Hearts of cheer
Kenneth Nollkamper (left), a veteran at the Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital in San Antonio,reads a Valentine that was delivered Feb. 16 by Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Page (second fromleft to right), 12th Flying Training Wing command chief, Randolph Ambassador Master Sgt. Jeff Womack and Col. David Allvin, 12th FTW vice commander. (Photo by Melissa Peterson)
61st Year No. 7 February 23, 2007Randolph Air Force Base Texas
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AF looking for paralegalsWheels in motionShowplace Showcase
By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
Two Randolph Airmen and one medical team earnedAir Force recognition recently as they each garnered a2006 Air Force Medical Services award.Col. John Lake of the Air Force Personnel Center, Lt.Col. Carol Andrews of the 12th Medical Group and theRandolph Health and Wellness Center were among themore than 170 medics and medical teams to win intheir respective category.Colonel Lake, AFPC Medical Service OfficeManagement Division chief, was awarded the Maj.Gen. Michael K. Wyrick Commitment to ExcellenceAward, while Colonel Andrews garnered the Maj.Gen. Barbara C. Brannon Nursing Leadership Awardand the HAWC earned the Best Small Base HealthPromotion Program of the Year Award.“I am deeply honored and humbled to be recognizedby my peers in the Medical Services Corps,” saidColonel Lake. “This award chronicles theaccomplishments of my professional career. But asingle person doesn't do very much. Accomplishmentsare a team effort and this award will remind me of theexceptional caliber of people I've been blessed to serve with.”As the AFPC Medical Service Office ManagementDivision chief, Colonel Lake managed and directedassignments, accessions, career development andseparations on more than12,000 medical officers in 93specialties. He also oversawgraduate education, medicalstandards and boards, and$185 million in medicalspecial pay contracts.He is the AFPC seniormedical advisor and Air Forcefocal point for all medicalsquadron commander andsenior medical executivemanagement assignments world-wide.“Working at the Air ForcePersonnel Center has givenme a greater perspective anddeeper appreciation of what we do for the Air Forcemission, our members andfamilies,” said Colonel Lake.“Our accomplishments are a team effort and I am veryfortunate to have a great team of dedicated professionals to work with.”Colonel Andrews said she also attributes her successto teamwork and the many great leaders she has worked for.“While I may be the recipient of this award, it is areflection of the great mentorship, guidance andleadership I have received throughout my career,” shesaid.As the 12th MDG chief nurse executive, ColonelAndrews oversees a staff of 24 nurses and 44 medicaltechnicians. Some of her accomplishments includehelping revise the Ambulatory Care Nursing
Randolph medics, program garner Air Force-level awards
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Lt. Col. Carol AndrewsCol. John LakeBy Staff Sgt. Beth Del Vecchio
Wingspread editor
The Randolph Air ForceAssistance Fund campaign,“One for All,” kicks off Thursday and will run throughApril 13.The annual campaign, whichruns in conjunction with theAir Force-wide AFAFcampaign, gives members theopportunity to contribute toone or more of four differentcharities.The charities, which includethe Air Force Aid Society, AirForce Enlisted Villages IndigentWidows’ Fund, Air ForceIndigent Widows’ Fund, andThe General and Mrs. Curtis E.LeMay Foundation, support AirForce active duty, Reserve andGuard members and retirees.Each charity receives 100 percent of designatedcontributions.Maj. Matt Liljenstolpe, baseAFAF program manager,explained that this year’stheme of “One for All” signifiesthe spirit of giving.“One compassionate Airman,giving of his or herself, canmake a significant difference tomany in need,” the major said.“The AFAF gives each of us thechance to make a difference.”Last year Randolph’s AFAFcampaign raised more than$162,000. This year, the TeamRandolph goal is higherbecause the expenses of thefour AFAF charities have risendue to an increase in demand
“ONE FOR ALL!”
AFAF focuses on Airmen, families
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Wingspread February 23, 2007
This paper is published by Prime Time MilitaryNewspapers, a private firm in no way connectedwith the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive writtencontract with Randolph AFB, Texas. Thiscommercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is anauthorized publication for members of the U.S.military services. Contents of the Wingspread arenot necessarily the official 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 thispublication, including inserts or supplements, doesnot constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, or PrimeTime Military Newspapers of the products or services advertised.Everything advertised in this publication shall bemade available for purchase, use or patronagewithout regard to the race, color, religion, sex,national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron.Editorial content is edited, prepared andprovided by the Public Affairs Division of the 12thFlying Training Wing in accordance with local policyand style guidance. All photos, unless otherwiseindicated, are U.S. Air Force photos. Articles for the newspaper should be submittedby noon Thursday the week prior to the desiredpublication date. Items can be dropped off on a PC-or Macintosh-formatted disk at the Wingspreadoffice in room 110 of Building 100. Articles may also be sent by e-mail torandolph.wingspread@randolph.af.mil or by fax at652-5412. For more information about submissions,call 652-5760.
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12th Flying Training WingEditorial Staff
Col. Richard Clark
Commander
Capt. Sharon Branick
Chief of Public Affairs
Gabe Myers
Chief of News and Information
Staff Sgt. Beth Del Vecchio
Editor
Melissa Peterson
Photographer
Prime Time Military NewspaperContract Staff Maggie Armstrong
Graphic Designer
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COMMENTARY
By Gabriel Myers
12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
Today an Airman did something amazing. I’m not sure what it was but I know it happened. Maybe a life was saved,a mission accomplished or an initiative adopted that savedcountless resources and millions of dollars.Maybe an Airman did something more subtle such asgraduate from Airman Leadership School, completeexpeditionary combat skills training, thought of an idea toimprove a technical order, improved a security plan, helpedout at the Special Olympics or visited a disabled veteran onValentine’s Day.Every day it happens, some things obvious, some thingssubtle but there’s no question that our Airmen are doinggreat things everyday.Tragically, despite our amazing achievements it’s almostcertain that an incredible story will go untold today.Is this because we’ve come to expect excellence in our AirForce? Absolutely, but it certainlyshouldn’t excuse us from telling people that we not only do our jobs well but we do them exceptionally well.The Air Force is in its 60th year of existence and now, more than everbefore, we have proven time and timeagain how vital we are to nationalsecurity and leading the way in thefight. Each and every member of theAir Force family past and presentmust become better at telling the world our story.Consequently, to deny the very people who support usinformation about the importance of our force is taking therisk of losing their support for our mission in the future.Being a member of the Air Force family is a 24-hour a day job. Whether you’re in or out of uniform your contribution tothe Air Force mission is on display for the public to see everyminute of every day, so why not display the best of what theAir Force has to offer?How many times have you been on a commercial airplaneand the person next to you asks the question, “So what do you do?” Your reply may be, “I’m in the Air Force” with afollow on question asking, “So are you a pilot?”If you happen to be a pilot then this would be a greatopportunity to talk about flying, but it’s also an opportunityto talk about the numerous other career fields that aredirectly involved with getting your sortie off the ground.If you’re not a pilot, this would be an exceptionalopportunity to talk about supporting the Air Force missionand your direct contributions to ensuring the American wayof life.Every Airman, in some capacity, contributes to the fight.Don’t you think the American public deserves to know about what you do? How about our enemies? Shouldn’t they know what they’re up against? If they did, maybe they would thinktwice about confronting us.We are the best air and space force in the world, but it’sour ability to operate outside of that box that makes us vital,lethal and so unique.Not only do we dominate the skies, but we have the abilityto provide world class security, conduct convoy operations,maintain vehicles, build remote bases, conduct survival andrescue operations, provide communications, monitor weather,develop new technology, provide food and morale services,gather intelligence, fix airplanes, monitor ground and airoperations, conduct humanitarian operations and the list goeson and on.Is there another organization in the world that doeseverything our Air Force does? I don’t think so. What we doevery day is nothing short of remarkable, so why does theAmerican public still confine our operations to the skies?Chances are because providing air power is undeniably what we do best.That’s a fair assessment, but ourchallenge as Airmen is to educateeveryone we come in contact with thatthe capabilities of the Air Force todefend our nation extend far beyond airoperations.Telling the Air Force story is not ashard as it may seem. It’s all aboutbeing opportunistic and having theability to recognize and promote great people, great processes and greatinitiatives.Talking to friends, family and strangers about your job andthe numerous missions of the Air Force is doing your part.Calling your public affairs office with great stories about newinitiatives, amazing people and tremendous accomplishmentsin your unit is doing your part. Talking to your Airmen aboutthe importance of what they do every day is doing your part.Getting out into the public through volunteer opportunities,sports, school functions and church events is doing your part.Don’t miss out on an opportunity to highlight your peopleand their accomplishments. It may seem like just doing the job to you but the public may see it as unique orextraordinary.The world wants to know about the great things we do,so it’s up to us to tell them; otherwise, we’re only leavingthem to make their own assumptions and drawconclusions.Our Air Force will accomplish every mission leadershiptasks us with, but it’s our professionalism, pride, integrityand belief in what we do that will convince America, ourallies and ultimately our enemies that we are an unstoppable part of the total force that also happens to operate in the air.It’s really an incredible story and it’s about time we starteddoing a better job telling it. So do your part and become aspokesman for your Air Force.
While our goal is to provide the best programs,products and services to our customers, there will be instances when people believe we could have served them better.In those cases, I ask the individual to first contact the responsible organization to allow the unit commander or manager an opportunity to ensure professional and impartial treatment.
When those officials are unable to provide satisfaction, the individual may contact me throughthe Action Line. I will ensure each Action Line call is looked into and a reply is given by telephone or in writing. I ask callers to include their name and telephone number so we may send a personal response.
Commander
’
s Action Line
Call 652-5149 or e-mail randolph.actionline@randolph.af.mil
Col. Richard Clark
12th Flying Training Wing commander
Ever
y A
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man a spokesman:
Are you doing your part to tell the Air Force Story?
12th Flying Training Wing Mission Statement
Training the world’s finest Airmen for tomorrow...Deploying combat-ready warriors today.
Images courtesy of Air Force News Agency
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Wingspread February 23, 2007
NEWS
Administration and Practice Standardsused in the military and civiliancommunity world-wide and assisting with the revision of the Readiness SkillsVerification checklist used by nurses AirForce-wide to maintain skills needed fordeployment.In addition to her job as chief nurseexecutive, Colonel Andrews is also thePatient Safety Program director and AirForce Surgeon General Consultant forAmbulatory Care. On the operationalside she also functions at the 12thMedical Operations Squadron deputycommander.“What sets her apart is that shedirects all these processes with a precise, flawless balance,” said Col.Paul Bennett, 12th Medical Groupcommander. “She sets the standardboth in the military and civilianarenas.”In addition to her military duties,Colonel Andrews is actively involved with the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nurses and wasrecently elected to a national office. She was also an AAACN 2005Administrative Excellence Award winner.Another group of 12th MDG men and women who shined along with ColonelAndrews are those within the HAWCstaff.“This is a team that is tenacious andall about prevention, fitness and health promotion,” said Colonel Bennett.“Every member of the staff is so passionate about what they do and itexudes in every encounter.”Some of the staff’s biggestaccomplishments include creatingmore than 100 health promotiondeployment tool kits to curb tobaccouse, increase fitness and reducestressful activities; help implement atobacco-free 12th Medical Groupcampus; and lower the base tobaccouse rate to 15.7 percent – the secondbest in the Air Education and TrainingCommand, said Kimberly Houk,Health Promotion Flight chief.The flight was also recognized as theleader in childhood obesity prevention programs, reaching more than 300children and parents and setting AirForce benchmarks for programming inthis area, she added.“Our programs are innovative andreached a large variety of beneficiaries,” said Ms. Houk. “We arean excellent team that strives to meetthe needs of Team Randolph to supporta healthier community.”The HAWC staff includes Ms. Houk,Dr. Suzy Harrington, Master Sgt. JeffreyWalton, Staff Sgt. Wayne Tyrell and Jennifer Sides. Ancillary and volunteerstaff includes John Gallardo, 2nd Lt. Jesse Gilley, Rosa Velez and SalenaGarcia.
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Salena Garcia, Kinesiology intern from the University of Texas San Antonio,assists a Health and Wellness Center client with a blood pressure check. (Photoby Melissa Peterson)
By Staff Sgt. Beth Del Vecchio
Wingspread editor
Although there are four separate Top 3organizations on Randolph, there is acommon thread that runs throughout, tomentor and support the enlisted forceand to make a difference in thecommunity.The Air Education and TrainingCommand, Air Force Personnel Center,Air Force Recruiting Service and 12thFlying Training Wing each have a Top 3organization which works throughoutthe year toward similar goals.Master Sgt. Carla Townsend, AETCTop 3 publicity officer, explained thatthe Top 3 is a great opportunity for thetop enlisted ranks to not only learn fromeach other, but it affords them theopportunity to volunteer in thecommunity as a group.“Over the years, we have beeninvolved in Habitat for Humanity,Adopt-a-Highway, Special Olympics,Meals on Wheels and Operation HomeFront,” Sergeant Townsend said.Although each Top 3 may volunteer with different groups in the community,they all make a point to contributesomehow.Volunteering in the community isimportant to all Top 3 organizations, butMaster Sgt. Christine Rizzo, AFPC Top 3vice president, speaks most highly of their support to the junior enlisted forceat Randolph.“We sponsored the enlisted picnic,hosted an annual miniature golf tournament with trophies and awardsand hosted the AFPC Spring Fling,” shesaid. “When we provide assistance to junior members we like to think “TotalForce” and that includes our civilian junior force as well as our military.”Chief Master Sgt. Jack De Forrest,AETC first sergeant, explained that Top3 membership and participation helpsAirmen to develop their greater potential.“Membership and participation in aTop 3 organization has always beenoptional, but active Top 3 members cangain leadership and team building skillsthat benefit everyone,” he said. “SeniorNCOs who know their jobs and how tolead Airmen in other areas also, are trueforce multipliers.”Each Top 3 dedicates time toorganizing and sponsoring annual andquarterly awards for people in theirsquadrons and units. When it’s time forthe Team Randolph annual awardceremony, the volunteer force issprinkled with members of all of TeamRandolph’s Top 3s.Each Top 3 meets once a month inorder to fulfill another purpose: to fostercommunication between the top threeranks in the enlisted force.“The best reason to be a part of theTop 3 is it provides a forum for itsmembers to meet and share personalexperiences and expertise,” SergeantRizzo said. “It also functions as an addedchannel of communication between thecommanders and enlisted members.”Master Sgt. Dwight Compton, AETCTop 3 president, said his experience with the Top 3 has given him theopportunity to receive first-handinformation from leadership on thedirection of the Air Force as a whole andas a part of the joint task force.“Being able to directly communicate with the AETC commander, AETC firstsergeant, members of the Chiefs’Group, Air Force Sergeants Associationand servicing agencies from on and off base, during the monthly meetings, is agreat benefit,” he said. “From thesemeetings, I am better able to informmy subordinates on specific issues, orat least point them in the rightdirection.”“Everyone benefits from another goodsenior NCO who gets involved,”Sergeant Compton said. “Remember, your subordinates and supervisors canvolunteer to support the Top 3organization, even though they are notmembers. The bottom line is to getinvolved.”Top 3 meetings usually last an hourand can provide camaraderie, esprit decorps and tools to become great leadersfor tomorrow, Sergeant Compton said.Anyone carrying the rank of MasterSergeant or above can become amember of their organization’s Top 3.For more details on Top 3, contact thefirst sergeant.
Four groups work
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To learn more about the Top 3, contact the following Top 3 board members:
Air Education and Training
President: Master Sgt. Dwight ComptonVice President: Master Sgt. Amy Rancier
Air Force Personnel Center
President: Senior Master Sgt. Tammy Brangard-HernVice President: Master Sgt. Christine Rizzo
Air Force Recruiting Service
President: Master Sgt. Richard DehonneyVice President: Master Sgt. Carl Thomas
12th Flying Training Wing
President: Senior Master Sgt. Shirley JonesVice President: Master Sgt. Chris Lantagne
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US Air Force: AFD-070228-187
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| Upload Date: | 01/26/2008 |
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