INSIDE CONQUERING FEAR, P2 JBSA MOTORCYCLE SAFETY...

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH No. 17 • MAY 1, 2015

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

INSIDE ... CONQUERING FEAR, P2 ... JBSA MOTORCYCLE SAFETY COURSE, P7 ... VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION, P11

PAGES 8&9

MAY 1, 2015PAGE 2 WINGSPREAD

COMMENTARYTech. Sgt. Matthew Erickson, U.S. Air Force Band of the West Ceremonial Band assistant drum major, leads fellow band members in the Battle of Flowers Parade April 24 during Fiesta in down-town San Antonio. For more photos of Joint Base San Antonio's participation in the iconic event, see pages 8-9.Photo by Johnny Saldivar

ON THE COVER

Joint Base San Antonio-RandolphEditorial Staff

Brig. Gen. Bob LaBrutta502nd Air Base Wing/JBSA Commander

Todd G. White502nd ABW/JBSA Public Affairs Director

Marilyn C. HollidayJBSA-Randolph Public Affairs ChiefAirman 1st Class Alexandria Slade

EditorAirman 1st Class Stormy Archer

Maricris MooreRobert Goetz, David DeKunder

Staff WritersMaggie ArmstrongGraphic Designer

This newspaper is published by EN Communities, a private fi rm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with Joint Base San Anto-nio-Randolph, Texas. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Wingspread are not necessarily the offi cial 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 endorse-ment by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or EN Communities, 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 affi liation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Offi ce of JBSA-Randolph. All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.

The deadline for submissions is noon Wednesday the week prior to publication. All submissions can be emailed to [email protected].

Wingspread Offi ce1150 5th Street East

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

Wingspread [email protected]

Wingspread Advertisement Offi ceEN Communities

P.O. Box 2171San Antonio, Texas 78297

(210) 250-2440

By Col. David Chiesa71st Medical Group commander

Do you wake up with energy each morning or do you need an energy drink to get you going?

If you constantly hit your snooze alarm, wake with no energy, low self-esteem, lots of coffee or energy drinks, drag yourself to work, can't wait for the clock to display quitting time, your body may be telling you something.

Yes, it could be a medical condition, or a busy day or week, but with no underlying conditions and these symp-toms are occurring, you may have an ailment called – lacking purpose.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defi nes purpose as the feeling of being determined to do or achieve something and the aim or goal of a person – what a person is trying to do, become.

So I ask; do you have purpose?Absolutely yes! We all do. It is innate

within us. Some of you may have found it and some are still searching, but we all have a purpose.

Here's a fact: If you nurture and feed your purpose or dream, it will blossom. If you neglect, ignore or suppress your purpose, it will wither away. The good news is it will never leave you.

Each of us is created uniquely. There are no two of a kind. You are the only one with your fi ngerprint. Our talents, skills, personalities, etc., make us all unique.

Once you realize this fact, you have opened the door to purpose – your big dream.

Many think their dream and pur-pose is to be rich, a professional athlete, a movie-star or even a medical group commander, but if that were the case, society would fall apart.

The world revolves around each person's unique gift to life. If you want to be a professional singer and you cannot carry a tune, then singing may not be your purpose. However, you can train to be a professional singer. Hard work and perseverance can help you achieve your dream. Evaluate yourself to ensure what you are pursuing excites you.

How will I know I am following my dream?

Here are a few tips: Did you have thoughts as a child of what you wanted to be? When performing in the area of your dream did people compliment you? Does excitement fi ll your body when thinking of your dream? Has anyone confi rmed "you would be a great (fi ll in the blank)?"

Supervisors, do you know the dreams of those you supervise? If they are still on their journey, are you molding and shap-ing them towards their dream?

Maybe what they are doing does not fi t their purpose, but it is a step and each step is full of opportunities.

Each layer of leadership should excite and inspire all Airmen toward their big dream.

Perseverance is crucial to attaining that dream.

Many who achieved their dreams have a common theme of failures or diffi culties before their success.

Thomas Edison was at the point of starvation and working a job to support his moonlighting in his own lab. It took one success to turn the tide.

Mr. Rogers waited 17 years to fi nally get his fi rst TV show that was a huge success. He was successful because he was living his purpose – his dream.

I am blessed to have lived my dream for 26 years. I am ready to begin another journey and dream that's pounding in my heart.

Young or old, you are the captain of your ship and you place the rudder each day in the waters of life to steer the course. It is never too late to start.

Where are you on the path to your big dream? Do you have a plan? Have you set goals? When you face your giants, do you have a mentor to guide you?

Surprisingly, most Americans do not make it to their big dream.

Life's circumstances, excuses and failures make some steps too diffi cult to climb or some giant too diffi cult to conqueror so they settle for the easy path – or a more comfortable life.

Don't let it be said of you! Begin your path to your purpose, your big dream. If you started and lost interest or life got too hard, it's time to rekindle the spark and ignite your dream.

Conquer fear, live your dream!

By Maj. Brenton Pickrell14th Security Forces Squadron commander

We all joined the Air Force for different reasons and regard-less of those reasons, we shared high hopes upon joining.

Upholding the values of our service and maintaining that hope typically proves challenging and takes considerable strength and courage.

Anyone is capable of overcoming this adversity but, much like a muscle, you must strengthen your ability to uphold these principles. I often liken this idea to voting.

In terms of politics, it is your choice to vote. Your action or inaction is a vote for what kind of organization you want our Air Force to be. If you witness someone failing to adhere to these values and ignore that infringement upon our culture, you are casting a vote on what kind of organization this is.

However, like a muscle, you can tone and strengthen your ability to correct things over time, and it becomes easier each

time you do it. It takes signifi cant personal strength and cour-age to approach someone who outranks you and tell them they are not setting an appropriate example. But the fi rst time you do this takes more strength and courage than it ever will again.

We should refl ect upon this from both points of view. If we tell sexist or racially motivated jokes, we just cast a vote. If a person junior to us in rank corrects us and we disregard or, worse yet, admonish them when we know in reality they were correct, we just cast a vote. If we step over garbage on the way into a building, we just cast a vote. If we refuse to correct someone because it is diffi cult or uncomfortable, we just cast a vote. However, in each case the opposite is also true.

Are you willing to put forth the effort and employ the strength and courage necessary to cast the vote that makes this an Air Force of which you are proud? Would your loved ones be proud of the Air Force you are helping to create? I urge everyone to refl ect upon the votes you cast and ensure you cast the vote you intend.

Casting a vote through action or inaction

WINGSPREADMAY 1, 2015 PAGE 3

The wreckage of a semi-truck was on display Monday through Wednesday for all motorists entering Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph as part of a JBSA-wide demonstration to pro-mote safety among motorists when crossing railroad tracks. The display is a partnership between the 502nd Air Base Wing, Union Pacific Rail-road and Ainsworth Trucking, owner of the semi-truck. The display will be at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Thurs-day through Sunday and at JBSA-Lackland May 17-23. The accident involving the Union Pacific train and the Ainsworth Trucking semi-truck occurred May 11, 2012, when the semi failed to properly stop at a highway-rail grade crossing south of Encinal, Texas. For the full story, visit http://www.jbsa.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123446052. Photo by Joel Martinez

JBSA safety office warns drivers: Always Expect a Train


NEWS

By Rachael TolliverFort Knox Public Affairs

For anyone who relies on pro-tein bars as an afternoon or after workout snack, be warned about nonmilitary-friendly ingredients in their all-natural selections.

“Strong & Kind” bars, which include Hickory Smoked, Roasted Jalapeno, Honey Mustard, Thai Sweet Chili, and Honey Smoked BBQ fl avors, contain hemp seeds in their ingredients. These seeds may contain low levels of tetrahy-drocannabinol, a chemical found in marijuana, which the military believes may be detectable in drug screening tests.

This ingredient is not includ-

ed the Kind fruit and nut bars. A complete list can be found at http://www.kindsnacks.com.

The military’s position on the consumption of hemp seeds, or its derivatives, follows laws and guidelines set forth by U.S. law enforcement agencies.

Army Regulation 600-85, para-graph 4-2 (p) states that, “Soldiers are prohibited from using Hemp or products containing Hemp oil.” And the “Violations of paragraph 4-2 (p) may subject offenders to punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and/or administrative action.”

Air Force Instruction 90-507, paragraph 1.1.6 states “Studies have

DOD regulations prohibit eating popular health bar with hemp seeds

By Capt. Jennifer RichardAir Education and Training Command Public Affairs

The Air Force is looking for Airmen from the Joint Base San Antonio area to voluntarily participate in one of the two high-visibility physical-standards studies required to potentially open the last six Battlefi eld Airmen career fi elds to women and to ensure gender-neutral standards across all Air Force specialties.

The Physical Tests and Standards Study runs from April 13 to July 18 and the Re-validation of Strength Qualifi cation Standards Study runs from April 15 to Aug. 1.

The Physical Tests and Standards Study will establish fi tness standards for training and operational levels for Battle-fi eld Airmen career fi elds and will consist of familiar physical tests like running, pull ups, push ups, as well as combat-related simulations like swimming, carrying life-size dummies, rock climbing, and climb-ing walls. The Re-validation of Strength Qualifi cation Standards Study will ensure scientifi cally based, operationally-tied fi t-ness tests and standards for entry into all career fi elds and will consist of familiar entry physical tests, to include those that measure strength.

Volunteers can come from a variety of backgrounds – active duty, guard

or reserve, female and male. All par-ticipants must be between the ages of 18 years and 45 years old, must have a current passing physical fi tness test (all four components), current preven-tive health assessment/medical clear-ance, willing to attempt physical tasks and must complete a safety and medi-cal screening questionnaire.

For Airmen interested in volunteer-ing to participate in the Physical Tests and Standards Study, Airmen must be willing to commit for a consecutive two-week period from April 13 to June 13 or for one week from June 22 to July 18. Airmen should gain permis-sion from their supervisors and then contact the AF Fitness Testing and Standards Unit by emailing [email protected] or calling DSN 487-2043.

For Airmen interested in volunteer-ing to participate in the Re-validation of Strength Qualifi cation Standards Study, Airmen must be willing to commit for four hours each day on May 28 and 29; additional opportunities are available from July 11 to Aug. 1. Airmen should gain permission from their supervisors and then contact Katie Linnenkohl at [email protected].

The studies to develop and validate physical and mental standards will pro-vide data for the Air Force’s Women in

Service Review implementation plan. Following the 2013 decision of then-Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey to rescind the 1994 Di-rect Ground Combat Defi nition and As-signment Rule, each service has been studying physical and mental require-

ments to ensure they are career-specifi c, operationally relevant and gender-neutral by September 2015.

In the Air Force, currently 99 percent of career fi elds are open to both men and women. The remaining 1 percent of posi-tions is in ground combat and/or special operations career fi elds.

Volunteers needed to test gender-neutral physical standards

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Trevor TiernanSpecial Tactics Airmen participate in various physical challenges designed to assess the physical demands associated with Battlefi eld Airman Air Force Specialty Codes at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

Courtesy photo“Strong & Kind” bars, which include Hickory Smoked, Roasted Jalapeno, Honey Mustard, Thai Sweet Chili and Honey Smoked BBQ fl avors, contain hemp seeds in their ingredients.See HEMP SEEDS P13


By Robert GoetzJoint Base San Antonio-RandolphPublic Affairs

A former Army nurse who served in the Battle of Normandy during World War II will present the keynote speech at a dinner at 7:30 p.m. May 8 in the Parr Club as the 359th Medical Group observes National Nurses Week Wednesday through May 12.

Josephine Perscatore-Reeves, who played a role in setting up the fi rst fi eld hospital at the Battle of Normandy, will join other nursing service veterans from World War II to the present as guests at the dinner.

Lt. Col. Cynthia Weidman, 359th MDG chief nurse, said the national theme for Na-tional Nurses Week is “Ethical and Quality Health Care,” but the 359th MDG selected the theme “Embrace the Past, Envision the Future and Engage the Present.”

“We took a spin on the national theme to come up with our own theme to fi t the mission of the military setting,” she said.

National Nurses Week at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph will kick off on National Nurses Day Wednesday with clinic-specifi c special activities and will conclude May 12 in the dental confer-ence room with a cake-cutting ceremo-ny to celebrate the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of the nursing pro-fession and pioneer of modern nursing, who was born May 12, 1820.

Weidman said National Nurses Week celebrates the contributions of registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses and medical technicians – “the highly skilled professionals who possess critical-thinking, problem-solving and care-coordination skills that ensure patient safety.”

Nurses and technicians “are at the forefront of health care innovations every day and everywhere,” Weidman said.

“In many different ways, nurses and techs are working together to improve the quality of nursing services and their work environment,” she said.

At the 359th MDG, more than 80 RNs, LVNs and technicians – active-duty mem-bers, Department of Defense civilians and contractors – provide care in family health, women’s health, pediatrics, fl ight medicine and immunizations.

Nurses bring a wealth of experience to the clinic, Weidman said.

“The majority of active-duty nurses have advanced degrees in nursing or healthcare-related degrees,” she said. “All nurses have at least three years of experience in nursing prior to being as-signed to an outpatient clinic. The nurses within the 359th MDG have an average of 16 years of nursing experience ranging from inpatient medical, surgical, trauma and emergency/intensive care to women’s health, case management and disease management.”

Weidman said civilian nurses, who have worked in military facilities for sev-eral years or have prior military experi-ence, “provide a stable foundation for the patient-centered medical home teams.”

Senior Master Sgt. Janeen Harris, 359th Medical Operations Squadron su-perintendent, said enlisted medical tech-nicians “enable the Air Force mission.”

“Without healthy pilots or mainte-nance personnel, we would not be able to keep the planes in the air,” she said. “Enlisted medics not only take care of our active-duty population, but also take care of families and retirees and, by doing this, it lowers the stress levels of our active-duty population so they can get their mission done.”

Harris said medics introduce benefi cia-ries to the clinic.

“When you come into the clinic for an appointment, it is a medic who will do your initial intake and get your medical history, vital signs and prepare you for the visit with your provider,” she said.

Harris also said medics receive exten-sive training.

“All medics are nationally registered emergency medical technicians,” she said. “This allows us to work in emer-gency departments and respond to 911 calls. Although we do not have an emer-gency room on base, our medics are still prepared to take care of our patients in any emergency situation.”

The observance dates back to 1954, when “National Nurse Week” marked the 100th anniversary of Nightingale’s mission to Crimea, but it wasn’t offi cial-ly recognized by the United States until President Richard Nixon signed a procla-mation 20 years later.

In 1993, the American Nurses Associa-tion Board of Directors declared May 6-12 as permanent dates to observe National Nurses Week.

Week-long observance celebrates contributions of nurses, technicians


Joint Base San Antonio members run down Harmon Drive Sunday during the start of the JBSA Half Marathon at JBSA-Randolph. In its second year, the race not only pro-vided an opportunity for members from all JBSA locations to tour the scenic route and rich history of JBSA-Randolph, but to experi-ence camaraderie and teamwork between runners and volunteers alike throughout the event. Photo by Airman 1st Class Alexandria Slade

Joint Base San Antoniomembers tourJBSA-Randolph

during half marathon


By David DeKunderJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

For many service members, riding a motorcycle gives them the freedom to experience the open roads and travel the country.

Unfortunately, being on a motorcycle also exposes riders to several risks, which could lead to injuries or death if proper safety procedures aren’t followed.

Before getting on a motorcycle, safety offi cials at Joint Base San Antonio loca-tions have said that service members need to be aware of several state laws and military regulations, and practice safety and common sense on the road.

Airmen are required to follow regula-tions on motorcycle safety in Air Force Instruction 91-207 that is accessible through the Air Force Portal, Vernon Vin-son, 502nd Air Base Wing safety special-ist at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, said.

The regulation requires that service members take the Basic Rider Course, a two-day motorcycle operating training course offered weekly at Lackland Train-ing Annex at JBSA-Lackland from Thurs-day to Friday.

The course covers the basics of motor-cycle riding and safety that riders need to know, from learning the controls of a mo-torcycle to braking to avoiding hazards and dangerous situations on the road.

After taking the basic course, riders are required to take an intermediate training course within a year and take a refresher course every fi ve years. Rid-ers who need to take any of the courses should contact their unit’s motorcycle safety representative.

Vinson said AFI 91-207 requires riders to wear personal protective equipment while operating a motorcycle, whether they are on or off-duty. Personal protec-tive equipment includes a helmet, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, gloves, trousers, eye protection and footwear.

Vinson stressed the importance of wearing a helmet by pointing to statis-tics on motorcycle accidents provided by the Texas Department of Transportation in 2013. That year, 495 motorcycle riders and passengers were killed on state road-ways, with 53 percent of those fatalities involving riders or passengers who did not wear helmets.

He said motorcycle riders should to be able to respond to road and traffi c condi-tions on a moment’s notice.

“Be aware of your surroundings at all

times because a situation can change in a second,” Vinson said.

He said that advice should also ap-ply to motorists.

“For drivers, watch and look twice,” Vinson said. “Be attentive to your sur-roundings. The only protection all motorcycle riders have is what they are wearing.”

Vinson said riders should operate a motorcycle appropriate for their physi-cal size and strength, which allows them to easily reach and manipulate the con-trols. Also, he said, riders should regu-larly maintain their bikes.

Marvin Joyce, 502nd Air Base Wing occupational health and safety specialist at JBSA-Randolph, said there are several reasons motorcycle accidents occur.

Those reasons, Joyce said, include riders who are not familiar with their motorcycle and equipment, riders who do things on their motorcycles that are beyond their skill levels and not wearing personal protective equipment.

Before going on the road, Joyce said riders should be familiar with their mo-torcycle and equipment and wear the re-quired clothing to protect themselves.

“Personal protective equipment can help (a rider) from getting a sunburn, which can lead to heat-related symp-toms like heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” he said.

For long trips, Joyce said riders should plan when to take breaks.

“Riders should take frequent breaks to allow their body to recover from rid-ing on a motorcycle for a long period of time,” he said.

Joyce said riders should stay hydrated when they are on the bike but warned riders not to drink alcoholic beverages while riding a motorcycle. According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, riders who consume alcohol are fi ve times more likely to be involved in an accident.

He said active-duty service members who don’t follow the AFI 91-207 when operating a motorcycle could face disci-plinary action from their commander.

“I want them to enjoy riding as much as I do, but do it in a safe and respon-sible way so they’re not injured or in a hospital,” he said.

For questions on motorcycle safety or to attend a course, call the JBSA-Randolph Safety Offi ce at 652-1842, the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Safety Offi ce at 471-3841 or the JBSA-Lackland Safety Offi ce at 671-5028.

Motorcycle riding begins with basic rider course

Photo by Staff Sgt. Marissa GarnerMichael Kyle, Basic Rider Course instructor, signals Howard Garcia to slow down during the Basic Rider Course April 24 at the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Medina Annex. The course is re-quired for all service members operating a motorcycle on JBSA locations.

MAY 1, 2015PAGE 8 WINGSPREAD WINGSPREADMAY 1, 2015 PAGE 9

Photo by Airman 1st Class Stormy ArcherThe U.S. Air Force Band of the West Concert Band performs Fiesta classics during the annual Fiesta in Blue con-cert April 21 at Trinity University’s Laurie Auditorium in San Antonio. The concert was held in conjunction with Fiesta San Antonio. Fiesta San Antonio, the city's 11-day historical celebration, began as a one-time parade in 1891 to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. Over the past century, Fiesta has grown into a celebration of San Antonio's rich and diverse cultures. Military representatives from throughout Joint Base San Antonio participate each year in receptions, parades, pilgrimages and memorials.

Photo by Johnny SaldivarGen. Robin Rand (left front), commander of Air Education and Training Command; Chief Master Sgt. Robert Boyer (carrying the wreath), 19th Air Force command chief master sergeant; and Brig. Gen. Bob LaBrutta (right front), 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio commander, lead the military procession during the Pilgrimage to the Alamo. Pictured in the second row center is Col. Matthew Isler, 12th Flying Training Wing commander at JBSA-Randolph.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Stormy Archer Above: The Joint Base San Antonio 2015 Military Ambassadors participate in the Battle of Flowers Parade April 24 in downtown San Antonio. Photo by Johnny SaldivarRight: The Randolph High School march-ing band performs during the Battle of Flowers Parade April 24 in downtown San Antonio.Photo by Johnny SaldivarFar right: Col. Matthew Isler (left to right), 12th Flying Training Wing commander, his wife, Mai Lan, Col. Michael Gimbrone, 502nd Security Forces and Logistics Support Group commander, and his wife, Jennifer, participate in laying a fl oral tribute at the Monument for the Battle of Hill 881 South during the All Veterans Memorial cer-emony April 26 during Fiesta San Antonio.


Hemp seed warning “Strong & Kind” bars, which include: Hickory Smoked, Roasted Jalapeno, Honey Mustard, Thai Sweet Chili, and Honey Smoked BBQ fl avors, contain hemp seeds in their ingredients. These seeds may contain low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol, a chemical found in marijuana, which the military believes may be detectable in drug screening tests. According to Air Force Instruction 90-507, paragraph 1.1.6, and Army Regulation 600-85, paragraph 4-2, the ingestion of products containing or products derived from hemp seed or hemp seed oil is prohibited. This ingredient is not included in the Kind fruit and nut bars. A complete list can be found at http://www.kindsnacks.com.

Airmen Heritage Museum event The grand opening of the Enlisted Tuskegee Airmen Exhibit takes place 10 a.m. Monday at the United States Air Force Airman Heritage Museum and Enlisted Character Development Center, building 5206, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The festivities include a ribbon cutting, Air Force Band of the West, refreshments and the opportunity to meet with Tuskegee Air-men who served during World War II. Military members are required to be in the uniform of the day and civilians should wear business attire. The normal hours of operation for the center at JBSA-Lackland are:• Monday-Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.• Wednesday: Closed• Thursday: 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.• Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Spouse appreciation day The Joint Base San Antonio Spouse Ap-preciation Day is 3-7 p.m. Thursday at the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Golf Course. The event is a "thank you" to spouses for the jobs they do every day supporting military families and the community. There will be door prizes, refreshments and compli-mentary mini-services such as massages and pedicures. For more information, call 652-5763.

AETC commander opensFacebook page for updates Individuals interested in updates about command and Air Force issues and highlights on the men and women expertly performing the Air Education and Training Command mission to recruit, train and educate Airmen to deliver airpower for America can now visit the "AETC Commander" Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AETCcommander.

iMatter site gives AETC Airmen voice Air Education and Training Command has launched the iMatter Website, giving all command Total Force Airmen access to an AETC-specifi c tool for sharing innova-tions and improvement ideas. With iMatter now live, AETC leadership is looking to Airmen at all levels to begin using the site and submitting their ideas. Airmen provide their inputs via a simple, online form, which is available at https://app10-eis.aetc.af.mil/imatter/SitePages/home.aspx.

Check us out on . . .• Facebook: Joint Base San Antonio, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, Lackland JBSA and JBSA-Randolph• Twitter: @JBSA_Offi cial, @JBSAFSH, @JBSALackland and @JBSARandolph • YouTube: Joint Base San Antonio

C-17 Globemaster III begins journey to new home, drivers advised of tow-away zones in area

The 502nd Trainer Development Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph will be trans-porting a C-17 Globemaster III fuselage off base in two oversized loads May 9-10. Individuals are instructed not to park along the following streets or around the Air Force Personnel Center between 6 a.m. May 9 to 11 p.m. May 10:• B Street West by the thrift store• 3rd Street West • North West thruway • 5th Street West Tow trucks will be on call to tow away any vehicles parked along these streets

or blocking movement during wide turns around the AFPC headquarters building, Hangar 76 and Building 241. The move will be escorted by 902nd Security Forces Squadron members until the fuselage has cleared the West Gate. Members of the 502nd TDS transformed the fuselage into an aeromedical evacuation trainer, which is being shipped to its fi nal destination. For the full story, visit http://www.jbsa.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123439410. For more information, call 508-2870.


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 fi ve minutes or less to submit a comment at http://ice.disa.mil.

JBSA Sexual Assault Prevention, Response

To report a sexual assault, call the 24/7 Joint Base San Antonio Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Hotline at 808-7272 or the Depart-ment of Defense Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247.

By Robert GoetzJoint Base San Antonio-RandolphPublic Affairs

Joint Base San Antonio-Ran-dolph paid tribute to its volunteers for their “spirit of service” during the Vol-unteer Appreciation Awards Ceremony April 22 in Fleenor Auditorium.

Col. Michael Gimbrone, 502nd Secu-rity Forces and Logistics Support Group commander, presented certifi cates of appreciation to 36 volunteers and 34 organizations.

Gimbrone recognized volunteers for donating “the one commodity that is at the same time both priceless and free – their time.”

“Thank you for giving your time and talent so freely and without expectation of anything in return,” he said. “I am over-whelmed by the outstanding accomplish-ments of so many of you, and your gener-osity and commitment to the community speak volumes to your character.”

Kathleen Moree, JBSA-Randolph Mil-itary and Family Readiness Center chief and emcee for the ceremony, said volun-teers have created a “spirit of service that makes Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph and the surrounding community a better place to live and work.”

“Every day our volunteers dedicate time, talent and efforts that truly inspire us all,” she said. “Our community, both on JBSA-Randolph and in the local area, is greatly enriched due to the contributions of our volunteers.”

The ceremony also featured the rec-ognition of JBSA-Randolph’s Volunteer Excellence Award nominees and win-ners. Jasper Blake and David Harness of Headquarters Air Education and Train-ing Command and Stephanie Bock of the 12th Operations Support Squadron

were winners of the lifelong achieve-ment award, which is authorized by the Air Force chief of staff to recognize federal civilians, family members, and military and federal retirees “who per-form outstanding volunteer community service of a sustained, direct and conse-quential nature.” Other nominees were Margaret Fite of the 359th Medical Sup-port Squadron, Scott Murff of the 558th Flying Training Squadron and Eleanor Umphres of the 502nd SFLSG Offi ce of the Judge Advocate.

Volunteers represented numerous or-ganizations at the ceremony, including AETC, the 12th Flying Training Wing, the 502nd SFLSG, the 359th Medical Group, the M&FRC, youth programs, the library, the thrift shop, the chapel, the Yellow Rib-bon Spouses and the offi cers’ and enlisted spouses’ clubs.

Moree also noted the contributions of the Key Spouse Program, a commander’s program that offers the spouses of service members a relationship with a volunteer who gives them a direct line of communi-cation with unit leadership and provides them with support.

“A key spouse is a vital link that serves as the bridge between the active-duty community and the military spouse and family,” she said. “Our key spouses put in a countless number of hours, but their hours of dedication are not unnoticed.”

Savannah Lohn, JBSA-Randolph M&FRC community readiness consultant, said volunteers contributed more than 115,000 hours in 2014, the equivalent of more than $2,575,000 in services.

“Volunteers expend a lot of time and energy giving back to our community,” she said. “We should take the opportunity to thank them.”

Volunteers are a diverse group, from active-duty members and their family

members to civilian employees, military spouses and retirees.

Volunteer Excellence Award winner Bock, 12th OSS registrar, said she vol-unteers through the American Legion in Converse, the 12th OSS Booster Club and various animal rescue programs.

“I enjoy helping others in need,” she said. “I do it from the heart and expect nothing in return. There is no greater satisfaction or joy in life than putting a smile on someone’s face.”

Bock said she was “humbled” to re-ceive the award.

“Without volunteers, many of the ‘be-hind-the-scenes’ events would not be suc-cessful,” she said. “I have been blessed to work with many of the volunteers in the local area, and we all do what we do for one reason – to help others; we defi nitely do not do it for the recognition. I am truly blessed to be given the opportunity to do what I do for the community.”

The volunteers honored were:Kenneth FrolliniWilliam ManningMaj. Toni WhaleyChaplain Col. Steve ShaickSenior Master Sgt. Jeffery OyerCapt. James PettiboneRobert MontesEric DavisMaster Sgt. Amara ChildsEdward OrnerMaj. Dorian WilliamsBill WatsonLiz DayAmy EspinozaMarilyn WeedMike ClaytonDouglas OperstenyMilian MichalecCol. Sharon BannisterSenior Airman James JohnsonVanessa Hollinger

Lou FoehrkolbStaff Sgt. Ruby Rivera-ReyesMaster Sgt. Jessica WhittenbergRobert JacksLt. Tara CottonJuan GarzaCol. James FisherRoger CorbinBryan HallMaj. Gary WellsStephanie BockLt. Col. Oliver JohnsonLt. Col. Mark SchmidtKatrina ScottLt. Col. Joel DeboerLt. Col. Robert BryantKevin HaleyJohn HermanLt. Col. Justin TrumboCharles HasberryHenry RoperJoe HarrisKaren GleasonLt. Col. Justin JoffrionTech. Sgt. Jason ArendsTech. Sgt. Ronald Mathews Jr.Debbie AguirreStephen PritchettAntoinette DavisSavannah LohnBert FrancoisJoe JomesRhodeen HowellJennifer FliggAmanda OzunaAnna GaryMaggie AllshouseVirginia SerranoManuela EllisonYolanda GutierrezJasper BlakeMargaret FiteDavid HarnessScott MurffEleanor Umphres

JBSA-Randolph honors volunteers for ‘spirit of service’


By Robert GoetzJoint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

Death from falls remains the leading cause of death in construction, affecting more than 3,500 workers over the last 10 years, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Ad-ministration.

It’s a danger that also impacts the Air Force, which had more than 7,600 injuries and three fatalities from falls during a fi ve-year period from fi scal years 2010-2014. Those injuries resulted in 44,000 lost work days at a cost of more than $30 million.

To help prevent fall-related injury and death, Air Force Ground Safety sponsors Fall Protection Focus Weeks, a partnership with OSHA and the National Insti-tute for Occupational Safety and Health’s National Safety Stand-Down campaign. This year’s Fall Protection Focus Weeks starts Monday and continues through May 15.

“Fall protection or prevention is not only for activities related to heights that are encountered every day on the job, but also includes, for example, falls that can happen because of wet fl oors or obstacles on a walkway,” Bill Parsons, Air Force Ground Safety chief, said. “We want everyone to remember preventable falls are inexcus-able and we must continue to do all we can to protect ourselves and each other.”

Staff Sgt. Dominick Fugazzi, 502nd Air Base Wing safety technician at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, said active-duty members and civilian employees can experience falls no matter where they work, but work-ers on the fl ightlines, civil engineer squadron members, communications squadron members and fi rst respond-ers – anyone who uses ladders or works on an elevated platform – are especially at risk.

“Falls are preventable,” he said. “However, we must carefully plan and prepare the necessary steps to pro-tect our personnel, specifi cally those who are exposed to hazards dealing with heights and to enable them to have an accident-free workplace.”

Using fall protection equipment – required at four feet or higher for general industry and six feet or higher for construction – is imperative for workers, but they must also be safety-conscious at all times, Fugazzi said.

“Do your job in a sensible time frame, but always have a safety mindset,” he said.

Fugazzi said it’s also important for workers to com-municate with one another, watch out for each other and guard against complacency.

To observe Fall Protection Focus Weeks, the safety offi ce plans to visit the workplaces of those who already have an established fall protection program and help provide any updates, if necessary, to ensure compliance, Fugazzi said.

“We will also ask unit safety representatives, who are the safety focal point for the unit commanders, to do in-house fall protection briefi ngs,” he said.

Fugazzi also said the safety offi ce conducts spot in-spections and presents periodic safety briefi ngs through-out the year.

Dr. John Howard, NIOSH director, emphasized the

importance of the stand-down campaign and the Air Force’s Fall Protection Focus Weeks, which draw atten-tion to the dangers associated with falls from heights and how falls can be prevented.

“No child should lose a parent, no wife should lose

a husband and no workers should lose their lives in a preventable fall,” he said. “The standdown serves as an opportunity for worksites to recognize the hazards that cause them, and to train employees how to avoid them so these senseless tragedies can be prevented.”

Air Force Ground Safety focuses on prevention of falls from heights

Courtesy graphic


shown that products made with hemp seed and hemp seed oil may contain varying levels of tetrahydrocan-nabinol (THC), an active ingredient of marijuana, which is detectable under the Air Force Drug Test-ing Program. In order to ensure military readiness, the ingestion of products containing or products de-rived from hemp seed or hemp seed oil is prohibited. Failure to comply with the mandatory provisions of this paragraph by military personnel is a violation of Article 92, UCMJ. Violations may result in administra-tive disciplinary action without regard to otherwise applicable criminal or civil sanctions for violations of related laws.”

Department of Defense regulations are based on several considerations, some of which are U.S. laws. In this case, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency cat-egorized hemp seeds, “if they contain THC...” as an illegal product. (http://www.dea.gov/pubs/pressrel/pr100901.html)

Additionally, the Department of Justice issued a ruling on what products that contained THC were exempt from being treated as an illegal drug under the Controlled Substances Act.

In part, the ruling reads: “Specifically, the interim rule exempted THC-containing industrial products, processed plant materials used to make such prod-ucts, and animal feed mixtures, provided they are not used, or intended for use, for human consumption and therefore cannot cause THC to enter the human body. (http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/fed_regs/rules/2003/fr0321.htm)”

As such, the military services have written their policies to adhere to and to enforce these laws. The bottom line is military members may not consume hemp seeds or hemp oil.

So how can a product designed for consumption legally contain hemp seeds?

In 2004, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a unanimous decision, which DEA did not appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, protecting the sale of hemp-containing foods. Those foods generally contain natu-

rally occurring THC at less than the USDA guideline of 1 percent. Industrial hemp remains legal for import and sale in the U.S., but U.S. farmers still are not permitted to grow it.

According to University of California at Berkeley, most of the THC found in hemp seeds are located in the seed hulls, which are removed during processing. Today’s hemp seeds are processed to reduce levels of THC to negligible quantities, but 15 years ago indus-trial hemp had higher THC levels and the seeds were prepared differently for processing.

The school’s wellness site also said that companies producing hemp today do so under a voluntary Test-Pledge program, indicating they follow quality control practices to limit THC concentrations, so that consum-ers will not fail a drug test.

Dr. Christopher States, the associate dean for re-search in the department of pharmacology and toxi-cology at the University of Louisville School of Medi-cine, said a person would have to consume a large amount of hemp seeds to test positive for noticeable amounts of THC.

He explained that the cannabis plant developed as marijuana is grown so the THC level is high but it has a low level of cannabidiol. However, cannabis grown as hemp is raised with lower THC but will have a higher level of cannabidiol.

“There is a lot of data out there that says the amounts of THC in hemp seeds is negligible unless someone eats over 300 grams, which would be about two-thirds pound of hemp seeds,” he noted. “And hemp seeds are a healthy source of protein with negligible traces of THC also hemp has cannabidiol oil which is what researchers are now using for epilepsy.”

However, Capt. (Dr.) Christopher DiPiro at Ireland Army Community Hospital, said while there are very low amounts of THC in hemp seeds and although most people will not test positive after consuming the seeds, studies have shown 20 percent of those tested might pop hot after eating them.

He added that consuming hemp seeds is not harm-

ful beyond the possibility of a failing a drug test.Businesses dealing with DOD must be aware of

requirements like AR 600-85 paragraph 4-2, (p). Be-cause of this regulation, AAFES does not carry “Strong and Kind” bars, said Chris Ward, a public relations specialist for AAFES, but they do carry the basic “Kind Bars.” And DeCA public affairs specialist Rick Brink added that while, commissaries carry Kind Bars, they have also chosen not to carry Kind & Strong bars because of the hemp seed content.

“We strive to ensure products do not conflict with published DOD guidance,” Ward explained.

Joe Cohen, a spokesman for the Kind Company, said in correspondence with the Fort Knox public affairs office that the reasons the hemp seeds are included in the those particular bars is for nutritional benefits. In keeping with the company’s goal of including only ingredients that someone could understand and that were good for the body, when the company came out with its Strong & Kind bars, it added hemp seeds.

“Hemp seeds contribute protein, fiber and other im-portant nutrients such as potassium and phosphorus to our Strong & KIND bars,” Cohen explained. “Hemp, when combined with the protein from almonds, peas and pumpkin seeds, provide all nine essential amino acids.”

Even though the DEA and DOJ have published final rules on the consumption of THC-containing hemp, there is a small window provided by the USDA at less than one percent for THC component. (http://www.usda.gov)

“Our Strong & KIND bars adhere to USDA testing and have a THC level of .001 percent. As referenced by the Congressional Research Service, a level of about 1 percent THC is considered the threshold for can-nabis to have a psychotropic effect or an intoxicating potential,” Cohen said.

However, the bottom line is military guidance says the consumption of hemp products is off limits and as such, military personnel and DOD civilians are pro-hibited from eating such foods.

HEMP SEEDS from P4

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