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JBSA Security Forces install base access kiosks to enhance social distancing efforts
February 3, 2021 — On a combined average across JBSA, the Visitor Control Centers process 21,640 customers per month, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to this, the 502nd Security Forces Group has installed new kiosks that will further reduce the health risks during customer check-in when requesting base access. ... MORE

An example of the new kiosks at the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Luke East Visitor Control Center. The intent of the kiosk and new pager system is to minimize the number of customers in the VCCs and to allow customers to wait outside in the comfort of their vehicles until they are called to be serviced by receiving a message on their cell phone or being notified on the pager device.

Four Chaplains Day Remembrance 2021: To care for Airmen more than anyone thinks possible
February 3, 2021 — Four Chaplains – U.S. Army chaplains, Lt. George Fox, a Methodist minister; Lt. Alexander Goode, a Jewish rabbi; Lt. John Washington, a Roman Catholic priest; and Lt. Clark Poling, a Dutch Reformed minister – gave their lives as their final act reinforcing today’s vision of the Air Force Chaplains Corps: “To care for Airmen more than anyone thinks possible.”... MORE

Shown are the official photos of the U.S. Army chaplains, Lt. George Fox, a Methodist minister; Lt. Alexander Goode, a Jewish rabbi; Lt. John Washington, a Roman Catholic priest; and Lt. Clark Poling, a Dutch Reformed minister. All four perished with the sinking of the SS Dorchester (SC-290583) after being struck by a German torpedo, Feb. 3, 1943. In 1988, Congress honored them by establishing Feb. 3 as Four Chaplains Day. (Courtesy photo)

DOD experts explain science behind COVID-19 vaccines
February 2, 2021 — Almost six weeks after the Food and Drug Administration issued emergency use authorization for the first two COVID-19 vaccines, many questions have arisen concerning their efficacy in attacking the SARS-CoV-2 virus and deadly COVID-19 disease. To better understand how COVID-19 vaccines work, MHS Communications spoke to two medical experts who have been intimately involved in the Department of Defense’s effort to develop and roll out vaccines for Americans... MORE

JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Community Pharmacy relocates to new Exchange
February 2, 2021 — The Fort Sam Houston Community Pharmacy has moved into the new Army and Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) located at 2500 Funston Road at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the contact number remains the same at 210-295-9965... MORE

Army Spc. John Petersen, pharmacy technician, hands a prescription to a beneficiary at the Community Pharmacy in the Exchange at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Feb. 1. On average, new prescriptions take about 30 minutes to fill. For prescription refills customers generally wait about 2 minutes for pick up.

Air Force announces Airmen leadership qualities
February 2, 2021 — The Airman leadership qualities are expected to form the basis for the future officer and enlisted performance reporting systems. The alignment between evaluating units and evaluating Airmen is intended to further emphasize and accelerate an understanding and adoption of the associated leadership qualities... MORE

Just scrolling through: Army urges responsible social media usage
February 2, 2021 — Since the beginning of the pandemic, social gatherings have become limited and restricted, and social media usage has correspondingly increased exponentially. The U.S. Army encourages its Soldiers to practice a three-step method when engaging online: think, type, post... MORE

The U.S. Army encourages its Soldiers to practice a three-step method when engaging online: think, type, post.

IPPS-A update to support Army active duty, Reserve personnel by December
February 2, 2021 — In anticipation of an Army-wide release of the Integrated Personnel and Pay System-Army, program officials requested Friday that all active duty and Reserve Soldiers verify their military and pay records before the service goes live in December... MORE

IPPS-A update to support active-duty, Reserve personnel by December

Air Force Reserve, Guard ready to take force-shaping troops
February 2, 2021 — The Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard should benefit from active-duty Air Force force-shaping actions made necessary by record Air Force retention levels. ... MORE

Master Sgt. Christopher Resio, an Air Force Reserve in-service recruiter at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, is one of many Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard recruiters ready to help active-duty Airmen continue serving in the Air Force as force-shaping actions were made necessary by record Air Force retention levels in 2020

Total Force Airmen can now self-report joint experience in MyVector
February 2, 2021 — Total Force officer, enlisted and civilian personnel now have the ability to input their joint experiences within the MyVector platform, allowing members to, more effectively, report joint experiences when being selected for future development and assignments by commanders... MORE

Total Force officer, enlisted and civilian personnel now have the ability to input their joint experiences within the MyVector platform, allowing members to, more effectively, report joint experiences when being selected for future development and assignments by commanders.

COVID-19 convalescent plasma; how to save a life today
February 2, 2021 — The Department of Defense Blood Donation Centers are looking for volunteers to donate COVID-19 convalescent plasma. ... MORE

Fighting through COVID: 502nd OSS Airman perseveres through pandemic
February 1, 2021 — The coronavirus pandemic has affected every aspect of human life, including military operations at Joint Base San Antonio. Service members continue to do a stellar job even while making significant adjustments to their daily routines. Tech. Sgt. Tammy Valles is one such Airman. ... MORE

The coronavirus pandemic has affected every aspect of human life, including military operations at Joint Base San Antonio.

USAISR Burn Center raises awareness for National Burn Awareness Week
January 29, 2021 — The U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research Burn Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston is joining the American Burn Association in raising awareness and prevention of electrical burn injuries during National Burn Awareness Week Feb. 7-13... MORE

National Burn Awareness Week is observed annually the first full week of February by the American Burn Association, or ABA, providing an opportunity for organizations and burn, fire and life safety educators to share a common message of burn awareness and prevention in communities across the U.S.

Civilian Challenge pilot program designed to kick-start wellness journey
January 29, 2021 — In an effort to enhance wellness opportunities for Department of Defense civilian employees on Joint Base San Antonio, the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Army Wellness Center is now offering a motivational Civilian Challenge to a small group of U.S. Army North civil service personnel as part of a pilot test... MORE

The Army Wellness Center Civilian Challenge, or AWC3, is designed to help walk the DOD civilian workforce through a 12-week wellness journey by focusing on activity, nutrition, mindfulness, and sleep.

Feedback Fridays
January 29, 2021 — If you have a question or concern, please send an email to jbsapublicaffairs@gmail.com using the subject line “Feedback Fridays.” Questions will be further researched and published as information becomes available... MORE

Feedback Fridays is a weekly forum that aims to connect the 502d Air Base Wing with members of the Joint Base San Antonio community. Questions are collected during commander’s calls, town hall meetings and throughout the week.

Air Force Wounded Warrior Program hosts first-ever Virtual Open House
January 28, 2021 — The Air Force Wounded Warrior, or AFW2, Program hosted its first-ever Virtual Open House to kick off the New Year. During this two-day event, attendees learned about all of the programs within AFW2 that are available for Warriors, caregivers and their families. ... MORE

The Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) Program hosted its first ever Virtual Open House. During this two-day event, attendees learned about all of the programs within AFW2 that are available for Warriors, Caregivers and their families.

JBSA senior secures Valero Alamo Bowl scholarship
January 28, 2021 — When Bradley Ludington, a senior at Randolph High School, attended the Valero Alamo Bowl Dec. 29, 2020, it was not only to see a great football game, he was also there as one of the recipients of a Valero Alamo Bowl scholarship... MORE

Randolph High School senior Bradley Lundington, 2020 Valero Alamo Bowl scholarship recipient, poses for a photo while attending the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, Dec. 29, 2020.

Air Force Civilian Service goes digital, continues to hire
January 28, 2021 — The Air Force Civilian Service has also adapted to the new environment and in ways different than others. While some companies and organizations are navigating layoffs, reassigning workloads, and downsizing, AFCS is hiring... MORE

The Air Force Civilian Service is hiring.

‘Continuity,’ ‘maintaining momentum’ define John Roth’s goals as acting Air Force secretary
January 28, 2021 — After decades of distinguished service, including at the highest levels of the Air Force’s leadership, John P. Roth decided recently it was time to retire. ... MORE

John P. Roth is the Acting Secretary of the Air Force.

Smoke alarms key part of home fire escape plan
January 28, 2021 — Fire detection plays a vital role in providing fire safety in protecting people, property and contents, in contrast to 50 years ago, when automatic fire detection was a rarity in any facility... MORE

Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

Army announces new grooming, appearance standards
January 28, 2021 — New changes to grooming and appearance standards are slated to take effect next month, as part of the Army’s commitment to improving the wellbeing of all Soldiers... MORE

A female Soldier poses for an example photo with medium-length hair secured into a ponytail to support an upcoming change to Army grooming and appearance standards. Medium-length ponytails are only authorized for wear on the back of the scalp and cannot exceed the head's width or interfere with a Soldier's headgear.