News/Features: page2
MissAmerica’s fitness tips
News/Features:page3
FighterJetmanuevers
Week in photos:page4
Images fromthe week
Community: page10
Events, Chapel, more...
U.S.servicemembersparticipateinOperationBlueHorizon,June6atMacDillAirForceBase.OBH is ajoint force exercisethat reinforcescorecompetenciesand fundamentalpractices formilitarymedicalprofessionals.Instructors gradedparticipantsontheirproficiencyinproviding TacticalCombatCasualtyCare,traumanursing,andaeromedical evacuation.
Vol.52,No.25 Thursday,June20,2024
PhotobySeniorAirmanJessicaDo
NEWS/FEATURES
byMiriamThurber HQAirForceRecruitingService
JOINTBASESANANTONIO-RAN-
DOLPH, Texas—Somedays2ndLt.Madison MarshwearsherAir Forceuniform,andother daysshedonssashandcrownasMiss America2024.One day, Marshwillreach forcombatboots, andthenextshe’llgrabheels, but, mostoften,Marshlacesupapairofwell-worn sneakers.
Asanactive-dutyofficer, Marshworksout dailytomaintaintheAir Force’s physical fitnessstandards and topasstheregularfitness tests. AlthoughherscheduleasMiss America 2024keepsherontheroadmostweeks, Marsh stillfindstimetoprioritizeanactivelifestyle, evenfromahotelroom.
“It’sdifficulttostayconsistentwhile onthe road,” Marshsaid.“I’venoticedthat if Islack offforaweek,it’sverydifficultto getback into it.”
Nevertheless, fitnessremainsacornerstone ofMarsh’sdailypractice, whetherthatmeans alongsessioninagym oraquickworkout inherhotelroomusingjustherbodyweight. Marshcreditsherfitness-focusedmentalityto
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SecondLieutenantMadisonMarsh,crownedMissAmerica2024,stretchesbefore herworkout onJointBaseSanAntonio-Randolph, Texas,onMay16,2024.StayingactiveandfitisacornerstoneofAirForceservice.
TheActionLineprovidestwo-waycommunicationbetweenthe 6thAirRefueling Wingcommander and theMacDillcommunity. Personnelmaysubmitquestions,concernsorcommentsviaemailto macdillwingcommander@us.af.mil or Facebook@6thARWCommandTeam
MacDill Thunderbolt
Publisher: Joe Deluca
Editor: Nick Stubbs
The MacDillThunderbolt ispublishedby the Times Publishing Company, a private firm in no wayconnected with the U.S. Air Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is anauthorized publication for distribution to members of the U.S. militaryservices on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill Thunderbolt are notnecessarily the officialviews of,or endorsed by the U.S. government,the Departmentof Defense,
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Everyarticleandphotographis edited for accuracy, clarity, brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Stylebook andLibel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101.
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COMMANDER’SACTIONLINE
MacDillontheweb
Fitnesstipsfromactive-dutyMissAmerica
PhotobyMiriamThurber
NEWS/FEATURES
RamsteinALSfirst Army instructor
byAirman1stClassOliviaSampson 86thAirliftWing
U.S. ArmySgt.1stClassSonia J. McElfresh’s, 7thArmyNoncommissionedOfficer Academyinstructor, journeyfromthefront linestothe classroomisatestamenttothe transformativepowerofexperienceandresilience Hermilitarycareer, initiallyfueledby adesirefor challenge, ledMcElfreshthrough diverse rolesas a chemical specialistand a squadleader.
McElfresh’smilitaryjourney wasmarkedby amixof challengesandtriumphs, eachexperienceshapingherintotheleadershe istoday. Fromdecipheringprotocolsduring chemical attackstoleadingreconnaissancemissionsin Hawaii,shenavigatedthroughdiverseenvironments
It washerunexpectedtransitiontotherole ofaninstructoratRamsteinAirmanLeadershipSchoolthatreshapedhertrajectoryand newfoundpassionforteaching, andmadeher thefirstSoldiertoteachanALS class.
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U.S.AirForceAirmeninRamsteinAirmanLeadershipSchoollistentoaninstructionduringclass atKapaunAirStation,Germany,May14.ALSisthefirstlevelofprofessionalmilitaryeducation forenlistedAirmentoexperience.ALSisdesignedtobeanentrylevelleadershipenhancement coursetoprepareseniorAirmenforpositionsofgreater responsibilitybystrengtheningtheir abilitytolead,followandmanagewhilealsogainingabroaderunderstandingofthemilitaryprofessionandtheir rolewithintheAirandSpaceForces
USAFEhostsfirst-everbasicfighter maneuverexerciseatRamstein
byAirman1stClass TrevorCalvert 86thAirliftWing
RAMSTEINAIRBASE,Germany—Thirty-sevenfighterjetsfrom nineNATO countriesparticipatedinRamstein1v1, U.S. Air ForcesinEurope’sfirst-everbasicfightermaneuvers(BFM)exerciseatRamsteinAir Base, Germany, June6.
Participantsincludedmilitary aviatorsfromthe U.S., UnitedKingdom, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium,Denmark, Finland, FranceandGermany. AircraftincludedF-35ALightningIIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons, Eurofighter Typhoons, DassaultRafaleCs, F/A-18HornetsandDouglasA-4Skyhawks.
Duringtheexercise, aviatorsengagedin a friendlymatch ofbasicfightermaneuverstotesttheirrapiddecision-makingandprecise reactions to adversarymaneuversinahigh-pressure, demandingsetting –anessential skillforfighterpilots.
“Basicfightermaneuvering – sometimescalleddogfighting –isafoundationalskillsetforfighterpilots,” saidLt. Col MichaelLoringer, U.S. Air
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PhotobyAirman1stClass TrevorCalvert AnF-35ALightningIItakesflightduringRamstein1v1atRamsteinAir Base,Germany, June6.Ramstein1v1included37fighteraircraftfrom nineNATOcountriessuchasF-35ALightningIIs;F-16FightingFalcons; Eurofighter Typhoons;DassaultRafaleCs;F/A-18HornetsandaDouglasA-4Skyhawk.
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PhotobyAirman1stClassOliviaSampson
WEEKINPHOTOS
Membersofthe6thMedicalSupportSquadronposesforagroupphotoatMacDillAirForceBaseJune12.The6thMDSSprovidesadministrative supporttohealthcareprovidersandbeneficiaries.Additionally,theyare responsibleforthecareandupkeepoftheentiremedicalfacilityandits assets.
U.S.ArmyPhotobySgt.EthanScofield
U.S.ArmyMajorGen.WilliamL.Zana,director,StrategicPlansandPolicy,andInternationalAffairs(NGB-J5), reflectsonhistimewiththe Tomb oftheUnknownSoliderduringaninterviewinArlingtonNationalCemetery, Va.May31.ZanaendedhisArmycareerbystandingguardatthe TomboftheUnknown Soldier. Hespenttheeveningtalkingwiththecurrent TombGuardsand rememberinghistimehonoringtheUnknowns.
U.S.ArmyStaffSgt.RichardSanders,aUH-60Blackhawkcrewchief, performspre-flightchecksduringOperationBlueHorizonatMacDillAir ForceBaseJune5.OBHwasajointexercisefeaturingmilitarymedical professionalsfromAirForceand Navy installationsaroundthecountry.
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PhotobySeniorAirmanLaurenCobin
PhotobyAirmanMoniqueStober
NEWS/FEATURES
MedicalAirmentraininfieldforfuturedeployments,combat readiness
byMasterSgt.Becky Vanshur 124thFighterWing
AirmenfromtheIdahoAirNationalGuard’s 124thMedicalGrouptraveledoutsideoffamiliarground,totraininafieldenvironmentnear LittleCamas ReservoirinElmoreCounty, June 5-8,inpreparationoffuturedeployments.
“Theintentforthisfieldtraining wastoget theentiremedicalgroupexposedtothefieldenvironmentfordeploymentreadiness, aswellas pushingcomfortzonesand team building,” said Maj MarkUrban,criticalcare airtransport teamphysician.
Approximately65medicalpersonnelpracticed treatingandstabilizingcasualtiesusingtactical combatcasualtycareinasimulateddeployedlocationwhiledefendingmedicalstructuresandpersonnelandbecomingfamiliarwithsurvivalskills.
TheAirmenweretrainedonSurvival,Evasion,ResistanceandEscapeskillsfromMaster Sgt.Raymond Perez,124th Fighter WingSERE specialist.Hisgoalistopreparethe U.S. military personneltobeabletosurviveinintense situationsinunfamiliar surroundings.
“Themedicalteamswillbegeographically separatedfromthehospitalswhiledeployed, functioningfromaforwardoperating base,” said Perez.“Iamtrainingthemonpersonalprotection, clothing, buildingshelters, buildingfires, mentalandphysicalhealth,environmentalsafetyandprotection, waterpurificationandfood
U.S.AirForcemedicalspecialistsassignedtothe124thMedicalGroup,IdahoNationalGuard, traveledoutsideoffamiliarground,totraininafieldenvironmentnearLittleCamasReservoirin ElmoreCounty,June5-8,inpreparationoffuturedeployments.Medicalpersonnelfocusedon TCCC,pointofinjury,patientpackaging,callingina9-Linemedevac,patientmovement,ground treatmentandprolongedfieldcarewhiletrainingonmapandcompassskills,signalingand recoveryandmakingground-to-airsignalswithflaresforair rescue.
sustenance. We aregoingtofindfoodinthe area, anywherefromvegetationontheground, to huntinganimalsthatwewillcookandeat.”
Medicalpersonnel focusedonTCCC, point ofinjury, patientpackaging, callingina9-Line
medevac, patientmovement, ground treatment andprolongedfieldcarewhile Pereztrained themonmapandcompassskills, signalingand recoveryandmakingground-to-airsignalswith flaresforairrescue.
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PhotobyMasterSgt.Becky Vanshur
PhotobySeniorAirmanJordanLazaro
U.S. World WarIIveteranMr. CeoBauer, Former377thInfantryRegimentrifleman,isbuckledinbyStaffSgt.CarlosGarcia,86thAeromedicalEvacuationSquadronaeromedicalevacuationtechnician,foraveteransflightcommemoratingthe80thanniversaryofD-DayatCherbourg-MaupertusAirport,France,June7.The sacrificesmadebyU.S.servicemembersandourAlliesduring World WarIIserveasa reminderoftheimportanceofsolidarityintimesofadversity.
USAFEhonorsD-DayveteranswithcommemorativeflightsinFrance
bySeniorAirmanReganEnriquez 86thAirliftWing
Two World WarIIveteransflewoncommemorativeflightsinhonorofthe 80thanniversaryofD-DayatCherbourg-Maupertus, France, June7.
Theflightswerecoordinatedby CaptainChristian Maude, 37thAirlift Squadronmissioncommander, whoworkedwithUnitedStatesAir Forcesin Europeandotherparticipatingsquadronstomakeithappen.
Maudesaidhesawtheanniversaryasauniqueopportunitytopayhomage totheveteransbraveryandtoexpressgratitudeforthesacrificesmadebythe menandwomeninNormandy80yearsago.
Thetwoveterans, CeoBauer, former377thInfantryRegimentrifleman,and LouisStoel,formermemberofthe45thInfantryDivision, hadtheopportunity toflywithmembersofthe37thAirliftsquadronoutofRamsteinAirBase, Germany, withsupportfromthe81stAirliftSquadronoutofLittleRock Air Force Base, Arkansas.
Stoel’sneighborandgranddaughteraccompaniedhimonthecommemorativeflight,makingitanunforgettableexperience. Hejoinedthe U.S. Armyin 1943,andvolunteeredtobecomearanger, hethenmadehis waytoItalyand FranceduringthecourseofWWII.
“Comingbackto France80yearslaterisoutofthisworld,” Stoeladded.“I
wanttothanktheaircrewforflyingusaroundthecountrytodayandhaving theopportunitytomeetwithsuchagreatgroupofpeople.”
MuchlikeStoel,Bauer’sexperience wasonetoremember Bauer wasdraftedintothe U.S. Armyin1943aswell,he wasthereonthe beachesduringD-Dayin1944.80yearslater, he wasaccompaniedbyfamily andfriendsasheflewoverNormandyforthefirsttimesinceheserved.
“IthasbeenanhonortoflyinaC-130 forthefirsttimewithmycomp ions,” Bauersaid.“Icouldn’tseeNormandywhenIflewoverthefirsttime appreciatetheopportunityandIthankthecrew.”
Havingtheopportunitytofly wasuniquenotonlyfortheaircrew theveteransthemselves.
“We havetheabilitytodoabigthingforveteranstoshowthatwecarefor themandrememberthesacrificesthemenandwomenmade80yearsago saidMaude. “It’sanopportunitytoshowthegreatestgenerationwhatthey builtandhowwecanoperateandexecutebasedonthattoday.”
Thecommemorativeflightswerepartofalargerseriesofeventshonoring the80thanniversaryofD-Day. Theeventin cl udedflyovers, commemorative ceremoniesandopportunitiesfortheveteranstointeractwithcurrentmilitary personnelandlocals, bridgingthegapbetweengenerationsandensuringthat thelegacyofD-Daycontinuestoinspire.
“Iamhonoredtohavebeenapartofliberating Franceinthenameofthealliednations,” saidBauer. “Vivela France, andlongliveAmerica.”
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Former377thInfantryRegimentrifleman,isbuckledinbyStaffSgt.CarlosGarcia,86thAeromedicalEvacuationSquadnaeromedicalevacuationtechnician,foraveteransflightcommemoratingthe80thanniversaryofD-DayatCherbourg-MaupertusAirport,France,June7.The
DanyPatrixBoucherie, a childhoodsurvivorofD-Day, goesonaflightinaC-130J SuperHerculesaircraft,assignedto37thAirliftSquadro n,Ramstein,Germany,in acommemorativeflightof the80thanniversaryofDDayatCherbourg-Maupertus Airport,France,June7.On June6,1944,strengthofalliance,dedicated resolveand amulti-national,multi-domainoperationwontheday. Overall,thesuccessfulAllied landingscreatedthebasisfor Europe’sfuturestability,as wellasthe realitythatinternationalcollaborationcould ultimatelyovercometotalitarianism.
nttothanktheaircrewforflyingusaroundthecountrytodayandhaving sthereonthe saccompaniedbyfamily andfriendsasheflewoverNormandyforthefirsttimesinceheserved. forthefirsttimewithmycompanBauersaid.“Icouldn’tseeNormandywhenIflewoverthefirsttime,I
suniquenotonlyfortheaircrew, butalso havetheabilitytodoabigthingforveteranstoshowthatwecarefor themandrememberthesacrificesthemenandwomenmade80yearsago,”
“It’sanopportunitytoshowthegreatestgenerationwhatthey
Thecommemorativeflightswerepartofalargerseriesofeventshonoring commemorative ceremoniesandopportunitiesfortheveteranstointeractwithcurrentmilitary bridgingthegapbetweengenerationsandensuringthat anceinthenameoftheal-
U.S. World WarIIveteranMr. CeoBauer,Former377thInfantryRegimentrifleman, looksoutthewindowof a C-130JSuperHerculesaircraft,assignedto37thAirlift Squadron,Ramstein,Germany,inacommemorativeflight ofthe80thanniversaryof D-DayatNormandy,France, June7. We honorthosein whosefootstepswefollow by remaining readyandposturedtoface re gionaland globalthreatsinanincreasinglydynamicsecurityenvironmentinEurope.
USAFEhonorsD-DayveteranswithcommemorativeflightsinFrance
PhotobySeniorAirmanJordanLazaro
PhotobySeniorAirmanJordanLazaro
PhotobySeniorAirmanJordanLazaro
FIGHTERS
ForcesinEurope–Air ForcesAfrica chiefofweaponsand tactics. “Ittestsapilot’sreactiontime, physicalstamina andsituational awareness. BFMisacovetedandtimeless skillset,datingbacktothefirstfighterpilotsof World War I.Thereisnobetter wayto buildtrustinapilot’saircraft ora pilot’sskillsthantoengageinaoneononeBFMfight.” Inadditiontoprovidinganopportunitytotesttheir skillsinauniquesetting, theexercisebolsteredrelationshipsand esprit decorpsamongAlliesthroughthesharingoftactics, techniquesandexperiences–ultimately strengtheningNATO’s collectiveresolve. Additionally, it allowedthe U.S. andAlliestolearnfromone anotherand fosterteamworkinasafeenvironment,enhancingcommunicationandinteroperability.
“Thisevent provideda primeopportunitytohoneour skills, anditmadeafunexperiencetobuildcooperation andcamaraderieamongstalltheparticipants,” Lorringer said.“WearenotjustNATO Allies, butacommunitybound by genuine friendship andrespect. Iemphasizethispoint becausesuccessfulmilitaryoperationsrequireexceptional teamwork,oftencriticaltosurvival.Andasapilot,itboils downtotrust.It’scrucialtotrustyourwingman.”
FurtherdemonstratingthetrustandteamworkdemonstratedduringRamstein1v1, U.S. AirmenfromLakenheath AirBaseservicedRoyalNorwegianAir ForceF-35ALightningIIaircraft,aforcemultiplierfor U.S. nationalsecurity andNATO’s unified,collectivedefense, Loringersaid.
AtthecoreoftheGlobalGateway, 86thAirlift Wingpersonnelalsoprovidedinstallationsupporttoensuretheexercise wasasuccess.
“Thisexerciseisaboutpreparation andbeingreadyto deployandproject ourairpowerthroughout Europe and Africaatamoment’snotice,’ saidAirmanBasicRegisDickersonII, 86th LogisticReadinessSquadronmobiledistributionoperator “Thestrongerourtrustandconnections becomes, thestrongerourcapabilitiesbecome Whenwe jointogetherasonethisshowsouradversaries whatwe arecapableof.”
Members of the86thMaintenanceGroupand86thLogisticsReadinessGroupenabledflightlineoperations throughvariousfunctionsfrommarshalingaircrafttorefuelingaircraftandprovidingtransportationforcrews. The86thOperationsGroupandGermancounterpartsalso playedacriticalroleincoordinatingairspace, take-offsand landingsduringtheinitialarrival,exercise scenariosand final departure.
“AstheGlobalGateway, Ramsteinisthecradleforthis inauguraleventandfacilitatesinteroperabilitywithinthe Alliance,” Loringersaid.“Frompetroleum, oils andlubricants, totransientalerttothe86thOperationalSupport Squadron,Ramstein1v1 wasonlypossiblewiththecombinedeffortsofthefantasticRamsteinteam.”
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COMMUNITY
EVENTS
Juneteenthclosures
Forafulllistof6thFSS programfacilities, food andbeverage, andrecreationalfacility closures, visitmacdillfss.com/juneteenthclosures2024/
‘StuckwithyourRuck’Run/ Walk
JointheShort FitnessCenterfor “StuckwithyourRuck” on June28 at7a.m.,startingnearBayshore Gate. Ruckor walktotheGolf Courseandbackinyourfitnessattire, carryingaruck with your chosenweight.Don’tforget water, sunscreen,andbugspray, andcompete forprizesforthefastestfemaleand maleruckers. Formoreinformation,visitmacdillfss.com/wp-content/uploads/StuckwithRuck.pdf.
Junebasetheatermovies
YourMacDillBaseLibrarywill beofferingfreemoviesattheBase Theater. Moviesareopentoanyone withbaseaccesstoMacDillAFB. Foracompletemovieschedule, visitmacdillfss.com/library/.
AutoHobbyShopclasses
Learntomaintainyourvehicle likeaprowithMacDillAutoHobby’s Wednesday classes. Frommasteringpreventativemaintenanceto conqueringoil changesandbrake repairs, empoweryourself withessentialautomotiveskillstokeep yourriderunningsmoothly. For moreinformationandtoregister, visitmacdillfss.com/arts-andtrade-crafts/.
The Champ
U.S.AirForceCol.AdamBingham,6thAirRefuelingWingcommander,left,andChiefMasterSgt. RaunHowell,6thARWcommandchief,right, recognizeSeniorAirmanErikaRedfearn,acontractingofficer representativeassignedtothe6thMedicalSupportSquadron,asChampionofthe Week atMacDillAirForceBaseJune4.Redfearnhassuccessfullymanaged35personnelcontractsworth $100million,ensuringtimelyonboardingofnewcontractorsandmaintainingclinicoperationstosupportbase readiness.
CHAPELSCHEDULE
Normal Hours- Monday - Friday - 9 a.m.to 3p.m. After hours chaplain, callthe Command Post at 828-4362/4361.
Monday-Wednesday Mass - 12:10p.m. www.macdill.af.mil/chapel
Catholic Mass - Sunday - 9:30 a.m. (confessionsby appointment)
Findmoreeventsat:macdillfss.com
Protestant services - Sunday - 11 a.m. Contact the Chapel at 828-3621or email at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.a.mil or inquiries regarding Protestant religious education.
Jewish - Monthly Lunch and Learn: For schedule &to join distro,pleasecontactelimelach.estrin@us.a.mil
Islamic Service - Friday 1:30p.m.(space reserved)
OtherFaith Groups - Pleasecontact the Chapelat (813) 828-3621orviaemail at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil
For more details and information, visitthe Chapel Facebook page at http://www.facebook/6amwhc/ or MacDill’s Chapel website is: https://www.macdill.af.mil/chapel
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PhotobySeniorAirmanLaurenCobin
“Sgt. FirstClassMcElfresh was theobviousselectionforthisopportunity, aftershe was awarded2023Instructorofthe Yearatthe7thArmyNoncommissionedOfficerAcademy,” saidMasterSgt. NathanRyan, RamsteinALScommandant. “The leadershipofRamsteinALShadlong toyedwiththeideaofincorporating a jointinstructor When word of herdedicationtoexcellencereachedourschoolhouse, weknewthatnow wasthetimetoexecute thisvision.”
ArrivingatALSinKapaunAirStation,Germany, McElfreshfound herselfinunchartedterritory. Amidsttheunfamiliarity, McElfresh discoveredasenseofpurposeshehadn’tanticipated.
“IneverimaginedI’dendupteaching,” saidMcElfresh.“I wasalways thequietone, notseekingthespotlight.”
Yet,asMcElfreshsettledintohernewrole, teachingALSClass24-4 fromApril15toMay16, 2024,she foundfulfillmentinguidingandinspiringthenextgenerationofmilitary leaders.
“Transitioningfromcombattoeducation wasn’teasy,” saidMcElfresh.“Ihadtonavigateanewworldofteachingandmentorship. Unlikethe rigidstructuresI wasusedto, ALSfosteredlivelydiscussions andencouragedindividualexpression.”
AdaptingtotheAir Force classroomdynamicsattheschoolhouse wasoneofMcElfresh’sbiggestadjustments. McElfreshfoundjoyin this collaborativelearningatmosphere, recognizingthevalueofexchanging ideasandactiveengagementinthe learningprocess.
“Almostimmediately, Sgt 1stClass McElfreshbecameapartofthe
familyamongstourcadre,” saidMasterSgt.Ryan, “Amongstthe students, shebroughtanunparalleledoutlooktooneofthemostcrucial curriculumoutcomesatRamsteinALS: Joint Warfighting. With very littlepreparationtime, shehadnoproblempickingupanAir Force lessonplananddeliveringitwithnothingshortofquality, resultingin countlesspraisesfromstudentslongaftergraduation.RamsteinALSis proudofherachievementsandthankfulforhercontributiontothedevelopmentofourCadreandfutureNonCommissionedOfficer’s.”
McElfresh’sdedicationtoherstudentsshinesthroughasshereflects onhertimeasaninstructor. Shehopestoinspireotherstoembrace changeandpursuetheirpassionswithcourageandconviction.
“Itakeprideinwitnessingthegrowthanddevelopmentofmystudents,” McElfreshsaid.“Frominstillingconfidencetofosteringcritical thinkingskills, it’srewardingtoseethemflourish.”
As sheleaveshercurrent assignmentshedoessowithasenseoffulfillmentandaccomplishment.
“Thoughmypathmayhavebeenwindingandunpredictable,” McElfreshsaid,“Iremaincommittedtoserviceand the pursuitof excellence.”
ForMcElfresh,thejourneyfromSoldiertoeducator hasbeentransformative. Switchingfromtheoperationaltothefrontlinesofthe classroom,shehasembracedthe challengewithhumilityanddedicationto leavealastingimpactonallthosesheencounters. Throughherexperiences, McElfreshhaslearnedthe resilienceandadaptabilitythatdefinesthemilitaryethos.
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RAMSTEIN FromPage3
hermomwhopassed frompancreatic cancer in 2018.
“It washumbling to watchmy mom keep runningeveryday, even whileshe wasbattlingcancer,” Marshsaid.“Ikeptthinking—what’s my excuse?”
ForbothMarshandhermother, fitness isabout morethan looking good To them,curatinganactiveandhealthylifestyleallowsyoutolive longer, tokeepyourhearthealthyandtofight illness. It’saboutstartingwhereyouare, givingyourself graceandworkingday-inand dayouttobeyourbest.
Foranyonelookingtoadopt afitness-focusedlifestyle, Marshoffers fivepiecesofadvice:
1.Everyone startssomewhere. Evenafter yearsinthegym,Marsh stillexperimentswithnewexercises, machinesandfitnessgoals. Everyoneislearning, so, accordingtoMarsh, there’snoreasontobeselfconscious.
2.Everydayisanewday. Didyoumissonedayinthegym?No problem.Didyouforgettodrinkenough water?Don’tsweatit.“Today is a newday, andyoucan wakeupand choosebetterhabits!”Marshsaid.
3.Nutritioniskey. Foryears, Marshdedicatedherselftoworkingout butsawnoresultsbecauseshedidn’t prioritizewhatsheputintoher
body. Sheonlynoticedarealdifferenceinhowshefelt—bothinandout ofthegym—aftershefocusedoneatingtherightproteinsandmaking intentionaldecisionsatmeals.
4.Afitlifestyledoesn’tjustmeanlookingfit.Likehermother, Marsh viewsfitnessasapathtohealth, not ameansto changing your appearance “Thegym wassomuch morethanjustalooktomymom,” Marsh said.“Itkepthersaneandgaveherbetteroddsinherbattleagainst cancer. ThatisthementalityIkeepinmymindeverytime Iworkout.”
5.Consistencybringsresults. Whileonthe road,Marshhasnoticed thattakingdaysoffmakesitdifficulttojumpbackintoafitnessroutine. Evenwhenherlocationoraccesstoequipment limitswhatshecan do, shestillfindsvalueinshorterormachine-lessworkouts. Timethat shespendsexercisinginany waypreparesherfor harderdays inlarge gyms, andeverything—eventheshorterworkouts—helpachieveherfitnessgoals.
FormoredetailsonAir Forcefitnessstandards, visit theAir Force’s fitnessguide Ifyouwouldliketoserve alongside Marsh, visitairforce. com/missamericatoconnectwitharecruiternear you, or, ifyouwould liketoexploretheAir Force’smostphysically-demandingcareerfields, checkoutopenjobsinAir Force Special Warfare.
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