Week in photos

Photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Brooks

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jason Waters, 82nd Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron joint terminal attack controller, fires an M-4 carbine at Udairi Range, Kuwait, Oct. 21. U.S. Air Force joint terminal attack controllers deployed to the 82nd EASOS, along with the U.S. Army 1st Battalion, 194th Armor Regiment joint fires observers in-training, and the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) Task Group Typhoon, practiced close air support, fostered enduring partnerships and advanced decisive combat dominance during the live-fire training exercise.

Photo by 2nd Lt. Taylor Ferry

Air Force 2nd Lt. Oberon-Coultrane Peter plays with Afghan guests in Liberty Village, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 29. Through U.S. Northern Command and in support of the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew D. Sarver

Two F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” perform the “burner 360” during the Orlando Air and Space Show in Sanford Oct. 17. During the aerial maneuver, the diamond formation of four F-16’s fly in a 360-degree turn with afterburners and air brakes engaged.

Prevent the flu

by Greg Chadwick

Air Force Materiel Command Health & Wellness Team

W R I G H T- PATT E R S O N A I R F O R C E

BASE, Ohio—Influenza (flu) season happens every year. It starts in the fall and continues into the spring. Flu is a potentially serious illness that can lead to a few days of feeling bad and missing work, or it may result in more serious health complications.

What is the flu?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.

How does the flu spread?

People who have the flu can spread the virus by coughing or sneezing. Droplets released when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks

See FLU, Page 13

Influenza (flu) season happens every year. It starts in the fall and continues into the spring. Flu is a potentially serious illness that can lead to a few days of feeling bad and missing work, or it may result in more serious health complications.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings

A KC-46A Pegasus refuels on the flight line at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. Oct. 25, 2021. When fully operational, the KC-46A will be able to refuel most fixedwing, receiver-capable aircraft. The KC-46A refueling boom is driven by a fly-by-wire system and is controlled through the front of the aircraft, unlike the KC135 Stratotanker where the boom is driven from the back of the aircraft.

Now hiring! Career opportunities available at MacDill BX

Courtesy photo

The MacDill BX is where heroes work—and you can join the team, The Exchange is hiring teammates with a passion for serving the military community at the main store, Express, Burger King and Starbucks. Visit ApplyMyExchange.com for rewarding career opportunities with competitive pay and great benefits at the MacDill AFB Exchange.

Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs

The Exchange is where heroes work, and the MacDill Exchange is looking to expand its ranks at its Main Store, Express, Burger King and Starbucks.

“The BX offers training, competitive pay and great benefits, as well as a rewarding atmosphere,” said MacDill AFB Exchange General Manager Thomas Kuttamperoor. “The Exchange is family serving family, and we are looking forward to growing that family with those who have a passion for serving Airmen and the MacDill AFB community.”

Benefits for regular full-time and part-time Exchange associates include paid vacation and sick leave. Additionally, the Exchange’s associate transfer program helps military spouses retain employment during PCSs, allowing them to keep their benefits and build toward retirement.

The team’s deep passion for serving sets the Exchange apart. Associates share a special bond with service members—85 percent have a military connection. They have served in the Armed Forces or are the parent, spouse or extended family member of someone who is wearing or has worn the country’s uniform.

At the Exchange, 45% of the U.S. workforce is made up of veterans, military spouses

U.S. Air Force photo

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Timothy Montano, 6th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron physical therapy technician, makes balancing activities fun and challenging while tossing a weighted ball towards a trampoline at MacDill Air Force Base Oct. 26. During the month of November, the physical therapy team will be leading a pilot program called the senior fitness trainer course, which aims to redefine and enhance the current Air Force physical training leader certification by creating a holistic approach to readiness and resiliency.

6th OMRS physical therapy team keeps warfighters ready

by Staff Sgt. Timothy Montano

6th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron

When it comes to keeping our warfighters in the fight, whether in-garrison or in a deployed location, injury prevention is always at the forefront.

At the 6th Medical Group, the physical therapy clinic provides individuals with the tools they need to implement a solid injury prevention self-program.

The staff are experts in helping patients establish goals, improve biomechanics, provide individualized fitness programs, as well as provide education on various aspects of injury prevention to include healing progression and lifestyle modifications, such as sleeping positions, ergonomics and posture.

During the month of November, the physical therapy team will be leading a pilot program called the senior fitness trainer course, which aims to redefine and enhance the current Air Force physical training leader certification by creating a holistic approach to readiness and resiliency.

This program is designed to optimize the human weapon system through physical readiness and integrated resilience, while focusing on unit-specific mission essential tasks.

At the end of the course, the senior fitness trainer will be able to speak to, and model, the importance of physical fitness through the scope of each Airman’s mission essential tasks.

Musculoskeletal injuries are one of the leading causes affecting service member readiness. Your physical therapy team is here to arm you with the tools you need to improve your overall quality of life.

For more information, contact the physical therapy clinic at 827-9390. U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Friday, 6th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron physical therapy technician, conducts manual therapy techniques to decrease hip pain at MacDill Air Force Base Oct. 26.

U.S. Air Force photo

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Marisa Onofrio, 6th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron physical therapy technician, conducts mechanical cervical traction on a patient to decrease neck pain at MacDill Air Force Base Oct. 26. U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Friday, 6th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron physical therapy technician, conducts manual therapy techniques to decrease hip pain at MacDill Air Force Base Oct. 26.

From Page 3 lows the students to see how what they’re learning in the classroom is used.”

Airmen from the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight, 6th Communications Squadron and 6th Medical Group attended the event as part of MacDill’s Airman Inspired Mentorship wing.

“The main goal of the AIM program is to inspire the students in our communities to be a part of the Air Force when they grow up,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Michael Bargiel, lead point of contact for the AIM wing. “By having our Airmen here in person, the students are able to interact in ways that aren’t always available in the classroom.”

Each group of Airmen had a booth with different presentations and activities for the students to participate in ranging from a virtual reality medical simulator to a tactical EOD robot.

The students actively participated, asked questions, took pictures, and tested gear and equipment brought by Team MacDill.

“The Airmen that we’re seeing out here today have a desire to teach,” said Bargiel. “Their interactions are having an impact on these students and their future. We want them to see the potential and possibilities that these career fields have.”

Bargiel added that even if the students don’t enlist in the future, these events still benefit the Air Force’s Total Force initiative.

“These very same students may be working for future companies that may one day have an innovative product that will help the Air Force break through barriers,” said Bargiel. “The goal is to develop mentors of the future, Airmen and future STEM civilians and keep that relationship going to make our Air Force better.”

Photo by Airman 1st Class Hiram Martinez

U.S. Air Force Col. Cheryl Lockhart, 6th Medical Group chief nurse, places a virtual reality headset on a student during the STEMtober event at the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa Oct. 21. Airmen from the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight, 6th Communications Squadron and 6th Medical Group attended the event as part of MacDill’s Airman Inspired Mentorship Wing.

From Page 3 April, Capt. Spencer Mattausch, 6th Air Refueling Wing plans and programs officer, who joined the unit as their emergency action messaging trainer and emergency war order advisor for the next two years.

“I train, certify and modernize how the 91st Air Refueling Squadron prepares for nuclear generation, even though it’s just one aspect of their diverse mission set,” said Mattausch.

According to Mattausch, the AFGSC Striker Phoenix program was created in 2019 to support the professional development of nuclear operations company grade officers to prepare them for future leadership assignments.

“The program serves as an opportunity for participants to expand their joint strategic knowledge and leadership outside of their command’s nuclear operations focus,” said Mattausch. “The very few officers selected for the program get the opportunity to venture outside of AFGSC and learn the day-to-day management of AMC’s nuclear mission operations. Both commands benefit from this integrative experience in support of joint war planning objectives.”

“Mattausch’s contributions to the nuclear mission in AMC are exceptionally important as we strive to accelerate change in the nuclear triad enterprise to the new generation of Airmen,” said Lt. Col. Eric Wolf, chief of wing plans and programs. “Working with him is building relationships between AMC and AFGSC that will benefit our joint missions.”

The Striker Phoenix program is not only beneficial in professional development for the operators, but for the Air Force with officers returning to AFGSC with an insider view of exactly how an air refueling squadron operates. This program embodies the mantra, “One team, one fight,” that the Airmen of the Air Force live by every day.

EXCHANGE

From Page 7 or dependents, and the Exchange is closing in on its goal of hiring 50,000 veterans and military spouses.

Anyone interested in an exciting career with the Exchange can visit ApplyMyExchange.com or contact the MacDill AFB Exchange Human Resources office at 840-0511 x211 to find out more.

To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

From Page 5 can land in the mouths of noses or people who are nearby. The droplets can also be inhaled into the lungs. People may also catch the flu by touching their mouth or nose after touching something with the virus on it, such as doorknobs, tables, or an infected person’s dirty hand. Flu germs can linger on surfaces for up to 8 hours.

Why should people get vaccinated against flu?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual flu vaccination as the best way to protect against the flu. Vaccination has been shown to have many benefits including reducing the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and flu-related deaths.

How do flu vaccines work?

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with circulating influenza viruses.

Why do I need a flu vaccine every year?

A flu vaccine is needed every year for two reasons. First, a person’s immune protection from vaccination declines over time, so an annual flu vaccine is needed for optimal protection. Second, because flu viruses are constantly changing, the composition of flu vaccines is reviewed annually and vaccines are updated to protect against the viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming flu season.

Will a flu vaccine protect me against COVID-19?

No, flu vaccines are not designed to protect against COVID-19. Flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Also, according to the CDC, a person can receive a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same visit.

Where can I get a flu vaccine?

Influenza vaccinations for all military members are a mandatory requirement, and are available through each installation’s Medical Group or at any participating Tricare eligible pharmacies. Tricare beneficiaries are also eligible for flu shots through immunization clinics on base, or at no cost at Tricare eligible pharmacies. For the civilian workforce, all Federal Employee Health Benefit plans cover flu shots at no cost for members and are available at local retail pharmacies.

What are everyday preventive actions that are recommended to reduce the spread of flu?

Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with viruses that cause flu.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

If you sick with flu-like symptoms, the CDC recommends that people stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Fever should be gone without the need to use fever-reducing medicine.

If you want your immune system to be in good enough shape to fight off the flu and other germs, you need to practice healthy lifestyle habits. Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night, exercise at least 4 days a week, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods.

For more information on preventing the flu, visit USAFwellness.com or contact your local Civilian Health Promotion Services team. Comprehensive information on healthy habits to prevent flu can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.

From Page 2 this practice is extremely risky from a security standpoint. The company also found that the average person uses the same password as many as 14 times.

Verizon’s 2021 Data Breach Investigation Report also noted that 81% of data breaches are because of compromised passwords. The intent of these staggering statistics is to compel you to take your password creation and management more seriously.

The previous week’s topic segues perfectly into week two’s theme, “Fight the Phish,” alluding to the most prominent attack vector during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Just as passwords used to keep others from accessing our information, cybercriminals have found clever ways to manipulate individuals, tricking them into unknowingly compromising their personal information to them.

With most of the world working virtually from home, cybercriminals have additional opportunities to target individuals, ultimately raising the number of phishing incidents by more than 220%.

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported more than $54 million was lost to phishing attacks during 2020.

During a recent readiness exercise here at MacDill AFB, a local cybersecurity “Red Team” created multiple exercise “phishing” attempts to test users’ ability to recognize these threats at work and on their personal computers.

It only takes one user to click a link and allow malware to propagate onto the network.

As a rule of thumb, we recommend following the 6th Air Refueling Wing Vice Commander Col. Cory Damon’s “READ” acronym.

Is the email relevant to you? Is the email something you are expecting? Is the email addressed properly? Additionally, is the email digitally signed? As always, if it sounds too good to be true, then it is most likely a phishing attempt.

With the world in such dire need of cybersecurity experts, week three focuses on cybersecurity careers.

The theme for this week is “Explore. Experience. Share,” prompting individuals to consider a career in cybersecurity.

As of May of this year, an estimated 500,000 unfilled cybersecurity roles in the United States were reported by the Department of Commerce. The median pay for these roles comes in around the $100,000 mark, about $45,000 more than the national average.

With more jobs than qualified candidates to fill them, a career in cybersecurity sounds more promising than ever.

Lastly, week four’s concern is “Cybersecurity First,” emphasizing a focus for all of us to make cybersecurity not only a business priority but also a personal priority.

With our reliance on technology, we should be incorporating security into our routine business practices and everyday lives. DoD mandated training should not be the extent of our cybersecurity training but instead serve as the baseline.

As we put a special focus on cybersecurity in October, we all know that we must remain laser focused on this threat – at home and at work. As our world becomes even more connected, malicious actors are working around the clock finding new ways to take advantage of this evolving domain.

So remember, “Do YOUR Part. #BeCyberSmart!”

For more information, visit https://www. safcn.af.mil/Organizations/CISO-Homepage/ C y b e r s e c u r i t y - Aw ar e n e s s - M o n t h - C S A M / CSAM-2021/

EVENTS

Cardboard Boat Regatta Nov. 19

Registration is open through tomorrow. Limited number of teams. Open to all squadrons and mission partners. Max fiver persons per team. First-place prize is a $500 FSS gift card. Log on at macdillfss.com/ for registration form. Submit NLT Friday, Nov. 5 to Outdoor Recreation or email macdillafbevents @gmail.com.

Greeting Card Lane

Squadrons/orgs/units are welcome to design and create their own giant holiday greeting card to be displayed along Bayshore Boulevard from Dec. 1 – Jan. 1. Prizes will be awarded: First place, a $500 FSS gift card, second place, a $300 FSS gift card, and third place is $100 FSS gift card. To sign up contact Kathy Sanders at 515-3704 or email Kathy.sanders.1@us.af.mil.

8 Iron Grill Tumblers for sale

For sale in the Bay Palms Golf Complex Pro Shop, $30. $1 drink refills. Log on at macdillfss. com/8-iron-grill/ for more in-formation.

NAF Job openings

To apply log on at USAJOBS. gov. For a quick view of MacDill jobs log on at macdillfss.com/ open-jobs/. Call 828-2911 Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Find more info on these events and more go to: macdillfss.com

Good talk!

U.S. Special Operations Command photo

U.S. Army Gen. Richard D. Clarke, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, speaks to ROTC students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Oct. 21. The event included cadets and midshipmen from the Army, Navy and Air Force detachments’ seven locally affiliated colleges and universities.

CHAPEL SCHEDULE

Normal Hours- Monday - Friday - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. After hours chaplain, call 828-4362/4361.

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

www.macdill.af.mil/chapel Catholic (in-person) - Sunday - 8 & 9:30 a.m.

Protestant services (virtual) -Sunday -

11 a.m. at www.facebook.com/6amwhc

Other Faith Groups

Off-base referral as needed

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