A PUBLICATION OF THE 502nd AIR BASE WING – JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS • www.lackland.af.mil • V ol. 68 No. 21 • MAY 27, 2011 THE COLOR OF CULTURE INSIDE Commentary 2 Recognition 6 What’s Happening 21 News & Features Promotion list 3 Green Knights 15 Photo by Alan Boedeker Dancers perform during the Asian Pacifi c Heritage Month cultural show and food tasting May 20 at the Freedom Chapel. The event capped off a month of activities celebrating Asian Pacifi c heritage and traditions. Honoring the fallen 18 Critical Days of Summer kicks off By Mike Joseph act,” said Tech. Sgt. Payton Barnett, 502nd the increased travel and outdoor activities Staff Writer Air Base Wing OL-A safety offi ce. “Ninety by military members and their families. The percent of mishaps can be prevented if Air- safety campaign focuses on education and Safety offi cials hope for a repeat from men take their time and think it through.” accident prevention. last year’s Critical Days of Summer safety To create awareness and promote the AETC safety experts emphasize risk campaign when, for the fi rst time since re- Critical Days of Summer campaign for management assessment, particularly dur- cordkeeping began, no Air Education and Wounded Warrior Games 23 Lackland personnel before this weekend, ing summer activities. They include travel, Training Command Airmen lives were lost the 502nd ABW OL-A safety offi ce held a barbeques, boats, all terrain vehicles, fi re- between Memorial Day and Labor Day. safety expo Tuesday at Arnold Hall. The works, lawnmowers, food, camping and This year’s Critical Days of Summer be- expo featured two performances by Steve sports. gins today and continues through Sept. 5. Verret, “the Cajun Comic,” a standup co- Another important factor in managing The campaign’s vision is for all Airmen to median and traffi c safety expert, and also risk assessment is alcohol. Alcohol tends have an injury-free summer, minimize traf- included safety industry exhibitors. to cloud judgment and impair the decision- fi c mishaps, and have a second fatality-free “We wanted to put our military members making process, which could result in injury Critical Days of Summer. in a safety mindset, starting with this week- or death. From 1980 to 2010, 125 AETC Airmen end,” Sergeant Barnett said. “We lose more “A lot of Airmen – people in general – have died during the Memorial Day to Labor Airmen every year through traffi c mishaps like outdoor activities because the weath- View the Talespinner online Day timeframe, a majority in motor vehicle than from war.” er’s great,” Sergeant Barnett said. “They at www.lackland.af.mil mishaps. Historically, fatalities and injuries have do things they normally don’t do. We want “We want Airmen to think before they risen in the summer months, a parallel to them to enjoy, but do it safely.” PAGE 2 TALESPINNER MAY 27, 2011 COMMENTARY Thoughts for a safe Memorial Day Editorial staff BRIG. GEN. LEONARD PATRICK, By Brig. Gen. Leonard Patrick simple reminders and think about the absolute best position to ensure action is 502ND AIR BASE WING COMMANDER 502nd Air Base Wing commander safety of yourself and others before head- taken to minimize risk as much as pos- ing out for the extended weekend and sible. Keep alert and communicate with OSCAR BALLADARES, Memorial Day is the approaching days of summer: those around you to ensure activities are DIRECTOR, 502ND ABW OL-A day we honor all the men • Vow to be the best Wingman or Battle accident free. PUBLIC AFFAIRS and women who have Buddy you can be. That means making • Use your most trusted Wingmen or Bat- fallen serving our nation. tough calls if you see someone about to tle Buddies to help keep everyone safe. JOE BELA, CHIEF OF INTERNAL It became an offi cial do something that could hurt themselves Some may reside in the same household COMMUNICATIONS, 671-4111 federal holiday in 1971 as or others. It could make a difference in as you – family members! They can help a day to get together and someone’s life. you spot areas you may have otherwise SHANNON CARABAJAL, remember. • Use personal protection equipment overlooked in your planning efforts. MANAGING EDITOR, 671-1786 While it is a solemn (PPE) and expect others to do the same I consider it a blessing and an honor Brig. Gen. day to refl ect on the when operating a motorcycle, car, boat to be able to serve this great nation with MIKE JOSEPH, STAFF WRITER, 671-4357 Leonard Patrick meaning of the price paid or any other vehicle. Remember PPE only you and live together in this exciting San for our freedom, it is works if it is used. Antonio military community. PATRICK DESMOND, also a day to spend time with family and • Take personal responsibility for your While celebrating this Memorial Day SPORTS EDITOR/STAFF WRITER, friends. safety and for that of others by following weekend, please spend some moments 671-5049 Many will observe the day by visiting the rules. Many of you will participate in in remembrance of the brave Americans cemeteries or memorials, holding family a number of sporting activities – some who have died serving our nation. PAUL NOVAK, DESIGN/LAYOUT, 671-0478 gatherings, and participating in parades. may be considered high risk. No mat- Thank you for what you do every day As you prepare, please follow these ter what the activity is, YOU are in the and enjoy the summer days ahead safely! Offi ce: 1701 Kenly Ave. Suite 102 Senior NCOs must always lead, mentor Lackland AFB, Texas 78236-5103 By Chief Master Sgt. LuAnn Gaylor operation of the section, and I not OK to sit back on my lau- less of whether or not I have a (210) 671-1786; (fax) 671-2022 355th Mission Support Group needed to step up my commu- rels and it’s not OK to abuse personal relationship with the E-mail: [email protected] nity service, self-improvement the stripes I have the privilege stars of the show Commander’s Action Line: DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR and base involvement if I of wearing. If I believe in our • Pick up that piece of trash in actionline@lackland. af.mil. Straight Talk: 671-6397 (NEWS) FORCE BASE, Ariz. – When I wanted to get promoted again. core values and don’t want to the parking lot that so many For advertising information: made staff sergeant, I thought, A few more years passed, become the epitome of the old have just walked by or on Prime Time Military Newspapers “This is it! I have arrived!” and I thought I was a lot adage, “Do as I say, not as I • Always exceed the standards 2203 S. Hackberry San Antonio, Texas 78210 My ego was quickly wiser. I had the graying hair do,” or one of those ROAD (re- and not be afraid of hurting (210) 534-8848 squashed when my supervisor and subtle wrinkles to prove it. tired on active duty) sergeants, someone’s feelings or being (fax) 534-7134 informed me that not only was When I made chief master ser- then I need to: the bad guy when correcting I going to continue the duties geant, I thought, “Holy smoke! • Take responsibility not only others. This newspaper is published by I was already performing, but I’m fi nally a chief! I’ll get a when things go right, but espe- In one form or another, Prime Time Military Newspapers, a now I also was getting three special parking spot, take long cially when they go wrong these things have been a part private fi rm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive writ- Airmen to supervise, mentor lunch hours, play golf every • Continue with my off-duty of every creed we have ever ten contract with Lackland AFB, Texas. and lead. Friday, and I won’t need to do education, because knowledge had. The list could go on and This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication After several years of study- anything extra because I’m not is power on. for members of the U.S. military ser- ing and working hard, I moved going to make ‘E-10.’ Surely, I • Volunteer within my unit, Do I want to make “E-10?” vices. Contents of the Talespinner are not necessarily the offi cial views of, or on to the next level. When I have arrived!” base and community Of course I do. And I want to endorsed by, the U.S. government, the made master sergeant and The truth is I haven’t ar- • Identify problems and have not only earn my paycheck, Department of Defense, or the Depart- ment of the Air Force. joined the senior NCO ranks, rived. I’ve just begun. If I want possible solutions on the ready but hopefully, just hopefully, The appearance of advertising in this I thought, “Certainly this is it. to make this Air Force better for my superiors when the time comes to close publication, including inserts or supple- ments, does not constitute endorsement I was shown the secret hand- for those who come after me • Lead from in front of my this chapter in my life, I will by the Department of Defense, the De- shake. I have arrived!” and want my Air Force – our desk, not behind it and the be able to look in the mirror partment of the Air Force or Prime Time Military Newspapers, of the products or Once again, reality slapped Air Force – to continue to be email I send and say I gave it my all and I services advertised.