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JBSA-Fort Sam Houston hosts German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge event
November 24, 2017 — Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston hosted a German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge event Nov. 3-5. Competing to earn the German Weapons Badge and the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge was an opportunity for military members to gain a cultural understanding and appreciation for what German Soldiers do to remain qualified every year... MORE

A Soldier from the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston shoots during a German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge event Nov. 3-5.

Leaders serve up Thanksgiving dinner at JBSA-Camp Bullis
November 24, 2017 — U.S. Representative Will Hurd joined Brig. Gen. Heather Pringle, commander of the 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio, and other leaders to serve Thanksgiving dinner at JBSA-Camp Bullis Nov. 22... MORE

U.S. Representative Will Hurd (right) speaks with Brig. Gen. Heather Pringle (center), the commander of the 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio, and Col. David Raugh (left), the 502nd Force Support Group commander, outside the main dining facility on JBSA-Camp Bullis Nov. 22.

'Fort Sam's Own' opens Houston's Thanksgiving Parade
November 24, 2017 — The 323rd Army Band “Fort Sam's Own” spent Thanksgiving Day morning Nov. 23 marching in the 68th Annual Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade... MORE

The 323rd Army Band “Fort Sam's Own” spent Thanksgiving Day morning Nov. 23 marching in the 68th Annual Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade. Thousands of people braved chilly temperatures to line the city streets for the parade. The 323rd Army Band played the National Anthem during the opening ceremonies, then marched off after playing the Army Song.

Community Services Mall provides one-stop shopping
November 24, 2017 — Members of the Joint Base San Antonio community have a one-stop shop where they can prepare for their leisure-time activities, from buying theme park tickets to renting equipment for their weekend chores... MORE

The Community Services Mall, located in building 895 on J Street West at JBSA-Randolph, houses arts and crafts; information, tickets and travel; and outdoor recreation.

JBSA Air Force clinic first to offer new breakthrough procedure
November 24, 2017 — The 59th Medical Wing's Wilford Hall Eye Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland is the first Air Force medical clinic to perform corneal collagen crosslinking in-house, and has already treated 10 patients so far... MORE

Poor eyesight can, and will, pose a potential career ending medical condition to many service members. The 59th Medical Wing’s Wilford Hall Eye Center has a solution for it.

Future of ISR is Airmen
November 24, 2017 — Vice commander of the 25th Air Force, Brig. Gen. James Cluff, along with Brig. Gen. Peter Lambert, Air Combat Command director of intelligence, discussed the future of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance during a panel discussion at the annual Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association’s Alamo Ace conference Nov. 15 in San Antonio... MORE

Preventing FOD a continuous effort on flightlines, in aircraft hangars
November 23, 2017 — Air Force pilots face the threat of bird strikes on a daily basis, incidents that cost the service millions of dollars in damage to aircraft each year and place fliers’ lives in jeopardy... MORE

Master Sgt. Lance Stephenson, 28th Bomb Wing Foreign Object Debris program manager, inspects the FOD Mule prior to driving it onto the flight line at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Jan. 31, 2014. The FOD program is designed to eliminate any foreign objects from the flightline that can cause damage to aircraft and equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anania Tekurio/Released)

Local youth group honors veterans at senior center
November 22, 2017 — A group of members of the Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Youth Center’s Torch Club went to the Parklane West Senior Center outside JBSA-Fort Sam Houston’s Wurzbach Gate Nov. 11 and put together a veteran’s day ceremony to honor them and thank them for their service... MORE

A group of members of the Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Youth Center’s Torch Club went to the Parklane West Senior Center outside JBSA-Fort Sam Houston’s Wurzbach Gate Nov. 11 and put together a veteran’s day ceremony to honor them and thank them for their service.

Army North leader speaks to New Braunfels Utilities for Veterans Day
November 22, 2017 — The military uniform is the most visible sign of a veteran, but Soldiers in uniform are only a small percentage of veterans within the population. In the San Antonio area – Military City, U.S.A. – there are veterans all around us every day. That’s no different at New Braunfels Utilities, or NBU, a community-owned, not-for-profit public power utility for the city of New Braunfels, Texas... MORE

As part of Veterans Day recognition events, Army North Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Division Chief Col. J.D. Highfill spoke at the New Braunfels Utilities’ annual Veterans Day breakfast Nov. 10.

Joint, Total-Force Team Soars to New Heights
November 22, 2017 — The deceptively cool morning skies over Martindale Army Airfield had started their climb to 90 degrees Fahrenheit as a joint, Total Force team of Texas Army National Guard Soldiers, Air Force Reserve Airmen, and an Active Duty pathfinder team prepared for their own climb into the heavens on wings of titanium... MORE

AU-ABC program expands enlisted education opportunities
November 22, 2017 — Airmen join the Air Force for a variety of reasons, but perhaps the most common is for the service’s vast educational opportunities. The Air University-Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative program, or AU-ABC, is perhaps a little-known opportunity that can reap big rewards. The AU-ABC was created to help enlisted Airmen pursue advanced education beyond the associate degrees they earn through the Community College of the Air Force. The program links CCAF graduates to accredited civilian academic institutions that offer online or distance learning bachelor’s degrees. ... MORE

The Air University-Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative program, or AU-ABC, is perhaps a little-known opportunity that can reap big rewards.

Army South makes history with new teammate
November 21, 2017 — Brig. Gen. Ellen S. Clark assumed the position of U.S. Army South’s Director for the Army Reserve Engagement Cell, or AREC, during a Nov. 15 ceremony hosted by Army South Commanding General Maj. Gen. Mark R. Stammer. Aside from the significance of being the second highest ranked Soldier in the organization, Clark is also the first female general officer to serve in U.S. Army South. ... MORE

Brig. Gen. Ellen S. Clark sings the Army Song during her welcome ceremony as Army South’s newest director for the Army Reserve Engagement Cell during a ceremony on Nov. 15 at the Army South headquarters in Joint Base San Antonio, Ft. Sam Houston. The AREC is responsible for coordinating the capabilities of the Army Reserve into achieving the Army South mission. Clark is also making history as the first female general officer assigned to U.S. Army South.

Honorably Discharged Vets Now Have Online Exchange Shopping Privileges
November 21, 2017 — Some 18.5 million honorably discharged veterans now have a lifetime benefit enabling them to shop online at ShopMyExchange.com, marking the first expansion of military exchange privileges since 1990... MORE

Some 18.5 million honorably discharged veterans now have a lifetime benefit enabling them to shop online at ShopMyExchange.com, marking the first expansion of military exchange privileges since 1990.

Army Chief: No Reduction of Standards to Meet Recruiting Goals
November 21, 2017 — Despite news to the contrary, the Army will not be recruiting bipolar personnel, the Army's chief of staff said here yesterday, even if those individuals apply for a waiver... MORE

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley administers the oath of enlistment to 35 young men and women who will join the ranks of the Army, the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard during the 242nd Army Birthday Twilight Tattoo at Conmy Hall, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., June 14, 2017.

Unlikely volunteers help 502nd CES accomplish the mission on time
November 21, 2017 — Forty office personnel from the 502nd Civil Engineering Squadron volunteered their weekend to help renovate a building for the Battlefield Airmen Training Group Nov. 18-19 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland... MORE

A member of the 502nd Civil Engineering Squadron cuts through a sheetrock wall during building renovations Nov. 18, 2017 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. Forty office personnel from 502nd CES volunteered their weekend to help with renovations to meet a short deadline.

Air Force travelers reminded of flat rate per diem policy
November 21, 2017 — Some Air Force travelers may not be aware of a flat rate per diem policy established a few years ago that focused on extended temporary duty travel... MORE

Good mental health critical to readiness
November 21, 2017 — Mental health is a critical part of every Airman’s medical readiness. Although many service members worry that seeking mental health care will negatively effect their career, the opposite is usually true. With early identification and the right treatment by a medical professional, most mental health issues get better quickly without any negative career impact... MORE

Maintaining your mental health is critical to readiness. People suffering from depressive disorders can experience slowed physical reactions, impaired judgment and indecision, all of which can risk the mission. Treatment for mental health issues can show real improvement in as little as four weeks. If you, or someone you know, may be dealing with depression, get treatment now.

Commentary: Don't drive fatigued during the holidays
November 20, 2017 — We've all experienced what it feels like to drive fatigued. We've made the mistake of working all day and then taking off on a long drive to be with family or friends during a holiday or vacation... MORE

Sleepiness slows reaction time, decreases awareness, impairs judgment and can be fatal when driving. The drivers at highest risk are third-shift workers, people who drive a substantial number of miles each day, those with unrecognized sleep disorders and those prescribed medication with sedatives.

West Point grad confirmed as new secretary of Army
November 20, 2017 — Dr. Mark T. Esper was confirmed by a vote in the Senate, 89-6, to become the 23rd secretary of the Army shortly after noon Nov. 15. President Donald Trump nominated Esper in July to become secretary of the Army... MORE

Dr. Mark T. Esper testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Nov. 2, 2017, as part of his confirmation hearing. On Nov. 15, 2017, Esper was confirmed by a vote in the Senate, 89-6, to become the 23rd secretary of the Army.

JBSA-Fort Sam Houston observes National American Indian Heritage Month
November 20, 2017 — The contributions of Native Americans to the U.S. military and to the history of San Antonio were recognized Nov. 16 during the National American Indian Heritage Month Observance held in Blesse Auditorium at the U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School, located at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston... MORE

Isaac Cardenas, a member of the American Indians in Texas Dance Theater group, awaits to perform a dance at the National American Indian Heritage Month Observance Nov. 16 at the U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School, located at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston.