Thunderbolt 1/26/2023

Vol. 51, No. 4

Thursday, January 26, 2023

D-Cell fast, agile - page 8 News/Features: page 3 Secretary of Air Force visits

News/Features: page 3 Citizen Airmen train

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan

Community: page 15 Events, Chapel, more...

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Phillip Martin, a services craftsman assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, also known as Deployment Cell or “D-Cell”, maintains security during a training exercise at Camp Mad Bull on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 7. Based out of MacDill Air Force Base, D-Cell consists of 54 members across 15 job codes forming four agile teams, whose primary role is to “bare base” – to rapidly turn undeveloped locations into fully functional bases. The unit visited Alaska to train and test their capabilities in an arctic environment.

COMMENTARY

Austin, Zelenskyy call on contact group to redouble efforts

by Jim Garamone DOD News

Now is not the time to slack off. Now is the time to dig deep and aid Ukraine in its existential struggle against Russian invaders, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III told members of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group today.

The eighth meeting at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, brought together representatives from more than 50 nations and organizations to determine the best way to get the military capabilities that Ukraine needs to repel Russian forces from their sovereign territory.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the contact group as the meeting opened and the delegates received a briefing from Ukrainian military officials on the situation on the ground and what they believe they need to continue operations.

It is the first time Zelenskyy addressed the contact group and he thanked the assembled delegates for their efforts. He said their military capabilities are already making a difference on the frontlines in Ukraine.

“But do we have a lot of time,” the president asked. “No. Terror does not allow for discussion. The terror which burns city after city becomes insolent when I tell [it] that defenders of freedom run out of weapons against it. The war started by Russia does not allow delays.”

The president called on the contact group to speed up deliberations.

“I’m truly grateful to all of you for the weapons you have provided,” he said. “Every unit helps to save our people from terror, but time remains a Russian weapon.”

Zelenskyy stressed he was speaking to them as ministers of defense.

Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Alexandra Longfellow

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, attend the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base, Germany Jan. 20.

He said they defend “everything that makes our world free, civilized.”

He said the ministers serve a world that values freedom and asked them to remember “the world your parents dreamed of for you. And I’m addressing those who themselves dream of a certain world for their children. It is time now to protect those dreams.”

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE The Action Line provides two-way communication between the 6th Air Refueling Wing commander and the MacDill community. Personnel may submit questions, concerns or comments via email to macdillwingcommander@us.af.mil or Facebook @6thARWCommandTeam

MacDill Thunderbolt Publisher: Joe Deluca Editor: Nick Stubbs The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by the Times Publishing Company, 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,

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the Department of the Air Force or the 6th Air Refueling 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 Refueling Wing or the Publishing Company of the products or service advertised.

For retail advertising, call (813) 226-3318.

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.

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See AUSTIN, Page 10

MacDill on the web Website: www.macdill.af.mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/ MacDillAirForceBase Instagram: macdill_afb Twitter: @macdill_afb News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submitted to the 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office, 8208 Hangar Loop Dr., suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621. Call the Thunderbolt at 828-2215. Email: 6arw.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 CSAF, CMSAF visit CENTCOM

by Staff Sgt. Cassandra Johnson Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar (AFNS)—U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air ForceJoAnne S. Bass visited the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 6-9.

There, they visited Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar conducting key leader engagements and visiting expeditionary air wings.

The goal of the trip was to highlight the Air Force’s continued commitment to building trust and interoperability with regional partners and to show support for Airmen serving in the AOR, who are promoting stability through the performance of Air Forces Central’s critical operational mission and by promoting partnerships.

As the former AFCENT commander, having held the position from 2015-2016, Brown offered thoughts on the value of Airmen serving in AFCENT today.

“As airpower in the CENTCOM AOR becomes increasingly regionally integrated, AFCENT Airmen are leading the way to improved security for the whole of the Middle East,” Brown said. “I know that, as our partners interact with our men and women on a daily basis, they are encountering a professional, well-trained force that contributes to our collective, continued success.”

Bass offered similar observations, reflecting on the purpose of the trip

Photo by Staff Sgt. Sabatino DiMascio

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass answer questions during an all-call with Airmen and Guardians at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, Jan. 8. and the important role Airmen they met with there with play in the Air Force’s mission.

“This visit highlighted our interoperability with our Jordanian and Emirati partners as well as our focus on our noncommissioned officer corps,” Bass said. “It was also a fantastic opportunity for CSAF and I to spend time with our Airmen, hear firsthand about the work they do, and ways we can help. We couldn’t be more proud of those deployed to the CENTCOM AOR. It’s because of the service and sacrifice of our service members that our nation remains free.”

MacDill’s Citizen Airmen hone skills, embody readiness

by Tech. Sgt. Brad Tipton 927th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

Citizen Airmen assigned to the 927th Air Refueling Wing conducted numerous training events during a unit training assembly at MacDill Air Force Base Jan. 7-9 to hone their skills and emphasize readiness.

For Reserve Airmen, this meant planning and executing scenarios designed to employ a range of deployment and in-garrison skill sets in alignment with Gen. John Healy, Air Force Reserve Command commander’s “Ready Now” priority.

Among the training events accomplished, aircrew flight equipment Airmen set up and conducted a decontamination line where aircrew members practiced safely removing uniform items without transferring contaminants to others or themselves.

“Preparing and training on these decontamination techniques allows us to be ready for any See CITIZEN, Page 12

Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexis Suarez

Airmen from the 927th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, MacDill Air Force Base, secure and transport a simulated injured patient during a Tactical Combat Casualty Care course, Jan. 8. Maintaining readiness is a top priority during the unit training assembly weekends for Reserve Airmen at the 927th ARW. MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

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WEEK IN PHOTOS U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Gregory Guillot, deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, welcomes Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 18, 2023.

Kendall engaged with Airmen and toured the installation and its units including U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command and the 6th Air Refueling Wing.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hastings

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

A bald eagle soars over MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 17, 2022.

The bald eagle has been the national bird of America since 1782, when it was placed with outspread wings on the Great Seal of the United States.

Florida has one of the densest concentrations of nesting bald eagles in the lower 48 states, and Tampa Bay provides an abundance of fish for the eagles at MacDill.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. William Au, 6th Security Forces Squadron emergency services team defender, briefs his team during an active shooter exercise at MacDill Air Force Base Jan. 13. EST Airmen are highly trained and equipped to mitigate special threats which can involve barricaded suspects, hostages and active shooters.

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NEWS/FEATURES New Spark Cell opens on MacDill

by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs The MacDill Bolt Cell is open!

The Bolt Cell is MacDill’s new spark cell unit, designed and ready to foster change and innovation around the base and Air Force-wide.

U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Bingham, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Taylor Johnston, 6th ARW chief of innovations, marked the official opening of the unit here Jan. 20.

Spark cells gather Airmen from around their respective bases to come up with solutions for daily problems, big and small, at their units.

“Our number one priority is you [Airmen],” said Johnston. “We want to solve Airmen’s problems with either tech, money, or process. If you come to us with a problem, we’ll help you solve it.”

The Bolt Cell helps MacDill and the Air Force achieve U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s goal of accelerate change or lose.

“If we don’t innovate and change now, we’ve already lost the next fight,” Johnston said.

The Bolt Cell is already working on more than 40 projects. Each projSee CELL, Page 14

Photo by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole

From left, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Phillip Wise, 6th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal team leader; Anthony Lattanze, University of Southern Florida Institute of Applied Engineering director of engineering; and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kyle Cota, 6th CES EOD technician, review the schematics for the Vertical Stabilization System at MacDill Air Force Base Jan. 18.

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24th SOW D-Cell, pioneers of the ACE concept, hone arctic skills in Alaska story and photos by Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan 673rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska—Agile combat employment is one of the most talkedabout concepts in the Air Force. The ability to rapidly deploy and establish forward operating locations, manned by multi-capable Airmen, is the way the Air Force is crafting the future of warfare.

The Airmen of the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, also known as Deployment Cell or “D-Cell,” have been doing just this for more than 60 years.

The unit, based out of MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, consists of 54 members across 15 career fields, forming four agile teams. These teams of multi-capable Airmen are trained in 49 cross-functional tasks including survival, evasion, resistance and escape training, advanced shooting and advanced combat casualty care.

The primary role of D-Cell is to “bare base,” which is to rapidly turn undeveloped locations into fully functional bases.

“The unique thing about us is that we have small teams that can go anywhere,” said Master Sgt. Nathan Johnson, a logistics superintendent and D-Cell Bravo Flight lead. “And because we can do other jobs, we can set up a bare base extremely fast, extremely efficiently.”

Due to working in such light and agile teams, being multi-capable Airmen is essential for mission success.

“Most of our Airmen are at – and I can say this comfortably – at probably a three-level in each other’s career fields, and some even a five-level,” said Master Sgt. Sammy Bridges, security forces superintendent and D-Cell Delta Flight lead.

“If I fall out, the next guy on my team, even though he might be a power [production] guy working on a generator, or he might be a services guy, guess what? He can still upload an aircraft,” added Staff Sgt. Jonathan Webb, an air transportation craftsman. “That [multi-capable Airman] concept is more than what you think it is.”

With their visibilities shifting towards future areas of operation, the unit visited Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 6 through 10, to test their operating capabilities in extreme-cold weather environments.

“We’re out here to see if we can validate the Arctic side of what we have to do,” explained Johnson. “We’ve been in a certain part of the world for a long time, and mindsets 8

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are changing over where we could go. This is so we can test what we’ve been doing since the ’60s in a cold environment.”

The team spent their time in Alaska operating out of Camp Mad Bull, a training area on JBER designed to provide realistic austere operating conditions to test unit capabilities.

“You’re used to building and being at different locations for the past 20 years, where the whole [Department of Defense] has been, right?” said Johnson. “So now you come up here in a different environment, and you have to test yourself in that sense it’s zero degrees here versus where you’re used to building in 90 degrees [weather].”

Over the week, D-Cell worked on troop movement in extreme cold and deep snow, tent construction, and night operations, all of which culminated in a simulated combat scenario.

The Airmen also spent two days working with the Alaska National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment.

One day was spent in a classroom with the regiment’s medevac unit, where they learned cold-weather-specific tactical combat casualty care. The aviators also supported the training’s final combat scenario, providing medevacs to the simulated combat casualties.

“We’ve done medical training, [tactical combat casualty care] and things of that nature, now we’re getting knowledge from the Soldiers up here, who do things in the mountains and Arctic environment,” said Webb. “Pulling that knowledge of how you treat hypothermia, how you treat frostbite, versus what we dealt with the past 20 years in a different [area of responsibility].”

“It wasn’t even necessarily the Arctic cold weather training, but it was the questions, the back-and-forth of it,” he continued. “You can read a book on it all day long, but if you’re talking to the author, you’ll get those little details.

It’s good to have that insight.”

After the training wrapped up, the team prepared to leave the sub-zero temperatures of Alaska and return to the warm beaches of Florida – bringing back a new set of skills and validated capabilities.

“As leads, not only were we thinking about the actual build and the project,” said Johnson. “From my perspective, it’s about the personalities and the camaraderie. When you put people in an austere location in a stressful situation, whether it be from external weather or threats, how can those people come together and work as a team and react?

It’s been an awesome experience together.”

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Special Tactics Airmen a Mad Bull during a trainin

assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, also known as Deployment Cell or “D-Cell”, conduct troop movement across Camp ng exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 7.

(Far left) Special Tactics Airmen assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, also known as Deployment Cell or “D-Cell”, conduct troop movement across Camp Mad Bull during a training exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 7.

(Left) U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Steven Meyer, a services craftsman assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, also known as Deployment Cell or “D-Cell”, maintains security during a training exercise at Camp Mad Bull on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 7.

AUSTIN From Page 2

“People who dream, that freedom will be protected for Ukraine for all of Europe for each and every coalition country,” Zelenskyy said. “It is about people who believe that evil and hatred will always lose. The Kremlin must lose.”

Austin, who chairs the Contact Group, began the meeting detailing the latest tranche of weapons and supplies the United States is pledging to Ukraine. This is a $2.5 billion set of equipment and ammunition that brings the total U.S. contribution to the effort to $26.7 billion since the Russian invasion began Feb. 24, 2022.

“Our new package provides even more air defense capabilities to help Ukraine defend its cities and its skies,” he said.

This includes new National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, and eight Avenger air-defense systems.

The assistance package also helps address Ukraine’s need for armor and combat vehicles, the secretary said. “We’re providing 59 more Bradleys, 90 Strykers, 53 [mine-resistant, ambush protected vehicles] and 350 Humvees,” he said. The package also restocks Ukraine’s need for artillery and ammunition.

“The United States remains determined to lead — and to do our part to help Ukraine defend itself,” he said.

And so it is with democracies around the world. Austin said the unity demonstrated by the 50 countries that have stepped up to aid Ukraine demonstrates the resolve to defend small nations from the aggressions of the large nations, basing that defense on the international rules-based order that has served the globe so well.

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his cruel invasion and expected a quick and easy victory against an unprepared foe. He expected the world would ignore his blatant power grab. “But Putin didn’t count on the courage of the Ukrainian people,” Austin said. “He

didn’t count on the skill of the Ukrainian military. And he didn’t count on you — on everyone on-screen and around this table,” he said, addressing the assembly.

Eleven months into the conflict, the combat has changed. Ukraine repelled the initial Russian push to try and take Kyiv. They launched counterattacks that saved Kharkiv and pushed the Russians out of Kherson. The fighting continues in the Donbass region, with Russian forces reliving the troglodyte combat of World War I with thousands of casualties for every inch of gain.

“We need to keep up our momentum and resolve,” the secretary said.

“We need to dig even deeper. This is a decisive moment for Ukraine — and a decisive decade for the world. So make no mistake: We will support Ukraine’s self-defense for as long as it takes.”

It is a worldwide effort and Austin noted Poland’s efforts in “providing armored vehicles, in training Ukrainian forces and in providing shelter for Ukrainian refugees. “Our German hosts have announced that they will also provide a Patriot air-defense system for Ukraine, complementing our own Patriot contribution. Germany will also donate Marder Infantry Fighting Vehicles for Ukraine,” he said. “Last week, Canada announced that it would provide a NASAMS air-defense system to Ukraine. That’s a major investment in Ukraine’s ability to defend its skies.”

He noted that France is also turning over AMX-10 light tanks to Ukraine and that many European nations are involved in helping train Ukrainian forces.

“This is a crucial moment,” Austin said. “Russia is regrouping, recruiting and trying to re-equip. This is not a moment to slow down: It’s a time to dig deeper. The Ukrainian people are watching us. The Kremlin is watching us. And history is watching us.”

Be sure to visit the official 6th Air Refueling Wing website at www.macdill.af.mil

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NEWS/FEATURES

Aim High application gets updated feature to help any Airman become a recruiter

by Leslie Brown Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS)—Air Force Recruiting Service’s Aim High application has a new update that will interest Airmen around the Total Force.

The app, originally launched in June 2020, became a valuable recruiting tool during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic helping recruiters connect with potential applicants in a virtual environment. But with continual improvements, now the app has a feature that will help all Airmen, or any of the app’s more than 270,000 users, to become a recruiter of sorts for the Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.

“The new feature allows anyone who has the app to play an important role in filling the uniformed vacancies in our force,” said Capt. Michael Bambarger, the Aim High app functional manager. “No longer does a military member approached in public have to refer someone to the local recruiting office, or a friend or family member have to convince someone they know who’s interested in joining the military to seek out a recruiter.”

The app update, which was pushed Jan. 10, allows any app user to assist in the Air Force’s recruiting efforts.

“Users now have the ability to send that individual’s information directly to the Lead Refinement Center in San Antonio, where it in-turn

will be sent back to the local recruiter in the area of initial request,” Bambarger said. “Anyone interested simply needs to go to their mobile device app store, and search “Aim High” and download the app. App users can send a referral on behalf of any interested party.”

In the “more” tab dropdown menu, users can click “refer a friend” to get the Refer a Friend Form that asks for name, email, phone number, zip code and advanced interest (optional).

AFRS hopes all Airmen will consider sharing the app while attending outreach events. For example, Airmen who are approved for the We Are All Recruiters program can use the app at the events they attend and have a direct positive influence on recruiting no matter their geographical location.

The Aim High app was developed to inspire users through a variety of unique experiences, attracting the most talented individuals and educating them on Air Force career opportunities. Users can participate in events, share content, and invite family and friends to follow their initial training experience.

U.S. Space Force career content will be integrated into the Aim High app soon. In the meantime, hopeful Guardians can use the app to connect to a recruiter, learn about the requirements to join and get an idea of what they can expect at basicmilitary training.

The Aim High app can be downloaded on Android or iOS.

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CITIZEN From Page 3

Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexis Suarez

Citizen Airmen from the 927th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, simulate removing contaminated equipment and clothing in a decontamination line Jan. 8. scenario where they may be needed,” said Airman 1st Class Jennifer Rebollo, an aircrew flight equipment apprentice assigned to the 927th Operations Support Squadron. “It’s better to be prepared and go through the steps now than someone ends up injured or hurt. In the end, it keeps us and the aircrew safe.”

Elsewhere, Airmen took part in tactical combat casualty care training. The first level of training is for all service members, providing the basics necessary to treat wounded personnel in a conflict or even in day-to-day life.

“We as a group of military members should be able and ready to effectively care for each other no matter what occupation we have,” said Tech. Sgt. Tyrone Randall, tactical combat casualty care instructor. “These basic skills save lives on and off the battlefield.”

The day-long course provided hands-on training, such as the proper use of placing a tourniquet kit on themselves or another injured individual, checking for signs of life and packing wounds using highly realistic training aids.

Members of the 927th Aerospace Medicine Squadron conducted more in-depth training including care in a simulated combat environment.

“This training is a great refresher for all of us, especially for those who are deploying,” said Airman First Class Salvador Camacho, a medical logistics specialist assigned to the 927th AMDS. “Creating the muscle memory in these life-saving techniques ensures that we are ready to use our skills without hesitation.”

Planning and execution of realistic and in-depth training allow the 927th ARW to drive readiness at every opportunity. Implementing these types of training tackles our top priority to guarantee Reserve Citizen Airmen are mission ready, right now.

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CELL

From Page 5

ect brings innovation to MacDill by connecting units with civilian contractors, the University of Southern Florida, or other Air Force bases around the nation.

“We have got a lot of things planned for this next fiscal year, from au-tomating a KC-135 to bringing augmented and virtual reality to the 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron and the fire department,” Johnston said. “I want to implement these types of technologies into our day-today lives.”

Currently, the Bolt Cell is working with USF and the 6th Civil Engi-neer Squadron to help explosive ordnance disposal Airmen develop an improved backpack for the field.

“The I1B1 we use couldn’t stand and we didn’t have antennas that we could stand up, either,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Phillip Wise, 6th CES EOD team leader. “So we reached out to Bolt Cell, and they got us hooked up with [USF].”

Wise explained that the I1B1 backpack emits an electromagnetic sig-nal to counter radio-controlled IEDs, preventing them from communi-cating to transmitters and that it uses a set of dual radio antennas to emit the signal.

An EOD specialist needs to take the backpack off while addressing a suspicious package to avoid connectivity risks, but the antennas need to stand vertically to transmit the signal. This posed a problem, so the unit contacted Johnston.

Johnston connected EOD to a three-man team from USF to develop a portable attachment to the bag they call the Vertical Stabilization System allowing it to be taken off and stood upright while a suspicious package is being worked on.

The team has been working with EOD on a solution since August, and their product could impact service members throughout the DoD. This partnership is one of many that the Bolt Cell wants to establish to develop innovation. Johnston stressed that the Bolt Cell will drop what they’re doing for an Airman that comes to their office looking for a solution to their unit’s problems.

“We have to find a way to innovate past ‘that’s the way we’ve always done it,’” Johnston said.

For more information, contact the Bolt Cell at 828-8152 or visit their office in Hangar 4.

Be sure to visit the official 6th Air Refueling Wing website at www.macdill.af.mil

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

MacDill Wingman Day The Short Fitness Center will be hosting a Tailgate Party Feb. 10 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. for Wingman Day. For a full list of events and sign-up link, visit macdillfss.com/ short-fitness-center.

Upcoming M&FRC events Federal Resume Writing – Jan. 26 Bundles 4 Babies – Feb. 7 Visit macdillfss.com/militaryfamily-readiness/ for more information.

Feb. Bay Palms golf tournament The Bay Palms Golf Course will be hosting the “Almost Spring or Not So Winter Classic” on the south course Feb. 11, 8 a.m. It will be a shotgun start. Teams of two will play modified alternate shots holes 1-9 and scramble holes 1018. Fees: advanced green fee holders $25, active duty/retires $50 and civilians $60. Sign up your team by Feb. 10 close of business at the Pro Shop.

Become a Secret Shopper Get paid to call or visit 6th FSS facilities. To learn more, call or email the 6th FSS Marketing Dept. at 828- 2513 or sixfssfsk@ gmail.com.

Open FSS positions available Looking for the perfect career?

Positions are open for ages 14 and up, dependents, retirees and active duty. No prior base access required. Visit macdillfss.com/openjobs/ to see current job openings and apply today.

Find more events at: macdillfss.com

Champ of the Week

Photo by Airman First Class Derrick Bole

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Deborah Ortiz Yi, 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron individual protective equipment technician, receives the Champ of the Week award from 6th Air Refueling Wing leadership at MacDill Air Force Base Jan. 17. Ortiz Yi earned the award by taking control of the squadron’s booster club, including being the sole fundraiser for the squadron.

CHAPEL SCHEDULE Normal Hours- Monday - Friday - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. After hours chaplain, call the Command Post at 828-4362/4361.

Protestant services - Sunday - 11 a.m.

Jewish - Monthly Lunch and Learn: For schedule & to join distro, please contact elimelach.estrin@us.af.mil

Monday-Wednesday Mass - 12:10 p.m.

www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

Islamic Service - Friday 1:30 p.m. (space reserved)

Catholic Mass - Sunday - 9:30 a.m. (confessions by appointment)

Other Faith Groups - Please contact the Chapel at (813) 828-3621 or via email at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil

For more details and information, visit the Chapel Facebook page at http://www.facebook/6amwhc/ or MacDill’s Chapel website is: https://www.macdill.af.mil/chapel MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

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News “For the WIN”

6th Force Support Squadron’s Monthly Highlights – a Supplement to the MacDill AFB Thunderbolt

BAY PA L M S G O L F C O U R S E • ( 8 1 3 ) 8 2 8 - 0 0 4 6

FEBRUARY ‘23

THE ALMOST SPRING OR NOT SO WINTER CLASSIC TOURNAMENT

6th Force Support Squadron Telephone Extensions Prefix 828

Commander....................................... 2823 Deputy ................................................ 2823 Ops Officer......................................... 2703 Mortuary Affairs.............................. 6597 Unit Readiness ............................... 2252 Senior Enlisted Leader.....................3969 Honor Guard ....................................5190 First Sergeant.....................................4153 Marketing & Publicity.......................3055

11 Feb

8am Shot Gun Start • South Course

Advanced Green Fee Holders: $25 Active Duty & Retirees: $50 Civilians: $60 Price includes green fees, cart, lunch & prizes - 2 Person Team Format: • Holes 1-9 Modified Alternate Shot • Holes 10-18 Scramble Stop by the Pro Shop to sign up.

Deadline is COB 10 Feb.

Military & Family Readiness Flight..0134 Military & Family Readiness Ctr ......0145 Child & Youth Services Flight.......5097 Child Development Ctr 1.................. 3332 Child Development Ctr 2 ................. 2244 Child Development Ctr 3 ..................0195 Family Child Care .............................. 7760 School Age Care................................. 5971 Youth Center...................................... 7956 Civilian Personnel Flight................4286 Civilian Personnel .............................6090 Human Resource Office (NAF) .........2911 Community Services Flight............2921 Arts & Crafts Center..........................4413 Auto Hobby Shop ................... 373-6545 Wood Hobby Shop .........................2093 Bay Palms Golf Complex ................0046 8 Iron Grill.........................................1507 Information, Tickets & Travel ...............2478 MacDill Bowling Lanes.....................4005 Hangar 6 Grill ...................................7735 Outdoor Recreation/Equip Rental/ FamCamp ................................ 840-6919 Pool............................................769-9901 Marina ..............................................4983 Skeet Range............................ 488-1244

2023 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP 4 & 5 March • South Course 8am Shotgun Start Both Days

Must sign up NLT Thu, 2 March Open to patrons with access to the base. Stroke play, amateurs only. Must have current USGA GHIN to compete for net score.

Gross and Net prizes in all divisions based on the number of participants, except Championship division. All competitors are required to ride in golf carts. Lunch & Drinks provided after 2nd round AGF*: $130 • Active Duty/Retirees: $170 • Civilian: $195

Force Development Flight ............. 7320 Airman Leadership School.............. 2299 Base Theater...................................... 3607 Education .............................................3115 Library................................................. 3607 Professional Development...............1229 Training ...............................................4004 Manpower/Org Flight ..................... 9977 Manpower ............................................3711

*Advanced Green Fee

Divisions Championship – Blue Tees, No HCP, Gross Open – HCP, White Tees, Gross & Net Senior – Age 55 & Older, White Tees, Gross & Net Super-Senior – Age 65 & Older, Gold Tees, Gross & Net Legends – Age 75 & Older, Gold Tees, Gross & Net Women – Red Tees, Gross & Net

Military Personnel Flight CAC Appointment Line ................796-5272 6fss.fsmps.deersidcards@us.af.mil Resource Mgmt Flight.....................1449 Private Organizations....................... 6962 Sustainment Services Flight ..........0034 2 Brews Catering...................... 840-2020 Diner’s Reef Dining Facility...............2412 Flight Meals....................................4998 Fitness Center...................................4496 MacDill Inn - Lodging........................ 4259 Rickenbacker’s ..............................7425 SeaScapes Restaurant ............. 840-1451 Breakaway Event Ctr/Boomers .. 840-2020

macdillfss.com

I Love 2 Lift Power Lifting Competition 11 Feb • 9am

macdillfss.com/bay-palms-golf-complex/

6FSS NEWS

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February ‘23

Stop by & Check-out Great Gifts for Your Valentine!

All Things Wine!

Inflation Busters Awards Table

Arts & Crafts Center

Mon-Fri • 9am-3:30pm

Hillsborough Loop Dr

Auto Hobby Shop

Arts & Crafts Center

Wood Shop DIY

Cypress Stand St

Hangar Loop Dr

Bowling Center

WATCH FOR RE-OPENING OF MACDILL LANES!

Thu-Fri • 9am-3:30pm NEW LANES 8223 Hangar Loop Drive, Bldg 300 (across from the Fitness Center) NEW PINSETTERS

Fitness Center

813-828-4413

macdillartsandcrafts@outlook.com LASERING - AWARDS | PLAQUES - TROPHIES PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS | CUSTOM FRAMING SHADOW BOXES | FLAG BOXES | CUSTOM WOOD WORKING WIDE-FORMAT PRINTING | GRAPHIC DESIGN

IF YOU DREAM IT, WE CAN DO IT!

DIY Auto Hobby is OPEN!

NEW FLOORING LANES USBC CERTIFIED FOR LEAGUES & TOURNAMENTS (United States Bowling Congress)

Wed-Fri: 11am-7pm Sat: 9am-5pm Please call (813) 373-6545 for more information 14 Work Bays | DIY Lifts | Wheel Alignment Tire Balancing | Parts Cleaning | Brake DIY Services 2

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Thursday, January 26, 2023

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MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

6FSS NEWS

February ‘23

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Open Wed-Fri 3-8pm

Bar Snacks Serving Food 4-7pm

BREAKAWAY

DECK NOW OPEN!

EVENT CENTER

Full Bar

Book Your Next Special Event!

Chicken Quesadilla

Nachos

No Room Fees for Official Events – Ask Us for Details!

Weddings | Birthdays | Showers | Anniversaries | Reunions | Holiday Parties UNITE Events | Change of Command | Retirements | Commander’s Call Unit Team Building | Promotions | Community Hails & Farewells Training Classes | Professional Military Organizations Beefeater

Catering Available | (813) 840-2020 O U T D O O R

R E C R E A T I O N

Know Your Dining Options at MacDill AFB

6TH FORCE SUPPORT SQUADRON 8 Iron Grill (Golf Course) Diner’s Reef Dining Facility (DFAC)

Watch for

Hangar 6 Grill (Bowling Center) Re-opening!

ESM Card Holders Welcome!

Rickenbacker’s Cafe (Lobby of MacDill Inn) SeaScapes Restaurant (Base Beach) FitStop Smoothies & More (Fitness Center)

Menus & Hours of Operation

Located inside the Short Fitness & Sports Center Salads & Bowls | Paninis | Smoothies Fruits-n-Snacks & MORE! MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

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Thursday, January 26, 2023

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6FSS NEWS

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February ‘23

INFORMATION, TICKETS & TRAVEL • TICKET COUNTER: (813) 828-2478 LEISURE TRAVEL OFFICE: (813) 828-1860

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING | ORLANDO MAGIC |CONCERTS

Unlimited Refills All Day Long!

Purchase your ZooTampa souvenir cup here and receive FREE refills on your first visit!

PLUS, bring it back on your next visit and get unlimited refills for just $4.99.

2023

FunSpot $23.25 Orlando, Kissimmee or Atlanta Locations

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO 2023 MILITARY FREEDOM PASS

2-Park “2023 Military Freedom Pass” Promotional Ticket: $200 (Ages 10 & above) • $195 (Ages 3-9) 3-Park “2023 Military Freedom Pass” Promotional Ticket: $235 (Ages 10 & above) • $230 (Ages 3-9)

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE NOW-DECEMBER 24, 2023

Valid for use as follows: • 2-Park “2023 Military Freedom Pass” Promotional Ticket: Now - DECEMBER 24, 2023 • 3-Park “2023 Military Freedom Pass” Promotional Ticket: Now - DECEMBER 24, 2023 2-Park “2023 Military Freedom Pass” Promotional Ticket: Admission to BOTH Universal Studios Florida AND Universal’s Islands of Adventure on the same day. Available for use everyday from November 10, 2022 - through and including December 24, 2023 3-Park “2023 Military Freedom Pass” Promotional Ticket: Admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, AND Universal’s Volcano Bay theme parks on the same day. Available for use everyday starting November 10, 2022 through and including December 24, 2023. Universal’s Volcano Bay closed on select dates. Visit universalorlando.com for details.

Valid for purchase by Eligible U.S. Service Members TICKETS VALID: JANUARY 1 - DECEMBER 15, 2023 **NO REFUNDS** LIMIT 6 PER ELIGIBLE U.S. MILITARY MEMBER

Military member or spouse must be using one of the tickets and going into the park with the guests

BLACK OUT DATES: APRIL 2-15, 2023 AND NOVEMBER 19-25, 2023

Park Hopper Option

Reservations are needed for the park of choice (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom ) and hopping to another park is allowed in the afternoon.

$349

4-Day Park Hopper

$369

5-Day Park Hopper

Park Hopper Plus Water Park Fun & More Options Adds additional admission to one of the Fun & More Options for 4 or 5 days: Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, ESPN Wide World of Sports, Oak Trail Golf Course, Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland Miniature Golf

$379

4-Day Park Hopper Plus

$399

5-Day Park Hopper Plus

Price per ticket (Ages 3+) Days do not need to be used consecutively. Parking not included. All days must be used by 15 December 2023

Scan Here for Open Positions

mac dillf s s .c o m

@macdillfss 4

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Thursday, January 26, 2023

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MACDILL THUNDERBOLT