MacDill Thunderbolt 12/16/21

NEWS/FEATURES

SecretaryoftheAirForcePublicAffairs

WASHINGTON(AFNS)—TheDepartmentoftheAir Forcereleased itspolicytodayoutliningthe wayforwardfor Total ForcemilitarymembersservingintheAir ForceandSpace ForcewhohaverequestedseparationorretirementpriortoNov. 2,2021,orwhoseCOVID-19medical exemptionorreligiousaccommodation wasdenied.

ForthosewhorefusedtoobeyalawfulordertoreceivetheCOVID-19 vaccine, commanderswillcontinuetotakeappropriateadministrative anddisciplinaryactionsconsistentwithlawandDepartmentoftheAir Forcepolicy.Additionally, thiswillresultinthememberbeingsubject toinitiationofadministrativedischargeproceedingsandservice characterizationwillbegovernedbytheapplicableDepartmentoftheAir ForceInstructions.

ServicemembersseparatedduetorefusaloftheCOVID-19vaccine willnotbeeligibleforinvoluntaryseparationpayandwillbesubject torecoupmentofanyunearnedspecialorincentivepays, accordingto DepartmentoftheAir Forceofficials.

SupplementalCoronavirusDisease2019 Vaccination Policyislocated here.

UnvaccinatedAirmenandGuardianswhosubmittedarequestto retireorseparatepriortoNov. 2,2021,witharetirementorseparation dateonorbeforeApril1,2022,maybegrantedanadministrativeexemptionfromtheCOVID-19vaccinationrequirementuntiltheirseparationdate.

UnvaccinatedAirmenorGuardianswitharequestformedicalexemptionorreligiousaccommodationaretemporarilyexemptfromthe

MacDillThunderbolt

Publisher:JoeDeluca

Editor:NickStubbs

TheMacDillThunderboltispublishedbythe TimesPublishingCompany,aprivatefirminnowayconnectedwith theU.S.AirForce.Thiscommercialenterprisenewspaper isanauthorizedpublicationfordistributiontomembersof theU.S.militaryservicesonMacDill.ContentsoftheMacDill Thunderboltarenotnecessarilytheofficialviewsof,orendorsedbytheU.S.government,theDepartmentofDefense,

COVID-19vaccinationrequirementwhiletheirrequestisunderreview.

-Memberswhoreceiveadenialoftheirmedicalexemptionorreligiousaccommodationhavefivecalendardaysfromdenialoftheirrequesttodooneofthefollowing:

1.BeginaCOVID-19vaccinationregimen.Iftheservicememberindicatestheir intent is tobeginthevaccination regimen,commanders mayusetheirdiscretiontoadjustthefive-daytimelinebasedonlocal COVID-19vaccinationsupplies;

2.Submitanappealtothefinalappealauthorityforareligiousaccommodationrequestorrequestasecondopinionformedicalexemptions Ifafinalappealisdenied,theservicememberwillhavefivecalendardaysfromnoticeofdenialtobegintheCOVID-19vaccination regimen;

3.Ifable, basedupontheabsenceoforalimitedMilitaryService Obligation,andconsistentwithopportunitiesaffordedservicemembers priortoNov. 2,2021,requesttoseparateorretireonorbeforeApril1, 2022,ornolaterthanthefirstdayofthefifthmonthfollowinginitialor finalappealdenial.

-ServicememberswhocontinuetorefusetoobeyalawfulordertoreceivetheCOVID-19vaccineaftertheirexemptionrequest/finalappeal hasbeendeniedorretirement/separationhasnotbeenapprovedwillbe subjecttoadministrativedischarge. Discharge characterizationwillbe governedbytheapplicableDepartmentoftheAir ForceInstructions.

Commanderswillensureallunvaccinatedservicememberscomply withCOVID-19screeningandtestingrequirementsandapplicable safetystandards Leadersshouldcontinuetocounselallunvaccinated individualsonthehealthbenefitsofreceivingtheCOVID-19vaccine. releasesCOVID-19policy

theDepartmentoftheAirForceorthe6thAirRefueling Wing.

Theappearanceofadvertisinginthispublication,includinginsertsorsupplements,doesnotconstituteendorsementbytheDepartmentofDefense,theDepartmentofthe AirForce,6thAirRefueling WingorthePublishingCompanyoftheproductsorserviceadvertised.

Forretailadvertising,call(813)226-3318.

Everythingadvertisedinthispublicationshallbemade availableforpurchase,use,orpatronagewithoutregardto race,color,religion,sex,nationalorigin,age,maritalstatus, physicalhandicap,politicalaffiliationoranyothernon-merit factorofthepurchaser, user,orpatron.

NewsitemsfortheMacDillThunderboltcanbesubmitted tothe6thAirRefueling WingPublicAffairsoffice,8208HangarLoopDr.,suite14,MacDillAFB,FL33621.CalltheThunderboltat828-2215.Email:6arw.pa.macdillthunderbolt@ us.af.mil.

Deadlineforarticlesubmissionsisnoon, Wednesdays toappearinthenextweek’spublication.Articlesreceived afterdeadlinemaybeconsideredforfutureuse.Allsubmissionsareconsideredforpublicationbasedonnewsvalue andtimeliness.

Everyarticleandphotographiseditedforaccuracy,clarity,brevity,conformancewiththe“AssociatedPressStylebookandLibelManual”andAirForceInstruction35-101.

6thOGAirmanwinsLevitowawardatGunterNCOAcademy

byStaffSgt.Scott Warner

6thAirRefuelingWingPublicAffairs

The JohnL.Levitow awardisthehighest awardanenlistedAirmancanreceiveduring aprofessionalmilitaryeducation classatthe NoncommissionedOfficerAcademy(NCOA)at Maxwell-GunterAir ForceBaseinMontgomery, Alabama.

Itispresentedtothestudentwhodemonstratesthemostoutstandingleadershipand academicachievementsduringthecourse.

Tech. Sgt.AlexanderOrr, the6thOperations GroupNCOICofstandardizationandevaluation, wastherecipientoftheLevitowleadership awardduringhisNCOA classheldearlier thisyear.

“This awardisnotwonwithoutbeingina phenomenal,”saidOrr.“Iwishwewereall abletosplitthat awardafteralltheworkeach ofusdid.Ialso wanttothankmypeersinthe other classesfortheirinsightandmakingit suchagreattime.

“NCOAisdefinitelya challengebecause youhavetobeabletousetimemanagement toensureyouareprioritizingstudytimeand completingtheassignments;thepapersand presentationrequirementsareheldtostrict requirements, butthemultiplegroupassignmentsand classpresentationsweresimultaneouslyfun,yetdifficult.”

Althoughthecourse wasdifficult,Orr was presentedwiththeLevitow awardforhisstellarperformancesthroughoutNCOA.However, Orrhada chancetoobtainaLevitow award beforeandfellshort.

WhileattendingAirmanLeadershipSchool (ALS)backin2017,Orr waslateononeassignment,whichcountedasafailureandcompletelydisqualifiedhimfrombeingconsidered fortheprestigiousLevitow award.

“Youalways wanttodoyourbesttosucceed sowhenImissedanassignmentdeadlineat

SeeLEVITOW,Page13

Tech.Sgt.AlexanderOrr,the6thOperations GroupNCOICofstandardizationandevaluation,posesforaphotoatMacDillAirForce BasewithhisJohnL.Levitow Awardfrom NoncommissionedOfficersAcademy(NCOA) Class21-7atGunter-MaxwellAirForceBase, Alabama,Oct.29.TheJohnL.Levitowaward ispresented tothe studentwhodemonstratesthemostoutstandingleadershipand academicachievementsthroughoutNCOA.

SwordAthenadriveschangein

maternityuniformaccessibility

byCapt.LauraHayden AirCombatCommandPublicAffairs

JOINTBASELANGLEY-EUSTIS,Va.(AFNS)—SwordAthenais makingstridestowardgreateraccessibilitytomaternityuniformsfor expectantAirmenacrossAirCombatCommand.

SwordAthenaisdesignedtoidentify, tackleandpresentsolutions tofemaleandfamily-centricbarrierstoreadinessusingcrowd-sourced topicsandaMissionArea WorkingGroup(MAWG)model.Duringthe outbrieftoGen.Mark D. Kelly,ACCcommander, inMay, theyidentified severaldiscrepanciesonthe availabilityofmaternityuniformsatACC basesand waystheonlinepurchasingcouldbeimproved.

Inresponse, SwordAthenapartneredwithArmyandAir ForceExchangeServicesexecutivestoincrease availabilityofmaternityuniformsinstoresandsizingguidesonline. Beforetheseupdates, expectantAirmenfounditdifficulttopurchasetheappropriatesizeduniforms towearduringtheirpregnancies, oftenhavingtoresorttoalternative methodsofacquisitionandincurringextracosts.

SeeMATERNITY,Page14

PhotobyStaffSgt.JaylenMolden

SeniorAirmanQuynnSantjer,unitdeploymentmanagerforthe94th FighterSquadron,looksthroughthenewabundanceofmaternityoptionsatMilitaryClothingSalesatJointBaseLangley-Eustis, Va.,Dec.

2.Santjerwashappytoknowthatherco-worker,whoisnewlypregnant,willnothavetowaitforuniformstobeshippedtoherlikeshedid.

PhotoillustrationbyStaffSgt.Scott Warner

Photoby

bySeniorMasterSgt.CharlieCheshire(Ret.) RetireeActivitiesOffice

Inpreparationfor2021’staxseason,theRetireeActivitiesOfficewould liketotakeamomenttohighlightandexplaintheupcomingtaxseason.

TheRAOhasspeciallytrainedvolunteerstoassistyouwithtaxreturns. Electronicfilingwillbeprovidedandrefundscanbeexpected withinapproximatelytwoweeksfromthedateoffiling.

AppointmentswillbeginonMonday, Jan.17,2022at9a.m.andtax preparationswillbeginonMonday, Jan.31,2022at9a.m.AllcustomersarerequiredtoshowamilitaryIDcard.

DuetoIRSCOVID-19protocols,no walk-inappointmentswillbe accepted. Youmustcallusat828-0248toscheduleanappointmentto

receiveservices. Preferencesforactivedutyservicemembersandtheir familieswilloccuron Fridays.

IftheRAOdidnotprepareyourpreviousyear’staxreturn,you shouldbringacopyofthereturnyoufiledforthatyear.

Thetaxassistanceprogramissponsoredbythe6thAirRefueling WingStaff JudgeAdvocatesofficeandisoperatedunderthesupervisionoftheRAO.

Volunteersareneededinavarietyofskillsandpositions. Ifyou wouldliketostayconnectedtotheMacDillcommunityandshareyour skillsandtalents, pleasecontactourvolunteercoordinatorat828-4555.

Youwillbeworkingwithagreatteamofpeopleinprovidingsupport toouractivedutymilitarypersonnel,retirees, widows/widowersand dependents. Noexperienceisnecessaryastrainingwillbeprovided.

byConnerHammett

DALLAS—Militarypetscangetintheholidayspirittohelptheirfamiliesfetch $3,000inprizesintheArmy&Air ForceExchangeServiceandMars PetCareHoliday PetPhotoContest.

ShoppersworldwidecanenterDec. 1-31bysubmittingaphotooftheirfour-legged frienddeckedoutintheirmostfestiveholidayattire, orposedwithSantaClaus, atShopMyExchange.com/sweepstakes.Twogrand-prizewinnerswilleachreceivea$500Exchangegiftcard,witheightrunners-upeachreceivinga$250Exchangegiftcard.

“Familyisespeciallyimportantto Warfightersduringtheholidays, andthatincludes cats, dogsandotheranimalcompanions,” saidAir ForceChiefMasterSgt. KevinOsby, theExchange’sseniorenlistedadvisor.“We lookforwardtohelpingmilitarypetowners getintothespiritoftheseasonandshowtheircreativitywiththisfuncontest.”

AuthorizedExchangeshoppers18andoldermayenter. Retirees, honorablydischarged Veterans, andDepartmentofDefenseandCoastGuardcivilianscanenter, too. Entries willbejudgedonoriginality, creativityandadherencetothecontest’stheme.

Nopurchaseisnecessarytowin.Limitoneentryperperson.Entriesmustbesentas aJPG, PNGorPDFandincludethepet’sname, theentrant’slegalfirstandlastname, mailingaddress, emailaddress, phonenumberandlocalExchangelocation.

Winnerswillbenotifiednolaterthan Jan.21.

Socialmediafriendlyversion:Militaryshoppers cansubmittheircutestholidaythemedpetphotosfora chancetowin$3,000inArmy&Air ForceExchangeServicegift cardsDec. 1-31.Readmore:https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-1V6.

AMCapproves4thKC-46APegasusICRmilestone

AirMobilityCommandPublicAffairs

SCOTTAIRFORCEBASE,Ill.(AFNS)—Gen.MikeMinihan,commanderofAirMobilityCommand,approvedafourthInterimCapability Release(ICR)missionsetfortheKC-46A Pegasus, Dec 6.

ThisICRdecisionallowstheKC-46AtorefueltheAC-130JGhostrider, HC-130JCombatKingII,MC-130JCommandoII,C-5MSuperGalaxy andE-3GSentryduring U.S. TransportationCommand-taskedmissions.

“TheKC-46Acannowsupportnearly70%ofallreceiveraircraftthat requestairrefuelingsupportfromUSTRANSCOM,” saidLt.Col. Kevin White,AMC’sdeputy chiefofAircraftandLogisticsRequirementsDivisionandKC-46ACrossFunctional Teamdeputylead.“Inaddition,we areputtingthe Pegasusagainstourhighestprioritymissionssuchas directpresidentialsupport.”

TheKC-46AICRplanallowsthe PegasustoconductoperationaltaskingsthatwouldotherwisebefilledbytheKC-135StratotankerandKC10Extender, increasingtheforce’sairrefuelingcapacityandfurtherseasoningtotalforce Pegasusaircrewswithoperationalmissions.

On July9,thefirstICRdecisionapprovedtheKC-46A Pegasusto refuelaircraftusingitsCenterlineDrogueSystem.ThesecondICRde-

Maj.ChristopherRinaman,22ndAirliftSquadronC-5MSuperGalaxypilot,maneuversaC-5MtowardaKC-46APegasusassignedtoMcConnellAirForceBase,Kan.,foranaerial refueling,Dec.14.2020,overNevada.TheKC-46Aisthenewest refuelingaircraftoftheU.S.AirForce.SeeKC-46A,Page11

PhotobyChustineMinoda

GreenBerettalks resiliencethroughlife-changinginjury

byU.S.SOCOM VisualMultimediaSupportDivision

ArmyMasterSgt.IvanMoreraisaSpecial Forcesmedicwoundedduringa missioninAfghanistan.Thisishisstory inhiswords, aboutresilienceand whatittooktoovercomealife-changinginjury–losinghishand. MynameisMasterSgt.IvanMorera,UnitedStatesArmySpecial Forces. I’m an18Delta,aSpecial Forcesmedic I’vebeeninSpecial Forcesfor14years.When IjoinedtheArmyin2001,Ijoinedasacombatmedic. I waspartoftheinvasion ofIraqin2003,andduringthattimewehadaSpecial Forcesteamcomethrough ourfirebase. Isawthem,theywerealldeckedoutintheircooluniformsand equipment,andI waslike,“I wanttodothat.”

AfterwegotbackfromIraqIwenttothequalificationcourse. Ittooktwoyears tograduatethecoursebecausethemedicportionisayearlong.AfterIgraduated, I wasassignedto1stBattalion,7thSpecial ForcesGroup I wasjuniormedicat thetime. IactuallymetmyteaminAfghanistan. It wasaneyeopener. Ithadbeen fouryearssinceIwenttocombatandit wasacompletelydifferentscenario. August16,2013,I wasdrivingamine-resistant,ambush-protectedvehiclein Kandahar,Afghanistan,onaconvoytoconductanoperation.I wasforcedoffthe roadbya Talibaninsurgentonamotorcyclewearinganimprovisedexplosivedevicevest.WhenIcameofftheroad,ItriedtocomebackandIovercompensated andthevehicleflipped Mydriver-sidedoorbrokeoffandI wasknockedunconscious.WhenIwokeup, thevehicleandthegroundhadcrushedmylefthand.I wasstuck(underthedoor.)Myteamsergeantputatourniquetonmeandthe juniormedichadtocuttherestofmyhandofftopullmeoutofthevehicle.

GuyswerecomingovertomakesureI wasokandI’mlike,“Where’s thebird, where’s thebird!”They’relike,“Twomikes(minutes)out,twomikesout!”AndI passedout.

IendedupinSanAntonio, BrookeArmyMedicalCenter. Thatsecondnight was arealtoughnight.I wasinreallybadpain.Icouldn’tsleepandIstartedtodoubt myself(crying).HowamIgoingtosupportmyfamily?Whatdoesmyteamthink ofme?Whatdoesmyfamilythinkofme?WhatamIgoingtodo?

SoIstartedmakinggoals I waslike, ok,firstthinginthemorning, I’mgoing fora walk.Next,I’mgoingtodoaworkout.Thosewereshort-termgoals.ThenI’m like,“WhatamIgoingtodonext?” We’regoingtostartrehab, we’regoingtoget outofhereinsixmonthsanddeployagain.Thatdidn’thappen,butit wasagoal. We didalotofrehabilitationonthekneeandtheshoulderandtheyweregettingmereadytostartusingprosthetics. Itreallydidn’ttakeverylongformeto getthehangofusingprosthetics, maybeaboutaweek.I wasattheCenterforthe Intrepidforabout10months. Theydidagreatjob.Theirnumberoneconcern was ensuringIcouldmeetmygoals Occupationaltherapyreallyfocusedonlearning howtodosmallthingswithmyprosthetics. OneofthekeythingsIdidwithmy occupationaltherapist waslearnhowtotieknots. EverySFSoldierhastoknow howtotieknots, right?(laughing).I’mlearninghowtocook,howtomakemybed. Thosealittlethingspeopledon’tunderstandwhentheyhavebothhands.When you’redoingitwithonehanditgets challenging.

SeeINJURY,

U.S.SOCOMphoto

(Above)ThenArmySgt.1stClassIvanMorera,aGreenBeretandmedic,posesforaphotoinKandahar,Afghanistanin2013.Morera wouldlosehislefthandonthatdeploymentinAugustthatyearafterasuicidebomberonamotorcycleforcedhismine-resistant, ambush-protectedvehicleoffthe roadcausinga rollover.The rolloverpinnedhisarmtotheground requiringamputation.

(Right)ParachuteOperationsOfficerandU.S.SpecialOperationsCommandPara-CommandoAndySerrano,putsthefinaltouchesonaparachuterigforArmyMasterSgt.IvanMorera,SOCOM WarriorCareProgramSouthernRegionNCOICAug.19.Morera, aGreenBeret,istheDefenseDepartment’s onlyupper-bodyamputeewhosemilitaryfreefallqualifiedoracombatmedic.

OPERATIONAL STATUS

ADMINISTRATIVESERVICES

Common AccessCard (CAC)- By Appointment OnlyorMissionEssential Actions(Initial CAC issue;lost CAC;PIN Reset; CAC expiringwithin 7days;emergency hardships

Retiree/Dependent ID Cards- 2Kiosks available at the BX for renewalsor by appointmentonly

Passports By AppointmentOnly

Military PersonnelFlight

APF/NAF/CIV PersonnelOffice Manpower &OrganizationOffice

SchoolLiaison/EFMP

NAFCashierCage

PrivateOrg/UnitSM&W Funds

Emergency FinancialAssistance

EVENTSUPPORT

Breakaway EventCenter Theater

FOODOPERATIONS

DFAC

Rickenbacker’sCafe

Brews of theBay Bar

SmoothieBar (FitnessCenter)

8IronGrill (GolfCourse)

BoomersBar&Grill (Breakaway EventCenter) Hangar6Grill (BowlingCenter)

SeaScapes Restaurant Fridays from1500-2000; Limiteddrinkmenu; Foodtrucks available.

AAFES FoodOperations

COMMUNITYSERVICES

MainBase Pool -Lap SwimOnly– Tues- Fri: 0600-0800&1030-1330

*No Reservations Required

FamCamp

Marina -1/2or FullDay Boat/ Equipment Rentals,Snacks&Drinks

Boat/RV Registration+ WetSlips

GolfCourse

Arts&CraftsCenter

Bowling Information, Tickets& Travel

DIYAutoHobby Shop

DIY WoodShop

Skeet Range

Archery by ReservationsOnly Car Wash/Resale Lot

READINESS/DEVELOPMENT

FitnessCenter- Masksmay be removedwhile engagedinphysicalactivity;24/7 Access Activated;OutdoorFitnessClasses

Intramurals/Sauna/ChildCare AccessAuthorized FacilityHours: Monday Friday 0500-2030

Weekends/Holidays 0600-1400

ChildDevelopmentCenters (CDCs)

FamilyChildCare

SchoolAgeProgram

YouthCenter

Military& Family ReadinessCenter Open for walk-incustomersandappointments. Classes& Workshopsareamixture of virtual andinperson.

Library Base Education Base TrainingOffice

Airman LeadershipSchool

ProfessionalDevelopmentCenter/FTAC WAPS/Vol. Education Testing Lodging (MacDillInn)

cision,whichapprovedtheKC-46AtorefueltheB-52HStratofortress, C-17GlobemasterIIIandotherKC-46aircraftusingitsboom, wasmade Aug. 5.ApprovedonOct.15,thethirddecisionallowedtheKC-46AtorefuelallvariantsoftheF-15EagleandF-16 Fighting Falcon.

ThereisnotimelineassociatedwiththeoverallICRplan,whichinsteadfocusesonestablishingincrementalconfidencemeasuresthatallowtheAMCcommanderandotherseniorleaderstoqualitativelyand quantitativelyassessachievementsatICRmilestones. Crewswillcontinuetoflytraining, exerciseanddemonstrationmissionsuntilalloperationalconfidencemeasuresaremet.

Despiteexistingrestrictionsanddeficiencies, theKC-46Acontinuesto demonstrateitsgrowingoperationalcapabilities.The Pegasushascompletedover6,000missions, offloadingmorethan37.8millionpoundsof fuel,andmaking28,000boomand1,900droguecontactssince January 2019.

OnNov. 9, JointBaseMcGuire-Dix-Lakehurst,New Jerseywelcomed itsfirsttwoKC-46As, bringingthetotalnumberofKC-46AsintheAir Forceinventoryto50.TheKC-46AcurrentlyoperatesoutofMcConnell Air ForceBase, Kansas.;Seymour JohnsonAFB, NorthCarolina.; Pease AirNationalGuardBase, NewHampshire;andAltusAFB, Oklahoma.

INJURY

OnceIcompleted(allthetherapy)Iwentbackto7th Group,concentratingonstrengthandconditioning, gettingmebacktocombatshape Ijust wantedtogetback tothegroup. I wantedtogetbacktowork.I wantedtoget backtobeingaGreenBeretagain.Atonepointitdefined whoI was. Thebiggestthing wasI’mnotgivinguponmy dreamofbeingaGreenBeret.

EverydayIgetalittlestronger. Igetalittlebetter. EightyearslaterI’mstillrecoveringphysically, mentallyandspiritually. EverydayI’mabletoletgoofsome anxiety, somememories EverydayI’mabletoletgoof somethingandgetmyoldselfback.EverydayIgetthat second chance. Idon’t wanttocontinuetodothat(pointingbehindhimself), I wantto do somethingbetter. So let’smoveforwardandseehowwecangetbetter. Every dayyouopenyoureyes, it’slike,“Alright,Igotanother chance.”

Ijust wanttoshowpeople, nomatterwhatyoursituationis, youcanovercomeit,youcangetthroughit. Your situationdoesn’tdefinewhoyouare. It’syour character, it’syourheart,it’swhatyouthinkofyourselfthatdefines whoyouare. I’vehadguyscomeupandtellmeI’veinspiredthem,I’vemotivatedthem. To me, thatmeansa lot. To behonest,I’mbetterforit.I’mabettermannow. I’mabetterhusband,I’mabetterfather, becausemypriorities changed.Atfirstit wasjustaboutmeandmycareerandbeingthebestGreenBeretmedicIcouldbe. But thenaftermyinjuryit waslike, what’smoreimportant –myfamilyormycareer?

EverytimeImoveforwardIbringthepeoplewithme thatneedhelp.That’simportanttome. I’mjustoneguy. Ilookatmyselfasaregularguy I’mnotanybodyspecial. I’mjusttoostupidtoknowhowtoquit.

ALS, I wasreallyupsetinmyself,” saidOrr.“I wasdeterminedatNCOA tonotmakethatsamemistakeagain.”

TheLevitow award wasn’tthereasonwhyhemadethe change, but Orrjustultimately wantedtobeabetterAirmanandpersonthanhe wasbefore. Sothe change wasnecessary.

“IknewI wasbetterthanthat,” saidOrr.

Orrexplainedthatyoucannotbenoticedwithoutbeingsurrounded byaphenomenalgroupofpeople.Althoughhereceivedthehighestprofessionalmilitary educationhonorintheLevitow award, hisroadto success wasdifferent,andinsome ways, moredifficultthansomeofhis peers.

“Itooktheinadvisable choiceofcompletingmyfinalcollege classfor mybachelor’sdegreewhileattendingNCOA,” saidOrr.“We allhadthe adversityofthefamily, work,andCOVIDissuesoutsideofNCOA,but wehadtodoourbesttotunetheseouttobesuccessful.”

OrrjoinedtheAir Forcewhen was19yearsoldbackinDecember 2011.HeisoldestofthreesiblingsfromhishometownofCharleston, SouthCarolina.

“IneverthoughtI’dbehere, neverthoughtaboutwinning awards, IjustjoinedtheAir Forcetobreakupthemonotonythatcomeswith stayinginthesameplacefortoolong,” saidOrr.“Iusetoworkat WalMartandIdidn’t wanttobecomethatguywhoworkedthereforyears andyearsonend.IknewI wantedtogetoutofCharlestontotrynew thingsandtogotonewsplacesandtheAir Force checkedalotofboxes forme.”

Orrhasalwaysbeenateamplayer, whetherfrombeingonhistrack andcrosscountryteamsinhighschooltocoachingandbeingpartof hissquadronintermuralbasketball,softballandsoccersportsteamsat AltusAFB,Oklahoma.

Beingapartofateamcomesnaturallytohim,andoutofthesix flightsatNCOA,Orr wasassignedtoBravoFlight,whichhadmore thanoneheavyhitterontheirteam.

“BravoFlight’scohesiveness waswhatmadememostproudofmy

timeatNCOA,” saidOrr.“We allcamefromdifferentbackgrounds, but instantlybonded,andourflighthadsomeonealsowinthe‘Commandant’s Award’forbeingagreatleader, whichfurtherenhancedour class dynamic.”

Greatteamsneverjusthaveoneoutstandingplayerbecauseeventhe greatChicagoBullsbasketballdynastyofthe1990swithstarandhall offamer, Michael Jordan,neverwonaNBA championshipwithoutfellowteammateandhalloffamer, ScottiePippin.

BravoFlighthadteam chemistry, sharedthesamevisionandthey hadtherightteamplayers, whichresultedinthemreceivingtheCommandant’sCupasthebestperformingflightfromNCOA’s physical trainingassessments.

Yet,forthosewhoknowOrr, knowhehasstoodoutamongsthispeers longbeforeheattendedNCOA.

“Tech.Sgt.Orrhasreachedthepinnacleofexcellenceasaboomoperator,” saidChiefMasterSgt.LeeAdkins, the6thOGoperationssuperintendent.“HeistheopsgroupstandardizationandevaluationNCOIC, apositionthatisnormallyfilledbyaseniormastersergeantandthe reasonheisinthatpositionisthathehasearnedtherespectofnot onlyhisleadershipbutalsoofhispeers.”

AfterreturningfromNCOA,Orrpickedupwhereheleftoff, already makinganimpactathissquadron.

“Iamhopingtousemyskillstoworkwithothers, justlikeatNCOA, especiallysinceMacDillhasbeenworkingits waytofocusingmoreon near-peerthreats,” saidOrr.“Itwilltakeeveryonetoknowhowthey contributetothemissionforustocontinuebeingalethalforce.”

Orrisadifference-makerandalthoughsomepeoplethinkittakes alottobegreat,itcansimplybeattributedtodoingthesimplethings greatlythatmatterthemost.

“Alexcomesintoworkeveryday, readytomakeadifferenceforthe operationsgroup, andthe6thAirRefueling Wing, andheseemstodoit soeffortlessly,” saidAdkins.“HeisnodoubtinmymindoneofthehardestworkingindividualsIhaveseeninalmost25yearsofservice.”

“A lotofbigbaseshavelargemilitary clothingsales It’sthesmaller basesandthoseinremotelocationswhereit’sparticularly challenging tofindtheseuniforms,” saidMasterSgt.Aubrey Woodworth,97thIntelligenceSquadronassistantsuperintendent,SwordAthenamemberand motheroffive.“Usuallythereisanetworkofladieswhofindother waysto acquiretheseitems, butitishitormiss. Ifyou’rethefirstAirmeninyour unitwho’sbeenpregnantinawhile, itmakesitevenmore challenging.”

Woodworthrecountedatime, whilestationedoverseas, whenacolleague hadtoaskafriendstatesidetopurchasefourdifferentsizesbecausethere werenone availabletotryonorpurchaseonbase.

“Herfriendsentherallfouruniforms;shetriedthemonandmailed backthethreethatdidn’tfit,”Woodworthsaid.

WiththehelpofCol. JohnThorne, thenaseniorofficerontheAirCombatCommander’sstaffwhoassistedintranslatingSwordAthenainitiativesintoactionablestaffpackages, theteamreachedouttoAndrew Weaver,AAFESvicepresident,whowelcomedthefeedback.

WeaverandtheAAFESmilitary clothingsalesteamreviewedinventory ofOperationalCamouflage PatternandServiceDressmaternityuniforms atlocationsacrossthecommand.Thisreviewhelpedflag clothingsales locationswithoutenoughsizingoptions.“Somelocationswerejointbases wheretheexchangeswererunbyanotherbranch,sotheirinventory was notpopulatingonAir Forcelists,” hesaid.

To expandtheprogram,theAAFESteamworkedwiththeAir Force MaterielCommandlogisticsdirectorate.AFMCisresponsibleforsetting thelimitsoninventory availableinmilitary clothingstoresbecausetheAir Forcecoversthecarryingcostofinventory.

“AllACCbases, exceptCreech(AFB),hadonematernityOCPtry-on uniformpersize.Theintention wasforexpectantAirmentothenorder theuniformfromtheAAFESwebsite.Afterourreviewandworkingwith AFMC,AAFESsecuredapprovaltostocktwosetsofmaternityOCPuniformsatBeale(AFB),Creech(AFB),Davis-Monthan(AFB),Moody(AFB), Offutt(AFB),andSeymour Johnson(AFB).AllotherACCbaseswillhave 10setspersize,” hesaid.

Thebasesselectedfortheexpandedinventorywerelocationsthatsold atleast50maternityuniformsoverthelastyear.

Accordingto Weaver, theservicedressmaternityuniformprogram was alsoexpandedtoallACCbases, whichnowhaveatleastonesize available forfitting.A size charthasalsobeenaddedtotheironlinelistings.

WoodworthisproudoftheprogressSwordAthenahasmadeandisalreadythinkingaboutthenextsteps. Shenotedtheimportanceofforming connectionswithotherAirmen.

“Thesupportnetworkisthere.Toooftenwefeellikeourproblemsas womenshouldnotbediscussedintheworkplace. Ifyoucanovercomethat fearandreachouttothemastersergeantorthemajoryousawinmaternityuniforms, you’llfindthatnetwork,” shesaid.

SwordAthenausesthatnetworktodrive change.

“Manyofuswereraisedtoonlybringupaproblemifwehadasolution aswell,” saidThorne, 363rdIntelligence, Surveillance, andReconnaissance Wingvicecommander.“SwordAthenahasdemonstratedthatsharingproblemsacrossalargegroupprovidestheopportunityforAirmenofdifferent backgroundstosharetheirexperiencesandconstructanactionablesolution.Oneofusdoesn’thavealloftheanswers, butallofustogetherdo.”

EVENTS

Golfpro-shopholidaysale

Dec 15–24 Take10-20percentoffmen’sandwomen’sshoes, clubs, bags, andapparelatthe Bay Palmsgolfcomplexholiday sale.

Santa’shelper5K–Dec.17

JoinusattheShort Fitness CenterfortheSanta’shelper5K. Run, walkorjogyour wayaround MacDillAFBinyourmostfestive attiretowinprizes.Visitmacdillfss.com/short-fitness-center formoreinformation.

Holidaymoviesatthebase theater

Dec. 17,1 p.m.“RiseoftheGuardians”

Dec. 18,1 p.m. “Abominable” Dec. 20,1 p.m.“PolarExpress”

HolidaymealattheDFAC Dec.23

AnyonecandineattheDFAC. JoinusonDec. 23forlunchor dinnerforourholidaymeal. We willhaveallyourfavoritedishes tocompleteyourholiday. Find moreinfoatmacdillfss.com/diners-reef

FridaysatSeascapes

SeascapesBarisopenevery

Fridayfrom3 p.m.–8 p.m.with foodtrucksandafullbar. Find moreinfoatmacdillfss.com/seascapes

Freegolflessons Wednesdays

Foractivedutymembersand theirspousesfromnoon–1 p.m. Golfballsand clubsprovided.

Findmoreeventsat:macdillfss. com

NormalHours- Monday-Friday -9a.m.to 3p.m.Afterhourschaplain,call828-4362/4361.

Monday-ThursdayMass 12:10p.m. www.macdill.af.mil/chapel -Sunday -8&9:30a.m. Sunday 11 a.m.atwww.facebook.com/6amwhc

OtherFaithGroups

U.S.AirForcephoto