Warriors of the Week conduct student training in Texas during Oklahoma snow storms Published March 16, 2011 VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- During the first February snow storm at Vance AFB, a group of T-6 Texas II instructor pilots from the 8th and 33rd Flying Training Squadrons were in San Antonio to perform a fly over during an Air Force Basic Military Training graduation. Instructors with the 8th FTS were 1st Lt. Andrew "Ice" Bergman, 1st Lt. Chandra "Carnie" Bartel, Capt. Eric "SLAB" Broyles, 1st Lt. Joe "Gherkin" Calcitrai, Capt. John "Deet" Avery, Capt. Brent "Cougar" Cox and 1st Lt. Eric "Crunch" Antonietti. From the 33rd FTS were 1st Lt. Kristen "Chum" Smith and 1st Lt. Derek "Rex" Karr. The snow storm had brought flying operations to a standstill back in Enid. A second major storm was forecast the second week of February. The prospect of completing Class 11-13's initial training was unattainable due to the 78 percent of flights lost to weather. Eight student pilots were promptly sent to San Antonio to join up with the IPs and aircraft. The nine instructors were able to secure airspace and maintenance support from Randolph AFB, life support from Lackland AFB and ground support all while operating out of Kelly Field Annex. They executed a daily, four-go schedule with five aircraft and were able to accomplish 55 sorties and complete the eight students' training in time for track select. The IP's can-do attitude exemplified the creative problem solving skills necessary in today's Air Force and earned them the Warriors of the Week title.