Thunderbolt 3/07/2024

Vol. 52, No. 10

Thursday, March 7, 2024

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News/Features: page 3 MARE saves lives

News/Features: page 3 New dad training

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hastings

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

An AC-130J Ghostrider from Hurlburt Field, Florida, flies over MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 27. The AC-130J is primarily used for close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance, and provides ground forces an expeditionary, direct-fire platform that is ideally suited for urban operations.

NEWS/FEATURES

Implementing AFFORGEN: labs

by Senior Airman Zachary Foster 6th Air Refueling Wing, Public Affairs

Why do deployers need to give blood? According to Air Force Staff Sgt. Jonathan Moore, 6th Medical Support Squadron non-commissioned officer in charge of shipping, blood tells a story.

Blood carries markers for an array of genetic and contagious diseases. For deployers, the baseline test is designed for two purposes: detecting HIV and storing a reserve sample as a part of the Department of Defense Serum Repository.

While HIV is uncommon among service members, the Air Force requires routine tests prior to and following a deployment to proactively combat the disease.

“With HIV, if you can test for it you should,” explained Moore. “In the 1980s the program started because HIV was a real concern if contracted. Now, we keep the test because it’s very manageable when treated, especially if caught early.”

Alongside the HIV test is a sample for the DoD Serum Repository, a collection of more than 74 million blood-derived serums stored at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

The collection serves to continually grow the

Photo by Senior Airman Zachary Foster

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ayisha Mercado, 6th Medical Support Squadron laboratory technician, collects a blood sample from Staff Sgt. Jonathan Moore, 6th MSS non-commissioned officer in charge of shipping, during a routine test at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 29. The 6th MSS laboratory oversees the shipment of more than 200 healthcare diagnostic tests per day.

Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division’s (AFHSD) database, allowing for an informed view of operational capabilities across all deployed locations.

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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“The repository started with HIV testing in the 1980s and has developed into a great See BLOOD, Page 10

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

MacDill medics maximize their skills during MARE

by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

The proficiency of a U.S. Air Force medic in a mass casualty event can be the difference between life or death for those that are injured. The Major Accident Response Exercise, or MARE, trains MacDill medics to be ready to perform their duties and to maintain the maximum level of readiness in case disaster strikes.

“In the event of a mass casualty event on or off base, we need to be ready,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Neha Patel, 6th Medical Group field response team chief. “At any point in time, an improvised explosive device could be set off or a similar disastrous event could occur, causing harm to dozens, if not hundreds of people. Our mission is always the same no matter where we are, so we always need to be ready to respond in the case of an emergency.”

The MARE held on Feb. 28th, 2024 simulated a mass-casualty event. More than 30 volunteers See MARE, Page 9

Photo by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole

Simulated casualties await treatment on the flightline at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 28. Emergency personnel assign simulated casualties’ injuries in the different categories of immediate evacuation, delayed care, and minimal care to judge if and when the casualty would need medical attention.

MacDill first sergeant leads, supports expectant fathers

by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

Seeking to support military fathers, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Craig Miller, the 6th Maintenance Group first sergeant, recently led a Dad’s 101 workshop at MacDill Air Force Base.

Tailored for military service members, the workshop delved into practical skills for new or expectant dads, including care for infants, supporting partners, preparing for labor and delivery, and navigating the lifestyle changes that come with parenthood.

As a father to five children, ranging from a 15-year-old daughter to a 1-year-old son, Miller is no stranger to the field of parenting, explaining, “I have always wanted to be a dad.”

“It’s hard to define success [as a parent],” he said. “This is my second time conducting a fatherhood workshop. I love being a father and I want to see great dads in the world.”

Hannah Hoffman, a licensed clinical social worker and family advocacy intervention specialist for MacDill AFB, arranges these events on a See FATHERS, Page 8

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Craig Miller, 6th Maintenance Group first sergeant, leads a discussion about fatherhood during a Dad’s 101 workshop at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 28. The fatherhood workshop was held to educate new or expectant dads on care for infants, supporting partners, preparation for labor and delivery, and coping with lifestyle changes.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Panel members speak to base personnell during the Black Excellence Symposium at MacDill Air Force Base, Feb. 28. The theme of the event was ‘Shaping Future Leaders’ and included career professionals in entrepreneurship, finance, education, civic organizations and the armed forces.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Luther Mitchell

Photo by Senior Airman Zachary Foster

Photo by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kevin Renteria, 6th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron bioenvironmental technician, adjusts his gas mask during a fit test at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 27. Gas masks play a vital role in protecting service members during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks in contested environments.

Russell Flowers, an education specialist with the 6th Force Support Squadron, is escorted to an ambulance during a Major Accident Response Exercise at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 28. Flowers was given a simulated injury to allow MacDill emergency response technicians to exercise trauma response skills.

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NEWS/FEATURES 6th Communications Squadron backbone of base operations

by Senior Airman Michael Killian 6th Air Refueling Wing

In the ever-evolving landscape of military operations, the 6th Communications Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base stands as a beacon of innovation, dedication, and indispensable support.

The squadron operates at the intersection of technology and mission readiness, ensuring the 6th Air Refueling Wing and their mission partners are able to seamlessly carry out their mission.

At the core of the squadron are cyber operations specialists like U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jared Gilbert, a technician starting his military career in network operations, who now assists customers directly by completing support tickets covering a wide range of technical challenges.

Innovation has always came naturally to Gilbert. He quickly took to creating scripts designed to automate software updates across the base, determined to develop a more efficient and secure standard of operation.

“You have to continuously learn and adapt to new skills and methods See COMM, Page 8

Photo by Senior Airman Michael Killian

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Malkiel Shimonar, left, Senior Airman Jared Gilbert, middle, and Airman 1st Class Duarte Lopez, right, 6th Communications Squadron cyber operations specialists, collaborate on a program error at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 28. The 6th CS spans a comprehensive spectrum, including vulnerability assessments, network maintenance, and direct technical support, reflecting the squadron’s critical role in maintaining operational integrity.

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Two C-17 Globemaster IIIs’ trade leading and following positions within their flight path during the Tactics Advancement Course at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Feb. 7. Airmen assigned to the 6th Airlift Squadron loaded cargo onto the C-17 in order to provide support for the F-22 Raptors at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. The advancements course postures Air Mobility Command Airmen to execute agile operations on a global scale.

TAC enhances Mobility Airmen’s warfighting capabilities story and photos by Airman 1st Class Aidan Thompson 87th Air Base Wing

JOINT BASE McGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J.—A C-17 Globemaster III takes low, evasive maneuvers through mountains, flying lower than the peaks only to crest the top and dive again. The aircrew simulates calls for support from an allied jet, and the crew makes their final descent on a small, improvised flightline where an F-22 Raptor awaits fuel and munitions transfer, ready to continue the fight. The C-17 crew then takes off and leaves the flightline without a trace. This training in a simulated combat scenario helps prepare aircrews for the future fight.

Airmen assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing’s 6th Airlift Squadron collaborated with units from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, during the Tactics Advancement Course (TAC), Feb. 7-8. TAC allows aircraft maintainers to gain experience with aircraft they do not commonly work with, expanding their toolkit for more versatility in future operations.

“TAC is supposed to be a bridge between the upgrade training we do at Altus (Air Force Base), Oklahoma, at the formal training unit,” said Master Sgt. Joseph Berglund, 6th AS C-17 evaluator loadmaster. “This makes us more adaptable and agile when it comes to combat employment for the C-17.”

The first stage of the course was a formation flight of two C-17s trading leading and following positions within their flight path. After landing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, the crew consolidated equipment and began their flight to JBLE. After landing at JBLE, Airmen helped the crew load F-22 cargo while utilizing the flightline.

“The biggest thing to take away is being able to think on the fly,” Berglund said. “Always maintain your situational awareness, make sure that you can adapt and flex to new and evolving information that is passed to you at any phase of flight, and make sure that you’re ready to accomplish the mission.”

Keeping the same stringent training environment, the 6th AS aircrew set up tents on the flightline to remain in the simulated exercise environment throughout the night. This exercise helps lay the groundwork for collaboration between installations Air Force-wide, improving cohesion when working toward a central mission.

“We always talk about joint environments and interoperability and that’s exactly what this is,” Tech. Sgt. Eric McKinley, 6th AS C-17 loadmaster, said. “Being able to work with JBLE, you get to know their people and what to expect from each other, which is absolutely pertinent. We need to understand what our capability is. Doing that now versus in a contingent environment is 100% better. We’ll certainly be ahead of the game.”

This exercise further improves Mobility Airmen’s adaptability by training them to overcome unexpected obstacles. Pilots were tasked with taking low air, evasive maneuvers to ensure they have the skillset to employ rapid, agile, and resilient support. Throughout the exercise, Airmen tested new tactics and problem-solving techniques to enhance their capabilities against near-peer adversaries, and this course postures Air Mobility Command Airmen to execute agile operations on a global scale.

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(Above) U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jordan Limberg, 6th Airlift Squadron C-17 flying crew chief, refuels a C-17 Globemaster III during the Tactics Advancement Course at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Feb. 7. Airmen assigned to the 6 AS loaded cargo onto the C-17 in order to provide support for the F-22 Raptors at JBLE. The advancements course postures Air Mobility Command Airmen to execute agile operations on a global scale.

(Left) A C-17 Globemaster III sits on the flightline during the Tactics Advancement Course at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Feb. 7. Airmen assigned to the 6th Airlift Squadron loaded cargo onto the C-17 in order to provide support for the F-22 Raptors at JBLE. The advancements course postures Air Mobility Command Airmen to execute agile operations on a global scale.

COMM

FATHERS

in the cyber field,” said Gilbert. “A big innovation I did was reducing man-hours by using Power-Shell, which is a scripting language, to automate a ton of tedious chores such as manually updating trackers or manually compiling data. ” The squadron’s significance extends beyond technical support; it serves as the initial contact point for any base communication issue. Whether resolving problems directly or routing them to the appropriate department, Gilbert and the rest of the 6th CS ensure that every issue is addressed promptly and effectively.

“We get about 150 trouble tickets submitted every week,” said U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Daniel Adames, 6th CS non-commissioned officer in charge of cyber operations. “We get about 1,200 calls a week, and that’s not even including emails.”

The 6th CS is all about teamwork and collaboration. Technicians like Gilbert and Adames work closely, sharing knowledge and solving problems together, striving to create a sense of community and purpose. This collaborative spirit allows for Airmen to excel in the fast-paced and ever-changing landscape of cyber and network operations.

“My team helps me every day. If I can’t solve something, somebody else can,” said Gilbert. “We uplift each other, not just to get the day to day tasks done, but also to improve everyone’s skills.”

As technology continues to evolve, so does the significance of communication in the workplace. The work of Gilbert and Adames continually ensures that the base remains connected, secure, and ready to meet any challenge.

quarterly basis to provide support for new fathers navigating the complexities of parenthood. She often selects outstanding mentors within the units to lead these events based on their experience and relatability to service members.

She knew Miller would be an excellent fit to lead this class, sharing, “I had the opportunity to meet and interact with Master Sgt. Miller on various occasions this year through outreach and prevention events on base.”

“Miller’s infectious energy and positive attitude has a way of engaging with individuals in a genuine way as he shares his experience being a father to five children,” she said.

While reflecting on his two decades of service to the Air Force, Miller shared that being a dad has shaped him into a better Airman, above all else.

During the workshop, Miller covered military-specific challenges associated with fatherhood, and addressed the importance of being a great husband and supporter for service members transitioning into fatherhood for the first time.

Miller advised that time spent away from home and overcoming pride are two potential barriers to hurdle when parenting as an active duty service member. He emphasizes, “build trust within your relationship and practice humility.”

“The best part of being a dad is spending time with them and teaching them about life,” he said.

This sentiment fueled his passion for teaching and guiding others in the realm of fatherhood. As the workshop aimed to empower military dads, Miller expressed, “Dads can make a difference in the world.”

Hoffman shared, “Miller’s passion for his family translates into palpable enthusiasm for the new and often nervous dads.”

As part of the larger initiative of the Family Advocacy Program at MacDill AFB, Hoffman hopes for attendees to feel more comfortable and confident in their roles as new fathers, with the help of Miller’s character and values.

Miller’s fatherhood workshop provided not just practical guidance but a heartfelt perspective on the unique blend of military service and fatherhood.

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From Page 3

MARE

From Page 3

participated in the scenario, with injuries applied using makeup and other props, to simulate an aircraft crash on base. Each volunteer was instructed to act out their injuries while roughly two-dozen medical professionals provided field care.

“We hold this exercise annually,” said William Hebert, 6th MDG medical emergency manager. “The part we always want to focus on is getting that triage area set up, and getting those people with serious life-threatening injuries evacuated as soon as possible.”

Simulated casualties were sorted into groups depending on the level of care they would need to survive. Those with life-threatening injuries were evacuated via ambulance, medical transport bus, or transport helicopter.

Personnel from the Tampa Fire Department and a crew of flight medics from Tampa General Hospital joined the exercise alongside firefighters from the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron and defenders from the 6th Security Forces Squadron, to work and share knowledge.

“Not only was this exercise meant to hone their skills,” said Hebert.

“It was great to have both enlisted service members and officers working side-by-side, just like they would in the field.”

Every member had a role to play. Whether they were documenting patients ready to be evacuated, transporting victims in critical condition, or supervising those with less severe injuries, emergency personnel at MacDill worked together to complete the MARE seamlessly.

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

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BLOOD From Page 2

healthcare resource,” said Moore. “All blood is stored in large freezers and can be requested by doctors and used for research studies.”

HIV and repository samples are just the start for service members on track to deploy. According to Moore, certain career fields require additional tests to track mission related impact on the health of Airmen.

Careers like sheet metal technicians require testing for certain heavy metals to ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) is properly defending Airmen from hazardous conditions, Moore explained. These tests also serve to address health-related issues on the homefront instead of the potentially degraded or improvised systems in contested environments.

In order to conduct these tests, laboratory technicians have to expose themselves to an array of bacteria and diseases. To combat the spread, technicians wear case specific PPE. According to Moore, day-to-day blood draws only require gloves and a lab coat but infectious diseases need special direction from the Medical Group’s Public Health division.

“When we are handling any biological material we treat it as infectious,” Moore said. “We set that high standard so when we do encounter something dangerous it has no impact on our procedures. It doesn’t matter if the sample is infectious because everything is handled with the same amount of caution.”

The new Air Force generation model (AFFORGEN) is preparing units to train together and deploy together. As a result, base-wide resources are adjusting their capacities to account for the increase in deployers.

The laboratory already serves the largest group of retirees and dependents in the nation with 200 tests being processed and shipped per day. According to Moore, the team anticipates the number of tests to increase with AFFORGEN, but are equipped to handle the surge.

The wave of patients brought by AFFORGEN is just one situation that Moore and his team have handled over the years. Their problem solving capabilities and determination to continually improve have played a pivotal role in the 6th Medical Group’s ability to adequately support tens of thousands of service members, retirees, dependents and foreign nationals.

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Family Fun Night Test your luck on March 8 from 5– 9 p.m. at MacDill Lanes for a family fun night, where superheroes and leprechauns unite. Wear your best green attire and get ready to enjoy bowling to the beat with the lively DJ, meet your favorite superhero characters, indulge in a delicious buffet, and don’t miss your chance to win with giveaways every 30 minutes when the “luck train” stops on a lucky bowler.

For event flyer and details, bit.ly/ MarchFamNight.

Outdoor adventure trips Experience the thrill of adventure with 6 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. Dive into nature and create memories forever. To view upcoming classes and unforgettable trips, visit macdillfss.com/ outdoor-adventure-tours/ tours sell out quickly. Sign up today.

Flavor burst: Boomers call-in deals Craving fresh salads, mouthwatering wings, or delicious shareables? Look no further than Boomers! Call in your orders every Thursday and Friday between 3– 7 p.m. and treat yourself to a delectable feast. Dial 512-8441 to place your order and pick it up to go, hassle-free. For more information visit macdillfss.com/boomers/.

Find more events at: macdillfss.com

The Champ!

Photo by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole

Members of the 6th Air Refueling Wing command team award U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Sterling Sutton, 6th ARW public affairs journeyman, with the Champ of the Week award at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 26. Sutton coordinated and led the arrival of holiday events and cards delivered to Airmen in the dorms, as well as led multiple community outreach programs through the MacDill mascot, Champa Boom.

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 Cha-

pel 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, March 7, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 11

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