Thunderbolt 6/08/2023

Vol. 51, No. 23

Thursday, June 8, 2023

News/Features: page 2 101 Critical Day of Summer

News/Features: page 3 Mental HealthAwareness

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Passing of 6th CONS command Photo by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole

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

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Parker, 6th Mission Support Group commander, passes the 6th Contracting Squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Brandon Sandoval, 6th CONS commander, during a change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base May 31. The passing of the guidon symbolizes the official start of Sandoval’s tenure as the new 6th CONS commander.

NEWS/FEATURES

101 Critical Days of Summer defending the human weapon system

by Lisa Gonzales Air Force Safety Center KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS)—The 101 Critical Days of Summer begins Memorial Day weekend and continues through Labor Day weekend. During this time frame, Airmen and Guardians tend to participate in more outdoor activities, travel, barbecue, and explore new things over a season that has historically come with a higher risk of danger.

This year, the Air Force Safety Center is reinvigorating the 101 Critical Days of Summer with off-duty risk management materials created to educate Airmen and Guardians on the risks associated with summer activities. This year’s theme will be “See Something, Do Something … Live to be Lethal”.

Risk management isn’t only for onduty but belongs in people’s daily lives to defend the Human Weapon System, the Airmen, from unnecessary threats that could result in injury or even death.

See SAFETY, Page 13

U.S. Air Force graphic

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,

2

◆

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.

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, June 8, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

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 Mental Health Awareness Month

by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin Imagine a world where mental health is as openly discussed as physical health, where compassion and understanding are extended to those working through some of their toughest times.

Mental Health Awareness Month, not only serves to educate on the subject of mental health, but also aims to eliminate the stigma of seeking care.

MacDill Air Force Base’s Mental Health Clinic is dedicated to supporting those in need, not just in May, but all year long.

“The significance of Mental Health awareness month to me is the deliberate pause to educate and raise awareness of those living with mental health issues,” said Maj. Relinda Hayes, Mental Health Flight commander. “We work tirelessly to ensure a positive experience for those who enter the clinic.”

The mental health clinic consists of a diverse staff of 40 professionals, including licensed clinical social workers, certified drug and alcohol counselors, psychiatrists, phySee MENTAL HEALTH, Page 10

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

Members of the 6th Medical Group Mental Health clinic pose for a group photo at MacDill Air Force Base May 10. The clinic is comprised of 40 highly trained providers and support staff who are skilled in a variety of specialties, including licensed clinical social workers, certified drug and alcohol counselors, psychiatrists, phycologists, case managers, mental health technicians and administrative staff.

Seeing into the future: AF looks to AI for data analysis Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—In an effort to digest and rapidly analyze the process of decision making, Headquarters Air Force Digital Operations Directorate (A3X) developed an artificial intelligence-based software that can be applied to all Air Force specialty codes to better examine and predict operational outcomes.

Tomorrow’s operating environment requires Airmen to have the most accurate and up-to-date intelligence to act quickly in real time, today.

Headquarters Air Staff have developed six software programs for career fields using AI to conduct data analysis.

George Forbes, director of HAF Digital Operations Directorate, cited the exponential benefits of being able to make decisions more accurately, more predictably and more precisely.

“We can shift from spending time doing manual tasks – like putting information into computers – and move to more cognitive techniques where we can analyze the data because the computer is doing much of the busy and manual work.”George Forbes, Director, HAF Digital Operations Directorate

Besides data management, the AI software can calculate predictions based off equations and programming, depending on the type of data available. Whether the predicted outcome is correct or not, the software is capable of learning and adapting to produce even more accurate outcomes for future calculations.

“We might take in different data, like how many people are in the Air Force, what is their behavior based upon their gender and age, or other demographic categories to anticipate [their behaviors] in a particular situation. For instance, we can predict their decision to stay in or leave the Air Force,” Forbes said. “We use the force’s past behavior to train the models to predict their future behavior. Specifically, we use a Recurring Neural Network Methodology, which is a high-end AI method.”

The software is adaptable across all AFSCs to interpret different situations. From tracking flight hours to locating equipment, this new application can replace cumbersome applications and software systems presently used to more user-friendly ones for newcomers. Past applications are portable to other asset management type work but not necessarily in AI. See AI, Page 6

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ◆ Thursday, June 8, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 3

WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Airman 1st Class Michael Killian

Members of the 6th Air Refueling Wing cut a ribbon during a dormitory reopening ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base June 1. The new dormitory building was fitted with new upgrades such as a mini mall, personal bathrooms, new furniture, bigger beds and more.

A civic leader from the Tampa Bay Chamber Military Advisory Committee poses for a photo during a tour at MacDill Air Force Base May 18. The civic leaders toured air crew flight equipment to gain a better understanding of the 6th ARW mission and the different roles associated with aviation.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

Darrell Natorli, 6th Force Support Squadron Military and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant, hangs a sign during the 3rd annual Memorial Day Remembrance Tribute at MacDill Air Force Base May 25.

Volunteers from MacDill AFB and the community came together placed signs to honor fallen service members.

4

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, June 8, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

NEWS/FEATURES

Air Force Medical Service holds first Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility conference

by Shireen Bedi Air Force Medical Service

FALLS CHURCH, VA—The Air Force Medical Service’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion hosted its inaugural Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility conference on May 24, with a thematic focus on informing attendees on the latest AFMS initiatives and inspiriting further action.

The virtual conference, led by Lt. Col. Mikel Merritt, AFMS Diversity and Inclusion chief, and Rudolph Dockery, AFMS Diversity and Inclusion program manager, included speakers focused on how diversity and inclusion impacts the overall medical mission, readiness, and the everyday lives of Airmen and Guardians.

“As we enhance the inclusivity of our culture, we will ultimately become better at producing world-class ready medics,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Miller, Air Force Surgeon General, in a

video message presented during the conference.

“One of my goals is to educate our medics until [diversity, equity and inclusion] become second nature as the AFMS improves how our culture welcomes and respects every member of our team.”

Brig. Gen. Alfred Flowers, Jr., AFMS Manpower, Personnel and Resources director, also shared comments about the conference and what listeners should take away from it.

“How are you going to take the goals from the amazing docket of speakers, from updates of information that has been researched? How are you going to continue to be informed and inspire current leaders and into the future,” said Flowers. “Thank you all for your sense of commitment from being on the line today. Thank you for your open-mindedness, and thank you for what I know you will do in the future to further inform and inspire others around the world.”

See DEI, Page 6

U.S. Air Force graphic

Official logo for the AFMS Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ◆ Thursday, June 8, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 5

DEI

From Page 5

Representatives from various initiative teams and working groups shared their team’s work, their perspectives and personal experiences, how they have informed the teams’ missions, and the many ways they have helped to shape important changes and necessary policies throughout the Department of the Air Force.

The groups working towards addressing barriers and inequalities within the AFMS and throughout the Department of the Air Force included the Disability Action Team, the Black and African American Employment Strategies Team, the Hispanic Empowerment and Advancement Team whose work includes addressing perceived language barriers, the LGBTQ+ Initiative Team, Indigenous Nations Equality Team who have addressed issues of religious accommodations, the Pacific Islander and Asian American Community Team, and the Women’s Initiative Team that was established in 2008 and whose more than 600 volunteer members are working on 52 lines of effort.

Merritt also stressed how important the AFMS Office of Diversity and Inclusion is for medical Airmen and leadership.

“We all have blind spots … and there are things you’re not going to take into account,” said Merritt. “If, for example, there are a bunch of men writing policy, there are things they are not going to consider, and that is going to have an impact on our readiness. It is going to make us a less successful force. It is going to make us less able to prepare our patients to be medically ready, as well as prepare our teams to be medically ready.

That is why diversity and inclusion is vital.”

The AFMS’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion addresses barriers through monthly meetings and training across major commands and medical groups, producing toolkits and monthly newsletters to help leaders discuss diversity and inclusion, as well as addressing retention and

recruitment needs.

Tracey Koehlmoos, Ph. D., Director of the Center for Health Services Research and Director of Doctoral Programs in Public Health with the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, discussed research on racial disparities in health care, including impact on access to care and health outcomes. She shared a recent systematic review of disparities within the Military Health System where her team noted that universal health coverage mitigated racial disparities that have otherwise been found in private-sector care. Koehlmoos further emphasized that more research needs to be done to ensure equal and equitable care by identifying additional factors that could contribute to racial disparities.

“We have miles to go, both in terms of what we know about disparities in care that’s received in the private and direct-care system, but also … we have got to get out there and talk to service members and their families … to learn what their experience is in the health care system,” said Koehlmoos.

Finally, Merritt and Dockery welcomed two keynote speakers to the conference. Trayvon Jenifer, a three-time Paralympian who was born missing both of his legs, shared how he overcome this obstacle to become a world-class athlete. And Dr. Dave Prakash, an Air Force veteran, former test pilot and flight surgeon, closed the conference, sharing his own challenges when he initially joined the Air Force and how vital mentorship and belonging allowed him to pursue becoming a flight surgeon.

“For marginalized groups or people that are overlooked, mentorship can have an outsized effect,” said Prakash. “It is important to understand that [diversity, equity and inclusion] is not about counting how many minorities have been elevated to a particular rank or position. The purpose is to ensure that we do not overlook talent … and that by fostering such talent, you make for a more capable AFMS.”

AI

From Page 3

“When you build an application to manage something like equipment, you want it to be kept alive. This is where standardized application development systems come in,” Forbes said. “You can build them at your current base, and, once you PCS [Permanent Change of

6

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, June 8, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

Station], you can still use the same process.”

The overarching goal of the new software systems is to provide leaders quicker access to interpret data and make impactful decisions.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ◆ Thursday, June 8, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 7

Photo by Ca

U.S. Air Force Airmen, assigned to the 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing, and Dutch soldiers, assigned to the 11th Air Assault Brigade, discuss airlift p ing Exercise Defender Europe 23 at Larissa Air Base, Greece, May 15. Military exercises with our Allies and partner nations in the European theater r integral part of demonstrating alliance readiness, interoperability, and capability. (Image altered for operational security purposes)

521st AMOW AMTs maneuver forces during DE23

by Capt. Emma Quirk 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany—The 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing deployed three Air Mobility Teams and augmentation in support of Exercise Defender Europe in May 2023.

An AMT delivers a Demand Force Team of aerial port, aircraft maintenance, and command and control capabilities to a point of need outside of the fixed en route structure. This is a new concept the wing validated during the exercise.

Augmentation forces are 521st AMOW Airmen who shift from one node to another fixed node within the en route structure in response to a surge in operations.

DEFENDER 23 is a U.S. European Command-directed multinational joint exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO Allies, and partners. The exercise series consists of three separate but related exercises: Swift Response, Immediate Response, and Saber Guardian.

Eight geographically separated 521st AMOW squadrons contributed members to support the exercise.

The first AMT deployed to Zaragoza Air Base, Spain, on May 1, 2023. They 8

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, June 8, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

provided aerial port and aircraft maintenance capabilities in support Forcible Entry event and enabled the deployment and onward mov participating A-10 Thunderbolt IIs. The team included 19 personnel 725th Air Mobility Squadron and 728th Air Mobility Squadron.

“The Air Mobility Team has proven indispensable in enabling inte ity between the Joint Force and our international partners by provid tical and air transportation expertise, maintenance expertise, and tr support,” said Maj. William Stephenson, 728th Air Mobility Squadro of operations and AMT lead in Spain.

After 20 days, the AMT at Zaragoza AB launched and recovered 25 tional aircraft carrying 529 passengers and 80 tons of cargo. The AM a successful Joint Forcible Entry of 942 American, Spanish, and It borne soldiers.

On May 11, 2023, the 521st AMOW deployed two AMTs totaling 3 nel to Larissa Air Base, Greece. The team consisted of Airmen from Aerial Port Squadron, 721st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 721st Support Squadron, 727th Air Mobility Squadron, and the 726th Air Squadron.

See DE23

apt. Emma Quirk

Photo by Capt. Emma Quirk

plans durremain an

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade load onto a C-17 Globemaster III during Defender Europe 23 at Larissa Air Base, Greece, May 13. The 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing deployed two Air Mobility Teams to Larissa AB to maneuver joint and multinational partners participating in DEFENDER 23.

Staff Sgt. Billy Jean Meyer, an avionics specialist from the 725th Air Mobility Squadron, Naval Station Rota, Spain, marshals a C-17 Globemaster III prior to takeoff from Aviano Air Base, Italy, on May 16.

The aircraft are supporting Defender Exercise 23 to help provide vital airlift capabilities and opportunities to ensure engaged, postured and ready forces to assure, deter and defend in an increasingly complex security environment.

t of a Joint vement of l from the

eroperabilding logisranslation on director

5 multinaMT enabled talian Air-

31 personthe 721st t Mobility r Mobility

3, Page 11 Photo by Senior Airman Kylar Vermeulen

MENTAL HEALTH From Page 3

cologists, case managers, mental health technicians and administrative staff. These dedicated individuals undergo continuous training to provide exceptional patient care and maintain their credentials.

“Our team is dedicated to creating a lasting impact by empowering patients to identify their personal values and aligning their actions with what truly matters,” said Hayes.

The Mental Health clinic strives to provide the best possible patient care by administering evidence-based treatments (EBT) to ensure positive patient outcomes.

“I’ve often heard commanders tell their troops, in earnest, to ‘take a knee’ if they are mentally tired, burnt out and worn down,” said Lt. Col. Andrea Wolfe-Clark, a provider with the Mental Health Flight. “As members of the Armed Forces, we are trained to be physically and mentally strong.”

However, this mindset can take a toll on individuals, impacting their well-being and relationships.

“If there is a gap in who you hoped to be and how you’re living your life today, start with small steps to get back to the things that are meaningful,” Wolfe-Clark said.

An exercise the providers often use involves imagining your life years from where you are today, and reflecting on what you’ve accomplished. What would you like to say about yourself? What would your friends and family say about you? Do your personal values align with your actions now?

For anyone struggling to bridge the gap between who we aspire to be and how we currently live our lives, it is essential to remember that reaching out is a sign of strength. Friends, supervisors, Military Family Life Counselors and chaplains are available resources to provide support and guidance.

Resources at MacDill AFB: • Health and Wellness Center: 813-828-5314 • Military One Source: 800-342-9647 • Chaplain: 813-828-3621 • MFLC (Military Family Life Counselor): 813-816-3061 • PCBH (Psychological Health & Behavioral Health): 813-827-2273 • Mental Health: 813-827-9170

10

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, June 8, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

DE23

From Page 8

“It’s been impressive to observe our experts across several [Air Force Specialty Codes] integrate to establish a fully operational airfield within a matter of hours of arriving,” said Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Javier, 721st APS operations superintendent and AMT enlisted lead in Greece. “While their core competencies provide us the expertise and capacity to operate, it’s been their can-do, positive attitude and willingness to come together as a team that truly maximizes our ability as an AMT to flex and provide mobility solutions in a new location.”

These AMTs received and launched 13 multinational aircraft, 122.1 tons of cargo, and 620 passengers in nine days.

“Their adaptability and professionalism were instrumental in building a solid rapport with our multinational partners, and it’s been an absolute honor to be a part of this team to exercise and showcase our wing’s ability to find a way, or make a way to accomplish SWIFT RESPONSE objectives.” Javier said. “The team is proud to codify this new concept and be a part of the Next Generation AMOW.” During the exercise, the aircraft were primarily based at Aviano Air Base, Italy.

The wing deployed members from the 725th AMS, 726th AMS, and 728th AMS to augment existing aerial port operations and add C-17 Globemaster III aircraft maintenance capabilities to the 724th Air Mobility Squadron, located on Aviano AB. “Swift Response 23 has shown how Rapid Global Mobility enables NATO and the Joint Force,” said Maj. Phillip Kapets, 724th AMS commander. “As Aviano served as the Intermediate Support Base for this exercise, we integrated Active Duty and National Guard Airmen from four separate bases to create a multinational mobility hub in Northern Italy. The teams of Air Force logistics professionals worked tirelessly to plan, synchronize, and execute safe, effective Joint Forceable Entry operations into both Spain and Greece.”

The squadron moved 76 aircraft, 194.5 tons, and 1,491 passengers

including U.S. C-17 and C-130J Super Hercules, as well as German A400M Atlus mobility aircraft carrying Dutch and American soldiers and cargo.

“I am extremely impressed with how the Total Force team came together to meet and exceed expectations to support the exercise,” said Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Okkerse, 724th AMS senior enlisted leader.

“The integration of C-17 aircraft maintenance was seamless and critical, and I was impressed with how easily they fit into our mission set.”

The team launched missions 24 hours a day to multiple forward operating locations, allowing them to simulate seizing airfields and achieve exercise objectives. The squadron also assumed the role as a command and control hub communicating airflow with forward-positioned AMTs. “Ultimately, this was an elaborate but successful exercise showing the solidarity and interoperability of NATO partners in its mission to provide a safe and secure Europe,” Kapets concluded.

Maintaining a capable U.S. presence in Europe strengthens national security by encouraging peace, unity, and cohesion between Europe’s individual nations. U.S. service members in Europe continue to generate global peace alongside our Allies and partners.

This summer, the 521st AMOW will deploy an AMT to the Indo-Pacific to further demonstrate the concept during Exercise Mobility Guardian 2023, U.S. Air Mobility Command’s premier biennial exercise.

“After nearly 15 years of running en route support through fixed locations, the wing successfully demonstrated the first mass maneuver of AMT forces to offer increased flexibility and agility for our Joint and multinational partners,” said Col. Dan Cooley, 521st AMOW commander. “From the planning to the tasking, execution, documentation, and redeployment, the 521st AMOW Airmen knocked it out of the park.

Our overall readiness and posture are at an all-time high. We’re ready to take it up a notch and showcase the maneuverability offered by the AMOWs in the Pacific theater during MG23 this summer.”

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ◆ Thursday, June 8, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 11

NEWS/FEATURES U.S. Marine Corps sergeant develops Total Force Deployment Dashboard

Wins CENTCOM’s Innovation Oasis II competition

by Staff Sergeant Shannon Bowman 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs U.S. Central Command named U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Steven Matsunaga as the winner of its second CENTCOM Innovation Oasis competition on May 25, 2023, at CENTCOM headquarters in Tampa. Matsunaga was also awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his development of a total force deployment dashboard (TFDD) that will help to fill a capability gap to expedite the analysis and quality control of large quantities of records instantaneously. Matsunaga, a Marine Air Ground Task Force planning specialist, and the force deployment noncommissioned officer in charge at U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command, crafted the TFDD program with hopes of it being deployed throughout the military planning and execution community and across the CENTCOM area of responsibility.

“The fact that I was able to take a program, bring it here to CENTCOM, bring it to General Kurilla’s attention, and speak to a wide audience and have them really grasp that problem and a solution for it...

That’s HUGE!,” Matsunaga said. “At the end of the day, I’m really just trying to give back, not just to Marine Corps or my MOS, but to anyone that might benefit with the application. I’d rather get this to a wider audience so that everyone can see and experience the benefit of it.”

The ‘Shark Tank’-like innovation competition was open to all U.S. service members and DoD civilians from seven USCENTCOM subordinate and component commands, including ARCENT; AFCENT; NAVCENT; MARCENT; SOCCENT; SPACECENT; and CENTCOM. Each component command conducted their own individual innovation competitions and chose their top innovators to compete in the main event in Tampa.

These innovators had the privilege to present their ideas in front of a distinguished panel of tech industry leaders and senior military officials, including: • Dr. Andrew Moore, Founder of Lovelace AI and former VP of Google AI Cloud • Kevin Harrington, Entrepreneur, and original ‘Shark’ on Shark Tank • Honorable Sue Gordon, former Deputy Director of National Intelligence • Honorable Mac Thornberry, former Chair House Armed Services Committee • General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM • Fleet Master Chief Derrick Walters, senior enlisted leader CENTCOM • Colonel Khaled Alrubaian, Kuwait senior national representative at CENTCOM • Schuyler Moore, chief technology officer CENTCOM Each finalist had ten minutes to present their innovation, followed by 15 minutes of questions and answers from the panel. Each presenter was evaluated along a set of criteria that included originality, scalability of 12

◆

Courtesy photo

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Steven Matsunaga, representing U.S. Marine Forces Central Command (MARCENT), presents his idea to a panel of experts during U.S. Central Command’s (CENTCOM) Innovation Oasis Part II competition, May 25. Innovation Oasis is a “Shark Tank” like innovation competition. concept and the overall presentation.

The presentations ranged from an electronic warfare virtual training environment to an AI prototype passenger tracker for noncombatant evacuation operations. The finalists chosen to present their innovation were selected from every U.S. military service branch.

“Innovation Oasis 2023 has enabled us to spread the spirit of innovation across the command, encouraging all our team members to think of creative solutions to real-world problems,” said Schuyler Moore, CENTCOM chief technology officer. “The next great idea can come from a civilian or service member, a sergeant or a general. Innovation is agnostic of position or rank, and here at CENTCOM we will always encourage and elevate that kind of thinking and problem-solving.”

Through just two iterations of the Innovation Oasis, CENTCOM has received hundreds of submissions from across the Department of Defense. The competition has provided a platform for service members to present ideas and to higher echelons of leadership.

“A lot of the times if you present something to your leadership, it can come across as presenting a problem but if you take the time to fully understand the problem, come up with a solution, and you’re willing to advocate for that idea, whether it’s a product or it’s a policy change...I’ve never met a leader that isn’t willing to embrace change for the sake of improvement,” Matsunaga said. “So, if you are willing to take the time to develop that situation and advocate, I guarantee a good leader is going to be willing to grab on to it. They’re going to listen. They’re going to elevate it. And it doesn’t matter what rank you are, it doesn’t matter your experience level in your career field, if you’re willing to put forth the effort, you can take that solution anywhere you need to.”

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, June 8, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

SAFETY From Page 2

Reaching the goal of zero mishaps and fatalities begins with every Airman and Guardian. Over the past ten summers, 2013-2022, beginning the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, there have been 134 unnecessary fatalities off duty. The top three riskiest activities were four-wheeled motor vehicles (47), followed by motorcycles (41), and water-related activities & sports (19). One Airman or Guardian lost to a preventable mishap is one too many.

Additionally, a new trend shows a growing number of e-bike and e-scooter mishaps. E-scooters and e-bikes provide a convenient and easy way of getting around in a crowded city, they are compact, lightweight, and environmentally friendly, but they can also be dangerous if not used with the proper training and the right personal protective equipment. Just like any motorized vehicle, you should always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines when it comes to use and PPE. Summer is a time to enjoy the warm summer days with family and friends, not spend time in the emergency room or, worse, mourning the loss of a loved one, friend, or co-worker. It is a time to be committed to reducing the chance of disaster simply by speaking up before it happens.

According to the National Safety Council, an average of 17,503 people died every summer between 2016 and 2020 on roadways across the U.S. Don’t be one of those statistics; prepare for your trip by getting your vehicle checked out, plan ahead to combat inclement weather and fatigue, and ensure that an emergency kit is included with your bags stocked with vehicle supplies, extra water, food, batteries, and a phone charger.

Motorcycle riders should be 100% trained, prepared, and equipped with the required skills and proactive mindset to ride safely. Unfortunately, in the first four months of FY23 alone, the Department of the Air Force experienced seven motorcycle fatalities. The leading cause of those fatalities pointed to the lack of risk management, speeding and alcohol.

“Enjoy your summer, but do it responsibly,” said William Walkowiak, chief of Occupational Safety for the DAF. “I challenge each of you to make a risk assessment before participating in summer activities to prevent or mitigate injuries or deaths.”

The World Health Organizations states that drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death worldwide.

Water activities like boating, fishing, and swimming can cool a person off, but one wrong decision could mean injury or death. So remember to use a life jacket around the water, don’t drink and boat or swim, always keep an eye on small children, and make sure they have life jackets on.

U.S. Air Force graphic

The summer days can become extremely hot, and heat cramps, stroke, or exhaustion can happen quickly. Be prepared to help someone in trouble. Get them out of the sun and cool them down by applying water, cool air, wet sheets, or ice on the neck, groin, or armpits. Seek medical attention immediately.

Stay hydrated this summer; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that an average adult loses about two and a half quarts of water daily.

Water helps your body lubricate and cushion joints, protects your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues, and gets rid of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements. Drinking approximately eight to twelve glasses of water throughout the day will help the body stay hydrated. If you plan to be outside in the sun, consider drinking more. Dehydration can happen before you know it; if out in the sun, know the signs, headaches, nausea, dry skin, and muscle or joint soreness are just a few.

It is imperative that Airmen and Guardians implement proper off-duty risk management in every activity they engage in during the 101 Critical Days of Summer and beyond.

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

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ◆ Thursday, June 8, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 13

14

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, June 8, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Summer golf specials The Bay Palms Golf Course is offering a variety of summer specials June 1 – Sept. 30. For more details visit macdillfss.com/wp-content/uploads/SummerGolfSpecials.pdf.

Short Fitness June closures The Short Fitness will be closed the following days but will be accessible to those patrons with 24/7 access cards.

Friday, June 16 Monday, June 19 Friday, June 23 For more information about obtaining 24/7 access, visit macdillfss. com/short-fitness-center/.

Library summer programs The MacDill Library will be offering a variety of programs throughout the month of June. For more information, visit macdillfss. com/wp-content/uploads/SUM MERREADING_CAL.pdf.

The Champ!

From left, U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Bingham, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, Angela Ocampo, 6th Force Support Squadron family support coordinator, and Chief Master Sgt. Shae Gee, 6th ARW command chief, pose for a photo during a Champion of the Week recognition at MacDill Air Force Base May 30. Ocampo was rewarded for independently managing the installation’s Exceptional Family Member Program, a program that normally requires two full-time employees, for the last three months. The program maintains support for service members and their family members with special needs. During her time in this role, Ocampo has helped coordinate 67 community outreach events serving 1,520 MacDill families.

CHAPEL SCHEDULE

Upcoming M&FRC events 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.

Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hastings

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

(www.facebook.com/6amwhc)

Jewish - Monthly Lunch and Learn: For schedule & to join Monday-Wednesday Mass - 12:10 p.m.

www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

distro, please contact elimelach.estrin@us.af.mil

Islamic Service - Friday 1:30 p.m. (space reserved)

Catholic Mass - Sunday - 9:30 a.m. (confessions by appointment)

Find more events at: macdillfss.com

Protestant virtual services - Sunday - 11 a.m.

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 ◆ Thursday, June 8, 2023 ◆ WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ 15

CLICK IT OR

JICKEJ

f,

16

◆

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM ◆ Thursday, June 8, 2023 ◆ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT