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U.S. Army Medical Department Board conducts medical software testing
February 22, 2017 — On an installation that serves as the Army’s bastion of medical excellence resides a small unit of two dozen military and civilian personnel tasked with the mission of helping to ensure medical personnel are equipped with functional and effective equipment. The U.S. Army Medical Department Board’s mission at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston is a unique one in that it is the sole independent operational test and evaluation agency for medical-related materiel and medical information management/information technology products. ... MORE

Sgt. 1st Class Lemuel Rodriguez-Velez (left), U.S. Army Medical Department Board test site NCOIC, briefs test players Jan. 24 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis on what to expect during the testing of Theater Medical Information Program software, which is part of the Medical Communications for Combat Casualty Care program, or MC4, the Army’s deployable electronic medical record system.

AF offers new two-year degree program for civilians
February 22, 2017 — The Air Force is expanding development opportunities for the civilian workforce by offering an associate degree at little to no cost. Graduates of the online program will be awarded an Associate of... MORE

The Air Force is expanding development opportunities for the civilian workforce by offering an associate degree at little to no-cost. (U. S. Air Force graphic by Staff Sgt. Alexx Pons)

Opportunities expand for METC graduates to further education
February 22, 2017 — Leaders at the Medical Education and Training Campus at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston are looking to expand opportunities for METC graduates who want to further their education... MORE

Balloons take flight at BAMC to honor organ donor campaign
February 21, 2017 — Brooke Army Medical Center kicked off the 2017 National Hospital Organ Donation Campaign with the release of hundreds of balloons to commemorate the day at the medical center Feb. 14. Seventeen of those were dedicated to honor those who have given the gift of life to save others... MORE

Laura Vaughn, Brooke Army Medical Center nurse, signs up for the donor registry during BAMC’s National Hospital Organ Donation Campaign kickoff at the medical center Feb. 14. In 2016, BAMC had 17 donors, 70 organs transplanted, 30 cornea and 20 tissue donors with 100 percent referral rate and 80 percent conversion rate (converting eligible donors into actual donors).

Navy Recruiting District San Antonio recognized for retention excellence
February 21, 2017 — The Navy Recruiting District San Antonio at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston was again recognized as one of the winners of the Navy’s Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education, or MPT&E, Retention Excellence Award for fiscal year 2016... MORE

Petty Officer 1st Class Eric Petdan, command career counselor assigned to Navy Recruiting District San Antonio, stands next to one of two gold anchors situated in front of the NRD headquarters. Originally black, the anchors were painted gold in 2014 after the command was recognized as one of the winners of the Navy’s Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (MPT&E) Retention Excellence Award for Fiscal Year 2013. The NRD was again awarded the honors for Fiscal Years 2015 and 2016.

Three BAMC clinics earn national recognition as Patient Centered Medical Homes
February 21, 2017 — Three additional Brooke Army Medical Center clinics have earned the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s highest level of recognition as Patient Centered Medical Homes, or PCMHs... MORE

Kathryn Joyce (right), nurse practitioner, examines Irene Fuentez (left) at Westover Medical Home in northwest San Antonio. The Westover Medical Home earned the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s highest level of recognition as a Patient Centered Medical Home and achieved Level 3 certification on its initial NCQA survey after opening its doors 16 months ago.

18th CMSAF: The Airman behind the stripes
February 21, 2017 — Growing up with five other siblings, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright said he had a very loving home. However, living in poor neighborhoods and moving from place to place presented trials. In his own words, they were, ‘humble beginnings.’... MORE

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright

Hundreds of volunteers turn out for 2017 Basura Bash to clean out Salado Creek at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston
February 18, 2017 — Were YOU at the 2017 Basura Bash at Salado Creek Park at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston this morning (Saturday, Feb. 18)? A lot of your friends, family, co-workers and leadership were! Tons of trash of all sizes and shapes were removed from the creek and surrounding areas by hundreds of eager volunteers! ... MORE

Two Soldiers show off some of the unusual items they retrieved from Salad Creek during the 2017 Basura Bash at Joint base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Saturday, Feb. 18.

Citizen Airmen recognized for DOD-wide impact
February 17, 2017 — Retired Lt. Col. Todd Ernst believes the notion of “taking care of the military family” starts with taking care of your fellow Airmen. At a ceremony here Feb. 13, Ernst was recognized for doing just... MORE

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Todd Ernst shares memories of his friend Maj. Pete “Oly” Jahns with family and dignitaries at a ceremony on Feb. 13 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas honoring him for his efforts to get legislation changed to ensure Reserve and Guard families receive the same survivor benefits as active duty service members. Jahns perished on March 19, 2003, in a T-38 crash during a routine training flight at JBSA-Randolph. (Air Force photo by Janis El Shabazz, 340th Flying Training Group Public Affairs)

Programs at JSBA help kick tobacco to the curb
February 17, 2017 — According to AFI 40-102, Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Tobacco use degrades Air Force readiness, health and leads to preventable health care costs.”... MORE

502nd Logistics Readiness Squadron wins four AETC awards
February 17, 2017 — Joint Base San Antonio’s 502nd Logistics Readiness Squadron is off to a strong start in 2017, taking home four Air Education and Training Command awards in January. At JBSA-Lackland, Tech. Sgt. Kevin... MORE

Medical supplies from the Air Force Medical Operations Agency are loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster III Sept. 26, 2014, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Kelly Field Annex in support of United States Africa Command and United Nations operations to help treat patients and halt the spread of the Ebola virus. The supplies will support field hospitals and aid workers battling the virus in Monrovia, Liberia, and efforts to fortify global health security infrastructure in the region and beyond.

JBSA commemorates first military flight
February 17, 2017 — Thursday, March 2 marks the 107th anniversary of the first military aerial flight taken by Army Lt. Benjamin Foulois when he boarded the “Signal Corps ‘Aeroplane’ No. 1” and circled Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston’s MacArthur Parade Field... MORE

March 2 marks the 107th anniversary of the first military aerial flight taken by Army Lt. Benjamin Foulois when he boarded the “Signal Corps ‘Aeroplane’ No. 1” and circled Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston’s MacArthur Parade Field.

Reorganization yields AETC’s first civil service maintenance group
February 17, 2017 — JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - The first civil service aircraft maintenance organization in AETC to become a group is the 12th Maintenance Group. An activation ceremony was held inside... MORE

Civilian employees with the newly activated 12th maintenance Group activate the group's three squadrons during a ceremony Feb. 10 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The group is the first civil service maintenance directorate in Air Education and Training Command to reorganize as a group. (U.S. Air Force photo by Randy Martin)

Array of financial classes highlights Military Saves Week at JBSA
February 16, 2017 — JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Some 20 sessions chosen to educate Department of Defense cardholders on a variety of financial topics, from the new Blended Retirement System to credit... MORE

Brig. Gen. Heather Pringle, commander, Joint Base San Antonio and 502nd Air Base Wing, signs a Military Saves Week proclamation Feb. 10, 2017 at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston. About 20 sessions have been chosen to educate Department of Defense cardholders on a variety of financial topics, from the new Blended Retirement System to credit management and are planned Feb. 27-March 3 throughout JBSA.

Analyst turned Chaplain committed to providing spiritual resiliency
February 15, 2017 — When the search for a new chaplain began at the 363rd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, who could have imagined an ISR analyst would be selected to fill those empty shoes. Chaplain (Maj.) W. James ‘Jim’ Bridgham said he can see that his ISR career prepared him for this assignment. ... MORE

Chaplain (Maj.) W. James ‘Jim’ Bridgham speaks to an Airman at the 363rd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Technical Sgt. Darnell Cannady)

Cody testifies before SASC on importance of Airmen, families
February 15, 2017 — Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody testified on the importance of Airmen and their families before the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel Feb. 14 on Capitol Hill... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody speaks with Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Steven Giordano and Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Ronald L. Green before testifying at the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel in Washington, D.C., Feb. 14, 2017. In his comments, Cody talked about compensation and growing the force. This is the last Congressional hearing for Cody before he retires from the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)

Scalding injuries can happen at any age
February 15, 2017 — A scalding injury can happen at any age. Particularly at risk are children, older adults and people with disabilities. Dreadful injuries can occur from hot liquids from bath water, hot coffee and even microwaved soup. The second leading cause of all burn injuries are scalding burns... MORE

A scalding injury can happen at any age. Particularly at risk are children, older adults and people with disabilities. Dreadful injuries can occur from hot liquids from bath water, hot coffee and even microwaved soup. The second leading cause of all burn injuries are scalding burns.

Conference of American Armies meet in Canada
February 15, 2017 — Canada seems to be one of the favorites when hosting the Conference of the American Armies and for the second time in three years, another specialized conference finds its way back up north... MORE

The Canadian Army hosted the Conference of American Armies (CAA) Specialized Conference in Toronto, Ontario, from February 6 to 10, 2017 with senior army officers from Western Hemisphere armies in attendance. The CAA is an International Military Organization founded in 1960 and provides an opportunity for Army leaders from North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, to meet on a regular basis to discuss areas of mutual interest and share lessons learned. In this way, the CAA contributes, from a military thinkers’ point of view, to the security and democratic development of member countries. Canada joined the CAA in 1993, and the Canadian Army has hosted six events since becoming a member. The theme of the latest Specialized Conference was Training for the Interagency Environment.

Notifications to eligible Airmen begin for Blended Retirement System
February 14, 2017 — Airmen eligible for the new Blended Retirement System began receiving email notifications Feb. 10 from myPers with information regarding their benefits so they can make the decision best suited for their individual needs... MORE

264th Medical Battalion Soldiers act as ‘battle buddies’ to East Terrell Hills Elementary School
February 14, 2017 — When a Soldier says, “I’ve got your six,” it means they have your back, or more broadly, that your battle buddy is backing you up. For students at East Terrell Hills Elementary School, their battle buddy is the 264th Medical Battalion. Seeing Soldiers is always a familiar welcome treat for the students. Therefore, it came as no surprise when the battalion’s Soldiers delivered more than $3,000 in school supplies to the school Feb. 7. ... MORE

Sgt. 1st Class Roy Rutledge from the 264th Medical Battalion demonstrates placing a head bandage on an East Terrell Hills Elementary School student during the school’s career day.