Thunderbolt 10-06-2022

Vol. 50, No. 40

Thursday, October 6, 2022

All MacDill tankers evacuated ahead of Ian News/Features: page 3 MAFFROGEN workshop

News/Features: page 10 Ian rescue, recovery

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings

Community: page 19 Events, Chapel, more...

A KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing takes off from the runway at MacDill Air Force Base Sept. 26. All tanker aircraft at MacDill were evacuated in response to the anticipated effects of Hurricane Ian.

NEWS/FEATURES

AF leaders share experiences, resources with military families at AFA

by Capt. Steve Lewis Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFNS)—Department of the Air Force leaders and their spouses shared advice and resources with military families during a Families in the Fight panel at the 2022 Air Force Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference Sept. 21.

Panelists consisted of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., and his wife Sharene, Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond, and his wife Mollie, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass and her husband Rahn, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force Roger A. Towberman, and his wife, Rachel.

Lt. Gen. Caroline M. Miller, Air Force Manpower, Personnel and Services deputy chief of staff, moderated the discussion and engaged panel members on common challenges military families experience, including childcare, education, healthcare, housing and spouse employment, and resources available to assist them.

“We’ve walked the same path many of you

have, and our goal is to make it better for those who follow and come behind us,” Brown said.

“We want to break down as many barriers as we can to make serving in our Air Force or Space Force enjoyable.”

When asked about efforts to mitigate the impact of inflation and a nationwide housing crisis on Air Force families, Brown highlighted actions underway to increase pay, allowances and entitlements. He also acknowledged the need for a system for determining Basic Allowance for Housing rates that are both responsive to the market and stable enough that military families can plan.

Sharene Brown added that, while policies and programs are being adjusted at the headquarters level, there are also resources at the local level to support military families.

“What we don’t recognize is oftentimes there are programs already in place at the Military Family and Readiness centersthat can help us overcome some of these challenges,” she said, encouraging Airmen and spouses to engage their Key Spouses to connect with individuals and resources.

Some of the local resources for military families highlighted during the panel include: u Kinderspots: a mobile app designed to centralize and streamline the subletting of short-term slots at military child development centers. u Joint Service School Liaison Program: education specialists that assist with local school navigation, deployment support, scholarship and grant resources and more. u In-Home Child Care Fee Assistance Pilot Program: A new pilot program that will run for five years and cover full-time care for a minimum of 30 hours to a maximum of 60 hours of childcare weekly.

Rahn Bass also mentioned leveraging their local Military Family and Readiness center while his wife was deployed. The couple was raising two young daughters in Mississippi during this period.

“If you have kids, deployments not only impact your spouse, but your children, too,” Rahn Bass said.

See FAMILIES, Page 17

Be sure to visit the official 6th Air Refueling Wing website at www.macdill.af.mil 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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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 DoD moving ahead on recommendations to combat sexual assault Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—Last year, an independent review commission ordered by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III put forth an array of recommendations designed to stop sexual assault and harassment in the military. Today, the Defense Department is well underway in implementing those recommendations, said the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.

On Capitol Hill Wednesday, Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr. told lawmakers at the House Armed Services Committee that the Defense Department now has a framework in place to track the implemen- tation and effectiveness of its efforts and to provide regular prog- ress reviews through senior leadership forums that includes membership from across the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the services.

“The level of oversight is a significant departure from previous reforms efforts in this area, and not only are we making progress, we’re building the infrastructure needed to make real, lasting change and rebuild trust with our service members,” Cisneros said.

One part of that infrastructure, Cisneros said, is the development of a professional sexual assault and sexual harassment workforce.

“At full operating capacity [it] will include over 2,000 personnel sta-

tioned around the world,” he said. “The department has worked to create a targeted recruitment plan to support the services in their hiring efforts, and I established a dedicated direct hiring authority, which I signed out last week, to more quickly identify and onboard these prevention workforce professionals.”

Co-chairing an ensuing panel, “the Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones testified on the Department of the Air Force’s efforts to ensure Airmen and Guardians live and work in an environment safe from sexual harassment and sexual assault.”

“To successfully fulfill our mission to protect and defend our nation, addressing sexual harassment and sexual assault must be a top priority,” Jones said. “This is a warfighting issue, a readiness issue and a leadership issue.”

The DoD is also working with the military services to professionalize the victim response workforce, Cisneros said. Professionalization of that task means the Defense Department and services would no longer need to rely on military members who may be doing that same work now as a collateral duty in addition to their regular military job. Additionally, as part of an effort to regain the trust of victims of sexual assault and harassment, that workforce will be outside the chain of command.

Cisneros also told lawmakers the department would soon reach iniSee SEXUAL ASSAULT, Page 17

AMC moves out on MAFFORGEN available phase workshop

by Air Mobility Command Public Affairs Air Mobility Command SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.—In an effort to better support global requirements and achieve full-spectrum readiness objectives in the face of increasingly contested environments and domains, AMC has taken important steps to prepare its Airmen for the first major milestones in implementing the command’s new force generation and presentation strategy, Mobility Air Forces Force Generation (MAFFORGEN).

In April, mission generation personnel whose units will be first to enter the Available Phase of MAFFORGEN this fall, had the opportunity to hear from HQ AMC/A3 and A4 leadership and Functional Area Managers at the first “A-Phase Workshop” held near Scott AFB, Illinois. Attendees included Airmen and civilians from Operations, Maintenance, and Contingency Response squadrons across the command.

AMC has recently begun its transition to MAFFORGEN in accordance with the direction from Headquarters Air Force to align with the Air Force Force Generation (MAFFORGEN) model. Under MAFFORGEN, force elements are assigned to various phases of readiness throughout See WORKSHOP, Page 14

Photo by Master Sgt. Maren Kazin

Lt Col Michael Lynch, Air Mobility Command Operations Management Division Deputy Chief, and Brig Gen. (ret) Thomas Clark from the Deloitte MAFFORGEN Implementation Team, discuss questions and inputs provided by participants at the Mobility Air Forces Force Generation (MAFFORGEN) Available Phase Workshop on April 19. The Available Phase Workshop is the first of several initiatives to educate Airmen at the wing level on MAFFORGEN as the Command works toward reaching Initial Operating Capability on Oct. 1.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Oklahoma Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Imwalle

Maj. Nicholas Reynolds, 219th Engineering Installation Squadron director of operations, administers the Oath of Enlistment to Staff Sgt. Jessica Middleton, 138th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management technician, while in Mission Oriented Protective Posture gear during Middleton’s reenlistment ceremony at the Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Okla., Sept. 20. Middleton, an Oklahoma native, has been a member of the 138th Fighter Wing for six years.

Photo by Kemberly Groue

Photo by Master Sgt. Perry Aston

Col. Jason Allen, 81st Training Wing vice commander, and his wife, Mayra, release a lantern during the Gold Star Families Sky Lantern Release at Biloxi Beach, Miss., Sept. 23. The event, hosted by Keesler Air Force Base, included eco-friendly sky lanterns released in honor of fallen heroes.

Seneca, 409th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron military working dog and explosives detection dog, receives instructions from Staff Sgt. Sirmann Toliver, 409th ESFS military working dog handler, while on patrol at Air Base 201, Niger, Sept. 7. This will be Seneca’s final deployment before she retires after 10 years of service.

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NEWS/FEATURES DoD invests funding to help reduce prices, economic security for military families

by DeCA Corporate Communications FORT LEE, Va.—Service members and their families will soon see a 3-5 percent decrease in pricing on most grocery items in their commissaries as part of a Department of Defense (DOD) initiative to bolster the economic security and stability of the military community.

DOD’s “Taking Care of Service Members and Families”initiative lays out comprehensive actions to support military members struggling with the financial impacts of inflation, supply chain disruptions and the pandemic.

“The Department’s added investment in our budget allows us to reduce commissary prices at the register about 3-5 percent on most items – particularly on food staples that struggling military families need most such as bread, eggs, milk and more,” said Bill Moore, director and CEO of the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA). “With this boost we can achieve at least 25 percent in overall savings for eligible patrons who shop their commissaries.”

Commissary customers are expected to see price changes at most locations by mid-October. Pricing on some products and categories of items will vary.

Before the additional funding, DeCA was able to provide service members and their families with discounted groceries that cost on average 22 percent less than civilian grocery stores for fiscal year 2022.

“Going forward with the Department’s initiatives, we want to sustain the increased savings through fiscal year 2023 and exceed the 25 percent benchmark to the extent our resources allow,” Moore said.

“In addition to the savings, we provide healthy food options, clean and safe stores, convenience and premier customer service for our service members and their families,” Moore said. “Commissaries are there when our military families need them most, even in disasters or pandemics or periods of inflation. We’re an insurance policy to ensure food security for our military families. With all that value and now additional savings, our patrons would be very smart to shop their commissaries!”

“Taking Care of Service Members and Families” aligns with DOD’s overall campaign for economic security, first announced November 2021 when the Department unveiled its “Military Leader’s Economic Security Toolkit” on Military OneSource. The webpage is a central landing spot to help leaders connect service members and their fami-

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See PRICES, Page 20

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NEWS/FEATURES

MacDill holds women’s leadership panel

by Staff Sgt. Alexis Suarez 927th Air Refueling Wing

More than 25 Airmen across the 6th Air Refueling Wing and the 927th Air Refueling Wing attended a women’s leadership initiative chief ’s panel hosted by four command chief master sergeants stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, Sept. 16, at the Bay Palms Golf Course restaurant.

Panel members included Chief Master Sgt. Shae D. Gee, 6th ARW command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Kelly Kruger, 927th ARW command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Erin Willis, 927th Maintenance Group superintendent and Chief Master Sgt. Catrell Wilson, 6th Operations Group superintendent.

The panelists highlighted the importance of mentoring women at all levels of their careers and the importance of seeking guidance, topics such as pillar management, setbacks, family, competitive and flexible career moves, and mental health were discussed.

“I was working all day, then would go home and continue to work, I wasn’t taking care of myself,” said Kruger. “Self-awareness is number one. You have to be aware of who you are, what your values are, what you believe, and I lost myself over those years which made some relationships in my life suffer and as a chief you’re building relationships.”

See WOMEN, Page 16

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Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexis Suarez

From left, Chief Master Sgt. Shae D. Gee, 6th Air Refueling Wing command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Erin Willis, 927th Maintenance Group superintendent, Chief Master Sgt. Kelly Kruger, 927th ARW command chief, and Chief Master Sgt. Catrell Wilson, 6th Operations Group superintendent, were the panelists for the women’s leadership panel held at Bay Palms Golf Course restaurant, MacDill Air Force Base on Sept. 16. Topics discussed included the importance of seeking guidance, pillar management, setbacks, family, competitive and flexible career moves, and mental health.

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NEWS/FEATURES

USAFEC commander publishes strategy to prepare Airmen for expeditionary warfare

Photo by Staff Sgt. Dennis Hoffman

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Chad Kotce, 921st Contingency Response Squadron emergency management craftsman, walks between pallets of cargo on board a C-17 Globemaster III in eastern Europe, May 1, 2022. The 621st Contingency Response Wing recently deployed Airmen as a Contingency Response Element to move resources in support of U.S. European Command operations.

U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Public Affairs U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Public Affairs JOINT BASE McGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J.—Maj. Gen. John Klein, commander of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, published a new strategy defining a roadmap for the enterprise on how and why Airmen must prepare for the ‘next big fight.’

In support of the center’s higher headquarters, with particular focus on Air Mobility Command’s recently released command strategy and the anticipated Mobility Manifesto, Klein is accelerating change by focusing efforts on organizing, training and equipping Airmen for expeditionary warfare.

“Over time, we’ve shifted our focus away from what warfare may look like with a direct competitor,” said Klein. “This new strategy is in8

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tended to realign our focus to a peer that may conduct warfare on a level similar to our own.”

The central theme throughout Klein’s guiding document is victory delivered by Airmen. As such, Klein has charged his commanders to invest now in the Airmen that deliver the flexible, strategic options our nation needs to lead from a position of strength.

The Expeditionary Center has a unique set of functions that it fulfills. We have two Air Mobility Operation Wings that allow us to project the joint force globally; the USAF’s only Contingency Response Wing that help us respond to emerging situations at a moment’s notice, as well as fortify our relationships with partners and allies through our advisors; our Joint Bases that allow us to project forces and integrate seamlessly with our sister services; and our Expeditionary Operations School which helps us

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train and educate the entire Air Force for expeditionary warfare.

“With the combination of these capabilities, I have no doubt we will fortify the warrior mindset within our Airmen and empower them to accomplish anything necessary to win the next big fight,” said Klein.

With the release of this strategy, Klein has initiated a one-year shot clock that will see to several key enhancements to the USAFEC, mirroring that of Air Mobility Command.

“Next-Generation tactics will be applied to our Contingency Response and Air Mobility Wings along with optimizing Joint Base structures and evolving our expeditionary training to support the joint force, Air Force Force Generation, and advance capabilities needed to win high-end peer conflict,” Klein said.

See STRATEGY, Page 13

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Rescue and recovery in Hurricane Ian’s wake

U.S. Army Soldiers with the Florida National Guard’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear, and Explosive - Enhanced Response Force Pack sponse to Hurricane Ian, Sarasota, Fla., Sept. 29. Soldiers and Airmen were joined by emergency responders from other states as they mobilized to s 10

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Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Gabriel Wisdom Photo by Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Kruz Sanders

(Above) A Coast Guard aircrew from Air Station Miami, Florida, conduct overflights around western Florida in the wake of Hurricane Ian, Sept. 29. Some of the things crews look out for are people in distress, scope of damage and potential pollution. (Above Inset) A Coast Guard aircrew from Air Station Miami conduct overflights around western Florida in the wake of Hurricane Ian, Sept. 29. Some of the things crews look out for are people in distress, scope of damage and potential pollution.

U.S. Airmen and Soldiers set up sandbags across the installation in preparation for Tropical Storm Ian at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. Sept.. 28. Airmen from the 20th Civil Engineer Squadron prepared all week for potential impacts from the storm and are poised to respond anytime and anywhere to support the base in the aftermath of the storm.

Photo by Sgt. Neysa Huertas Quinones

kage load supplies as part of their resupport the local community.

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Photo By: Airman 1st Class Steven Cardo ◆

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Force Support Squadron Services Effective as of 06 SEPT 2022 OPERATIONAL

LIMITED SERVICES

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Common Access Card (CAC) - By Appointment Only or Mission Essential Actions (Initial CAC issue; lost CAC; PIN Reset; CAC expiring within 7 days; emergency hardships Retiree/Dependent ID Cards - 2 Kiosks available at the BX for renewals or by appointment only Passports - By Appointment Only Military Personnel Flight APF/NAF/CIV Personnel Office Manpower & Organization Office School Liaison/EFMP NAF Cashier Cage Private Org/Unit SM&W Funds Emergency Financial Assistance

EVENT SUPPORT Breakaway Event Center Theater

FOOD OPERATIONS DFAC Rickenbacker’s Cafe Brews of the Bay Bar FitStop Smoothie Bar (Fitness Center) (Open Sept 12) 8 Iron Grill (Golf Course) Boomers Bar & Grill (Breakaway Event Center) Hangar 6 Grill (Bowling Center) SeaScapes Bar - Friday nights only 1500-2000 AAFES Food Operations

Follow Us on facebook @macdillfss

macdillfss.com

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CLOSED

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Main Base Pool - Closed For Season FamCamp Marina - 1/2 or Full Day Boat/ Equipment Rentals, Snacks & Drinks Boat/RV Registration + Wet Slips Golf Course Arts & Crafts Center Bowling Information, Tickets & Travel DIY Auto Hobby Shop DIY Wood Shop Skeet Range Archery - by Reservations Only Car Wash/Resale Lot

READINESS/DEVELOPMENT Fitness Center Child Development Centers (CDCs) Family Child Care School Age Program Youth Center

Military & Family Readiness Center Open for walk-in customers and appointments.

Classes & Workshops are a mixture of virtual and in person.

Library Base Education Base Training Office Airman Leadership School Professional Development Center/FTAC WAPS/Vol. Education Testing Lodging (MacDill Inn)

STRATEGY From Page 8

By initiating the tasks within the new USAFEC Strategy, Klein is ensuring the 14,000 Airmen within the enterprise are committed to developing and maintaining a warrior mindset that is oriented toward the pacing threat of our peer competition. With a clear vision of where the enterprise is going, along with proper organizing, training and equipping, Klein’s goal is to make sure the United States Air Force does not fail.

“With this strategy, I am empowering the men and women of the United States Air Force Expeditionary Center to take charge, engage and win in a high-end fight,” Klein said.

Tech. Sgt. Spencer Villanueva, an 821st Contingency Response Squadron flight sergeant, tests out his radio equipment during Turbo Distribution 22-2 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, July 13, 2022.

Turbo Distribution is a joint task force-port opening exercise designed to train U.S. Air Force and Army personnel on how to rapidly respond to humanitarian aid and disaster response missions.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Warner

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WORKSHOP From Page 3

the two-year deployment cycle: Reset, Prepare, Ready and Available. As the suspense for reaching MAFFORGEN Initial Operating Capability (IOC) approaches at the end of September 2022, it is critical that force elements assigned to the Available phase on Oct. 1, 2022, understand foundational MAFFORGEN concepts, the impact the transition will have on the force, and what is expected of an “Available” force element.

“The A-Phase Workshop served multiple purposes,” said Lt. Col Michael Lynch, Deputy Chief of Air Mobility Command Operations Management Division. “Our primary goal was to prepare Airmen and their leadership with information they need to successfully transition their force elements to the Available Phase this fall.” Workshop topics included an in-depth explanation of MAFFORGEN, collaborative sessions to identify potential challenges, discussion on personnel and equipment requirements unique to each force element and recommended next steps for each force element ahead of the IOC suspense.

“It was equally important that we received direct feedback from participants about anticipated challenges and roadblocks, and that we had open discussion to address tough questions.” Lynch noted, “We could have spent both days just brainstorming potential challenges, but attendees showed up ready to dive into the tough issues and talk through solutions that will posture us for success.”

Participants’ inputs drove discussion and will inform future guidance on topics such as how to prioritize competing taskings, balance deploy to dwell requirements, establish certification event requirements, and many other items of interest.

“Thanks to candid discussion and collaboration, we made significant progress during the workshop and are on track to successfully reach IOC,” said Lynch.

As a result of the workshop, informational resources and guidance, including a complete Question & Answer document, are available to all Airmen via the CAC-enabled MAFFORGEN SharePoint site. AMC will also provide additional opportunities for Airmen to learn more about MAFFORGEN, provide feedback and ask questions in the weeks leading up to IOC and 14

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Photo by Master Sgt. Maren Kazin

Col Jeff Menasco, Deputy Director of Operations, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, provides opening remarks at the Mobility Air Forces Force Generation (MAFFORGEN) Available Phase Workshop on April 19. The workshop began with an explanation of the strategic context surrounding the implementation of MAFFORGEN and its potential to positively impact our success in a future high-end fight.

Photo by Master Sgt. Maren Kazin

Mobility Air Forces Force Generation (MAFFORGEN) Available Phase Workshop participants discuss challenges pertaining to maintenance personnel and equipment on April 20. The Available Phase Workshop is the first of several initiatives to educate Airmen at the wing level on MAFFORGEN as the Command works toward reaching Initial Operating Capability on Oct. 1. beyond.

The MAFFORGEN A-Phase workshop is the first of several initiatives to support Airmen in the command’s transition to the new model. By Fiscal 2025, all AMC force elements are expected to reach Full Operating Capability and have

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completed a full cycle through all four phases of MAFFORGEN, setting the stage for AMC to continue projecting, connecting, maneuvering and sustaining the Joint Force through the challenges of a potential high-end fight in the future.

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WOMEN From Page 6

During the hour lunch panelist shared their experience with the Air Force and personal life when diving into the topics to showcase how women are breaking barriers and challenges to break glass ceilings.

“I never understood the dynamic of balancing family time versus work time,” said Gee. “We struggled to figure out life after kids, my husband on his own while I was away but we figured it out, work stayed at work and family time was family time.”

At the end of the panel, many women across the room shared their love for the growth and changes in the Air Force.

The military is providing resources to build strong women and place them in leadership roles to grow a stronPhoto by Staff Sgt. Alexis Suarez ger foundation for current and future women in the military. When we work Women across MacDill Air Force Base came together for a women’s leadership panel presented by four together as a family, we grow stronger Air Force chief master sergeants at Bay Palms Golf Course restaurant Sept. 16. The panel discussed varitogether. ous topics and gave their personal experience about their Air Force journey.

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FAMILIES From Page 2

Rahn Bass, who previously served as a first sergeant in the U.S. Army, was actively engaged with school liaison officers and a military life counselor while his daughters were attending school.

“I always used to share with my own service members about resources like this. But to have someone actually present for me and support my family while my wife was deployed was huge for us,” Rahn Bass added.

Mollie Raymond reaffirmed that understanding what resources are available at every location where families are stationed and building a network of support is crucial to resiliency.

“One of the core values for the Space Force is connection,” she said.

“It’s so important to connect where you are, with your units, Guardians, and fellow Airmen. We have an opportunity to build and cultivate family culture. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime.”

To help combat the financial strain of the current economic downturn on Space Force families, Gen. Raymond discussed the progress being made to hire military spouses into civilian positions as the service continues to grow.

“As we’re building the service, we’re hiring a lot of civilians,” he said.

“So, we’ve been doing a lot of work on trying to connect family members to those jobs so they can stay connected.”

Gen. Raymond also shared that the Space Force is partnering with “Hiring Our Heroes” to provide spouses with training and certificate programs to increase the service talent pool and instill greater confidence in newly hired spouses.

In addition to discussing resources available to assist military families, panelists shared their personal experiences of supporting one another as military members and spouses during periods of change throughout their lives and careers.

Having become the first female to hold the highest senior enlisted rank in any U.S. military branch, Chief Bass recognized the uniqueness of her husband’s role, which has historically been held by females.

“He is helping to redefine and normalize what today’s modern military family looks like, which is very different than it was in the sixties or seventies,” Rahn Bass said. “This is normalizing it, and so for our home, we’re helping to redefine what normal is.”

As the panel concluded, the leaders shared closing remarks and voiced commitment to continued support for military families.

“You’ve heard it from the CSO and from the Chief of Staff of the Air Force,” Towberman said. “We can’t want more for your families than you want. You’ve got to hold us accountable. You’ve got to know that they are important.”

SEXUAL ASSAULT From Page 3

tial operating capability with its Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Training and Education Center of Excellence.

“Another significant undertaking at the [Defense] Department is military justice reform, through the implementation of the Offices of Special Trial Counsel,” Cisneros said. “This effort will ensure independent expertise and prosecutorial decisions and is essential to the restoring of trust and to hold perpetrators of sexual assault accountable.”

According to Cisneros, the Offices of Special Trial Counsel will en-

sure independent, specialized expertise in prosecutorial decisions for the covered offenses of sexual assault, domestic violence and related crimes.

“The department has clearly heard from our service members that action and change are desperately needed, and the department is answering that call,” Cisneros said. “Getting this right requires we move as expeditiously as possible to implement change, while also ensuring we do not rush to failure.”

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Give parents a break at the CDC Friday, Oct 14, 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Parents must register their child for this session by tomorrow.

Call the CDC for more information at 828-0195 or visit macdillfss.com/ gpab2022/ 5th annual MacDill firefighter’s challenge Event is Oct. 14, 10 a.m. Fourperson teams compete in firefighter-based obstacle courses for prizes.

The fastest time wins. First place: $500 FSS gift card; second place: $200 FSS gift card; third place: $100 FSS gift card. Register your team at macdillfss.com/ffchallenge/ DFAC weekend brunch coming Everyone with access to MacDill AFB can enjoy the DFAC and starting Oct. 15, there will be more to enjoy. Brunch will include a carving station, cooked-to-order omelets, breakfast pizzas and more.

Do you have a library card?

Stop by the MacDill library to get your card and gain access to audio books, podcasts, magazines, events, and, of course, books. All available by accessing the DoD library. Find more info at macdillfss. com/library/ Ton of activities at the Famcamp Things to do include dinner trips, book club and golf scrambles. Visit macdillfss.com/famcamp/ for the full schedule of events.

New to MacDill? Visit macdillfss. com/relocation

Safe and sound!

Photo by Senior Airman Anneliese Kaiser

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from MacDill Air Force Base lands on the Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, flightline, Sept. 26. Two of MacDill’s tankers evacuated due to Hurricane Ian and flew to Fairchild as a precaution.

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

Jewish - Monthly Lunch and Learn: For sched-

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

served)

Catholic (in-person) - Saturday - 5:30 p.m.

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

Protestant services - Sunday - 11 a.m.

MacDill’s Chapel website is: https://www.macdill. af.mil/chapel

ule & to join distro, please contact elimelach.estrin@us.af.mil

Islamic Service - Friday 1 p.m. (space re-

www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

(confession 4:30 p.m.) Sunday - 9:30 a.m. (confessions by appointment)

For more details and information, visit the Chapel Facebook page at http://www.facebook/6amwhc/ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

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PRICES From Page 5

lies with resources they need to help boost their economic readiness.

The commissary benefit portion of the economic toolkit is spotlighted on the DeCA website, specifically on its “We’re Stronger Together” page that links military members to the following patron savings and nutritious options: Timely sales promotions as well as specific items highlighted in the biweekly sales flyer Private label brands and Your Everyday Savings! (YES!) programs that offer better prices on popular, core items Healthy options with dietitian-approved recipes, meal plans and quick, ready-to-eat, economical meal options via the deli and 174 dietitian-approved fueling stations DeCA is also ensuring all eligible patrons know about their benefit, particularly targeting the millions of disabled veterans (DAV) who became eligible for the benefit in January 2020, said Marine Sgt. Maj. Michael Saucedo, senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director.

“We are working closely with veterans’ groups to reach our DAVs and with the active duty military to increase awareness of the benefit to troops earlier in their careers,” he said. “And as we spread the word on this much-needed benefit to all our eligible customers, we are striving to anticipate our patrons’ needs, offer premier customer service and do what it takes to be their grocery provider of choice.”

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Commissaries are also pushing out more initiatives to include the following to help boost the benefit for eligible patrons: Expanding hours of operation and using technology to improve access in more convenient ways than ever before. To date, 56 stores have converted from six- to seven-day operations, seven stores have converted from five- to six-day operations and 43 stores have adjusted hours to better fit the shopping preferences of their communities.

Working with installations on piloting bulk deliveries to barracks or other specified locations with future plans to expand Expanding online shopping and curbside pickup with online payment now available at all stores Piloting home grocery delivery at eight CONUS locations, with agency-wide expansion planned soon thereafter “The commissary system’s commitment to saving military communities money has not wavered for over 30 years,” Moore said. “We remain steadfast in our efforts to improve the quality of life of our eligible patrons by saving them at least a quarter on every dollar they spend on groceries compared to ‘outside the gate’ grocery stores. That’s $50 back in your pocket on a $200 grocery bill!

“We are a food security resource for our customers, and as such, we are doing everything we can to get our precious military families the products they need – at the lowest price possible,” he added.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT