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Vol. 44, No. 30 Thursday, July 28, 2016
News/Features: page 3Tough deployment training
Red Flag - page 10
News/Features: page 12Waterborne police force
Week in photos: page 4Images from the week
News/Features: page 3DEP drops by MacDill
Community: page 18Events, Chapel, more...
Photo by Tech. Sgt. David Salanitri
Capt. Dan Fenwick, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot from MacDill Air Force Base, brushes the outside of an engine during a pre-flight check at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 18, during exercise Red Flag. Red Flag 16-3 is one of four Red Flag exercises at Nellis—this edition of Red Flag focusing on multi-domain operations in air, space and cyberspace.
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by Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr.6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
Before deploying to their area of respon-sibility, military personnel must be trained to ensure they are mission capable and ful-ly equipped to fulfill their duties as well as handle any situations that may arise. One particular Airman recently participated in training known as Desert Defender at Fort Bliss, Texas, to prepare for her first deployment.
Airman 1st Class Alicia Powell, com-mercial search gate member assigned to the 6th Security Forces Squadron (SFS), says she has mixed emotions concerning her deployment. However, she attended her training with a desire to absorb as much knowledge as possible.
“I am a sponge right now,” said Powell. “This is my first deployment so I’m expect-ing to soak in as many deployment tips and skills as possible; I don’t know what to ex-pect once I get over there, but I’m sure I will get the hang of things as I start working.”
During the three-week course, Powell re-ceived training in close combat, urban op-erations, land navigation, convoy and walk-ing patrols, static defense for entry control points, and basic medical tactics during medical evacuation. She also learned how to react in a firefight by experiencing a simulated ambush during patrols.
“The deployment training that I went through is extremely important,” said Pow-
ell. “There are certain tactics that need to be learned in order to defend myself as well as my brothers and sisters.”
Powell received improvised explosive device (IED) training as well. She learned how IEDs are made, where they can be placed, and what to look for when outside of the deployed installation. Additionally, she and her peers experienced various sim-ulated vehicle roll-overs. The simulators required them to escape and ensure that everyone was uninjured and ready to push forward.
Powell will continue to receive train-ing at MacDill Air Force Base up until her deployment. She and her fellow defenders will train in combative techniques, firing drills and building clearing.
She says that the 6th SFS works to keep them sharp, alert and ready to respond at any moment.
“I am lucky to have experienced indi-viduals on my team who I look up to,” said Powell. “They have taken me under their wings and have taught me a lot.”
Powell said when deployed her respon-sibilities will consist of providing air base defense. She will be posted at various loca-tions throughout the installation.
“I will essentially be defending any part of the base that needs the manpower,” said Powell. “I am very excited; I joined the mili-tary to fight for our country and I’m finally getting ready to put my boots into action.”
by Master Sgt. Randy Redman6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
It has recently been brought to my attention that wild animals have been seen roaming the grounds of MacDill. Fortunately, these alarming reports also mentioned how the Airmen stationed on base have been tracking and capturing these feral creatures. However, what came as an even more surprising revelation is that these Airmen were spending their time on the hunt during their off-duty hours, without so much as a single prompt from their chain of command.
A lot of senior NCOs are of the opinion that our junior Airmen lack the necessary personal motivation to leave their dorm rooms to do anything other than their official duties. They believe the younger Air-men were raised as a generation addicted to online gaming and social media, which have robbed them of their enthusiasm for interacting with other people in the real world. Of course, these senior NCOs also grew up in a time where rusty metal playground equipment was likely to give you a staph infection. Millennials may be more prone to a social media addiction, but as it turns out, the creators of this game complete-ly cracked the code to get them off the sofa and into the real world.
Well, “real world” may be a bit of a misnomer in this situation. As it turns out, the creatures our Airmen are hunting only exist in the augmented reality of Pokémon GO. The older Pokémon video game se-ries used real-world locations such as Japan, New York, and Paris as inspiration for the fantasy settings in which its games take place. In Pokémon GO, the real world is the setting. Making use of GPS and the camera of compatible devices, the game allows players to capture, bat-tle, and train virtual creatures, called Pokémon, who appear on device screens as though they actually exist.
From what I understand, players begin by creating an avatar, which is displayed at the player’s current location along with a map of the player’s immediate surroundings. As players travel the real world, their avatar moves along the game’s map as they chase animals with names like Charmeleon, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle. So in order to play the game, players have to actually get up and “do” something; as opposed to sit-ting on the sofa wired into a game console like I did as a teenager. I grew up in the era of Pong, Atari and the original Nintendo. I was hard wired into my game console in my parent’s living room floor like a Ne-anderthal. Compared to today’s virtual-reality games, it was like using
a flintlock rifle on a Civil War battlefield. My mother was certain that Frogger, Duck Hunt, and Mario Broth-
ers were rapidly reducing my brain to mush the consistency of oatmeal. Despite my insistence that the games enhanced my hand-eye coordina-tion and problem solving skills, she was certain the hours I spent glued to the television were reducing my IQ on a minute-by-minute basis. My father was convinced that my future career options dwindled expo-nentially every time I played Galaga. However, it turns out those fears were unfounded.
As a senior NCO with nearly two decades in the Air Force, I have traveled the world. I have been stationed in several states, earned two Community College of the Air Force degrees, as well as a Bachelor’s
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 Thunderbolt are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the
U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the 6th Air Mobility 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 Mobility Wing or the TImes 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. News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submitted
to the 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office, 8208 Hangar Loop Dr., suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621. Call the Thunderbolt at 828-2215. Email: [email protected].
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, clar-ity, brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101.
COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE
The Action Line provides two-way communication between the 6th Air Mobility Wing commander and the MacDill community. Personnel may submit questions, concerns or comments via Emailing [email protected].
Website: www.macdill.af.mil
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
MacDillAirForceBase
Instagram: macdill_afb
Twitter: @macdill_afb
MacDill on the web
COMMENTARY NEWS/FEATURESDon’t walk off a cliff while chasing a Charmeleon Airman achieves mission readiness through rigorous deployment training
by Senior Airman Tori Schultz6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
Members of the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) from St. Petersburg toured MacDill Air Force Base Friday.
The visit, which included a trip to various points of interest, provided DEP members, commonly called DEPpers, with insight into the military community and life as an Ameri-can Airman.
“It is important for the DEP to visit an Air Force base because there is no better way to explain what Air Force life is like on a base,” said Master Sgt. Leon White, enlisted accession recruiter in St. Petersburg. “Applicants get the opportunity to see first-hand how their lives could be by visiting the dormitories, dining fa-
See DEP, Page 15
Photo by Tech. Sgt. Krystie Martinez
Airmen congregate during their lunch break at the air park while playing a location-based mobile game at MacDill Air Force Base Friday. The game requires users to search for virtual characters in real-world locations.
Courtesy photo
Airman 1st Class Alicia Powell, a commercial search gate member assigned to the 6th Security Forces Squadron.
St. Pete Delayed Entry Program visits MacDill
Photo by Senior Airman Tori Schultz
Staff Sgt. Joshua Burnett, a military working dog (MWD) handler assigned to the 6th Security Forces Squadron, explains the training required for MWD teams at MacDill Air Force Base Friday. Members from the St. Petersburg Delayed Entry Program visited the base to learn about the military community and various career fields.
See COMMENTARY, Page 17
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Photo by Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr.
Col. April Vogel, commander of the 6th Air Mobility Wing, shares her priorities during a commander’s call at MacDill Air Force Base Monday. Vogel held four commander’s calls to introduce her priorities to Team MacDill.
Players from the Tampa Yankees baseball team sign autographs at the MacDill Air Force Base Exchange July 22. The Yankees visited MacDill for a tour of the Boom Operator Weapons System Trainer simulator and to sign autographs.
WEEK IN PHOTOS
326087-1Photo by Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr.
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by Tech. Sgt. Heather Fox6th Medical Group Pediatrics Clinic
Florida is world renowned as the “Sunshine State” and offers countless ways to enjoy the great outdoors throughout the year.
There are activities for every age and inter-est, but it’s important to enjoy these activities without getting injured. Unfortunately, there is a spike in injuries during the Critical Days of Summer. Here are some ways to ensure that your child has a safe, sports-filled summer!
Before starting any sport, your child should be physically fit enough to participate. If you are unsure, the Pediatrics Clinic can provide a sport physical examination to identify poten-tial health problems that could be worsened with physical activity.
Once cleared and fit enough for the sport,
make sure your child is stretching properly be-fore joining in on the fun. Stretching should be done prior to and after exercising in order to warm-up and cool-down the muscles. Warming up and cooling down the muscles can reduce muscle pain from occurring after activity is fin-ished. If done properly, stretching can also in-crease flexibility!
Another important safety measure is to make sure your child has the proper sports equipment. Whether it’s a quick game of bas-ketball down the street or a competitive league game, make sure your child has the correct shoes to prevent injury. If roller skating, skate boarding or bike riding, proper fitted helmets and pads should be worn. If your child partici-pates in organized sports, make sure you check the equipment issued to ensure it’s in good working condition. All safety gear should fit
correctly and any damaged equipment must be returned or exchanged before the games begin.
Finally, remember to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration as well as heat exhaustion and heat stroke! When it’s 100 degrees outside, it may not feel too bad to someone who is ac-customed to the heat, but for new residents, the heat can be overwhelming and occasionally life threatening. When participating in strenuous activities or just outside in the heat, be sure to drink 4-6 ounces (120-180 milliliters) of water (or a sports drink) slowly over a 15-20 minute time span in order to avoid an upset stomach or vomiting.
Florida has so much to experience and en-joy all year long. By incorporating these safety measures into your summer fun, you will help prevent injuries and keep your family safe and healthy throughout the summer.
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by Alannah Don6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
The month of July marks the peak of the summer season. For Airmen at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, it is also the time when the risk for heat related illness is at its height.
Heat related illness is the blanket term used to describe a range of conditions, including dehydration and heatstroke, which occurs when the body tries to regulate its internal temperature after heat exposure.
Although heat related illness’ can affect anyone, MacDill service members are especially vulnerable due to Florida’s high humidity cou-pled with their active lifestyles. Under normal circumstances, sweat cools the body by evaporating off the skin. However, in humid environ-ments, sweat cannot evaporate as quickly, making the body’s ability to cool itself less effective.
Master Sgt. Sean Felder, the ground safety manager assigned to the
NEWS/FEATURESCritical Days of Summer: Heat safety is everyone’s responsibility
Senior Airman Tori Schultz, a photojournalist assigned to the 6th Air Mobility Wing, combats the summer heat by exercising in the morning at MacDill Air Force Base July 13. Small changes to individual exercise routines, such as this, can prevent heat-related illness.
“People like to drink coffee and energy drinks, but that does little for hydration,” explained Felder. “You have to drink water.” - Master Sgt. Sean Felder
See HEAT, Page 19
by Airman Adam R. Shank 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
The sound of pills hitting the bottom of orange bottles fills the room as Airmen quickly fill prescriptions. Custom-ers stand in line waiting for their prescriptions and are greeted by smiling Airmen.
The PharmaCARE center at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida prides itself with delivering fast and friendly cus-tomer service. No matter the job being performed, every Airman on MacDill has a role in the completing the mis-sion and the Airmen in the PharmaCARE highlight that.
“We at PharmaCARE do everything we can to keep ev-eryone healthy,” said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Winnert, the NCO in charge of PharmaCARE assigned to the 6th Medical Group (MDG). “Our responsibility is to make sure service members are mission ready.”
Not only does the center serve active duty personnel, but also guard and reserve members, military dependents, Department of Defense civilians and MacDill’s mission partners such as U.S. Special Operations Command and U.S. Central Command. However, the majority of prescrip-tions filled go to retirees.
With more than 130,000 retirees in the Tampa Bay ar-ea, the PharmaCARE center at MacDill AFB is the busiest outpatient pharmacy in the Air Force.
“PharmaCARE is extremely busy; there’s always some-thing to do,” said Airman 1st Class Katherine Muir, a pharmacy technician assigned to the 6th MDG. “No mat-
NEWS/FEATURESMacDill PharmaCARE busiest in Air Force
Photo by Airman Adam R. Shanks
Airman 1st Class Alan Bustamante, a pharmacy technician assigned to the 6th Medical Group, fills a patient’s prescription at the PharmaCARE center at MacDill Air Force Base July 12. The PharmaCARE center at MacDill is the busiest outpatient prescription center in the Air Force and fills approximately 156,000 prescriptions per year.
See PHARMACARE, Page 16
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Photo by Tech. Sgt. David Salanitri
Senior Airman Jordan Webber, a KC-135 Stratotanker boom operator from MacDill Air Force Base, double checks gear is where it needs to be shortly before a refueling mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 18, during exercise Red Flag. Red Flag 16-3 is one of four Red Flag exercises at Nellis. This edition of Red Flag focusing on multi-domain operations in air, space and cyberspace.
Aircrew and ground personnel conduct a pre-flight check at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 18, during exercise Red Flag. The aircrew went on to refuel several exercise participants.
(Right) With outside temperatures in the low 100s, the temperature inside of a KC-135 Stratotanker reaches 120 degrees with ease as it sits on the Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, flight line. The KC-135 went on to re-fuel several aircraft during exercise Red Flag July 18. (Far right) Capt. Dan Fenwick, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot from MacDill Air Force Base, heads out to his plane for the day at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 18 during exercise Red Flag.
Capt. Dan Fenwick, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot from MacDill Air Force Base, conducts pre-flight checks at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 18, during exercise Red Flag.
Photos by Tech. Sgt. David Salanitri
Senior Airman Jordan Webber, a KC-135 Stratotanker boom operator from MacDill Air Force Base, double checks gear is where it needs to be shortly before a refueling mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 18, during exercise Red Flag.
MacDill aircrews keep Red Flag going
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by Airman Adam R. Shanks6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
“Only 10 more seconds!” shouts Tech. Sgt. Isaac Dobson, the NCO in charge of 6th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) marine patrol, as two Airmen in Airman battle uniforms (ABU) tread water at Bobby Hicks Pool in Tampa, Florida July 21.
Ten seconds later, both Airmen hoist themselves out of the pool, soaked head-to-toe.
Staff Sgt. Zachary Tierney, an installation patrolman and Airman 1st Class Austin Dyson, an entry controller, both as-signed to the 6th SFS, have just completed the marine patrol tryout.
“It was exhausting,” said Dyson. “I am pretty sure I was about to blackout at one point.”
Both Airmen had to keep their heads above water while in their ABUs for 5 minutes, as well as swim a 200-meter free-style in under 8 minutes, and swim 25 meters underwater without breaking the surface.
“It’s all mental,” said Tierney. “You just have to let your mind tell your body to keep going.”
However, Dyson and Tierney’s success is only the beginning of the process to join marine patrol, MacDill Air Force bases’ waterborne police force.
MacDill presents a unique security forces situation due to its location. Being on a peninsula, the only barrier between the base and Tampa Bay is the coast.
“Marine patrol safeguards MacDill’s largest perimeter—the coastline,” said Senior Airman Craig Jackson, marine pa-trol crewmember assigned to the 6th SFS.
With 7.2 miles of coastline around MacDill, marine pa-trol operates 24/7, making it the only Air Force base with an around-the-clock police force on the water.
“There is always a patrol team on the water at all times,” added Officer Dana Jette, a civilian marine patrol crewmem-ber assigned to the 6th SFS.
The patrolmen detect and deter any person or vessel in the restricted area.
Any vessel spotted in the restricted area is investigated by a patrolman and issued a citation at the crewmember’s discre-tion. Most of the time, it’s only a boater who has lost their way.
Marine patrol also has a symbiotic relationship with the U.S. Coast Guard. Both entities provide assistance to one an-other. Marine patrol’s relationship with the Coast Guard al-lows for a dependable partner to count on in a time of need.
This is why Dyson and Tierney have decided to join Mac-Dill’s premier waterborne police force. They want to be the elite, helping secure MacDill’s coastline.
NEWS/FEATURESJoining MacDill’s waterborne police force
Photo by Airman Adam R. Shanks
Senior Airman Craig Jackson, left, a marine patrol crewmember, and Officer Dana Jette, right, a civilian marine patrol crewmember, both assigned to the 6th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) pause for a photo at the marina on MacDill Air Force Base July 20. The 6th SFS marine patrol is the only force of its kind to operate 24/7 in the Air Force.
Photo by Airman Adam R. Shanks
Airman 1st Class Austin Dyson, an entry controller assigned to the 6th Security Forces Squadron, treads water during marine patrol tryouts at Bobby Hicks Pool in Tampa, July 21. Dyson had to keep his head above water for 5 minutes while in his Airman battle uniform to complete the training requirement.
With 7.2 miles of coastline around MacDill, The 6th Security Forces marine patrol oper-ates 24/7, making it the only Air Force base with an around-the-clock police force on the water.
MacDill Small Arms Range off limits areasThe MacDill area at the southwestern portion of
the Interbay peninsula is off limits at all times unless permission is granted for mission-related activities. Entry into this area is not only illegal, but dangerous due to gunfire from the MacDill Small Arms Range. The MacDill Small Arms Range is located at 9525 Marina Bay Drive, Building 881/881A. The area di-rectly behind the small arms range, known as Coon’s Hammock Creek and Broad Creek or Raccoon Creek, is clearly marked as off limits. For more information, call the 6th Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms at 828-3211.
Catholic Religious EducationCatholic Religious Education registration for the
2016-2017 school year, grades Kindergarten to Con-firmation, will begin Aug. 14 following the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass in Chapel Annex two.
Registration will continue after each Sunday Mass until Sept. 18, or by appointment during the week. There is a donation of $30 for each child or $45 for two or more children to help defray the cost of religious education textbooks and supplies. Classes will begin Sept. 11 and will run from 10:45 a.m. to noon in An-nex 2 of the MacDill Air Force Base chapel. For more information, contact Diane Baggerly at 828-8565 or 828-3621.
BRIEFS
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EMPOWERNEXT GENERATION
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cility, and world class fitness facilities.” The group began the day with a walk-through of the military
working dog (MWD) section. The MWD handlers explained a variety of apprehension and
obedience techniques the dogs have developed since they were pups. The tour continued with a showcase of equipment used to protect the handlers and the dogs during training.
Continuing the tour, the DEP visited the dormitories and had lunch at Diner’s Reef, MacDill’s dining facility.
Master Sgt. Ju Anna McWilliams, Airmen dorm leader assigned to the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron, allowed the DEPpers to walk through a dorm room so they could see what kind of living ar-rangements are offered to single Airmen arriving to their first du-ty station.
“The dining facility and dorm tour was great,” said Austin Tay-lor, St. Petersburg DEP member. “Visiting the base really helped me see what Air Force life is like and reassured my decision to join.”
The tour concluded with a walk-through of the Short Fitness Center. Airman 1st Class Jeffrey Shiao Kang, a fitness specialist assigned to the 6th Force Support Squadron, guided the group through the gym and explained different programs and opportuni-ties the Air Force offers through fitness centers.
“I am retiring from the Air Force in September, and this is the last tour I will be a part of,” said White. “I want to make sure these DEPpers get the same quality experience as my first set of DEP-pers. My goal is to give the DEP members the best possible expe-rience while they’re in the DEP, and re-energize their decision to serve their country.”
DEPFrom Page 3
Photo by Senior Airman Tori Schultz
Master Sgt. Ju Anna McWilliams, Airmen dorm leader assigned to the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron, escorts Delayed Entry Program (DEP) members from St. Petersburg during a tour of the Airmen dormitories on MacDill Air Force Base Friday.
by Tech. Sgt. Krystie Martinez6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
Eighteen contestants from across MacDill took to the stage July 20 to showcase their vocal talent in hopes of winning the 2016 “MacDill Icon” singing com-petition.
Contestants were judged on overall singing abil-ity and showmanship as they performed pre-selected songs in front of an audience of nearly 250 people.
Reservist, Airman 1st Class Anaya Wright, a medi-cal administrator assigned to the 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, sang “Glitter in the Air” by Pink and was awarded first place and $500.
As a creative writing, acting and singing teacher, Wright expressed how much singing has been an es-sential part of her life for more than two decades and how relaying the song’s message enforces that musical passion.
“I surprised myself,” she said. “I’m pretty emotional and sometimes nerves can get in the way of things...I was really pleased that I stayed calm and focused.
“I believe it’s because I focus on the message, be-cause I love the song and I really wanted people to hear the message.”
Second place went to Staff Sgt. Cherrelle Warren, assigned to the 6th Medical Operations Squadron, and third place went to Scott Tanner, Navy retired.
Contestants were comprised of service members, veterans and family members throughout the 6th Air Mobility Wing and numerous tenant organizations.
The event would not have been possible without the 6th Force Support Squadron.
Wendy Foster, marketing director assigned to the 6th Force Support Squadron, said they continue to hold the competition because it’s not only a great mo-rale booster, but also a great opportunity for singers to showcase their vocal abilities.
“They (contestants) had a great time first of all,” said Foster. “If they are a good singer, they get a chance to be a star for a night and showcase their talent.
“If they are wondering if they are a good singer, the judges from the community give great feedback; it gives them a chance to practice on a friendly stage with a friendly audience.”
Just as diverse as the contestants were four local celebrity judges. Retired service members, as well as a broadcaster and business owners rounded out the team of judges active in supporting the military com-munity.
“We are very fortunate to have a local community that is extremely supportive of Team MacDill,” said Lt. Col. Sergio Rios, commander of the 6th Force Sup-port Squadron. “We look forward to continuing to fos-ter this relationship for many years to come.”
MacDill holds 9th annual singing competition
NEWS/FEATURES
Photo by Tech. Sgt. Krystie Martinez
Airman 1st Class Anaya Wright, a medical administrator assigned to the 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, performs in the MacDill Icon singing competition at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., July 20, 2016. Contestants were judged on overall singing ability and showmanship as they performed pre-selected songs in front of an audience of nearly 250 people.
Courtesy photo
MacDill Icon competition winners, judges and key personnel pause for a photo Friday at MacDill Air Force Base.
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Degree in communication, and have been in harm’s way while deployed in defense of our nation. America stands for freedom, free speech, and every man’s right to waste his personal time engaged in habits rang-ing from collecting stamps to golf or hunting, even if the animals being hunted don’t actually exist. Hobbies come and go, and gaming is no less frivolous than what my dad did to keep him occupied as a teen…carving and shaping wooden replicas from block wood kits. I can tell you with no hesitation that such a hobby had absolutely zero positive impact on his career as a correctional officer in a North Carolina peni-tentiary.
“But chasing down imaginary animals is a complete waste of time!” you might say. Compared to what? Facebook? Facebook isn’t just a harmless website dedicated to cataloging your vacations, poor wardrobe choices, and myopic thoughts on sporting events (which can both define or destroy relationships), it can actually do you harm. Studies done by real scientists, in lab coats and everything, hint that it can impact your immune system and inhibit the release of growth hormones, impair digestion and vision, limit thinking and kill creativity, and negatively affect sleep patterns and happiness.
And as far as wasting time, it is estimated that the average casual user (17 minutes per day on Facebook) who has been active on the site for 10 years has wasted upwards of 40 entire days of their lives scroll-ing, liking, and commenting on pictures and posts. More engaged users, who spend at least an hour a day on the site, have clocked 150 days feeding the Facebook beast during the same time. Think about how long you spend on the site each day, and what else could be a more pro-ductive use of your time, like inviting a friend over to talk about how much you both loved “Saved By the Bell” and “Full House.”
Pokémon GO might not lead us to the cure for cancer or solve world
hunger. However, it is certainly more productive than other games, like Angry Birds. I will admit that a few years ago during the height of the game’s popularity, I spent more time than I care to admit flinging weaponized poultry at those thieving swine. Now however, the massive popularity of the newest smartphone craze has resulted in several un-usual positive impacts. For example, the game has serendipitously en-abled players to help catch criminals and to report crimes in progress. National parks across the United States saw an influx of visitors due to the game, with “hundreds or thousands” of people visiting the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, D.C. on the weekend follow-ing Pokémon GO’s release in the country.
Are there concerns with Pokémon GO? Certainly; there is the ac-count of two players who fell off 90-foot cliff, and the player who was stabbed while looking for a late-night virtual battle. Just today I saw a disturbing report that a driver sideswiped a Baltimore Police car while playing the game while he was driving! Undoubtedly there is an appro-priate time and place to engage in this particular past time; behind the wheel is probably the most egregious abuse of a smartphone applica-tion that I have ever heard of.
Regardless, the game has attracted the world’s attention. It is a game that appeals to both young and old. People are exploring their communities where they otherwise might not have done so. Since Poké-mon GO is a non-violent game, it also pushes families to walk around to play the game together. It has succeeded by coaxing otherwise an-tisocial Airmen out of their dorm rooms and enticed them into actual face-to-face conversations with other people. As long as Airmen aren’t playing Pokémon during Green Dot training, or using it to cheat on their Career Development Courses, I hope they “catch ‘em all!”…as long as they stay away from it while driving.
COMMENTARYFrom Page 2
ter what is going on, there is always a section in the phar-macy that needs help.”
Often times, the help pro-vided comes from volunteers who work in the center to ease the workload for the Airmen.
“The volunteer program is extremely vital to our suc-cess here,” said Winnert. “Our volunteers win awards from the 6th Air Mobility Wing all the time; they are absolutely crucial.”
What exactly do the vol-unteers do? They can fill prescriptions if they are a certified pharmacy techni-cian; however, most assist in the time consuming task of sorting and pairing prescrip-tions, allowing for a more ef-ficient process and a faster pickup.
Using a Global Script Lo-cator (GSL) system, the vol-unteers help couple prescrip-tions and their barcodes to a specific bin. Whenever a patient’s ID is scanned, ra-dio-frequency identification helps locate where the pre-scription is by lighting up the bin containing the bottle, another time-saver which al-lows faster prescription re-trieval.
“There’s no more brown paper bags sitting on the shelf in alphabetical order,” laughed Winnert. “The GSL technology made things a lot more efficient for us.”
Winnert explained Phar-maCARE operations usually run smoothly. Wait times in the past six months have averaged around 42 to 47 minutes, which includes checking in and walking out with the prescription. Additionally, PharmaCARE recently overcame a major obstacle.
“Over the Fourth of July weekend, the prescription call-in system did not shut off,” said Muir “When we came in the Tuesday after the holiday, there were approximately 2,100 prescriptions that needed to be filled.”
Since fast and friendly service is a priority, the center was pressed to complete the long list of prescriptions, or face a long line of impatient customers.
“Six people, including myself, manually filled all of the prescriptions in about 10 hours,” said Muir. “We were able to finish a weekend’s worth of orders in one day; we pushed through.”
Thanks to the center’s staff, its award-winning volunteers and the goal to provide the best customer service possible, the PharmaCARE center is able keep Team MacDill fit to fight in order to accomplish the mission daily.
PHARMACAREFrom Page 8
Photo by Airman Adam R. Shanks
Airman 1st Class Alan Bustamante, a pharmacy technician assigned to the 6th Medical Group, restocks a shelf with prescription bottles at the PharmaCARE center at MacDill Air Force Base July 12. The walk-in pharmacy fills approximately 700 to 1,000 prescriptions daily.
Photo by Airman Adam R. Shanks
Tech. Sgt. Michael Barton, section chief of PharmaCARE drive-thru operations assigned to the 6th Medical Group, inspects the automatic prescription dispensary system inside the PharmaCARE center at MacDill Air Force Base July 12. The automatic system assists the drive-thru pharmacy technicians to fill approximately 1,200 to 2,000 prescriptions daily.
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EVENTSSaturdayBack-to School Fair10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Surf ’s Edge Club. Free backpacks and school supplies. Family and school re-sources, program info, anti-bully-ing workshop, games, activities, food and music and more. Call 828-0146 for more info.
Sunday-SaturdayRickenbacker’s is open inside the New MacDill Inn daily from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Proudly serving Starbucks coffee, breakfast sand-wiches, bakery delights and deli sandwiches. Bar opens at 3 p.m. serving local craft brews and cock-tails.
TuesdayAirman & Family Readiness CenterBundles For Babies from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Representatives from mul-tiple base agencies will provide information and services to assist participants in preparing for the arrival of their new baby. During this workshop, you will receive in-formation, resources, and a special gift. Call 828-0145.
Airman & Family Readiness CenterFive Love Languages from 2-4 p.m. What does love mean to you? What love language are you speak-ing? Come join the Airman & Fam-ily Readiness Center to learn how to speak the love language of your loved one. Call 828-0145.
Mark Your CalendarAug. 5 - Membership BreakfastAug. 5 - Dodgeball TournamentAug. 5 - Dive-In Movie Pool PartyAug. 5 - Youth Center Open HouseAug. 11 - Parent Advisory Board MeetingAug. 12 - Bowling Club Member Appreciation DayAug. 18 - All Things Orient LuncheonAug. 21 - Golf Club Member Appreciation DayAug. 27 - South Course 30th Anniversary Golf Tournamentwww.macdillfss.com
Protestant serviceSunday - 9 a.m. FAMCAMP Traditional (Bldg 2017-Raccoon Creek) 11 a.m. ContemporaryThursday - 11 a.m. Liturgical Communion
Islamic serviceFriday - 1:30 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 visiting http://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel or calling 828-3621
CHAPEL SCHEDULE
Sing it!MacDill Icon competition contestants pause for a photo Friday at MacDill Air Force Base. It was the 9th annual singing contest held at MacDill, where winner Airman 1st Class Anaya Wright, a Reservist medical administrator assigned to the 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, sang “Glitter in the Air” by Pink and was awarded first place and $500.
Curtesy photo
Be sure to visit the MacDill Air Force Base website at www.macdill.af.mil
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6th Safety Office, cautions Airmen and their families to be cognizant of the heat index, or apparent heat, during periods of physical activity, the time when people are most prone to heat related illness.
“People put themselves at risk because they don’t real-ize how humid it is,” said Felder. “It may be 85 degrees, but the humidity makes it feel like 95 degrees; most people don’t notice this difference until they’re well into physical activity.”
Staff Sgt. Travis Urquhart, a fitness specialist of the 6th Air Mobility Wing Force Support Squadron, explained that although outdoor activity and exercise increase dur-ing the summer, small changes to individual fitness rou-tines can prevent heat related illness.
“During the summer, people should workout in the morning or late in the evening when it’s coolest,” said Urquhart. “If you have to work out during the day, make sure you do it inside.”
For Master Sgt. John Norris, a network infrastructure NCO assigned to the Joint Communications Support Ele-ment, altering his fitness routine is one of many ways he combats the summertime heat.
“I like to do cardio outside, but during the summer I make sure to do it in the morning,” Norris said.
In addition to modifying his schedule, Norris explained he also protects himself from heat related illness by drink-ing plenty of water, a preventative measure that Felder explained is critical.
“The number one thing is hydration,” said Felder. “When it’s hot, you’re sweating and losing water and put-ting yourself at risk for heat related illness.”
Felder emphasizes that water is the best way to stay hydrated.
“People like to drink coffee and energy drinks, but that does little for hydration,” explained Felder. “You have to drink water.”
Throughout the summer, MacDill takes various safety measures, such as weather monitoring and adherence to the work/rest cycle, to protect its Airmen from heat re-lated illness. However, it is up to all Airmen to understand and mitigate their own risks of heat related illness.
HEATFrom Page 9
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