Thunderbolt 04/21/2022

Vol. 50, No. 16

Thursday, April 21, 2022

ROTC cadets fly with 91st ARS - page 8 News/Features: page 3 Special ops vision

News/Features: page 3 Owl gets home at MacDill

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Airman 1st Class Hiram Martinez

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

A cadet with Air Force ROTC Detachment 159 at the University of Central Florida observes Airman 1st Class Mackenzie Rodgers, a boom operator assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron, prepare to refuel an aircraft over Texas April 11. The KC-135 Stratotanker is capable of transferring a maximum fuel load of 200,000 pounds to other aircraft.

NEWS/FEATURES

Multiple factors contribute to Ukraine’s battlefield successes

by David Vergun DoD News The United States is supplying an immense amount of materiel to Ukrainian forces, said a senior Defense Department official who briefed the media today.

Since the start President Joe Biden’s administration, roughly $2.5 billion worth of security assistance has been supplied. That equates to more than half of Ukraine’s defense budget for last year, which was about $4.2 billion, the official said.

“It’s an immense amount, and we’re committed to doing more; and I think you will see us do more very, very soon,” the official said, mentioning the most recent Javelin missiles and Switchblade unmanned aerial systems coming from the United States.

Some 30 other nations are also providing security assistance in various quantities, the official said.

Many nations have provided weapons and systems that the Ukrainians know how to use and are using effectively, the official said.

“I think there’s a lot of things that have gone into the Ukrainians’ ability thus far to fight so well and so skillfully and to really beat back the Russians on so many multiple lines of axes,” the official said.

Through their ability and will, Ukrainian fighters have adapted to Russian tactics in real time, the official said. “They are skilled and courageous fighters, and you just can’t take that away from them.”

Another factor for Ukraine’s successes is its command and control, the official said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his top

Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Thomas Mort

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dominic Constance, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot from the 1-214th General Support Aviation Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, talks with a Polish reconnaissance soldier during a personnel recovery exercise at the Nowa Deba Training Area in Poland, April 4. leadership still have effective command and control over their forces.

“They know where they are. They’re moving them around as needed.

They’re being very nimble and have not had the challenges that the Russians have had with respect to command and control.”

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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See UKRAINE, Page 10

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

Leaders update special ops vision, strategy

by Jim Garamone DoD News The civilian and military leaders of America’s special operations forces have combined to issue the new Special Operations Forces Vision and Strategy to guide the force into the future.

Christopher P. Maier, the assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict, and Army Gen. Richard D. Clarke, the com- mander of U.S. Special Operations Command, wrote the document as a handbook for the changing world security environment.

This is especially important as the National Defense S t r a t e g y emphasizes the return of strategic competition with China and Russia.

“The updated Special Operations Force Vision and Strategy reflects our overarching strategic guidance to the enterprise, highlighting force modernization, force employment, development and design, and helps ensure forces are postured to support the National Defense Strategy,” Maier said in a written statement. “Aligned with national policy and strategy, the Vision and Strategy serves as the foundation for the shaping of SOF near-term and in the future as an adaptive, agile and capable force that can compete and prevail against any adversary, in any environSee SPECIAL OPS, Page 12

Staff Sgt. Alexzandria Gomez

Navy SEALs conduct a high-altitude, low opening airborne operation in support of exercise Arctic Edge 2022 in Deadhorse, Ala., March 4.

Florida burrowing owl released on MacDill

by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings 6th Air Refueling Wing

A Florida burrowing owl was relocated and released by a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologist April 8 at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

Florida burrowing owls are pint-sized birds with black, brown and white coloring, which helps them stay camouflaged on the ground where they spend most of their time. These birds are currently a state-designated threatened species.

“Once common throughout Florida and Tampa Bay, habitat loss has driven the Florida burrowing owl’s population down,” said Andrew Lykens, 6th Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Element manager. “The airfield on MacDill provides a habitat for the only known remaining colonies of Florida burrowing owls in Hillsborough County. Adding to the popula-

tion is a great thing.”

The relocated owl was discovered in a truck at a construction site in Palmetto, Florida, more than 20 miles south of MacDill.

“Owls, particularly juveniles that are not adept at burrowing, will often find cover in dark spaces such as culverts or open garages,” said Rebecca Schneider, a biologist with the FWC. “Since the natal location is unknown, and it was not viable to remain at the construction site, the owl was collected and taken to a local wildlife rehabilitation center.”

The owl was disoriented when initially discovered at the site, but it was determined that the bird didn’t need medical attention when evaluated at the rehabilitation center. The owl remained there until MacDill was selected as the location for its release.

Schneider said that MacDill was chosen as the release site because of the viable and suitSee OWL, Page 6 MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

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Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings

A Florida burrowing owl is banded for tracking and identification purposes at MacDill Air Force Base April 8.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

U.S. Special Operations Command photo

U.S. Special Operations Command hosted a Commando Hall of Honor ceremony April 13 at its headquarters on MacDill Air Force Base. The ceremony recognized individuals who have served with distinction within the special operation forces community.

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Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

Photo by Airman 1st Class Michael Killian

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cole Miller, a 6th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance journeyman, poses with personal protective equipment in the corrosive control facility at MacDill Air Force Base April 12. The 6th MXS corrosion control facility ensures that important aircraft components are preserved and protected from the elements.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Schcola Chambers, a member assigned to U.S. Central Command, finishes the Norwegian Ruck March April 8, at MacDill Air Force Base. The march, also known as Marsimerket, is a Norwegian Armed Forces skill badge that is earned for successful completion of the ruck march in the allotted time.

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NEWS/FEATURES

MacDill veterans reconnect at AirFest, inspire future Airmen

by Stephen Ove 6th Air Refueling Wing historian U.S. Air Force veterans of past MacDill units made the trip through huge crowds to join the public and each other in a celebration of Tactical Air Command’s history at the 2022 Tampa Bay AirFest here March 25-27.

More than a dozen members of previous host units at MacDill gathered at the Hangar 3 historical display painstakingly erected by a duo of base historical aficionados, Dennis Cole and his son Sean Cole.

MacDill veterans, including those of the 15th, 1st and 56th Tactical Fighter Wings, joined the Coles to share historical insights about the base with each other and the public.

Common in their discussions was the role that MacDill and the Air Force had in the most formative early years of their adult lives.

“I grew up on this flight line,” said Dennis Cole. “Been here through a lot. Almost hate to think about how long it’s been — my first Christmas and Thanksgiving away from home were right out here.”

See AIRFEST, Page 16

Courtesy photo

Behind the scenes, AirFest guests get to try their hand at an F-4 Phantom II fighter aircraft flight simulator during the 2022 Tampa Bay AirFest at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, March 25-27. Nearly 185,000 guests gathered to commemorate the Air Force’s 75 years of global air superiority during the event, bolstering community support and inspiring past, present and future Airmen.

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OWL

From Page 3

able natural habitat for the owls, and that as many as a dozen group of birds currently live on the base.

The owl was transported from the rehab center to MacDill in a spacious carrier that allowed the bird to stand upright. During handling, the FWC biologist used a red light to prevent any potential vision impairment of the owl. The bird was held in a safe grip that immobilized its wings during banding so it wouldn’t be injured.

“Florida burrowing owls are mostly diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, but their peak activity is at dawn and dusk,” Schneider said. “Releasing this individual owl at first light meant that it would likely quickly encounter another active burrowing owl.”

The successful relocation of this burrowing owl demonstrates MacDill’s efforts toward conservation and sustaining healthy wildlife populations on the base.

“MacDill is highly committed to the conservation of its natural resources through a multitude of different projects and efforts,” Lykens said. “Today’s [burrowing owl] relocation and release is a great example of how conservation efforts taken at MacDill provide a suitable habitat for an imperiled species.”

To conserve the burrowing owl, it is important to be aware of the needs of the owls, and direct efforts toward protecting their habitat, nest sites and populations for future generations to enjoy.

For more information about burrowing owls and other wildlife species in Florida, visit the FWC website at myfwc.com.

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Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings

Nick Jennings, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologist, inspects the wing of a Florida burrowing owl at MacDill Air Force Base April 8. This owl, which was held at a wildlife rehabilitation center, was relocated to MacDill because the base is home to the only known remaining colonies of burrowing owls in the Tampa Bay area. MacDill works alongside the FWC to protect wildlife and preserve natural resources on base.

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NEWS/FEATURES DAF updates leave program; includes support for fertility treatments, transition assistance programs Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs WASHINGTON (AFNS)—A recent update to the Department of the Air Force Instruction 36-3003, Military Leave Program, includes time for Airmen and Guardians who want to participate in a fertility treatment program at a military medical treatment facility. Authorized up to 35 days of Permissive Temporary Duty, they can divide the days into separate PTDYs if deemed appropriate by their medical provider.

“My wife and I have had our own struggles with starting a family, so I recognize what a strain this can be on our Airmen and Guardians, personally and financially,” said Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall.

“I wholeheartedly support this program, and I hope our teammates take full advantage of it.”

This policy was championed by the Women’s Initiative Team, one of the seven teams that comprise the DAF Barrier Analysis Working Groups.

“This change is significant for everyone struggling with infertility,

just as I have the last 10 years of serving,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Kristy Negron, a WIT member. “Infertility takes a huge toll, not only physically and emotionally, but financially. Being able to go PTDY for treatments will help ease some of the stress associated with the process by allowing time off work to focus on our life goals.”

Military members can undergo treatments at six different MTFs: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland;Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii; Womack Army Medical Center, Fayetteville, North Carolina; Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington; San Antonio Military Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas; and Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California.

“I am passionate about this because I believe in taking care of our Airmen and Guardians,” said U.S. Space Force Chief Master Sgt. Martha Burkhead, the WIT lead for this initiative. “I have had several members struggle with fertility issues and can attest to the rippling effects it has across the military.”

Additional changes to the military leave program include: PTDY to attend a Department of Defense-sponsored employment seminar out of the local area under the Transition Assistance Program when the member separates or retires within 365 days; and non-chargeable leave to participate in the SkillBridge program, which offers service members in the last 180 days of their service obligation to receive civilian training for post-service employment.

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A cadet with Air Force ROTC Detachment 159 at the University of Central Florida observes Airmen from the 91st Air Refueling Squadron prepare a KC-135 Stratotanker for take-off at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 11. The cadets were invited to fly as part of the Air Force’s recruiting service Aviation Inspired Mentorship High program.

UCF AFROTC cadets fly with the 91st ARS during AIM flight story and photos by Airman 1st Class Hiram Martinez 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

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adets with Air Force ROTC Detachment 159 at the University of Central Florida joined the 91st Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) on an air refueling mission as part of the Aviation Inspiration Mentorship (AIM) High program April 11.

The cadets flew inside a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft and witnessed a B-52 Stratofortress bomber assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana being refueled first-hand.

“Experiencing the refueling of the B-52 and seeing the cadet’s eyes light up as they joined aircrew in the boom pod or the cockpit is something I’m sure will resonate with them for years to come,” said U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Margiealice Uffre-Gomez, gold bar recruiter for Air Force ROTC Detachment 159.

Uffre-Gomez added that exposing cadets to opportunities like the AIM flight is key to their development as future Air Force officers.

“ROTC cadets will become the Air Force’s newest leaders within the next few years,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Michael Bargiel, the 6th Air Refueling Wing AIM program director. “Many of them are undecided

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on their careers, nor do they know the full extent of opportunities available to them across the Air Force.”

The AIM program’s main goal is to promote diversity through inclusion with a focus on mentorship and to encourage and support the recruitment of diverse military professionals through local community outreach programs.

Through the 91st ARS engagement, many of the pilots and booms have become role models and examples for students and cadets alike.

“The 91st Airmen have been instrumental in inspiring AIM participants to pursue careers in aviation,” Bargiel said. “Our AIM program has become the benchmark for future wings.”

The U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service Detachment 1 is in charge of the AIM outreach program and plans to use the 6th ARW’s program as the framework for all future AIM wings Bargiel added that this year, the AIM wing at MacDill is looking to expand its reach and partner with more schools and youth organizations than last year.

“The sky is the limit with our program,” Bargiel said. “The future is bright and full of opportunities for both the AIM Wing and its participants.”

Cadets with Air Force ROTC Detachment 159 at the University of Central Florida pose for a photo in front of a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 11. The cadets flew on the KC-135 as part of the Aviation Inspired Mentorship program to promote diversity through inclusion.

A B-52 Stratofortress from the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, approaches the boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron over Texas, April 11. The KC-135 Stratotanker enhances the U.S. Air Force’s primary global reach mission.

UKRAINE From Page 2

An additional factor is that, over the last eight years, Ukraine has received excellent training from the United States and NATO allies like the United Kingdom and Canada, the official said.

Spotlight: NATO That training has helped Ukraine become a more battlefield-effective force in terms of the development of their noncommissioned officer corps, operational maneuverability, logistics and sustainment, communications and long-range fires, the official said.

“United States security assistance has had a profound impact on their ability to continue to defend their country. We are the biggest donor, and we are providing the most material. We are not the only ones, though, and other countries are doing this as well. Some of them are being more open about what they’re providing. Some of them are providing terrific capabilities that they won’t talk about,” the official said.

These are countries that have systems, weapons and platforms that the Ukrainians are comfortable using and know how to use, the official added. “We wouldn’t have those in our stocks.”

Lastly, the United States is doing a lot of the coordination for the delivery of those materials and helping to get it into Ukrainian hands as quickly as possible, the official said. “It is a team effort.”

Situation on the Ground The department continues to see movement and activity of Russian forces in Belarus and in Russia as they reassemble and stage their forces for what the DOD believes is going to be a renewed push into eastern Ukraine, the official said.

Besides troops, some of what is being staged includes helicopters and additional artillery, the official said.

The department believes that Valuyki, Belgorod and Rovenki — all in Russia just to the northeast of Ukraine — are staging and resupply areas, the official said.

Russian units are continuing to flow into Ukraine’s northern Luhansk Oblast, which is part of the Donbas Region, from areas around Valuyki and Rovenki, the official said.

Russian forces are also in Donetsk Oblast, further in the south of the Donbas Region, as well as further south in Ukraine near Mykolayiv and Mariupol, the official said.

A Russian convoy is still north of Izyum, Ukraine and there are also Russian forces to the south of that city, the official said.

There have been around 150 Russian-manned aircraft sorties flown over the last 24 hours, with airstrikes continuing to focus on Mariupol and the joint forces operations area of Ukraine, the official said.

“We still hold Mariupol as a contested city. We still hold that Ukrainian forces are in Mariupol and they’re defending it. … We still do not believe that the Russians have taken Mariupol, but clearly, they remain focused on that,” the official said.

At least 1,550 Russian missiles have been launched against Ukraine since the start of the invasion, the official mentioned.

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Photo by Army Spc. Hedil Hernández

Soldiers assigned to 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division conduct daily preventive maintenance on an AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter at a forward arming and refueling point, Miroslawiec, Poland, April 4.

Photo by Air Force Airman 1st Class Zachary Wright

Two Czech Air Force Saab JAS-39 Gripen aircraft fly in formation over the Czech Republic, March 29.

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NEWS/FEATURES

MacDill recognizes volunteers during National Volunteer Week

by Darrell Natoli 6th Force Support Squadron volunteer program manager Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week is a time to shine a light on those who serve our community and inspire us with their selfless giving.

This year’s dates are April 17-23 and MacDill is fortunate to continue a long-lasting tradition of being that bright light of volunteerism.

Our volunteers not only give back to our base but they directly support our mission, our people, and our community. Their ongoing support helps highlight how MacDill is a true community of people.

We have all felt the ups and downs and disruptions that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on our ability to interact and maintain routines.

Our volunteer community continued to adjust to those disruptions

and found ways to continue to give back.

In true form, MacDill volunteers shined through the fog of uncertainty and continued inspiring us with their service.

MacDill AFB was fortunate to have 157 continually active volunteers.

They provided direct support to 12 different base agencies and gave 26,627 volunteer hours. To put that in perspective, those hours saved our base more than $759,000 in estimated volunteer salaries.

We owe it to all these great people to take a moment of our time and thank them for theirs. Our challenge to you is to look for that shining light when you are around the base and thank those that inspire us through their volunteerism.

Remember, each time you go to the pharmacy, The Airman’s Attic, Retiree Activities Office, Chapel, Outdoor Rec, Golf Course, Library, Sabal Park, History office, Arts and Crafts, or speak with a Key Spouse – there is a shining light leading the way.

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

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SPECIAL OPS From Page 3

ment, while also recognizing the need to preserve and grow readiness and strengthen our force and families.”

The joint release of the Vision and Strategy highlights the cooperation at the highest levels of the community. “Special Operations Forces’ full range of core activities, tailored capabilities and deep partnerships provide critical options for campaigning to bolster deterrence,” Clarke said in a written statement. “These documents underpin our efforts to build enduring advantage. They ensure our special operations forces remain the most capable and credible in the world by providing a lasting foundation to guide future activities and investments focused on innovation, modernization and taking care of our most critical resource — our people.”

The vision statement takes the Special Ops core values of honor, courage, excellence, creativity and respect and pushes that basis into the future. Special operators must be “a resilient enterprise capable of conducting integrated all-domain special operations.”

Special operators, of course, have a role to play in countering moves

by China America’s pacing challenge — and Russia — whose action in invading Ukraine shows the threat they may become.

“China is currently the only nation capable of combining the economic, diplomatic, military and technological power to rival the U.S. and destabilize the international system that has advanced our interests for 75 years,” the Vision and Strategy document says.

But this doesn’t mean the threats are any smaller from Iran, North Korea or from violent extremist organizations. Organizations like the Islamic State seek to reconstitute anywhere they can find a safe haven.

Ungoverned, little governed or corruptly governed areas of the Middle East, Southwest Asia and especially Africa could provide that necessity.

The strategy looks to establish a 10-year framework of strategic aims, strategic efforts and resources to “create strategic and asymmetric advantages” for the United States.

Over the next decade, special operators must be prepared “to conduct operations to support priority missions in critical locations as part of integrated deterrence, to reduce strategic risk and to facilitate integration with conventional forces during high-end conflict.”

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Army photo by Kevin Clark

An Army ranger participates in cold-water immersion training at Fort McCoy, Wis., Feb. 18.

The community also must modernize for the missions of the future.

This is more than simply buying new equipment, but examining new concepts, doctrine, methods and capabilities.

Staying true to its roots is yet another priority in this strategy with its strong emphasis on recruiting and retaining the best people for the missions. The force will also sustain the Defense Department’s deploymentto-dwell and mobilization-to-dwell ratios.

Again, regarding personnel, the strategy calls for emphasizing diversity and inclusion within the community while also calling for accountable leadership.

Special operations forces will be key in helping the greater military operate with partner and allied military organizations, according to the strategy.

Maier and Clarke see the Vision and Strategy as a chance to continue discussions within the special operations community. Still, they delineate what qualities they deem important and the path they would like to take — together — moving ahead.

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

MOMC Encanto Movie April 23 From 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. celebrate Month of the Military Child with this free movie, at the base theater. No concessions will be sold.

M&FRC Career Fair April 28 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Breakaway Events Center Career Fair. Looking for a new opportunity? Bring your resume to the Career Fair hosted by the Military and Family Readiness Center to promote and provide employment opportunities for the base community.

Contact: 6mss.employm ents@ us.af.mil or call 828-0145 for info.

Youth Center Teens Night Out April 29 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Calling all teens ages 13-18. to join in the fun at the Youth Center the last Friday of every month for teen night out.

Fun, games, friends and more.

Seascapes Bar open Fridays Enjoy the sunset at the Seascapes Bar located at the MacDill Beach. Open every Friday from 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. with a new bar menu. Find more info at macdillfss.com/seascapes/ We are hiring The 6th FSS is hiring in the following areas starting at $15/ hr: recreation, food service, hospitality and child & youth. For job info. visit: macdillfss.com/openjobs/ Find more events at: macdillfss.com

Celebratory run

U.S. Special Operations Command photo

Gen. Richard D. Clarke, U.S. Special Operations Command commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Gregory A. Smith, USSOCOM senior enlisted leader, lead a command run at MacDill Air Force Base April 11. The command celebrated its 35th anniversary since its activation on April 16, 1987. USSOCOM is the only combatant command established by Congress.

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

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

Muslim - Muslim Prayer: Friday 1300 (space

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

reserved)

www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

Other Faith Groups - Please contact the Catholic (in-person) - Saturday - 5:30 p.m.

(confession 4:30 p.m.) Sunday - 9:30 a.m. (confessions by appointment)

Protestant services - Wednesday - 11 a.m.. virtual) - Sunday - 11 a.m.

Chapel at (813) 828-3621 or via email at 6ARW. HCADMIN@us.af.mil MacDill’s Chapel website is: https://www.macdill. af.mil/chapel

For more details and information, visit the Chapel Facebook page at http://www.facebook/6amwhc/ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

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AIRFEST From Page 5

Sean Cole, who experienced MacDill life as a dependent himself growing up in the shadow of the base relayed his memories of countless AirFests as well as the joy he had hosting the veterans and the chance to share his love of MacDill with the public.

“I have always felt there are many ways to serve your community even if it isn’t through military service, said Sean Cole. “As a civilian being able to help our retired Airmen reunite with former colleagues who they have not seen in decades is incredibly rewarding.”

While the veterans swapped war stories from decades ranging from the Vietnam War in the 1960s to the Persian Gulf War in the 1990s and everything in between, first-time visitors stopped by to take a bevy of historical curiosities and exhibits arrayed for their education and enjoyment.

Artifacts curated from the Cole’s personal collection and that of the base history office ranged from antique unit patches, mugs and uniforms to larger displays including a slideshow containing more than 200 images detailing a bygone era of base history.

Probably no exhibit elicited more attention than the towering F-4 Phantom II fighter jet model and none more recognizable than the Cole’s 1957 Studebaker truck with a restored F-16 Fighting Falcon display rising high above its bed.

Seeing a constant stream of guests approaching the display for a photo op with the artifacts and even a chance to try their hand at flying a historic aircraft simulation made the

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Courtesy photo

U.S. Air Force veterans of Tactical Air Command’s many units gathered during the 2022 Tampa Bay AirFest at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, March 25-27. Nearly 185,000 guests gathered to commemorate the Air Force’s 75 years of global air superiority during the event, bolstering community support and inspiring past, present and future Airmen. long hours the Coles invested in setting up the display deeply gratifying.

“The look of wonder in their eyes is incredibly rewarding — it helps make us wealthy souls,” said Dennis Cole.

Besides getting to share their experience at MacDill with future generations, the Coles

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recognized the role some young guests might well have in writing the next chapter of the Air Force story.

“Educating, motivating and inspiring our youth is the ultimate goal of everything we do at these types of events. We embrace the challenge with passion,” said the Coles.