RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE 65th Year • No. 35 • SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

INSIDE ... ESOHCAMP WRAP UP, P4 ... 9/11 EVENTS, P4 ... TABOO SUBJECT LOSES STIGMA, P6 ... FINANCIAL SERVICES GO LOCAL, P7

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

PAGE 8

SEPTEMBER 2, 2011PAGE 2 WINGSPREAD

By Brig. Gen. Theresa CarterCommander, 502nd Air Base Wing

When you think about the Labor Day weekend, what comes to mind?

Images of past vacations with family and friends? Summer’s end and a return to the classroom? The first kickoff of the college football season? Or is it a loved one who is no longer with us?

The difference between a great memory of this holiday weekend and one we’d rather forget often comes down to the choices we make and the risks we take.

Don’t drink and drive – use a des-ignated driver. We all know that’s the right thing to do, yet each day hun-dreds, if not thousands, choose to get behind the wheel anyway.

While some make it to their destina-tion without incident, others end up causing accidents that claim innocent lives. It’s likely many of us have family, friends and co-workers who’ve been hurt or killed by drunk drivers … I do.

July 11, 1997. On that day, Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Jackson graduated from the Kisling NCO Academy at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

It was a proud moment for him and his wife, Hiroko, as she and four other

members of the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron at Span-gdahlem Air Base watched him accept his diploma.

I have a photo of them, smiling broad-ly for the camera before the ceremony started, celebrat-ing this significant milestone.

I can’t look at the photo without get-ting choked up – for you see, on the drive back to Spang-dahlem, when they

were only five miles from home, Tech. Sgt. Terry Jennings’ Isuzu Trooper was hit head-on by an 18-wheeler, driven by a drunk driver who fell asleep at the wheel.

Jennings, Staff Sgt. Kevin Sullivan, Senior Airman Angela Fralick and Mrs. Jackson were killed instantly.

Miraculously, then-Staff Sgt. Teresa Hall survived despite serious injuries that required her to spend over a year at Wilford Hall Medical Center for reha-bilitation.

I still remember the gasps and screams in the theater at Spangdahlem as my squadron commander told us what happened ... shock, anger, sadness and a thousand other emotions coursed

through us all. We wanted answers, wanted to know

why this happened, wanted to under-stand why a trucker would choose to drink and drive, but no answer could bring back the members of my squad-ron. Four lives cut short and thousands of lives changed forever.

So what can we do to ensure the memories we share with co-workers on Tuesday are ones of good times shared with family and friends and not the tale of a tragic accident?

First, we can make good risk-man-agement decisions and make respon-sible choices.

If you’re planning to spend time out-doors, make sure everyone is properly hydrated. This is a record-setting sum-mer for high temperatures and it’s easy for folks to get overheated, particularly children.

If you’re going to fire up the grill, make sure it’s in good working condi-tion and be extra careful given the dry conditions.

If you’re heading to the lake or beach and will be in a boat, wear the ap-propriate safety gear. Sadly, every year many deaths on the water are caused by the lack of flotation devices.

Finally, if you’re going to be operat-ing a motor vehicle, on the water or on the road, please don’t drink and drive. Buckle up and arrive alive.

And on Tuesday, I look forward to hearing your stories …

COMMENTARY

This newspaper is published by Prime Time Military News-papers, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with Randolph AFB, Texas. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Talespinner are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Air Force.

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

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Office of the 502nd Air Base Wing. All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.

The deadline for submissions is noon Thursday the week prior to publication. All submissions can be emailed to 502ABW.pa.wingspread@us.af.mil. For more information, call the Wingspread office at 652-4410.

Wingspread Office1150 5th Street East

Randolph AFB, Texas 78150Phone: (210) 652-4410

Wingspread Advertisement OfficePrime Time Military Newspapers

2203 S. HackberrySan Antonio, Texas 78210

Phone: (210) 534-8848Wingspread email

502ABW.pa.wingspread@us.af.mil

502nd Air Base WingOperating Location Bravo

Editorial StaffBrig. Gen. Theresa Carter

CommanderMarilyn Holliday

Chief of Public AffairsAirman 1st Class Alexis Siekert

EditorAirman 1st Class Precious Yett

Robert Goetz, Alex SalinasStaff Writers

Maggie ArmstrongGraphic Designer

Airman 1st Class Katie Bowling, 902nd Security Forces Squadron, fires from the prone position during small arms training at the Randolph Air Force Base firing range Aug. 23. For more coverage on the training facility, see page 8.Photo by Rich McFadden

Choices we make now affect our entire livesHOLIDAY SAFETY

ON THE COVER

WINGSPREADSEPTEMBER 2, 2011 PAGE 3

Distribution of the printed version of the 2011 Air Force Pamphlet 36-2241, Professional Development Guide, will be delayed until late December.

Promotion cycles, including the upcoming 12E8 senior master sergeant promotion cycle Dec. 5-16, will not be affected by the distribution delay. The delay is a result of the Air Force Publishing Distri-bution Center transitioning their operations from the facility in Baltimore to the Army’s Media Dis-tribution Division in St. Louis, Mo.

“While the printed version of the Professional Development Guide won’t make it to individuals

before December, Airmen can go online to the e-publishing website and download the digital version of the PDG to use,” said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Helfer, the Air Force Personnel Center’s Enlisted Promotions and Military Test-ing Branch chief.

The online version of the newest PDG was posted on the Air Force E-Publishing website in April and met the Air Force’s requirement make study materi-als accessible at least 60 days prior to a test date. While it has the “not for implementation” moniker attached to it, Helfer said “there is no difference be-

tween the online version (dated Oct. 1, 2011) and the printed version being distributed in December.”

The “not for implementation” moniker is used by Air Force E-Publishing when an approved revision is made, but hasn’t become effective. The newest PDG becomes effective Oct. 1.

Airmen concerned about not having a printed version of the PDG to study can download the on-line version into portable digital devices like smart phones, e-readers and tablets.

(Courtesy of the Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs)

Delay for enlisted guide won’t delay promotion testing

For complete information on the Randolph Air Force Base Air Show 2011, including featured attractions, civilian base entry and parking, and security requirements, visit www.randolph.af.mil.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2011PAGE 4 WINGSPREAD

NEWS

By Airman 1st Class Alexis Siekert502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Last week, Randolph took part in a week-long external Environmental Safety and Occupational Health Compliance Assessment and Management Program inspection, conducted by Air Education and Training Command every three years, and faired positive results.

The inspection is made to help commanders assess the status of ESOH risks, identify and track solutions, and build supporting financial programs and budgets for compliance require-ments, according to the 2011 Randolph Exter-nal ESOHCAMP preliminary report. The overall effect of this approach reduces the number of compliance deficiencies and the number of en-forcement actions from regulatory agencies. The management action plan is developed based on issues identified during the assessment and serve to prioritize the corrective action.

The 902nd Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Section, 359th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Bioenvi-ronmental Engineering and 502nd Air Base Wing Op-erating Location Bravo Ground Safety offices worked

together showcasing Randolph as the “Showplace of the Air Force.”

“We have gone through a very thorough ESOH-CAMP inspection and been cited as having a ‘strong occupational health program,’” Capt. Bernardo Gar-cia, 359th AMDS bioenvironmental engineering oc-cupational health element chief, said. “We would not have accomplished this without the conscientious ef-forts of the shop supervisors and workers in their respective areas.”

During the inspection, 114 facilities on base were inspected, 706 documents were reviewed, 113 peo-ple were interviewed and 91 percent of those con-tacted were aware of their ESOH responsibilities.

“We did really well,” Verna Cyr, 902nd CES envi-ronmental compliance chief, said. “We had a signifi-cant decrease in findings from 2008’s inspection.”

Although few discrepancies were found, plans are being made to ensure they are corrected.

“Getting everyone to understand their roles and responsibilities for environmental awareness will be the key,” she said. “And even though the inspec-tion is done, it doesn’t end here. We must focus on continual improvement with even fewer findings on the next one.”

Randolph ESOHCAMP wraps up with positive marks

Photo by Don LindseyBob Chabot (right), Air Education and Training Command Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Compliance Assessment and Management Program inspector, evaluates the 12th Flying Training Wing Hazardous Waste Program Aug. 23 while Greg Fruscella, 12th FTW Hazardous Waste Program environmental manager, facilitates the inspection.

To remember those who lost their lives Sept. 11, 2001, San Antonio is hosting many events of commemo-ration. Below is a list of all cer-emonies and remembrance runs.

• Randolph Air Force Base 10-Year 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony Sept. 9, 9-10 a.m. at the Ran-dolph AFB theater.

Retired Air Force Chief of Chaplains Maj. Gen. Charles Baldwin, who was in the Pentagon on 9/11, will reflect on 10 years of change since the terrorist attacks. The Air Force Band of the West, and base leadership to include Brig. Gen. Theresa Carter, 502nd Air Base Wing commander, and Col. Scott Peel, 902nd Mission Support Group commander, will be present at the commemoration.

Transportation will be provided at Hangar 6, Base Operations and Build-ings 499 and 905 from 8:15-8:45 a.m. A return shuttle will run at 10 a.m.

• Alamo Plaza Commemoration Sept. 11, 7:30-9:05 a.m. at Alamo Plaza in San Antonio, open to the public.

The morning observance cer-

emony pays tribute to the victims of Sept. 11, 2001, at the exact mo-ments the attacks occurred.

Speakers will include San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro, Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., Air Education and Training Command commander, Lt. Gen. Guy Swan, Army North commanding gen-eral, and the chiefs of the San Antonio Police and Fire Departments. Special seating is reserved for Gold Star fami-lies – those who have lost immediate family members in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan – and other special guests. A joint-service color guard and patriotic music from a combined Army/Air Force band will be featured.

• 9/11 Reveille & Taps Sept. 9, 6:30 a.m. at Lackland Air Force Base 37th Training Wing flagpole.

All military personnel are wel-come to “fall-in” for a 9/11 Remem-brance Reveille and Taps ceremony.

• AFRISA Remembrance Ceremony

Sept. 9, 11 a.m. at Lackland Air Force Base Bernard A. Larg-er Auditorium Bldg. 2000.

The Air Force Intelligence, Surveil-lance and Reconnaissance Agency remembrance ceremony will feature a guest speaker and a reception.

• Noncommissioned Officer Acad-

emy 9/11 Remembrance Run Sept. 11, Lackland Air Force Base Robert D. Gaylor NCO Academy.

For more information, call Tech. Sgt. Marygail Harmon at 671-0321 or marygail.harmon@us.af.mil, or Senior Airman Elizabeth Valentin at 671-3766 or elizabeth.valentin@us.af.mil.

• 2011 Freedom Walk & Run Sept. 10, 8:30 a.m. at Fort Sam Hous-ton Jimmy Brought Fitness Center.

The Freedom Walk & Run is a non-competitive, 1-mile walk or 5K run in honor of military families and first responders, and remembrance of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terror-ist attacks. Runners are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes prior for late registration and a safety brief-ing. The event is sponsored in part by Operation Homefront of Texas; registration forms are available at

http://www.fortsamhoustonmwr.com/vsm/pages/408/5-817201150126.pdf and can be dropped off at the fitness center. The first 500 registrants will receive a T-shirt. For more informa-tion, call 221-1234 or visit http://www.operationhomefront.net/texas.

• Military museum exhibit A 9/11 exhibit opens Sept. 10 at

The Texas Military Forces Mu-seum, Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas.

At 9 a.m., an F-16 aircraft exhibit opens, preceding an 11 a.m. ceremony followed by a noon gallery open-ing of the exhibit titled “9-11 and Beyond: The Texas National Guard in the War on Terror.” For more information, call (512) 782-5659.

• Run for Remembrance 9/11 Relay & Ultra-marathon

Sept. 10, 10 p.m. at Olmos Park on Devine Road in San Antonio.

Live music precedes a nighttime nine-hour and 11-minute relay run at the park or single ultra-marathon.

Sept. 11 at 7:46 a.m., there

Area 9/11 events to observe 10th anniversary

See 9/11 EVENTS P5

WINGSPREADSEPTEMBER 2, 2011 PAGE 5

will be a moment of silence for Flight 11 and the North Tower victims, followed by the national anthem with color guard. Re-lay and ultra-marathon awards will follow.

At 8:03 a.m., another moment of silence will be observed for Flight 175 and the victims of the South Tower followed by the pledge of allegiance.

More awards will follow, until 8:37 a.m., when a moment of silence is observed for Flight 77 and the victims at the Pentagon. The event will con-clude with a breakfast, patriotic music and color guard presentation. Go to http://www.runintexas.com for more information. Click on “Run for Re-memberance” to download a PDF entry form.

• Converse 9/11 Memorial Service and ReceptionSept. 11, 8 a.m. at Converse City Park,

305 School St., open to the public.The William M. Randolph American Legion Post

593 and the city of Converse will host a remem-brance service honoring the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. A reception will follow the ceremony at the Legion Post, 326 W. Legion Drive in Converse.

• Castle Hills Baptist Church 10th An-niversary Memorial Service

Sept. 11, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Castle Hill First Baptist Church, 2220 N.W. Military Highway.

The service will include the unveiling of the Castle Hills First Responders Monument which will be placed at the Castle Hills Fire Department. A continental breakfast is served at 9:30 a.m., with the memorial service and unveiling at 10:30 a.m.

• Universal City 9/11 Heroes WalkSept. 11, 6-8 p.m. at the Univer-

sal City Park Pavilion, 302 North Blvd.Universal City hosts its third annual 9/11 He-

roes Walk. The event is free. For more informa-tion, call 659-0333, ext. 721. To download a registration form, visit http://www.universalci-tytexas.com/DocumentView.aspx?DID=580.

• Seguin Patriot’s Day CelebrationSept. 11, 7-10 p.m. at Central Park in down-

town Seguin. This 9/11 10th anniversary event honors all present and past military, law enforce-ment, firefighters and emergency responders.

• Tunnel to Towers 5K RunSept. 11, 9:30 a.m. at The Alamo. The race pays tribute to firefighter Stephen

Siller, who ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tun-nel with 60 pounds of gear strapped to his back and took his final heroic steps to the World Trade Center. Stiller perished in the towers with 342 other New York Fire Department firefighters. The run starts on North Alamo Street at Peacock Al-ley. Online registration is available at http://www.tunneltotowersrun.org/san_antonio.aspx and closes at 10 a.m. Sept. 10. Save $5 by registering early.

• 9/11 Heroes RunSept. 11, 5 p.m. at the Al Becken Pavillion in McAl-

lister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road, San Antonio.The first Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 He-

roes 5K Run takes place in honor of Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion who died in combat. Before his second deployment to Iraq, Manion spent a day and night with the firefighters of Rescue One in New York City, which lost nearly all its men dur-ing the 9/11 attacks. For registration and more information, visit http://www.911heroesrun.com or http://www.travismanion.com.

9/11 EVENTS from P4

Base BRIEFSDenial barrier testing The deployable denial barriers will be tested at each of the base gates over several alternating weeks starting Sept. 9 and ending Nov. 30. Flagmen will be at the barriers during testing. Motorists should be prepared for minor delays.

Main Circle closuresMain Circle will have lane closures starting Tuesday and ending

Sept. 30 to facilitate road repairs in the area of Bldg. 900, Air Education and Training Command headquarters. Local residents will maintain access. For more information, call Peggy Hill at 652-1249.

Night construction Night construction will begin at the Air Education and

Training Command headquarters, Bldg. 900, in Septem-ber. To minimize disturbance, disruptive work will be done during daytime hours.

For more information, call the Pinnacle-Hunt Housing Office at 659-9061.

Gate closuresFifth Street East at the East Gate is closed to one

lane through Saturday and South Gate Road at the South Gate will be closed to one lane through Sept. 11. Flag-men will be used to direct opposing traffic through the open lane.

For more information, call Joseph Domeier at 508-2870.

Enlisted Spouses Club The Randolph Enlisted Spouses Club holds a membership social Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Kendrick E’Club. Spouses of any en-listed military member are invited. To sign up, email randolphesc@hotmail.com.

Waiting Families DinnerThe Airman and Family Readiness Center hosts a Waiting

Families Dinner Thursday 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Randolph Oaks Golf Course. Author Sara Horn, who started Wives of Faith, a military wives support ministry, will be special guest speaker. The Waiting Families Dinner is a regular support event for the families of deployed Airmen.

Call the A&FRC at 652-5321 by today to make a reservation. The event is sponsored by the Randolph Chapel.

Wreath-laying ceremonyThe 12th Flying Training Wing will hold a wreath-laying ceremo-

ny Sept. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at Bldg. 100 in honor of National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Traffic will be rerouted around Washington Circle beginning at 4 p.m. Delays and road closures are expected.

Tutor.comA free tutoring service, Tutor.com, is available for active-duty

military and family members and Department of Defense civilians in a deployed status. Funded by the Department of Defense Morale, Welfare and Recreation Library Program for the 2011-12 school year, Tutor.com allows users to work with a certified professional tutor online 24/7.

• CATHOLICMonday-Friday

11:30 a.m. - Bldg. 975Saturday

5:30 p.m. - Bldg. 975Sunday

8:30 a.m. - Bldg. 97511:30 a.m. - Bldg. 975

ConfessionSaturday

4:30 p.m. - Bldg. 975

• PROTESTANTTraditional

SundayService

8:15 a.m. - Base theater

ContemporarySunday Service

11 a.m. - Base theater

Randolph Chapel Schedule

NOW SHOWING atthe Randolph Theater

"Friends with Benefits" (R)Mila Kunis, Justin Timberlake, Patricia Clarkson

Today at 7 p.m.

$4.50 for adults – $2.25 for children 11 and younger

"Winnie the Pooh" (G)Voices of Jim Cummings, Craig Ferguson, John Cleese

Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

To submit a news or sports brief for publication in the Wingspread, email all information to 502ABW.pa.wingspread@us.af.mil.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2011PAGE 6 WINGSPREAD

By Alex Salinas502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

Lt. Col. Denise Thompson, 359th Medical Operations Squadron clinical social worker, believes the subject of suicide is often “the elephant in the room.”

As part of National Suicide Prevention Week, which starts Sunday and ends Sept. 10, Thompson hopes to promote suicide awareness, refocusing on the individual in crisis, to alleviate any discomfort attached to suicide.

“There is a bad perception attached to suicide that prevents open communication,” Thompson said. “We need to eliminate the stigma attached to someone who is overwhelmed, depressed, with no positive outlook on life and who is thinking about committing suicide.”

Suicide’s negative stigma comes with heavy statistical significance. Suicide is the 11th-leading cause of all deaths in the U.S., and the third-leading cause of death for in-dividuals ages 15 to 24, according to the American As-sociation of Suicidology. Suicide is also the second-leading cause of death in the Air Force.

The word suicide tends to make people uncom-fortable and something they don’t want to talk about, Thompson said.

“We have to be able to say ‘suicide’ in a non-

judgmental way, so individuals who have thoughts of suicide feel they can express what is going on and can receive the help needed,” she said.

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, suicide is “the act or instance of intentionally killing oneself,” and the reasons behind this act are unique to the individual. Thompson, who is part of the mental health flight, teaches people to understand suicide is more about ending pain and overwhelming emotions, and not recognizing an al-ternate solution than an ending their life.

For Thompson, this reinforces the idea suicide prevention should be handled with care from a community perspective, with family, friends and co-workers able to recognize the warning signs and ask, “Are you thinking about suicide?”

Thompson added people assume those who think about suicide are being selfish, but the opposite is true. Individu-als with suicidal thoughts want to remove themselves from their current situation because for them, this is the only way to eliminate their afflictions. Often, the person with suicidal thoughts convinces himself his family and friends are better off without him. A person’s ability to rationalize and make positive decisions is affected.

“People thinking about suicide don’t see a support sys-tem, a way out and they don’t see the time it takes to recover,” Thompson said. “Suicide affects the relationships left behind by the person.”

A systematic approach to dealing with suicide is twofold: eliminate the word’s negative associations, and help those deeply distressed and on the edge about deciding to end their life.

A good first step is being aware of warning signs, such as feelings of hopelessness, no sense of purpose in life, withdrawal from friends, family and society, and reckless activities.

The AAS and Air Force Suicide Prevention Program provide additional ways to help someone who is at risk of suicide. A few steps are getting involved with the person and showing interest and support, asking the person up-front and direct if they are thinking about suicide, being nonjudgmental, not giving advice or making decisions for the person and offering alternatives to get the individual immediate help.

For the individual helping, as well as the individual seeking help, these are positive solutions that are proactive in preventing suicide. This directly ties in with the mental health flight’s “Resiliency Strengthens Military Commu-nities,” which seeks to promote solutions to increase a person’s overall wellness.

Call 911 for those at imminent risk. To speak with a mental health professional via hotline, call 1-800-237-8255. Randolph Mental Health Flight’s number is 652-2448 for anyone needing an appointment, more informa-tion or to schedule a unit briefing.

Mental health: ‘wise up’ about suicide prevention

Honoring a President

Photo by Joel MartinezCol. Richard Murphy (right), 12th Flying Training Wing commander, and Russ Whit-lock, Johnson City, Texas, park superintendent, lay a wreath at the gravesite of former United States President Lyndon Baines Johnson Aug. 27 during his annual birthday celebration at the LBJ Ranch in Stonewall, Texas. Johnson, a Texas native, became the 36th president after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

JBSA Stage IIISeptember watering schedule

Building number ending in ...

Watering allowed only from 3-8 a.m. and 8-10 p.m.

1 3 5 7 9

0 2 4 6 8

1 3 5 7 9

0 2 4 6 8

1 3 5 7 9

WINGSPREADSEPTEMBER 2, 2011 PAGE 7

By Robert Goetz502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

During National Cholesterol Education Month in Sep-tember, health officials emphasize the importance of adults getting their blood cholesterol checked and taking steps to lower it if it is high.

“Your body needs just a small amount of cholesterol to do its metabolic functioning,” 1st Lt. Steven Carlsen, 359th Medical Operations Squadron physician assistant, said. “When levels exceed desirable limits, plaque can form on the inside of blood vessels. Too much plaque can lead to a heart attack or stroke.”

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that cir-culates in the body, providing material for cell repair and metabolism. Most of it is made by the body, dependent on a person’s heredity, and about 25 per-cent of it comes from foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, butter, cheese and whole milk.

It comes in two forms – LDL (low-density lipo-protein), or bad cholesterol, which forms a thick, hard substance that can clog blood vessels, and HDL (high-density lipoprotein), or good cholesterol, which helps the body get rid of LDL cholesterol.

Checking cholesterol levels is an integral part of reg-ular checkups at the Randolph Family Health Clinic, Carlsen said. The cholesterol screening test, called the blood lipid panel, measures LDL cholesterol, HDL cho-lesterol and total cholesterol as well as triglycerides,

another form of fat in the bloodstream.“The first goal of treatment is to lower bad cho-

lesterol,” Carlsen said.Health care professionals also look at the cho-

lesterol ratio – total cholesterol divided by HDL. That ratio should be at or below 5:1, with less than 3.5:1 considered the ideal, according to the American Heart Association.

A person who has normal readings generally re-quires a cholesterol screening every five years, but a patient with less desirable readings or other risk factors – family history, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and smoking – needs more scrutiny.

“Family history is an important part of the screening

process,” Carlsen said. “It helps us screen those we should be more aggressive with. Looking at family history gives us good insight into what we will do for patients.”

As an example, he mentioned an 18-year-old whose total cholesterol exceeded 300 milligrams per deciliter.

“His family had a history of cardiovascular dis-ease,” Carlsen said.

For some people, those with borderline high readings of total and LDL cholesterol, modifying their diet and getting more exercise can result in lower numbers, he said. A healthy diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and lean protein; a minimum of 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise at least three times a week is recommended.

If diet and exercise are not enough to lower those num-bers, typically over a six-month period, medication can play a key role in a treatment plan, Carlsen said.

“Drug therapy is effective, depending on the medi-cation you take,” he said.

Statins are a class of drugs that lower the level of cho-lesterol in the body by reducing the production of choles-terol by the liver. The most serious side-effects are muscle pain and liver damage.

“We try to find a good balance between lifestyle modi-fications and use of medications,” Carlsen said.

Patients whose treatment plan involves diet, exercise and drug therapy should be monitored at six weeks, three months, six months and then annually, he said.

Regular cholesterol checks aid in achieving healthy heart“Your body needs just a small amount of cholesterol to do its

metabolic functioning. When levels exceed desirable limits, plaque can form on the inside of blood vessels.

Too much plaque can lead to a heart attack or stroke.”

1st Lt. Steven Carlsen359th Medical Operations Squadron physician assistant

By Staff Sgt. Richard Williams Jr.Air Force Public Affairs Agency

WASHINGTON – The processing of military pay transactions will move from the Air Force Financial Service Center at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., to base-level financial services offices beginning in August.

The return of military pay trans-actions to local level is a part of the Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta’s efficiencies agenda, and is geared toward improving the service-wide military pay process, said Lee Frank-lin, the AFFSC director.

AFFSC was created in 2007 as a “one-stop shop” for all financial transactions, Franklin said. The center processed

backroom military pay and travel functions in a single consolidated loca-tion. All military pay transactions were initiated at the local financial services offices and sent to the AFFSC at Ells-worth AFB for final processing.

The plan was for military pay trans-action processing to eventually be transitioned to the Defense Integrated Military Human Resources System, which would have combined military personnel and pay processes into a single system, Franklin said. That pro-gram was terminated in 2009.

“Following careful review, it was concluded that processing military pay actions centrally actually delayed pro-cessing time for updating military pay entitlements and caused a negative ef-

fect on Airmen,” Franklin said. “Process-ing these actions at base-level provides better support, allows faster update of a document-driven process and permits face-to-face resolution of pay issues.”

The review revealed that military pay transactions processed at the AFFSC had a higher rejection rate, and often required corrections by the individual, he said. Also, civilian contractors pro-cessing military pay transactions re-quire a 100 percent audit of their work, adding more time to the process, which will be eliminated with the move.

With the return of military pay processes to local financial services offices, 286 Air-men will be reassigned to finance offices Air Force-wide to provide the manpower necessary to accomplish the base-level

workload, Franklin said. AFFSC will still employ 161 civilians to process travel pay requests for active duty, Reserve Airmen and Air Force civilians.

“The benefit to Airmen will be quicker processing of changes made to their military pay records and the ability of the local financial services office to respond more immediately to questions about processing of pay transactions without having to con-sult the AFFSC,” Franklin said.

Franklin said some finance offices are already processing military pay transac-tions locally, but it will take time to transi-tion every office.

All military pay processing activities and personnel will be returned to local financial services offices by the end of fiscal 2012.

Financial services return to local centers

SEPTEMBER 2, 2011PAGE 8 WINGSPREAD WINGSPREADSEPTEMBER 2, 2011 PAGE 9

With weekly M-9 pistol classes, M-4 and M-16 rifle classes and the responsibility of maintaining and inspecting the more than 2,500

weapons on base, the pace at which the six 902nd Security Forces Squadron sergeants who execute Randolph’s Combat Arms Training

and Maintenance can be described as “rapid fire.”Classes currently begin with three to four hours of classroom work cov-

ering safety, inspections, descriptions, characteristics, cleaning and much more. Following class, students go to the shooting range for two to four hours of hands-on training; however, a new course is soon to be

implemented, changing the time in both class and at the range.The range is adapted to each group and each person’s skill level to

ensure shooters grasp all necessary concepts and are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in a deployed setting.

Photos by Rich McFadden A muzzle flash can be seen as (right to left) Chief Master Sgt. George Skender, Air Force Recruiting Service Inspector General Office, Master Sgt. Brian Thornton, 902nd Contracting Squadron, and Master Sgt. Justin Carrington, Air Force Recruiting Service, fire their M-9 pistols during small arms training at the Randolph Air Force Base firing range Aug. 15.

Top right: Cleaning weapons is an intregral part of Combat Arms and Maintenance Training.

Middle right: Randolph Airmen load magazines to prepare for small arms qualification training at the Randolph firing range

Aug. 15.

Bottom right: Lt. Col. Tim Fanning, 559th Flying Training Squadron, counts bullet holes in his target during M-9 train-

ing at the Randolph Air Force Base firing range Aug. 15.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2011PAGE 10 WINGSPREAD

902nd Force Support Squadron Briefs

WINGSPREADSEPTEMBER 2, 2011 PAGE 11

SportsBRIEFS

Two-person team biathlon A two-person team biathlon takes place Saturday at Eberle Park at 7:30 a.m. The first team member must complete the 10-mile bike route in order for the second team member to start run-ning the 5K. There will be age categories for female and male. The first-, second- and third-place winner in each category will receive a trophy.

Labor Day golf tournament

The Randolph Oaks Golf Course offers a Labor Day golf tournament Monday, with tee times from 7-9 a.m. The entry fee is $10 plus greens fees and golf cart rental. Call 652-4653 to sign up.

Hispanic Heritage Month Golf Tournament

The Randolph Hispanic Heritage Month commit-tee is hosting the Randolph Hispanic Heritage Month Golf Tournament Sept. 16 with registration at 11:30 a.m. at the Randolph Oaks Golf Course. To register, email martha.giannotti@us.af.mil.

Tee timesGolfers should sign up

forGolfers should sign up for weekday tee times at the Randolph Oaks Golf Course two days in advance.

Drawings are held every Thursday for weekend tee times. Those wishing to participate should include the number of people in the group and what each person’s status is (i.e. active duty, retired, guest) and what time your group would like to play. Groups must have at least two active-duty members to qualify for a priority tee time.

To sign up for weekend tee times, email tee.time@randolph.af.mil. Emails must be received by 10 a.m. Thursday to be included in the drawing.

SPORTS – HEALTH – FITNESS

By Alex Salinas502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

The scorching sun brought record book temperatures and drought to San Antonio this summer, enough to decrease our water supply. But it was not enough to stop Randolph’s thirst for football action.

Flag football, that is. Tuesday night officially kicked off another

year of Randolph’s annual eight-versus-eight flag football season. The preseason started last week, when seven teams representing various units across base scrimmaged against each other to get a feel for their players, the ball and the field, however parched it was.

The seven registered teams for this season are from the Air Force Personnel Center, 561st Network Operations Squadron, Air Force Re-cruiting Service, 359th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, 359th Medical Group, 902nd Force Support Squadron and the 902nd Civil Engi-neer Squadron.

For Senior Airman Colby Albright, 359th Medical Operations Squadron Men-tal Health Flight technician, beating the heat, and the competition, is part of what makes flag football a great morale booster for Randolph Air Force Base.

“People should come out to see what’s happening,” Albright said. “We’re out here not only representing our squadron, but Randolph as well.”

He is a member of the medical group’s flag football team, the reigning champions from last season’s competition.

As a reigning champion, Albright knows all too well in his third season as a wide receiver that football is a game of speed and aggressiveness, bringing out fast-paced action and tough competition.

“It gets really competitive regardless which team you play,” he said. “There’s a competitive spirit about football and I love it.”

The games take place every Tuesday and Thursday starting at 6 p.m., and are held on the football field across from the Rambler Fitness Center. There are bleachers where spectators are welcome

to support the competing teams. Rikk Prado, 902nd Force Support

Squadron Rambler Fitness Center sports manager, said crowd turnout has been refreshing for the players.

Commenting on the overall competition of the seven registered teams, Prado does not see one team standing out over another.

“Football is the most competitive sport on base, even if it’s flag football,” Prado said. “It’s a non-contact sport, but it still gets competitive out there and is fun to watch.”

The season lasts 10 games, or 10 weeks, and the games are played in two 20-minute halves, with referees calling the games. After the sea-son, all seven teams make the playoffs, seeded first to seventh place based on their wins, to

then play for the Randolph championship.Prado said the regular season is prep-

aration for the playoffs, where a team’s wins and losses really count. A seventh seed team coming into the playoffs can still win the entire competition.

After the Randolph playoffs, the top four teams are entered into the Joint Base San Anto-nio flag football tournament, now in its second year, to compete for bragging rights against the top four teams from Lackland AFB and Fort Sam Houston in single-elimination games.

Last year, Albright’s team placed second in the JBSA tournament. Prado hopes to see any of the four teams that make it to the JBSA tour-nament win the event to officially call Randolph AFB home to the best flag football team.

Pigskin flies for flag football at Randolph

Photo by Airman 1st Class Alexis SiekertMembers of the 902nd Security Forces Squadron and 359th Medical Group flag football teams take part in a preseason scrimmage Aug. 25 in preparation for the regular season.

Labor Day Holiday HoursThe Rambler Fitness Center is open Monday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The center pool is open today 4-8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.,Sunday 1-6 p.m. and Monday 1-8 p.m.