MacDill Thunderbolt 11/18/21

Vol. 49, No. 46

Interpersonal Violence in the Department of the Air Force Findings of the Interpersonal Violence Task Force

Thursday, November 18, 2021

History of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier- page 8

News/Features: page 3 Violence Task Force findings

News/Features: page 3 AMC leaders on Allied Refuge

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Army Sgt. Gabriel Silva

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

A soldier assigned to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” maintains the vigil at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Feb. 2.

NEWS/FEATURES

Air Force releases addendum to Disparity Review Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (AFNS)—In addition to the two Inspector General Disparity Reviews released over the last year, the Department of the Air Force released an addendum, which focused on the intersection of race, ethnicity and gender.

The DAF IG Disparity Review Addendum follows the DAF’s 2020 Racial Disparity Review, which addressed disparities impacting Black Airmen and Guardians, and the Sept. 2021 Disparity Review, which addressed disparities based on gender and among other racial and ethnic groups not covered by the RDR. Data from both reports was used to create the addendum.

“It is clear we still have work to do in fostering inclusive environments where every service member feels respected and valued, and has the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall. “Where barriers exist, we need to break them down. I am convinced diversity in our force makes us a stronger team and more capable to answer our nation’s call.”

The data in the disparity reports released this year indicate females were generally equally or overrepresented in promotions, enlisted leadership, and professional military education designations. Females have also made gains in both overall accessions and racial-ethnic diversity in accessions when compared to their male peers. However, with few exceptions in the data, this addendum found the overrepresentation of White females in these categories may have masked the disparate promotion and opportunity representation of females from under-represented groups.

This addendum report provides additional clarity into disparities previously identified in the RDR and DR. Data examined at the inter-

The Inspector General Department of the Air Force

Report of Inquiry Addendum (S8918P) Disparity Review November 2021 section of race, ethnicity and gender indicated disparities in DAF opportunities and discipline primarily fall along racial-ethnic lines and gender lines with the following findings offering additional clarity: · Racial-ethnic minority females were notably underrepresented in career fields that historically lead to wing commander, and in top senior leadership positions such as chief master sergeant, wing commander, and Senior Executive Service (SES). For example, racial and ethnic mi-

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.

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See REVIEW OPS, Page 13

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

Air Force releases findings on Interpersonal Violence survey Interpersonal Violence in the Department of the Air Force

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (AFNS)—The Department of the Air Force released findings from a force-wide Interpersonal Violence Task Force Nov. 9, which studied the depth and scope of how Airmen and Guardians are affected by interpersonal violence.

After the Secretary of the Air Force established the Interpersonal Violence Task Force in 2020, the team examined a broad range of 81 behaviors along what is known as the “Continuum of Harm” to determine if the DAF is keeping Airmen and Guardians safe, and providing needed support after they experience any kind of interpersonal violence.

Over a six-week period in fall 2020, the Task Force used a three-pronged approach to collect information from active duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian Department of the Air Force members by using a survey, administrative data, and qualitative data. Approximate-

Findings of the Interpersonal Violence Task Force

See SURVEY, Page 12

Air mobility leaders discuss Operation Allied Refuge at Airlift Tanker Association conference

by Capt. Christopher Herbert Air Mobility Command Public Affairs ORLANDO, Fla.—On Oct. 30 at the 53rd annual Airlift/Tanker Association conference, the A/TA hosted a panel on Operation Allies Refuge – the largest, non-combatant evacuation operational in U.S. history, which saw to the successful evacuation of 124,334 individuals.

Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, Air Mobility Command vice commander, moderated the panel, which featured Brig. Gen. Daniel DeVoe, 618th Air Operations Center commander; Col. Adrienne Williams, 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing commander; Col. Colin McClaskey, the commander of the Contingency Response Forces who ran airfield operations at Hamid Karzai International Airport; Lt. Col. Susie Lonsberry, C-17 Globemaster III pilot who flew several missions into Kabul; and Senior Master Sgt. Melanie Lamb, the lead production superintendent at the 8th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

Those present on the panel discussed what took place during the historic evacuation operation, lessons learned, and the numerous roles AMC fulfilled.

See ALLIED REFUGE, Page 11

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Zachary Boyer

Air Mobility leaders representing various perspectives on Operation Allies Refuge gathered together for a panel discussion at the Airlift Tanker Association hosted in Orlando, Florida, on Oct. 30.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Trevor Cokley

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets participate in a spirit-rally bonfire on The Terrazzo at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., Nov. 3.

Cadets held the spirit rally in anticipation of the upcoming Air Force vs. Army football in Arlington, Texas, Nov. 6.

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Photo by Tech. Sgt. Ryan Conroy

Photo by Master Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., speaks in Madison Square Park during a Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony, Nov. 11, in New York City. The ceremony was held on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to honor each service branch and their contributions to the defense of the U.S.

Air Force Airmen with the 62nd Airlift Wing prepare a C-17 Globemaster III before a nighttime airlift mission as part of Exercise Rainier War 21B at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Nov. 6. Rainier War is a semiannual, large readiness exercise led by the 62nd Airlift Wing.

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NEWS/FEATURES MacDill members’ opinion sought on commuter ferry project Special to the Thunderbolt Every day several thousand people travel to MacDill Air Force Base from east and south Hillsborough County for work.

Hillsborough County and HMS Ferries are proceeding with the development of a fast, congestion-proof waterborne transportation option to get people from south Hillsborough County to MacDill. To measure interest, MacDill members are being asked to take an online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/TVZNWM6 This unique public-private partnership will use at least three passenger ferries to travel between south county and MacDill every 15 minutes during peak commute hours and less frequently during the middle of the day. The ferry system will include a large park-and-ride lot at the south county terminal, modern ferry terminals at the south county and

MacDill locations, and an on-base transit circulating system.

Military and federal civilian members will be able to use the federal transit voucher to cover the cost of this trip, likely making the service free for them to use. Private contract employers may provide a commuter subsidy for the fares.

The ferry service comes at a public cost that is less expensive than widening 2 miles of county roadway and at a fraction of the cost of any major roadway expansion project.

The ferry service provides a new commuter option that will cost less and is more efficient, reliable, and relaxing than the car, bus, and van trips.

Hillsborough County and HMS Ferries have developed an online survey to help them design a system that best meets MacDill commuter needs. The results and feedback from the survey will be used to inform the development and design of this new commuter ferry service.

Disclaimer The appearance of hyperlinks in the above article does not constitute endorsement by 6th Air Refueling Wing, the U.S. Air Force, or the Department of Defense, of the external Web site or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities,

the U.S. Air Force does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this newspaper.

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NEWS/FEATURES

‘Iron Man’ upgrade on horizon for Travis maintainers, base eyes more innovation

by Staff Sgt. Christian Conrad 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.—Maintainers at Travis Air Force Base, California, may soon be able to communicate directly with home base subject matter experts anywhere in the world while tackling maintenance issues thanks to an augmented reality headset procured by Mira in partnership with Travis AFB’s Phoenix Spark cell.

Mira, a Los Angeles-based AR company, described their new Prism Pro headset as a technology akin to a familiar voice in popular culture.

“If you’ve ever seen Iron Man, you’ve seen Tony Stark’s on-board artificial intelligence, Jarvis, deliver critical information at just the right time,” said Esteban Castellanos, Mira’s Department of Defense program manager. “The Prism Pro headset functions in much the same way by empowering remote access to SMEs, shrinking the knowledge gap between deployed Airmen and their leadership back at home.”

The technology allows Airmen to access expert knowledge, receive collaborative remote troubleshooting help and reference technical order guidance through interactive workflow tools, all through a heads-up and hands-free AR headset. Additionally, an AR hardware and software solution reduces the need for travel via remote audits or remote engineering dispositions, with the potential to eliminate it altogether.

The Mira contract comes as a result of the Air Force’s Small Business Innovation Research grants that aim to seed the growth of small businesses and assist development of technology with the potential for dualuse application in both civilian and military use-cases.

Maj. Eric Robinson, Phoenix Spark director, lauded the grants in aiding the larger Air Force mission of accelerating change.

“A big part of what we do at Phoenix Spark is leverage our partnerships in the private sector to give solutions to the warfighter, give back time and save money,” he said. “The SBIR grants help us to do exactly that.”

Courtesy photo

A U.S. Air Force Airman demonstrates use of the Mira Prism Pro headset, a potential tool for use by Department of Defense service members.

The technology allows Airmen to access expert knowledge, receive collaborative remote troubleshooting help and reference technical order guidance through interactive workflow tools, all through a heads-up and See IRON MAN, Page 10 hands-free AR headset.

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NEWS/FEATURES

Airmen interested in learning aviation fundamentals, becoming a rated officer can apply for Rated Prep Program until Dec. 2

by Capt. Kenya Pettway Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS)—Active duty Air Force officers and enlisted personnel interested in becoming rated officers have until Dec. 2 to apply for the Spring 2022 Air Force Rated Preparatory Program (RPP), scheduled for March 20-25, 2022, and March 27-April 1, 2022 in Denton.

U.S. Air Force rated career fields consist of pilots, combat systems officers, air battle managers and remotely piloted aircraft pilots.

RPP provides qualified Airmen interested in cross-training to an Air Force rated career field the opportunity to gain and strengthen basic aviation skills.

“The Rated Preparatory Program provides a unique opportunity for officers and enlisted personnel to become rated officers,” said Brig. Gen. Brenda P. Cartier, Air Education and Training Command director of operations and communications. “Through RPP, qualified Airmen gain skills they may have not had the opportunity or resources to gain before entering the Air Force. We want to provide our Airmen the tools to pursue their lifelong dream of flying in the Air Force — a dream they may have never thought possible.”

Program participants will receive self-paced ground training, about eight flight hours in a Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182 Skylane, and additional training in Federal Aviation Administration-certified simulators — helping them become more competitive for rated selection boards.

“RPP has proven successful in improving students’ Air Force Officer Qualifying Test and Test of Basic Aviation Skills scores, which are considered at rated selection boards, by about 40 percent,” said KathSee RATED PREP, Page 14

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U.S. Army photo

Body bearers carry the unknown soldier from the USS Olympia to a horse-drawn caisson to transport the body to the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 9, 1921. Among the saluting officers is Gen. John Pershing, who commanded the American Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Army photo

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier had its origins in World War I

by David Vergun DoD News

A

lthough there were unknown soldiers who died on battlefields throughout U.S. history, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier had its genesis in World War I. In 1916, after a British army chaplain noticed a grave marked “An Unknown British Soldier,” he got the idea for what would become the United Kingdom’s Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

That memorial was dedicated Nov. 11, 1920, two years after the armistice that ended World War I. The idea took hold and spread among other wartime allies, including France, Italy and the U.S. On Nov. 11, 1921, the U.S. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dedicated in Arlington National Cemetery.

Military historian Patrick K. O’Donnell researched the backstory of that dedication, including the stories of the soldiers who brought the unknown soldier’s remains to Arlington. He published his findings in the book “The Unknowns: The Untold Story of America’s Unknown Soldier and WWI’s Most Decorated Heroes Who Brought Him Home.”

On Sept. 29, 1921, the War Department ordered the selection of an unknown soldier from those buried in France. The selection process was carried out by the U.S. Quartermaster Corps, in cooperation with the French and U.S. Navy, O’Donnell said.

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Three weeks later, a Quartermaster Corps team exhumed four bodies of unidentified Americans from each of four American cemeteries in France: Aisne-Maine, Meuse-Argonne, Somme and St. Mihiel.

“Each was examined to ensure that the person had been a member of the American Expeditionary Forces, that he had died of wounds in combat, and that there were no clues to his identity whatsoever,” O’Donnell said.

After mortuary preparation, the bodies were placed in identical caskets and shipping cases. The reason for this elaborate proceeding, O’Donnell explained, was to ensure that the one unknown soldier chosen would be truly a random selection, as this unknown soldier would represent the many other unknown soldiers. This followed the practice used by the other allies in their own process of selecting their own unknown soldiers.

On Oct. 23, 1921, all four caskets arrived by truck at the city hall of Chalons-sur-Marne. Army Sgt. Edward F. Younger of Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 50th Infantry, American Forces in Germany, was given the honors of selecting the unknown soldier the next day.

Younger himself had been wounded in battle and had received the Distinguished Service Cross for valor.

See TOMB, Page 16

U.S. Navy photo

(Above) Body bearers carry the unknown soldier from the USS Olympia to a horsedrawn caisson to transport the body to the U.S. Capitol, Nov. 9. Among the saluting officers is Gen. John Pershing, who commanded the American Expeditionary Forces.

(Left) Navy Hospitalman William R. Charette, who received the Medal of Honor for Korean War heroism, selects the unknown serviceman of World War II during ceremonies on board the guided missile cruiser USS Canberra off the Virginia Capes, May 26, 1958. The other World War II unknown serviceman candidate’s casket is at the left, while the unknown serviceman of the Korean War in the middle. The servicemembers were carried to Washington, D.C., for interment at Arlington National Cemetery.

The other World War II unknown serviceman was buried at sea.

IRON MAN From Page 6

For Robinson and deputy Phoenix Spark chief, Capt. Zach McColgan, the partnership with Mira represents a jumping-off point from which they hope to see additional involvement from Airmen on base.

“We’re really here to help solve problems,” McColgan said. “Whether it’s through educating Airmen on how to utilize SIBR to address their pain points or teaching them how to 3D print and code, innovation doesn’t happen within a vacuum—it’s something we all need to come to the table for.”

In a visit last year to Travis AFB, U.S. Transportation commander, Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, then-commander of Air Mobility Command, foot-stomped the importance of organizations like Phoenix Spark and their ability to embolden Airmen to seek out and secure partnerships like with Mira.

“We’ve come so far in allowing Airmen to innovate and think about the future,” Van Ovost said. “That’s evident in Travis’ Phoenix Spark cell.

What Travis has there is amazing, and it’s not only four or five Airmen there—it’s a total force team helping each other achieve great things.

Travis proves that if you empower your Airmen, and give them the time to think about how to better accomplish the mission, they want to do that; they want to use their unique talents to make things better.”

Castellanos remarked on the ease of the SBIR process, both to the Airmen wishing to partner with small companies and the companies’ economy of movement in solving problems.

“Technology should fit the needs of the user, not the other way around,” he said. “Airmen don’t often find out about potential technological advances until the tech is issued to them. They’re expected to ‘back-into’ the tech and adapt to it, somehow. SBIR grants, however, allow Airmen to be a part of that process by bringing companies out and talking through a proposal with them. It puts Airmen in a position of having technology adapt to them.”

For more information on how to get involved with Phoenix Spark, visit their website at www.travisspark.com.

To input your own thoughts on the Prism Pro headset, visit the VISION website.

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

For free, unlimited access to all the fun things to do in Tampa Bay and to sign up for weekly emails, visit

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ALLIED REFUGE From Page 3

McClaskey recounted the challenges and keys to success during the initial days of the evacuation.

“There were a whole lot of people [involved] … so communication was critical. We were dropping in there and trying to figure out the specific mission for the day as the political environment was continuously changing,” said McClaskey. “Having flat communication was important to understand our mission.”

DeVoe highlighted how a large portion of airlift planning took place at the 618th AOC. From Aug. 11 to Sept. 9—2,627 flights were planned and directed, 1,927 flights were flown by U.S. Air Force mobility aircraft, and 700 flights were flown by commercial aircraft.

During the 17 days of evacuation efforts, more than 500 Active, Reserve and National Guard aircrews flew missions around the clock. Approximately 330 U.S. Air Force C-17 missions flew in and out of HKIA, evacuating more than 79,000 people, including 6,000 Americans. They also withdrew more than 5,500 service members and their equipment.

“We got immediate volunteers, across all airframes--all of the force,” said DeVoe. “There was more capacity in the Guard and Reserves that was available via volunteerism that we had to tap into to utilize.”

The operation was a monumental lift for the C-17 fleet, with more than half of the U.S. Air Force’s fleet of 222 C-17s committed. On average, 7,500 civilians were evacuated daily, with the high point being August 23, when more than 21,600 civilians were evacuated every 34 minutes.

“You saw Airmen take the extra time, not just [to provide] for the physical security of the jet, but also [to attend to] the mental and emotional [needs] of our passengers,” said Lonsberry. “It was definitely a challenge

and not something our aircrew were specifically trained for. It was something we learned as we went, and we shared with each other the best way to take care of our passengers.”

In addition to sustaining the aircrew, the large number of flights presented maintenance challenges that AMC Airmen overcame to accomplish the mission. Lamb explained how maintenance Airmen worked around the clock to ready aircraft for the next flight.

“Looking at the history of aircraft parts, we were able to send requests to our [logistics teams] to ask them for parts that we needed to be prestaged prior to the NEO, said Lamb. “They gave us a realistic understanding of what parts we could receive [which] played a huge role as the operation progressed.”

More than 250 U.S. Air Force mobility aircraft contributed to the airlift, including the C-5M Super Galaxy, C-130 Hercules and all three of AMC’s aerial refueling aircraft – the KC-135 Stratotanker, KC-10 Extender and KC-46 Pegasus.

“We deployed the KC-46 to set up a tanker bridge right off the east coast of the United States [and] we had KC-10’s set up [aerial refueling] across the black sea,” said DeVoe. “We provided quite a bit of gas to those U.S. Air Force Central Command assets that were providing force protection overhead.”

OAR spanned nine countries, eight time zones and over 10 temporary safe havens.

“We saved lives. This was a humanitarian mission. We provided an avenue and gave all these people a chance at life—a new future—and we did it together. We all came together.” said Williams.

Got News?

If you have an announcement or story idea for the Thunderbolt, just let us know at 6arw.pa.macdillthunderbolt@us.af.mil

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SURVEY From Page 3

ly 68,000 DAF members responded to the survey, which is about 10 percent of the total force. Additionally, 85 personnel participated in focus groups to provide direct feedback.

“Thank you to the brave Airmen and Guardians who entrusted their stories to us. Because of you, we gained vital insight into how we can better protect and support our people, no matter where their experience falls along the spectrum of violence,” said Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones.

Of the subset of about 10 percent of Airmen, Guardians, and the Department of the Air Force civilians who responded to the survey, 54 percent indicated they had experienced behaviors consistent with at least one type of interpersonal violence in the past two years. Specifically, 66 percent of the women and 48 percent of the men who responded to the survey reported experiencing some form of interpersonal violence.

Additionally, most survey respondents who identified experiencing these behaviors did not inform someone in their chain of command, or a civilian or military law enforcement officer. Reporting of incidents to an authority, either by the victim or others, ranged from a low of 17 percent for intimate partner violence to a high of 40 percent for hazing.

Survey items also addressed whether respondents experienced any of 81 behaviors across what is commonly known as the “Continuum of Harm” in the two years preceding the survey. On the left side of the continuum, survey questions included behaviors such as “belittled and humiliated me” and “told lewd sexual innuendos or jokes or shared sexual stories.” On the right side, survey questions included behaviors such as “intruded on my privacy by pestering, spying or stalking” and “pushed, shoved, or slammed me against something.”

According to the report, analysis showed that many victims do not report the behaviors, or when they do, they do not believe anything will be done. The report also highlights most victims were not satisfied with support service agencies. On the other hand, command teams generally indicated that they believed they had the resources, training, and authority to address interpersonal violence offenses in their chain of command.

“We clearly have work to do to ensure that interpersonal violence is prevented,” said Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall. “When it does occur, we need to provide needed support to victims and deal effectively with perpetrators of violence – of any type.”

The Task Force identified a need to organize helping agencies to operate holistically, particularly at the base level, to eliminate confusion and ensure coherent and coordinated support for victims. In response to those findings, Jones announced in September that the DAF was taking steps to create one office of primary responsibility within the department to address domestic violence, harassment, and stalking.

“We are implementing real solutions right now because we know behind all the metrics are actual survivors,” said Jones. “We’re creating a network of service providers for interpersonal violence that eliminates

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harmful bureaucracy and shields survivors from needlessly sharing their trauma several times before getting the care they need—we need to support our Airmen and Guardians better.”

The Task Force made three major recommendations based on its findings. n Complete a cross-functional database review to improve data awareness and sharing n Pursue a one-stop policy for victims of interpersonal violence n Establish a cross-functional team to examine barriers to reporting Five other themes emerged during focus groups, which provided recommendations for combatting barriers to reporting. n Create a culture of accountability n Develop approachable leadership n Expand restricted reporting and provide third-party reporting n Increase education on policies and available resources n Provide additional training on interpersonal violence After reviewing the report, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. thanked Airmen and Guardians for sharing their experiences and acknowledged the need for increased trust.

“One of our top priorities is to create a safe environment free from interpersonal violence. It was essential to hear from our Airmen, Guardians and family members so we can ensure we understand how they are being cared for after experiencing interpersonal violence,” said Brown. “Going forward, we need to build trust so reports can occur and all get the kind of help they need.”

The Chief of Space Operations echoed the need to improve support for Airmen and Guardians.

“We must ensure our Guardians and Airmen have the resources and leadership necessary to make them feel safe and supported when they report all types of interpersonal violence,” said General John “Jay” Raymond, Chief of Space Operations. “Early identification and support are key to mission and family readiness.”

In response to the findings in the report, the DAF Special Victims’ Counsel program instituted a pilot program to expand legal services and representation available to Airmen and Guardians who have experienced interpersonal violence. Additionally, the DAF is taking steps to institutionalize a “warm hand off,” or “No Wrong Door” policy, to address sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment and stalking.

This concept ensures anyone seeking help receives a warm hand off between helping agencies as the right support and guidance within our organization is determined. Supportive service agencies will also ensure victims and their families have support from initial reporting through resolution and post-care.

The Secretary of Defense’s Independent Review Commission (IRC) on Sexual Assault in the Military, which stood up after the DAF Interpersonal Violence Task Force, incorporated many of the findings and recommendations of the Task Force into its final report.

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REVIEW From Page 2

nority female pilots make up less than 1% of the total RegAF pilot force.

Within RegAF operations career fields, for all races and ethnicities, female representation decreased as rank increased, falling to zero for Black, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native American, and MultiRacial female general officers. · The disparity among Asian American service members serving in leadership roles is most prominent among Asian American males, who were underrepresented in officer and enlisted leadership positions when compared to White males, and all other racial-ethnic minority males. · Previous reports found Black officers overall were underrepresented in wing commander positions and officer development opportunities. This addendum found Black male officers were equally or overrepresented in wing command as compared to their respective eligible populations, while Black female officers were underrepresented. Additionally, Black female officers were underrepresented in Senior Developmental Education (SDE) designations and were promoted below the in-the-promotion-zone rate to O-6. In fact, between CY16 and CY20, Black females with squadron command experience promoted to O6 at a lower rate than the overall rate for officers with or without squadron command experience combined. · Female officers and civilian employees were selected/designated for developmental opportunities at higher rates than their male counterparts, but males proportionally represent the majority of those who

attend professional military education, with the following exceptions, Black female officer SDE designations and Multi-Racial female officers in both IDE and SDE designations. · This addendum found Hispanic/Latino and Asian American military males had consistent disparities in promotion opportunities. They were promoted below the average rate for all RegAF enlisted and officer promotions.

With regards to inclusion, the DAF conducted a more focused analysis of select survey responses. Of all the race, ethnicity, gender, and rank groups surveyed, the report found that minority female officers generally held more negative views on the topics surveyed. Overall, females had less trust than their male counterparts that their chain of command would address racism, bias, and derogatory comments and behavior.

“Understanding where disparities exist helps us recognize where changes need to be made to eliminate them,” said Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones. “Our words, actions, and policies directly convey the value we place on every Airmen, Guardian and civil servant’s service.”

The Air Force is incorporating this new data into its ongoing root cause analysis and will consider action plans to address where appropriate. The Inspector General will evaluate these additional categories as part of its yearly review.

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Force Support Squadron Services

RATED PREP From Page 7

ryn Gifford, AETC rated diversity improvement program analyst. “Of the 93 RPP students trained in fiscal years 19 and 20, 70 applied to the undergraduate flying training board, with 55 (78 percent) of applicants selected for a rated position.”

Airmen who can meet the requirements below are encouraged to apply.

Officer requirements: n Be of high moral character. n Obtain group commander (or higher) approval and endorsement (on application). n Take the AFOQT and TBAS to receive Pilot Candidate Selection Method initial scoring results prior to RPP. Then, retake the AFOQT and TBAS two-four weeks after completion of RPP. Note: The AFOQT and TBAS cannot be attempted more than three times total. RPP officials will provide an exception to policy for RPP graduates who require a waiver for retest intervals, and for those who have tested twice already. n Have less than five hours of total civilian flight time.

Note: Applicants with greater than five hours of flight time will be considered on a space-available basis. n Prior to attending RPP, obtain the appropriate Air Force flight physical specific to the rated carrier field. For example, Initial Flying Class 1 for pilots. n Meet UFT board requirements post RPP in accordance with Air Force Manual 36-2100. n Review Civil Air Patrol-assigned study material prior to class start date.

Enlisted personnel requirements: n Must be under 33 years of age on March 20, 2022. n Prior to attending RPP, have or obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with at least a 2.5 GPA. n After completion of RPP, apply to an Air Force officer commissioning source at the next available opportunity.

Airmen interested in applying to the program can find additional information via the call for nominations on MyPers here(Common Access Card required).

Effective as of 03 NOV 2021 OPERATIONAL

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 Smoothie Bar (Fitness Center) 8 Iron Grill (Golf Course) Boomers Bar & Grill (Breakaway Event Center) Hangar 6 Grill (Bowling Center)

Follow Us on facebook @macdillfss

macdillfss.com WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM

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COMMUNITY SERVICES

Main Base Pool - Lap Swim Only – Tues - Fri: 0600-0800 & 1030-1330 *No Reservations Required 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

AAFES Food Operations

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MASK REQUIRED INDOORS REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS

SeaScapes Restaurant

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Fitness Center - Masks may be removed while engaged in physical activity; 24/7 Access Activated; Outdoor Fitness Classes Intramurals/Sauna/Child Care Access Authorized Facility Hours: Monday - Friday 0500-2030 Weekends/Holidays 0600-1400 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

Seascapes is open Fridays 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. Full liquor bar, Food truck on-site 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19 – Slider Guys. Log on at macdillfss.com/ seascapes/ for more information.

DFAC Thanksgiving lunch and dinner Thursday, Nov. 25. Free for meal card holders. Non-meal card holders log on at macdillfss.com/ diners-reef for pricing and more info.

Greeting Card Lane Squadrons/orgs/units are welcome to design and create their own giant holiday greeting card to be displayed along Bayshore Blvd. from Dec. 1 through Jan. 4.

Supplies available for pick up at Outdoor Recreation Maintenance from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Prizes will be awarded, 1st $500 FSS gift card, 2nd $300 FSS gift card & 3rd $100 FSS gift card. To sign up contact Kathy Sanders at 515-3704 or email Kathy.sanders.1@us.af.mil.

Youth soccer registration Open now until Dec. 3. Open to ages 5-12. Cost for members, $50.

Non-members, $60. Scheduled to start Jan. 2022. Download the AFMT and Registration form and more info at macdillfss.com/youth/ on the youth sports page or call 828-7958.

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 from 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Job well done!

U.S. Air Force photo

Col. Benjamin Jonsson, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, center, recognizes Airman 1st Class De Ondre Newkirk, left, and Airman 1st Class Dyrenna Harris, right, both assigned to the 6th Security Forces Squadron, for their outstanding duty performance during a recent security incident at MacDill Air Force Base Nov. 10. The 6th SFS is responsible for protecting and defending the installation and its personnel.

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

Catholic (in-person) - Sunday - 8 & 9:30 a.m.

Protestant services (virtual) -Sunday 11 a.m. at www.facebook.com/6amwhc

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

Other Faith Groups Off-base referral as needed

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

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

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TOMB From Page 8

An elaborate ceremony followed, O’Donnell related. Younger, carrying a spray of white roses presented by a Frenchman who had lost two sons in the war, led the procession. As the French band in the courtyard played a hymn, Younger walked around the caskets several times before placing the roses on one to indicate his selection.

Younger then saluted the chosen unknown American soldier, after which the U.S. and French officials came forward to pay their respects. O’Donnell noted that the roses that had been placed on the casket remained there and were later buried with the unknown soldier in Arlington.

Following the ceremony, the casket of the unknown soldier was carried in a horse-drawn caisson through Chalons-sur-Marne to the railroad station, where it was placed aboard a special funeral train provided by the French government and taken via Paris to Le Havre, O’Donnell said. Along the way, more French and U.S. units and dignitaries honored the unknown soldier in an elaborate and dignified fashion.

Finally, on Oct. 25, 1921, the unknown soldier was carried aboard the cruiser USS Olympia back to the United States. On Nov. 9, 1921, the Olympia arrived at the Washington Navy Yard. On hand to receive the body of the unknown soldier were all the service chiefs, the secretary of war, and General of the Armies John J. Pershing, O’Donnell said.

The procession, led by the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, accompanied the horsedrawn caisson containing the unknown soldier to the Capitol rotunda, where more honors were bestowed by dignitaries, including President Warren G. Harding, and ordinary American citizens.

On Nov. 11, 1921, eight highly decorated WWI veterans, handpicked by

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Pershing himself, escorted the unknown soldier to Arlington National Cemetery, O’Donnell said.

They included five Army soldiers: Color Sgt. James W. Dell, an artilleryman; Cpl. Thomas D. Saunders, a combat engineer, and a Native American; 1st Sgt. Harry Taylor, a cavalryman; Sgt. Samuel Woodfill, an infantryman and Medal of Honor recipient; and 1st Sgt. Louis Razga, from the Coast Artillery Corps.

Two sailors and one Marine who participated: Navy Chief Gunner’s Mate James Delaney, a torpedoman; Navy Chief Water Tender Charles Leo O’Connor; and Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Ernest A. Janson, a Medal of Honor recipient.

Pershing, the body bearers, and the unknown soldier had come “full circle,” O’Donnell said. Leaving America’s shores years earlier, they were prepared to sacrifice themselves, they hadn’t at the time fully comprehended the true cost of war. While one had paid the ultimate price, O’Donnell said, each had come home forever changed by battles won and friends lost. Today, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded by soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard.” Since 1921, two other unknown soldiers have joined the World War I unknown soldier: one from World War II and one from the Korean War. The selection process was similar to the first.At one time, a fourth unknown soldier, representing the Vietnam War, was entombed there as well, O’Donnell said.

However, that service member was later identified as Air Force Capt.

Michael J. Blassie. He was exhumed and reburied in his home state of Missouri, per his survivor’s wishes.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT