Thunderbolt 8/15/2024

Vol. 52, No. 32

Thursday, August 15, 2024

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Col. Szczepanik takes command of 6th ARW - page 6 News/Features: page 2 Mental breaks a good thing

News/Features: page 3 Chaplain Candidates Program

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hastings

U.S. Air Force Col. Edward Szczepanik speaks during the 6th Air Refueling Wing change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base Aug. 2. Szczepanik took command from Col. Adam Bingham and will oversee the wing’s worldwide combat air refueling mission and provide installation support to Headquarters U.S. Central Command, Headquarters U.S. Special Operations Command and over 30 other joint mission partners.

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

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

NEWS/FEATURES

Mental breaks prevent mental breakdowns

by Senior Airman Zachary Foster U.S. Air Force Central U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY–The hardest part of a deployment is being away from loved ones, but service members deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility are never truly alone.

The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing hosts a variety of resources solely dedicated to helping Airmen combat the struggles of deployment. Depending on the needs of the Airman, resources like the Chaplains Office and the Military and Family Readiness Center provide introductory care.

The next level of care, and the highest level at the 379th AEW, is a visit to the 379th Expeditionary Medical Squadron mental health flight.

“Our goal is to find ways to support people’s resilience,” said the 379th EMDS mental health clinical psychologist. “We really want to optimize the human weapons system and look at how we can best support people so they can do their job more effectively.”

The team of three providers and two technicians has a full walk-in schedule designed to be as conducive to the customer as possible. According to the 379th EMDS director of psychological health, the flight intends to flex to the needs of the individual. Whether it be sleep See MENTAL Page 10

U.S. Air Force photo

A mental health provider assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Medical Squadron listens to a patient at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, July 31.

The 379th EMDS mental health clinic offers a variety of services including weekly open forums focusing on getting better sleep and reducing stress.

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE The Action Line provides two-way communication between the 6th Air Refueling Wing commander and the MacDill community. Personnel may submit questions, concerns or comments via email to macdillwingcommander@us.af.mil or Facebook @6thARWCommandTeam

MacDill Thunderbolt Publisher: Joe Deluca Editor: Nick Stubbs The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by the Times Publishing Company, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for distribution to members of the U.S. military services on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill Thunderbolt are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. government, the Department of Defense,

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the Department of the Air Force or the 6th Air Refueling Wing.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, 6th Air Refueling Wing or the Publishing Company of the products or service advertised.

For retail advertising, call (813) 226-3318.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron.

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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 , FL 33621. Call the Thunderbolt at 828-2215. : 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

2024 Indo-Pacific Unity Allies and Partners Engineer Summit

by Airman 1st Class Manasseh Demissie 36th Wing ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam— The 554th Rapid Engineering Deployable Heavy Operations Repair Squadron hosted a multilateral Silver Flag exercise July 22-26 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of the Indo-Pacific Unity Allies & Partners Engineer Summit.

The goal of the annual exercise is to enhance partnerships, promote regional stability and increase engineer interoperability. Specifically, this exercise allows U.S. partners and allies to familiarize themselves with the techniques and equipment that the U.S. Air Force utilizes to ensure airfields can support, launch and recover aircraft.

“This past week, we’ve had 74 engineers from seven different countries participating in joint airfield recovery operations along with Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear, and [our] fire department,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Celyn Rodgers, 554 REDHORSE Silver Flag flight lead. “They learned the basic steps of how we See SUMMIT Page 9

Photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Contreras

NASA SpaceX Crew-9 mission crew members address service members from Space Launch Delta 45 during an event at the Sands Space History Center at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, July 23. The Crew-9 mission would be the first time a rocket would launch with a U.S. Space Force Guardian aboard.

Chaplain Candidate Program turns lieutenants into chaplains

by Patrick Sullivan 78th Air Base Wing ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.—Air Force chaplains fill a critical, demanding role providing guidance and support to Airmen all over the world. The Chaplain Candidate Program is an initiative designed to cultivate well-trained and dedicated chaplains to ensure the spiritual strength of the force.

Hosted at Robins Air Force Base and led by the Air Force Reserve Command, the program plays a pivotal role in supplying the total force with capable spiritual leaders.

“The impact of well-trained chaplains and religious affairs Airmen is likely immeasurable,” said Lt. Col. Justin Ivy, Chaplain Candidate Program senior mentor and program alumnus. “How do you quantify the impact of walking through the difficult questions of a couple considering divorce, or holding the hand of an Airman pulled back from the edge of suicide? The chaplain corps’ religious support teams stand in the deep valleys of life where despair is thick like smoke and hopelessness has taken hold, but for the chaplains and religious affairs Airmen who remind us of the presence of the transcendent. Airmen will know they are not alone because their chaplain is nearby.”

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Photo by Patrick Sullivan

Chaplain candidates compete in an obstacle course during the Chaplain Candidate program at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, July 25.

Candidates spend the first three weeks of the program’s Initial Candidate Training immersed in the ministerial duties of a chaplain, before they spend the final week of ICT at a field training exercise designed to replicate the stress and rigors of a deployed environment.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Monique Stober

An Airman holds his loved one after graduating from U.S. Air Force Basic Military Training. More than 700 Airmen assigned to Flights 488-502, receive their Airman’s coin during the 737th Training Group’s Coin and Retreat Ceremony, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, July 31. The ceremony is one of three USAF BMT graduation events and signifies the transition from trainee to Airman. Lt. Col. Kimberly Rigby, 320th Training Squadron commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Gerry Volcy, 320 TRS Senior Enlisted Leader, were the guest speakers for the ceremony. The 37th Training Wing, known as “Gateway to the Air Force” is home to BMT.

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Monique Stober

U.S. Air Force photo by Joshua Hastings

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, 18th Air Force commander, passes the 6th Air Refueling Wing guidon to Col. Edward Szczepanik, 6th ARW commander, at MacDill Air Force Base Aug. 2. As commander of the 6th ARW, Szczepanik will oversee the base’s primary mission of providing air refueling anytime, anywhere.

Airmen assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing stand in formation during a wing change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base Aug. 2.

U.S. Air Force Col. Edward Szczepanik took command from Col. Adam Bingham and will oversee the wing’s worldwide combat air refueling mission and provide installation support to Headquarters U.S. Central Command, Headquarters U.S. Special Operations Command and over 30 other joint mission partners.

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NEWS/FEATURES Tyndall showcases landscape design and resilient planting

by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim 325th Fighter Wing Through the efforts of the Natural Disaster Recovery Division of the Air Force Civil Engineer Center and the 325th Civil Engineering Squadron and various other entities, Team Tyndall has employed landscape design and resilient planting to increase mission readiness, improve sustainability with efficient land use and develop resiliency against flooding and high wind speeds.

Utilizing the landscape master plan guidelines that were developed post-Hurricane Michael to improve efficiency and budgeting for the Air Force, maintenance requirements across the installation are projected to decrease.

“Resilient planting is when you incorporate plant life and practices that will withstand the time and environment they are in,” said Sandra Buckley-Rusnov, AFCEC NDR project manager. “For example, most plants cannot withstand the amount of wind and salt in the air in our area. We must consider these factors in order to have plants thrive in the environment they are placed in, without continual intervention and maintenance by people.”

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Photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim

Three cabbage palm trees, Florida’s official state tree, sit close to the main entrance of fire station 2, while native deciduous trees are featured throughout the lawn at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, July 30.

Project managers received a list of native plant species trees, shrubs, grasses, and more that were recommended for the installation by the Florida State University department of biological science.

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U.S. Air Force Col. Edward Szczepanik thanks members in attendance during the 6th Air Refueling Wing change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base Aug. 2. Szczepanik took command from Col. Adam Bingham and will oversee the wing’s worldwide combat air refueling mission and provide installation support to Headquarters U.S. Central Command, Headquarters U.S. Special Operations Command and over 30 other joint mission partners.

6th ARW welcomes new commander

by Senior Airman Joshua Hastings story and photos by 6th Air Refueling Wing

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he 6th Air Refueling Wing welcomed its fifth commander here, Aug. 2.

Col. Edward Szczepanik took command of the 6th ARW from Col. Adam Bingham during a ceremony officiated by 18th Air Force commander, Maj. Gen. Corey Martin.

During his first address to the wing as commander, Szczepanik conveyed his commitment to supporting Air Mobility Command’s global reach mission and continuing the wing’s standard of excellence.

“When I think about the next two years ahead of us, I think about a nuclear operational readiness inspection, a combat readiness inspection [and] a unit effectiveness inspection,” Szczepanik said. “Those are all things that happen every five years. We get to do all of this; it is going to be us. We get to do $260 million in construction to bring on the KC-46, America’s next tanker.”

Unlike most incoming unit commanders whose new positions require moving from one installation to another, Szczepanik’s service continues here where he spent the last 14 months as the 6th ARW deputy commander. As deputy commander, Szczepanik was second in command of the wing and was the acting commander when needed.

“You are a man of great character and patience who always sees the good in people,” Bingham told Szczepanik. “I admire you greatly and will be cheering you on the entire way.”

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Before coming here in 2023, Szczepanik served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon. He began his Air Force career as a C-17 Globemaster III pilot and participated in numerous operations including Unified Response, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn.

During the ceremony, Martin expressed his confidence in Szczepanik’s command.

“It was not the ease of proximity that made him the next commander here,” Martin said. “He was the first officer I thought of when the position opened up, and it is for many reasons. He is now very accomplished on both sides of an air refueling boom, having served here, and his foundational years being in airlift and commanding a C-17 squadron.”

Martin also complimented the new wing commander’s previous performance in a joint force environment and his ability to communicate complex strategic ideas.

As the 6th ARW commander, Szczepanik is responsible for the wing’s worldwide combat air refueling mission and will provide installation support to Headquarters U.S. Central Command, Headquarters U.S. Special Operations Command and over 30 other joint mission partners. Additionally, he is responsible for nearly 17,000 base employees and their families and approximately $2.8 billion in base property and capital assets.

“I will promise three things, especially to those standing in formation and those out here in the sun,” Szczepanik said. “I will absolutely care. I will make decisions, especially the hard ones. And I will lead from the front.”

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(Above) Airmen assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing stand in formation during a wing change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base Aug. 2. U.S. Air Force Col. Edward Szczepanik took command from Col. Adam Bingham and will oversee the wing’s worldwide combat air refueling mission and provide installation support to Headquarters U.S. Central Command, Headquarters U.S. Special Operations Command and over 30 other joint mission partners.

(Left) U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Bingham, left, Col. Edward Szczepanik, middle, and Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, 18th Air Force commander, render salutes during the national anthem at MacDill Air Force Base Aug. 2. Martin presided over the 6th Air Refueling Wing change of command ceremony where Bingham relinquished command to Szczepanik.

LANDSCAPE From Page 5

The NDR team, together with the 325th Fighter Wing continues to construct, repair, and improve more than 100 new and existing buildings during the Department of Defense’s largest rebuild. This includes choosing plant species, incorporating outdoor furniture, and choosing fixtures to withstand the Florida coastal environment.

“In addition to plants that go into the ground, health and wellness professionals on base wanted to use very large planters for resiliency gardens,” said Traycee Chapman, former 325th CES master planner. “We had to make sure that these items were resilient to elements such as wind, but also complimented the structure and aesthetic of the base as well as met safety requirements.”

Project managers received a list of native plant species recommended for the installation by the Florida State University department of biological science. This list included trees, shrubs, grasses, sedges, rushes, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. Additional considerations were then factored in for what to plant where.

“We can’t just go in and pick any tree off the list,” explained Buckley-Rusnov. “In coastal Florida we often need trees and shrubs that can take full sun, salt water and wet ground. For that type of site, it’s important not to select a

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plant whose native environment is dry shade as it won’t thrive there. If we are on the flightline side, we then have to consider the [Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard] program. Now we can’t pick a certain tree with a branching structure that creates a perfect nesting area for wildlife.

We can use plant choices as a means of encouraging birds to live and feed on the support side rather than near the airfield.”

Planners aim to reduce traditional stormwater capital, damage to buildings due to storm surge, improve water quality and establish a more self-sustaining landscape by integrating stormwater into a land management application from the building site to the coast.

Chapman explained landscaping was not always a forethought when the installation was originally established pre-Hurricane Michael, but utilizing the opportunity and natural resources available will improve the overall function of the base.

“What we’re doing now is following best practices for natural runoff, mitigating damage to structures and personnel, and building the resiliency of the installation.

That concept of resiliency was intentional when we made these plans for the future of Tyndall.” said Chapman.

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Photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim

Sandra Buckley-Rusnov, Air Force Civil Engineering Center natural disaster recovery project manager, showcases a variegated yucca outside of the child development center at Tyndall Air Force Base July 30. The NDR division of AFCEC, the 325th Civil Engineering Squadron and various other entities, Team Tyndall has employed landscape design and resilient planting to increase mission readiness, improve sustainability with efficient land use.

SUMMIT From Page 3

recover an airfield.”

This year’s participants included engineers from the Royal Australian Air Force, Republic of Korea Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Indonesian Air Force, Philippine Air Force, and the Republic of Singapore Air Force. They worked with Team Andersen to learn how to execute expeditionary airfield damage repairs.

“This event helps our partners because we have the premier tools and equipment that allow them to [hone] their engineering skills and take what they learned back home so they can apply it to their airfield recovery program,” said Rodgers.

For Corporal Dillon Butler, Royal Australian Air Force carpenter, he was able to witness how other countries performed airfield repairs through various, yet similar, airfield tactics, techniques and procedures.

“I learned a lot this past week,” said Butler. “I learned different forms of airfield repairs and how other countries operated, which was very eye opening to me.”

Exercises like Silver Flag foster strategic relationships to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“At the end of the day, we might wear different uniforms and speak different languages, but if push comes to shove, we’re going to function as one engineering force,” said Rodgers. “No matter what uniform you [wear], we’re all going to be one team.”

Photo by Airman 1st Class Manasseh Demissie

Republic of Singapore Air Force and Republic of Korea Air Force members participate in a Silver Flag exercise alongside the 554th Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer cadre during the Indo-Pacific Unity Allies and Partners Engineer Summit at the Pacific Regional Training Center-Andersen, Guam July 25. Silver Flag provided an opportunity for U.S. engineers and partners to discuss expeditionary base resilience concepts and share best practices to ensure airfields can support, launch, and recover aircraft.

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MENTAL From Page 2

or stress, the mental health flight has the resources for each unique circumstance.

“The number one risk factor for suicide is isolation,” said the clinical psychologist. “One of our main focuses is promoting social communication, building those social networks across base.”

One of the most effective ways the clinic has built these connections is with their weekly classes. Twice a week, the flight invites service members from across the installation to participate in an open forum focused on building better sleep habits and reducing stress.

The flight is even taking a proactive approach to caring for Airmen with visits to high-stress units. According to the 379th EMDS director of psychological health, these visits aim to familiarize service members with representatives from helping agencies, forming a connection before they need help.

“Instead of waiting for Airmen to come see us, we go to see them,” said the clinical psychologist. “In the units where there are significant work demands, it’s difficult for them to make the trip to the clinic, but we can go meet them. We’ve developed training for sleep, stress, communication - anything we can do to address the concerns units are feeling.”

The clinic often leaves Airmen with advice from Dr. Steven Hayes, a leading industry psychologist, “mental breaks prevent mental breakdowns.” According to the 379th EMDS director of psychological health, it’s in the best interest of everyone to pause often and take time to rest and recover rather than pushing through to the point of mental exhaustion.

To schedule a training or for more information about the 379th EMDS mental health flight call 318455-5227.

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U.S. Air Force photo

A mental health provider assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Medical Squadron listens to a patient at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, July 31.

The 379th EMDS mental health clinic offers a variety of services including weekly open forums focusing on getting better sleep and reducing stress.

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Family Fun Night Join the fun at MacDill Lanes & Family Fun Center for “Kids Night” Family Fun Night on August 9 from 5– 9 p.m. Enjoy a DJ, cosmic bowling, and goody bags (while supplies last). Don’t miss the $7.95 South of the Border Kids Buffet (12 and under), $2 games, and affordable shoe rentals: $3 for adults and $2 for kids.

Visit macdillfss.com/wp-content/uploads/AugKidsNight.pdf for more information.

Adults-Only Game Night Looking for a fun hangout spot?

Come to the Late-Night Game Night (ages 18+) at MacDill Lanes & Family Fun Center on August 17 from 8:30– 11:30 p.m. For just $20, enjoy five games of bowling with shoes, various card and board games, and delicious food (ESM approved menu available) and bar service until 10:30 p.m. Prizes await the winners of the card and board games. Grab your friends and make it a night to remember. Visit macdillfss.com/wpcontent/uploads/LateNightGameNight.pdf for more details.

Outdoor Adventure Tours Experience the thrill of adventure with 6th FSS Outdoor Adventure Tours! From mastering the basics of kayaking to embarking on exhilarating kayak tours, swimming alongside majestic manatees, and exploring the depths through scuba diving, Outdoor Recreation trips and classes offer unforgettable experiences for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.

Dive into nature and create memories forever! Visit macdillfss.com/ outdoor-adventure-tours/ to view upcoming classes and trips. Tours sell out quickly! Sign up today.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexander Cook

Fini flight

U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Bingham, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, gets hosed with water by his son following a final flight at MacDill Air Force Base July 23. The final flight is an Air Force tradition marking pilots’ departure from a unit, or the last time they fly an aircraft.

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

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

Catholic Mass - Sunday - 9:30 a.m.

(confessions by appointment)

Protestant services - Sunday - 11 a.m. Contact the Chapel at 828-3621 or email at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil for inquiries regarding Protestant religious education.

Jewish - Monthly Lunch and Learn: For schedule & to join distro, please contact elimelach.estrin@us.af.mil

Islamic Service - Friday 1:30 p.m. (space reserved) 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 u Thursday, August 15, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 11

CHAPLAIN From Page 3

Candidates are commissioned as second lieutenants, sent to the Officer Training School at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, and complete a month-long Initial Candidate Training course here at Robins.

ICT brings in a cadre of experienced chaplains and religious affairs Airmen to teach and mentor candidates across a variety of topics, regulations and ceremonies. Candidates also attend the religious services for a variety of different beliefs, allowing them to better serve service members of all faiths as well as those who do not follow a religion.

“As a graduate of the Chaplain Candidate Program many years ago, my experience as a mentor has been somewhat nostalgic,” said Ivy. “Senior chaplains poured wisdom out for us so we could discern God’s call on our life and our direction for ministry. I have been honored to walk with these chaplain candidates as they too explore and discern God’s purpose for their life and ministry.”

After three weeks immersed in the ministerial duties of a chaplain, candidates spend the final week of ICT at a field training exercise designed to replicate the stress and rigors of a deployed environment. Partnering with the 5th Combat Communication Group’s Combat Readiness School, candidates go through a series of intensive training events, including tactical casualty combat care, combatives and simulated combat scenarios, all while living in a field environment.

While enduring the challenges of training and adjusting to life in the field, candidates are expected to lead religious services and perform ceremonies – ensuring they are prepared for the demands of chaplaincy in the military.

“They’re getting an overview of what it would be like to be in a deployed environment, in a combat environment, to figure out how we fit in,” said Maj. Timothy Dahlstrom, 446th Airlift Wing deputy wing chaplain and Initial Candidate Course mentor. “We’re going through combat scenarios as noncombatants and figuring out how to embed ourselves into the middle of war, into the middle of the mission, and help others accomplish everything ahead of them.”

This hands-on approach is crucial for preparing chaplains to be the calm and steady presence Airmen need in times of uncertainty.

“I’ve seen firsthand how in the middle of the chaos, we get to step in and be that calm\ face, the reminder that when everything’s not okay, it will be okay,” Dahlstrom added.

The training emphasizes the dual role chaplains play; while they may not engage in combat, they are integral to the spiritual and emotional battles Airmen face.

The program’s structure, which sends ICT graduates on tours to shadow religious support teams at active-duty bases, ensures future chaplains gain real-world experience. This exposure to military operations and the unique challenge of military ministry helps candidates develop the resilience and adaptability needed to support Airmen in diverse and often challenging environments.

Upon completing the program candidates become fully-fledged chaplains and may choose to stay in the Reserve or apply for active duty or Air Guard positions.

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