Thunderbolt 11/24/2022

Vol. 50, No. 48

Thursday, November 24, 2022

Exceptional Family program - page 8 News/Features: page 3 Emergency power assurance

News/Features: page 3 Thanksgiving safety tips

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Chustine Minoda,

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

An Exceptional Family Member Program family attends the EFMP Valentine’s Day Party Feb. 4, at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. About 105,000 active-duty service members are part of the EFMP, which provides support to families with children or adult dependents who have special medical or educational needs.

COMMENTARY

DOD Celebrates National Veterans and Military Families Month U.S. Department of Defense November is National Veterans and Military Families Month.

The Defense Department recognizes the significant role military families and transitioning veterans have in supporting a stronger force.

“To the nearly 5.2 million service members and families, we celebrate and thank you for the support you give to our nation each day. November is a time to honor our families, but it is also critical to acknowledge the everyday challenges you face,” said Patricia Montes Barron, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Military Community and Family Policy.

“The DOD has made it a top priority to ensure you have the support you need to thrive.

The recently announced Taking Care of Our Service Members and Families initiative will further strengthen our support for military families.

This initiative will address securing affordable basic needs, making moves easier, supplying added support to families, and expanding spou-

sal employment. We will continue to offer access to resources that help you navigate and create healthy relationships and connections throughout different MilLife experiences and transitional moments,” said Barron. The department is highlighting a wide range of resources and support available to military and transitioning veterans from across the DOD, the federal government and other organizations. Visit Military OneSource to explore resources, podcasts and special offerings available throughout November.

“A strong military relies not only on training and education to ensure readiness; it relies on strong families supporting our fight for freedom. From basic training to separation, we ensure our people are prepared for any given task, including transition. Not only do we create the best warfighters in the world, we create productive members of society,” said Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramón “CZ” Colón-López. “That is our duty, and we take it seriously.”

Military OneSource connects service mem-

bers and families to information, resources and support provided by the Defense Department.

Call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 to speak with a Military OneSource consultant, or start a live chat. Military OneSource provides helpful information and guidance on: Relationship support, parenting, and caregiving PCS or deployment assistance Spouse employment opportunities Child care options Financial and tax consultation support About Military Community and Family Policy Military Community and Family Policy is directly responsible for establishing and overseeing quality-of-life policies and programs that help our service members, their families and survivors be well and mission-ready. Military OneSource is the gateway to programs and services that support the everyday needs of the 5.2 million service members and immediate family members of the military community. These DOD services can be accessed 24/7/365 around the world.

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

Energy lease powers MacDill AFB resilience

by Breanne Humphreys AFIMSC Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas—The Department of the Air Force signed an Energy Assurance Lease Nov. 9 with Tampa Electric Company to construct, maintain and operate a 75-megawatt producing natural gas peaking plant at MacDill Air Force Base.

Under the terms of the MacDill AFB lease, the Air Force is leasing 2.7 acres to Tampa Electric for 33 years. In exchange for the lease of the land to Tampa Electric, the installation will receive first rights to electricity produced by the system during commercial electric grid failures or a declared emergency.

The land is made available through the lease of non-excess, underutilized Air Force-managed real estate. The Air Force Civil Engineer Center Installations Directorate’s Real Estate Development Division is responsible for negotiating and managing long-term energy assurance lease agreements between the Air Force and developers.

“Real estate is a powerful tool,” said Jeffrey Domm, AFCEC installations director, “We negotiate real estate development opportunities to boost installations’ energy assurance and operational resilience.”

For MacDill, one of those energy assurance enhancements is a 20-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System that can provide backup power.

See ENERGY, Page 10

U.S. Air Force information graphic by Courtney Strzelczyk

The Department of the Air Force recently signed an Energy Assurance Lease to Tampa Electric Company that delivers first rights to electricity produced by a new system during commercial electric grid failures or a declared emergency.

Make holiday safety a priority Air Force Safety Center The four steps to food safety: 1. CLEAN: Wash your hands and surfaces often 2. SEPARATE: Don’t cross-contaminate 3. COOK: Always cook food to the correct temperature, check them with a food thermometer 4. CHILL: Refrigerate promptly if not eating right away Steps to follow before cooking a turkey: Read labels carefully. Temperature labels show if the bird is fresh or frozen. If you plan to serve a fresh turkey, purchase it no more than two days before Thanksgiving.

Purchase two thermometers: a refrigerator thermometer to ensure the turkey is stored at 40 °F or slightly below and a food thermometer See HOLIDAY SAFETY, Page 14

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to make sure the cooked turkey reaches a safe 165 °F. The USDA recommends thawing a frozen turkey in the refrigerator 24 hours for each 4 to 5 pounds. Place the turkey in a container to prevent the juices from dripping on other foods.

Steps to follow when cooking turkey: Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before touching any food to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness.

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Do not wash the turkey. This only spreads pathogens onto kitchen surfaces. The only way to kill bacteria that causes foodborne illness is to fully cook the turkey.

Keep raw turkey separated from all other foods at all times.

Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils when handling raw turkey to avoid crosscontamination. Wash items that have touched raw meat with warm soap and water, or place

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hastings

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ethan Schuele, left, and Staff Sgt. Alex Bullock, 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron instrument and flight control systems technicians, repair a pitot-static tube on a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base Nov. 17. IFCS technicians ensure the electronic components that run the guidance and control systems are functioning properly.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Daniel Asselta

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Daniel Asselta

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, conducts aerial refueling operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Oct. 23. The 335th EFS delivers airpower and showcases U.S. commitment to deterrence and regional stability.

U.S. Air Force Capt Taylor Klinkman, and 1st Lt. Kyle Grosselin, KC-135 Stratotanker pilots assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Aerial Refueling Squadron, conduct aerial refueling operations within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 23. The KC-135 provides core refueling capabilities within the CENTCOM AOR.

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NEWS/FEATURES Military community can shop early for the holidays

by Marisa Conner DALLAS—Service members and families can enjoy the holidays without the last-minute stress by shopping early at Army & Air Force Exchange Service stores and ShopMyExchange. com.

Shopping early allows military shoppers to avoid potential supply-chain-related stock or shipping delays. Additionally, shoppers can take advantage of major discounts during the 12 Weeks of Black Friday Deals; Black Friday through Cyber Week savings; and more. Shoppers can view all current sales at ShopMyExchange.com/savings-center/weekly-ads.

“The Exchange encourages shoppers to make their lists and check them twice now to receive great savings as well as peace of mind,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Taking care of

your holiday to-do list early means maximizing time with family and friends instead of searching for last-minute gifts.”

Active-duty service members, retirees, military families, Veterans with service-connected disabilities and Department of Defense civilians are among those who can shop in-store at the Exchange or use the Exchange’s curbside pickup and buy online pick-up in store services.

Honorably discharged Veterans can shop the deals online at ShopMyExchange.com.

Social-media-friendly version: Get great deals and peace of mind by shopping early for the holidays at @shopmyexchange stores and online! Read more: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-2fz.

Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing

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valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 54th-largest retailer in the United States. 100% of Exchange earnings support military communities. In the last 10 years, your Exchange benefit has provided $3.5 billion in earnings for critical military Quality-of-Life programs. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit the Exchange website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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NEWS/FEATURES

Mobile app gives shoppers convenient access to Commissary

by DeCA Corporate Communications

FORT LEE, Va.—Customers can now download a mobile app to access the Defense Commissary Agency’s (DeCA) website programs such as Commissary CLICK2GO online payment and curbside pickup, digital coupons, the sales flyer, dietitian-approved recipes and much more.

Available free for download via the Google Play and Apple app stores for Android and Apple devices respectively, the mobile app gives commissary shoppers access to a variety of DeCA’s online functions on their smart phones and tablets.

“We’ve tested our mobile app for several months and received good reviews on its ability to connect users with many of the agency’s popular website programs,” said Willie Watkins, the Defense Commissary Agency’s director of eCommerce. “Now through these apps, our patrons have more convenience and flexibility when they use their commissary benefit.”

DeCA’s mobile app will allow customers easy access to online functions like the following on DeCA’s website: One-click access to Commissary CLICK2GO online ordering and payment features (account information, order history with saved items and lists, digital receipts and more) Healthy Living resources such as “Thinking Outside the Box” recipes, nutritional information on healthier living, product dietitian-approved recipes listed on the website’s meal solutions page and more Savings Center for the Commissary Sale Flyer, information on Commissary Store Brands, digital coupons on the Commissary Rewards Card and more “A lot of commissary customers love the convenience of using on-

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line features to boost their physical shopping experience,” Watkins said.

“And, with our mobile app, they have even more options at their fingertips – wherever they are – with their personal devices.”

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit, saving authorized patrons thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to similar products at commercial retailers. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

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

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DOD asks participants to weigh in on Exceptional Family Member Program

by C. Todd Lopez DOD News

F

or the first time, the Defense Department will offer those enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program, also called EFMP, an opportunity to provide detailed input about their experiences.

Feedback will be used to improve how the program provides services to participating families.

“It’s pretty exciting because it’s the first official DOD survey about EFMP,” said Jennifer Wong, a program analyst with the Defense Department’s Office of Special Needs. “It’s a phenomenal chance for families who are enrolled in the program to be heard directly at the DOD policy level.”

About 105,000 active-duty service members are part of the EFMP, which provides support to families with children or adult dependents who have special medical or educational needs.

Every service member with a family member enrolled in EFMP is eligible to take the survey, Wong said. Service members will receive an announcement e-mail containing a unique ticket number. Service members with a ticket number will be directed to go to www.dodsurveys. miland enter the ticket number to take the survey. It’s expected that those emails will be sent out on or after November 17, 2022.

According to Wong, EFMP ensures that, among other things, special needs are taken into consideration when a military family is moved to a new duty assignment.

“When a family PCSs to the next location, they may be looking for particular medical services, specialists, therapies, behavioral health — those types of services — and we want to make sure that when they do PCS, they’ll have continuity of care,” Wong said.

Wong said the results of the survey will be used by the department to both improve the program and standardize delivery to all families across the services.

“Within the Office of Special Needs, we are committed to improving support for military families with special medical and/or educational needs,” Wong said. “A vital part of that ... is hearing from families who are enrolled in the program. It’s very important to hear from the families who are in the program so we have feedback that’s representative of the families we serve, and it’s based off their real-life experiences and their interactions with the program. That’s why it’s a great opportunity for families who are enrolled to participate in the survey.”

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The EFMP is made up of three components: Identification and enrollment of family members into the program, which is completed by the medical commands; an assignments component that ensures the medical and/ or education needs of the family member are taken into consideration with an upcoming PCS, which is completed by the medical and personnel commands; and a family support component, which families can reach out to for information regarding resources and non-clinical case management.

“The survey is going to ask about all three components and what a family’s experience or interaction has been ... so we can see all those different touch points for a family, what’s working or what can be improved upon,” Wong said.

Every family enrolled in the EFMP will be able to take the survey and share their own family experiences with the program. While Wong said invitations will be sent out to service members only, she recommends that the survey — which should take about 15 minutes to complete — be done with all adult service and family members’ involvement.

“We encourage the service member to maybe sit down, have a conversation with other adult family members, and perhaps take the survey together ... to provide that full perspective of EFMP and also services outside the program such as medical or educational services,” Wong said.

Also of note, Wong said, is that while the department expects to invite every EFMP family to participate in the survey, it is possible that recently enrolled members might not get an invitation. It’s also possible that if a military service doesn’t have an accurate email address for a service member, then that service member might not get an invitation. Those EFMP families will still be able to participate in the survey, however, and are encouraged to do so, Wong said.

“We want maximum participation,” she said. “This is a great opportunity to give your feedback straight to DOD — straight to your service level leadership.”

For service members with family members enrolled in the EFMP who don’t get an invitation and ticket number to participate in the survey, they can go to www. dodsurveys.mil, click the “Click Here” button below the “Don’t have a ticket number?” message, and then enter their DOD ID number and date of birth to take the survey. For more information on support for families with special needs, visit the Military OneSource webpage on special needs.

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Photo by Charlotte Richter

(Above) Kelly Welsh shows her son, 21-month-old Sullivan, a spring toy while visiting informational booths at the Exceptional Family Member Program’s Chalk the Park meetand-greet event Aug. 12, 2022, at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. (Left) An Exceptional Family Member Program family plays a game at the EFMP Valentine’s Day event Feb. 4, 2022, at Travis Air Force Base, Calif.

Photo by Chustine Minoda

ENERGY From Page 3

Being a coastal installation, MacDill faces threats posed by severe weather and climate change, said David Mairs, Enhanced Use Lease asset manager for the real estate development division.

“Assured power is essential for MacDill,” said Mairs. “Relying on a single substation for power creates too great of a mission risk — this EAL creates a redundant energy source that can immediately mitigate grid disruption impacts.”

From inception to award, the project was successfully executed due to the incredible teamwork and collaboration from personnel at MacDill, AFCEC, Air Mobility Command and Tampa Electric, said Kevin Kish, installation management flight chief for the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron at MacDill.

Together, the project team navigated challenging requirements such as the Environmental Impact Analysis Process and established a foundation for greater energy assurance, said Andy Rider, 6th CES Environmental Element chief.

“Climate change is a huge issue for MacDill since it is surrounded by Hillsborough and Tampa Bays on two sides,” said Rider. “Providing redundant energy is a key part of the equation to creating a resilient installation.”

Construction is expected to begin in early 2023.

The AFCEC Installations Directorate’s Real Estate Development Division provides cradle-to-grave management of the Air Force EUL and EAL programs, ranging from source selection acquisition and lease closing to post-closing management. To date, AFCEC, a primary subordinate unit of the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, has executed two EALs and five Energy EULs.

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HOLIDAY SAFETY From Page 3

them in a dishwasher.

Cook the turkey until it reaches 165 °F, as measured by a food thermometer. Check the turkey’s temperature by inserting the thermometer in three places: the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh, and the innermost part of the wing.

Thanksgiving is peak for cooking fires: Be sure to keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of emergency, and teach your family how to use it Be cautious when using turkey fryers as they pose a number of distinct safety concerns, including burn and fire hazards Never wear loose fitting clothing when cooking; long, open sleeves could ignite and catch fire from a gas flame or a hot burner; wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking Make sure you have smoke alarms on every level of your home; test alarms monthly and replace all that are 10+ years old Keep a close watch on your cooking and never leave food unattended Keep oven food packaging and other combustibles away from burners and other heat sources Have a “kid-free” zone of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot foods and drinks are prepared or carried Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires Other safety considerations Flying: Pack Light – Most airlines charge extra for

Courtesy graphic

See HOLIDAY SAFETY, Page 16

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MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

COMMUNITY

EVENTS

FSS Thanksgiving closures Most of our FSS Facilities will have closed or modified hours of operation for the Thanksgiving weekend holiday. Check the full list of facilities and hours of operation at macdillfss. com/2022thanksgivinghours/ 12 days of fitness Dec. 1-12 The Short Fitness Center is hosting the 12 days of fitness with participants cycling through 12 rounds of each set of an exercise just as you would sing the song “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Visit macdillfss.com/ short-fitness-center/ or stop by the front desk to find out more info.

MacWonderland Festival Dec. 2 Join us from 5-9 p.m. at the Breakway Event Center as we kick off the start of the holiday season with the base tree-lighting and our winter festival. There will be free treats, face painting, live reindeer, skating rink, photos with Santa, food trucks and tons of holiday cheer. This free event is open to everyone with access to MacDill. Visit macdillfss.com/macwonderland for more info.

Trees for troops Dec. 8 Trees for Troops is an annual event on MacDill providing free, fresh -ut trees to active duty families from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and everyone with base access from 1 p.m.

– 3 p.m. Base trimming and twine will be provided. Visit macdillfss. com for more info.

Find more info at macdillfss.com

The champ!

Photo by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Tiffany Patterson, left, the senior enlisted leader assigned to the 6th Medical Group, Air Force Senior Airman Javonte Franklin, an aerospace medical airman assigned to the 6th Medical Group and U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Bingham, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, pose for a photo to commemorate Franklin for being Champion of the Week at MacDill Air Force Base Nov 8. Champion of the Week is a new command initiative to allow 6th ARW leadership to recognize Airmen personally for their contributions to the 6 ARW’s mission.

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

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

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

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

Other Faith Groups - Please contact the

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

(confessions by appointment)

Jewish - Monthly Lunch and Learn: For schedFor more details and information, visit the Chapel Facebook page at http://www.facebook/6amwhc/ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

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HOLIDAY SAFETY From Page 14

checked bags, so try to fit everything into carry-on luggage. Not to mention, you’ll avoid baggage claim or the risk of your belongings getting lost or damaged.

Arrive Early – During the holiday season, and particularly during Thanksgiving, flights are packed. If you miss your flight, your chances of getting another flight to your destination are unlikely. Wake up early and get to the airport with plenty of time to spare.

Book Early – Last minute booking around Thanksgiving is not a great idea for many reasons. With most people trying to book for the same travel dates, flights get booked up earlier than usual and costs begin to surge as the holidays approach. It’s better to start looking for flights as early as possible.

Driving: Leave Early – Traffic gets brutal around 3 p.m. on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. If you leave during the early hours of the morning, you will bypass a lot of congestion on the roads.

Use a Traffic App – If you’re traveling through a big city, check traffic conditions before leaving for your trip. You can plan your route accordingly to avoid the headache of bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Charge Electronics – Make sure your phone is charged before you begin your journey. You never know when you’re going to need it to find a gas station, or to help you navigate through unfamiliar cities along the way. It’s a good idea to invest in a car charger just to be safe.

Bring a Snack – You want to be sure you’ve packed enough snacks (and

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water) to get you through your road trip without having to make frequent stops.

Check Your Vehicle – Not only do you want to fill your tank before leaving, but also take your vehicle for a quick inspection. Make sure your fluids and tire pressure are on point to avoid breaking down in an unfamiliar town. Nothing will ruin your Thanksgiving plans like being stranded on the side of the road.

Keeping your home safe while away: Remove fall-related objects that might allow access to your home. For example, ladders for cleaning leaves out of gutters can be used to enter a window or scale a fence Don’t post Thanksgiving travel plans on social media letting people know that you will be out of town Turn your telephone ringer down so no one outside can hear repeated rings; and review your answering machine message to make sure it does not imply that you are away Make sure to have all mail, newspapers, and deliveries stopped or picked up by a neighbor, friend or relative Never leave a key hidden outside. Burglars know all the best hiding places Secure all windows, including those upstairs and reduce the chance of easy entry by cutting tree limbs away from second-story windows Have a friend move your car occasionally if it is parked in the driveway Use timers to operate lights

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