Vol. 43, No. 8 Thursday, February 19, 2015 News/Features: page 3 Education meeting set Week in photos: page 4 Images from MacDill Diamond Sharp: page 7 This week s standout Pirate s Log: 19 Feb 1889 1907 Hanover College, Indiana football team Tales from MacDill History: In 1889, Leslie MacDill was born in the small town of News/Features: page 12 Pirates Log Community: page 17 Events, Chapel, more... AF chief visits Team MacDill - page 10 Photo by Airman 1st Class Danielle Conde Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody greets Master Sgt. Rashon McMullin, 6th Air Mobility Wing superintendent, during his visit to MacDill Air Force Base, Feb. 10. Cody presented McMullin with a coin congratulating her for being selected as one of the top performers at Mac- Dill.
COMMAND CORNER Sacrifices: don t underestimate their importance by Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Lusson 6th Air Mobility Wing command chief As I was reviewing some enlisted performance reports and decorations today, I started contemplating a huge event in my life that occurred almost 20 years ago. In April of 1995, I asked my then girlfriend Tiffani, a fellow Airman at the time, to be my wife, for better or worse. We were married later that year and along our journey these past 20 years, we have seen many places, been blessed with two wonderful children and made many friends. What really got me thinking, though, were the numerous sacrifices that my wife and two children have made. Throughout the journey, my kids have been asked to change schools six times, each time giving up old friends to make new ones. Some of those transitions were easy, but some have been difficult. The resiliency they have shown each and every time inspires me. In some instances, they have actually been the ones itching to move, long before I ever was. My wife has been asked to give up two different jobs along the way as well, not really ever getting the opportunity to start a career. Additionally, my family has had to deal with me missing many birthdays, anniversaries, etc. due to my temporary duties and deployments. We as service members raise our right hand and solemnly swear to defend the United States, against all enemies foreign and domestic. We signed on the dotted line vowing to give our lives in its defense, if needed, but nowhere on that contract does it say that our families should do the same. Whether you have a wife, husband, partner, children or simply family back in your home town, we all have someone, somewhere along the journey with us that didn t sign that contract. They endure the ups and downs, the uncertainties of deployments and the joy of reuniting with one another after those separations. My family has sacrificed so much over these years to allow me to do what I love, which is taking care of our Airmen! I cannot say thank you enough or rewind time to make up for those missed birthdays and anniversaries. I don t think any of us would change a thing, but I simply wanted to let them know how much they are loved and appreciated and that I understand the sacrifice they have made. Two things I ask: First, don t ever underestimate how much the support and sacrifice of our families means to our success; second, please ensure you go home tonight and thank those that you love, give them a call if they are not here with you, or give them a big hug Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Lusson if they are. I can think of no greater thing than serving in the World s Greatest Air Force alongside the World s Greatest Airmen, but without my family and their support and sacrifices, none of it would have been possible. We all look forward to seeing where the journey continues to take us! 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. Email macdillwingcommander@us.af.mil. MacDill on the web Website: www.macdill.af.mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/ MacDillAirForceBase Instagram: macdill_afb Twitter: @macdill_afb MacDill Thunderbolt Publisher: Brian Burns 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) 259-7455. 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. Call the Thunderbolt at 828-2215. Email: 6amw.pa.macdillthunderbolt@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 35-101.
NEWS/FEATURES Education Excellence meeting March 19 by Airman 1st Class Danielle Conde 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs The MacDill Council for Education Excellence will be holding a quarterly council meeting March 19 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Corona Room located in the Davis Conference Center at MacDill Air Force Base. The meeting will consist of 6th Air Mobility Wing and Hillsborough County Public Schools leadership, community leaders, principals and parents, and is intended to provide a forum to address concerns military families have about their children s education. Our military kids relocate an average of nine times during their K through 12 years, compared with three times for their non-military peers, said Col. Andre Briere, 6th AMW vice commander. Our excellent relationship with Hillsborough County Schools eases the reloca- See EDUCATION, Page 14 Air Force Ebola support winds down after months of assistance by Capt. Sybil Taunton U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) After more than four months of continuous airlift support to Operation United Assistance, the U.S. Air Force is winding down efforts in Senegal, Monrovia and Liberia. To help counter the deadly Ebola virus, Airmen from U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, as well as Air Mobility Command and Total Force partners, provided a vital air bridge into Liberia. No military in the world can do what we did in Africa, said Gen. Frank Gorenc, the USAFE - AFAFRICA commander. Our forward presence in Europe gives us the unique capability to act quickly when our partners in both Africa and Europe ask for help I couldn t be more proud of our Airmen and what they do every day in this very challenging part of the world. Aircraft from the 37th Airlift Squadron, of See EBOLA, Page 12 Photo by Master Sgt. Larry Carpenter Col. Andre Briere, 6th Air Mobility Wing vice commander, speaks during the MacDill Council for Education Excellence meeting on Jan. 21, in the Davis Conference Center at MacDill Air Force Base. Quarterly meetings will continue to be held to allow parents to present their educational concerns to the council. Photo Staff Sgt. Sara Keller Cargo is loaded onto the ramp of a C-130-J Super Hercules Oct. 7, 2014, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. As the Ebola outbreak becomes a potential global threat, U.S. Africa Command is working in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development, the lead federal agency, as part of a comprehensive U.S. government effort to respond to and contain the outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa as quickly as possible. This was the first flight launched from Ramstein AB to Monrovia, Liberia, in support of Operation United Assistance.
WEEK IN PHOTOS Members of the Airman Leadership School class 15-B prepare to recite the Airman s Creed during their ALS graduation at Mac- Dill Air Force Base, Feb. 12. The graduation was held to commemorate their completion of the six-week ALS course. Photo by Airman 1st Class Danielle Conde Col. Reginald Godbolt, 6th Maintenance Group commander, presents Dr. Carolyn Collins, former president of the Hillsborough County Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, with a plaque during a black history cultural event at MacDill Air Force Base, Tuesday. Photo by Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr.
NEWS/FEATURES Thunderbirds name MacDill s 14 Tampa Airfest Best Military Show Site by Tech. Sgt. Brandon Shapiro 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs In the 61st year of their world famous demonstrations, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds named MacDill s 2014 Airfest the Best Military Show Site. Commemorating the event was Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, who presented Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn with the award Feb. 9. Each year the Thunderbirds perform across the nation, dazzling audiences and inspiring the next generation of Airmen to serve their country, said James. To be named the Best Military Show Site is quite an achievement, and a testament to what happens when our Air Force works hand in hand with the community. The announcement came after more than 30 show locations were evaluated and a wide variety of criteria assessed. The award is given to the military show site that contributed the most to the Thunderbirds mission, said Staff Sgt. Kristina Overton, Thunderbirds public affairs representative. This includes recruiting, logistics, public and community relations, community involve- See BEST, Page 14 Photo by Staff Sgt. Dana D. Flamer (Left to right) Bob Buckhorn, mayor of Tampa, Col. Daniel Tulley, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, Deborah James, secretary of the Air Force, and General Mark Welsh, Air Force chief of staff, pose for a group photo during the presentation of the Best Military Show Site award, Feb. 9 at MacDill Air Force Base.
DIAMOND SHARP Airman 1st Class Herbert David Prescott Hart 6th Aerospace Medical Squadron Job Title: Ophthalmic technician Hometown: Wellsville, Ohio Short-term goals: Become a full-time college student through AF- ROTC and graduate as a second lieutenant Long-term goals: Retire from the Air Force at 20 years Advice to others: Don t allow others to discourage you. Why did you join the Air Force: I joined the Air Force because I love America.
AIR FORCE NEWS Airmen are the key to air power by Staff Sgt. Torri Ingalsbe Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Command Information ORLANDO, Fla. (AFNS) Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James talked about the importance of a healthy budget, innovation and developing Airmen as key pieces to remaining the world s greatest air power, during the Air Force Association s annual Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition Feb. 13, in Orlando, Florida. There is just absolutely no question in my mind we are the best Air Force on the planet precisely because of who we are and what we believe and what we do, James said. Today our Air Force is fully engaged in joint operations around the world, and the demand for what we do in the Air Force the demand for our capabilities is increasing. In short, everybody wants more Air Force. While the demand for Air Force capability is going up, personnel numbers and funding have decreased, forcing the Air Force to operate in a perfect storm environment, she explained. We are the best on the planet, but we are also an Air Force under strain and something s got to give. To weather the storm, the Air Force is taking the strongest stand ever on sequestration, and is asking Congress for an additional $10 billion in funding for fiscal year 2016. Our budget proposal actually busts the sequestration caps, James said. For the Air Force this represents the difference between an Air Force that our combatant commanders require, and our nation expects, as compared to an Air Force that with $10 billion less, will not be able to meet the National Defense Strategy period. The increase allows support of Air Force top priorities taking care of people; striking the right balance between the readiness of today and tomorrow s modernization; and making every dollar count. The taxpayer s dollar is precious, and we can t afford to waste a single dollar of it, she said. We all have a part to play in making every dollar count. As people are her number one priority, James Photo by Scott M. Ash Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James delivers her State of the Force keynote speech at the Air Force Association s annual Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition Feb. 13, in Orlando, Fla. James spoke about not accepting further budget and force reductions. said she s tried to listen hard to what Airmen need. The overwhelming concerns she found through her various base visits is the reduction in force, particularly involuntary separation boards. I have met so many outstanding and passionate and dedicated Airmen along the way, she said. As far as the downsizing goes, enough is enough. No more. We need to stop this. We may have already gone a bit too far, which is precisely why we are not going to do involuntary boards in 2015. In addition to no involuntary separation See AIR POWER, Page 14
AF chief visits MacDill Photos by Airman 1st Class Danielle Conde Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody answers a question during the Chiefs Group Talk portion of his tour at MacDill Air Force Base, Feb. 10. Cody offered a senior leader perspective on current Air Force issues, and engaged the chiefs on their positions within their organizations and the proper steps toward mission success. (Right) Senior Airman Sevon Telemaque, 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, receives a coin from Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody at Mac- Dill Air Force Base, Feb. 11. Cody presented Telemaque with a coin to congratulate him for being selected as one of the top performer at MacDill (Far right) Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody signs the visitor log during his visit to Airmen Leadership School at MacDill Air Force Base, Feb. 10. The log contains signatures from previous chief master sergeants of the Air Force, along with other distinguished visitors. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody listens to a question from an Airman attending Airmen Leadership School at MacDill Air Force Base, Feb. 10. Cody met with the ALS class to discuss current Air Force subjects and trends affecting new supervisors. Staff Sgt. David Halais, 6th Maintenance Squadron periodic inspection craftsman, tells Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody reasons why Senior Airman Sevon Telemaque, 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, was selected as one of the top performers at MacDill Air Force Base, Feb. 11. Cody presented Telemaque with a coin before proceeding to the Breakfast with Airmen portion of his tour.
Pirate s Log: 19 Feb 1889 1907 Hanover College, Indiana football team Tales from MacDill History: In 1889, Leslie MacDill was born in the small town of Monmouth, Ill. His father was a Presbyterian minister; his mother passed away before he reached his seventh birthday, in 1896. After college, he joined the Army in the Coast Artillery Corps before switching to a then new service, Aviation. He rated as a junior military aviator in 1915 12 years after the Wright Brothers first flight at Kitty Hawk. He served in World War I and later on the War Department staff in 1935. EBOLA From Page 3 Ramstein Air Base and Total Force C-130 Hercules assigned to the 787th Air Expeditionary Squadron in Dakar, Senegal, flew 114 missions, transporting more than 1,000 passengers and nearly 1,750 tons of cargo including food, water and medical supplies. Additionally, a total of 14 Air Mobility Command units from across the U.S. supported the operation using C-17 Globemaster III, C-130, KC-10 Extender and contracted aircraft. Together AMC s units moved nearly 5,500 passengers and roughly 8,700 tons of cargo. Staff Sgt. Cassandra Hancock, of the 37th AS, explained what it was like to be part of the first C-130J crew to fly support down to Senegal and Monrovia for the operation. It gives me great pride to be a part of a squadron that does so much, Hancock said. To have been a piece of the puzzle that helped get people, food and supplies to a country that was dealing with a pandemic of that magnitude is very rewarding. As with all flying operations, no missions can take place without expert planning. It started when the aerial porters assigned to the 603rd (Air and Space Operations Center s) air mobility division teamed with Air Mobility Command and began verifying cargo load plans to ensure the most critical cargo moved first, said Master Sgt. Brian Kaiser, from the 603rd AOC. Also during this time our airlift planners, flight managers and the diplomatic clearances shop teamed together to identify and assess suitable airfields and aircraft routing. The team really pulled together. Kaiser also described the unique challenges involved with the planning process for Operation United Assistance. Transiting through multiple countries for fuel and crew rest became a very difficult task with the uncertainty of the outbreak, Kaiser said. Getting the diplomatic clearances for our crews and aircraft coming back from the initial response was a challenge. As with a lot of missions in Africa, airfield issues were very challenging too, but it s always gratifying to know that as a team we can use our expertise and quickly launch and control an effective airlift response to any crisis including this Ebola epidemic. Civil engineer, medical and logistics personnel from the USAFE - AFAFRICA headquarters staff and the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing also provided ground support for the operation.
BRIEFS Retiree Activities Office Tax season is a full-go now and there are no appointments available. Walk-ins are welcome any day between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Active duty personnel, whether in or out of uniform, are especially welcome every Friday. Once filed, the completed tax form will be submitted electronically. The normal processing time is approximately two to three weeks. There is a tax preparer for the Brandon location now in a room at the HCC Brandon campus. There will be a slight increase for co-pays on base starting in May, so it is recommended that you use our Tricare Mail in service. Again, Walgreens is not accepting Tricare prescriptions, but CVS Pharmacy is. We are still looking for Retiree volunteers in both the office and the tax program. Please call us at 813-253-2575 or drop by our office next to the commissary. We are currently planning a Retiree Activities Day for later this year and when an exact date is agreed upon, we will let you know. This year all of the vendors will be in the clinic. By the way, the clinic and pharmacies are now closed every third Wednesday of the month. The county driver s license van will be here in the BX parking lot every fourth Wednesday of each month. Please visit us it you are in need of any assistance. Women s softball team tryouts The MacDill Air Force Base Women s Varsity Softball Team is looking for competitive softball players for the 2015 season. Please be aware that this is a traveling softball team. For more information or if you would like to tryout, contact coach Harrington at 826-3117 or by email at harringtonwa@hotmail.com. Be sure to visit the MacDill Air Force Base website at www.macdill.af.mil
education From Page 3 tion of MacDill families into the greater Tampa area, improves educational outcomes and teacher and peer support for our children. The MacDill AFB Education Strategy signed Nov. 17 by Col. Daniel Tulley, 6th AMW commander, and MaryEllen Elia, former HCPS superintendent, outlined the goals the council will work toward to ensure the 5,864 students who identified as part of a military family would receive AIR POWER From Page 8 boards this year, the secretary and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III have called for an upward adjustment to 492,000 active, guard and reserve Airmen. The proposed budget will allow reserve component pilots to be instructor pilots, provide funding for Sexual Assault Prevention and Response teams, child care facilities, fitness centers, educational benefits, infrastructure projects and a 1.3 percent pay raise for military and civilian Airmen. When we take care of Airmen and their families and we focus on resiliency for all, that means our Airmen can focus on getting ready for the many, many missions that we must undertake in our Air Force, James said. We need everyone to be focused on that mission. Ramping up current readiness and investing in the modernization across all mission areas of the Air Force is another piece of the budget, she explained. This allows the Air Force to rebuild its readiness over time, and procure a more modern and agile future force. All in all, there s a lot of good in this budget, but it s not perfect, James said. We ve still had to make a lot of tough choices. Some of those choices include phasing out old aircraft, slowing the growth of compensation packages and some base closures. The cost savings in some areas will open others to more innovative ways to complete the Air Force mission, well into the future. Air Force ingenuity and creativity, in concert of course with our industry partners, can make the impossible, possible, she said. Our potential adversaries have been watching us closely over the last 14 years, and they have watched us perform magnificently, but they have been studying us carefully. They understand that we possess a technological advantage, and they haven t been standing still. Gradually, the gap between our capabilities and our nearest competitors is shrinking. By opening areas up to competition, especially in the space launch realm, James said she believes the Air Force can find both cost savings best From Page 6 the same opportunities for educational success as other children attending their schools. For more information, parents may contact Nelly Richards, school liaison officer, at 828-0146, or call the Hillsborough Choice Option Information Line at (813) 272-4692 and ask for Terrie Dodson, HCPS Choice Communications manager. and technological advances. In my experience, both in government and industry, competition always drives down costs and improves innovation, she said. We want both. We want less cost and we want more innovation. We also want a third very important thing mission assurance. Processes are in practice to ensure the Air Force is getting the most bang for its buck in all mission areas, but James said it s the Airmen who are the key to making the mission a success. I m a true believer... that our Airmen are what are going to keep our Air Force the best on the planet, she said. I don t have all the answers, but I do know that we re going to have to work really, really hard, because the most vital part of our strategic advantage... the most vital part that no adversary will ever be able to touch is the pride and the dedication and the passion of our Airmen of today, and we ve got to make sure that we strengthen that for tomorrow. ment, and the planning that provided the most support to the successful completion of a safe air show. MacDill Airfest amassed more than 185,000 spectators over the two-day event and included the likes of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson. Winning an award of this magnitude becomes even more significant given the fact that the entire event was planned in less than 90 days and backed by significant funding from the local community. The 6th Air Mobility Wing s initial planning started months before the event, however, with fiscal budgeting constraints it wasn t until roughly three months out that MacDill received the go-ahead from higher headquarters. But, with the approval came limited funding, which ultimately would have given the base a less than desired showcase. That s when the community reached out to the base and raised additional backing. The relationship between MacDill Air Force Base and the Tampa Bay community is secondto-none, said James. This is due large in part to the steadfast leadership, the tireless efforts of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, and the men and women of this great city.
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 $17.50 1lb. Snow Crab legs, 1/2lb. Shrimp $13.65 1lb. Snow Crab Legs $9.75 1lb. Shrimp $9.50 1/2lb. Shrimp $6.50 *All portions are served with Old Bay potatoes and corn, melted butter Pitchers of Beer $4. Sunday Base Theatre Sunday Classics at 6 p.m. Free showing of The Bridges of Toko-Ri (NR). Feel free to bring your own food and drink! Clean as you go. Monday Airman & Family Readiness Center Financial Planning from 11 a.m. - noon. The workshop covers retirement planning, TSP for government employees to accumulate dollars for retirement, funds available for investing, and new tax laws. Wednesday Airman & Family Readiness Center Heartlink from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Spouse orientation for spouses with less than five years of Air Force affiliation, those new to the MacDill community or mandatory training for key spouses. If you need childcare, please contact the Airman & Family Readiness Center at 828-0142. Protestant service Sunday - 11 a.m. - Contemporary Service Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - FAMCAMP Service Islamic service Friday - 1:30 p.m. - Muslim Prayer Service Catholic services Saturday - 5:30 p.m. - Mass Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - Mass Monday-Thursday - 12:10 p.m. Mass Call the chapel at 828-3621 for more information or visit the chapel web site at http://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel. Courtesy photo Members of Team MacDill pose for a photograph with Air Force senior leaders at MacDill Air Force Base, Feb. 10. Various Air Force leaders gathered at MacDill for the annual CORONA South. CHAPEL SCHEDULE Mark your calendar March 3 MacDill ITT Travel Expo March 6 Mardi Gras Glow Party Family Fun Night March 7-8 Bay Palms Club Championship
(DEERS/ID CARDS) IS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Mission essential personnel (military/civilian CAC users) may still walk-in at any time for emergencies only, i.e. CAC lockouts/pin resets. Please note, if a customer is more than 10 minutes late for an appointment, they will be required to reschedule. Appointments will now be available from 0730-1530 daily. Each appointment is limited to one ID card only. If a customer has additional ID cards to be renewed at one time, an additional appointment will need to be made for each card. Appointments can be made online at tinyurl.com/macdillidcard and all questions can be directed to the 6 FSS Military Personnel Section customer service line at (813) 828-6673.