Team MacDill: AMC IG says you’re ‘Excellent’ · ‘Excellent’ and those scores are not given out, they’re earned! The Air Mobility Command Inspector General Team departed

Vol. 39, No. 47 Friday, Novewmber 12,, 2010

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Tanika Belfield

(Left to right) Col. Donald Barnes, 6th Mission Support group commander; Col. Lenny Richoux, 6th AMW commander; Col. James Morgan, 6th Operations Group commander; Col. David Pavey, 927th Air Refueling Wing commander; and Col. Dave Cohen, 6th AMW vice commander at the moment of celebration when it was learned Team MacDill scored an “Excellent” overall for the Nuclear Operations Readiness Inspection.

Team MacDill: AMC IG says you’re ‘Excellent’

by Col. Lenny Richoux6th Air Mobility Wing commander

On Thursday, November 11, we paused to reflect upon one of our nation’s greatest assets: our veterans. In America, Veteran’s Day is a unique holiday: symbolizing the service, self sacrifice and honor shown by those who have come before us in the Armed Services. No mat-ter your military background, your deployment experience or occupation, on Veteran’s Day, we’re all united in our gratitude for those who came before us.

I’d like to thank the men and women of the 6th AMW and 927th ARW for the hard work and preparation that went into proving our mission readiness in support of a major opera-tional plan. As you know, our overall score was ‘Excellent’ and those scores are not given out, they’re earned! The Air Mobility Command Inspector General Team departed Tuesday and provided several examples in which you are setting the standard for AMC.

Your hard work deserves a reward. Col Dave Pavey and I have asked commanders to grant November 12 as a family day for the 6th AMW and 927th ARW.

Essential mission support will continue, with the exception of our clinic. We now set our sights on the January Operational Readiness Inspection. Again, we will show the IG just how ready Team MacDill is. Thank you!

As always, and especially over the long

weekend, keep safety in mind and take care of your wingmen!

Onto this week’s “shout outs …”Senior Airman Robert Schwartzkopf,

6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, excelled in support of the Navy’s COMPUTEX mission. Airman Schwartzkopf successfully troubleshot and repaired a hydraulic system problem that allowed one of our KC-135s to complete its mission and refuel our joint partner’s aircraft!

From the 6th Medical Group, Staff Sgt. Raquel Solivan was awarded her CCAF degree in Allied Health Science. Sergeant So-livan, congratulations on earning your degree and furthering your development as an Air-man. Well done!

Also, Senior Airman Todd Lange was selected to participate in the Recruiter Assis-tance Program and will perform his recruiting assistance duties in Pennsylvania. I hope your recruiting experiences broaden and enrich your perspective on military service!

Capt. Jonathan Davis, in the 91st Air Refueling Squadron, has been pulling double duty as executive officer and KC-135 co-pilot, recently. He’s excelled in administrative efforts while flying dozens of missions, including com-bat and presidential support sorties. All of that devotion has earned him the title of Pilot of the Quarter in the 91st!

Finally, from the 6th Civil Engineer Squad-ron, Staff Sgt. Philip Harwood went out of his way to assist an elderly couple having car

trouble. Sergeant Harwood noticed their ve-hicle stalled in an intersection. He stopped to help and pushed the car into a nearby parking lot where the couple was able to safely call for assistance. Sergeant Harwood, you’re a shining example of why MacDill’s servicemembers are so appreciated by our Tampa Bay neighbors! Thank you for your service.

I appreciate your hard work and motiva-tion Team MacDill. As always, I’m proud to serve in the finest Air Mobility Wing on the Face of the Planet!

COMMANDER’s CORNERHonoring veterans; NORI results

Col. Lenny Richoux (left), 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, greets members of the IG team arriving at MacDill.

MacDill ThunderboltPublisher: Denise Palmer

Editor: Nick Stubbs

The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by Sunbelt Newspa-pers, Inc., 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, the Department of

the Air Force or the 6th Air Mobility Wing.The appearance of advertising in this publication, includ-

ing inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, 6th Air Mobility Wing or Sunbelt Newspapers, Inc., of the products or service advertised.

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.

Display advertising or classified advertising information may be obtained by calling 259-7455.

News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submitted to the 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office, Bldg. 299, at 8208 Hangar Loop Drive, Suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621, or call the MacDill Thunderbolt staff at 828-4586. Email: [email protected].

Deadline for article submissions is noon, Thursdays 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 time-liness.

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.

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINEThe Action Line provides a two-way communication between the 6th Air

Mobility Wing commander and the MacDill community. A 24-hour record-ing service is provided so personnel may submit questions, concerns or comments. Call the Action Line at 828-INFO (4636) or e-mail [email protected]

NEWS/FEATURES: page 16

Native American heritage

Your T-bolt Today


Veterans Day holiday hours

COMMUNITY: page 31

Events, movies, more...

NEWS/FEATURES: page 4 Slow and steady


Operation Partnership


Operation Cookie Drop


Retiree Appreciation schedule

We’re looking for a few good Gingerbread Men.

(And cookies, brownies, and other fresh-baked holiday treats.)

The mission: Spread TLC to some VIPs: MacDill’s Dorm Residents!

Your task: Bring cookies in disposable containers to Chapel Annex Two or the Brandon Clinic from 0700 to 1300 hrs on Mon Dec 13

Not able to bake? Not a problem! Donations of gallon ziploc bags and large disposable (i.e., Ziploc, Gladware) containers also needed

Questions: Contact Michele Richoux, [email protected] THANK YOU for supporting our single and unaccompanied troops!! The 6th Annual Operation Cookie Drop is sponsored by MacDill Officer

Spouses Club and Enlisted Spouses Club.

Tuition assistance tid-bit #7

Tuition Assistance and Degree Plans: It is the Airman’s responsibility to pro-vide the Education Office with their edu-cation goal and degree plan prior to re-questing TA [2.7.3] More specifically, we require an “evaluated” Degree Plan from the school-specifically for the member. A standard/generic plan will only be ac-cepted as an initial temporary measure until a evaluated degree plan is received. Failure to get this to our office from the school will result in future TA being dis-approved [5.1.3].

by Col. David P. Pavey927th Air Refueling Wing commander

In 1918, at “the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month,” the guns fell silent on Eu-rope’s muddy battlefields when combat ceased between the Allied nations and Germany, effectively ending World War I. Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day, was declared a national holiday in many allied na-tions to commemorate members of the armed forces killed during this gruesome war. In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, President Dwight Eisenhower renamed the holiday “Veterans Day” to remember all veter-ans, regardless of when or where they served. This is a day of reflection, a day for remember-ing.

Since 1776, more than 48 million Ameri-cans have served our country. Whether they served in times of war or peace, America’s vet-erans all share a common bond - their unwav-ering belief in the cause of freedom, a belief so strong they were willing to give their lives, if need be, in its defense. Almost one million gave that ultimate sacrifice in defense of this nation.

We remember those who went before us, and those who still fight for us in present day. Like all warrior cultures, we remember stories of heroes like that of Army Sergeant Bob Barfield who ignored orders to abandon the dead and wounded strewn across a Korean battlefield. He carried his wounded platoon commander to safety, even shielding him with his own body when they came under fire from a group of Chinese soldiers. In the ensuing firefight, Sgt. Barfield killed five of the attackers and rallied the surviving members of his squad to block the Chinese infantry from over-running his command’s bunker.

We remember Marine Captain Presley O’Bannon, who as a first lieutenant was ordered to res-cue hostages aboard the U.S.S. Philadelphia, being held in the Barbary-controlled city of Derne. In 1805, O’Bannon led a 500-mile march from Alexandria across the Saharan desert to Derne, located in Tripoli; a journey that took 17 days to complete. O’Bannon led a small detachment of Marines and mercenaries that fought hand-to-hand with the pirate forces in the city for two hours before raising the first American flag over a fortress of the Old World. This act of endurance and leader-ship earned him a place as a hero of the United States Marine Corps and the line ‘To the shores of Tripoli’ in the Marine’s hymn.

We remember Master-At-Arms 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL. Monsoor was only 25 when he was called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice. While providing security at a sniper position in Ramadi, Iraq in 2006, a grenade bounced of Monsoor’s chest. He used his own body to cover the grenade, shielding those around him from the lethal blast. This act of heroism saved the lives of three of his teammates and three Iraqi Army soldiers. The congress of the United States awarded Monsoor the nation’s highest award – the Medal of Honor.

We remember Staff Sergeant Zachary Rhyner, a Combat Controller, who was presented the Air Force Cross, the highest military decoration awarded by the Air Force, for uncommon valor for his actions during an intense six-and-a-half-hour battle in the Shok Valley of Afghanistan, on April

Remembering our veterans

See VETERANS, Page 28

RETIREE APPRECIATION DAY - Mark your calendar ! Saturday, November 13, 2010 has been designated Retiree Appreciation Day by Colonel Lenny J. Richoux, 6th Air Mobility Wing Commander at MacDill Air Force Base. Colonel Richoux invites military retirees of all service branches to visit MacDill AFB on this special day to acquaint themselves with benefits and services available at various base facilities. Please refer to the schedule of events below for details.

New this year: Representatives from the 6th Force Security will be present to introduce DBIDS and to register ID cards for retirees and their dependents.

Retiree Appreciation Day 2010 - Schedule of Events Time Events Location 7 A.M. to 1 P.M. Pay-as-you-go Brunch Base Dining Facility

Hillsborough Loop Dr. Bldg 263

10 A.M. to 2 P.M. Wine Tasting Class Six Store

8 A.M. to Noon Health Fair Glaucoma screenings Cholesterol Measurements Blood Pressure Checks Health Care Symposium Flu shots

(will be given depending on availability of flu vaccine) TRICARE (Clinic Atrium)

MacDill Clinic 3250 Zemke Ave.

9 A.M. to 3 P.M. Pay Record Review DFAS representative will provide consultation

VA Benefits Survivor Benefits

Retiree Activities Office

Legal Assistance 8 A.M. to 11 A.M. Wills – New or update

Walk-In service available for only 85 people – Come early !! Legal Office

9 A.M. to 3 P.M. Powers of Attorney and general consultation Legal Office

9 A.M. to 3 P.M. ID Card and DBIDS Awareness Speakers from 6th Security Forces Squadron:

o Officer Reginald Henderson o SSgt Victor Ferreira


ID card registration with DBIDS Retiree Activities Office ID Card Issue or Renewal Pass and ID - Building 373

9 A.M. to 3 P.M. Casualty Assistance Pass and ID - Building 373

9 A.M. to 3 P.M. Vehicle Registration Armed Forces Bank Space-A Travel Retiree Associations (MOAA / TREA) Airman and Family Readiness Center Recreation Facilities Volunteer Coordinator Bayada Nurses Home Care Specialists Florida National Cemeteries American Military Retirees Association (AMRA)

Information Booths in the Base Exchange Food Court

There will be prize drawings sponsored by the MacDill Class Six Store and the UPS Store. In addition, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service and Commissary will offer discount coupons and provide free refreshments.

NEWS/FEATURES

Col. David P. Pavey

by Lt. Col. Brian Smith91st Air Refueling Squadron commander

I’m a firm believer that sometimes the intersection of experience and circumstance produces opportunities for per-sonal growth. As a child, I read the story of the race between the tortoise and the hare. Re-cently, I was reminded again of the moral of its story due to such an intersection of my background and a new posi-tion.

Two years ago, I was for-tunate enough to be selected to take command of the 91st Air Refueling Squadron. In the weeks before my change of command, I thought a lot about the goals I wanted to set for the squadron and its Air-men. I also thought a lot about the goals I wanted to set for myself. My thoughts would often take me back to the principles I wit-nessed in my father’s life.

Like many of you, my father has always been a role model — he served in World War II and the Korean War and later was the first per-son in our family to graduate from college. He worked for the United States Postal Service for more than 40 years, and was married to my mother for almost 50 years. He left a clear legacy to my family, his friends and his employees. My father was consistent and balanced in almost everything he did. It was this model of trust I wanted to set for myself and how I wanted to lead the squadron.

Early last year I stood before my new squadron and told them my new found formula for success — Consistency plus Balance equals Trust. My experiences as a commander since then have only solidified the lesson I learned from that story and my formula.

The catch phrases for consistency are timeless: Do what’s right, set the standard, follow through, deliver on your promises, and see it finished. As many of us know from the story of the race, the tortoise was consistent in his approach and was rewarded for his efforts. Con-sistency is important not simply for a reward, but because it’s a trust enabler. The manner in which leaders react to issues, prepare for chal-lenges and plan for the future sets the tone and communicates intent for subordinates. Airmen at all levels are empowered and can act quickly in response to issues because they understand how the leader makes decisions.

Slow and steady wins the race

See SLOW AND STEADY, Page 10

Lt. Col. Brian Smith

by Capt. Shane Huff927th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

On Friday Operation Partnership began its second annual event with a luncheon held at the Surf ’s Edge Club. Operation Partner-ship is a community relations building program between civilian com-panies of the greater Tampa Bay area and military organizations of MacDill Air Force Base. The idea of the program is to familiarize and share knowledge of each other’s responsibilities and areas of work. Last year members of the 6th Air Mobility Wing, 927th Air Refueling Wing, Joint Communications Support Element, U.S. Central Com-mand, and U.S. Special Operations Command hosted representatives from 60 different companies on base to showcase their particular unit. This year the event began with a lunch on base and was followed with military members from each of the afore mentioned organizations go-ing off base to visit civilian companies for a reciprocal tour.

Army retired Lt. Col. Tom Mackiewicz, Director of Site Manage-ment for USAA’s Southeast Regional Office and Chair of the Oper-ation Partnership Committee, made opening remarks to begin the event followed by posting of the colors by the Joint Communications Support Element honor guard, and singing of the national anthem. The benefit of this program is getting members of MacDill and the local community. “It’s about awareness, to find the diversity which ex-ists in the local community,” said Mackiewicz.

This program was an annual event hosted at MacDill up until the

Photo by Capt. Shane Huff

Civilian and military members share with each other at the Opera-tion Partnership luncheon Nov. 5 at the Surf’s Edge Enlisted Club.

‘Operation Partnership’ brings Tampa, military members together

See PARTNERSHIP, Page 6

NEWS/FEATURES

events of 9-11. The heightened security on the base and the increased operations tempo dictated that it be suspended. At the suggestion of Maj. Gen. Retired Fred Raymond, Chairman of the Military Affairs Council at the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, and through the efforts of the 6th Air Mobility Wing, and USAA, the event was restarted in a pilot form back in January 2009.

Lieutenant Col. Jason Wolf, the 310th Squadron commander, made re-

marks on behalf of Col. Lenny Richoux, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander. “We want to be involved with each other, we want to learn from each other, we want to partner to lead the next generation of Americans doing great things in business, the military, and our community”, said Wolf. Colonel Wolf gave special thanks to the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, for putting Operation Partnership in place, “It’s an invaluable dialogue which I hope continues for many years into the future.”

PARTNERSHIPFrom Page 4

RETIREE APPRECIATION DAY - Mark your calendar ! Saturday, November 13, 2010 has been designated Retiree Appreciation Day by Colonel Lenny J. Richoux, 6th Air Mobility Wing Commander at MacDill Air Force Base. Colonel Richoux invites military retirees of all service branches to visit MacDill AFB on this special day to acquaint themselves with benefits and services available at various base facilities. Please refer to the schedule of events below for details.

New this year: Representatives from the 6th Force Security will be present to introduce DBIDS and to register ID cards for retirees and their dependents.

Retiree Appreciation Day 2010 - Schedule of Events Time Events Location 7 A.M. to 1 P.M. Pay-as-you-go Brunch Base Dining Facility

Hillsborough Loop Dr. Bldg 263

10 A.M. to 2 P.M. Wine Tasting Class Six Store

8 A.M. to Noon Health Fair Glaucoma screenings Cholesterol Measurements Blood Pressure Checks Health Care Symposium Flu shots

(will be given depending on availability of flu vaccine) TRICARE (Clinic Atrium)

MacDill Clinic 3250 Zemke Ave.

9 A.M. to 3 P.M. Pay Record Review DFAS representative will provide consultation

VA Benefits Survivor Benefits


Legal Assistance 8 A.M. to 11 A.M. Wills – New or update

Walk-In service available for only 85 people – Come early !! Legal Office

9 A.M. to 3 P.M. Powers of Attorney and general consultation Legal Office

9 A.M. to 3 P.M. ID Card and DBIDS Awareness Speakers from 6th Security Forces Squadron:

o Officer Reginald Henderson o SSgt Victor Ferreira


ID card registration with DBIDS Retiree Activities Office ID Card Issue or Renewal Pass and ID - Building 373

9 A.M. to 3 P.M. Casualty Assistance Pass and ID - Building 373

9 A.M. to 3 P.M. Vehicle Registration Armed Forces Bank Space-A Travel Retiree Associations (MOAA / TREA) Airman and Family Readiness Center Recreation Facilities Volunteer Coordinator Bayada Nurses Home Care Specialists Florida National Cemeteries American Military Retirees Association (AMRA)

Information Booths in the Base Exchange Food Court

There will be prize drawings sponsored by the MacDill Class Six Store and the UPS Store. In addition, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service and Commissary will offer discount coupons and provide free refreshments.

NEWS/FEATURES

This consistency is equally important at home. Your time with your spouse and your children is precious. Consistency will allow you to maximize the quality time you have to share with them. You may not always be able to be there physically but at least be there mentally. In other words, be involved with what is happening in their lives and make the most of the time you have together by limiting distractions.

Balance is equally essential for trust because it establishes cred-ibility. The attributes of a balanced individual include confidence, approachability, acceptability and dependability. Without it, the ups and downs waste both energy and time. The tortoise portrayed bal-ance very effectively in the race by his efficient use of energy. He spent exactly the right amount of effort to get the job done. Extreme approaches and reactions deviate from the norm and often jeopardize both a leader’s approachability and an organization’s interactions. I’m not talking about stifling creativity or innovation; I’m talking about sound reasoning and logical, systematic paths to any goal.

I probably don’t have to emphasize the importance of balancing ca-reer with other aspects of our lives. We all struggle with it every day. It’s important however for us to take a few moments when we can and refocus on our priorities. Our careers are significant, but our families are forever. The same thing goes for other areas of our lives — fitness, education and religion to name a few.

I’m certainly not the first person to rediscover the importance of these key principles, but they seem to be the very lesson the tortoise taught us in his fabled race against the hare. The moral of the story -- slow and steady wins the race -- is not forgotten. My father knew and lived it; now I do too.

SLOW AND STEADyFrom Page 4

Veteran’s Day 2010 Holiday Weekend MacDill Operating Hours

MacDill Services Thur 11 Nov Fri 12 Nov Sat 13 Nov Sun 14 Nov 6th Force Support Squadron Surf’s Edge Sports Bar & Grill Closed 1100-2100 Closed Closed Child Development Centers Closed 0630 - 1800 Closed Closed Family Child Care Closed 0830 - 1730 Closed Closed Human Resources Closed Closed Closed Closed Resource Management Closed Closed Closed Closed Fitness Center 0600-1800 0430-2200 0600-1800 0600-1800 Golf Course 0630-1730 0630-1730 0630-1730 0630-1730 Golf Course Snack Bar Grill 0630-1400 0630-1400 0630-1400 0630-1400 Bowling Center Closed 1100-2400 1300-2400 1300-2000 Information, Tickets & Travel Tickets Only

ClosedClosed

0900-17000900-1700

Closed1000-1500

ClosedClosed

Library Closed 0900-1700 0900-1700 Closed Bayshore Club Swamp Buffet Brunch Dinner

ClosedClosedClosedClosed




SeaScapes Closed 1100-2100 Closed Closed Diner’s Reef Brunch Dinner Midnight Meal

0730-13000400-18002200-2300

0730-13000400-18002200-2300

0730-13000400-18002200-2300

0730-13000400-18002200-2300

Veterinary Clinic Closed 0800-1600 Closed Closed Outdoor Recreation Marina 0700-1730 0700-1730 0700-1730 0700-1730 Building 60 1000-1800 1000-1800 1000-1800 1000-1800 Skeet Range Closed 0800-1400 0800-1400 Closed Main Pool Closed Closed Closed Closed Youth Center Preteen Closed 1430 - 1900 Closed Closed Teen Closed 1430 - 2000 Closed Closed School Age Closed 0630 – 0800

1415 - 1800 Closed Closed

Arts & Craft Framing & Engraving Shops Closed 0900-1700 Closed Closed Auto Shop Closed 1000-1900 0900-1900 Closed Wood Shop Closed 0900-1700 Closed Closed Military Personnel Section Closed Closed Closed Closed Civilian Personnel Section Closed Closed Closed Closed Base Education Office Closed 0800-1600 Closed Closed Airman & Family Readiness Center

Closed 0730 - 1630 Closed Closed Veteran’s Day 2010 Holiday Weekend

MacDill Operating Hours

AAFES/Facilities Main Store 1000-1700 0900-1900 0900-1900 1000-1800 Armed Forces Bank 1000-1700 0900-1900 0900-1900 1000-1800 Class Six Closed 0900-1900 0900-1900 1000-1700 Military Clothing Sales Closed 0900-1800 0900-1600 1000-1600 Furniture Store 1000-1700 0900-1900 0900-1900 1000-1800 Shoppette/Gas 0700-2200 0500-2200 0700-2200 0700-2200 Burger King 1100-1600 0600-2000 0800-1800 1030-1700 Charley’s 1100-1600 0700-1800 0700-1800 1000-1700 Anthony’s Pizza 1100-1600 1000-1800 1000-1800 1100-1600 Robin Hood Closed 1030-1700 1030-1700 1100-1600 Taco Bell Closed 1030-1700 1030-1700 1100-1600 Manchu Wok Closed 1030-1730 1030-1730 Closed Baskin Robbins Closed 1100-1600 1100-1600 Closed Subway Closed 0700-1800 Closed Closed Socom Snk Bar Closed 0600-1400 Closed Closed Centcom Snk Bar Closed 0600-1400 Closed Closed BX Mall Barber Shop 0900-1600 0800-1800 0900-1600 1000-1600 GNC 1000-1700 0900-1900 0900-1900 1000-1800 Dunkin Donuts 0700-1500 0600-1800 0600-1800 0900-1700 Beauty Salon Closed 0900-1800 0800-1600 Closed Firestone 0700-1900 0700-1900 0700-1800 0800-1700 Game Stop 1000-1700 0900-1900 0900-1900 1000-1800 UPS Store 1000-1700 0900-1800 0900-1600 Closed Marco's Pizza 1100-1800 1100-2300 1100-2300 1100-2300 Optometry Care Closed 0900-1700 By Appt Closed Optical Center Closed 0900-1800 0900-1600 Closed The Dry Cleaners Closed 0800-1800 0900-1600 Closed Petals & Blooms Closed 0900-1800 0900-1600 1100-1600 Alterations Closed 0900-1800 0900-1600 Closed Barber Shop Bldg. 17 Closed Closed Closed Closed Enterprise Bldg. 17 0800-1800 0800-1800 0900-1200 Closed Wireless Advocate 1000-1700 0900-1900 0900-1900 1000-1800 Commissary 0900-1700 0900-1900 0900-1900 0900-1900 Security Forces Visitor Reception Facility Closed 0600-1800 0600-1800 0600-1800 Port Tampa Gate Closed 0530-1700 0530-1000 Closed Police Services Closed 0700-1600 Closed Closed Security Forces Administration Closed 0700-1600 Closed Closed

MacDill Veteran’s Day operating hours

CongratulationsCongratulation to Tech. Sgt. Athena L.

Jones, 6th Communications Squadron, for her recent recognition as a Non-Commissioned Of-ficer Academy Distinguished Graduate. Ser-geant Jones graduated in the top 10 percent of her class.

Base housing open houseEver wanted to view one of the homes in In-

dependence Park? Here’s your chance. This No-vember Harbor Bay is hosting an open house at 2003 Thunderjet Blvd on Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to

3:30 p.m.; Nov. 13 and 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The house is a field grade, 4-bedroom home, but all ranks are welcome to visit. This is a great opportunity for enlisted families to see what Harbor Bay has in store for them in 2011.

2011 Federal Benefits open seasonThe Federal Benefits Open Season this year

is Nov. 8 – Dec. 13. You can find the 2011 bro-chures, plan comparison tools, and other re-source material at the Office of Personnel Man-agement’s newly revamped insurance website. The website link is http://www.opm.gov/insure.

To enroll, change, or cancel your enrollment in FEHB (health) during the open season time frame call the Benefits and Entitlements Team at 1-800-616-3775. To enroll, change, or can-cel your enrollment during open season in the FEDVIP (dental/vision) go to their website at www.BENEFEDS.com. To enroll in FSAFEDS (flexible spending account) go to their web site at www.FSAFEDS.com. For more information on long term care, call 1-800-582-3337 or to en-roll in long term care, go to their web site at www.ltcfeds.com.

BRIEFS

See BRIEFS, Page 16

Special to the Thunderbolt

Some American Indian legends recount how the dog freely chose to be-come a companion to man, but they probably never imagined that a dog named Clifford would carry their spirit to MacDill Air Force Base.

The Clifford in question came courtesy of Staff Sgt. Janet Montiel, chair person for MacDill’s Native American/Alaskan Native Heritage Month observance this year, and Senior Airman Brenda Langdon. They read his story “Clifford’s Thanksgiving Visit” to Mrs. Sandy Bell’s 1st grade class at Tinker Elementary School Nov. 3 as part of the base’s heritage month events. Although the story focuses solely on a big red dog’s trip to the city in modern America for Thanksgiving, the spirit of the Native Americans came with Clifford nonetheless.

“It’s hard to catch the kids’ attention on such an important topic, but this was a great way to at least get them to think about stories that have relevance, such as Thanksgiving,” said Sergeant Montiel, who wore a hand-made, Native American-style dress to set the mood.

“We’re glad to have them read to the kids as part of the events,” said Mrs. Bell, the class teacher. “We also have other events, art activities, and a lesson about the first Thanksgiving for social studies.”

Clifford brings native American heritage to MacDill AFB

NEWS/FEATURES

Photo by Staff Sgt. Angela Ruiz

Tinker Elementary School children gather around to hear the story of Clifford, the story of a big red dog who visits the city for Thanksgiving as Staff Sgt. Janet Montiel, left, and Senior Airman Brenda Langdon tell the story. The event is part of Native American/Alaskan Native Heritage Month being celebrated this month at MacDill. See CLIFFORD, Page 27

Big week at MacDill

(Left) Servicemembers from the 6th Air Mobility Wing, United States Special Operations Com-mand, and United States Central Command come together at St.Pete Times Forum Tampa, to unfurle the American Flag before the game, Nov. 9. The Tampa Bay Lightning hosted this game as a Military Appreciation Night in honor of the upcoming Veterans Day.


Col. Donald Barnes, 6th Mission Support Group commander, gets his ears lowered by Master Sgt. Christopher King, 6 SF. The colo-nel was paying off on a bet that he’d loose

Tampa Bay Bucs players Geno Hayes, LeGar-rette Blount and Josh Freeman on stage for Team MacDill during a military apprecia-tion pep rally held on base Tuesday.

Photo By: Staff Sgt. Angela Ruiz



(Background image) MacDill is a busy place. Some 10,000 cars enter and exit the gates daily. The wing commander is actively working with Air Mobility Command and local governments to alleviate morning and evening traffic delays, as well as increase parking availability. We are making progress.

Big week at MacDill

(Left) Servicemembers from the 6th Air Mobility Wing, United States Special Operations Com-mand, and United States Central Command come together at St.Pete Times Forum Tampa, to unfurle the American Flag before the game, Nov. 9. The Tampa Bay Lightning hosted this game as a Military Appreciation Night in honor of the upcoming Veterans Day.


Col. Donald Barnes, 6th Mission Support Group commander, gets his ears lowered by Master Sgt. Christopher King, 6 SF. The colo-nel was paying off on a bet that he’d loose


Lt. Col. Kenneth Ohlson, 6th Security Forc-es Squadron commander, gets his buzz-cut from Tech. Sgt. Melvin Teartt, 6 SF. He, too,

Col. Dennis Beatty, 6ht Medi-cal Group commander, with the Bronze Star awarded Tuesday. He earned the medal for his service during a recent deployment to Balad, Iraq.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Nancy Hooks

Tinker Elementary School students participate in a flag folding ceremony in honor of Veterans Day Nov. 3 at MacDill Air Force Base. Lt. Col. Joseph Heilhecker, 6th Maintenance Squadron commander, was the guest speaker at the event.


(Background image) MacDill is a busy place. Some 10,000 cars enter and exit the gates daily. The wing commander is actively working with Air Mobility Command and local governments to alleviate morning and evening traffic delays, as well as increase parking availability. We are making progress.

Special to the Thunderbolt

Representatives from the Toy Industry Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of America will distribute toys to children of military families stationed at MacDill Air Force Base on Nov. 17 from 2 to 6 p.m. in Han-gar 3.

MacDill AFB was chosen as the first Air Force installation by the Toy Industry Foundation to participate in their Play Comforts Program.

“MacDill is very proud to represent the Air Force and to have been the first Air Force base selected to receive this gracious gift to the bene-fit of all branches of our military families during these difficult times of high operations tempo and deployments,” said Lisa LaConte, 6th Force Support Squadron, Caring For People coordinator.

The toys were donated to The Toy Bank, the foundation’s signature program, by generous toy manufacturers, retailers and distributors both local and nation-wide. Through the Play Comforts partnership, TIF provides Toy Bank toys to members of Boys & Girls Clubs located on military bases across the country with high deployment rates. The initiative includes grant funding from the foundation and is its first-ever national toy distribution program to canvas every branch of the military.

TIF and BCGA are honored to have senior MacDill Air Force officials on hand to accept the toys on behalf of the Air Force community. Volun-teers and staff members will then distribute free toys and refreshments to the children and their parents.

“The toy industry and it’s foundation are deeply committed to giving back to our military families who have made great sacrifices for our country,” said Jean Butler, the foundation’s executive director. “We work to share the joy of play with as many children as we can and this op-portunity to say thank you to so many deserving young heroes is truly special.”

“We are astonished and grateful for the Toy Industry Foundation’s continuous generosity,” said Terrill D. Wicks, BGCA’s vice president of Military Services and International Projects. “Their unwavering sup-port for our military youth is greatly appreciated and we thank them for making these toys available to children at MacDill Air Force Base.”

We’re looking for a few good Gingerbread Men.

(And cookies, brownies, and other fresh-baked holiday treats.)

The mission: Spread TLC to some VIPs: MacDill’s Dorm Residents!

Your task: Bring cookies in disposable containers to Chapel Annex Two or the Brandon Clinic from 0700 to 1300 hrs on Mon Dec 13

Not able to bake? Not a problem! Donations of gallon ziploc bags and large disposable (i.e., Ziploc, Gladware) containers also needed

Questions: Contact Michele Richoux, [email protected] THANK YOU for supporting our single and unaccompanied troops!! The 6th Annual Operation Cookie Drop is sponsored by MacDill Officer

Spouses Club and Enlisted Spouses Club.

MacDill first location for free toy giveaway program

NEWS/FEATURES

Giant Campus offers computer, technology courses

Giant Campus provides free basic to ad-vanced comprehensive computer and technol-ogy programs for military members and their families through their online option. Courses are geared toward helping you become more ef-ficient in software applications you use in your job and for personal productivity. Courses for adults, teens, and kids Include: Computer Fun-damentals, Internet and E-mail Fundamen-tals, Microsoft Office 2007 Suite, Web Design, Graphic Design, Digital Photography, Game Design, & Animation. For more information about the programs at MacDill AFB contact, Laura Houston by e-mail at [email protected] or call 813-361-1852 or visit their web site at www.giantcampus.com/macdill.

BRIEFSFrom Page 14

Job Title: KC-135 aircraft Crew Chief

Hometown: Orange, Conn.

Short-term goals: Achieve my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice

Long-term goals: The sky’s the limit.

Advice to others: Learn from your shortfalls.

Role model and why: My mother, she’s always supporting and encouraging met.

Why did you join? For a better life and education

Staff Sgt. William Colavolpe6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

DIAMOND SHARP

“The observance is designed to recognize the many contributions and achievements of all Na-tive Americans to the American culture and to increase awareness, mutual respect and under-standing,” said Sergeant Montiel, whose family claims ancestry to the Choctaw and Cherokee nations (and possibly the Chicasaw) – three of the five tribes that formed what 19th Century white settlers in America called the “Five Civi-lized Tribes.”

The history of MacDill also has some unique links to Native American heritage. The base’s first commanding officer, Gen. Clarence Tinker, became the first Air Corps/Air Force general of Native American descent in 1940. His lineage linked him to the Osage nation in Oklahoma, where he was born.

Other MacDill connections include an archae-

ological dig in 1960, when a team discovered an-cient artifacts at Gadsden Point (Bay Palms golf complex). After contacting the State of Florida, base officials worked with 11 federally recog-nized native local tribes to settle ownership of the artifacts. In 1996, the base invited a Semi-nole shaman for a re-internment ceremony.

Also, Native Americans appeared to have had a settlement at Culbreath Point (closer to the 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion on West Gan-dy Boulevard). That settlement came well be-fore the late 1600s when Spanish and English explorers ventured here in search of deep-water ports and suitable locations for a settlement.

This year’s events at MacDill are part of a national observance, which is a relatively re-cent arrival to the community of American heri-tage month commemorations. Although there had been several efforts to set aside a day for the “First Americans” around 1915, there is no currently known record of such a national day

being proclaimed. In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designat-ing November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations, under different names (including “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month”) have been issued each year since 1994. This year’s theme is “Life Is Sacred - Celebrate Healthy Native Com-munities.”

The book reading, along with a cake cutting Nov. 1, helped kick off a series of heritage events at MacDill that run through November. The big event will be a story teller and dancers from the American Indian Association of Florida Nov. 29 at 11:30 a.m. at the Surf’s Edge Club. The club will serve Native American cuisine to include Tewa Tacos and Cherokee chicken.

For more information about Native American Heritage Month events at MacDill, contact Ser-geant Montiel at (813) 828-1935.

CLIFFORDFrom Page 16

6, 2008. Wounded by persistent insurgent fire which earned him the Purple Heart, Sergeant Rhyner coor-dinated more than 50 aerial attacks against the enemy while

providing suppres-sive fire with his M-4 rifle as fellow team-mates were extracted from the line of fire. Soldiers in the battle were also awarded an unprecedented 10 Sil-

ver Stars. When asked about his experience, Sergeant Rhyner, a Senior Airman at the time of the battle, modestly remarked, “Any other Combat Controller in the same

position would’ve done just what I did.”

Not every veteran saw combat, but even in peacetime they face dangers that most other Americans never know. Hazardous

night-time training missions, rescuing crewmembers from downed aircraft, or providing relief sup-plies after a natural disaster all come with elements of risk. Our

history is filled with their brave actions and quiet courage. Faced with different challenges, today’s vet-erans are no different than those in our past. The theme of ‘service before self ’ in the Air Force - and in every service - is a constant one that binds our veterans together through the decades. Service before self is why we owe all of our veterans a debt of gratitude...yesterday, today and tomorrow. On this Veterans Day, let us remember and honor all those who have served, for they are true heroes.

VETERANSFrom Page 3

Friday - 7 p.m. Town (R)

MACDILL COMMUNITYEVENTS

Protestant servicesSunday - 9 a.m., Traditional Service10:30 a.m., Religious Education, Noon, Gospel Service

Wednesday - 10:30 a.m., Women of the Chapel

Thursday - 11:30 a.m., Officers’ Christian FellowshipFor more information regarding the Chapel or Chapel servic-es, call 828-3621.

Catholic servicesSaturday - Mass, 5:30 p.m.Sunday - Mass, 10:30 a.m.Monday to Thursday: Mass, 12:10 p.m.Saturday - Sacrament of Reconciliation, 4:30 p.m., (or by ap-pointment) Islamic servicesFriday - 1:15 p.m.Jewish services - Call 828-3621

CHAPEL SCHEDULE

AT THE MOVIESSaturday - 7 p.m.

You Again (PG)

Saturday - 3 p.m. No showing

$4 for adults / $2 for children 828-2780

FridayArts & Crafts CenterFREE Open Scrapbooking from 10a.m.-3p.m.Stop by for the whole time or whatever fits into your schedule.

Surf’s Edge ClubMembership Dinner from 5:30-9p.m. Members Free; Spouse $12.95; Non-Members $14.95

SaturdayYouth CenterDinner & Movie - teens only. Let’s help celebrate our thankfulness from 12-6p.m. Movie TBA. Dinner will be teens choice. Cost dinner & movie.

Monday Outdoor RecreationLAST DAY TO REGISTER for Big Cat Rescue Trip on 20 Nov. Buy one person, get one FREE! $35pp. For more information call 840-6919.

Tuesday LibraryAnime & Magna Club 7-5-3 Festival from 6-7p.m.

Wednesday Short Fitness & Sports CenterTurkey Trot 5K Run – 7a.m. at the Fitness Center. – sponsored by Sta-dium Toyota, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and USAA* *No federal endorsement of sponsor intended.

Thursday LibraryGot Game? Come play pass the stuff-ing super smash spectacular from 6-7:30p.m.

For more information please visit our website at www.macdillfss.com

Follow the 6th Force Support Squadron on Facebook & Twitter!


Col Lenny Richoux, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, and Mrs. Michele Richoux wave to the crowd during the Tampa Bay Veterans Day Parade in Tampa, Nov. 6. Col Richoux served as the 2010 grand

NEWS/FEATURESGongrats to CCAF grads

The following earned their Community Col-lege of the Air Force Associate’s Degree

6th Air Mobility WingStaff Sgt. Adam McConnaughyStaff Sgt. Janet MontielMaster Sgt. Alana Vollmer49th Material Maintenance Support Sq Staff Sgt. Jonathan KollerStaff Sgt. Ruben Lima6th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Staff Sgt. Raquel SolivanSenior Airman Tawny Uemura-Oquendo6th Aircraft Maintenance SquadronMaster Sgt. Jeffrey CartwrightStaff Sgt. William ColavolpeStaff Sgt. Enden Harrington6th Civil Engineer SquadronStaff Sgt. Shaun Prouty 6th Communications SquadronStaff Sgt. Anthony AmphayMaster Sgt. John JohnsSenior Airman Dallas Spellman6th Comptrollers SquadronSenior Airman Brandon Bednarski6th Contracting SquadronStaff Sgt. Nicholas Turner6th Dental Squadron Senior Airman Rosalyn FrazeeMaster Sgt. David Hamlet6th Force Support SquadronMaster Sgt Lazaro Puentes Staff Sgt. Michael Ragsdale

6th Logistics Readiness Squadron Staff Sgt. Kyle Brinkman Airman 1st Class James FoxStaff Sgt. Julia GetterStaff Sgt. Adam RozehnalTech. Sgt. Jacob Sanchez Tech. Sgt. Dudley Watson6th Maintenance Operations SquadronStaff Sgt. Nicholas CreeStaff Sgt. Larry DavisTech. Sgt. Meoka Hall6th Maintenance SquadronTech. Sgt. Ronald Trucott6th Medical Operations SquadronStaff Sgt. Jessica BludauSenior Airman Xasandra CisnerosMaster Sgt. Herbert Johnson Senior Airman Nichole SmithSenior Airman Michelle Thompson6th Medical Support SquadronMaster Sgt. James BernardStaff Sgt. Mary Muhammad-BakerTech. Sgt. Marcos SilvaSenior Airman Katrevious SwiftStaff Sgt. Mariela UmpierreTech. Sgt. Angela WareStaff Sgt. Rolando Watkins6th Operations GroupSenior Airman Allison Encarnacion6th Operations Support SquadronStaff Sgt. Laura Pearce 6th Security Forces Squadron Senior Airman Tiffany BrownSenior Airman Brandyn DickinsonStaff Sgt. Scott HighlandTech. Sgt. Brian MorrillAirman 1st Class Bryan Murphy

Staff Sgt. Hallie PellStaff Sgt. Kevin SackettSenior Airman Luis TalamantesJoint Communications Support Element Staff Sgt. Randall DeanTech. Sgt. John PenlandStaff Sgt. Aracely PraneMaster Sgt. Michael SwansonU.S. Central CommandTech. Sgt. Essence AikensMaster Sgt. Christopher BallardSenior Airman Sonny CabralMaster Sgt. Eric DeskinTech. Sgt. Melchor DouglasMaster Sgt. Larry HancockStaff Sgt. Cristy HardingTech. Sgt. Mary HooperSenior Master Sgt. Gregory HornTech. Sgt. Shubert MendezTech. Sgt. John MooreTech. Sgt. Jamie SmallsU.S. Special Operations CommandMaster Sgt. Hester BrinkleyStaff Sgt. Jeffrey EnglebertTech. Sgt. Taneka LylesMaster Sgt. Jerome MartinTech. Sgt. Victoria MeyerTech. Sgt. James SalgadoTech. Sgt. Troy SwannTech. Sgt. Christina TinsleyMaster Sgt. Pauline TudorMaster Sgt. Stephen WhiteTech. Sgt. Tina WilliamsSenior Master Sgt. Brent BensonTech. Sgt. August BoudreauxMaster Sgt. Walter JamesTech. Sgt. Craig Mills

Documents

Team MacDill: AMC IG says you’re ‘Excellent’ · ‘Excellent’ and those scores are not given out, they’re earned! The Air Mobility Command Inspector General Team departed