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BAMC welcomes external input to continue its surgical care
May 16, 2017 — As a high reliability organization focused on quality and safety, Brooke Army Medical Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston is continually searching for ways to improve the medical services provided to those entrusted to our care. Last week, BAMC hosted a team of experts from Army Medical Command to identify further improvements in the sterilization workflow process. ... MORE

As a high reliability organization focused on quality and safety, Brooke Army Medical Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston is continually searching for ways to improve the medical services provided to those entrusted to our care.

Rock returns to alma mater, commissions future AF leaders
May 16, 2017 — JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, TEXAS -- Living without fear was the central theme as Lt. Gen. Anthony Rock, Secretary of the Air Force Inspector General, spoke to 17 commissioning lieutenants May 12... MORE

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Anthony Rock, Secretary of the Air Force Inspector General, speaks during a commissioning ceremony May 12, 2017 at the University of Texas San Antonio. Rock is a San Antonio native who graduated from UTSA 35 years ago. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stormy Archer)

Late AMEDDC&S Public Affairs director honored
May 16, 2017 — The late Phillip Reidinger was honored with a tree planting at the Warrior & Family Support Center located next to the Brooke Army Medical Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston May 11. Known as "Mr. Fort Sam Houston" Phil, as he liked to be called, was the longest-serving public affairs officer at the installation before his death in September 2016... MORE

The late Phillip Reidinger was honored with a tree planting at the Warrior & Family Support Center located next to the Brooke Army Medical Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston May 11. Known as "Mr. Fort Sam Houston," Phil, as he liked to be called, was the longest serving public affairs officer at the installation before his death in September 2016. He was instrumental in efforts to counter encroachments at JBSA-Camp Bullis and was a tireless advocate for JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, Army Medicine and the WFSC. Phil was also known as the "Voice of Fort Sam Houston" for the many ceremonies and events he narrated throughout the years.

916th Contracting Battalion leaders case colors for inactivation
May 16, 2017 — Leaders from the 916th Contracting Battalion cased their organizational colors marking the organization’s inactivation during a ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston May 15... MORE

Lt. Col. Robert Jarzyna (left)and Sgt. Maj. Greg Dorsey (right) furl the 916th Contracting Battalion organizational colors as Soldiers from the unit's color guard look on during an inactivation ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston May 15. The inactivation of the battalion is a result of force structure changes directed by the secretary of the Army to adapt the service's force generation process to the needs of a contingency force. Jarzyna served as commander of the 916th CBN and Dorsey served as the battalion sergeant major.

The vision of leadership: developing future leaders, not attracting followers
May 16, 2017 — When asked why it’s important as a leader to motivate and persuade your troops to follow you, I immediately think of mission and vision. It’s easy to see why this is important, because everything we... MORE

While each leader has their own way of portraying their organization’s vision, Senior Master Sgt. John J. Chacon's advice to future leaders is to have F-A-I-T-H in their vision of mission completion. After 21 years of military service, Chacon believes no acronym is more important than F-A-I-T-H; Family, Attitude, Influence, Trust, & Humility.

JBSA Libraries Need Volunteers for 2017 Summer Reading Program
May 15, 2017 — With the last days of school fast approaching and the next school year seeming so far away, many families are now asking themselves: “Is there anything we can do to help our kids stay engaged with... MORE

For more information and full schedule, visit www.jbsalibraries.org or call JBSA-Ft. Sam Houston at 210-221-4387, JBSA-Lackland Library at 210-671-2678, or JBSA-Randolph Library at 210-652-5578.

Save the date: JBSA to hold Air Force Ball Sept. 29
May 15, 2017 — Mark your calendars to attend this year's Air Force Ball, which will be held Sept. 29 as part of the celebration of the service's 70th birthday. This year's theme is "American Airmen: Breaking... MORE

The Air Force Ball be held Sept. 29, 2017 in celebration of the service's 70th birthday. Former 20th Chief of Staff of the Air Force, retired Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, will be the guest speaker. (Courtesy Graphic)

Don’t suffer alone – mental health disorders have effective treatments
May 15, 2017 — May is mental health awareness month, and mental health disorders are common in both military and civilian communities. Fortunately, effective treatments exist for most mental health disorders. Often, the biggest impediment to getting better is an unwillingness to seek care... MORE

May is mental health awareness month, and mental health disorders are common in both military and civilian communities. Fortunately, effective treatments exist for most mental health disorders. Often, the biggest impediment to getting better is an unwillingness to seek care.

Joint staff surgeon speaks at medical leadership training seminar
May 15, 2017 — Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Joseph Caravalho Jr., Joint Staff Surgeon at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., was the guest speaker for the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command Annual Medical Leadership Training Seminar, May 5 at the Hilton Airport San Antonio... MORE

Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Joseph Caravalho Jr., Joint Staff Surgeon at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., was the guest speaker for the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command Annual Medical Leadership Training Seminar, May 5 at the Hilton Airport San Antonio. Caravalho briefed on leadership and guidance to attendees from HQ USMEPCOM, North Chicago and representatives from all 65 MEPS across the United States and Puerto Rico. He is also a former commander of Brooke Army Medical Center.

Military kids meet Mickey Mouse at Blue Star Families Books On Bases event
May 15, 2017 — Hundreds of military kids and parents attended the Blue Star Families Books on Bases event at the Military & Family Readiness Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston May 6, coordinated with support from The Walt Disney Company and featuring a surprise appearance from Mickey Mouse himself... MORE

Mickey Mouse greets Brig. Gen. Heather Pringle, commander, 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio at the Blue Star Families Books on Bases event at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston May 6.

DOD warns of ‘Wannacry’ ransomware threat to networks
May 15, 2017 — Ransomware known as “Wannacry” has been reported to have struck multiple entities across the world, according to an email sent out May 14 by Vice Adm. Marshall B. Lytle III, Director, Command, Control, Communication and Computers/Cyber, Chief Information Officer, J6, Joint Staff, and Dr. John A. Zangardi, the Acting Department of Defense Chief Information Officer... MORE

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that infects a computer and restricts users’ access until a ransom is paid to unlock it. The malware spreads by “phishing,” which is luring unsuspecting users to click on infected email attachments and links in emails to launch the attack.

Civilians gain leadership, warfighter support skills through ELDP
May 15, 2017 — Joint Base San Antonio hosted members of the Department of Defense Executive Leadership Development Program May 9. The members visited the 24th and 25th Air Forces Headquarters and several locations around JBSA. The ELDP is a DoD program designed to shape future leaders for the defense department by exposing them to different commands and units to further their knowledge of the department... MORE

Department of Defense's 2017 Executive Leadership Development Program participant Amanda McGlone (right) experiences virtual reality simulations during the group's visit to 25th Air Force Headquarters at Joint Base San
Antonio-Lackland, Texas May 9.

AF announces Squadron Revitalization Idea Site
May 15, 2017 — Air Force officials developed a crowdsourcing/idea website to leverage knowledge and expertise from Airmen in the field May 15, 2017. ... MORE

Air Force officials developed a crowdsourcing/idea website to leverage knowledge and expertise from Airmen in the field May 15, 2017. (U.S. Air Force courtesy graphic)

Air Force's first cyber facility opens for business
May 13, 2017 — More than 50 people gathered April 14, 2017, to celebrate the official opening of the new 833d/836th Cyberspace Operations Squadrons headquarters located at Building 390, on Medina Annex, San Antonio, Texas... MORE

Lt. Col. Jarrod Norris, 836th Cyberspace Operations Squadron Commander, and Lt. Colonel Travis Howell, 833rd COS Commander, cut the ribbon for the newly-renovated Building 390 April 14 on Medina Annex, San Antonio, Texas. The new 836/833 COS headquarters is the first building in the Air Force solely dedicated to cyber mission forces. (Courtesy photo)

Basic SWAT course brings Defenders and local police together
May 12, 2017 — Members of the 502nd Security Readiness Group participated in a 5-day, 60-hour basic SWAT course with local law enforcement officers... MORE

Security forces defenders from the 502nd Security Readiness Group at Joint Base San Antonio complete quick reaction shooting drills at the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance range at the JBSA-Lackland Medina Annex May 4, 2017. Airmen participated in a 5-day Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) training course taught by members of the Alamo Area Council of Governments Regional Law Enforcement Academy, which aims to strengthen incident response techniques and build effective law enforcement teams. Officers certified as trainers from police departments around San Antonio area teach the course, which serves as both a refresher course for defenders and an opportunity to foster partnerships between local law enforcement members and JBSA defenders. (U.S. Force photo by Andrew C. Patterson)

433 AW hosts "Fun in the Sun" Family Day
May 12, 2017 — The 433rd Airlift Wing held its annual Family Day on a sunny clear day at Building 826 at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. Over 3,000 Airmen, Alamo Wing alumni, their families and friends enjoyed free food and drinks, airplanes on display, a car show, sports events and much more... MORE

Visitors to the 433rd Airlift Wing’s Family Day climb aboard the Alamo Wing's first C-5M Super Galaxy, "The City of San Antonio" May 7, 2017 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino)

Front & Center: Holmes helps instruct future Army dental specialists
May 12, 2017 — For Army Sgt. 1st Class Everett Holmes, the desire to work in the field of dentistry started at a young age... MORE

Sgt. 1st Class Everett Holmes, Company A, Academy Battalion chief dental instructor, poses for a photo May 2 at the Medical Education and Training Campus, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. Holmes trains students to develop them into entry level dental assistants.

M&FRC class to guide attendees through home-buying process
May 12, 2017 — A personal financial counselor at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Military & Family Readiness Center will navigate prospective home owners through the home-buying process with all its... MORE

A personal financial counselor at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Military & Family Readiness Center will navigate prospective home owners through the home-buying process with all its twists and turns during an upcoming class. “Home Sweet Home: Strategies for Home Buying” will be presented from 10-11:30 a.m. May 19 at the JBSA-Randolph M&FRC.

Army North general orchestrates training, guidance for Vibrant Response 17
May 12, 2017 — Inside the SENTINEL, a specialized vehicle with an assortment of communications equipment and satellite capability, two television screens provide the only light at Camp Atterbury, Ind. Blurred silhouettes of people appear on the screen, with occasional bursts of distorted audio accompanying their discussions. For Army Brig. Gen. John Hashem, the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army North, or ARNORTH, at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, and the exercise control deputy director for Vibrant Response 17, or VR17, these video teleconferencing calls highlight an essential part of his daily routine throughout VR17, which ran April 17-May 13. ... MORE

Army Brig. Gen. John Hashem, the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army North (ARNORTH), in Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas and the exercise control deputy director for exercise Vibrant Response 17, attends a briefing with Soldiers with the Indiana Army National Guard during Exercise Vibrant Response 17 at Camp Atterbury, Ind., on May 7, 2017. ARNORTH conducts the Vibrant Response training exercises to annually test the capability of federal response forces in order to meet the expectations of the nation.

Exercise Vibrant Response: planning and preparing for the worst
May 12, 2017 — When disaster strikes and chaos sets in, people forget their cities’ emergency evacuation plans and highways get stacked with traffic. People get hurt and communication gets cut off. Vibrant Response 17, or VR17, is a command post exercise that simulates the detonation of a nuclear bomb in a major city within the United States. The annual exercise takes place at Camp Atterbury, Ind. This year it was integrated with Guardian Response 17, or GR17, at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, also in Indiana. ... MORE

Col. Eric McGraw and Air Force Col. Ann Yelderman, both Regional Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officers with FEMA Region VII - Defense Coordinating Element, Kansas City, Mo., look over a spreadsheet on the computer during Exercise Vibrant Response 17 at Camp Atterbury, Ind., on May 7, 2017. Vibrant Response is an annual training exercise that tests the capability of federal response forces to prepare them for mission assumption June 1.