The patrol mission that never ends - page 10

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1 Vol. 41, No. 37 Thursday, September 12, 2013 News/Features: page 3 There I was... Week in photos: page 4 Scenes from MacDill News/Features: page 6 Through an Airman s eyes Diamond Sharp: page 16 This week s standout Community: page 17 Events, Chapel, more... The patrol mission that never ends - page 10 Photo by Airman 1st Class Ned Johnston Senior Airman Cale Schumacher, 6th Security Forces Squadron marine patrolman, steers a boat through Hillsborough Bay to ensure that no person or vessel enters the restricted waters around MacDill Air Force Base, Sept. 5. The 6th SFS marine patrol was created to protect MacDill s strategic location and many different organizations that call MacDill home.

2 COMMANDER S CORNER Never forget the events of 9/11 by Col. Scott DeThomas 6th Air Mobility Wing commander This week marks the 12th anniversary of our generation s day of infamy. For our ancestors who lived through the horrors of Pearl Harbor and two world wars, their sacrifices and service to our nation provided one of the foundations for today s military establishment and all that it stands for. Despite their generation s tremendous efforts and impacts across the globe, the events of 9/11 still occurred and will remain deeply imbedded in our psyche for years to come. As we reflect back on that day, I challenge each of you to never forget. Never forget where you were on that horrific morning, as the all-day events unfolded; never forget the lives lost; and never forget the lives changed forever since that day. For me, I had just returned home from a routine TDY delivering passengers and cargo overseas. Like most extended trips I had been on, I started the day needing a haircut after my post mission crew rest. In the town I lived in, I enjoyed the trips to the local barber because it reminded me of the old TV shows where men and women hung out and told stories and talked sports and politics. As I sat in the barber s waiting area, enjoying the local flavor of a routine haircut, the first airplane hit the tower. No one in that shop had any idea that first airplane would be the start of a chain of events changing the way we live and our routines forever. For those serving in today s military, the concept of a routine is different than those who served prior to 9/11. Statistics show that 85 percent of those serving today joined post 9/11. Our nation is extremely grateful for your willingness to serve and sacrifice in a time of war the entire team is better because of each and every one of you. But we know the lifestyle and routines since 9/11 have been filled with non-stop spinup training, and deployments around the globe. It has definitely changed each of us and will have a lasting effect for years to come. As we approach 2014 and the possible end of another era of military operations, establishing new norms and routines will greatly enhance our success as we move forward. Healthy lifestyle choices start with strong, resilient men and women who take the experiences from the past 12 years and use them to create something better. The expectation of dignity, trust and respect for each other is paramount to this team s success. Each of you has an enormous wealth of experience and knowledge to help guide the military through the many challenges and opportunities we face today. While we must never forget the events of 9/11 and all that has transpired since, I believe we must turn our focus forward and grow to meet the new environment that awaits us. So as we move forward, con- Col. Scott DeThomas tinue the fine traditions of the past warriors who strived to leave things better than they found them; avoid complacency and continue your focus and daily efforts on safety and routines that help mitigate risks in your daily lives. And finally, especially this week, never forget the events that have transpired these past 12 years. COMMANDER S ACTION LINE The Action Line provides two-way communication between the 6th Air Mobility Wing commander and the MacDill community. A 24-hour recording service is provided so personnel may submit questions, concerns or comments. Call the Action Line at 828-INFO (4636) or macdillwingcommander@us.af.mil. MacDill on the web Website: Facebook: MacDillAirForceBase MacDill Thunderbolt Publisher: Bill Barker Editor: Nick Stubbs The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by Sunbelt Newspapers, Inc., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for distribution to members of the U.S. military services on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill Thunderbolt are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the 6th Air Mobility Wing. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, 6th Air Mobility Wing or Sunbelt Newspapers, Inc., of the products or service advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. Display advertising or classified advertising information may be obtained by calling (813) News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submitted to the 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office, 8208 Hangar Loop Dr., suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621, or call the MacDill Thunderbolt staff at thunder.bolt@us.af.mil. Deadline for article submissions is noon, Wednesdays to appear in the next week s publication. Articles received after deadline may be considered for future use. All submissions are considered for publication based on news value and timeliness. Every article and photograph is edited for accuracy, clarity, brevity, conformance with the Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual and Air Force Instruction

3 NEWS/FEATURES Briefs Religious education program The MacDill AFB Catholic Community Religious Education Program for grades kindergarten to confirmation (9th grade) begins Sept. 8, from 10:45 a.m. to noon in Annex 2. There will be a donation of $30 for each child or $45 for two or more children, to help defray the cost of religious education textbooks and supplies. For more information, call Diane Baggerly at or the chapel at There I was... My deployment a great, challenging experience Commissary warehouse sale The MacDill Commissary will be have a Warehouse Sale Sept. 14, 15, 21 and 22, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The location of the sale will be in the second warehouse, with parking available behind the Commissary for each day. Heart Link is an orientation program designed specifically for spouses with less than 5 years of military affiliation. Pictured with local children during her deployment to Afghanistan last year is 1st. Lt. Stacy Brunette. She served as a contingency contracting officer, providing support to the U.S. and coalition forces at six forward operating bases throughout the capital of Afghanistan. Scheduled Workshop Dates :00am to 2:00pm Sep 17 - MacDill Dec 3 - Macdill AFRC 8105 Condor St MacDill AFB Increase your awareness of the mission, customs, traditions, protocols, and on/off base resources and services. Feel and know you are an important part of the MacDill Community. Develop new friendships and support for one another. Receive free lunch, prizes, Heart Link Coins, tote bags, and much more!!! Call or to register. *Must have 5 participants registered or class may be subject to cancellation (If you need childcare assistance to attend the workshop, please ask how we can help.) by 1st Lt. Stacy Brunette 6th Contracting Squadron When my commander notified me in March 2012 that I had been tasked to deploy to Afghanistan in September, I went through a cycle of emotions: excitement, nervousness, anxiety, stress and finally just the desire to get there. I left for Combat Airman Skills Training in August to Camp Guernsey, Wyoming. It was a two-week pre-deployment combat training course. I was deploying with a M4 carbine and M9 pistol; I had to carry both with me everywhere. The training gave me experience of what to expect and how to survive in a war zone. My favorite part of training was the last day. We did a series of cumulative scenarios while armed with paintball guns. The cadres were hiding in various buildings, we had to move our team to various points around the buildings staying out of the kill zone and also responding to injured victims. The cadres and curriculum at CAST were fantastic; I learned a lot. After CAST I returned to Tampa for two weeks before leaving for Afghanistan. I was busy during that time frame getting my uniforms and equipment together for my deployment. I also packed the rest of my household goods for storage. Luckily my loving sister agreed to watch my cat, Mango, while I deployed. My journey to Afghanistan began Aug. 28, 2012 when I left Tampa for Norfolk, Virginia. I was there for over 14 hours before leaving to New Jersey then Ireland on to Romania, and finally reaching Manas Air Force Base after 70 See THERE I WAS, Page 15

4 WEEK IN PHOTOS Photo by Airman 1st Class Sarah Kirchner The MacDill Air Force Base Chapel, along with several other buildings on base, are being tented and fumigated over the next few weeks. Photo by Senior Airman Melanie Bulow-Kelly Photo by Airman 1st Class Tori Schultz Tech. Sgt. Gany Gamboa, 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron NCO in charge of training and validation, places the anchor bar on a forklift at MacDill Air Force Base, Sept. 4. Rubber tires are placed on the anchor bar as a buffer to protect vehicles from damage during the towing process. Airman 1st Class Issac Butler, 6th Operations Squadron airfield management operations coordinator, inspects a taxiway edge light on the flightline, Sept. 5 at MacDill Air Force Base. Airfield management is responsible for ensuring that 11 taxiways and one runway are always operational. Photo by Airman 1st Class Sarah Kirchner Participants of an Airmen Professional Development Course learn what services the MacDill Area Resilience Center offers during a briefing Aug. 22, at MacDill Air Force Base. The MARC, 828-MARC, offers relaxation rooms, meeting rooms, a place to cool off if you need to take a break, and access to numbers of base helping agencies.

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6 Through an Airman s eyes: The jumpsuited gun wielder by Staff Sgt. Brandon Shapiro 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs For Airman 1st Class Eric Martinez from the 6th Maintenance Squadron, a pearl white jumpsuit, a futuristic facemask and a high-pressure chrome-finished gun, are all tools of the trade. Martinez is an aircraft structural maintenance technician whose most recent tasking was to throw a fresh coat of anti-corrosion paint onto a set of KC-135 wheels. I love the fact that my work directly affects our mission readiness, said Martinez. It s awesome knowing that the parts I fix are a piece of a multi-million dollar set of machinery. Martinez, a San Antonio native, has only been in the Air Force for a little more than a year, but growing up, he knew this was exactly what he wanted to do. I ve always been interested in mechanics fixing things is what I like to do, exclaimed Martinez. From the moment that my recruiter showed me the aircraft structural maintenance job listing, I knew it was for me. As Martinez continues his passion for maintenance, he continues to stay goal-oriented. Because the Air Force has given me this gracious opportunity, I am going to do all I can to be a model Airman and leader, said Martinez. I am going to take advantage of all the opportunities given to me, so I can become as knowledgeable as possible. Photo by Staff Sgt. Brandon Shapiro Airman 1st Class Eric Martinez, 6th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance technician, inspects a fresh coat of paint Aug. 27, at MacDill Air Force Base. Martinez s paintjob was applied to a set of KC-135 Stratotanker wheels that needed a corrosion prevention coating.

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8 NEWS/FEATURES It s back-to-school time; safety should be top priority by Maj. Seth Storms Chief of wing flight safety As summer draws to a close, back-to-school season is in full effect. Safety should be a priority for every family as children both on and off base return to classrooms this fall. It is important for parents to stay up-to-date on the proper safety precautions and share this information with their children to keep them safe throughout the school year. Whether children walk, ride a bicycle or take the bus to school, it is extremely important that they take proper safety precautions. Here are some tips to make sure your child travels safely to and from school. If your child walks to school, take a minute to review your family s walking safety rules. Here are some rules we suggest discussing with your child. Have your child walk to school with a group of friends; walk on a sidewalk if one is available. If a sidewalk is not available, walk on the side of the street facing traffic. Always look both ways before crossing the street and only cross at a safe place such as a corner or intersection with a crosswalk. Finally, never dart out in front of a parked car. For children who ride bicycles, here are some basic safety tips to discussed with them: First, make sure your child always wears a properly fitted helmet when leaving the house. Ensure your child knows the bicycling rules of the road. Always ride on the right side of the road, in single file, and come to a complete stop before crossing the street. Finally, here are some safety tips for your bus riders. Make sure your children stand six feet back from the curb while waiting for the bus. If your route requires your child to cross the street in front of the bus, make sure they know to walk down the side of the road at least 10 feet ahead of the bus before crossing, to allow the driver to maintain visual contact. Our children aren t the only ones who need to remain safety conscious as the new school year ramps up. Motorists will need to keep some key safety factors in mind as they will be sharing the road with pedestrians, bicyclists and school buses. Here are some reminders, and we suggest sharing them with your young drivers, if you have any. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more children are hurt outside the bus than inside as passengers. Most bus-related accidents are caused by motorists illegally passing stationary school buses. It is important that motorists know and follow the See SAFETY, Page 18

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10 The never-ending patrol story and photos by Airman 1st Class Ned Johnston 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs MacDill is the only base with a twenty-four-seven, three-sixty-five marine patrol, said Staff Sgt. Christina Ryder, a crew leader with the 6th Security Forces Squadron marine patrol. Ever since 9/11 we ve had a constant patrol in these waters. In the 12 years since 9/11, there has not been a moment when a marine patrol Airman has not been patrolling the waters around MacDill Air Force Base. The 6th SFS marine patrol was created to protect MacDill s strategic location and many different organizations that call MacDill home. MacDill is home to U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command, the Joint Communications Support Element, the hurricane hunters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, along with 34 other organizations. Protecting MacDill is the top priority for us, and we do so by making sure our waters are safe from all intruders, said Jesse Gabbert, officer in charge of 6th SFS marine patrol. How do these Airmen go about protecting the water boundaries? Through the use of highly trained personnel, a myriad of different watercraft and strategic planning. With the amount of area covered by these Airmen, it would be assumed that there would have to be a huge force assigned to the patrol. However, an elite force of just 35 Airmen is responsible for keeping MacDill s waters safe. These Airmen were put through a very rigorous and thorough selection process. To come aboard the 6th SFS marine patrol, security forces Airmen must go above and beyond the standards and stand out both professionally and physically. The marine patrol detects and deters any person or vessel from the coastal restricted area. The CRA refers to the 7.2 miles of MacDill s coastline, as well as the danger zone, which extends out 1,000 yards from the shoreline and 2,000 yards from the flight line. On average, we act on 50 incidents a year where someone breaches the CRA, said Gabbert. However, we also act on five to 10 local emergencies per year, such as search and rescue. Also incorporated into the marine patrolman s duties are working with local authorities and the U.S. Coast Guard for emergencies in the local area. Through the use of the unique marine patrol, one thing is certain: No matter if it s Independence Day or Christmas Eve, day or night, one can be certain that the safety of MacDill is always ensured.

11 Senior Airman Luis Gonzalez, crew member with the 6th Security Forces Squadron marine patrol, calls in a report to the base defense operations center at MacDill Air Force Base, Sept. 5. The 6th SFS marine patrol tracks the restricted waters around MacDill with cameras and radar. (Top) Senior Airman Luis Gonzalez and Senior Airman Cale Schumacher, 6th Security Forces Squadron marine patrolmen, patrol the waters around MacDill Air Force Base, Sept. 5. Gonzalez and Schumacher detect and deter any persons or vessels from entering the restricted waters around MacDill. (Above) Schumacher washes down a patrol boat at the end of his shift, Sept. 5. Marine patrol Airmen must upkeep their patrol boats to ensure around-the-clock readiness.

12 NEWS/FEATURES September message from the Retiree Activities Office by retired Air Force Col. Billy Graham Retiree Activities Office director Please join us in saying a prayer for the family of retired Col. George (Bud) Day who passed away in Fort Walton Beach July 28. He was a true warrior in fighting for our TRICARE For Life program and a true gentleman. This year s base-wide Retiree Appreciation Day has been canceled due to scheduling issues. To thank retirees for their service, the 6th Medical Group will host a special retiree appreciation event Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please mark your calendars.the MacDill medical clinic will be open to retirees and their spouses for health screenings and flu shots. In addition, clinic personnel will be providing Department of Veteran Affairs and TRICARE information. Military retirees from all branches of service and their spouses are welcome. The prescription drop box in the food court has been permanently removed due to insufficient usage (less than one prescription each week). There is a drop box at the entrance to the PharmaCARE center. Some of you have made inquiries regarding the use of the base swimming pool. We obtained the following information from pool personnel on your behalf: Each retiree with a valid ID card may bring two guests (non-id card holders). The pool is closed on Mondays. The pool is open to retirees and their guests for recreation swimming on the following schedule: u Tuesday through Friday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. u Tuesday through Sunday: 6-7 p.m. u Saturday-Sunday-holidays: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. You may visit the website for detailed information. (At the top of the page click on Recreation click on Base Pool on the left section of the next page). You may also make direct inquires to pool personnel at or As retirees, most of you may have already learned that there are retirement residences for military personnel and widows throughout the United States. We hope the following information will help you in locating suitable facilities. u The Air Force Enlisted Village ( or u Bob Hope Village - Located in Shalimar, Fla. u Hawthorn House - An assisted living and memory care community located on the Bob Hope Village campus. u Teresa Village Located in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. u The Air Force Village ( u Air Force Village I - Located in San Antonio, Texas (near Lackland AFB). u Air Force Village II - Located just seven miles from Air Force Village I. See RAO, Page 18

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14 Pirate s Log: 12 Sept 1943 Photo Credit: USAAF via Alae Supra Canalem by Dan Hagedorn Tales from the Sixth: On this date in 1943, the 6th Bombardment Group (now, the 6th Operations Group) ended its anti submarine patrols near the Panama Canal Zone. At that time, the group was stationed at Albrook Field, on the Pacific side of the canal near Panama City. After two years, a widespread net of U.S. air and naval reconnaissance had ended the threat of German U boats in the Caribbean. Since its squadrons had been widely dispersed at the outset of the war, the 6th Bomb Group had been reduced to a headquarters by late In October, it was disbanded and moved, on paper, back to the U.S. to prepare for the final campaign in the Pacific.

15 THERE I WAS From Page 3 hours of travel. I was glad to have a transient bunk to sleep in for a couple nights. At Manas I picked up the rest of my equipment to include chemical warfare gear and body armor; I was fully prepared to go to Afghanistan. After two nights at Manas, I received my flight information for Bagram, Afghanistan. We left at night. I was wearing 60 pounds of body armor, carrying both my M9 and M4, along with two other large bags filled with uniforms and mandatory equipment. I stopped in Bagram for the night and the next day I took a Blackhawk to Camp Phoenix in Kabul. As a contingency contracting officer there, I provided support to the U.S. and coalition forces at six forward operating bases throughout the capital of Afghanistan. I administered 31 contracts in excess of $18 million supporting combat, humanitarian and reconstruction operations throughout the capital region. Two months into my deployment I was offered the opportunity to fill a critical shortage in the contracting office located in the Herat Province. I was eager for the opportunity and jumped on it immediately because the new job came with more leadership and job responsibility. As a warranted contingency contracting officer and Services Flight Chief at the Regional Contracting Office - Herat, I was exposed to more complex, high-dollar procurements than ever before. My team provided direct contract support, valued at $78 million, supporting 9,500 U.S. and Coalition personnel. My personal profile was valued at more than $30 million. The most complex contracts I dealt with were the private security contracts for the Western FOB s. They were especially sensitive because they directly affected the safety and welfare of all U.S. and Coalition personnel in Western Afghanistan. While at Camp Stone, I was also afforded the opportunity to travel more throughout the country; it truly is a beautiful place. In reflection, serving 198 days in Afghanistan was a great and challenging experience. Not only did I gain an enormous amount of professional knowledge, I grew personally. The perspective on life I gained from my experiences could not have been obtained any other way. I created bonds and friendships with people that will last a lifetime. International terrorism has been the largest challenge my generation has had to deal with. I m proud that I was able to contribute to eradicating terrorism in that part of the world, while also helping build the local Afghan economy so it can become a self-sustaining country. I really love what serving in the Air Force stands for; the ideas of freedom and equality for men and women is something I m very proud to contribute to.

16 HONOR GUARD SPOTLIGHT Senior Airman Caitlyn McCracken 6th Medical Support Squadron Job Title: Biomedical equipment technician Hometown: Shreveport, La. Why did you join the honor guard?: To break up the monotony of my every day job and get a chance to give back to those that have served before me. Do you have any special memories?: Spending hours in a van with my fellow Airman while going to so many different places was really a bonding experience I won t forget. There is nothing like presenting a flag to the loved one of the fallen. It s a very unique experience and a tremendous honor. Advice to others: I would advise anyone to give Honor Guard a try if you re given the opportunity. It is a one of a kind experience that you will never get anywhere else.

17 MACDILL COMMUNITY EVENTS Friday MacDill Lanes & Family Fun Center Club Member Appreciation, 6-8 p.m. Door prize drawings. All Club members and family members bowl free with cosmic lighting and sound. Call to reserve your spot. Not a club member? Visit a club membership rep at Building 53 or call Saturday Arts & Crafts Center Scrap Party from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost is $5. Join this special day of fun and activities. Bring your scrapbooking supplies and photos and scrap to your heart s content. Beverages and snacks will be on hand as well. Please register in advance. Attendees will be eligible for a special door prize drawing valued up to $25. Sunday Bay Palms Golf Complex Club Member Appreciation Day. Free golf and cart for AF Club card members. Call to reserve your tee time. Must show valid Club card upon check-in at the pro shop. Not a club member? Visit a club membership rep at Building 53 or call Tuesday Airman & Family Readiness Center Heart Link, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Heart Link is a program designed for spouses with fewer than five years of military affiliation. Join us to learn more about the mission, customs, traditions, protocols, and on/ off base resources and services. Feel and know you are an important part of the MacDill community. Develop new friendships and support for one another. Free lunch, prizes, Heart Link coins, tote bags, and much more! Call or to register. CHAPEL SCHEDULE Protestant service Sunday - 11 a.m. - Contemporary Service Islamic service Friday - 1:30 p.m. - Muslim Prayer Service Catholic services Saturday - 5:30 p.m. - Mass Photo by Senior Airman Brittany Dowdle Influential community leaders stand with commanders from MacDill Air Force Base, after being inducted as honorary commanders at the Davis Conference Center, Sept. 6. The honorary commander program is designed to encourage an exchange of ideas, experiences and friendship between key members of the community and the 6th Air Mobility Wing and the 927th Air Refueling Wing military communities. Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - Mass Monday-Wednesday - 12:10 p.m. Mass Call the chapel at for more information or visit the chapel web site at

18 RAO From Page 12 u Air Force Village West ( Located in Riverside, Calif. (approximately 2 miles from March Air Reserve Base). u Knollwood ( , a military residence owned and operated by the Army Distaff Foundation since 1962 located safety From Page 8 laws and procedures for sharing the road with school buses. It is illegal in every state to pass a school bus that is stopped to let children on or off. Remember, yellow flashing lights on the bus are there to alert you that it is preparing to stop, and red flashing lights with an extended stop sign is a signal that children are present. The law requires that all traffic, in both directions, must stop. The area 10 feet around a school bus is where children are in the most danger of being hit. Stop far enough from the bus to allow children the necessary space to safely enter and exit the bus. Be alert. Children are unpredictable, and as the school year continues, walking to and from the bus becomes routine for children, so they tend to become more likely to take risks, ignore hazards and fail to look both ways before crossing the street. One last tip, never pass a bus on the right; It is illegal and could in Washington, D.C. u Vinson Hall ( or , a non-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community supported by the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation located in McLean, Va. have tragic consequences. Remain extra vigilant in the mornings and afternoons as several children will be walking and riding their bikes to and from school. Remember to not block intersections by stopping with a portion of your vehicle over a crosswalk. Give bicyclists at least three feet when passing and do so slowly. In school zones, you must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the roadway and adhere to the posted speed limit. Children are the most difficult pedestrians to see and least predictable, especially when on bicycles. Take extra care to look out for children not only in school zones, but also in residential areas, around playgrounds and parks. We look forward to another fun and productive school year in our community. So enjoy these exciting times, be aware and help us provide a safe environment for our families, neighbors and co-workers.

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