Thunderbolt 05/12/2022

Vol. 50, No. 19

Thursday, May 12, 2022

News/Features: page 2 Military spouses honored

News/Features: page 3 New 927th ARW leaders

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Civic leaders tour bases - page 6 Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

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

Neil Thurman, park president of Bush Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island, lays in the boom-pod of a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to MacDill Air Force Base during an orientation flight over the Southeastern United States, April 21. Thurman was part of a civic leader group who toured various Air Force bases to strengthen relations and bolster community support.

NEWS/FEATURES

DAF celebrates Military Spouse Appreciation Day

by 1st Lt. Amber R. Kelly-Herard Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs WASHINGTON (AFNS)—May is designated as Military Appreciation Month to honor those who serve. May 6, the Friday before Mother’s Day, is Military Spouse Appreciation Day, which recognizes those who also serve but may not wear a uniform.

“Military spouses come from every walk of life; not unlike our civilian counterparts, they represent a number of groups,” said Sharene Brown, spouse of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. “They are veterans, military members, may have graduate or professional degrees, and may have technical or vocational skills. They may represent themselves as he, she or they; military spouses do not fall into any one particular category.”

While there are a few standard ways to join the military, there’s no typical path to becoming a military spouse.

“When we were first married, being a new military spouse was really different,” said Mollie Raymond, who met the now-Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond, during a coffee-and-donuts hour after church. “I didn’t grow up in a military family. I was not familiar with moves and transitions,” she said.

“Embrace change. There’s always something to look forward to,” Raymond added, who celebrates 35 years of marriage this June.

Brown had some advice for her fellow spouses.

“When you first come into this life, it can be overwhelming because it’s a different lifestyle than what most people expect,” Brown said, who became a military spouse after returning from teaching English in Japan. “I would say, give yourself a bit of grace. It can be very frustrating

Photo by Chustine Minoda

Maj. Sara Salmeri, 60th Medical Group TRICARE operations flight commander, and Tech. Sgt. Peter Salmeri, 60th Communication Squadron cyber systems supervisor, pose for a photo with their children for the Military Spouse Appreciation Day campaign at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., April 7. May 6th was Military Spouse Appreciation Day, and Travis AFB is celebrating by highlighting the resiliency and commitment of spouses in the military community. at first learning acronyms, lingo, and a different culture, but you’ll be amazed by who you’ll become.”

Each of the spouses mentioned military-spouse challenges, includ-

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 SPOUSES, 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 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

Earth Day: Taking action today, assuring the mission of tomorrow Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs WASHINGTON (AFNS)—As a steward of almost 9 million acres encompassing forests, prairies, deserts, wetlands, and coastal habitats, the Department of the Air Force recognizes the importance of protecting and sustaining the natural environment.

Taking steps to preserve biodiversity, mitigate damaging effects of climate change, and use land, energy, and resources responsibly all help ensure our installations can sustain critical missions.

“In celebration of the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day, we are proud to highlight how our installations are leading the way to save energy, preserve habitats, and promote sustainability through innovative infrastructure, clean energy generation, and conservation,” said Nancy Balkus, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Environment, Safety, and Infrastructure.

As the largest fuel consumer in the federal government, the DAF is expanding efforts to build climate resilience by prioritizing operational energy (aviation fuel) investments that increase force readiness, optimize fuel consumption, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The DAF also continues to find innovative ways to produce clean, onsite power to reduce See EARTH DAY, Page 10

U.S. Air Force graphic by Rosario “Charo” Gutierrez

As a steward of almost 9 million acres encompassing forests, prairies, deserts, wetlands, and coastal habitats, the Department of the Air Force recognizes the importance of protecting and sustaining the natural environment. emissions, while bolstering energy security and installation resilience to electrical outages from mission threats or extreme weather events.

For example, the DAF is piloting Department of Defense’s first microreactor at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, which will provide up to 5

927th Air Refueling Wing welcomes new squadron commanders 927th Air Refueling Wing

The 927th Air Refueling Wing welcomed two new squadron commanders during ceremonies here April 30.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Andrew Doerr took command of the 63rd Air Refueling Squadron and Lt. Col. Ronald Forster assumed command of the 927th Aerospace Medicine Squadron.

Doerr received command from Lt. Col. Marc McAllister, accepting the unit’s guidon from Col. James Mach, 927th Operations Group commander.

During the ceremony, Mach expressed both his confidence in Doerr’s ability to lead as well as the ability of the 63rd ARS to accomplish their mission. Further, Doerr cited multiple inspections and exercises during the COVID-19 pandemic as a source of his excitement to take command.

“My optimism is not unfounded,” said Doerr. “You’ve shown the ability to achieve amazing things despite seemingly insurmountable challenges.”

The atmosphere was similar at the 927th AMDS assumption of command, where command was ceremonially bestowed upon Forster by Col. Kurt Matthews, 927th ARW commander.

“After seeing the job that you did at the 94th ASTS, I have full faith and confidence in your ability to take the 927th AMDS to the next level,” said Matthews.

927th ARW photo

Col. James Mach, 927th Operations Group commander, Lt. Col. Marc McAllister, and Lt. Col. Andrew Doerr, 63rd Air Refueling Squadron commander, stand at attention during a change of command ceremony on MacDill Air Force Base April 30.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings

Volunteers pick up trash along the shoreline at MacDill Air Force Base April 29. Members cleaned up the base as part of an Earth Day initiative.

This effort displays the importance MacDill puts on keeping up the integrity of the installation.

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Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander Cook

U.S. Navy Fleet Master Chief Donald Myrick, U.S. Transportation Command senior enlisted leader, discusses innovations in flight equipment with Tech. Sgt. Christian Cummings, a member assigned to the 6th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment section, during a tour at MacDill Air Force Base April 29. Myrick visited AFE to learn more about the new M69 Aircrew Eye and Respiratory Protection System.

U.S. Navy Fleet Master Chief Donald Myrick, U.S. Transportation Command senior enlisted leader, simulates refueling an aircraft during a tour at MacDill Air Force Base April 29. Myrick visited the training section to learn their role in producing qualified and certified crew members and how they use simulator training systems to maintain a mission ready force.

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NEWS/FEATURES

Revised ‘Brown, Blue Book’ Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—The Air Force recently updated the contents of The Enlisted Force Structure and The Profession of Arms: Our Core Values, more commonly known among Airmen as the “Brown” and “Blue” books.

Tradition and heritage are themes found within the revamped foundational guides for Airmen to emulate throughout their career.

“Our Airmen are the greatest competitive advantage we have to deter and defeat the fast-paced, complex threats we face around the globe,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass. “Airmen should approach our mission with the mindset of respect, pride, innovation, and a continued commitment to anticipate and embrace change to achieve excellence.”

The Enlisted Force Structure, or “Brown Book,” provides a standard baseline to best meet mission requirements, while outlining foundational and occupational competencies Airmen should develop as they progress in rank and responsibility. It underscores the importance of character in each tier of the enlisted structure, and outlines standards Airmen must meet and enforce to advance a culture of trust, respect and inclusion.

U.S. Air Force illustration by Travis Burcham

The Air Force recently updated the contents of The Enlisted Force Structure and The Profession of Arms: Our Core Values, more commonly known among Airmen as the “Brown” and “Blue” books. The updates outline modernized development changes within the Air Force, in line with the vision to accelerate change across the enterprise.

Although the core of the enlisted force structure remains the same, the updated “Brown Book” supports developing current and future Airmen by adding topics such as: Airman Leadership Qualities, teaming, force development and multi-capable Airmen. The updates outline modernized See BOOKS, Page 9

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U.S. Air Force Col. Ben Jonsson, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, recognizes Maj. Rhea McFarland, a pilot assigned to the 14th Airlift Squadron, for her involvement in planning a “flightline rodeo” for civic leaders from the Tampa Bay area at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, April 21. The civic leader group toured the Charleston aircraft, met with Phoenix Ravens and aeromedical evacuation specialists during multi-base field trip to strengthen relations and bolster community support.

A group of civic leaders from the Tampa Bay area pose for a photo with service members assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, near a KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base April 21.

Community the foundation to MacDill’s success story and photos by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

Business leaders, chamber of commerce members, program managers and others took flight with the 6th Air Refueling Wing for a multi-base tour April 21, beginning at MacDill Air Force Base.

The two-day trip allowed 23 civic leaders from the Tampa Bay area to witness the Air Force mission on a large scale.

The purpose of the civic leader program is to bring together leaders from local communities to partner and educate the public on the similarities and differences between military and civilian operations.

“It is important that we recognize our partners and how they support us on a daily basis,” said Chief Master Sgt. Shae Gee, 6th ARW command chief. “For them to see how we take of the mission from start to finish and making sure that we support what happens downrange, gives them an inside picture so they can share their experiences with the rest of the community.”

During the first portion of the trip, civic leaders observed a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft flown by Col. Ben Jonsson, 6th ARW commander, refuel a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft assigned to Joint Base Charleston, S.C. In the boom-pod, the group laid beside Airman 1st Class Damien Bowles and Tristan Shannon, 91st Air Refueling Squadron boom operators, during the refueling to experience the talent of young Airmen working in mission-essential roles.

“This was a great experience,” said Shannon. “It is always fun to show people around and I think that these events improve our outreach to the community. As for the crew, this was a trip we were all really looking forward to.”

After completing their refueling mission, the group touched down at JB Charleston, where the Tampa leaders received an in-depth tour of a C-17, an adrenalin-filled demonstration from a team of Phoenix Raven security forces Airmen and an insightful meeting with aeromedical evacuation specialists.

Additionally, the civic leaders met with service members and civilians from the 437th Maintenance Squadron who repair critical flight equipment; Airmen

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assigned to the 1st Combat Camera Squadron who are responsible for collecting imagery in support of strategic operations worldwide; and later, a spring social that brought together nearly 100 civic leaders from the Tampa and Charleston areas.

Day two of the civic leader tour brought the group to the 96th Test Wing located at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., April 22.

Operating 38 modified test aircraft and managing 120,000 square miles of over-water test ranges, plus facilities in six different states, the 96th TW executes developmental tests and evaluations to enable the warfighter to put weapons on target in all battlespace media.

Shelby Daniell, 96th TW chief of community engagement, shared that the Tampa leaders were one of the first groups to tour Eglin facilities since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

“It is really important that we provide these tours to improve community relations and build on our partnerships,” said Daniell.

More than extraordinary aircraft and powerful weapons, team Eglin opened their doors to reveal the 96th Medical Group and the Intrepid Spirit Center, providing a demonstration on tactical combat care practices and the integrative, multi-disciplinary and holistic care center.

“It was overwhelming to comprehend how much responsibility these young airmen have,” said Sandy Clawson, Tampa Electric Company’s corporate director of ethics and compliance, after touring the medical facilities. “This has been really moving to see how much we care for our veterans, in terms of non-visual injuries, who give their lives to their country. At such a young age, many of these Airmen we’ve met have such a responsibility to protect our freedom. This trip has made me appreciate how lucky we are to be Americans.”

Upon return to MacDill, Jonsson shared his gratitude for the community.

“My heart was bursting to see how proud this community is of our Airmen, just as we are,” Jonsson said. “To see these young Airmen doing these really impressive things, medically, in aircraft, or on the ground in a maintenance facility, is awesome. We appreciate you coming along on this trip.”

A group of civic leaders from the Tampa Bay area observe a demonstration of a GAU-8 Avenger 30mm gatling gun near a munitions testrange at Eglin Air Force Base April 22. The civic leader group toured various bases to strengthen relations and bolster community support. The test area includes multiple instrumented test bays for ballistic evaluation of gun systems and ammunition.

Andy Mayts, Air Mobility Command civic leader and partner of Shumaker, Loop and Kendrick LLC, takes aim during a weapons simulation training at the 1st Combat Camera Squadron located at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, April 21. The 1st CTCS is one of two active-duty Combat Camera units in the Air Force and is responsible for collecting imagery in support of strategic operations worldwide.

NEWS/FEATURES

Salute the cute

Exchange’s photo contest gives pets a chance to fetch $3,000 in gift cards

by Keiana Holleman DALLAS—America’s furriest heroes can take their purrific patriotic looks all the way to the bank. Military pets can fetch a share of $3,000 in Exchange gift cards for their humans when they show off their American pride in the Patriot Pet Just Say “Treat” Photo Contest, presented by the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Royal Canin.

Courtesy graphic From May 1 through May 31, authorized Exchange shoppers worldwide, including honorably discharged veterans and Department of Defense and Coast Guard civilians and retirees, can

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visit ShopMyExchange.com/sweepstakes and submit a photo of their pets dressed in a patriotic costume or with a patriotic background for a chance to win.

Two grand-prize winners will each receive a $500 Exchange gift card.

Eight runners-up will receive a $250 Exchange gift card.

“Pets are an integral part of the military family,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “This contest gives us a chance to salute and honor the pets in the community for their support of service members year-round.”

Contest rules can be found at ShopMyExchange.com/sweepstakes.

Winners will be selected on or around June 15.

Facebook-friendly version: Salute the cute! @shopmyexchange is celebrating the companions of America’s heroes in the Patriot Pet Just Say “Treat” Photo Contest. Shoppers can snap and submit a photo of their patriotic pet on ShopMyExhange.com/sweepstakes for a chance to win their share of $3,000 in gift cards. Learn more: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-24H/.

BOOKS From Page 5

development changes within the Air Force, in line with the vision to accelerate change across the enterprise.

The Profession of Arms: Our Core Values, known as the “Blue Book,” was originally published in 1996 and provides guidance to Airmen at all levels on the service’s institutional values and guiding principles. This revision extensively explains the Profession of Arms; Service Oaths for Enlisted, Officers and Civil Servants; Air Force Core Values and the Code of Conduct.

“We must periodically review and refresh our foundational guides to ensure we’re giving Airmen the tools they need to succeed in the future force,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. “What hasn’t changed, is every Airman’s responsibility to inspire others, set an example through personal conduct, and promote leadership and accountability across our force.”

The Blue Book calls on Airmen to be dedicated to continuous individual and institutional improvements. It emphasizes the importance

of showing respect for others and implements a recommendation of the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military by clarifying that engaging in and tolerating sexual assault and sexual harassment are violations of the Air Force Core Values. Stalking, bullying, extremism and discrimination are additional behaviors cited as eroding the foundation upon which the Air Force was built.

In addition to the “Brown” and “Blue” books, Airmen can expect a new “Purple Book” to be released in the summer. The “Purple Book” will aim to educate Airmen about how Airpower fits into the joint-force environment, and connects joint doctrine, values, capabilities and warfighting concepts that capture how the Air Force effectively partners with other services to protect America’s interests across the globe.

“Updating these foundational guides equips Airmen with the resources needed to become highly trained, educated, and adaptable to the threats our competitors present, and the significant role every Airman plays for the mission to be successful,” Bass said.

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

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EARTH DAY From Page 3

megawatts of reliable clean energy to supplement current installation energy sources.

Additionally, Edwards AFB, California, will complete one of the country’s largest solar photovoltaic array projects in 2022, adding 520 megawatts of renewable electricity to the grid and creating more than 1,000 jobs. This effort builds on initiatives from installations like Hill AFB, Utah, and Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, to augment base power supply with solar energy.

The DAF is also expanding its electrical vehicle fleet to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve carbon-neutral and net-zero emission goals by 2050.

In 2020, the Department was recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy with a 2020 Federal Energy Management Program award for increasing Alternative Fuel Vehicle inventory by 42.7% when compared to fiscal year 2018. AFVs now represent more than 24% of the total DAF fleet.

DAF installations are expanding environmental conservation measures by implementing sustainable infrastructure and landscaping practices.

Dyess AFB, Texas, partnered with the city of Abilene, Texas, to repurpose oil pipelines to deliver approximately 160 million gallons of treated wastewater to the base each year for irrigation. This partnership has helped Abilene reduce water demand by 2%, while saving the Air Force more than $300,000 annually.

At Nellis AFB, Nevada, the DAF replaced water-thirsty grasses with efficient desert landscaping, reducing water consumption by 10%. The base is also using robots to clean their solar panels – which power 25%

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of the base – resulting in a 75% reduction in water use compared to manual cleaning methods. Other installations actively pursuing sustainable landscaping practices include, but are not limited to: Laughlin AFB, Texas, Beale AFB, California, March Air Reserve Base, California, and Mountain Home AFB, Idaho.

To the DAF, responsible stewardship means not only reducing its environmental footprint, but also protecting and repairing habitats that are already facing degradation.

In 2021, the Air Force Civil Engineer Center secured more than $10 million to protect mission readiness and the environment at Tyndall AFB, Florida.

In October 2018, the installation suffered a direct hit from Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 hurricane, resulting in more than $3 billion in damage. The grant will help improve the resilience of the installation through enhanced shoreline habitats, which provide a natural buffer against storm surges.

The project will include up to 1,000 feet of living shorelines, 3,500 feet of submerged shoreline, and 1,500 feet of new oyster reef habitat.

Travis AFB, California, is investing in natural solutions to preserve habitat, while saving money. The installation uses about 300 sheep and goats for targeted grazing to clear invasive species from steep hillsides and rocky terrain, which promotes the growth and diversity of native species including those that are threatened and endangered. The animals also reduce fire hazards and eliminate the need for debris disposal.

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Kids bowl free May 1 – Sept. 5 Register your child today for a spring and summer bowling pass.

Pass includes two free games of bowling a day. *Shoe rental regular price. Visit https://macdillfss.com/ macdill-lanes -bowling/ for more info.

Fitness Bingo May 1–31 Grab a BINGO card from the front desk at the Short Fitness Center and play all month long.

Complete the exercise, class or skill and mark off the square on your BINGO card. Complete one line in any direction for a chance to win prizes.

Interviewing skills workshop May 17 Location is M&FRC, 1 p.m. 2:30 p.m. The Interviewing skills workshop will help you learn the techniques involved in the interview process and how to handle salary issues and questions. Call 828-0145 NAF Job Fair/Hiring Event May 19 Held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Are you or someone you know looking for a job? Come out to the Breakaway Events Center. The NAF Human Resource Office is looking for 80 energetic new applicants, with a drive to excel in the fields of hospitality, food and beverage, child and youth, and recreation. Interested applicants can go online to view current positions available at macdillfss.com. Applicants are required to make a USAjobs account and need to apply online. Visit https:// macdillfss.com/naf-human-resources/ for more info.

Find more events at: macdillfss.com

Blast away!

Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings

U.S. Air Force Col. Benjamin Jonsson, left, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, learns how to use a CL2000 laser as a part of a visit with the 6th Maintenance Squadron corrosion control unit at MacDill Air Force Base April 28. Aircraft structural maintenance technicians assigned to MacDill use a CL2000 laser to remove paint and corrosion damage from aircraft parts. The CL2000 is the most powerful laser utilized in the Air Force and is even capable of decontaminating nuclear-contaminated surfaces.

CHAPEL SCHEDULE Normal Hours- Monday - Friday - 9 a.m. to

Jewish - Monthly Lunch and Learn: For sched-

3 p.m. After hours chaplain, call the Command Post at 828-4362/4361.

ule & to join distro, please contact elimelach.estrin@us.af.mil

Islamic Service - Friday 12:30 p.m. (space

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

reserved)

www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

Other Faith Groups - Please contact the

Chapel at (813) 828-3621 or via email at 6ARW. HCADMIN@us.af.mil

Catholic (in-person) - Saturday - 5:30 p.m.

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

MacDill’s Chapel website is: https://www.macdill. af.mil/chapel

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

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

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SPOUSES From Page 2

ing homesickness, moving and making new connections with people, to name a few.

“One of our first tours overseas was in Italy. I considered myself quite the adventurer, but for some reason, I didn’t feel very comfortable getting out,” Brown recalled, who will celebrate 33 years of marriage this summer. “There was a friend of mine I knew from another location who called me up to show me around, and it was the most fantastic day I ever had.”

Paying it forward, Brown now advises other spouses to reach out to incoming families to show them the way, help locate the Airman and Family Readiness Center and assist in navigating the base. She also asks spouses to find out as much information as possible about the new place before they depart.

Despite the challenges, being a military spouse can also be rewarding.

“A rewarding moment is seeing a spouse, who felt they didn’t have much to offer, discover themselves and go forward to enlighten other people,” Brown said.

Brown remembered meeting a military spouse recently who turned her love for finding old pieces of furniture and repurposing them into an opportunity to help spouses create “new” additions for their homes while also fostering fellowship.

Oftentimes, spouses are concerned not only about their significant others but also for their children.

“I transitioned our kids in and out of schools and made sure that they were adjusting through engaging them in conversation and constantly checking in on them,” Raymond said. “It wasn’t easy. We had some tough conversations over the years. And they’ve struggled, but they all have become very strong, resilient young adults.”

Raymond advises all parents to “call the SLO (School Liaison Officer) before you go.” This way, parents can understand what educational op-

tions are available for a smoother transition.

In addition to helping others, Raymond advocates for self-care.

“We’re always taking care of others, but it’s OK to put yourself first, too,” she said. “Rest and enjoy doing something that gives you the battery recharge we all need to start a new day.”

Rachel Rush, spouse of Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force Roger A. Towberman, advises spouses to keep open lines of communication with their partners.

“You have to be able to talk with your spouse. Even when things are tough, you must talk about it. If there’s something you want in life, something you want to do, something you want to be, take those tasks on,” Rush said. “Talk to your person as early as possible about what you would like to do with your life. Even though you’re on a journey together, it’s still an individual life. You want to look back at the end of it and not feel like you’ve missed out on opportunities.”

Rush uses her experience as a spouse and psychiatric nurse to help other spouses.

“In my line of work, which has consisted primarily of in-patient settings, I have unfortunately seen quite a few young spouses. There are trends related to feelings of displacement. Displacement from family and friends, from everything they’ve known.”

Rush advocates for service members to include their spouses in as many aspects of their lives as possible.

“Do your best not to isolate your loved ones; help keep them connected in this beautiful new life they’ve chosen to share with you,” she said.

Editor’s note: The spouse of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Sharene Brown, recently announced a Five & Thrive initiative, which increases focus and attention on the top five quality of life challenges military families face. The Thrive Guide was created “by spouses, for spouses” to help navigate the military spouse journey.

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

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