BrandonClinicexpanding tobetterserve -page8macdillthunderbolt.com/012419/McNewa012419.pdf · MACDILLTHUNDERBOLTu Thursday,January24,2019 u u 5 bySeniorAirmanJamesThompson 432nd WG/432nd

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, January 24, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 1

Vol. 47, No. 4 Thursday, January 24, 2019

Week in photos: page 4Images from the week

News/Features: page 3Special warfare center opens

Commentary: page 2HonoringMartin Luther King

Community: page 14Events, Chapel, more...

News/Features: page 3Virtual training tool at work

Photo by Airman 1st Class Frank Rohrig

The Brandon Clinic will relocate to a new, larger facility in April to better serve more than 95,000 regional joint servicemembers, families and retirees.

Brandon Clinic expandingto better serve - page 8

2 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, January 24, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

For information about base operations during emergencies or natural disasters, call the Straight Talk Line at 828-4163

by Airman 1st Class Caleb Nunez6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

“I have a dream…”When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke these

famous words to that crowd of over 250,000 civilrights supporters from the steps of the LincolnMemorial in 1963, he delivered a speech that hascaptivated generations since with its vision ofracial equality.

As the third Monday of January approachesand we take a day to recognize and honor Dr.King and his philosophies, we must rememberhis dream of existing in a diverse society wherethe benefits of equality are enjoyed by all, re-gardless of race or circumstance.

As I reflect upon this, I question myself: “Whydoes this speech continue to resonate almost 60years later?”

For me, it is because it captures the spirit ofhope, even during difficult times, which remainsas relevant as ever.

From national security concerns to winningthe fight, the challenges we face today as a coun-try are significant and the consequences of fail-ure are dangerous. It is because of this that weneed not forget Dr. King’s ideals and utilize ourgreatest asset – people – to its full potential.

I believe our best measure of success in theAir Force is not the war we win by fighting, butthe war we prevent by defending the sky, spaceand cyberspace. We should be entirely dedicatedto accomplishing this mission, which means

judging people through an objective and profes-sional lens. What should matter is their con-tributions to the strength of the team. In other

words, valuing diversity promotes innovationand thus, strengthens the force.

Continuing the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Photo by Airman 1st Class April McAnally

A photo of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. sits on a table during the 2018 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lun-cheon at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.

See MLK, Page 13

MacDill ThunderboltPublisher: Joe DeLuca

Editor: Nick Stubbs

The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by the Times Publish-ing Company, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S.Air Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an autho-rized publication for distribution to members of the U.S. mili-tary services on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill Thunderboltare not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the

U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Departmentof the Air Force or the 6th Air Mobility Wing.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, includinginserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement bythe Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force,6th Air Mobility Wing or the TImes Publishing Company of theproducts 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 torace, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status,physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit

factor of the purchaser, user, or patron.News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submitted

to the 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office, 8208 HangarLoop Dr., suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621. Call the Thunderboltat 828-2215. Email: [email protected].

Deadline for article submissions is noon, Wednesdays toappear in the next week’s publication. Articles received afterdeadline may be considered for future use. All submissions areconsidered for publication based on news value and timeliness.

Every article and photograph is edited for accuracy, clar-ity, brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Stylebookand Libel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101.

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE

The Action Line provides two-way communication between the6th Air Mobility Wing commander and the MacDill community. Per-sonnel may submit questions, concerns or comments via email [email protected] or Facebook @6thAirMobilityWing-CommandTeam

Website: www.macdill.af.mil

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MacDillAirForceBase

Instagram: macdill_afb

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MacDill on theweb

COMMENTARY


by Senior Airman Joseph Pick24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFNS)—The Special Warfare Technical Inte-gration Support Center opened its doors during a ribbon cutting and dedi-cation ceremony in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Jan. 11, as the newly namedCol. John T. Carney Center of Excellence.With the name of “Coach,” Carney embodied within the 25,000-square-footfacility, the roots of special tactics aim to inspire employees of the SW-TISCevery day.“Every special tactics leader strives to give their men the best equipmentand training to fight our enemies,” said Col. Spencer Cocanour, 24th SpecialOperations Wing vice wing commander. “Coach Carney pushed the enve-lope to get the very best for his people. He fought the bureaucracy with thesame ferocity he fought the enemy.”The wearable communication equipment that special tactics operators car-ry in the field needs to be the best that the Department of Defense can offerto fight tonight and tomorrow’s battles and this starts with the work of themen and women within the SW-TISC.“This building is unique It will bring together a diverse group of profes-sionals with different backgrounds to collaborate, develop, test, field and

Photo by Senior Airman Joseph Pick

The Special Warfare Technical Integration Support Center opened itsdoors during a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony in Fort WaltonBeach, Florida, Jan. 11. The 25,000-square-foot facility is tasked with inte-grating technologies, ensuring interoperability and providing updates andtraining on communication equipment that Special Tactics operators use.

SpecialWarfare TISC opens tosolve tomorrow’s problems

See WARFARE, Page 11

NEWS/FEATURES

by Tech. Sgt. Daryl KneeAir Combat Command Public Affairs

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va.(AFNS)—A demonstration of how virtual real-ity and augmented reality (VR/AR) can benefitAir Force training processes took place Jan. 8.

The demonstration was geared toward Air-men within the aircraft armament systems andmunition systems, and gave a glimpse of howVR/AR applications can aid in providing an en-hanced experience to Airmen preparing aircraftfor combat missions.

Aircraft armament systems Airmen are re-sponsible for maintaining launch and releasedevices on aircraft. This means that when a pilotpulls the trigger, the devices successfully launchaway from the aircraft toward the intended tar-get. Munitions systems Airmen are responsiblefor the assembly and processing of non-nuclearmunitions. They handle, store, transport, armand disarm weapons systems to ensure the safe-ty of all Airmen involved in preparing aircraftsorties.

These two groups of Airmen operate in a com-plex work environment where aircraft up-time

Virtual, augmented realitymay hold key to future Air Force training

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Daryl Knee

A demonstrator shows how augmented reality can be used to view floating dialogue boxes forindividual parts of a mock missile during a demonstration Jan. 8 at Joint Base Langley-Eustis,Va. Augmented reality is one way Airmen could use advanced technology to enhance their train-ing in the field.See VIRTUAL, Page 15


Photo by Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys

Staff Sgt. Samantha Gassner 386th Expeditionary Security Forc-es Squadron military working dog handler, bonds with her dogLLoren after an MWD Expo at an undisclosed location in South-west Asia, Dec. 27. During the expo, military working dog handlersand their dogs demonstrated a confidence and basic obediencecourse as well as the six phases of controlled aggression that se-curity forces members use when training their K-9 partners.

WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Airman Thomas Barley

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber deployed from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mis-souri, and two F-22 Raptors from the 199th Fighter Squadron at Joint Base PearlHarbor-Hickam, Hawaii, fly in formation near Diamond Head State Monument,Hawaii, during an interoperability training mission Jan. 15. Three B-2 bombersand more than 200 Airmen deployed in support of U.S. Strategic Command’sbomber task force mission. Bomber aircraft regularly rotate through the Indo-Pacific region to integrate capabilities with key regional partners.

Photo by Senior Airman Cory W. Bush

Airmen assigned to the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” conduct the first official launch of the Thunderbird Dia-mond formation Jan. 9 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. This training flight represents a key milestone for the 2019 Thunderbird team as it prepares toshowcase the pride, precision and professionalism of the Air Force during the upcoming show season.


by Senior Airman James Thompson432nd WG/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing PublicAffairs

CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AF-NS)—Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Da-vid L. Goldfein visited Creech Air Force Base tomeet with 432nd Wing and 432nd Air Expedi-tionary Wing Airmen, Jan. 15.

Throughout his visit, Goldfein toured thebase, received an update of current MQ-9 Reap-er operations, and met with Airmen who sup-port the MQ-9 mission.

Tasked with supporting 24/7 year-round com-bat operations, Airmen fly the Reaper for com-batant commanders and coalition forces acrossmultiple areas of responsibility.

“Every day Airmen in this wing from mainte-nance, to sensor operators, to pilots, to missionintelligence coordinators: to all the folks – thethousand Airmen who have their fingerprintson every aircraft, every sortie that takes off, to

NEWS/FEATURESCSAF lauds combatRPA innovation

See CSAF, Page 12

Photo by Senior Airman Christian Clausen

Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein recognized 432nd Wing and the 432nd Air Ex-peditionary Wing Airmen at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., Jan. 15, 2019. They were recognized fortheir outstanding performance and dedication to the mission.


Special to the Thunderbolt

MacDill Air Force Base offers free federalincome tax preparation services for active du-ty members, retirees, spouses, and dependentswith proof of a valid military identification card.Tax preparation services are offered at the fol-lowing locations:

The Retiree Activities Office (RAO)Location: On base between the Commissary andthe BXPhone: 828-4555Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (closed onholidays)Fridays are strictly Active Duty tax days.Active Duty members are given priority at theRAO. Tax preparation services are provided byappointment. However, walk-ins are welcome ifthere is availability. The RAO is now schedulingappointments for Feb. 4 and later.

Hillsborough Community College (HCC)Location: 6437 Watson Rd, Riverview, Fla., 33578Phone#: 813-546-6217– Please leave a message.Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, 9a.m.-2 p.m. (closed on holidays and spring break)

The HCC location is now taking appoint-ments for February. To schedule an appoint-ment, call the number above and leave a mes-sage. Calls will be returned within 24 hours. Ifno return call is received, please call again andleave another message. After scheduling an ap-pointment, clients will receive a confirmation e-mail along with directions and an intake form tofill out prior to the appointment. Clients musthave a W-2, 1099, SS statements, and other fi-nancial forms prior to making an appointment.Additionally, clients must bring their militaryID and SS cards for each person listed on thetax return.

NOTE: This service does not include state in-come or sale-of-rental-property preparation.

Free tax prep service offeredNEWS/FEATURES

Be sure to visit the official 6th AirMobilityWingwebsite atwww.macdill.af.mil


NEWS/FEATURES

Union representation/Weingartern Right & Grievance proceduresUnion Representation: Bargaining unit employees are reminded

that under Section 7114(a)(2)(B) of Chapter 71, Title 5, U.S.C., employ-ees have the right to be represented at any examination in connectionwith an investigation if: a. the employee reasonably believes that theexamination may result in disciplinary action against the employee,and b. The employee requests representation.

Grievance Procedures: All employees have the right to file a griev-ance and request personal relief in any matter of concern relating toconditions of employment within the control of Air Force Management.The negotiated grievance procedure for bargaining unit employees iscontained in the applicable union agreement; AFI 36-706, Adminis-trative Grievance System, contains the grievance procedures for non-bargaining unit employees.

POC: Andrea Gaines 828-4511/ [email protected].

Estate claimsIf anyone has any claims for or against the estate of Airman 1st

Class Malik Houston, please contact Capt. Zachery Teague, the Sum-mary Court officer, at 828-1901, or by email at [email protected].

Upcoming Retiree Appreciation DayThe MacDill Retiree Affairs Office will be hosting Retiree Apprecia-

tion Day for all retirees Thursday, Feb. 28 at 9 a.m. All MacDill agencieswill be participating, including the military personnel flight ID card sec-tion, base legal office, and pharmacy. Representatives from the Depart-ment of Veterans Affairs will be at the base clinic. To honor our retirees,the base Honor Guard will perform a National Flag ceremony and therewill be a cake cutting at 11 a.m.

Please take the time to see MacDill’s tribute to our retirees.

News of note


story and photos by Airman 1st Class Frank Rohrig6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

MacDill’s satellite outpatient medical clinic, located inBrandon, will relocate to a new, larger facility in Aprilto better serve more than 95,000 regional joint service

members, families and retirees.The medical clinic’s new location will be at 9210 King Palm

Drive in Tampa.The Brandon clinic currently serves 750 customers and fills

more than 2,000 prescriptions weekly, lessening the demand forMacDill’s main medical clinic. The satellite clinic is a popularalternative for beneficiaries who live in the surrounding area, in-cluding Brandon and Riverview, but has to modernize to keep upwith the increased demand for its services.

“We are establishing a new clinic to increase space,” saidMaj. Melodie Cross, the 6th Medical Support Squadron medicallogistics flight commander. “By doubling the square footage from16,000 square feet to over 30,000, we are giving our providersand patients the best care possible, expanding our support capa-bilities in pharmacy, diagnostic imaging and medical administra-tion.

“The increased floor space will provide a more fluid environ-ment and a more pleasant experience by giving each clinical areamore space to provide care to our patients,” said Cross.

In addition to the increased space, the Airmen assigned to thenew clinic can look forward to some quality of life improvementsthat will enhance their ability to maintain patient care and en-sure full spectrum readiness for Tampa’s military community.

“With the new building comes new equipment,” explained Air-man 1st Class Daniel Kirwa, a 6th Medical Operations SupportSquadron aerospace medical technician. “These new changes areexpected to improve efficiency and flexibility.”

Having an option closer to home allows dozens of joint serviceunits on MacDill to maximize the percentage of their force ondeployable status while saving their families time from a lengthycommute. New and old customers alike can expect a refreshedenvironment, with modernized equipment where they can worryless about fitting into the waiting room and focus more on healthand wellness.

“The Brandon clinic provides our beneficiaries the availabil-ity of an outpatient clinic in close proximity to their communi-ty,” said Cross. “It offers the majority of the same services thatthe MacDill clinic provides but without the lengthy commute tobase.”

The clinic offers primary and specialty care in family health,internal medicine, pediatrics, women’s health and behavioralhealth. Beneficiaries of military members can schedule appoint-ments by contacting the main appointment line at 827-2273 orthe TRICARE Patient Portal. Stay tuned to the 6th MDG Face-book page for specific changes that may impact you. More detailswill be released as they become available.

6thMDGexpands footprint,full spectrum readiness

A shelf stocked with various medications at the Brandon satellite clinic. With new


A shelf stocked with various medications at the Brandon satellite clinic. With new, larger facilities, the clinic will have the space needed to better service MacDill and joint service members and their families, as well as veterans.

(Far left) U.S. Air Force StaffSgt. Justin Everhardt, right, anaerospace medical technicianassigned to the 6th MedicalGroup Brandon Clinic, gives ashot to a patient at the Bran-don Clinic, Aug. 30, 2017. Thepopular satellite clinic is mod-ernizing to keep up with theincreased demand for its ser-vices.

(Left) A volunteer at MacDill’sBrandon Clinic greets U.S. AirForce Col. Stephen Snelson,6th Air Mobility Wing Com-mander Oct. 11. Each week,the satellite clinic serves 750patients and fills 2,000 pre-scriptions.

Photo by Senior Airman Mariette Adams


NEWS/FEATURESby Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON—Nearly 50 years after re-ceiving the Medal of Honor, Air Force legendCol. Joe M. Jackson passed away Jan. 12, at theage of 95.

Known as an Air Force Hero of the VietnamWar, then-Lt. Col. Jackson was awarded theprestigious medal on Jan. 16, 1969, by PresidentLyndon B. Johnson, for his selfless, heroic ac-tions in combat.

“We are saddened by the loss of Medal ofHonor recipient Col. Joe Jackson, his amazingstory of humility, courage and Airmanship willbe remembered,” said Secretary of the Air ForceHeather Wilson. “Our heartfelt condolences goout to his family and friends.”

On May 12, 1968, Jackson, commander ofan unarmed C-123 transport aircraft, flew onan emergency mission from Da Nang to KhamDuc, South Vietnam, after a special forces campat Kham Duc was overrun by enemy forces. Theenemy had taken the forward outpost and wasin complete control of the airstrip, which wassurrounded on all sides by mountainous ter-rain.

While orbiting over the battle area, Jacksonlearned by radio about a three-man combatcontrol team that had been inadvertently leftbehind after the camp was air evacuated. An-other C-123 transport was ahead of Jackson inthe traffic pattern. Though the rescue aircraftlanded successfully on the debris-littered air-strip, it failed to evacuate the team. Jacksonanswered the call by descending rapidly from9,000 feet and making an assault landing on thestrip, while under heavy enemy fire. After hestopped, a rocket fell in front of the transport.A dud, it bounced harmlessly toward the nose ofthe plane without exploding.

Jackson landed near the spot where the CCTwas reportedly hiding, and ultimately rescuedthe men. With the team safely on board the air-craft, he quickly took off under a mortar barrageand intense automatic weapon fire from the sur-rounding hills. After landing at Da Nang thecrew found that not a single bullet had touched

their aircraft during the entire flight.“As one of only two living, Air Force Medal of

Honor recipients, his story of courage and lead-ership was uniquely preserved through his ownaccount of that mission, the decisions that ledup to it, and the life he aspired to lead” said AirForce Chief of Staff General David L. Goldfein.

Remembering a legend: Air ForceMedal of Honor recipient Col. Joe Jackson

Photo by Scott M. Ash

Retired Col. Joe Jackson poses with a permanent Medal of Honor display March 24, 2015, at thePentagon in Arlington, Va. The display depicts him and other medal recipients. Jackson was in thePentagon with fellow Medal of Honor recipient, retired Col. Leo Thorsness for a Q-and-A sessionwith members of the Air Staff, hosted in the Hall of Heroes.


operationalize concepts to maintain our competitive edge,”said Brig. Gen. William Holt, the Air Force Special Opera-tions Command special assistant to the commander. “Thisrapid response integration will create a tangible repeatableinnovation rhythm to reduce the timeline from innovativeconcept to operational implementation.”With the National Defense Strategy of 2018 outlining theDepartment of Defense objectives to include delivering per-formance with affordability and speed, the SW-TISC will aidAFSOC by streamlining development to fielding.“The TISC will push the envelope on fielding technology,”Cocanour said. “That means placing cutting edge technologyinto the hands of the most lethal special operators this na-tion has ever produced.”By integrating technologies, ensuring interoperability andproviding appropriate updates and training on the equip-ment used in the 24 SOW, special tactics operators are ableto answer U.S. Special Operations Command’s call to delivertactical air-to-ground integration and conduct global access,precision strike, personnel recovery, and battlefield surgeryoperations.“There’s a SOF principle of the hyper enabled operator thatis a highly trained individual with elite skills, but they alsohave a network of systems on them that they wear and thatthey interact with,” said Todd Weiser, the chief technologyofficer and director of innovations with AFSOC. “The futureis that operator is going to have the ability with their kitto inter-operate with an F-35 [Lightning II], with an F-22[Raptor], with an Army vehicle. That network, the sharingof information and internet of things, micro sensors, microsmall unmanned aircraft system; all of that stuff is comingtogether.”As a special tactics officer with years of experience in thefield and operations, Lt. Col. Eli Mitchell, the branch chief ofspecial tactics requirements with AFSOC, sees tomorrow’sbattle requiring a more accurate and efficient way of deliv-ering capabilities.“(The SW-TISC) is a game changer -- really what it doesis speeds up bombs on targets and increases situationalawareness on the battlefield,” Mitchell said. “You’re talkingabout reducing the potential for fratricide, increasing targetengagement timelines and also increasing your munitionseffectiveness by more precisely striking the appropriate tar-get.”By evolving for tomorrow’s fight, the special tactics enter-prise is leading from the front with technology and equip-ment used on the battlefield on a global scale within the AirForce, SOCOM, and the DOD.“The world’s more complex than it ever has been and it’s con-tinuously getting more complex and we need to get ahead ofit in a timely manner,” Wieser said. “That’s what this facilitywill help us do, get ahead of it so that we can compete withour near peers as well as other adversaries.”Holt left the most recent addition to the AFSOC team withsome motivations to do exactly what Air Commandos areknown for; thinking outside the box.“You are in the business of making the impossible, possi-ble. Your mission is to get out of the box,” Holt said. “Whensomeone tells you it’s impossible, double down to prove themwrong. Never forget there is always a way.”

WARFAREFrom Page 3


CSAFFrom Page 5every line that we fly, are bringing new innovative ideas to how we do thisbusiness,” said Goldfein. “It represents some of the most flexible opera-tions that we have in our inventory.”

The mission requires not only professional aircrew, but dedicated main-tenance and support Airmen. Goldfein recognized several individuals fortheir outstanding performance and contributions to the wing’s mission.

“I’m shocked and humbled. I’ve only been in for one-and-a-half years andI’m already being recognized for something that I’ve done,” said Airman 1stClass Christian, 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crewmember. “It makes me want to keep going and become a better person.”

This was Goldfein’s second time visiting the base in 12 months and hepraised the 432nd Wing’s forward momentum. He had the opportunity tovisit the 22nd Attack Squadron and the 30th Reconnaissance Squadron,where he met with aircrew.

“This is a weapons system and community that was born out of innova-tion,” said Goldfein. “We needed to build an enterprise to better under-stand the adversary and keep their heads down so they could never puttogether a complex attack. The Airmen here are delivering combat capa-bilities every single day.”

To conclude his trip, the 432nd AMXS Airmen loaded an AGM-114

Hellfire missile and a GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition on anMQ-9 to demonstrate what it takes to prepare the aircraft for combat.

Goldfein later spoke with the weapons crew about what they do andtheir role in the larger RPA picture.

“In this business, every Airman matters, and when an aircraft takesoff anywhere on the planet the fingerprints of our Airmen are on it,” saidGoldfein. “It takes the entire team coming together to make it happen.”

Before departing, Goldfein gave final remarks and held a brief meet-and-greet with Creech AFB Airmen.

“This is a community that understands all-domain operations and themulti-domain aspects of command and control, perhaps as well as any-body in the Air Force,” said Goldfein. “It’s the nature of the business everyday.”

As the men and women of the 432nd Wing and 432nd AEW continue tosatisfy real-time support to the battlefield, the demand for their abilityto provide dominant persistent attack and reconnaissance anytime, any-place grows.

“The innovation we bring is changing daily and that’s Airmen from thiswing,” said Goldfein. “They’re finding new ways of doing business, so westay ahead of the adversary and they have no place to hide.”



As Gen. David Goldfein, the Chief of Staff of the AirForce once said, “Recruiting and retaining diverse Airmencultivates innovation. Different people make the best teamswhen integrated purposefully together.”

Although this may sound like leadership talk, the cor-relation between diversity and victory is one that has beenproven true throughout Air Force history.

Whether we talk about the Tuskegee Airmen, the WomenAirforce Service Pilots or the Native American Code Talk-ers, the contributions of minorities have been pivotal to theAir Force becoming the world’s greatest.

Striving to become more diverse isn’t just the right thingto do – it is our collective intelligence and experiences comingtogether to become the most effective force we can be. Likemany of our senior leaders like to say, “Diversity is a forcemultiplier.” I truly believe in this. We must do this together –all ranks, ages, races, religions, and sexual orientations.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not only a time to cel-ebrate the incredible legacy of the visionary civil rightsactivist, but also a time to reflect on the progress we havemade toward his vision. The optimism of Dr. King’s dreamis a reminder that there is always progress to be made, andto always push for better and challenge injustices.

Are we judging others by the content of their character?“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve.

You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’thave to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You onlyneed a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” – Dr.Martin Luther King Jr.

MLKFrom Page 2


COMMUNITY

Protestant serviceSunday - 8 a.m. - traditional worship

11 a.m. - contemporary worship

Islamic serviceFriday - 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. Prayer

Catholic MassSaturday - 5:30 p.m. - Mass

Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - Mass

Monday-Thursday - 12:10 p.m.

(Blessed Sacrament Room)

For all other faith groups or for any questions, please contact the Chapel by visitinghttp://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel or calling 828-3621

CHAPEL SCHEDULE

EVENTSFridaySeaScapes Beach House

Crab & Shrimp Night. The DJis back from 5-9 p.m. Buckets ofsnow crab legs and shrimp. Forpricing and more information call840-1451.

Base TheaterFree movie: “The Hate U Give”

(PG-13). Doors open at 1:15 p.m.Movie starts at 2 p.m. Overflowparking available in the SOCOMparking garage.

TuesdayBox Office Bistro

Taco Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. Two soft tacos, chips andsalsa and a 16 oz. drink. Warmed8-inch tortilla filled with lettuce,tomato, choice of meat (chicken,fish or beef) with a side of tacosauce—cheese, onion & salsa op-tional. Call 840-0084 for more info.

WednesdaySeaScapes Beach House

Fiesta Night every Wednesdayfrom 5-8 p.m. Tacos, quesadillas,sides and more. For more informa-tion call 840-1451.

ThursdayBase Theater

Free movie: “Hunter Killer” (R).Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Moviestarts at 7 p.m.

Mark your calendar• Feb. 1 – Membership Breakfast• Feb. 1 – Mardi Gras Glow Party• Feb. 2 – FL Thermal ImagingHog Hunt• Feb. 3 – The Big Game FootballParty• Feb. 5 – Bundles for Babies• Feb. 8 – Roses are Red 5K Run• Feb. 8 – Valentine’s Craft Bazaar• Feb. 14 – Valentine’s Sunset Din-ner• Feb. 21 – Membership Luncheon

www.macdillfss.com

Sharp performers!Airmen from the 6th Air Mobility Wing receive the Diamond Sharp award at MacDill Air Force Base Jan. 22.The Diamond Sharp award recognizes outstanding performers after a selection process from the base’sFirst Sergeant’s Council.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Frank Rohrig



is paramount. VR/AR technology may present a unique way for the AirForce to ensure every Airman can get the training they need, catered tothe individual’s preferred method of education.

“It’s a way to build the readiness and experience level by leveragingadvanced technologies,” said Chief Master Sgt. John Jordan, 2W1 aircraftarmament career field functional manager, Headquarters Air Force A4/A4LW(?). “In the past, we received this level of experience because theweapon systems were in need of constant repair and maintenance. Now,our systems are more advanced, and it’s hard to practice difficult repairs.

“We can build our skillsets and proficiency faster,” he continued, “by nothaving an aircraft break to perform the training. We could break one vir-tually at any time, any place. VR/AR is a unique way to fully train whilestill maintaining our mission capable rate.”

In this demonstration, Air Force leadership experienced an immersiveVR training scenario, donned a head-mounted display for AR applicationand used hand-held devices for an AR training scenario.

The immersive VR scenario allowed users to walk inside a hangarwith a piece of munition positioned for maintenance. The user could lookaround the hangar, interact with the munition, pull up the technical or-der in a full-view mode or even watch a video of someone successfullyinstalling that specific item on the munition. Essentially, the person couldtake apart and reassemble a bomb in the middle of the conference room.

“The younger Airmen have a natural draw to this type of technology,”said Master Sgt. Ron Levi, ACC A4WC munitions policy manager. “In aclassroom setting, VR/AR could allow instant immersion into the field tohelp those Airmen understand the content better, faster.”

In Air Force technical schools, newly enlisted Airmen must attendclasses and complete assessments to learn how to perform their duties,said Levi. If the Air Force fully implements VR/AR into its training pro-cesses, the students could have virtual hands-on experience much earlierin their careers, which could bridge the training-to-experience gap chal-lenge that the Air Force now faces.

The in-garrison mission may be different from the deployed mission,said Jordan. That gap can become noticeable if an Airman who has ahome-station duty on a certain airframe or munition deploys and mustwork with unfamiliar equipment or in a joint environment. VR/AR couldbe used as recurrent or just-in-time training to bolster the combat capa-bilities of those deploying Airman.

Demonstrations like these are made possible through AFWERX, anAir Force program designed to combat today’s challenges through innova-tion and collaboration among the nation’s top subject matter experts. It’sa way to increase combat capability and solve complex national securityissues by partnering with academic institutions, science and technologycommunities, and private industries.

AFWERX sponsored a small business innovation research special topic,and Vectrona Innovative Systems and Technologies earned a grant toconduct a demonstration of VR/AR applications for weapons and muni-tions systems training. Vectrona then partnered with Ario to create thebackend platform to house the application. The company is in phase 1development, which is an analysis to assess technological and operationalfeasibility, and will report its progress and findings back to AFWERX inearly February.

VIRTUALFrom Page 3


Documents

BrandonClinicexpanding tobetterserve -page8macdillthunderbolt.com/012419/McNewa012419.pdf · MACDILLTHUNDERBOLTu Thursday,January24,2019 u u 5 bySeniorAirmanJamesThompson 432nd WG/432nd