FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 GATEWAY TO THE AIR FORCE • LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS • www.lackland.af.mil • Vol. 67 No. 18 INSIDE Commentary 4 Straight Talk 5 Recognition 6 News & Features Loadmasters 14 Across the pond 15 FACE PAINTING FUN Kaleb Martin (right) gets a face painting from Jessica Castillo during the Asian Pacific- American Heritage fair at the Lackland Youth Center May 8. Activities are scheduled throughout the month around base celebrating APAH month. The theme for the month is “Celebrating Decades of Pride, Partnerships and Progress.” Photo by Robbin Cresswell By Capt. Paula Bissonette Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs RANDOLPH AFB – Air Education and Training Command officials signed an order recently establishing an operating location to support the creation of a joint base in San Antonio. Establishment of the operating location provides a framework against which to assign some of the earliest members of what will become the 502nd Air Base Wing, which is slated to stand up with a skeletal staff in August. The 502nd ABW will be the command structure responsible for executing the installation support mission for the joint base, which will include Randolph and Lackland as well as the Army’s Fort Sam Houston. Representatives from installation sup- port areas at all three locations have met regularly to determine how best to consoli- date their organizations and meet the intent of the Joint Basing Implementation Guidance, or JBIG. The guidance comes from the secretary of Defense and identifies which functions are considered installation support, and therefore must be included in the joint base organizational structure. The guidance also dictates which military serv- ice will lead the joint basing effort at each of the locations where it is taking place around the country. In San Antonio, the Air Force was given the lead. Col. Vincent Feck, director of the Joint Basing Implementation Office at Randolph, is charged with leading the effort to syn- chronize and integrate the efforts of all the functional representatives to complete the joint base standup by October of 2010. “At Randolph and Lackland, the mission support groups, pretty much in total, along Preparations continue for Joint Base San Antonio See JOINT P10 Master Sergeant Promotions Congratulations to the 172 Lackland Airmen selected for promotion to master sergeant. For a list of those promoted, visit www.lackland.af.mil. A s i a n P a c i f i c - A m e r i c a n H e r i t a g e M o n t h
Transcript
F R I D AY, M AY 1 5 , 2 0 0 9
G AT E W AY T O T H E A I R F O R C E • L A C K L A N D A I R F O R C E B A S E , T E X A S • w w w. l a c k l a n d . a f . m i l • V o l . 6 7 N o . 1 8
INSIDECommentary 4
Straight Talk 5
Recognition 6
News & Features
Loadmasters 14
Across the pond 15
FACE PAINTING FUN
Kaleb Martin (right) gets a facepainting from Jessica Castilloduring the Asian Pacific-American Heritage fair at theLackland Youth Center May 8.Activities are scheduledthroughout the month aroundbase celebrating APAH month.The theme for the month is“Celebrating Decades of Pride,Partnerships and Progress.” Photo by Robbin Cresswell
By Capt. Paula BissonetteAir Education and Training Command Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AFB – Air Education andTraining Command officials signed anorder recently establishing an operatinglocation to support the creation of a jointbase in San Antonio.
Establishment of the operating locationprovides a framework against which toassign some of the earliest members ofwhat will become the 502nd Air Base Wing,which is slated to stand up with a skeletalstaff in August.
The 502nd ABW will be the command
structure responsible for executing theinstallation support mission for the jointbase, which will include Randolph andLackland as well as the Army’s Fort SamHouston.
Representatives from installation sup-port areas at all three locations have metregularly to determine how best to consoli-date their organizations and meet theintent of the Joint Basing ImplementationGuidance, or JBIG. The guidance comesfrom the secretary of Defense and identifieswhich functions are considered installationsupport, and therefore must be included inthe joint base organizational structure. The
guidance also dictates which military serv-ice will lead the joint basing effort at eachof the locations where it is taking placearound the country. In San Antonio, the AirForce was given the lead.
Col. Vincent Feck, director of the JointBasing Implementation Office at Randolph,is charged with leading the effort to syn-chronize and integrate the efforts of all thefunctional representatives to complete thejoint base standup by October of 2010.
“At Randolph and Lackland, the missionsupport groups, pretty much in total, along
Preparations continue for Joint Base San Antonio
See JOINT P10
Master SergeantPromotions
Congratulations to the172 Lackland Airmenselected for promotion
to master sergeant.For a list of thosepromoted, visit
www.lackland.af.mil.
Asian
Pa
cif
ic-A
merican Heritage
Month
TALESPINNERPAGE 2 MAY 15, 2009
By Shannon CarabajalTalespinner Editor
With one month to go before theUnit Compliance Inspection, the UCIplanning office is encouraging TeamLackland to focus preparation effortson ensuring programs are compliantwith applicable Air Force Instructions.It’s also important that everyoneunderstands their role in the Air Forceand Lackland mission.
The team of approximately 160inspectors from Air Education andTraining Command is expected toarrive June 14 for what could be up toa 10-day evaluation process. The teamwill evaluate and measure the 37thTraining Wing and the 59th MedicalWing on how effectively, efficiently andsafely units accomplish their mission.
“Everyone, from those assigned totraining units to those in a supportingrole, will be evaluated,” said ChrisSharp, UCI planning office chief.
Mr. Sharp said it is very importantpeople are properly completing their
checklists and self inspections over thenext month, making sure proceduresare clearly explained, documented, andAFI or local operating instruction com-pliant. “‘Yes’ and ‘no’ are not sufficientanswers,” he said.
Even those not directly goingthrough checklists or inspections withthe team should be prepared to answerquestions. “An inspector may walk upto somebody and ask, ‘Where is yourshelter-in-place location?’ Even thoughemergency managers and facility man-agers are responsible for that program,everybody should (know) their individ-ual responsibilities,” Mr. Sharp said.
Additionally, the customs and cour-tesies and dress and appearance ofeverybody on Team Lackland will belooked at the entire time. Any discrep-ancies, regardless of whether or notthe Airman is with the training wing orone of the tenant units, will be noted.
The inspection will include a majoraccident response exercise; deploymentissues review including weapons drawand mobility bag inspections; and a
three-day force protection conditionexercise. Mr. Sharp said everyone,including tenant units, must under-stand their responsibilities. During theFPCON exercise, for example, all build-ing entrances and access to the basewill be modified to support higherFPCON levels, he said. “Anybody canbe (evaluated) on their actions duringan exercise scenario.”
Other areas Airmen should focus oninclude chemical, biological, radiologi-cal, nuclear, and high-yield explosivestraining and self aid and buddy care.During the UCI, 60 Airmen will beselected at random and evaluated onhow well they perform CBRNE andSABC tasks, Mr. Sharp said.
“We’ve been working on this a longtime,” he said. “Many people are defi-nitely ready. We just need to make surewe all understand our mission and ourrole. And remember, we’re not justbeing looked at from a program per-spective; we are being looked at asmembers of Lackland and as membersof the Air Force.”
Unit compliance inspection draws closer UCI TIP OF THE WEEK:MAKE SURE HAIR LENGTH
AND STYLE MEET STANDARDS
Male hair stylesAccording to AFI 36-2903,
men’s hairstyle will:
• have a tapered appearance onboth sides and in back, with andwithout headgear. A block cutwith a tapered appearance ispermitted;
• not be worn in an extreme fadstyle or in such a way thatexceeds length or bulk stan-dards;
• not touch the ears and onlyclosely cut hair on the back ofthe neck may touch the collar;
• not exceed 1 1/4 inch in bulk,regardless of length, and notexceed a 1/4 inch at the naturaltermination point; and
• not contain or have any visibleforeign items attached to it.
PAGE 3TALESPINNERMAY 15, 2009
BRITT MEMORIAL FUND
A Britt family memorial fund has beenestablished at Security Services FederalCredit Union.
The account will be open through June14. Checks can be made payable to theAudra L. Britt Memorial Fund and eithermailed to SSFCU, P.O. Box 691530, SanAntonio, TX 78269-1530 or deposited atthe SSFCU Kelly Service Center on SecurityHill, or the Highway 90 Service Center atMilitary Drive and Highway 90 West.
For more information, call Chief MasterSgt. Scott Lumpkin or Master Sgt. MichaelHall at 977-5346.
AWARDS CEREMONY DATE CHANGE
The new date for the Team Lacklandfirst quarter awards ceremony is May 26,11:30 a.m., at the Gateway Club. The cer-emony had previously been announced forMay 22. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
For more information, call Master Sgt.Anthony Milunas at 219-8906.
ASIAN PACIFIC HERITAGE EVENTS
The base-wide meal at all dining facil-ities is today for Asian Pacific-AmericanHeritage Month.
The Lackland library will hold a mini-festival at 2 p.m. Saturday. Members ofLackland’s Sumo Club will give a demon-stration of the ancient Japanese-stylewrestling sport. Other activities include afried rice cooking demonstration, dancers,Hawaii travel videos and Asian music.Artifacts from various Asian cultures willalso be on display.
The final event for APAH month is afood tasting May 28, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., atArnold Hall Community Center.
LACKLAND SAFETY DAY
The Lackland Safety Day is Wednesday.Morning activities at the Gateway Clubinclude a wingman safety seminar at 9a.m. in the ballroom, and a safety, healthand fire fair from 8 a.m. to noon. In theafternoon, units are encouraged to usesmall group discussions to address safetyconcerns. For more information, call thesafety office at 671-3967 or 3969.
NewsBRIEFS
Airman’s Roll Call
Proposed Post-9/11 GI Bill transferability rulesDepartment of Veterans
Affairs representativesbegan accepting sign-upsfor the Post-9/11 GI Bill May1 and Defense Departmentofficials are working to getthe word out on the pro-posed policy regarding thebill’s transferability provi-sions to help servicemem-bers decide if the new bene-fit is right for them.
Proposals call for enlist-ed or commissioned mem-bers of the armed forcesserving on active duty or inthe Selected Reserve on orafter Aug. 1, 2009 to be eli-gible to transfer their bene-fits as long as they qualifyfor the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Another Pentagon pro-posal would cover service-members who will reachthe 20-year service mark,
making them retirement-eligible, between Aug. 1,2009, and Aug. 1, 2013.
The breakdown on thisproposal:• Those eligible for retire-ment on Aug. 1, 2009,would be eligible to transfertheir benefits with no addi-tional service requirement.• Those with an approvedretirement date after Aug.1, 2009, and before July 1,2010, would qualify with noadditional service.• Those eligible for retire-ment after Aug. 1, 2009,but before Aug. 1, 2010,would qualify with oneadditional year of serviceafter app-roval to transfertheir Post-9/11 GI Bill bene-fits.• Those eligible for retire-ment between Aug. 1, 2010,
and July 31, 2011, wouldqualify with two additionalyears of service afterapproval to transfer.• Those eligible to retirebetween Aug. 1, 2011, andJuly 31, 2012, would qualifywith three additional years
of service after approval totransfer. The servicemem-ber’s 36 months of benefits,the equivalent of four nine-month academic years,could be transferred to aspouse, one or more chil-dren or any combination.
Photo by Lance CheungStaff Sgt. Michael Turner, 344th Training Squadron, fills out ananswer sheet before taking a College Level ExaminationProgram test at the education center.
Air Force selects next top enlisted leaderWASHINGTON (AFNS) – Air Force Chief of Staff Gen.
Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sergeant of the AirForce Rodney McKinley have announced the Airmanselected to be the service’s next enlisted leader.
Chief Master Sgt. James Roy will become the16th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Forceduring an appointment ceremony onJune 30, which will coincide with ChiefMcKinley’s retirement.
“This is a good day for all Airmen,”General Schwartz said. “While they willlose a tremendous leader and advocatein Chief McKinley, they gain a worthysuccessor in Chief Roy. Given his recordand reputation, I am confident thatChief Roy will carry the best interests ofour Air Force family forward to ournation’s leaders as we support today’sjoint fight and rebalance our force forthe challenges ahead.”
Chief Roy and his wife Paula willcome to the Pentagon from CampSmith, Hawaii, where the chief current-ly serves as the senior enlisted leaderand advisor to the U.S. Pacific Commandcombatant commander, representing morethan 200,000 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors andMarines.
Chief Roy joined the Air Force in 1982. His careerincludes assignments as a heavy equipment operator in
the civil engineer career field and then in leadershippositions at the squadron, group, and numbered Air
Force levels.He has served as the command chief mas-
ter sergeant at wings in Air Educationand Training Command, Air MobilityCommand and Air Combat Command.He was also deployed as the commandchief master sergeant of the 386th AirExpeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia.Prior to assuming his current positionhe was the command chief master ser-geant for U.S. Forces Japan and FifthAir Force at Yokota Air Base, Japan.
Chief McKinley will retire nextmonth after serving for 30 years. Hehas served as the Chief Master Sergeantof the Air Force since June 30, 2006.
“Chief McKinley has devoted hisentire adult life to our Air Force and totaking care of Airmen and their fami-
lies,” General Schwartz said. “He hasaccomplished so much throughout his
career, but as Chief Master Sergeant of the AirForce, he and his wife Paula have made monu-
mental contributions.”
TALESPINNERPAGE 4 MAY 15, 2009
COMMENTARY
Editorial staffBRIG. GEN. LEN PATRICK,37TH TRAINING WING
COMMANDER
KIRK FRADY,DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
JOE BELA,CHIEF OF INTERNAL
COMMUNICATIONS, 671-4111
SHANNON CARABAJAL,MANAGING EDITOR, 671-1786
MIKE JOSEPH,STAFF WRITER, 671-4357
PATRICK DESMOND,SPORTS EDITOR/STAFF WRITER,671-5049
PAUL NOVAK,DESIGN/LAYOUT, 671-0478
Office:1701 Kenly Ave. Suite 102Lackland AFB, Texas 78236-5103(210) 671-1786;(fax) 671-2022E-mail: [email protected]’s Action Line:actionline@lackland. af.mil.Straight Talk: 671-6397 (NEWS)For advertising information:Prime Time Military Newspapers2203 S. HackberrySan Antonio, Texas 78210(210) 534-8848(fax) 534-7134
This newspaper is published byPrime Time Military Newspapers, aprivate firm in no way connected withthe U.S. Air Force, under exclusivewritten contract with Lackland AFB,Texas. This commercial enterprise AirForce newspaper is an authorizedpublication for members of the U.S.military services. Contents of theTalespinner are not necessarily theofficial views of, or endorsed by, theU.S. government, the Department ofDefense, or the Department of the AirForce.
The appearance of advertising inthis publication, including inserts orsupplements, does not constituteendorsement by the Department ofDefense, the Department of the AirForce or Prime Time MilitaryNewspapers, of the products or servicesadvertised.
Everything advertised in thispublication shall be made available forpurchase, use or patronage withoutregard to race, color, religion, sex,national origin, age, marital status,physical handicap, political affiliation,or any other nonmerit factor of thepurchaser, user or patron.
Editorial content is edited,prepared and provided by the PublicAffairs Office of the 37th Training Wing.All photos, unless otherwise indicated,are U.S. Air Force photos.
Deadline for submissions isnoon Thursday the week prior topublication.
By Lt. Col. Christopher De Los Santos345th Training Squadron
Having heroes is healthy and helps usfocus on the positive character traits weaspire to embody. One such trait I value isselfless service. In fact, when deploymentsget challenging and when times get toughat work, I remind myself of the privilege ofbeing a selfless servant of this greatnation. In doing so, I look to heroes of myown that remind me of the amazing thingswe can accomplish by selling out for acause greater than ourselves. One suchhero is John Stephen Akhwari.
John was a marathon runner in the1968 Summer Olympic Games, held inMexico City. From the small sub-Saharancountry of Tanzania, and heavily favoredto win the race, you can imagine the thrillcoursing through his veins as the race wasset to begin. As the gun went off, Johnmoved to the front of the pack. Surely, thiswas the day that he would make the worldstop and notice his small, but proud,nation; or so John thought. He remained infront as the runners left the stadium andheaded out into the city for the majority ofthe 26.2-mile race. However, what hap-pened next is clearly not what anyoneimagined.
Shortly after leaving the stadium, Johnfell, dislocated his knee and suffered a
deep cut to his leg. A medical crew cameto the bloodied runner’s aid. However,John only asked that his leg be bandaged.He then stood and began to run anew,clearly in pain, but with undying determi-nation. It soon became obvious that theodds-on favorite would not win the race.Yet, John trudged on.
In fact, he entered the stadium last of74 runners and over an hour after the win-ner. Many fans had left the stadium butthose that remained were privileged towitness the stuff legends are made of. Infact, John received a standing ovation ashe labored around the track.
After the race, John was interviewed bya reporter who questioned why he both-ered to continue running after the fall.John simply answered, “My country did
not send me over 11,000 kilometers tostart a race. They sent me over 11,000kilometers to finish one.” With thosewords, John raised the hopes, dreams andpride of, not only his countrymen, but ofanyone who understands that winning isnot always coming in first but being dedi-cated to the cause and rising to the task athand, regardless of the outcome. You see,John Stephen Akhwari never lost sight ofthe fact that he was a selfless servant.Faced with adversity, he thought not ofhimself but of the great privilege andresponsibility he had in representing hiscountry.
Faced with challenges during training,deployments, and life’s many hurdles, it’swise to have heroes that remind us of whoand what we aspire to be. John StephenAkhwari’s heroic story is only one exampleof what we can accomplish when we lookbeyond our own immediate circumstancesand inspire others through acts of selflessservice.
Truth be told, stories of heroism andselfless service abound in military history,athletics and virtually all walks of life. Andwhile it’s healthy to have heroes whoinspire us, we would be wise never to losesight of the fact that as selfless servants ofthis great nation we too have the opportu-nity and privilege to be heroes to thosearound us every day.
Selfless Service: Is it in you?“Faced with challenges
during training, deployments,and life’s many hurdles, it’s
wise to have heroes thatremind us of who and what
we aspire to be.”
Lt. Col. Christopher De Los Santos345th Training Squadron
To submit an ActionLine, e-mail the 37thTraining Wing [email protected].
For concerns regardingthe Wilford Hall MedicalCenter, contact the WilfordHall Action Line at 292-4567, or e-mail 59mdw.pa
@lackland.af.mil.The 37th Training Wing
Action Line is your directcommunication line to the37th Training Wing com-mander.
It is an avenue toresolve issues if you havebeen unable to resolvethem through the responsi-
ble agency or your chain ofcommand, or provide feed-back.
It also allows you to rec-ognize outstanding peopleand units.
Items of general interestmay be printed in theLackland Talespinner.
If you leave your name
and telephone number, ore-mail address, you’llreceive a reply.
Including your contactinformation will also giveus a chance to get moreinformation, if needed, tosolve the problem.
Anonymous inquirieswill not be published.
COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE
Brig. Gen.Len Patrick
To report Fraud, Waste & Abuse matters or if you have a concern andare unsure if you should file a complaint, contact the 37 TRW/IG Office
To me, it means being dedi-cated to the Air Force, military,and country. Doing the rightthing. – Tech. Sgt. Steven Callahan,37th Security Forces.
By Patrick DesmondStaff Writer
What does the AirForce core value“service before self”mean to you?
“Service before self” is takingthe time to get the missiondone. It also means helpingthe Air Force accomplish themission because you arehelping your country andthat’s your job. – Airman 1stClass Ian Langton, 37th LogisticsReadiness Squadron.
It means that you have to dropeverything and do what youare told, when you are told todo it. – Staff Sgt. Jason Gonzalez,37th Training Wing.
Putting the mission beforeyourself. – Tech. Sgt. Zane Miller,344th Training Squadron.
Stay up-to-date during special events and rough skies.Call 671-NEWS
TALESPINNERPAGE 6 MAY 15, 2009
Congratulations to the fol-lowing 54 Airmen for beingselected as honor graduatesamong 605 trainees graduat-ing today.
320th Training SquadronFlight 366Michael ElmoreDaniel GeromeWillis JensenMatthew SvehlaRobert Woods
321st Training SquadronFlight 359Marco AcostaStetson BlankenshipCharles BrownRandy BurressZackary GreenThomas Patterson
Walter PerdueTravis ZilliBruce ZollaFlight 360Brett BellSean CauleyBrett DavidBrandon SkeeteWilliam Steele
37th Medical Operations SquadronSenior Airman Kelyn Dos Santos
37th Medical GroupSenior Airman David Montenegro
Wingman Award winners namedCongratulations to the following recipients of the Lackland Wingman Award, received in
recognition of their dedication to their fellow Airmen.
Staff Sgt. Roque Solis, 342nd Training Squadron
Senior Airman Hazel Salaver, 37th Mission Support Group
Col. Carl Andrews, 37th Training Wing chapel
DIFFERENCE MAKERSMaster Sgt. Jeremy Miller: 59thInpatient Operations GroupDuty title: NCO-in-charge, LifeSupport and Advanced CardiacLife Support Program managerTime in service: 14 YearsHometown: Colorado Springs,Colo.Family: Two daughters.Personal and career goals: Mygoal is to be the best supervisorpossible. I want everyone Isupervise to remember me atthe end of their career andthink that I helped them insome way.What do you enjoy most aboutyour job? It isn’t often that youget to see your contributions
impact the overall mis-sion. The efforts of myteam in l i fe supportsave lives.What accomplishmentduring your career areyou most proud of?The proudest momentof my career camewhen I was deployed toBalad Air Base, Iraq. I was a pararescue paramedicinstructor at my previousassignment and one of my for-mer students was workingbeside me. He was performinglife-saving techniques on aninjured Soldier. The proceduresthat he did on his own led to the
Soldier’s full recovery. Itwas good to see that myinstruction was heardand retained.Supervisor’s comments:“Master Sgt. Miller is anexcellent instructor,”said Maj. Blaise Quirao-Pasayan, section chief,Life Support Office. “Heteaches 26 mission-criti-
cal courses on emergency med-ical technician, basic life sup-port, and advanced cardiac lifesupport and was the first enlist-ed member ever to be selectedthe Air Force National NursingStaff Development OutstandingMentor for 2008.”
Master Sgt.Jeremy Miller
PAGE 7TALESPINNERMAY 15, 2009
Story and photo by Sue Campbell59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
Daniel Acosta awoke May 7 thinking he was a senior airman.He was surprised to discover that he had been promoted to staffsergeant without his knowledge.
Lt. Col. Michael Glass, 59th Medical Support Squadron com-mander, told Sergeant Acosta that Lt. Gen. Richard Newton,deputy chief of staff for Manpower and Personnel, approved thepromotion with an effective date of Nov. 1, 2008.
“I am really happy and excited about this promotion,” saidSergeant Acosta. “It was such a surprise.”
Sergeant Acosta, an explosive ordnance technician from HillAir Force Base, Utah, was injured in December 2005 by anexplosion while he was deployed to Iraq. He was transported toWilford Hall Medical Center, where he has been assigned to the59th Patient Squadron while he receives medical treatment andtherapy. The explosion resulted in the loss of his left arm.
“I have met a lot of great people during my recovery process,”said Sergeant Acosta, who is scheduled to retire on May 31.
“Dan has helped us forge a new path for Air Force woundedwarriors,” said Colonel Glass. “It was not easy for him to sufferthe wounds he suffered but he pushed ahead. You can see videosand stories about him on the Air Force wounded warrior Website. We owe him our thanks.”
For more information about Air Force wounded warriors andwounded warrior programs, access www.woundedwarrior.af.mil.
Wounded warrior receives surprise promotion
Lt. Col. Michael Glass gives the oath of enlistment to Staff Sgt. Daniel Acosta May 7 at Wilford Hall.Sergeant Acosta, an Air Force wounded warrior, received a surprise promotion to staff sergeant, effectiveNov. 1, 2008. Colonel Glass is the 59th Medical Support Squadron commander.
TALESPINNERPAGE 10 MAY 15, 2009
with elements of the wing staff willrealign under and become part of the502nd ABW,” he said. “Because theU.S. Army Garrison at Fort SamHouston already exists to provideinstallation support there, that entity,almost in total, will also fall under thejoint base.”
Each of the three locations will havea mission support group that reportsto the 502nd ABW commander. Themajority of functions and personnel atthe three locations will remain in placeto continue to provide the same instal-lation support they are providing now.
A detailed memorandum of agree-ment, or MOA, is being created to cap-ture exactly how the 502nd ABW andits three mission support groups willcontinue to provide the same level ofsupport that customers at all threeinstallations experience today. Whencomplete, the MOA will be signed byall service secretaries involved.
“The MOA spells out not only whatservices we will provide, but also thepeople and the dollars allocated toprovide that support,” Colonel Fecksaid.
Representatives from all threebases and functions involved are cur-rently reviewing a draft of the agree-ment.
One of the next milestones in thejoint base transformation is the MOAreview workshop, scheduled for Juneof this year. During this review, repre-sentatives from the Department ofDefense and the different services willbe able to review the draft agreementbefore it is submitted for signature.
“The workshop will give (the Officeof the Secretary of Defense) and theservices a chance to see what we havecreated,” Colonel Feck said. “It willgive them an ability to interact with usdirectly in a one-on-one environmentto address any issues we haven’t beenable to resolve at our level.”
The MOA should be signed bySeptember, solidifying the definition ofwhat the 502nd ABW will do and howit will accomplish its mission. Armedwith this MOA, the newly formed502nd ABW will begin the implemen-tation stage of joint basing in SanAntonio, with Lackland and Randolphbeginning the transition in January2010, followed by Fort Sam Houston inApril of 2010.
JOINT from P1
TALESPINNERPAGE 12 MAY 15, 2009
JOGGING RULES OF THE ROAD:Wearing portable headphones, earphones, or other listeningdevices while operating a motor vehicle, running, jogging,
walking, bicycling, or skating on Lackland roadways and side-walks is PROHIBITED, with the exception of a hands-free tele-phone headset or single-bud earpiece. This does not include theuse of hearing aids and hearing protective equipment must still
be worn where conditions dictate their use.
Turn off lights,computer monitors,
printers andcopiers during
non-businesshours. Not only do they
use electricity; theygenerate heat.
LacklandConservation Corner
CONSERVE ENERGY!
PAGE 13TALESPINNERMAY 15, 2009
By Maj. Beth Kelley HorineAir Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AFB –The Departmentof Veterans Affairs opened its doorsfor accepting Post-9/11 GI Bill appli-cations May 1.
All Airmen and former Airmenwith at least 90 days of active dutyservice since Sept. 11, 2001, canchoose to apply for education bene-fits, which begin Aug. 1 under thenew GI Bil l law. To apply or fordetails on what the Post-9/11 GI Billoffers, visi t the VA’s Web site,www.gibill.va.gov.
New bill basicsThe Post-9/11 GI Bill provides
education funding and benefits toeligible veterans and Total ForceAirmen. More than 670,000 retired,separated and active-duty Airmen, inaddition to thousands more Reser-vists and Guardsmen, are eligible forthe new bill.
For Jeremy Jones, an Air Forceveteran and graduate student at theUniversity of Texas, this equates to
more money for his degree and helpswith living expenses.
“I’ve been going to school since Iseparated from the Air Force in2008. I was never eligible for theMontgomery GI Bill, but the new GIBill will allow me to go to school full-time while paying my full tuition andmost of my rent,” said Mr. Jones,referring to a monthly housingstipend the Post-9/11 GI Bill offersfor eligible members.
“Plus, I get an extra $1,000 a yearto offset the cost of my textbooks andschool supplies,” he added, referenc-ing the annual stipend for books andsupplies, also a part of the Post-9/11GI Bill.
Although the bill may be usedwhile on active duty, Airmen shouldfirst contact an education counselorto explore all options, such as tuitionassistance, the tuition assistancetop-up program, the Montgomery GIBill and the Post-9/11 GI bill, accord-ing to Thomas Hawthorne, the AirForce Personnel Center’s educationservices chief.
Mr. Hawthorne also advised veter-
ans on when to apply.“If you’re a veteran or transition-
ing Airman planning to head to col-lege in the fall, now is the time toapply for the new GI Bill if you thinkyou’re eligible,” Mr. Hawthorne said.“However, for most Airmen and vet-erans who are simply looking atoptions for post-military careers andeducation plans down the line, takethe time to educate yourself on allthe VA’s education benefit optionsbefore deciding which program toapply for and use.”
Post-9/11 GI Bill vs.Montgomery GI Bill
Airmen and veterans who cur-rently have the Montgomery GI Billand meet the eligibility requirementsfor the Post-9/11 GI Bill may apply toconvert to the newer bill as of May 1,for a program start date of Aug. 1.
This is a one-time, irrevocableconversion. Currently, approximately187,000 Air Force Airmen are eligi-ble to make the switch, if desired.
“For most eligible veterans, thePost-9/11 GI Bill is a better alterna-
tive than the Montgomery GI Bill,”said Mr. Hawthorne. “Deciding whichGI Bill to use depends on several fac-tors, including the type of educationor training you plan to take, thelocation of your school, and theamount of benefits received undereach program.”
Individuals converting to the Post-9/11 GI Bill from the Montgomery GIBill generally will be limited to theamount of remaining months ofMontgomery GI Bill entitlement.
However, if all Montgomery GI Billbenefits have been used – 36 months– individuals are still eligible for thePost-9/11 GI Bill and can receive anadditional 12 months of benefits – 48months total, combined between twoGI Bills, allowed under law.
The VA serves as the primaryresource for information on all GIBill education benefits.
Airmen can find Air Force specificinformation on the AFPC “Ask” Website by clicking on the Post-9/11 GIBill spotlight link; or call the TotalForce Service Center at 1-800-525-0102.
Airmen, veterans can now apply for new GI Bill
See if your business sense could earn you extra money.Learn how to submit your ideas by calling 671-CASH
TALESPINNERPAGE 14 MAY 15, 2009
Photo by Master Sgt. Rene DeLaRosaStudents in the basic loadmaster course practice loading pallets onto a K loader, a lift used to loadcargo onto aircraft.
By Patrick DesmondStaff Writer
Driving Humvees onto a C-130, run-ning black-out missions with nightvision goggles, and supervising free-fallparachute jumps at an altitude of 3,000feet: these are some of the experiencesstudents of the 344th TrainingSquadron’s basic loadmaster coursemay encounter in the loadmastercareer field.
“It’s really exciting,” Master Sgt.Miguel Casso said about the free-falljumps. “Your juices are flowing, but youare so focused on check lists that youkind of forget that you’re at 3,000 feetand there’s a (cargo bay) door open andyou are walking around with a para-chute.”
Instructor Supervisor Sergeant Cassohas logged 20 years, three deploymentsand 4,800 flying hours as a C-17 load-master, but for newcomers it all startsat Lackland.
The 344th loadmaster course is opento Air Force active duty, Reserve andNational Guard, allied nations’ airforces such as Poland, Norway,
Romania and Sweden, and is the firststep for students before C-130, C-5 andC-17 aircraft-specific training.
The month-long course welcomes anew class each week, with about 400students enrolling annually.
Roughly 90 percent graduate thefive-tier curriculum that includes orien-tation to the career, learning thephysics and chemistry behind loadingand securing cargo, economizing cargospace and then applying it throughhands-on training.
Each block of training includes awritten test requiring a grade of 85 per-cent or better to move onto the nextblock. Students who do not pass retrythe section.
When assuming the role of a load-master or cargo supervisor, instructorsstress safety, problem solving andrespect for others through all phases ofthe training.
Safety is an utmost concern wheninspecting appropriate loading weight,securing cargo pallets, checking forpotentially combustible loads and look-ing after passengers.
“We are always harping safety, espe-
cially when you have a lot of peoplearound the airplane,” Sergeant Cassosaid. “Your situational awareness hasto be on top of everything.”
Another crucial aspect of training islearning to problem solve, an abilitycentral to the job description.
“If you find something wrong, comeup with a solution,” Sergeant Cassosaid. “Identifying a bad load is half thejob. You have to tell (air transportationspecialists) how to fix it. If you are notmoving cargo, then you are not earningyour keep.”
Block one teaches students how tobrief passengers, and Sergeant Cassosaid embracing the golden rule of ethicsis important when transporting peoplefrom another branch of service or evena foreign military.
“I represent the aircraft, I representthe crew, and I am the first person peo-ple see when they come onto the air-plane, so how I behave reflects howthey feel about the crew,” he said. “Betactful and respectful, but also be verydirect, especially in emergency situa-tions.”
Sergeant Casso recalled one deploy-
ment in Iraq, receiving a call that amortar was headed toward his yet-to-be-loaded plane; it was time to beblunt.
“Troops were moseying onto the air-plane, and we got a call saying weneeded to take off,” the sergeant said.“I used what I call my airplane voiceand told them get inside this airplanenow. I raised the ramp, and told themto sit down and hold onto something.”
Of the nine course instructors, onlyone is a civilian, a retired Airman, andall are able to express the purpose forthe training with real world experience.
“They want instructors who havehad recent operational experience,”Sergeant Casso said. “So we can bringback those stories, so we can bringback, ‘A year ago I was in Iraq airdrop-ping over Mosul.’”
About the experiences awaiting stu-dents upon completion of the introduc-tion course and positions at FlightTraining Units at Kelly Annex, AltusAFB, Okla., or Little Rock AFB, Ark.,Sergeant Casso said, “it’s a blast.”
“We get paid to do it, and it’s a lot offun.”
Loadmaster course prepares Airmen for diverse career
PAGE 15TALESPINNERMAY 15, 2009
When the body is unable tocool itself by sweating, severalheat-induced illnesses such asheat stress, heat exhaustionand the more severe andsometimes deadly heat strokecan occur. Staying hydratedand understanding the warn-ing signs and symptoms ofdehydration become moreimportant as the heat andhumidity continue to increase.
Factors leading to heat stress• high temperature andhumidity,• direct sun or heat,• limited air movement,• physical exertion,• poor physical condition,• some medicines, and• inadequate tolerance for hotworkplaces.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion• headaches, dizziness, light-headedness or fainting,• weakness and moist skin,• mood changes such as irri-tability or confusion, and
• upset stomach or vomiting.
Symptoms of heat stroke• dry, hot skin with no sweat-ing,• mental confusion or loss ofconsciousness, and• seizures or convulsions.
Preventing heat stress• know signs/symptoms ofheat-related illnesses,• monitor yourself and cowork-ers,• block out direct sun or otherheat sources,• use cooling fans/air condi-tioning,• rest regularly,• drink enough water,• wear lightweight, light col-ored, loose-fitting clothes, and• avoid alcohol, caffeinateddrinks, or heavy meals.
What to do for heat-relatedillness
• call 911 (or local emergencynumber) immediately,• move person to a cool, shad-
ed area,• loosen or remove heavyclothing,• provide cool drinking water,and• fan and mist the person withwater.
Heat warning flagsAt Lackland, flags are post-
ed to signal the degree of heatintensity. These flags are flownin accordance with AirEducation and TrainingCommand Instruction 48-101and indicate training require-ments for hot environments.
Colors, temperature read-ings, hazard explanations andwork-rest requirements are:
White flag78-81.9 ˚FEasy workNo work limits1/2 quart of water per hourModerate workNo work limits3/4 quart of water per hourHard work
40 minutes of work to 20 min-utes of rest3/4 quart of water per hour
Green flag82-84.9 ˚FEasy workNo work limits1/2 quart of water per hourModerate work50 minutes of work to 10 min-utes of rest3/4 quart of water per hourHard work30 minutes of work to 30 min-utes of rest1 quart of water per hour
Yellow flag85-87.9 ˚FEasy workNo work limits3/4 quart of water per hourModerate work40 minutes of work to 20 min-utes of rest3/4 quart of water per hourHard work30 minutes of work to 30 min-utes of rest
1 quart of water per hour
Red flag88-89.9 ˚FEasy workNo work limits3/4 quart of water per hourModerate work30 minutes of work to 30 min-utes of rest3/4 quart of water per hourHard work20 minutes of work to 40 min-utes of rest1 quart of water per hour
Black flag>90 ˚FEasy work50 minutes of work to 10 min-utes of rest1 quart of water per hourModerate work20 minutes of work to 40 min-utes of rest1 quart of water per hourHard work10 minutes of work to 50 min-utes of rest1 quart of water per hour
Staying hydrated key to hot weather safety
Building relationships across the pondBy 2nd Lt Natassia Cherne37th Training Wing Public Affairs
Other than the uniform, TimHarrison looks like any Airman atLackland. He loves his family, job andbeing physically fit.
But what sets Squadron LeaderHarrison apart from the Airmen onbase is not his personal preferencesor his job. It’s the fact he is a memberof the Royal Air Force in a superviso-ry role in the United States.
Since July 2007, he has been direc-tor of operations for the 342ndTraining Squadron. The squadronleader, the equivalent of an Air Forcemajor, is part of an exchange programbetween the air forces of the UnitedKingdom and the United States. AnAirman from the U.S. is fillingSquadron Leader Harrison’s positionin the U.K.
The exchange program strives to
strengthen relationships with U.S.allies around the world while givingmilitary members an opportunity togain international experiences. Thegoals for the program are to buildmutual understanding and trust,strengthen ties between Air Forces,and build professional and long-termrelationships.
Squadron Leader Harrison’s posi-tion at Lackland is similar to hiscareer field in the RAF: tactical or for-ward air control. He said he is learn-ing a lot and enjoying his time onLackland.
“I think the program is excellent,”he said. “When I go back, I will have alot of contacts in my field and in theU.S.; I think it gives us a huge under-standing.”
He embraces his assignment andsaid the Airmen he works with make
Photo by Robbin CresswellRoyal Air Force Squadron Leader TimHarrison is the director of operationsfor the 342nd Training Squadron aspart of an exchange program betweenthe United Kingdom and United States.
See POND P16
TALESPINNERPAGE 16 MAY 15, 2009
his job easy.“I enjoy the people I work with, both mil-
itary and civilian; I like the way I have beenaccepted and integrated,” he said. “I’m ful-filling a real job, a real position, and I’mallowed to run the squadron as I see fit. Ithas been easy because of that acceptance.”
The program has also been an excellentopportunity for the 342nd TRS to learnfrom Squadron Leader Harrison’s experi-ence and knowledge.
Capt. David Temple, 342nd TRS assistantdirector of operations, said working withthe RAF officer has been a rewarding expe-rience for the squadron.
“(He) brings to the table a different andvaluable aspect on how to train and edu-cate the Airmen,” said Captain Temple. “Hehas helped shape the way we train (the342nd TRS) to be more efficient and physi-cally fit.”
POND from P15
Do not provide your CAC card for photocopying.Don’t make yourself a target for
surveillance, kidnapping or worse.Special purpose IDs such as access badges, etc. should not be used for
identification except for the organization which issued them.CACs should not be used for identification outside U.S. government compounds.
Use identification that any U.S. Citizen would have when checking into hotels.Protect your personal information and provide only the minimum required.
IslamicFriday:Defense Language InstituteStudent CenterFaith Study, 1:30 p.m.Jummah Prayer, 2 p.m.
JewishFriday:Airmen Memorial ChapelSabbath Eve Service, 6 p.m.
WiccaWednesday(1st only):Freedom Chap-el, Room 8, SanAntonio Military Open Circle, 6:30 p.m.
COMMUNITY
MILITARY APPRECIATION CAR SHOW
The third annual MilitaryAppreciation car show, hosted by theSecurity Hill Top Three, is Saturday,11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Cowboys DanceHall, 3030 NE Loop 410. Admission isfree.
Register your car online atwww.runwalkjog.com/macs. Proceedsfrom the show go to OperationComfort and the Security Hill TopThree Association’s Quality of LifeInitiatives program.
For more information, contactSMSgt. Karen Reed at 977-3772 orMSgt. Shan Rockwell at 977-6801.
AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM
The Lackland Retirees ActivitiesOffice is sponsoring a safe driverprogram by the American Associationof Retired Persons Saturday, 9 a.m.to 1 p.m., at Freedom Chapel.
Participants will receive a certifi-cate for completing the class, whichmakes them eligible for a possible
reduction in their automobile insur-ance premium.
Cost is $12 for AARP membersand $14 for non-members, payableby check made to AARP.
For more information, contact theRetirees Activities Office at 671-2728 or B.J. Layman at FreedomChapel, 671-4208.
CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK
The Lackland library will com-plete celebrating National Children’sBook Week today through Sunday.Children will be able to make theirown bookmarks, and cookies will beserved in the afternoons. Libraryhours are Monday-Thursday, 9:30a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 p.m.to 6 p.m.; and weekends, noon to 6p.m. For more information call 671-3610.
SAFEKIDS COURSE SCHEDULED
The 59th Medical Wing FamilyAdvocacy Program is accepting reg-
istrations for its Safekids courseWednesday. The course is 5-7 p.m. inRoom 4A29 of Wilford Hall MedicalCenter.
The quarterly course is a manda-tory requirement for children livingon base, 10-years-old or older, whomay be left at home alone. The classis open to all military ID cardholders.
To register, call 292-5967.
INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES CLASS
The Airman and Family ReadinessFlight will hold an interview tech-niques class Thursday, 1:30-3:30p.m., in Bldg. 1249.
Interviewing styles, questions toexpect and how to dress will beincluded in the class.
Contact the AFRF to enroll at671-3722.
GROUP LOOKING FOR PIANIST
The Lackland Performing ArtsGroup is seeking a pianist for itsupcoming production of “Clue: The
Musical,” May 29-30.A minimum commitment of two
rehearsal dates plus the performanc-es is required. Rehearsals areTuesdays and Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.,and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
For more information, call theArnold Hall Community Center at671-2619.
SKYLARK FLEA MARKET
The Skylark Community Centerwill sponsor a flea market June 6from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Spotsare available for $10 or $15. The $15fee includes a table.
Call the community center at
671-3191 for more information.
VEHICLE STORAGE
Deploying personnel are allowedto store one privately-owned vehicleat the closest vehicle-processingcenter during their deployment.
The nearest location is in Dallas.Vehicles can be stored locally at theowner’s expense.
Reimbursement is authorized butmust not exceed the current DallasVPC rate of $230 per month.
Prior authorization for local stor-age is required from the base per-
LocalBRIEFS
To see menus forLackland dining
halls, go online towww.lackland.af.mil and click on
the “Services“ link.
See BRIEFS P21
For more information, contact the chapel staff:
Freedom Chapel671-4208
Gateway Chapel671-2911
Hope Chapel671-2941
Wilford Hall MedicalCenter Chapel
292-7373
PAGE 21TALESPINNERMAY 15, 2009
sonal property section.For an authorization letter or for
more information, call the personalproperty section at 671-2821 or 671-2822.
MWD FOSTER FAMILIES NEEDED
The Department of Defense workingdog breeding program is seeking fosterfamilies to raise and socialize futureworking dogs.
By nurturing the puppy into ahealthy adolescence, families ensurethe puppy experiences the socializationand environmental exposure needed toproduce a well-adjusted young workingdog for the program.
For more information on becominga foster family, call 671-3686.
PERSONAL PROPERTY MOVES
Air Education and TrainingCommand supplement 1 to Air Forcesupplement joint federal travel regula-tions/joint travel regulation paragraph10.11.9.2 directs local commandersand supervisors to allow personnel suf-
ficient time to receive counseling andarrange for shipment or receipt of per-sonal property.
For more information, call the per-sonal property shipping office at 671-1449.
LRS CUSTOMER SERVICE
The 37th Logistics ReadinessSquadron customer service is the pointof contact for all supply related ques-tions, concerns and complaints.
LRS customer service also managesthe zero overpricing program, anddefense reutilization and marketingoffice transaction assistance.
To contact LRS customer service,call 671-2575, 671-3801 or 671-3802.
LACKLAND WINGMAN AWARDS
Nominations are being accepted forthe new monthly Lackland WingmanAwards.
The program creates a direct linefor Airmen or their families to get wordto wing leadership of the daily effortstheir peers are taking to help oneanother.
tion forms, contact Master Sgt. JasonHohenstreiter at 671-3722.
STARBASE KELLY SUMMER PROGRAM
Starbase Kelly, sponsored by the433rd Airlift Wing, will offer a freesummer educational program to child-ren who are associated with Lackland,and who have completed either thefourth or fifth grade.
The program includes aircrafttours, scientific experiments, teamworkand goal setting, rocket building andlaunching, computer aided design, andcomputer flight simulation.
Two sessions are offered, July 13-17or July 20-24. Program hours are 9a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The sessions will be held at the433rd AW ramp in Bldg. 909. Childrenneed to bring their lunch.
Register via e-mail by submittingthe child’s name, address, home tele-phone and grade completed this year;the sponsor’s name, organization andduty phone; and the session requestedto [email protected].
BRIEFS from P20GATEWAY THEATER
Adults – $4.Children – $2.
Closed Mondaythrough Wednesday.
FRIDAYFast & Furious, 6 p.m. (PG-13), star-ring Vin Diesel and Paul Walker.
SATURDAYKnowing, noon (PG-13), starring LaraRobinson and Nicolas Cage.12 Rounds, 3 p.m. (PG-13), starringJohn Cena and Steve Harris.Obseve & Report, 6 p.m. (R), starringSeth Rogen and Ray Liotta.
Registration for the Lackland YouthCenter’s summer basketball program contin-ues until May 29. The program is open to boysand girls ages 9-17. Registration is 6:30 a.m.to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For more information, call 671-1245.
WOMEN’S SOFTBALL
The intramural softball league is lookingfor additional players. Women interested inplaying can contact the sports office. Gamesare every Tuesday evening. Anyone with baseaccess is eligible to join.
To sign up, call Jerry Tiger at 671-2725.
FITNESS CENTER CLOSURE
The Warhawk Fitness Center’s weight room,cardio room and men's back locker room arecurrently closed but expected to reopen soon.
The basketball and volleyball courts areexpected to remain closed for about a week.
For more information, call 671-2751.
GOLF TOURNAMENT
The Gateway Hills Golf Course is hostingthe three-day 17th Annual Military Golf ClassicMay 23-25. Entry forms are at the golf courseand cost $160 per person. The registrationdeadline is today.
For more information, call 671-3466.
BOWLING
BRIEFS
SPORTS
SOFTBALLBy Patrick DesmondSports Editor
The Air and EducationTraining Command will sponsora team of 12 runners to competein the 13th annual Air ForceMarathon, taking place Sept. 19at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.
This year, AETC will selecteight runners, four women andfour men, for the 10K run andfour runners, two men and twowomen, for the 26.2-milemarathon.
Only active-duty servicemem-
bers are eligible to apply, withselections based on past per-formance.
Events other than themarathon and 10K include thehalf marathon and 5K. Therewill not be a relay event.
Members participating in theAir Force Marathon are author-ized a permissive temporaryduty assignment. AETC will pro-vide a personal maintenanceallowance for people selected forthe official team. The commandpays for race entry fees, trans-portation, lodging, warm-up
suits and run-ning shirtsfor theofficialAETCrun-ners.
Ifyouwouldlike toapply tobecome amember of theofficial AETC team,submit your nomination on Air
Force Form 303, Request forSpecialized Sports Training,
by June 2.Include the race event
and athletic uniform sizeon the form. Only onesubmission per person.
Send all submissionselectronically in anAdobe Acrobat (.pdf) or
PureEdge Viewer (.xfd)document format.For information on where
to submit applications, callChaparral Fitness Center direc-tor Richard Brown at 671-2401.
AETC seeks AF Marathon runners
Race DetailsThe Air Force
Marathon is held everySeptember to commemo-rate the founding of theAir Force as a separatemilitary service on Sept.18, 1947.
During the race,marathon runners pass bythe Air Force Museum, AirForce Institute ofTechnology, the Wright-Patterson AFB flightlineand the Wright BrothersMuseum. The marathon isopen to the public, withcompetitors from aroundthe world participating.
More information onthe Air Force Marathoncan be found atwww.usafmarathon.com.
Photo by David Weikel
PAGE 23TALESPINNERMAY 15, 2009
By Patrick DesmondSports Editor
One brother is an Air Forcestaff sergeant at Lackland. Theother is an NFL running back.Both are patriots in their ownright.
Though taking differentpaths in life, Staff Sgt. BrienMorris, 37th Medical Group,and older brother SammyMorris, leading rusher for theNew England Patriots in 2008,know what it means to supporttheir country.
“We come from a militaryfamily,” Sergeant Morris said.“Our grandfather was in theArmy; two of our uncles werein the Army; we had an unclein the Marines.”
Their father, Samuel Morris,was also a staff sergeant atLackland while the brothersattended San Antonio’s JohnJay High School.
Sammy, 32, went on to playfootball at Texas Tech and thenat Buffalo, Miami and NewEngland in the NFL. Brien, 31,an aeromedical services crafts-man in the Air Force, has beenstationed at Vance AFB, Okla.,Osan AB, Korea, Langley AFB,Va., and has deployed three
times.When Brien was assigned to
the Kelly Family Clinic lastNovember after 12 years in theAir Force, the opportunity toinvite his brother to Lacklandpresented itself.
In planning activities for theNurse Tech Appreciation bar-beque May 8, calling Sammyseemed a perfect fit – if he wasavailable.
“I didn't mention it at firstbecause I didn't know if hewould be available,” Briensaid. “He was free and sincethen (the news) spread likewildfire.”
Along with autograph ses-sions for fans, the event offeredBrien, his wife Christine, momOrinthia and Sammy Morris achance to hang out in some-what familiar surroundings.
Both brothers commentedon the city having grown sincethey were last here.
“You can see all the changesin the city itself as well as atmy high school,” SammyMorris said. “It throws you offfor a second, but it's alwaysgood to be back.”
Family gatherings of thissort are rare due to thelifestyles demanded by the NFL
and Air Force, but the closebrothers find a way aroundtheir schedules.
“It’s harder during the NFLseason,” Brien said. “But wecommunicate at least three orfour times a week.”
Text messaging providesBrien with a convenient meansof trading friendly jabs such ashow to beat a linebacker to thecorner or whether or not toparticipate in charity dancecompetitions.
Of course, there are otherways of seeing what an NFLplayer is up to.
During Sammy's first seasonas a Patriot in 2007, Brien wasdeployed to Afghanistan.
However, that didn'tkeep him from watchinggame film sent by thePatriots front office,viewing broadcastgames on theAmerican ForcesNetwork and evencatching a flightinto Arizona twoweeks prior toSuper Bowl XLIIIbetween thePatriots andGiants.
Brien said thetransition fromdeployment to Super Bowl par-ties was a trip in itself.
“I felt like I was the celebri-ty,” Brien said. “It was weirdbecause I went from worryingwhether we were going to gethit by a rocket one day tohanging out at celebrity par-ties.”
Sergeant Morris found sit-ting behind the end zone hardto put into words, but he said“anytime you get to go to agame, it’s good, but with theSuper Bowl, the intensity levelis just that much higher.”
On the flip side, trying todescribe a deployment can be
difficult, too.After the Patriots missed the
playoffs in 2008, SammyMorris used the extra time tovisit servicemembers in Kuwaitand Iraq.
“Talking withmy broth-er
when he was deployed, casual-ly he would say he gotmortared earlier that day,”Sammy said about motivationfor the visit, adding, “It was, ina small way, a chance to go outand give back.”
Traveling to the Middle Eastis in line with Brien’s assess-ment that Sammy is a down-to-earth guy.
“I have never thought ofhim as a celebrity,” he said,“just as my brother.”
In fact, two weeks prior tothe barbeque, as a show of sol-idarity, the brothers got thekanji symbols for blood and
water inked on their arms.“We wanted to get some-
thing related to family,”Sammy said. “We made theblood (symbol) thicker than itis normally, as opposed to writ-ing blood is thicker thanwater.”
Looking ahead to the 2009NFL season, Sammy will beback at the Patriots trainingcamp July 24. The brothersare still only a phone call ortext message away.
“I can call him any hour ofthe day, whatever I need,”Brien said. “We’ve just goteach other, you know.”
From left to right: Christina, Brien, Orinthia and Sammy Morrisattended the Nurse Tech Appreciation barbeque that included music,karoake, a raffle and a dunk tank at Stillman Park May 8.
Patriots return to Lackland
Patriots running back Sammy Morris and brother Staff Sgt. Brien Morris.
