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Operations Home Cooking and Family Feast kicks off the holiday season
October 25, 2017 — Operation Home Cooking and Operation Family Feast are two programs that provide Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Airmen in training an opportunity to enjoy a holiday meal in a family atmosphere with local San Antonio area families willing to show their hospitality... MORE

Families within the San Antonio metropolitan area may invite two Airmen or trainees to spend Thanksgiving in their home by calling 671-5453, 5454 or 3701.

Reserve duty offers benefits to Airmen from health professions, other career fields
October 25, 2017 — Air Force members who plan to separate from active duty often choose to maintain their ties to the military by opting for a reserve commitment that gives them the opportunity to work in the civilian sector and still serve their country... MORE

‘Battle of the Badges’ showdown looms at JBSA-Randolph
October 25, 2017 — The 902nd Security Forces Squadron will attempt to dethrone Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Fire Emergency Services as Battle of the Badges champion when the first responders meet in their annual competition Oct. 27-28... MORE

Michael Coscrelli, 502nd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, and 502nd CES firefighters pull a fire truck Sept. 12 during the final challenge of the 2015 Battle of the Badges at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. Battle of the Badges takes place each year to build camaraderie, espirit de corps and cohesion among JBSA first responders through various competitive challenges taken from their daily missions. The firefighters won all three main challenges for time, taking back the trophy from last year’s security forces’ victory and becoming the 2015 Battle of the Badges champions.

Watch how you dispose of certain items and avoid drain pain
October 25, 2017 — Our sewers are not designed to cope with modern disposable products, and as a result these items can cause blockages... MORE

Approximately 75 percent of blockages involve disposable items. To avoid drain pain and a drain on resources, remember to bag it and put in the garbage ... don’t flush it!

Sailor first in Army Medic 68W Program
October 25, 2017 — Seaman Daniel R. Frink, the first Sailor in the Army’s 68W Utilization Program, was awarded the silver badge by Brooke Army Medical Center Deputy Commanding Officer Col. Traci Crawford at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Oct. 18... MORE

Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi Commanding Officer Capt. Miguel A. Cubano (from left), Seaman Daniel R. Frink, Brooke Army Medical Center Deputy Commanding Officer Col. Traci Crawford, and Enlisted Advisor Deputy Commander Inpatient Services Master Sgt. Richard Russell following the presentation of the Army’s 68W Utilization Program silver badge to Frink Oct. 18, 2017. Frink, assigned to NHCCC San Antonio Detachment at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, is the first Sailor in the program.

BAMC hosts Military Retiree Appreciation Day
October 25, 2017 — Brooke Army Medical Center and Joint Base San Antonio hosted the second annual Military Retiree Appreciation Day at the BAMC Medical Mall at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Oct 14. More than 2,500 military retirees and their families participated to receive health and retiree information, medical checkups, and in some cases, made specialty care follow-up appointments at the event. ... MORE

Registered nurse Gloria Camacho performs a cheek swab on Monica Perez at a bone marrow booth during the Military Retiree Appreciation Day at Brooke Army Medical Center Medical Mall Oct. 14. BAMC had more than 70 specialty care clinics and 40 informational tables consisting of representatives from medical clinics at Fort Sam Houston, organizations and agencies serving veterans and retirees. At the health fair, free flu shots and immunizations and walk-in mammograms were also provided and prescription eyeglasses were ordered for retirees who had less than a year old prescriptions.

Celebrate America’s Military 2017 events
October 24, 2017 — The following are Celebrate America’s Military events that are open to the public. For the most up-to-date schedules, visit http://www.celebrateamericasmilitary.com/... MORE

Commentary: You Ask Why? I Say Why Not?
October 24, 2017 — In my Air Force career one thing that constantly surprises me is when the response I get from Airmen is, “Why should I care?” My response is always, “Why not?”... MORE

Positivity in leadership is contagious. You know what's more contagious then positivity? Negativity. Changing a few words can flip around a thought.

Band of the West has a new home
October 24, 2017 — The Air Force Band of the West is moving to the former reception center, building 7246 on Carswell Avenue at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, where Airmen began their Air Force careers at basic military training... MORE

Band of the West is moving to its new home, the former basic military training reception center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, in early November 2017. The $7 million dollar renovation project began in 2014, however, due to congressional sequestration, construction was halted and did not resumed until December 2016.

JBSA-Fort Sam Houston celebrates Oktoberfest
October 23, 2017 — Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston was the site of the annual Oktoberfest celebration Saturday, Oct. 21, taking place from 3-11 p.m. at the parking lot across from the Military & Family Readiness Center. People filtered in and out throughout the day to enjoy live music, a biergarten, food, exhibits, rides, and more... MORE

Authentic German oompah music was provided for the listening and dancing pleasure of the attendees at the annual Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Oktoberfest Oct. 21.

Lunch with Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, commanding general of U.S. Army North
October 23, 2017 — Here's an opportunity to interact with Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, the commanding general of U.S. Army North, through an interactive Facebook Live session at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24... MORE

Here's an opportunity to interact with Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, the commanding general of U.S. Army North, through an interactive Facebook Live session at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24. The general will provide a quick update on Army North's mission, have a short dialogue with a military journalist and then answer question from those watching.

Bexar County, JBSA form partnership to help transitioning service members
October 23, 2017 — Active duty members at Joint Base San Antonio transitioning out of the military are going to have access to additional resources and counseling through a new program being launched by Bexar County... MORE

The Bexar County military service officers program will provide services and counseling to transitioning service members and veterans who are looking for job and educational opportunities in the civilian sector and need access to housing, health and other vital services once they leave the military.

Workplace violence survivors unite to turn tragedy into hope
October 23, 2017 — Shortly after 5 p.m. Sept. 7, 2016, Army 1st Lt. Katie Ann Blanchard was shutting down her computer for the day, eager to get home to her three young sons, when she saw him coming out of the corner of her eye. He was holding a plastic bottle filled with a brownish-tinged liquid and she felt a sudden rush of fear. Before she could react, he splashed the liquid on her face and struck a match... MORE

Army Capt. John Arroyo and 1st Lt. Katie Ann Blanchard pose outside of Brooke Army Medical Center on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. The officers are both workplace violence survivors hoping to share a story of hope with other service members and civilians.

JBSA Air Show parking and shuttle options for DoD ID card holders
October 23, 2017 — Department of Defense identification cardholders have several parking and shuttle options to get to the 2017 JBSA Air Show and Open House at Kelly Field at Port San Antonio Nov. 3-5... MORE

2017 JBSA Air Show and Open House website infographic

International Airman Leadership School set to launch
October 21, 2017 — Classes for the new International Airman Leadership School at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland get underway Feb. 18, 2018... MORE

Master Sgt. Amy Ferraro-Rodriguez, 837th Training Squadron instructor, provides professional military education training to international and civil service students during an International Airman Leadership School course Oct. 13, 2017 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Inter-American Air Forces Academy. The IALS teaches the same course imparted to military personnel in the grade of senior airman and staff sergeant or E-5 equivalent in the United States Air Force Total Force. This course is the foundational step in the professional development as it prepares individuals to assume greater leadership and responsibilities.

The Spirit Salutes Military Service
October 20, 2017 — More than 100 active duty military members, Veterans, community leaders, and Union Pacific employees gathered for a ceremony to unveil a special train engine at Sunset Station in San Antonio, Texas Oct. 19... MORE

The Joint Base San Antonio Honor Guard marches past Union Pacific locomotive No. 1943 after posting colors during an unveiling ceremony at Sunset Station in San Antonio, Texas Oct. 19, 2017. UP No. 1943's paint scheme honors Veterans and serving members of the military.

Surrounded by history: the U.S. Army Best Medic Competition and medics in World War I
October 20, 2017 — A free public demonstration of a World War I Regimental Aid Station will be presented on the grounds of the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston through Nov. 2... MORE

(From left) Adrian Martinez, Gus Martinez, Lt. Col. Mike Williams and Jed Elrod demonstrate an aid station on the front lines of France circa 1917-18.

6 reasons to check out the 2017 JBSA Air Show & Open House website
October 20, 2017 — With the base prepared to host more than 250,000 guests Nov. 4 and 5, you can improve your chances of enjoying the air show by visiting the official JBSA Air Show and Open house website at www.jbsaairshow.com... MORE

Air Force Alpha Warriors prepare for ‘Final Battle’
October 20, 2017 — Fifty athletes from U.S. Air Force installations worldwide will compete over a grueling obstacle course as a celebration of fitness and tradition will be on display during the first Air Force Alpha Warrior Final Battle Nov. 11 in San Antonio... MORE

Outstanding ISR Airmen nominated for top leadership award
October 19, 2017 — Four outstanding 25th Air Force Airmen have made the cut to be considered for the 2017 Lance P. Sijan Award. ... MORE

The Sijan award, first presented in 1981, was named in honor of the first Air Force Academy graduate to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. Each year it is given to a senior and junior officer, and a senior and junior enlisted member who demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities though out the year.