JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH 66th Year • No. 17 • APRIL 27, 2012

INSIDE ... AUTISM AWARENESS, P2 ... SHOPLIFTERS BEWARE, P3 ... FSS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS, P7-10... GETTING PIED, P12

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

PAGE 6

Donations taken through May 4.

See page 5.

APRIL 27, 2012PAGE 2 WINGSPREAD

By Jessica TurnerAir Force Recruiting Public Affairs

I was truly speechless the moment after his delivery. It was within those fi rst 60 seconds when he was placed on my chest that my world complete-ly changed.

Children defi ne the phrase “life alter-ing.” They bring love, panic, laughter, tears, distraction, frustration and every stray animal in the neighborhood, while we pray they teach us the patience to remain calm when they clog the toilet with an entire roll of paper or their sibling’s favorite toy.

When my second boy was born within three years, I prepared for the transi-tion from a nursery to kiddy boot camp. Raised as an only child, I had no idea of the parental ride awaiting.

Although I was overwhelmed as a new mother, the boys seemed to develop on schedule – playing, eating, smiling and depriving me of sleep. Moments of personal peace now only took place dur-ing four-minute showers and the quiet ride to the day care center to pick them up at the end of the day.

Almost two years into what had seemed like a normal parenting experi-ence, things began to drastically change. I started to notice my oldest son react differently to people and noises, throw tantrums and lose what small conver-sation he had begun. I’d hoped it was just the traits of terrible-twos begin-ning a few months early. But as time progressed, his physical behavior and emotional stability digressed.

For a year he would projectile vomit several times a week; throw himself on the ground in a violent tantrum without reason; avoided speaking, eye contact or affection; and played alone if he, in fact, played at all. Only the truly obvi-ous signs bothered me, but doctors explained away the vomiting as gastro-intestinal dysfunction and said it would pass. When he was around 4 years old it fi nally passed, but soon his often violent reactions and behavior kept him out of day cares and created a tremen-

dous concern in our family. I began to lose faith.

It wasn’t until he was 4, when a blessing, who was his pre-school teacher, suggested I have him tested for autism. I instantly thought, ‘no way is my son like Rainman!’ After being on a six-month waiting list to consult with an autism specialist, four three-hour testing sessions and numerous question-naires and counseling sessions, my son’s behavior now had a name – Asperger's syndrome, which is part of the autism spectrum disorders.

The clinical defi nition is “a develop-mental disorder that affects a person’s ability to socialize and communicate with others.” But what made more sense to me were the symptoms – mild digestive issues; few facial expressions; lack of eye contact; lack of empathy and sensitivity to others’ feelings; diffi culty or inability to “read” other people or un-derstand humor; poor coordination; and intense obsessions with specifi c subjects, like baseball statistics or U.S. presidents. No, my son is not a strange oddity who doesn’t know how to laugh and dance, or likes to memorize the dictionary, but simply a kid whose brain coordinates information unlike most.

After my emotions settled, my quest began. How do I “fi x it?” I wanted my son to just “get better,” like getting over a skinned knee, a stomach ache or the common cold. I wanted him to play with his brother and other kids, feel comfort-able enough to hug me again, tell me what he was feeling or thinking and come with us on family outings and not feel threatened or nervous. I simply kept thinking, “why us?”

After many nights of research, “lik-ing” every autism awareness page on Facebook and developing an addiction to Google searches, I discovered many famous and intelligent people were thought to have or had been diagnosed with Asperger’s. The list includes Presi-dent Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein and Bill Gates. Rest assured this gave me no comfort or did it silence my frus-trations; however, it provided me some

faith that we may not cure this, but we can work with it.

He is currently 9 years old and al-though he obsesses about being 19, he also fi nds interest in things that never cease to amuse me. I often share our personal journeys on my Facebook page, like the day I came home from work to fi nd him in nothing but jeans and Chuck Taylors, with marker drawings cover-ing him from his face to belly button. I could not help but laugh when he said he was the rapper Lil’ Wayne and asked when he could get platinum teeth. That phase lasted for months and it created an addiction to rap and R&B music.

Now, when he listens to the radio, he can easily tell you almost every artist in the industry, to include what day they were born. He can also tell you most presidents’ birthdates and the terms they served; will only play specifi c video games; read the same books; and play with the same action fi gures for weeks at a time. Also very common to Asperger’s is asking repeti-tive questions when he already knows the answer, and, because of a common sensory issue in autistic people, he is only comfortable in wearing certain clothing and having his hair cut a cer-tain way. I’m fairly sure he’ll try to use that excuse as a teenager too!

With time, some therapy and medica-tion to help him cope, he is able to hug again, tell me what’s on his mind and fi nd some peace when traveling and being in smaller crowds. Although I still answer repetitive questions from him and remind him when we’re in public that he’s not on stage at a rap concert, my faith is fi nally restored.

I no longer ask ‘why us?’ but instead ‘why not?’ Just like any other child, he still dreams of the future. Currently it’s a tossup between joining the military, becoming a brain surgeon or a famous rap star – although I’m thinking why not president of the United States. Anything he desires will be fi ne with me, as I will continue to not treat him any differently, or ever hold back the endless opportuni-ties of my gifted child.

COMMENTARYLt. Col. Gavin Marks (left), 99th Fly-ing Training Squadron director of op-erations, and Lt. Col. James Fisher, 99th FTS commander, greet Dr. Gran-ville Coggs, Tuskegee Airman, as he arrives at the Taj Mahal Monday for the Tuskegee Heritage Breakfast. For the complete story, see page 6.Photo by Rich McFadden

Parent of autistic child asks ‘why not?’

ON THE COVER

APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

This newspaper is published by Prime Time Military News-papers, a private fi rm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Wingspread are not necessarily the offi cial views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Air Force.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, includ-ing inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or Prime Time Military Newspapers, of the products or services advertised.

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Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Offi ce of JBSA-Randolph. All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.

The deadline for submissions is noon Wednesday the week prior to publication. All submissions can be emailed to 502ABW.pa.wingspread@us.af.mil.

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Joint Base San Antonio-RandolphEditorial Staff

Brig. Gen. Theresa CarterCommander

Marilyn HollidayChief of Public Affairs

Airman 1st Class Alexis SiekertEditor

Senior Airman Precious YettAirman 1st Class Lincoln Korver

Robert Goetz, Alex SalinasStaff Writers

Maggie ArmstrongGraphic Designer

WINGSPREADAPRIL 27, 2012 PAGE 3

Joint Base San AntonioWater Conservation Stage*Stage I restrictions apply

*Based on the current level of the Edwards Aquifer

For complete information on the JBSA Stage I water restrictions, visit the JBSA web site at www.502abw.af.mil and do a search for "stage 1 water restrictions."

JBSA takes the lead

Photo by Brent BollerBrig. Gen. Theresa Carter, Joint Base San Antonio commander, addresses military and city leadership during a Defense Support to Civil Authorities briefing April 18 at the San Antonio Emergency Operations Center at Brooks City-Base. The annual brief-ing addresses the process by which state and local authorities can leverage military resources in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.

By Robert GoetzJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

“You are being watched” is the message as Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph embarks on a campaign to curtail shoplifting at its Army and Air Force Exchange Service retail facilities.

Responding to a spike in shoplifting incidents at AAFES facilities in the first quarter of 2012 – primarily at the base exchange – the 902nd Security Forces Squadron is focusing on prevention in its efforts, including the place-ment of educational poster boards and life-sized cutouts in the BX to warn potential perpetrators they are being watched and will be caught and prosecuted.

Members of the 902nd SFS brought their campaign to Col. Scott Peel, 902nd Mission Support Group command-er, for approval last week, informing him 16 shoplifters were apprehended in this year’s first quarter, more than double the number in the first quarter of 2011.

Senior Airman Celina Reyes, 902nd SFS police ser-vices, said shoplifting incidents take security forces away from their primary missions.

“On average, our patrols are spending at least four hours when responding to a shoplifting, and this is from

the initial call to finalizing paperwork,” she said. “We feel this is totally unacceptable. This is one of the reasons we would like to emphasize the JBSA-Randolph shoplift-ing prevention plan.”

Reyes said the plan calls for placing 2- by 3-foot poster boards on easels in the “high-risk” areas where shoplift-ings are being committed.

“For instance, one would be placed in the power zone section, because that’s where we have a high shoplifting rate,” she said, referring to the area in the BX where video games and electronics are sold. “Additionally, an-other poster board would be placed in the cosmetics and jewelry sections.”

The poster boards, dominated by the images of a pair of handcuffed hands and a perpetrator shoplift-ing and being arrested, reveal 46 shoplifters were apprehended in 2011 and 16 in the first quarter of 2012. The majority were between the ages of 16 and 21 and the shoplifters were equally included between males and females. The boards will be up-dated as shoplifting data changes.

“Our goal is to reduce and try to fully eliminate shop-lifting,” Reyes said. “We also feel this will help us portray our zero tolerance perspective against shoplifting.”

Staff Sgt. Eric Simmons, 902nd SFS police services NCO in charge, said the security forces mission does not allow for a constant presence in high-risk shop-lifting areas, but life-sized cutouts showing a male and a female being arrested will be placed in those locations as a deterrent.

“So, for example, we place one of a staged arrest of a young female in the cosmetics section since that’s where a lot of our incidents take place … along with a male in the power zone,” he said.

Simmons said the crime prevention plan also in-cludes videos and the circulation of fliers – letter-sized versions of the BX poster boards – through three organizations with a youth mission: housing, youth programs and the high school. He said officials of those entities will be briefed.

“We’re going to create a video of the negative impact of shoplifting, also going through the process of a shoplifting incident that an offender would have to go through,” he said.

Simmons said fliers will also be posted outside the BX restrooms and dressing rooms, areas where shoplifters often hide the items they have stolen, and emailed to the base populace.

Security forces focus on prevention to end shoplifting

Joint Base San Antonio Fiesta EventsBattle of Flowers Parade

April 27, 12:45-4 p.m.Downtown parade route

San Antonio, Texas

Fiesta Flambeau ParadeApril 28, 7:45-11 p.m.Downtown parade route

San Antonio, Texas

All Veterans Memorial ServiceApril 29, 1-2 p.m.Veterans Square Auditorium CircleJefferson Street at

East MartinSan Antonio, Texas

For a complete list of events, visit www.fiesta-sa.org.

APRIL 27, 2012PAGE 4 WINGSPREAD

By Lisa DanielAmerican Forces Press Service

The Pentagon’s top civilian and military leaders took their campaign to stop sexual assault in the mili-tary to Capitol Hill April 16, where they announced new initiatives to combat the problem.

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke with reporters after meeting with three members of the House of Representatives who are working on the issue.

“General Dempsey and I consider this a serious problem that needs to be addressed,” Panetta said. “It violates everything the U.S. military stands for.”

Panetta and Dempsey met with Rep. Loretta Sanchez of California, Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio and Rep. Niki Tsongas of Massachusetts. Sanchez chairs the Caucus on Women in the Military, while Turner and Tsongas co-chair the Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus.

“Service members and their families must feel se-cure enough to report this crime without fear of ret-ribution, and commanders must hold offenders ap-propriately accountable,” the secretary said.

One Department of Defense initiative will elevate the level of investigation for the most serious sexual assault allegations. Local unit commanders will be re-quired to report allegations of rape, forcible sodomy and sexual assault, as well as attempts of those of-fenses, to a special court-martial convening authority, usually a colonel or Navy captain.

That change will ensure sexual assault cases receive high-level attention and that cases remain in the chain

of command, Panetta said.The initiatives also include:• Establishing with congressional approval a “spe-

cial victims’ unit” within each service composed of specially trained experts in evidence collection, inter-viewing and working with victims;

• Requiring that sexual assault policies be explained to all service members within 14 days of their entry into active duty;

• Allowing National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been sexually assaulted to remain on active-duty status to obtain the treatment and support af-

forded to active-duty members;• Requiring a record of the outcome of disciplinary

and administrative proceedings related to sexual as-sault and retaining the records centrally;

• Requiring commanders to conduct annual organi-zational climate assessments to measure whether they are meeting the department’s goal of a culture of pro-fessionalism and zero tolerance of sexual assault;

• Enhancing training programs for sexual assault prevention, including training for new military com-manders in handling sexual assault matters; and

• Mandating wider public dissemination of available sexual assault resources, such as DoD’s “Safe Help-line,” a 24/7 helpline via Web, phone or text message operated by the nonprofit Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network.

The helpline, which assisted more than 770 people between April and September last year, is available at 877-995-5247 or http://www.safehelpline.org.

The initiatives build on others announced in the past year that include appointing a two-star general to head the department’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, and expanding legal assistance to military spouses and adult military dependents.

Panetta called the changes “a strong package,” but he added “there is no silver bullet.” All military leaders at every level must understand they have a responsibil-ity to stop sexual assault, he said.

Dempsey said he agrees with the changes because the crime of sexual assault erodes the trust associated with being in the U.S. military.

“We must send the signal that this is not a problem we are going to ignore,” Panetta said.

NEWS

Photo by Erin KirkCuomo Gen. Martin E. Dempsey (left), chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta participate in a press briefing April 16 at the U.S. House of Representa-tives in Washington, D.C.

DoD announces initiatives to stop sexual assault

From 902nd Force Support Squadron

As the Air Force slates its third round of Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay initiatives, Air Force Civilian Personnel Sections across Joint Base San Antonio will survey the civilian workforce to de-termine interest.

“The majority of permanent appro-priated fund civilian employees serviced by the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, Lack-land and Randolph CPS will receive a VERA/VSIP survey letter Tuesday,” San-dy Pyott, 902nd Force Support Squad-ron Civilian Personnel officer, said. “Ci-vilians who won’t be surveyed, per Air Force direction, are employees assigned to positions funded by the Central Sal-ary Account, such as PAQs and Career Broadeners.”

Additionally, re-employed federal re-tirees are not eligible for an incentive and employees in the Student Education Employment Program are likewise not among the survey population.

“It’s important people remember that, as was the case in previous VERA/VSIP initiatives, receipt of a survey and sub-mission of an application does not guar-antee an interested employee will be ap-proved to receive an incentive or retire early,” Brian Carter, 802nd FSS Civilian Personnel officer, said. “Employees are also strongly discouraged from taking premature actions that are irrevocable or incur financial obligations prior to re-ceiving a firm incentive offer from their servicing CPS office.”

After the survey window, CPS will re-view applications to determine where in-voluntary separations can be avoided.

“In order to approve an incentive, we must establish a link documenting the approved incentive and resulting vacan-cy-created placement for an employee whose position has been identified for abolishment,” Pyott explained.

Round III of the VERA/VSIP effort en-tails an option for flexibility not offered in previous rounds. Patty Rivera, 502nd FSS Civilian Personnel officer, said.

This exception will allow for the reassignment of employees across in-stallation lines to a VSIP-created va-cancy. Implementing guidance on the PPP exception is under development and forthcoming.

“Employees who have been notified by management that their position is being abolished will remain in their current positions until notified by their servicing CPS that they have identified a vacancy

in which to place them,” Pyott said. “And, in the event a reduction in force is nec-essary, surplus employees will receive a written RIF notice identifying their place-ment or separation.”

RIF notices must be issued 60 days prior to the effective date of the RIF and will include the date the employee would vacate their current position. The need for RIF will be evaluated after the third VERA/VSIP round.

Employees approved to receive an in-centive in the third round will separate Aug. 31.

For information about civilian employ-ment, voluntary separation programs and other personnel issues, visit the Air Force Personnel Service website at https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil. Questions regarding the VERA/VSIP program should be directed to the servicing CPS.

JBSA Civilian Personnel Section urges employees to take survey

WINGSPREADAPRIL 27, 2012 PAGE 5

By Alex SalinasJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

With recent incidents involving the release of information to the public, such as the case of Bradley Manning, an Army specialist who leaked hundreds of thousands of military files online, Joint Base San Antonio is reiterating the importance of national security as part of the Continuous Evaluation Program.

The program, in effect since 1952, requires commanders, supervisors and individu-als to share responsibilities for compliance and ultimately maintain themselves as trustworthy members of the U.S. government.

“In some of these cases, there were indicators that the person was not reliable or trustworthy in relation to handling sensitive government information,” Debra Chauvin, an information protection security specialist with the 502nd Air Base Wing, said.

A part of the Continuous Evaluation Program’s governing regulations, DoD 5200.2-R, Appendix 8, shows 13 guidelines that can affect a person’s ability to protect information.

The guidelines include allegiance to the U.S.; foreign influence; foreign preference; sexual behavior; personal conduct; financial considerations; alcohol consumption; drug involvement; emotional, mental and personality disorders; criminal conduct; security violations; outside activities; and misuse of information technology systems.

“Whenever someone knows of a person who is involved in a situation under these 13 guidelines, they should report them to their unit security manager, supervisor or commander,” Chauvin said.

While the military promotes camaraderie within its ranks, protecting na-tional security must supersede protecting a colleague’s or friend’s misconduct, Chauvin said.

“In the long run, sensitive information breaches can hurt every U.S. citizen,” she said. “We must all take ownership for our actions, but we must also be watchful of others.”

Some meaningful observations that can reveal potential misconduct regarding sensi-tive information include individuals changing their patterns of behavior and receiving derogatory phone calls from others, especially those outside of uniform.

In Air Force Instruction 31-501, labeled Personnel Security, requirements have been added that a security information file needs to be established if a person misuses a government purchase card or government travel card.

“We as unit commanders and staff agency chiefs have the responsibility to determine if a SIF is necessary with the intent of national security,” Erica Richard, information protection chief with the 502nd ABW, said. “A SIF is not intended to be used as an administrative action or punishment.”

For more information, contact your local information protection office.

Officials warn about information security

Base BRIEFSAFAF project officers seek donations Air Force Assistance Fund donations will be taken through May 4. To donate, contact a unit project officer or the Joint Base San Antonio project officers, Maj. Don Jack at 671-1938 or Master Sgt. James Rogers at 671-4120.

SAPR seeks JBSA victim advocates The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program seeks Joint Base San Antonio active-duty military, Reserve, Na-tional Guard personnel in active status and Department of Defense civilian employees to serve as victim advocates. VAs provide support to victims of sexual assault. Volunteers must attend mandatory 40-hour VA training. Training takes place June 4-8. Email jacqueline.shiflet@us.af.mil for an application. The deadline is May 18.

Credit course to be offeredThe Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Air-

man and Family Readiness Center will offer a five-session Credit When Credit Is Due course May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., at the AFRC, Bldg. 693.

Leadership training scheduledA Joint Base San Antonio leadership

broadcast will be available at a special all-day event May 4, with today being the deadline to register.

Leadercast, a live broadcast from At-lanta featuring world-class speakers, will be shown at all three JBSA installations, including JBSA-Randolph’s Parr Club, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Online registration is open at https://einvitations.afit.edu/inv/anim.cfm?i=103104&k=036141087B53.

NOW SHOWING atJBSA-Randolph Theater

"A Thousand Words" (PG-13)Clark Duke, Cliff Curtis,

Eddie Murphy, Kerry Washington Today at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m.

"Dr. Seuss' The Lorax" (PG)Voices of Zac Efron, Taylor Swift

Sunday at 3 p.m.

$4.50 for adults$2.25 for children 11 and younger

JBSA-Randolph Chapel Schedule

• CATHOLICDaily Mass - Monday-Friday

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

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

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

Sunday Religious Education9:45-11 a.m.

Bldg. 208• PROTESTANT

Traditional Sunday Service8:15 a.m. - Base theater

Contemporary Sunday Service

11 a.m. - Base theaterSunday Religious Education

9:30-10:30 a.m.Bldg. 103

For more information, call the chapel center at 652-6121.

APRIL 27, 2012PAGE 6 WINGSPREAD

By Robert GoetzJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

The release of the fi lm “Red Tails” this year intro-duced many movie-goers to the story of a group of American fi ghter pilots and support personnel who waged a double battle against fascism in Europe and racism in their own country nearly 70 years ago.

This week at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, aviators from the 99th Flying Training Squadron and other members of the base community celebrated the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen, the all-black fi ghter group that distinguished itself with a series of successful missions during World War II, by paying tribute to four of the surviving members of that elite unit and the double victory they achieved.

“These gentlemen are the reason we’re here this morning,” Lt. Col. Jay Fisher, 99th FTS commander, said during the fourth annual Tuskegee Heritage Breakfast at the Taj Mahal. “The sacrifi ces they made on behalf of all of us are truly inspirational. They are true American heroes.”

Fisher, whose squadron traces its lineage back to the Tuskegee Airmen’s 99th Pursuit Squadron and 99th Fighter Squadron, said the honorees’ accom-plishments didn’t end with the war.

“They have some amazing stories of not only what happened back then, but what is happening to them today,” he said. “They are still blazing trails in their respective fi elds and are still really doing great work for our country.”

The breakfast included a showing of the fi lm “Double Victory,” a documentary companion to “Red Tails,” the brainchild of George Lucas, who created the “Star Wars” and Indiana Jones fran-chises. “Double Victory” offers a more true-to-life contrast to the fi ctionalized account of the Tuskegee Airmen depicted in “Red Tails,” telling their story largely through the anecdotes of some of its surviv-ing members, including retired Lt. Cols. Lee Archer and Leo Gray.

Marv Abrams, president of the San Antonio Chap-ter of the Tuskegee Airmen Association, told the au-dience the story of the Tuskegee Airmen “has been one that has been ignored for far too long.”

He said a 1995 HBO movie, which starred Laurence Fishburne, “was the fi rst mention of the Tuskegee Airmen and their extremely outstanding service,” but it was Lucas who was determined to bring their story to the big screen with “Red Tails.”

Abrams said “Red Tails” only told “a piece of the story.”

“There were 15,000 men and women involved in the Tuskegee program,” he said. “The story of the Tuskegee Airmen is not just a story of the fi ghter pilots, it’s also the story of every man and woman

who helped make that program a success … and has opened up so many doors for all Americans. It’s not just a piece of black history, or black American history, it’s a piece of American history overall.”

President Franklin Roosevelt ordered the creation of the fl ight training program, which was based at the all-black college Tuskegee Institute and Tuskeg-ee Army Air Field in Alabama. Its ranks soon swelled into the 332nd Fighter Group, which comprised four squadrons that took part in more than 15,500 sorties and more than 1,500 missions in Europe and North Africa. The pilots excelled in their primary mission, escorting bombers in their red-tailed P-40s and P-51s, and played a crucial role in successes in the European theater, but they also had to fi ght racism and segregation on the home front.

Dr. Granville Coggs, a retired radiologist who was honored at the breakfast along with fellow Tuskeg-ee Airmen Dr. Eugene Derricotte, Thomas Ellis and Warren Eusan, said “Red Tails” and “Double Vic-tory” are a “fantastic documentation” of the trials and triumphs of the black aviators.

“I’m just gratifi ed and appreciative that the story is being told so the younger generations can appre-ciate what’s been done to pave the way for others,” he said.

Coggs called the 99th FTS’ tribute “heart-warm-ing, unexpected and so appreciated.

“In 1935, when I was 10, I saw the movie ‘West Point of the Air,’ which was fi lmed at Randolph,” he said. “I couldn’t have imagined that I would ever be a pilot or to be honored at Randolph. Today, I was able to park in a parking place reserved for me outside the Taj Mahal.”

FEATURE

Photo by Rich McFaddenThe contributions of Tuskegee Airmen Warren Eusan, Thomas Ellis, Dr. Granville Coggs and Dr. Eugene Derricotte were recognized during an event April 23 at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Taj Mahal. The 99th Flying Training Squadron's fourth annual Tuskegee Heritage Breakfast paid tribute to the legacy of the segregated fi ghter group that fought fascism abroad and racism at home during World War II.

“I’m just gratifi ed and appreciative that the story is being told so

the younger generations can appreciate what’s been done to pave the

way for others.”Dr. Granville Coggs

Tuskegee Airman

By Robert Goetz

Base pays tribute to Tuskegee AirmenBase pays tribute to Tuskegee AirmenBase pays tribute to Tuskegee Airmen

WINGSPREADAPRIL 27, 2012 PAGE 7

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APRIL 27, 2012PAGE 10 WINGSPREAD

WINGSPREADAPRIL 27, 2012 PAGE 11

Airman 1st Class Lincoln KorverJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

With times changing and people becoming more aware of how their actions affect the world they live in, recycling should be on the front of everyone’s mind.

Recycling is not only something that can be satisfy-ing, but profi table as well. The outcome of recycling on Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph is simple; it helps earn money for the base and it allows people to live in a cleaner environment.

The Randolph Recycling Center, open now for 10 years, offers services specifi cally to give employees and residents a way to dispose of their recyclables in a con-venient fashion.

“We service all of the buildings on base,” AJ Ash-worth, Randolph Recycling Center technician, said.

Some buildings have recyclables collected on a cer-tain day of the week, he said. Although not every build-ing has a designated pickup day, there are many loca-tions on base that are on call. When their containers are full, employees and residents can contact the Recycling Center for collection.

“Other than recycling, the big picture is saving mon-ey,” David Cason, Randolph Recycling Center manager, said. “Obviously we are trying to help the environment, but it is also a huge cost-saving endeavor. All of the money we generate from the recycling center comes right back into the base.”

Once the recyclables are compiled at the facility, Ca-son hires a company to collect it.

“It's competitive pricing,” he said. “We use the vendor that is going to give us the best prices so we can get the most money for the base.”

Since it can be expensive to dispose of things that are not recyclable, it’s important to fi nd the best deal when choosing between companies, he said.

“You’re still going to have to pay people to get rid of the refuse,” Cason said. “The more you have to bring to the landfi lls, that’s just more money you’re losing.”

Referring to the paper-fi lled garages, Cason said all the material was getting thrown in the garbage 20 years ago. Instead of cans, plastic and paper going in the trash, they can be recycled and reused.

The facility has about eight tan trailers around the base for people to drop off their cardboard, Ashworth said.

Along with the containers around Randolph, people can drop off electronics, toner cartridges and other items at the facility to be recycled.

The more people recycle, less money is wasted and more is earned, Cason said.

“We recycle so much stuff, it’s mind boggling,” he said. “I know there’s a lot of people who live on base and don’t recycle … If you work or you live on base, bring your stuff [recyclables] out to us and we’d love to have it.”

Airman 1st Class Lincoln Korver Once the recyclables are compiled at the facility, Ca-Once the recyclables are compiled at the facility, Ca-

Base recycling program pays dividendsBase recycling program pays dividendsBase recycling program pays dividendsBase recycling program pays dividendsBase recycling program pays dividendsBase recycling program pays dividendsBase recycling program pays dividendsBase recycling program pays dividendsBase recycling program pays dividends

Photo by Airman 1st Class Alexis Siekert Rene Hernandez, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Recycling Center technician, transports recycled paper to be baled April 10 at the center.

• It costs Randolph approximately 11 cents per pound of trash disposed• Randolph disposes of more than 6 million pounds of trash annually• Randolph earns approximately 3 cents per pound of recycled materials• So far in fi scal 2012, Randolph has re-cycled approximately: 1,173,475 pounds of cardboard 541,760 pounds of paper 323,819 pounds of mixed commodities 225,262 pounds of metal 15,630 pounds of plastic and glass

“We recycle so much stuff, it’s mind boggling. I know there’s a lot of people who

live on base and don’t recycle … If you work or

you live on base, bring your stuff [recyclables] out to us and we’d love to have it.”

David CasonRandolph Recycling Center manager

RandolphRecycling Facts

APRIL 27, 2012PAGE 12 WINGSPREAD

SNAPSHOT Photos by Rich McFadden

Master Sgt. Andrea Howard (right), 902nd Comptroller Squadron fi rst sergeant, serves a hot dog to Airman 1st Class Brandon Dixon, Air Force Personnel Center, at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Dorm Community Council’s Pie-in-the-Face cookout April 20.

Airmen fi ll their plates at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Dorm Com-munity Council’s Pie-in-the-Face cookout April 20.

Airman 1st Class Blake Crawer, Air Force Personnel Center, receives a pie in the face from Airman 1st Class Alissa Holub, AFPC, during the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Dorm Community Council’s Pie-in-the-Face cookout April 20.

Col. Scott Peel, 902nd Mission Support Group com-mander, stands with pie on his face as part of a Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Dorm Community Council Pie-in-the-Face cookout April 20.

The Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Dorm Community Council hosted a morale building pie-in-the-face cookout April 20. Randolph fi rst ser-geants sponsored a burger burn for the Airmen while Randolph dorm residents participated in the event by disc jockeying and setting up sporting activities for attendees. Votes of who would receive a pie in the face were counted, and Col. Scott Peel, 902nd Mission Support

Group commander, Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Martin, 902nd MSG superintendent, Master Sgt. Terrence Link, 12th Operations Group fi rst

sergeant, Airman 1st Class Brandon Dixon, Air Force Personnel Center, Airman Blake Crawmer, AFPC, and Airman 1st Class

Derek Milby, AFPC, “won” the honors of getting “pied.”

The Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Dorm Community Council hosted

WINGSPREADAPRIL 27, 2012 PAGE 13

By Jose T. Garza IIIJoint Base San Antonio-Lackland Public Affairs

The slogan for this year’s Fiesta San Anto-nio celebration is “Get Fit for Fiesta.”

Celebrants can enjoy the festivities and still stay trim thanks to some health and fi tness tips from the Warhawk Health and Wellness Center.

“Everyone has their favorite foods, but if you are trying to manage your weight or lose pounds during Fiesta, start your own tradi-tion,” Joanne Villafl or, a registered dietitian at the HAWC, said. “Savor the taste of Fiesta, but enjoy it in moderation.”

There are several ways people can watch their weight during Fiesta; Villafl or recom-mends counting calories.

The My Fitness Pal website is a good tool to use for tracking calories, grams of fat and protein in the variety of cuisine available at Fiesta events during the 11-day celebration.

Villafl or also advised patrons to limit fried turkey leg consumption, a popular Fiesta tradition.

“The turkey leg, although all protein, is not lean protein,” she said. “The dark meat on a turkey leg has anywhere between 400 and 800 calories, depending on how big it is.”

Each serving of turkey has 15 grams of fat according to Villafl or’s research on My Fitness Pal.

“For those people who are on a 2,000-cal-orie diet, they don’t want to exceed 65 grams of fat for the entire day,” she added.

As an option, Fiesta participants can munch on roasted corn without mayon-naise and butter, grilled chicken on a stick or shrimp kabobs.

Partygoers at the Taste of New Orleans event may want to try étouffée, a cajon dish typically served with chicken or shell-fi sh over rice, which contains 250 calories and 14 grams of fat, rather than gumbo, which has more than 300 calories and 27 grams of fat, according to the My Fitness Pal website.

Villafl or recommended carrying fruits and healthy snacks throughout the day to curb the temptation to eat high-calorie foods.

“Watch your portion sizes,” she said. “Share food with your group and carry snacks like protein bars or almonds.”

SportsBRIEFS

Softball planning to begin A pre-season coaches meeting for intramural softball takes place Wednes-day, 3 p.m., at the Rambler Fitness Center. Intramural sports are open to all Depart-ment of Defense ID card holders. Units planning to fi eld a team need to attend this meeting or email Rikk Prado at richard.prado@us.af.mil.

Mini-biathlon to take placeA mini-biathlon takes place

May 12, 7:30 a.m., at Eberle Park. The biathlon starts with a 10-mile bike ride followed by a 5K run. Children can also participate by biking a 5K and running/walking one mile.

Kids run to take place The America’s Kids Run takes place May 19, 9 a.m., at Eberle Park. Five- and 6-year-old chil-dren will run a half-mile, 7- and 8-year-olds will run one mile, and 9- to 13- year-old children and their parents will run two miles. To pre-register by May 17, go to www.americaskidsrun.org, select the “Registration Button” and Randolph Air Force Base. Partici-pants can also register 8:30-9 a.m. the day of the event.

JBSA hosts golf classicJoint Base San Antonio will

hold a three-day golf tourna-ment May 26-28, with round one May 26 at JBSA-Lackland, round two May 27 at Fort Sam Houston and round three May 28 at Randolph Oaks Golf Course.

The entry deadline is May 18. This event is limited to 72 two-player teams. Full payment is due upon registra-tion. There will be an awards banquet May 28 immediately following the tournament. For more information, call 222-9386.

SPORTS - HEALTH - FITNESS

Photo by Billy CalzadaFood trucks line Alamo Street April 19 in San Antonio to serve customers during Fiesta 2012.

'Get Fit’ initiative continues at Fiesta