MacDill Thunderbolt 11/25/21

Vol. 49, No. 47

News/Features: page 3

Modernizing Defenders

News/Features: page 3 Thanksgiving safety tips

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

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

Thursday, November 25, 2021

NEWS/FEATURES

Austin looks to alleviate financial harm pandemic caused military families

by Jim Garamone DoD News

The pandemic has imposed unusual hardships on the military, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is taking immediate steps to alleviate the worst effects.

Austin announced the moves he’s taking to strengthen economic security in the armed forces. He spoke during a Pentagon news conference Nov. 17.

“The pandemic and tight housing markets across the country have made financial struggles (for service members and their families) even tougher,” Austin said. “With the holidays approaching, I know that this is on the minds of our military communities. And it’s certainly top of mind for me.”

The challenges service members face include food insecurity, extended wait times for housing, drastically reduced housing inventories and sudden, sharp increases in rental or purchase costs for housing.

A memo from Austin outlined some immediate steps the DOD will take. “The Department of Defense has temporarily raised the basic allowance for housing in areas that have had a 10% increase in rental costs this year,” he said. “And in places with housing shortages, we are extending temporary lodging expense reimbursements so that families have more time to find a home that fits their needs.

“And when it comes to making sure our people have enough to eat, we’ve created a new toolkit that will help leaders identify service members who are struggling and connect service members and their families to resources and support programs and more,” he continued.

The toolkit will be on Military OneSource in a new “Military Leader’s Economic Security Toolkit.” Part of the kit will help leaders identify

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany Chase

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III briefs media members at the Pentagon, Nov. 17. service members struggling to feed themselves and their families and connect service members to additional resources and support programs to alleviate food insecurity.

This is only the start, Austin noted. He also tasked the undersecre-

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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See AUSTIN, Page 12

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

AFSFC initiatives modernize Total Force Defenders

by Joe Bela Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS)—When it comes to equipping more than 38,000 security forces members across the Total Force, the Air Force Security Forces Center seeks to give Defenders every advantage over their adversaries. The AFSFC Logistics Directorate is charged with making sure it happens.

AFSFC, a primary subordinate unit of the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, relies on the directorate to acquire and deliver the latest, technically advanced personal gear and equipment to security forces members around the world, including those from the U.S. Space Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.

The directorate accomplishes the work with a staff of experts from various security forces and related functions, ranging from individual requirements and equipment to deployable equipment, weapons management and ground munitions.

“AFSFC’s deliberate strategic plan to modernize and standardize security forces’ equipment across the Total Force serves as a catalyst in U.S. Air Force graphic

See MODERNIZE, Page 10

Thanksgiving fire safety: food for thought

by Richard S. Campos JBSA Fire Safety Office JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas—The countdown to consumption of turkey and all the trimming is over, and the arrival of Thanksgiving means many of us will be searching our closets for stretchy pants!

Giving thanks and spending a day with loved ones, friends, and neighbors is what this holiday is all about, but the Thanksgiving meal can lead to fires from the cooking process.

By following a few simple safety precautions in the kitchen, people can avoid any fires that may lead to injuries, deaths, or property loss.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA, Thanksgiving Day has the highest number of home-cooking fire incidents. Fires are likely to occur about three times more on this day than any other day of the year.

Thanksgiving Day can produced a surge of residential building fires that can result in millions of dollars in property damage, injuries, and deaths.

What causes most Thanksgiving fires? Cooking is attributed to more than 71 percent of the fires. Leaving food unattended while it was cooking was the leading cause of Thanksgiving cooking fires, according to the NFPA. The main timeframe for cooking fires was between noon and 3 p.m.

With all the festivities going on in your home, such as visiting with friends and relatives, you may be distracted and not keeping an eye on

Courtesy graphic

By following a few simple safety precautions in the kitchen, people can avoid any fires that may lead to injuries, deaths, or property loss. your cooking. Be aware to what’s in the oven or on the stovetop.

Give your complete attention to one dish at a time this will help to keep food from burning and starting fires. Leaving unattended cooking is what brings cold sweats to firefighters across the nation.

If a pot catches on fire, never attempt to move it or pour water on grease or oil. This splashing action might spread the fire. The best act is to put a lid on top of the pot to smother the fire, leave the pot where it is, and turn the heat off when the fire has been suppressed.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Navy Seaman Roan Smith

Participants march with The Ground Zero Flag during the annual New York City Veterans Day Parade, Nov. 11. The parade is the largest of its kind in the nation and has been held every year since 1919.

Photo by Joshua Conti, Air Force

Photo by Army Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Hughes

A Falcon 9 rocket launches from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Ca- Air Force 1st Lt. Jesse Van Tassell, a registered nurse assigned to naveral Space Force Station, Fla., November 13. The rocket carried 53 Monoclonal Antibody Infusion Team Utah, adjusts a patient’s intrasatellites into orbit. venous fluids input data at a COVID-19 treatment site in St. George, Utah, Nov. 12.

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NEWS/FEATURES

Commissaries give customers ideas for festive feasts on Turkey Day

by Kathy Milley DeCA public affairs specialist FORT LEE, Va. – At this time of year our minds turn toward the Thanksgiving meal. While the turkey is considered the show-stopper, arguably, the side dishes are what we look forward to the most.

“Every family has favorite must-have Thanksgiving sides that they anticipate all year,” said Bonita Moffett, the Defense Commissary Agency’s sales director. “Shop the commissary to save money on all the ingredients necessary to make sure all those favorites hit your holiday table.”

With these simple tips and money-saving promotions, your commissary will help you lay out the Thanksgiving spread everyone is anticipating while not busting your budget: Make a list and stick to it. The commissary website has lots of recipes. Go to https://www.commissaries.com/recipes/all-recipes and use these recipes to help make your grocery list. At the store, don’t get distracted by impulse buys that can destroy your budget.

Shop your pantry. Plan dishes around ingredients you already have See RECIPES, Page 13

Courtesy graphic

Turkey may be the star of the show on Thanksgiving, but it’s hard to argue that the leftovers and side dishes are just as popular.

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NEWS/FEATURES Army & Air Force Exchange Service dishing up Black Friday deals

by Chris Ward DALLAS – Military shoppers can start their shopping online with a buffet of savings on Thanksgiving Day and then feast on Black Friday deals bright and early Nov. 26 with online bargains beginning at midnight and stores worldwide opening at 8 a.m.

“The savings, deals and giveaways will be rolling out starting online on Thanksgiving Day,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “We’re excited about bringing back the excitement to holiday shopping.”

Black Friday deals at Army & Air Force Exchange Service locations include up to $800 savings on select appliances; 20% off select furniture; 20% off fine jewelry and watches and up to $200 savings on select laptops and monitors. Additionally, participating Exchange restaurants will offer 15% with a MILITARY STAR® card. Free brewed or drip coffee at Expresses and participating restaurants will help perk up shoppers too.

The deals do not stop on Black Friday, however, as Saturday and Cyber Week offer a smorgasbord of savings.

Deals for Nov. 27 include 20% off select furniture, 50% off select head-

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Courtesy graphic

phones, the lowest prices of the season on jeans, 30% off select styles of select watches as well as select board games for as low as $10.

Cyber Week, Nov. 29 – Dec. 2, will offer military shoppers $900 off select 85-inch 4K televisions, $60 off select cookware sets, select handbags for 50% less than MSRP and 30% off select vacuums.

Additionally, from Nov. 26-28, Main Stores will distribute scratch-off cards to customers arriving each morning. Shoppers can scratch the

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See BLACK FRIDAY, Page 12

Gr ing Greet Ca Card La Lane

MacDill Youth Sports

R•E•G•I•S•T•R•A•T•I•O•N

NOVEMBER 1

Design Design D esign Win Win up u up p Team Create Team eam Building B Building Buildi ding ing to C ate Create t te to $500! $500!

0!

• All squadrons/orgs/units will have a chance to design & create their own giant holiday greeting card

• 4’ x 8’ foot plywood will be available for pick up 9am-3pm at Outdoor Recreation Maintenance (located directly next to new Outdoor Recreation Complex) Available thru 12 Nov. • Prizes will be awarded: 1st Place $500 FSS Gift Card, 2nd Place $300 FSS Gift Card, 3rd Place $100 FSS Gift Card For more information & to sign up please contact Kathy Sanders at Kathy.sanders.1@us.af.mil or (813) 515-3704

Greeting Cards will be Placed Along Bayshore Blvd. & Displayed 1 Dec-4 Jan @macdillfss macdillfss.com

for for your your squadron/org/unit squadron/org/unit dron/org/unit

- DECEMBER 3, 2021

Cost: YC Members, $50 Non-Members, $60 All Ages CO-ED: 5-12 years of age

DESIGN PARAMETERS & RULES:

• Designers or builders may consist of squadrons/orgs/units members and their families • Cards may be horizontal or vertical, but must not exceed 4’ x 8’ • Themes must be consistent with Air Force & MacDill cultural standards of military professionalism and promote a climate of respect and dignity • Weatherproof your card • Add-ons, cutouts & moving parts allowed • If your card requires power it must be supplied • No specific religious denomination • No live plants or animals • Squadron/org/unit rep must check daily for maintenance of their card • Print POC & phone number on back of card • Set up the greeting card 1 Dec on designated spot along Bayshore Blvd.

• Cards will be removed by squadrons/orgs/units on Tue, 4 Jan 2022

more info, call youth sports at 828-7958 Required Docs:

School/Sports Physical, Registration Form, Flu Shot, Shot Record, AFMT 88, Youth Sports Registration Form. Download the AFMT and Registration form at macdillfss.com on the youth sports page.

NOTE: No player will be placed on a team until all required documents have been submitted to Youth Sports office.

More Info: Soccer shin guards are mandatory for practice and play. Parents are responsible for obtaining the shin guards. Coaches in all age groups are needed. Certification clinic TBA. Practices tentatively scheduled to start January 2022.

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Think safety

Winter’s beauty can be deadly

by Lisa Gonzales Air Force Safety Center KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M.—As winter approaches, days are colder, snow begins to fall and the calmness of the season can be anticipated; however, the season can also bring stress, anxiety, frustration and constant fatigue when thoughts turn to the holidays and the multitude of activities that comes with them.

Trips to visit family and friends, forgotten projects, decorating, snow shoveling, planning the menu for the holiday feast or participating in adventurous winter sports activities can be a recipe for disaster if proper risk management is not added to the Courtesy graphic mix.

According to the U.S. DepartWinter has its own set of safety concerns. ment of Transportation Federal Weather is key during this time of year. Continuously Highway Administration, nearly 900 people are killed, along with almost 76,000 injured in assess the risks by monitoring the weather before a trip vehicle crashes during snowfall or sleet every year. Subse- and while underway. This will help mitigate the chance of quently, more than 1,300 people are killed and more than getting stuck or into an accident due to bad weather, even 116,800 are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy or if it means delaying your trip. Weather is unpredictable and if caught in a snowstorm – remember to drive slowicy roads annually.

The Department of the Air Force has made some head- ly, increase following distance, accelerate and decelerate way in combating winter motor vehicle mishaps. Over slowly, or pull over in a safe location to wait it out.

If stuck in the snow – stay with the vehicle, tie a bright the last five years, the DAF has seen a more than 24% decrease in motor vehicle injuries, including motorcycles, colored cloth on the antenna, use flashers, and remove snow away from the exhaust pipe. Occupants can keep during the November through April time period.

Having a plan goes a long way to ensuring a safe arriv- warm by using any available blankets or clothes and al when traveling during the winter season. Part of that should conserve fuel by only running the vehicle and heatplan is to keep family and friends apprised of travel de- er long enough to remove the chill.

Exhaustion is another risk many take while traveling tails over the course of the trip.

Plan ahead with proper maintenance on your vehicle, in winter conditions. Pushing the body to its limits to get tire rotation, tune up and oil change. Pay special attention a little further down the road. Get plenty of rest, drivto the battery, windshield wipers, coolant and other sys- ing fatigued is always dangerous, but add winter weather tems that take a beating during cold weather. Pack non- and it can become deadly. The National Highway Traffic perishable food, blankets, water and a roadside emergen- Safety Administration shows that the number of fatalities cy kit with a flashlight, extra batteries, portable shovel, involving a drowsy driver was 697 or 1.9 percent of total booster cables, first aid kit, ice scraper, and kitty litter to fatalities in 2019. prepare and safeguard yourself and your passengers.

See WINTER SAFETY, Page 14

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MODERNIZE From Page 3

achieving superior agility and lethality in a battlefield environment,” said Col. Aaron Guill, AFSFC commander. “Our logistics folks, with their knowledge and expertise, are one of the reasons we are successful.”

A recent initiative called the Model Defender Kit is one example of how the AFSFC team is modernizing the force.

“It’s a long-term initiative that standardizes the gear ensemble issued to every Defender across the security forces enterprise,” said Master Sgt. Derek Walton, individual equipment manager in the Logistics Directorate. “Our responsibility is to put an acquisition strategy in place once the testing and final solutions are made on the composition of the standardized gear ensemble.”

Replacing individual equipment with new technology involves stringent research, testing and evaluation processes. Walton and other members of the team manage the process from cradle to grave. After decisions are made, they purchase samples of equipment from various vendors and send them to several bases for testing and evaluation.

“Upgrading the 23 standard individual equipment items issued to every Defender takes time, but we’re committed and our efforts are producing positive results,” Walton said.

High-speed ballistic helmet High-speed ballistic helmets are one such example. Now standard issue for security forces, the new high-cut helmets provide superior comfort and feature a built-in rail system to accommodate accessories such as night vision goggles and tactical communications equipment. More than

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27,000 of the 28,934 helmets purchased by AFIMSC are already in the field. The remainder should arrive at units by late December.

Female body armor In 2020, the AFSFC committed to a Total Force purchase of body armor developed specifically for women in security forces. The new armor is lighter and a better fit than previous body armor. It also improves mobility and provides better protection of the vital organs. The initial 7,688 vests were distributed across the Total Force.

Modular scalable vest In 2021, AFSFC began testing and evaluating a new modular scalable vest at several bases. The latest tactical body armor features additional padding for the shoulders and hips, and a pouch designed to prevent armor plates from shifting. The vests can be configured for different levels of protection based on mission requirements. Today, security forces Airmen are equipped with more than 8,100 of the new vests.

Another branch of the Logistics Directorate, the Weapons and Munitions Division, is furthering AFSFC’s commitment to accelerate change by integrating and delivering innovative solutions that modernize security forces weapons and ground munitions systems. The division also supports and advocates for all user communities across the Air Force enterprise, not just security forces.

“Our unit validates and approves all requirements for weapons systems and munitions that enable Defenders across the Total Force to sus-

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See MODERNIZE, Page 11

MODERNIZE From Page 10

tain a safe and secure operating environment,” said Randy Roth, Weapons and Munitions Division deputy chief.

The division has enhanced lethality by making significant contributions to several recent weapons modernization initiatives.

M18 modular handgun AFSFC began shipping the M18 modular handgun systems to security forces units in early 2019. The M18 modular design and ergonomic features improve target acquisition and accuracy, outperforming the bulkier M9, which had been in use for more than 30 years. The M18 can also be customized with small, medium or large hand grips. AFSFC managed the purchase of 48,860 and fielding of 38,708 M18s.

M4A1 carbine rifle Another recent acquisition is the fully automatic M4A1 carbine rifle, an upgrade to the semi automatic M4, which fires only a three-round burst. Defenders are currently transitioning to the new weapon. For security forces, the M4A1 will be equipped with the direct view optic that magnifies at a 1:6 ratio.

“It’s going to increase defender lethality by improving observation, identification and target accuracy,” Roth said. AFSFC managed the purchase of 50,000 DVOs and will begin shipping them to units in the first quarter of 2022.

M110A1 squad designated marksman rifle The M110A1 is replacing the M24 precision rifle, which has been in

use since security forces established the close precision engagement program 20 years ago. The new weapon comes with the same scope as the M4A1 and has a bullet drop compensator for 7.62 mm ammunition. It will be fitted with a 3:24 magnification optic that increases maximum effective range and enhances surveillance. The system also has military standard rails to allow attachment of accessories, such as a clip-on night sight. That was not an option with the M24. The M110A1 provides semiautomatic fire to increase engagement speed when encountering multiple targets. AFSFC managed the purchase of 1,464 M110A1s. Deliveries to units will start in the first quarter of 2022.

Polymer cased 50-caliber round The Center is also replacing 50-caliber rounds with heavier brass shells with a polymer-based alternative. “Just recently approved by the Nonnuclear Munitions Board, the new light-weight polymer-based shell casings are ideal for agile Helo rescue units,” Roth said. “We predict these rounds will eventually get into the hands of our ground-based units and Defenders.”

“At Security Forces Center, we strive to find the best solutions to efficiently procure and deliver the latest technology across the Total Force,” said Bryan Gillespie, AFSFC director of logistics. “Above all, we want Defenders to know we are here for them and encourage Defenders and commanders alike to reach out when they have questions and concerns, or are in need of logistics support and sustainment.”

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Force Support Squadron Services

AUSTIN From Page 2

tary of defense for personnel and readiness to provide a strategy and “implementation roadmap” for strengthening food security in the force within 90 days.

“The steps outlined in today’s memo won’t solve all the economic worries that our military families face. But they are important steps, and we’re committed to getting this right,” the secretary said. “Men and women in uniform and their families have enough to worry about — basic necessities like food and housing shouldn’t be among them. This is a readiness issue. And that’s why I’m focused on making sure that our service members and their families have what they need to thrive, so that they can focus on the hard work of defending our nation.”

Effective as of 05 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

From Page 6

APF/NAF/CIV Personnel Office

cards to reveal specials including $100, $50 and $25 gift cards, $10 off any purchase of $100 or more, $20 off any purchase of $200 or more, free food and more. Winners may redeem their offers in stores Nov. 29 through Dec. 12.

Shoppers can view the digital sales ads at ShopMyExchange.com by navigating to “Weekly Ad” under “Savings” at the bottom of the webpage.

The Exchange also offers contactless shopping options such as buy online pickup in store service and curbside pickup to make shopping easier for Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians and others with in-store shopping privileges.

Honorably discharged Veterans can shop online at ShopMyExchange.com. Service-connected disabled Veterans can shop in person. Veterans can visit ShopMyExchange.com/vets to learn more.

This year marks the first season of holiday shopping for Department of Defense and Coast Guard civilian employees, who received shopping privileges this spring.

Facebook-friendly version: Come and get it! Exchange feast of savings begins online Thanksgiving Day and continues online Black Friday at midnight, at 8 a.m. in stores worldwide and continues through Cyber Week.

Read more: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-1Ud

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) SeaScapes Restaurant Fridays 1500-2000; Limited drink menu; Food trucks available

Follow Us on facebook @macdillfss

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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

BLACK FRIDAY

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LIMITED SERVICES

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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)

RECIPES From Page 5

on hand.

Load commissary coupons onto your Commissary Rewards Card before you shop. Don’t have a rewards card yet? Pick one up at your local commissary and register it here: https://www.commissaries.com/ rewards-and-savings/rewards-card Check out the savings on your commissary website. Visit https://www. commissaries.com/rewards-and-savings/savings-center for coupons, sales flyers and featured items.

Take advantage of reduced prices on holiday turkeys. While supplies last, Commissaries are offering frozen, whole-body Shady Brook/ Honeysuckle/Valchris turkeys for less than 50 cents a pound through December and frozen Butterball, whole-body turkeys for less than a $1.50 a pound.

Mix do-it-yourself with store-made foods: From appetizers to apple pies, your commissary can help save you time and money with their prepared foods. Meat and cheese platters can be ordered several ways: The deli manager can take your order when shopping at the commissary or order online using the Commissary CLICK2GO web page on www.com-

missaries.com. Fruit and vegetable trays may be ordered through your produce manager while shopping or by calling the produce department.

Buy produce that is in season. Using fruits and veggies that are in season and readily available will save you money. See a list at https:// snaped.fns.usda.gov/seasonal-produce-guide. From Nov. 29 to Dec. 5, stateside stores will have special prices on pears, a holiday staple.

Take advantage of the Produce Doorbuster Sale. From Nov. 19 – 24, stateside commissaries to include Alaska and Hawaii will offer significant savings on potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions and fresh cranberries, key ingredients in some of the favorite holiday side dishes.

Consider leftovers. Your commissary has made it easy to ensure you have ingredients on hand to use those holiday leftovers. Simply use this handy leftover recipe guide complete with shopping list ingredients for dietitian-approved leftover recipe options.

“The holidays are busy times and can be expensive,” Moffett said.

“Your commissary is the time saving solution for a great Thanksgiving meal, complete with your favorite sides and leftover options, on an affordable budget.”

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

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WINTER SAFETY From Page 8

Other tips include avoiding that phone call or text while driving, stay focused, if you must take a call – pull over at a rest stop or safe location, never while you are driving. Drinking alcohol impairs the ability to make sound decisions and affects response time – never get behind the wheel after drinking, stay where you are or call for a ride share or taxi.

If plans are to stay home this year to relax, work on home projects, decorate, or spend time with family and friends, remember to do it safely.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that on average, there are about 200 decorating-related injuries each day during the holiday season, with about half of the incidents involving falls.

Do-it-yourself projects or decorating hold their own risks, get the proper tools and training for your DIY projects. If using a ladder to hang decorations indoors or out, remember to keep three points of contact and have someone hold the ladder. Make sure to use the correct lights for indoors and outdoors, purchase lights that have been tested from an independent testing laboratory and use no more than three standard size lights sets per extension cord.

Snowfall adds another hazard to think about at home. Not only does this become a slipping hazard, but the snow removal has its own inherent risks. According to the National Safety Council thousands of injuries and as many at 100 deaths occur each year from snow shoveling.

Before it starts to snow, clear driveways of debris and drop deicer to help it from sticking. Snow accumulates quickly, so if you decide to go outside to shovel it, remember to stretch beforehand to warm up your muscles, push the snow rather than lift it, if you have to lift use your legs and knees, not your back, pace yourself and take frequent breaks to avoid exhaustion. When using a snow blower remove debris from

the driveway beforehand to eliminate objects from becoming projectiles.

Cold weather conditions can make you feel less thirsty, so remember to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

All that work to get the home ready for the holidays could leave one very hungry, so let’s stop and think about food preparation.

Before beginning to prepare the holiday feast, remember the four steps of safe food handling.

Always wash your hands in warm soapy water before and after handling food and wash surfaces often.

Do not cross-contaminate foods by using the same cutting boards and knives.

Always cook food to the correct temperature – thaw the turkey in the refrigerator and don’t wash it, cooking to 165 degrees will kill bacteria, check it with a food thermometer.

Refrigerate left-overs as soon as possible but within two hours to prevent food poisoning.

Winter weather can bring out the winter sports enthusiast in all of us, but whether skiing, snowboarding or ice skating, remember these activities, although thrilling, can also be dangerous. Being aware of the dangers can help you mitigate them. Take a class to learn and build on what it takes to maneuver on skis, snowboards or skates and always take it slow and stay within your skill level.

The Department of the Air Force has seen a 26% decrease in on- and off-duty winter sports injuries from 2017 to 2021. While a reduction in the numbers are good, the goal is always zero.

Additional information on winter safety can be found at: www.safety. af.mil/Divisions/Occupational-Safety-Division/Winter-Safety/

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

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MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

COMMUNITY

EVENTS

DFAC Thanksgiving lunch & 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.

MacWonderland Festival Dec. 3 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Breakaway Events Center, 7315 Bayshore Blvd. Schedule of Events: 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Tinker Youth Choir (K-8), 6:45 p.m. – 6:55 p.m.

Annual Holiday Message, 6:55 p.m. – 7 p.m. Tree Lighting. Log on at macdillfss.com/ MacWonderland/ for more info.

Trees for Troops Dec. 9 Free fresh-cut trees for active duty military, their families and those with base access. Across the street from Bay Palms Golf Clubhouse. 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Active Duty and their families. 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. All others with base access.

First come first serve. Log on at macdillfss.com for more information.

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

Non-members, $60. Scheduled to start January. 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 7:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m.

Face off!

Courtesy photo by Mark LoMoglio/NHLI via Getty Images

Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., center, the commander of the United States Central Command, drops a ceremonial puck between Ryan McDonagh, left, of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Jordan Staal, right, of the Carolina Hurricanes during Military Appreciation Night at Amalie Arena, Nov. 9.

The Veterans Day event prior to the game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Carolina Hurricanes honored military service members past and present.

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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THANKSGIVING SAFETY From Page 3

The kitchen is also no place for children and pets during the turkey cooking frenzy. Have activities for the kids during the busy times. Games, puzzles or books can keep them entertained and out of the way. Kids can get involved in Thanksgiving preparations with recipes that can be done outside the kitchen.

It’s equally important is to keep pets out of the kitchen. Keep pets in a gated room or outside.

The NFPA believes currently designed turkey fryers that use cooking oil are not appropriate for safe use by even a well-informed and vigilant shopper. The significant amount of cooking oil used at high temperatures and units currently available for home use pose a noteworthy danger that hot oil will be released at some point during the cooking process.

Also, the burners that heat the oil can ignite spilled oil. The use of turkey fryers by consumers can lead to devastating burns, other injuries, and the destruction of property.

The NFPA urges those who prefer fried turkey to seek out professional establishments, such as grocery stores, specialty food retailers and restaurants for the preparation of the dish or consider a new type of oil-free turkey fryer.

But if you decide you want to try your hand at frying the turkey this year, take extra safeguards such as: Keep the fryer away from the house and on even ground. The fryer should be set up more than 10 feet away from the home and on level ground to keep the oil even.

Completely thaw and dry the turkey first. Only fry a turkey after it has been fully thawed and dried off to reduce the possibility of splattering grease, which can ignite fires.

Keep children and pets away, and have a fire extinguisher nearby. The last thing you want on Thanksgiving Day is for a child or pet to knock over the fryer and get injured.

It’s when people have tried to fight the fires themselves that the majority of non-fatal Thanksgiving Day fire injuries occurred. If the unspeakable was to occur and your home catches on fire and no fire extinguisher is available, your primary objective is to get everyone out of the house.

Call 911 immediately.

For more information about Thanksgiving safety, visit the National Fire Prevention Association website at https://www.nfpa.org/education or contact the Joint Base San Antonio fire prevention offices at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston at 210-221-2727, at JBSA-Lackland at 210-6712921, or at JBSA-Randolph at 210-652-6915.

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Thursday, November 25, 2021

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MACDILL THUNDERBOLT