MacDill Thunderbolt 12/16/21

Vol. 49, No. 50

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Green Beret’s resilience trumps injuries - page 8 News/Features: page 3 LevitowAward winner

News/Features: page 3 SwordAthena

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

U.S. SOCOM photo

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

Army Master Sgt. Ivan Morera, SOCOM Warrior Care Program Southern Region NCOIC, skydives with Army Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Figel, SOCOM Para-Commandos NCOIC and Airborne Ranger, Aug. 19, over Zephyrhills, Fla. Morera is a Green Beret who lost his left hand during combat operations in Afghanistan in August 2013. Despite his injury, Morera is the Defense Department’s only upper-body amputee who is either military freefall qualified or a combat medic.

NEWS/FEATURES

Department of the Air Force releases COVID-19 policy Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (AFNS)—The Department of the Air Force released its policy today outlining the way forward for Total Force military members serving in the Air Force and Space Force who have requested separation or retirement prior to Nov. 2, 2021, or whose COVID-19 medical exemption or religious accommodation was denied.

For those who refused to obey a lawful order to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, commanders will continue to take appropriate administrative and disciplinary actions consistent with law and Department of the Air Force policy. Additionally, this will result in the member being subject to initiation of administrative discharge proceedings and service characterization will be governed by the applicable Department of the Air Force Instructions.

Service members separated due to refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine will not be eligible for involuntary separation pay and will be subject to recoupment of any unearned special or incentive pays, according to Department of the Air Force officials.

Supplemental Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination Policy is located here.

Unvaccinated Airmen and Guardians who submitted a request to retire or separate prior to Nov. 2, 2021, with a retirement or separation date on or before April 1, 2022, may be granted an administrative exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement until their separation date.

Unvaccinated Airmen or Guardians with a request for medical exemption or religious accommodation are temporarily exempt from the

COVID-19 vaccination requirement while their request is under review.

- Members who receive a denial of their medical exemption or religious accommodation have five calendar days from denial of their request to do one of the following: 1. Begin a COVID-19 vaccination regimen. If the service member indicates their intent is to begin the vaccination regimen, commanders may use their discretion to adjust the five-day timeline based on local COVID-19 vaccination supplies; 2. Submit an appeal to the final appeal authority for a religious accommodation request or request a second opinion for medical exemptions. If a final appeal is denied, the service member will have five calendar days from notice of denial to begin the COVID-19 vaccination regimen; 3. If able, based upon the absence of or a limited Military Service Obligation, and consistent with opportunities afforded service members prior to Nov. 2, 2021, request to separate or retire on or before April 1, 2022, or no later than the first day of the fifth month following initial or final appeal denial.

- Service members who continue to refuse to obey a lawful order to receive the COVID-19 vaccine after their exemption request/final appeal has been denied or retirement/separation has not been approved will be subject to administrative discharge. Discharge characterization will be governed by the applicable Department of the Air Force Instructions.

Commanders will ensure all unvaccinated service members comply with COVID-19 screening and testing requirements and applicable safety standards. Leaders should continue to counsel all unvaccinated individuals on the health benefits of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

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

6th OG Airman wins Levitow award at Gunter NCO Academy

by Staff Sgt. Scott Warner 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs The John L. Levitow award is the highest award an enlisted Airman can receive during a professional military education class at the Noncommissioned Officer Academy (NCOA) at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama.

It is presented to the student who demonstrates the most outstanding leadership and academic achievements during the course.

Tech. Sgt. Alexander Orr, the 6th Operations Group NCOIC of standardization and evaluation, was the recipient of the Levitow leadership award during his NCOA class held earlier this year.

“This award is not won without being in a phenomenal,” said Orr. “I wish we were all able to split that award after all the work each of us did. I also want to thank my peers in the other classes for their insight and making it

such a great time.

“NCOA is definitely a challenge because you have to be able to use time management to ensure you are prioritizing study time and completing the assignments; the papers and presentation requirements are held to strict requirements, but the multiple group assignments and class presentations were simultaneously fun, yet difficult.”

Although the course was difficult, Orr was presented with the Levitow award for his stellar performances throughout NCOA. However, Orr had a chance to obtain a Levitow award before and fell short.

While attending Airman Leadership School (ALS) back in 2017, Orr was late on one assignment, which counted as a failure and completely disqualified him from being considered for the prestigious Levitow award.

“You always want to do your best to succeed so when I missed an assignment deadline at

Photo illustration by Staff Sgt. Scott Warner

Tech. Sgt. Alexander Orr, the 6th Operations Group NCOIC of standardization and evaluation, poses for a photo at MacDill Air Force Base with his John L. Levitow Award from Noncommissioned Officers Academy (NCOA) Class 21-7 at Gunter-Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, Oct. 29. The John L. Levitow award is presented to the student who demonstrates the most outstanding leadership and See LEVITOW, Page 13 academic achievements throughout NCOA.

Sword Athena drives change in maternity uniform accessibility

by Capt. Laura Hayden Air Combat Command Public Affairs JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. (AFNS)—Sword Athena is making strides toward greater accessibility to maternity uniforms for expectant Airmen across Air Combat Command.

Sword Athena is designed to identify, tackle and present solutions to female and family-centric barriers to readiness using crowd-sourced topics and a Mission Area Working Group (MAWG) model. During the outbrief to Gen. Mark D. Kelly, ACC commander, in May, they identified several discrepancies on the availability of maternity uniforms at ACC bases and ways the online purchasing could be improved.

In response, Sword Athena partnered with Army and Air Force Exchange Services executives to increase availability of maternity uniforms in stores and sizing guides online. Before these updates, expectant Airmen found it difficult to purchase the appropriate sized uniforms to wear during their pregnancies, often having to resort to alternative methods of acquisition and incurring extra costs.

See MATERNITY, Page 14

Photo by Staff Sgt. Jaylen Molden

Senior Airman Quynn Santjer, unit deployment manager for the 94th Fighter Squadron, looks through the new abundance of maternity options at Military Clothing Sales at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Dec. 2. Santjer was happy to know that her co-worker, who is newly pregnant, will not have to wait for uniforms to be shipped to her like she did.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Trevor Cokle

Air Force football players celebrate following the signing of the Alma Mater after defeating the University of Nevada, at the Falcon Stadium, U.S. Air Force Academy, Nov. 26. The Air Force defeated Nevada 48-14 in their final game of the regular season.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Rufus

Photo by Sean M. Worrell

A C-17 Globemaster III from the 305th Air Mobility Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., takes off at Delamar Dry Lake, Nev., during the U.S. Air Force Weapons School Integration held at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Dec. 4. The C-17 is the most flexible aircraft to enter the airlift force with capabilities for rapid strategic delivery of troops and cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area.

Retired Brig. Gen. Charles McGee, documented Tuskegee Airman, holds up a bottle of cola to honor the tradition of shooting down an enemy aircraft during his tour of the 99th Flying Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, Dec. 6. In celebration of the U.S. Air Force’s 75th anniversary, McGee was treated to a heritage tour of the 99th FTS and participated in a training mission in a T-1A Jayhawk flight simulator.

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NEWS/FEATURES

Retiree Activities Office prepares for tax season

by Senior Master Sgt. Charlie Cheshire (Ret.) Retiree Activities Office

In preparation for 2021’s tax season, the Retiree Activities Office would like to take a moment to highlight and explain the upcoming tax season.

The RAO has specially trained volunteers to assist you with tax returns. Electronic filing will be provided and refunds can be expected within approximately two weeks from the date of filing.

Appointments will begin on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022 at 9 a.m. and tax preparations will begin on Monday, Jan. 31, 2022 at 9 a.m. All customers are required to show a military ID card.

Due to IRS COVID-19 protocols, no walk-in appointments will be accepted. You must call us at 828-0248 to schedule an appointment to

receive services. Preferences for active duty service members and their families will occur on Fridays.

If the RAO did not prepare your previous year’s tax return, you should bring a copy of the return you filed for that year.

The tax assistance program is sponsored by the 6th Air Refueling Wing Staff Judge Advocates office and is operated under the supervision of the RAO. Volunteers are needed in a variety of skills and positions. If you would like to stay connected to the MacDill community and share your skills and talents, please contact our volunteer coordinator at 828-4555.

You will be working with a great team of people in providing support to our active duty military personnel, retirees, widows/widowers and dependents. No experience is necessary as training will be provided.

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

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Here comes Santa Claws

Exchange giving away $3,000 in prizes in holiday pet photo contest

by Conner Hammett DALLAS—Military pets can get in the holiday spirit to help their families fetch $3,000 in prizes in the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Mars Pet Care Holiday Pet Photo Contest.

Shoppers worldwide can enter Dec. 1-31 by submitting a photo of their four-legged friend decked out in their most festive holiday attire, or posed with Santa Claus, atShopMyExchange.com/sweepstakes. Two grand-prize winners will each receive a $500 Exchange gift card, with eight runners-up each receiving a $250 Exchange gift card.

“Family is especially important to Warfighters during the holidays, and that includes cats, dogs and other animal companions,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “We look forward to helping military pet owners get into the spirit of the season and show their creativity with this fun contest.”

Authorized Exchange shoppers 18 and older may enter. Retirees, honorably discharged Veterans, and Department of Defense and Coast Guard civilians can enter, too. Entries will be judged on originality, creativity and adherence to the contest’s theme.

No purchase is necessary to win. Limit one entry per person. Entries must be sent as a JPG, PNG or PDF and include the pet’s name, the entrant’s legal first and last name, mailing address, email address, phone number and local Exchange location.

Winners will be notified no later than Jan. 21.

Social media friendly version: Military shoppers can submit their cutest holidaythemed pet photos for a chance to win $3,000 in Army & Air Force Exchange Service gift cards Dec. 1-31. Read more: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-1V6.

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NEWS/FEATURES

AMC approves 4th KC-46A Pegasus ICR milestone Air Mobility Command Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS)—Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, approved a fourth Interim Capability Release (ICR) mission set for the KC-46A Pegasus, Dec. 6.

This ICR decision allows the KC-46A to refuel the AC-130J Ghostrider, HC-130J Combat King II, MC-130J Commando II, C-5M Super Galaxy and E-3G Sentryduring U.S. Transportation Command-tasked missions.

“The KC-46A can now support nearly 70% of all receiver aircraft that request air refueling support from USTRANSCOM,” said Lt. Col. Kevin White, AMC’s deputy chief of Aircraft and Logistics Requirements Division and KC-46A Cross Functional Team deputy lead. “In addition, we are putting the Pegasus against our highest priority missions such as direct presidential support.”

The KC-46A ICR plan allows the Pegasus to conduct operational taskings that would otherwise be filled by the KC-135 Stratotanker and KC10 Extender, increasing the force’s air refueling capacity and further seasoning total force Pegasus aircrews with operational missions.

On July 9, the first ICR decision approved the KC-46A Pegasus to refuel aircraft using its Centerline Drogue System. The second ICR deSee KC-46A, Page 11

Photo by Chustine Minoda

Maj. Christopher Rinaman, 22nd Airlift Squadron C-5M Super Galaxy pilot, maneuvers a C-5M toward a KC-46A Pegasus assigned to McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., for an aerial refueling, Dec. 14. 2020, over Nevada. The KC-46A is the newest refueling aircraft of the U.S. Air Force.

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Green Beret talks resilience through life-changing injury

by U.S. SOCOM Visual Multimedia Support Division

A

rmy Master Sgt. Ivan Morera is a Special Forces medic wounded during a mission in Afghanistan. This is his story, in his words, about resilience and what it took to overcome a life-changing injury – losing his hand.

My name is Master Sgt. Ivan Morera, United States Army Special Forces. I’m an 18 Delta, a Special Forces medic. I’ve been in Special Forces for 14 years. When I joined the Army in 2001, I joined as a combat medic. I was part of the invasion of Iraq in 2003, and during that time we had a Special Forces team come through our firebase. I saw them, they were all decked out in their cool uniforms and equipment, and I was like, “I want to do that.”

After we got back from Iraq I went to the qualification course. It took two years to graduate the course because the medic portion is a year long. After I graduated, I was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group. I was junior medic at the time. I actually met my team in Afghanistan. It was an eye opener. It had been four years since I went to combat and it was a completely different scenario.

August 16, 2013, I was driving a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on a convoy to conduct an operation. I was forced off the road by a Taliban insurgent on a motorcycle wearing an improvised explosive device vest. When I came off the road, I tried to come back and I overcompensated and the vehicle flipped. My driver-side door broke off and I was knocked unconscious. When I woke up, the vehicle and the ground had crushed my left hand. I was stuck (under the door.) My team sergeant put a tourniquet on me and the junior medic had to cut the rest of my hand off to pull me out of the vehicle.

Guys were coming over to make sure I was ok and I’m like, “Where’s the bird, where’s the bird!” They’re like, “Two mikes (minutes) out, two mikes out!” And I passed out.

I ended up in San Antonio, Brooke Army Medical Center. That second night was a real tough night. I was in really bad pain. I couldn’t sleep and I started to doubt myself (crying). How am I going to support my family? What does my team think of me? What does my family think of me? What am I going to do?

So I started making goals. I was like, ok, first thing in the morning, I’m going for a walk. Next, I’m going to do a workout. Those were short-term goals. Then I’m like, “What am I going to do next?” We’re going to start rehab, we’re going to get out of here in six months and deploy again. That didn’t happen, but it was a goal.

We did a lot of rehabilitation on the knee and the shoulder and they were getting me ready to start using prosthetics. It really didn’t take very long for me to get the hang of using prosthetics, maybe about a week. I was at the Center for the Intrepid for about 10 months. They did a great job. Their number one concern was ensuring I could meet my goals. Occupational therapy really focused on learning how to do small things with my prosthetics. One of the key things I did with my occupational therapist was learn how to tie knots. Every SF Soldier has to know how to tie knots, right? (laughing). I’m learning how to cook, how to make my bed.

Those a little things people don’t understand when they have both hands. When you’re doing it with one hand it gets challenging.

See INJURY, Page 12

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U.S. SOCOM photo

(Above) Then Army Sgt. 1st Class Ivan Morera, a Green Beret and medic, poses for a photo in Kandahar, Afghanistan in 2013. Morera would lose his left hand on that deployment in August that year after a suicide bomber on a motorcycle forced his mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle off the road causing a rollover. The rollover pinned his arm to the ground requiring amputation.

(Right) Parachute Operations Officer and U.S. Special Operations Command Para-Commando Andy Serrano, puts the final touches on a parachute rig for Army Master Sgt. Ivan Morera, SOCOM Warrior Care Program Southern Region NCOIC Aug. 19. Morera, a Green Beret, is the Defense Department’s only upper-body amputee whose military freefall qualified or a combat medic.

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U.S. SOCOM photo

Force Support Squadron Services Effective as of 22 NOV 2021 OPERATIONAL

LIMITED SERVICES

CLOSED

MASK REQUIRED INDOORS REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Common Access Card (CAC) - By Appointment Only or Mission Essential Actions (Initial CAC issue; lost CAC; PIN Reset; CAC expiring within 7 days; emergency hardships Retiree/Dependent ID Cards - 2 Kiosks available at the BX for renewals or by appointment only Passports - By Appointment Only Military Personnel Flight APF/NAF/CIV Personnel Office Manpower & Organization Office School Liaison/EFMP NAF Cashier Cage Private Org/Unit SM&W Funds Emergency Financial Assistance

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

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 from 1500 - 2000; Limited drink menu; Food trucks available.

AAFES Food Operations

Follow Us on facebook @macdillfss

macdillfss.com

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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)

KC-46A From Page 7

cision, which approved the KC-46A to refuel the B-52H Stratofortress, C-17 Globemaster III and other KC-46 aircraft using its boom, was made Aug. 5. Approved on Oct. 15, the third decision allowed the KC-46A to refuel all variants of the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon.

There is no timeline associated with the overall ICR plan, which instead focuses on establishing incremental confidence measures that allow the AMC commander and other senior leaders to qualitatively and quantitatively assess achievements at ICR milestones. Crews will continue to fly training, exercise and demonstration missions until all operational confidence measures are met.

Despite existing restrictions and deficiencies, the KC-46A continues to demonstrate its growing operational capabilities. The Pegasus has completed over 6,000 missions, offloading more than 37.8 million pounds of fuel, and making 28,000 boom and 1,900 drogue contacts since January 2019.

On Nov. 9, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey welcomed its first two KC-46As, bringing the total number of KC-46As in the Air Force inventory to 50. The KC-46A currently operates out of McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas.; Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina.; Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire; and Altus AFB, Oklahoma.

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INJURY From Page 8

Once I completed (all the therapy) I went back to 7th Group, concentrating on strength and conditioning, getting me back to combat shape. I just wanted to get back to the group. I wanted to get back to work. I wanted to get back to being a Green Beret again. At one point it defined who I was. The biggest thing was I’m not giving up on my dream of being a Green Beret.

Every day I get a little stronger. I get a little better.

Eight years later I’m still recovering physically, mentally and spiritually. Everyday I’m able to let go of some anxiety, some memories. Everyday I’m able to let go of something and get my old self back. Every day I get that second chance. I don’t want to continue to do that (pointing behind himself), I want to do something better. So let’s move forward and see how we can get better. Every day you open your eyes, it’s like, “Alright, I got another chance.”

I just want to show people, no matter what your situation is, you can overcome it, you can get through it. Your situation doesn’t define who you are. It’s your character, it’s your heart, it’s what you think of yourself that defines who you are. I’ve had guys come up and tell me I’ve inspired them, I’ve motivated them. To me, that means a lot. To be honest, I’m better for it. I’m a better man now.

I’m a better husband, I’m a better father, because my priorities changed. At first it was just about me and my career and being the best Green Beret medic I could be. But then after my injury it was like, what’s more important – my family or my career?

Every time I move forward I bring the people with me that need help. That’s important to me. I’m just one guy.

I look at myself as a regular guy. I’m not anybody special.

I’m just too stupid to know how to quit.

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LEVITOW From Page 3

ALS, I was really upset in myself,” said Orr. “I was determined at NCOA to not make that same mistake again.”

The Levitow award wasn’t the reason why he made the change, but Orr just ultimately wanted to be a better Airman and person than he was before. So the change was necessary.

“I knew I was better than that,” said Orr. Orr explained that you cannot be noticed without being surrounded by a phenomenal group of people. Although he received the highest professional military education honor in the Levitow award, his road to success was different, and in some ways, more difficult than some of his peers.

“I took the inadvisable choice of completing my final college class for my bachelor’s degree while attending NCOA,” said Orr. “We all had the adversity of the family, work, and COVID issues outside of NCOA, but we had to do our best to tune these out to be successful.”

Orr joined the Air Force when was 19 years old back in December 2011. He is oldest of three siblings from his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina.

“I never thought I’d be here, never thought about winning awards, I just joined the Air Force to break up the monotony that comes with staying in the same place for too long,” said Orr. “I use to work at WalMart and I didn’t want to become that guy who worked there for years and years on end. I knew I wanted to get out of Charleston to try new things and to go to news places and the Air Force checked a lot of boxes for me.”

Orr has always been a team player, whether from being on his track and cross country teams in high school to coaching and being part of his squadron intermural basketball, softball and soccer sports teams at Altus AFB, Oklahoma.

Being a part of a team comes naturally to him, and out of the six flights at NCOA, Orr was assigned to Bravo Flight, which had more than one heavy hitter on their team.

“Bravo Flight’s cohesiveness was what made me most proud of my

time at NCOA,” said Orr. “We all came from different backgrounds, but instantly bonded, and our flight had someone also win the ‘Commandant’s Award’ for being a great leader, which further enhanced our class dynamic.”

Great teams never just have one outstanding player because even the great Chicago Bulls basketball dynasty of the 1990s with star and hall of famer, Michael Jordan, never won a NBA championship without fellow teammate and hall of famer, Scottie Pippin.

Bravo Flight had team chemistry, shared the same vision and they had the right team players, which resulted in them receiving the Commandant’s Cup as the best performing flight from NCOA’s physical training assessments.

Yet, for those who know Orr, know he has stood out amongst his peers long before he attended NCOA. “Tech. Sgt. Orr has reached the pinnacle of excellence as a boom operator,” said Chief Master Sgt. Lee Adkins, the 6th OG operations superintendent. “He is the ops group standardization and evaluation NCOIC, a position that is normally filled by a senior master sergeant and the reason he is in that position is that he has earned the respect of not only his leadership but also of his peers.”

After returning from NCOA, Orr picked up where he left off, already making an impact at his squadron.

“I am hoping to use my skills to work with others, just like at NCOA, especially since MacDill has been working its way to focusing more on near-peer threats,” said Orr. “It will take everyone to know how they contribute to the mission for us to continue being a lethal force.”

Orr is a difference-maker and although some people think it takes a lot to be great, it can simply be attributed to doing the simple things greatly that matter the most.

“Alex comes into work every day, ready to make a difference for the operations group, and the 6th Air Refueling Wing, and he seems to do it so effortlessly,” said Adkins. “He is no doubt in my mind one of the hardest working individuals I have seen in almost 25 years of service.”

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MATERNITY From Page 3

“A lot of big bases have large military clothing sales. It’s the smaller bases and those in remote locations where it’s particularly challenging to find these uniforms,” said Master Sgt. Aubrey Woodworth, 97th Intelligence Squadron assistant superintendent, Sword Athena member and mother of five. “Usually there is a network of ladies who find other ways to acquire these items, but it is hit or miss. If you’re the first Airmen in your unit who’s been pregnant in a while, it makes it even more challenging.”

Woodworth recounted a time, while stationed overseas, when a colleague had to ask a friend stateside to purchase four different sizes because there were none available to try on or purchase on base.

“Her friend sent her all four uniforms; she tried them on and mailed back the three that didn’t fit,” Woodworth said.

With the help of Col. John Thorne, then a senior officer on the Air Combat Commander’s staff who assisted in translating Sword Athena initiatives into actionable staff packages, the team reached out to Andrew Weaver, AAFES vice president, who welcomed the feedback.

Weaver and the AAFES military clothing sales team reviewed inventory of Operational Camouflage Pattern and Service Dress maternity uniforms at locations across the command. This review helped flag clothing sales locations without enough sizing options. “Some locations were joint bases where the exchanges were run by another branch, so their inventory was not populating on Air Force lists,” he said.

To expand the program, the AAFES team worked with the Air Force Materiel Command logistics directorate. AFMC is responsible for setting the limits on inventory available in military clothing stores because the Air Force covers the carrying cost of inventory.

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“All ACC bases, except Creech (AFB), had one maternity OCP try-on uniform per size. The intention was for expectant Airmen to then order the uniform from the AAFES website. After our review and working with AFMC, AAFES secured approval to stock two sets of maternity OCP uniforms at Beale (AFB), Creech (AFB), Davis-Monthan (AFB), Moody (AFB), Offutt (AFB), and Seymour Johnson (AFB). All other ACC bases will have 10 sets per size,” he said.

The bases selected for the expanded inventory were locations that sold at least 50 maternity uniforms over the last year.

According to Weaver, the service dress maternity uniform program was also expanded to all ACC bases, which now have at least one size available for fitting. A size chart has also been added to their online listings.

Woodworth is proud of the progress Sword Athena has made and is already thinking about the next steps. She noted the importance of forming connections with other Airmen.

“The support network is there. Too often we feel like our problems as women should not be discussed in the workplace. If you can overcome that fear and reach out to the master sergeant or the major you saw in maternity uniforms, you’ll find that network,” she said.

Sword Athena uses that network to drive change.

“Many of us were raised to only bring up a problem if we had a solution as well,” said Thorne, 363rd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing vice commander. “Sword Athena has demonstrated that sharing problems across a large group provides the opportunity for Airmen of different backgrounds to share their experiences and construct an actionable solution. One of us doesn’t have all of the answers, but all of us together do.”

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Golf pro-shop holiday sale Dec. 15 – 24 Take 10-20 percent off men’s and women’s shoes, clubs, bags, and apparel at the Bay Palms golf complex holiday sale.

Santa’s helper 5K – Dec. 17 Join us at the Short Fitness Center for the Santa’s helper 5K. Run, walk or jog your way around MacDill AFB in your most festive attire to win prizes. Visit macdillfss.com/short-fitness-center for more information.

Holiday movies at the base theater Dec. 17, 1 p.m. “Rise of the Guardians” Dec. 18, 1 p.m. “Abominable” Dec. 20, 1 p.m. “Polar Express” Holiday meal at the DFAC Dec. 23 Anyone can dine at the DFAC. Join us on Dec. 23 for lunch or dinner for our holiday meal. We will have all your favorite dishes to complete your holiday. Find more info at macdillfss.com/diners-reef Fridays at Seascapes Seascapes Bar is open every Friday from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. with food trucks and a full bar. Find more info at macdillfss.com/seascapes Free golf lessons Wednesdays For active duty members and their spouses from noon – 1 p.m.

Golf balls and clubs provided.

Find more events at: macdillfss. com

U.S. Air Force photo

Join us in congratulating Team MacDill’s newest chief selects. Chief master sergeants make up only 1 percent of the enlisted force. What an accomplishment.

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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