Thunderbolt 10/13/22

Vol. 50, No. 41

News/Features: page 3 Disaster revovery

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage page 8

News/Features: page 3 Ready Airman Training

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

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

Graphic by the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute

NEWS/FEATURES

Air Force 75th Anniversary reflections: Gen. Van Ovost

by Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost U.S. Transportation Command My interest in aviation began at an early age. Some years after immigrating to the United States from the Netherlands in the 1960s, with little to their name but an abiding faith in the American Dream, my parents owned a flying operation.

Anyone who has been a part of a family business knows that it is just that, “a family’s business” — meaning it’s everyone’s responsibility to chip in, work hard, and do their part to make it successful.

When I wasn’t sweeping hangars or cleaning spark plugs, I was dreaming of jumping in an airplane, taking the controls and flying it myself. Whether I could see over the dashboard or not, I wanted to play with the buttons and knobs and learn everything about flying.

By the time I was a teenager, I had flown a lot of different aircraft. I got my pilot’s license before I got my driver’s license. My passion for aviation, and the science and physics behind

it, was stoked by my time as a Civil Air Patrol cadet and led me to a career in the Air Force.

I set my sights on the Air Force Academy and graduated with a degree in aeronautical engineering. My dream was to fly fighter jets — I wanted to fly Mach 1 with my hair on fire.

Fast forward to now, I’ve logged more than 4,200 hours of flight time in more than 30 different military aircraft. I have been wearing the uniform for more than three decades and I have loved every opportunity my service has given me; and as the Air Force celebrates its 75th anniversary my history and good fortune as part of this organization comes into even sharper relief.

The Air Force employs some of the most advanced aircraft and best-trained people in the world to defend our nation, deter our adversaries, reassure allies, and help diplomacy proceed from a position of strength. The world recognizes that the Air Force and our sister services push technological and cultural boundaries to make our nation the leader in air and space See 75th, Page 13

U.S. Air Force photo

Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost

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 AFIMSC disaster recovery team responds to Hurricane Ian

by Don Arias AFIMSC Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.— Nearly four years after the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center began rebuilding Tyndall AFB following Hurricane Michael, a disaster recovery response team armed with expertise and lessons learned from that storm is helping MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, assess damage in the wake of Hurricane Ian. After Hurricane Michael devastated Tyndall in October 2018, AFIMSC formed a task force to help the base recover. That task force has evolved into the Air Force Civil Engineer Center’s Natural Disaster Recovery Division and now includes a Disaster Recovery Response Team.

The division serves as a strategic reserve of See RECOVERY, Page 11

Photo by Don Arias

From left, Scott Peaceman and John Dunn help team lead Maj. Allen Lewis load the Disaster Recovery Response Team trailer at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 29. The team traveled to MacDill Air Force Base to help stabilize the installation after Hurricane Ian made landfall.

Air Force introduces Ready Airman Training program Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—The Air Force announced plans to transition foundational training for all Airmen beginning Oct. 1 ensuring they have the necessary skillsets to survive and operate during contingencies both at home station and deployed, including remote and contested environments.

Ready Airman Training will prepare Airmen to develop and demonstrate the mindset required to support the Air Force Force Generation, or AFFORGEN, deployment model.

“The vision for how Airmen train and deploy embraces an emerging culture of support maintaining and building readiness across the AFFORGEN phases,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. “We must challenge the status quo to prepare our Airmen for operating in environments far more complex than we have in the past.”

Aligned with the Oct. 1 implementation of AFFORGEN, Airmen will begin receiving tailored training spread throughout the 18-month Reset, Prepare and Ready phases of the AFFORGEN cycle. Unit commanders may adjust the number of training events required based on an Airman’s See TRAINING, Page 12

Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Clevenger

Airmen assigned to the 36th Wing put up tents during an operational readiness exercise at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 12. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command strategy centers on fielding and sustaining a force capable of combat-credible deterrence posture to win before fighting and if necessary, ready to fight and win.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Airman 1st Class Michael Killian

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 6th Maintenance Squadron pick up debris during a foreign object debris walk at MacDill Air Force Base Oct. 1. FOD walks are routinely held to clear the flightline of any foreign objects that could potentially cause damage to aircraft.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Michael Killian

Photo by Airman 1st Class Michael Killian

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Francisco Garcia, a crew chief assigned to the 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, guides a landing KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base Oct. 1. Some aircraft were evacuated to other bases around the country in preparation for Hurricane Ian.

Members of MacDill outdoor recreation pick up fallen branches at MacDill Air Force Base Oct. 1. Many trees, bushes and other vegetation were hit hard by the hurricane, and experienced everything from loss of branches to being completely uprooted.

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NEWS/FEATURES Air Force rolls out plan addressing climate change

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (AFNS)—The Department of the Air Force released its Climate Action Plan Oct. 4, which defines how it will preserve operational capability, increase resiliency, and do its part to help mitigate future climate impacts through specific and measurable objectives and key results. It lays out its enterprise-wide approach to ensuring policies, technology innovation, and evolving operations remain relevant in a changing climate.

“Make no mistake – the department’s mission remains to fly, fight, and win, anytime and anywhere. We are focused on modernization and improving our operational posture relative to our pacing challenge: China. We remain ready to respond and achieve air and space dominance when and where the nation needs us,” said Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall. “Our mission remains unchanged, but we recognize that the world is facing ongoing and accelerating climate change and we must be prepared to respond, fight, and win in this constantly changing world.”

The plan outlines three major priorities that ensure the Department of the Air Force maintains the ability to operate under a changSee CLIMATE, Page 10

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NEWS/FEATURES

Defending the human weapon system with off-duty risk management Air Force Safety Center KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS)—Ever have that feeling when the workday is almost over, and your mind drifts off to that recreational activity coming up?

Anticipation is building for the upcoming adventure. Maybe it involves going for a hike up the mountain, riding a motorcycle through the twists and turns, snowboarding the Alps, chilling at the beach, or even skydiving with friends. No matter the activity, throwing caution to the wind could end in disaster with one bad decision.

To help Airmen and Guardians identify and lessen the risks they may encounter in their off time, the Air Force Safety Center will sponsor a department-wide focus on off-duty risk management from Oct. 8 through Nov. 27. The campaign reaches out to the Air Force and Space Force for participation in both video and safety slogan contests highlighting off-duty threats to the human weapon system.

Airmen and Guardians make good risk management decisions every day without even realizing they are doing it, but between fiscal years 2017 and 2022, the Department of the Air Force lost 172 servicemembers to off-duty activities.

“Our Airmen and Guardians are our most valuable resource,” said Maj. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, Department of the Air Force chief of

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safety and AFSEC commander. “It is important that they make good decisions not only on duty, but also in the off-duty environment. There is inherent risk in many of our activities, and the key is to identify that risk and then negate or mitigate it whenever possible. Our goal is to inspire Airmen and Guardians to have a proactive safety mindset when they approach risk.”

Was an off-duty risk assessment done beforehand? Exposure to unnecessary risks while participating in common off-duty activities without proper risk assessments can result in damage, destruction, impeded job performance, injury, and possibly loss of life. Taking a little time to think about the risks versus the consequences beforehand could both improve your enjoyment of the activity and prevent tragedy from happening.

“Poor decision making and unnecessary risks in the off-duty environment are a continuous, and unending threat to the human weapon system,” said William Walkowiak, chief of Occupational Safety at the Air Force Safety

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Center. “As humans, we have an amazing capability to adapt, overcome adversity, and remain resilient in the face of difficult circumstances.

However, we are neither indestructible nor immune to the potential consequences of our actions.”

As the Air and Space Forces evolve, the services continue to develop ways to mitigate threats to weapon, mechanical and cyber systems, and they must do the same for the most valuable asset, the human weapon system.

The Department of the Air Force has established a robust on-duty risk management program that educates its service members and civilians on how to assess risks inherent to the missions they perform. The program is based on the Five-Step Risk Management process where they learn to identify risk, assess risk, develop controls, implement controls, and evaluate those controls to avoid or mitigate unnecessary risk and decide what is acceptable risk.

This is all being done while keeping in mind See RISK MANAGEMENT Page 10

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More can be done to bring Hispanic More can be DoD, done defense to bring Hispanic Americans into official Americans into DoD, defense official

by C. Todd Lopez DOD News

by C. Todd Lopez he Defense DOD News Department provides broad opportunities for service members and civilians alike, but more can be done to increase the diversity of those holding DOD positions, including citizens, saidprovides the undersecretary of defense personnel andand readihe Hispanic Defense Department broad opportunities for for service members civilians alike, but more can be done to increase the diversity of those holding DOD positions, ness. including Hispanic citizens, said the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readi“The department offers a variety of career opportunities in and out of uniform that span ness. from astronomy, to nuclear science, to human resources and education — not to mention the department in offers a variety of career opportunities in and out of uniform that span vast array“The of opportunities science, technology, engineering, mathematics, which are in great from astronomy, to nuclear science, to human resources and education — not to mention demand,” Gilbert Cisneros said at the 19th National LATINA Symposium’s Distinguished Mil- the vast array of opportunities in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, which are in great itary Service Awards. demand,” Gilbert Cisneros said chief at thediversity 19th National Distinguished Cisneros also serves as the DOD’s officer,LATINA and he Symposium’s told the audience that he Military Service Awards. wants future generations of young people to see the Defense Department as a model employer also serves DOD’sorchief diversity officer, and he But told he thealso audience that he and want Cisneros to serve their countryasinthe uniform as DOD civilian employees. said the wantsmust future of young to see the Defense Department asin a model department do generations more to increase thepeople diversity of those who choose to serve either employer capacity. and want to serve their country in uniform or as DOD civilian employees. But he also said the department do more toofincrease ofand those who choose to serve in either caGilbert Cisneros, must undersecretary Defensethe fordiversity Personnel Readiness pacity.

While Hispanics are well represented in the enlisted force, the same can’t be said across the Gilbert Cisneros, undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness board, he said. are well represented in representation the enlisted force, the same beand saidespeacross the “We stillWhile needHispanics more improvement in Hispanic in our officercan’t corps board, he said. cially in our general and flag officers,” he said. Within the civilian workforce, he said, there is “We still in need more improvement in Hispanic representation in our officer corps and espealso a discrepancy Hispanic representation. cially in our general and flag officers,” he said.the Within the civilian workforce, he Departsaid, there is “While the DOD has made progress in increasing presence of Hispanics in the also a discrepancy in Hispanic representation. ment of Defense military and civilian ranks, there is still much work to be accomplished. This “While the DOD has made progress in increasing the presence of Hispanics in the Departis where I need your help,” Cisneros said, calling on Hispanic symposium attendees to reprement of Defense military and civilian ranks, there is still much work to be accomplished. This sent military service in their communities. is where I need your help,” Cisneros said, calling on Hispanic symposium attendees to repre“To each of you in this room, as an influencer in your community; I call upon you to help insent military service in their communities. crease awareness for what the Department of Defense has to offer by sharing with young peo“To each of you in this room, as an influencer in your community; I call upon you to help inple the value of public service, particularly service to our country, either in the military ranks crease awareness for what the Department of Defense has to offer by sharing with young peoor as a civilian servant,” Cisneros said. “DOD will do its part to build more inclusive cultures ple the value of public service, particularly service to our country, either in the military ranks and communities that work together to influence constructive change.” or as a civilian servant,” Cisneros said. “DOD will do its part to build more inclusive cultures Charmane S. Johnson, that who work servestogether as DOD’s policy for special emphasis programs, and communities to director influenceofconstructive change.” touted theCharmane size of theS. U.S. military and the significance of its mission.

Johnson, who serves as DOD’s director of policy for special emphasis programs, “For those aware, is the biggest employer in themission.

United States with a total toutedwho the are sizenot of the U.S.DOD military and the significance of its force population of approximately 2.5 million military service members andUnited over 900,000 civil-a total “For those who are not aware, DOD is the biggest employer in the States with ians,” she said.

“We are also the largest government agency, we own the most land, and we are civilforce population of approximately 2.5 million military service members and over 900,000 the biggest part of the president’s budget.

And, not to mention, we have the best mission in the ians,” she said. “We are also the largest government agency, we own the most land, and we are world —the at biggest least inpart my of opinion — because we get to solve thatin the the president’s budget.

And, not toproblems mention, no we one haveelse thecan, best and mission makes DOD pretty exciting to work.” worlda— at least in myplace opinion — because we get to solve problems no one else can, and that For DOD to DOD maintain theexciting successes it already makes a pretty place to work.”has, Johnson said, it needs something else: diversity. For DOD to maintain the successes it already has, Johnson said, it needs something else: “We need talent from every community in America to help us get the job done,” she said. diversity.

Graphic courtesy of Walter Ree At the symposium’s awards about two dozen Hispanic all branches “We need talent from ceremony, every community in America to help uswomen get thefrom job done,” she said.

Graphic courtesy of Wa of the military, both uniformed and civilian, were recognized for service to the Defense DepartAt the symposium’s awards ceremony, about two dozen Hispanic women from all branches of the military, both uniformed and civilian, were recognized for service to the Defense DepartSee HISPANIC, Page 10 An aerial view of the Pentagon, May 11, 2021.

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An aerial view of the Pentagon, May 11, 2021.

ed National Military Medical Center

alter Reed National Military Medical Center

Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Brittany A. Chase Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Brittany A. Chase

CLIMATE From Page 5

ing climate, preserves operational capability, protects its systems, and contributes toward enhancing climate change mitigation.

Three points: 1. Maintain air and space dominance in the face of climate risks: Invest in climate-ready and resilient infrastructure and facilities so our installations are better able to project air and space combat power.

2. Make climate informed decisions: Develop a climate-informed workforce, integrate security implications of climate change into Department strategy, planning, training, and operations, and incorporate

climate considerations into Department requirements, acquisition, logistics, supply chain processes, and wargaming.

3. Optimize energy use and pursue alternative energy sources: Expand operational capability and power projection to support operations globally while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adopting cost-competitive alternative energy sources.

The department will provide updates as necessary to address new policies, technology innovation and evolving missions that answer emerging climate concerns.

RISK MANAGEMENT From Page 6

the four principles of risk management; to accept no unnecessary risk, make risk decisions at the appropriate level, integrate risk management into operations, activities and planning at all levels, and apply the process cyclically and continuously.

Off-duty risk management can be as simple as looking both ways before crossing the street, designating a sober driver before attending a party, planning a safe hiking route, swimming near a lifeguard, and riding a bicycle or motorcycle with a helmet.

Airmen and Guardians typically enjoy recreational activities to blow off steam and have fun. These ventures are needed to reduce stress and keep nourished, physically, emotionally and spiritually, properly sustaining the human weapon system.

“It is our responsibility as leaders to train our Airmen and Guardians to do effective risk management while on-duty; however, we must take an aggressive approach in educating them on how to apply their risk management skills to their off-duty activities,” Leavitt said. “Every Airman or Guardian we lose to an off-duty activity hurts our mission, our force, and affects their family forever.”

To defend from unnecessary threats and risks, Airmen should apply the same risk management and sound decision-making toolkit they use on duty. When participating in off-duty, activities they do a risk assessment, take a course if they haven’t participated in a particular activity in a while or go with a club, and always wear the proper fitting personal protective equipment.

HISPANIC From Page 8

ment. Johnson asked all those in attendance to look to those women to see how diversity is helping the DOD accomplish its mission.

“As we learn more about their accomplishments, I hope you will also take note of the vast opportunities to grow and excel in DOD, whether in uniform or as a civil servant,” Johnson said. “As we celebrate this great heritage month for many years to come, we hope to tell even more successful stories, like how women, especially women of color, many in this room, how they will be seated at the table and represented in senior ranks at the same rate as their male counterparts.”

Johnson said DOD recognizes the importance of diversity, including Hispanic women, to its mission, and failure to recognize that will be detrimental to its mission.

“DOD will continue to play a role in advancing equity in Hispanic communities because we understand that readiness requires people, and, when talent is marginalized, organizations lose,” she said.

The 19th National LATINA Symposium Distinguished Military Service Awards event was held during National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

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RECOVERY From Page 3

expertise equipped to tackle natural disasters that may strike any Air Force or Space Force installation. With capabilities that include damage assessment, requirements development and construction execution, the division is uniquely qualified to stabilize a base after a natural disaster event.

As Hurricane Ian was closing in on the Tampa area and nearby MacDill Air Force Base, the team was spun up.

“We were ready,” said Maj. Allen Lewis, NDR Response Operations Branch chief.

For the fledgling team, which had only conducted one exercise previously, Hurricane Ian was its first real-world activation. Although Ian’s course eventually took it farther south from MacDill, the base still suffered some damage from the high winds of the Category 4 hurricane.

When the call for assistance came, the team deployed to assess damaged roofs across the base.

Up until that point the team had leaned forward and watched the weather. They conducted daily calls and updates with MacDill leaders and AFIMSC teammates in San Antonio, who also had their bags packed ready to fly to Florida to join the Tyndall-based team.

“This was the first time we were able to get this team together in an operational stance,” Lewis said about having the team assembled, equipment organized, vehicles staged and mission partners ready to support.

That strategic reserve of expertise isn’t the only asset available to the team. With reach back to AFIMSC’s Incident Response Team in San Antonio, the team can tap into crucial capabilities like finance, contracting, security forces, logistics, communications and the more than 150 installation and mission support capabilities that centralized under AFIMSC when the center stood up in 2015.

Immediately following a disaster, the team frees up installation leadership and resources to focus on their people and mission, while the team conducts a full assessment of the damage and builds a recovery plan.

The team of project managers, programmers and experienced civil engineers can augment base expertise with structural, electrical, and

heating, ventilation and air conditioning specialists.

“This team can go on site and operate out of its own equipment,” Lewis said. “We bring a tent where we can sleep and a trailer we can operate out of.”

With a generator and their gear on hand, all the team requires is a small open space.

“We’ll do an initial cost estimate,” Lewis said. “What Congress or higher headquarters continually wants within that first seven days is a number … something. What’s the magnitude? Are we talking $100,000 or $1 million? Are we talking $10 million? Or, in the case of Tyndall, billions? What is the number?”

To the 30-day post-event mark, the team is there to write a statement of work, generate and program projects, do detailed cost estimates and submit the necessary paperwork DoD uses to submit requirements and justifications for military construction funding requests to Congress.

Based on lessons learned from Tyndall’s experience with Hurricane Michael and catastrophic flooding at Offutt AFB, Nebraska, in 2019, the NDR team learned commanders were most worried about taking care of their people and getting their missions back on track.

“They’re not worried about long-term recovery when they’re in that crisis mode,” Lewis said.

Getting assistance from the Disaster Recovery Response Team is as simple as making a phone call or sending an email to the NDR chief.

Once the team gets the green light, they literally load up the truck and start driving, Lewis added.

“I’m proud of what this team has accomplished,” said NDR Division Chief Col. Robert Bartlow. “This agile, rapid-response capability is just another example of our integrated AFIMSC team providing installation support whenever and wherever needed.”

As with previous disaster responses, AFCEC is always looking for how to do things better in the future.

“We stress continual improvement,” Bartlow said, “and we solicit feedback and evaluate our operations to ensure we’re doing the best job possible. We’re confident we can continue to meet the challenges our mission provides.”

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TRAINING From Page 3

level of preparedness and the deployment phase they are entering.

Previous deployment training, which at a minimum consisted of Basic Airman Readiness and Basic Deployment Readiness, was accomplished as just-in-time training, once notified of a deployment, and consisted of approximately 30 hours of training.

In March, a team of 70 experts gathered in San Antonio for a Ready Airman Training Design Sprint where they identified 12 focus areas, designated as Ready Training Areas, with specific desired learning objectives necessary for Airmen to deploy faster while simultaneously increasing overall expertise.

Ready Training Areas include: Law of War; Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape; Small Arms; Integrated Defense; Active Threat Response; Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Training; Explosive Ordnance Hazard; Tactical Combat Casualty Care All Service Members Course; Comprehensive Airman Fitness; Cross Cultural Communications; Information Environment Awareness; and Basic Communications.

The Ready Training Area associated training events will be spread over the entire AFFORGEN cycle incrementally over the next two years.

The total estimated training hours required over the course of the twoyear cycle – four years for Guard and Reserve – depend on whether the

Airman is considered inexperienced (40 hours), experienced (24 hours) or staff (15 hours).

“Ready Airman Training serves as the continuum of combat learning for all Airmen while being adaptable to each individual Airman’s experience level and allowing commanders the flexibility to tailor training for specific operating environments,” said Maj. Gen. Albert Miller, Air Force Training and Readiness director.

Cross-functional training requirements and training packages for commanders were developed using validation methods that will present an Airman prepared to execute missions based on emerging operational timelines. Additionally, Ready Airman Training increases flexibility for commanders at all levels to tailor training requirements to their Airmen.

“This is the model and method needed to compete and deter where the adversary’s tactics and techniques have evolved in an effort to match ours,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass. “Ready Airman Training is how we, as an Air Force, continue to outpace our strategic competitors and win the high-end fight.”

Specific training objectives for Ready Training Areas are available on the AEF Online and AFFORGEN Connect websites. Majorcommands are responsible for tracking and reporting readiness annually through myLearning.

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

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75TH

From Page 2

power. The Air Force also succeeds because it has talented, determined, brave and diverse Airmen and civilians who blend their skills and experience to solve tough challenges to stay ahead of our adversaries.

Just like for my parents, success has not been inevitable. It has been the product of the hard work from our Airmen and the continuous investment and cooperation with our partners around the globe including the American people. With the arrival of the Air Force’s 75th anniversary, I think about the trailblazing Airmen who paved the way to make us the greatest Air Force on the planet. Those who led by example, thought unconventionally and never gave up on their journey of breaking barriers.

People like Capt. Charles “Chuck” Yeager, who was the first to break the sound barrier in 1947, nearly one month to the day after the birth of the Air Force. That breakthrough showcased our reach to higher velocities and proved that machines and Airmen could operate effectively in new realms.

The Tuskegee Airmen displayed unmatched skill and precision while facing racial discrimination during World War II. Their valor earned them more than 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, destroyed more than 250 enemy planes, and helped encourage the integration of the armed forces.

I am grateful for the 97 women of the Air Force Academy’s graduating class of 1980. When they walked up the ramp at the Academy on their first day in 1976, they did so beneath a large sign with two-foot aluminum letters boldly stating, “BRING ME MEN”. Those were words from a Sam Walter Foss poem to describe American leaders, words that no longer encompassed the description of all the leaders at the Academy.

These were men and women of courage, who had strength and perseverance to challenge the status quo and help rebuild the armed forces

in the challenging days following the Vietnam War. Standing in the stadium at my own Air Force Academy graduation in 1988, about to throw my cap in the air, I never would have thought I would become a four-star general. I did it, in part, because of the grit and determination of those who came before me, from the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II to the first female graduating class at the Academy.

It is easy for institutions to casually toss around words like innovation, but much more difficult to accept the risk and uncertainty required to innovate. Any dispassionate account of the Air Force’s history is filled with such examples, from stealth to the Global Positioning System satellites that fuel the world economy.

With the rise of strategic power competitors and the proliferation of technology intended to eliminate our airpower advantage, our security is no longer assured. To maintain a competitive advantage in a battlespace without boundaries, all Airmen are encouraged to remember that adapting for the future fight has always been part of our service identity, and it will take their game-changing ideas to propel our Air Force forward into the next 75 years.

The “family business” I’m in now is a bit larger than the operation my parents ran, but the same principle of everyone chipping in, working hard, and doing their part is just as relevant today as it was then.

Empowered Airmen, who are ready to innovate and accelerate the changes needed to give our nation the security and freedom to thrive, are the competitive edge we have over our adversaries.

Like many, I chose this path to do something greater than myself, to serve and protect this nation that welcomed my family so many years ago. I am proud of our Air Force legacy and equally proud to be an American Airman.

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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)

COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Triple 5 now available at Bay Palms Golf Complex Play and walk five holes of golf (14-18 on the North course) for $5.

Add a cart for $5 and add $5 if you need clubs. Visit macdillfss.com/ bay-palms-golf-complex/ for more information.

Blue Star Families START event at library START (serving, thriving, and reading together) event is Oct. 17 and 24 at the MacDill Library. Open to all service members, veterans, and family members ages 6 and older. We will offer free dinner, stories, and conversations. Reservations recommended by calling 828-3607.

Powder puff football It’s time to get powder puff tough at the Short Fitness center Oct. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. Two teams of nine are needed to host the event. Register your team at www,6fss.fsvs.fitnessprograms@us.af.mil.

Halloween party Party is Oct. 22 from11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrate the spooky season with your library team. There will be a costume contest, crafts, games and goodie bags. All ages are welcome.

Famcamp activities There are ton of activities happening at the Famcamp this season including dinner trips, book club and golf scrambles. Visit macdillfss. com/famcamp/ for the full schedule of events.

New to MacDill? Visit macdillfss. com/relocation/

Opening ceremony!

Courtesy photo

The USSOCOM Join Service Color Guard was honored to carry their nation’s colors and represent SOCOM and their respective service branch to open the Sunday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs Oct. 2.

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

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

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

served)

www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

Other Faith Groups - Please contact the Catholic (in-person) - Saturday - 5:30 p.m.

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

(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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