Joint Base San Antonio > News

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.

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.

4th Air Force leadership visits Alamo Wing
October 19, 2017 — Maj. Gen. Randall A. Ogden, 4th Air Force commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Timothy C. White Jr., 4th AF command chief, spent four days at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Oct 12-15, 2017, observing the 433rd Airlift Wing’s mission and to meet and greet with the Alamo Wing's Reserve Citizen Airmen... MORE

Tech. Sgt. John Gonzalez, 433rd Maintenance Squadron structural maintenance technician, demonstrates to 4th Air Force leadership how the technology available to his shop helps improve practices and increases production. Maj. Gen. Randall Ogden, 4th Air Force commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Timothy White, Jr., 4th AF command chief, were visiting squadrons within the 433rd Maintenance Group Oct. 15, 2017 during their four-day visit to the Alamo Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Bryan Swink)

SWAT training helps build capabilities and relationships
October 18, 2017 — In addition to improving their emergency response expertise during a basic special weapons and tactics course, the 802nd Security Forces Squadron also fostered their relationship with civilian entities who respond alongside them in real world situations... MORE

How Drone Operators and Airfields Share the Sky
October 18, 2017 — Small unmanned aircraft systems, often called “drones,” are becoming increasingly popular. Drones are easily purchased and make good gifts for hobbyists and commercial users alike. Recent improvements in technology help operators fly their drones higher, faster, longer, and further than ever. Additionally, drones are getting heavier and larger in size... MORE

Commercial users (those people who operate drones for profit) must request a waiver to fly within five miles of any airport. They can contact JBSA easily by dialing 210-652-7827 to start the process.

JBSA Air Show and Open House offers ‘Five Things You Need to See’
October 18, 2017 — The Joint Base San Antonio 2017 Air Show and Open House promises to be a grand celebration of the Air Force’s 70th birthday and a fitting tribute to the officers, enlisted members and civilians who have dedicated their lives to the service’s mission throughout its storied history. ... MORE

Growing to Meet Current and Future AF RPA Training Demands
October 18, 2017 — JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Earlier this month the 558th Flying Training Squadron took delivery of its sixteenth and final new flight simulator from the 502nd Air Base Wing’s Trainer Development Squadron. It is the latest component of a veritable and growing undergraduate pilot training machine... MORE

Members of the 502nd Trainer Development Squadron gather for a group photo in Hangar 74, Oct. 13, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. They worked with several contractors to design, test, accept, deliver and maintain 16 flight simulators that the 558th Flying Training Squadron uses to train Remotely Piloted Aircraft pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ave I. Young)

Get informed, trained on what to do during emergencies
October 18, 2017 — During an emergency, getting accurate information out to as many people as possible, as fast as possible, is crucial. According to Ed Doss, the Installation Exercise Program director with the 502d Air Base Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, there are several ways for the information to reach people, including word of mouth through phone rosters, email and the AtHoc “purple globe.” ... MORE

The AtHoc purple globe refers to the icon for the Air Education and Training Command’s Emergency Mass Notification System program installed on the installation’s computers.

Follow Halloween fire safety tips to avoid a scary fate
October 18, 2017 — Children across the nation will be scurrying about this Halloween to get their share of candy delights. As for events happening around Joint Base San Antonio, Trick-or-Treating hours at all JBSA locations are scheduled from 5-9 p.m. Oct. 31. ... MORE

Joint Base San Antonio Fire Emergency Services advises parents to follow some safety tips for Halloween.

Army North continues to assist in Puerto Rico
October 18, 2017 — Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, U.S. Army North commander, along with members of the Puerto Rico Army National Guard, Reserve and active duty, and Brig. Gen. José Reyes, Dual Status commander; and Caguas Mayor Hon. William Miranda Torres, distributed food and water to residents of the neighborhood Borinquen, Oct. 14. Reyes, Buchanan and Marín handed over provisions to the people who were grateful for the help received and were seriously affected by Hurricane Maria... MORE

Members of the Puerto Rico Army National Guard, Reserve and active duty, along with Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, U.S. Army North commander; Brig. Gen. José Reyes, Dual Status commander; and Caguas Mayor Hon. William Miranda Torres, distributed food and water to residents of the neighborhood Borinquen, Oct. 14. Reyes, Buchanan and Marín handed over provisions to the people who were grateful for the help received and were seriously affected by Hurricane Maria.