MacDill Thunderbolt 12/23/21

Vol. 49, No. 51

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Aim High Flight - page 8 News/Features: page 2 Five & Thrive initiative

News/Features: page 3 Tracking Santa

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Senior Airman Shannon Bowman

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

Jacob Ellis, a senior at Hillsborough High School, and Khari Anglin, a senior at Newsome High School, prepare to board a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft Dec. 9, at MacDill Air Force Base. Students from four Tampa Bay area schools were invited to fly on a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft orientation flight as part of the Air Force Recruiting Service’s Aviation Inspired Mentorship (AIM) High program.

NEWS/FEATURES

CSAF Spouse announces Five & Thrive initiative Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (AFNS)—The spouse of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Sharene Brown, has announced a Five & Thrive initiative, which increases focus and attention on the top five quality of life challenges military families face.

The challenges – childcare, education, healthcare, housing and spouse employment – are directly tied to military family readiness, resilience, and retention of the force. These five areas were selected based on feedback from military families and surveys conducted by Blue Star Families, Military OneSource, the Military Family Advisory Network, and other organizations.

Five & Thrive was developed by Brown with her Thrive Team, a diverse group of spouses. Her platform aims to encourage, support and build thriving military families by tackling these challenges and enhancing preventative measures through partnerships and sharing of best practices.

“My goal is to ensure these five specific areas are highlighted and any challenges under them are met with purpose and resolve, to include the unique challenges to our Exceptional Family Members Program families,” Brown said.

Brown meets with families and service members during base visits to collect experiences, best practices and recommendations. Her goal is to share this information with senior leaders to address these challenges, promote community partnerships, and ultimately improve quality of life for military families.

See THRIVE, Page 10

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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

NORAD ready to track Santa’s flight for the 66th Year North American Aerospace Defense Command PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo.—The North American Aerospace Defense Command is celebrating the 66th Anniversary of tracking Santa’s yuletide journey around the globe! The NORAD Tracks Santa website, www.noradsanta.org, launching December 1, features Santa’s North Pole Village, which includes a holiday countdown, games, movie theater, holiday music, webstore, and more. The website is available in eight languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Chinese.

The official NORAD Tracks Santa app is also in the Apple App and Google Play stores, so parents and children can count down the days until Santa’s launch on their smart phones and tablets. Tracking opportunities are also offered through social media on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram, as well as on partner See SANTA, Page 10

Photo by Thomas Paul

NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, Dec., 23, 2020.

2021 marks the 66th anniversary of the NORAD Christmas tradition.

Air Force announces Spark Tank 2022 semifinalists

by Crystal V. Ortiz

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—A panel of nearly 30 subject matter experts from across the Department of the Air Force met Nov. 16 at the Basic Research Innovation and Collaboration Center in Arlington and via a virtual teleconferencing platform to conduct the Spark Tank 2022 quarterfinals.

“Spark Tank is the department’s take on the television show “Shark Tank” and is designed to recognize the great work our Airmen and Guardians put into overcoming performance obstacles and making our services more capable,” said William Gautier, Spark Tank director. “The goal of the quarterfinals round was to narrow the 184 ideas submitted for ST22 down to the top 15 ideas that will advance to the semifinals,” he said.

Only the top 8% percent of ideas were selected to compete in the semifinals scheduled for Jan. 6, 2022.

On the final day of the quarterfinal round, the panel evaluated 29 ideas nominated by U.S. Air Force major commands and U.S. Space Force field commands, plus four at-large “wildcard” submissions. The wildcards See SPARK TANK, Page 13

AFWERX courtesy graphic

A panel of nearly 30 subject matter experts from across the Department of the Air Force met Nov. 16, at the Basic Research Innovation and Collaboration Center in Arlington, Va. and via a virtual teleconferencing platform to conduct the Spark Tank 2022 quarterfinals. Only the top 8 percent of ideas were selected to compete in the semifinals scheduled for Jan. 6, 2022.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Staff Sgt. Zade Vadnais

Three F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 355th Fighter Squadron taxi on the runway upon initial delivery to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Dec. 10.

The 354th Fighter Wing is expected to receive a total of 54 F-35s by the end of 2022.

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Photo by Senior Airman Jessi Monte

Photo by Senior Airman Keith Holcomb

Loadmasters assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron look out over Mount Fuji from the rear of an MC-130J Commando II during a flight over Japan in support of exercise Resolute Dragon, Dec. 9. The 1st SOS conducted an airdrop in support of the exercise, demonstrating their long-range joint resupply capabilities.

Students at the Arctic Survival School listen to Senior Airman David Wolfgram, Air Education and Training Command Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape instructor at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Dec. 8. The Air Force has recognized the importance of preparing aircrew for operations in extreme polar regions, and SERE specialists perform a vital role in doing just that.

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NEWS/FEATURES

WAPS adjusts for 22E6, 22E5 testing cycles Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (AFNS)—Starting with the 22E6 and E5 promotion testing cycles, the Air Force will begin using Situational Judgment Test questions as part of the Promotion Fitness Examination (PFE). This change is an integral part of the overall talent management transformation effort to better align the enlisted promotion system with the Air Force’s foundational competencies and the new Airman Leadership Qualities, as well as provide an agile approach to measuring the diverse knowledge, See WAPS, Page 11

U.S. Air Force graphic

Starting with the 22E6 and E5 promotion testing cycles, the Air Force will begin using Situational Judgment Test questions as part of the Promotion Fitness Examination. This change is an integral part of the overall talent management transformation effort to better align the enlisted promotion system with the Air Force’s foundational competencies and the new Airman Leadership Qualities, as well as provide an agile approach to measuring the diverse knowledge, skills, and experience of Airmen.

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NEWS/FEATURES

Scholarships for military Children applications open

by Mike Perron DeCA public affairs specialist FORT LEE, Va.—Applications are now open for the Scholarships for Military Children Program for academic year 2022 – 2023.

The program, now entering its 22nd year, recognizes the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and celebrates the commissary’s role in enhancing military quality of life. It’s administered by Fisher House Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping service members, veterans and their families. Thus far, the program has awarded more than $21 million to 12,312 students, selected from a pool of nearly 109,000 applicants.

“For the 22nd year in a row, commissaries are honored to be a part of a program that provides the children of military service members with this valuable financial boost to their higher education goals,” said Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Saucedo, senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director. “We at the Defense Commissary Agency again extend our thanks to the Fisher House Foundation as well as the generous industry partner donors and others that make these scholarships possible for so many deserving families each year.”

Funding for the program comes from commissary business partners and other contributions to Fisher House Foundation designated specifically for the scholarship programs.

“Fisher House Foundation is grateful for our longstanding partnership with the Defense Commissary Agency providing scholarships to these very deserving military kids,” said Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation, Ken Fisher. “We are also fortunate to have incredible donors that are committed to helping military families through our scholarship program.”

Selection qualifications are straightforward. Requirements include completing the application; submission of the student’s official transcript indicating a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale for high school applicants, or college transcript indicating a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale for students already enrolled in college; and a 500 word essay. The subject of the essay is

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listed at the militaryscholar.org website under “Scholarships for Military Children.”

Eligibility for the program is determined using the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System database. Applicants should ensure that they, as well as their sponsor, are enrolled in the DEERS database and have a current military dependent ID card. The applicant must also be planning to attend or already be attending an accredited college or university, full time, in the fall of 2022 or be enrolled in a program of studies designed to transfer directly into a four-year program.

Applicants who are awarded a full scholarship to attend a college or university or receive an appointment to one of the service academies or affiliated preparatory schools are not eligible to receive funds from this program. A full scholarship is usually defined as one that provides for payment of tuition, books, lab fees and other expenses.

For scholarship year 2022-23, Fisher House Foundation will award 500 scholarship grants of $2,000 each. The selection process will begin immediately following the application deadline of February 17, at 11:59 p.m. PST. All rules and requirements for the Scholarships for Military Children program, as well as links to frequently asked questions are available at militaryscholar.org.

Fisher House Foundation also has a free, easy to use custom scholarship search engine tailored to military families called “Scholarships for Service.” It’s available on both mobile devices and desktop computers at militaryscholar.org.

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

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Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

Students and administrators from the Hillsborough County School District (HCSD) pose for a photo aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft Dec. 9, at MacDill Air Force Base,. The HCSD administrators and students were invited to fly on a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft orientation flight, to witness a Total Force air refueling training mission over Alabama involving a 6th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 and four F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the Alabama Air National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing, Dannelly Field, Ala.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

(Above) Students and administrators from the Hillsborough County School District (HCSD) pose for a photo aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft Dec. 9, at MacDill Air Force Base. The HCSD administrators and students were invited to fly on a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft orientation flight, to witness a Total Force air refueling training mission over Alabama involving a 6th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 and four F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the Alabama Air National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing, Dannelly Field, Ala. (LEFT) Khari Anglin, a senior at Newsome High School looks on as Airman 1st Class Tristan Shannon, 91st Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, provides air refueling support to an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the Alabama Air National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing, Dannelly Field, Ala. The KC-135 orientation flight was part of the Air Force Recruiting Service’s Aviation Inspiration Mentorship (AIM) High program which provides students hands-on flying training from experienced U.S. Air Force aviators and mentors.

MacDill inspires Tampa students during AIM HIGH flight

by Senior Airman Shannon Bowman 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

T

he 6th Air Refueling Wing hosted four students ages 16-17 and eight administrators with the Hillsborough County School District (HCDS) on a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft orientation flight Dec. 9 at MacDill Air Force Base, Flor-

ida.

The students witnessed first-hand a Total Force air refueling training mission over Alabama involving a 6th ARW’s KC-135 and four F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the Alabama Air National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing, Dannelly Field, Alabama.

“Today was an amazing day and I got to experience something new,” said Khari Anglin, a senior at Newsome High School. “It was incredible to see how the pilots are able to communicate and work together to get the job done.”

The KC-135 orientation flight was part of the Air Force Recruiting Service’s Aviation Inspiration Mentorship (AIM) High program which provides students hands-on flying training from experienced U.S. Air Force aviators and mentors.

These aviators and mentors also provided the students with information about aviation careers, flying opportunities and their experiences as Air Force aviators.

Before the flight, the students were greeted by Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, Maj. Gen. Thadd Bibb, 18th Air Force commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Brian P. Kruzelnick, AMC command chief, who explained AMC’s global reach mission and the need for Airmen with diverse backgrounds and experiences that are crucial to adapting to future threats.

“Our team is comprised of people from all corners of America so for the students here today, I need you in the Air Force to make us better,” Minihan said. “We have a duty to make our country better and I need you in the Air Force to help make me better and to help make my teammates better.”

According to Michael McAuley, HCSD chief of staff, having the opportunity to fly on a KC-135 to expose his students to potential aviation careers in the Air Force was truly a highlight of his career.

“Getting to see their faces after our students went into the boom pod of the KC-135 was amazing,” McAuley said. “It’s critical for our students to see first-hand some of the different career paths available to them. We are thankful to MacDill for having See AIM HIGH Page 16

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Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

THRIVE From Page 2

With support of the Thrive Team, Brown publishes a monthly CSAF Spouse Situation Report, which helps to communicate and share information with military spouses. The SITREP will focus on identifying the latest actions, policy changes, and available resources made at the headquarters level to bring awareness to our military families.

“These actions and policies taking place at the highest levels are not always readily communicated to our spouses and families,” Brown said.

“Sharing this information directly to our spouses is vital to their continued support. Military spouses are essential to the success and strength of our force and should be included in those quality-of-life discussions.”

Brown, in conjunction with the Thrive Team, collaborates to support her Five & Thrive platform, as well as other initiatives that are for spouses and led by spouses.

This team produced an educational and inspirational guidebook for today’s military spouse. This guidebook consolidates essential information and resources into one easy-to-use tool and is currently available on the AF.mil website and the AF Connect App. The guidebook is divided into three sections: 1. “In This Together” – This section highlights pertinent information on Airman and Family Readiness, the Key Spouses Program, Military OneSource, the Spouses clubs, and resiliency resources.

2. “Five & Thrive” – This section explains the services and support options available to members and their families under each pillar of the Five & Thrive initiative as described below: u Childcare – on and off-base daycare options, before and after-school care, child care subsidies and youth programs u Education – K-12 education, Military Interstate Compact Commission, spouse education, spouse career advancement and Post-9/11 GI Bill u Healthcare – TRICARE, dental, pharmacy, vision, patient advocates, Exceptional Family Members Program, mental health and Family Advocacy Program u Housing – base housing, off-base housing, household goods, storage and move planning u Spouse employment – Airman and Family Readiness Center programs, hiring assistance programs, re-licensure/recertification, USAJOBS, career development and entrepreneurial exploration An extra section explains additional resources outside of these pillars such as Airman’s Attic, base exchange, library, commissary, fitness center, legal assistance and sexual assault response coordinator.

3. “Military Life” – This section focuses on military organization, rank structure, pay and benefits, acronyms and security issues. Spouse testimonials share personal insight, knowledge, and experience to bring awareness to spouse situations.

SANTA From Page 3

platforms Bing, Amazon Alexa and OnStar.

Starting at 4 a.m. EST on December 24, website visitors can see updates as Santa makes preparations for his flight. Then, at 6 a.m. EST, trackers worldwide can call to inquire as to Santa’s whereabouts by dialing the toll-free number 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) where they will either speak with a live phone operator or hear a recorded update.

Due to COVID concerns, the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center will have fewer phone operators, so callers who do not reach a volunteer will hear a regularly updated recording as to Santa’s current location.

Anytime on December 24, Amazon Alexa users can ask for Santa’s location through the NORAD Tracks Santa skill for Amazon Alexa, and OnStar subscribers can press the OnStar button in their vehicles to locate

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Santa. Santa Trackers can also use the Bing search engine.

Tracking Santa has been a tradition since 1955 when a local newspaper advertisement informed children they could call Santa directly – only the contact number was misprinted. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone rang through to the crew commander on duty, U.S. Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup, at the Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center, the predecessor to NORAD. Col. Shoup was quick to realize a mistake had been made, and assured the child he was Santa. Shoup then assigned a duty officer to continue answering calls. Thus, a holiday tradition was born, which NORAD has carried on since it was created in 1958. Each year since, NORAD has reported Santa’s location on December 24 to millions of children and families around the world.

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WAPS

From Page 5

skills, and experience of Airmen.

“This is another critical step in our talent management transformation, moving us away from using strictly knowledge-based questions while providing more agility in the way we measure the competency level and leadership abilities of our Airmen,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services.

The change decreases PFE knowledge questions from 100 to 60, and adds 20 Situational Judgment Test questions that were derived from a diverse group of behavioral scientists and Senior Enlisted Leaders from across the Air Force. The overall points for the PFE will not change and will still make up 100 points of an Airman’s total score.

For each SJT question on the PFE, examinees will read the descrip-

tion of a situation relevant to their potential rank and duties, examine four possible responses to the situation, and then select the most effective and the least effective response.

Although there are no study references available for the SJT questions, Airmen should continue to familiarize themselves with the Airman Leadership Qualities, foundational competencies, and associated behaviors which will provide a general framework to consider when responding to these types of questions.

“We are constantly looking at ways to better develop and assess Airmen’s skills and abilities,” said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass. “This is another step in the right direction, with more to come.”

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

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6th Force Support Squadron

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SPARK TANK From Page 3

were selected by Guardians and Airmen who cast nearly 17,000 ballots in pairwise voting conducted over the last two weeks of October through theGuardians and Airmen Innovation Network platform.

Using a similar voting system, the panel reviewed and scored all 29 ideas using criteria designed to assess each idea from multiple perspectives: friendly disruption, adversary disruption, inspiration/cultural disruption, and the level of senior leadership needed to execute the idea. The scoring criteria logic takes into account atmospheric perspectives that traditional voting methods don’t consider. Many impressive ideas were submitted that touched on all aspects the criteria addressed.

“The new questions required a different perspective for our panel and prompted fresh dialogue for the ST22 vetting process. We think the results represent incredibly innovative solutions that the department’s senior leadership should hear,” said Maj. Alisha Temples, Spark Tank’s deputy director.

The selection process looked at the need for specific capabilities as well as concerns of safety, policy, department-wide implementation, technical feasibility, and scalability.

The quarterfinalists are listed below. (An asterisk (*) denotes semifinalists.) u Blood Delivery by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Air Combat Command * u Mobile Alternative for Canopy Trailer, Air Combat Command u Developing Airmen with Games, Air Education and Training Command * u PME outLOUD! Audio-Enabled PME, Air Education and Training Command u Agile Spectrum Assignment System, Air Force District of Washington u Go-Comm Kit, Air Force Global Strike Command * u Sustaining the B-52 Ejection System, Air Force Global Strike Command * u Air Force Live Integrated Test Environment, Air Force Materiel Command * u F-22 Project Fighter Optimization Experiment, Air Force Materiel Command * u C-130 Engine Oil Pan Hoist, Air Force Reserve Command u Digital Dent Mapping, Air Force Reserve Command *

u Digital Crew Book, Air Force Special Operations Command u Mid-Air Collisions & Electronic Flight Bags, Air Force Special Operations Command u KC-135 Fuel Systems Virtual Tour, Air Mobility Command u “Spotty” Bar - Safer Process, Faster Solution, Air Mobility Command u Any Airmen Can Build Their Own Secure App!, Pacific Air Forces * u Preparing the Warfighter for the Pacing Threat, Pacific Air Forces * u Reliable & Resilient Thule Power, Space Operations Command * u Space Control Interactive Procedures Interface, Space Operations Command u Every Second Counts When Saving Someone’s Life, Space Systems Command u TaskMaster, Space Systems Command u Aerial Tow Rehookup - Novel Range Extension, United States Air Force u Academy * u Custom Facemasks for Fighter Pilots and Beyond, United States Air Force Academy * u Oil Cart Trailer, United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa u Project Arcwater - Water and Power from Thin Air, United States Air u u Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa * u Project Hermes - Air Force Digital Recall Roster, Air Education Training Command, Wild Card * u Modern Logistics System for Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, Wild Card * The United States Army Futures Command also hosts an innovation competition named “Dragon’s Lair” and is conducted in Shark Tank-like episodes. Together, these innovation showcases provide platforms for Department of Defense Total Force military and civilian personnel to show off their creativity and ideas to better prepare for ‘tomorrow’s fight.’

To date, Spark Tank, started in 2018, has produced about 70 ideas that DAF transformation teams investigate and evaluate for implementation and sustainment going forward. While not all ideas are implemented, about a dozen have been and Spark Tank continues to empower Airmen and Guardians to turn on the creativity switch to effect change. Spark Tank 2022 will be hosted on March 4, 2022 by the Air Force Association at the 2022 Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida. Registration is planned to open in December.

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Force Support Squadron Services Effective as of 20 DEC 2021 LIMITED SERVICES

OPERATIONAL

CLOSED

COMMUNITY SERVICES

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

Main Base Pool - Lap Swim Only Wed - Fri: 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 Fitness Center Facility Hours: Monday - Friday 0500-2030 Weekends/Holidays 0600-1400 Child Development Centers (CDCs) Family Child Care School Age Program Youth Center

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

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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)

COMMUNITY

EVENTS

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

Holiday movies at the base theater Dec. 23, 1 p.m. Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Dec. 28, 1 p.m. Elf Dec. 29, 1 p.m. Call of the Wild Dec. 30, 1 p.m. Smallfoot Holiday meal at the DFAC Anyone can dine at the DFAC. Join us on Dec. 23 for lunch and Dec. 25 for lunch and dinner with all your favorite dishes. Find more info at macdillfss.com/diners-reef Teen/Tween movie night Dec. 27 Black Widow 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the base library.

Seascapes will open for New Year’s Eve Seascapes will be open Friday, Dec. 31 to ring in the new year.

Hours are 4:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

Find more info at macdillfss.com/ seascapes Free golf lessons every Wednesday For active duty and their spouses from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Golf balls and clubs provided.

Become a licensed family childcare provider Tons of incentives for new and existing providers. Find more info at macdillfss.com/family-childcare

Load her up!

Photo by Airman 1st Class Hiram Martinez

Airmen from the 50th Air Refueling Squadron load a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, at MacDill Air Force Base Dec. 8. The 50 ARS Airmen deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar in support of U.S. Central Forces Command.

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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AIM HIGH From Page 8

Senior Airman Shannon Bowman

Students and administrators from the Hillsborough County School District (HCSD) pose for a photo with the command teams from Air Mobility Command, 18th Air Force and the 6th Air Refueling Wing, Dec. 9, at MacDill Air Force Base.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

this level of engagement with our schools and for inviting our students and staff to participate in this flight.”

For the aircrew assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron, highlighting their job specialties to these students was a rewarding opportunity. Maj. Christopher Daniels, a pilot with the 91st ARS, offered his advice to these prospective Airmen.

“By showing these students what I do as a pilot, I get to show them that careers in aviation are attainable if that’s what they truly want to do in their life,” Daniels said.

“Don’t shy away from competition, and take pride and excellence in all you do, that includes your grades, athletics, work and activities.”

Through aviation career experiences with the AIM High program and by fostering strong community relationships, Team MacDill is committed to building an agile and diverse force to inspire future leaders.

“MacDill has an incredible community relationship with the school districts in the Tampa Bay area,” said Col. Ben Jonsson, 6th ARW commander. “They support our families and children, and this effort to give students opportunities to explore career paths in the Air Force is going to continue to take us to the next level.”

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Thursday, December 23, 2021

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