Thunderbolt 6/08/2023

News/Features:page2

101CriticalDayofSummer

News/Features:page3

MentalHealthAwareness

Weekinphotos: page4

Imagesfromthe week

Passing of 6thCONScommand

Community:page15

Events,Chapel,more...

U.S.AirForceCol.JasonParker,6thMissionSupportGroupcommander,passesthe6thContractingSquadron guidontoLt.Col.BrandonSandoval,6thCONScommander,duringachangeofcommandceremonyatMacDill AirForceBaseMay31.ThepassingoftheguidonsymbolizestheofficialstartofSandoval’stenureasthenew 6thCONScommander.

PhotobyAirman1stClassDerrickBole

101CriticalDays of Summerdefendingthehumanweaponsystem

byLisaGonzales Air ForceSafetyCenter

KIRTLANDAIRFORCE BASE, N.M.(AFNS)—The101CriticalDays ofSummerbegins MemorialDay weekendandcontinuesthroughLabor Dayweekend.Duringthistimeframe, AirmenandGuardianstendtoparticipateinmoreoutdooractivities, travel, barbecue, andexplorenewthingsover aseasonthathashistoricallycome withahigherriskofdanger.

Thisyear, theAir ForceSafetyCenterisreinvigoratingthe101Critical DaysofSummerwithoff-dutyrisk management materialscreatedto educateAirmenandGuardianson therisksassociatedwithsummeractivities. Thisyear’sthemewillbe“See Something, DoSomething …Liveto beLethal”.

Riskmanagementisn’tonlyforondutybutbelongsinpeople’sdailylives todefendtheHuman WeaponSystem, theAirmen,fromunnecessarythreats thatcouldresultininjuryoreven death.

SeeSAFETY,Page13

COMMANDER’SACTIONLINE

TheActionLineprovidestwo-waycommunicationbetweenthe 6thAir Refueling Wingcommander andtheMacDillcommunity. Personnelmaysubmitquestions,concernsorcommentsviaemailto macdillwingcommander@us.af.milor Facebook@6thARWCommandTeam

MacDillThunderbolt

Publisher: Joe Deluca

Editor: NickStubbs

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Everyarticleandphotographiseditedforaccuracy, clarity,brevity,conformancewiththe“AssociatedPressStylebookandLibelManual”andAirForceInstruction35-101.

MentalHealth AwarenessMonth

bySeniorAirmanLaurenCobin

Imagineaworldwherementalhealthisasopenlydiscussedasphysicalhealth,wherecompassionandunderstanding are extendedtothoseworkingthroughsome of theirtoughesttimes.

MentalHealth AwarenessMonth,not onlyservesto educateonthesubjectofmentalhealth,butalsoaimsto eliminate thestigmaofseekingcare.

MacDillAir ForceBase’sMentalHealthClinicisdedicatedtosupportingthoseinneed, not justinMay, butall yearlong.

“ThesignificanceofMentalHealth awarenessmonth tomeisthe deliberate pausetoeducateandraise awarenessofthoselivingwithmentalhealthissues,” saidMaj. RelindaHayes, Mental HealthFlightcommander. “We worktirelesslytoensureapositiveexperienceforthose whoenterthe clinic.”

Thementalhealth clinicconsistsofadiversestaffof40 professionals, includinglicensed clinicalsocialworkers, certifieddrugandalcoholcounselors, psychiatrists, phy-

SeeMENTALHEALTH,Page10

Membersofthe6thMedicalGroupMentalHealthclinicposeforagroupphotoat MacDillAirForceBaseMay10.Thecliniciscomprisedof40highlytrainedprovidersandsupportstaffwhoareskilledinavarietyofspecialties,includinglicensed clinicalsocialworkers, certifieddrugandalcoholcounselors,psychiatrists,phycologists,casemanagers,mentalhealthtechniciansandadministrativestaff.

Seeinginto the future:AFlookstoAIfordataanalysis

SecretaryoftheAir ForcePublic Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—In aneffortto digestandrapidlyanalyzetheprocessofdecisionmaking, HeadquartersAir ForceDigital OperationsDirectorate(A3X)developedanartificialintelligence-based softwarethatcanbeappliedtoallAir Forcespecialtycodestobetter examineandpredict operationaloutcomes.

Tomorrow’soperatingenvironmentrequiresAirmentohavethemost accurateandup-to-dateintelligencetoactquicklyinrealtime, today. HeadquartersAir Staffhavedevelopedsixsoftwareprograms forcareer fields using AIto conductdataanalysis.

George Forbes, directorof HAFDigitalOperationsDirectorate, cited theexponentialbenefitsofbeingabletomakedecisionsmoreaccurately, morepredictably andmoreprecisely.

“Wecanshiftfromspendingtimedoing manualtasks–likeputting informationintocomputers–andmovetomorecognitivetechniques wherewecananalyzethedatabecausethecomputerisdoingmuchof thebusy andmanualwork.”George Forbes, Director, HAF DigitalOperations Directorate

Besidesdata management, the AIsoftware cancalculatepredictions basedoffequationsandprogramming, dependingonthetypeofdata available. Whetherthe predicted outcomeiscorrectornot,thesoftware iscapableoflearningandadaptingtoproduceevenmoreaccurateoutcomesforfuturecalculations.

“Wemight takeindifferentdata,likehowmanypeopleareintheAir Force, whatistheirbehaviorbasedupontheirgenderandage, orother demographiccategoriestoanticipate [theirbehaviors]inaparticular situation. Forinstance, wecanpredicttheirdecisiontostayinorleave theAir Force,” Forbessaid.“Weusetheforce’s pastbehavior to trainthe modelstopredicttheirfuturebehavior. Specifically, we useaRecurring Neural NetworkMethodology, whichisahigh-endAImethod.”

ThesoftwareisadaptableacrossallAFSCstointerpretdifferentsituations. Fromtrackingflighthourstolocatingequipment,thisnew applicationcanreplacecumbersomeapplicationsandsoftwaresystems presentlyusedtomoreuser-friendlyones fornewcomers. Pastapplicationsareportabletootherasset managementtypeworkbutnotnecessarilyinAI.

PhotobySeniorAirmanLaurenCobin

WEEKINPHOTOS

Membersofthe6thAirRefuelingWingcutaribbonduring

building wasfittedwithnewupgrades suchasa mini mall,personalbathrooms,newfurniture,biggerbedsand

Acivicleaderfromthe TampaBayChamberMilitaryAdvisoryCommittee posesforaphotoduring atourat MacDillAirForce BaseMay18.Thecivic leaderstouredaircrew flightequipmenttogain a betterunderstandingof the6thARWmissionand the different rolesassociatedwithaviation.

DarrellNatorli,6thForce SupportSquadronMilitaryand FamilyReadinessCentercommunity readinessconsultant,hangsasignduringthe3rd annualMemorialDay Remembrance TributeatMacDillAirForceBaseMay25.

VolunteersfromMacDillAFB andthecommunity came together placedsignstohonor fallenservice members.

PhotobyAirman1stClassZacharyFoster

PhotobyAirman1stClassMichaelKillian

adormitory reopeningceremonyat MacDillAirForceBaseJune1.Thenewdormitory

more.

PhotobySeniorAirmanLaurenCobin

AirForceMedical Service holdsfirst Diversity,Equity,InclusionandAccessibilityconference

byShireenBedi AirForce MedicalService

FALLSCHURCH, VA—The Air ForceMedicalService’sOfficeofDiversityandInclusion hosteditsinauguralDiversity, Equity, Inclusion andAccessibilityconferenceonMay24,with a thematicfocusoninformingattendeesonthe latestAFMSinitiativesandinspiritingfurther action.

Thevirtualconference, ledbyLt.Col.Mikel Merritt, AFMSDiversityandInclusion chief, andRudolphDockery, AFMSDiversityandInclusion programmanager, includedspeakersfocusedonhowdiversityandinclusionimpacts theoverallmedicalmission,readiness, andthe everydaylivesofAirmenandGuardians.

“As weenhance the inclusivityofourculture, wewillultimatelybecomebetteratproducing world-classreadymedics,” saidLt.Gen. RobertMiller, Air ForceSurgeonGeneral,ina

videomessagepresentedduringtheconference. “Oneofmygoalsistoeducateourmedicsuntil [diversity, equityandinclusion]becomesecond natureastheAFMSimproves howourculture welcomesandrespectseverymemberofour team.”

Brig. Gen.AlfredFlowers, Jr.,AFMSManpower,PersonnelandResourcesdirector, also sharedcommentsabouttheconferenceand what listenersshouldtake away fromit.

“Howareyougoingtotakethegoalsfromthe amazingdocketofspeakers, fromupdatesofinformationthathasbeenresearched?Howare yougoingtocontinuetobeinformedandinspire currentleadersandintothefuture,” saidFlowers. “Thankyouallforyoursenseofcommitmentfrombeing on thelinetoday. Thankyou foryouropen-mindedness, andthankyoufor whatIknowyouwilldointhefuturetofurther informandinspireothersaroundtheworld.”

Representativesfromvariousinitiativeteamsandworkinggroups sharedtheirteam’swork, theirperspectivesandpersonalexperiences, howtheyhaveinformedtheteams’missions, andthemany waysthey havehelpedtoshapeimportant changesandnecessarypoliciesthroughouttheDepartment of the Air Force.

Thegroupsworking towards addressingbarriersandinequalities withintheAFMSandthroughouttheDepartmentoftheAir ForceincludedtheDisabilityAction Team,theBlackandAfricanAmericanEmploymentStrategies Team,theHispanicEmpowermentandAdvancement Teamwhoseworkincludesaddressingperceivedlanguagebarriers, theLGBTQ+Initiative Team,IndigenousNationsEquality Teamwho haveaddressedissuesofreligiousaccommodations, the PacificIslander andAsianAmericanCommunity Team,andthe Women’s Initiative Team that wasestablishedin2008andwhosemorethan600volunteermembersareworkingon52linesofeffort.

MerrittalsostressedhowimportanttheAFMS OfficeofDiversity and Inclusionis formedicalAirmen andleadership.

“Weallhaveblindspots…andtherearethingsyou’renotgoingto takeintoaccount,” saidMerritt.“If, forexample, thereareabunchofmen writingpolicy, therearethingstheyarenotgoingtoconsider, and that isgoingtohaveanimpact on ourreadiness. Itisgoingtomakeusaless successfulforce. Itisgoingtomakeuslessabletoprepareourpatients tobemedicallyready, aswellasprepareourteamstobemedicallyready. Thatiswhydiversityandinclusionisvital.”

TheAFMS’sOffice of Diversityand Inclusionaddresses barriers throughmonthlymeetingsandtrainingacrossmajorcommandsand medicalgroups, producingtoolkitsandmonthlynewsletterstohelpleadersdiscussdiversityandinclusion,aswellasaddressingretentionand

recruitmentneeds.

Tracey Koehlmoos, Ph. D., DirectoroftheCenterfor HealthServices Research andDirectorofDoctoralProgramsinPublicHealthwiththe UniformedServicesUniversityoftheHealthSciences, discussedresearch onracialdisparitiesinhealthcare, includingimpact onaccesstocare andhealthoutcomes. Shesharedarecentsystematicreview of disparitieswithintheMilitaryHealthSystemwhereherteamnotedthatuniversalhealthcoveragemitigatedracialdisparitiesthathaveotherwise beenfoundinprivate-sectorcare Koehlmoosfurtheremphasizedthat moreresearch needstobedonetoensureequalandequitablecareby identifyingadditionalfactorsthatcould contributetoracialdisparities.

“Wehavemilestogo, bothintermsofwhatweknowaboutdisparities incarethat’sreceivedintheprivateanddirect-caresystem, butalso …we havegottogetoutthereandtalktoservicemembersandtheirfamilies … tolearnwhattheirexperienceisinthehealthcaresystem,” said Koehlmoos.

Finally, Merrittand Dockerywelcomedtwokeynotespeakers tothe conference. Trayvon Jenifer, athree-time Paralympianwho wasborn missingbothofhislegs, sharedhowheovercomethisobstacletobecome aworld-classathlete AndDr DavePrakash,anAir Forceveteran,former testpilotandflightsurgeon, closedtheconference, sharinghisown challengeswhenheinitiallyjoinedtheAir Forceandhowvitalmentorship andbelonging allowedhimto pursuebecomingaflightsurgeon.

“Formarginalizedgroupsorpeoplethatareoverlooked,mentorship canhaveanoutsizedeffect,” saidPrakash.“Itisimportanttounderstand that[diversity, equityandinclusion]isnotaboutcountinghowmanyminoritieshavebeenelevatedtoaparticularrankorposition.Thepurpose istoensurethat we donot overlooktalent…andthatbyfosteringsuch talent,you makeforamore capable AFMS.”

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“Whenyoubuildanapplicationtomanagesomethinglikeequipment,you wantittobekeptalive Thisiswherestandardizedapplicationdevelopmentsystemscomein,” Forbessaid.“Youcanbuild thematyourcurrentbase, and,onceyouPCS[PermanentChangeof

Station],youcanstillusethesameprocess.”

Theoverarchinggoalofthenewsoftwaresystemsistoprovide leadersquickeraccesstointerpretdataandmakeimpactfuldecisions.

U.S.AirForce Airmen,assignedtothe521stAirMobilityOperationsWing,andDutchsoldiers,assignedtothe11thAirAssaultBrigade,discussairliftplansduringExerciseDefenderEurope23atLarissaAirBase,Greece,May15.MilitaryexerciseswithourAlliesandpartnernationsintheEuropeantheater re integralpartofdemonstratingalliance readiness,interoperability,andcapability.(Imagealteredforoperationalsecuritypurposes)

521stAMOWAMTs maneuverforcesduringDE23

by Capt.EmmaQuirk 521stAirMobilityOperationsWing

RAMSTEINAIRBASE,Germany— The521stAir Mobility Operations WingdeployedthreeAirMobility TeamsandaugmentationinsupportofExerciseDefenderEurope inMay 2023.

AnAMTdeliversaDemand Force Teamofaerialport,aircraftmaintenance, andcommandandcontrolcapabilitiestoapointofneedoutsideofthefixeden routestructure. Thisisanewconceptthewing validatedduringtheexercise.

Augmentationforcesare521stAMOWAirmenwhoshiftfromonenodetoanotherfixednodewithintheenroutestructureinresponsetoasurgeinoperations.

DEFENDER23isa U.S. EuropeanCommand-directedmultinationaljoint exercisedesigned tobu ildre adine ss andinteroperabilitybetweenthe U. S. , NATO Allies, andpartners. Theexerciseseriesconsistsofthreeseparatebut relatedexercises:SwiftResponse, Immediate Response, andSaber Guardian. Eightgeographicallyseparated521stAMOWsquadronscontributedmemberstosupport the exercise.

ThefirstAMTdeployedtoZaragozaAirBase, Spain,onMay1,2023. They

providedaerialportandaircraftmaintenancecapabilitiesinsupportofa Fo rcibleEntryeventandenabledthedeploymentandonwardmovementof participatingA-10ThunderboltIIs. Theteamincluded19personnelfromthe 725thAirMobilitySquadronand728thAirMobilitySquadron.

“TheAirMobility Teamhasproven indispensableinenablinginteroperabilitybetweenthe Joint Forceandourinternationalpartnersbyprovidinglogisticalandairtransportationexpertise, maintenanceexpertise, andtranslation support,” saidMaj. WilliamStephenson,728thAirMobilitySquadrondirector of operationsandAMTleadinSpain.

After20days, theAMTatZaragozaABlaunchedandrecovered25multinationalaircraftcarrying529passengersand80tonsofcargo TheAMTenabled asucc essful Joint ForcibleEntryof942American,Spanish,andItalianAirbornesoldiers.

OnMay11,2023,the521stAMOWdeployedtwoAMTstotaling31perso neltoLarissaAirBase, Greece TheteamconsistedofAirmenfromthe721st Aerial Po rtSquadron , 721stAircraftMaintenanceSquadron,721stMobility SupportSquadron, 727thAirMobilitySquadron,andthe726thAirMobility Squadron.

SeeDE23,Page11

PhotobyCapt.EmmaQuirk

,assignedtothe521stAirMobilityOperationsWing,andDutchsoldiers,assignedtothe11thAirAssaultBrigade,discussairliftplansdurremainan

U.S.ArmySoldiersassignedtothe173rdAirborneBrigadeloadontoaC-17GlobemasterIIIduringDefenderEurope23atLarissaAir Base,Greece, May 13.The521stAirMobilityOperationsWingdeployedtwoAirMobility

TeamstoLarissaABtomaneuverjointandmultinational partners participatinginDEFENDER23.

providedaerialportandaircraftmaintenancecapabilitiesinsupportofa Joint rcibleEntryeventandenabledthedeploymentandonwardmovementof Theteamincluded19personnelfromthe dispensableinenablinginteroperabilrceandourinternationalpartnersbyprovidinglogisandtranslation

lliamStephenson,728thAirMobilitySquadrondirector

theAMTatZaragozaABlaunchedandrecovered25multinaTheAMTenabled rcibleEntryof942American,Spanish,andItalianAir-

OnMay11,2023,the521stAMOWdeployedtwoAMTstotaling31personTheteamconsistedofAirmenfromthe721st 721stAircraftMaintenanceSquadron,721stMobility

7thAirMobilitySquadron,andthe726thAirMobility

SeeDE23,Page11

StaffSgt.BillyJean Meyer,anavionicsspecialistfrom th e725th AirMobilitySquadron, NavalStationRota, Spain,marshalsaC-17 GlobemasterIIIpriorto takeoff from AvianoAir Base,Italy,onMay16. TheaircraftaresupportingDefenderExercise23tohelpprovide vitalairliftcapabilities andopportunitiesto ensu re engaged,posturedand readyforces toassure,deteranddefendinanincreasingly complexsecurityenvironment.

PhotobyCapt.EmmaQuirk

PhotobyCapt.EmmaQuirk

PhotobySeniorAirmanKylar Vermeulen

MENTALHEALTH

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cologists, casemanagers, mentalhealthtechniciansand administrativestaff. Thesededicatedindividualsundergo continuoustrainingtoprovideexceptionalpatientcare and maintaintheircredentials.

“Ourteamisdedicatedtocreatingalastingimpactby empoweringpatientstoidentifytheirpersonalvalues andaligningtheiractionswithwhattrulymatters,” said Hayes.

The Mental Health clinic strives to provide the best possible patient carebyadministeringevidence-based treatments(EBT)toensurepositivepatientoutcomes.

“I’veoftenheardcommanderstelltheirtroops, inearnest, to‘takeaknee’iftheyarementallytired,burntout and worndown,” saidLt. Col.Andrea Wolfe-Clark, aproviderwiththeMental HealthFlight. “Asmembersofthe Armed Forces, wearetrainedtobephysically andmentallystrong.”

However, thismindsetcantakeatollonindividuals, impactingtheirwell-beingand relationships.

“Ifthereisagapinwhoyouhopedtobeandhowyou’re livingyourlifetoday, startwithsmallstepstogetback to thethingsthataremeaningful,” Wolfe-Clarksaid.

Anexercisetheprovidersoftenuseinvolvesimagining yourlifeyearsfrom where you are today, andreflecting onwhatyou’veaccomplished.Whatwouldyouliketosay aboutyourself?Whatwouldyourfriendsandfamilysay aboutyou?Doyourpersonalvaluesalignwithyouractionsnow?

For anyone struggling to bridge the gap between who weaspiretobeandhowwecurrentlyliveourlives, it isessentialtorememberthatreachingoutisasignof strength. Friends, supervisors, Military FamilyLifeCounselorsand chaplainsare availableresourcestoprovide supportand guidance.

ResourcesatMacDillAFB:

•HealthandWellnessCenter:813-828-5314

•MilitaryOneSource:800-342-9647

•Chaplain:813-828-3621

•MFLC(MilitaryFamilyLifeCounselor): 813-816-3061

•PCBH(PsychologicalHealth&BehavioralHealth): 813-827-2273

•MentalHealth:813-827-9170

“It’sbeenimpressivetoobserveourexpertsacrossseveral[Air Force SpecialtyCodes]integratetoestablishafullyoperationalairfieldwithinamatterofhoursofarriving,” saidSeniorMasterSgt. Christopher Javier, 721stAPSoperationssuperintendentandAMTenlistedlead inGreece. “Whiletheircorecompetenciesprovideustheexpertiseand capacitytooperate, it’sbeentheircan-do, positiveattitudeandwillingnesstocometogetherasateamthattrulymaximizesourabilityasan AMTto flexandprovidemobilitysolutionsinanewlocation.”

TheseAMTsreceivedandlaunched13multinationalaircraft,122.1 tonsofcargo, and620passengersinninedays.

“Theiradaptabilityandprofessionalismwereinstrumentalinbuildingasolidrapportwithourmultinationalpartners, andit’sbeenan absolutehonortobeapartofthisteamtoexerciseandshowcaseour wing’sabilitytofinda way, or makea waytoaccomplishSWIFTRESPONSEobjectives.” Javiersaid. “Theteamisproudtocodifythisnew conceptandbea part oftheNextGenerationAMOW.”

Duringtheexercise, theaircraftwereprimarilybasedat AvianoAir Base, Italy

Thewingdeployedmembersfromthe725thAMS, 726thAMS, and 728thAMStoaugmentexistingaerialport operationsandaddC-17 GlobemasterIIIaircraftmaintenancecapabilitiestothe724thAirMobilitySquadron,locatedon AvianoAB.

“SwiftResponse 23has shownhow RapidGlobalMobilityenables NATO andthe Joint Force,” saidMaj.PhillipKapets, 724thAMScommander. “As AvianoservedastheIntermediateSupportBaseforthis exercise, weintegratedActiveDutyandNationalGuardAirmenfrom fourseparatebasestocreateamultinationalmobilityhubinNorthern Italy. TheteamsofAir Forcelogisticsprofessionalsworkedtirelesslyto plan,synchronize, andexecutesafe, effective Joint ForceableEntryoperationsintobothSpainandGreece.”

Thesquadronmoved76aircraft,194.5tons, and1,491passengers

including U.S. C-17andC-130JSuperHercules, aswellasGermanA400MAtlusmobilityaircraftcarryingDutchandAmericansoldiersand cargo.

“Iamextremelyimpressedwithhowthe Total Forceteamcametogethertomeetandexceedexpectationstosupporttheexercise,” said ChiefMasterSgt. TimothyOkkerse, 724thAMSseniorenlistedleader. “TheintegrationofC-17aircraftmaintenance wasseamlessandcritical,andI wasimpressedwithhoweasilytheyfitintoourmissionset.”

Theteamlaunchedmissions24hoursadaytomultipleforwardoperatinglocations, allowingthemtosimulateseizingairfieldsandachieve exerciseobjectives. Thesquadronalsoassumedtheroleasacommand andcontrolhubcommunicatingairflowwithforward-positionedAMTs

“Ultimately, this wasanelaboratebutsuccessfulexerciseshowing thesolidarityandinteroperabilityofNATO partnersinitsmissionto provideasafeandsecureEurope,” Kapetsconcluded

Maintainingacapable U.S. presenceinEuropestrengthensnational securitybyencouragingpeace, unity, andcohesionbetweenEurope’sindividualnations U.S. servicemembersinEuropecontinuetogenerate globalpeacealongsideourAlliesandpartners.

Thissummer, the521stAMOWwilldeployanAMTtotheIndo-PacifictofurtherdemonstratetheconceptduringExerciseMobilityGuardian2023, U.S. AirMobilityCommand’spremierbiennialexercise.

“Afternearly15yearsofrunningenroutesupportthroughfixedlocations, thewingsuccessfullydemonstratedthefirstmassmaneuverof AMTforcestoofferincreasedflexibilityandagilityforour Jointand multinationalpartners,” saidCol.DanCooley, 521stAMOWcommander. “Fromtheplanningtothetasking, execution, documentation,and redeployment, the521stAMOWAirmen knockeditoutofthepark. Ouroverallreadinessandpostureareatanall-timehigh. We’reready totakeitupanotchandshowcasethemaneuverabilityofferedbythe AMOWsinthe Pacific theaterduringMG23thissummer.”

U.S.MarineCorpssergeantdevelops TotalForceDeploymentDashboard WinsCENTCOM’sInnovationOasisIIcompetition

byStaff SergeantShannon Bowman 6thAirRefuelingWingPublicAffairs

U.S. CentralCommandnamed U.S. MarineCorpsSgt.StevenMatsunagaasthewinnerofitssecondCENTCOMInnovationOasiscompetition onMay25, 2023, atCENTCOMheadquartersin Tampa.Matsunaga was also awardedthe DefenseMeritoriousServiceMedalforhisdevelopment ofatotalforcedeploymentdashboard(TFDD)thatwillhelptofillacapabilitygaptoexpeditetheanalysisandqualitycontroloflargequantities ofrecordsinstantaneously. Matsunaga,aMarineAirGround Task Force planningspecialist,andtheforcedeploymentnoncommissionedofficer in chargeat U.S. MarineCorps Forces, CentralCommand,craftedthe TFDDprogramwithhopesofitbeingdeployedthroughoutthemilitary planningandexecutioncommunityandacrosstheCENTCOMareaof responsibility.

“ThefactthatI wasabletotakeaprogram,bringitheretoCENTCOM,bringittoGeneralKurilla’sattention,andspeaktoawideaudienceandhavethemreallygraspthatproblemandasolutionforit...

That’sHUGE!,” Matsunagasaid. “Attheendoftheday, I’mreallyjust tryingtogiveback,notjusttoMarineCorpsormyMOS, buttoanyone thatmightbenefitwiththeapplication.I’d rathergetthistoawideraudienceso that everyonecanseeandexperiencethebenefit ofit.”

The‘Shark Tank’-likeinnovationcompetition wasopentoall U.S. servicemembersandDoDciviliansfromsevenUSCENTCOMsubordinate andcomponentcommands, includingARCENT; AFCENT; NAVCENT; MARCENT; SOCCENT; SPACECENT; and CENTCOM.

Each componentcommandconductedtheirownindividualinnovation competitionsand chosetheirtopinnovatorstocompeteinthemainevent in Tampa.

Theseinnovatorshadtheprivilegetopresenttheirideasinfrontofa distinguishedpaneloftechindustryleadersandseniormilitaryofficials, including:

•Dr. AndrewMoore, FounderofLovelaceAIandformerVPofGoogle AICloud

•KevinHarrington, Entrepreneur, andoriginal‘Shark’onShark Tank

•HonorableSueGordon,formerDeputyDirectorofNationalIntelligence

•HonorableMacThornberry, formerChairHouseArmedServices Committee

•GeneralMichael“Erik”Kurilla,commanderof CENTCOM

•FleetMasterChiefDerrick Walters, seniorenlistedleaderCENTCOM

•ColonelKhaledAlrubaian,Kuwaitseniornationalrepresentativeat CENTCOM

•SchuylerMoore, chieftechnology officerCENTCOM

Each finalisthadtenminutestopresenttheirinnovation, followedby 15minutesofquestionsandanswersfromthepanel Each presenter was evaluatedalongasetofcriteriathatincludedoriginality, scalabilityof

conceptandtheoverallpresentation.

Thepresentationsrangedfromanelectronic warfarevirtualtrainingenvironmenttoanAIprototypepassengertrackerfornoncombatant evacuationoperations. Thefinalists chosentopresenttheirinnovation were selectedfromevery U.S. militaryservicebranch.

“InnovationOasis2023hasenabledustospreadthespiritofinnovationacrossthecommand,encouragingallourteammemberstothinkof creativesolutionstoreal-world problems,” saidSchuylerMoore, CENTCOM chieftechnologyofficer. “Thenextgreatideacancomefromacivilianorservicemember, asergeantorageneral.Innovationisagnosticof positionorrank,andhereatCENTCOMwewillalwaysencourageand elevatethatkindofthinkingandproblem-solving.”

ThroughjusttwoiterationsoftheInnovationOasis, CENTCOMhas receivedhundredsofsubmissionsfromacrosstheDepartmentofDefense Thecompetitionhasprovidedaplatformforservicemembersto presentideasandtohigher echelonsofleadership.

“A lotofthetimesifyoupresentsomethingtoyourleadership, itcan comeacrossaspresentinga problem butif you take thetimetofully understandtheproblem,comeupwithasolution, andyou’rewillingto advocateforthatidea,whetherit’saproductorit’sapolicy change...I’ve nevermetaleaderthatisn’twillingtoembrace changeforthesakeof improvement,” Matsunagasaid.“So, ifyouarewillingtotakethetimeto developthatsituationandadvocate, Iguaranteeagoodleaderisgoingto bewillingtograb on toit.They’regoingtolisten.They’regoingtoelevate it.Anditdoesn’tmatterwhatrankyouare, itdoesn’tmatteryourexperiencelevelinyourcareerfield,ifyou’rewillingtoputforththeeffort,you cantakethatsolutionanywhereyouneedto.”

Courtesyphoto

U.S.Marine Corps Sgt.StevenMatsunaga, representingU.S.Marine ForcesCentralCommand(MARCENT),presentshisideatoapanelof expertsduringU.S.CentralCommand’s (CENTCOM)InnovationOasis PartIIcompetition,May 25. InnovationOasisisa“Shark Tank”likeinnovationcompetition.

ReachingthegoalofzeromishapsandfatalitiesbeginswitheveryAirman andGuardian Overthepasttensummers, 2013-2022,beginningthe FridaybeforeMemorialDaythroughLaborDay, therehavebeen134unnecessaryfatalitiesoffduty. Thetopthreeriskiestactivitieswerefour-wheeledmotorvehicles (47),followedbymotorcycles(41),and water-relatedactivities&sports(19).One AirmanorGuardianlosttoapreventablemishapisonetoomany.

Additionally, anewtrendshowsagrowingnumberofe-bikeande-scootermishaps. E-scootersande-bikesprovideaconvenientandeasy wayofgettingaround inacrowdedcity, theyare compact, lightweight, andenvironmentallyfriendly, buttheycanalsobedangerousifnotusedwiththepropertrainingandtheright personalprotectiveequipment Justlikeanymotorizedvehicle, youshouldalways followthemanufacturer’ssafetyguidelineswhenitcomestouse and PPE.

Summerisatimetoenjoythe warmsummerdayswithfamilyandfriends, notspendtimeintheemergencyroomor, worse, mourningthelossofaloved one, friend,orco-worker. Itisatimetobecommittedtoreducingthe chanceof disaster simplybyspeakingupbefore it happens.

AccordingtotheNationalSafetyCouncil,an averageof17,503peopledied everysummerbetween2016and2020onroadwaysacrossthe U.S. Don’tbeone ofthosestatistics;prepareforyourtripbygettingyourvehicle checkedout,plan aheadtocombatinclementweatherandfatigue, andensurethatanemergency kitisincludedwithyourbagsstockedwithvehiclesupplies, extra water, food, batteries, andaphone charger.

Motorcycleridersshouldbe100%trained, prepared, andequippedwiththe requiredskillsandproactivemindsettoridesafely. Unfortunately, inthefirst fourmonthsofFY23alone, theDepartmentoftheAir Forceexperiencedseven motorcyclefatalities. Theleadingcauseofthosefatalitiespointedtothelackof riskmanagement,speedingandalcohol.

“Enjoyyoursummer, butdoitresponsibly,” said William Walkowiak, chief of OccupationalSafetyfortheDAF. “I challengeeachofyoutomakearisk assessment beforeparticipating insummer activitiestoprevent ormitigateinjuriesor deaths.”

The WorldHealthOrganizationsstatesthatdrowningisthethirdleading causeofunintentionalinjury-relateddeathworldwide.

Wateractivitieslikeboating, fishing, andswimmingcancoolapersonoff, but onewrongdecisioncouldmean injuryordeath.Soremembertousealifejacket aroundthe water, don’tdrinkandboatorswim,alwayskeepaneyeonsmall children,andmakesuretheyhavelifejacketson.

Thesummerdayscanbecomeextremelyhot,andheatcramps, stroke, orexhaustioncanhappenquickly. Bepreparedtohelpsomeoneintrouble. Getthem outofthesunandcoolthemdownbyapplying water, coolair, wetsheets, orice ontheneck,groin,orarmpits. Seekmedicalattentionimmediately.

Stayhydratedthissummer;theCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention statesthatan averageadultlosesabouttwoandahalfquartsof waterdaily. Waterhelpsyourbodylubricateandcushionjoints, protectsyourspinalcord andothersensitivetissues, andgetsridof wastesthroughurination,perspiration, andbowelmovements. Drinkingapproximatelyeighttotwelve glasses of waterthroughoutthedaywillhelpthebodystayhydrated.Ifyouplanto beoutsideinthesun,consider drinkingmore. Dehydrationcanhappenbefore youknowit;ifoutinthesun,knowthesigns, headaches, nausea, dryskin,and muscleorjointsorenessarejustafew.

ItisimperativethatAirmenandGuardiansimplementproperoff-dutyrisk managementineveryactivitytheyengageinduringthe101CriticalDaysof Summerandbeyond.

Visithttps://www.safety.af.mil/Divisions/Occupational-Safety-Division/Summer-Safety/.

Summergolf specials

TheBay PalmsGolfCourseisofferingavarietyofsummerspecials June1–Sept. 30. Formoredetails visitmacdillfss.com/wp-content/uploads/SummerGolfSpecials.pdf.

Short Fitness Juneclosures

TheShort Fitnesswillbe closed thefollowing daysbutwillbeaccessibletothosepatronswith24/7 accesscards.

Friday, June16

Monday, June19

Friday, June23

Formoreinformationaboutobtaining24/7access, visitmacdillfss. com/short-fitness-center/.

Librarysummerprograms

TheMacDillLibrarywillbe offeringavarietyofprograms throughoutthemonthof June. For more information, visit macdillfss. com/wp-content/uploads/SUMMERREADING_CAL.pdf.

UpcomingM&FRCevents

u Resume Writing (Private Industry) – June 13

u EFMP Education Camp – June 14

u Let’s Talk Credit – June 15

u Balancing Work, Life and Command – June 20

u Interview Skills – June 20 Visit macdillfss.com/military-familyreadiness/ for more information. Issued a proximity card for access.

Findmoreeventsat: macdillfss.com

TheChamp!

Fromleft,U.S.AirForceCol.AdamBingham,6thAirRefuelingWingcommander,AngelaOcampo,6thForceSupportSquadronfamilysupportcoordinator, and Chief MasterSgt.ShaeGee, 6thARW commandchief,poseforaphotoduringaChampionofthe Week recognitionatMacDill Air ForceBaseMay30.Ocampo was rewardedfor independentlymanagingtheinstallation’s ExceptionalFamilyMemberProgram,aprogramthatnormally requirestwofull-timeemployees, forthelastthree months.The programmaintainssupportforservicemembersandtheirfamilymemberswithspecialneeds.Duringhertimeinthis role, Ocampohashelpedcoordinate67 communityoutreach eventsserving1,520 MacDillfamilies.

CHAPELSCHEDULE

NormalHours- Monday-Friday -9a.m.to3p.m.After hourschaplain,calltheCommandPostat828-4362/4361.

Protestantvirtualservices -Sunday - 11a.m (www.facebook.com/6amwhc)

Monday-WednesdayMass - 12:10 p.m. www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

CatholicMass -Sunday- 9:30a.m. (confessionsbyappointment)

Jewish - MonthlyLunchandLearn:Forschedule&tojoin distro,pleasecontactelimelach.estrin@us.af.mil

IslamicService - Friday1:30p.m.(spacereserved)

OtherFaithGroups- Please contacttheChapelat (813)828-3621orviaemailat6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil

Formoredetailsandinformation,visittheChapelFacebookpageat http://www.facebook/6amwhc/or MacDill’sChapelwebsite is:https://www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

PhotobySeniorAirmanJoshuaHastings