11 10_11.pdf - Fort Sam Houston - U.S. Army

FORT SAM HOUSTONA PUBLICATION OF THE 502nd AIR BASE WING — JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO“One Team, Supporting Military Missions and Family Readiness!”NOVEMBER 10, 2011VOL. 53, NO. 45IMCOMCHANGEOFCOMMANDNOV. 17,10 a.m.Fort Sam Houston Parade FieldAF announces civilian workforce restructuringBy Lt. Col. Cynthia AndersonSecretary of the Air Force Public AffairsAir Force officials announcedseveral adjustments to the civilianworkforce Nov. 2.In response to direction fromthe Secretary of Defense forthe Department of Defense tostop civilian growth above fiscalyear 2010 levels and the needto add 5,900 positions againstthe Air Force’s top priorities,the Air Force eliminated approximately9,000 positions.Within Joint Base SanAntonio, there will be a lossof 1,058 positions in certainspecialties, but a gain of 944positions in other areas. Thenet effect within Joint Base SanAntonio is a loss of 114 civilianpositions.Many of the cuts, 800 ofthem, will come from organizationsdirectly supported by the502nd Air Base Wing civilianpersonnel offices.Some of the positions designatedfor elimination are currentlyvacant, thereby reducingthe impact on the work force.“We will have full open andtransparent communication withfolks in the wing,” said Brig.Gen. Theresa C. Carter, 502ndAir Base Wing commander.The general and other wingleadership have held a series oftown halls to address the civilianrestructuring process to theworkforce.These adjustments reflect severalinitiatives designed to alignlimited resources based on AirForces priorities. This process isan ongoing effort to increase efficiencies,reduce overhead andeliminate redundancy.“We can’t be successfulwithout our talented and experiencedcivilian workforce,”said Secretary of the Air ForceMichael B. Donley. “We aremaking difficult choices abouthow to deliberately restructureand posture the force and willcontinue to look for new waysof accomplishing the mission.We can’t afford businessas usual.”Upon receiving the Secretaryof Defense’s 2010 memo directingthat civilian manpowercosts stay within fiscal year2010 levels, the Air Force begana comprehensive strategicreview of the entire Air Forcecivilian workforce to determinewhether or not civilian authorizationswere in the right placesto meet mission priorities.The strategic review re-See RESTRUCTURE, P10ESPN’s ‘First Take’takes over QuadrangleSgt. 1st Class Ricardo Gutierrez,representing the Army MedicalDepartment Center and School,approaches the tactical M-4stress shoot area after a sixkilometer foot march Nov. 4during the inaugural CommandSgt. Maj. Jack L. Clark BestMedic Competition at CampBullis. See story and morephotos on pages 16-17.Photo by Lori NewmanPhoto by Steve ElliottLt. Gen. Guy C. Swan III, ARNORTH commanding general, reacts to the crowd during the ESPN“First Take” taping at the Quadrangle Nov. 7. Swan was brought up to ask if Green Bay Packersquarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Packers defense could repeat as Super Bowl champions,and was given a wedge-shaped foam “Cheesehead” hat to wear, stating that “we in the militaryhave to be in the proper uniform for every mission.” For story and additional photos, turn topage 22.VISIT NEWS LEADER ONLINE: HTTP://WWW.SAMHOUSTON.ARMY.MIL/PAO

NOVEMBER 10, 2011 NEWS LEADER PAGE 3News BriefsMETC Dining FacilityParking Lot ClosingThe Medical Education andTraining Center dining facilityparking lot will close for approximately15 months while the HaciendaRecreation Center, Building 1462,is being demolished and a new18,500-square-foot student activitycenter is being constructed. Contractorswill start putting up temporarybarricades around the parking lotimmediately. The new facility willconsist of multi-purpose spaces,administrative offices, studentin- and out-processing Areas and a1,000-seat auditorium for studentgraduations. In addition to the Hacienda,the adjacent Building 1290 willalso be demolished. The contractor isproviding a temporary swing space,referred to as the Big Area Tent. TheBAT is scheduled to be completed byDec. 16 to allow for Hacienda staffto move in during Exodus. It willbe utilized for at least 15 months oruntil the new student activity centeris complete.Installation RetirementCeremony Changes DatesDue to Thanksgiving, theInstallation Management CommandChange of Command ceremony andpotentially cooler weather, the InstallationRetirement Ceremony is at 11a.m. Nov. 18.American Education WeekThe Fort Sam Houston EducationCenter hosts American EducationWeek Nov. 14-18, with the themeof “Army Education-A Partnershipwith Soldiers and Families.” Collegerepresentatives will be available atthe Roadrunner Community Center(ACS) Auditorium, Building 2797, from9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 15 and at theBAMC Medical Mall (near Pain Clinic)from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 16. Servicemembers who have completed a degreeafter Oct. 1, 2010, are eligible toparticipate in a graduation ceremonyat 2 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Roadrunner.Participants in the ceremony will beallowed to invite family members, willcross the stage and enjoy an afterceremonyreception. IMCOM CommandSgt. Maj. Neil Ciatola will be the guestspeaker. For more information, call theEducation Center at 221-1738.See NEWS, P4U.S. Army Northwelcomes new deputycommanding generalBy Staff Sgt. Keith AndersonARNORTH Public AffairsFort Sam Houston leadersand San Antonio communitymembers joined U.S. ArmyNorth in welcoming the unit’snew deputy commanding generalNov. 4 during a ceremonyin the historic Quadrangle.They were on hand as Lt.Gen. Guy Swan III, commandinggeneral, Army North andFort Sam Houston, officiallywelcomed Maj. Gen. WalterDavis to the command.“I am especially gratified tohave Maj. Gen. Davis here,”Swan said. “Walter is distinguishedand experiencedPhoto by Luke ElliottU.S. Army Installation ManagementCommand Sgt. Maj. Neil Ciotola preparesto start his motorcycle at the Fiestade los Veteranos motorcycle rideand rally April 9. Ciotola, an avid motorcyclerider, will retire after more than35 years at a ceremony Dec. 1 at FortHood, Texas.officer, and his assignmenthistory is in line with what wedo here at Army North.”Swan highlighted severalof Davis’s previous assignments,including commandingthe Army’s new 20th SupportCommand, a chemical, biological,radiological, nuclear andhigh-yield explosives Armycommand activated in October2004.Davis also served as commanderof the Joint UnmannedAircraft Systems Centerof Excellence, U.S. ArmyForces Command; and asdeputy director, Army CapabilitiesIntegration Center, U.S.Army Training and DoctrinePhoto by Staff Sgt. Keith AndersonMaj. Gen. Walter Davis, deputy commanding general, U.S. Army North, introduceshimself to the command and to community leaders Nov. 4 during a welcomeceremony in the Quadrangle.Command.Davis said he was ready toget to work.“I’m ready to jump in withboth feet to embrace this commandand this community,”Davis said.Davis said he was glad toIMCOM CSM Ciotola retires,bids farewell to Army, IMCOMBy Luke ElliottIMCOM Public AffairsLots of significant thingshappened in 1976. It was thebirth year of Apple ComputerCompany; NASA managed toput two Viking landers safelyon the surface of Mars; JackNicholson starred in “OneFlew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest;”and the Eagles released “HotelCalifornia.”It was also the year CommandSgt. Maj. Neil L. Ciotolatook the U.S. Armed Forcesoath of enlistment.More than 35 years, countlessassignments and fourcombat deployments later,Ciotola, the command sergeantmajor for the U.S.Army Installation ManagementCommand, will officiallyretire from the U.S. Army ata ceremony Dec. 1 at FortHood, Texas. His term at IM-COM concludes Nov. 17 at thechange of command ceremony,10 a.m. on the Fort SamHouston parade field.“I am content in everythingthat I have achieved and everythingthat I have done forthe United States Army,” saidCiotola, a New Jersey native.“It has been the fulfillmentof my childhood dream towear this uniform. If I had anopportunity to do it all overagain, I’d do it all over again.”However, Ciotola said he islooking forward to retirement,just being known as “Neil”and taking a few months off tospend time with his wife of 31years, Beth.“I’ve been doing this forover three-and-a-half decades,”Ciotola said. “Myboots feel heavy on my feet.It is time for younger, morecapable men and women to goahead and take my place.”be back in the great state ofTexas and humbled to servewith the great military andcivilian team at Army Northand was excited about theopportunity to fully engageand immerse himself into SanAntonio: Military City, U.S.A.Ciotola expressed his gratitudefor getting to finish hiscareer with IMCOM and saidthat he jumped at the opportunitybecause it gave him thechance to learn about a sideof the Army he was not asfamiliar with.“To come down here andto be assimilated into thisorganization, this command,is to truly be immersed in thebusiness side of the Army,” hesaid.Ciotola admitted that healso learned quite a bit aboutthe role civilian employeesplay in the Army, acknowledgingthat most of the IMCOMheadquarters staff are civilians.Only 63 Soldiers work inthe headquarters.“What I’ve come to realizeis that, by and large, everyone of the civilians who workSee CIOTOLA, P15

PAGE 4 NEWS LEADER NOVEMBER 10, 2011News Briefsfrom P3Wilford Hall ER ClosedThe Wilford Hall Ambulatory SurgeryCenter has closed its emergencydepartment and re-designated the areaas an urgent care center. The UCC isan option for common acute minormedical problems when an individualcannot obtain an appointment witha primary care provider or a clinic isclosed. The UCC staff will treat minorillnesses and injuries, such as flu,fever, earaches, nausea, rashes, animaland insect bites, minor bone fracturesand minor cuts that require stitches.The UCC is not a substitute for anemergency department. The San AntonioMilitary Medical Center, formerlyBAMC, is staffed with both Army andAir Force nurses and physicians trainedto handle emergencies. If you go to theWilford Hall UCC with an emergencyinjury or illness, you will be sent ortransported by ambulance to a hospitalemergency department and this coulddelay your care. Call 292-7331 for moreinformation.Lincoln Family HousingQuarterly Town HallThe Lincoln Family Housingquarterly town hall meeting for housingresidents is at 6 p.m. Nov. 16 at theMain Resident Center, Building 407.Representatives from the Joint BaseSan Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Fireand Police Departments, as well asfrom the Fort Sam Houston IndependentSchool District and Family andMorale, Welfare and Recreation will beavailable to answer any questions orconcerns you may have. Refreshmentswill be served. For more information,call 270-7638.Preservation Society meetingThe Society for the Preservation ofHistoric Fort Sam Houston, Inc., invitethe public to attend their monthlygeneral membership meeting at noonNov. 17 at the historic Stilwell House.A light lunch will be provided at 11:15a.m. Guest speaker is T. R. Fehrenbach,author of over 20 books, includingbest-sellers “Lone Star: A History ofTexas and Texans” and “This Kind ofWar.” He is also the former head ofthe Texas Historical Commission andserves as an advisor to the society.Following the meeting, Fehrenbach willbe honored for the donation of copiesSee NEWS, P18Wounded warriormakes most ofsetback by relyingon resiliencyBy Neal SnyderIMCOM public AffairsCol. Gregory D. Gadsonmade the story of hispersonal obstacles into asteppingstone as he took theU.S. Army Installation ManagementCommand’s seniorleadership through a discussionof resiliency Oct. 31.Gadson, director of theArmy Wounded Warriorprogram, described the pathhe’s taken since losing mostof both legs to a roadsidebomb in Iraq in 2007,speaking to attendees of themonthly IMCOM HeadquartersLeadership DevelopmentProgram.“Resiliency is not somethingyou pick up,” Gadsonsaid. “Resiliency is notsomething you pull out ofyour pocket. It’s somethingyou have to work on everyday. It’s about how you dealwith life.”Gadson joined the Army toplay on the West Point footballteam. A field artilleryofficer, he served in everymajor conflict of the pasttwo decades: Kuwait (DesertShield and Desert Storm),Bosnia-Herzegovina, Afghanistanand Iraq, where heencountered an improvisedexplosive device.He shared lessons learnedsince travelling that Iraqiroad.“There are no shortcutsin healing; it’s a process,”he said. “As dramatic as itis physically, it’s much morechallenging emotionally andintellectually. What I foundout is life is not about whatwe don’t have, it’s aboutwhat we have. I feel soPhoto by Craig ColemanCol. Greg Gadson tries out the firstset of battery-powered “bionic” prostheticknees, called Power Knees, inApril 2010.fortunate to be here andthe opportunity to continueserving.”Gasden has earned twoadvanced degrees. He personallytests and advocatesfor new prosthetic technology.He will take commandof the Fort Belvoir garrisonSee GADSON, P18Photo by Maria Gallegos(From left) Pfc. Spencer. R. Yand, Spec. Christian C. Young, Sgt. Christopher T.Sprague and Pfc. Justin L. Strickland, also received the Combat Infantry Badge,received their Purple Heart medal and certificate from Maj. Gen. M. Ted Wong,commander of Brooke Army Medical Center and Southern Regional Medical Commandat the Warrior and Family Support Center, Oct 24. Command Sgt. Maj. MarshallHuffman, Command Sergeant Major of BAMC and SRMC is also pictured.Four Soldiers honored withPurple Hearts at WFSCBy Maria GallegosBAMC Public AffairsFour wounded warriorswere honored during a PurpleHeart ceremony Oct. 24 at theWarrior and Family SupportCenter.Maj. Gen. M. Ted Wong,commander of Brooke ArmyMedical Center and SouthernRegional Medical Center hostedand presented the PurpleHeart medals and certificates.He welcomed the Purple Heartrecipients with words of praisefor their courage, dedicationand sacrifices they made todefend our country for ourfreedom.Sgt. Christopher T. Spraguewas assigned to the 572nd MobilityAugmentation Company,8th Battalion, 36th EngineerBrigade, serving as a combatengineer in Afghanistan, whenhis vehicle was struck by animprovised explosive devicewhile conducting a route clearancepatrol resulting in hiscombat injuries Sept. 2.Spec. Christian C. Young,an infantryman, was assignedto Company B, 2nd Battalion,30th Infantry, 4th BrigadeCombat Team, 10th MountainDivision when he received hiscombat injuries while conductingoperations in Afghanistanwhen the Command ObservationPost received indirect fireSept 25.Pfc. Justin L. Strickland wasassigned to the 805th MilitaryPolice Company, 2-10th MilitaryPolice Command, servingas a military policeman in Iraqwhen his vehicle was struck byan improved explosive device,resulting in his combat injuriesJuly 15.Pfc. Spencer R. Yand, aninfantryman, was assigned toCompany B, 2nd Battalion,30th Infantry, 4th BrigadeCombat Team, 10th MountainDivision, when he receivedsmall arms fire and encounteredan improvised explosivedevice while on a dismountedpatrol, resulting in his combatinjuries on Feb 28.The Purple Heart is awardedto members of the UnitedStates armed forces woundedby an instrument of war inthe hands of the enemy andposthumously to the next ofkin in the name of those whoare killed in action or die ofwounds received in action. Itis specifically a combat decorationand the oldest militaryhonor in the world in use.

PAGE 6 NEWS LEADER NOVEMBER 10, 2011

PAGE 8 NEWS LEADER NOVEMBER 10, 2011Army observes Warrior CareMonth in NovemberThe Army is observingWarrior Care Month inNovember. The theme is“Healing the Mind, Body,and Spirit: UnlockingUnlimited Potential.”“Taking care of Soldiersis something wedo every day, said Brig.Gen. Darryl Williams, AssistantSurgeon Generalfor Warrior Care andCommander, WarriorTransition Command.“Observing WarriorCare Month allows usto highlight the significanceof keepingSoldiers healthy andsafe and taking care ofthem when they becomewounded, ill or injured,”Williams said. “At theWarrior Transition Commandwe are in thebusiness of caring for theArmy’s wounded, ill andinjured Soldiers fromthe Active, Guard andReserve.According to Williams,most people think of thecombat injured whenthey hear the term ‘warriorcare’. “Taking careof our combat-injured iswarrior care,” he said.“Warrior care is alsopreventing illnesses andkeeping Soldiers healthyand ready to deploy.“Warrior care is armingSoldiers with tourniquetsthat they can usewith only one hand,” thegeneral said. “It’s havingthe best trained medicsin the world standingshoulder to shoulderwith our combat Soldiers.”Williams points outthat warrior care is anundertaking that encompassesa broad scopeof efforts that extendbeyond the battlefield.“This includes understandinghow to managepain with medicationand with complementarymedicinesuch as acupuncture,massage, andyoga. Warrior caremeans buildingresilience and ensuringour men and women inuniform are strong inmind, body and spirit,”Williams said.“Warrior care is ourbest researchers lookingat how we can advancemedicine, improveprotective gear and dealwith trauma and complexinjuries. It’s havinga battle buddy who looksafter you and a leaderyou can count on.Warrior Care Month isalso a time to recognizeall those who don’t wearthe uniform who supportand care for our Soldiers,citing the VeteransAdministration, Congress,Veterans organizations,corporate America, localcommunities andindividual citizens asexamples.“I’m reminded ofretired Adm. MichaelMullen, former Chairmanof the Joint Chiefs ofStaff. He calls this a ‘Seaof Goodwill’ of Americansupport.”Williams, speakingspecifically about his joband about Warrior TransitionUnits (WTUs), outlineshis three prioritiesfor the wounded, ill andinjured he represents –education, training andemployment.There are 29 WarriorTransition Units (WTUs)at Army installationsand nine Community-Based Warrior TransitionUnits across the country.The WTU structurerepresents the way theArmy supports Soldierswho require at leastsix months of complexmedical care.Since 2007, throughWTUs, the Army providesa standardizedframework of care andsupport from medicalappointments to adaptiveor reconditioning sportsprograms and internships.Standing behind themthrough each stage ofrecovery and transitionis the Triad of Care – aprimary care manager,nurse case manager andsquad leader – as well asan interdisciplinary teamof medical and non-medicalprofessionals whowork with Soldiers andtheir Families to ensurethat they receive thesupport they deserve.Williams said thatwhile a WTU is a placefor Soldiers to heal, it’salso a place to plan fortheir future; a place todevelop a good, solidway ahead for them andfor their family.“Either way, whenthey leave these units mygoals for them is that notonly have they receivedthe best medical carepossible, but that theyalso have the educationand training they needto succeed and that theyhave a job or careerlined up,” Williamsadded.“We owe them ourbest, and Warrior CareMonth is a time to commemoratethe importanceof what we dothroughout the year.”(Source: U.S. ArmyWarrior Transition Command)

NOVEMBER 10, 2011 NEWS LEADER PAGE 9

PAGE 10 NEWS LEADER NOVEMBER 10, 2011RESTRUCTURE from P1vealed several imbalances.Some high priority areasneeded to grow, while somemanagement and overheadfunctions needed streamlining.These imbalances ledto a variety of initiatives focusedon realigning scarcemanpower resources withthe most critical missions.The Air Force will growby approximately 5,900positions in acquisition, thenuclear enterprise, and intelligence,surveillance andreconnaissance and otherkey areas while reducingapproximately 9,000 positionsin management, staff,and support areas.In addition, beginningin May 2011, the AirForce implemented hiringcontrols, a 90-day hiringfreeze and voluntary earlyretirement and separationprograms to furthermitigate the impact on thework force.The Air Force will continueto pursue all availablevoluntary force managementefforts with the goalof avoiding non-voluntaryactions.“We clearly understandthe turbulence these andfuture reductions will causein the workforce,” said AirForce Chief of Staff Gen.Norton Schwartz. “We aremaking every effort to usevoluntary measures toachieve reductions wheneverpossible.”Beginning in May 2011,the Air Force implementeda series of hiring controlsand voluntary separationprograms designed toreduce overall manpowercosts, but these hiringcontrols did not providethe results required tooperate within our fiscalconstraints.“The initiatives announcedNov. 2 representthe next step toward thatgoal, but there is morework to be done,” saidBrig. Gen. Gina Grosso,Manpower, Organization,and Resources director.“The Air Force remainsover fiscal year 2010 manpowerlevels and will continueto develop enterprisewidesolutions to achieveour goals with minimalimpact to mission,” Grossosaid. “The Air Force muststill define an additional4,500 civilian positions forreduction.”As details become final,Air Force officials willrelease information on thenext set of initiatives.Air Force-wide, localleaders will be sharing theresults of the civilian manpoweradjustments withtheir workforces over thenext several days.“Civilian manpoweradjustments will occurat all levels of the AirForce,” Grosso said. “Weare focused on shapingthe force within our fiscalconstraints and are committedto maintaining ourlong history of excellenceas we build the Air Forceof the future.“At this time, we are notsure whether a reductionin force will be necessary,”the general said. “Weare pursuing all availablevoluntary force managementmeasures to includecivilian hiring controls withthe goal of avoiding nonvoluntarymeasures. Everyvacancy we don’t fill bringsus one position closer tofiscal year 2010 levels, andreduces the possibility for a(Reduction in Force).”Given the constrainedfiscal environment, AirForce members shouldexpect continued workforceshaping measures affectingmilitary, civilian, and contractors,Grosso noted.“We understand thestress caused by uncertaintyand will do our bestto share information acrossthe workforce as soon as itbecomes available,” Grossosaid.(Editor’s note: The 502ndAir Base Wing publicaffairs office contributedto this article)FSHISDWeekly CampusActivities Nov. 14-20Fort Sam HoustonElementary SchoolNov. 14Nov. 15Student Council meeting inlibrary, 3:15 - 4:30 p.m.Nov. 17Flu Mist Vaccination, 10a.m.-1 p.m., with parent inattendanceThanksgiving LuncheonRobert G. Cole Middle andHigh SchoolNov. 14Book Fair, Media CenterNov. 15Book Fair, Media CenterGirls basketball juniorvarsity/varsity at Somerset,5:30 and 7 p.m.“Once Upon a Fairy Tale”,6th grade viewing from1:40 to 2:10 p.m. Parentsof cast and crew welcometo attend.Nov. 16Book Fair, Media Center“Once Upon a Fairy Tale”,7th grade viewing from1:40 to 2:10 p.m. Parentsof cast and crew welcometo attend.Band/Choir SpaghettiDinner in cafeteria, 5:30-8 p.m.Nov. 17Book Fair, Media CenterVolleyball State Tournament“Once Upon a Fairy Tale”,8th grade viewing from1:40 to 2:10 p.m. Parentsof cast and crew welcometo attend.Boys soccer vs. Feast atPepsi Fields, 6 p.m.Nov. 18Volleyball State TournamentGirls basketball JV/VTournament, 9 a.m.Nov. 19Volleyball State TournamentGirls basketball JV/VTournament, 9 a.m.

NOVEMBER 10, 2011 NEWS LEADER PAGE 11Second Bronze Star awarded to METC instructorBy Lisa BraunMETC Public AffairsAir Force Maj. ChristopherGonzales, a medicallogistics instructor atthe Medical Education &Training Campus, wasrecently awarded hissecond Bronze Star forexceptionally meritoriousservice in supportof Operation EnduringFreedom while deployedto Afghanistan in 2009.Joined by his wife,Beth, and son, Evan,Gonzales was presentedthe award during a commander’scall Oct. 28by Col. Annata Sullivan,937th Training Groupcommander. The 937thTRG is the Air Forcecomponent that supportsMETC.“Major Gonzales is agreat instructor. We arevery proud of him andhis willingness to deployand serve his country,”Sullivan said.While deployed withthe 1ST Squadron,108TH Cavalry Regiment,then-Capt. Gonzales oversaw21 medical evacuationmissions, attaininga 100 percent survivalrate; planned medicalsupport for Joint Forces/Joint Nation OperationBREST THUNDER; managed52 medical mentorsacross the Afghan Centralregion; and plannedand implemented threeAfghan medical outreachmissions resulting in 400local citizens receivingtreatment.Despite his accomplishments,Gonzales remainshumble.“I didn’t go above andbeyond. I did what wasexpected of me; I accomplishedthe mission,”he said.His leadership thoughtotherwise.“Captain Gonzales’personal courage andcommitment to missionaccomplishment in acombat zone, under themost extreme of circumstances,greatly contributedto the success ofOperation Enduring Freedom,”reads his citation.Sullivan agrees, butadded that Gonzales’family should be praised,as well as his co-workerswho stayed behind tocontinue the mission.“We always appreciatethe family’s service andare proud that our AirForce family is willing toshare the burden whentheir loved one deploys.“Families,” shesaid, “are what makeour Armed Forces soresilient.”U.S. Air Force photoAir Force Maj. Christopher Gonzales was awarded his second BronzeStar Oct. 28 for exceptionally meritorious service in support of OperationEnduring Freedom while deployed to Afghanistan in 2009.Gonzales, a medical logistics instructor at the Medical Education &Training Campus, was presented the award by Col. Annata Sullivan,937th Training Group commander.MEALS from P7check on restaurants’hours and availabilityof offer.• T.G.I. Friday’s,where participatingrestaurants will offera buy-one, get-onefreespecial to anyonewith a current or oldmilitary ID from Nov.11 to 14.• Uno Chicago Grill,which will offer a freeentrée or individualpizza Nov. 11 to patronswho buy anotherentrée or pizza ofequal or greater value.The offer is goodfor all veterans andactive-duty militarymembers in uniformor with a military IDor proof of militaryservice.(Courtesy of theAmerican Forces PressService)

PAGE 12 NEWS LEADER NOVEMBER 10, 2011Frost earns cfc eagle awardJROTC cadets get dental trainingPhoto by Deyanira Romo RossellTerrence Frost, 502nd Force Support Squadron acting director, is taken by surprise at a meetingas he is bestowed the Combined Federal Campaign Eagle Award for submitting his pledgeto the annual charity drive. Fort Sam Houston CFC coordinator Duane Dunkley doles out eaglesthroughout Fort Sam Houston to troops and federal employees who pledge at a certain level.The goal for the 2011 Fort Sam Houston CFC, which runs until December 15 is $1,343,389.Presently, $705,571 has been pledged, putting the CFC campaign at 52 percent of its goal. Formore information on pledging to the CFC, contact Dunkley at 221-2207.Photo by Kathy SalazarJohn F. Kennedy High School JROTC cadets listen to Air Force Tech. Sgt. Carla Bender, dentalassistant course training instructor, describe how dental students use “Fletcher® PlasseinHead” while training at the Medical Education Training Center, during their tour of Ft SamHouston, Nov 3. The manikin head has actual teeth to help students accurately simulate reallife dental practice and techniques.

NOVEMBER 10, 2011 NEWS LEADER PAGE 13SAMMC holds mass casualty exerciseRemembering those who survivedPhoto by Maria GallegosSan Antonio Military Medical Center staff attend to a simulated victim during a mass casualtyresponse exercise Oct. 27, in support of the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council onTrauma and American Medical Response. The scenario for the exercise had two aircraft collidingwhile taking off down the wrong runway. The accident caused an extensive number of causalities,requiring evacuation to several different hospitals in the local area. SAMMC received approximately35 patients in moulage makeup who were first triaged, and then sent to differentdepartments in the hospital for treatment.Photo by Maria GallegosMichelle Fischer, surgery administrator of San Antonio Military Medical Center, holds a candlein remembrance of cancer survivors at the 5th Annual National Cancer Survivors Day at the FortSam Houston Club Oct. 28. SAMMC’s cancer committees hosted the event. Guest speaker Col.George Peoples, chief of SAMMC Surgical Oncology, spoke to more than 250 participants aboutthe innovated research advances being made in the fight against breast cancer.

PAGE 14 NEWS LEADER NOVEMBER 10, 2011Photos by Eric R. LuceroMaj. Gen. Alejandro Arancibia Ramirez, director of international relations and head of the Chileandelegation, and Maj. Gen. Simeon G. Trombitas, U.S. Army South commander, sign a formal agreementthat marked the end of the annual army-to-army bilateral Staff talksbetween their countries’armies during a ceremony Nov. 2 at Army South headquarters here.U.S. Army South, Chile wrapup army-to-army staff talksBy Eric R. LuceroARSOUTH Public AffairsMaj. Gen. Simeon G.Trombitas, U.S. ArmySouth commander, andMaj. Gen. AlejandroArancibia Ramirez,director of internationalrelations and head ofthe Chilean delegation,signed a formalagreement that markedthe end of the annualarmy-to-army bilateralstaff talks between theircountries’ armies duringa ceremony Nov. 2at Army South headquarterson Fort SamHouston.Army South, on behalfof the chief of staff ofthe Army, hosted thestaff talks to developand exercise a bilateralsenior-level meetingframework between thetwo armies.This served to setconditions for the accomplishmentof theobjectives and end statesof Army South and U.S.Southern Command.The signed agreementwill help guide U.S. andSee CHILE, P15(Left to right) Col. Jerry Jackson, Army South deputy chief of staff, intelligence, Col. Brian McNaughton,Army South deputy commander, operations, and Col. John Donoghue, Army South deputy chiefof staff, operations, share a laugh with Chilean Maj. Gen. Alejandro Arancibia Ramirez, director ofinternational relations and head of the Chilean delegation, at the end of the annual army-to-armybilateral Staff talksNov. 2 at Army South headquarters here.

NOVEMBER 10, 2011 NEWS LEADER PAGE 15CHILE from P14Chilean interactions during2012.“The staff talks withChile are of great importanceto us because Chileis one of our strongestallies in all of the Americas,”Trombitas said.“These talks allow usto form a plan of interactionfor the next yearand manage the waysin which we operatetogether. Strong alliancesand good allies are a keyto anything we do, notonly in this hemisphere,but globally.”This year’s staff talksfocused on two strategicthemes governing theArmy’s role in humanitarianassistance and disasterresponse, as well asdoctrine and operationalcapabilities development.The staff talks are partof an on-going planningprocess that occursthroughout the year, andthis week’s event is theculmination of planningfor 2012, according toLt. Col. Christopher W.Muller, the Army sectionchief assigned to Chile.The planning processensures that the Army’sefforts are integratedwith SOUTHCOM’stheater campaign planand linked to the missionstrategic resourceplan for the U.S. embassyin Chile.One of the benefits tothe staff talks process isthe ability to share opinionsand experiences inopen dialogue.“The staff talks providean excellent opportunityto share experiences,”Arancibia said. “Thisincreases the capabilitiesof our armies.”“The staff talks arevery important becausethey allow us to speakfrankly about how wecan improve our relationship,”said Col.Luis Chamorro, Chileanforeign liaison officer toArmy South.Chile and the U.S.share many interests andsecurity concerns. Thestaff talks provide a keyforum for both armies todevelop strategic objectivesin order to maintainand advance the relationshipbetween the partnernations.Through staff talks,each nation benefits fromthe professional exchangesleading to collaborativesolutions for issues inthe region.This year’s staff talksalso focused on developingknowledge, capabilitiesand supportfor current and futurepeacekeeping operationswithin the region.Currently, Chile has 287soldiers deployed to Haitiin support of peacekeepingoperations.The U.S. and Chilestaff talks concluded with10 “Agreed-to Actions”for the upcoming yearand beyond.Some of these ATAsinclude the developmentof a bilateral simulationexercise, a platoonexchange betweenChile and the TexasMilitary Forces, efforts tooptimize the capacities ofthe Chilean army’s engineers,and several subjectmatter expert exchanges.The Chilean army willalso participate withArmy South and partnernations in humanitarianand disaster relief exercises,as well as securityand stability exercises.In addition, Chile willhost the PeacekeepingOperations-Americas2012 exercise.“The highlight of thestaff talks is the ability ofour Soldiers to interactwith our allies throughoutthe region,” Trombitassaid. “We’ve conductedthese with Chile sinceCIOTOLA from P3in this institution –they’re a Soldier intheir own right, andthey’ve got a Soldier’sheart,” he said.“Itis just amazing –the depth of talent andthe insight and just thecapacity of the peoplehere, individuallyand collectively, just defiesexplanation sometimes.”He added that hedoes not think thereis any task – short ofdeploying into combat– that IMCOM could notaccomplish as well asa primarily militarybasedcommand.2006 and as such, we’veformed a good relationship.It’s always good topersonally interact withour friends and allies toform stronger relationships.”After taking a fewmonths off to spendtime with his wife,Ciotola plans to finishcollege requirementsand become a schoolteacher.“In the twilight of mycareer, and I’m goingto say the last 15-16years of my career,what I realized was: ‘Ithas never been aboutme; it is about liftingeverybody else up that’saround you.’”Ciotola, who willstay in the San Antonioarea, plans to takethis philosophy to hiscommunity and to thechildren of his community.In addition to Chile,Army South, on behalfof the chief of staff ofthe army, also conductsarmy-to-army staff talkswith Brazil, Colombia andEl Salvador.

PAGE 16 NOVEMBER 10, 2011 NEWS LEADER PAGE 17Soldiers compete forArmy’s best medic titleBy Lori NewmanFSH News LeaderSixty-two Soldiers fromacross the Army competedin a grueling 72-hour two-Soldier team competition atCamp Bullis Nov. 4 to 6 toearn the title of best medic.The inaugural CommandSgt. Maj. Jack L. Clark Jr.Best Medic Competition wasdedicated to the 13th commandsergeant major of theU.S. Army Medical Command.Clark’s family came fromFlorida to participate in thededication ceremony andmeet the competitors.“It is appropriate thatsuch a prestigious competitionbe named after CommandSgt. Maj. Clark. Hewas one of the most respectedleaders and noncommissionedofficers in the historyof our command,” saidretired Command Sgt. Maj.Sandra Townsend, keynotespeaker for the dedicationceremony.“[Clark] was a mover anda shaker, known for makingevery place he went better.He understood the importantrole of medics in the Armyand the trust Soldiers andleaders must have in theArmy Medical Department.”In the end, Sgt. 1st ClassJohn Maitha and Staff Sgt.Christopher Whitaker, representingthe 3rd Battalion,75th Ranger Regiment, FortBenning, Ga. secured thetitle of the Army’s Best CombatMedic Team.“We had no idea wherewe were place-wise, so wejust kept going as hard andas fast as we could on everything,”Maitha said.The first day of thecompetition began with aphysical fitness challenge,which included a three-milerun and pulling a tire thatweighed several hundredpounds.The obstacle coursetested the team’s agility andphysical strength. Each teamneeded to complete 15 of19 obstacles as quickly andsafely as possible.The M-9 stress shootmimicked a combat situationwhere every shot counts.Teams showcased theirmarksmanship skills, completingthree separate firingengagements while evacuatinga simulated casualty ona litter.“The M-9 stress shoot wasthe most fun,” Maitha andWhitaker said.Once the M-9 stress shootwas complete, the two-Sol-dier teams marched six kilometers tothe next part of the competition, theM-4 stress shoot.“We liked the night land navigationbecause it was challenging and it wasdifferent,” Maitha said. “They filled usin on a Blackhawk helicopter headingto an unknown [helicopter landingzone] and we had to figure out wherewe were before we could even startthe course.”The advanced land navigationcourse began at 11 p.m.Teams were flown by helicopterand inserted into the rugged terrainof Camp Bullis. Once on the ground,each team had six hours to locate 12grid coordinate locations using terrainassociation and topographical maps.“The night land nav was definitelythe toughest,” Whitaker said.Early the next morning, the candidatestackled the urban assault lane.Using simulated munitions similar topaint ball rounds the Soldiers hadto engage the enemy while treatingcasualties and defending themselves.The day combat medic lane testedthe candidate’s ability to performcasualty care in close quarters as wellas their ability to evacuate woundedto a MEDIVAC aircraft.The night combat medic lane testedthe competitor’s ability to performmedical tasks under the cover ofdarkness using the Tactical Simulatorfor Military Medicine. The teams wererequired to gain fire superiority, stabilizetheir casualty and move themfrom the simulator into a groundevacuation vehicle.Mounted land navigation tests thecandidate’s ability to provide medicaltreatment while en route to the medicaltreatment facility.At 0500 the next morning eachtwo-Soldier team worked together tocomplete a 75-question written examdesigned to test their tactical andtechnical proficiency.After the written exam, theSoldiers moved to the virtual convoycombat simulator. The simulatorprovided a 360 degree simulatedbattlefield allowing the candidates theopportunity to perform basic Soldierskills while mounted in a simulatedenvironment.This event joined teams together tocompete the scenario, engaging hostiletargets and calling in situationalreports.The leadership reaction coursetested each team’s ability to think,lead and work together to negotiateeight obstacles.The final event was a timed 2.7mile buddy run, testing the fortitudeand endurance of the competitors.Each team had to complete the runcarrying a 180 pound casualty on alitter.Shortly after Sunday’s last event, anawards ceremony was held at CampBullis.Lt. Gen. Eric Schoomaker, Armysurgeon general and commandinggeneral, U.S. Army Medical Command,and the Clark family presentedtrophies to the winning team andrecognized all the teams for theiraccomplishments during the 72-hourcompetition.Pricilla Clark congratulated all thecompetitors.“You have been tested beyond humancapability and you have comethrough this standing and smiling,”she said. “You have given us the truedefinition of never giving up.”Staff Sgts. Gabriel Mendoza andGabriel Valdez, representing 160thSpecial Operations Aviation Regiment(Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C., accumulatedthe second-highest points totaland placed second in the competition.Third place was secured bySpcs. Allen Klingsporn and AustinKreutzfeld from the 82nd AirborneDivision, Fort Bragg, N.C.Staff Sgt. Christopher Whitaker and Sgt. 1st ClassJohn Maitha representing the 3rd Battalion, 75thRanger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga. compete inthe M-9 stress shoot lane at Camp Bullis. Whitakerand Maitha finished first in the competitionsecuring the title of the Army’s Best Combat MedicTeam.Spc. Daniel Holmes, 82nd Airborne Division,Fort Bragg, N.C. pulls his teammate Staff Sgt.Jordon Houston up a climbing tower. The obstaclecourse tested the Soldiers agility and physicalstrength.Photos by Lori NewmanEvaluator Staff Sgt. Tam Thai observes Staff Sgt. Chad Howell and Pfc. Patrick Condon from Europe Regional Medical Command, Weisbaden,Germany during the physical fitness challenge event Nov. 4 at Camp Bullis. The physical fitness challenge was the first event ofthe inaugural Command Sgt. Maj. Jack L. Clark Jr. Best Medic Competition was dedicated to the 13th command sergeant major of theU.S. Army Medical Command.Sgt. Brian Baker from the 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky. shootshostile targets during the M-9 stress shoot.Pfc. Patrick Condon and Staff Sgt. Chad Howell emerge from a low crawl with a casualty on a litterduring the M-9 stress shoot Nov. 4 at Camp Bullis.Spc. Daniel Holmes,82nd Airborne Division,Fort Bragg, N.C. pullshimself over a high logduring the CommandSgt. Maj. Jack L. ClarkJr. Best Medic Competition.Each team neededto complete 15 of 19obstacles as quickly andsafely as possible.

NOVEMBER 10, 2011 NEWS LEADER PAGE 19Wounded warrior inspired,committed to help othersBy Steven GalvanU.S. Army Institute ofSurgical Research Public AffairsCharles Dominquezknows firsthand thepain and tribulationswounded warriors facewhile hospitalized at theU.S. Army Institute ofSurgical Research BurnCenter at Joint BaseSan Antonio-Fort SamHouston.Dominquez receivedburns on 30 percentof his body, mostlyface, hands and back,when a 5-ton truck fullof propane tanks wasblown up just outsidethe Iraqi police stationhe was working at whiledeployed to Iraq in2005-2006.“We were targetedbecause we were recruitingIraqis to serveon their police force,”he said. “Twelve Iraqisand an American Soldierstanding next to mewere killed.”Dominquez recalls thegrueling hours he hadto wait for a medicalevacuation from thecompound because theywere taking on gunfirefrom outside the compound.Eventually he wouldmake it out of Iraq toGermany and onto SanAntonio. The road torecovery was long andarduous. Even thoughthe medical staff at theBurn Center is committedto providingpatients with the bestcombat casualty care inthe world, the healingprocess is more thanphysical.“The burns, thewounds, the treatmentand the physical therapyare extremely painful,”said Dominquez. “It canget depressing.”The Burn Center isstaffed with people whocan help wounded warriorswith their physical,emotional and psychologicalchanges.But there’s anotherfactor that woundedwarriors have that helpsthem get through thetough times. They haveeach other. It was thissupport and motivationthat Dominquez receivedthat helped himget his life back.“I remember beingat physical therapyand seeing guys likeChris Edwards, MerlinGerman, J.R. Martinezand Israel Del Toro whowere burned worse thanI was,” he said. “Thefirst guy to talk to mewas Edwards. He said‘hey, come here,’ andtold me that I was goingto be fine and to bestrong.”It was that type ofsupport and motivationthat helped Dominquezrealize that hecould recover from theinjuries he was dealingwith and lead a productiveand fulfilling life.As the building managerat the Warrior andFamily Support Center,Dominquez is constantlytalking with woundedwarriors.“My therapy is talkingto these guys,” he said.“I need them as muchas they need me.”Patients before himand after his stay at theBurn Center continue toinspire him.“Guys like ToddNelson, Sam Brown andBobby Henline have inspiredme,” said Dominquez.“These guys wereburned worse than Iwas, and they are livinglife to the fullest despitetheir scars and disfigurements.”One of the burnpatients that talked toDominquez a couple oftimes while he was atthe Burn Center recuperatingfrom his injurieswas J.R. Martinez,who went on to get arole on the soap opera“All My Children” andis currently a contestanton “Dancing with theStars.”“It’s inspiring to seewhat he has done andhow he is succeeding,”he said. “He’s a greatdancer, but I know thathe’s in a lot of pain.Burn survivors can’tregulate their bodytemperatures because ofthe scarring. To watchhim dance they way hedoes under those stagelights has to be painful,but he doesn’t let thatstop him.”That’s the messagethat Dominquez is ableto share with woundedwarriors who spendtime at the WFSC.“Don’t let the woundscontrol your life,” hesaid. “Your life missionhas changed and youcan succeed.”

PAGE 20 NEWS LEADER NOVEMBER 10, 2011401st Military Intelligence Company trains in leader reactionBy Staff Sgt. Joseph Bello470th Military Intelligence BrigadeSoldiers of the 401stMilitary Intelligence Companyhave been learningnew lessons aboutleadership and teamworkduring hands-on trainingthrough the LeadersReaction Course at CampBullis.The course presentsnoncommissioned officerswith challenges that forcethem to react with hasteto overcome obstaclesin accomplishing theirmission. The course alsotests Soldiers on theirability to work togetheras a team.The training day beganin darkness on Fort SamHouston. Gear was setup and inventoried, andLight Medium TacticalVehicles (LMTVs) werelined up with diesel enginesrumbling.Soldiers stood information while theirleaders conducted accountability.The platoonsergeants screamed, “Filefrom the left, column left,march!” and Soldiers beganrunning to the backof their assigned LMTV.One by one, the Soldierspacked into the vehicles,finding as much comfortas they could.The radio crackledwith a call for a communicationscheck andfinally the go-ahead tomove. The engines bellowedto life, and theLMTVs roared off.Almost an hour later,as the sun began to rise,the Soldiers arrivedat their destination.The troop commanderof each vehicle quicklystaged his vehicle as thetraining cadre preparedthe site.After the range safetyofficer briefed the troopson safety procedures,covering wildlife, dehydration,fire dangers andfalling hazards on thecourse, Soldiers wererandomly lined up inteams of seven with aminimum of one NCO perteam.“As a Soldier, you don’thave the luxury of pickingyour leaders or teammembers, and that’s thereality we wanted to recreate,”said Sgt. 1st ClassLopez, who oversaw thecourse.Besides instructionson time limit, expectationsand limitations foreach event in the course,the teams also receivedinstructions to use nonconventionalmethods toaccomplish their tasks.“I don’t want the bookanswer,” Lopez explained.“You won’t have time toread a book when youPhoto by Staff Sgt. Joseph BelloSoldiers of the 401st Military Intelligence Company, whose missioninvolves signals intelligence, counterintelligence and analysis,tackle an obstacle during the Leaders Reaction Course.are being overrun. Whatthe Army needs is you touse your ingenuity, adaptabilityand resourcefulnessto create a solutionto these problems.”At the beginning ofeach event, team leadersreceived a briefing on theobjective of their lane.Some objectives wereas simple as deliveringammo cans; others wereas difficult as escaping aprisoner compound.However, all of themrequired every Soldierto think quickly and toreact quickly as a teammember.With the command“Go!” the Soldiers of eachteam immediately begancreating solutions to theobstacles, some of whichwere over-planned, othersfundamentally simple.At the end of each event,the Soldiers reset the stationand moved onto thenext objective.This continued untilthe exercise ended, withthe Soldiers’ hands werecalloused, their uniformsstained, their bodies coveredwith sweat.Once again, theysecured their equipmentand boarded the LMTVs,and the sound of the dieselengines filled the air.The training cadre,still dirty from the event,reconvened upon arrivalat Fort Sam Houston andprovided input for the401st MI Company commanderto use to developfurther team-based trainingevents.

NOVEMBER 10, 2011 NEWS LEADER PAGE 21Premium changes among considerationsfor NAF civilians during open seasonBy Evan DysonIMCOM Public AffairsAn 8 percent premiumincrease for theNon-Appropriated FundEmployee Health BenefitPlan is one factor NAFemployees should beaware of during openseason, which runsthrough Nov. 30.The Jan. 1 premiumincrease, due to risingmedical claim costs, stillfalls below comparablefigures in private sectoremployment benefitplans.Open season allowsemployees to alter theirbenefit elections.“We had an overallincrease in medical[plan premiums]of 8 percent while theprivate sector had 12,”said Bob Ramsey, directorof NAF Benefits.“We, as an organization,have fared well whenit comes to managingincreases in healthcarecosts.”Medical deductiblesand some co-pays arealso changing this year.Annual medical deductibleswill increasefor all plan elections.Under the new rates,individuals will have a$300 deductible for innetworkvisits under allplans. For Families, thedeductible will either be$600 or $900 dependingon Family size.Co-pays will varybased on your electionsand the circumstancesof your visit.In addition, the NAFHBP is expanding thedefinition of eligibledependents.Children under theage of 26 who hadpreviously been ineligibleto join the NAFHBP because they hadaccess health coveragethrough their employercan now participate inthe NAF HBP, regardlessof whether or not theyhave access to other employer-sponsoredhealthcoverage.To understand alloptions available duringopen enrollment, it isimportant to study thematerials provided byNAF benefits at NAF-Benefits.com.According to Ramsey,employees can alsorequest informationpackets from their localhuman resource offices.Areas that can beadjusted include healthbenefits, life insurance,401k savings andflexible spending accounts.For example,the amount of pre-taxincome employees underage 50 are allowed todeposit to their retirementaccount has beenraised from $16,000 to$16,500.All elections andchanges made to healthinsurance and life insurancewill be effectiveJan. 1.Employees whochoose not to participatein open season will beunable to make changesto their benefits untilnext year’s open seasonunless they become eligibledue to a qualifying“life event.” Examples ofsuch events as definedby the Office of PersonnelManagement includemarriage, divorce, birthsand deaths.To learn more aboutthis year’s NAF BenefitsOpen Season options,visit NAFBenefits.com.Performance poetryPhoto by Cheryl Harrison(From left) Second-place winner Ryan Smith aka “RYSmith”;first-place winner Latasha “P16” Parham and third-place winnerAron “FACE” Lee pose for a group picture after being announcedthe top three poets in the 2nd Annual “Stand. Speak.Listen” Poetry Slam Nov. 5. The annual event was held by theFamily Life Program at the Warfighter and Family ReadinessCenter. Fourteen contestants performed original works in thecompetitive art of performance poetry. A dual emphasis onwriting and performance is encouraged with the poets focusingon what they are saying and how they are saying it.

PAGE 22 NEWS LEADER NOVEMBER 10, 2011ESPN2 ‘First Take’ takes over QuadrangleBy Steve ElliottFSH News LeaderThe Quadrangle onJoint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston tookon a Hollywood lookthe morning of Nov. 7,as the cast and crew ofESPN’s “First Take” sportsprogram took over thehistoric area as part ofthe network’s “Salute toAmerica’s Heroes.”A two-hour morningsports talk programthat airs daily on ESPN2,the show is hosted byESPN personalities DanaJacobson and Jay Crawford,and features sportsjournalist Skip Baylessand rotating guest analystsdebating the day’s 10hottest sports topics witha rotation of sportswritersand ex-athletes.Lt. Gen. Guy C. SwanIII, ARNORTH commandinggeneral, and Brig.Gen. Theresa Carter,502nd Air Base Wingcommander, were bothbrought on stage as guestco-hosts and given thechance to pose sportsBrig. Gen. Theresa Carter, 502nd Air Base Wing commander, agrees with the answer from Skip Baylessthat the New York Jets would not win the AFC East during the Nov. 7 taping of the ESPN “First Take”program.questions for Bayless andhis fellow debaters, sportsjournalist Jemele Hill andformer Dallas Cowboyssafety Darren Woodson, toargue about.Other military membersfrom throughout the postwere also brought up tohelp host the show andpose questions. Membersof the audience were alsogiven the chance to voteon who won each debateby raising a headshot ofeach debater mounted ona stick.When Swan wasbrought up to ask ifGreen Bay Packers quarterbackAaron Rodgersand the Packers defensecould repeat as SuperBowl champions, he wasgiven a wedge-shapedfoam “Cheesehead” hatto wear, stating that “wein the military have to bein the proper uniform forevery mission.”When Carter wasbrought up later, shetalked about being aPurdue Boilermakers fanand asked the panel if theNew York Jets would winthe AFC East. The generalagreed with Bayless’ opinionthat they would notby holding up a photo ofthe sports journalist. Thatprompted Bayless to rushover and hug the generalfor agreeing with him andsaid, “This woman recognizesgreatness.”Carter also couldn’tresist commenting on theAir Force Academy’s 24-14 victory over West PointNov. 5, which securedthe Commander-in-ChiefTrophy for the Falcons forthe second straight year.Jacobson, Crawford,Woodson and Hill thankedthe crowd present fortheir military service andthe warm welcome theyreceived.Photos by Steve ElliottJoint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston military members maketheir opinions known Nov. 7 during the taping of the morning sportstalk program, “First Take,” that airs daily on ESPN2.

NOVEMBER 10, 2011 NEWS LEADER PAGE 23Congressman Lamar Smith addresses Cole studentsBy Robert E. HoffmannRobert G. Cole High SchoolU.S. RepresentativeLamar Smith (R-TX)addressed a gatheringof Robert G. ColeHigh School seniors andAdvanced Placement U.S.History students Nov.7, delivering a messageabout citizenship andthe basic interworkingsof getting a bill throughCongress.Smith, Chairman of theHouse Judiciary Committeeand a member of theHomeland Security Committee,shared antidotes ofa bi-partisan environmentalbill he co-sponsored,with no opposition, whichtook two years to makeits way through Congress;and another patentbill which took sevenyears.Smith reflected on thechallenges of the currentcongress to get spendingunder control, a BalancedBudget Amendment andthe health care debate.On a lighter note, Smithdiscussed what a day inthe life of a U.S. Congressmanis like. Whenasked about the “perks”of being a Congressman,he dispelled many rumorsgoing around and said thebest perk is actually freeparking at the Washington,D.C. airport.Smith then took questionsfrom the students,and it was obvious theycame prepared.The congressman wasqueried on topics rangingfrom troop deploymentsand their impact on themilitary family, to presidentialpolitics, congressionalterm-limits, unemployment,the federal budget,and his initial motivationto enter politics.The feedback from thestudents was positive.“I feel honored that hetook time out of his busyschedule to come andinform us on the issues ofthe day,” said senior MollyGresenz.Senior SavannahWessies added, “It wasinteresting to hear abouthow actual CongressionalCommittees work aftergoing to Girls’ State thissummer.”Summing up the feelingsof the assembly,senior Germaine Herrerareflected, “CongressmanLamar Smith had genuinefeelings toward the subjectof military children.”Congressman Smith’svisit was arranged by FortSam Houston IndependentSchool District Superintendent,Dr. Gail Siller.“Bringing CongressmanSmith here is another opportunityto make studentswell-rounded citizens,”Siller said. “These arefuture, and in some cases,brand-new voters; the lessonin citizenship is vital.”Texas Patriot Festival marks Veteran’s Daywith headliners Tanya Tucker and Jack IngramBy Deyanira Romo Rossell502nd FSS MWR MarketingTexas-born countrystars Tanya Tucker andJack Ingram will headlinethe Texas Patriot Festivalon Fort Sam Houston inhonor of veterans, militarypersonnel and theirfamilies on Veterans Day,Friday, Nov. 11, from 4 to11 p.m., at the MacArthurParade Field.The festival is hosted byOperation Homefront ofTexas, a non-profit whichprovides emergency, financialand other assistanceto families of servicemembers and woundedwarriors.Courtesy photoU.S. Representative Lamar Smith (R-TX) speaks to Robert G. ColeHigh School students Nov. 7.“Operation Homefrontof Texas is honored tohost the Texas Patriot Festivalat Fort Sam Houstonin tribute to our veteransand military service membersand their families,”said Jennifer M. Cernoch,president, OperationHomefront of Texas.“This will be a celebrationto honor America’sveterans and militaryservice members for theirpatriotism, love of countryand willingness toserve and sacrifice for thecommon good,” Cernochadded. “It is also a day ofhope for our country andacknowledgement to themany patriots who continueto support our greatcountry and the freedomwe shareFort Sam Houston’s323nd Army Band “FortSam’s Own” will lead offthe entertainment with aperformance from 4:30to 5:30 p.m., followed byPatsy Torres at 6 p.m.Bruce Robison takes thestage at 6:45 p.m., followedby Radney Fosterat 7:30 p.m. Tuckerperforms at 8:30 p.m. andIngram will close out theevening.The first-ever Texas PatriotFestival on Fort SamHouston also will featurefood, beverage and vendorbooths, and children’sactivities. Admission andparking are free and opento the public.Visitors without a DODidentification card mayenter through one of twogates, the Walters StreetGate off I-35 or the HarryWurzbach Gate off Loop410 and Harry WurzbachRoad.All vehicle occupants,ages 16 years and older,must present a valid photoID to enter gates.Lawn chairs arewelcome, but pets andcoolers are not allowedat the festival. For moreinformation on the TexasPatriot Festival, call 659-8039.Cougars loseheartbreaker, stillmake playoffsBy Robert E. HoffmannRobert G. Cole High SchoolTyreese Davisrushed fortwo touchdowns,while Bryce Kingthrew two touchdownpasses toWykeyhe Walkeras the Robert G.Cole High SchoolCougars scored 27unanswered pointsto take a 27-7 leadinto halftime againstthe Jourdanton IndiansNov. 4.The game was thefinal regular-seasongame for eachsquad. Cole’s goodfortune wouldn’tlast, however, as thefirst-place Indiansshutout the Cougarsin the secondhalf, and scored 21points to seal theDistrict 15-2A crownby a score of 28-27.Cole finished theregular season at6-4, and was 3-2in district 15-2Aplay. The Cougarsadvance to the 2Astate playoffs, due tothe district runnerupGeorge WestLonghorns defeatingthe Randolph Ro-Hawks earlier in theevening.The Cougars openthe playoff seasonat 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11against the OdemOwls at RandolphHigh School Stadiumon Randolph AirForce Base.

PAGE 24 NEWS LEADER NOVEMBER 10, 2011Force SupportSquadronFamily & MWRAnnouncementsFitness Center on the METCCampusThe Fort Sam Houston FitnessCenter on the METC campus, 3569Williams Road, Building 1369 isopen Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 9p.m., Saturday and Sunday, noon to9 p.m. Call 808-5709/5708.“Let’s Twist Again”Shows are Thursday, Friday andSaturday through Dec. 17 at theHarlequin Dinner Theatre. Dinnerbegins at 6:15 p.m. with an 8 p.m.show time. Call 222-9646.Hunting at Camp BullisRifle hunting season opens atCamp Bullis Nov. 12, Saturdaysand Sundays from 5:30 a.m. to lateevening for selected permit holders.Bow hunting for deer, hogs andturkeys is underway Mondays andThursdays 5:30-10 a.m., and Fridaythrough Sunday 5:30 a.m. to lateevening. Call 295-7529/7577.HIRED! ProgramApplications are being acceptedfor the Winter 2012 term whichbegins Jan. 9. Be an apprentice fora 12-week term and learn job skillsin one of the Morale, Welfare andRecreation operations. The deadlineto apply is Dec. 1. A parent orientationwill be held at 5 p.m. Dec. 6at the Middle School Teen Center. Awinter term training and welcomeceremony for the apprentices is4:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 13. Call 221-3386.Sports ScoresFor Fort Sam Houston and 32ndMedical Brigade intramural sportsresults, visit http://bit.ly/MWRsports.Microsoft Office ClassesNov. 17 - Word Level 2Nov. 22 - PublisherNov. 29 - Access Level 1Nov. 30 - Access Level 2Classes are held at theRoadrunner Community Center,Building 2797 from 8 a.m.-noon.Registration is required, call 221-2518/2705.Calendar of EventsNov. 11Texas Patriot FestivalThis family event from 4-11p.m. at MacArthur Parade Fieldhonors veterans, military personneland their families. Headlinersinclude Jack Ingram and TanyaTucker.Nov. 14Infant MassageClasses are Nov. 14, 21 and28 from 10-11:30 a.m. at DoddField Chapel, Building 1721. Call221-0349.CouponingThe class is 2-4 p.m. at theRoadrunner Community Center,Computer Lab Building 2797. Toregister, call 221-1612Nov. 15Armed Forces Action PlanConferenceThe AFAP conference is 9 a.m.to 4 p.m. Nov. 15-18 at the SamHouston Community Center. Call221-2604/2705 or email jbsa.afap@gmail.com for more information.Family Readiness SupportAssistant TrainingThe training is Nov. 15-16 from8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the RoadrunnerCommunity Center, Building 2797.To register, call 221-1829/0946.Federal Resume WritingThe class is 9 a.m.-noon at theRoadrunner Community Center,Building 2797. To register, call 221-0516/0427/2418.Holiday SpendingThe class is 2-4 p.m. at theRoadrunner Community Center,Computer Lab Building 2797. Toregister, call 221-1612.HUGS playgroupThis interactive playgroup forparents and children up to age 5meets Tuesdays, 9-11 a.m. at theMiddle School Teen Center, FunstonRoad. Call 221-0349/2418.Baby TalkThis new parent support groupmeets Tuesdays, 1-2:30 p.m. atDodd Field Chapel. Call 221-0349/0655.Nov. 16Women Encouraging WomenThis seminar is 11 a.m.-noonat the Roadrunner CommunityCenter, Building 2797. The topicwill be “The Big Lie about Womenand Anger.” To register, call 221-0349/2055.Mandatory Initial First TermerFinancial ReadinessThe class is noon-2 p.m. at theEducation Center, Building 2248. Toregister, call 221-1612.Nov. 19Turkey TrotA 5K Run/Walk begins at 7 a.m.with shotgun start at the JimmyBrought Fitness Center. Check inat 6:30 a.m. for late registrationand a safety briefing. Registrationis required for this free event. Call221-1234.Nov. 30Cash and Carry SaleThe 502nd Force SupportSquadron will hold a cash andcarry sale from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at thewarehouse in Building 4192, Bay A.During this time, the warehouse willalso host a sealed bid sale at theJimmy Brought Fitness Center parkinglot. Items will be sold on a firstcome,first-served basis and are“as is.” There are no refunds andcustomers are asked to load theirNov. 11 Veterans Day ceremony, 9:30 a.m., FSH NationalCemeteryNov. 11 Buffalo Soldiers ceremony, 1:30 p.m., San Antonio NationalCemeteryNov. 11 Texas Patriot Festival, 4:30-11 p.m., MacArthur ParadeFieldNov. 12 12th Annual Honoring the Veteran’s Pow Wow, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., FSH QuadrangleNov. 12 Veterans Parade, noon, downtown San AntonioNov. 12 Texas Honor Ride, noon, Salado ParkEdwards Aquifer Level*determines JBSA water conservation stageNormal - above 660'Stage I - 660'Stage II - 650'Stage III - 642'Stage IV - 640.5'Stage V - 637'own items and remove them at thetime of the sale. Call 221-4449.Dec. 1Tree Lighting Ceremonyin feet above sea levelas of Nov. 9CURRENT LEVEL * = 647.2'Joint Base San Antonio water restrictions have been returned toStage II. As of Oct. 17, the Bexar County index well J-17 was at 651.7feet. The JBSA Drought Management Plan calls for levels to revert tonext higher level after 30 days of being above trigger. The J-17 hasstayed above 642.0 feet since Sept. 16.The post will officially launchthe holiday season at the annualtree lighting ceremony, 6-8 p.m. atthe post flagpole on Stanley Road.Call 221-9904 for more information.

NOVEMBER 10, 2011 NEWS LEADER PAGE 25AnnouncementsDriver Safety ProgramCurrent or past servicemembers and spouses can attendthe AARP Driver Safety Programfree through Nov. 30. Locations areavailable throughout the area. Visithttp://www.aarp.org/findcourse orcall 348-8684 for information.Looking For GolfersJoin the Fort Sam HoustonDawg Fight golf group. The groupplays on weekends and holidays,at top local area resorts andprivate courses. Visit http://www.dawgfight.com for information.Second Division AssociationThe Second (Indianhead)Division Association is searchingfor anyone who served in the 2ndInfantry Division. For information,visit http://www.2ida.org or call224-225-1202.Neanderthal Trail RunRegister now for the NeanderthalTrail Run sponsored by TroopSupport Company. The 11-kilometer(about 7.1 miles) run will be heldDec. 2 beginning 6:30 a.m. fromBuilding 5130 Wilkerson Road onCamp Bullis. Must register priorto race day, cost is $30/civilianand $20/military with ID card, feeincludes T-shirt. Call 295-7697 forinformation.Basic Skills Education ProgramThe Fort Sam Houston EducationCenter Basic Skills EducationProgram is designed to teach andrefresh basic college preparatoryskills to service members with a GTscore less than 110. Learners mustbe self-motivated individuals whodesire to increase their capabilitiesin basic skills in a rigorous learningenvironment, Monday-Friday7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for a period of14 working days. Service memberswill receive instruction in readingcomprehension, vocabulary, andmath skills. Call 221-1738 to enrollor for information.Stilwell HouseThe Fort Sam Houston StilwellHouse, a historic landmark since1888, is open for tours, receptionsand parties. The Stilwell House ismanaged by the Society for thePreservation of Historic Fort SamHouse, Inc. a 501(C)(3) Corporationnot affiliated with the Departmentof Defense. Call 224-4030 or 655-0577 for more information.Cloverleaf Communicators ClubThe Cloverleaf CommunicatorsClub is open to military, familymembers and civilians whoare interested in developing orenhancing their leadership andcommunications skills. Meetingsare held the first and third Thursdayof every month 11:45 a.m.-1p.m. at San Antonio Credit Union,Stanley Road, in the conferenceroom. Call 916-3406 or 221-8785for information or visit http://powertalkinternational.com/.Toastmasters ClubThe club meets the second andfourth Wednesday of every monthnoon-1 p.m. in the Joint ProgramManagement Office conferenceroom 1A, Building 4196. Call663-4814 or 850-420-1610 orvisit http://www.futurespeakers.freetoasthost.org.Van Autreve Sergeants MajorAssociationThe SMA Leon L. Van AutreveSergeants Major Associationmeets the third Thursday of eachmonth at 5 p.m. at the LonghornCafé, 1003 Rittiman Rd. All activeduty, Reserve, National Guardand retired sergeants major areinvited and encouraged to attend.Call 221-0584 or 889-8212 forinformation.Sergeant Audie Murphy ClubThe SMA Leon L. Van AutreveChapter of the Sergeant Audie MurphyClub meets the third Thursdayof each month at noon in theMen’s Card Room at the Fort SamHouston Golf Club. All SergeantAudie Murphy or Sergeant Moralesmembers are invited and encouragedto attend. Call 808-1732 or221-0144.Lost PropertyIf you have lost any property onFort Sam Houston, call 221-2340.To claim items, you must have aform of photo identification and beable to identify the property.Calendar of EventsNov. 10Free Veteran’s Day SpaghettiDinnerThe Thomas Jefferson HighSchool JROTC will host a ceremonyand dinner in commemoration ofthose who have served. Veteransare invited to participate at thefollowing events: Flagpole Veteran’sCeremony 8 a.m. Nov. 10 at theTJHS flagpole and a Veteran’sSpaghetti Dinner at 6 p.m. in theTJHS cafeteria. Veterans eat forfree; other guests pay $10. Seatingis limited, call 722-2785 to reservea seat or for more information.Nov. 12Castell Texas WalkThe Selma Pathfinders Volksmarchclub will host a 5k and 10kwalk starting at the Castell GeneralStore, 19522 West Ranch Road152, Castell, Texas. Walks startbetween 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., finishby 5 p.m. For information, call496-1402 or email papre1947@yahoo.com.See COMMUNITY, P26

PAGE 26 NEWS LEADER NOVEMBER 10, 2011Rocco Dining Facility MenuBreakfast hours: Dining RoomMonday-Friday 6:15-8:15 a.m.,weekends and holidays 8-9:30 a.m.Friday – Nov. 11(Veterans Day)Lunch – noon to 1:30 p.m.Chicken gumbo soup, cream ofmushroom soup, baked ham,roast beef, spaghetti with meator marinara sauce, spicy bakedfish, rice pilaf, scalloped potatoes,fried cabbage, seasoned broccoli,steamed mixed vegetablesDinner – 5 to 6:30 p.m.Savory baked chicken, Swiss steaks,baked tuna and noodles, eggplantparmesan, Kansas rice medley,mashed potatoes, okra & tomatogumbo, California blendSaturday – Nov. 12Lunch – noon to 1:30 p.m.Beef rice soup, cream of potatosoup, grilled turkey patties, BBQbeef cubes, beef stir fry, cheesetortellini, Lyonnaised potatoes, orzowith lemon & herbs, steamed greenbeans, honey Dijon vegetablesDinner – 5 to 6:30 p.m.Buffalo chicken, gyro sandwiches,sweet potatoes, black beans andcorn, oven browned potatoes, caviarmedley rice blend, teamed spinach,glazed carrotsSunday – Nov. 13Lunch – noon to 1:30 p.m.Chicken noodle soup, cream ofbroccoli soup, chicken parmesan,beef teriyaki, chow mien noodles,grilled pork chops, broccoli, rice andcheese, steamed rice, O’Brien potatoes,vegetable stir fry, steamedlima beansDinner – 5 to 6:30 p.m.Grilled steaks, chicken cordon bleu,grilled hamburgers, grilled cheeseburgers,grilled cheese sandwiches,grilled chicken sandwiches, blackbean veggie burgers, baked potatoes,sautéed mushrooms & onions,steamed broccoli, mixed vegetables,baked French friesMonday – Nov. 14Lunch –11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Creole soup, cream of mushroomsoup, meat loaf, cranberry glazedchicken breasts, Italian broccolipasta, parmesan baked fish, Italianbeef & rice, rice pilaf, Lyonnaisedpotatoes, steamed cauliflower, lastyle smothered squash (omitbacon), seasoned collard greens(omit pork)Dinner – 5 to 7 p.m.Roast turkey, meatball stroganoff,baked stuffed fish, vegetable lasagna,steamed parsley egg noodles,cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes,stewed tomatoes, steamedgreen peas, herbed broccoliTuesday – Nov. 15Lunch – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Old fashioned bean soup, cream ofpotato soup, roast pork tenderloin,chili macaroni (turkey), shrimpjambalaya, cheese ravioli, Italianroasted potato wedges, steamedwild rice, Mexican rice (wild rice),California blend vegetables, pintobeans, steamed yellow & zucchinisquashDinner – 5 to 7 p.m.Pepper steak, honey ginger chickenbreasts, whole wheat cheese pizza,pork chops Mexicana, mashedpotatoes, steamed rice, Brusselssprouts parmesan, corn O’Brien,steamed carrotsWednesday – Nov. 16Lunch – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Chicken noodle soup, cream oftomato soup, beef stir fry, ovenfried chicken, lemon baked fish,Building 2745, Schofield Roadapple glazed corned beef, pastaprimavera, parsley steamed red potatoes,steamed rice, fried cabbage,steamed cabbage, steamed carrots,steamed lima beansDinner – 5 to 7 p.m.Cantonese spareribs, baked catfishfillets, chicken tetrazzini, grilledchicken breasts w/onions, spinachtortellini, mashed sweet potatoes,fried rice (no pork), steamedrice, seasoned mixed vegetables,Japanese vegetable stir fry, tangyspinachThursday- Nov. 17Lunch – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Asian stir fry soup, cream ofchicken soup, baked turkey &noodles, Salisbury steaks, sweet &sour chicken, vegetable curry & rice,baked redskin potatoes, steamedrice, steamed carrots, steamedcorn, vegetable stir fryDinner – 5 to 7 p.m.Fish amandine, beef lasagna,baked Rock Cornish hens, vegetablelasagna, orzo w/spinach, tomatoes& onions, mashed potatoes, greenbean combo, Chinese red cabbageMenus are subject to changewithout noticefortfreebiesforsaleCOMMUNITY from P25Texas Honor RideTroops are welcome to join theride to Salado Park from the 619Rest Area in San Antonio. About600-700 motorcycles will arriveat the park in groups of 100 bynoon. There will be live music,barbecue and ice cream. Visithttp://texashonorride.org or call713-906-7660 for information.Nov. 21Warrant Officer AssociationMeetingThe Lone Star Silver Chapterof the U.S. Army Warrant OfficerAssociation will meet at 7 p.m.at Chacho’s & Chulucci’s, 8614Perrin Beitel Rd. All active duty,retired, Reserve, National Guardwarrant officers and familymembers of current or retiredFor Sale: Large Petmate dogkennel, new, $110; computerdesk, $17; new bike helmet, $20;skateboard, $20; color TV, $35 obo.Call 313-0061.For Sale: Rascal electric leg liftwheelchair with instruction manual,price negotiable. Call 661-3765.warrant officers are invited. Call221-7327 or 666-9818.Nov. 17FSH Preservation SocietyThe Society for the Preservationof Historic Fort Sam Houstonwill meet for a light lunch at11:15 a.m. at the Stilwell House.At noon, best-selling author T.R.Fehrenbach will speak. Call 224-4030 or 824-1917.Dec. 1Civilian Jobs Career ExpoCivilianjobs.com will hold acareer expo 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at theSam Houston Club. Veterans whoare non-military ID cardholdersmust pre-register 14 days priorto the job fair. Visit http://www.civilianjobs.com or call (678)819-4153 for more information.

NOVEMBER 10, 2011 NEWS LEADER PAGE 27Nov. 11Fort Sam Houston NationalCemetery, 9:30 a.m. Guest speakeris Steven Muro, undersecretaryfor memorial affairs, VeteransAdministration. The event will alsoinclude a naturalization ceremonyfor approximately 25 militarymembers.Bexar County Buffalo Soldierscommemorative ceremony. SanAntonio National Cemetery, 1:30p.m. Guest speaker is Maj. Gen.Simeon Trombitas, commandinggeneral, U.S. Army South.Nov. 12U.S. Military Veterans paradeand wreath laying. Alamo Plaza,10:30 a.m. Parade at noon. NumerousFort Sam Houston unitsand leaders are participating inthe wreath ceremony at the Alamoand in the parade. Click on http://usmvpa.com/ for more information.More than 100 entries from civic,military and veterans organizationswill showcase the red, whiteand blue.12th Annual “Honoring theVeterans Day eventsVeterans” Pow Wow. Fort SamHouston Quadrangle, 11a.m. to 4p.m. Sponsored by Fort Sam HoustonEqual Opportunity and EqualEmployment Opportunity Programsand United San Antonio PowWow, Inc. Visitors enter throughWalters Street gate, although ID isrequired.Nov. 13Veterans Day concert “Saluteto Service.” At Majestic Theaterat 7 p.m. The U.S. Air Force Bandof the West and the San AntonioSanAntonioTexasKabulAfghanistanBaghdadIraqSymphony present a joint VeteransDay Concert at 7 p.m. Nov. 13 atthe Majestic Theatre in downtownSan Antonio. This is a free eventand open to the public. Tickets canbe picked up at the symphony boxoffice, Majestic Theater box office,Fiesta Commission Store, theFort Sam Houston MWR office inBuilding 122 and at the ITT officesat Lackland and Randolph AirForce Bases. Call 554-1010 or visithttp://sasymphony.org for moreinformation.Weekly Weather WatchNov 10 Nov 11 Nov 12 Nov 13 Nov 14 Nov 1568° 70° 79° 84° 81° 83°Partly Cloudy56°ShowersMostly SunnySunny60° 62° 60° 61° 61°AM ShowersMostly SunnySunnyMostly CloudyMostly SunnySunny Sunny Sunny69° 72° 76° 72° 75° 74°Partly Cloudy Partly Cloudy Partly Cloudy Sunny Sunny Partly Cloudy(Source: The Weather Channel at www.weather.com)