Thursday, June 8, 2017

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1 Thursday, June 8, 2017 Tampa Bay Times Thursday, June 8, THU

2 NEWS/FEATURES The Air Force prides itself in having remarkable Airmen. Airmen who are not just hardworking and trustworthy, but intelligent as well. So why do something as reckless and foolish as drunk driving? Driving under the influence is illegal and taken seriously because it not only jeopardizes the life of the driver, but also everyone around them. Consequently, a charge for DUI can be personally and professionally devastating and can have far-reaching consequences to an Air Force career. The financial repercussions are severe and begin the moment you get pulled over. Initially, the monetary costs for an off-base DUI incident involve vehicle towing and impound fees of about $400. Then, bail can be in excess of $500 for a first offense, with legal fees adding an additional $5,000. If convicted, the driver faces fines from $500 to $2,000, up to 9 months in prison and their license is certain to be suspended. Wouldn t you rather spend that hard-earned money on a vacation? And who wants to do 9 months in prison? But wait, there s more. The cost of a DUI does not end here. The Air Force has jurisdiction over Airmen and may have jurisdiction over the crimes they commit, whether on or off an installation. With most off-base issues, the state of Florida will handle the case, but that does not mean Airmen are absolved from military repercussions. The Air Force may also choose to hold that Airman accountable in a military court as well. Significantly, you may be subject to various administrative actions including, but not limited to, revocation of on-base driving privileges, a letter of reprimand, an unfavorable information file, a control roster, a referral evaluation, demotion and could serve as the basis for an administrative separation. For cases in which civilian authorities give jurisdiction to the military, Airmen may be court-martialed under Article 111 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Possible punishments include a bad-conduct or dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of pay and allowances, and confinement for up to 18 months. That s right, a drunk driver could be dishonorably discharged for making the simple decision to start the engine. Since there is no federal civilian DUI law, civilians cited for DUI on MacDill Air Force Base will be prosecuted under Florida state law. Is the risk worth it? No. In addition to legal issues, safety should be the foremost deterrent of drunk driving as the Air Force cannot afford to lose Airmen due to irresponsible mishaps. In every case, there are numerous options other than getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. As Airmen, we are held to a higher standard and we must remember our core value, service before self. So do yourself and everyone a favor. Be smart and don t drink and drive. COMMANDER S ACTION LINE The Action Line provides two-way communication between the 6th Air Mobility Wing commander and the MacDill community. Personnel may submit questions, concerns or comments via to macdillwingcommander@us.af.mil. Website: Facebook: MacDillAirForceBase Instagram: macdill_afb 2 Thursday, June 8, 2017 MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

3 NEWS/FEATURES SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. Lt. Gen. Giovanni Tuck assumed command of 18th Air Force during a ceremony at the Scott Event Center June 1. Tuck succeeds Lt. Gen. Sam Cox, who led the country s largest numbered air force since October 2015 and will retire from the Air Force Friday. As 18th AF commander, Tuck will lead Air Mobility Command s operational mission as Air Forces Transportation, the air component of U.S. Transportation Command. He is responsible for the command s worldwide operational mission of providing rapid, global mobility and sustainment for America s armed forces through airlift, aerial refueling, aeromedical evacuation, and contingency response. Additionally, Tuck also commands Task Force 294, which oversees Air Force tanker operations in support of U.S. Strategic Command. Tuck said he is looking forward to working with the professionals of 18th AF. We re going to focus on speed, Tuck said. We re going to focus on safety and on the culture of safety. And we re going to focus on success, not inthe way we would describe it, but in the way our customers and the people wework with grade what we do. A command pilot with more than 4,800 hours in 11 aircraft, Tuck 18TH, Page 15 It is not uncommon for a member of the U.S. Military to be recognized for his or her achievements and dedication to duty, however the families seldom receive the recognition they deserve. Three years ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the USO and the family of General Norman Schwarzkopf set to change that. During a ceremony held at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Headquarters, Tampa, Florida, the family of Senior Master Sgt. Keith Gardner, 927th Air Refueling Wing, Communications Squadron superintendent, received the 2017 General Norman Schwarzkopf Military Family of the year in the Guard and Reserve category. Behind every exceptional service member, often times there is an equally exceptional family that provides a crucial support system, said Brian Ford, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, chief operating officer. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers honor the incredible sacrifices made by these military families with the General H. Norman Schwarzkopf Military Family of the Year Award. The award honors local families from each branch of the military, Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, as well as the National Guard and Reserve. I m proud to be a military spouse; I m proud to be Keith s wife, tough at times, with deployments and numerous other training commitments, but I wouldn t have it any other way, said Mendy Gardner. You should see all of Keith s awards and decorations, but now I have one, we (the FAMILY AWARD, Page 15 MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Thursday, June 8,

4 WEEK IN PHOTOS 4 Thursday, June 8, 2017 MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

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6 NEWS/FEATURES Every day, Air Force aircraft maintainers repair and replace broken parts on their respective aircraft. Whether these parts are brand new or refurbished, they are required for maintainers to uphold rapid global mobility by keeping planes in the air. The maintainers are responsible for understanding the ins and outs of aircraft maintenance, as well as the use of parts. However, there s a group of Airmen who maintainers count on to provide the aircraft parts they need, when they need them. Staff Sgt. Bernardo Ostalaza Supply Airmen assigned to the 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base provide installation support to the 6th Air Mobility Wing, as well as the other MacDill tenant units. Their role is to maintain a supply of any part that would be necessary to keep MacDill s KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft mission-ready with minimal maintenance downtime. On average we process about 30 to 40 parts per day, said Staff Sgt. Bernardo Ostalaza, the NCO in charge of central storage and mobility readiness spares packages assigned to the 6th LRS. Most of the items we keep on-hand in the hangar range from nuts, bolts and washers to aircraft brakes, wheels and tires. One of Ostalaza s duties is to maintain supply kits with a certain amount of aircraft parts. These kits contain items that are frequently used to help sustain an aircraft such as a KC-135 during a deployment or contingency operation. This provides faster repairs in the event of a broken part while at another base or country. When using the kits during a deployment, we are able to get the aircraft maintainers the equipment they need within minutes, said Senior Airman Jerod Garcia, an inventory technician assigned to the 6th LRS. During an exercise, it s crucial to make repairs as quickly as possible and even in the event that we don t have the part on-hand, we can always find a way to get it. When an aircraft deploys, its crew and the maintainers assigned deploy with it. The same is true with supply Airmen and supply kits. At a minimum, two supply troops will deploy with a kit, said Ostalaza. Once at their forward operating base, those Airmen will act as a logistics supply liaison, keeping the kit stocked and ordering any parts necessary to sustain the aircraft s operability. We re prepared to keep the aircraft sustained for 30, 60 to even 120 days. Without supply s help, required aircraft repairs will be postponed due to the missing parts. It s their job to keep supplies flowing in order to keep aircraft flying. On average, we keep more than 15,000 individual general-use parts as well as more than 9,000 aircraft parts at MacDill, said Ostalaza. Accountability is huge because each part has its own unique location in the warehouse and if the system says it s there and it can t be found, then someone is responsible for a part worth upwards to $100,000. It can be hard work, but in the end, our actions directly affect the speed of maintenance repairs to keep planes in the air. 6 Thursday, June 8, 2017 MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

7 NEWS/FEATURES I take pride in being first generation military, said Airman 1st Class Hyo Kim, a SharePoint administrator and knowledge manager assigned to the 6th Communications Squadron. I do it for my family who has done so much for me. At the age of 2, Kim moved to the U.S. with his family from South Korea. He grew up in Fairfax, Virginia, and lived there until joining the Air Force. I was told by my dad that he wanted a better future for us so we immigrated here, said Kim. My parents came from nothing and worked hard for my sister and me to grow up in the U.S. without any problems. Kim s original goal was to play college football after high school, but his parents gave him the idea of enlisting in the military instead. At first I was skeptical and wasn t really sure, but thanks to my parents, I don t regret one second of it, said Kim. My mom helped me stay disciplined until I shipped out. Kim enlisted when he was 19 years old. My parents, aunts, and uncles are very proud that I am the first one to be in the Air Force, said, Kim. And my sister is next; she will be enlisting next year. Kim s next set of goals involve finishing school to become an officer and PRIDE, Page 11 MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Thursday, June 8,

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10 NEWS/FEATURES A gaggle of Airmen solemnly stood watch as a detail of four marched to position themselves at the base of the flagpole. In silence, each member of the flag detail waited attentively for the sound of the national anthem to signal they could lower the flag and begin rendering honors. Although this is the normal procedure for a routine retreat ceremony, one important detail made this event different from the others it was Memorial Day. In honor of Memorial Day, MacDill Air Force Base held a ceremony at its Air Park to pay respect to fallen heroes on May 26, just before the holiday weekend. Our nation does not forget the Airmen the Soldiers, Sailors and Marines who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, said Col. Jennifer Barrett, vice commander of the 6th Air Mobility Wing. They were, and still are, cared for during their final journey home. Memorial Day is a day to remember remember our service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our great country. Whether that was in conflict, in direct support of combat operations or if they gave their last while in the line of duty doing their jobs. Following opening remarks provided by Barrett, the flag detail preceded to render honors to the American flag. Each of the four Airmen moved with ceremonious precision as they lowered, presented and folded the flag. You could have heard a pin drop as the flag received a final salute as every Airman stood like stone behind the commander, paying their respects to those lost. The detail formed up and calmly marched away. Upon the detail s departure, those in attendance were released for the Memorial Day weekend. We always embrace these opportunities, said Senior Airman Kevin Beasley, an air traffic controller assigned to the 6th Operations Support Squadron and member of the flag detail. It s always a pleasure to honor those who fought for our freedom Thursday, June 8, 2017 MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

11 eventually become a pilot. Kim came into the Air Force highly motivated, said Staff Sgt. Stephen Morphis, the NCO in charge of SharePoint and publications assigned to the 6th CS. Being a Knowledge Manager in today s Air Force requires a certain mindset that Kim possesses. Morphis also shared that Kim is always the first to raise his hand to volunteer for base and community events. Recently, Kim participated as a member of the Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage committee, and helped coordinate and execute the AAPI heritage celebration earlier in May. In his short time here at MacDill so far, he has shown a tremendous amount of dedication and has embraced the whole Airman concept, said Morphis. Aside from his hard work at MacDill, Kim places a lot of worth on family values. Respecting elders and people older than me, and caring for family was a big deal growing up, said Kim. According to Kim, his family still holds on to a few South Korean traditions and practices. I always ate with chopsticks and when our birthdays would come around we would eat this type of soup along with other Korean dishes, said Kim. New Years was my favorite because we would all gather and bow to our grandparents, aunts, and uncles and in return, we get money. Kim will visit South Korea next year for the first time since moving to the U.S. I finally get to see my grandma who went back to Korea when I was 8, said Kim. I m also excited to see how different it is from the U.S.; it s going to be a culture shock for me. MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Thursday, June 8,

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13 927th ARW NEWS The 927th Mission Support Group held an assumption of command ceremony at the Base Theater at MacDill Air Force Base Saturday. Col. Amy Boehle, assumed command during the ceremony, attended by more than 200 people, including Col. Frank Amodeo, 927th Air Refueling Wing commander, who presided over the event. Amodeo opened the ceremony by thanking the family of Boehle for their support and their sacrifice. To the family, I thank you all for coming and supporting Col. Boehle, said Amodeo. Without the support of our families we don t function as a military. You all are just as vital to the mission you have no idea of your impact. The ceremony continued with words from Amodeo about the newest commander. As Col. Boehle takes the helm of the 927 MSG I know she is the right person for the job, said Amodeo. There is no one better suited to support our mission here. I assure you that her focus will be in the best interests of the unit and the Air Force as she takes on this new role. Amodeo concluded his speech addressing the members of the unit and then the time came for the passing of the guidon. Before reporting to the 927 MSG, Boehle served as the Selection Board secretariat at Air Reserve Personnel Center at Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado. Some of her decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and many others. After assuming command, Boehle addressed members of the unit. Becoming the 927th MSG commander is like hitting the Air Force lottery, said Boehle. I am afforded the unique opportunity to work with diverse organizations and that s what really excites me; we re all working together as a team to take care of the mission. MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Thursday, June 8,

14 COMMUNITY MacDill Lanes & Family Fun Center Club Membership Appreciation, 6-8 p.m. Door prize drawings; cosmic lighting and sound. All Club members and their family members bowl free. Call for more information. Base Theater Free movie. Beauty & the Beast (PG). Doors open at 1:15 p.m. Movie starts at 2 p.m. Overflow parking available in the SO- COM parking garage. Airman & Family Readiness Center Your Life in Balance from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 4-5:30 p.m. at Bldg. 38. Balancing everything life throws at you can be a bit daunting. Each month, a different topic will be discussed to get you on the road to balancing your life. If you have a suggestion for a topic, e- mail Angie.Fields@us.af.mil. Surf s Edge Club June luncheon from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Club members: free, family member: $11, Everyone Else: $12. Base Theater Free movie. Logan (R). Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Movie starts at 7 p.m. Bay Palms Golf Complex Kids Drive Free Program. Free driving range balls from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily through Aug. 31. Golf clubs are available for check-out at no charge. Both clubs and balls can be picked up at the Pro Shop counter. *Free to youths up to age 18. Children under 8 need adult supervision for safety reasons. For more information call For all other faith groups or for any questions, please contact the Chapel by visiting or calling Summer kids bowling special Available daily. $1 per game. $1 shoe rental. For children under 18. Call Thursday, June 8, 2017 MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

15 children) have one, this is such an honor to be here tonight and be recognized for our commitment. Thank you to the Bucs (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) the USO and the Schwarzkopf family, I am truly touched. General H. Norman Schwarzkopf ( ) spent 35 years in the U.S. Army, serving as commander of U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in His daughter, Cindy Schwarzkopf, addressed those in attendance on the important role of family in the military. The glue that holds it together was our family; it was the constant, Schwarzkopf said. There are no ranks or pins for the family of service men and women and that s why this award is so important. The glue that bonds the Gardner family must be extra strong. Shortly after the high school sweethearts tied the knot, they made a decision that would change not only their lives but also the lives of three others. After trying to conceive for a year, a high school acquaintance that was down on her luck gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, said Gardner. Mendy is the most giving and caring person that I know, without hesitation, we accepted the offer to adopt Benjamin. That was just the first adoption for the Gardner family. Soon the family of three became the family of four, then five. Years had passed, and thinking that their family was complete, the Gardner s received a word that they were expecting. And with that the family is now known as the Gardner six. All active-duty and Guard/Reserve military members are encouraged to submit a nomination package and share how his or her family has demonstrated the values of integrity, courage, and commitment while sharing in the sacrifices of service to our country. For more information log onto comes to 18th Air Force from U.S. Transportation Command, where he served as the Director of Operations and Plans. As director, he was responsible for directing the deployment of forces and distribution of supplies and equipment for humanitarian, peacetime and wartime operations for the Department of Defense. Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II, Air Mobility Command commander, said Tuck isthe right Airman at the right place at the right time. He s an exceptional leader and aviator who knows the business from the tactical to the strategic, Everhart said. We need him at the controls of acritically important mission with global requirements and impact. He is the right leader for the job. Tuck promised the Airmen of 18th Air Force he would give them his very best. Like Gen. Goldfein said when he took command of our Air Force, I m going to give you everything I ve got and leave nothing on the table, he said. We re going to look at every opportunity that s laid before us and every challenge that we have and turn them into excellence and success. MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Thursday, June 8,

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