RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE 64Th Year • No. 47 • NOVEMBER 26, 2010
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
A publication of the 502nd Air Base Wing – Joint Base San Antonio RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE 64th Year • No. 47 • NOVEMBER 26, 2010 INSIDE ... BASE KICKS OFF HOLIDAY SEASON, P4 ... HISTORICAL WEEK FOR RANDOLPH, P5 & P8 ... JBSA RUNNERS PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL EVENT, P11 PAGE 2 WINGSPREAD NOVEMBER 26, 2010 NOVEMBER 26, 2010 WINGSPREAD PAGE 3 COMMENTARY ON THE COVER MILITARY FAMILY APPRECIATION MONTH Col. Andrew Croft (left), 12th Flying Training Wing Operation’s Group commander, and Lt. Col. Robert Orris, National observance expresses gratitude to servicemembers 563rd Flying Training Squadron By Brian McGloin bases as well as the communities around the bases Leave ‘nest,’ exercise your wings commander, sheath the 563rd FTS Staff Sgt. Lindsay Crespo 502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs are encouraged to “honor military families through guidon at the deactivation ceremony of hugs her son, Noah, at By Chief Master Sgt. Erik Kessler committee. A senior master private actions and public service for the tremen- the 562nd and 563rd FTS Nov . 19. the Month of the Military 59th Medical Operations Squadron sergeant sitting across the The month of November is set aside to honor the fami- dous contributions they make in the support of our “From the beginning, the senior master Photo by Don Lindsey Family appreciation table piped up and said, lies who stand behind servicemembers. servicemembers and our nation.” dinner Nov. 17. Fear of the unknown. It’s a “Kessler and I will do it.” sergeant didn’t do a thing except provide “We know military members can’t support us The message behind the month is for everyone to do a Courtesy photo scary thought for most and My heart skipped a beat the tools I needed to succeed, be available without a strong family bond,” said Karen Rudolph little more to support military families, on base and in few take chances, fearing and a chill shot straight 902nd Force Support Squadron, Airman and Family local communities. failure, like a baby bird on down my spine. I felt like a if I had questions, and, most importantly, Services Flight chief. “While only a fraction of Americans are in military the edge of its nest not sure if baby bird – falling to its put his size-12 boot right in the small of WINGSPREAD President Barack Obama first proclaimed families, all of us share in the responsibility of caring for it can fly. death. my back and push me out of my nest.” 502nd Air Base Wing November 2009 as Military Family Month to honor our military families and veterans, and all sectors of our I was that baby bird I looked at him wide-eyed Operating Location Bravo the families of those serving in the armed forces, society are better off when we reach out and work approximately four and a and softly uttered, “Are you Editorial Staff and this November is no different. together to support these patriots,” the president said. half years ago. I was a mas- kidding me?” He just looked Brig. Gen. Leonard Patrick “We owe each day of security and freedom that we “By offering job opportunities and workplace flexibility, ter sergeant who knew I back at me and smiled. under control. From the cers. I know, without a Commander enjoy to the members of our Armed Forces and their fam- businesses and companies can benefit from the unparal- needed to get more involved After the meeting, I plead- beginning, the senior master shadow of a doubt, I would Marilyn Holliday ilies. Behind our brave servicemen and women, there are leled dedication and skills of a service member or mili- family members and loved ones who share in their sacri- in wing and base activities ed with him that I wasn’t sergeant didn’t do a thing not be where I am today if Chief of Public Affairs tary spouse. Through coordination with local community to develop myself profes- fice and provide unending support,” President Obama said groups, individuals and organizations can ensure our bases, Americans are encouraged to remember military ready to take on something except provide the tools I that senior master sergeant Airman 1st Class Precious Yett sionally, but lacked confi- this big. He again smiled, needed to succeed, be avail- hadn’t pushed me to exer- in a proclamation dated Oct. 29. “During Military Family military families have the help they need and deserve families not only during November, but all year. Editor dence to do it. A volunteer ignored my whining and able if I had questions, and, cise my wings. Month, we celebrate the exceptional contributions of our when a loved one is deployed. Even the smallest actions “As America asks ever more of military families, Robert Goetz, Brian McGloin opportunity for the base proceeded to explain every- most importantly, put his size- The moral of the story – military families, and we reaffirm our commitments to by neighbors and friends send a large message of pro- they have a right to expect more of us – it is our Airman Alexis Siekert annual awards ceremony thing I needed to do. He 12 boot right in the small of it’s OK to be scared, to step these selfless individuals who exemplify the highest princi- found gratitude to the families who risk everything to see national challenge and moral obligation to uphold presented itself, so I decid- gave me a checklist, a few my back and push me out of out of your comfort zone. Staff Writers ples of our nation.” us safe and free.” that promise. If we hold ourselves to the same high ed to take the chance. I was pointers and his phone num- my nest. He knew my wings It’s normal, but there are Maggie Armstrong Military Family Month was established in 1993 by the Ms. Rudolph said the 902nd FSS has events scheduled standard of excellence our military families live by terrified to take a lead posi- ber, then told me if I had any were ready. He just wanted literally hundreds of SNCOs Graphic Designer armed services YMCA and was recognized by the gov- throughout the month of November as well as all year to every day, we will realize the vision of an America tion on an event with so questions, to give him a call. me to see it for myself. on this base who would ernment every year since, said the ASYMCA’s Web site. support military families. that supports and engages these heroes now and for much visibility, so my plan Well, I did – several times, In the end, the banquet bend over backwards to Wingspread Office The Web site also said families from military In addition to events on Randolph or other military decades to come,” the president said. was to wait until all com- and he was always there to was a great hit and I was mentor and guide you. My 1150 5th Street East mittee leads were chosen give me the answers I need- extremely proud of my team hope is there’s one in your Randolph AFB, Texas 78150 and then volunteer to help ed to progress. and myself for leading them chain of command who, Phone: (210) 652-5760 on one of the teams. Sound Two weeks later, I had to success. after reading this article, Fax: (210) 652-3142 familiar? solicited 15 volunteers and Since that event, I’ve not thinks of you while lacing Wingspread Advertisements Sheldon Lahti Everything was going as held my first meeting. The only led other event commit- up their boots. Your wings Prime Time Military Newspapers planned until the ceremony senior master sergeant attend- tees but also an entire base are ready – exercise them. 2203 S. Hackberry 902nd Contracting Squadron chairman asked for a volun- ed but didn’t say a word. He Top 3 of more than 900 sen- You’ll be amazed at how San Antonio, Texas 78210 teer to lead the banquet didn’t need to because I had it ior noncommissioned offi- high you will fly. Phone: (210) 534-8848 Wingspread e-mail [email protected] Duty Title: Personal Motto: Native gathering Student trainee If you can laugh at yourself, you will never cease to This paper is published by Prime Time Military Newspapers, a Hometown: be amused. private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under Virginia, Minn. Pet Peeve: exclusive written contract with Randolph AFB, Texas. This com- People who talk in movie theaters mercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publica- Hobbies: tion for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Reading, playing sports and watching movies Commander’s Comments: Wingspread are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed Personal Inspiration: “Sheldon’s work ethic and ability to grasp complex by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the My wife, Victoria, and our daughter, Elizabeth tasks makes him a testament to the Student Career Department of the Air Force. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including Greatest Accomplishment: Experience Program. He has really rolled up his inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Graduated from the University of Texas at San sleeves and jumped into learning contracting here at Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, or Prime Antonio with a bachelor of business administration the 902nd CONS. He’ll be a valuable asset to the Time Military Newspapers of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made avail- Goals: contracting career field once he graduates from the able for purchase, use or patronage without regard to the race, My main short-term goal is to complete my MBA at program.” Members of Randolph’s color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical or UTSA.