Vol. 38, No. 48 Friday, December 4, 2009

Operation Cookie Drop needs you

See story page 3

Race to the finishAnnual Mattar relay - page 13

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: 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.

COMMENTARY

by Command Chief Master Sgt. Derrick Crowley6th Air Mobility Wing Command Chief

As leaders, the last thing we want is to be, or “appear” to be, is unapproachable. Yet, without realizing it, we may demonstrate be-haviors or display characteristics that can dis-rupt communications and cause people to sim-ply avoid us. We are all familiar with several medical conditions ending in “itis”; tonsillitis, appendicitis, gastritis, etc. However, the ten-dency to commit these “itis” errors can impact our leadership effectiveness. Do you exhibit any of the following behaviors or conditions:

“INTERRUPT-ITIS”When engaged in conversation do you

become antsy to say something, often inter-rupting people in mid-flow; interjecting some thought not even related to the topic? If you frequently display this behavior, you are set-ting yourself up to be tuned out and poten-tially unapproachable.

“SHOOT THE MESSENGER-ITIS”Everyone at one time or another has re-

ceived information they didn’t want to get. Do you upon receiving “bad” information become anxious and sweaty or start yelling at the messenger? If so, you make yourself unap-proachable.

“MIXED SIGNAL-ITIS”We all boast of having an “open” door policy;

but when individuals come to you with a prob-lem or for advice, does your body language, facial expressions or gestures say otherwise? Do you continue working on e-mails or do you

make them feel so uncomfortable that they feel your door is “not” open? If so, “word on the street” suggests that you are unapproachable.

“NO PLAN ... NO SOLUTION-ITIS”Do you erect barriers between you and your

subordinates with comments like, “Don’t talk to me about a problem unless you can fix it.” Do you immediately stifle your subordinates’ growth by foregoing discussions or opportu-nities that would help to uncover potential solutions together? If the answer is yes, once again, you’re making yourself unapproach-able.

“PLEASE, NO BAD NEWS-ITIS” Are you the leader that comments, “I don’t

want to hear about problems. All I want to hear is good news.” This type of thinking leads to leadership blindness and cultivates an atmosphere “yes” men and women; because rather than informing you of a potential prob-lem; subordinates will only tell you what you want to hear or avoid telling you anything at all. With this attitude, you not only become unapproachable, but you are derelict in your duty.

“IT’S MY DECISION AND THAT’S IT-ITIS”

I believe being wishy-washy and not mak-ing a decision is worse than making a bad decision. When arriving at decisions do you listen to and appreciate opposing viewpoints? If you make declarations like, “I’ve made my decision and that’s it,” establishes an isolated position and shuts off effective dialogue. Moreover, it transmits a, “I don’t care if I’m

wrong … so what” attitude. And with that un-derlying message, you are out of the informa-tion loop and you become unapproachable.

“NOW IS NOT A GOOD TIME-ITIS”You don’t have to say, “Don’t bother me.

I’m busy” to deter someone. You can achieve the same thing in a more subtle way. Do you physically and emotionally display an agi-tated and worried demeanor? Do you present the view that your time and workload is more valuable and pressing than someone else’s? Do you frequently appear to be operating in

Do you make yourself unapproachable?

Command Chief Master Sgt. Derrick Crowley

See COMMENTARY, Page 20

by Chris Lecompte6th Civil Engineer Squadron Unaccompanied Housing

Once again this holiday season the smell of fresh baked cookies will fill MacDill dormitory rooms as the fifth annual Operation Cookie Drop commences bringing a little home-made cheer to our unaccompanied service members. Volunteers are needed to make this a success-ful event. The Cookie Drop will require volun-teers to drop off their prepared treats in dis-posable, covered containers at the Base Chapel (Annex 1) on Dec.15 during the hours of 7:30 a.m. – 12p.m. After 12 p.m., the cookies will be taken to the Dining Facility to be set up for distribution to MacDill dorm resi-dents be-tween 2 and 6 p.m. that day.

“This is a wonder-ful oppor-tunity for people from the MacDill community to provide our dorm residents, who represent all military branches -- with a little touch of home,” said Mrs. Ju-lia Martin, wife of 6th Air Mobility Wing com-mander Col. Larry Marin. “We couldn’t do this without the wonderful help of our spouses and retirees from all the mission partners here at MacDill. We have such a caring sense of com-munity, of taking care of others, that is just fantastic and always make our cookie drives a huge success – especially for our young service members in the dorms.”

Mrs. Martin is spearheading this year’s

Cookie Drop with a slight twist. “This year, we will be offering the dorm resi-

dents a choice by setting up a cookie bar. This also expands the types of cookies the volun-teers can bake,” she added.

Volunteers this year can make various treats, such as Rice Krispie treats, fudge, bar cookies, frosted cookies, etc. Anything home-made and of a “holiday” spirit would be greatly appreciated. The treats should be placed in transportable, disposable containers.

“Any amount would be wonderful, but with the number of dormitory residents we have on

MacDill we need more than 2,500 cookies, so we’d love it if people could send in a couple of dozen or more if they can,” said Chief Mas-ter Sgt. Richard Lee, 6th Mission Support Group. “Most of us have spent some time apart from fam-ily and friends during the holi-days, and Opera-tion Cookie Drop is one way to let our unaccom-panied service members know we are thinking of them and ap-preciate what

they do each and every day.”If baking isn’t possible, there are other ways

to help out. Volunteers will be needed on Dec. 15 to transport cookies from the Chapel to the dining facility, help decorate the dining room and operate the cookie bar during the four-hour serving period. For further questions or to volunteer, contact Tech. Sgt. Unhye Zipay at 828-2790.

(Portions of this article first appeared in the MacDill Tthunderbolt, Dec. 12, 2008, by A1C Katherine Holt)

Your T-bolt TodayNEWS/FEATURES: page 4

Little lifter

NEWS: page 11

Road construction map

BRIEFS: page 22

News to know

NEWS/FEATURES: page 4

Think safety around holidays

NEWS/FEATURES

NEWS/FEATURES: page 12

Wood Hobby Shop treasures

Operation Cookie Drop

COMMUNITY: page 24Events, movies, more

FREE FRESH CUT CHRISTMASTREES FOR THE TROOPS!

Fri, 11 Dec Bldg. 72 parking lot

(Located across from the Golf Course behind Bldg. 65)

Hosted by the Christmas Spirit Foundation and Federal Express

11:00 am to 1:00 pm Open to all Active-Duty military & their families*

1:00 pm until 3:00 pm Open to Everyone*

*One tree per family

Join us for refreshments & pick out your perfect tree!

630 trees will be available on a first come, first served basis.

For more information, contact 6th Force Support Marketing at 828-3055

No federal endorsement intended

NEWS/FEATURES: page 6

H1N1 advisory

NEWS/FEATURES: page 16

Team completes Ausie relay

NEWS/FEATURES: page 13

Annual Mattar Relay race

NEWS/FEATURES: page 8

Mac commander remembered

Illustration by Nick Stubbs

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by Nick StubbsThunderbolt editor

It’s the holiday season once again, and a time of family gatherings and joy. It’s the job of the 6th Air Mobility Wing Flight Safety, to ensure those family gatherings are not in a hospital waiting room, and that joy does not turn to sorrow.

How does it accomplish that task? It doesn’t, without the cooperation of everyone in the wing, says Jason Jackson, ground safety manager. “All

we can do is provide the information, advice and cautions.”Executing good safety sense resides with the individual, and at a time

of year where the threat level is highest, even a small lapse in attention or planning can result in disaster.

Seven of eight fatalities around the holidays are vehicle related, said Mr. Jackson, which is why there is so much emphasis on defensive driv-ing and avoiding alcohol if driving. The advise is boilerplate for Airmen, but it goes like this:

Don’t drink if you have to drive, have a plan for getting home if drink-ing, and be ever aware that despite your best efforts, the guy who is driv-ing drunk can still get you.

“Have a designated driver, the number of a cab company or some means

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

He is an 11-year-old who holds 12 world re-cords.

He weighs 75 pounds and can deadlift more than double his weight.

He is Evan Pittman, son of Rear Adm. Har-old Pittman, assigned to U.S. Central Command.

Evan started weight lifting to help in his Taekwondo when he qualified for Nationals. After multiple lifting sessions, Evan’s father was confident that his strength could break records.

“I started getting stronger and my father said he thought I could break world records for my weight class,” said Evan. “As I started lifting heavier weights I was shocked at how strong I am.”

On top of his world records, Evan has a slew of gold medals including his first power lift-ing gold medal he received at the AAU Junior Olympics for bench pressing a world record of 62 pounds for a 10-year-old at the 77 pound division.

In September, he deadlifted 180 pounds and bench pressed 67 pounds breaking national records and receiving the best lifter award.

“My goal for the World Championships was to break six world records,” said Evan.

Last weekend he did more than that. Evan broke nine world records at the AAU World Powerlifting Championships in Myrtle Beach, S.C. One of those records was for deadlifting 194 pounds.

Powerlifting has not only given Evan the opportunity to break records, but it has also

improved his Taekwondo. “My opponents run from me now,” said Ev-

an. “After they feel how powerful my first kick is, they don’t get close.”

Evan says his friends refer to him as Clark Kent.

One thing is for sure, when he puts on his singlette he turns into Superman.

NEWS/FEATURESLittle ‘Superman’ sets national, world weight-lifting records

At 11 years old, Evan Pittman already holds 12 world weight lifting records. He is the son of Rear Adm. Harold Pittman.

Holiday safety at the forefrontKeep on your toes in the season of mistletoe

See safety, Page 8

The Immunizations Clinic currently has a supply of H1N1 vaccine designated for in-dividuals who are at higher risk for severe complications of flu virus and families with infants less than six months of age (Active Duty, Family Members, Beneficiary Retir-ees)This includes:

1. Pregnant women2. Individuals with medical conditions

such as asthma, other chronic lung diseases, diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, blood disorders, metabolic disor-ders, cancer and any condition that causes a weakened immune system such as HIV/AIDS.

3. Family members or caregivers of chil-dren less than six months of age.

4. Children and young adults from six months to 24 years of age are also encour-aged to get the vaccine as soon as possible

through local daycare, school, other county programs or off-base health care provid-ers. The 6th Medical Group Immunizations Clinic has a limited supply of vaccine and will administer it as feasible. If vaccine is obtained off-base, bring documentation of the vaccine to the Immunizations Clinic for medical/shot record updating.

The Department of Defense supply of vac-cine is still anticipated to arrive beginning in mid December and continuing into Janu-ary. This is a mandatory vaccine for Active Duty personnel (it is an addition and exten-sion of the seasonal flu vaccine) and will be offered to Federally employed civilians and contractors as previously described.

For more information contact the Immu-nizations Clinic.

For more information on the vaccine, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/vaccine_safety.htm

HEALTHH1N1 advisory; vaccine for high risk individuals

to get home if you are drinking,” said Mr. Jackson. “If you are trav-eling and away from home, have a backup plan if you will be travel-ing between locations and alcohol is being consumed.”

Mr. Jackson said he isn’t advis-ing that people don’t attend par-ties, or even to avoid alcohol com-pletely, just to “use your head.”

Of particular concern is icy or otherwise poor weather for those who plan to spend the holidays to the north, he said.

“Weather is a big factor in traf-fic accidents, especially if you are not used to driving in it on a regu-lar basis,” Mr. Jackson cautioned.

But it isn’t only the roads Air-men need to be worried about. From the food left out on the coun-ter too long at the party, to the overly dry Christmas tree or a misplaced candle, disaster poten-tial abounds during the holidays.

“If you shake your (Christmas) tree and needles fall off, it’s time to get rid of it,” Mr. Jackson said. “Keep utensils clean, prep areas for meat and other foods apart, wipe counters with anti bacterial cleaner, and keep food refrigerat-ed as much as possible.”

Thawing turkeys in the refrig-erator, ensuring gifts for small children are appropriate and do not pose safety threats, such as choking, and other common sense practices are a must during the

holidays, even if minds are dis-tracted by all the activity and har-ried schedules.

Another safety concern during the holidays is security, particu-larly in dark parking lots, said Mr. Jackson. Predators looking to rob hapless shoppers or relieve them of their holiday gifts, is a reality.

“Be sure to have your keys in your hand, park in lighted areas and have someone with you, if possible,” said Mr. Jackson.

A special caution is reserved for motorcycle riders, as they are at most risk on the roads clogged with holiday traffic. Those who use cell phones in the car also must realize distraction is a major cause of accidents.

“If you have to talk while driv-ing, be sure it is hands-free,” said Mr. Jackson. “The best advice is don’t do it at all.”

MacDill and the wing have been lucky, thanks to a “strong culture of safety,” said Mr. Jackson. It’s been more than five years since the base has seen a fatality, and he wants to see the streak con-tinue.

“Be alert,” he said. “Be smart.”For those who need a friendly

reminder, the Safety Flight crew will be doing a safety checkpoint for outbound traffic at the Dale Mabry gate Dec. 18. Personnel will be displaying safety messages and wishing everyone a safe holiday.

SAfEtyFrom Page 4

NEWS/FEATURES

by Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. — Gen. Paul K. Carlton, former commander of the Military Airlift Command, passed away Nov. 23 at the age of 89 in San Antonio, Texas. General Carlton was commander of MAC from Sept. 26, 1972, to March 31, 1977.

“General Carlton’s accomplishments as a commander will be remembered and honored; he embodied the core values of integrity, service before self, and excellence,” said Gen. Raymond E. Johns, Air Mobility Command commander.

Under General Carlton’s leadership, MAC -- the former Air Force command responsible for all airlift operations -- played an integral role in the success of many high-profile missions in-cluding the Southeast Asia prisoner of war re-lease, Operation HOMECOMING; the airlift to Israel, Operation NICKEL GRASS; the consoli-dation of strategic and tactical airlift assets; and many humanitarian operations, including the airlift of Vietnamese and Cambodian orphans to

their new homes in the United States and the massive evacuation of Vietnamese refugees.

As a result of the command’s accomplishments during General Carlton’s reign as commander, MAC received numerous awards including the 1972 Benjamin D. Foulois Flying Safety Trophy; the 1973 and 1974 Harmon International Tro-phy; the 1974 Makay Trophy; the 1974 David C. Schilling Award; and a special Humanitarian Award from Milwaukee’s Trans-Aire ‘75 Expo-sition for MAC’s many humanitarian achieve-ments.

General Carlton, born April 14, 1921 in Manchester, N.H., received his pilot wings and commission from the Army Air Corps aviation cadet program in April 1942. His first assign-ment was as an instructor for the B-17 Flying Fortress. Following World War II, he served with the Strategic Air Command’s first atomic bomb organization, the 509th Bombardment Wing at Roswell Air Force Base, N.M. Thereafter, Gen-eral Carlton was assigned as aide-de-camp to General Curtis E. Lemay, the SAC commander, and then went on to hold several key positions at SAC’s headquarters, numbered air forces and wings. He assumed command of MAC in Sep-tember 1972 and served in that capacity until he retired in 1977.

General Carlton was a command pilot with

more than 12,000 flying hours in the B-47, B-52, B-58, KC-135, C-141, C-5 and the Mach 3, plus SR-71 strategic reconnaissance aircraft. He was the recipient of numerous military awards and decorations including the Silver Star, Dis-tinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart.

General Carlton will forever be remembered by AMC, the Air Force, and the nation as a great Airman, warrior and leader. His extraordinary legacy will continue to live on for years to come.

AMC NEWSformer MAC commander remembered

Gen. Paul K. Carlton

CONSTRUCTION NEWS

Construction adjacent to the Short Fitness Center starts Nov. 30

Road construction by the 6th Civil Engineers continues into the final phase of the repair of the Hillsborough Loop Drive.

The construction along Hillsborough Loop Drive adjacent to the Short Fitness Center will realign the pavement to eliminate the sharp bend in the roadway pavement. The construction is scheduled to be-gin Nov. 30 and is scheduled to be completed by mid-February 2010.

Construction on Hillsborough Loop continues

Road construction by the 6th Civil Engineers continues into the next phase of the repair of the Hillsborough Loop Drive.

The construction along Hillsborough Loop Drive includes the sec-tion of roadway from Pink Flamingo Avenue to Florida Keys Avenue and is scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2010.

We appreciate your patience during the construction period.

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by Nick StubbsThunderbolt editor

With Christmas just around the corner, tinkers and woodworkers busy at their work benches crafting gifts are in keeping with the fairy tale images of the holidays, if not ex-actly with reality. Or are they?

The scene at the MacDill Arts and Craft Center wood shop looks very much like those in the storybooks, sans the elves, who in this case are replaced by active duty and retired servicemembers. They’re busy saw-ing, sanding and shaping things of wood, among them Christmas gifts.

For Nancy Finley, who along with her husband have spent the last five holiday seasons making their own Christmas gifts for friends and family, this year it will be hardwood cutting boards, made of a network of maple and some “other wood I’m not sure of,” said Mrs. Finley. “I just know it looks good and it’s plenty hard (to stand up to cutting and chopping).”

The wood hobby shop is a far-too-little-known resource on base, said Tammy Zell, director of Arts and Crafts, which also features a gift shop, framing shop and auto hobby shop. The wood shop is fully equipped and available for use by all base ID card holders, and it also is for hire for those who don’t relish the idea of working around sharp objects or don’t enjoy the smell of fresh sawdust.

“We can show them how to do it, or we can do it for them,” said Mike Newman, shop supervisor. “We do it all if it has to do with wood.”

Those who have had the chance to visit the newly opened base clinic may have seen some of Mr. New-man’s handiwork — the mammoth wood leadership board in the lobby area near the pharmacy.

“That was one of the biggest builds we’ve done recently,” he said.

But Mr. Newman isn’t the only

one who engages in major wood-working projects. There is a shop regular who currently is working on an entire cabinet set for his kitchen, said Ms. Zell.

“Then we have people who are just doing a coin holder,” she said. “It’s a wide range of projects people get involved in.”

The shop fee is $2.50 per hour plus materials. All the wood at the shop is furniture grade, said Mr. Newman, so quality is a priority.

“If you are looking for two by fours to build a deck, we don’t have that,” he said. “Everything is top grade.”

All users at the shop get a safety briefing and instruction on how to use the equipment. They also get ex-pert advice on how to complete their work for the best possible result.

Those who would have a good idea but not the technical skills, Mr. Newman can make it happen, and for a “lot less cost than you will find anywhere else.”

“Just bring in a sketch or a draw-ing and we can do it,” he said, add-ing each job is quoted based on time and materials needed.

But in the end, the savings will almost always be 25 to 50 percent over what a shop off base would charge, said Ms. Zell.

But even better than the value, is the sense of satisfaction for the do-it-yourselfers, he said.

One couple crafted a beautiful hobby horse a few years back, win-ning many awards at fairs and craft shows, he recalled. One active duty member is busy now hand shaping solid-body electric guitars, while others are working on simple, wood-en boxes or bookcases.

Most people who come in the shop have an idea of what they want, but if you don’t and you need some quick gift ideas in time for the holidays, stop in and get a quick fix, advises Ms. Zell. The wood shop has dozens of project ideas, and there’s still time to make it happen by Christmas.

NEWS/FEATURESWood hobby shop crafters busy making gifts of distinction

(Above) Mike Newman, super-visor of the wood hobby shop, takes a measurement on a lead-ership board project he’s build-ing. (right) nancy finley glues to-gether cutting boards she plans to give as Christmas gifts this year. She and her husband have been been making their own gifts at the hobby shop for the last five holiday seasons.

Photos by Nick Stubbs

The Joint Communications Support Element (JC-SE) ran the 29th running of the George G. Mattar Relay race Nov. 25

Annually, JCSE dedicates this race to three former members who perished Jan. 13, 1982 aboard Flori-da Airlines Flight 90 when it crashed into the 14th Street Bridge in Washington D.C.- Lt. Col. George Mattar (Commander), Major Ralph Herman (Opera-tions Officer), and Sgt. Maj. James Dixon (Operations Sergeant Major).

The course entails a 13.7-mile long route, which begins and ends at the JCSE compound located at 8532 Marina Bay Drive, MacDill AFB, and circles the perimeter of the base. Teams were comprised of 14 runners who ran a one-mile leg of the race, excluding the last runner who completed the final seven tenths of a mile. First, second and third place teams in each division received a team trophy. The fastest male and female runners also received an award.

The three divisions are: Military-Only Competitive

Division; Women-Only Division; Open Division (in-cludes military, civilians, and family members)

(Compiled by the JCSE)

NEWS/FEATURES

(Avove) Runners sprint with batons in hand during the 13.7-mile George G. Mattar Relay race Nov. 25 at MacDill Air force Base. (Left) A Joint Communications Support Element team member gives his all in the relay, which is sponsored by JCSE.

Running, remembering Col. Mattar

WinnersMilitary Only1st Place SOCCENT A 1:18:222nd Place JCSE Mens 1:18:423rd Place USF NROTC 1:19:23

Women Only1st Place SOCOM Women 1:38:572nd Place USF NROTC Women 1:39:583rd Place JCSE Women 1:40:24

Open DivisionOverall race winner SOCOM A 1:14:302nd Place 6SFS 1:24:523rd Place CSD Pirates 1:26:15

by Captain Shane Huff927th ARW Public Affairs Office

Lieutenant Col. Tim Martin led a team of 11 Air Force Reservists from the 63rd Air Refu-eling Squadron, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., in a recent ultra-marathon relay race as team “Yankee Pirates.” The reservists were on a tour of duty at Royal Australian Air Force Base Am-berley for a three week multi-national military exercise and participated in the Endeavour Summer Challenge, a 500 kilometre (300 mile) running relay. This was a 3 day relay race that took place 20-22 November beginning in Beenleigh and ending in Fernvale, located in Queensland (northeast Australia).

Zane Jackson, Sports Writer of the Queensland Times, interviewed Martin before the race. “Three of us are ultra-marathon run-ners and we always look for races wherever we go”, said Martin.” According to Martin, the team researched races on the internet before coming to Australia and found this charity race, “We had the time and it’s for a good cause, so we thought we’d have a run. Some of us are pilots, some aircrew and mechanics, but we are

all keen to get out and see a bit of Australia from a slightly lower altitude.”

Fifteen teams with more than 300 par-ticipants completed this years race and team Yankee Pirates held their own. One of the race rules is that teams must have a minimum of 16 participants (not to exceed 22), however, Mar-tin and his crew were allowed to compete with only 11 runners. This was a phenomenal team effort, especially considering the two biggest challenges, the hilly terrain and temperatures reaching 110 degrees each day. These were record highs for this time of year as Australia moves into its summer season.

Team Yankee Pirates finished the race and although they did not place, they did win the award for best team spirit.

According to Col. Clifford, Endeavour Foun-dation Special Events Manager, the Yankee Pi-rates made an extremely good impression on everyone who they met on the Summer Chal-lenge.

“You would be very proud of the way they conducted themselves, and the way they con-tributed to the event. Wonderful enthusiasm, a great sense of achievement and nice people

with a great attitude. That’s why they won the Spiriter Award.”

The Endeavour Foundation raises money for education, care and support services for children with intellectual disabilities. They currently provide services to almost 3,000 Queenslanders with a disabilities. Over $75,000 was raised from the Summer Challenge 500km for the En-deavour Foundation.

NEWS/FEATURES‘yankee Pirates’ complete Australian ultra marathon

Photo courtesy of Endeavour foundation

the yankee Pirates running team of 10th Air force Reservists, members of the 63rd Air Re-fueling Squadron, pose with the stars and bars. they participated in a 300-mile relay in Australia.

by Eric Vichich6 CES/CEVT

Arbor Day is a nationally cele-brated observance that encourages tree planting and care. Although the official Arbor Day occurs in April, that is not the best time to plant trees in certain parts of the country. MacDill chose Fall for its Arbor Day celebration, to take ad-vantage of the cooler temperatures and possibility of rainfall. On Nov. 20, Tinker teacher Ms. Erica Dun-kel and 14 students planted four live oak trees and two slash pines, generously donated by the Corner-stone Solutions Group. With help from members of MacDill’s Envi-ronmental Flight, the large trees were planted around the school grounds, strategically placed south of existing play areas to provide

shade from the mid-day sun for years to come.

Both of these species are na-tive to Florida and provide habitat and food for local wildlife. During the event, the students learned about the many benefits provided by trees, their integral role in the forest ecosystem and proper tree planting techniques. Planting such large trees required cooperation among the students.

“I think they learned about team-work and hard work … they had a blast,” said Ms. Dunkel. Trees pro-vide many benefits to the MacDill community. Specifically, trees have been shown to reduce stress and mental fatigue and increase atten-tion and awareness capabilities. This makes maintaining trees and natural landscapes around schools of vital importance.

Photo by Eric Vichich

teacher Erica Dunkel and 14 tinker students take a break after the busy work of planting trees on the school grounds last week in celebra-tion of Arbor Day.

tinker students celebrate Arbor Day; plant trees on school groundsNEWS/FEATURES

crisis mode? Eventually, people will steer clear of you whether you are in a crisis or not. Here, again, you become unapproachable.

“HEY, GOT A MINUTE-ITIS”With some people, even a friendly, “Hello,

how are you doing,” or “Good morning,” could launch a barrage of topics ranging from last night’s episode of American Idol to how to end world hunger. Work-related topics may or may not even enter the dialogue. If you are obsessed with talking, you can cause others to think twice before they waste their time and energy. Although well-intentioned, suffering from “talk too much itis” can cause you to be unapproach-able.

FINALLY, THE REMEDYBeing approachable is a defining charac-

teristic of effective leaders and makes you a person other people are drawn too. If you ex-hibit any of the aforementioned characteristics or conditions, there is good news. Becoming more approachable is easily corrected. Begin by cultivating an approach and demeanor that is honest and receptive. Learn to put others at ease so that they can be at their best. Work at establishing a rapport with individuals by giv-ing them your focused attention and listening. These few simple steps will help create oppor-tunities to develop mutually valuable relation-ships that build trust and confidence that is sure to keep people coming back.

You’ll be glad you made the change … I am.

COMMENtARyFrom Page 2

Dale Mabry Gate Lane 2 ConstructionDale Mabry Gate Lane 2 is scheduled to close from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. for

construction beginning Dec. 1 and continuing on and off through Janu-ary.

Running Track ClosureThe Short Fitness and Sports Center’s running track will be closed

from Dec. 7 through the 11 for resurfacing. For more information call 828-4496.

Seeking donations.Golf Course Snack Bar employees are seeking baking donations for

Operation Cookie Drop. They are accepting any type of baking ingredi-ents to include cookie dough, flour, sugar, eggs, brown sugar, chocolate chips, etc. Items can be dropped off at the Golf Course Snack Bar Week-days from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information call Alice or Josie at 840-6904 or 840-6906

Attention All Air Force Communicators An Air Force C4I All Hands is scheduled for Dec. 2 from 9:30 to 10:45

in the Bayshore Officer’s Club Ballroom. The guest speaker is Lt. Gen. William T. Lord, Chief of Warfighting Integration and CIO (SAF/XC) for the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force. Topics include Air Force in Cyberspace, career development, mentoring, and current challenges.

The discussion is framed for Air Force members however all service com-municators are invited. Please be seated by 9:15 a.m. To learn more about this distinguished leader please see read his bio at http://www.af.mil/information/bios/bio_print.asp?bioID=6233&page=1 For more in-formation, contact Lt. Col. Marsha Aleem at marsha.aleem@centcom.mil or call 827-3332.

Holiday recipes wantedThe 6 AMW Public Affairs office is looking for your best recipes to

publish in the MacDill Thunderbolt and on MacDill’s website www.mac-dill.af.mil. We will be accepting and publishing recipes through the new year. E-mail recipes to thunderbolt@macdill.af.mil

4th Annual Children’s FestivalThe Gasparilla International Film Festival announces its fourth an-

nual Children’s Festival Dec. 5 at the CineBistro Hyde Park Theater, 1609 West Swann Avenue in Tampa. The Muppet Movie and another children’s classic will start at 10 a.m. There will also be filmmaker “hands on” demonstrations throughout the day, a presentation by a chil-dren’s film and television casting director, and face painting by a movie special effects director. The Real Ghostbusters will make a dramatic ap-pearance at 12:15, followed by the film at 1 pm. Admission to this event is free.

Free Quilting ClassesThe MacDill Chapel Quilters is offering free quilting classes Mondays

at 9 a.m.in Annex 1 at the base chapel. For more information contact Sue Freeman at (207) 310-3751.

Retiree Activities OfficeThe Retiree Activities Office members need volunteers to prepare fed-

eral income tax returns for active duty, retirees, and their family mem-bers. If you are interested in volunteering one or two days a week, call the RAO at (813) 828-4555.

BRIEFS

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 MOVIES

Friday - 7 p.m. Where the Wild Things Are (PG)

FREE FRESH CUT CHRISTMASTREES FOR THE TROOPS!

Fri, 11 Dec Bldg. 72 parking lot

(Located across from the Golf Course behind Bldg. 65)

Hosted by the Christmas Spirit Foundation and Federal Express

11:00 am to 1:00 pm Open to all Active-Duty military & their families*

1:00 pm until 3:00 pm Open to Everyone*

*One tree per family

Join us for refreshments & pick out your perfect tree!

630 trees will be available on a first come, first served basis.

For more information, contact 6th Force Support Marketing at 828-3055

No federal endorsement intended

Saturday - 7 p.m.

Cirque Du Freak: Vampire’s Asset (PG-13)

Saturday - 3 p.m. The Stepfather (PG-13)

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

Friday

Bayshore ClubMembership Breakfast from 6:30-

8:30 am

Surf’s Edge ClubNEW “Meals in Minutes” Lunch

Buffet – Seafood from 11 am – 1 pm.

Bayshore ClubMongolian BBQ from 5:30-9 pm

SaturdayBase Library

Come decorate the tree in the Children’s Room at 11 am. Refresh-ments will be served.

SundayMacDill Bowling Lanes

OPEN SUNDAYS! 1-8 pmSunday Family Special – 2 people

$20.00; 4 people $30.00. Includes 2 games, shoes, 1 large pizza and a pitcher of soda (Available from 1-7 pm).

Monday-FridayBayshore Club

Crunch & Munch All-U-Can-Eat Buffet from 11 am-1:30 pm

TuesdaySurf’s Edge Club

NEW “Meals in Minutes” Lunch Buffet – Soul Food from 11 am – 1 pm.

WednesdaySurf’s Edge Club

NEW “Meals in Minutes” Lunch Buffet – Homestyle from 11 am – 1 pm.

ThursdaySurf’s Edge Club

NEW “Meals in Minutes” Lunch Buffet – Mexican/Spanish from 11 am – 1 pm.