12Th Operations Support Squadron Keeps Aircraft Flying

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

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH No. 25 • JUNE 24, 2016

12th Operations Support Squadron keeps aircraft ﬂ ying PAGE 4

Jeremy Sebesta, 12th Operations Support Squadron air trafﬁ c controller, looks for incoming aircraft and birds June 15 at the Joint Base San Antonio- Randolph East Control Tower. Photo by Joel Martinez

Photo by Airman 1st Class Philip Bryant Courtesy graphic Photo by Joel Martinez Commander laid to rest, page 3 FSS schedule of events, pages 7-10 Outstanding NCO of the Year, page 11 PAGE 2 WINGSPREAD JUNE 24, 2016 COMMENTARY Every Airman important, deserving of respect By Airman 1st Class Kristan Campbell such as sharing our relationship with checked on me regularly, offered me Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing family, friends and co-workers. It was a their help and let me lean on them Editorial Staff Creech Air Force Base, Nev. process that was diffi cult and sensitive when I needed it most. With the sup- Brig. Gen. Bob LaBrutta and we weren’t sure what we would be port of my shop, Emily and I were able 502nd Air Base Wing/JBSA Commander President Barack Obama once said, facing, but we pressed on. to power through all our obstacles and “Every single American – gay, straight, In the beginning, Emily’s mom didn’t remain hopeful, and eventually things Todd G. White lesbian, bisexual, transgender – deserves take it well. Adding to our diffi culties, became much easier. 502nd ABW/JBSA Public Affairs Director to be treated equally in the eyes of the she received orders for her fi rst deploy- These days, our families are more ac- Dan Hawkins law and in the eyes of our society.” ment three weeks out from the date of cepting of our relationship. Emily’s mom JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs Chief In light of June being LGBT Pride her departure. messages me daily and we update Senior Airman Stormy Archer Month, the Air Force has made strides For a while, it seemed like everything each other continuously while Emily in how we regard these individuals, as was against us. For Emily, the unwilling- serves downrange. Photojournalist Journeyman both military members and human be- ness of individuals to accept our rela- For those who are going through Airman 1st Class Lauren Ely ings, since the repeal of the "don’t ask, tionship was perhaps the hardest part. similar struggles, I can only urge Photojournalist Journeyman don’t tell" policy in 2011. What used to “People think it’s not the same as lov- you to be proud of who you are, Robert Goetz, David DeKunder be taboo has now become widely ac- ing someone of the opposite gender, and whether you identify as gay, straight, Staff Writers cepted by the Department of Defense. that there’s something wrong with you,” lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Even though many in this age are ac- Emily said. “I’ve never once questioned Coming out may seem hard at fi rst, Maggie Armstrong cepting of these changes, things weren’t it; I just knew how I felt and acted on it. but it gets easier with time. Graphic Designer always so easy for my better half, Emily, It’s not about gender, but how someone Everyone was made differently. We all and I. When I met her, I had just arrived makes you feel.” think, look and feel differently and we at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., and was Luckily, I was able to fi nd strength interpret our lives through very unique Wingspread Ofﬁ ce balancing work, career development and resiliency through my Air Force lenses. As the president and other top 1150 5th Street East courses, on-the-job training, fi tness and family. I will never forget the day I came leaders have said, everyone deserves deployment readiness. out to my co-workers in my offi ce. respect and should be evaluated based JBSA-Randolph, Texas 78150 I made her acquaintance through a Although it was a day I had anticipat- on character and merit, not sexual Phone: 210-652-4410 friend who worked with her in the ed, I was nervous to see their reactions. preference. Wingspread email 432nd Maintenance Squadron muni- To my surprise, they gave me unwaver- Every Airman is important and has [email protected] tions fl ight. When we met, we instantly ing support and treated me with the something unique to bring to the fi ght. Wingspread Advertisement Ofﬁ ce clicked and began dating after a few same level of respect as everyone else in Embrace what makes you different. weeks of knowing each other. my shop. Trust in your Air Force family and they EN Communities We had many obstacles to overcome, My fellow Airmen and supervisors will take care of you. P.O. Box 2171 San Antonio, Texas 78297 Diamond Sharp Award 210-250-2052

This newspaper is published by EN Communities, a private fi rm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclu- sive written contract with Joint Base San Antonio-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, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or EN Communities, of the products or services advertised. Master Sgt. Robert Payne (left), 359th Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to Medical Group fi rst sergeant, presents Airman race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, 1st Class Anna Patricia Ledesma with the physical handicap, political affi liation, or any other nonmerit Diamond Sharp Award June 14 at Joint factor of the purchaser, user or patron. Base San Antonio-Randolph. The Diamond Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Sharp Award recognizes Airmen who have Public Affairs Offi ce of JBSA-Randolph. All photos, unless actively demonstrated their commitment otherwise indicated, are U.S. Air Force photos. to the Air Force values or have gone above The deadline for submissions is noon Wednesday the and beyond in helping others. week prior to publication. All submissions can be emailed Photo by Joel Martinez to [email protected]. JUNE 24, 2016 WINGSPREAD PAGE 3 Commander fatally shot at work laid to rest at Arlington By Senior Airman Ryan Conroy men, to be there for them when 24th Special Operations Wing they needed someone, and to stick Public Affairs to your morals and ethics no matter what the situation.” Two months after Lt. Col. William But Schroeder, 39, of Ames, Iowa, “Bill” Schroeder was fatally shot was more than an Airman, a spe- during an incident of workplace cial operations weather offi cer and a violence, the U.S. Air Force Honor commander. He was also a dedicat- Guard laid him to rest with full mili- ed father. According to those close to tary honors June 16 at Arlington him, Schroeder and his wife, Abby, National Cemetery. had two boys, whom he was deeply More than 100 family mem- devoted to. bers, teammates and service “Bill was the fi nest example of members attended the service commander, leader, husband, fa- to honor Schroeder, who was the ther, and friend. He was amazing in commander of the 342nd Training all those roles. Bill always did the Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio- right thing the right way – especially Lackland. when it was a tough decision,” said “As a professional, his calm de- Maj. Jonathan Sawtelle, who served meanor, patience and genuine con- as his director of operations at 10th cern for everyone he came in con- CWS. “Bill was patient, never vindic- tact with was unparalleled,” said tive, slow to anger.” Maj. Jay Syc, who served with Growing up, Schroeder was an Schroeder at the 10th Combat Eagle Scout, played football and Weather Squadron at Hurlburt basketball in high school and Photo by Airman 1st Class Philip Bryant Field, Fla., and is a godfather to later enjoyed running marathons Special tactics members pay their fi nal respects to Lt. Col. William “Bill’ Schroeder during his interment one of his sons. “He taught me how ceremony June 16 at Arlington National Cemetery, Va. important it was to take care of my See COMMANDER P13 PAGE 4 WINGSPREAD JUNE 24, 2016 12th Operations Support Squadron keeps aircraft fl ying at JBSA-Randolph By David DeKunder With two runways, each with its own control tower, engine or landing gear malfunction, Molina said Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs JBSA-Randolph has an average of 200,000 aircraft oper- the airfi eld crew alerts several JBSA-Randolph ations per year, takeoffs and landings, Sims said. Aircraft units, including JBSA Fire Emergency Services, the At Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, hundreds of operations include T-38C Talon, T-6A Texas II and T-1A 12th Flying Training Wing, 902nd Security Forces thousands of aircraft landings and takeoffs occur each Jayhawk aircraft at JBSA-Randolph, as well as aircraft Squadron and fl ight safety. year and the unit responsible for coordinating the large that fl y in from other military installations. Geren Fawver, 12th OSS airfi eld manager, said the volume of air traffi c is the 12th Operations Support Sims said JBSA-Randolph is the only installation in airfi eld crews check the airfi eld pavement to determine Squadron Airfi eld Operations Flight. the Air Force to have two control towers. if it is strong enough for any aircraft that will use it and The functions of the 12th OSS Airfi eld Operations “Based on the type of operations we have here, is not overstressed. Flight include air traffi c control of incoming and depart- Randolph is actually the busiest airfi eld in the Air Keeping the airfi eld maintained and safe is impor- ing aircraft and the maintenance, inspection and safety Force,” Sims said. “We have maintained that position tant to the fl ying training mission at JBSA-Randolph, of the airfi eld, the runways and airspace surrounding over the last fi ve years.” Fawver said. JBSA-Randolph. The airfi eld is in operation from 7 a.m. to 7p.m. “The airfi eld and airspace is our students’ classroom,” Lee Sims, 12th OSS Airfi eld Operations Flight chief, Monday-Friday, with extended hours for night opera- Fawver said. “We’ve got to maintain it so it’s safe and said the unit consists of 32 members, including 20 air tions when required and twice a month on weekends ensure the students have the proper environment to ac- traffi c controllers, airfi eld managers and other person- for cross country training aircraft returns. complish their training.” nel. The controllers coordinate air traffi c at both the east Jerry Molina, 12th OSS airfield management Sims said air traffi c control crews are responsible for and west fl ightline runways and the airfi eld managers operations manager, said his airfi eld crew conducts in- the safe, effi cient and expeditious movement of aircraft, are responsible for making sure the runways are safe spections of runways, taxiways and lights in the morning including emergency helicopters that may have to fl y for aircraft to take off from and land on. before aircraft operations begin at 7 a.m. and periodic through JBSA-Randolph’s airspace to take patients to “The airfi eld operations fl ight is responsible for taking inspections during the day. The inspections range from area hospitals. care of all fl ying operations on the base,” Sims said. “We checking to make sure there are no hazards or obstacles Air traffi c control crews are qualifi ed to work at both are responsible for the airfi eld itself – all the runways, on and around the airfi eld to checking on grass height the east and west fl ightline towers. The east tower con- taxiways, parking ramps, making sure we have a safe and runway markings. trols air traffi c for the T-38C and T-1A aircraft and the environment for aircraft to taxi, lines, signs and lighting. Any problems that are spotted at the airfi eld are re- west tower for T-6A aircraft. Crews rotate between the Anything that has to do with the movement of aircraft ferred to the 502nd Civil Engineer Squadron. towers every two weeks. we are responsible for.” If an aircraft emergency occurs, including an See 12TH OSS P5

Photo by Joel Martinez Christina Casey, 12th Operations Support Squadron controller in charge, oversees all operations June 15 at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph West Control Tower.

Photo by Joel Martinez Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Ely Gary Thompson, 12th Operations Support Squadron air traffi c manager, Jack Syers, 12th Operations Support Squadron airfi eld management operations manager, examines a damaged monitors fl ight data June 15 at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph area of concrete on the fl ightline during an airfi eld inspection June 16 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. West Control Tower. JUNE 24, 2016 WINGSPREAD PAGE 5 12TH OSS from P4 Air traffic control crews consist of a controller-in-charge, who oversees the entire crew and makes final decisions on landings and takeoffs; ground controller, who com- municates with aircraft not on the runway; local controller, who talks to the aircraft on the runway and in the air; and flight data controller, who coordinates with the San Antonio International Airport on aircraft going out of JBSA-Randolph airspace and is the go-between for the local and ground controllers. Gary Thompson, 12th OSS air traffic manager, said on very busy days at JBSA- Randolph there can be an average of 94 aircraft takeoffs and landings per hour. Sims said air traffic controllers in the 12th OSS are mostly civilians who areAir Force veterans or retirees who received their training in technical school and passed a Federal Administration Aviation test to earn their certification. Thompson said the average experience of an air traffic controller in the 12th OSS is 28 years, with an average of 9.5 years working at JBSA-Randolph. Robert Calderon is a retired Air Force service member who has been an air traffic controller for 30 years. “Every day is different,” Calderon said. “I like the challenge and dynamic of it. You’ve got to make decisions, you’ve got to make them quickly and you got to get them right because people’s lives depend on us and that is the challenge. Our job is to make sure the pilots go home safely to their families at the end of the day.” Christina Casey was the controller-in-charge June 15 in the East Tower. She said she acts as a second set of eyes in the control tower and helps coordinate emergency helicopters coming into JBSA-Randolph air space or Cessna planes that are used to monitor the natural gas pipeline surrounding JBSA-Randolph. “This position is a heavy responsibility,” Casey said. “It can get intense, and it re- quires focus, knowledge of facilities and air traffic rules.” Sims said he is grateful to members of the 12th OSS for the work they do. “I can’t express how blessed I am to have these professionals,” he said. “I am completely in awe of them.” PAGE 6 WINGSPREAD JUNE 24, 2016 JBSA-Randolph holiday gate hours On July 4, the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Main Gate will be the only gate open during regular hours. On July 5, the Main Gate will be open for regular hours and the South Gate will be open 6 a.m. to noon. The Visitor Center will be closed both days.

59th Medical Wing posts holiday hours Due to the upcoming holiday and Air Education and Training Command family day, 59th Medical Wing clinics and pharmacies will be closed July 4 and 5. The 59th MDW Urgent Care Center in the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center basement will remain open regular hours, serving walk-in patients 24 hours, seven days a week. The UCC can be reached at 292-7331.

Drinking Water Quality Report Every year, all water suppliers that serve the same people year round must prepare a consumer conﬁ - dence report, or water quality report, for their customers. The report tells customers where their drinking water comes from, what is in it and how they can protect it. Bioenvironmental Engineering demon- strates its commitment to public health protection and the public’s right-to-know about local environmental information. The analysis was made by using the data from the most recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency required tests and is presented at the following link: http://www.jbsa.af.mil.aspx. Mouse over the Information tab at the top, click on environmental. The water quality report for 2015 will be on the right hand side of the screen under the section titled “JBSA Environmental Documents.” The report will be available no later than July 1. We hope this information helps you become informed about what is in your drinking water. Our Drinking Water on RAFB Meets or Exceeds All Federal EPA Drinking Water Requirements, and the overall quality of the water is excellent.

Marriage Checkup 7 p.m.; Friday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday- Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Clinic behav- Sunday: closed; Story Time: Wednesday at ioral health consultants are offering a Marriage 10 a.m. For more information, call 652-5578. Checkup as part of a research study sponsored by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Material Dining facility to re-open Command. The checkup is offered to active-duty The Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Dining members and their spouses who would like to Facility renovation is near completion. A grand ﬁ nd out more about the health of their marriage. opening is scheduled Aug. 11. The Marriage Checkup offers tools and resources to strengthen the marriage connection. AAFES service station operational status Couples may receive compensation for participat- The following is an overview of the projected ing in the study. For dates and times, call 446- timeline to return the JBSA-Randolph AAFES 8857 or email [email protected]. Service Station to fully operational status: • Regular unleaded is available at pumps 1-4; Pride month event super unleaded is available at pumps 5-8; Participants will learn the origins of "Gay Pride midgrade is not yet available. and the Military" 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Pfings- • 502nd Civil Engineer Squadron repair of the ton Reception Center at Joint Base San Antonio- asphalt surface around the service station takes Lackland. This is a brown bag lunch event. place in two phases: Phase 1 – The area behind pumps 4 and 5 JBSA-Randolph Library should be nearing completion and all pumps are The Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Library accessible. offers a host of resources to JBSA-Randolph mem- Phase 2 – Projected date: through June 25 for bers. Library hours are Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. to the area behind the service station. JUNE 24, 2016 WINGSPREAD PAGE 11 Budget analyst earns AFRC’s Outstanding NCO honor By Robert Goetz agency cross-talk, which resulted in Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs quicker start-pay and mitigated hard- ships on members. He was also pivotal Tech. Sgt. Gilberto Hernandez, 340th in the development of bonus pay pro- Flying Training Group budget analyst, cedures, helping to eliminate a three- may have been the most surprised per- month backlog and reduce processing son in the room when he received one of times by 75 percent. the Air Force Reserve Command’s most Hernandez, who grew up in Del Rio, prestigious awards in April. Texas, before moving with his family to “I was shocked that I won,” he said. “I Louisville, Ky., attended the University never shook so many hands in my life.” of Louisville for two years and enlisted Hernandez, 340th FTG fi nancial in the Air Force, serving as a munitions management budget analyst, who led systems specialist. the processing of more than 25,000 mili- After separating from the Air tary pay transactions with a 98.6 percent Force four years later, he became a accuracy rate in 2015, was announced U.S. Border Patrol agent while serv- as the AFRC’s Outstanding NCO of the ing with the Air National Guard and Year for 2015 at a banquet April 16 later pursued a fi nance degree at the in Jacksonville, Fla. He advances to rep- University of Texas at San Antonio. resent the command in the competition He joined the Air Force Reserve in for Air Force Outstanding Airman of the 2012 and assumed a contracting po- Year honors. Photo by Joel Martinez sition at San Antonio Military Medi- “I was very humbled to receive the Tech. Sgt. Gilberto Hernandez (left), 340th Flying Training Group NCO of the year, briefs Maj. cal Center, which led to his present award for AFRC’s Outstanding NCO of Thallas Lumpkin, 340th FTG comptroller, June 15 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. position. the Year,” Hernandez said. “There are Hernandez, who is married and the many outstanding NCOs in the Air and provides leadership and mentorship youth in his community by voluntarily father of a three, credited his life experi- Force Reserve all across the country. To to those around him.” teaching youth investment courses, being ences, especially honing his communica- be named as the overall outstanding NCO In addition to providing support a Big Brother and providing leadership tion skills as a Border Patrol agent, with is an honor and legacy I will try my best to and leadership to the 340th FTG, and guidance to young Airmen inbound his success as a budget analyst. live up to as the winners before me have Hernandez excelled academically, to basic training through his volunteer “You have to be 100 percent customer done. I am truly grateful and apprecia- Whitman-Rector said. work with San Antonio United Service service-oriented,” he said. “You have to tive that my peers and superiors believe “Hernandez diligently completed Organizations,” she said. “This is all a treat everyone’s pay like it’s your own.” I belong in this prestigious group.” Community College of the Air Force mere drop in the bucket of everything Hernandez said he was able to provide Hernandez’ supervisor, Master Sgt. course work, Department of Defense Hernandez has accomplished or been “a pair of fresh eyes” when he started his Amy Whitman-Rector, 340th FTG fi nancial management certifi cation and involved with.” present job. Financial Analysis Section chief, called Certifi ed Defense Financial Management Among Hernandez’ accomplish- “I saw areas we could improve on,” he him an asset to the 340th FTG, AFRC and in minimal time and far ahead of both ments as budget analyst were his said. “We were able to develop a better Air Force. his peers and leadership,” she said. “He designation as a superior performer customer service relationship with our “Hernandez is the epitome of hard set the training/certifi cation bar for during the 340th FTG’s compliance geographically separated units. We also work, discipline and dedication,” she said. 340th FTG fi nancial management.” evaluation inspection; creating per- established better timelines for pay docu- “This is evident in not only the fact that Whitman-Rector also recognized manent-change-of-station and tempo- ment submission with fewer errors.” the 340th FTG consistently far exceeds Hernandez for his contributions to rary-duty processes for fl ight training Hernandez also credited his success to AFRC standards for military pay, but also the community. programs, which expedited $53,000 in the colleagues in his offi ce for working in the manner in which he carries himself “He devotes hundreds of hours to pay to students; and developing inter- together as a team. PAGE 12 WINGSPREAD JUNE 24, 2016 New command chief joins JBSA team By Senior Airman Krystal Wright Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Public Affairs

The 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Anto- nio community welcomed a new command chief who believes teamwork will be key to the continued success of the wing. Chief Master Sgt. Brion Blais, a career explosive ordnance disposal technician, assumed responsibility for the morale, welfare, professional development 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 premier joint base in the Department of Defense. “My nuggets of advice for Airmen “My fi rst priority as the JBSA command chief isin line with our mission statement and is to ensure we in today’s Air Force is broken into have the trained and equipped force necessary to deliver two messages. For those more unrivaled installation services and support to the 266 mission partners that call JBSA home,” he said. seasoned, I would say that change “Additionally, I will be focusing on the professional is not good or bad; it is just inevi- development of our workforce and the transitioning of our service members and their family from military life table. We need to get over the resis- to civilian life,” he added. “For the professional devel- tance to change and shape the result opment, I don’t want to focus on just the enlisted force but also our civilian workforce and offi cers. I think that we desire. For my younger Airmen, I our junior force don’t get the professional development would say that the Air Force is a attention that they need, so I am going to constantly cross section of our country; it is focus on that.” In addition to ensuring the total force of JBSA has ﬁ lled with different generations, the resources they need to complete their particular backgrounds and experiences. mission, the command chief considers taking care of families as equally important and “part of being in the If you want to be successful, Air Force and the military.” be open-minded and learn “The JBSA community can expect that I will always advocate for the resources they require to do their job U.S. Air Force photo something from everyone.” and the services they need to take care of the families,” Chief Master Sgt. Brion P. Blais is the command chief master Blais said. “I want to get the appropriate resources to sergeant for the 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Chief Master Sgt. Brion Blais their units. I also want to make sure we have the morale, Antonio, which spans more than 64 miles and is comprised of 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio welfare and recreation programs and facilities; medical 266 mission partners with more than 80,000 employees. command chief master sergeant 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 At the beginning of his Air Force career, he en- “My nuggets of advice for Airmen in today’s Air Force that we are entrusted with vast responsibility and have countered one such situation, which fi rst taught is broken into two messages,” Blais said. “For those all taken a vow to serve our country; not as we see fi t, him that concept. more seasoned, I would say that change is not good but as those appointed over us ask us to,” he added. “I went through a naval technical training school,” or bad; it is just inevitable. We need to get over the re- “Also, that we be the same service members out of uni- Blais recalled. “I was there with the Army, Marines, sistance to change and shape the result we desire. For form as we are in uniform.” Navy and Air Force. All of us were in a small class- my younger Airmen, I would say that the Air Force is The command chief, who has served in the Air Force room and it really was a team environment. Our class a cross section of our country; it is fi lled with different for 22 years, is no stranger to working in joint environ- was 8 ½ months long and we all made sure we made generations, backgrounds and experiences. If you want ments and he brings a wealth of knowledge and ex- it through together. to be successful, be open-minded and learn something perience he hopes will further instill the team concept “That really instilled the team concept in me from everyone. throughout JBSA and its mission partners. and I have really seen it throughout my career,” “To be the premier installation in the DOD is a “My leadership philosophy has always been simple: Blais continued. “I can honestly say that I would tall order, but we will rise to the challenge,” he said. you will succeed as a team or fail as a team,” he said. not be here if not for the people who worked for “With the fi scal challenges our government is under “So, put as much energy into those around you as you me and I have worked with. My accomplishments and the threats to our way of life, we do our job do for yourself. If you do so, you will be blown away are a direct result of working in teams. When you more effi ciently and effectively where we can, but by what your team can accomplish. Successful leaders surround yourself with people who are successful, we must also innovate new ways to reach our goals, always note that they were recognized for the accom- you tend to rise to their level.” even if it means a drastic change to the way we plishments of their units. If you build a winning team, To help the JBSA enlisted force to similar success, the do our mission. Do not avoid the tough challenges; you cannot help but succeed.” new command chief provides a few tidbits of wisdom. instead, dig in deeper.” JUNE 24, 2016 WINGSPREAD PAGE 13 Respect the ﬂ ags: Stay cool, hydrated this summer By Jose T. Garza III • Acute weakness or fatigue Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Public Affairs • Dizziness • Nausea and vomiting Heat stress can leave people regularly • Irritability involved in outdoor working environ- • Fast and shallow breathing White Flag • Slightly elevated high temperature ments or outdoor recreational activities MINIMAL in many various hot predicaments. Heat cramps can produce muscle Exposure to high temperatures or ex- cramps, pain or spasms in the abdominal Green Flag treme humidity can result in heat stroke, area, arms and legs. LOW heat exhaustion, heat cramps or heat Individuals showing any symptoms rashes. of heat stress should be moved indoors Yellow Flag As part of the Air Force’s 2016 Sum- or into shade. If they are wearing out- MEDIUM mer Safety Campaign initiative that runs er garments, such as a uniform top, from Memorial Day to Labor Day week- it should be removed to help cool the Red Flag end, Roy Gutierrez, 37th Training Wing individual down, Gutierrez advised. HIGH occupational safety specialist, urges the “If they are wearing vests, jackets, Black Flag Extreme Caution! public to stay hydrated and listen to their protective gear and hats, put them in EXTREMELY bodies when outdoors this summer dur- the shade to cool their bodies,” he said. HIGH ing work or leisure. “If you can, get them in an air con- “You should drink water in moderation ditioned environment, fan them and before, during and after work or play,” he use wet towels to cool their bodies advised. “For people who work outdoors and restore their normal body tem- or in a heated environment, they need to perature.” without rest. Heat injury prevention is of high im- breaks in shaded or air-conditioned en- If an individual shows signs of extreme Green Flag: This condition is in effect portance across JBSA, as South Texas vironments to prevent heat injury situ- heat stress, or if removing them from between 80 and 84.9 degrees. This fl ag temperatures remain well over 90 de- ations.” the environment does not improve their allows supervised heavy exercise out- grees during the summer season. Also According to the National Institute for symptoms, members are encouraged to doors with a 30-minute rest every half due to the vigorous training mission at Occupational Safety and Health, symp- call 911 or transport them to a nearby hour. JBSA which includes Air Force Security toms of heat stroke, which occurs when medical facility. Yellow Flag: This condition is in ef- Forces training, Air Force Basic Military the body is incapable of controlling its At Joint Base San Antonio locations, fect when temperatures rise from 85 Training, the Department of Defense temperature, include: the bioenvironmental engineering to 87.9 degrees. While under a yel- Medical Education and Training Campus • High body temperature fl ights assess heat stress conditions low fl ag, the same 30/30 rest-work and several others, heat safety is para- • Confusion and dictate the appropriate fl ag con- rule applies. However, personnel who mount. • Loss of coordination ditions/heat category according to the are not acclimated to the area should Supervisors are encouraged to stay • Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Index. refrain from these activities. educated on thermal injury signs and • Throbbing headache The WGBTI temperature is calcu- Red Flag: A red fl ag is raised when the symptoms; fi rst aid procedures; work • Seizures and coma lated by measuring air temperature, temperature reaches 88 degrees. While and rest; work and warming cycles; Heat stroke can develop as a result of humidity, air speed and radiant heat. in this condition, extreme caution should additive effects of personal protec- heat exhaustion or heat cramps when The results of these measurements be used when working outdoors. After 20 tive equipment; and the importance the body’s response to excessive wa- are used to determine one of the fol- minutes of work, a 40-minute rest should of proper hydration. ter and salt loss comes from sweating. lowing heat stress categories or fl ag be taken. Members can call their respective Heat exhaustion is also a potentially conditions and JBSA members must Black Flag: When the WBGTI reaches 502nd Air Base Wing Safety Offi ces with dangerous condition and symptoms adhere to these guidelines. 90 degrees, a black fl ag is in effect. While any questions or concerns at: JBSA- include: White Flag: The white fl ag is the low- under black fl ag conditions, all non-es- Randolph, 652-1842; JBSA-Lackland, • Rapid heart beat est heat condition. It has no restrictions sential outdoor physical exercise should 671-5028 or JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, • Massive sweating attached and allows strenuous activities be postponed. 221-4543.

COMMANDER from P3 and ultra-marathons, which Sawtelle said refl ected his ager at the 10th CWS. “He was someone you could count while being fatally wounded. careful and patient nature. on to be there when you needed him. He would never The events that took place that day are still under Later, he became one of the few special operations say no when you needed help. investigation, but Schroeder was posthumously award- weather offi cers leading special tactics Airmen and “As an enlisted person, there are very few people that ed the Airman’s Medal, given to those who distinguish was the offi cer component of the world’s only tactically I would say I would follow anywhere, and Col. Schroeder themselves by a heroic act in a non-combat situation. trained meteorological force. is one of them,” Wagner added. Schroeder entered active duty in July 1999 and in “He was a commander who cared about his people Schroeder recognized a perilous situation developing addition to an Airman’s Medal, he had earned a Bronze more than anything else. Everything he did was fo- in his unit and reacted swiftly by putting himself be- Star, two Joint Service Commendation Medals, two Air cused around the Airmen,” said Chief Master Sgt. tween an armed individual and his fi rst sergeant. In the Force Commendation Medals, the Defense Meritorious Shane Wagner, who served as his chief enlisted man- process, he saved the lives of other squadron members Service Medal and three Meritorious Service Medals.