Thunderbolt 3/09/2023

Vol. 51, No. 10

Thursday, March 9, 2023

News/Features: page 3 On-base food deliver policy

News/Features: page 6 New wheel painting design

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Team MacDill celebrates Women’s History Month - page 8 Graphic by the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute

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

The 2023 Department of Defense’s Women’s History Month poster. This year’s theme, “Celebrating women who tell our stories,” recognizes women who have devoted their lives in telling stories through all forms of media and which have given a voice to those from all walks of life. The 2023 Department of Defense’s WHM poster depicts the outline of a woman’s face looking toward the explosion of opportunities available to women who tell the stories.

NEWS/FEATURES

DAF policies increase access to non-covered reproductive health care Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—The Department of the Air Force has issued guidance effective Feb. 27 implementing Department of Defense policies outlining privacy of command notification of pregnancy, administrative absence for non-covered reproductive health care and unitfunded travel for those seeking non-covered reproductive health care.

Non-covered reproductive health care is defined in this policy as lawfully available, assisted reproductive technology and non-covered abortions.

These updated policies are intended to assist members who may need to travel greater distances, take more time away from work and pay higher out-of-pocket expenses to access non-covered reproductive health care because of their specific duty location.

DAF policy changes eliminate routine pregnancy notification to commanders for the entire pregnancy, an extension of DoD policy which delays notification up to 20 weeks gestation. Previously, commanders were notified of a member’s pregnancy when they received a profile which specified “pregnancy.” Under the new policy, a profile for the entire pregnancy is labeled as “medical” and reflects any necessary deployment, assignment and duty limitations as determined by the member’s primary care or women’s health provider and public health.

The new profile provides privacy for members and ensures command-

ers exercise objectivity and discretion when handling reproductive health care information.

Additionally, all pregnant service members should seek prenatal care by 12 weeks gestation to obtain proper care, appropriate duty restrictions and occupational health counseling.

Updated administrative leave policy allows service members to request an administrative absence without being charged leave to access non-covered reproductive health care. Airmen and Guardians will request the administrative absence through LeaveWeb. The system now has the capability for the member to select “Non-covered Reproductive Health Care” from the permissive Temporary Duty list and submit the request to their commander for approval. They should include an attestation that they have a valid medical condition that meets the requirements for this type of leave.

Changes to pre-existing travel reimbursement policy establish travel and transportation allowances for service members and dependents who must travel to access timely non-covered reproductive health care that is not available within the local area of the member’s permanent or temporary duty location. Service members’ organizations will create a line of accounting within Defense Travel System using Emergency and Special Project Code 83. DTS will have the capability of tracking utilization and reimbursement of travel benefits.

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 SFS outlines base access for food delivery services by 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Effective Mar. 6, drivers affiliated with commercial food delivery companies, including but not limited to UberEats, Grubhub, and DoorDash, are allowed access onto base once vetted through a criminal history database at the Dale Mabry Gate.

The following actions must be adhered to before entry is granted: MacDill AFB employees and residents requesting food delivery service on base must contact 6th Security Forces Squadron at Dale Mabry Gate, (813) 828-7819, to notify proper authorities of a pending delivery. All food delivery drivers will only enter and exit through Dale Mabry Gate. It is the customer’s responsibility to communicate instructions to the drivers via food delivery app, text, or phone call. **NOTE**: Food delivery vendors will not be given access during peak morning traffic hours, Monday-Friday, 6 – 9 a.m.

Delivery instructions should include the following (or similar): “Use Dale Mabry Gate for base access. Background check and vehicle inspection required. No weapons authorized on base.”

Before entry is authorized, the driver will be asked to pull over for 6th SFS to conduct a vehicle inspection. NOTE: Food delivery drivers See ACCESS, Page 10

DAF issues guidance on COVID-related adverse actions; Religious Accommodation Requests Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—Editor’s note: This article has been updated to remove the March 17 deadline, which is an internal suspense to notify DoD that any related policies, directives and guidance have been updated.

The Department of the Air Force has issued guidance on removal of adverse actions and handling of Religious Accommodation Requests related to refusal of COVID-19 vaccinations effective Feb. 24.

The DAF will remove adverse information from records of those currently serving service members who sought an exemption on religious, administrative, or medical grounds and who received adverse actions solely due to their refusal to take the vaccine. Members will be notified by their command or the Air Force Personnel Center/Air Reserve Personnel Center.

Current service members do not need to initiate any actions for their records to be updated.

Adverse information actions include: Letters of admonishment, counseling or reprimand, and records of individual counseling will be rescinded.

Nonjudicial punishments issued solely for vaccine refusal will be set aside in their entirety.

Referral performance reports issued solely for vaccine refusal after requesting an exemption will be removed from personnel records and replaced with a statement of non-rated time.

Promotion records will be corrected by the DAF who will remove or redact all adverse actions related to vaccine refusal.

Current involuntary discharge proceedings will be terminated.

Additionally, the department has cancelled all outstanding Religious Accommodation Requests for COVID-19 vaccination exemption.

Members who submitted an RAR for non-COVID-19 vaccination exemptions may update and resubmit their request for other mandated vaccination exemptions. To expedite processing, members are asked to resubmit within 30 days.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Samual Gulley, a boom operator assigned to the 50th Air Refueling Squadron, refuels an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 23rd Wing, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, over the Atlantic Ocean, Feb. 28. The 50th ARS fueled the Warthogs as they returned home from the Lead Wing exercise Operation Forward Tiger, an Air Forces Southern exercise. Designed to increase combat readiness alongside humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities, the exercise allowed Airmen to train with the Dominican Republic Air Force and Jamaica Defense Force.

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

A member of the Women in Aviation Tampa Bay Chapter looks through U.S. Air Force retired Col. “PJ” Dahl, a World War II P-38 Lightning Ace, binoculars while touring the Air Traffic Control tower at MacDill Air Force poses for a photo with pilots assigned to the 58th Fighter Squadron Base Feb. 23, 2023. The tour gave experienced and aspiring aviators the while celebrating his 100th birthday at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 17. chance to meet with service members and gain a better understanding During the celebration, Dahl toured the F-35A Lightning II aircraft and shared experiences with young pilots. of the Air Force mission.

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NEWS/FEATURES MacDill Maintainers craft new wheel painting design

by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster 6th Air Refueling Wing, Public Affairs

The 6th Maintenance Group metals technology and corrosion control units recently collaborated to create and implement a new wheel painting stand design that will allow Airmen to produce twice as much in half the time.

The 6th MXG corrosion control unit recognized the need to make their painting and priming processes for the KC-135 aircraft on the installation more efficient. Identifying the need for new equipment, the corrosion control unit requested assistance from the 6th MXG metals technology unit for a remedy.

“When the corrosion shop reached out for a redesign, we jumped at the opportunity,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan Strittmatter, 927th Maintenance Squadron metals technician. “This was the perfect time for us to demonstrate our skills in a creative and productive way.”

The previous design lacked a mobile base, interchangeable wheel comSee PAINT, Page 13

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Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan Strittmatter, 927th Maintenance Squadron metals technician, poses for a photo at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Mar. 2, 2023. Strittmatter developed a new wheel painting stand for the 6th Maintenance Group corrosion control unit that drastically expedited the painting and priming process for the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft.

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NEWS/FEATURES Fuel for the Future

Commissaries encourage patrons to save while improving healthy eating habits

by Kathy Milley DeCA public affairs specialist FORT LEE, Va.— During March, the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) joins with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in celebrating National Nutrition Month. “Fuel for the Future,” this year’s mantra, focuses on sustainability, saving money while staying nourished and modeling healthy eating habits in the home.

According to DeCA Health and Wellness Program Manager Deborah Harris, a registered dietitian who holds a Master of Public Health degree and is a certified diabetes educator, several ways to fuel for the future are to save money while choosing nutrient-dense foods, instilling the importance of a healthy eating pattern into your children and preparing more meals at home.

The commissary should be your first defense when looking to stay nourished while saving money, said Scott Daly, DeCA’s chief of Commissary Store Brands.

“One way to achieve this goal is with Commissary Brand food items,” he said. “Our Freedom’s Choice brand has an ever-growing number of items from all food groups that qualify as Dietitian-Approved Thumb items.

Choosing these will provide nutritious foods for your family while saving you money at the register.”

Honey Mustard Glazed Grilled Chicken is a dietitian-approved recipe featuring ingredients available within the Freedom’s Choice brand. There are additional recipe resources on commissaries.com that will help patrons incorporate Commissary Store Brand food items into their menu planning.

When it comes to children’s nutritious eating habits and modeling these behaviors, there’s no place like home to position them for success in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Harris said.

“Eating a variety of foods from all food groups and in various forms from fresh to frozen, canned to dried, all available under the Freedom’s Choice brand, will prepare your family to adopt nutrient-rich eating patterns in the future and save on your grocery bill,” said Harris. “Preparing these meals at home will teach cooking and meal preparation skills, facilitate introducing new flavors and foods from around the world and create special memories around the family dinner table.”

To learn more about National Nutrition Month or ways to help promote good nutrition, visit http://www.eatright.org/nnm/. Look for other useful commissary-specific information on commissaries.com under the “Healthy Living” tab.

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Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, salutes an Airman assigned to the 6th Security Forces Squadron, Marine Patrol unit, at MacDill Air Force Base Nov. 23, 2022.

Team MacDill celebrates Women’s History Month Department of Defense

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eam MacDill and the Department of Defense recognizes March 1-31, as National Women’s History Month.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” acknowledges the pioneering women, past and present, as important contributors to the achievements of our military services and civilian workforce.

More than 230,000 women serve in the active duty military, comprising 17 percent of all service members, and women constitute 33 percent of DoD civilians.

We recognize the accomplishments of women in the Department and their contributions to national security which helps maximize the Department’s warfighting capabilities. Over time, new doors have opened to women in the Department in previously closed military specialties, combat positions, leadership roles, and command positions.

With each new opportunity, women have emerged as military leaders in combat operations and assumed vital command positions.

Captain Rosemary Mariner, the first woman to command an operational naval aviation squadron during Operation Desert Storm, had a story to share. In 2018, First Lieutenant Marina Hierl became the first woman in

the Marine Corps to command an infantry platoon. On November 21, 2022, Air Force Captain Rhea McFarland became the first African American female C-17 pilot to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross for her leadership in Afghanistan.

These women and their stories represent the many untold stories in DoD of women who took on mission-critical assignments and advanced as leaders in the military, research, science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The Department celebrates their collective victories which strengthen our workforce because we can leverage their unique experiences, perspectives, and expertise in support of our mission. In addition, they inspire future generations of young women from all backgrounds who desire to be a part of the Department and share in its mission.

We salute women who courageously challenge cultural barriers in the workplace for their tenacious spirit in telling their stories. The opportunity to share their knowledge through storytelling enriches the Total Force and expands the Department’s capability to develop talent in future DoD leaders.

For more information, visit: https:/ /www.defenseculture.mil/Human-Relations-Toolkit/Special-Observances/#womenshistory-month

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Photo by Tech. Sgt. Diana M. Cossaboom

Senior Airman Moriah Williams, 91st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron aerial refueling specialist, refuels an F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 17, 2022. The KC-135 aircrew are responsible for delivering fuel to U.S. and coalition forces, enabling a constant presence in the AOR.

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

U.S. Air Force Capt. Orchydia Sackey, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot assigned the 50th Air Refueling Squadron, explains aerial refueling procedures to members of the Women in Aviation Tampa Bay Chapter during a tour at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Feb. 23, 2023. The tour gave experienced and aspiring aviators the chance to meet with servicemembers and gain a better understanding of the Air Force mission.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Shae Gee, 6th Air Refueling Wing command chief, welcomes Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall at MacDill Air Force Base Jan. 18.

ACCESS From Page 3

who are in possession of a CAC, retiree, or dependent ID card will be exempt from vehicle inspection unless identified for a random installation vehicle inspection check.

Once the driver has been vetted and cleared, 6th SFS personnel will maintain possession of the driver’s license in exchange for a numbered badge. Drivers in possession of a valid CAC, retiree, dependent ID card will not need to surrender their driver’s license. **NOTE**: If the driver has criminal history preventing base access, 6th SFS will deny entry. 6th SFS personnel will not accept delivery or hold onto food.

Upon badge exchange, the food delivery driver will be cleared to depart to the customer’s address. No other stops on the installation are authorized. Once food has been delivered, the driver MUST return immediately and directly to the Dale Mabry Gate to retrieve their driver’s license and depart the installation.

Known as “Defenders”, members are the ground combat force and military police service of the U.S. Air Force. The primary role of security forces Airmen is to protect the physical assets of the Air Force and, more importantly, its people.

The defenders of the 6th SFS are the first line of defense to MacDill’s critical mission of rapidly projecting air-refueling power and global reach anywhere in the world and providing support to the U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command and other tenant units.

For more information, contact the 6th SFS at 828-4314

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Got News?

If you have an announcement or story idea for the Thunderbolt, just let us know at 6arw.pa.macdillthunderbolt@us.af.mil

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PAINT

From Page 6

ponents and was unreasonably sized for the average Airmen.

The process originally consisted of blasting, inspecting, masking, priming, painting and touch-ups with the majority of time spent drying in between steps. In total, Airmen were spending as much as eight hours per wheel and up to 72 hours on a set.

“Before we implemented the updated design, it was taking three full days to complete a single set of wheels,” said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kurtis Gieger, 6th MXG sheet metal technician. “Now we have been able to double our output in that same span of time.”

Over the course of a month, Strittmatter and his team developed an alternative design that included space for two differently sized sets of wheels and a free rotating component all using equipment and resources available in his shop.

The major improvement in the design came from the free rotating component which allows Airmen access to 100% of the wheel while painting.

This change was monumental because it completely removed the time spent drying the wheels prior to touching up missed components.

To ensure the quality of the equipment, Strittmatter maintained constant communication with the corrosion shop, taking their feedback and implementing it into later designs.

Strittmatter and the metals technology unit performed numerous safety evaluations as they ran the design through the 6th MXG chain of command and prior to implementing it in the workplace.

Currently, Strittmatter and the metals technology unit are in the approval process to push the design across the Air Force. The final design requires minor adjustments to accommodate alternate aircraft tires.

“We have been working closely with the Air Force Research Lab to push the directive to other bases,” Strittmatter said. “They have been able to take our design and develop a 3D rendering that will hopefully be used by other installations facing similar issues.”

As the 6th Air Refueling Wing transitions from operating the KC-135

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brandon Catbagan, 6th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance technician, prepares to paint a wheel at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Feb. 21, 2023. The wheel painting process was overhauled with help from the 6th MXS metals technology unit.

Stratotanker aircraft to the KC-46 Pegasus aircraft in the coming years, new adaptive technology will be integral in ensuring the wing is able to carry out their mission at every level.

“This is the kind of innovation that we love to see,” said Air Force Col. Charity Banks, 6th MXG commander. “If you see a problem, fix it. Maintainers charge the storm!”

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

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6th ARW Chaplain Corps Holy Week schedule Catholic Calendar Fridays during Lent - Stations of the Cross at 5 p.m. followed by meatless potluck Monday – Wednesday Daily Mass at 12:10 p.m.

Weekdays of March 27-30 Confessions by appointment call 813-828-8565 or 813-828-3621 Holy Week and Lent/Easter Schedule n April 3 - 12:10 p.m. Daily Mass n April 4 - No Daily Mass. Chrism Mass at St. Pete Cathedral n April 5 - 12:10 p.m. Daily Mass and Penance Service from 5:30-7 p.m. n April 6 - 7 p.m. Mass of the Last Supper followed

by Eucharistic Adoration until 9:30 p.m. n April 7 - 2:15 p.m. Stations of the Cross followed by 3 p.m. Good Friday Service n April 8 - 8 p.m. Easter Vigil Celebration n April 9 - 9:30 a.m. Easter Sunday Mass. Easter Egg Hunt after Mass

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Co-ed youth basketball season Register your 5 – 15-year-olds for co-ed basketball at the MacDill Youth Center March 1 – 31. Cost is $50 for members and $60 for nonmembers. Tentative season runs April through May. Call the Youth Center 828-7958 to register or visit, macdillfss.com/youth/#youthsports.

MacDill Skeet Range now open The Skeet Range has re-opened.

Hours of operation are Friday – Sunday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Currently, gun rentals and ammunition are not available; please bring your own. Skeet is $5.50 per round (25 clay targets) or $46 for shoot-nsave cards (11 rounds). For more information call 840-6919/6920 or visit macdillfss.com/skeet-archeryrange/.

MacDill Car Wash opening soon The MacDill AFB car wash is opening soon. Stop by 24 hours/7 days a week. Upgrades include an automatic car wash and self-service/manual washing bays. Monthly unlimited basic wash is $25.99, basic wash $10, intermediate wash $15, and premium wash $20. Visit macdillfss.com/arts-and-tradecrafts/ for more information.

Saint Patrick’s Day 5K The Short Fitness Center will host a Saint Patrick’s Day 5K fun run on March 16! Wear your green outfit and run, jog or walk the dedicated 5K trail around MacDill. For more information about this event, visit the Short Fitness Center.

Find more events at: macdillfss.com

The Champ!

Photo by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole

The 6th Air Refueling Wing leadership team presents the Champ of the Week award to Staff Sgt. Eric McDade, 6th Maintenance Group hydraulics technician, at MacDill Air Force Base Mar. 2.

McDade and his Airman stepped up to ensure mission readiness by assisting the 927th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron in attaching a boom to a KC-135 Stratotanker before flight.

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

Protestant virtual services - Sunday - 11 a.m. (www.facebook.com/6amwhc)

Jewish - Monthly Lunch and Learn: For schedule & to join Monday-Wednesday Mass - 12:10 p.m. www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

distro, please contact elimelach.estrin@us.af.mil

Islamic Service - Friday 1:30 p.m. (space reserved)

Catholic Mass - Sunday - 9:30 a.m. (confessions by appointment)

Other Faith Groups - Please contact the Chapel at (813) 828-3621 or via email at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil

Holly Week Schedule - see page 14 For more details and information, visit the Chapel Facebook page at http://www.facebook/6amwhc/ or MacDill’s Chapel website is: https://www.macdill.af.mil/chapel MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ◆ Thursday, March 9, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 15

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