With gratitude and support

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1 Vol. 42, No. 21 Thursday, May 22, 2014 News/Features: page 3 There I was... With gratitude and support News/Features: page 3 Like father, like son Week in photos: page 4 Images from MacDill Diamond Sharp: page 12 This week s standout Community: page 25 Events, Chapel, more... USCENTCOM photo by Sgt. Fredrick J. Coleman Army Brig. Gen. Ralph Groover, deputy director of U.S. Central Command s Strategy, Plans and Policy directorate, and his wife Lynne speak with Marine Sgt. David Wilson, who was injured in a diving accident, during the Operation Helping Hands dinner May 15. Groover, and other USCENT- COM personnel, shared a meal and talked with the injured veterans being treated at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, to show their support and thank them for their service.

2 COMMAND CORNER Your best investment by Lt. Col. Jay Vietas 6th Medical Support Squadron commander Congratulations, graduates! Whether you earned your high school diploma, a degree from our university systems, a Community College of the Air Force degree, or you completed a technical school program, you should be proud of your accomplishment. You persevered and demonstrated mastery of a subject or subjects which now opens new doors of opportunity for you. These doors of opportunity can change your life and the lives of those around you, boosting the quality of life for your immediate family with broader impact on the strength of our nation. Be sure to take the time to responsibly celebrate this milestone in your life, not only to pause to reflect on your accomplishment, but to thank those who supported you, those who cheered you on, and those who believed in your ability to achieve. Don t stop there. Take the time to encourage those around you to continue their education. Share with them the excitement of learning something new about the world we live in, or by demonstrating a skill you mastered. Pass your gift of education forward through oneon-one teaching or by cheerleading their adventure in education. Remind them that one of the best investments they can make is an investment in themselves. An investment that improves opportunities of employment, adds to the quality of life of the family, and ultimately contributes to the success of the community. Education fuels the engine of innovation, our entrepreneurial spirit, and our drive to make our country and our world a better place. The ability to think and to reason is fundamental to our success as Airmen and Americans and is coherent with our democratic society. Through education comes knowledge, and as eloquently stated on the Eagles and Fledgling statue created by Austin Dusty Miller located at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Man s Flight Through Life is Sustained by the Power of His Knowledge. Our way of life as Americans has soared as a result of our individual and societal commitment to education and innovation. Our government has been committed to education throughout its history--important examples include the commitment to compulsory public education, the Servicemen s Readjustment Act providing approximately 2.2 million returning World War II veterans with the opportunity to receive a university education, or the recent Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act. The results of promoting education in our society are evident in a university system which is the envy of the world and the breeding ground for new developments in industry, medicine, business and technology. It is this same spirit which enables our Air Force to Lt. Col. Jay Vietas continue to be second to none, and while some of our success is a function of the technologies created from our educated society, our real advantage is found in the knowledge and creative problem solving skills of our people. What is also remarkable is how profoundly See CORNER, Page 22 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 There I was... Life as a force protection team member by Senior Airman Cornelius A. Bransah 6th Medical Group There I was standing with pillow in hand, backpack strapped, duffle bag in the dirt by my side, and in my view were tents, more dirt and all new faces around me. Actually, let s rewind two months back to my home base. I recall the day I got my tasking clear as ever. It was another beautiful morning at the 6th Medical Group, and I had just finished a physical health assessment for a patient when my NCOIC asked to speak to me. She informed me that I had been tasked to deploy as a member of the Force Protection team. I couldn t believe my ears! I had been hoping for the opportunity to deploy for quite some time. So there I was, at my deployed location getting my in-processing documents in order, when two members of the FP flight introduced themselves and escorted me and a few other personnel to our living quarters. As a member of the FP team, your main duties are to escort and ensure the security of contracted workers and the base. FP members are also responsible for maintaining accountability of how many contracted workers enter and exit the base on a daily basis. FP is the first line of defense for contractors coming onto the base. Without these contractors, the base can t function. The contractors perform tasks such as cooking, removing over a thousand pounds of waste, constructing and maintaining buildings, and cleaning all base facilities. After completing my in-processing and training, I was tasked with my first detail the very next day. I was paired up with another FP member who is actually stationed at Mac- Dill and deployed the same day I did. We were responsible for the security of five workers who were tasked with installing doors at the base clinic. There are over 11 different details that you can get assigned to as a member of the FP flight. Regardless of the job we are assigned, it is our responsibility to safeguard personal identifiable information and keep contracted workers in our sights at all times. We are also responsible for their well-being while in our custody. See THERE I WAS..., Page 26 Courtesy photo Senior Airman Cornelius Bransah during his deployment as a member of a force protection team. His job was to provide security for contract workers. Son of MacDill master sgt. heading to AF Academy by Airman 1st Class Tori Schultz 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs I cried with joy when I received the news from Congresswoman Kathy Castor, said Master Sgt. Timothy Sewell, 6th Operations Group C-37A flight engineer senior flight examiner. It was like the feeling you get when your child takes their first steps or rides a bike for the first time, but this joy this joy overwhelmed me with a greater sense of pride. Castor had just informed Sewell that his son, Michael Mendez, was accepted into the Air Force Academy March 20. Mendez expressed interest in the Air Force and becoming a pilot at a young age. It has been a long-time goal of mine to enroll at the Air Force Academy, because it s the best opportunity for me to serve as both an officer and a pilot, said Mendez. Mendez decided that being an Air Force pilot was for him after years of exposure to his father s career. After every trip, Sewell returned home with postcards and pictures from the countries he visited and talked with his son about his many adventures, good and bad. His stories of all the trips and locations he went to around the world opened my eyes to the benefits and hardships of serving in the Air Force, said Mendez. It also helped me de- See FATHER AND SON, Page 18 Courtesy Photo Master Sgt. Timothy Sewell and his son Michael Mendez pose for a photo. Mendez was accepted into the U.S. Air Force Academy March 20.

4 WEEK IN PHOTOS Photo by Senior Airman Jenay Randolph Members of the 6th Security Forces Squadron perform a fireman carry during event three, the man down, May 13 at MacDill Air Force Base. The man down event was one of four events that made up the Tactical Team Shoot competition, which included the team shoot relay, house entry, man down and shoot, move and communicate. Photo by Airman 1st Class Tori Schultz Airmen from Team MacDill roll lumpia at MacDill Air Force Base May 13. Volunteers learned how to make and roll lumpia in honor of Asian Pacific Heritage Month. Photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany Liddon Members of Team MacDill serve Asian and Pacific Islander cuisine as part of a food tasting at MacDill Air Force Base May 15. The food tasting was coordinated as part of Asian Pacific Heritage Month.

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6 AIR FORCE NEWS Pulse on AF force management Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs WASHINGTON (AFNS) This week s force management update focuses on the latest voluntary separation pay recoupment, Palace Chase and Palace Front opportunities, officer reduction in force boards, quality force review board, voluntary separation pay and civilian force management information in a continued effort to bring Airmen the latest, most accurate information concerning the complex and dynamic force management programs. Continued service in the Guard/Reserve Palace Chase and Palace Front offer Airmen a unique opportunity to continue serving while filling critical total force needs in an Air Reserve component. The Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard have numerous positions available. Interested Airmen should first contact their local in-service recruiter for additional information. If unable to locate the local ISR, call or navigate to for the AFR and call 800- TOGOANG, or navigate to careers for the ANG. Second temporary early retirement authority window closed The additional TERA program window closed May 13. This additional window allowed deployed Airmen and those on short tours an opportunity to apply for TERA, as well as officers who required active-duty service commitment waivers that were not previously authorized (i.e., active-duty service commitments associated with rated, health professions and education). Additional TERA/VSP slated May 22-June 30 An additional TERA and VSP window will be open May 22-June 30 for officers eligible to meet the RIF board and officers who s Air Force specialty code and year group remain eligible for voluntary force management programs according to the latest officer voluntary matrix. Officer reduction in force board The officer RIF board is scheduled to convene at the Air Force Personnel Center on Oct. 1. RIF matrices were posted to mypers last week, giving Airmen a better understanding of who will meet the October board by AFSC and year group. Quality force review board The enlisted quality force review board convened last week and runs through May 23. Results are slated to be released to senior raters no later than the end of June. Airmen not selected for retention by the QFRB will separate Sept. 29, or retire, if eligible, Oct. 1. See FORCE MANAGEMENT, Page 20

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8 NEWS/FEATURES Calling on all senior NCOs to clean out their closets by Nick Stubbs Thunderbolt editor STRIPES & SUCH Items in this cabinet have been donated by SNCOs and are FREE for E1 E5!! Airmen giving back to Airmen! Note : if you have items you d like to donate, please see SMSgt Walters, Career Assistance Advisor Graphic by Senior Master Sgt. Melissa Walters Senior Master Sgt. Melissa Walters knows they re out there-unused ribbons, stripes, medals and other uniform accoutrements that senior NCOs can donate for use by young Airmen in need. Senior NCOs are in a good position to help and mentor enlisted Airmen, but they also have something to offer that may be overlooked: serviceable uniform accoutrements stashed away in a drawer or closet. Senior Master Sgt. Melissa Walters, a career assistance advisor with the MacDill Professional Development Center, recently put out for grabs a collection of her own old ribbons, stripes and devices at the center, and found they were snapped up like candy by young Airmen in need. The freebies helped the Airmen and saved them money, she said, and with such a positive response, Walters is putting out the call to NCO s on base to pick through their unused accoutrements and drop them off at the PDC. Right now we have a small basket with items, but we need more, Walters said. We need to stockpile. Walters got the ball rolling recently by reaching out to the Top III, and they were on board. It s a way for them (senior NCOs) to give back, and it s a real help to the younger Airmen, said Walters. Items needed include ribbons, stripes, medals, functional badges, belts, hats and ties that may have accumulated in closets and drawers at home. Uniforms are not needed. Items donated can be used, and even those removed from uniforms, as long as they are in serviceable conditions, Walters said, adding that she suspects there are lots of items out there that could be donated. An example would be someone who makes E7 and invests in the nicer, thinner ribbons and still have their older ones, said Walters. Old stripes are another common thing to have. The PDC is the ideal place to display the giveaway items, as some 1,500 to 1,800 young Airmen students pass through the center annually, Walters said. Those young Airmen who take advantage of the offerings are expected to take only what they can use, and to pay if forward down the road, by giving their unused items to younger Airmen in need. Those with items to donate can drop them off at the First Term Airman Center lounge (room 151A) in the PDC building 53,8011 Hangar Loop Dr. Call Walters at

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10 NEWS/FEATURES Gen. Crytzer speaks to commissioning USF cadets by Melissa V. Paradise Two hundred and thirty eight years ago the United States Army was established on what is now Harvard University, and on May 2, 15 Army Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets from the University of South Florida continued military tradition by taking the Oath of Office. The ceremony took place at USF s Joint Military Science Leadership Center, the only one of its kind, with the guest speaker being a man who 27 years ago was in the same shoes as the cadets commissioning that day, Brig. Gen. Kurt, S. Crytzer, Special Operations Command Central deputy commanding general. Crytzer s speech was geared to motivate and inspire the commissioning cadets. He spoke about the journey to commissioning day and the voyage that lies ahead. Today is the capstone of a lot of hard work for them, while also being the beginning of a journey, Crytzer told the cadets and families in attendance. You are entering the Army in a time of unprecedented chal- See CADETS, Page 22 Photo by Melissa V. Paradise Brig. Gen. Kurt S. Crytzer, Special Operations Command Central deputy commanding general, congratulates newly commissioned second lieutenants after a commissioning ceremony at the University of South Florida, May 2. Crytzer was the guest speaker for the ceremony.

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12 DIAMOND SHARP Airman 1st Class Justin Everhardt 6th Medical Operations Squadron Job Title: Aerospace medical service technician Hometown: Riverview, Fla. Short-term goals: Senior Airman Below-the-zone in June, complete CCAF/start nursing school, convert clinic safety program to electronic process Long-term goals: Become a nurse and bridge over to physician Advice to others: Don t let anything hold you back from your goals or anything in life. Role model and why: I would have to say my grandfather, Gerald Everhardt. I get most of my advice and work ethic from him. Why did you join the Air Force: To provide for my family (Deanna, Ally, and Bella), and benefits

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14 Team MacDill celebrates National Police Week: Honoring the fallen story and photos by Senior Airman Jenay Randolph 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs Team MacDill celebrated National Police Week with several events to commemorate the contributions and sacrifices of law enforcement officials around the world, May 12-17, National Police Week is important because it is a special time when we get to remember fallen officers and members, says Lt. Col. Nathan Schalles, 6th Security Forces Squadron commander. It is also a celebration for those who are still serving. Throughout the week, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. participated in numerous events hosted by members of the 6th SFS, starting with a tactical team shoot and skeet shooting competition followed by a 5k run, a police display at Tinker Elementary School, a golf tournament, the defenders challenge, and a barbecue and fun day. Various special weapons and tactics teams throughout the Tampa area came out to participate in the events, which allowed for more fellowship with the local community. Events like this help build camaraderie among the various departments and build support for each other, stated Schalles. It also allows us to come together with our counterparts in the local community and establish new relationships with them. More than 30 local law enforcement officers participated in a grueling tactical team shoot competition that consisted of seven teams competing in four different firing scenarios to include team shoot relay, house entry, man down and shoot, move and communicate events. The team with the lowest overall time was pronounced the winners. This year, Clearwater County special weapons and tactics team took first place in the tactical team shoot competition. The 6th SFS wrapped up the competition with a Defenders Challenge, in which 40 defenders competed in a kayak race, ammo can lift, rifle disassemble/reassemble, a ruck march and an active shooter event. Lastly, they celebrated with a barbeque and fun day. This was an awesome week to get outside, spend time with friends, get some great exercise and have fun all while recognizing members of the police force and honoring their contributions, expressed Senior Master Sgt. Carlos Chavez, 6th SFS first sergeant. An M-4 rifle is being reassembled during a defenders challenge, May 16, at MacDill Air Force Base. The challenge was one of several events held in celebration of National Police Week. Mem marc clud rifle,

15 (Background image) Members from the 6th Security Forces Squadron participate in a kayak race during a defenders challenge, May 16, at MacDill Air Force Base. bers from the 6th Security Forces Squadron complete a ruck h as part of a defenders challenge, May 16. The challenge ined a kayak race, ammo can lift, disassemble and reassemble a and an active shooter event. Members from the 6th Security Forces Squadron disassemble and reassemble an M-4 rifle during the defenders challenge.

16 BRIEFS Chapel seeking account manager The MacDill AFB Chapel is accepting bids for a part-time Account Manager to be paid by the Chapel Tithes and Offerings Fund. The Account Manager must administer the Chapel Tithes and Offerings Fund in accordance with applicable Air Force instructions and coordinate funding requirements with the Chaplain Corps Accounting Center. Two years of experience as an account manager and a degree in accounting or business are preferred. A copy of the statement of work and bid schedule are available at the Base Chapel, building 355, weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Resumes and sealed bids will be accepted through Monday, May 19 at 12 p.m. Interviews/auditions will be conducted May 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Chapel. Bids from qualified applicants will be opened at noon May 19, in the Chapel conference room. Anyone with interest may attend the bid opening. The basis for contract award is best value to the government. The Account Manager is expected to start work June 3. Applicants must be able to secure permission to enter a military installation (no felony convictions/arrests, be drug free, etc.). Contract award is contingent upon receiving favorable results from a criminal history background check for positions involving contact with children below 18 years of age as directed by DoDI For additional information, or to place a bid, contact Tech. Sgt. Anthony DeVoile at Vets memorial All are welcome to attend a ceremony today at 3:30 p.m., at MacDill Air Force Base Air Park. The event will honor all Americans who have fallen and defended our freedom. Compensation, retirement commission visit The Military Compensation & Retirement Modernization Commission will give a presentation at the base theater today. Enlisted call is 10 a.m. to noon, E1-E8 and spouses; officer call 3 to 5 p.m. O1-O4 and spouses; all others 7 to 9 p.m.

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18 FATHER AND SON From Page 3 velop a want to serve my country. Along with his acceptance into the academy, Mendez was also accepted into the University of Florida and the University of South Florida. However, Mendez decided the academy would better prepare him both academically and for the military lifestyle. The academy builds strong leaders, said Mendez. I will graduate with a great education, lifelong friends, and ready to serve my country. After graduation, Mendez plans to pursue a career in aviation; becoming a pilot for large military transport aircraft or remotely piloted aircraft. Mendez is also considering becoming a cyberspace operations officer. I understand that as an Air Force officer I will be held to a higher standard and be asked to lead people who, at times, might have more time in service; however, I see this as an opportunity for me to grow as a person and as a leader. I m ready for whatever the Air Force has to offer.

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20 Pirate s Log: 15May 1970 Tales from Air Force History: On May 15, 1970, President Richard Nixon presented Sgt. John Levitow with the Medal of Honor, making him the fourth enlisted person to receive it. In 1969, Levitow s plane, an AC 47 Spooky gunship, was struck by an enemy mortar shell during a night mission over Vietnam. Although he was seriously wounded and stunned, he flung himself on a smoking magnesium flare rolling wildly in the cargo compartment, drug it to an open door and ejected it. Almost immediately, the flare ignited clear of the aircraft. FORCE MANAGEMENT From Page 6 Officer and enlisted VSP AFPC received more than 1,600 officer and 7,000 enlisted applications, of which more than 2,800 were ineligible for the program. The VSP window closed May 1 with more than 380 officer and approximately 2,400 enlisted VSP applications approved so far. AFPC will continue to process the remaining applications in all eligible AFSCs, enlisted grades and officer year groups. Civilian force management - Voluntary early retirement authority/voluntary separation incentive pay AFPC recently concluded the survey period for VERA/VSIP round 2, in which 31 installations participated, with 497 employees applying for VERA/VSIP. Of those, 59 were approved for voluntary separation on May 31. AFPC will continue to work with the installation civilian personnel sections to assess the need and timing, if necessary, for an additional round of VERA/VSIP. Resources Updates to information on force management and other personnel programs will continue to be available on mypers. Airmen can use the new force management graphic on the Air Force Portal which will take them to updated matrices and force management program details.

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22 MacDill Services Memorial Day 2014 Holiday Weekend MacDill 6th FSS Operating Hours Friday, 23 May Saturday, 24 May Sunday, 25 May Monday, 26 May 6th Force Support Squadron Surf s Edge Club CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Boomers CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Child Development Centers CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Family Child Care CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Human Resources CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Resource Management CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Fitness Center Golf Course Golf Course Fairways Grill Bowling Center CLOSED Information, Tickets & Travel Tickets Only CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Library CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED SeaScapes Beach House CLOSED CLOSED Diner s Reef Breakfast Lunch Dinner Midnight Meal Outdoor Recreation Marina Main ODR Office Wet Slips CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Skeet Range CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Main Pool (Recreational) (Adult Lap) CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Youth Center Preteen CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Teen CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED School Age Program CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Arts & Crafts Center Framing & Engraving Shops CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Auto Shop CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Wood Shop CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Support Services Military Personnel CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Civilian Personnel CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Base Education Office CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Airman & Family Readiness Cntr CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED cadets From Page 10 lenges and unparalleled opportunities As you take your place in the ranks of our Army, know that our nation s freedom now rests in your hands. Crytzer also shared what it will be like for the newly commissioned second lieutenants as they command their first Army small unit. In this nation s army, junior officers lead by example. Your subordinates will look to you for information and for you to make decisions; they will follow your lead, said Crytzer. If you carry out your duties fairly, selflessly, confidently, and courageously they will even admire you. Most of Crytzer s speech, however, was focused on leading by example; he shared with the cadets what he calls, FM22-Crytzer, his 11 keys to good leadership. Learn from the good and the bad Keep yourself rounded Keep yourself humble Take care of your people With total professionalism, speak your mind Set the example Listen to and empower your people Be a team builder not a team destroyer Strive to be positive and make it work Know your profession early Be positive and enjoy the ride, explained Crytzer. Second Lt. Nicholas Huether, military police corp. commissioning cadet, and distinguished graduate took the generals comments to heart. When he said you have to be dedicated and after you ve succeeded be able to look back and say I d do it all over again, that really stuck with me, said Huether. As the newly commissioned second lieutenants prepare to head off to military training and then to their first posts, Crytzer gave them another piece of advice. He stated, As you stand in front of your subordinates for the first time, remember they will not care where you came from or what you know until they know you care.

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25 MACDILL COMMUNITY EVENTS Friday SeaScapes Beach House Crab Night! 3-8 p.m. The everyday bar menu is also available from 4 p.m. until close. Buckets of 1lb. snow crab legs, 1lb. shrimp $ lb. snow crab legs, 1/2lb. shrimp $ lb. snow crab legs $9.75 1lb. shrimp $9.50 1/2lb. shrimp $6.50 *All portions are served with Old Bay potatoes & corn, melted butter Pitchers of beer $4. Saturday Base Beach/Marina Beach Day is 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Exclusion Zone open - shoreline/ wade fishing. Free Issue of beach toys: water bikes, stand up paddle boards kayaks/canoes, volleyball. Call Outdoor Recreation at for more information. Saturday-Monday Base Pool The Base Pool will open for the season Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. Open 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday MacDill Lanes & Family Fun Center Single Airman Lunch & Bowl from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Free games and shoes. Wednesday Short Fitness & Sports Center Spin Marathon from 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. Spin logs will be provided. 10 pts. per mile; your total mileage will determine your overall score. Medals for top performers. Call the Fitness Center at Welcome home Lake Region High School senior Maria Vazquez stands next to her winning artwork design at an unveiling event at Memorial Park in Lakeland, Fla., May 9. A teacher worked with Vazquez to produce the model in paper and cardboard, and well-known regional artist Tom Monaco fabricated it on a larger scale in glass and steel. More than 60 students responded to the challenge to design a sculpture using honor as the base concept. The sculpture project serves to recognize honorable service and link the community and youth to veterans and first responders. CHAPEL SCHEDULE Protestant service Sunday - 11 a.m. - Contemporary Service Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - FAMCAMP Service Catholic services Saturday - 5:30 p.m. - Mass Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - Mass Islamic service Monday-Thursday - 12:10 p.m. Mass Friday - 1:30 p.m. - Muslim Prayer Service Call the chapel at for more information or visit the chapel web site at Courtesy photo Thursday Base Theater Free movie: The Pirate Fairy at 5:30 p.m. Everyone welcome.

26 THERE I WAS... From Page 3 A majority of these contractors can be very pleasant to work with. Each one of them has an incredible story if you are willing to lend them an ear. They especially like it when you attempt to speak their language. I enjoy learning new languages, so it was a good trade off. The one thing I missed more than anything was my friends and family. I missed interacting with my coworkers on a daily basis as well. I made a lot of good friends during my deployment, some of whom I still keep in touch with. There were certain things that made me feel at home and kept me CORNER From Page 2 education impacts the type and form of government structure and the long-term stability and security of a people. As reported in a 2009 article in the New York Times titled Want a Stronger Democracy? by Edward Glaser, there is a strong correlation between the education level of a country and the stability of a country s democracy. This is likely related to the fact that violence or war between democratic countries is virtually non-existent, creating stable relationships from a political and economic perspective. With this in mind, it is reasonable to think that education and the continued commitment to education across our planet helps ensure the maintenance and expansion of freedom for this generation and generations to come. This reminds me of the old Strategic Air Command motto, War is our profession, peace is our product. going. My girlfriend would constantly send me care packages containing snacks, letters and clothes. We also spoke to each other on a daily basis. My supervisor went above and beyond for me and sent a memory foam for my bed. I still think it was one of the best gifts I received while deployed. My supervisor has always been there for me and is always eager to help me improve and excel in all that I do. She is a great supervisor and mentor. I enjoyed my deployment and would definitely do it again if I received the chance. An extrapolation of this motto applies to the support we provide to a culture of education and innovation creating the outcome of peace and freedom by our ability to dominate in air, space and cyberspace. While we should never forget our ultimate goal, we need to embrace the culture and systems by which we can most effectively achieve our goals. It is postulated that 90 percent of what we will know in 50 years is not known today. The impact of our highly integrated communication systems, and the ability to access information, along with ever increasing processing power combined with our advances in technology will require more demands on tomorrow s workforce. Through continued societal support to life-long education, our society will be able to meet these demands. Are you ready?