Vol. 42, No. 33 Thursday, August 14, 2014

News/Features: page 3Airmen mentor Airmen

Week in photos: page 4Images from MacDill

News/Features: page 3Downrange dedication

Diamond Sharp: page 8This week’s standout

Community: page 21Events, Chapel, more...

Photo byby Staff Sgt. Dana Flamer

Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II, 18th Air Force commander, passes the guidon to Col. Daniel Tulley, the newly appointed 6th Air Mobility Wing com-mander at MacDill Air Force Base, Friday.

6th AMW change of command - page 12

MacDill ThunderboltPublisher: Bill BarkerEditor: 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.

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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.

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may be obtained by calling (813) 259-7455. 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, or call the MacDill Thunderbolt staff at 828-2215. Email: thunder.bolt@us.af.mil.

Deadline for article submissions is noon, Wednesdays to appear in the next week’s publication. Articles received after deadline may be considered for future use. All submissions are considered for publication based on news value and 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 LINE

The Action Line provides 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. Email macdillwingcommander@us.af.mil.

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MacDill on the web

COMMAND CORNERby Chief Master Sgt. Victoria GambleAir Mobility Command command chief

The General Electric Women’s Network sponsors a conference each year. It has be-come quite noted within many Fortune 500 companies, not only in the United States, but abroad, making attendance highly sought after. So you can imagine my surprise when I received an invitation to this year’s event. GE decided to invite active duty military women for the first time, not only to include then in the women’s leadership and learning event, but to find out what companies can do for military veterans and their spouses. GE’s commitment to diversity is recognized throughout industry and they have several af-finity networks to include African Americans, Asian Pacific Americans and women just to name a few.

GE asked us to speak on the first day of the conference followed by a half-hour with a moderator and questions from the audience. Attendees consisted of about 200 women ex-ecutives from across GE sectors including en-gines, health care, finance, energy, transpor-

tation and manufacturing. Other companies represented were a cross section of industries and included CISCO CITI Bank, Bank of America, American Airlines, Princeton Uni-versity, Cleveland Clinic and numerous small businesses. The military women shared billing with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand via Skype, Chel-sea Clinton, Samantha Power, and the CEO of GE, Jeff Immelt. We spoke about the impor-tance of hiring veterans and their spouses. We also shared personal experiences about how our military service had made us leaders both at work and in our local communities. Later, during the evening events, numerous execu-tives asked us how to hire veterans and their spouses. They also said we were, without a doubt, the best part of the program.

As I spoke with these executives, I tried to find out how their companies developed them professionally. I was surprised when some of them answered, they were sent to Greensboro, North Carolina to the Center for Creative Leadership or to Gettysburg for the leader-ship experience. The reason it surprised me is because the Air Force has sent me to those

Air Force investment in professional development: more than you might think

Chief Master Sgt. Victoria GambleSee CORNER, Page 22

Be sure to visit the MacDill Air Force Base website at www.macdill.af.mil

NEWS/FEATURES

by Senior Airman Colin Cates379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

Every Airman is taught the Air Force core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do, and is expected to demon-strate those values daily.

One such Airman that demonstrates those values by the work he is doing is U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kevin Robinson, 340th Expedi-tionary Air Refueling Squadron Detachment 1 aircrew flight equipment technician.

Robinson solely inspects every piece of flight crew equipment that is attached to the 340th EARS Det. 1, while maintaining all shop respon-sibilities. He provides this valuable service to the mission, and performs duties above his pay grade in a one deep position.

“It has been an experience, a growing experience,” said Robinson. “I have learned to tackle some challenges that I did not think I would have to face, but it has been a great opportunity and my fellow wingmen have been by my side the whole time.”

He was entrusted with this opportunity by his constant demonstration of the knowledge needed to get the job done while maintaining a high level of integrity to do it the right way.

“When you go from building a shop on your own in a desolate area, then you take those lessons back home you can probably cut out a lot of waste and time and say better way to do it.”

“I think I have really helped the mission here, I have found some

MacDill airman continues the mission downrange

by Staff Sgt. Brittany Liddon6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

“We exist solely to aid Airmen both with the professional development they desire, as well as the resources they need,” said Senior Airman Alexisandra Travis, president of the Junior En-listed Council.

The JEC is a group of Airmen that strive for the betterment of the junior enlisted tier.

“We collaborate on ways to facilitate personal and professional growth for our peers, as well as, developing volunteer opportunities and pro-grams,” explained Travis.

The JEC holds mentorship meetings, which are open to everyone, on the third Wednesday of every month at the Surf ’s Edge Club.

“At our meetings we discuss topics of interest to the Airmen and typically coordinate guest speakers to come and share their experience with us,” said Travis. “We also provide Airmen with volunteer and leadership opportunities.”

The JEC offer events that help the base, the community, and the developmental growth of Airmen. Some of the many programs and events that the JEC hosts and participates in are volunteering at the Veterans Administra-tion hospital and reading at the Child Develop-ment Centers.

“I love to help Airmen grow both personally and professionally; being a mentor is something that I love and consider to be important to the foundation of military structure,” said Travis. “I believe that the JEC has molded me into a bet-ter mentor.”

To learn more about the JEC or to become involved with the counsel, Travis encourages everyone to come out to the meetings.

“I encourage all Airmen to at least attend one meeting and contribute! Tell us what you want and need from us, that is what we are here for,” said Travis. “Attend the meetings and become an active part of JEC operations; you can only benefit!”

Junior Enlisted Council: Airmen mentoring Airmen

U.S. Air Force graphic by Staff Sgt. Brittany Liddon

The Junior Enlisted Council is a group of Air-men that strive for the betterment of the junior enlisted tier. Some of the many programs and events that the JEC hosts and participates in are volunteering at the Veterans Administration hospital and reading at the Child Development Centers.

Photo by Senior Airman Colin Cates

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kevin Robinson, 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron Detachment 1 aircrew flight equipment technician, inspects equipment after a refueling mission at Mazar-i-Sharif Airfield, July 24.

See DOWNRANGE, Page 20

WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Airman Melanie Bulow-Gonterman

Members of Team MacDill attend a special duty fair Aug. 6, at MacDill Air Force Base. During the event airmen are informed on the opportunities available to them outside of their current air force specialty codes.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany Liddon

(Above) Chief Master Sgt. Brian Kentta, 6th Mission Support Group superintendent, briefs staff and tech. sergeants from Team MacDill about the changes to the promotion process Aug. 4, at MacDill Air Force Base. Kentta shared his perspective about what is reviewed for promotion boards. (Right) Col. Scott DeThomas and Tampa community leaders cut the ribbon for the Grand opening of the Career Source Tampa Bay MacDill Transition Center new facility Aug. 6, at MacDill Air Force Base. Photo by Senior Airman Jenay Randolph

NEWS/FEATURESSleep is important, but especially during the summer monthsby Staff Sgt. Brittany Liddon6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

One thing that we should always be aware of, at all times not just during the summer time, is fatigue. However, during the summer, there are a few differences that make this a bigger topic to think about some safety precautions .

During the summer, the sun is up longer. As a result, and because of this, our bodies tend to not want to sleep because it is still light outside. It is imperative that you get a decent amount of sleep every night. It is recommended that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep every night.

In Florida it gets hot and humid in the summer, and that can lead to heat fatigue. This is generally caused by fluid loss and can be treated by rest and rehydration.

If you feel tired, it is not safe to drive. Driving while tired can affect your response time, ability to process information correctly, and make it hard to focus. If you start to feel yourself getting tired, have someone else drive, or pull over to a safe, well-lit area and take a nap.

Simply following the rules and practicing risk management can de-crease accidents and improve safety. Summer is a great time for fam-ily and friends to come together and create lasting memories. Utilizing simple safety tips can help keep everyone safe and out of harm’s way.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany Liddon

MacBones, 6th Air Mobility Wing safety skeleton, sleeps to avoid fa-tigue at MacDill Air Force Base, Monday. It is imperative that you get a decent amount of sleep every night. It is recommended that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep every night.

DIAMOND SHARPJob Title: Customer service technician

Hometown: New Port, Ark.

Short-term goals: To complete my CDCs EOC with a 90 or above and enroll in college

Long-term goals: Earn a doctorate degree; become a Chief Master Sergeant in the Air Force

Advice to others: My advice to others would be to never give up on what you want in life. When things get hard, push through because it will make you stronger.

Role model(s): My mother and father: My mother because she works hard for what she wants. I really love and admire her for never giving up on her dreams. My father because he knows how to keep his composure in stressful situations. He never lets anyone push his limits.

Why did you join the Air Force?: I joined for educational purposes. I also joined because the AF is a longtime dream of mine. I feel like I mesh well with the military.

Airman 1st Class Yokisha Walker6th Force Support Squadron

Thunderbolt staff report

The Pennies for Pegasus Monster Dash 5K Fun Run/Walk will be held Oct. 4 on MacDill Air Force Base, sponsored by the 927th Air Refueling Wing.

There will be prizes go to the best costume for male and female. Every-one participating will receive a T-shirt. Submit your registration form with payment to one of the following points of contact: u Dale Nyack (828-1027, 927 ARW Bldg 296) u Senior Master Sgt. Harold Potter (828-1076, 927 MXS Bldg 552)u Senior Master Sgt. Erin Willis (828-1544, 927 MXS Bldg 55)u Master Sgt. Vanessa Maxfield (828-7781, 927 MSG Bldg 296)

Registration forms can be downloaded at https://afpims.dma.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-140802-006.pdf. Due to the CFC campaign, entry fees must be collected before Sept. 1, so register and pay with cash or check by close of business Aug. 29. Make checks payable to “Pennies for Pegasus.” Entry fees:u $5 - Airman basic to senior airman GS4 and underu $10 - Staff and tech sergeant, GS5-GS8u $15 - Master sergeant to chief master sergeant, GS9-GS11u $20 - Officers, GS12-GS13

The race begins at 6 a.m. at the fitness center and ends at 7 a.m.

Register now for Pennies for Pegasus Monster Dash 5KNEWS/FEATURES

Photo by Capt. Joe Simms

Members of the 927th Aircract Maintenance Squadron participated in a Pennies for Pegasus 5K June 5. That race was held on a Unit Train-ing Assembly weekend to help raise money for the families of deployed reservists and to provide for morale, welfare, and readiness events throughout the year.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Dana Flamer

(Above) Lt. Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II, 18th Air Force commander, shakes hands with Col. Daniel Tulley, the newly appointed 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Friday. (Below) MacDill Air Force Base honor guard prepares to post the colors during the ceremony.

Photo by Senior Airman Jenay Randolph

Col. Brian Smith, 6th Operations Group com-mander, and members of the 6th OG stand at parade rest during the 6th Air Mobility Wing change of command ceremony, Friday.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Dana Flamer

Team MacDill welcomes new 6th Air Mobility Wing

commander

Photo by Staff Sgt. Dana Flamer

Col. Daniel Tulley, 6th Air Mobility Wing com-mander, addresses the audience during a change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Friday.

Photo by Senior Airman Jenay Randolph

Airmen at MacDill Air Force Base stand at attention for the posting of the colors during the 6th Air Mo-bility Wing change of command ceremony, Friday.

Photo by Senior Airman Jenay Randolph

Col. Reginald Gobolt, 6th Maintenance Group commander, and members of the 6th MXG salute dur-ing the national anthem during the 6th Air Mobility Wing change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Friday.

Photo by Senior Airman Jenay Randolph

Col. Brian Smith, 6th Operations Group com-mander, and members of the 6th OG stand at parade rest during the 6th Air Mobility Wing change of command ceremony, Friday.

Team MacDill welcomes new 6th Air Mobility Wing

commander

Photo by Staff Sgt. Dana Flamer

Col. Daniel Tulley, 6th Air Mobility Wing com-mander, addresses the audience during a change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Friday.

by Airman 1st Class Tori Schultz6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

“The most enjoyable part of the dorm recycle team is seeing the num-bers increase and knowing that we are doing something good for the base,” said Airman 1st Class Brandi Graves, dorm recycle team lead. “It’s an awesome feeling! I love knowing the recycle team has a positive impact.”

It has been six months since the dorm recycle team started, and they have collected 4,000 pounds of recyclables and made $720 for the base recycling fund.

“The base has gone from a 40 percent recycling rate to 47 percent,” said Graves. “The base’s goal is to be at 50 percent by the end of 2014.”

Every Wednesday at 6 p.m. the team meets at building 253 and works its way down the dorms. Dorm residents put their recyclables outside their doors to be picked up and the team records the weight for each dorm.

Graves is working with the base recycling agency to receive more re-cycling bins and distribute them throughout the dorms and residents to help contain all of their recyclables.

“All the Airmen on the team do an extremely amazing job,” said Graves. “They come out almost every single Wednesday and help do something good for the dorm area.”

NEWS/FEATURESDorm recycling team on its way to 50 percent goal

Photo by Airman 1st Class Tori Schultz

The dorm recycling team poses for a group photo at MacDill Air Force Base, July 16. The team has collected 4,000 pounds of recyclables in the past six months.

by Nick StubbsThunderbolt editor

Food trucks seem to be all the rage, bringing their unique twists of cu-linary favorites to the streets of cities across the nation. There are even television shows dedicated to profiling food trucks and variety of good eats they offer.

Four of those rolling restaurants will be the center attraction at MacDill Air Force Base Aug. 21 and 22, when the Food Truck Rally will be hosted at the Diner’s Reef parking lot. Trucks on hand for the event will be the Slow & Low Barbecue truck, Buddy Brew and Coffee, Wicked Wiches and Wicked Wiches #2.

Food trucks to gather for two-day event

See TRUCKS, Page 20

weaknesses that needed to be addressed and I believe I have set a new standard of how things need to be done,” said Robinson. “It is a really great mission, it is awesome to talk to the aircrew members after and hear about all the important things were doing to support the war fight-er down range.”

By taking this challenge head-on and doing what was asked of him, Robinson set the standard of service before self. He has shown the ability to step up when called upon to get the job done.

“I had to learn to maximize my time management and get as much done as I can, being a one man crew I cannot be everywhere but I have found an ops tempo that works,” said Robinson.

Taking pride in what we do as service members is a common mindset among the military and Robinson has bought into that sediment to the fullest. He provides a quality work ethic with exceptional attention to detail that is carried out with excellence in all he does.

“The improvements that I been able to help here range from a person-al recovery of the aircraft being safer to the flight crew is now flying with hygienically cleaner equipment, which is vital to their ability to conduct the mission.” Having the opportunity to help and impact the mission here is something I look forward to every day.

DOWNRANGEFrom Page 3

A sort of gathering for gobbling, the rally is being held by the 6th Force Support Squadron to showcase the food truck options on base, particu-larly important now, as the Diner’s Reef is closed for renovations, leaving the base population without it’s biggest dining option.

The trucks will be serving up gourmet burgers and sandwiches, tacos and cantina bowls. Barbecued brisket, chicken and pork is on the menu, as well as coffee, tea and iced drinks. The food trucks attending have been operating on base for some time, and are favorites among many MacDill diners, but with all the trucks staged at one location, it’s a perfect oppor-tunity for anyone who hasn’t sampled their menus, or hasn’t tried them all, to find out what the trucks have to offer, said Senior Master Sgt. Debo-rah Parsons, 6th Force Support Squadron Sustainment Flight superinten-dent.

“It’s a good way to introduce those who have not experienced the food trucks, because they will be all together at one spot,” said Parsons. “Nor-mally the trucks are scattered around the base.”

The trucks will be open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 21 and 22 in the Diner’s Reef lot.

Parsons said the event is being held for everyone, but she wants to send a message to dorm residence, many of whom depended heavily on the din-ing facility for their meals.

“They (dorm residence) will be able to use their food allowance for the food trucks, so we are encouraging them to come out and try some food that maybe they haven’t had before,” said Parsons.

How good is the food served by the base food trucks? Parsons has one word: “Addictive.”

TRUCKSFrom Page 18

MACDILL COMMUNITY

Protestant serviceSunday - 11 a.m. - Contemporary Service Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - FAMCAMP Service

Islamic serviceFriday - 1:30 p.m. - Muslim Prayer Service

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

Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - Mass

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

Call the chapel at 828-3621 for more information or visit the chapel web siteat http://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel.

EVENTSFridayMissoula Children’s Theater

Base Theater at 3 p.m. Free per-formance of “Aladdin.” Come and support the children. For more info, call the Youth Center at 828-7956.

SeaScapes Beach HouseCrab Night from 3-8 p.m. The

everyday bar menu is also avail-able from 4 p.m. until close. Buck-ets of... •1lb. snow crab legs, 1lb. shrimp $17.50 • 1lb. snow crab legs, 1/2lb. shrimp $13.65 • 1lb. snow crab legs $9.75 • 1lb. shrimp $9.50 • 1/2lb. shrimp $6.50 *All portions are served with Old Bay potatoes and corn, melted butter • Pitchers of Beer $4.

SaturdayFamarama Bowling

Fun starts at 5 p.m. Kids bowl for $1.50 a game from 5-8 p.m. Food specials; call 828-4005 to re-serve your lane.

Sunday Bay Palms Golf Complex

Club Member Appreciation – free golf and cart to AF Club card members. Call 840-6904 to make your tee time today. Must show valid Club card when checking in at the Pro Shop.

ThursdayFood Truck Rally

Diner’s Reef Parking lot Aug. 21 and 22 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dis-cover MacDill’s Food Truck selec-tion as alternate options during the Diner’s Reef closure. Slow & Low Barbeque, Wicked Wiches, Wicked Wiches #2 and Buddy Brew.

Base TheaterFree movie: “Rio 2” at 5:30 p.m.

Everyone welcome and feel free to bring your own food and drink.

Up-close look!Deborah Mazursky and Taylor Thomas, residents of Harbor Bay, hold their scholarship certificates awarded at MacDill Air Force Base, Aug. 7. This year, Harbor Bay had five students receive scholar-ships through The Michaels Organization.

CHAPEL SCHEDULE

Photo by Staff Sgt, Brittany Liddon

schools as well, in addition to the NCO preparatory school, the NCO academy and the Air Force Senior NCO Academy. None of these cor-porations had invested the amount of money the Air Force invested in me to complete my secondary education. None of them could touch the very generous Community College of the Air Force degree programs, match the scale of the tuition assistance program or come close to the new Montgomery GI Bill. Just think, I entered the Air Force with a high school diploma and will leave with a master’s degree.

There is no company in the world that is more focused on deliber-ately developing their employees than the United States Air Force.

We should seize every opportunity the Air Force gives us to improve both our leadership and critical thinking skills. This investment in our development is simply unmatched and should be used to continue to power a responsive and innovative Air Force.

Sun Tzu once said, “Opportunities multiply as they are seized.” I hope all Airmen are capitalizing on all the amazing opportunities

our Air Force provides. In the end, I’m very thankful for this experi-ence and even more proud to be an American Airman. This visit really opened my eyes to just how much the Air Force has invested in its people and how the Air Force truly lives up to Excellence In All We Do.

CORNERFrom Page 2