Thunderbolt 12/22/2022

byC. ToddLopez DODNews

TheDefenseDepartmenthasreleasedthebasicallowanceforhousing, or BAHratesfor2023.Thoserateshaverisen,on average, by12.1 percent,saidthe Pentagonpresssecretaryduringabriefingtoday.

“Thesignificantincreasein average BAHratesisreflectiveofthe uniquemarketconditionsexperiencedacrossmanylocations nationwideoverthepastyear,” saidAir ForceBrig. Gen. PatRyder. “Thedepartmentiscommittedtothepreservationofacompensationandbenefitsstructurethat providesmembers with anadequatestandardof livingtosustainatrained,experiencedandreadyforce, nowandinthe future.” The BAHincreaseisnotunexpected. InamemodatedSept. 22,2022,SecretaryofDefenseLloyd J. AustinIIIoutlinedanarrayof effortstoaddresstheneedsofmarriedservicemembersandtheirfamilies, aswellassingleservicemembers.

“TheDepartmentofDefensehasasacredobligationtotakecareof ourservicemembersandfamilies,” Austinwroteinthememo “Doing soisanationalsecurityimperative. Ourmilitaryfamiliesprovidethe strongfoundationforour force, andweowethemourfullsupport.”

We remainprofoundlycommittedtodoingrightbyourmilitary

MacDillThunderbolt

Publisher:JoeDeluca

Editor:NickStubbs

TheMacDillThunderboltispublishedbythe TimesPublishingCompany,aprivatefirminnowayconnectedwith theU.S.AirForce.Thiscommercialenterprisenewspaper is an authorized publicationfordistributiontomembersof theU.S.militaryservicesonMacDill.ContentsoftheMacDill Thunderboltarenotnecessarilytheofficialviewsof,orendorsedbytheU.S. government,the Department ofDefense,

theDepartmentoftheAirForceorthe6thAirRefueling Wing.

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Deadlineforarticlesubmissionsis noon, Wednesdays toappear inthenextweek’spublication.Articles received afterdeadline maybeconsideredforfutureuse.Allsubmissionsareconsideredforpublicationbasedonnewsvalue andtimeliness. Everyarticleandphotographiseditedforaccuracy,clar-

NEWS/FEATURES

73rdSOS gunshipcrews awardedMacKay Trophy

byAirman1stClassNatalieFiorilli 1stSpecialOperationsWingPublicAffairs

HURLBURTFIELD, Fla.(AFNS)—Chaos. noneword,that’show the U.S. Air ForceAC-130JGhostridergunshipcrewsofShadow77and Shadow78describedthesceneofKabul,Afghanistan,Aug. 15,2021.

“Therewerejustcarsandpeopleeverywheretryingtogetonto theairfield,” said1stLt. WilliamBachmann,73rdSpecialOperations SquadroncopilotaboardShadow78.

ForthecrewsofShadow77and78, themissionto supportthe U.S. withdrawalfromAfghanistanduringOperation Freedom’s Sentinelwouldgoontolastnearly30hourscombined–resultinginthe evacuationofroughly 2,000Americans.

Thosemembersofthe73rdSOSwerehonoredfortheireffortsasrecipientsofthe2021MacKayTrophyduringaceremonyattheNational Museumofthe U.S. Air ForceatWright-PattersonAir ForceBase, Ohio, Dec. 7.

Thetrophy, whichisadministeredbytheAir ForceandtheNational AeronauticAssociationforthe“mostmeritoriousflight” oftheyearby SeeTROPHY,Page8

CrewsofShadow 77and78,73rdExpeditionarySpecialOperations Squadron, JointSpecialOperationAir Component-CentralreceiveMackay Trophy2021 awardsduringaceremonyattheNationalMuseumof the U.S. Air Forceat Wirght-PattersonAir ForceBase, Ohio, Dec 12.The Airmenearnedthe awardsfortheirsupportofOperation Freedom’sSentinel, whichprovided close-airsupportfor2,000Americansevacuating the embassyin Kabul,Afghanistan,inAugust2021.

DHWShighest-riskoffduty

byDawnBodenner AirForceSafetyCenter

KIRTLANDAIRFORCEBASE, N.M.—To helpAirmenandGuardiansidentifyandlessentheriskstheymayencounterintheirofftime, theAir ForceSafetyCenter’sdepartment-widecampaignfocusonoffdutyriskmanagementiscomingtoanend.Thecampaignreachesout totheAirandSpace Forcesforparticipationinbothvideoandsafety slogancontestshighlightingoff-dutythreatstothe Human Weapon System.

Atthisstageofthecampaign, thequestion wasasked, “Whatare thehighestriskoff-dutyactivities?”Thisisagood,complexquestion. In an October2022analysis, AFSEC’s TrafficManagementandOutreachteamidentifiedhighest-riskinjury mishapsforoff-dutyUSAF andUSSFmilitarymemberinjuriesbycategoryandsubcategorypercentages HighestriskactivitiesresultingininjuryincludeMotor Vehiclesubcategories:automobiles(1,400),motorcycles (720), dirtbikes (121),and ATV/UTV/OHV(98).Inthe TeamSportcategory, Basketball injuries(568)werehigherthanfootball/rugby/lacrosse/flickerball(270) andsoccer(177)combined.InIndividualSports, injuriesfrombicycling

Photoby Ty Greenlees

PhotobySeniorAirmanMartinez

JSADD restartstheirengines thisholidayseason

byAirman1st Class ZacharyFoster 6thAir Refueling WingPublicAffairs

Alcoholmayinfluenceyourdancemoves, but itshouldn’tinfluenceyourdrivingthisholiday season.

Joint ServicesAgainstDrunkDrivingishere thisholiday season withthegoalofgettingall service membershomesafelytotheir families

Volunteersfromacrosstheinstallationcome togetheroutsidetheduty daytoensure their wingmenhaveasafemodeoftransportationafterconsumingalcohol.

“JoiningJSADDhasbeenagreatopportunity,” said U.S. Air ForceSeniorAirmanDale Hammons, 6thLogisticsReadinessSquadron passengerterminaltechnician.“Itfeelsgoodto feellikeI’mmakinga differenceinthecommunity.”

holidaypartiesacross theinstallationtoprovideasafealternative modeoftransportationforallDepartmentof Defenseemployees.

Unitsacrosstheinstallationcanrequestvolunteersfor anythingfrompromotionrelease partiestounitsponsoredsocialevents.

“JSADDprovidesasafe, easyandconvenient wayfor servicememberstofindtheir wayhome,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt.Caleb Delbaugh, 6thLogisticsReadinessSquadron noncommissionedofficerin chargeofcommand supportstaff “Sincetheprogram’srenewalthe basehasseena massive reductioninDUIs.”

Theprogramrecentlypartneredwithlocal rideshareorganizationswideningtheirreach toencompassthe TampaBaymetropolitanarea includingSt. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon and Riverview.

U.S. AirForce TechSgt.CalebDelbaugh,6th LogisticsReadiness Squadronnoncommissionedofficerinchargeofcommandsupport SeeJSADD,Page 15 staff

JSADDissendingvolunteerstodepartment

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families, justasourmilitary familiesremainprofoundly committedtotheirlovedones andtothenationthatthey alldosomuchtodefend.”

SecretaryofDefenseLloyd J. Austin III

Partofthateffort wasareviewoftheprospective2023 basicallowanceforhousing ratestoensuretheyreflect unusualfluctuationsinthe housingmarket.Additionally, inthe28areasDODidentifiedashavingamorethan 20%spikeinrentalhousing costsabove BAH, thesecretarydirectedautomaticincreasesin BAH,whichtook placeinOctober.

AccordingtoaDODrelease, theOctoberrateincreasesweretemporaryand willexpireDec 31, 2022 Those who had received the temporaryrateincreaseswill switchovertothenew BAH rates inthenewyear.

Inadditiontoincreased BAHratestohelpmilitary families, theDefenseDepartmentisalsoworkingonotherinitiatives, includingeffortstomakemilitarymoves lessonerous, makesecuring childcarelessdifficult,and expandmilitaryspouseemployment.

“Theseactionsreflectthe department’ssacredobligationtohonorandsupportour servicemembersandfamilies,” Austinsaidinhismemo “Weremainprofoundly committedtodoingright by ourmilitary families, just asourmilitaryfamiliesremainprofoundlycommitted totheirlovedonesandto thenationthattheyalldoso muchtodefend.”

PhotobyArmySpc..RoseDi

Afamilyofadeployed 35thInfantryDivisionsoldierholdsasigntoshowtheirsupportatKauffmanStadium,Kansas City, Mo.,Sept.11.

PhotobyMarineCorpsCpl.AlexFairchild

MarineCorpsStaffSgt. Victor Quezada,theaviationsupplyandpreventative

noncommissionedofficerinchargewith Marine AviationLogisticsSquadron36,1stMarineAircraftWing,spends timewithhis familyinChatan, Okinawa,Japan, April6.

ScholarshipsforMilitaryChildrenacceptingfor2023-2024

byMikePerron DeCApublicaffairs specialist

FORTLEE, Va..—ApplicationshavenowopenedfortheScholarshipsforMilitaryChildrenprogramforacademicyear2023–2024.The program,enteringits23rdyear, recognizesthecontributionsofmilitary familiestothereadinessofthefightingforceandcelebratesthecommissary’sroleinenhancingmilitaryqualityoflife FisherHouse Foundation,anonprofitorganizationdedicatedtohelpingservicemembers, veterans andtheirfamilies, administerstheprogram.Theprogram has awardedmorethan$22millionto12,812students, selectedfrom apoolofnearly113,000applicants.“TheDefenseCommissaryAgency isagainhonored,forthe23rdyearinarownow, toteamwith Fisher House Foundationandindustrytopromotethisextraordinaryopportunity forthe childrenofmilitaryfamiliestopursuetheirdreamsin highereducation,” saidMarineCorpsSgt.Maj.MichaelR.Saucedo, seniorenlistedadvisortotheDeCAdirector.Forscholarshipyear2023-24, FisherHouse Foundationwill award500scholarshipgrantsof$2,000 each.Theselectionprocesswillbeginimmediatelyfollowingtheapplicationdeadlineof Feb. 15, at 11:59 p.m.PSTFundingfortheprogram comesfromcommissarybusinesspartnersandothercontributionsto Fisher House Foundation designatedspecifically forthescholarship programs.“Wethankthe DefenseCommissaryAgencyforpartnering

withustoprovidescholarshipstoouryoungestmembersofthemilitarycommunity,” said Ken Fisher, chairmanandCEOof FisherHouse Foundation.“Wealsoappreciatethedonorsandsupporterswhovalue howimportantourmilitaryfamiliesareandsupportthemthroughour scholarshipprogram.”Selectionqualificationsarestraightforward.Re-

Courtesygraphic

anAir Forcepersonororganization, waspresentedtothecrewby Vice ChiefofStaffoftheAir ForceGen.DavidAllvin,alongsideNAAPresidentGregPrincipato.

“Shadow77andShadow78–youown,now, aspecialplace,” Allvin said.“Yournameisonthesameboardwiththegreats…there’snot manythatcansaythat. Youearnedyour wayontothatbybeingthe bestAirmenthatyoucouldwhenthenationcalleduponyou.”

Notamatterof“if” but“when”

InthedaysandweeksleadinguptoAug 15, thegunshipcrews trackedthelatestupdatesas Talibanforcesmadeadvancesthroughout Afghanistan.

Atthetime, themembersofthe73rdSOSatHurlburt Field,were deployedtoAlDhafraAirBasein theUnitedArabEmirates.

Thecrewsremainedonstandbytosupportthe U.S. withdrawal.

“[Weknew]it wasgoingtohappenatsomepointandthatwewere definitelygoingtobepartofit,” Bachmann said. “It wassurreal.”

OnthemorningofAug. 15,theteamassignedtoShadow77wokeup toanotificationtellingthemtoreportearlier thanplanned.

Capt.LawrenceBria,73rdSOSaircraftcommanderofShadow77, said thecrewshadjustenoughtimetoquicklygrabfoodbeforeheading tothegunshiptogetreadyfortakeoff.

“Wedidn’tknowhowlongthenight wasgoingtogo,” Briasaid.“But, asweflewtowardAfghanistan,wetalkedabouthowweweregoingto bethereaslongasweneededtobeandaslongasleadershipwouldallowus to bethere.”

AsthegunshipapproachedKabul,theycouldseecelebratorygunfire fromthe Taliban,aswellasfireworksin thedistance.

Uponarrival, Shadow 77’s initialmission was toprovideoverhead supportashelicoptercrewsworkedtoevacuatetheembassyandtransportAmericans to Kabul’sHamidKarzaiInternationalAirport.

Shortlyafter, Shadow78arrivedonscenetoassistintheevacuation efforts.

Ultimately, thecrewsonboardShadow77andShadow78servedas “eyesinthesky,” Briaexplained.

“Wewerethereincasethingswentevenworseandathreatcame totheAmericans, eitherattheembassyorontheairfield,wewouldbe there, readyforit,” hesaid.

Ahighlymodifiedaircraft,theAC-130Jisusedtoperform closeair support,airinterdictionandarmedreconnaissancemissions. Uniqueto thisgunshipinparticular, theAC-130Jfeaturesaprecisionstrikepack-

agethatincludes30mmand 105mmweapons.

Additionally, thegunshipisequippedwithnon-lethal,overtlasers thatcanbeused for crowdcontrolandtodeterviolence.

Thisfeatureinparticularbecamehelpfulas chaosbrokeoutonthe airfield,Brianoted.

“Duringtherushtowardtheairfield,wewereabletousethespotlighttohelpfriendlyforcesontheground,” Briaexplained.“Ifwesaw anyonetrytojumpthefenceormakeabreakforitontherunway, we usedittohelpground forcesstopthem.”

Theircrowddispersioneffortsallowedeight U.S. Air ForceC-17 GlobemasterIIIstolandandtakeofffromHamidKarzaiInternational Airport–carryingtheAmericansandAfghan refugeestosafety.

Intotal, Shadow77and78executeda29.8-hourmission–with Shadow77flyingthelongestunaugmentedAC-130Jflighttodateat 15.7hours.

Whilethemissionlastedlongerthansomemayhaveexpected,Bria saidthecrewssimplyfellbackon theirtrainingtopushthrough.

“Atthatpoint, yourinstinctsjustkickintomakesuretheAmericans onthegroundaresafe, andyoupushyourexhaustionandyourstress andyourworries to theside to get the missiondone,” Briasaid.

Air Forcehistory

Eachofthe18crewmembersreceivedamedalliontocommemorate theirselectionforthe prestigious award.

During theceremony, Air ForceSpecialOperations DeputyCommanderMaj. Gen. MatthewDavidsonlaudedthecrewsfortheir“relentless”commitmenttothemission’ssuccess.

“Shadow77andShadow78haveearnedtheirspotonanincredible listofAirmenthatarehistoricinourAir Force,” Davidsonsaid. “America’scompetitiveadvantagesaretheseAirmenandthosehundredsof thousands[of]othersthatareoutthere. Noadversarywillevercompete withtheAirmenthattheUnitedStatesAir Forcewillputonthebattlefield.”

Followingthepresentation,thetrophywillreturntoitspermanent displayattheSmithsonian’sNationalAirandSpaceMuseumin Washington, D.C.

ForthecrewsofShadow77and78,the awardservesasrecognition foralloftheforcesinvolvedinthemission,Bachmannsaid.

“Iwishthatwecouldgiveittoeverycrewthat wasoutthere,” he said.“Everyonethat wasinvolvedshouldtakeprideinthistrophybeing awardedinrecognitionofthatmission.”

Partnernationairforcesdeliverhumanitarian aidduringOperationChristmas Drop 2022

by1stLt.DannyRangel 374thAirliftWingPublicAffairs

ANDERSENAIRFORCEBASE,Guam(AFNS)—Fivepartnernationair forcesworkedtogethertodeliverhumanitarianaidaspartofOperationChristmasDrop2022,theDepartmentofDefense’slongest-runninghumanitarianaid missiondeliveringessentialsuppliestoislandcommunitiesinthewestern Pacific, Dec 4-13.

Aircrewfromthe U.S. Air Force, Republicof KoreaAir Force, JapanAirSelfDefense Force, RoyalAustralianAir ForceandRoyalNewZealandAir Forceparticipatedinthe71stOperationChristmasDropthisyear, delivering209bundles ofsuppliesweighingatotalofmorethan75,000poundsto57locationsinthe FederatedStatesofMicronesiaandRepublicof Palau.

“Itisaphenomenalthingthatwehavebeenabletocontinuethistraditionfor 71years,” saidLt.Col. Kira Coffey, 36thAirliftSquadroncommander. “The36th AShasbeencentraltothiseffortandgettingtoseethiseventandseeingthe tangibleeffectithastothepeopleontheislandsisimportantandfulfilling.”

Eightpartner nation C-130HerculestraveledtoAndersenAir ForceBase toparticipateinthehumanitarianmission.Crewstookpartinjointoperations planningandpreparationneededtoensurethesuccessfuldeliveryofeachbundle

“It wastrulyexcitingtocometogetherasaninternationalteamofAirmen forsuchagoodcause,” said Capt.AndrewZaldivar, 36thASpilotandOCDmissioncommander. “Beingabletobepartofthismissionistrulyhumbling, andI’m happyourteam wasabletoworktogetherwithourpartnernationaircrewsto deliveraidtopeoplelivingontheseisolatedislands.”

Itemscontainedineachbundleincluded clothing, food,medicalandschool supplies, fishingequipmentandotheressentialgoods. Priortothefirstairdrop, thebasehostedabundlebuildeventwhereOCDparticipantsjoinedlocalcommunityvolunteerstoorganizedonationsanddecorateeachboxfordelivery.

InternationalparticipantsintheOCDexpressedtheirenthusiasmforthe missionandsupportfortheimportanceofdeliveringhumanitarianaid.

“I’veenjoyedmeetingwithothernationsandsharingthecommonexperience ofdeliveringaidhereinthe Pacific,” saidRoyalNewZealandAir ForceFlight LieutenantCampbell Wilson,40Squadrondetachmentcommander. “Thisaidis deliveredwithgoodwillandwithprideandlovefromalltheagenciesinvolved. We’vereallyenjoyedbeingpartofit,andwe’rehonoredtotakepart.”

Additionally, OperationChristmasDropallowed U.S. andpartnernationaircrewtheopportunitytohoneskillsneededforfutureoperations. Airmendeliveredbundlesusingalow-cost, low-altitudedeliverymethod,a wayofeffectively airliftingsuppliestoausterelocationsusingfewerresources.

Thisyear’seventculminatedinamultinationalseven-shipelephant walk downtheAndersenAFBflightline, aneventthatincludedaC-130aircraftfrom eachparticipatingcountry.

“It wasexcitingtoseeourpartnernationC-130scomeoutandshowcasethe teameffortthatissocriticaltothesuccessofOperationChristmasDrop,” Coffeysaid.“Wedemonstratedhowwecanseamlesslyworktogetherasateamand integrateoperationsinsupportofdeliveringvitalsuppliestoisolatedcommunities. I’mproudofourinternationalteamofAirmenwhohaveworkedsohardto ensurethismissionissuccessful.”

AJapanAirSelf-DefenseForceC-130HHerculesassignedtothe401st signedtothe37Squadron,RepublicofKoreaAirForceC-130HHerculesassignedtothe251st C-130HHerculesassignedtothe40squadron,andU.S.AirForceC-130JSuperHerculesassignedtothe36thExpeditionaryAirliftSquadronconductmultinationalelephantwalkatAndersenAirForceBase,Guam,Dec.10,duringOperationChristmasDrop2022.JASDF,RAAF,ROKAF,RNZAF,andUSAFC-130J crewmembersdelivered209bundleswithhumanitarianaidtotalingmorethan71,000

AJapanAirSelf-DefenseForceC-130HHerculesassignedtothe401st TacticalAirliftSquadron,RoyalAustralianAirForceC-130JSuperHerculesassignedtothe37Squadron,RepublicofKoreaAirForceC-130HHerculesassignedtothe251st TacticalAirSupportSquadron,RoyalNewZealandAirForce C-130HHerculesassignedtothe40squadron,andU.S.AirForceC-130JSuperHerculesassignedtothe36thExpeditionaryAirliftSquadronconductmultinationalelephantwalkatAndersenAirForceBase,Guam,Dec.10,duringOperationChristmasDrop2022.JASDF,RAAF,ROKAF,RNZAF,andUSAFC-130J crewmembersdelivered209bundleswithhumanitarianaidtotalingmorethan71,000 poundsofcargoto22,000 remoteMicronesianislanders.

(Above)U.S.AirForceCapt.MaddieAtkinsonandCapt.EichardArmfield, 36thExpeditionaryAirliftSquadronC-130Jpilots,flyoverSaipan,Dec.1, duringOperationChristmasDrop2022. YokotaAB’sC-130Jcrewmembers practiceskillsthatenableeffectivedynamicdeliveryinsupportoffuture operations.

(Left)JapanAirSelf-DefenseForceCapt.ShigenobuMatsufuji,401st TacticalAirliftSquadronC-130HHerculespilot,decoratesabundleboxduring OperationChristmasDrop2022atAndersenAirForceBase,Guam,Dec. 3.OCDistheDefenseDepartment’slongestrunninghumanitarianaidand disaster reliefmissionandprovidesaidtomorethan50islandsthroughout thePacific.OperationssuchasOCDprovidetheU.S.anditspartnersthe opportunitytoenhancejointoperationalcapabilitiesandmaintainpreparednessfor real-worldemergencies.

Photoby YasuoOsakabe

Photo by Yasuo Osakabe

Photoby Yasuo Osakabe

(241)werehigherthanallothersubcategoriesincludingjogging/running/hiking(197).IncludedintheMotor Vehiclecategorywhichincludes on-roadandoff-roadvehicles, PersonalTransportation Devices, from Segwaystoe-bikes, tofoldingscootersandhoverboardsarebecoming morepopular, andinjurymishapsareontherise Recentdataindicates thatPTDsshouldnotbetreatedastoys, andthesameattentiontopersonalprotectiveequipmentwhenriding, suchaswearingahelmetis paramounttopreventinginjury Whileautomobileandmotorcyclemishapsarehighestinrank,therehasbeenadecreasefromFY18/FY19 mishapnumbers. Althoughinjurymishapshavedecreasedformotorcycles, SEGTBranchChiefMichaelEckertsaid,“Themosthazardous activityyoucandointheAirandSpace Forces, istorideamotorcycle.”

To furtherEckert’s point,from FY18 toFY22,therewere720motorcyclemishapsand54includedfatalities Incomparison,automobile mishapsincluded58fatalitiesoutof1,400mishaps. Excessivespeed, alcohol/drugs, andothercontrollablebehaviorfactorscontributetofatalitiesandinjurymishaps Injuriesincludingfracture, concussion,contusion, openwounds, andsprainsandstrainscontributetorestricted duty, days away fromwork,medicalrestrictions, ortransfer.

Thoughnotincludedintheabovecategories, riskisinherentinallactivities toincludeservices, suchasfoodpreparationandhousekeeping; outdoorrecreationsuchashiking, rockandmountain climbing, fishing andhorsebackriding; weaponshandlingandhunting;skiing, snowboarding and ice skating; private aircraft and flightline operations.So whichcategoriesrepresentahigherriskwhenweanalyzedata? What

qualifiesasthe highest-riskoff-dutyactivities? Well,thatdepends. Airmenand Guardiansmakegood riskmanagementdecisionsevery day without even realizing they are doing it, but between FY2017 and FY2022,theDepartmentoftheAir Forcelost172servicemembersto off-duty activities Exposuretounnecessary riskswhileparticipatingin commonoff-dutyactivitieswithoutproperriskassessmentscanresult indamage, destruction,impededjobperformance, injury, andlossoflife.

Doyouhaveaproactivemindsetapproachtoriskoff-duty?Doyou planandprepareforthesportsyouenjoy? Wasanoff-dutyriskassessmentdonebeforehand?Doyouprepareforextremesportsorunusual physical challengesandthinkbeforedoingsomethingoutsideofyour skilllevel?

Doyouhavetheproperpermissionsbeforeengaginginanoff-duty activity?AstheAirandSpace Forces evolve, wecontinuetodevelop waystomitigatethreatstoourweapon,mechanicalandcybersystems, andwemustdothesameforourmostvaluableasset,theHuman WeaponSystem.

Beinghealthy, stayingfit,adaptiveto change, andagileinproblem solvingincreasesthe chancesthatAirmenandGuardiansreturnto dutymissionready, criticaltothesuccessofourAirandSpace Forces. Poordecisionmakingandunnecessaryrisksinthe off-dutyenvironmentcanturnanyactivityintoahigh-riskevent. Takingalittletime tothinkabouttherisksversustheconsequencesbeforehandcouldboth improveyourenjoymentoftheactivityandpreventtragedyfromhappeningregardlessoftheactivitycategory.

FromPage5

Thisupdateprovidesservicememberswithanoptionof24/7security. Ifplansfallthrough,DODemployeescancall813-828-RIDEandreceive afullyanonymousfreeridehomefromanywhereinthe TampaBay metropolitan area.

“IdothisbecauseIhaveakid,” saidDelbaugh.“IknowthatIwould do anythingtogethometoherovertheholidays, andIthinkmorepeople

shouldusethisservicesotheycan do thesame.”

Makethesmart choicethisholidayseasonandutilizetheresources availabletoyou.Call813-828-7433or813-828-RIDE forassistance.

FormoreinformationonJSADDandtheresourcestheyoffercontact Tech Sgt.CalebDelbaughatcaleb.delbaugh@us.af.milor Tech Sgt. Penny Cornellpenny.cornell@us.af.mil.

SCHOLARSHIPS

quirementsincludecompletingtheapplication;submissionofthestudent’sofficialtranscriptindicatingaminimumcumulativeGPAof3.0 oraboveona4.0scaleforhighschoolapplicants, orcollegetranscript indicatingacumulativeminimumGPAof2.5oraboveona4.0scalefor studentsalreadyenrolledincollege;anda500-wordessay. Thesubject ofthisyear’s essayis listed at themilitaryscholar.orgwebsiteunder “ScholarshipsforMilitaryChildren.”Eligibilityfortheprogramisdeterminedusingthe DefenseEnrollmentEligibility ReportingSystem database. Applicantsshouldensurethatthey, aswellastheirsponsor, areenrolledintheDEERSdatabaseandhaveacurrentmilitary dependentIDcard.Theapplicantmustalsobeplanningtoattendor alreadybeattendinganaccreditedcollegeoruniversity, fulltime, inthe fallof2023orbeenrolledinaprogramofstudiesdesignedtotransfer directlyintoafour-yearprogram.Applicantswhoare awardedafull scholarshiptoattendacollegeoruniversityorreceiveanappointment tooneoftheserviceacademiesoraffiliatedpreparatoryschoolsarenot eligibletoreceivefundsfromthisprogram.Afullscholarshipisusually definedasonethatprovidesforpaymentoftuition,books, labfeesand otherexpenses.AllrulesandrequirementsfortheScholarshipsforMili-

taryChildren program, as wellaslinkstofrequentlyaskedquestions are availableatmilitaryscholar.org.FisherHouse Foundationalsohas a free, easytousecustomscholarshipsearchenginetailoredtomilitary familiescalled“ScholarshipsforService.” It’s availableforbothmobile devicesanddesktopcomputersatmilitaryscholar.org.

AboutDeCA: TheDefenseCommissaryAgencyoperatesaworldwide chainofcommissariesprovidinggroceriestomilitarypersonnel,retirees andtheirfamiliesinasafeandsecureshoppingenvironment.Commissariesprovideamilitarybenefit,savingauthorizedpatronsthousands ofdollars annuallyontheirpurchasescomparedtosimilar products atcommercialretailers. Thediscountedpricesincludea5-percentsurcharge, whichcoversthecostsofbuildingnewcommissariesandmodernizingexistingones. Acoremilitaryfamilysupportelement, andavaluedpartofmilitarypayandbenefits, commissariescontributetofamily readiness, enhancethequalityoflife forAmerica’s militaryandtheir families, and helprecruitandretainthebestandbrightestmenand womentoservetheircountry.

EVENTS

HolidayBreak Movies

YourMacDillBaseLibrary will be offeringfree holiday movies throughtheHolidaybreakatthe BaseTheater. Moviesareopento anyonewithbaseaccesstoMacDill. Visit https://macdillfss.com/library/foracompletemovieschedule.

MacDill Lanesbowlingclosure

Itistimetogetthoselastfew gamesin atthe MacDill Lanes BowlingCenter beforeit closesfor excitingupgradesandrenovations Jan.2 – Feb. 6. MacDillLanesis open Wednesday –Sunday 11a.m. –6 p.m. Findmoreinfoatmacdillfss.com/macdill-lanes-bowling/.

Universal,Disney military ticketsonsalenow

UniversalOrlando’s2023Military Freedom Pass andDisney World’sArmed ForcesSaluteticketsarenow availableattheITT officelocatedinsidetheBXon MacDill.Themeparksandlocalattractionticketsmakegreat stockingstuffers! VisittheMacDillITTofficeinsidetheBXor visitmacdillfss.com/informationtickets-travel/today.

HolidaygiftshoppingwithFSS

Lookingforalast-minuteholidaygift? VisittheArtsandCrafts centeronMacDillforuniquehandcrafteditemsperfectforfriends andfamily. Visitmacdillfss.com/ arts-and-tradecrafts/formoredetails.

Thisweek’schamp

Fromleft,U. S.AirForceCol.AdamBingham, 6thAirRefuelingWing commander;U.S.AirForce StaffSgt.BradenAguirre,an informationsystemsnetworktechnicianassignedtothe6thMedicalSupportSquadron;andU.S.AirForceChiefMasterSgt.ShaeGee,6th AirRefuelingWing commandchief,poseforaphototocommemorateAguirreforbeingtheChampionofthe Week at MacDillAirForceBaseDec.13.Champion of the Week is acommand initiativefor6thARW leadershipto recognize Airmenpersonallyfortheir contributionstothe 6thARW’smission.

CHAPELSCHEDULE

CatholicChristmasSchedule:

ChristmasEve,Carols8p.m./ VigilMass9p.m. ChristmasDay,ChristmasMass9:30a.m. New Year’s Day,New YearMass9:30a.m.

NormalHours- Monday-Friday - 9a.m.to3p.m.After hourschaplain,calltheCommandPostat828-4362/4361.

CatholicMass - Sunday- 9:30a.m.(confessionsbyappointment)

Protestantservices - Sunday - 11 a.m.

Jewish - MonthlyLunchandLearn:Forschedule&tojoin distro,pleasecontactelimelach.estrin@us.af.mil

IslamicService - Friday1:30p.m. (space reserved)

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

OtherFaithGroups- PleasecontacttheChapelat(813) 828-3621or viaemailat6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil

Formoredetails and information,visitthe Chapel Facebookpageat http://www.facebook/6amwhc/or MacDill’sChapelwebsiteis:https://www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

Photoby TechSgt.AustinWilson

JANUARY‘23

6th ForceSupport Squadron

Telephone Extensions Prefix 828

Commander 2823

Deputy 2823

Ops Officer .2703

Mortuary Affairs. 6597

Unit Readiness 2252

Senior EnlistedLeader.....................3969

Honor Guard. 5190

First Sergeant. 4153

Marketing &Publicity 3055

Military &Family Readiness Flight 0134

Military &Family Readiness Ctr 0145

Child &Youth Services Flight.......5097

Child DevelopmentCtr 1. 3332

Child DevelopmentCtr 2. 2244

Child DevelopmentCtr 3..................0195

Family Child Care. 7760

School AgeCare. 5971

Youth Center. 7956

Civilian Personnel Flight 4286

Civilian Personnel 6090

Human Resource Office (NAF) 2911

Community Services Flight 2921

Arts &Crafts Center. 4413

AutoHobbyShop...........................4553

Wood HobbyShop 2093

BayPalms Golf Complex. 0046

8IronGrill 1507

Information, Tickets& Travel 2478

MacDill Bowling Lanes 4005

Hangar 6Grill 7735

OutdoorRecreation/EquipRental/ FamCamp 840-6919 Pool 769-9901

Marina 4983

SkeetRange............................ 488-1244

ForceDevelopment Flight 7320

Airman Leadership School 2299

Base Theater. 3607

Education 3115

Library 3607

Professional Development...............1229

Training 4004

Manpower/OrgFlight 9977

Manpower 3711

MilitaryPersonnelFlight

CACAppointmentLine 796-5272

6fss.fsmps.deersidcards@us.af.mil

Resource Mgmt Flight 1449

Private Organizations.......................6962

Sustainment Services Flight 0034

2BrewsCatering 840-2020

Diner’sReefDining Facility 2412

FlightMeals 4998 Fitness Center. 4496

MacDill Inn -Lodging........................4259

Rickenbacker’s. 7425

SeaScapes Restaurant. 840-1451

BreakawayEventCtr/Boomers..840-2020

“For the WIN”

Tue, Jan 3•1pm The Bad Guys (PG)

Thu, Jan5• 1pm Deathonthe Nile (PG-13)

Thu,Jan 5•4pm Jurassic World: Dominion (PG-13)

Fri, Jan 6• 10am Minions: Rise of the Gru (PG)

Fri, Jan 6• 1pm TopGun Maverick (PG-13)

Tue, Jan 17 •4pm Snake Eye (PG-13)

Sat, Jan 21 •1pm Encanto (PG) •Children

Mon-Fri •9am-3:30pm

Wood Shop DIY Thu-Fri •9am-3:30pm

Unlimited Refills All Day Long!

Purchase your ZooTampa souvenir cup here and receive FREE refills on your first visit!

PLUS, bring it back on your next visit and get unlimited refills for just $4.99.

2-Park “2023 Military Freedom Pass” Promotional Ticket: $200 (Ages 10 &above) • $195 (Ages 3-9) 3-Park “2023 Military Freedom Pass” Promotional Ticket: $235 (Ages 10 &above) •$230 (Ages 3-9)

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE NOW-DECEMBER 24, 2023

Valid for use as follows:

•2-Park “2023 Military Freedom Pass” Promotional Ticket: Now -DECEMBER 24, 2023

•3-Park “2023 Military Freedom Pass” Promotional Ticket: Now -DECEMBER 24, 2023

2-Park “2023 Military Freedom Pass” Promotional Ticket: Admission to BOTH Universal Studios Florida AND Universal’s Islands of Adventure on the same day.Available for use everyday from November 10, 2022 -through and including December 24, 2023

3-Park “2023 Military Freedom Pass” Promotional Ticket: Admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, AND Universal’s Volcano Bay theme parks on the same day.Available for use everyday starting November 10, 2022through and including December 24, 2023. Universal’s Volcano Bay closed on select dates. Visit universalorlando.com for details.