Thunderbolt 3/21/2024

Vol. 52, No. 12

Thursday, March 21, 2024

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News/Features: page 2 Wings of change

News/Features: page 3 Special order uniforms

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hastings

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

A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologist bands a burrowing owl at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, March 14. The owl was released at MacDill after rehabilitation and was banded for tracking and identification purposes. The airfield at MacDill is home to one of the only known colonies of burrowing owls in the Tampa Bay area and is an ideal location for releasing rehabilitated owls.

NEWS/FEATURES

Wings of Change: McConnell AFB defenders add 1st female Raven

by Airman 1st Class William Lunn 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (AFNS)—Facing an injured tendon at the Phoenix Raven Qualification Course didn’t stop Staff Sgt. Amanda Estores from becomingMcConnell Air Force Base’s first female Raven. Neither did the rest of the obstacles, large and small, that came before and after the injury.

“As a woman, I set aside any predispositions anyone might have about my gender each day, to protect people as a security forces defender,” said Estores, who serves as a patrolman for the 22nd Security Forces Squadron.

Estores recently returned to McConnell AFB after graduating from the Phoenix Raven Qualification Course, taking her place as McConnell AFB’s first female Raven and bringing a new sense of what is possible for Airmen who face adversity based on their gender.

“This continues to highlight the incredible work our female defenders do on a daily basis,” said Maj. Jeremiah Baxter, 22nd SFS commander. “It proves they can accomplish all aspects of combat scenarios they are placed in.”

Before the 1970s, women in the Air Force were barred from participating in any police or security duties. However, a pivotal moment

Photo by Airman 1st Class William Lunn

Staff Sgt. Amanda Estores, 22nd Security Forces Squadron patrolman, guards the flightline Feb. 2, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Estores recently returned as McConnell’s first female Raven. occurred in 1971 when women were granted access to law enforcement specialist training exclusively at the Security Police Academy on Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. This marked a notable shift in historical gender stigma within the military.

In November 2023, Estores took another step in breaking down that barrier when she gradu-

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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ated from Raven training.

The training is a four-week course at McGuire AFB, New Jersey, that focuses on enhancing the skills of Air Force security forces. Ravens are highly trained Airmen responsible for critical tasks, such as base security, protection of valuable assets and presidential missions.

See RAVEN, Page 12

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 , FL 33621. Call the Thunderbolt at 828-2215. : 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

Special-order uniforms provide accommodations

by Maj. Tiffany Low Air Force Life Cycle Management Center

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS)—Military uniforms are designed to accommodate most body types, but many individuals face difficulty finding a good fit based on unique proportions or even medical needs.

The Air Force provides special-order – often used interchangeably with special-measurement which is the most common type of special order – uniforms to service members who fall outside of the standard size range. There are also options for those who need non-permethrintreated operational camouflage pattern, or OCP, uniforms. Permethrin is an insect repellent. The special-order process allows service members to comply with military standards and maintain a professional appearance without incurring additional costs.

See UNIFORMS, Page 8

U.S. Air Force photos by 88th ABW/PA

Female Fitment Program Office clothing designers Melea Green and Francesco Vetrano record measurements during a uniform fitting at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, March 7. Initiated and hosted by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, the program’s mission is to acquire and support human systems to enhance warfighter performance, protection and survivability.

DAF releases 2025 budget proposal Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—The Department of the Air Force unveiled a $217.5 billion budget request March 11, designed to continue modernizing the Air Force and Space Force, maintain readiness to respond to current threats, and address key capability gaps while investing to manage risks that are increasing with time.

The $217.5 billion proposal that Congress will now consider for fiscal year 2025 includes $188.1 billion for the Air Force and $29.4 billion for the Space Force. If enacted into law, the Department’s overall budget would grow by 1.1 percent, $2.4 billion, from last fiscal year’s budget.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall stressed the importance of adequately funding the military for competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

“I think that 2025, while difficult, is at a level that I think we can accept, and it will still allow us to make progress on the modernization we need,” Kendall said.

The FY 2025 budget was built for each service’s unique mission.

“The Air Force’s core functions remain unchanged: air superiority, global strike, rapid global mobility, command and control, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance,” said Kristyn Jones, performing the du-

ties of the Under Secretary of the Air Force. “The Space Force’s efforts reflect the indispensable support that underpins all other joint operations and its continued transformation into a warfighting service to secure our interests in, from and to space.”

The budget request includes: • $14.9 billion investment to enhance competitive capabilities and maintain air domain lethality • $24.9 billion to ensure unmatched ability to deliver global strike around the world • $29.4 billion in readiness while continuing to make maximum possible investment in modernization • $4.7 billion to proliferate a multi-orbit missile warning architecture to counter near-peer threats • $538 million for Agile Combat Employment to build the right mix of capabilities to defend against current and future threats • $6.2 billion in commercial space launches and resilient space data network to deliver capabilities to the Joint Force in, from and to Space • $4.4 billion in funds for integrating satellite communications to increase space superiority by connecting and supporting our allies and partners • $3.4 billion in the Next Generation Air Dominance Family of Systems to augment current and future platforms in highly contested environments See BUDGET, Page 10

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Inductees pose for a photo during the Chief Master Sergeant Recognition Ceremony in Tampa, Florida, March 8. Members of Team MacDill were selected for promotion to the highest rank in the Air Force.

Only 1% of enlisted Airmen reach the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Sterling Sutton

Photo by Senior Airman Zachary Foster

Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hastings

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cynthia Buchetto, 6th Maintenance Squadron aircraft fuel systems technician, dawns personal protective equipment during a routine repair on a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, March 8, 2024. Units across the installation are assembling all-woman teams in recognition of Women’s History Month which aims to highlight the achievements of female service members across the joint force.

A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologist inspects a burrowing owl at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, March 14, 2024. The owl was released at MacDill because the airfield is home to one of the only known colonies of burrowing owls in the Tampa Bay area and is an ideal location for rehabilitated owls to acclimate in the wild.

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NEWS/FEATURES

ROK Air Force, USTRANSCOM exercise Mutual Support Agreement

by Erik Anthony U.S. Transportation Command Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. —The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) and U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) exercised a longstanding Mutual Airlift Support Agreement (MASA) in support of Korea Rotation Force ’24, February 28 - March 2.

To exercise the MASA, the ROKAF contracted Korean Air, a commercial airline, to fly two airlift missions from Osan Air Base, South Korea to Colorado Springs, Colo., and from Robert Grey Army Airfield, Texas, back to Osan Air Base. The KAL Boeing 777 aircraft repositioned a total of 540 personnel and 190,000 lbs. of equipment.

“The Mutual Airlift Support Agreement (MASA) is an important agreement between the Republic of Korea and the United States to support urgent airlift needs in the event of a crisis or war on the Korean Peninsula,” said Maj. Junyoung Lee, MASA Program Manager, ROKAF. “The MASA USTRANSCOM photo exercise is significant because it is a process to develop more efficient and clearer application procedures to ensure that support can be pro- Maj. Junyoung Lee, Mutual Airlift Support Agreement (MASA) program vided quickly in the event of an urgent crisis. This exercise was especially manager, Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), observes soldiers and meaningful because it was the first time since 2018 due to COVID-19.” cargo being loaded onto a Korean Air Boeing 777 as part of Korea Force See USTRANSCOM, Page 9 Rotation ’24 at Robert Gray Army Airfield, Texas, March 1.

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Flosi takes place as 20th CMS of Air Force Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (AFNS)—Chief Master Sgt. David A. Flosi was formally installed March 8 as the 20th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.

In remarks after the formal “Change of Responsibility” ceremony in which he assumed the job from retiring Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass, Flosi emphasized both the opportunity before him and what it means to the Total Force at a time of dramatic change and challenge across the service.

“As I assume this role, I’m aware of the challenges ahead,” Flosi said. “We live in a rapidly evolving world, where new threats emerge with alarming frequency, and the demands on our Air Force continue to grow.

“While demanding, I am confident in our ability to rise to the occasion. I am confident because over the course of my career, time and time again, I have witnessed the dedication and professionalism of our Airmen,” he said.

Flosi’s installation as the highest-ranking enlisted noncommissioned officer in the Air Force completes a total overhaul of senior military leaders for the service.Gen. David Allvin was installed as Air Force chief of staff on Nov. 2 and Gen. Jim Slife officially became Air Force vice chief of staf f on Dec. 29.

All three senior leaders, along with Department of the Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, will be instrumental in successfully establishing far-reaching plans to “reoptimize” the Air Force to better confront China and other modern-day adversaries.

Allvin stressed that effort in welcoming Flosi during the dignified ceremony, which also included comments from Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and, prior to that, Air Force chief of staff.

“Dynamic, fast-paced environments require agile, determined leadership – that’s exactly what Chief Flosi brings to the fight,” Allvin said. “We’ve got work to do, and I know Chief Flosi is ready to move out on reoptimization to enhance our readiness and mold our one Air Force.”

In his remarks, Kendall offered a glowing tribute to Bass and provided clear guidance for what he expects from Flosi.

Bass, he said, “has served over 30 years in the Air Force, and we are an infinitely better organization because of your service. She’s been a standout leader at every level.

“Chief Flosi, you’re going to have to fill some pretty big shoes. I look forward to working together and to everything you have to offer. I want to welcome you to an incredible team. … We will need your experience and your perspective to make sure the needs of our Airmen and their families are

always at the forefront of all of our efforts,” Kendall said.

Brown echoed Kendall in his praise and admiration for Bass.

“Jo, I’m so glad I hired you. You’ve been an inspiration for me. We were able to break barriers together,” Brown said, referring to their shared histories in which Brown was the first African American to be named Chief of Staff of any branch of the military and Bass’s selection as the first woman to serve as a Service senior enlisted advisor in the history of the United States military.

“You’ve been an inspiration to me. You’ve been an inspiration to our Air Force; you’ve been an inspiration to our nation,” Brown said.

Flosi steps into the job being vacated by the retiring Bass, who senior leaders said set the standard by which all subsequent Chiefs will be judged.

“Chief Bass’s passion for Airmen and their families has defined her time as our 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force,” Allvin said. “Her tireless work on their behalf has propelled our force forward. Even after over 30 years of dedicated service, I have no doubts that she will continue to be an advocate for Airmen and airpower moving forward.”

In her remarks at the dignified ceremony, Bass highlighted memories and achievements from across her 31-year career. She thanked a list of people who helped her at every point, including her husband Rahn, her parents, and a large group of Air Force colleagues who served as mentors and role models.

She directed special praise to Brown, who selected her to be chief master sergeant of the Air Force when Brown served as chief of staf f .

“General Brown, chairman, thank you for hiring me as your wingman and chief. The best words you shared with me were ‘proceed until apprehended.’ And I did just that,” she said.

“I may have gotten apprehended once or twice, maybe three times. In any case, you let me be me and get after the things that matter to our Airmen and their families. It’s been an honor for Rahn and I to serve alongside you and Sharene,” she said.

Flosi’s new job is similar to his previous post but on a larger, more high-profile stage. He arrived at the Pentagon from Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, where he served as the command chief master sergeant. That role was similar in many respects to the role he now assuming. At AFMC, he is the senior enlisted leader and the primary advisor to the commander on all matters regarding the readiness, training, professional development, and effective utilization of the command’s 89,000 total force Airmen.

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Chief Master Sergeant of th of the Air Force change of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air

The 19th Chief Master Sgt. at Joint Base Andrews, Md.

Photo by Andy Morataya

he Air Force David Flosi addresses the audience during the chief master sergeant f responsibility ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md. March 8. Flosi succeeded r Force JoAnne Bass as the 20th chief master sergeant of the Air Force.

Photo by Andy Morataya

Retired Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne Bass addresses the audience during the chief master sergeant of the Air Force change of responsibility ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md. March 8. Chief Master Sergeant David Flosi succeeded Bass as the 20th CMSAF.

Photo by Chad Trujillo

of the Air Force, JoAnne Bass, retires from the Air Force after 30 years of service ., March 8.

UNIFORMS From Page 3

“What the customer pays is the standard price of the item,” said David James, Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Customer Cell chief. The DLA Troop Support customer is the Army Air Force Exchange Service, or AAFES, which operates the Military Clothing Sales Store, or MCSS, on behalf of the Department of the Air Force.

“MCSS locations purchase uniforms from DLATS [commonly used as an abbreviation for DLA Troop Support] at cost and sell at cost,” said Shawn Martinson, AAFES military clothing buyer. “If a service member requires clothing or footwear that is unavailable in the sizes provided in store and they cannot be accommodated by altering an available item, the military clothing associate prepares a special-measurement requisition through DLATS.” When the Air Force transitioned to OCPs, Lt. Col. Katie Henschel, a program manager with the U.S. Transportation Command, noticed she broke out in hives during duty days.

“I had red, bumpy, itchy skin all along my arms and legs whenever I was in uniform; however, over the weekend, my skin would return to normal,” Henschel said. “My medical provider suspected an allergic reaction to the permethrin-treated OCPs. Their advice was to see if

non-permethrin-treated OCPs were an option.”

The special-order process begins and ends at the MCSS. First, a service member tries on several standard sizes to determine if a common size garment can be used. If not, the store associate indicates the best fitting standard size, describes how the garment fits improperly, and takes the service member’s body measurements.

Forms for special-order uniforms are completed and submitted to either DLA Troop Support or the Air Force Clothing and Textile Liaison Office, or AFCTO. The AFCTO, part of Agile Combat Support’s Human Systems Division, assists those unfamiliar with the special-order process by guiding them and reviewing their requests for completion prior to submission to DLA Troop Support. Upon receipt of the special-order request, DLA Troop Support puts the order on contract with their vendor. Finally, the DLA Troop Support vendor develops the requested item and ships it to MCSS for customer pickup.

The special-order process for footwear is similar but may require a visit to a healthcare provider if a medical condition is confirmed or suspected. A healthcare professional will take foot measurements and tracings and fill out required forms. The paperwork is then given to

U.S. Air Force graphic

MCSS for requisition.

“Most special orders can be filled in 60 days, but depending on the item there may be exceptions,” James said.

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

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USTRANSCOM From Page 5

The ROKAF-USTRANSCOM MASA was initially signed in 2004 and first exercised March 12, 2007, when a KAL Boeing 777 flew 125 U.S. troops from Kadena Air Base, Japan, to Osan Korea, during a reception, staging, onward movements and integration exercise.

“The agreement allows USTRANSCOM and the Republic of Korea Air Force, as the government designees, to request U.S. military, ROK military, and civilian airlift mobilized or under contract to support the rapid reinforcement of ROK and U.S. defense forces in the event of military hostilities in the Republic of Korea,” said USTRANSCOM’s Acquisition Cross-Service Agreement Manager, Paul Dismer.

The MASA has been revised and exercised in different ways throughout the past 20 years, but the strong relationship between the U.S. and the ROK militaries has remained consistent.

That relationship remains the linchpin of peace and security in Northeast Asia and the Korean Peninsula.

“Exercising MASA for this force rotation is an excellent demonstration of the iron-clad relationships between the ROK and U.S. militaries and our industry partners,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Rich McClintic, USTRANSCOM Liaison, U.S. Forces Korea. “These relationships enable us to be anywhere globally within hours, posture us to sustain an effort for as long as necessary, and build combat readiness.”

About USTRANSCOM U.S. Transportation Command is a warfighting combatant command that projects and sustains military power at a time and place of the nation’s choosing. Powered by dedicated men and women, USTRANSCOM underwrites the lethality of the joint force, advances American interests around the globe, and provides our nation’s leaders with strategic flexibility to select from multiple options, while creating multiple dilemmas for our adversaries.

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Actor Cole Hauser visits US Special Operations Command

by Michael Bottoms U.S. Special Operations Command Public Affairs The actor Cole Hauser and President and Chief Operating Officer of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, retired Army Maj. Gen. Clay Hutmacher visited the headquarters of U.S. Special Operations Command on MacDill Air Force Base, Florida March 1, 2024.

Hauser’s most recent “Yellowstone” character Rip Wheeler on the Dutton Ranch is the quintessential cowboy: Tough and loyal to a fault. Much like a command sergeant major he keeps the organization squared away and going.

“I love the character Rip because he is so loyal,” said Hauser.

Hauser was raised by his grandfather who was a World War II veteran.

“My grandfather taught me profound respect for the military and service. He went on war bonds selling tour after World War II,” Hauser said.

“Unfortunately, he died when I was 12, but he had a lifelong impact on me.”

Hauser’s connection to USSOCOM is he serves as a board member of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides educational scholarships for the surviving children of fallen Special Operations personnel as well as Medal of Honor recipients.

The charity, based in Tampa, Florida, was founded in the aftermath of the failed attempt to rescue 52 American hostages in Tehran, Iran,

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Demetrius Munnerlyn

Actor Cole Hauser receives a demonstration on specialized equipment during his visit to the headquarters of U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base March 8. known as Operation Eagle Claw, ended in tragedy April 24, 1980, with the loss of eight American service members.

Hauser’s work for the foundation is coupled with visiting patients at Walter Reed hospital for the past 20 years. Additionally, he went on a USO Tour in Afghanistan and was shepherded by special operations troops and came to appreciate them.

“I just wanted to lend a hand where possible,” Hauser said. “I found out servicemembers needed friendship, mentoring… and told them they could still be successful.”

BUDGET From Page 3

Acknowledging the practicalities of economic factors, the budget proposal accommodates inflation and rising fuel costs, and for quality of life and retention of personnel: • $42.9 billion to improve quality of life for Airmen and Guardians including a 4.5 percent pay raise • $1.1 billion for bonus and retention programs for 118,000 critically skilled positions This budget proposal represents the Department’s priorities for maintaining the nation’s security and interests.

For additional information on the DAF FY 2025 budget, as well as previous DAF budgets, visit the Headquarters Air Force financial management page

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Annual Easter Eggstravaganza The Youth Center is hosting an Easter Eggstravanganza March 23 from 10 a.m. – noon at the Fitness Center South Field. Come and enjoy face painting, DJ, food trucks, egg hunts, games, prizes and of course the Easter Bunny. Egg hunt times as follows: EFMP 10:15 a.m.

Ages 1-4 10:30 a.m.

Ages 5-8 10:45 a.m.

Ages 9-12 11:00 a.m.

Ages 13 + 11:15 a.m.

Adults 11:30 a.m.

To view the event flyer, visit macdillfss.com/wp-content/uploads/ Eggstravaganza8.5X11flier.pdf.

2024 Air Force Art Contest Do you have artistic skills? Register and enter your 2D and 3D artwork for the 2024 Air Force Art Contest from March 1 – April 30. The contest is open to eligible adults and children ages 6-17. For more information about eligibility, submissions, prizes, judging and categories, visit forcesupport. awardsplatform.com.

Download the AirFest 2024 app Get ready to soar at the Tampa Bay AirFest, featuring the U.S. Force Thunderbirds. Download the AirFest 2024 app today to access the schedule, performers, sponsors, static displays, gate map, food and beverage options, hangar 2 exhibitors, and FAQs. Don’t miss out on this thrilling event March 28-30 – download now (available on the App Store and Google Play) and plan your unforgettable experience.

Find more events at: macdillfss.com

Photo by Senior Airman Zachary Foster

All-women team!

Airmen assigned to the 6th Maintenance Squadron aircraft fuel systems repair section pose for a group photo at MacDill Air Force Base March 8. Units across the installation are assembling allwoman teams in recognition of Women’s History Month which aims to highlight the achievements of female service members across the joint force.

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-Wednesday Mass - 12:10 p.m.

www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

Catholic Mass - Sunday - 9:30 a.m.

(confessions by appointment)

Protestant services - Sunday - 11 a.m. Contact the Cha-

pel at 828-3621 or email at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil for inquiries regarding Protestant religious education.

Jewish - Monthly Lunch and Learn: For schedule & to join distro, please contact elimelach.estrin@us.af.mil

Islamic Service - Friday 1:30 p.m. (space reserved) Other Faith Groups - Please contact the Chapel at (813) 828-3621 or via email at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil

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RAVEN From Page 2

“You are the security of the aircraft in austere environments,” Estores said. “Whether we land in an area that is built up or an airfield that is just a dirt strip, we’re the ones providing security for the aircraft.”

The training program strongly emphasizes physical fitness, mental toughness and strategic thinking. Raven candidates must score a 90% on three standard physical fitness tests before being selected for a slot.

Ravens are also required to engage in hand-to-hand combat scenarios that include sparring with each other. They are trained in various martial arts, including judo, which primarily focuses on using holds and leverage to unbalance an opponent, bringing them to the ground.

Early in training, Estores suffered a setback. While sparring with other Airmen, she stepped back too quickly and partially injured a tendon in her foot. The injury was one that would typically result in removal from the course.

“I thought I had broken my foot in week one,” Estores said. “I was unable to comfortably do exercises without having a sharp pain in my leg.

Although I would stay with the group during formation runs, the pain never stopped, but I knew I could push through to the end.”

Estores found her motivation through the encouragement of her family, who supported her joining the Air Force in 2016. Growing up in Orlando, Florida, Estores attributes her resilience to her mother, who guided her to have strength and grit even in the hardest life scenarios. She says she still learns life lessons from her mother today. Her father also served as a big motivator for her to enlist, but he passed away before she joined.

“I think my dad would be proud of me for what I’ve accomplished. He always expected me to be the one to go out and make something of myself. I think he’d be happy knowing the person I’ve become today.” - Staff Sgt. Amanda Estores, 22nd Security Forces Squadron Patrolman Estores not only has the support of her biological family, but also the family she has made in her squadron. Defenders develop a camaraderie through their rigorous training regimens, working together no matter the circumstances. The demanding nature of their duties further strengthens this close-knit bond.

“In most jobs you go home at the end of the day, and you don’t think about the people you work with, but I do,” Estores said. “As defenders, we

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Photo by Airman 1st Class William Lunn

A Raven patch shows the accomplishment of Staff Sgt. Amanda Estores, 22nd Security Forces Squadron patrolman, upon returning as her base’s first female Raven Feb. 2, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. go through all the same challenges together, we go down range with each other. We are a family.”

While on active duty, Estores also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Justice Studies from Grand Canyon University and planson getting her master’s degree. With a passion for law enforcement, she plans on continuing this career path on the outside, using the skills she obtained from the Air Force.

Estores promotes joining the Air Force to anyone who is considering it. She tells prospective recruits not to let any doubts, fears or anxieties about joining the military hold them back. Estores making history at McConnell AFB opens the door for others, her squadron commander said.

“Having female defenders like Staff Sgt. Estores sets an example for all our young women to emulate,” Baxter said. “Her mentorship and leadership across our unit is key to our mission success every day. I wish I had more defenders just like her.”

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