Thunderbolt 08/18/2022

Vol. 50, No. 33

Thursday, August 18, 2022

CMSAF Bass visits MacDill - page 8 News/Features: page 2 Post-Dobbs Q&A

News/Features: page 3 New military health system

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings

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

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass speaks to Airmen during an all-call at MacDill Air Force Base Aug. 4.

Bass met with members assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command and other tenant units to discuss the Air Force’s mission, vision and priorities during her visit to the base.

NEWS/FEATURES After Dobbs decision, DoD provides Q&A resource

by Jim Garamone DoD News When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision protecting abortion rights, service members and families were left uncertain about their access to reproductive health care.

Recognizing that the defense community continues to have questions about available services, the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness today published a Q&A that includes answers to questions around reproductive health care access — including leave and travel, sexual assault, contraceptives and other types of related assistance.

DOD shared the Q&A on the TRICARE and Military Health System websites. The MHS site, known as Health.mil, also offers additional information and resources for women’s health care within the DOD community. TRICARE is the health care program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families around the world.

The Q&A represents part of the department’s efforts to take care of service members, DOD civilians and their families, and to ensure military readiness.

“Nothing is more important to me or to this department than the health and well-being of our service members, the civilian workforce and DOD families,” said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III in a message to the force after the Dobbs decision. “I am committed to taking care of our people and ensuring the readiness and resilience of our force. The

Photo by Jason W. Edwards

Army Maj. (Dr.) Kayla Jaeger, Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine chief, discusses contraception options with patient, Air Force Capt.

Jacqueline Wade, while Benesha Jackson, licensed vocational nurse, gathers instruments for an exam at the CPT Jennifer M. Moreno Primary Care Clinic, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. department is examining this decision closely and evaluating our policies to ensure we continue to provide seamless access to reproductive health care as permitted by federal law.”

Be sure to visit the official 6th Air Refueling Wing website at www.macdill.af.mil 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 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 MacDill Clinic transitioning to the MHS GENESIS system Sept. 24 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs The 6th Medical Group will begin transitioning to Military Health System GENESIS, the Department of Defense’s new electronic health record system, on Sept. 24.

Patients can expect to see an increase in wait times and a reduction in available appointments for the next several weeks as healthcare teams adapt their office and clinic practices to new, standardized workflows.

MHS GENESIS is the new electronic health record system used in military hospitals and clinics worldwide.

The MHS GENESIS system is the centerpiece of a larger transformation to securely standardize, integrate and manage medical records across the DoD and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The health record delivers data to healthcare teams wherever patients receive treatment, whether at a medical facility within the DoD, Department of Veterans Affairs, or the U.S. Coast Guard. This record See GENESIS, Page 12

Air Force, Space Force members at high risk for monkeypox urged to stay informed Air Force Surgeon General Public Affairs FALLS CHURCH, Va. The current outbreak of monkeypox continues to spread, with more than 6,600 active cases in the United States mostly occurring among gay and bisexual men.

The White House declared on August 4 that monkeypox is a national public health emergency, and Air Force providers at military treatment facilities are ready to provide guidance on the monkeypox vaccine. If not immediately available, shipment of the approved monkeypox vaccine can be available within 24 to 48 hours.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on vaccines, even if the vaccine is given between four and 14 days of being exposed, the vaccine can still be helpful in reducing the symptoms of monkeypox,” said Lt. Col. Sonia Molchan, preventive medicine chief, Air Force Medical Readiness Agency.

If an Airman or Guardian falls within the CDC guidelines for recommended vaccination, the military treatment facility will coordinate that.

The CDC provides tiered risk assessments for exposure. High-risk category includes individuals who have been contacted by their local public health departments, have had close or intimate contact in the

past 14 days with an individual with monkeypox, or have had multiple sexual partners in the past 14 days in an area with known monkeypox.

Individuals at high risk also include people who may live in the same household with an infected person, share the same space or touch the same objects, and having close, intimate contact.

Moderate risk situations include exposure to respiratory droplets or attending an indoor event with an infected person where prolonged, close contact could occur.

“The most important things Airmen and Guardians need to know are what monkeypox is, what are their risks, and what to do if they are exposed,” said Lt. Col. David Sayers, Chief, Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical Readiness Agency.

Department of the Air Force senior leaders and the department’s LGBTQ+ Initiatives Team are also urging high risk Airmen and Guardians to stay informed.

The LGBTQ+ Initiatives Team, or LIT, was established in 2021 to address issues impacting the community, especially when it comes to identifying potential barriers within existing policies and processes.

“It is critical Airmen and Guardians who fall into a high risk category have access to the care and support they need as we navigate through the current monkeypox outbreak,” said Maj. Jonathan Ro-

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dominic Pavlich, 6th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, puts out a fire during an aircraft rescue and firefighting proficiency training at MacDill Air Force Base Aug. 5. ARFF training helps prepare Air Force firefighters to manage compromised aircraft in emergency situations.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings

U.S. Air Force Col. Erich Schroeder, 6th Medical Group commander, passes the 6th Medical Support Squadron guidon to the squadron’s newest commander, Lt. Col. Keye Latimer, at MacDill Air Force Base Aug. 4. As commander of the 6th MDSS, Latimer will oversee medical logistics, lab, pharmacy, diagnostic imaging and patient administrative services to ensure the combat capability of the 6th Air Refueling Wing, U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command and 36 partner units.

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Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

U.S. Air Force Col. Jonathan Burdick, 6th Operations Group commander, passes the 91st Air Refueling Squadron guidon to the squadron’s newest commander, Lt. Col. Mike Vilven, during a change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base Aug. 8. As part of the 6th Air Refueling Wing, the 91st ARS operates KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft worldwide to conduct air refueling missions.

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NEWS/FEATURES Multi-Platinum country star Darius Rucker to headline opening ceremony U.S. Army Training and Doctrine JOINT BASE LANGLEY EUSTIS, Va.—Three-time Grammy Award winner and multi-Platinum selling artist Darius Rucker will headline the Opening Ceremony at the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games this summer.

Hosted by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, the Warrior Games will take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida, Aug. 19-28.

The Opening Ceremony will take place Friday, Aug. 19, at The Stadium within the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Attendees will hear favorites from Darius’ time with Hootie & the Blowfish, as well as his solo chart-topping hits like “Wagon Wheel.”

The Warrior Games, first held in 2010, celebrates the resiliency and dedication of wounded, ill and injured active-duty and veteran military service members from the U.S. and allied nations. Hundreds of elite athletes will compete in adaptive sporting events such as wheelchair basketball, cycling, indoor rowing, sitting volleyball and others.

The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which hosted the 2016 See WARRIOR GAMES, Page 10

Graphic by Jim Martinez

Staff Sgt. Anthony Davis, shift leader for the 6th Force Support Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base is a finalist for the 2022 Innovation Rodeo and will pitch his idea to a panel of AFIMSC leaders Aug. 19 in San Antonio.

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Force Support Squadron Services Effective as of 04 JUNE 2022 OPERATIONAL

LIMITED SERVICES

CLOSED

MASK REQUIRED INDOORS REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS COMMUNITY SERVICES

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Common Access Card (CAC) - By Appointment Only or Mission Essential Actions (Initial CAC issue; lost CAC; PIN Reset; CAC expiring within 7 days; emergency hardships Retiree/Dependent ID Cards - 2 Kiosks available at the BX for renewals or by appointment only Passports - By Appointment Only Military Personnel Flight APF/NAF/CIV Personnel Office Manpower & Organization Office School Liaison/EFMP NAF Cashier Cage Private Org/Unit SM&W Funds Emergency Financial Assistance

READINESS/DEVELOPMENT

Fitness Center- Masks must be worn while indoors at all times except while actively engaging on cardio or anaerobic equipment.

Child Development Centers (CDCs) Family Child Care School Age Program Youth Center

EVENT SUPPORT Capacity limited to 50 patrons for all events.

Breakaway Event Center Theater

FOOD OPERATIONS

Dine-in limited to 50% capacity for all facilities.

DFAC Rickenbacker’s Cafe Brews of the Bay Bar Smoothie Bar (Fitness Center) 8 Iron Grill (Golf Course) Boomers Bar & Grill (Breakaway Event Center) Hangar 6 Grill (Bowling Center) SeaScapes Bar - Friday nights only 1500-2000 AAFES Food Operations 6

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Main Base Pool - Closed For Season FamCamp Marina - 1/2 or Full Day Boat/ Equipment Rentals, Snacks & Drinks Boat/RV Registration + Wet Slips Golf Course Arts & Crafts Center Bowling Information, Tickets & Travel DIY Auto Hobby Shop DIY Wood Shop Skeet Range Archery - by Reservations Only Car Wash/Resale Lot

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Military & Family Readiness Center Open for walk-in customers and appointments.

Classes & Workshops are a mixture of virtual and in person.

Library Base Education Base Training Office Airman Leadership School Professional Development Center/FTAC WAPS/Vol. Education Testing Lodging (MacDill Inn)

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NEWS/FEATURES USCENTCOM Innovation Oasis Competition

Photo by Senior Airman Jodan Smith

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Christopher Young, a 3rd Munitions Squadron munitions support equipment maintenance crew chief, uses the 3D printer in the Arctic Spark Lab at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 26, 2021. courtesy of USCENTCOM Do you have an innovative solution to a particular problem?

Ever wanted to pitch your idea to leadership and see it come to fruition?

Now is your chance.

We are looking for all ideas, big and small, tech-based solutions, policy revisions, and new ways of thinking. Send us a problem you’ve identified and the full solution you’ve developed to CENTCOMInnovationOasis@mail.mil.

Open to all service members and DoD/service civilians Top Innovators will be selected to come to Tampa and pitch their ideas in a Shark Tank-style competition.

The Winning Innovator will get: n A service award n 4-day pass, n The opportunity to implement your great idea across the command The submission deadline is Sept. 16.

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Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass, poses for a photo with servicemembers attending Airman Leadership School at MacDill Air Force Base Aug. 4,. ALS is the first level of Professional Military Education enlisted Airmen experience.

CMSAF visits MacDill, empowers Airmen to accelerate change

by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

C

hief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne Bass arrived on the MacDill Air Force Base’s flight line, where she was welcomed by Col. Adam Bingham, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, Aug. 3-4.

Bass held an all-call for members of MacDill AFB and the base’s tenant units and toured the base to witness the 6th ARW Airmen executing the mission.

Bass spoke about readiness and retaining enlisted members during her address to the wing.

“I’m focused on people, I’m focused on our readiness, and I’m focused on culture, because that matters,” Bass said. “There is nothing that is important to you and important to your families that, I promise you, we are not looking at. We have to be thoughtful on how we are going to retain the best, and how we are going to be the Air Force our nation needs when called upon.”

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Bass last visited MacDill for the CORONA South summit in June 2021 where she spoke about future policy changes for enlisted and commissioned officer talent management, Total Force structure, and the importance of innovation from junior enlisted members and young company grade officers to accelerate change. Bass reinforced her message from CORONA South during her recent visit.

“Our adversaries pay attention to the things we say and do,” Bass said. “We have got to focus on what our Air Force needs to look like in 2030, 2040 and beyond. I think you are going to see more changes in the next four to six years than I’ve seen in my entire almost 30-year career, and it’s about time.”

After the all-call, Bass stopped by U.S. Special Operations Command, Airman Leadership School and the 6th Maintenance Group to engage with Airmen.

“Chief Bass brought a lot of energy with her to MacDill,” Bingham said. “We are committed to prioritizing the needs of our Airmen and contributing towards accelerating the change she spoke about.”

Photos by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

(Top) Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, JoAnne S. Bass, speaks with Airmen assigned to MacDill Air Force Base during an all call, Aug. 4. Bass met with Airmen assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command and various other units to discuss the Air Force’s mission, vision and priorities.

(Above) Airmen assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing listen to Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass during an all-call at MacDill Air Force Base Aug. 4. Bass spoke to Team MacDill about her priority of focusing on the needs of Airmen and accelerating change to stay ahead of the United States’ adversaries.

WARRIOR GAMES From Page 5

Invictus Games, as well as other professional and youth sports events, was donated for use to serve as a Warrior Games venue. This 220-acre award-winning facility features multiple indoor and outdoor competition sites and combines the spirit of sports with Disney magic, making it the perfect host venue for this year’s events.

The Warrior Games serve to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded warriors by providing them exposure to adaptive sports.

Military Paralympic-style adaptive sports programs help wounded service members and veterans build strength and endurance and draw inspiration from their teammates. Participation in the Warrior Games represents the culmination of a service member’s involvement in an adaptive sports program and demonstrates the incredible potential of wounded warriors through competitive sports.

More information about the 2022 DoD Warrior Games will be available closer to the event.

Learn more about the Warrior Games at DoDWarriorGames.com.

Medalists from last year’s Warrior Games celebrate with a group photo.

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Courtesy photo

MONKEY POX From Page 3

man, LIT co-lead. “If you fall into the high risk category, then you really should call your health care provider and ask them about your individual risk and your access to a vaccine.”

While it is necessary that higher risk Airmen and Guardians know how to keep themselves safe, Roman also stresses the importance of dispelling misconceptions or misinformation that could get in the way of reducing the spread of monkeypox.

“Monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted infection. We know that monkeypox can also spread by handling objects, like clothing or linens, used by someone with a known infection,” said Roman. “We urge our members to reach out to their providers to get a clear assessment of potential risk and discuss how to prevent monkeypox infection or get vaccinated.”

The World Health Organization cautioned on July 25 against complacency in the rapidly escalating monkeypox outbreak, saying there is no guarantee it will continue to spread within specific communities.

However, the LIT is working to ensure members who are higher-risk

have access to the necessary information, support and guidance.

“The best way to keep each other safe is to keep each other informed,” said Roman. “The LIT has this impressive communication network where members can raise issues and concerns. We have a medical-focused line of effort within the LIT, so we have members who are focused on medical issues and barriers impacting the LGBTQ+ community.”

Roman also urges Airmen and Guardians to be aware of their potential risk and how they can advocate for their needs when speaking with a provider.

“If members have any concerns about getting access to the vaccine, they should reach out their provider and their patient advocate at the military treatment facility,” said Roman. “Members can also speak with us at the LIT to get additional support and advice.”

“This is still an ongoing situation that could change at any time and recommendations may change,” said Sayers. “As medics, we will do our best to keep our members informed and do all we can to keep them safe.”

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GENESIS From Page 3

Courtesy graphic

will stay with service members from the time of their enlistment through veteran status.

Patients using the MacDill and Sabal Park clinics can take steps now to prepare for the MHS GENESIS implementation, including: n If in need of a primary care or specialty care appointment between now and Sept. 22, patients should make their appointment as soon as possible to avoid delays during the MHS GENESIS transition. This includes sports physicals. n Update service member and dependent information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System information by visiting the nearest Military Personnel Flight. n TRICARE Online will be degraded beginning Sept.

16, and its secure message will stop operating on Sept.

21. n Use the new MHS GENESIS Patient Portal at https://patientportal.mhsgenesis.health.mil/, starting Sept. 24, 2022.

See GENESIS, Page 16

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B AY PA L M S G O L F C O U R S E

AGF A GF: $20, $2 20, All m military y: $40, Civilians: C $50 AGF: military:

Air Force Birthday TOURNAMENT TOURNAMENT

Sat, 17 Sep

0800 0800 Shotgun Shotgun Start Start South South Course Course

2 Person Team, 6 Hole Mix Up, Non Handicapped Event.

Great Door Prizes & Prizes for the Winning Teams!

AGF: $20 • All Military: $40 • Civilians: $50

Holes 1-6 Best Ball • Holes 7-12 Modified Alternate Shot • Holes 13-18 Scramble PXG Putting Contest and Srixon/Cleveland Long Drive Contest –Lunc h P ro v id e d F o l lowing Event– Stop by the Pro Shop to Sign Up & Pay. Deadline for Registration is 14 September

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M A C D I L L

L A N E S

SPRING & SUMMER FUN

OF ES OF MES GAME EE GA FR REE FRE BOWLING A DAY THIS SPRING & SUMMER!

macdillfss.com

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MAY 1ST THRU SEP 5TH!

COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Before- and after-school care available For the parents of children in kindergarten – 18 years of age needing before- or after-school care. School age (Kinder-12) Youth Center (Ages: 9-18) Must have access to MacDill AFB. For pricing and more information, visit; macdillfss.com/schoolage-care/ Youth flag football, Register through Sept. 2 The cost is $50/members and $60/ non-members. Youth flag football is available through the MacDill Youth Center for ages 5-15. Contact the youth center for more information at 828-7958.

Register now for a Master Chef virtual class Log in and learn from Luca Manfe, winner of Master Chef season four. The Air Force Services Center (AFSVC) is hosting four free virtual cooking classes. These classes will take place on Zoom. Attend for a chance to win a private virtual cooking class with Chef Luca. For more information or to sign up, visit: macdillfss.com Looking for the perfect job?

The 6th Force Support Squadron is seeking qualified candidates 16 years and older. All positions start at $15 an hour or above. Visit https:// macdillfss.com/open- jobs/ to see current job openings and apply today.

Find more events at: macdillfss.com

New playground opens!

Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander Cook

Harbor Bay staff members and MacDill Air Force Base dependents cut a ribbon during the grand opening ceremony of Eagle Park Playground Aug. 3 at MacDill Air Force Base. The playground is Harbor Bay’s first new playground addition in nearly five years. The area was designed to fit the needs of children of all ages and abilities and provide interactive elements for families to gather.

CHAPEL SCHEDULE Normal Hours- Monday - Friday - 9 a.m. to

Jewish - Monthly Lunch and Learn: For sched-

Monday-Thursday Mass - 12:10 p.m.

served)

3 p.m. After hours chaplain, call the Command Post at 828-4362/4361.

ule & to join distro, please contact elimelach.estrin@us.af.mil

Islamic Service - Friday 1 p.m. (space re-

www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

Other Faith Groups - Please contact the Catholic (in-person) - Saturday - 5:30 p.m.

Chapel at (813) 828-3621 or via email at 6ARW. HCADMIN@us.af.mil

Protestant services - Sunday - 11 a.m.

MacDill’s Chapel website is: https://www.macdill. af.mil/chapel

(confession 4:30 p.m.) Sunday - 9:30 a.m. (confessions by appointment)

For more details and information, visit the Chapel Facebook page at http://www.facebook/6amwhc/ MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

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GENESIS From Page 12

n The 6th Medical Group recommends first calling the appointment line at 813-827-CARE (2273) to check for open or re-opened appointments due to cancellations. If there is no availability, another option is to visit a TRICARE-authorized urgent care center for same-day, acute needs. Other than active duty service members, beneficiaries DO NOT need a referral to receive care at a TRICARE-authorized urgent care center. n The Nurse Advice Line can triage and assist with obtaining appropriate care. The NAL can also create referrals for active duty members to utilize urgent centers.

When seen off base, if possible, request a copy of paper records and bring them to your next appointment with your primary care manager or primary care provider. Call the NAL at 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), option 1.

Pharmacy wait times will increase during this transition period. Beneficiaries should be sure to have prescription refills on hand or investigate using a TRICARE network retail pharmacy or the mail-order service. For more information on home delivery, visit https://www.tricare. mil/homedelivery.

The 6th Medical Group appreciates your patience while they transition to a system that will significantly improve and streamline patient care across the DoD.

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