877-995-5247 JUNE 24, 2016 JBSA Sexual Assault Hotline · PDF filebegan to softly sing the...

FORT SAM HOUSTON

JUNE 24, 2016VOL. 58, NO. 25

A PUBLICATION OF THE 502nd AIR BASE WING – JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON

DOD Safe Helpline877-995-5247

JBSA Sexual Assault Hotline 808-SARC (7272)

JBSA Domestic Abuse Hotline 367-1213

JBSA Duty Chaplain 221-9363

JBSAHOTLINES

SOLDIERS TAKE ON MURPH CHALLENGE PAGE 5

USING JIU JITSU TO COMBAT PTSD PAGE 16

342ND TRS COMMANDER LAID TO REST PAGE 3

86-year-old veteran receivesnation’s highest civilian honorBy Elaine SanchezBAMC Public Affairs

An 86-year-old Korean War veteran was awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor in a bedside ceremony at San Antonio Military Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston June 5.

Retired Army Staff Sgt. Jose Diaz-Rivas received the Congressional Gold Medal for his contributions alongside the Soldiers of the 65th Infantry Regiment “Borinqueneers,” a Puerto Rican U.S. Army unit that fought in nine of 10 campaigns during the Korean War.

“Not many people receive this medal; I feel very proud,” Diaz-Rivas said as he accepted the medal surrounded by family, friends and SAMMC staff.

The 65th Infantry Regiment stood up in 1899 and served in World War I and World War II, but it was during the Korean War that they made their mark in extensive combat.

While instrumental in many operations, one of their most significant achievements took place during Operation Thunderbolt in early 1951.

Ordered to seize two hills held by the Chinese 149th Division, the Soldiers charged with bayonets fixed to their rifles and forced the Chinese troops to vacate, paving the way for the Eighth Army to recapture Seoul.

Diaz-Rivas, Puerto Rican native who enlisted at age 16, describes his unit as a “fierce” group. He recalled how they would sing their regimental song as they marched

into battle. From his bed, he began to softly sing the hymn he learned more than 65 years ago: “Arriba muchachos vamos a zarpar; a lejanas tierras vamos a pelear.” (“Get up boys, we are shipping out; to faraway lands we must go and fight.”)

“The Americans would say, those Puerto Ricans are crazy. They are going to fight and they are singing; they are happy,” he said with a laugh. “They didn’t understand that singing gave us courage.”

Their courage and sacrifice is reflected in the number of honors they garnered. For the Korean War alone, the regiment earned more than 2,700 Purple Hearts, 600 Bronze Stars, 250 Silver Stars, nine Distinguished Service Crosses and one Medal of Honor.

The unit now adds a Congres-

sional Gold Medal to its roster, joining recipients such as George Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and groups such as the American Red Cross and the Tuskegee Airmen.

The Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Medal of

Retired Army Staff Sgt. Jose Diaz-Rivas served in the 65th Infantry Regiment “Borinqueneers,” a Puerto Rican U.S. Army unit that fought in nine of 10 campaigns during the Korean War.

Courtesy photo

Photo by Michael BuenoBrooke Army Medical Center Commander Army Col. Jeffrey Johnson (left) presents the Congressional Gold Medal to retired Army Staff Sgt. Jose Diaz-Rivas for his service with the 65th Infantry Regiment as Diaz-Rivas’ wife and family look on at BAMC June 5.

See CIVILIAN, P8

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuskegee_Airmen

NEWS LEADER JUNE 24, 2016

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FORT SAM HOUSTON

A PUBLICATION OF THE 502nd AIR BASE WING – JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO – FORT SAM HOUSTON

Editorial Staff 502nd Air Base Wing/JBSA

CommanderBrig. Gen. Bob LaBrutta

502nd ABW/JBSA Public Affairs Director

Todd G. White

502nd ABW/JBSAPublic Affairs Chief

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This Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the News Leader are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government or Department of Defense. It is published weekly by the 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Public Affairs Office, 2080 Wilson Way, building 247, Suite 211, Fort Sam Houston, Texas 78234-5004; 210-221-2030, DSN 471-2030. Printed circulation is 10,000. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patron-age 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 pa-tron. If a violation or rejection of this equal op-portunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the printer shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is cor-rected. The editorial content of this publica-tion is the responsibility of the 502nd ABW/JBSA Public Affairs Chief. The News Leader is published by EN Communities, 301 Ave. E, San Antonio, TX 78205, 210-250-2052, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. government, under exclusive written contract with the 502nd Air Base Wing and JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Public Affairs Office. The civilian printer is responsible for commercial adver-tising. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Air Force. Stories and photos for publica-tion consideration may be e-mailed to [email protected] by close of business Thursday.

Commentary: every Airman important, deserving of respectBy Airman 1st Class Kristan Campbell432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Creech Air Force Base, Nev.

President Barack Obama once said, “Every single American – gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual and transgender – deserves to be treated equally in the eyes of the law and in the eyes of our society.”

In light of June being LGBT Pride Month, the Air Force has made strides in how we re-gard these individuals, as both military members and human beings, since the repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy in 2011. What used to be taboo has now become widely accepted by the Department of Defense.

Even though many in this age are accepting

of these changes, things weren’t always so easy for my better half, Emily, and I. When I met her, I had just arrived at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., and was balancing work, ca-reer development courses, on-the-job training, fitness and deployment readi-ness.

I made her acquain-tance through a friend who worked with her in the 432nd Maintenance Squadron munitions flight. When we met, we in-stantly clicked and began dating after a few weeks of knowing each other.

We had many obstacles to overcome, such as sharing our relationship with family, friends and co-workers. It was a pro-cess that was difficult and sensitive and we weren’t sure what we would be facing, but we pressed on.

In the beginning, Em-

ily’s mom didn’t take it well. Adding to our difficulties, she received orders for her first deployment three weeks out from the date of her departure.

For a while, it seemed like everything was against us. For Emily, the unwillingness of individu-als to accept our relation-ship was perhaps the hardest part.

“People think it’s not the same as loving someone of the opposite gender, and that there’s something wrong with you,” Emily said. “I’ve never once questioned it; I just knew how I felt and acted on it. It’s not about gender, but how someone makes you feel.”

Luckily, I was able to find strength and resil-iency through my Air Force family. I will never forget the day that I came

out to my co-workers in my office.

Although it was a day I had anticipated, I was nervous to see their reac-tions. To my surprise, they gave me unwavering support and treated me with the same level of respect as everyone else in my shop.

My fellow Airmen and supervisors checked on me regularly, offered me their help and let me lean on them when I needed it most. With the sup-port of my shop, Emily and I were able to power through all our obstacles and remain hopeful and eventually things became much easier.

These days, our fami-lies are more accepting of our relationship. Emily’s mom messages me daily and we update each other continuously while Emily serves downrange.

For those who are going through similar struggles, I can only urge you to be proud of who you are, whether you identify as gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual or trans-gender. Coming out may seem hard at first, but it gets easier with time.

Everyone was made differently. We all think, look and feel differently, and we interpret our lives through very unique lenses. As the president and other top leaders have said, everyone de-serves respect and should be evaluated based on character and merit, not sexual preference.

Every Airman is im-portant and has some-thing unique to bring to the fight. Embrace what makes you different. Trust in your Air Force family and they will take care of you.

June is Army Safety Month: Ready ... or Not?

Every two years, the Army releases a new safety campaign intended to promote individual responsibility and en-gagement on all fronts – among leaders, Soldiers, civilians, families and peers – to help prevent fatalities and injuries throughout the year.

The current safety campaign is entitled “Ready ... or Not?” It is designed to heighten awareness of risk factors by having individuals and leaders ask themselves one simple question, “Are you and/or your organi-zation ready for what is

about to happen?”Ready ... or Not? is

released as two mini-campaigns — spring/summer and autumn/winter — which serve to raise awareness of the increased hazards associ-ated with the different seasons. The campaigns also provide safety and information on accident prevention issues that apply year-round, such as distracted driving and home safety. Safety has a direct cor-relation to unit and individual readiness. Unit readiness is defined as having adequate person-

nel, materiel and supplies, equipment and training that, when properly bal-anced, enables immediate and effective application of military power.

Leaders should ask themselves, “Is my unit ready for whatever event or situation will come next?” Individual readi-ness is defined as being physically and mentally capable of executing any given task. Individuals should ask themselves, “Am I ready for whatever event or situation will come next?”

The readiness of our

Army is dependent on a variety of things such as funding, training and education, equipment and personnel.

Through the preven-tion of accidental loss of our Soldiers, civil-ians, families and vital resources through risk mitigation, we aid in the preservation of the force.

As the temperatures rise there’s a correspond-ing increase in fatal Army accidents. Soldiers, civilians and their family members are sometimes a little too eager to get back to the fun only

warm weather can bring: motorcycles, road trips, water activities and re-laxation with friends that often includes alcohol.

Because Soldiers and civilians are undoubtedly going to enjoy their off-duty time or time away from the office, it is in-cumbent upon leaders at all levels to ensure they’re equipped to make smart decisions.

Play it safe, and re-member, Army Safe is Army Strong!

(Source: U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center)

JUNE 24, 2016 NEWS LEADER PAGE 3

News BriefsWinans Entry Control Point Operations

Entry into Watkins Terrace Housing, Youth Services, Fort Sam Houston Independent School District, Dodd Field Chapel and the Army Reserve Center through the Winans Entry Control Point, will require an approved Department of Defense-issued access credential. All visitors, contractors, and vendors with non-DOD issued credentials such as a driver’s license, passport, etc., will stop at a visitor center located at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, to be iden-tity proofed, background vetted and issued a credential prior to entering the Winans Entry Control Point. Visit the JBSA webpage at http://www.jbsa.mil/Home/VisitorInformation.aspx for visitor center hours, locations, contact information and more detailed instruc-tions. To speak to a security assistant call 221-1902 or 221-1903.

323rd Army Band Country Music Gazebo Concert

The 323rd Army Band “Fort Sam’s Own” presents a free country music concert titled “Boot Scootin’ in the Heartland” at 7 p.m. Sunday at the General’s Loop Gazebo on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston.

Fort Sam Houston Dental Activity Change of Command

The Fort Sam Houston Dental Activity holds a change of command ceremony at 2 p.m. July 14 at Military & Family Readiness Center, building 2797, on Stanley Road at Fort Sam Houston. Col. Scott A. Matzenbacher will relinquish command of DENTAC to Col. Stefan S. Olpinski, with Col. Michael L. Roberts, commander, of U.S. Army Dental Command-Central, as the presiding officer. The event is open the public. Matzenbacher has been the Commander of the FSH DENTAC since 2013 and upon relin-quishment of command, he will serve as the deputy commander for health readiness at Brooke Army Medical Center. Olpinski is coming from Fort Carson, Colo.

106th Signal Brigade Change of Command. Assumption Of Responsibility Ceremonies

The 106th Signal Brigade holds

See NEWS BRIEFS, P6

Army North civilian awarded for excellence in resource managementBy Karen LloydARNORTH Public Affairs

Sandy Akana, U.S. Army North resource manager, was recog-nized for budgeting excellence June 1 by Robert Speer, assistant secretary of the Army for financial manage-

ment and comptroller, at the American Society of Military Comptrollers National Professional Development Institute in Orlando, Fla. She received the individual award for budgeting at the major Army com-mand level for fiscal year 2015.

“The competition for this award is very tough,” said Linda Spencer, Akana’s su-pervisor and ARNORTH comptroller. “Sandy will go to any length to find the answers to any-thing we have problems with.”

Spencer also high-

lighted Akana’s thor-oughness and dedica-tion to customer service as key qualities that led to her selection for the award.

In addition to her traditional accounting responsibilities, Akana leads the ARNORTH Reimbursement Cell, a

unique role of manag-ing the reimbursement to all Department of Defense forces during a Defense Support of Civil Authorities, or DSCA, event and the role for which she received this award.

Commander fatally shot at work laid to rest at ArlingtonBy Senior Airman Ryan Conroy24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

Two months after Lt. Col. William “Bill” Schroeder was fatally shot during an incident of workplace violence, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard laid him to rest with full military honors June 16 at Arlington National Cemetery.

More than 100 family members, teammates and service members attended the service to honor Schroeder, who was the commander of the 342nd Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

“As a professional, his calm demeanor, patience and genuine concern for everyone he came in contact with was unparalleled,” said Maj. Jay Syc, who served with Schroeder at the 10th Combat Weather Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla., and is a godfather to one of his sons. ”He taught me how impor-tant it was to take care of my men, to be there for them when they needed someone, and to stick to your morals and ethics no matter what the situation,”

But Schroeder, 39,

of Ames, Iowa, was more than an Airman, a special operations weather officer and a commander. He was also a dedicated father. According to those close to him, Schroeder and his wife, Abby, had two boys, whom he was deeply devoted to.

“Bill was the finest example of commander, leader, husband, father, and friend. He was amazing in all those roles. Bill always did the right thing the right way – especially

when it was a tough decision,” said Maj. Jonathan Sawtelle, who served as his director of operations at 10th CWS. “Bill was patient, never vindictive, slow to anger.”

Growing up, Schroed-er was an Eagle Scout, played football and bas-ketball in high school and later enjoyed running marathons and ultra-marathons, which Sawtelle said reflected his careful and patient nature.

Later, he became one

of the few special oper-ations weather officers leading special tactics Airmen and was the of-ficer component of the world’s only tactically trained meteorological force.

“He was a command-er who cared about his people more than any-thing else. Everything he did was focused around the Airmen,” said Chief Master Sgt. Shane Wagner, who served as his chief enlisted manager at the 10th CWS. “He was someone

you could count on to be there when you needed him. He would never say no when you needed help.

“As an enlisted per-son, there are very few people that I would say I would follow any-whereand Col. Schroeder is one of them,” Wagner added.

Schroeder recognized a perilous situation de-veloping in his unit and reacted swiftly by put-ting himself between an armed individual and his first sergeant. In the process, he saved the lives of other squadron members while being fatally wounded.

The events that took place that day are still under investigation, but Schroeder was post-humously awarded the Airman’s Medal, given to those who distin-guish themselves by a heroic act in a non-combat situation.

Schroeder entered active duty in July 1999 and in addition to an Airman’s Medal, he had earned a Bronze Star, two Joint Service Commendation Medals, two Air Force Commendation Medals, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and three Meritorious Service Medals.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Philip Bryant Special tactics members pay their final respects to Lt. Col. William “Bill’ Schroeder during his interment ceremony June 16 at Arlington National Cemetery, Va. Schroeder, 39, was a special operations weather officer who identified a perilous situation and reacted swiftly by putting himself between an armed individual and his first sergeant. In the process, he saved lives of other squadron members while being fatally wounded.

See AWARD, P17


PAYING RESPECT FOR FLAG DAY,

ARMY BIRTHDAY

Photo by Elaine SanchezBrooke Army Medical Center Troop Command Soldiers fold the U.S. flag during a special retreat ceremony held in honor of Flag Day and the Army’s 241st birthday at BAMC June 14.

One of the best things about ICE is that people can let service providers know when they do a great job, not just for poor service.

It takes 5 minutes or less to submit a comment at http://ice.disa.mil.

Did you know?


264th Medical Battalion Soldiers take Murph ChallengeSoldiers and cadre from Company B, 264th

Medical Battalion, hosted the 2016 Murph Challenge – a functional fitness event – at the BG Johnson track at Fort Sam Houston May 28 to honor Navy Lt. Michael P. Murphy and his SEAL team killed in action June 28, 2005.

The event honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and allows Soldiers to participate in the Performance Triad.

More than 130 personnel, including 80 Soldiers who took the challenge, came out to support the workout which consisted of 100 pull ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats and a one-mile run.

Photos by Army Staff Sgt. Johnvincent Vargas

A Soldier from the 264th Medical Battalion at Fort Sam Houston gets in his 100 pullups as part of the 2016 Murph Challenge at the BG Johnson track May 28.

A one-mile run was one of the four events Soldiers and cadre from the 264th Medical Battalion at Fort Sam Houston tookpart in during the 2016 Murph Challenge at the BG Johnson track May 28.

A Soldier from the 264th Medical Battalion at Fort Sam Houston gets through his 200 pushups as part of the 2016 Murph Challenge at the BG Johnson track May 28.


News Briefsa combined change of command and assumption of responsibility ceremony at 8 a.m. July 20 at the Quadrangle on Fort Sam Houston. Col. Bradford J. Davis will take over command of the brigade from Col. Patrick W. Ginn, while Command Sgt. Maj. Maurice S. Greening will assume responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Mathew I. Acome. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony is at the Evans Theater, 3834 Garden Ave.

Jadwin Entry Control Point Temporary Closure

The Jadwin Entry Control Point is closed through Aug. 28. All traffic will be re-routed to the commercial and regular lanes at the Walters Entry Control Point. This closure is to allow installation of active vehicle barriers and supporting utilities. The North New Braunfels gate is open for regular, non-commercial traffic to Department of Defense ID holders from 6-9 a.m. weekdays. For more information, call 221-5283.

FEGLI Open SeasonThe Office of Personnel

Management hold a Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance, or FEGLI, open season from Sept. 1-30. During this time, eligible employees can elect or increase their FEGLI life insurance cov-erage. The effective date for changes to FEGLI coverage under an open season election will be delayed one full year to the beginning of the first full pay period on or after Oct. 1, 2017. Coverage can be cancelled or reduced at any time. Department of the Army civilians must log into the Army Benefits Center-Civil-ian website at https://www.abc.army.mil and go into the Employee Benefits Information System. For assistance, call 877-276-9287 weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. For additional information, visit https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/life-insurance/.

Save The Date For The Annual Air Force Ball

The U.S. Air Force hosts its annual ball Sept. 16 at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort with the theme of “You Are What Makes Our Air Force Diverse.” Social hour begins at 6 p.m. and main event at 7 p.m. More information on ticket prices and sales contacts to follow.

Continued from P3 Former Army surgeon general lauds medical, allied health graduatesBy Elaine SanchezBAMC Public Affairs

A former U.S. Army surgeon general had high praise for the nearly 250 medical and allied health graduates being honored at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, or SAUSHEC, awards and graduation ceremony June 10 in downtown San Antonio.

SAUSHEC is the or-ganization responsible for military graduate medical and allied health education in San Antonio. It com-prises training sites at Brooke Army Medical Center and Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center and maintains a close partnership with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. The consortium was created to promote teaching, patient care, research and military readiness.

“I extend to you my sincere and deep-est thanks to all of our graduates for your service and commitment to defend the nation and congratulations on your accomplish-ments,” retired Lt. Gen. Eric Schoomaker told a packed audience at the Lila Cockrell Theatre.

Schoomaker was the 42nd Army surgeon general and served from 2007-2012.

“I cannot help but be excited for you as you become leaders in the finest and most highly respected system of health and healthcare system in America and the world, he said.”

The ceremony marked the culmination of years of postgraduate training for Air Force, Army, Navy and civilian practitioners. This year, along with Schoomaker, Dr. Woodson “Scott” Jones, dean SAUSHEC; Col. Jeffrey Johnson, BAMC commander; and Air Force Col. Rachel Lefebvre, 59th Medical Wing vice com-mander, were on hand to present certificates to the 246 graduates, who were made up of 196 physicians and 50 graduate allied health professionals.

The former surgeon general lauded the education programs that foster excellence in military medicine.

“I am absolutely con-vinced that we would not still be defending the nation through repeated deployments while advancing care for casualties from the point of injury or illness on an austere battlefield or humanitarian crisis to our medical centers and community hospi-tals back home were it not for our robust graduate health and allied health education programs,” Schoomaker said. “These programs attract the very best young doctors, nurses, dentists, administra-tors, chaplains and they retain our best mid-career faculty.”

The 41-year Army officer also praised the “remarkable degree of cooperation and coor-dination of care across the continuum of care from active duty into veteran status.”

“You begin the next phase of your military medical careers in a military health system so far beyond what I ex-perienced when I came into this elite team that I am amazed and hum-bled,” he said. “Above all else in the years ahead, know that you are caring for a remarkable mili-tary family who at their core shares your values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.”

During the awards ceremony, Air Force Lt. Col. Erik Weitzel, otolar-yngology, was named the recipient of the Gold Headed Cane. This award recognizes excellence in patient care, teaching, clinical research and operational medicine.

The following individ-uals also were honored with research and merit awards:

• Animal/Basic Science Research: Air Force Maj. Adam Willis, neurology

• Fellow Clinical Research: Maj. Aaron R. Farmer, infectious disease

• Resident Primary Care Research: Air Force Capt. Antonia Helbling, emergency medicine

• Resident Surgi-cal Research: Maj. Katherine M. Bedigrew, orthopaedics

• Performance Improvement Project: Air Force Capt. John C. Hunninghake, internal medicine

• Maj. John Gillespie Award (Outstanding Intern): Air Force Capt. Andrew T. Patterson,

transitional year;• Maj. David S. Berry

Award (Outstanding Resident): Air Force Maj. Brit J. Long, emergency medicine

• Col. Donald M. Null Award (Outstanding Fellow): Maj. Ian M. Ward, rheumatology

• Graduate Allied Health Education Award (Outstanding Educator): Dr. Gail Deyle, manual physical therapy

• Lt. Gen. P.K. Carlton Award (Outstanding Faculty): Air Force Maj. Benjamin D. Morrow, nephrology

• Outstanding Program Coordinator Award: Nancy Montgomery, neurology; and

• Col. John D. Roscelli Award (Outstanding Program Director): Dr. Jay Higgs, rheumatology.

Photo by Senior Airman Krystal WrightAir Force Lt. Col. Erik Weitzel (center) is presented the Gold Headed Cane by (from left) retired Lt. Gen. Eric Schoomaker; Col. Jeffrey Johnson, BAMC commander; Air Force Col. Rachel Lefebvre, 59th Medical Wing vice commander; and Dr. Woodson “Scott” Jones, San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium dean, during the SAUSHEC awards and graduation ceremony in down-town San Antonio June 10. Weitzel, an otolaryngologist, was recognized for excellence in patient care, teaching, clinical research and operational medicine.


Respect the flags: stay cool, hydrated this summerBy Jose T. Garza IIIJBSA-Lackland Public Affairs

Heat stress can leave people regularly involved in outdoor working environments or outdoor recreational activities in many various hot predica-ments.

Exposure to high temperatures or extreme humidity can result in heat stroke, heat exhaus-tion, heat cramps or heat rashes.

As part of the 2016 Summer Safety Campaign initiative that runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend, Roy Gutierrez, 37th Training Wing occupational safety specialist, urges the public to stay hydrated and listen to their bodies when out-doors this summer during work or leisure.

“You should drink water in moderation before, during and after work or play,” he advised. “For people who work outdoors or in a heated environment, they need to take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned envi-ronments to prevent heat injury situations.”

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, symptoms of heat stroke, which occurs when the body is inca-pable of controlling its temperature, include:

• High body tempera-ture

• Confusion• Loss of coordination• Hot, dry skin or pro-

fuse sweating• Throbbing headache• Seizures and comaHeat stroke can

develop as a result of heat exhaustion or heat cramps when the body’s response to excessive water and salt loss comes from sweating. Heat ex-

haustion is also a poten-tially dangerous condition and symptoms include:

• Rapid heartbeat• Massive sweating• Acute weakness or

fatigue• Dizziness• Nausea and vomiting• Irritability• Fast and shallow

breathing• Slightly elevated high

temperatureHeat cramps can pro-

duce muscle cramps, pain or spasms in the abdomi-nal area, arms and legs.

Individuals showing any symptoms of heat stress should be moved indoors or into shade.

If they are wearing outer garments, such as a uniform top, it should be removed to help cool the individual down, Gutierrez advised.

“If they are wearing vests, jackets, protective gear and hats, put them in the shade to cool their bodies,” he said. “If you can, get them in an air-conditioned environment, fan them and use wet towels to cool their bodies

and restore their normal body temperature.”

If an individual shows signs of extreme heat stress, or removing them from the environment does not improve their symptoms, members are encouraged to call 911 or transport them to a nearby medical facility.

At Joint Base San Antonio locations, the bioenvironmental en-gineering flights assess heat stress conditions and dictate the appropri-ate flag conditions/heat category according to the Wet Bulb Globe Tempera-ture Index.

The WGBTI tempera-ture is calculated by mea-suring air temperature, humidity, air speed and radiant heat. The results of these measurements are used to determine one of the following heat stress categories or flag conditions and JBSA members must adhere to these guidelines.

White Flag: The white flag is the lowest heat condition. It has no restrictions attached and

allows strenuous activities without rest.

Green Flag: This con-dition is in effect between 80 and 84.9 degrees. This flag allows supervised heavy exercise outdoors with a 30-minute rest every half hour.

Yellow Flag: This condition is in effect when temperatures rise to 85 to 87.9 degrees. While under a yellow flag, the same 30/30 rest-work rule ap-plies. However, personnel who are not acclimated to the area should refrain from these activities.

Red Flag: A red flag is raised when the tempera-ture reaches 88 degrees. While in this condition, extreme caution should be used when working outdoors. After 20 min-utes of work, a 40-minute rest should be taken.

Black Flag: When the WBGTI reaches 90 degrees, a black flag is in effect. While under black flag conditions, all non-essential outdoor physi-cal exercise should be postponed.

Heat injury preven-

tion is of high importance across JBSA, as South Texas temperatures remain well over 90 de-grees during the summer season.

Also due to the vigor-ous training mission at JBSA which includes Air Force Security Forces training, Air Force Basic Military Training, the Department of Defense Medical Education and Training Campus and several others, heat

safety is paramount. Supervisors are en-

couraged to stay edu-cated on thermal injury signs and symptoms; first aid procedures; work and rest; work and warming cycles; additive effects of personal pro-tective equipment; and the importance of proper hydration.

People can call the 37th TRW safety office at 671-3967 with any ques-tions or concerns.


410th Contracting Support Brigade welcomes new leaderBy Daniel P. ElkinsMICC Public Affairs

Command of the 410th Contracting Support Brigade at Fort Sam Houston changed hands during a June 13 ceremo-ny at the Army Medical Department Center and School Museum Medal of Honor Walk.

Col. Josh Burris as-sumed command from Col. Rick Harger in a cer-emony officiated by Brig. Gen. Michael Hoskin, Expeditionary Contracting Command commanding general.

Hoskin highlighted the 410th CSB’s accomplish-ments under Harger’s command and then set expectations for Burris as the new leader.

“It is your task to con-tinue to lead this excep-tional organization and build upon a ready, trans-parent and accountable brigade that is built on trust and respect,” Hoskin said during the ceremony. “You have an immense responsibility to provide contracting support … to counter transnational threats and strengthen re-gional security in defense of the homeland.”

Burris comes to the 410th CSB after serving as the Mission and Installation Contracting Command deputy chief of staff as well as Army lead

and executive director for the Operational Contract Support Joint Exercise 2016. Prior to that he served as commander of the 905th Contract-ing Battalion in support of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, N.C.

“It is an honor to lead the 410th and I pledge my service to the pro-fessional civilians and Soldiers in the great-est contracting support brigade in the Army,” Burris said. “Together, we will continue to provide contracting solutions to our customer’s whole-of-government security coop-eration and combatant command support agent requirements, always mindful of the public’s trust in our fiduciary responsibility.”

Burris was commis-sioned as a Regular Army quartermaster officer upon graduation from North Georgia College in 1993 with a bachelor of business administration degree. He graduated from the Naval Postgradu-ate School in 2006 where he earned a master of business administration degree. A 2011 gradu-ate of the Darden School of Business Commercial Business Environment course, Burris will also complete a master of strategic studies from the

U.S. Army War College next month. He entered the Army Acquisition Corps in 2001.

The change of com-mand comes approxi-mately a month following the return of the brigade headquarters staff from its nine-month deployment where they served as the command and control element of Expeditionary Contracting Command-Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and as they pre-pare to enter a historically busy season in the final

quarter of the fiscal year.During the ceremony,

Harger spoke of the budgetary, workforce and government shut-down challenges the brigade has endured over three years.

“One thing has re-mained, and will remain constant, just like it has during the last three years,” Harger said. “And that is the 410th CSB will continue to provide premier con-tracting support.”

Harger also spoke on the brigade’s execution of

more than $370 million in obligations over more than 4,000 contract ac-tions as well as its opera-tion support for Operation United Assistance, Opera-tion Inherent Resolve and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

“None of this would have been possible with-out the dedication, desire and expertise of the Soldiers, civilians and con-tractors that make up the 410th Contracting Support Brigade,” he said. “Over the past three years, even though Soldiers, civilians

and contractors have come and gone, the 410th fabric has remained a wonderful, colorful com-bination of nationalities, ethnic backgrounds and experiences, not to men-tion contracting acumen and expertise.”

Harger departs for an assignment as the military science adviser for the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, af-ter having served as the commander of the 410th CSB since June 2013.

Located at Fort Sam Houston, the 410th CSB is made up of approxi-mately 70 Soldiers and 50 civilian employees assigned to the brigade headquarters staff, 916th Contracting Battalion, Regional Contracting Center-Americas, and regional contracting offices in Miami, Soto Cano, Honduras, Bogota, Columbia and Guantanamo Bay. In fiscal 2015, the 410th CSB executed more than 2,000 contracts valued at more than $114 million.

The brigade is respon-sible for planning and executing contingency contracting support for the U.S. Army South in support of Army and joint operations throughout the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

Photo by Daniel P. Elkins Brig. Gen. Michael Hoskin passes the organizational colors to Col. Josh Burris (left) during a 410th Contracting Support Brigade change-of-command ceremony June 13 at the Army Medical Department Center & School Museum Medal of Honor Walk at Fort Sam Houston. Command of the brigade was passed to Burris from Col. Rick Harger (right), who departs for his next assignment at Fort Shafter, Hawaii. Hoskin is the commanding general for the Expeditionary Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Ala.

Freedom are the highest civilian awards in the U.S., awarded to people or groups with achieve-ments that have a last-ing impact on American history and culture.

Diaz-Rivas originally had hoped to accept the medal alongside his fellow Soldiers at the

U.S Capitol April 13, but was unable to attend the ceremony due to his de-clining health. However, his family and caregivers decided a medal in the mail would not suffice and Brooke Army Medical Center Commander Col. Jeffrey Johnson agreed.

Johnson, BAMC Command Sgt. Maj.

Albert Crews and other leaders gathered to hon-or Diaz-Rivas’ contribu-tions.

“We honor you and thank you for your sac-rifice,” the commander said as he presented the medal to Diaz-Rivas.

During the Korean War, Diaz-Rivas was awarded a Combat Infantryman Badge and a Korean

Service Medal with two Bronze Stars. He later joined the Air Force and fought in the Vietnam War, for which he re-ceived a Commendation Medal from President Lyndon B. Johnson for rescuing and transporting wounded Soldiers behind enemy lines. He retired from the military in 1971 with 21 years of service.

The father of four re-cently celebrated his 58th wedding anniversary.

“My father is very proud of his medal,” said his daughter, Ivonne Diaz-Navedo. “But we are proud of all of his contributions. It’s a com-plete life he’s lived.”

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida praised Diaz-Rivas’ unit during a

Senate floor speech April 13 saying, “It is my hope that the more than 1,000 Borinqueneer veterans liv-ing throughout the United States, as well as the family members of those fallen, departed, and miss-ing in action, will know at last that their service has received the ultimate tribute from a grateful nation.”

CIVILIAN from P1


Army South leaders trek to San JacintoBy Dr. Isaac HamptonU.S. Army South Historian

Twenty-three Soldiers from the U.S. Army South Headquarters Battalion took part in a one-day staff ride June 2 focusing on Texas’ Inde-pendence and the Battle of San Jacinto.

Staff rides are a pro-fessional development tool that expose Soldiers to the dynamics of bat-tle, enlist critical analysis to understand what led to victory and defeat and consists of systematic preliminary study of a selected campaign.

In preparation for this professional de-velopment and team-building engagement, Soldiers were given a historical overview on the cause and effects which led to Texas’ break from Mexico in April of 1836.

During this session, the Soldiers chose key historical actors to research, so they would have a greater under-standing of the event when they presented their character’s key actions on the battlefield during the staff ride.

The group departed Fort Sam Houston at 6:30 a.m. and made its first stop just outside of Gonzales to discuss the second and third effects on the civilian population after the Texans’ defeat at the Alamo.

The second stop was approximately 55 miles into the town of Columbus at Beason Park on the banks of the Colorado River. At this landmark, Capt. Alexander Rhodes and 1st Sgt. Joshua Mejia discussed Gen. Sam Houston’s logic to con-tinue his retreat east, while Capt. Michael De

La Vega and 1st Lt. Anna Branco discussed the Battle of Coleto Creek and the Runaway Scrape.

At the San Jacinto battleground, the park’s lead interpreter, Boyd Harris, explained what took place between the opposing forces on April 21, 1836.

At various points on the battlefield, the Soldiers were responsi-ble for telling the group what actions their historic characters are recognized for during specific points of the engagement. The ter-rain walk covered over three miles through mud, brush and ankle-deep water along with a constant rain, which covered the Houston and San Antonio area throughout the day.

For some like Sgt. 1st Class Tara Mason, the terrain walk of battlefield brought the events of 1836 into greater per-spective. Others relayed the historic battle to today’s conflicts.

“Walking in those Soldiers’ footsteps gives you an idea of what they experienced,” said

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Lashundra Brooks, who is new to Texas. “We learned that there were issues on the battlefield that are very similar to what we have today. Same format. Just differ-ent times.”

“Just to know I grew up right down the street from all this stuff is like a ‘wow’ factor to me,” said Sgt. 1st Class Nena Toomey, a native Texan. “This staff ride allows us the opportunity to come together outside of the workplace and develop esprit de corps. We all learned today about the early beginnings of Texas as a republic and a state.”

At the conclusion of the staff ride, the top en-listed leader participating summed up the event.

“The Soldiers’ engage-ment really brought to life the actual locations of the battles,” said Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion Sgt. Major Bryon Starks. “From sergeant first class to lieutenant colo-nel, we learned some-thing about our Army,

ourselves – this can only make us more profes-sional and competent as leaders.”

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Larry C. Haynes felt the staff ride brought Soldiers together.

“This opportunity af-fords us as leaders the chance to get together to appreciate the United States as a whole,” Haynes said. “Many of us have spent time overseas, so this helps us to remember what is important to us as Americans.”

Lt. Col. Paul Hilaski, Headquarters and Head-quarters Battalion com-mander, said he enjoyed the experience.

“This was something different that got Soldiers out and thinking, talking and discussing something other than daily opera-tions,” Hilaski said. “This professional develop-ment expanded their knowledge. Our Soldiers did a good job of learn-ing about their historical characters in this battle and the impact it had into the future. The staff ride is definitely worth a repeat.”

Photo by Dr. Isaac Hampton The USS Texas serves as a backdrop during U.S. Army South’s staff ride to the San Jacinto battlegrounds June 2.

Beyond The Horizonexercise ends in GuatemalaBy Maj. Jamelle A. GarnerU.S. Army South Public Affairs

Brig. Gen. James P. Wong, U.S. Army South deputy commanding general, traveled to Guatemala City, Guatemala, June 7-9 to formally close out the Beyond the Horizon Guatemala 2016 exer-cise.

The exercise opened April 7 with operations to build schools and clinics in multiple rural locations. Arriving early, Wong personally vis-ited several of the sites to assess the progress first-hand.

“We joined forces to build three new clinics and two new schools for the people of Guate-mala,” Wong said. “By working together, our Soldiers gained valuable experience from Gua-temalan civilians and military experts.”

Beyond the Horizon is

a joint foreign military interaction and humani-tarian exercise spon-sored by U.S. Southern Command that involves hundreds of U.S. service members represent-ing the National Guard, Army Reserve and ac-tive forces. These units deploy for short periods of time to support and implement agreed upon tasks developed during the planning phase.

The combined joint efforts during the past three months resulted in two new school buildings with class-rooms outfitted with computers, desks and chairs. The three new clinic facilities included medical equipment and hygiene kits.

The military works as a team with multiple agencies and organiza-tions in order to provide the people of Guatemala

Photo by Senior Airman Dillon Davis U.S. and Guatemalan military members march in formation while carrying the U.S. and Guatemalan flags June 9 at the closing cer-emony for Beyond The Horizon 2016 in Guatemala. The partner na-tions’ service members marched alongside one another in formation during the ceremony to present both nations’ flags.

See BTH, P17


New command chief joins Joint Base San Antonio teamBy Senior Airman Krystal WrightJBSA-Lackland Public Affairs

The 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio commu-nity recently welcomed a new command chief who believes teamwork will be key to the con-tinued success of the wing.

Chief Master Sgt. Brion Blais, a career explosive ordnance disposal technician, assumed responsibility for the morale, welfare, professional devel-opment and combat readiness of the joint force across JBSA in May.

Since arriving here, he has made strides in continuing the 502nd ABW and JBSA mission of becoming the pre-mier joint base in the Department of Defense.

“My first priority as the JBSA command chief is in line with our mission state-ment and is to ensure we have the trained and equipped force necessary to deliver unrivaled installation services and support to the 266 mission part-ners that call JBSA home,” he said.

“Additionally, I will be focusing on the pro-fessional development of our workforce and the transitioning of our service members and their family from the military life to civilian life,” he added. “For the professional devel-opment, I don’t want to focus on just the en-listed force but also our civilian workforce and officers. I think that our junior force doesn’t get the professional development attention

that they need, so I am going to constantly focus on that.”

In addition to ensur-ing the total force of JBSA has the resources they need to complete their particular mis-sion, the command chief considers tak-ing care of families as equally important and “part of being in the Air Force and the military.”

“The JBSA com-munity can expect that I will always advocate for the resources they require to do their job and the services they need to take care of the families,” Blais said. “I want to get the ap-propriate resources to their units. I also want to make sure we have the morale, welfare and recreation programs and facilities; medical facilities; child care; and similar things they need to do their job and keep their families safe and secure.

“In turn, I expect them to keep foremost in their minds that we are entrusted with vast responsibility and have all taken a vow to serve our country; not as we see fit, but as those appointed over us ask us to,” he added. “Also, that we be the same service members out of uniform as we are in uniform.”

The command chief, who has served in the Air Force for 22 years, is no stranger to work-ing in joint environ-ments, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that he hopes will further instill the team concept throughout JBSA and its mission partners.

“My leadership

philosophy has always been simple: you will succeed as a team or fail as a team,” he said. “So, put as much en-ergy into those around you as you do for yourself. If you do so, you will be blown away by what your team can accomplish. Successful leaders always note that they were recognized

for the accomplishments of their units. If you build a winning team, you cannot help but succeed.”

At the beginning of his Air Force career, he encountered one such situation, which first taught him that concept.

“I went through a naval technical training school,” Blais recalled.

“I was there with the Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force. All of us were in a small class-room and it really was a team environment. Our class was 8 1/2 months long and we all made sure we made it through together.

“That really instilled the team concept in me and I have really seen

it throughout my ca-reer,” Blais continued. “I can honestly say that I would not be here if not for the people who worked for me and I have worked with. My accomplishments are a direct result of work-ing in teams. When you surround yourself with people who are suc-cessful, you tend to rise to their level.”

To help the JBSA enlisted force to similar success, the new com-mand chief provides a few tidbits of wisdom.

“My nuggets of advice for Airmen in today’s Air Force is broken into two messages,” Blais said. “For those more seasoned, I would say that change is not good or bad; it is just in-evitable. We need to get over the resistance to change and shape the result we desire. For my younger Airmen, I would say that the Air Force is a cross sec-tion of our country; it is filled with different gen-erations, backgrounds and experiences. If you want to be successful, be open-minded and learn something from everyone.

“To be the premier installation in the DoD is a tall order, but we will rise to the chal-lenge,” he said “With the fiscal challenges our government is under and the threats to our way of life, we do our job more ef-ficiently and effectively where we can, but we must also innovate new ways to reach our goals, even if it means a drastic change to the way we do our mission. Do not avoid the tough challenges; instead, dig in deeper.”

Air Force photoChief Master Sgt. Brion P. Blais is the command chief master sergeant for the 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio, which spans more than 64 miles and is comprised of 266 mission partners with more than 80,000 full-time employees.


Former Sgt. Maj. of the Army Leon L. Van Autreve honored at ceremonyBy Jose E. RodriguezAMEDDC&S Public Affairs

National Flag Day and the 241st Army Birthday were special remembrances for Rita Van Autreve, widow of former Sgt. Maj. of the Army Leon L. Van Autreve.

The U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School, or AMEDDC&S, Non Commissioned Officers Academy, along with the SMA Leon L. Van Autreve Chapter, Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, honored Mrs. Van Autreve’s late husband during a Flag Day retreat ceremony at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery June 14.

Van Autreve was the fourth sergeant ma-jor of the Army and a

highly decorated Soldier who participated in the invasion of Port Lyautey, Africa, and also served in Vietnam.

He joined the Army in 1941 from Delphos, Ohio, and retired in 1975 with 31 years of service. He passed away in March 2002.

The NCO Academy at Fort Sam Houston was renamed Van Autreve Hall in September 2002, six months after Van Autreve’s death, in honor of his contribu-tions to the AMEDDC&S and support to the academy’s mission.

Rita Van Autreve was actively engaged during her hus-band’s career sup-porting Soldiers and their families and has continued her devo-

tion to the Army, Fort Sam Houston and the San Antonio military community.

As she thanked those in attendence for honor-ing her husband, Van Autreve recited “In Flanders Fields” from memory.

“My husband recited this poem at ceremo-nies and I thought it fitting to share it with the young Soldiers here today,” Van Autreve said. “By honoring his service, you honor the service of all our Soldiers and our nation’s military.”

After the ceremony, she met with Soldiers, many of them sharing stories of how her late husband inspired them to join the Army and advance in their career.

Photo by Jose E. RodriguezMrs. Rita Van Autreve (second from left), widow of former Sgt. Maj. of the Army Leon L. Van Autreve, poses June 14 with Command Sgt. Maj. Alexis A. King (left), commandant of the Non Commissioned Officers Academy, U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School, her daughter Jodi Bearden, and Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew J. Rhoades, AMEDDC&S command sergeant major.


ARNORTH Soldier uses jiu-jitsu as therapy to cope with PTSDBy Sgt. Aaron Rognstad207th Public Affairs Detachment

The traditional Brazilian martial art of jiu-jitsu isn’t just a workout or some sport to practice for 33-year-old Sgt. 1st Class Brent Schneider, U.S. Army North Security Operations Division noncommis-sioned officer in charge at Fort Sam Houston.

It’s a therapeutic cop-ing mechanism to help deal with the mental wounds of war.

For the recent 2016 San Antonio International Open Jiu-Jitsu Championship’s middle-weight winner, training ensues at Ohana Academy, a local facility on San Antonio’s east side.

Fifteen young men struggle for position in a series of grapples and holds on soft vinyl, twist-ing and turning to the likes of mainstream metal

coming out of an old speaker in the top corner of the room.

“This is my second home,” Schneider said. “I can let loose in here and be one with my people.”

His people tend to include a lot of former military, many of whom are war veterans. Some of them suffer from PTSD.

Schneider says the ben-efits of jiu-jitsu in coping with PTSD are two-fold. The first deals with the psychosomatic side of it, as the martial art releases dopamine and adrenaline, as well as other chemicals in the brain that stimulate the mind and senses to temporarily distract the subject from PTSD symp-toms. It also releases oxytocin, a natural stimu-lant, into the brain.

The second benefit is the camaraderie … the interaction and the bond-ing of brothers with a common goal with shoul-

ders to lean on to vent issues to one another.

Schneider, with three Southwest Asia deploy-ments under his belt, said he’s tired of see-ing his friends commit suicide and plans on starting his own jiu-jitsu organization in the near future to help Soldiers and former Soldiers with PTSD.

“You can get a lot out of the sport, such as the neurological response and human interaction. The goal is to get more and more people onto the mat who are just surviving day-to-day living with the disorder,” Schneider said. “With increasing victories in jiu-jitsu on the mat will come victories in day-to-day life.”

Professional mixed-martial-arts, or MMA, bantamweight fighter and Army veteran Johnny Ray Rodriguez of San Antonio backs up

Schneider’s theory.“A lot of veterans who

suffer from PTSD need some sort of outlet and jiu-jitsu is a positive one,” Rodriguez said. “We have a lot of ex-military com-

ing in here working out every day. It’s helped me out immensely. I’d be a completely different per-son today if it wasn’t for jiu-jitsu.”

Rodriguez credits the

sport with lowering his stress level, and Ohana owner and operator Jason Yerrington, agrees. He says 40 to 50 percent of his students, especially in San Antonio, are Soldiers or veterans who, while they don’t necessarily broadcast that they have PTSD, have said that the sport is therapeutic in some way or form.

“Everyone has some form of demon in the closet that they need to air out, and for these guys it’s PTSD stemming from their time in combat zone,” Yerrington said.

“They’ve got all these emotions penned upend maybe no channels of release, but in the heat of the moment, when some-one is really trying to hurt you, everything else doesn’t matter. It comes down to survival and that freedom is what helps and allows people to work through it.”

Photo by Sgt. Aaron Rognstad Sgt. 1st Class Brent Schneider (bottom), U.S. Army North, practices a jiu-jitsu move on a fellow student at the Ohama Academy of Martial Arts at San Antonio June 15. Schneider recently took first place in the San Antonio International Open Jiu-Jitsu Championship’s middle-weight class.

U.S. Army South completes Brazilian army-to-army staff talksBy Maj. Fred HarrellU.S. Army South Public Affairs

Maj. Gen. K.K. Chinn, U.S. Army South com-mander, recently wel-comed Lt. Gen. Joarez Alves Pereira Jr., Brazilian army deputy chief of staff, to San Antonio for the 32nd an-nual staff talks between the two nations’ armies.

Last year, the staff talks were held in Brazil, and both armies have been conducting the 70 agreed-to events, training, exercises and exchanges together as a result of the agreements made in 2015.

“The staff talks are a great teambuilding event that strengthens our relationships and

trust,” Chinn said during his opening remarks. “More importantly, they help us each learn more about how we can work together to address emerging challenges in the region, hemisphere and globally.”

Army South has rep-resented the U.S. Army in the annual bilateral staff talks with Brazil since 2005. As the Army service component com-mand for U.S. Southern Command, Army South conducts staff talks on behalf of the Chief of Staff of the Army. These meetings help strength-en professional part-nerships and increase interaction between the armies.

“The engagements will

certainly play a major role in strengthening mu-tual trust and enhancing cooperation and interop-erability between our armies,” Pereira said.

During the meet-ing, the two delega-tions drafted a list of 57 agreed-to actions covering a wide range of professional exchanges designed to improve the working relationship be-tween the two armies.

“We look forward to working together against the emerging threats and providing for the stability, security and prosperity for the Americas,” Chinn said during his closing re-marks.

The staff talks ended with the signing of a bi-

lateral engagement plan for the upcoming year.

Army South also

conducts staff talks with the armies of Chile, Colombia, Peru and El

Salvador on behalf of the Chief of Staff of the Army.

Photo by U.S. Army South public affairs(From left to right), Maj. Gen. K.K. Chinn, the U.S. Army South commanding general; Lt. Gen. Joarez Alves Pereira Jr., 5th Deputy Chief of Staff of the Brazilian army; and Command Sgt. Maj. Carlos Olvera, U.S Army South command sergeant major, participate in the 32nd annual Army-to-Army Brazil and U.S. Staff Talks at the Army South headquarters at Fort Sam Houston June 8-10.


By Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carwile59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

The 59th Medical Wing at Joint Base San Antonio- Lackland is now at the helm of the first Air Force-led Armed Services Blood Center.

A recent ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the JBSA-Lackland Blood Donor Center’s transition into the Armed Services Blood Bank Center San Antonio.

“This is a great day for the Armed Services Blood Program. This center will be joining the four other Armed Services Blood Centers as the first run by the Air Force,” said Lt. Col. Angela Hudson, Air Force Blood Program chief.

The ASBP is a tri-service venture involving the Army, Navy and Air Force. The ceremony is the culmination of 10 years of work between the center and ASBP leaders.

Part of the 59th Medical Diagnostic and Therapeu-tics Squadron, the center’s integration into the Armed Services Blood Program will expand its reach and capa-bilities.

It collects blood, plasma and platelets for the San Antonio Military Medical Center at nearby JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, as well as other military and Veterans Affairs hospitals across the country.

“We have capitalized on the tri-service culture of the Armed Services Blood Program and designed a Department of Defense center that mirrors how together, we become force multipliers for the combat-ant commanders’ missions worldwide,” Hudson said.

The center collects ap-proximately 1,100 units of blood each month, and the move to a tri-service orga-nization boosts the center’s

global reach and enhances capabilities, according to Tracy Parmer, blood donor recruiter and public affairs specialist for the ASBBC-SA.

“This center is a very useful, key program as-set,” said Navy Capt. Roland Fahie, DOD Armed Services Blood Program director. The ASBBC-SA is already involved in research and development to increase the shelf-life of donated platelets from 72 hours to at least 14 days, he said.

Additionally, the 59th MDW saved the U.S. Navy $400,000 over the past year

as operational infectious dis-ease testing was transferred to the facility. Currently, ASBBC-SA is the only DOD infectious disease-testing center in the continental U.S., Fahie said.

“This transition is a natu-ral extension of what is seen on deployments – joint coun-terparts integrated – taking care of patients and provid-ing exactly what they need,” added Col. Paul Friedrichs, Air Force Medical Operations Agency vice commander.

For more informa-tion about ASBBC-SA, call 292-8100.

59th Medical Wing takes lead onArmed Services Blood Center

Photos by Tech. Sgt. Christopher CarwileNavy Capt. Roland Fahie (center) cuts the ribbon to the Armed Services Blood Bank Center San Antonio during a recent ceremony. The blood bank, led by the 59th Medical Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, is a tri-service venture involving the Army, Navy and Air Force. Fahie is the Department of Defense Director of the Armed Services Blood Program.

with the much needed civic assistance. Wong personally thanked the host nation, U.S. forces, private public part-nerships and non-governmen-tal organizations during his closing ceremony remarks.

“I want to sincerely express my gratitude to the local community leaders, minis-ter of defense, the embassy ambassador and the chief of defense,” Wong said. “This exercise greatly strengthened our relationship and ability to work together to meet future needs.”

“The continued re-lationships with our Guatemalan partners con-

tinues to enhance security and stability in the region,” the general added. “Above all, this mission is about people and our desire to work together to make things better.”

Since its inception in the mid-1980s, U.S. troops have deployed annually for this exercise which takes place in different countries as designated by U.S. Southern Command. As nations with common interests, the U.S. and Guatemala continued to strengthen their military to military partnership through-out the exercise by building friendships, working to-gether and learning from one another.

BTH from P13

“During a DSCA event, we receive funds from Fed-eral Emergency Management Agency to complete mis-sions for which Department of Defense support has been requested,” said Akana, whose job is to ensure the individual units who provide support are reimbursed. “Some people don’t know where to come or what to do – the whole process is new to them.”

In 2015, she ensured that multiple units were allocated approximately $250,000 for support they provided FEMA in performing response opera-tions to winter storms, flood-ing, typhoons, hurricanes and wildfires across the United States.

“She’s one of the best in the

Army,” said Patrick Reynolds, ARNORTH resource manage-ment directorate chief.

Reynolds noted the process of receiving money for DSCA operations and processing claims is very formal.

“The key is ensuring that you show how everything is properly accounted,” Reynolds said. “It’s a team effort, but Sandy is the lead.”

Because her expertise in this area, ARNORTH has sent Akana to U.S. Pacific Command for the past two years to train their re-source managers on the DSCA process. Akana has served with the ARNORTH resource management di-rectorate for the last eight years and has more than 30 years of government service as an accountant.

AWARD from P3

Patrick Reynolds (left), U.S. Army North resource management directorate chief, congratulates Sandy Akana June 6 on her receipt of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management and Comptroller Fiscal Year 2015 Budgeting Civilian Award.

Photo by Karen Lloyd


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