Sept. 06, 2013 - San Antonio News

A publication of the 502nd Air Base Wing – Joint Base San AntonioINSIDE: BACK-TO-SCHOOL, P2 . . . SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH, P8 . . . RHS FOOTBALL PREVIEW, P12JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH No. 35 • SEPTEMBER 6, 2013PAGE 11

PAGE 2WINGSPREADSafety office provides back-to-school safety tipsBy Airman 1st Class Kenna JacksonJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public AffairsAlong with organizing this fall’s busyschool and extracurricular schedules,back-to-school safety should be a priorityfor everyone.Parents should ensure their childrenhave a safe way of traveling to and fromschool and provide a safe after-schoolenvironment, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph safety officials said.“Whether children walk, ride theirbicycle or take the bus to school, it’simportant they take proper safetyprecautions seriously,” Linda Howlett,JBSA-Randolph safety officemanager, said.When taking the bus or carpooling,children should sit still and listento the driver. When children areold enough to ride bicycles to school,they must wear helmets and knowthe rules of the road.Children walking to school shouldnot use cell phones or other entertainmentdevices as they can maskthe sound of traffic and place childrenin danger, Howlett said. Theyshould also remember to look and listenevery time they cross the street,even if they aren’t old enough to walkto school on their own.Providing children with a safeafter-school environment is just asimportant as their traveling safety,Tech. Sgt. Cathy Zimmerman, 502ndAir Base Wing NCO in charge ofground safety, said.“If your children are going to theyouth center after school, make surethey know how to get home fromthere,” she said. “It’s also important togive your children a means of gettinginside their home if you are out. Fromnoon to about 8 p.m. is the hottest timeof the day here, so having your childrenlocked out of the house with nowhereelse to go is not good.”Traffic is also a concern this timeof year, Zimmerman said.“Drivers need to be alert for childrenand slow down,” she said. “The fasteryou go, the higher the risk of injury ordeath to young pedestrians.”Howlett said school buses stopfrequently, so drivers should be preparedto stop when they are behind502 Air Base Wing:1st Lt. Amanda McGowin, 221-4321Alternate: Master Sgt. Mason Wilson, 671-6705502nd Mission Support Group:Manny Henning, 221-1844Alternate: Duane Dunkley, 221-2207one. Most school buses flash yellowlights when preparing to stop andred lights when they are completelystopped to load or unload children.Drivers should also be aware thatalthough Texas has no statewide lawbanning the use of cellphones whiledriving, according to the Texas Departmentof Transportation, local areaslike Universal City prohibit theuse of handheld devices in schoolcrossing zones.These warnings are not unjustified.According to the National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration, nonfatalpedestrian injuries were highestduring months when most studentsstart and end the school year. In2011, an estimated 69,000 pedestrianswere injured – 11,000 of thoseage 14 and younger.For more back-to-school tips, Texastransportation laws or traffic statistics,visit http://www.nsc.org/pages/home.aspx, http://www.txdot.gov/driver/laws/cellphones.html, http://www.nhtsa.gov/Pedestrians orcontact the Randolph SafetyOffice at 652-1842.COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN POINTS OF CONTACTThe 2013 Combined Federal Campaign runs through Dec. 15. The following is a list of points of contact for Joint Base San Antonio:802nd MSG:1st Lt. Brandon Langel, 671-2528Alternate: Master Sgt. Robert Brinson, 671-5511902nd MSG:Matt Borden, 652-3797Alternate: Master Sgt. Ennis Fowler, 652-6915Alternate: Master Sgt. Shawn Waghorn, 652-3088Water Conservation Tips• When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing.Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.• Evaporative coolers require a seasonal maintenance checkup. Formore efficient cooling, check your evaporative cooler annually.• Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so onlyyour lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.• Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are fulland you could save 1000 gallons a month.• Avoid planting turf in areas that are hard to water such as steepinclines and isolated strips along sidewalks and driveways.SEPTEMBER 6, 2013ON THE COVERMembers of the Ro-Hawks Marching Bandtrumpet section rehearse Aug. 28 at RandolphHigh School. For the complete storyon the band, see page 11.Photo by Melissa PetersonJoint Base San Antonio-RandolphEditorial StaffBrig. Gen. Bob LaBruttaJBSA/502nd Air Base Wing CommanderTodd G. WhiteJBSA/502nd ABW Public Affairs DirectorMarilyn C. HollidayJBSA-Randolph Public Affairs ChiefAirman 1st Class Lincoln KorverEditorAirman 1st Class Kenna JacksonAirman 1st Class Alexandria SladeRobert Goetz, Alex SalinasStaff WritersMaggie ArmstrongGraphic DesignerWingspread Office1150 5th Street EastJBSA-Randolph, Texas 78150Phone: (210) 652-4410Wingspread emailrandolphpublicaffairs@us.af.milWingspread Advertisement OfficePrime Time Military Newspapers2203 S. HackberrySan Antonio, Texas 78210(210) 534-8848This newspaper is published by Prime Time Military Newspapers,a private fi rm in no way connected with the U.S. AirForce, under exclusive written contract with Joint Base SanAntonio-Randolph, Texas. This commercial enterprise AirForce newspaper is an authorized publication for membersof the U.S. military services. Contents of the Wingspread arenot necessarily the offi cial views of, or endorsed by, the U.S.government, the Department of Defense, or the Departmentof the Air Force.The appearance of advertising in this publication, includinginserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsementby the Department of Defense, the Department of the AirForce or Prime Time Military Newspapers, of the productsor services advertised.Everything advertised in this publication shall be madeavailable for purchase, use or patronage without regard torace, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status,physical handicap, political affi liation, or any other nonmeritfactor of the purchaser, user or patron.Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by thePublic Affairs Offi ce of JBSA-Randolph. All photos, unlessotherwise indicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.The deadline for submissions is noon Wednesday theweek prior to publication. All submissions can be emailedto randolphpublicaffairs@us.af.mil.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 WINGSPREADPAGE 3Park service officials honor 36th U.S. presidentBy Marilyn C. HollidayJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public AffairsPhoto by Joel MartinezBrig. Gen. Bob LaBrutta, 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint BaseSan Antonio commander, and Russ Whitlock, superintendent forLyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, place a wreath atthe gravesite of the former president Aug. 27.Each year a wreath-laying ceremony, open to the publicand sponsored by the National Park Service, takesplace at the gravesite of President Lyndon B. Johnson.This event commemorates the 36th president’s birthday,Aug. 27, 1908.“One hundred and five years ago, a visionary wholed our nation, who was determined to build a greatsociety, was born here, our only president born andraised in the great state of Texas,” Brig. Gen. BobLaBrutta, 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base SanAntonio commander, said. “Today, with this wreathlayingceremony, we not only remember his birth,but celebrate his life … his lasting legacy.”The event includes wreath laying, as well as remarksfrom representatives of the U.S. Air Force, the NationalPark Service and a Texas student.“The bills he initiated and the acts he advocated,indicate clearly President Johnson’s vision was tobuild a better tomorrow by focusing on ways tomake the United States a better place to live, workand raise a family,” LaBrutta said.This year’s student who gave the keynote speechwas Jordan Metoyer, also a 2013 Harry S. TrumanScholar.“Driving here it was very clear there is something specialabout this place, the place where President Johnsonwas born and raised,” Metoyer said, “a place that eventoday, has people out early in the morning working ontheir land, working for their families, working for thecity, the state and for this country. There are themes ofhard work, individual responsibility and diligence. Theseare themes that make Texas so great.”“President Johnson was able to reach acrosspolitical ideologies to get things done,” Metoyersaid. “He was able to connect to even the mostdisparate individuals and leaders in this countryto move our country forward to enact his vision– a vision that so many others couldn’t see forthe times, but that was perfect for the society wehave today.”Also providing remarks during the event wasRuss Whitlock, Lyndon B. Johnson Historical Parksuperintendent.“Each time I am called upon to speak on behalf ofPresident Johnson and the national park that bearshis name, I find myself overwhelmed by the task oftrying to appropriately represent the man, the familyand the accomplishments of his political life,” he said.“Truly there are so many books and articles writtenon LBJ because it’s virtually impossible to sum himup into any manner that can be easily comprehended.The stories enshrined in this national park mark aperiod of tremendous turmoil and positive change inour nation. From these now quiet places, a tower ofa man emerged onto the national scene and he wouldforever influence the American way of life.”

PAGE 4By Robert GoetzJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public AffairsAn Airman from the 902nd ContractingSquadron saw a “bigger picture ofthe Air Force” last week when he spenta day with one of the highest-rankingsenior NCOs at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.Airman 1st Class William Underhill,902nd CONS contracting specialist, experienceda day in the life of Chief MasterSgt. Gerardo Tapia, Air Education andTraining Command command chief mastersergeant, as part of the JBSA-RandolphShadow Program. The program allowsenlisted members, from airmen basic tosenior master sergeant, to learn about theAir Force through a chief’s perspective.“Spending the day with Chief Tapiagave me a bigger picture of the Air Force– not just my job and my squadron,” Underhillsaid. “I saw how his job affects somany areas. It was a great mentorshipexperience.”Underhill’s day with Tapia began brightand early the morning of Aug. 29 whenthe pair set off at 6 a.m. on a 3-mile run,followed by a workout at the Rambler FitnessCenter.The workday began shortly before 8a.m. when Underhill met Tapia at his officein the AETC complex.“He talked to me about what he doesand asked me questions about myself,”Underhill said. “I was also able to see thethings he deals with in his office.”One of the “eye-opening” experiencesof Underhill’s day occurred when Tapiahosted a video teleconference.“He gave a briefing to new squadroncommanders throughout AETC, and I gotto sit in on that,” he said. “I had neverseen a briefing on that scale, with somany important individuals.”Tapia and Underhill spent the next fewhours of their day together at JBSA-FortSam Houston, where they visited the Centerfor the Intrepid, and JBSA-Lackland,where Tapia addressed more than 200technical sergeants at the NCO Academy,before returning to JBSA-Randolph foranother one-on-one discussion.Underhill called his visit to the Centerfor the Intrepid, which provides rehabilitationfor wounded warriors, “another eyeopeningexperience” as he witnessed thecenter’s state-of-the-art amputee care.Underhill, who said he would recommendthe shadow program to any Airman,enjoyed his day with Tapia.“It was great to follow Chief Tapia,” hesaid. “He went out of his way to make mefeel comfortable.”Tapia said the shadow program playsan important role in helping enlistedleaders grow their own replacements.“While it’s quite a jump from being anairman first class to the command chief ofa major command, it still gives our youngAirmen an opportunity to gauge the dayto-dayactivities of a position you mightaspire to fill one day,” he said.Tapia said he and Underwood startedthe day running and “never sloweddown.”WINGSPREAD“It was a great opportunity to spendan entire day with a young, motivatedAirman and to listen to a different perspectiveon some very important issues,”he said. “I wish him well and I hope thatduring our day together I might have influencedhim in a positive way.”Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Martin, 902ndMission Support Group superintendent,began the chiefs shadow program lastyear to “provide professional developmentopportunities for enlisted personnel.”“It provides enlisted Airmen the opportunityto see things from a chief’sSEPTEMBER 6, 2013Shadow program allows Airman to see Air Force through chiefs’ eyesBy Robert GoetzJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public AffairsAutumn is just a few weeks away, the time of year whenoppressive summer heat gives way to cooler weather.It’s also the time of year when flu activity begins, reachingits peak in January or February, according to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.However, people need not suffer any of thesymptoms associated with the flu, including fever,cough, sore throat, runny nose and muscle aches;the flu vaccine offers the best protection againstthe illness, 359th Medical Group health care professionalssaid.“A yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of ageand older helps protect against influenza,” Lt. Col. (Dr.)Yi Yang, 359th Medical Operations Squadron director ofimmunizations, said. “It is designed to protect against thethree main flu strains that are expected to cause the mostillness during the flu season.”Photo by Joel MartinezChief Master Sgt. Gerardo Tapia, Air Education and Training Command command chief,mentors Airman 1st Class William Underhill, 902nd Contracting Squadron, Aug. 29 atJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph.eye view,” Martin said. “It also helps theshadow develop a better understandingand appreciation of the critical role seniorenlisted leadership plays within our AirForce. The hope is that it will encouragethem to progress in their careersand maybe even become a chief mastersergeant one day.”The monthly program, which includesa nomination process, is open to Airmenand chiefs from the 902nd MSG and allmission partners at JBSA-Randolph. Formore information, email 902msg.ccce@us.af.mil.Health care professionals recommend flu shotsThe three main strains are H3N2, influenza Band H1N1.The safety of the flu vaccine – which is available ininjectable and nasal-spray forms – is closely monitoredby the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration, butthere may be minor side effects associated with the vaccinesuch as pain at the injection site, fever, sore throatand a runny nose, Yang said.The CDC describes the flu as a “contagious diseasecaused by the influenza virus that can be spreadby coughing, sneezing or nasal secretions.” The flu,which affects 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population,can cause severe illness and life-threateningcomplications in many people.Populations at higher risk for flu-related complicationsinclude pregnant women, young children, people50 years of age and older, people with chronic medicalproblems and health care workers.Yang said it’s important to receive the flu vaccine asearly as possible – when the vaccines are available – becausethe influenza season can begin as early as September.He also said the severity of the flu season cannot bepredicted; it varies from year to year.Department of Defense policy requires immunizationof all active-duty and Air Reserve Component membersagainst influenza; if these members are located on aninstallation with a medical treatment facility, they mustreceive their vaccine through the local MTF.In addition, TRICARE Prime’s reimbursement programentitles Air Force beneficiaries to receive influenza andpneumococcal vaccines at TRICARE retail network pharmaciesat no additional cost.JBSA-Randolph health care professionals said it’s importantthat beneficiaries who receive these vaccines providethe MTF with documentation of the vaccines to ensure accuraterecords; they should hand-carry, scan and email, orfax their immunization record to the clinic. Theclinic’s email address for immunization recordsis UDG_359MDG_359MDGImmunization@us.af.mil; the fax number is 652-3111.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 WINGSPREADPAGE 5

PAGE 6By Staff Sgt. Marissa Tucker502nd Air Base Wing Public AffairsThe strength and impact of the noncommissioned officers’corps was the theme for the night as Acting Secretaryof the Air Force Eric Fanning served as the keynotespeaker for the Air Force Sergeants’ Association Conventionand Professional Airmen's Conference banquet Aug.28 in San Antonio.Several guests of honor attended the annual event,including Gen. Phillip Breedlove, commander, U.S. EuropeanCommand and NATO Supreme Allied CommanderEurope, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A.Cody, and Cody Etchburger, son of the late Chief MasterSgt. William Etchburger who posthumously received theMedal of Honor recently, and several former chief mastersergeants of the Air Force.Fanning spoke about the necessity of AFSA to helpsenior leaders understand the scope of their decisionsabout Airmen. As the former deputy undersecretary ofthe Navy/deputy chief management officer, he expressedhis excitement about being part of the Air Force andconstantly learning about the complex global missionsWINGSPREADsupported by Airmen every day.“The Air Force offers something that no other servicedoes,” Fanning said. “[General Welsh] talks about globalreach, global power and global vigilance. To me thatmeans, if you move, we will see you. If you hide, we willfind you. And if you deserve it, we will punish you. Wegive the president the ability to hold targets at risk, allover the world, 24/7. No other service can do that.”SEPTEMBER 6, 2013Air Force Sergeants Association conferences encourages, informs AirmenPhoto bySenior Airman DeAndre CurtissChief Master Sgt. of the AirForce James A. Cody speaksto the audience during the2013 Air Force SergeantsAssociation ProfessionalAirmen's Conference and InternationalConvention at theGrand Hyatt in San AntonioAug. 28.Before handing out the Chief Master Sergeant of theAir Force Awards, Cody spoke on the accomplishments ofeach of the Airmen in attendance, conveying his thanksto them for carrying on the legacy of the Air Force andtheir resilience and dedication to duty.“(Airmen should know) how inspiring the men andwomen, our Airmen, are to your Air Force leadership,”he said. “Your attributes, work ethic and commitment toservice that each and every one of you display every daygives us without question, no matter what happens in thefuture, the confidence to know that we’re in the world’sgreatest Air Force.”In following with the AFSA tradition of recognizing outstandingmilitary leaders, Breedlove, the EUCOM commander,received the Excellence in Military LeadershipAward for his outstanding commitment to improve thequality of life for the Air Force community at a strategiclevel during uncertain economic times.In its 52nd year of operation, AFSA strives to representthe professional and personal interests of all Airmenand their families. According to the AFSA website, to dothis, AFSA leaders work with the Department of VeteransAffairs and the White House to help pass legislation tobenefit members of the armed forces, and when needed,to fight laws that may problematically affect them.As the conference came to a close, the acting secretarypraised the NCO corps on being the backbone of the military,, stating “we are what we are as a military and anAir Force because of our NCO corps — we couldn’t doit without you.” Looking forward to the force reductionstemming from sequestration, Fanning told attendees,“there are great uncertainties … but there is one thing Ido not doubt and that’s the [Air Force’s] NCO corps.”

SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 WINGSPREADPAGE 7

PAGE 8 WINGSPREAD SEPTEMBER 6, 2013SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 WINGSPREADPAGE 9By L.A. ShivelyJBSA-FSH Public AffairsWhen Staff Sgt. John Martinezgot the call “Shots fired!” heand a fellow private first classresponded instantly.What they found when theyarrived at the barracks wasgruesome. A Soldier had fireda bullet into his skull and waslying in a pool of blood, movingand gurgling, his body still tryingto breathe as they entered hisroom.“You could taste the blood assoon as you walked in – therewas so much. Have you ever puta penny in your mouth? It tasteslike – that,” Martinez said darkly,remembering the ghastly scene.The pair of Fort Polk, La.,military police immediately begangiving first aid to the Soldier,securing his weapon and searchingfor brass casings and otherevidence. The search led to a setof dog tags on a bureau.Until he read the dog tags,Martinez did not know the injuredsoldier was a coworker anda buddy.“I looked at the dog tags and –holy crap.”Martinez said he suddenlybecame paralyzed and could notfocus, his mind filled with scoresof questions: What happened?When? How did it happen? Why?Why?Last year was a record yearwith military officials reporting516 suicides across the services.The Army also set a record with325 suicides, nearly two-thirdsof the total. From 2000 to 2010,Joint Base San Antonio-Lacklandreported 20 suicides, while JBSA-Randolph reported one. Officialsreported a total of 18 suicidesfrom 2006 to 2012 at JBSA-FortSam Houston.An increase in military suicidesover thelast decadedoes coincide with escalatedoperational tempo, accordingto a 2010 Defense Departmenttask force report on suicideprevention. But the report alsoindentified a multitude of contributingfactors such as relationshipissues, substance abuse, financialsetbacks and other physical,mental and spiritual stressors.Although a failed relationshipis most often cited as the reasonfor suicidal thinking, no singleexplanation can account for allself-destructive acts, explainedArmy Lt. Col. (Dr.) MarshallSmith, deputy chief, Departmentof Behavioral Medicine, BrookeArmy Medical Center.The doctor said that suicidalthinking begins as a personweighs the options available tohim or her in order to deal witha situation while looking for afinal solution to stop the pain, orresolve circumstances that seemimpossible to work out.Suicidal thinking can also beassociated with mental illness,depression, or post-traumaticstress disorder that, once thoseconditions are treated, will oftengo away, Smith said.“Even the toughest individualcan experience the kind of thinkingthat might lead to suicide,”he said.“A suicidal frame of mindincludes thoughts like, ‘No matterwhat I do, it won’t get me pastthis point in my life; so I might aswell end it,’” said Lisa Martinez,Suicide Prevention Program managerat JBSA-Fort Sam Houston.Lisa Martinez is married to StaffSgt. Martinez.Mrs. Martinez also explainedthat suicidal thinking may lead tothefaultybelief that takingone’s life helps family andfriends, or that others will not beaffected. That is not the case shesaid.The Soldier who shot himselfdid not make it and her husbandwas profoundly affected. The sergeantfelt tremendous guilt andblamed himself for not seeing thesigns.“It was very personal at thatpoint. There was no way (Martinez)could keep it from his ownpsyche,” explained Army Chaplain(Maj.) George Hammil. “Guiltis pretty common in this situationand can be overwhelming,whether it is necessary or not.It can be consuming.”After his tour at Fort Polk,Martinez was deployed toAfghanistan where he receivedindirect fire and sustained aconcussion.He finished the deploymentand accepted an assignment atJBSA-Lackland where Martinezbegan to experience irritability,unrestrained anger and intenseheadaches. He also began havingnightmares that had nothing todo with combat.“My dreams were about mydaughters always getting hurt,falling down stairs, breakingtheir heads open,” said Martinez,a Bronze Star recipient whoserved multiple deployments inIraq as well as Afghanistan.He couldn’t make sense of hisdreams and his mood swingsbegan to affect his family life. Often,he would be in a good moodwhen something set him off.“It’slike a light switch,”Martinez said, snapping his fingers.“I become a totally different personright then and there and blow up.We had a dog – I was a dog lover,but now I hate dogs. I can causeharm to a dog. That’s why we gotrid of the family dog.”The military police Soldierdecided to seek therapy and doctorsat JBSA-Lackland finally put thepuzzle together.Along with combat-related traumaticbrain injury, Martinez wasdiagnosed with PTSD as a result ofthe Fort Polk Soldier’s suicide. Hisdreams were a product of the shockof finding his buddy with a self-inflictedgunshot wound to the head.“My deployments and my injurydownrangedidn’t bother me. I knowthat’s part of combat, but it’s notsupposed to happen at home. I can’tget rid of that horrific, disturbingimage in the barracks,” Martinezsaid.“When he was dealing with theissues himself, it wore him down.After he reached out, he got that reliefand felt stronger,” Mrs. Martinezsaid.The therapeutic benefit of reachingout to others has clinical support,Hammil said. He explainedthat the brain deals with traumadifferently, storing those memories,usually in raw form complete withsmells, strong feelings and physicalsensations in an areathat is disassociated with everydayfunctions.Speaking with others and sharingin a safe and caring environmentsuch as with a counselor, chaplain,friend, or family member can bringabout healing, a sort of touchingor knocking on that painful placewhere traumatic memories arestored.Healing reconnects disassociatedmemories and allows both sides ofthe brain to function together asone entity again, Hammil explained.“It actually feels good in thegroup therapies,” Martinez said.“Youthink you’re alone,but there are other Soldiers withthe same problem or even worsethat you can relate to.”In an effort to encourage militarymembers to seek the helpthey need, military leadership hascommitted to combating the stigmaof getting care, with the goal ofproviding a healthy, supportive environmentpromoting comprehensivefitness, Smith said.“All you need to tell me as yoursupervisor is: I’ve got an appointment– a medical appointment –Some warning signs aperson may beconsidering suicide(Courtesy various sources)• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.• Looking for a way to kill oneself such assearching online or buying a gun.• Feeling hopeless or having no reasonto live.• Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.• Talking about being a burden to others.• Increasing use of alcohol or drugs.• Acting anxious or agitated; behavingrecklessly.• Sleeping too little or too much.• Withdrawing or isolating oneself.• Showing rage or talking aboutseeking revenge.• Displaying extreme mood swings.and whattime it is at. I don’t need toknow what the appointment is for,”Martinez said.“Reaching out showed hisSoldiers and subordinates thatit was OK to seek help,” Mrs.Martinez said.Martinez feels he has recoveredfrom the trauma he experiencedas a first responder to his buddy’ssuicide, but he will never forget it.“There are things that remind meof that individual – a first name, theRESOURCES• JBSA Linkshttp://www.jbsa.af.mil/library/resiliency/• Army Substance Abuse ProgramCall 295-6345http://www.acsap.army.mil/sso/pages/public/get-help/soldiers-cr.jsp• Military Crisis LineCall 1-800-273-TALK (8255)http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ActiveDuty.aspx• Military One SourceCall 1-800-342-9647http://www.militaryonesource.mil/• National Suicide PreventionCall 1-800-273-8255http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/• After DeploymentCall 1-866-966-1020http://www.afterdeployment.org/• Real Warriors + Real BattlesCall 1-866-966-1020http://www.realwarriors.net/• Chaplains’ OfficesJBSA-Fort Sam Houston 221-5007JBSA-Lackland 671-5842JBSA-Randolph 652-4376car he drove, a graphic movie withsomebody getting their head shot.”Nothing in the world is worthsuicide. No matter how bad it is,”Martinez stressed. “Even if you’re introuble or you know you’re going toget so many years in prison, killingyourself is not worth it.”(Editor’s note: September is NationalSuicide Prevention Month.)

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SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 WINGSPREADPAGE 11Hector Perez, Randolph High School band director, oversees a marching band practice session Aug. 28 at Randolph High School.Ro-Hawk marching show highlights military flight, air powerBy Alex SalinasJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public AffairsThis year's Randolph High Schoolmarching band's music hits closeto home with the military parentsof every marcher in the 80-studentband.“The show goes back to the historicaldays of the Army Air Corps,” HectorPerez, Randolph High School banddirector, said. “We’re doing somethingfor the parents to support them becauseour primary mission is to supportthe community.”Three songs comprise the show: “ToTame the Heavens and the Skies” byRobert Smith; “On the Wings of theChosen” by Roland Barrett; and “InFlight” by Samuel Hazo.“The show goes back to the historical days of the Army AirCorps. We’re doing something for the parents to support thembecause our primary mission is to support the community.”Hector PerezRandolph High School band directorHeavy brass sounds accompany fastwoodwind passages throughout themovements.“The ballad conjures the image offlying through the clouds on a calmday, enjoying the scenery of being inthe air,” Perez said. “The last numberis about air domination and being thesupreme controller of the air.”Items such as colored panels andlarge blue or yellow aviator wings representingaviation units of the five militarybranches are some props plannedas backdrops during the show.With a band heavily consisting ofstudents in grades 8-10, Perez said achallenge this marching season is gettingthe most out of what he has.“My philosophy has always beenabout maxing out the talents of theyouth,” he said. “When summer bandcamp started the last week of July, ourPhoto by Melissa Petersonyounger players did great at followinginstructions. They are eager to do agood job for the upperclassmen.”Fortunately for some of the inexperiencedmarchers, “a relaxed marchingstyle that’s not as snappy and rigidas in the past” helped them learn theropes quickly, Perez said.With time, the rest should take careof itself.The marching band’s next performanceis at halftime during thefootball game against Luling HighSchool, who hosts the Ro-Hawks at7:30 p.m. tonight.The band’s first pre-University InterscholasticLeague marching event willbe at the Hornet Invitational MarchingContest Sept. 24 at East Central HighSchool.2013Air ForceBallThe 2013 San Antonio Air Force Ball takes place Sept. 20 at the Grand Hyatt, 600 E.Market St. in San Antonio. The social starts at 6 p.m. and the main event starts at 7 p.m.Military attire is mess dress or semi-formal and civilian attire is formal/black tie. RetiredMaj. Gen. Alfred K. Flowers will be the guest speaker. Tickets are $40 and available withcash payment from the following individuals: JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, Senior Master Sgt.Vickie Perry at 466-2583, Master Sgt. Lacittra Barnett at 808-2659 or Master Sgt. KristenHess at 916-1014; JBSA-Lackland, Tech. Sgt. Araceli Alarcon at 671-3560 for Airmenthrough technical sergeants, Master Sgt. Fordham Terrill at 977-5839 or Master Sgt. AnthonyForemski at 969-5416 for top three enlisted ranks and 1st Lt. Sara-Grace Ramos at671-6706 for officers; JBSA-Randolph, Tech. Sgt. Brian Jenkins at 652-3365 or Staff Sgt.Jamario Liggins at 565-9217 for Airmen through technical sergeants, Senior Master Sgt.Shannon Burrier-Morris at 565-4861 for top three and 1st Lt. Adam Staricha at 565-9251for officers. To pay with a credit or debit card (with a $1.50 surcharge per ticket), click onhttp://2013afball.ecwid.com or https://www.facebook.com/SanAntonioAirForceBall.

PAGE 12By Alex SalinasJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public AffairsThe Randolph High School Ro-Hawks football team took a 47-23 lossin its season opener against the passheavyLuling High School Eagles Aug.30 despite a steady running attack,but defeat doesn’t affect the squad’sgame plan.Coming on the heels of a 3-7 finishlast season, the Ro-Hawks aim tomake the playoffs and capture the districttitle, Ro-Hawks head coach PeteWesp said.For the team’s second year in District14-2A-Division II – which Wesp called“the hardest district in 2A” – this won’tcome easy for them.“It will be a hard-fought battle and thekids will learn some life lessons along theway,” Wesp said. “Four of our opponentsare more than 100 miles away and (highlyranked) schools like Rogers and Lexingtonwill be tough to beat.”Eight returners fill out a 22-player rosterincluding junior defensive back andtailback Christian Hosley, senior guardRyan Farrell, and junior linebacker andtailback Bryan London, who led the Ro-Hawks in tackles last season, recording124 in seven games.“Bryan had an outstanding year, but hebroke his fibula and missed three games,”Wesp said. “He was on his way to breakingthe school record in tackles. The goalsfor him this season are to stay healthy andget the tackling title.”As quarterback, returning senior ZachTrujillo and senior transfer student ColinToth will likely share playing time.Due to the lack of depth on the roster,most of the 11 starters “won’t be comingoff the field very much” because they playboth offensive and defensive positions – aunique feature for small schools like Randolph,Wesp said.“It’s old-style, iron-man football,”he said.To improve last year’s record, Wespsaid his team is working on reducingturnovers, which at one point peaked atfive per game.“I’ve adopted a strong running gamegoing by my past, so we need to makesure to protect the football,” Wesp said.For second-year assistant coach ElliottOrtiz, a former Ro-Hawk quarterback andWINGSPREAD2006 Randolph High School graduate, thisyear’s team has better decision makers.“We have an older, more experiencedgroup, so we have better leadership,”he said.This helps under the Friday night lights,when “everything changes,” Ortiz said.“Some places we travel to, the wholetown shuts down and comes to watchour games,” he added. “Having guys whoSEPTEMBER 6, 2013Ro-Hawks football season opens with loss; playoff chances unaffected2013 Randolph High School Football ScheduleVARSITYJUNIOR VARSITYDate Opponent Location Date Opponent LocationSept. 6 Cole AwaySept. 5 Cole HomeSept. 13 Karnes City HomeSept. 12 Karnes City AwaySept. 20 Shiner AwaySept. 19 Shiner HomeSept. 27 Rogers HomeSept. 26 Rogers AwayOct. 4 Schulenburg AwayOct. 3 Schulenburg HomeOct. 11 Jarrell HomeOct. 10 Jarrell AwayOct. 18 Lexington AwayOct. 17 Lexington HomeOct. 25 Johnson City HomeOct. 24 Johnson City AwayNov. 1 OPENOct. 31 OPENNov. 8 Blanco AwayNov. 7 Blanco HomeAll varsity games start at 7:30 p.m. and all junior varsity games start at 6 p.m.have been there makes a huge difference.We’ll see how we react.”Cole High School hosts the Ro-Hawkstonight at 7:30 p.m.The first district bout against RogersHigh School is scheduled for Sept. 27,followed by five more districtcontests, which Wesp called“the important games that determineif we make playoffs.”

SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 WINGSPREADPAGE 13BAMC staff offers comfort, final memento to familiesBy Elaine SanchezBrooke Army Medical Center Public AffairsAmy Beyer cradles a tiny plaster model of an infant’shand in her palm, gently sanding each crease, wrinkleand fingernail. After several moments, she takes a stepback to survey her work, tilting her head and squintingslightly as she hunts for imperfections.“They’ll like this,” she said at last with a sigh ofrelief, referring to parents who had lost their babyjust weeks prior.Beyer, a social worker in the neonatal intensivecare unit, spends hours each month meticulouslycrafting 3-D models of hands, feet and even facesin the hopes of bringing a measure of comfort tofamily members who have lost a child at San AntonioMilitary Medical Center.“We do this to preserve memories for families, andto show them that we care deeply about them in theirtime of loss,” she said.Beyer first learned of the program while working forthe NICU at (then-)Wilford Hall Medical Center in 2007.When the department moved to SAMMC in 2011, Beyerand a former co-worker, Air Force Capt. Crystal Gomez,sought to keep the program’s momentum going here.Since that time, Beyer, along with a handful of otherstaff members, has painstakingly created hundreds ofthese models – from impressions to pouring plaster tosanding and glazing – for babies who are born as earlyas 20 weeks gestation and teens up to age 17.Always striving for more lifelike perfection, she haspainted fingernails a perfectly matched shade of red,carefully captured the nuances of a cherished ring orthe individual curve of a tiny toenail.“For the occasional newborns who are unable to survivetheir illness, our focus and purpose as care providersshifts from the baby to helping the family throughthe painful loss of their child,” explained Air Force Lt.Col. Daniel Dirnberger, chief and director of NeonatalMedicine Services at SAMMC.By Joint Base San Antonio Public AffairsThe San Antonio and Bexar CountyMetropolitan Planning Organizationwill hold eight public meetings Sept. 23through Oct. 3 to get input on their 25-year metropolitan transportation plan.According to MPO, the San Antoniometro area population is expected togrow by 1.5 million people by 2040bringing the area population to approximately3.4 million people. The‘Mobility 2040’ plan will provide a visionand goals to meet the needs of thePhoto by Robert ShieldsSocial worker Amy Beyer displays a model of an infant’s footin the neonatal intensive care unit at San Antonio MilitaryMedical Center. Beyer creates these models to bring comfortto families who have lost a child.“Having a tangible three-dimensional replica oftheir baby's hands and feet gives them somethingthat photos can never satisfy,” he said. “They cantouch and hold their baby's hand, and it keeps theirconnection tangible and real.”To broaden the scope of the program, Beyer has partneredwith the Department of Maxillofacial Prostheticsat SAMMC, a department skilled at making impressionsand crafting models. They will assist with making themetropolitan area’s transportation systemgoing forward from 2015 through2040. San Antonio and Bexar Countyresidents are encouraged to attend ameeting in their area where they willbe asked to review and provide inputon this plan.Meetings by area are scheduledas follows:• Northeast Meeting – 6-8 p.m., Sept.23 at Woodlake Hills Middle School, 6625Woodlake Parkway, San Antonio, Texas.• Northwest Meeting – 6-8 p.m., Sept.24 at Leon Valley Community Center,6421 Evers Road, Leon Valley, Texas• Southwest Meeting – 6-8 p.m., Sept.25 at Indian Creek Elementary School,5830 Pearsall Road, San Antonio, Texas• Southeast Meeting – 6-8 p.m., Sept.26 at Highland Hills Elementary School,734 Glamis Ave, San Antonio, Texas• Central Meeting – 9-11 a.m., Sept.28 at VIA Community Room, 1021 SanPedro Ave, San Antonio, Texas• Seguin Meeting – 6-8 p.m., October 1at Seguin – Guadalupe County Coliseum,950 S. Austin St., Seguin, Texas.• New Braunfels Meeting – 6-8 p.m.,models using dental stone, a harder, more durable materialthan plaster and will offer a wider range of options,including blue and pink models, explained Air Force Col.Alan Sutton, director of maxillofacial prosthetics.“This collaboration will improve the quality and durabilityof our keepsakes, and will help us help our familiesthat much more,” Dirnberger said. “This is one way thatMs. Beyer takes our perinatal loss program beyond whatI see anywhere else in San Antonio and throughout theDefense Department.”For Beyer, the hours of meticulous work melt awaywhen she sees the gratitude in a family member’s eyes– mixed emotions of sadness and joy. “They hold thehand or foot for the first time and point out the littlecreases or the toenails, and they are so happy to havesomething of their baby,” she said.Beyer recalls one mom, Nikki Pinto, whose son, Matteo,passed away here when he was 5 1/2 months old.She created handprints, along with multiple 3-D modelsof his hands and feet – enough to pass on to parents,grandparents and in-laws.Pinto said she treasures her models, proudly displayingthem in her curio cabinet. “I love my pictures ofMatteo, but these models are something tangible I cantouch and cherish,” she said. “The detail is amazing;every wrinkle and fingernail is perfect.“To know that his foot or hand touched the mold …it’s priceless,” she added. “It’s so much more than justa picture – it’s a piece of him.”Beyer said another mom was speechless for severalmoments as she examined the models while sitting ona hospital bed in the NICU. “That’s my baby,” she finallysaid, tears streaming down her cheeks.“Soon we were all crying and hugging, and Iknew we had made a world of difference,” Beyersaid. “We had given her something tangible of herbaby to take home.“These models aren’t a big gift – they’re not expensiveand take just a few hours to make,” she said. “Butthey will live on for these families for years to come.”San Antonio Metropolitan Planning Organization conducts ‘Mobility 2040’ public meetingsOctober 2 at New Braunfels Civic Center,375 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, Texas• Boerne Meeting – 6-8 p.m., October3 at Boerne Civic Center, 820 Adler Road,Boerne, TexasPublic comments can also be made onlineat http://www.mobility2040.org.MPO meetings are accessible to personswith disabilities. To request specialassistance or an interpreter, please call227-8651 or TDD 1-800-735-2989 (RelayTexas) at least five working days inadvance. For more information, pleasecall 227-8651.JBSA Sexual Assault Prevention and Response: If you would like to report a sexual assault, call the 24/7 JBSA Sexual Assault Preventionand Response hotline at 808-7272 or the Department of Defense Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247. You don't have to be alone.