A PUBLICATION OF THE 502nd AIR BASE WING JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, TEXAS • Vol. 73 No. 3 • JANUARY 22, 2016 An award of honor Photo by Staff Sgt. Marissa Garner Chief Master Sgt. Geraldo Tapia, command chief, Air Education and Training Command, presents Cory Etchberger, the son of Medal of Honor awardee Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger, with a plaque from the President of the United States Jan. 13 at the Pfi ngston Reception Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The award was presented to honor the sacrifi ce of the family of Chief Etchberger, who was killed after rescuing several service members during a formerly-classifi ed operation in Laos near North Vietnam March 11, 1968. INSIDE | Commentary 2 &10 News 3 Community Briefs 14 Sports 17 ONLINE | http://www.JBSA.mil PAGE 2 commentary TALESPINNER JANUARY 22, 2016 Joint Base San Antonio- Lackland Take time to communicate ‘why’ Editorial Staff By Col. Todd L. Osgood ruption to the status quo. He often met with BRIG. GEN. BOB LABRUTTA 379th Expeditionary Medical Group, Al Udeid Air Base, Qater “Explaining the “why” might take us in small groups or individually to explain 502ND AIR BASE WING/JBSA more effort, but it can pay big why he made certain decisions. Those that COMMANDER ood communication is a key ele- dividends to those you supervise.” served under his command benefited in ment of successful organizations. As several ways. First, by the commander ex- TODD G. WHITE — Col. Todd L. Osgood 502ND ABW/JBSA leaders, managers, or supervisors, plaining how he reached a certain decision, G 379th Expeditionary Medical Group PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR we’re sometimes so focused on communicat- he provided us with valuable insight into his ing the “what” or the “how” that we fail to or why they should do something they’ve decision-making process. It was as if he was OSCAR BAllADARES explain why the work someone is doing is been asked to do. If you don’t do a very preparing us to fill his shoes one day. Next, JBSA-LacKLAND so important. good job explaining to them why they should by taking time to explain why, we realized PUBLIC AFFAIRS CHIEF Other times, we make decisions that do something, they will usually respond with that he cared about us, not just the mission. impact work priorities or cause significant an emphatic no! As children grow older, Finally, by explaining why, even if we didn’t SENIOR AIRMAN LYNSIE NICHOLS change, but don’t explain “why.” their intrigue with their surroundings grows, agree or like the decision, we could better SENIOR AIRMAN KRYSTAL JEFFERS PHOTOJOURNALIST JOURNEYMAN There are many reasons why leaders and they ask “why” often. As adults, our understand his perspective. don’t explain why. Explaining why takes desire to know “why” continues, but we’re There’s more to effective communication JOSE T. GARZA, III time, and some leaders may not think that often reluctant to ask. Or, if we know “why,” than explaining the “what” and the “how.” SPORTS/STAFF WRITER explaining why is important. Sometimes, we often don’t take time to explain “why” to Explaining the “why” might take more ef- leaders assume others understand the why, others. fort, but it can pay big dividends to those DOROTHY LONAS whether it is how day-to-day tasks relate to About a decade ago, I was very fortunate you supervise. It can more clearly explain PAGE DESIGN/ILLUSTRATOR the larger mission or a decision the leader to serve with a commander who ensured his how their role in the organization makes a has made that causes significant change to squadron members understood why each difference, and offer a greater sense of pur- the status-quo. Whatever the reason, it’s person’s job was important, and how each pose. As a mentoring tool, it can help folks Office worth taking the time to explain “why.” person’s role was vital to the unit, base and develop their own decision-making skills to 2230 Hughes Ave. JBSA-Lackland, Texas For those who have toddlers, you may Air Force. It provided each of us with a use as their breadth and depth of responsi- 78236-5415 notice early in life they begin to ask “why” a sense of purpose. bility grows. When practical, try it out if you (phone) 671-2908 lot. No matter how trivial the task, children Other times, the commander would make haven’t already. You may be surprised how (fax) 671-2022 Email: [email protected] want to know why you’re doing something a decision that would cause significant dis- many will appreciate it. Straight Talk: 671-6397 (NEWS) For advertising information: EN Communities P.O. Box 2171 San Antonio, TX 78297 Bridging the ‘generation schism’ via Bowie 250-2052 By Chief Master Sgt. Roger Towberman very meaningful to say about “generation The fastest way to make your Airmen 25th Air Force Command Chief schisms.” “immune to your consultation” is to This newspaper is published by If you judge a younger generation for criticize their efforts to change the world EN Communities, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, ast week we said goodbye to a trying to change their world, they’re not around them. Every idea won’t be a good under exclusive written contract with music and pop icon. Like many of going to listen to you. That statement was one, but listening to those ideas with an JBSA-Lackland, Texas. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an L you, I’ve been listening to a lot of true in 1971 and it’s true today. open mind and providing constructive, authorized publication for members David Bowie the last couple days. We currently have quite a generation meaningful feedback, with a true intent of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Talespinner are not necessarily Since I believe you can find leader- schism in our Air Force as many of our to “get to yes,” will strengthen your team the official views of, or endorsed by, ship lessons wherever you look, I’d like to Senior NCOs and flight-level leaders are and better our Air Force. the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the share with you one of my favorite Bowie proud members of “Generation X,” while Keep in mind that for the first time Air Force. lyrics and how I think it applies to taking nearly all of the Airmen they’ve been since the 1960s, we have more Americans The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or care of our Airmen and the mission tasked to lead are equally proud mem- in their 20s than any other decade. Those supplements, does not constitute they love. bers of “Generation Y,” also known as numbers make them strong and give endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air From the song “Changes,” here’s one “millennials.” them courage to walk away (after all, Force or EN Communities, of the of the best lines in all of rock and roll: These generations are very different they’ve got 42 million friends who have products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this “These children that you spit on, as and it’s challenging at times for them to their backs). If our great Airmen see our publication shall be made available they try to change their worlds, are im- understand each other. Air Force as a place their passion and for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mune to your consultation; they’re quite To be sure, we’ve all seen evidence of good ideas go to die, They will leave. national origin, age, marital status, aware of what they’re going through.” this. Y wants to “collaborate,” but X sees I promise you, “they’re quite aware of physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the When the song was released in 1971, it as “hand holding.” Y wants to see how what they’re going through,” and they purchaser, user or patron. Rolling Stone said it could be “construed they “fit in.” X wants to know why it’s so are not only capable, but also motivated Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Office as a young man’s attempt to reckon how hard to “just do it and be done with it.” to change their world. of the 502nd Air Base Wing. All photos, he’ll react when it’s his time to be on the You all know examples and you may Listen, coach and help them through unless otherwise indicated, are U.S. Air Force photos. maligned side of the generation schism.” have very strong opinions about which side those changes. Your Airmen and our mis- Deadline for story submissions I have always felt the song, and this is right, but rather than an X vs. Y discus- sion will be better for it … and some- is noon Wednesday the week prior one line in particular, had something sion, I’d like to reflect on Bowie’s words. where Ziggy Stardust will be smiling! to publication. JANUARY 22, 2016 TALESPINNER news PAGE 3 News in Brief Sessions will aim to improve IRS FORM 1095 AVAILABLE ON MYPAY All active duty, Guard, Reserve, retiree and civilian Airmen will need proof of health care coverage when filing their federal tax returns legislation for Air Force missions for 2015.