminate.

It seems somewhat ironic that as an AirForce public affairs officer communicat-ing stories for the Department of Defense,I have a son who has challenges commu-nicating in general. I see his frustration,

but his diagnosis has emboldened me tobetter support all military families whoshare our story.

Looking for signsI had no clue what autism was when

our son was diagnosed in 2006. It was mywife who pushed us to seek professionalhelp. Being our first child, I just figured itwas a stage, but the old adage that he orshe is “just a slow learner” can be a signalsomething is wrong.

Our son was developing normally untilabout 16 months. Things changed as hegradually regressed from saying about 20words to just babbling, spontaneousscreaming, looking off into space and notreacting when spoken to. We thought itwas because of the birth of our secondson at this time, but soon realized therewas something serious going on.

One tell-tale sign of concern is whatautism families know as stimming, or selfstimulation in a continuous, purposelessmovement. Flapping hands or twisting aspoon or pen; rocking; lining up objects;echolalia, or repeating exactly what isasked instead of an answer; or staringrepetitively at an object are pretty easy tospot. Not making eye contact, talking orinteracting with other children are alsoareas for concern.

If you suspect something is wrong,make an appointment to talk with yourpediatrician about an assessment.Research shows that taking the initial stepof getting your child diagnosed early has adramatic impact on results; the soonerintervention begins, the better.

If your child is diagnosed with autism,your next step is contacting theExceptional Family Member Programoffice for enrollment. EFMP maintainsaccountability of military families withspecial needs and can have a tremendousimpact on future assignments to locationswith support. I have had orders made andcanceled based on the gaining location’s

ability to support him.Getting to know your EFMP coordina-

tor can go a long way in possibleavenues for care at your location andmake it known to them that you havequestions and concerns. They can alsoprovide feedback on the enrollment,required to sign your child up forTricare’s Extended Care Health Optionthat will help cover a type of therapycalled applied behavioral analysis.

What nowIt really comes down to the basics of

knowing your child, getting educated,seeking answers and establishing a treat-ment plan. Autism is not a cookie-cutterdiagnosis. The challenge for parents isevery case is different and requires differ-ent treatment plans; the road ahead istough and you need to think long-term.

To say it can be overwhelming is anunderstatement. Autism, like many otherspecial needs conditions, creates addition-al requirements – many times unforeseento your peers since you try to not bringissues to work with you. It has taken a tollon finances, family and career. That’sreality, but as a military family you getover it and press on.

Having a child with autism changes youin so many ways, but strengthens you inways you could never imagine. Thisstrength becomes an asset for the realitiesof service.

Military life can be particularly difficultfor children with autism and their fami-lies. Children with autism need structurein their lives, and while the military focus-es on structure and order for missionaccomplishment, this doesn’t always cor-relate to the home front.

Stressors the general public typicallydon’t have to deal with such as deploy-ments, temporary duty assignments, per-manent change of station assignments

Help for autism in today’s military

502nd Air Base WingOperating Location Bravo

Editorial StaffBrig. Gen. Leonard Patrick

CommanderMarilyn Holliday

Chief of Public AffairsAirman Alexis Siekert

EditorAirman 1st Class Precious YettRobert Goetz, Brian McGloin

Staff WritersMaggie ArmstrongGraphic Designer

WINGSPREAD

“I had no clue what autism was when our son was diagnosedin 2006. It was my wife who pushed us to seek professionalhelp. Being our first child, I just figured it was a stage, but

the old adage that he or she is “just a slow learner” can be asignal something is wrong.”

every few years or less, exercises and somany other requirements can take a tollon these families, since autistic kids havesuch a hard time adapting to change.When we moved last fall it was our fourthmove in just over five years.

The military stresses providing a unitsupport system. When you have a specialneeds child, it creates challenges forpeople who want to be supportive. Notknowing how to approach parents andexactly what support to offer can act as abuffer against such volunteerism. This iswhere communicating these special fam-ily needs and helping people understandcan pay dividends.

Talking with leaders in your organiza-tion might seem difficult, but is necessaryto help communicate concerns. If theyaren’t aware, they can’t help you. Forcommanders and supervisors, betterunderstanding of autism’s impact canpotentially reduce or eliminate domesticissues affecting the unit.

Get informedEducation is one of the most important

aspects of being a parent of a specialneeds child. Learning about the signs,symptoms and options will be integral to

your child’s recovery.In learning about my son’s condition,

I’ve been exposed to a great number ofscientific topics, from chelation to sensoryissues to oxalates and yeast. I never real-ized the impact of diet and therapies, andunderstanding challenges such as gas-trointestinal problems, food sensitivitiesor sensory issues leading to what arecalled meltdowns. These may not bereadily apparent to most people, butlearning how the smallest thing impactsyour child gives you a new perspective.

Surrounding yourself with people goingthrough the same thing can have a pro-found impact on the type of care you giveyour child. Online forums, local supportgroups and base resources provide agreat means to talk about your issues,learn new options, and information. OnFacebook, a quick search for “militaryautism” can help find a support group.

With April also being recognized as theMonth of the Military Child and NationalAutism Awareness Month, it’s especiallyimportant to recognize the challenges ourchildren face; the sacrifices of our war-riors – the mothers, fathers, family mem-bers and supporters of these special chil-dren – and the hope that we will one dayrecover all our children from this perva-sive disorder. Our heroes deserve no less.

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON – All servicemem-bers will receive their full mid-monthpay they have earned in their pay-checks today, Pentagon officials said.

“Basically, all active-duty andreserve servicemembers will receivefull mid-month pay on the 15th ofApril,” Pentagon spokesman MarineCol. Dave Lapan said. “It may be intwo separate payments, but on the15th everyone will receive their fullallotted pay.”

Confusion arose about the April 15payday due to the threatened closure ofthe U.S. government last week.Administration and congressional lead-ers came to an agreement that endedthat action late April 8.

The Defense Finance andAccounting Service had posted“net pay advice” to some service-members, telling them what toexpect in their accounts.

“Those net pay advice statementswere made . . . before we knew

there was an agreement to fundthe government,” Colonel Lapansaid. “When those were postedthey only showed partial payments,but again, everyone will receivetheir full pay on the 15th for theduty served and it may be in morethan one deposit.”

Officials urge servicemembers tocheck their end-of-month leave andearnings statements carefully. Thenormal end-of-month statementswill be posted to accounts April 22.

The finance and accounting servicehas restored access to all leave andearnings statements, net pay advice oradvice of pay for servicemembers onthe myPay website.

“The most current advice of paywill still only show the partial pay-ments for April 1-8,” the financeservice posted on its website. “Thiswill allow us to make sure we canstill process pay for April 9-15 andtake steps to ensure it is in bankaccounts on the 15th.”

For details, visit the myPay websiteat https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx.

Troops to receive full mid-month pay today

See AUTISM P3

AUTISM from P2

The Bexar County Index Well, or J-17,has gone below 660 feet and Joint BaseSan Antonio Stage I water restrictions arenow in place.

Stage I water restrictions strengthenthe normal water conservation measuresin several ways. First, base housing resi-dents and facility managers are now onlyallowed to water lawns once a week,between the hours of midnight and 10a.m. and 8 p.m. and midnight, on theirdesignated day: • If address/facility number ends in 0 or 1, Monday is the watering day• If address/facility number ends in 2 or 3, Tuesday is the watering day• If address/facility number ends in 4 or 5, Wednesday is the watering day• If address/facility number ends in 6 or 7, Thursday is the watering day• If address/facility number ends in 8 or 9,Friday is the watering day

Additional Stage I water restrictionsinclude:• Athletic fields must follow the samewatering guidelines as above • Water new landscaping to maintainadequate growth until established.

• Restaurants and other eating establish-ments are prohibited from serving waterto customers unless it is requested by thecustomer.• Swimming pools must have a minimumof 25 percent of the surface area coveredwith effective evaporation screens orshields when not in use for maintenanceor swimming.

As we continue during this drought, wemust all look for ways to conserve water,protect our base missions, and supportthe region’s conservation efforts. Theaquifer level will continue to fall withoutour help while at work or at home; now isthe time to conserve!

We need everyone’s awareness, and weneed everyone to share our concern withall of our base water consumers. We con-tinue JBSA’s normal water conservationmeasures that include:• No person may waste water.• Don’t wash roads, parking lots, drive-ways, or sidewalks except for health orsafety reasons.• Use landscaping that features indige-nous natural plant species.• Report all water leaks and any out-

doors puddling.• Avoid driving vehicles overlandscape or grassy areas andcompacting the soil.• Privately owned vehicle andcharity car washes are permittedproviding they are conducted atcar wash facilities that recyclewater.• Use a glass or cup when gettingwater from a fountain.• Residential washing of vehiclesor other equipment is allowedonly with the use of a 1 inch hosewith auto-shut-off nozzle and abucket of 5 gallons or less water.• Use recycled water on golfcourse and parade field turf. • Lawns and landscaping maynot be overwatered.• All leaks must be fixed immedi-ately.• Only two car washes per monthare permitted.

The Joint Base San AntonioDrought Management Plan is on the502nd Air Base Wing website atwww.502abw.af.mil. For more informa-

tion, or to report misuse, call your baseasset management flight: Randolph, 652-5205; Lackland, 671-4844; or Fort SamHouston, 221-5063.

JBSA drought management ensures quality of lifeEdwards Aquifer

Levelin feet above sea level

Normal - above 660’Stage I - 660’Stage II - 650’Stage III - 642’Stage IV - 640.5’Stage V - 637’

CURRENT LEVEL*as of Thursday – 659.4’

*determines Joint Base San Antonio water conservation stage

*Stage I restrictions apply

PAGE 5WINGSPREADAPRIL 15, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 4 APRIL 15, 2011

NEWS

Dr. Charlotte Moerbe, Joint BaseSan Antonio sexual assault responsecoordinator, was recognized by theDepartment of Justice for outstandingwork on behalf of crime victims dur-ing the National Crime Victims’Service Awards ceremony April 8 inWashington, D.C.

Dr. Moerbe received a FederalService Award, which honors a feder-al employee for their direct servicesto victims of crime from all areas gov-erned by federal jurisdiction, such asmilitary installations, or requiringfederal intervention. She was one ofseven individuals and three organiza-tions to receive awards.

“There are so many people I owe adebt of gratitude to for this,” Dr. Moerbe said. “This isnot just my award – I share it with leadership, victimsand advocates. I wish they all could benefit from it.”

The service award acknowledges Dr. Moerbe for sup-porting several hundred military members recoveringfrom sexual violence. It also happens to coincidentallyfall during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

In 2004, Dr. Moerbe created the Lackland SexualAssault Prevention and Outreach program. Now apart of JBSA, SAPO has grown into the largest sex-ual assault response and training program in theAir Force.

She has also developed two addi-tional volunteer trainer programs.The SAPO Representative Programincludes more than 180 military per-sonnel who provide sexual assaultawareness and education for thegeneral Lackland population, and asecond volunteer pool works primari-ly with the student population.

“It’s the people and team aroundyou that keep you going,” Dr.Moerbe said.

The ceremony included a twominute video on each of the honorees,who had the opportunity to interacttogether before the presentation.

“Mine was a wonderful clip thathighlighted the military,” she said.

“(All of the videos) were all very powerful. There wereso many interesting people.”

Attorney General Eric Holder presided over theawards luncheon and described the impact the recipi-ents had made for crime victims.

“Each of the leaders, legal advocates, public ser-vants and concerned citizens here today are part ofa powerful, national movement—one that inspiredthe passage of the historic 1984 Victims of CrimeAct that created the Crime Victims Fund, as well asthe 1994 crime bill and the Violence AgainstWomen Act,” said the attorney general.

“We commend these individuals and serviceproviders who, when faced with emerging challenges,seek out new ways to protect our communities, and tomore effectively assist and empower crime victims.”

The award recipients were nominated by their col-leagues in the victim service and criminal justice fields.They were recognized for their courageous responsesin the aftermath of a crime; their professional efforts tobetter serve the needs of victims of human trafficking,identity theft and elder abuse; and their assurance thatvictims receive the compensation and other servicesavailable to them at the state and local level.

The Attorney General’s Annual Victims’ ServiceAwards were presented as a prelude to National CrimeVictims’ Rights Week, which concludes Saturday. Thetheme, “Reshaping the Future, Honoring the Past,”highlights the importance of crime victims’ rights andrecognizes individuals and organizations that demon-strate a commitment to this effort.

“Today’s Justice Department is working withmedical and law enforcement professionals, serviceproviders and crime victim advocates to reach thosevictims most in need of help,” said Attorney GeneralHolder. “We’re also evolving to meet new challengesand emerging threats. As criminals adapt to aninterconnected world, in partnership with lawenforcement, we are working hard to serve victimsof youth violence, cybercrime, identify theft, humantrafficking and fraud.”

(Compiled information from the Department of Justice)

JBSA SARC earns Federal Service Award

Dr. Charlotte Moerbe

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

Joint Base San Antonio and EllingtonField base honor guard members show-cased their skills following eight days ofspecialized training in a graduation cer-emony April 6 at the Lackland Air ForceBase amphitheater.

The Airmen staged a 20-man mockactive-duty funeral before participantswere recognized. Completing the train-ing course were 12 Airmen fromRandolph AFB, 17 from Lackland AFBand two from Ellington Field.

USAF Honor Guard instructors fromJoint Base Anacostia-Bolling,Washington, D.C., spent 65 hours fromMarch 28-April 5 training the honorguard members on military funeral hon-ors. Training on an active-duty funeralincluded responsibilities and require-ments for the NCO in charge, pallbearersand the firing party; the proper flag fold

sequence; presenting the colors; and thesignificance of Taps.

Staff Sgt. Krystie L. Martinez, USAFHonor Guard technical training, basehonor guard training program NCO incharge, said the training covered every-thing involved with rendering honorsduring a military funeral.

“We go to Air Force bases worldwideand train them on military funeral hon-ors because that’s the primary mission ofthe base honor guard,” she said.

The training team also includedAirman 1st Class Jarrett Adair, pallbear-er instructor, and Senior Airman JordanAnderson, colors instructor, both USAFHonor Guard subject matter experts.

Base honor guards are mandated byCongress to render honors at militaryfunerals. For that reason, SergeantMartinez said it is essential base honorguards have the correct information toperform military funeral honors.

Air Force Honor Guard trains JBSA Airmen

Photo by Alan BoedekerChief Master Sgt. Juan Lewis (left), 502nd Air Base Wing command chief, celebrates with JointBase San Antonio Honor Guard members after their graduation ceremony April 6.See HONOR GUARD P7

By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Randolph’s Air Force Assistance Fundcampaign reaches its halfway pointtoday, well on its way to meeting its localgoal of $214,000.

After the first two weeks of the six-week campaign, Randolph Airmen hadpledged $67,819, which is 79 percent ofthe base’s “fair share” target.

“The Randolph and Fort SamHouston Air Force Assistance Fundcampaign is off to a great start and Iwant to thank all of those who havealready been so generous,” said Maj.Gordon Pfeil, Randolph AFAF pro-gram manager. “I also want to remindour community that we still havethree weeks left and we need every-one to be as generous as possible sothat we can reach our local goals.”

The Air Force Assistance Fund bene-fits four charities – the Air Force AidSociety, Air Force Enlisted Village, AirForce Village and the Gen. and Mrs.Curtis E. LeMay Foundation – that pro-vide assistance to active-duty, AirNational Guard, Air Force Reserve andretired personnel as well as survivingAir Force spouses.

“The AFAF charities provide criticalassistance to active-duty and retiredpersonnel and they need our help tocontinue their important work,” MajorPfeil said.

“Commitment to Caring” is thetheme of this year’s campaign, which“continues to capture our proud her-itage of taking care of our own,” Col.Scott Peel, 902nd Mission SupportGroup commander, said prior to thekickoff of the campaign.

Major Pfeil said unit project officersand key workers were hoping to reach100 percent contact of assigned andattached personnel by today. Thecampaign seeks the contributions ofAirmen assigned to Randolph, JointBase San Antonio headquarters andother detachments at Fort SamHouston and geographically separatedunits outside San Antonio.

The campaign doesn’t solicit donationsfrom civilians who work at Randolph,but 1st Lt. William Waterworth, also anAFAF program manager, said this seg-ment of the community, especially thosewho are Air Force retirees, often con-tribute to the cause.

“It’s strictly Air Force people help-ing the Air Force family,” he said.

“That’s what makes it such a fantasticprogram.”

Major Pfeil said key workers willcontinue to contact personnel at workand many organizations will have unitfundraisers beginning April 25 to ben-efit the campaign.

Lieutenant Waterworth said theamount Airmen contribute is up to them.

“It ’s what they feel they can

donate,” he said. “Some Airmendonate a lot, but every little bit helpsus meet our goal and meet the AirForce’s needs.”

Lieutenant Waterworth said that,despite bad economic times, Airmen’scontributions continue to increase.

“It shows great understanding that it’snow more important than ever to donateto this cause,” he said.

Photo by Don LindseyChief Master Sgt. James Cody, Air Education and Training Command command chief, speaks toattendees at the Air Force Assistance Fund kick off breakfast March 25 th the Parr O’Club.

Randolph AFAF campaign on track to meet local goal

Eleven Senior Airmen graduated from the Joint BaseSan Antonio Airman Leadership School GraduationCeremony on April 5 at the Gateway Club at LacklandAFB. The Airmen successfully completed 24 academicduty-days consisting of 192 hours of classroom instruc-tion in Supervisory Communicator, Supervisor ofAirman, Military Professional and ExpeditionaryAirman. Three of these Airmen were presented specialawards during the ceremony.

Senior Airman Daisy Santos, 882nd Training SupportSquadron, earned the John L. Levitow Award, whileSenior Airman Amanda Finigan, 902nd Force SupportSquadron, was awarded the Commandant Award.Senior Airman Kenneth Blum, 902nd Civil EngineerSquadron, received the Academic Award.

Other graduates were:Senior Airman Brittany RichardsonAir Force Personnel Center

Senior Airman Christopher Altman359th Medical Operations SquadronSenior Airman Matthew BeezleyAFPCSenior Airman Joseph Gaffney III902nd CESSenior Airman MaryLou Gomez902nd FSSSenior Airman David Rachwalik902nd Comptroller SquadronSenior Airman Joseph Reillo Jr902nd Security Forces SquadronSenior Airman Taniza Sultana359th Aerospace Medicine Squadron

The guest speaker for the ceremo-ny was Chief Master Sgt. Tyrone Davis, 59thOrthopedics and Rehabilitation Squadron superin-tendent. The ALS is affiliated with the Community

College of the Air Force through Enlisted ProfessionalMilitary Education. The graduates are awarded 10semester hours towards a CCAF degree.

Eleven graduate from Gaylor Airman Leadership School

Senior AirmanDaisy Santos

Senior AirmanAmanda Finigan

Senior AirmanKenneth Blum

PAGE 5WINGSPREADAPRIL 15, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 4 APRIL 15, 2011

NEWS

Dr. Charlotte Moerbe, Joint BaseSan Antonio sexual assault responsecoordinator, was recognized by theDepartment of Justice for outstandingwork on behalf of crime victims dur-ing the National Crime Victims’Service Awards ceremony April 8 inWashington, D.C.

Dr. Moerbe received a FederalService Award, which honors a feder-al employee for their direct servicesto victims of crime from all areas gov-erned by federal jurisdiction, such asmilitary installations, or requiringfederal intervention. She was one ofseven individuals and three organiza-tions to receive awards.

“There are so many people I owe adebt of gratitude to for this,” Dr. Moerbe said. “This isnot just my award – I share it with leadership, victimsand advocates. I wish they all could benefit from it.”

The service award acknowledges Dr. Moerbe for sup-porting several hundred military members recoveringfrom sexual violence. It also happens to coincidentallyfall during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

In 2004, Dr. Moerbe created the Lackland SexualAssault Prevention and Outreach program. Now apart of JBSA, SAPO has grown into the largest sex-ual assault response and training program in theAir Force.

She has also developed two addi-tional volunteer trainer programs.The SAPO Representative Programincludes more than 180 military per-sonnel who provide sexual assaultawareness and education for thegeneral Lackland population, and asecond volunteer pool works primari-ly with the student population.

“It’s the people and team aroundyou that keep you going,” Dr.Moerbe said.

The ceremony included a twominute video on each of the honorees,who had the opportunity to interacttogether before the presentation.

“Mine was a wonderful clip thathighlighted the military,” she said.

“(All of the videos) were all very powerful. There wereso many interesting people.”

Attorney General Eric Holder presided over theawards luncheon and described the impact the recipi-ents had made for crime victims.

“Each of the leaders, legal advocates, public ser-vants and concerned citizens here today are part ofa powerful, national movement—one that inspiredthe passage of the historic 1984 Victims of CrimeAct that created the Crime Victims Fund, as well asthe 1994 crime bill and the Violence AgainstWomen Act,” said the attorney general.

“We commend these individuals and serviceproviders who, when faced with emerging challenges,seek out new ways to protect our communities, and tomore effectively assist and empower crime victims.”

The award recipients were nominated by their col-leagues in the victim service and criminal justice fields.They were recognized for their courageous responsesin the aftermath of a crime; their professional efforts tobetter serve the needs of victims of human trafficking,identity theft and elder abuse; and their assurance thatvictims receive the compensation and other servicesavailable to them at the state and local level.

The Attorney General’s Annual Victims’ ServiceAwards were presented as a prelude to National CrimeVictims’ Rights Week, which concludes Saturday. Thetheme, “Reshaping the Future, Honoring the Past,”highlights the importance of crime victims’ rights andrecognizes individuals and organizations that demon-strate a commitment to this effort.

“Today’s Justice Department is working withmedical and law enforcement professionals, serviceproviders and crime victim advocates to reach thosevictims most in need of help,” said Attorney GeneralHolder. “We’re also evolving to meet new challengesand emerging threats. As criminals adapt to aninterconnected world, in partnership with lawenforcement, we are working hard to serve victimsof youth violence, cybercrime, identify theft, humantrafficking and fraud.”

(Compiled information from the Department of Justice)

JBSA SARC earns Federal Service Award

Dr. Charlotte Moerbe

By Mike JosephStaff Writer

Joint Base San Antonio and EllingtonField base honor guard members show-cased their skills following eight days ofspecialized training in a graduation cer-emony April 6 at the Lackland Air ForceBase amphitheater.

The Airmen staged a 20-man mockactive-duty funeral before participantswere recognized. Completing the train-ing course were 12 Airmen fromRandolph AFB, 17 from Lackland AFBand two from Ellington Field.

USAF Honor Guard instructors fromJoint Base Anacostia-Bolling,Washington, D.C., spent 65 hours fromMarch 28-April 5 training the honorguard members on military funeral hon-ors. Training on an active-duty funeralincluded responsibilities and require-ments for the NCO in charge, pallbearersand the firing party; the proper flag fold

sequence; presenting the colors; and thesignificance of Taps.

Staff Sgt. Krystie L. Martinez, USAFHonor Guard technical training, basehonor guard training program NCO incharge, said the training covered every-thing involved with rendering honorsduring a military funeral.

“We go to Air Force bases worldwideand train them on military funeral hon-ors because that’s the primary mission ofthe base honor guard,” she said.

The training team also includedAirman 1st Class Jarrett Adair, pallbear-er instructor, and Senior Airman JordanAnderson, colors instructor, both USAFHonor Guard subject matter experts.

Base honor guards are mandated byCongress to render honors at militaryfunerals. For that reason, SergeantMartinez said it is essential base honorguards have the correct information toperform military funeral honors.

Air Force Honor Guard trains JBSA Airmen

Photo by Alan BoedekerChief Master Sgt. Juan Lewis (left), 502nd Air Base Wing command chief, celebrates with JointBase San Antonio Honor Guard members after their graduation ceremony April 6.See HONOR GUARD P7

By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Randolph’s Air Force Assistance Fundcampaign reaches its halfway pointtoday, well on its way to meeting its localgoal of $214,000.

After the first two weeks of the six-week campaign, Randolph Airmen hadpledged $67,819, which is 79 percent ofthe base’s “fair share” target.

“The Randolph and Fort SamHouston Air Force Assistance Fundcampaign is off to a great start and Iwant to thank all of those who havealready been so generous,” said Maj.Gordon Pfeil, Randolph AFAF pro-gram manager. “I also want to remindour community that we still havethree weeks left and we need every-one to be as generous as possible sothat we can reach our local goals.”

The Air Force Assistance Fund bene-fits four charities – the Air Force AidSociety, Air Force Enlisted Village, AirForce Village and the Gen. and Mrs.Curtis E. LeMay Foundation – that pro-vide assistance to active-duty, AirNational Guard, Air Force Reserve andretired personnel as well as survivingAir Force spouses.

“The AFAF charities provide criticalassistance to active-duty and retiredpersonnel and they need our help tocontinue their important work,” MajorPfeil said.

“Commitment to Caring” is thetheme of this year’s campaign, which“continues to capture our proud her-itage of taking care of our own,” Col.Scott Peel, 902nd Mission SupportGroup commander, said prior to thekickoff of the campaign.

Major Pfeil said unit project officersand key workers were hoping to reach100 percent contact of assigned andattached personnel by today. Thecampaign seeks the contributions ofAirmen assigned to Randolph, JointBase San Antonio headquarters andother detachments at Fort SamHouston and geographically separatedunits outside San Antonio.

The campaign doesn’t solicit donationsfrom civilians who work at Randolph,but 1st Lt. William Waterworth, also anAFAF program manager, said this seg-ment of the community, especially thosewho are Air Force retirees, often con-tribute to the cause.

“It’s strictly Air Force people help-ing the Air Force family,” he said.

“That’s what makes it such a fantasticprogram.”

Major Pfeil said key workers willcontinue to contact personnel at workand many organizations will have unitfundraisers beginning April 25 to ben-efit the campaign.

Lieutenant Waterworth said theamount Airmen contribute is up to them.

“It ’s what they feel they can

donate,” he said. “Some Airmendonate a lot, but every little bit helpsus meet our goal and meet the AirForce’s needs.”

Lieutenant Waterworth said that,despite bad economic times, Airmen’scontributions continue to increase.

“It shows great understanding that it’snow more important than ever to donateto this cause,” he said.

Photo by Don LindseyChief Master Sgt. James Cody, Air Education and Training Command command chief, speaks toattendees at the Air Force Assistance Fund kick off breakfast March 25 th the Parr O’Club.

Randolph AFAF campaign on track to meet local goal

Eleven Senior Airmen graduated from the Joint BaseSan Antonio Airman Leadership School GraduationCeremony on April 5 at the Gateway Club at LacklandAFB. The Airmen successfully completed 24 academicduty-days consisting of 192 hours of classroom instruc-tion in Supervisory Communicator, Supervisor ofAirman, Military Professional and ExpeditionaryAirman. Three of these Airmen were presented specialawards during the ceremony.

Senior Airman Daisy Santos, 882nd Training SupportSquadron, earned the John L. Levitow Award, whileSenior Airman Amanda Finigan, 902nd Force SupportSquadron, was awarded the Commandant Award.Senior Airman Kenneth Blum, 902nd Civil EngineerSquadron, received the Academic Award.

Other graduates were:Senior Airman Brittany RichardsonAir Force Personnel Center

Senior Airman Christopher Altman359th Medical Operations SquadronSenior Airman Matthew BeezleyAFPCSenior Airman Joseph Gaffney III902nd CESSenior Airman MaryLou Gomez902nd FSSSenior Airman David Rachwalik902nd Comptroller SquadronSenior Airman Joseph Reillo Jr902nd Security Forces SquadronSenior Airman Taniza Sultana359th Aerospace Medicine Squadron

The guest speaker for the ceremo-ny was Chief Master Sgt. Tyrone Davis, 59thOrthopedics and Rehabilitation Squadron superin-tendent. The ALS is affiliated with the Community

College of the Air Force through Enlisted ProfessionalMilitary Education. The graduates are awarded 10semester hours towards a CCAF degree.

Eleven graduate from Gaylor Airman Leadership School

Senior AirmanDaisy Santos

Senior AirmanAmanda Finigan

Senior AirmanKenneth Blum

PAGE 7WINGSPREADAPRIL 15, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 6 APRIL 15, 2011

RAFB Easter Egg Hunt Event: April 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the base exchange food court ... activities ... cookie decorating, music, coloring, games and prizes ... 99 cent kid’s meals ... family fun

By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

A team from Joint Base San Antonio will take partin a two-mile walk Saturday morning at SanAntonio’s AT&T Center Sombrilla that will raiseawareness of a developmental disability that affectsan estimated one in 110 children in the UnitedStates.

A month-long display at Randolph ElementarySchool is educating students about the disorder anda book reading by two parents planned for Tuesdaywill help students better understand the disabilityand accept people who are different.

April is Autism Awareness Month, an observancethat focuses on the autism spectrum disorders thataffect a child’s behavior, social and communicationskills. According to the Autism Society of America,autism typically appears during the first three yearsof life and is defined by a certain set of behaviorssuch as lack of delay in spoken language, repetitiveuse of language and/or motor mechanisms, little orno eye contact, lack of spontaneous or make-believeplay, lack of interest in peer relationships and per-sistent fixation on parts of objects.

The disabilities, which include autistic disorder,Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmentaldisorder-not otherwise specified, are lifelong condi-tions, though children diagnosed with one of thedisorders can progress developmentally and learnnew skills.

Autism is so prevalent that it is one of the mostcommon diagnoses of children whose families areenrolled in the Air Force’s Exceptional FamilyMember Program, which supports active-duty spe-cial needs families. The program’s goal is to preventactive-duty assignment failures due to lack ofresources for special needs family members.

“The majority of the parents I see have childrenwith autism,” said Tracy Bramlett, 902nd ForceSupport Squadron Exceptional Family Member

Program coordinator. Ms. Bramlett, who will be part of the JBSA team

that is signed up for the seventh annual Walk forAutism San Antonio, said she fills the EFMP familysupport function, providing families with informa-tion and the names of community resources as wellas organizing support groups and events that edu-cate and entertain special needs families.

“Some military members think being in the EFMPis a stigma, that it will hinder them in their assign-ments,” she said. “That’s not the case. We ensurespecial-needs family members will have theresources they need because we don’t want any-thing to prevent military members from accom-plishing their mission.”

Ms. Bramlett said she also talks to parents who arenot yet in the EFMP but express concern their chil-dren are not reaching developmental milestones, oneof the signs of autism. She said parents should talk totheir primary care provider if they suspect their childis autistic because early intervention is important inthe treatment of the disorder.

“I’ve had parents say there’s something there andthey want to get their child assessed,” she said.

Ms. Bramlett said the San Antonio area has a lotto offer for active-duty families with autistic chil-dren because of ample resources in the community;special education services provided on theRandolph Field Independent School District cam-puses, where there are 14 students identified asautistic; and the oversight of the Randolph MedicalClinic, which has its own special needs advocate,clinical nurse Denise Ulrich.

Maj. Barbara Dauerty, a physician assistant andspecial needs coordinator at the clinic, said one of herroles is to make sure special needs families areenrolled in the EFMP.

“When people PCS in, they fill out a form andidentify special needs family members,” she said.“I make sure they touch base with Denise andTracy so they will know there are resources avail-able in the community. I also make sure theproviders on base know about the families. Whatreally has to happen is to coordinate the provider,schools and specialty disciplines so families aregetting the help they need.”

Major Dauerty said Ms. Ulrich and Ms. Bramlett areleading an effort to bring more services to autisticfamily members at Randolph.

“There’s no way at the present time to get the serv-ices in one place, but soon we hope to bring speech,occupational and physical therapy services all underone roof,” she said.

Major Dauerty said having a special needs advocateis an example of the military’s improved response tofamilies with members who have autism or other dis-abilities.

“That’s the beauty of having a special needs pro-gram,” she said. “Somebody has overview, so theyhave a better idea of what’s going on.”

For more information or to register for the seventhannual Walk for Autism San Antonio, visit walk-forautismsa.com.

To speak to the Randolph Pediatric Clinic specialneeds advocate, call 652-2543.

AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

EFMP, Randolph clinic help families with autistic children“We ensure special-needs

family members will have theresources they need because wedon’t want anything to preventmilitary members from accom-

plishing their mission.”Tracy Bramlett

902nd Force Support Squadron Exceptional Family Member Programcoordinator

By Brian McGloin502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

When local organizations want to request a mem-ber of the Air Force to speak at an event, they gothrough the speaker’s bureau, a function of publicaffairs, to make arrangements.

Susan Gandy, 502nd Air Base Wing OL-B PublicAffairs Civic Outreach coordinator, said “thespeaker’s bureau is a good way to maintain goodcommunity relations,” she said. “It’s a good wayto get our Airmen and our people invited into thecommunity; it’s an opportunity to tell the AirForce story.

“When we send an Airman out to the community itcan be a great recruiting tool. These folks talk abouttheir careers. It’s a way to plant seeds about what AirForce jobs are available.”

The majority of the speaker’s bureau requests comefrom schools where students may want to know whata potential Air Force career may hold and fromreunion groups where the attendees may want toknow about what has changed since their days.

“We get requests from organizations like theKiwanis, Rotary and other civic organizations,” Ms.Gandy said. “We bring our commanders to chambersof commerce meetings. Civic leaders are very loyal toour leaders and military.”

She said public affairs has a list of speakers withspecific interests or career fields and with enoughnotice, can usually find a speaker for a requestedevent. In addition, the public affairs civic outreachoffice keeps a record of who spoke where andother statistics.

“Many of the organizations ask for specific speak-ers, or ones with specific areas of expertise,” she said.“They speak at school functions, career days and var-ious business organizations around the city.”

Typically, a representative from an organization

requesting a speaker contacts public affairs civic outreach.In addition to the speaker’s bureau, civic outreach

has a judge’s program where Air Force personnel canvolunteer as judges for school and community con-tests and functions.

“Our people volunteer to judge science fairs andacademic competitions,” Ms. Gandy said.

Public affairs welcomes people from the commu-nity to visit Randolph to see what the Air Force doesand to get a closer look at the aircraft, people andfacilities. This is done through the tour escort pro-gram where base personnel volunteer to work astour guides. Tour groups are as diverse as the peo-ple on base and can be civic leaders from all overthe country, church groups, school groups, juniorROTC and Employer Support of the Guard andReserve. ESGR is a program to show civilianemployers of guard and reserve Airmen what theirpeople do as well as other support.

Public affairs provides tour escort training and thechance to ride along tours until escorts feel ready todo it alone.

Tours are tailored to the needs and interests of thegroup and briefers are provided at the various stopsand tour locations.

For more information about base tours, speaker’sbureau or judge’s program, call the 502nd ABW OL-Bpublic affairs civic outreach office at 652-4407.

Base plays active role in community with civic outreach“When we send an Airman out tothe community it can be a greatrecruiting tool. These folks talkabout their careers. It’s a way toplant seeds about what Air Force

jobs are available.”

Susan Gandy502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs Civic Outreach

coordinator

“They know what to do. (They) make the ceremonylook perfect for the family because that’s the mostimportant thing,” Sergeant Martinez said. “You getone shot when you go out there for a funeral and youwant it to be perfect.”

The base honor guard training program standard-izes ceremonies and the manner in which they areperformed from base to base across the Air Force. Itkeeps team members current on changes, provides ahands-on approach, instills confidence and is anopportunity for questions to be answered by theUSAF Honor Guard team.

Senior Airman Valerie Tyler, 59th Medical Wing,said JBSA Honor Guard flights will benefit from thosemembers who participated in the training.

“It’s going to bring us together as a whole,” saidAirman Tyler, a flight trainer at Lackland andJBSA Honor Guard Junior Enlisted member of theyear. “We’ll all be on the same page and that’svery important.”

By standardizing military funeral services through-out the Air Force, Sergeant Martinez said the train-ing program helps make execution universal for AirForce base honor guard members.

“The military funeral honors you’re renderingshould be executed with the same precision as wedo at Arlington (National Cemetery) whetheryou’re base honor guard, Air Force Honor Guard,wherever you go,” she said. “Whether it’s a veter-an, a retiree or a full active-duty funeral, every-thing needs to be perfect.”

HONOR GUARD from P4 The Joy of Reading

Senior Airman RachelMeyer, 902ndCommunicationsSquadron, reads tosecond-graders at SchertzElementary School April 8.Military members fromRandolph Air Force Base,Lackland AFB and Ft.Sam Houston visitedSchertz Elementary Schoolas part of a Joint Base SanAntonio initiative toencourage reading byvisiting different schools inthe area and reading tostudents.Photo by Don Lindsey

PAGE 7WINGSPREADAPRIL 15, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 6 APRIL 15, 2011

RAFB Easter Egg Hunt Event: April 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the base exchange food court ... activities ... cookie decorating, music, coloring, games and prizes ... 99 cent kid’s meals ... family fun

By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

A team from Joint Base San Antonio will take partin a two-mile walk Saturday morning at SanAntonio’s AT&T Center Sombrilla that will raiseawareness of a developmental disability that affectsan estimated one in 110 children in the UnitedStates.

A month-long display at Randolph ElementarySchool is educating students about the disorder anda book reading by two parents planned for Tuesdaywill help students better understand the disabilityand accept people who are different.

April is Autism Awareness Month, an observancethat focuses on the autism spectrum disorders thataffect a child’s behavior, social and communicationskills. According to the Autism Society of America,autism typically appears during the first three yearsof life and is defined by a certain set of behaviorssuch as lack of delay in spoken language, repetitiveuse of language and/or motor mechanisms, little orno eye contact, lack of spontaneous or make-believeplay, lack of interest in peer relationships and per-sistent fixation on parts of objects.

The disabilities, which include autistic disorder,Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmentaldisorder-not otherwise specified, are lifelong condi-tions, though children diagnosed with one of thedisorders can progress developmentally and learnnew skills.

Autism is so prevalent that it is one of the mostcommon diagnoses of children whose families areenrolled in the Air Force’s Exceptional FamilyMember Program, which supports active-duty spe-cial needs families. The program’s goal is to preventactive-duty assignment failures due to lack ofresources for special needs family members.

“The majority of the parents I see have childrenwith autism,” said Tracy Bramlett, 902nd ForceSupport Squadron Exceptional Family Member

Program coordinator. Ms. Bramlett, who will be part of the JBSA team

that is signed up for the seventh annual Walk forAutism San Antonio, said she fills the EFMP familysupport function, providing families with informa-tion and the names of community resources as wellas organizing support groups and events that edu-cate and entertain special needs families.

“Some military members think being in the EFMPis a stigma, that it will hinder them in their assign-ments,” she said. “That’s not the case. We ensurespecial-needs family members will have theresources they need because we don’t want any-thing to prevent military members from accom-plishing their mission.”

Ms. Bramlett said she also talks to parents who arenot yet in the EFMP but express concern their chil-dren are not reaching developmental milestones, oneof the signs of autism. She said parents should talk totheir primary care provider if they suspect their childis autistic because early intervention is important inthe treatment of the disorder.

“I’ve had parents say there’s something there andthey want to get their child assessed,” she said.

Ms. Bramlett said the San Antonio area has a lotto offer for active-duty families with autistic chil-dren because of ample resources in the community;special education services provided on theRandolph Field Independent School District cam-puses, where there are 14 students identified asautistic; and the oversight of the Randolph MedicalClinic, which has its own special needs advocate,clinical nurse Denise Ulrich.

Maj. Barbara Dauerty, a physician assistant andspecial needs coordinator at the clinic, said one of herroles is to make sure special needs families areenrolled in the EFMP.

“When people PCS in, they fill out a form andidentify special needs family members,” she said.“I make sure they touch base with Denise andTracy so they will know there are resources avail-able in the community. I also make sure theproviders on base know about the families. Whatreally has to happen is to coordinate the provider,schools and specialty disciplines so families aregetting the help they need.”

Major Dauerty said Ms. Ulrich and Ms. Bramlett areleading an effort to bring more services to autisticfamily members at Randolph.

“There’s no way at the present time to get the serv-ices in one place, but soon we hope to bring speech,occupational and physical therapy services all underone roof,” she said.

Major Dauerty said having a special needs advocateis an example of the military’s improved response tofamilies with members who have autism or other dis-abilities.

“That’s the beauty of having a special needs pro-gram,” she said. “Somebody has overview, so theyhave a better idea of what’s going on.”

For more information or to register for the seventhannual Walk for Autism San Antonio, visit walk-forautismsa.com.

To speak to the Randolph Pediatric Clinic specialneeds advocate, call 652-2543.

AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

EFMP, Randolph clinic help families with autistic children“We ensure special-needs

family members will have theresources they need because wedon’t want anything to preventmilitary members from accom-

plishing their mission.”Tracy Bramlett

902nd Force Support Squadron Exceptional Family Member Programcoordinator

By Brian McGloin502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

When local organizations want to request a mem-ber of the Air Force to speak at an event, they gothrough the speaker’s bureau, a function of publicaffairs, to make arrangements.

Susan Gandy, 502nd Air Base Wing OL-B PublicAffairs Civic Outreach coordinator, said “thespeaker’s bureau is a good way to maintain goodcommunity relations,” she said. “It’s a good wayto get our Airmen and our people invited into thecommunity; it’s an opportunity to tell the AirForce story.

“When we send an Airman out to the community itcan be a great recruiting tool. These folks talk abouttheir careers. It’s a way to plant seeds about what AirForce jobs are available.”

The majority of the speaker’s bureau requests comefrom schools where students may want to know whata potential Air Force career may hold and fromreunion groups where the attendees may want toknow about what has changed since their days.

“We get requests from organizations like theKiwanis, Rotary and other civic organizations,” Ms.Gandy said. “We bring our commanders to chambersof commerce meetings. Civic leaders are very loyal toour leaders and military.”

She said public affairs has a list of speakers withspecific interests or career fields and with enoughnotice, can usually find a speaker for a requestedevent. In addition, the public affairs civic outreachoffice keeps a record of who spoke where andother statistics.

“Many of the organizations ask for specific speak-ers, or ones with specific areas of expertise,” she said.“They speak at school functions, career days and var-ious business organizations around the city.”

Typically, a representative from an organization

requesting a speaker contacts public affairs civic outreach.In addition to the speaker’s bureau, civic outreach

has a judge’s program where Air Force personnel canvolunteer as judges for school and community con-tests and functions.

“Our people volunteer to judge science fairs andacademic competitions,” Ms. Gandy said.

Public affairs welcomes people from the commu-nity to visit Randolph to see what the Air Force doesand to get a closer look at the aircraft, people andfacilities. This is done through the tour escort pro-gram where base personnel volunteer to work astour guides. Tour groups are as diverse as the peo-ple on base and can be civic leaders from all overthe country, church groups, school groups, juniorROTC and Employer Support of the Guard andReserve. ESGR is a program to show civilianemployers of guard and reserve Airmen what theirpeople do as well as other support.

Public affairs provides tour escort training and thechance to ride along tours until escorts feel ready todo it alone.

Tours are tailored to the needs and interests of thegroup and briefers are provided at the various stopsand tour locations.

For more information about base tours, speaker’sbureau or judge’s program, call the 502nd ABW OL-Bpublic affairs civic outreach office at 652-4407.

Base plays active role in community with civic outreach“When we send an Airman out tothe community it can be a greatrecruiting tool. These folks talkabout their careers. It’s a way toplant seeds about what Air Force

jobs are available.”

Susan Gandy502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs Civic Outreach

coordinator

“They know what to do. (They) make the ceremonylook perfect for the family because that’s the mostimportant thing,” Sergeant Martinez said. “You getone shot when you go out there for a funeral and youwant it to be perfect.”

The base honor guard training program standard-izes ceremonies and the manner in which they areperformed from base to base across the Air Force. Itkeeps team members current on changes, provides ahands-on approach, instills confidence and is anopportunity for questions to be answered by theUSAF Honor Guard team.

Senior Airman Valerie Tyler, 59th Medical Wing,said JBSA Honor Guard flights will benefit from thosemembers who participated in the training.

“It’s going to bring us together as a whole,” saidAirman Tyler, a flight trainer at Lackland andJBSA Honor Guard Junior Enlisted member of theyear. “We’ll all be on the same page and that’svery important.”

By standardizing military funeral services through-out the Air Force, Sergeant Martinez said the train-ing program helps make execution universal for AirForce base honor guard members.

“The military funeral honors you’re renderingshould be executed with the same precision as wedo at Arlington (National Cemetery) whetheryou’re base honor guard, Air Force Honor Guard,wherever you go,” she said. “Whether it’s a veter-an, a retiree or a full active-duty funeral, every-thing needs to be perfect.”

HONOR GUARD from P4 The Joy of Reading

Senior Airman RachelMeyer, 902ndCommunicationsSquadron, reads tosecond-graders at SchertzElementary School April 8.Military members fromRandolph Air Force Base,Lackland AFB and Ft.Sam Houston visitedSchertz Elementary Schoolas part of a Joint Base SanAntonio initiative toencourage reading byvisiting different schools inthe area and reading tostudents.Photo by Don Lindsey

PAGE 9WINGSPREADAPRIL 15, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 8 APRIL 15, 2011

RetirementCongratulations to Lt. Col. David Gillihan, Air Education and

Training Command, on his retirement.

Military Personnel Section closureThe Military Personnel Section (to include the ID card office)

closes Monday for an official function. For more information, call2nd Lt. Scott Davis at 652-7489.

The Holocaust Days of Remembrance fundraiserThe Holocaust Days of Remembrance fundraiser takes place

Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the commissary courtyard.The Randolph community is invited to attend and grilled kosher hotdogs will be available for purchase. Proceeds will go towards aHolocaust Days of Remembrance ceremony in May. For more infor-mation, call Nicole Brundige at 652-9108.

2011 Excellence in Competition Pistol MatchLackland Air Force Base hosts an Excellence in Competition

Pistol Match May 21 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Medina FiringRange. All acitive-duty U.S. military members are eligible to com-pete. Competitors must be in uniform and present a military ID.

To registration by May 7, e-mail michael.love.5@us.af.mil andcc matthew.viggato.1@us.af.mil with the following information:name, rank, government email, base and unit.

Moving household goods procedureTo ensure quality customer service during the upcoming sum-

mer season, the 902nd Logistics Readiness Squadron traffic man-agement office requests a three-week notice on the packing andshipping of all personal property.

For more information on preparing for a move or to schedulepacking and shipping, call the 902nd LRS TMO at 652-1848 or652-1849.

Couples retreatThe Randolph Chaplain Service and the Airman and Family

Readiness Center sponsors their quarterly couples retreat May13-15 at the T Bar M Resort and Conference Center in NewBraunfels, Texas.

The retreat is free to families of servicemembers who havereturned from deployment. Call 652-5321 to sign up.

Health and wellness extravaganzaRandolph Field Independent School District hosts a Health and

Wellness Extravaganza April 30.The event begins with a Family Fun Walk at 8:30 a.m. at

Heritage Park, followed by the Health and Wellness Fair atRandolph Elementary School.

For more information, or to register an exhibit, call KatieHodgkins at 357-2477.

Base BRIEFS

“Drive Angry” (R)Nicolas Cage, Amber Heard

Today @ 7 p.m.

“Hall Pass” (R)Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis

Saturday @ 6 p.m.

“The Adjustment Bureau” (PG-13)Matt Damon, Emily Blunt

Sunday @ 3 p.m.

NOW SHOWING atthe Randolph Theater

$4.50 for adults - $2.25 for children 0-11

For a complete listing of base briefs,visit www.randolph.af.mil

Duty Title:NCO in charge of network protectionHometown:San Antonio, TexasHobbies:Family time, games with friends, sports – basketball,volleyball, swimming, salsa dancing and singingGreatest Accomplishment:Dedicating my life to Christ, which has given me truepurpose and inspirationPersonal Inspiration:The Lord Jesus Christ, my loving husband, my par-ents and siblings have inspired my life in a way thathelped me to become the person I am nowGoals:I’d love to become a physician’s assistant

Pet Peeve:People that don’t know how to control their angerPersonal Motto:To the world you may be just one person but to oneperson, you may be the world.Commander’s Comments:“Staff Sgt. Nefertari Moore has been instrumental indeveloping the Air Force’s newest IntelligenceTraining Program for student aviators in the 558thFlying Training Squadron. Her positive attitude andcommitment to service are evident to everyone sheworks with. Sergeant Moore is enthusiastic andalways willing to help others. I am very thankful tohave her on our team.”

Lt. Col. Bryan Runkle558th Flying Training Squadron commander

Staff Sgt. Nefertari Moore558th Flying Training Squadron

Photo by Airman Alexis Siekert

Catholic Holy Week Schedule• Stations of the Cross, today at 5 p.m. • Palm Sunday Vigil, Saturday at 5:30 p.m. • Palm Sunday Mass, Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and noon• Holy Thursday Mass, April 21 at 5 p.m.• Good Friday Stations of the Cross, April 22 at 5 p.m.• Good Friday Veneration of the Cross, April 22 at 6 p.m.• Holy Saturday Mass, April 23 at 7 p.m.• Easter Sunday Mass, April 24, 8:30 and 11:30 a.m.All Catholic Services and Masses will be held atthe Religious Activity Center, Bldg. 975Protestant Easter Schedule• Protestant Easter Service, 10 a.m. in theRandolph Air Force Base Theater, Bldg. 100

Randolph ChapelHoly Week/Easter Schedule

Famaganza Family FunSaturday, April 16 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Randolph Youth Programs, Bldg. 585

Free and open to all DoD ID cardholdersEaster egg hunts start at 10:15 a.m., games, crafts and activities ...

lunch from 11a.m to 1 p.m.

Randolph community connects with base Public AffairsWant to get in touch with the RandolphAir Force Base Public Affairs office?Here’s how!

Public Affairs inboxpublic.affairs@us.af.mil

Wingspread502ABW.pa.wingspread@us.af.mil

Main Gate Marqueerandolph.marquee@us.af.mil

Straight Talk line652-SHOW (7469)

Multimedia Customer Service652-4226

Call the RAFB Public Affairs office directly at 652-4410.

PAGE 9WINGSPREADAPRIL 15, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 8 APRIL 15, 2011

RetirementCongratulations to Lt. Col. David Gillihan, Air Education and

Training Command, on his retirement.

Military Personnel Section closureThe Military Personnel Section (to include the ID card office)

closes Monday for an official function. For more information, call2nd Lt. Scott Davis at 652-7489.

The Holocaust Days of Remembrance fundraiserThe Holocaust Days of Remembrance fundraiser takes place

Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the commissary courtyard.The Randolph community is invited to attend and grilled kosher hotdogs will be available for purchase. Proceeds will go towards aHolocaust Days of Remembrance ceremony in May. For more infor-mation, call Nicole Brundige at 652-9108.

2011 Excellence in Competition Pistol MatchLackland Air Force Base hosts an Excellence in Competition

Pistol Match May 21 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Medina FiringRange. All acitive-duty U.S. military members are eligible to com-pete. Competitors must be in uniform and present a military ID.

To registration by May 7, e-mail michael.love.5@us.af.mil andcc matthew.viggato.1@us.af.mil with the following information:name, rank, government email, base and unit.

Moving household goods procedureTo ensure quality customer service during the upcoming sum-

mer season, the 902nd Logistics Readiness Squadron traffic man-agement office requests a three-week notice on the packing andshipping of all personal property.

For more information on preparing for a move or to schedulepacking and shipping, call the 902nd LRS TMO at 652-1848 or652-1849.

Couples retreatThe Randolph Chaplain Service and the Airman and Family

Readiness Center sponsors their quarterly couples retreat May13-15 at the T Bar M Resort and Conference Center in NewBraunfels, Texas.

The retreat is free to families of servicemembers who havereturned from deployment. Call 652-5321 to sign up.

Health and wellness extravaganzaRandolph Field Independent School District hosts a Health and

Wellness Extravaganza April 30.The event begins with a Family Fun Walk at 8:30 a.m. at

Heritage Park, followed by the Health and Wellness Fair atRandolph Elementary School.

For more information, or to register an exhibit, call KatieHodgkins at 357-2477.

Base BRIEFS

“Drive Angry” (R)Nicolas Cage, Amber Heard

Today @ 7 p.m.

“Hall Pass” (R)Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis

Saturday @ 6 p.m.

“The Adjustment Bureau” (PG-13)Matt Damon, Emily Blunt

Sunday @ 3 p.m.

NOW SHOWING atthe Randolph Theater

$4.50 for adults - $2.25 for children 0-11

For a complete listing of base briefs,visit www.randolph.af.mil

Duty Title:NCO in charge of network protectionHometown:San Antonio, TexasHobbies:Family time, games with friends, sports – basketball,volleyball, swimming, salsa dancing and singingGreatest Accomplishment:Dedicating my life to Christ, which has given me truepurpose and inspirationPersonal Inspiration:The Lord Jesus Christ, my loving husband, my par-ents and siblings have inspired my life in a way thathelped me to become the person I am nowGoals:I’d love to become a physician’s assistant

Pet Peeve:People that don’t know how to control their angerPersonal Motto:To the world you may be just one person but to oneperson, you may be the world.Commander’s Comments:“Staff Sgt. Nefertari Moore has been instrumental indeveloping the Air Force’s newest IntelligenceTraining Program for student aviators in the 558thFlying Training Squadron. Her positive attitude andcommitment to service are evident to everyone sheworks with. Sergeant Moore is enthusiastic andalways willing to help others. I am very thankful tohave her on our team.”

Lt. Col. Bryan Runkle558th Flying Training Squadron commander

Staff Sgt. Nefertari Moore558th Flying Training Squadron

Photo by Airman Alexis Siekert

Catholic Holy Week Schedule• Stations of the Cross, today at 5 p.m. • Palm Sunday Vigil, Saturday at 5:30 p.m. • Palm Sunday Mass, Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and noon• Holy Thursday Mass, April 21 at 5 p.m.• Good Friday Stations of the Cross, April 22 at 5 p.m.• Good Friday Veneration of the Cross, April 22 at 6 p.m.• Holy Saturday Mass, April 23 at 7 p.m.• Easter Sunday Mass, April 24, 8:30 and 11:30 a.m.All Catholic Services and Masses will be held atthe Religious Activity Center, Bldg. 975Protestant Easter Schedule• Protestant Easter Service, 10 a.m. in theRandolph Air Force Base Theater, Bldg. 100

Randolph ChapelHoly Week/Easter Schedule

Famaganza Family FunSaturday, April 16 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Randolph Youth Programs, Bldg. 585

Free and open to all DoD ID cardholdersEaster egg hunts start at 10:15 a.m., games, crafts and activities ...

lunch from 11a.m to 1 p.m.

Randolph community connects with base Public AffairsWant to get in touch with the RandolphAir Force Base Public Affairs office?Here’s how!

Public Affairs inboxpublic.affairs@us.af.mil

Wingspread502ABW.pa.wingspread@us.af.mil

Main Gate Marqueerandolph.marquee@us.af.mil

Straight Talk line652-SHOW (7469)

Multimedia Customer Service652-4226

Call the RAFB Public Affairs office directly at 652-4410.

PAGE 11WINGSPREADAPRIL 15, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 10 APRIL 15, 2011

FEATURE

Photo by Airman Alexis SiekertCol. William Mott (left to right), 37th

Training Wing commander, ArmyCol. Robert Bridgford, 502nd

Air Base Wing vicecommander, and Col.Richard Murphy, 12thFlying Training Wingcommander, gatherbefore the Investitureceremony April 9 atAlamo Plaza duringSan Antonio’s two-week celebration ofFiesta.

Randolph militarymaintains high profileduring local eventBy Airman Alexis Siekert502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Randolph is celebrating Fiestaall over “Military City USA” nowthrough Sunday.

Fiesta started off 120 years agoas a small memorial celebrationfor those lost in the battle at theAlamo. Since then, it hasbloomed into a nationally recog-nized festival highlighting Texas’rich culture and heritage.

Fiesta is an 11-day party fea-turing more than 100 events inSan Antonio. All of the eventsare sponsored by nonprofitorganizations making Fiesta aparty with a purpose. Thisyear’s celebrations mark the120th anniversary of Fiesta.

Every year at Randolph,Fiesta kicks off with the AirEducation and TrainingCommand’s Fiesta Reception atthe Parr O’Club on base. Thisevent is hosted annually by theAETC commander. The O’Clubwas decorated by the Officers’Spouses’ Club in festive colors.The commander’s receptiontook place April 6. Gen. EdwardA. Rice, Jr., AETC commander,welcomed Fiesta royalty, theJoint Base San AntonioAmbassadors and other civicleaders onto the base for a prel-ude into the celebrations.

“Fiesta is important to the AirForce in San Antonio because it isimportant to this city,” said JanieSantos chief of Air Education and

Training Command’s civic out-reach division. “In every way weare a part of this community, andwe benefit as much from Fiestaas every other resident. Our fami-lies stand beside other familiesvolunteering their time. We are atevents that celebrate our city andremember the sacrifices made byTexans throughout America’s his-tory. Fiesta is a very visible, col-orful reminder that the militaryand San Antonio form a greatpartnership.”

Following the opening ceremo-ny, Air Force personnel fromRandolph have attended Fiestaevents in San Antonio all week.

“San Antonio really embracesthe military community,” saidKelly Parsons, Air ForceRecruiting Service Public Affairs.“Senior leadership is invited tomany of the events and it’s a treatfor everyone involved.”

Wednesday night, General Ricetook part in Fiesta in Blue, the AirForce Musical Extravaganza, inthe Laurie Auditorium at TrinityUniversity. The Air Force Band ofthe West performed as a tributeto all servicemembers.

“The military’s involvement inFiesta and the city itself is some-thing unique to San Antonio,” Ms.Parsons said. “Military memberswon’t always have this kind ofrelationship with the communityoff base in other locations.”

For more information on Fiestaand events this weekend, visitwww.fiesta-sa.org.

Gen. Edward A.Rice Jr., Air

Education andTraining Command

commander (centerright), and his wife,Teresa (right), greet

King Antonio, BillMitchell (left), and

El Rey Feo, BillDrain, at

Randolph’s Fiestareception April 6.

Fiesta is an annualtwo-week celebra-

tion held in SanAntonio.

Photo by Joel Martinez

Photo by Joel MartinezThe Randolph Honor Guard posts the colors at the Fiesta reception April 6 at the Parr O'Club.

Photo by Joel MartinezStaff Sgt. Jillian Pass and Maj. Paul Ferguson, Joint Base San Antonio Air Force ambassadors, arrive at theFiesta reception April 6, which kicked off Randolph’s observance of the local event.

Photo by David TerryJoint Base San Antonio’s military ambassa-dors wave to the crowd during the FiestaRiver Parade Monday on the San AntonioRiver Walk.

PAGE 13WINGSPREADAPRIL 15, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 12 APRIL 15, 2011

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

Anointed Steps, Randolph’s praise dancing teamis seeking new members.

The group’s mission is to ”bring glory to Godthrough dance.” Praise dancing is the act of usingyour body to worship. Styles include modern, ballet,lyrical and hip- hop, prophetic and intercessory.Dances range from the spontaneity of one person tochoreographed dances with numerous participants.Oftentimes streamers, flags and banners, and tam-bourines are used to further express one’s praise.

Carol Griffin directs the program, which is organ-ized into three groups based on age: 21 and up,teens 13-18 and youth. Membership is free. All thatis required are time, energy and dedication.

“There aren’t tryouts, but there is a wait periodfor orientation to see if the participant is willing tocome to practices on time and also to experiencethe mission,” said Patricia Quayyim, Anointed Stepsmember. “It gives them a chance to immerse them-selves and really see what it’s like before they com-mit themselves.”

Ms. Quayyim, who has a teenage daughter who alsoparticipates in Anointed Steps, said, “I think it’s won-derful to be able to worship God and offer Him praisein such a different way; being a part of this organiza-tion is a wonderful fellowship. We are like family. Inthe military you’re away from family a lot and comingtogether to worship God has turned us into a family.” Ms. Griffin said for her “it’s like having sisters here.

“My sisters aren’t here,” she said. “I look forwardto the practices because I know they’re going to bethere. We have fun. We laugh a lot. It’s good.”

The orientation period lasts approximately amonth, but during the interim, future membersare allowed to experience what being a member isall about.

“When I first joined Anointed Steps, I didn’t per-form for four, maybe five weeks, but what I did wasto stand in and learn the song,” Ms. Quayyim said. “Ihad to learn the song as if I was going to ministerwith them, but I didn’t. That was just to give me achance to grasp the dance and to actually find out if Ihad the time to commit. Also, I think it gave Carol achance to see if I was serious in my worship for Godand my desire to be a part of Anointed Steps.”

Ms. Griffin choreographs the dances for the wor-ship team and although they are currently in highdemand, she gives all of the credit to God.

“When I saw the ministering I was really movedand I was shocked to find out that she has no formaltraining,” said Ms. Quayyim.

Ms. Griffin relies completely on her natural tal-ent to choreograph the movements for the rest ofthe members.

“It’s all God,” she said. “At times I think a song ormovement is correct but it doesn’t come togetherproperly and so I have to change it to fit a greaterpurpose.”

Anointed Steps has participated in the pre-march

Martin Luther King program, Joint Base San AntonioLegacy Ball, Lackland and Randolph’s Gospel Fest,the National Prayer Luncheon and the LacklandAfrican American Expo at the Lackland Annex andwere a part of the opening program for the CesarChavez march.

“It makes me feel in tune with God,” said Ms.Quayyim. “I am giving him praise and worship andhe accepts it. Some songs that we minister to aremore personal than others. I feel like I’m an instru-ment of God and he’s using me and accepting mypraise. Sometimes after we minister someone willcome up to one of us and say ’That was for me. Thatwas what I needed right now in my life.”

Ms. Quayyim said the chapel “is very giving intheir support of us.”

“We have all of the articles of clothing a traditionaldancer would wear, from leotard to tunics,” she said.“We are very grateful for their support of us. Weknow churches who don’t support their praisedancers and they have to come out of their ownpocket. We couldn’t do it without them.”

Practices are held Wednesdays from 5:30-7 p.m.and Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m. at theReligious Activity Center.

The organization is non-denominational, butthey perform at the contemporary service hereonce a month.

To participate in Anointed Steps, please call thechapel at 652-6121 or call Ms. Griffin directly at658-9789.

Women express worship through movement

Photo by Airman 1st Class Precious YettAlexis Quayyin, a youth member of Anointed Steps,performs at the chapel here.

Courtesy photoRandolph’s praise dance team, Anointed Steps, performs at the National Prayer Luncheon April 5.

ADVERTISEMENT

902nd Force Support Squadron Briefs

PAGE 13WINGSPREADAPRIL 15, 2011WINGSPREADPAGE 12 APRIL 15, 2011

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

Anointed Steps, Randolph’s praise dancing teamis seeking new members.

The group’s mission is to ”bring glory to Godthrough dance.” Praise dancing is the act of usingyour body to worship. Styles include modern, ballet,lyrical and hip- hop, prophetic and intercessory.Dances range from the spontaneity of one person tochoreographed dances with numerous participants.Oftentimes streamers, flags and banners, and tam-bourines are used to further express one’s praise.

Carol Griffin directs the program, which is organ-ized into three groups based on age: 21 and up,teens 13-18 and youth. Membership is free. All thatis required are time, energy and dedication.

“There aren’t tryouts, but there is a wait periodfor orientation to see if the participant is willing tocome to practices on time and also to experiencethe mission,” said Patricia Quayyim, Anointed Stepsmember. “It gives them a chance to immerse them-selves and really see what it’s like before they com-mit themselves.”

Ms. Quayyim, who has a teenage daughter who alsoparticipates in Anointed Steps, said, “I think it’s won-derful to be able to worship God and offer Him praisein such a different way; being a part of this organiza-tion is a wonderful fellowship. We are like family. Inthe military you’re away from family a lot and comingtogether to worship God has turned us into a family.” Ms. Griffin said for her “it’s like having sisters here.

“My sisters aren’t here,” she said. “I look forwardto the practices because I know they’re going to bethere. We have fun. We laugh a lot. It’s good.”

The orientation period lasts approximately amonth, but during the interim, future membersare allowed to experience what being a member isall about.

“When I first joined Anointed Steps, I didn’t per-form for four, maybe five weeks, but what I did wasto stand in and learn the song,” Ms. Quayyim said. “Ihad to learn the song as if I was going to ministerwith them, but I didn’t. That was just to give me achance to grasp the dance and to actually find out if Ihad the time to commit. Also, I think it gave Carol achance to see if I was serious in my worship for Godand my desire to be a part of Anointed Steps.”

Ms. Griffin choreographs the dances for the wor-ship team and although they are currently in highdemand, she gives all of the credit to God.

“When I saw the ministering I was really movedand I was shocked to find out that she has no formaltraining,” said Ms. Quayyim.

Ms. Griffin relies completely on her natural tal-ent to choreograph the movements for the rest ofthe members.

“It’s all God,” she said. “At times I think a song ormovement is correct but it doesn’t come togetherproperly and so I have to change it to fit a greaterpurpose.”

Anointed Steps has participated in the pre-march

Martin Luther King program, Joint Base San AntonioLegacy Ball, Lackland and Randolph’s Gospel Fest,the National Prayer Luncheon and the LacklandAfrican American Expo at the Lackland Annex andwere a part of the opening program for the CesarChavez march.

“It makes me feel in tune with God,” said Ms.Quayyim. “I am giving him praise and worship andhe accepts it. Some songs that we minister to aremore personal than others. I feel like I’m an instru-ment of God and he’s using me and accepting mypraise. Sometimes after we minister someone willcome up to one of us and say ’That was for me. Thatwas what I needed right now in my life.”

Ms. Quayyim said the chapel “is very giving intheir support of us.”

“We have all of the articles of clothing a traditionaldancer would wear, from leotard to tunics,” she said.“We are very grateful for their support of us. Weknow churches who don’t support their praisedancers and they have to come out of their ownpocket. We couldn’t do it without them.”

Practices are held Wednesdays from 5:30-7 p.m.and Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m. at theReligious Activity Center.

The organization is non-denominational, butthey perform at the contemporary service hereonce a month.

To participate in Anointed Steps, please call thechapel at 652-6121 or call Ms. Griffin directly at658-9789.

Women express worship through movement

Photo by Airman 1st Class Precious YettAlexis Quayyin, a youth member of Anointed Steps,performs at the chapel here.

Courtesy photoRandolph’s praise dance team, Anointed Steps, performs at the National Prayer Luncheon April 5.

ADVERTISEMENT

902nd Force Support Squadron Briefs

SPORTS – HEALTH – FITNESSWINGSPREADPAGE 14 APRIL 15, 2011

Little Renegades registration

Little Renegades is aparent/child program thathelps build confidence inchildren 3-5 years old whilethey learn basic baseballskills. Registration takesplace through April 30 atyouth programs, Bldg. 585.Children must be 3 yearsold by April 1. The cost is$30 per child and the pro-gram runs for six weeksbeginning in May.

Bike fitnessThe Rambler Fitness

Center hosts bike ridesevery Thursday from 11:30a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Theserides focus on improvingfitness, bike handlingskills, riding a pace line,drafting and bike etiquette.Participants will need aroad bike or cyclo-crossbike – no mountain bikesplease. Appropriate cyclingattire and gear arerequired.

Swing for HungerThe Air Force Recruiting

Service Booster Club hostsa “Swing for Hunger” golftournament May 13 at 8a.m. at the Randolph OaksGolf Course. The eventbenefits the San AntonioFood Bank. The cost is $45per person (four personteam) and awards will begiven for longest drive andclosest to the pin. The for-mat is Florida Scramble(best ball) and participantsare encouraged to bring acanned food item. To regis-ter, email Master Sgt. ChrisTomberlin at christopher.tomberlin@us.af.mil.

SportsBRIEFS

By 2nd Lt. Matthew Sanders502nd Air Base Wing OL-B public affairs

While some golfers and their caddiestook a few more practice swings in prepa-ration for the PGA Tour Valero TexasOpen, others traded in their polo shirt,khaki pants and golf cart for a flight suit,helmet and T-38 Talon.

This week, in coordination with theTexas Valero Open taking place at the TPCSan Antonio AT&T Oaks Course, RandolphAFB offered the opportunity for PGA Tourgolfers and their caddies to participate in aonce-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to fly in asupersonic jet.

“My body felt like it was going to explode,”said Joseph Bramlett, who played in his firstprofessional tournament, the U.S. OpenChampionship, the day after he graduatedfrom Stanford University last June.

Other golfers who received T-38 orienta-tion flights included Charley Hoffman, MattMcQuillan, Andres Gonzales, Ben Martin,Michael Thompson, Anders Hansen andScott Gordon.

“Just seeing what the Air Force does toget ready for what they do every day wasgreat,” said Hoffman, who finished in 27thplace at the Masters Tournament this pastweekend. “It was a lot of fun, definitely agreat experience.”

The 12th Operations Group 435thFighter Trainer Squadron equipped thegolfers with everything they needed fortheir orientation flight in the twin-enginejet, including parachute and emergencyegress training.

After being cleared to fly by the flightsurgeon, the golfers were issued flightsuits and flight boots before receivingsafety training. Then, the golfers werecustom-fitted for helmets and G-suits.Finally, the newly trained backseat pilotsprepared for the ride of their lives as theyreceived a mission brief before take-off.

“It was phenomenal,” said A.J.Montecinos, who caddies for Mr. Bramlett.“I gained an unbelievable respect for what[pilots] do. There’s nothing on Earth thatcan prepare someone for that.”

“We’re just sitting in the back, trying tohold on for dear life,” said Michael Collins,Sirius XM Radio PGA Tour Network commen-tator, who also received an orientation flight.“It’s amazing what the pilots can do at thesame time while experiencing all that.”

Randolph is unique in providing this oppor-tunity by allowing more than just high-profile

players to volunteer for the day-long opera-tion. Anyone on the tour who has an interestin the Air Force can participate.

“We offer a unique experience where theycan see what we do on day-to-day missions,”said Lt. Col. Stacey Knutzen, 12th OG deputycommander and head military affairs coordi-nator for the Valero Texas Open. “We don’tjust accommodate high-profile players, butanyone with interest or appreciation.”

“I feel pretty privileged,” said McQuillan,who is one of four Canadian golfers partic-ipating in the tournament. “I might not seethis [opportunity] again, so I had to takeadvantage now.”

The 435th FTS also provided flightlineand T-38 simulator tours to the golfers,including the 2003 PGA Championshipwinner Shaun Micheel.

“The [orientation flights] are popularamong the players,” Colonel Knutzensaid. “It’s amazing how we look at themand see that they do something cool, andthey look back at us and see that we dosomething cool.”

Throughout the tournament’s history, TheValero Texas Open has continued to offerretired and active-duty military personnelvarious special activities and benefits.

The Valero Texas Open hosted “A Night toHonor Our Heroes, Presented by USAA” on

Wednesday. The military appreciation dinnerfeatured a speech from Navy Cross recipientJeremiah Workman, as well as an insight tothe PGA Tour player perspective from ScottMcCarron. Numerous military membersattended, including Col. Andrew Croft, 12thOG commander, and Col. Jimmy Donohue,19th Air Force director of operations.

In partnership with the Valero Texas Open,USAA is also providing free admission to theevent and free parking at Retama Park for allmilitary ID holders (active duty, retired andimmediate family).

In addition, the Valero Texas Open andUSAA are providing complimentary food andbeverages at the USAA Military AppreciationPavilion between the 17th and 18th fairways,as well as providing seating at a privatebleacher section located at the 16th green.

Competition for the 72-hole, four-day offi-cial PGA Tour event began Thursday andcontinues through Sunday.

This year’s field features world-ranked anddefending Valero Texas Open ChampionAdam Scott (17th), Martin Laird (23rd), GeoffOgilvy (29th), Masters Champions Mike Weirand Angel Cabrera and three-time ValeroTexas Open champion, Justin Leonard.

For more ticket and event informationabout the Valero Texas Open, visitwww.valerotexasopen.org.

PGA Tour golfers suit up for T-38 rides

Photo by Steve ThurowLt. Col. Tim Mangan (left to right), 39th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, Joseph Bramlett,rookie golfer on the PGA Tour, A.J. Montecinos, PGA Tour caddie, and Lt. Col. Ki Jackson, 435thFighter Training Squadron instructor pilot, prepare for an incentive flight to familiarize the members ofthe PGA tour with Air Force flying operations at Randolph Monday.