Thunderbolt 6/20/2024

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.

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

SeeFITNESS,Page12

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,

the Departmentof the Air Force or the6th Air Refueling Wing.

The appearance of advertisingin thispublication,includinginserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsementby the Departmentof Defense, the Departmentof the Air Force,6th Air Refueling Wingor the Publishing Companyof the products or serviceadvertised.

For retail advertising, call (813)226-3318. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, orpatronagewithout regard to race,color, religion, sex, nationalorigin, age, marital status, physical handicap,politicalaffiliationor any other non-merit factorof the purchaser,user,orpatron.

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Newsitems for the MacDillThunderbolt can be submitted tothe6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office,8208 Hangar Loop Dr., suite14, MacDill,FL 33621. Call the Thunderbolt at828-2215. : 6arw.pa.macdillthunderbolt@us.af.mil. Deadline forarticle submissions isnoon, Wednesdays to appear in the next week’s publication. Articlesreceived after deadline may be considered for future use. All submissions areconsidered for publicationbased onnews value and timeliness.

Everyarticleandphotographis edited for accuracy, clarity, brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Stylebook andLibel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101.

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.

SeeRAMSTEINPage11

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

SeeFIGHTERS,Page8

PhotobyAirman1stClass TrevorCalvert AnF-35ALightningIItakesflightduringRamstein1v1atRamsteinAir Base,Germany, June6.Ramstein1v1included37fighteraircraftfrom nineNATOcountriessuchasF-35ALightningIIs;F-16FightingFalcons; Eurofighter Typhoons;DassaultRafaleCs;F/A-18HornetsandaDouglasA-4Skyhawk.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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

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.

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.