Thunderbolt 7/27/2023

News/Features:page3

CENTCOMchaplaininspires

News/Features:page3

Amilitaryfamily’sjourney

Weekinphotos:page4

Imagesfromtheweek

ROTCcadetsvisitMacDillAFB

PhotobySeniorAirmanJessicaDo

Air ForceROTCcadets fromuniversities aroundthecountrytakeaboatridewiththe6thSecurity Forces Squadron marine patrolmenatMacDillAir ForceBaseJuly14.The6thAirRefuelingWinghostedtheAFROTCcadetsto provide insightintothe AirForcemissionandbaseoperations at MacDill.

Community:page15

Events,Chapel,more...

byStephenOve 6thAirRefuelingWinghistorian

VeteransofMacDillpausetoreflectthe passingofoneoftheirfinest,ColonelLeroy W. Stutzon July9th.

Stutzserved30yearsatdutystationsacross theAir Forcebeginninghiscareerin1964 earninghiswingsasaRF-4CPhantomIIpilotbeforecompletinghisupgradetrainingand headingtothegrowingconflict in Southeast Asia.

Acombatveteranof64missionsthere, it wasonhis finalmission over North Vietnam Leroy wasshotdownandcapturedDecember2,1966.He waslistedasMIAforthenext threeyears. Hisstatus was changedtoPOWin 1969andheremainedincaptivity.

It wasnotuntilthe Paris PeaceAccords weresignedonMarch3,1973thatLeroy was

releasedandhecouldfinallyreturntothe UnitedStatesandhisfamily.

Thecoreofthelifeheleftbehind washis relationshiptohiswife Karen. Leroyalways talkedabouthowmuchKarenhadendured andsupportedhim. As hecouldn’tbemarriedasacadet,Karenhad waitedfouryears tomarry. Aftertwoshortyearsofmarriage, heleftfor Vietnam. ThenKaren waitedonce again,almostsevenyears, forhimtobefound andultimatelyforhisreturnhome.

UponhisreturntotheUnitedStatesin1973 he wasmedicallygroundedfromflying. Victim ofharshtreatmentatthehandsoftheNorth Vietnameseforalmosttheentiretyofthat conflict, Leroyandhis wifeKarencouldbeforgivenfromendingtheirtimewiththeAir Force. Theydecidedtocontinuetoserve.

Amongtheremainingseventourswiththe

COMMANDER’SACTIONLINE

TheActionLineprovidestwo-waycommunicationbetweenthe 6thAir Refueling WingcommanderandtheMacDillcommunity. Personnelmaysubmitquestions,concernsorcommentsviaemailto macdillwingcommander@us.af.milor Facebook@6thARWCommandTeam

MacDillThunderbolt

Publisher: Joe Deluca

Editor: NickStubbs

TheMacDillThunderboltispublishedbythe TimesPublishingCompany,aprivatefirminnowayconnectedwith theU.S.AirForce.Thiscommercialenterprisenewspaper isanauthorizedpublicationfordistributiontomembersof theU.S.militaryservicesonMacDill.ContentsoftheMacDill Thunderboltarenotnecessarilytheofficial viewsof,orendorsed by the U.S. government,theDepartmentofDefense,

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Deadlineforarticlesubmissionsisnoon, Wednesdays toappearinthenextweek’s publication.Articlesreceived afterdeadline may beconsideredforfutureuse.Allsubmissionsareconsideredforpublicationbasedonnewsvalue andtimeliness.

Everyarticleandphotographiseditedforaccuracy, clarity, brevity,conformancewiththe“AssociatedPress StylebookandLibelManual” andAirForceInstruction35-101.

MacDillonthe web

U.S.AirForcephoto LeroyStutz. SeePOWPage11

CENTCOM Chaplain uses faithto inspire change

by Airman1stClassZacharyFoster 6thAirRefuelingWing,PublicAffairs

“Twenty-eightyearsago, onmyfirstday asa chaplain,atmyfirstbase, I walkedinto shakethecommander’shand,” saidCol.Khalid Shabazz, U.S. CentralCommandlead chaplain. “Herefusedtogreetmebecauseofhispreconceivedideasofmyreligion Ittookmenine monthsoftakingcareofmysoldiersthebest I knewhowforhimtoapologize.”

ShabazzisnostrangertotheadversityMuslimservicemembers and civiliansfaceevery day. Asa result,he’smadeithismissionto helpanyone, regardlessoftheirreligiousdesignation,navigatetheir waytolivingtheirlife tothefullest.

AstheCENTCOM chaplain,Shabazzfound thebest wayforservicememberstodealwith highintensityenvironmentsbroughtonby militarylifeistoembracetheirfaith.

AccordingtoShabazz,thebestpartofhis careerisinspiringservicememberstotake advantageoftheresourcesmade availableto them,citing, “untilyou changethe wayyou

lookatthings, thethingsyoulookatwillnever change.”

Amongtheseresources areArabic classes, beardandhijabaccommodations, conscientious objectionforMuslimsopposedtoservinginthe MiddleEastanddedicatedmemorandumsgivingservicemembersthefreedomtoparticipate in Fridayprayers.

Shabazzalsotooktosocialmediatospread hismessage, accumulatingmorethan600,000 followersthroughhismotivationaljourney convertingfromChristianitytoIslam.

“EverymorningIgiveamotivationalmessage,” saidShabazz “Itell my conversionstory anddo my best tousemystoryasan example foranyonenavigatingthesamesituations Ihad.”

Priortohiscareerasa chaplain,Shabazzattended JarvisChristianCollege, Texas, where hepursuedapathtowardsbecomingaChristianminister It wasn’tuntilhemetanIslamic soldierthathemadethetransitiontotheIslamicfaith.

“Whatseparated[theIslamicsoldier] was the wayhecarriedhimself,” saidShabazz. “It

SeeCHAPLAIN,Page12

Whenlovetakesflight: a dual militaryfamily’s journey

bySeniorAirmanLaurenCobin 6thAirRefuelingWingPublicAffairs

Inthevastskies, wherewingscarrythedreamsofthosewhodareto fly, twoindividualsfoundmorethanjustalovefor aviation;theydiscoveredanunwaveringcommitmenttoeachotherandtheircountry.

Maj. Woody“Hollywood”Bowmanand Maj. Meagan Bowman,both pilotsinthe U.S. Air Force, exemplifythetruemeaningoflove, sacrifice andresiliencyastheynavigatethe challengesofparenthood, theirdedicationtoeachotherandtheirmilitarycareers.

BothMeaganand Woodyknewfrom earlyonthatthey wantedto servetheircountryaspilots.

Megan,currentlyservingastheAssistantDirectorofOperationsand EvaluatorPilotfortheKC-135Stratotanker, startedhercareeratthe U.S. Air ForceAcademyin2012.There, shewouldmeetherhusband anddiscoverastrongbongthatwouldstand the test of time.

U.S.ArmyCol.KhalidShabazz,U.S. Central Commandleadchaplain,posesforaphoto at MacDillAir ForceBaseJuly13.Shabazz works closelywithGen.MichaelKurilla, CENTCOM commander, providinginsightinto Middle Easternculture.

U.S.Air ForceMaj. MeaganBowman,assistant director of operations and evaluatorpilotforthe KC-135Stratotanker withthe91st Air Refueling Squadron,andherhusband,Maj. Woody Bowman,joint operational planneratU.S.CentralCommand, poseforaphotoontheflightline at MacDillAir ForceBaseJuly18.Thismilitarycoupleexemplifythe meaningoflove,sacrificeand resiliencyastheynavigatethechallenges of parenthood,their dedicationtoeachotherandtheir militarycareers. See FAMILY, Page10

PhotobyAirman1stClassZacharyFoster

PhotobySeniorAirmanLaurenCobin

WEEKINPHOTOS

FiveU.S.Air ForceF-35ALightningII aircraftperform anaerial missionduring ExerciseMobility Guardian23July18overthePacificOcean. More than70 aircraftparticipatedin MG23whichspanned morethan3,000milesofdistanceandwaterwithmainoperatinglocationsoutofGuam, Australia,JapanandHawaii.

TheBowmanfamilyposesforaphotoontheflightline

atMacDill Air

Force Base July 18. U.S. AirForceMaj. Meagan Bowman, assistant director of operationsandevaluatorpilotforthe KC-135 Stratotanker with the91stAirRefueling Squadron, andherhusband,Maj. Woody Bowman,jointoperationalplanneratU.S.CentralCommand, exemplifythetrue meaningoflove,sacrificeandresiliency.

Aservicememberspeakswithapotentialemployerduringa career fairat MacDill Air ForceBaseJuly20.Theevent provided opportunitiesforactive duty, guard, reserve,DepartmentofDefense civilians andspousestospeakwith morethan90localand international employers.

PhotobySeniorAirmanLaurenCobin

PhotobyStaffSgt.ChristianSullivan

PhotobySeniorAirmanLaurenCobin

Enhancing readinessandstrengthening partnerships

USAFMobilityGuardianandUSIndo-PacificCommandNorthernEdge23-2

byCourtesyarticle

JOINT BASEPEARLHARBOR-HICKAM,Hawaii—To enhance militaryreadinessandstrengthenpartnerships, theUnitedStates Air Forceand U.S. Indo-PacificCommandarecurrentlyconductingtwomajor exercisesinthe Pacifictheater: Mobility Guardian23and NorthernEdge 23-2. Theseexercises play acrucialroleinmaintainingahighstateof readiness, fosteringinteroperability, andensuringthesecurityandstabilityoftheIndo-Pacificregion.

MG23, organizedbyAirMobilityCommand, isabiennialeventthat bringstogetherforcesfromAustralia, Canada, France, Japan,NewZealand, the UnitedKingdomandtheUnitedStatesforrealisticand challengingtrainingscenarios. TheexercisefocusesonMobilityAir Force operations, includingairlift,airrefueling, aeromedicalevacuationand combatsupport.Throughreal-worldscenarios, thetrainingensuresreadiness andhonestheskillsofaircrews, ground personnelandsupport unitsto respondeffectivelyto any crisisorcontingency.

“ThecollaborationandconnectionforgedalongsideourDoDteam-

SeeEDGE23-2,Page6

PhotobyShelbyRapert Airmen FromMacdillAir Force Base refuelF-16FightingFalcons from KadenaAirBase,JapaninsupportofMobility Guardian2023July9 over theIndoPacific region.A multilateral endeavor,MG23 features seven participatingcountries-Australia,Canada,France,Japan,New Zealand,UnitedKingdom,andthe United States.

matesand our Alliesand partnersduringplanningandexecutionwillpaydividendstoday, tomorrow, andintoourunquestionablycomplexfuture,” saidLt.Col. Jake Parker, MG23 exercise director.

Theexerciseprovidesauniqueopportunityforparticipantsto traininajointandmultinationalenvironmentthatfostersinteroperabilityandstrengthenspartnershipsvitaltomaintainingafreeandopenIndo-Pacific. Itallowsthevariousnations tosharebestpractices, exchangeknowledge, andbuildtrust, ultimately enhancingcollectivedefensecapabilities. Moreover, MG23isalaunchpointforinnovationwherenewtechnologies andtacticscanbetestedandevaluated,keepingthecoalition’s forcesat theforefront ofairmobilityoperations.

“ThisisaprovinggroundfortheMAF’snewstatusquotestedthroughtheapplicationofflexibleandagileconcepts,” said Parker. “TheMAFwilldoitsparttoensurethe Joint Forceand ourAlliesandpartnerscanovercometransnationalsecurity challengesbyredefining what MAFreadinesslookslike.”

Simultaneously, NorthernEdge23-2,ledby PacificAir Forces, focuses onjointtraininganddefensive readinessin the region. Forthefirsttime, NE23-2istakingplacethroughout the Pacific Encompassingair, land,seaandcyberdomains, it bringstogetherthe Joint Forceaswellasinternationalpartnerstopracticeandrefineskillsaswellas demonstrateAgile CombatEmploymentcapabilitieswhilefocusingoninnovation and emergingtechnologies.

“Thishasbeenaninvaluableexperienceforourleadwing commandand controlandmissiongenerationforceelements, workingside-by-sidewith our JapanAirSelf-Defense Forceand JapanMaritimeSelf-Defense Forcepartners, significantlyimprovingourinteroperability,” saidCol.Isaac Bell, 366thAirExpeditionary Wingdeputycommander “Togetherweexercised distributedoperationsfromIwakunitoTsuikiandIwo To, ina professionalandsafemanner. Interoperabilitytrainingevents suchasthesearevitaltothefuturesuccessofjoint, multinationalendeavorsensuring afreeandopenIndo-Pacific.

NorthernEdgeiskeyinmaintainingacredibleposturein the Indo-Pacificregion. The U.S. andits Alliesdemonstrate theircommitmenttoregionalsecurityandstabilitybyconductingthesejointtrainingexercises Theexercisealsoservesto evaluatenewtechnologies, tactics, andprocedures, ensuringthe U.S. remainsagileandadaptiveinanever-evolvingsecurity environment.

BothMobilityGuardianandNorthernEdge23-2arecritical componentsofthe U.S. military’s effortstoenhancereadiness andstrengthenpartnerships. Theseexercisesprovidevaluable trainingopportunities, fosterinteroperability, anddemonstrate thecommitmenttoregionalsecurity. Asthe challengesinthe Indo-Pacificregionpersist,the U.S. remainssteadfastinits commitmenttomaintainingastrongandcrediblepresencein theIndo-Pacific, ensuringsecurityandstabilitythroughoutthe region.

U.S.Air ForceAirman1stClassJuan Ortiz,374thLogistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator,workswithAirmenassignedtothe6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron,MacDillAir ForceBaseto refuelaKC-135Stratotanker in supportofMobilityGuardian2023at YokotaAir Base,Japan, July 18.

1stSentence:RoyalAustralianAir Force Airmen,assignedtothe3 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron,andU.S.Airmenassignedtothe375thAES train on aRAAFC-17GlobemasterIIIovertheIndo-Pacific Region,July10for Exercise Mobility Guardian 2023.MG23isanopportunitytotrainalongsideourAllies and partnerstodemonstrate interoperabilityandbolsterourcollective abilityto supportafreeandopenIndo-Pacific.

Photoby Tech.Sgt.ChristopherHubenthal

MacDilldefenderearns 12OAY recognition

bySeniorAirmanJoshuaHastings 6thAirRefuelingWingPublicAffairs

Airmenaretaughtearlyonintheirmilitaryjourneysaboutthevaluesthatmakethe U. S. Air Forcethesupremeairpowerintheworld–integrity,serviceandexcellence.Annually,theAir Force recognizes12OutstandingAirmenwithintheover 250,000-memberenlistedfo rcewh oexe mplifythese valuesandhaverisenasleadersamongsttheirpeers.

Tech. Sgt.Michelle Fernandez,whocurrentlyserves asteamleadforthemarinepatrolsectioninthe6th Security ForcesSquadronatMacDillAir ForceBase, wasrecognizedasoneofthe12OutstandingAirmen for 2022.

“This awardmeanssomuchtomebecauseIhad alotof challengesthroughout2022,” Fernandezsaid. “Tocomeoutasbeingoneofthe12OutstandingAirmen makesmefeelsoproud,humbledandblessed.”

Fe rnandezisoriginallyfromWhittier, California wherealargeportionofherfamilystilllives. Shesaid hermotivationforjoiningtheAir Forcecamefrom a desiretobearolemodelforherfamilyand wanting toprovetoherselfthatshecoulddosomethinggreat with herlife.

Withinher13yearsofservice, Fernandezhashad multiple dutyassign mentsinthesecurity forcescareerfieldincludingoverseasandstateside.From July 2018toMarch2022,sheservedasamastermilitary traininginstructorandnoncommissionedofficerin chargeoftrainingatthe331stTrainingSquadronat Jo intBaseSan Antonio-Lackland, Te xas. Fe rnand ez ledover20flightsoftraineesthroughbasicmilitary trainingandtrainedseveralotherMTIs. Shethengot orderstoMacDillwhereherleadershipabilitieswere soon putto thetest.

“I wa scomingbackto my careerfieldwithdoub t towardmyleadershipabilities, and[I]didalotofselfreflecting,” shesaid.“Idecidedtotakeastep forward andworkevenharderthanIdid before. Comingto MacDill wa sscary, yetexcitin g. I wa sreadyfor the next challenge.”

Athernewdutyassignment, Fe rnandezquickly tookonthedutiesofaflightsergeant,apositionnormallyallocatedforamastersergeant.Duetomanning limitationswithin6thSFS, there wasatwo-monthpe-

SeeOUTSTANDING,Page13

U.S.AirForce Tech.Sgt.MichelleFernandez,6thSecurityForcesSquadronmarinepatrollead,center,standsforaphotowithmembersassignedtothe6thSFSandthe6thAirRefuelingWingcommandteamatMacDillAirForceBaseJune 27.TheU.S.AirForce recognizedFernandezasoneofthe12OutstandingAirmenofthe Ye roleasamarinepatrolleadinvolves protectingover7milesofcoastlineatMacDillandensuringthebase’ssecurity.

PhotobySeniorAirmanJoshuaHastings

ch.Sgt.MichelleFernandez,6thSecurityForcesSquadronmarinepatrollead,center,standsforaphotowithmembersassignedtothe6thSFSandthe6thAirRefuelingWingcommandteamatMacDillAirForceBaseJune Yearfor2022forherexcellenceasamilitarytraininginstructorforbasicmilitarytraining,aflightsergeantandmarine patrollead.Fernandez’scurrent otectingover7milesofcoastlineatMacDillandensuringthebase’ssecurity.

(Farleft)U.S.AirForce Tech.Sgt.MichelleFernandez,6th SecurityForcesSquadronmarinepatrollead,posesfor a photoinamarinepatrolvesselatMacDillAirForceBase June30.TheU.S.AirForce recognizedFernandezasone ofthe12OutstandingAirmenofthe Yearfor2022forher excellenceasamilitarytraininginstructorforbasicmilitary training,aflightsergeantandmarinepatrollead.Fernandez’scurrent roleasamarinepatrolleadinvolvesprotectingover7milesofcoastlineatMacDillandensuringthe base’ssecurity.

(Left)U.S.AirForce Tech.Sgt.MichelleFernandez,6thSecurityForcesSquadronmarinepatrollead,addressesmembersassignedtothe6thSFSatMacDillAirForceBaseJune 30.TheU.S.AirForce recognizedFernandezasoneofthe 12OutstandingAirmenofthe Yearfor2022forherexcellenceasamilitarytraininginstructorforbasicmilitarytraining,aflightsergeantandmarinepatrollead.

PhotobySeniorAirmanJoshuaHastings

“WemetduringPilotTraining,” saidMeganwithasmile. “Ihadjust flownareallytoughsortie. AfterthedebriefIsteppedoutsidetheflight roomtotake a deepbreathandpullmyselftogether, andtherehe was.” Their dreamsof aviationdidnothalttheiraspirationsto create a family, however, thejourneyofdualmilitaryserviceisnotwithoutits challenges.

FortheBowmans, beingadualmilitarycouplemeanthavingtofind balanceandcohesioninallaspectsoftheirlives, especiallywhenthe demandsoftheirrespectivecareersmayseemoverwhelming.

WoodypraisesMeagan’sabilitytoseeissuesfromvariousperspectivesandfindsolutionstocomplex problems, aqualitythatmakesher a spectacularpartner, parentandpilot.Similarly, Meagandeeplyadmires Woody’scommitmenttohisvalues, whichincludebeingadevotedhusbandandfather, doingwhatisrightevenin challengingcircumstances

andembracingkindness.

Woody, nowservingasajointoperationalplannerat U.S. Central Command,explains, “Oneofthemost challengingaspectsofbeingdual militaryhasbeen deconflictingourschedulestoensureourfamily’s needsaremet.Havingasolidsupportgroupoffamily, friendsandcoworkershasbeencrucial.”

TheBowmanshavelearnedtobe“allin”withbothworkandfamily andhave dedicatedtheirfullattentiontoeachaspectwhenrequired.

“We’vealwaysbeenonthesamepagewhenitcomestothethings thatmattermost: ourfamily, ourvaluesandhowwe wanttoraiseour kids,” saidMeagan.“We knoweachother’sstrengthsandleanonthem. WhateverIgothrough, Woodygoesthrough,too. We shareeveryproject,every challengeandeveryvictory.”

See FAMILY, Page12

PhotobySeniorAirmanLaurenCobin

TheBowmanfamilyposesforaphotoontheflightlineatMacDillAir ForceBaseJuly18.U.S.Air ForceMaj.MeaganBowman,assistant director ofoperationsandevaluatorpilotfortheKC-135Stratotankerwiththe91stAirRefueling Squadron,andherhusband,Maj. WoodyBowman, joint operationalplanneratU.S.CentralCommand,exemplifythetruemeaningoflove,sacrificeand resiliencyastheynavigatethechallengesof parenthood, theirdedicationtoeach other and theirmilitary careers.

USAF, Leroy spentthemostofhistimeafter Vietnamat MacDill,crosstrainingas logisticsofficer. Everthehumble servant,hispresenceinspiredmembersoverthetwo toursandeightyearshespentatMacDillasamember ofthe 56th Tactical Fighter Wing.

DennyCole, thenajuniorAirmanatthe base, joined a chorusofotherveteransoftheunitinreflectingon Stutzimpact on thebase. “Atdidn’tknowatfirst about hisreputation, butInoticedhim bythe wayhecarried himself,” saidCole. “Hisdemeanor wassocalm, justlike he wasoneof theguys. Henevertalkedabouthisservice butthataddedtotherespectheearnedbyall. I’veheard itfromsomanyofthe othersthatservedwithhim--to thisday, Ihavenevermetamanthatinspiredsomany people, enlistedandofficersalike.”

ColStutz’smilitarydecorationsincludedtwoSilver StarMedals, twoLegionofMerit(onewithV), oneDistinguishedflyingcross, twobronzestarmedals(both withV),twopurpleheartmedals, fourMeritoriousservicemedals, sixair medals, POWmedal, andothers.

was clearhehaddisciplineandthatresonatedwithhowI wantedto carrymyself Afterresearchingmore, IfoundtheIslamicreligionhad a lotmorethatfundamentallyalignedwithmybeliefs.”

Now, Shabazzfindshimselfworking closelywithGen.MichaelKurilla,theCENTCOMcommander, providinginsightintoMiddleEastern culture. Healso claimedthetitleoffirstMuslim chaplaintoadvise a brigadiergeneral,lieutenantgeneral,majorgeneral andnow a general.

Hissharedfaithhasproven instrumentalinadvisingthecultural contexttoMiddleEasternpoliticsandreligionandhasprovidedhim theopportunitytousehisreligiousbackgroundtoreducetensionswith MiddleEasterncounterparts.

“Myprimaryroleistoadvise[Gen.Kurilla]onthecultureintheMiddleEast,” saidShabazz.“Mymoreimportantroleistoaidindialogue betweenourpartnersintheMiddleEastthroughourshared faith.”

AsharedfaithallowedShabazztheopportunitytocommunicatewith MacDill’smission partnersonaculturallevel,Shabazzrecommends everyoneparticipateinopenconversationasamethodofbuildingrelationships.

“ThebestthingI’vefoundtobetterunderstandeachotheristosimplytalktooneanother,” saidShabazz.“Iencourageeveryonetohave

FAMILY

FromPage10

Astheir childrengrowolder, thecouplehopestofind ways toinclude themmoreintheirworkinglives, fosteringasense of prideandunderstanding abouttheirparents’commitments toservingtheircountry.

“WheneverIputmyflightsuitandbootson,Charlotte[herdaughter] says, ‘Mommy going to work,’” Meagan shares. “It reminds me that whilebeing away fromour kidsisdifficult, weareteachingthemthe valueofhard workand dedication.Itrytoexplaintothemthatjust like they get togoto school,wegettogoto work!”

Thecouplemade a commitmentearly on toplacetheirrelationship asatoppriority, knowingthatastrongfoundationwouldserveasthe anchorfor theirfamilylife andcareers.

“Wemadeapactthatifwecouldfigureouthowtoberightas a couple, whichincludedbeingstationedneareachother, wecouldbe rightforourkidsand our careers,” saysMeagan.

Now, thecoupleembraces change asMeaganopens anew chapter oftheirlives, preparingtotransitiontoreserviststatusasanAdmissionsLiassonOfficer forthe U.S. Air ForceAcademy.

“IknewIneededabreakfromactive duty, yetI wasn’treadytobe doneserving,” saidMeagan.“I’vesincelearnedthatendless choic-

opendialogueabouttheirreligiousbeliefsbecauseIthinkwe’dfindwe havealotmoreincommonthanyou’d think.”

AccordingtoShabazz,49:13Quranbestdescribesthisideal,“Wecreatedyoufromamaleandafemaleandmadeyouintopeoplesand tribessothatyoumaygettoknowoneanother.”

Shabazzexplainedthequotesymbolizespeople’s purposeonEarthis toworktogethertowardsacommongoal.Hefurtheredthisconceptto encompasstheAmericanculture, “Ourculture[asAmericans]ismultinational,multifacetedandmultifaith.Allofourdifferentperspectives cometogethertomakethedynamicsystemweliveintoday. Ourability tointeractandcommunicatewithoneanotherissynonymouswithour successasaculture.”

AfterdedicatinghimselftotheIslamicreligion, Shabazzrenamed himselffromMichaelBarnestoKhalid,meaning“immortal,” Shabazz, meaning“eaglethatfliesabovealleagles.” The changesymbolizedhis newbeginningofhisnewlife, andtheArabicmeaningrepresentedthe wayheintendedonlivingit.

Throughout28yearsofmilitaryservice, Shabazz’sfaithandhisdesiretohelpothershaveservedaspillarsenablinghimtoinspireothers whoface adversity.

esexist withinourmilitary—fullandpart-time options, locationand missionrequirementsvarygreatly dependingontheunit.I’mseeing thattherecanbeallsortsofendingstoamilitarycareeranddifferent versionsonhowweholdthemiddletobestsupporttheneedsofthe member.”

To fellowdualmilitaryparentsandmilitaryparentsingeneral, Woodyofferswordsof wisdom, “Buildyourcommunityandkeepup the hard work. It’s challenging, butit’s worthit.”

Navigatingthe challengesof parenthood andmilitarycareersisno smallfeat,but witha solidnetwork offamily, friendsandcoworkers, thejourneybecomesmore manageable.

Meaganreflects, “Itisimportanttorecognizethedifferencebetween thethingsthatserveonlytofillyourtimeandthethingsthatserveto fillyouup. We shouldprioritizewhattrulymatters, and notforgetto leanonour supportsystem.”

Meaganand Woodyremindusthatwithastrongfoundationoflove andsupport,individualscanconquerany hurdlethatlifethrowstheir way. As theyembarkonnew adventures, theirstory continues to inspireotherstosoartonewheightsbothintheskiesandontheground.

Besuretovisittheofficial6thAirRefuelingWingwebsiteatwww

riodwheresheledtheflightofaround30membersbyherself. Inthis role, FernandezledherAirmen duringanuclearoperationalreadiness inspectionwhichtestedtheresponsecapabilitiesofherflight.

Afterprovingherabilitytosuccessfullylead herflight, Fernandez becameMacDill’smarinepatrolleadinSeptember2022.

Fernandezcurrentlysupervises22Airmenwhoareresponsiblefor safeguardingover7 milesofcoastlineatMacDill.Herresponsibilityis toensurethateverymarinepatrolmanisequippedwiththeknowledge andskillsto accomplishtheirdailyduties.

Fernandez’saptitudeforleadinghasmadeherstandoutasanoncommissionedofficer. The NCO tier, comprisedofstaffsergeantsand technicalsergeants, focusesontraining, supervision,andtaskexecution.

“IbelievethatNCOsarethebackboneofalotofunits,” Fernandez said. “AsanNCO, Istrivetobealeaderandmentorthatthejunior enlistedtiercangoto, andIdomybesttomakesuretheyknowIwill alwayshavetheirback.I want[Airmen]toseethebiggerpictureofhow theycannotonlybeavaluableassettotheAir Forcebutreachtheir fullpotentialinlife.”

Fernandezattributesasignificantportionofherleadershipabilityto hertimeasanMTI.

“WhenIwenttobeanMTIatBMT, IdidnotknowwhattypeofleadertheAir Force wantedmetobe,” shesaid.“Throughoutmyexperience asanMTI,IbelieveIdevelopedit,andhowIdevelopeditisthrough theAirmenthatItrainedandtheotherMTIsthathelpedmeleadthe way. Ifelt like I neededtotailormyleadershipstylebasedonthetraineesIled,andlearningwhattheyneededtobeinspiredandtoperform theirdutiestobecome a warriorAirmanof character.”

Fernandezsaidthatagreatleaderhasspecificqualitiesaboutthem, whichinclude beinghonestandtransparentincommunicationand a willingnessto leadfrom the front.

“Leadershipisnotthesameasmanagement,” Fernandezsaid.“Managersgettiedupintoday-to-dayoperationsandmakingsurethatthe jobsimplygetsdone. LeadershipinvolvesgettingouttherewithAirmenandrelatingto them,andbeingabletonotjusttalkthetalk,but to walkthe walk.IwouldneveraskmyAirmentodosomethingthat I wouldn’tbewillingtodomyself.”

Fernandez’simpactisnotonlyseenbythosesheleads, butalsothose aboveher MasterSgt.AlfonsoAlfaro, the6thSFSlogisticsandreadinesssuperintendent, was Fernandez’ssupervisorattheendof2022and sawthe effectshehadonothers.

“Michelle’sleadershipabilityisdefinedbyhowshepositivelyinfluencesandempowerspeoplethroughherdiverseapproachofmaintainingthathumanfactor,” Alfarosaid.“Sheuniquelycreatedaprocessof listening, learningandcultivatingacultureoftrust.Thisfoundationis whatmakesher anexceptionalleaderamidstherfellowAirmen.”

Throughoutherservice, Fernandezhasdevelopedgratitudetoward theAir Forceandnewmotivationforserving.

“TheAir Forcemeansalottomebecauseofwhatithasbeenableto provideformeandmyfamily,” Fernandezsaid.“TheAir Forcehasgiven metheopportunityeverydaytoimpactpeople’slives, andthereisnot anyotherjob like it.”

Therecognitionofbeingoneofthe12OAYisaprestigiousaccomplishmentthat Fernandezearnedthroughherresilience, positiveattitudeandcompassionforAirmen,andit’sthosequalitiesthathelpdrive theAir Force’s missionforward.

Besuretovisittheofficial6thAirRefuelingWingwebsiteatwww.macdill.af.mil

FridayStampedeatBoomers

Join theBoomersStampedeevery Fridayfrom3 p.m.–8 p.m. Boomer’sislocatedinsidethe BreakawayEventCenterwith a fullbar, multiplescreen’s, music, andpooltables. Enjoycomplimentarysnacksanddrinkspecialsevery Friday. Formoreinformation, visit,macdillfss.com/wp-content/ uploads/friday_stampede.pdf.

MacBacktoSchoolevent

Don’t miss outontheMacBack toSchooleventandInformation

FaironSaturday, July29from 9a.m.– noon. Come join the fun atHanger3atthisannualevent filledwithgames, activities, music, food,freeschoolsuppliesandinformation. To learnmore, visitmacdillfss.com/macback-to-school/.

Family First Fridays

Comecelebrate Family First FridaysonAug. 4atSeaScapesfrom 3–10 p.m.Therewillbeluauthemedmenuanddrinkspecials. Fordetails, visitmacdillfss.com/ wp-content/uploads/AugustFFF.pdf

D.I.Y. AutoHobbyShop

TheMacDillAutoHobbyShop isdesignedspecificallyforindividualswhoneedaplacetowork on theircarsbutlacksuitablefacilitieswheretheylive. Rentabay withallthetoolsyouneed Wednesday– Fridayfrom9a.m.–7 p.m. andSaturdayfrom9a.m.–5 p.m. Formoreinformation, visit macdillfss.com/arts-and-trade-crafts/.

Findmoreevents at: macdillfss.com

TheChamp!

U.S.Air ForceCol. EdwardSzczepanik,6thAirRefuelingWingvice commander,left,and Chief MasterSgt. Brett Lafreniere,6th Mission Support Groupseniorenlisted leader,right, recognize StaffSgt.Elizabeth Escalona,6th Comptroller Squadronnoncommissioned officerin charge of defensetravelsystems,duringaChampionofthe Week recognitionat MacDillAir Force Base July18.Escalona was recognizedforher coordination effortswithPacificAir Forcesduring exercise NorthernEdge23andherinvolvement withU.S.Air ForcesCentralinstandingupa DTS programforthe newlyestablished U.S.SpaceForcesCentral.

CHAPELSCHEDULE

NormalHours- Monday-Friday -9a.m.to3p.m.After hourschaplain,calltheCommandPostat828-4362/4361.

Monday-WednesdayMass - 12:10 p.m. www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

CatholicMass -Sunday- 9:30a.m. (confessionsbyappointment)

Protestantvirtualservices -Sunday -11a.m. (www.facebook.com/6amwhc)

Jewish - MonthlyLunchandLearn:Forschedule&tojoin distro,pleasecontactelimelach.estrin@us.af.mil

IslamicService - Friday1:30p.m.(spacereserved)

OtherFaithGroups- Please contacttheChapelat (813)828-3621orviaemail at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil

For moredetails andinformation,visittheChapelFacebookpageat http://www.facebook/6amwhc/or MacDill’s Chapelwebsiteis: https://www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

PhotobyAirman1stClassZacharyFoster

6th ForceSupportSquadron

TelephoneExtensionsPrefix828

Commander.......................................2823

Deputy ................................................2823

OpsOfficer.........................................2703

Mortuary Affairs..............................6597

Unit Readiness............................... 2252

SeniorEnlisted Leader.....................3969

HonorGuard....................................5190

First Sergeant.....................................4153

Marketing&Publicity.......................3055

Military& Family ReadinessFlight..0134

Military& Family ReadinessCtr......0145

Child& YouthServicesFlight.......5097

ChildDevelopmentCtr1..................3332

ChildDevelopmentCtr2.................2244

ChildDevelopmentCtr3..................0195

FamilyChildCare..............................7760

SchoolAgeCare.................................5971

YouthCenter......................................7956

Civilian PersonnelFlight................4286

Civilian Personnel.............................6090

Human ResourceOffice(NAF).........2911

CommunityServicesFlight ..........2921

Arts&CraftsCenter..........................4413

AutoHobby Shop...................373-6545

WoodHobby Shop.........................2093

Bay PalmsGolfComplex................0046

8IronGrill.........................................1507

Information, Tickets& Travel...............2478

MacDillBowlingLanes.....................4005

Hangar6Grill...................................7735

OutdoorRecreation/Equip Rental/ FamCamp................................840-6919

Pool............................................769-9901

Marina.......................................840-1513

Skeet Range...............................488-1244

ForceDevelopmentFlight ...........7320

Airman LeadershipSchool..............2299

Base Theater......................................3607

Education.............................................3115

Library.................................................3607

ProfessionalDevelopment...............1229

Training...............................................4004

Manpower/OrgFlight .....................9977

Manpower............................................3711

MilitaryPersonnelFlight

CACAppointmentLine................796-5272

6fss.fsmps.deersidcards@us.af.mil

ResourceMgmtFlight.....................1449

Private Organizations.......................6962

SustainmentServicesFlight ...0034

2BrewsCatering......................840-2020

Diner’s Reef Dining Facility...............2412

FlightMeals....................................4998

FitnessCenter...................................4496

MacDillInn- Lodging........................4259

Rickenbacker’s..............................7425

SeaScapes Restaurant.............840-1451

BreakawayEventCtr/Boomers..840-2020

AUGUSTLADIES DAY

OILCHANGECLASS

Tuesday,15August•5-7pm

FREEsign-uprequired

FREE72-POINT

VEHICLEINSPECTION

Friday,18August•12-4pm

•InspectionbyCertifiedMechanic

•Check tires,wipers,fluids,brakes, battery andmore

•Ensureyour vehicleissafe

•Getaheadofpotentialissues

•FREE:Save$$$atthe MacDillDIYHobbyShop!

Callwithquestionsorto scheduleyourappointment 813-373-6545

Pleaseregisterinpersonorbyphoneforallcoursesat least3businessdaysinadvance.(813)828-4413 https://macdillfss.com/arts-and-trade-crafts/

OpenStudioMondays•Back-To-SchoolBinderCovers ResinCoaster Pairs•LearnatLunch- Framing FramedResinSeashells• Family Painting-Rainbow Tree

SHORT FITNESS CENTER

IRN

8 8 Grill Grill

GARLICTUNASANDWICH•$8.75

-Limited TimeOnlyTunaMixedwithMayonnaise,CeleryandScallionsona GrilledHoagieRollwithGarlicButter.Sandwich Topped withSwissCheese,Lettuce& Tomato.

ServedwithChoiceofFries (Sweet PotatoorRegular)oraBagofChips.

NEW!

BROCCOLIBITES•$5.75

-Limited TimeOnlyMinibroccoliflorets,cheddar,bacon,andonionscombinedinapotatoflakebreading&fried. Servedwithasideofranchdressing

PickUpA FrequentDinerCard!

Dine5 Times* at8IronGrill&Earna FREE SimulatorExperience!

NEW24/7 ACCESSSYSTEM UPGRADE!

Greatnews!TheShortFitnessCenterishappytoannouncewewereable toexpediteour24/7accesssystem upgrade. We haveinstalledabrand new24/7accesssystemforamuchbettercustomerexperienceforyou. Becausethisisanewsystem,itrequireseveryone,toincludeexistingusers,toregister.

Getyour“fastaccess”to yourfitnessgoalsbystoppingbythe ShortFitnessCentercustomerservicedesktoregister.

*ALLCACHOLDERSWILLNEEDTOBRINGTHEIRCACTOREGISTER.NOTA CACHOLDER?NOPROBLEM!WEWILLISSUE YOUAPROXIMITYCARDFOR USERACCESS.

NOTE:AllpreviousNON-CACuserswillneedtobringtheirissued proximitycardtoregisterinthenewsystem.

MACDILL AFB FL

NEWACTIVEDUTYMILITARYPROMOTIONS

Weareexcitedto offerActive-DutyMilitary&theirfamiliesthesegreat productsavailabletopurchase. –Active-DutyMilitarymaypurchaseuptosix(6)Military Passes–

NEW! SeaWorld&AquaticaOrlando2023Military Pass UnlimitedvisitstoSeaWorldandAquaticaOrlandoandgeneralparking throughDec.31,2023foronly$163.75each(normallypricedat$300.00).

NEW! BuschGardens&AdventureIsland TampaBay2023Military Pass UnlimitedvisitstoBuschGardensandAdventureIsland Tampaandgeneralparking throughDec.31,2023foronly$143.75each(normallypricedat$300.00).

LIONELRICHIE- AUGUST26

LILBABY-SEPT15

SZA-SEPT22

ELEVATIONNIGHTSTOUR-OCTOBER4

JONASBROTHERS-OCTOBER12

JOHNMAYER-OCTOBER13

LUISMIGUEL-OCTOBER15

R&BMUSICEXPERIENCE-OCTOBER20

MALLUMA-OCTOBER28

JO KOY-NOVEMBER17

Bier FestatBuschGardens Tampa

BayCelebratesSix Yearsof

OktoberfestInspired Festivities withLongestRunofEventand All-NewBites,Brews

Guestscanraiseasteinto15newly createdmenuitemsinspiredbyclassicGermanflavors,enjoy60brews fromregionsnearandfar,livemusicfromrisinglocalartistsandmore Eventtakesplaceevery Friday,SaturdayandSundayfromJuly21 throughSept.4,includingLaborDay.Includedin ParkAdmission

MilitaryAppreciation&CruiseDeals

*upto$250 on-board credit