Vol. 38, No. 34 Friday, August 28, 2009

Lettin’ Loose at Combat Dining In

Page - 12

Complete list page 16

by Chief Master Sgt. Rob TappanaAir Education and Training Command

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — As we prepare for the revised Air Force fit-ness testing program, I’ve spent the last cou-ple of months educating myself on diet and fitness — subjects I thought I knew plenty about, I was mistaken.

Throughout my career, I’ve prepared for and passed each physical training test. Al-though I never scored high, I felt good be-cause I always passed, and I told myself I’d done my best. I was wrong. I’d actually done just enough to get by and made excuses for not doing better. I thought I’d take this oppor-tunity to share some of the lies I discovered I was telling myself. Some of them may sound familiar to you.

1. The weight standard/waist measurement (take your pick) just isn’t fair to tall/big guys like me, we’re “big-boned.”

I’ve heard people say this many times over the years and spoke those words myself. I finally had to admit they are not true. I am not “big-boned”; I am “big-spooned.” That’s right, I like to eat more than I like to exercise and I can eat faster than I can run. One day I realized I was 29 pounds heavier than when I enlisted. I didn’t have 29 more pounds of bone, just 29 more pounds of lunch hanging from the bones I already had. It is a simple math problem, 3,500 calories is roughly equal to one pound. If you take in 3,500 extra, you gain a pound; work off 3,500 more than you take in, and you lose a pound. My weight and waist went up as my intake went up and exercise went down. One more thing, there

is no waist measurement in the new fitness program, it is an abdominal circumference. The measurement is taken above the iliac crest (the top of the hip bones). The only bone structure there is the spinal column. I don’t have a 38 inch spine. The good news is my weight and waist (and abdominal circumfer-ence) are coming down as my consumption drops and my exercise goes up, yours will too.

2. I can run for a long time, but I can’t run fast.

I’ve always enjoyed jogging, but never worked on speed. I like long slow runs. When preparing for my test, I usually added an extra mile or two. Sadly, it is impossible to get faster by running slowly, even if you run slowly for a long time. My local health and wellness center helped out with a running clinic. They provided helpful information on selecting proper shoes for my running style and form as well as instruction for adding interval training and other speed work to my routine. I am not the fastest runner on base, but my times are steadily getting better.

3. I’ve never been a “strength guy” and with my “bad back” getting max points on the pushup portion of the test is simply out of reach.

While it is true I have never been particu-larly strong, it turns out this is not genetic. I find pushups, crunches and other forms of strength training to be pretty boring. There-fore, I seldom did any. When I did try, I soon felt pain in my back and stopped. What I’ve learned is that my back is actually doing quite well. I lacked good core conditioning. After reading an article on how to use core conditioning and strength training to ensure

good support to the spine, I decided to give it an honest try. I was very happy to find both my crunches and pushups improved consid-erably. Best of all, when I have to stop, it is usually not from pain, but from muscle fa-tigue. I am not where I want to be yet, but the goal is in sight. If you are having problems in this area, go see the HAWC or the fitness center staff. They will provide help to get you started.

4. It is very important to get ready to take my PT Test.

This is perhaps the biggest lie of all. It isn’t important to get ready for a PT test, it is im-portant to get fit, period. I don’t want to be “fit to test” or even to just be “fit to fight.” I want to, no, I need to be “fit for life.” I want a long, healthy life unmarred by preventable weight-related medical problems like diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. I don’t want to keep growing larger, especially since that impacts my ability to keep growing older. I love my wife and daughters and I adore my grandkids. I am determined to spend as much time with them as I can.

For me, this is a journey. I am determined to spend the next six to eight months invest-ing in better health to achieve my highest PT score yet, and to be at or below the weight I was when I enlisted. What is more, I want to develop sustainable fitness habits which will last a lifetime. If after reading this you find yourself feeling the same way, stop by the HAWC and sign up for a class or two. Learn how to take better care of yourself. Give your-self and your family the gift of good health. Let the Air Force fitness program motivate you to take better care of yourself.

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

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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: thunder-bolt@MacDill.af.mil.

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.

COMMENTARYFitness lies I told myself; just getting by isn’t good enough

Your T-bolt Today

FEATURES: page 4

Tinker teacher honored

BRIEFS: page 8

News to know

AMC NEWS : page 10

Order of the Sword

FEATURES: page 12

Combat Dining In

NEWS: page 4

6th AMXS award

9th CMSAF pays visit to MacDill

COMMUNITY: page 20

Events, movies, more

by Airman 1st Class Katherine Holt6th Air Mobility Wing

More than 200 enlisted Airmen at MacDill Air Force Base were given the opportunity to hear from the 9th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) James Binnicker, at the Base Theater here during a visit Aug. 24.

Chief Binnicker participated in a facility dedi-cation ceremony in honor of Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Donald “Dewey” Short. The fitness center was renamed Short Fitness and Sports Center in honor of Chief Short.

During his visit, Chief Binnicker visited with Airmen, noncommissioned officers and senior NCOs from across the wing. He visited differ-ent agencies on base including Command Post, PharmaCare and the new dormitory.

He wrapped up his visit by sharing knowledge and experience at the enlisted call.

“I appreciate all of you for showing up today,” Chief Binnicker opened. “I want to begin by thanking you for what you do.”

Chief Binnicker shared his most proud mo-ment of his career with the audience.

“I was on a stand at Elemendorf AFB talking to more than 100 maintenance Airmen,” Chief Binnicker began. “After my speech, I told the au-dience to come see me if they had any special requests.”

The Chief went on to explain how he helped one staff sergeant PCS to Travis AFB in an effort to better assist the needs of that staff sergeant’s special needs child.

“That was my most proud and rewarding ex-perience,” said Chief Binnicker.

Chief Binnicker also shared discussed the tri-als and tribulations he endured when reshaping the Enlisted Performance Reports.

Throughout the enlisted call, Chief Binnicker took questions from audience members. One of the questions asked was if Chief Binnicker had any regrets.

“I have no regrets,” Chief Binnicker replied. “I would do it all the same again; I have nothing on my bucket list.”

HOLIDAY HOURS : page 9

Labor Day closings

NEWS/FEATURES

AMC NEWS: page 14

A Labor Day message

NEWS: page 16

New staff seargeants named

Photo by Senior Airman Angela Ruiz

Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) James C. Binniker, the 9th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, takes a question from an Airman during an enlisted call at the Base Theater here, Aug. 24. Chief Bin-nicker participated in a facility dedication ceremony in honor of Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Donald “Dewey” Short. The fitness center was renamed Short Fitness and Sports Center in honor of Chief Short. During his visit, Chief Binnicker visited with Airmen, noncommissioned officers and senior NCOs from across the wing. He wrapped up his visit by sharing knowledge and experi-ence at the enlisted call.

by Airman 1st Class Katherine Holt6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Ms. Jordan Whitcomb en-tered her classroom at Tinker Elementary here, Wednesday morning with a new look.

Miss Whitcomb was the grand prize winner, for Tam-pa, for Jones New York in the classroom’s 2009 Back to School, Back to Style national contest, with support from Macy’s and Adopt-A-Class-room. Of the 17,000 entries there were seven grand prize winners.

Jordan returned from a trip to New York and a fashion shoot with JNY’s stylist Llyod Boston Tuesday night, miss-ing the first day of school.

“I am sorry that I did not get to see you guys on the first day of school,” Miss Whitcomb told her class. “Does anyone know where I have been?”

All the hands in the class were raised.

Miss Whitcomb explained her New York adventure to her students and handed out apples she had gotten on her trip symbolizing New York’s nickname, the Big Apple.

“The stylist at my fashion shoot said that I should ac-cessorize my outfits,” explained Miss Whitcomb. “So we are going to ac-cessorize these apples with peanut butter.”

Having met most of her students Aug. 21, the Friday before the first day, the students could notice the difference.

“This year, I won’t just be wearing my jeans and Tinker T-shirt,” said Miss Whitcomb. “This year you will have a teacher that comes into the classroom with a variety of new outfits.”

Jordan received a shopping spree at Macy’s in Westshore Mall in Tam-pa, Fl. She also received $500 to further furnish her classroom and re-ceived $1,000 to present to Mrs. Cheryl Tyo, Tinker Elementary Princi-pal, to put toward the school.

NEWS/FEATURES

SFS open for businessFrom Right, Col. Larry Martin, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, Lt. Col. Kevin Bannister, 6th Security Forces Squadron commander, Capt. Jeffrey Watkins, 6th Security Forces Squadron and Col. Ted Mathews, cut the ribbon to their new Security Forces building here Aug. 25. The multi-million dollar facility was completed in July.

Photo by Senior Airman Nancy Hooks

Tinker teacher reveals her new look

New nameFrom left, Col. Larry Martin, 6th Air Mobility Wing Commander, Mrs. Barbara Short, and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (ret) Jim Binnicker, unveil the new sign during the dedication of the Short Fit-ness and Sports Center here Aug. 24. The name of the fitness cen-ter was changed in memory of Chief Master Sergeant (ret) Donald “Dewey” Short who served 8 years as the fitness center director.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Swafford

Photo by Senior Airman Nancy Hooks

Ms. Jordan Whitcomb, Tinker Elemen-tary third-grade teacher, enters with enthusiasm into the classroom, re-vealing her new look Wednesday. Miss Whitcomb was a winner in the Back to School, Back to Style contest put on by Jones New York and Macy’s. Along with her shopping spree, miss Whitcomb also received money to put toward her class-room and money for Tinker.

Back to Style winner chosen from 17,000 entrants

by 2d Lt Mark Graff6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

As a guidance and control spe-cialist assigned to the 6th Air Mo-bility Wing Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Senior Airman Philip Spencer has no problem braving the summer elements on the flight line here – partly because of his de-ployment experience.

“Heat is no issue,” said Airman Spencer. “Once you’ve been to the desert and you’ve worked there in August, this heat is nothing com-pared to that heat.”

But Florida’s balmy summer weather does present its own chal-lenges to Airmen here. Frequent thunderstorms, the potential for dangerous lightning strikes and hurricane force winds are only part of the typical duty day for the men and women of the 6/927 AMXS. Lightning strikes have even dam-aged the asphalt on the flight line, hampering the ability to launch planes.

In any case, Airman Spencer is quick to remind anyone that it’s more than the frequent deploy-ments and their valuable experi-ence that assist he and his fellow Airmen to complete the day-to-day maintenance mission.

“It starts with our leadership, our supervision, said Airman Spen-cer. “They keep us ready.”

“So it starts there and falls down to individual shops and then you have shop policies that go above and beyond the level our supervi-sion is setting,” said Airman Spen-cer.

Such a trend in the aircraft main-tenance shops here has garnered attention at the national level.

Recently, the 6/927 AMXS was

tabbed as one of only two Air Force maintenance units to earn the Secretary of Defense’s Field Lev-el Maintenance Award for 2009. The award will be presented at a ceremony during October’s De-partment of Defense Maintenance Symposium and Exhibition held in Phoenix, Arizona.

Such excellence on the round-the-clock maintenance shifts, to include seamless turnover be-tween the active duty 6 AMW and reserve 927 ARW, illustrates how effective a fully integrated main-tenance shop can be.

The working relationship be-tween active duty and reserve members is a comfortable one ac-cording to Airman Spencer.

“It’s just like having more active duty guys to me,” Airman Spencer noted. “After work we hang out and do PT together.”

However, it’s not necessarily all work and no play for this total force group of aircraft maintainers.

“Morale is high in maintenance, said Airman Spencer. “ We have a lot of cookouts and just recently we had a squadron ‘get together’ at SeaScapes.”

According to Airman Spen-cer high morale and the drive to complete the mission with such distinction begins at the top of his chain of command and works down through the organization, earning the 6/927 AMXS its na-tional award.

“The supervision and our com-mander… they do a lot for us,” Airman Spencer said. “When it comes time to perform, it puts a lot of stress on us.

They take care of us because they know that when it’s time to perform, we’re going to perform.”

NEWS/FEATURESAirman embodies excellent spirit of maintenance unit

by Senior Airman Michael Matkin379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Saying it is strenu-ous work to maintain more than 30 aircraft, all of which were built in the Eisenhower era, in temperatures exceeding 110 degrees, is an un-derstatement.

However, through knowledge, determination and teamwork, it is just another successful day for the servicemembers of the 340th Aircraft Maintenance Unit here in Southwest Asia.

The working dynamics at the 340 AMU dif-fer from those at home station because the teams are comprised of very diverse crews; di-verse not just in cultural backgrounds, as most Air Force teams are, but diverse in service. The teams here are a special make-up of active du-ty, Reserve and Guard servicemembers, all of which have different ways of doing things, said

Staff Sgt. Marcus Yancich, 340 AMU crew chief. While all may follow the same technical orders, each has its own idiosyncrasies.

Integrating such a diverse group can pose challenges, but the 340 AMU takes that chal-lenge and turns it into an advantage.

“Sometimes when a new member arrives, the first week can be challenging because of the hectic pace. Getting new members up to speed requires teamwork from the very beginning. It is through this growing process that we build camaraderie. It is amazing that my total force team has been able to blend and work together so well,” Sergeant Yancich, deployed from Mac-Dill Air Force Base, Fla., said.

Senior Airman Ryne Zeller, 340 AMU air-craft electrical environmental systems techni-cian, agreed. “At my home station, it is a much slower pace. Here, not only are we working with new people who do things slightly different, but we’re achieving the mission in a high opera-tional tempo environment. This different work style initially creates problems but, because of the pace, we end up falling in sync; this is the moment we become a true team.”

“Team building is important because we do not bring teams here, we create them in the AOR and we bring them together in a matter of days,” said Chief Master Sgt. Antonio Kitt, 340 AMU superintendent, deployed from Mc-Connell AFB, Kan.

It is through these strong teams they are able to get the mission completed every day, said Maj. Aaron Beam, 340 AMU officer in charge, who hails from Phoenix, Ariz. “The mission happens, despite the challenges and obstacles, because of the hard work the teams put into it,” he said.

“Seeing the results of our work is the most satisfying part of my job,” Airman Zeller, de-ployed from Phoenix Air National Guard, Ariz., said. The plane taking off is doing so because our team fixed it, and that makes you feel like you have really made a difference.”

“The operational tempo here sometimes re-quires us to be outside working like ants in a frenzy just to get the mission accomplished; however, that is when I really feel like I am contributing to today’s fight,” Sergeant Yancich, a native of New Orleans, La., said.

DEPLOYED FEATURETeamwork keeps tankers flying

BRIEFSVPK spaces still available at CDC

Spaces are still available for VPK at the CDC. The free pro-gram runs from 8:30-11:30 a.m. beginning Aug. 25 until June 9. Participants must be 4 by Sept. 1. For details on how to sign up con-tact Gail Mouse, CDC 1, at 828-3332.

MacDill AF BallMark your calendars

now! The Tony Jannus chapter of the Air Lift Tanker Association an-nounced that it will host the MacDill Air Force Ball. Scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday Sept.12 at the Tampa Convention Center, the ball is open to all military personnel ac-tive and retired in the

greater Tampa area. If you are interested in joining the ATA visit http://www.atalink.org/index.html or the Tony Jannus site at http://www.tonyjan-nuschapter.org/de-fault.htm . If you are interested in helping with the event please contact Lt. Col. Tom Connelly at 828-5910 or e-mail Lt. Col Jon Incerpi at tonyjannus-chapter@tonyjannus-chapter.org.

Join Speaker’s Bureau

The 6th Air Mobil-ity Wing’s Speaker’s Bureau is in full swing and seeking Airmen of all ranks, career fields and experiences to sign up for an excit-ing opportunity to tell the Air Force story. The Speaker’s Bureau is an excellent bullet for performance re-ports, as well as a tool for Airmen to become ambassadors for the Air Force and help in retention and recruit-

ing. If you would like to become a member or have any questions or concerns please contact SrA Latanya Reid at 828-2215 or Latanya.Reid@mac-dill.af.mil . Training is available to those with limited speaking experience.

Base Chapel Registration

The MacDill Cath-olic Community is starting their Reli-gious Education Pro-gram for 2009-2010

Sunday, Sept. 13. Pre-registration is re-quired. Registration for Kindergarten to Confirmation will con-tinue following each weekday and weekend Mass in Annex 1 un-til Sept. 12. There is a donation of $25 for each child or $40 for 2 or more children to help defray the cost of textbooks and sup-plies. For more infor-mation contact Diane Baggerly at 828-8565 or the Base chapel at 828-3621.

HOLIDAY HOURS

AMC NEWSAMC commander receives Order of the Swordby Capt. Bob EverdeenAir Mobility Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. — Arriving at the Scott Club in a horse-drawn carriage while a bagpipe melody filled the air, Air Mobility Command Commander Gen. Arthur J. Lichte and his wife Chris were about to become a part of military history.

The carriage ride, which arrived under security forces escort, was just the start of a rich military tradition where the enlisted men and women of Air Mobility Com-mand bestowed the high honor of Order of the Sword to General Li-chte on Aug. 14.

The event, which draws its cus-toms from a Middle Ages ceremo-ny, recognized General Lichte for his leadership at AMC since his arrival here nearly two years ago. It was a ceremony that saw enlist-ed Airmen donning full mess dress to honor their leader in the finest of traditions.

AMC Command Chief Master Sgt. Joe Barron notified General Lichte of the nomination in April.

See SWORD, Page 19

Photo by Staff Sgt. Paul Villanueva II

General Arthur J. Lichte, Air Mobility Command (AMC) commander, speaks to Airmen of the AMC enlisted force at his induction ceremony to the AMC Order of the Sword at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., Aug. 14, 2009.

“There is no doubt about it, you — our enlisted force — are the greatest asymmetrical advantage we could possibly have.”

Gen. Arthur J. Lichte

by Senior Airman Tania Reid6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors armed with pink, yellow, purple and orange weapons, camouflaged face paint and liquid bombs came out ready for battle at MacDill’s “Enlisted Only” Combat Dining In held at Hangar 1 here Aug. 21.

The ECDI, designed as a morale booster and stress reliever for the en-listed servicemembers brought together all ranks for a night of fun and camaraderie. All attendants were given an opportunity to experience an informal aspect of the military social life and the enlisted corps Air Force tradition.

More than 350 servicemembers attended the social event. Their weap-ons ranged from standard water pistols to large super soakers. They were required to inprocess at the gate in an effort to create a realistic deployment scenario and then directed to their designated sites.

After the members of the mess table were seated, a brief history of the Dining In was read by the madam vice Tech. Sgt. Jazmin Rodriguez, 6th Air Mobility Wing executive assistant to the command chief and mister vice Master Sgt. Jarvis Mister, 6 AMW knowledge operations manager. Following the presentation of colors and the reading of the rules of en-gagement members were introduced to the contents of the Grog Bowl.

President of the mess, Chief Master Sgt. Derrick Crowley, 6 AMW Command Chief and MacDill’s top enlisted Airman lead and enforced the rules of the ECDI.

Chiefs Quote:Violators of the rules of the mess were either sent directly to the Grog

Bowl or required to tackle the obstacle course all the way to the bowl. All participants were shown no mercy once the weapons were locked and loaded. Watery bombs were launched against all.

“With the Unit Compliance Inspection and promotion results out the way it was a great way to relieve some stress,” said Staff Sgt. Aleeka Broner, ECDI entertainment chairperson. “My responsibility was to pro-vide, plan and organize the events as well as the weapons for those who came without.”

The ECDI planning committee assisted with the contents that were added to the Grog Bowl. They also decided what infractions would send someone directly to the bowl or to the obstacle course.

Violations ranged from members leaving their area of responsibility without permission from the president, tossing water balloons at the mess table, refusing to do what they are told and more.

“This was my first Combat Dining In,” said Airman 1st Class Ryan Sales, 6th Force Support Squadron customer service journeyman. “It was memorable clean, healthy, fun for all the participants.”

The planning and preparation of the ECDI was more than an over-night venture. It took months to get the event together.

“The Enlisted Dining In took months of planning and organizing by different committees around MacDill,” said Chief Crowley. “It would not have been possible without their efforts.”

Stress relief and morale boostMacDill Enlisted Combat Dining In:

Photo by Airman First Class Rylan Albright

Two Airman begin their journey through the obstacle course at the Enlisted Combat Dining In here on Aug. 21. Throughout the obstacle course, Airman undergo a series of chal-lenges, while their peers spray them with water guns and water balloons.

Photo by Airman First Class Rylan Albright

Airman raise a toast of water to the Secretary of the Air Force during the Enlisted Combat Dining In here on Aug. 21. Over 350 servicemembers participated in the dinining-in, which brought together all enlisted ranks for a night of fun and camaraderie.

Photo by Airman First Class Rylan Albright

Two Airman begin their journey through the obstacle course at the Enlisted Combat Dining In here on Aug. 21. Throughout the obstacle course, Airman undergo a series of chal-lenges, while their peers spray them with water guns and water balloons.

Airman defend their simulated Defense Fighting Position with water guns during the Enlisted Combat Dining In here on Aug. 21. Over 350 service members participated in the event which was full of fun and camaraderie.

Photo by Airman First Class Rylan Albright

by Gen. Arthur J. LichteAir Mobility Command Commander

S C O T T A I R FORCE BASE, Ill. — As I visit with people at bases throughout Air Mobility Command and our operations across the globe, one thing I always admire is the strong spirit of our Airmen and civil-ians who keep the mo-bility mission moving day in and day out.

We have an ex-tremely important mission in AMC, sup-porting our Nation at home and abroad while operating in harm’s way and pro-viding humanitarian relief. This equates to more than 900 sor-ties flown each day by aircrews on mobility aircraft and the great ground support that enables the air mobili-ty mission. In order to achieve these incred-ible accomplishments, it takes the extraor-dinary efforts of our people including ac-tive duty, reserve, and guard Airmen as well as civilians employees. We simply would not be successful without each and every one of you – it’s a Total Force team effort.

Labor Day recog-nizes the contribution workers have made to

Labor Day: Airmen work hard to defend freedom

See LABOR, Page 18

Name Organization KENNETH ALEXANDER 6 MDOSJEREMIE ALICDAN 6 CSKEVIN ANDERSON 6 SFSMICHAEL ANDERSON 6 MXSJEFFREY ANZALONE 6 CESKATHERINE BARREDA 6 MDOSANDREW BAUMAN 6 SFSMELISSA BECKER 6 MDOSEDWIN BELTRE CENTCOMTARA BENNETT 6 MDOSMONTAY BROTHERS 6 FSSBOYER BROUSSARD 6 SFSANTHONY BRYSCH 6 MDOSTIMOTHY BUDZAR 6 SFSJOHNNIE BUKUR 6 LRSJOSHUA BURNETT 6 SFSDANIEL CARINO 6 AMDSBENJAMIN CARLSON 6 LRSABRAM CAULTON 6 SFSNINA CENTKOWSKI 6 MXSCLIFF CHAN 6 AMXSXASANDRA CISNEROS 6 MDOSCLAUDELL CLAUDE 6 MDSSMATTHEW CLENDANIEL 6 SFSKELLY COCCOVILLO 6 SFSCALVIN COLQUITT 6 LRSSANTIAGO COUILLARD 6 SFSADAM CUNNINGHAM 6 MXSMICHAEL CZYZIA 6 CSKENNETH DANSBY 6 LRSJOSHUA DAVIS 6 SFSANTHONY DEEM 6 AMWJONATHAN DESMOND 6 SFSRICHARD DIDIO 6 LRSCARL DISHER 6 CESANTHONY DODGE 6 MXS

MATTHEW DOWDEN 6 MXSMARK DUENAS 6 SFSPATRICK EARL 6 MXSJOSHUA EISEL 6 AMXSJASON ESPURVOA 6 LRSEDUARDO ESTRADA 6 CPTSJENNIFER EVANS 6 SFSJUSTIN EZELL 6 LRSSHERRIEN FEQUIERE 6 MXSFRANCISCO FERRIER 6 SFSMARK FIORITTO 91 ARSKACHALYAH FORDE 6 CSLEONARD FRANKLIN 6 SFSROSALYN FRAZEE 6 DSAVILES GARCIA 6 SFSJONATHAN GERMAN 310 ASSCOTT GILBERT 6 SFSDAVID GRANT 6 AMXSTIFFANY GRANT 6 DSMORGAN GREEN 6 MDOSPAUL GROW 6 AMXSBRANDON HALL CENTCOMJOSHUA HALL 6 CSPOINDEXTER HANNA CENTCOMROBERT HARPER 6 LRSDUSTIN HARRIS 6 MXSERIN HARRIS 6 MDOSPHILIP HARWOOD 6 CESNICHOLAS HAWN JCSEDANIEL HOGAN 6 CESBENJAMIN HOPE 6 AMXSMARQUES HOUSE 6 SFSDEMARCUS HUNT 6 FSSRYAN HUNT 6 LRSPRESTON HUNTSMAN 6 LRSBROWN HUSS 6 LRSFERNELA JAMES SOCOM

REUBEN JAMES 6 MDSSMATTHEW JARVIS 6 LRSBRANDI KING 6 CSMICHAEL KING 6 OSSRICHARD KIRKLAND SOCOMJUSTIN KRENZELOK 6 SFSLATORA LAFAYETTE 6 OSSJORDAN LAMBERT 6 LRSGREGORY LANE 6 AMXSSHAWNA LANG 6 MDOSBRADLEY LARSEN 6 OSSKEVIN LATHAM 6 MXSMARILOU LENTZ 6 MDOSRICHARD LESTER 6 CSFU LO 6 MXSKOURTNEY LONG 6 SFSTINA LOPEZ 6 MDOSCHRISTINE LOZADA 6 OSSKAREN LUKASZEWICZ 6 AMDSBEN MALLORCA 6 MDSSAMANDA MANNING 6 CSADAM MARTIN 6 LRSBRANDON MARTIN 6 CSDAVID MARTIN 6 AMXSMICHAEL MAYWEATHER 6 SFSCHARITEE MCCLOUD 6 MDOSRACHEL MCCRAY 6 LRSLUCAS MEFFORD 6 CESVINCENT MONTEJO 6 CESANDREA MOORE 6 AMXSJOAN MORGAN 6 SFSTRISTAN NICHOLAS 310 ASRICHARD ORLANDI 6 SFSASHLEY OVERCAST CENTCOMELVIA PADIN 6 SFS

STAFF SGT. PROMOTIONS

See PROMOTIONS, Page 17

DEVON PAGANI 6 SFSWILLIAM PALIZO 6 OSSALETA PALMER 6 MDOSDONNIE PARSONS 6 CSJORDAN PASSUT 6 MXSRICHARD PELRINE CENTCOMGUY PHILLIPS 6 SFSCHRISTOPHER PINA 6 AMDSMARK POTTER 6 CESJOSE PRADO 310 AS ARACELY PRANE JCSEJEFFREY PRICE 6 CESMICHAEL QUENNEVILLE 6 MXSKYLE RANKIN 6 SFSWILLIAM REIGLE 6 CSJEREMY RENFROE 6 LRSSTACIE RICE 6 OSSCHRISTINA ROBERTS 6 MDSSLEDEE ROCA 6 MDSSKIMBERLY RODGERS 6 SFSALVINO RODRIGUEZ 6 SFSMICHAEL ROGERS 6 MXSNICHOLAS ROGERS 6 MXSJERE ROSS 6 LRSADAM ROZEHNAL 6 LRSANGELA RUIZ 6 AMW/PARUSSELL BRANDON 6 CSBOBBY SCLATER 6 MXSJEFFREY SEGAL 6 AMDSJEFFERY SELF 6 SFSMIGUEL SERRANO 6 CESWALTER SIMPSON 6 SFSNICHOLAS SMALLWOOD 6 CESJUSTIN SMELKER 6 AMXSCHRISTOPHER SMITH 6 MXSDALLAS SPELLMAN 6 CSPHILIP SPENCER 6 AMXSRANDALL STARNES 6 SFSJAMIE STEPHENSON 6 FSSJACLYN SYRONEY 6 MDSSCHRISTOPHER SZOPA CENTCOMLUIS TALAMANTES 6 SFS JOSEPH TERESI 6 SFSNELLIE TERRY 6 LRSJACQUELINE THOMAS 6 DSNICHOLAS THOMPSON 6 DSJOE TORRES 6 MDSSBRIAN VALLE 6 AMXSROBERT VAN AKEN 6 MDOSROBERT VIALL 6 AMXSCOURTNEY VITAMVAS 6 AMDSTAIWAIN WALLACE 6 MXSMATTHEW WARNER 6 FSSDUSTIN WARREN 6 CSCHARLE WEATHERSTON 6 MDSSMONTIE WHITMORE 6 MXSNATHAN WIERZBA 6 LRSJEFFERY WILLIAMS 6 DSDANNY WILSON 6 CSFREDRICK WILSON 6 CSTOMMY WINTON 6 SFSBENJAMIN WOODS 6 LRSKEYASHA WORLD 6 FSS

PROMOTIONSFrom Page 16

the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our great country. It’s true of our Airmen, civil-ians, and their families as well. The success of the world’s best Air Force is carried on by their dedication and hard work — I am extremely honored to serve with you.

This Labor Day Weekend, we’ll celebrate some well deserved time off to enjoy with fam-ily and friends. However, I don’t want you to forget the importance of keeping safety as your top priority.

Whether it’s during the Critical Days of Summer or any other time throughout the year, we must ensure safety is at the forefront of our decision-making process, both on and off duty. Please use operational risk management for all your activities. Calculating the risk

and weighing your options is the safest way to complete whatever you are doing. Please don’t forget the importance of reminding each other to wear seatbelts, follow checklists, and do other important things to stay safe.

The Lichte family would like to thank you and your family for your service and sacri-fice. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend – you’ve earned it.

However, don’t forget to make safety your number one priority, every day, both on and off duty. Also take time this Labor Day to re-member those who are deployed around the world protecting our freedom. Your enthusi-asm, spirit, hard work, and dedication make me proud to be the Commander of Air Mobility Command!

LABORFrom Page 14

As chairman of the Order of the Sword com-mittee, Chief Barron said the primary reason the General was chosen for the award is be-cause he is a “leader among leaders and an Airman among Airmen.”

“I cannot think of a leader more deserving of this recognition,” Chief Barron said.

General Lichte said he didn’t learn or build his Air Force career just from professional mil-itary education or books, he said he learned from the enlisted core.

“(Learning) happens when the chief comes in and closes the door and tells me what needs to be done,” General Lichte said. “It’s when NCOs shoulder the load of the Air Force and when I look into the eyes of Airmen and see the pulse of the U.S. Air Force.”

General Lichte cited many examples of en-listed leadership and the inspiration and edu-cation it has provided him. He said it was an Air Force sergeant who encouraged him to join the Air Force.

He also highlighted an Airman who was a boom operator and refueled the planes with

enthusiasm during his early days at Platts-burgh AFB, NY; and he singled-out an NCO from Maintenance who worked on those air-craft throughout the night showing tremen-dous dedication and professionalism.

“When I was the vice commander for the United States Air Forces in Europe, every oth-er country wanted to be like the United States Air Force,” General Lichte said. “They want-ed to come and train with us. They wanted to come to our professional military education…they wanted a professional enlisted corps.

“I learned that lesson again just a few weeks ago at RODEO when I met the Afghani-stan Air Force Chief of Staff,” General Lichte added. “He was not impressed by the aircraft, tactics or techniques, but the Airmen. It is this fantastic force that gives us a competitive mil-itary advantage.”

The competitive advantage of any military, General Lichte said, has always been and al-ways will be the enlisted force.

“There is no doubt about it, you — our en-listed force — are the greatest asymmetrical

advantage we could possibly have,” he said. “That’s not just for our Air Force, but for our nation.”

General Lichte was honored with several mementos depicting a sword -- the symbol of truth, justice and power rightfully used -- dur-ing the Order of the Sword ceremony. The cer-emony has evolved since its first rituals in the early 1500s when it was known as the (Brit-ish) Royal Order of the Sword and the Swed-ish Military Order of the Sword.

In all cases, the reason for the program is the same: for enlisted military people to honor and recognize individuals they hold in high es-teem who have made significant contributions to the enlisted force.

In his closing remarks, General Lichte said he won’t forget the Airmen of AMC and the Air Force for all of their contributions.

“As you live out your Air Force careers, do so in knowing that the world is watching you, our nation is watching you, and I will still be watching you,” he said. “You are fantastic people.”

SWORDFrom Page 10

MACDILL COMMUNITYEVENTS

Protestant servicesSunday - 9 a.m., Traditional Service10:30 a.m., Religious Education, Noon, Gospel ServiceTuesday -Noon, Promise KeepersWednesday - 10:30 a.m., Women of the ChapelThursday - 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) Jewish and Islamic servicesCall 828-3621 for information

CHAPEL SCHEDULE

AT THE MOVIESFriday - 7 p.m. Harry Potter and The half blood prince (PG)

A Rich ‘high five’Christine Stehley, wife of Tech Sgt. Dennis Stehley, US SOCOM, watches her son Augustine Stehley as he gets ready to “high-five” country music artist John Rich during an autograph signing session at the Base Exchange, Aug. 22. Mr. Rich is a prolific songwriter who has written more than 1,300 songs and is part of the award-winning country music duo “Big and Rich.” Big and Rich were in Tampa to perform at Tropicana Field after the Tampa Bay Rays and Texas Rangers baseball game.

Saturday - 7 p.m.

I love you Beth Cooper (PG-13)

Saturday - 3 p.m. No Showing

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

Photo by Master Sgt. Michael Gaddis

Friday Surf’s Edge Club

Drive by Pizza every Fri-day from 4 until 6 p.m. Large Cheese: $7 Large Pepperoni: $9. AF Club Members Save $1 use a Mac”Deal” Buck

Boomer’s Bar and GrillBingo Extravaganza every

Friday at Boomer’s Bar and Grill beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday Deployed family pancakes

Deployed Family Pancake Breakfast at the MacDill Base Chapel Annex 2 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Enjoy some breakfast and network with other families experiencing deployments. Res-ervations requred. Call 828-0122 to sign up.

Monday-FridayBayshore Club

There will be a Crunch & Munch All-U-Can-Eat Buffet from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Tuesday Monthly Promotion and Recognition Ceremony

Come out and support all of the September promotees at the monthly recognition ceremony at the Base Theatre at 4 p.m. For more info call 828-1995.

Surf’s Edge ClubNo “Country Buffet” lunch

due to remodeling. Boomers Bar & Grill is open.

Wednesday Surf’s Edge Club

Drive by Pizza every Wednes-day from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Large Cheese: $7 Large Pepperoni: $9. AF Club Members Save $1 use a Mac”Deal” Buck.