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Class teaches how to prepare for new Army Combat Fitness Test
November 1, 2019 — Approximately 50 servicemembers learned about the standards for the Army’s newest fitness test and the proper techniques for preparing and training for it during a class held at the Vogel Resiliency Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Oct. 31... MORE

Staff Sgt. Jose Lopez, 470th Military Intelligence Brigade mechanic shop foreman, prepares to throw a 10-pound ball overheard as part of his training for the Army Combat Fitness Test Fitness Leaders Class at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Oct. 31. The class provided classroom and hands-on instruction to Army physical trainers and master fitness trainers on the proper techniques to train and prepare service members to pass the new Army Combat Fitness Test that will take effect in October 2020.

Navy Recruiting District San Antonio brings cheer to special child
October 30, 2019 — To bring some happiness to a local child, Sailors assigned to Navy Recruiting District San Antonio at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston visited the New Braunfels home of Isaac Juarez, 7, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer... MORE

Cmdr. Nicholas Gamiz, Navy Recruiting District San Antonio commanding officer, conducts a mock swear-in of Isaac Juarez during a visit by NRD SA Sailors at Isaac’s New Braunfels home Oct. 28. Isaac, 7, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, was presented with an Honorary Sailor Certificate, an America’s Navy ball cap, a Forged by The Sea t-shirt, a Navy Fiesta Medal, and a copy of the U.S. Constitution.

Cole High School cross country teams advance to UIL state meet
October 29, 2019 — The Roger G. Cole High School Cougars varsity girls' and boys' cross country teams used grit and persistence at the University Interscholastic League Region IV Championships Oct. 25, advancing to the UIL state meet Nov. 9 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, Texas... MORE

The Roger G. Cole High School Cougars varsity girls' and boys' cross country teams used grit and persistence at the University Interscholastic League Region IV Championships Oct. 25, advancing to the UIL state meet Nov. 9 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, Texas.

JBSA-Fort Sam Houston researchers author paper on military dental emergencies
October 23, 2019 — Researchers at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston have authored a research paper analyzing data of dental emergencies and traumatic facial and head injuries among servicemembers that could be utilized in improving troop outcomes and mission preparedness... MORE

(From left) Dr. John Simecek, Naval Medical Research Unit San Antonio director of craniofacial health and restorative medicine; Dr. Sylvain Cardin, Naval Medical Research Unit San Antonio chief science director; and Col. Tim Mitchener, U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research public health dentist and oral maxillofacial injury epidemiologist, collaborated on a six-page research paper published in the July/August issue of Military Medicine. Their research paper reviewed and analyzed data from 30 previous studies, both published and unpublished, covering reported dental emergencies and oral- and cranio-maxillofacial injuries of U.S. military personnel serving in combat environments, who were deployed, serving in stabilization operations and training exercises and those in garrison.

JBSA health officials urge people to be cautious around bats
October 18, 2019 — After a bat that tested positive for rabies was found at a Joint Base San Antonio residence recently, installation health officials are reminding residents to be careful, use common sense and take cautionary measures if they spot a bat on the installation... MORE

According to the Texas Department of Health, approximately one percent of bats in the San Antonio area carry the rabies virus. In 2018, there were 25 cases of bats testing positive for rabies in Bexar County.

JBSA recognizes Gold Star Mothers, families
October 17, 2019 — The Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Survivor Outreach Support Services hosted the National Gold Star Mothers and Families luncheon at the Warrior Family Support Center on the Brooke Army Medical Center campus Sept. 29... MORE

The Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Survivor Outreach Support Services hosted the National Gold Star Mothers and Families luncheon at the Warrior Family Support Center on the Brooke Army Medical Center campus Sept. 29. Mayor Michael Carpenter of Schertz presented keynote speaker Brig. Gen. Wendy Harter, Brooke Army Medical Center commanding general, with the proclamation declaring Sept. 29, 2019, as National Gold Star Mothers and Family Day.

Operation Battle Buddy Check: Army medicine leaders visit wounded warriors
October 8, 2019 — Thirty-three students attending the Army Medical Department Noncommissioned Officer Academy, or NCOA, Senior Leader Course 201-20 volunteered to speak to several Soldiers at the Brooke Army Medical Center Warrior Transition Battalion, or WTB, and their families Sept. 28... MORE

Soldiers in transition with family members pose for a group photo with Army Medical Department Noncommissioned Officer Academy students at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston.

Army South Soldier honored at DOD Disability Awards
October 7, 2019 — Sgt. 1st Class John C. Hoxie, assigned to U.S. Army South's Intelligence Operations Division at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, was presented the Outstanding Department of Defense Employee with a Disability Award during the 39th Annual Department of Defense Disability Awards ceremony at the Pentagon Oct. 3... MORE

Sgt. 1st Class John C. Hoxie, assigned to U.S. Army South's Intelligence Operations Division at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, conducts fine motor skills therapy at the Center for the Intrepid Sept.27. Hoxie was one of 23 service members to be recognized during the Outstanding Department of Defense Employee with a Disability Award during the 39th Annual Department of Defense Disability Awards ceremony Oct. 3 at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Army Medicine’s Noncommissioned Officer Academy welcomes new commandant
October 4, 2019 — The U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, or MEDCoE, at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston hosted a Noncommissioned Officer Academy, or NCOA, change of commandant ceremony Oct. 2, where Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Earle became the 15th NCOA Commandant, assuming the post from Command Sgt. Maj. Napoleon Noguera-Payan. ... MORE

Command Sgt. Maj. Napoleon Noguerapayan passes the unit colors to Maj. Gen. Patrick D. Sargent during the MEDCoE change of responsibility ceremony.

Soldier self-amputates leg to aid battle buddies
October 4, 2019 — A year after his accident and the loss of his leg, Spc. Ezra Maes is still amazed at the circumstances that led to his survival. If you ask, he’ll credit his survival to a uniform belt, smart phone and “shockingly good” cell service. What the 21-year-old Soldier fails to mention is the sheer force of will it took for him to stay alive. ... MORE

Candace Pellock, physical therapy assistant, guides with Spc. Ezra Maes at the Center for the Intrepid, Brooke Army Medical Center’s cutting-edge rehabilitation center on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Oct. 2, 2019.

Stop the Bleed program provides training to area schools
October 3, 2019 — Medical personnel from Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston are providing training to area school districts that must comply with a new state law that require that teachers, staff members and students be trained in the treatment of injuries in the event of an emergency... MORE

Dr. John Kragh, U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research Department of Damage Control Resuscitation orthopedic surgeon and researcher, demonstrates the proper technique for packing a bleeding wound. Kragh is one of several Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston trauma physicians, nurses and medics who are going to area schools to provide training to school personnel, including teachers and nurses, on the basics of treating a bleeding injury. A new state law that went into effect this year requires that school personnel and students be trained and prepared in the basics of treating an injury in the event of an emergency.

BAMC provides comprehensive resource for recovering stroke, brain injury patients
September 26, 2019 — Air Force 1st Lt. Jason Hibbetts sits in front of a mirror practicing his salute. This simple action that used to come so naturally now requires much more concentration because the cyber warfare operator, husband and father of two young children suffered a stroke in October 2018... MORE

Air Force 1st Lt. Jason Hibbetts sits in front of a mirror practicing his salute Aug. 13 at the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service at Brooke Army Medical Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. The BIRS provides comprehensive out-patient neurorehabilitation for service members, family members and military retirees who are recovering from a stroke or other brain injuries.

Lincoln Military Housing residents have voices heard at JBSA- Fort Sam Houston housing town hall
September 20, 2019 — Residents of Lincoln Military Housing at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston participated in a town hall with JBSA and LMH leaders at the Military & Family Readiness Center Sept. 18... MORE

Mike Mathews, Army Support Activity deputy manager, speaks to residents during a town hall focused on quality of life in housing at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Sept. 18. Joining him at the table are (from left) Col. Sam Fiol, 502nd Force Support Group commander; Col. Pete Velesky, 502nd Air Base Wing vice commander; Lt. Gen. Laura Richardson, U.S. Army North commander; and Allyson McKay, Lincoln Military Housing Executive Director.

METC instructor selected as trainer for All Armed Forces Women’s Basketball Team
September 20, 2019 — Capt. Kelsey Gebauer, Medical Education and Training Campus Physical Therapist Technician Program instructor at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, will be utilizing her skills as a physical therapist for players on the All Armed Forces Women’s Basketball Team competing at an international tournament in China in October... MORE

Capt. Kelsey Gebauer (back row, far right), Medical Education and Training Campus Physical Therapist Technician Program instructor at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, worked as a physical therapist and trainer for the All Army Women’s Basketball Team that took first place at the U.S. Armed Forces Basketball Championships in June at Naval Station Mayport, Florida. Gebauer has been selected as the physical therapist and trainer for the All Armed Forces Women’s Basketball Team that will compete in the International Military Sports Council 7th Military World Games in Wuhan, China, Oct. 18-28.

Army Medical Department Museum preserves history, supports education
September 12, 2019 — The Army Medical Department Museum at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston traces its origins back to the Museum of Field Equipment established by the Medical Field Service School, or MFSS, at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, May 17, 1944... MORE

A flyer for the opening of the renovated museum in 1954.

BAMC staff helps train Department of Defense doctors
September 11, 2019 — Critical Care staff from Brooke Army Medical Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston helped conduct two days of validation training for military doctors from around the country during the first week of September... MORE

U.S. Army Capt. Mary Truitt, an internist from Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon, Georgia, performs a survey on a simulated trauma patient at Brooke Army Medical Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Sept. 4. Military doctors from around the country attended training at BAMC for validation training for the Army’s Individual Common Task List and the Air Force Comprehensive Medical Readiness Program requirements.

JBSA-Fort Sam Houston M&FRC hosts workshop for spouses of transitioning service members
September 11, 2019 — Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Military & Family Readiness Center hosted the first ever TAP Too workshop for spouses of transitioning service members Aug. 28... MORE

The Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Military & Family Readiness Center hosted the first ever TAP Too workshop Aug. 28. The workshop was for spouses of transitioning servicemembers and included topics and issues impacting spouses of transitioning servicemembers covered by subject matter experts from programs and organizations throughout JBSA and the local community. Attending the workshop were 42 military spouses and service members.

U.S. Army South hosts Colombian army during bilateral staff talks
September 10, 2019 — U.S. Army South, as the U.S. Army's executive agent, hosted bilateral staff talks with Colombian army leaders Sept. 5-6 at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, to develop professional partnerships and increase interaction between armies. These talks will strengthen and plan future strategic, operational and security agreements... MORE

Maj. Gen. Oscar Alberto Quintero Gonzales (left), Inspector General of the Colombian Army, meets with Maj. Gen. Daniel Walrath, U.S. Army South commander during the bilateral staff talks hosted by U.S. Army South at Fort Sam Houston from Sept. 5-6. U.S. Army South, as the U.S. Army's executive agent, hosted bilateral staff talks with Colombian army leaders Sept. 5-6 at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, to develop professional partnerships and increase interaction between armies. These talks will strengthen and plan future strategic, operational, and security agreements.

Military units participate in City of San Antonio’s World Heritage Festival
September 10, 2019 — In support of the City of San Antonio’s annual World Heritage Festival, service members from Navy Recruiting District San Antonio, the Army’s San Antonio Recruiting Battalion, Marine Corps Recruiting Station San Antonio, Navy Medicine Education, Training and Logistics Command, Navy Medicine Training Support Center, the Marine’s 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, and the Air Force’s 383rd Training Squadron participated in Mission Pachanga held at Mission Park Pavilion Sept. 7... MORE

Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark Hambrick, assigned to Navy Recruiting District San Antonio, discusses the various rates of the Navy with an attendee of Mission Pachanga during the annual World Heritage Festival held at Mission Park Pavilion Sept. 7.

USAISR researcher, woman with rare medical condition, forge 20-year friendship
September 6, 2019 — For nearly 20 years, a woman with a rare medical condition and a researcher at the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston have shared an email correspondence that has helped in her fight against the disease... MORE

Dr. Victor Convertino (right), U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research Senior Scientist for Combat Casualty Care Director, Battlefield Health & Trauma Center for Human Integrative Physiology at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, meets with Sarah Berkheimer in College Station, Texas, last spring, the day after she received her master’s degree from Texas A&M University. For nearly 20 years, Berkheimer and Convertino have maintained a friendship and email correspondence on research Convertino has conducted on treatments for orthostatic intolerance, a rare medical condition that Berkheimer has. The results of their longtime email correspondence have led to Berkheimer being able to utilize devices and treatments that have improved her quality of life and well-being in living with orthostatic intolerance.