Thunderbolt 5/09/2024

Vol. 52, No. 19

Thursday, May 9, 2024

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News/Features: page 3 Five and Thrive

See page 8

News/Features: page 3 Electric aircraft tested

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week Photo by Senior Airman Jessica Do

Total Force Mobility Air Force leaders pose for a group photo during Phoenix Rally at MacDill Air Force Base April 29.

Spring Phoenix Rally brought together more than 300 Total Force Mobility Air Force leaders and spouses to discuss Warrior Heart, Air Mobility Command’s strategy and priorities, and how to work together to ensure the Mobility Air Force is ready to deliver Rapid Global Mobility across the Joint Force.

Community: page 13 Events, Chapel, more...

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

NEWS/FEATURES

Inspiring future Air Force leaders: University of Miami cadets soar to new heights

by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin 6th Air Refueling Wing Thirty-five University of Miami Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets recently teamed up with Airmen from MacDill Air Force Base to experience the mission of the 6th Air Refueling Wing and the various roles associated with mission success.

This unique experience took place throughout the month of April - beginning with an orientation flight for the cadets out of Homestead AFB and ending with an immersive tour of MacDill AFB, leaving a lasting impact on both the cadets and Airmen alike.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Alexander Abanico, a pilot with the 91st Air Refueling Squadron, spearheaded the cadets’ immersive experience at MacDill. Abanico shared that he was determined to provide the cadets with an unforgettable experience. “I figured that the 6th ARW Aviation Inspired Mentorship team should do its best to give the cadets of Detachment 155 the most immersive experience,” he explained.

“The time I’ve spent at MacDill has shown me how dynamic Airmen have to be in supporting the Air Force mission,” said Cadet Jonathan Smith, University of Miami Detachment 155 recruiting officer. “It’s impressive, and I’m looking See CADETS, Page 14

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

A group of Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets from the University of Miami pose for a photo with aircrew assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadrons, April 26, 2024, at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. The students were invited to fly and tour the base as part of the Air Force Recruiting Service’s Aviation Inspired Mentorship program.

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.

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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 , 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

Five and Thrive program empowers Air Force families

by Senior Airman Michael Killian 6th Air Refueling Wing On a sunny Wednesday morning at MacDill Air Force Base, the Five and Thrive program took center stage during Phoenix Rally Week.

The Five and Thrive initiative, created by Sharene Brown, spouse of the 21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. is tailored to address five critical areas impacting military family readiness and resilience: childcare, education, healthcare, housing, and spouse employment.

After launching in 2021, the initiative has quickly become a beacon of support, demonstrating the Air Force’s commitment to nurturing both the individual and familial needs of its service members.

During Phoenix Rally, a weeklong event where Air Mobility Command leaders came together to discuss AMC’s capabilities and improve readiness, Anne Parker, a member of the thrive team, detailed the tangible resources Five and Thrive offers, such as the Thrive Guide. This guide is a comprehensive toolkit See FIVE Page 10

Photo by Senior Airman Michael Killian

Military spouses listen to a speech during the Five and Thrive discussion at MacDill Air Force Base May 1. The Five and Thrive program, started by Sharene Brown, spouse of the 21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. aims to enhance quality of life for military families in five key areas: childcare, education, healthcare, housing and spouse employment.

Commander, test pilots evaluate new electric aircraft

by Samuel King Jr. 96th Test Wing

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.—After a quick taxi out to Duke Field’s runway, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Geraghty spun up the 21-foot, electric aircraft’s 80-horsepower engine and zoomed forward. The Pipistrel Velis Electro quietly lifted off heading north as the sun dipped in the west around dusk April 22.

The 96th Test Wing commander was one of approximately 20 test pilot volunteers to try out the electric aircraft with the 35-foot wingspan during its three-week field trip to Eglin.

Geraghty complimented the aircraft, the quiet flight and how lightweight the Electro turned out to be. Instead of towing the 1000-pound aircraft, Geraghty pushed it out to the flightline himself before the flight.

He also added it was much easier to get in and out of than an F-16 to its list of benefits.

Geraghty along with other Eglin test pilots flew the twin-seat Electro with an instructor for approximately 45 minutes each consisting of patSee ELECTRIC, Page 12

Photo by Samuel King Jr.

Pipistrel Velis Electro aircraft for a test flight April 22 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Geraghty and other Eglin test pilots flew the 80-horsepower electric aircraft over a three-week period to provide qualitative evaluations to AFWERX toward electric aircraft usage for the Air Force.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Airman Michael Killian

U.S. Air Force Col. Edward Szczepanik, 6th Air Refueling Wing deputy commander, salutes the arrival of U.S. Air Force Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, Commander of Air Combat Command, during his arrival for the Phoenix Rally week at MacDill Air Force Base May 2. Phoenix Rally brought together hundreds of Total Force Mobility Air Force leaders and spouses to discuss Air Mobility Command’s strategy and priorities, and how to work together to ensure the Mobility Air Force is ready to deliver Rapid Global Mobility across the Joint Force.

Photo by Senior Airman Michael Killian

Courtesy photo

Members of the 6th Air Refueling Wing pose for a photo during the 2024 1st Quarterly Awards Ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base April. 26. The awards ceremony is conducted every quarter to highlight the achievements of the service members and civilians who make MacDill’s mission possible.

U.S. Air Force Col. Edward Szczepanik, 6th Air Refueling Wing deputy commander, poses for a photo with Kishima Garcia, 6th ARW chief diversity and inclusion officer, during a Champion of the Week recognition at MacDill Air Force Base April 26. Garcia organized the Pathways to Success event at MacDill AFB, hosting over 300 attendees.

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NEWS/FEATURES

Air Force updates mental healthcare policies, lowers barriers Air Mobility Command Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.—On Jan 28, 2022, Air Mobility Command commander, Gen. Mike Minihan tweeted, “Warrior Heart. No Stigma.” with a screen shot of his calendar revealing an upcoming mental health appointment, thus beginning a movement within AMC to eliminate stigma, lower barriers and increase access and options to support Airmen mind, body, and craft.

It also inspired the establishment of AMC’s Warrior Mental Health working group, which focused their effort on establishing pathways to care, strengthening command teams and reviewing, and where necessary, advocating for updates to mental health policy based on current standards.

In a major step forward in lowering barriers, the Air Force’s mental health waiver policy in both the Air Force’s Medical Standards Directory (MSD) and Aerospace Medicine Waiver Guide has been updated to allow for Airmen to receive 60 days of treatment for mental health concerns See MENTAL HEALTH, Page 6

Photo by Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

Warrior Mental Health Working Group slides are briefed at Air Mobility Command’s Spring 2024 Phoenix Rally at MacDill Air Force Base April 29.

The Air Force’s mental health waiver policy in both the Air Force’s Medical Standards Directory (MSD) and Aerospace Medicine Waiver Guide has been updated to allow for Airmen to receive 60 days of treatment for mental health concerns before a return to duty waiver to fly is required.

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MENTAL HEALTH From Page 5

before a return to duty waiver to fly is required. This change benefits Airmen across the Air Force seeking treatment for stress, post-traumatic stress and other mental health-related maladies.

Maj. Jane Marlow, a C-130J pilot and the Warrior Mental Health working group lead was motivated by personal experience.

“Like so many of my peers, I delayed seeking care until I was in a nonflying assignment because I knew that, as a pilot, the moment I picked up the phone to schedule that appointment, I would be grounded for an indefinite period,” Marlow said. “The trauma care I went through was life changing. I knew that I was, without a doubt, a safer pilot, a better leader, and a stronger wingman because of the care I received – yet I was still required to spend months in a non-flying status because of my diagnosis.”

Thanks to Marlow, her cohort, and medical experts, that has now changed.

Prior to the updated MSD, special duty Airmen faced significant amount of time in a non-flying status while undergoing evaluation, treatment, and mandatory stabilization periods prior to being able to submit a waiver for return to duty. These long periods could have harmful impacts on careers, including delaying upgrades, formal training, and eligibility for developmental programs and opportunities.

Now, for mental health diagnoses, there is no longer mandatory stabilization timelines. In addition, flight surgeons can submit a waiver for an Airman seeking mental health treatment to return to flying status without a waiting period.

“If you want to look at a pilot with PTSD, you’re looking at one right

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now,” said Minihan to his command teams during the Spring 2024 Phoenix Rally. “This policy affects me and if it affects me, it affects someone in your unit—they have it, haven’t sought help for it and suffering in silence. It is incredibly powerful work by this team to lower the barriers to mental health care for our Warrior Airmen.”

The Warrior Mental Health working group included over 50 aircrew members, 12 aviation psychologists, a pilot physician, flight surgeons across the Joint Force, and a specialized doctor from NASA. Two of the key contributors were Lt. Col. Sandra “Salty” Salzman, C-130J pilot and Lt. Col. Carrie Lucas, AMC Behavioral Health Branch Chief. They were warned it could take 5-10 years to achieve the policy changes they sought, but through passionate leadership and by presenting sound evidence, they inspired change within a year.

“As a pilot-physician, I have the unique opportunity to advocate to the policy-making leadership as a subject matter expert.” said Salzman, “In this capacity, I presented new considerations based on mental health medical research and operational truths. Based on these new considerations, [the working group] suggested portions of the mental health policy be amended, considering our evolving understanding of human responses to stress and development of resilience through early treatment.”

“From a mental health perspective, this precedent-setting policy change is exactly what we need and is in line with General Minihan’s charge to reduce stigma and allow for Airmen to seek help when needed,” said Lucas.

NEWS/FEATURES

AF researchers design, build, fly autonomous aircraft in 24 hours

by Samuel King Jr. 96th Test Wing EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.—In an open area of the Eglin range known as B-70, a group of Air Force field grade officers and blackshirted innovators huddled together above an eight-pound model aircraft as they raced against their deadline to build it.

The group of officers and innovators, known as Black Phoenix, created a goal for themselves to design, create, build, and fly an unmanned aerial system within 24 hours. Around the 22.5-hour mark, the team secured the tail pieces and lastly, the propellers. The final step on a journey, that started more than six months prior, was to put the UAS in the air.

The officers began the project as part of their Blue Horizons fellowship. Blue Horizons is an Air Force Center for Strategy and Technology mission that is part think-tank, part incubator that promotes unconventional thinking and processes to Air Force problems with strategic impact.

The Black Phoenix crew is one of five teams wrapping up those projects after year-long fellowships.

Their three-person team took on the task of evaluating how to rapidly adapt small UASs, their technology and payloads based on the need and environment.

“Small UASs are becoming a new warfighting capability,” said Col. Dustin Thomas, a

Photo by Samuel King Jr.

Col. Dustin Thomas, Blue Horizons launches a 3D-printed unmanned aerial system during a Blue Horizons demonstration April 25 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The goal of the demonstration was to create, build and fly a UAS within 24 hours. The team spent the week at Eglin creating UASs for various designs and mission specialties.

Blue Horizons fellow and Black Phoenix team member. “However, the Air Force can’t rapidly change these aircraft based on the threat environment or quickly use new technologies to meet the needs of a specific mission. Our project aims to find ways to change that.”

To take their project from the theoretical to practical, the team turned to Titan Dynamics, a small aerospace company focused on rapid and cost-effective UAS designs and development.

“We went in search of a young, smart, new See DRONE, Page 11

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Total Force Mobility Air Force leaders listen to briefers, during Phoenix Rally at MacDill Air Force Base April 29. Spring Phoenix Rally brought together ers and spouses to discuss Warrior Heart, Air Mobility Command’s strategy and priorities, and how to work together to ensure the Mobility Air Force Joint Force.

Mobility Air Forces gather for week-long Ph

by Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

G

en. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander, and his wife, Ashley Minihan, convened their last Total Force Phoenix Rally here, April 29-May 3, 2024. Focused on Sustaining Irreversible Momentum for Great Power Competition, the event focused on resilience, the mobility roadmap, setting the theater, and Air Force reoptimization for Great Power Competition.

With over 300 total force senior leaders, wing commanders, command chiefs, and spouses in attendance, the event also provided a great opportunity for Total Force collaboration and integration.

“We are proud to be here representing your Reserve Forces. You have two Numbered Air Forces and 22 wings worth of Citizen Airmen that have been with AMC for the last 76 years,” said Maj. Gen. Derin Durham, 4th Air Force commander, in his opening comments. “And so, AMC is the Reserve…

AMC does it best. We look forward to the future, we look forward to Great Power Competition and reoptimizing with the Air Force, and we’re ready to get after it.”

The first day included keynote speakers focused on leading in today’s operational environment,

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updating the force on AMC’s Warrior Heart focus, “Hope is the number one indicator of well-bein specialist and combat veteran. “Are you a hopefu allowing it to naturally flow within your organiza cause there’s so much that is driving them down ful leader. The spark that they need.”

After presenting their roadmap and ideas at la Health working group provided updates and sign Force policies that used to automatically remove health support.

“This team overturned policy that was enacted po said Minihan. “There are people in this room that ca er supports it and the doctor’s screaming this perso

Photo by Senior Airman Jessica Do

r more than 300 Total Force Mobility Air Force leadis ready to deliver Rapid Global Mobility across the

hoenix Rally

, fighting burnout and quality of life initiatives. ng,” said Dr. Jannell MacAulay, human performance ul leader? Are you creating space for that? Are you ation? Followers need hope now more than ever bewith burn-out, with stress and anxiety…be a hope-

ast year’s Spring Phoenix Rally, the Warrior Mental nificant successes—including recent changes to Air operators from flying status if they sought mental

ost-World War II. That cannot be underscored enough,” alled me and said the individual’s ready, the commandon is ready to get back in the game and yet we were See PHOENIX Page 10

Photos by Senior Airman Jessica Do

(Top) AU.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander, delivers closing remarks during the Phoenix Rally conference at MacDill Air Force Base April 29. Spring Phoenix Rally brought together more than 250 Total Force Mobility Air Force leaders and spouses to discuss Warrior Heart, Air Mobility Command’s strategy and priorities, and how to work together to ensure the Mobility Air Force is ready to deliver Rapid Global Mobility across the Joint Force.

(Abpve) U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jamie Newman, Air Mobility Command command chief, listens during remarks during the Phoenix Rally conference at MacDill Air Force Base April 29.

FIVE

From Page 3

designed to empower military spouses with essential information and support across the initiative’s five focus areas.

“We each have to reach out to the people who are in our circle and try and connect,” Parker explained, underscoring the program’s community-centric approach.

“We’ve created the Thrive Guide to help leaders share available resources easier,” said Laura Browning, Five and Thrive director of communications and design. “These guides are key to helping military families thrive, hence the name.”

The discussion at MacDill AFB was not just a presentation, but a dynamic interaction with local military spouses, encouraging them to share their experiences and seek solutions together. Parker noted, “It’s about reaching out within our circles and connecting on a personal level. We can’t just sign a memo and expect to meet everyone’s needs—we need to work together as a community.”

From improving access to quality childcare to facilitating spouse employment opportunities, the initiative has made significant strides in enhancing the overall wellbeing of families, thereby directly contributing to the readiness and effectiveness of the force.

As Five and Thrive continues to expand, the program’s goals remain clear: to strengthen the bonds within Air Force families, enhance mission readiness through family readiness, and ensure that every family member feels valued and supported. With leaders like Sharene Brown and Ann Parker steering the conversation, the future looks promising for enhancing the quality of life for Air Force families across the globe.

Photos by Senior Airman Michael Killian

(Above) Military spouses read the “Thrive Guide” during the Five and Thrive discussion at MacDill Air Force Base May 1. The Five and Thrive program, started

by Sharene Brown, spouse of the 21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. aims to enhance quality of life for military families.

(Left) Anne Parker, a member of the thrive team, speaks to a crowd during the Five and Thrive discussion at MacDill Air Force Base May 1. Parker discussed the culture, customs and protocols of military life, including available resources such as the Five and Thrive program.

PHOENIX From Page 8

fighting policy for so many years. This is the team that got it fixed!”

The rest of the week transitioned focus to the command’s efforts to create irreversible momentum on the insights and gains from last year’s Mobility Guardian exercise. Focusing on lessons learned instead of lessons observed, the Command developed a 10-line initiative in the wake of MG23 focused on creating irreversible momentum in resourcing MAF connectivity; building upon the “gamechangers” such as maneuver battle management, palletized effects and maximum endurance operations; and to the employment of the Air Force Force Generation Model to make it work for the MAF. 10

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With each Phoenix Rally building upon the last, this year’s event demonstrated significant advancement in å readiness, heightened focus on Great Power Competition and preparing the future force.

“Look at all the things we talked about as just prepping the battlefield,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jamie Newman, AMC command chief, to the audience. “We are preparing our Airmen and their families for the reality of the future. I love what AMC’s about. I love how we’re approaching these things. We’re taking it seriously and you, as commanders, are responsible for that readiness. The operational environment is changing, and we need you.”

DRONE From Page 7

start-up company, who was willing to take on a big risk.”

Said Lt. Col. Jordan Atkins, Black Phoenix member. “We couldn’t be more impressed with their ability to yield a miracle like this in only two months.”

The team used Titan’s software automated design software to create an aerodynamic UAS body based on weight, power, dimensions, and payload in less than 10 minutes.

That design code gets fed into 3D printers to create the lightweight UAS body parts. Once all the pieces are printed, the team builds the newly-created UAS designed specifically for its mission parameters.

Black Phoenix took this method and first tested it in Southwest Asia in March with Task Force-99 with some success. Then, they brought that test data and lessons learned to Eglin for their final in-the-field tests. They sought out the Air Force Chief Data and AI office’s Autonomy Data and AI Experimentation proving ground, which aims to accelerate development and experimentation in programs like the Black Phoenix project.

“Eglin is trying create a space to test small UASs and new technological capabilities very quickly,” said Thomas. “Historically, the Air Force is relatively slow in adapting and testing these technologies, and Eglin is trying to change that paradigm. We wanted to partner with them and be a part of that paradigm shift.

In support of the ADAX proving ground, the 413th Flight Test Squadron’s Autonomy Prime flight flies autonomous UASs regularly, and new aircraft and autonomy customers come to Eglin to test their technologies.

During Black Phoenix’s week at Eglin, the team tested six autonomous aircraft using the quick create, build, fly method for various missions including an eight-pound personnel recovery UAS that would deliver supplies to a simulated Airman behind enemy lines.

Sometimes the aircraft flew successfully and other times, when pushing the boundaries, they crashed. The successes and failures were all part of Black Phoenix’s goal to gather research on the feasibility of the rapidly created UASs idea.

What they did discover was regardless of flight or crash, the internal autonomy hardware and the payload within were virtually unharmed. To build back and try again meant only reprinting the outer UAS structure at a cost of around $20 to $50.

“We’ve taken big risks this week in flying so many new aircraft for the first time, but the risk is also low because these entire aircraft are built from commercial off-theshelf items, so the financial investment is small,” said Lt. Col. Peter Dyrud, Black Phoenix team member.

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ELECTRIC From Page 3

tern work, area maneuvering, and stalls. Afterward, they provided specific feedback and observations about the flight called qualitative evaluations that drew from their unique test experience.

The information gathered from the QEs, which will happen throughout the year, will clarify and validate expectations about electric aviation usage.

These flights were part of another 413th Flight Test Squadron and AFWERX partnership. The 96th TW unit provided the location and logistics, while AFWERX funded the operation.

“Eglin offers a unique blend of airspace, test pilots, charging infrastructure, and prior electric aircraft experience that swayed a QE deployment to the Florida panhandle,” said Lt. Col. John Tekell, AFWERX’s Agility Prime.

AFWERX, the Air Force’s innovation arm, has four different aircraft types it plans to deploy for QE analysis at various Air Force bases throughout this fiscal year to gather more QE data about electric airplanes.

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Photo by Samuel King Jr.

Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Geraghty, 96th Test Wing commander, and instructor, Jim Mueller, Modern Technology Solutions Inc., prepare to taxi for an electric aircraft test flight April 22 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Geraghty and other Eglin test pilots flew the 80-horsepower 1000-pound Pipistrel Velis Electro over a three-week period to provide qualitative evaluations to AFWERX toward electric aircraft usage for the Air Force.

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Family Fun Night Join the fun at SeaScapes on May 10 from 5– 8 p.m. for a delightful fiesta-themed Family Fun Night. It’s a perfect opportunity for families to bond and create lasting memories with an exclusive kid’s buffet filled with mini tacos, nachos an sweet treats. For more information, visit www.macdillfss.com/seascapes/ Virtual cooking classes Don’t miss this fun opportunity to brush up on your cooking skills or learn how to prepare a new dish alongside (via Zoom) season 4 winner of Master Chief, Luca Manfe. To register and view the zoom sessions available May through Oct., go to forcesupport.awardsplatform.com.

Flavor burst: Boomers call-in deals Craving fresh salads, mouthwatering wings, or delicious shareables? Look no further than Boomers. Call in your orders every Thursday and Friday between 3– 7 p.m. and treat yourself to a delectable feast. Dial 512-8441 to place your order and pick it up to go, hassle-free. For more information visit macdillfss.com/boomers/.

Outdoor adventure trips Experience the thrill of adventure with 6th FSS Outdoor Adventure Tours. From mastering the basics of kayaking to embarking on exhilarating kayak tours, swimming alongside majestic manatees, and exploring the depths through scuba diving.

Dive into nature and create memories forever. To view upcoming classes and unforgettable trips, visit macdillfss.com/outdoor-adventure-tours/ tours sell out quickly. Sign up today.

The Champ!

Photo by Senior Airman Michael Killian

U.S. Air Force Col. Edward Szczepanik, 6th Air Refueling Wing deputy commander, left, and Senior Master Sgt. Jack Bean, far right, 6th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron senior enlisted leader, pose for a photo with Airman 1st Class Ercy Ruiz Navarro, Occupational Health Program public health technician, during a Champion of the Week recognition at MacDill Air Force Base April 30. Navarro was recognized for serving as the non-commissioned officer in charge of her section and overseeing 1,700 members across the wing.

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

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 u Thursday, May 9, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 13

CADETS From Page 2

forward to becoming a part of it once I commission.”

For Smith, the journey was not just about witnessing Air Force operations but also about gaining insights into potential career paths. “I am hoping to become a cyber effects officer or computer systems engineer. These trips definitely make me confident going into these career fields.”

Smith’s enthusiasm was matched by his admiration for the camaraderie among Air Force personnel. “One thing that stood out to me amongst every individual was the strong team bond that went beyond just smiles and hellos.”

As their time came to an end, cadets and Airmen each shared their newfound knowledge and inspiration. For Abanico and his fellow Airmen, witnessing the cadets’ enthusiasm and curiosity served as a reminder of the importance of mentorship and community within the Air Force.

In nurturing the talents and aspirations of future leaders, initiatives like the interaction between University of Miami ROTC cadets and the 91st ARS at MacDill ensure that the legacy of service and dedication endures for generations to come.

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Courtesy photo

A group of Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets from the University of Miami pose for a photo prior to takeoff, April 10, 2024, at Homestead Air Force Base, Florida. The students were invited to fly as part of the Air Force Recruiting Service’s Aviation Inspired Mentorship program.

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