Thunderbolt 02/17/2022

Vol. 50, No. 7

Thursday, February 17, 2022

News/Features: page 2 DAF Black History event

News/Features: page 3 Command changes

- page 6

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Graphic by the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute

Community: page 11 Events, Chapel, more...

Department of Defense 2022 Black History Month Poster. The 2022 Black History Month poster is a collage of images and black and white photographs recognizing the achievements of John Woodruff, a 1936 Gold Medal Olympian at Berlin, Germany and later U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, who served in World War II and Korea.

NEWS/FEATURES

DAF leadership hosts Black History Month Observance event Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—Department of the Air Force senior leaders hosted a virtual event Feb. 9 to celebrate the contributions of Black American Airmen and Guardians throughout the history of the department.

Speakers included Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond, and Department of the Air Force Office of Diversity and Inclusion director, Marianne Malizia.

“This is an opportunity for us to celebrate (and) also an opportunity to dedicate ourselves to continue a journey that America as a whole … has been on for a long time,” said Kendall. “Too much of the Black experience in America has been about inequality and injustice, but that journey has also been characterized by courage, persistence in the face of great odds, (and) intellectual and artistic brilliance … things that we can all, as Americans, be proud of and celebrate.”

During this event, Airmen, Guardians, and DAF civilians shared their personal stories of overcoming adversity and also spoke about how the department works to provide a culture and lifestyle that enables people from all backgrounds to succeed.

“I want to do things that are going to make a difference, so that’s my goal here with the Secretary, to make a difference for all our Airmen, no matter their background,” said Brown. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, your opportunity and the opportunity for all of us is now. It takes determination and preparation for all of us to have an impact and change history, so when the opportunity knocks, you want to be fully ready.”

See HISTORY, Page 8

Photo by Eric Dietrich

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. listens to remarks from Wanda T. Jones-Heath, right, principal cyber advisor for the Department of the Air Force, during a livestreamed event at the Pentagon celebrating Black History Month, in Arlington, Va., Feb. 9, 2022. The event featured Airman and Guardian stories and a tribute to Brig. Gen. Charles McGee, a Tuskegee Airman who died Jan. 16.

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

Air University overhauls curriculum to focus on international competitors

by Billy Blankenship Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNS)—Addressing the evershifting dynamics of the global political and military landscapes, Air University has undertaken the most significant overhaul of professional military education since the end of the Cold War. The overhaul significantly increases classroom instruction covering the nation’s competitors, specifically China and Russia, at all levels of PME and in many of its other programs and courses such as the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies.

With the start of academic year 2022 this past August, 40% of officer PME curricula is now focused on China and 60% on competition overall, including Russia. Considerable increases on competition were also made in all levels of enlisted PME and Air University’s officer accession programs, Air Force ROTC and Air Force Officer Training School.

“From our junior enlisted students and officer candidates to our seasoned military, civilians, and allied and partner students, we are delibSee AIR UNIVERSITY, Page 10

U.S. Air Force photo

Air University cadets stand at attention at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala..

The curriculum at the center for professional military education is being updated to reflect the shifting dynamics of the political and military landscapes.

927th LRS Change of Command and 927th FSS Assumption of Command

by Staff Sgt. Matthew Matlock 927th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs U.S. Air Force Maj. Jermaine A.D. Coleman took command of the 927th Logistics Readiness Squadron from Lt. Col. Jerry R. Snider during a change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 6.

Col. Alan M. Tornay, 927th Mission Support Group commander, presided over the ceremony, passing the unit’s guidon to Coleman. Additionally, Maj. Mia G. Holley assumed command of the 927th Force Support Squadron.

“When the LRS commander position opened in 2020, Jerry was my first choice to take command,” said Tornay. “Despite the fact we were adjusting to life in COVID, he made the transition with ease. Jermaine represents the resilience that we encourage our Airmen to embody—a dedication to excellence, service to country and integrity above all.”

Coleman previously served as the logistics planner, 759th Logistics Readiness Flight, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, ensuring war-

fighting logistics capabilities that ultimately led to the execution of the largest non-combatant evacuation in United States history during Operation Allies Refuge, evacuating more than 124,000 Afghan nationals, American citizens, and other country nationals.

“To the men and women, I’m excited, humbled, and grateful to be standing alongside you,” said Coleman during the ceremony.

“We’re going to do some great things LRS. I am confident in that. And that’s because we have a solid foundation built by Lt. Col. Snider.”

Before relinquishing command, Snider was awarded the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal for his accomplishments as commander, which he attributed to all the hard-working members of the 927th LRS. “To the men and women of the LRS, we’ve done a lot,” said Snider. “Thank you for showing me your resolve, your resiliency, your professionalism, and your sheer tenacity to move barriers and knock down any obstacle to get the mission done. You’ve churned the path to See COMMAND, Page 9 MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

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Photo by Staff. Sgt. Alexis Suarez

Col. Alan M. Tornay, Commander, 927th Mission Support Group, hands the guidon to Maj. Mia G. Holley during an assumption of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 6.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

Airman Leadership School (ALS) Class 22-B students pose for a photo following an ALS graduation ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 10.

ALS is the first level of the Enlisted Professional Military Education continuum and prepares senior Airmen and staff sergeants to be professional, warfighting Airmen and space professionals who can supervise and lead teams to support the air and space domain. Completion is required to assume the grade of staff sergeant.

U.S. Air Force photo

Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Sarver

Lt. Col. Justin Elliott, U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” commander, leads a formation of five F-16 Fighting Falcons during a maneuver over Fort Huachuca, Ariz., Jan. 28.

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General Richard D. Clarke, commander U.S. Special Operations Command, presented Army Sgt. Maj. Juan “Carlos” Herrera the Patriot Award during the virtual U.S. Special Operations Command Warrior Care Program - Care Coalition Conference Feb. 8. The Patriot Award recognizes exceptional and enduring contributions to the welfare of USSOCOM’s wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, and their families.

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Library of Congress

Buffalo soldiers of the 25th Infantry Regiment pose for a photo in 1890.

DOD, nation celebrate Black History Month

by Dave Vergun DoD News

Black History Month, also known as National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time to recognize the positive impact they’ve had on the history of the United States and the Defense Department.

Black people have fought in every United States war, from the Revolutionary War through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Ninety African Americans have been awarded the Medal of Honor.

Yet, throughout most of American history, Black service members were placed in segregated units. Desegregation didn’t occur until Jan. 26, 1948, when President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9981 directing the armed services to integrate.

Active-duty service members number 1,319,283; of those, 227,974, or 17.3%, are African American, as of December 2021.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2020, the Black or African American population was 41.1 million, representing 12.4% of the U.S. population.

Notable Dates Black people, both slave and free, served on both sides during the Revolutionary War. African Americans also served on both sides in the War of 1812 (1812-1815). Many served with the British in order to gain their freedom and resettle in non-slave nations, particularly Canada, Bermuda and Sierra Leone.

In the Civil War (1861-1865), over 186,000 African Americans fought for the Union Army and Navy. A lesser number of African Americans were used as laborers on the Confederate side.

Six regiments of African Americans, known as buffalo soldiers, served in the Indian Wars from 1863 to the early 1900s and in the Spanish-American War in 1898.

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About 367,000 African Americans service members served in Europe during World War I. Around 1.3 million African American service members served during World War II (1941-1945). During the Korean War (1950-1953), about 600,000 Black service members served in the armed forces.

About 300,000 African Americans served in the Vietnam War (1961-1975).

The two top-level Black Americans in DOD have been Army Gen. Colin Powell, who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III who was sworn in January 2021.

History of the Celebration The origin of Black History Month is associated with the noted African-American historian Carter G. Woodson. In 1926, he initiated the celebration of Negro History Week during the second week in February.

February was chosen because that is the birth month of Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist and social reformer, and President Abraham Lincoln, who abolished slavery.

The celebration was expanded to the entire month of February in 1976 by President Gerald Ford; since that time, every president has designated February as Black History Month.

During his 1976 Black History Month announcement, Ford linked the commemoration to the nation’s 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence that year.

Freedom and the recognition of individual rights are what our revolution was all about. They were ideals that inspired our fight for independence, ideals that we have been striving to live up to ever since. Yet, it took many years before these ideals became a reality for Black citizens.”

President Gerald Ford On Feb. 11, 1986, Congress passed Public Law 99-244, which designated each February as “National Black (Afro-American) History Month.”

Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom also celebrate a Black history month.

National Archives

During World War II, the 17th Special Seabees, attached to the 7th Marine Regiment, rest amid the rubble on the island of Peleliu, Sept. 1944.

Library of Congress

Tuskegee Airmen gather around a table and talk in Ramitelli, Italy, in March 1945.

HISTORY From Page 2

The Department of the Air Force Black History Month event was a celebration of the heritage and achievements of Black American Airmen and Guardians. It was also an opportunity to reflect on adversity and other disparities that exist within the Air and Space Force and what is being done to address them.

“We have a saying that ‘Space is hard,’ that space demands the best our nation has to offer and from the very beginning Black Americans have been absolutely critical to our nation’s success as a spacefaring nation,” said Raymond. “The Space Force is committed to building a diverse and inclusive service. It’s the right thing to do, but it’s also what the Space mission demands. We need the best and the brightest to meet challenges and protect our nation’s security.”

Concluding the event, there was a special presentation commemorating trailblazers, senior leaders, and other influential individuals who recently passed away.

This offered attendees a chance celebrate those who have served as role models and influenced Airmen, Guardians, and the Department of the Air Force for years to come.

“I can promise you as your Secretary, that I and the rest of our leadership will be laser focused on making sure our department is more inclusive for all races, genders and ethnicities,” said Kendall. “Undersecretary (of the Air Force Gina Ortiz) Jones, (General) Brown, (General) Raymond, and all the leadership team will strive to ensure our department-wide policies address the disparities we recognized in the disparity reports that we published. I hope that by recognizing, respecting, and understanding the different perspectives and experience that each Airman and Guardian brings to the fight, we will be able to find new and better solutions to the complex challenges we face as the 21st Century warfighting force.”

The event can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/ USairforce/videos/359506645695674.

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COMMAND From Page 3

future progress. Keep focused on the mission and keep treating others with respect.”

The 927th LRS consists of over 60 officers, enlisted and civilian personnel who provide logistics plans, supplies, fuel, and transportation support to over 1,000 Reserve personnel assigned to the 927th Air Refuel Wing.

Their range of capabilities makes it possible for the 927th Operations Group to carry out aerial refueling in support of numerous key Air Force missions such as long-range precision air strike support, global airlift, aeromedical evacuations, and reconnaissance.

Holley assumed command of the 927th FSS during the ceremony, who previously served as operations officer, 459th Force Support Squadron, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

“Major Holley has been continuously recognized for outstanding service while taking care of the mission as she excels from one assignment to the next,” said Tornay. “Now, she gets the honor of leading the members of the 927th FSS as they set new goals and achieve new heights.”

After assuming command, Holley spoke highly of the FSS and her ambitions as the squadron’s new commander.

“Just know that I am honored, and I feel blessed to work with a world-class organization like the 927th,” Holley said. “To the men and women of the FSS, over the course of two UTAs, you not only showcased your ability to support the members of the 927th Wing, but you have proven it, and I am looking forward to all the things we can accomplish in the coming months” The FSS consists of over 70 personnel who provide force development, sustainment, communications, manpower, installation readiness, military and civilian personnel, and Airmen and family support to nearly 1,000 Reserve personnel assigned to the 927th ARW.

Photo by Staff. Sgt. Alexis Suarez

Col. Alan M. Tornay, Commander, 927th Mission Support Group, hands the guidon to Maj. Mia G. Holley during an assumption of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 6. As commander of the Force Support Squadron Holley is responsible for over 70 personnel who provide force development, installation, manpower, communications, and family support to nearly 1,000 Reserve personnel at the 927th Air Refueling Wing.

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

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AIR UNIVERSITY From Page 3

erately and actively expanding our understanding and defining our role in how to ‘fight and win’ in strategic competitions,” said Lt. Gen. James Hecker, Air University commander and president. “The significant overhaul of our curricula at all levels goes to the heart of accelerating change in our ways of doing business, whether on the battlefield or in the classroom.”

Air University started modifying its curriculum to meet these Secretary of Defense-directed milestones late in academic year 2021 and fully implemented revised curricula at the start of the 2022 academic year. The increased academic focus on the nation’s competitors also aligns with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s Action Order C: Competition.

“We are in full support of the current Interim National Security Strategy Guidance and will adjust as additional strategic documents and guidance come forward,” said Dr. Mark Conversino, Air University’s chief academic officer. “We are executing curricula for both in-residence and distance learning programs in all officer and enlisted PME, though the depth and breadth of the material covered is dependent on the level of PME and/or length of the program overall.”

Students attending Air University’s 10-month schools, such as School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, Air War College and Air Command and Staff College, and enrolled in its PME distance learning courses, will deep-dive into topics such as China and Russia’s military and political decision-making structures; national defense strategies; military strengths and weaknesses in air, space and cyberspace; and existing and emerging technologies. Toward the end of their respective school years, students at AWC and ACSC will apply all that they have learned throughout the academic year in wargames geared toward competitors.

Squadron Officer School students will examine international relations, globalization and Chinese interests in the Pacific region. Their study of competitors during the five-week school will also cover topics such as China’s use of all its instruments of national power, including influence and information operations, and an Arctic-based scenario considering China and Russia’s activities in the region. SOS students also will take part in a joint all-domain wargame, exposing them to Chinese force structure and military strategy.

Chinese military strategy and its and Russia’s roles as strategic actors and threats to U.S. interests are now new topics in enlisted PME curricula generated by the Thomas NBarnes Center for Enlisted Education.

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From Airmen Leadership School to Air Force Noncommissioned Academy and Air Force Senior NCO Academy, enlisted members learn of competitors through applicable “mission labs,” including curricula on Articbased scenarios. At the more-strategic level, enlisted students attending the Chief Master Sergeant Leadership Course, the pinnacle of enlisted PME, examine Chinese and Russian strategies and interests and China as a peer competitor exercising all the instruments of national power.

Deliberately increasing the focus on competitors in enlisted PME is in lock step with Air Force leaderships’ desire to develop enlisted Airmen.

In the just-released Enlisted Force Development: Action Plan 2022-2023, Objective D for “Competition-Focused Force” states that the Barnes Center will assist to “educate Airmen on the continuum of conflict and the attributes needed to ‘compete, deter and win’ in professional military education … .”

“Our world is rapidly changing in the blink of an eye, and future conflict will never look like it did in the past,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass. “The type of Airmen that we need in today’s military is very different than when I first came in. We have to have Airmen with creativity and diversity of thought and intellectual acumen to help us get after the Air Force we need so we’re ready for a high-end fight.”

While the Barnes Center is addressing enlisted PME, the Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development is increasing competition topics in its curricula for officer cadets in its AFROTC and Officer Training School programs.

Working with experts from the China Aerospace Studies Institute here, the Holm Center developed eight specific competition-focused lessons for both ROTC and OTS. The center is also teaming with MGMWERX to develop a virtual exercise scenario for the cadets in the programs.

Reaching the upper echelon of commissioned officer ranks, the Air Force Culture and Language Center here added several competition modules to its General Officer Pre-Assignment Acculturation Course. These modules include China’s strategy and activities across not only Asia, but Europe and Africa as well. The formal, tailored course provides instruction on region-specific culture to prepare general officers for key overseas assignments. Among other initiatives, the Center added a new type of language immersion that combines language training with a competition-relevant topic so that its more than 800 Language Enabled Airman Scholars of all ranks are more conversant on the topic in the target language.

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

6FSS is hiring in the following areas: • Recreation • Food service • Hospitality • Child and youth For job information, visit: https://macdillfss.com/open-jobs/ Private organizations needed for AirFest 2022 Mar. 26-27 AirFest is an incredible way to raise money for your MacDill booster clubs! If your organization is interested in supporting AirFest, call Resource Management at 828-6962, or email 6fss. privateorg@us.af.mil.

Auto Hobby Shop open The Auto Hobby shop is open every Wednesday - Friday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, visit: https://macdillfss.com/arts-and-trade-crafts/ Seascapes bar open Fridays Enjoy the sunset at the Seascapes bar. Open every Friday from 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. with food trucks from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Interviewing skills workshop, Feb. 22 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. the M&FRC is conducting a free interviewing skills workshop to help educate on the techniques involved in the interview process and how to handle salary negotiations and questions. For more information, call: 828-014 Find more events at: macdillfss.com

Sacrament

Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings

Bishop F. Richard Spencer, Episcopal Vicar for Eastern U.S. Vicariate, leads a sacrament of confirmation service at MacDill Air Force Base Jan. 23. The Air Force Chaplain Corps is dedicated to accelerating the spiritual readiness and resilience of Airmen and their families by offering counseling and worship services to the MacDill community.

CHAPEL SCHEDULE Normal Hours- Monday - Friday - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. After hours chaplain, call the Command Post at 828-4362/4361.

Monday-Thursday Mass - 12:10 p.m.

www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

Catholic (in-person) - Saturday - 5:30 p.m. (confession 4:30 p.m.) Sunday - 9:30 a.m. (confessions by appointment) Protestant services (virtual) - Sunday 11 a.m. at www.facebook.com/6amwhc

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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