Vol. 40, No. 48 Thursday, December 1, 2011

Holiday chow!Col. Lenny Richoux, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, serves a plate of Thanksgiving dinner at the Diner’s Reef on MacDill Air Force Base, Nov. 24. The dining facility was open Thanksgiving Day to the MacDill community.

Pphoto by Airman 1st Class Melanie Bulow-Gonterman

by Col. Lenny Richoux6th Air Mobility Wing commander

We have reached that time of year again. We have reached that special time that used to give you butterflies in your stomach when you were seven years old. The time when you just had a couple days off for Thanksgiving, and the next major holiday is a magi-cal one. And while toys were your every thought, you still knew the importance of sharing holidays with loved ones.

This year I challenge you to rekindle the spirit of that seven year old, and find the magic of the holidays. No matter if you’re living in the dorms, or with a big family in the middle of Tampa, now is a great time to celebrate. By no means should your celebra-tion have you break the bank. That would miss the point. I want you to take just five minutes each day to celebrate the holidays. That could be a phone call to someone you haven’t spoken with in a long time, picking out a tree with your family or even enjoy-

ing a cup of hot chocolate outside on a cool evening all by yourself. The point is to take a little time for yourself and celebrate all the reasons you are thankful. This is a great time to connect with your spirituality regardless of your re-ligion.

One thing I’m thankful for is the opportunity to stand beside each of you every day to defend this great nation. Last week I had the opportunity to travel to Birmingham, Alabama to one of our two geographically separated units. I had an amazing time with our brothers and sisters in arms, and I’m happy to report they are doing incredible things there in Alabama.

We are also doing amazing things here as well. Have you no-ticed all the new facility openings happening around base? Last week CENTCOM officially opened the doors to their brand new building and the Force Support Squadron reinvented several new facilities. If you get a chance, you should go take a look for yourself at Seascapes, the bowling alley, or

even Fairways restaurant at our golf complex.

Speaking of amazing things, I’ve known for quite some time that we have the best Communi-cations Squadron in the world, and now I can prove it. Recently, they were recognized as the best large Communications Squadron in Air Mobility Command, with many communicators taking home individual awards. Ernest

Thompson, Richard Black, Se-nior Airman Steven Aurthur, and Senior Master Sgt. David Cox each won in the respective categories. Thank you Comm Squadron for a job well done

While the Comm Squadron was proving to AMC they were the best, the rest of you showed America you are ready for any

COMMANDER’S CORNER

MacDill ThunderboltPublisher: Terry Jamerson

Editor: Nick Stubbs

The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by Sunbelt News-papers, 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 De-

fense, the Department of the Air Force or the 6th Air Mobil-ity Wing.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, in-cluding inserts or supplements, does not constitute en-dorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, 6th Air Mobility Wing or Sunbelt Newspa-pers, 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-mer-it 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 submit-

ted to the 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office, Bldg. 25, MacDill AFB, FL 33621, or call the MacDill Thunderbolt staff at 828-2215. Email: thunderbolt@MacDill.af.mil.

Deadline for article submissions is noon, Thursdays to appear in the next week’s publication. Articles received af-ter deadline may be considered for future use. All submis-sions are considered for publication based on news value and timeliness.

Every article and photograph is edited for accuracy, clar-ity, brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Style-book and Libel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101.

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

Mobility Wing commander and the MacDill community. A 24-hour recording service is provided so personnel may submit questions, concerns or com-ments. Call the Action Line at 828-INFO (4636) or e-mail macdillwingcom-mander@macdill.af.mil

Rekindle that holiday spirit

Photo by Senior Airman Linzi Joseph

Col. Lenny Richoux welcomes military members to an early Thanksgiv-ing dinner at the Brandon Elks Lodge, Nov 17.

See CORNER, Page 19

Your T-bolt TodayNews/Features: page 4

‘There I was’

News/Features: page 12

Sailing MacDill style

COMMENTARY

Sports: page 20

Pigskin Picker

Briefs: page 6

News to know

by Col. David Pavey927th Air Refueling Wing commander

As commander of the 927th Air Refueling Wing I am often asked about the differences between active duty and reserve members. Specifically, how does the Air Force Reserve fit into the overall Air Force mis-sion?

There are nearly 72,000 reservists in the Air Force Reserve. These men and women are not part-time Air-men or “Weekend Warriors,” but rather Citizen Airmen who quite often volunteer to put their civilian lives and careers on hold to serve in uniform.

From a fiscal perspective, we fulfill about 20 per-cent of the Air Force’s capability, while the Air Force Reserve uses approximately 4 percent of the total Air Force budget.

We are trained the same. We attend the same basic military and officer training schools, the same technical training schools, and the same professional military ed-ucational schools. We are taught and practice the same Air Force Core Values. We wear the same uniform, we use the same equipment, and we adhere to the same requirements as active duty whether it be fit-to-fight or required annual training.

Reservists must constantly address three key com-ponents of their personal and professional lives, often called the reserve triad. A reservist must balance the needs of family, the needs of a civilian employer, and also meet reserve requirements.

We train and fight the same. We serve for the same reasons: for love of country and freedom.

I am proud of our reservists’ ability to answer our nation’s call with the same quality and dedication as our active-duty brothers and sisters.

Reservists in the fight

Col. David Pavey

Community: page 21

Event, movies, more...

by Lt. Col. Jason Wolf310th Airlift Squadron commander

In my time as commander of the “Finest DV Airlift Squadron on the Face of the Planet,” I’ve learned a few truths: 1) there’s no substitute for proper, detailed planning. 2) The DV is never late; he just ac-complished an itinerary change, and didn’t tell you in advance. 3) Teamwork is essential to safe, suc-cessful mission accomplishment. It’s this third and most important item I’d like to focus on in this ar-ticle.

We’re talking about a simple task – carry a combatant com-

mander accompanied by seven staff members across the U.S. or to another country, while avoid-ing hazardous weather and other aircraft. Transiting busy airspace, drop them off at a predetermined location, service the aircraft, and depart three hours later to another location. Each day, DV airlift crews from MacDill, Andrews, Chievres, Hickam and Ramstein conduct countless airlift missions just like this. Yet carrying these high-level passengers to and from their desti-nations with safety, reliability and comfort requires concerted team-work to get it done right.

DV missions begin in the of-

fice of the vice chief of staff of the Air Force, Special Airlift Missions branch. Prioritizing airlift re-quests, scheduling for max aircraft utilization and deconflicting es-sential maintenance is a constant shell game which pauses only mo-mentarily while an aircraft transi-tions from one mission to another. At the tasked base, the Operations Support Squadron’s Mission Devel-opment Flight then begins initial mission planning . They request diplomatic clearances, perform a check of Notices to Airmen, evalu-ating runway and taxiway closures,

DV airlift – a team sport essential to mission success

Lt. Col. Jason WolfSee AIRLIFT, Page 8

News/Features: page 16

MacDill Chapel happenings

~ Holiday Season~

Base Christmas Tree Lighting Tuesday, 6 December Festival Starts @ 1530 Program Starts @ 1730

CENTCOM Parking Lot near the Bayshore Gate

Join in the celebration with various activities, Tinker Elementary School Choir, and a chance to meet Santa &

Mrs. Claus! Christmas Services

Saturday, 24 December 1700 Gospel Service

1900 Candlelight Service 2300 Catholic Christmas Eve Mass

Sunday, 25 December 0900 Praise Service 1030 Catholic Mass

New Year’s Weekend Saturday, 31 December

1730 Catholic Mass 2200 Gospel Watch Night Service

(Breakfast provided) Sunday, 1 January 0900 Praise Service 1030 Catholic Mass

MacDill Chapel Services December 2011

~Weekly Chapel Services~

Catholic Services Weekday Schedule:

1210 Daily Mass Monday-Thursday Reconciliation Monday-Thursday by

appointment

Saturday Schedule: 1630 Sacrament of Reconciliation

1730 Mass

Sunday Schedule: 0900 Religious Education

1030 Sunday Mass

Protestant Services Sunday Schedule:

0900 Praise Service 0900 FAMCAMP Traditional Service

(FAMCAMP Multi-purpose center) 1200 Gospel Service

Muslim Services

Friday: 1315 Muslim Prayer

*For all other faith group inquiries, please contact the base chapel at

(813) 828-3621

Chapel Bible Study 4 Women– Conclusion to the series, “Grace for Every Trial.” 7,14 December from 0930-1100 in the chapel conference room. New series will start 11 January. Please call base chapel at 828-3621 for more information. AWANA Program – 7, 14 December for children ages 2– 6th grade. Family Dinner at 1700. AWANA Program 1745 –1915. Registration: $10 / Vest & Books: $10 (per child) Program will resume on 11 January. Please call Mrs. Lavelle at 828-8564 for more information. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) – Christmas Party, 6 December at 1900 inside the Harbor Bay Housing Office. Come out and join other moms for support and fellowship. Contact Heidi Spencer by e-mail at spenceandheidi@yahoo.com or by phone at 813-415-2799 for more information.

NEWS/FEATURES

First deployment surprise - joined Operation Unified Protector‘There I Was’:

by Senior Airman Jason Aurich91st Air Refueling Squadron

There I was … lucky enough to have the opportunity to volunteer for my first deployment, and it was originally set

up for me to go to Southwest Asia for three months. When the time came for me to begin my out-processing I was pleasantly surprised to find out from my supervisor a few days be-fore I was leaving instead of going to South-west Asia, I would be going to Spain for Opera-tion Unified Protector. We had a KC-135 from MacDill heading through Spain on its way to England and I was ready to go, so I made sure to change my mail to a P.O. Box and postpone my cable bill for the next few months.

Our flight to Spain took about seven and

a half hours. When we landed I grabbed all of my bags and headed in to make arrange-ments for transportation to the base. I didn’t have much direction on what to do or how to go about it, but I knew it was a couple hours away so I asked someone on the base if they could help me and they were eager to assist. By the time I was transported I was extremely tired, not to mention the hunger and jet lag. I got myself a room on base, food at the chow hall, and checked in with my leadership, they sent me back to my room for some R&R and told me to check back in the following day. There were so many things I had not been informed of and it seemed like the directions weren’t very clear, but I used my best judg-ment and asked a lot of questions.

My first day of duty was very interesting. I was briefed on what exactly we were doing out

in Spain and how our operations were to run. It was a little different than my usual day back home, but I was looking forward to the change. Work took my mind off of what day it was, or how long I was going to be out there. I was very soon getting used to the routine of going to work for eight to 12 hours a day, hit-ting the gym, and trying to eat every meal I could get my hands on. I was given a phone card by the first shirt and used it as often as I could to get ahold of family back in the states. They loved hearing about what I had been up to and what I had seen. This routine went on for a month straight and I was really begin-ning to enjoy it.

Toward the middle of my deployment I was informed we were being sent home and it was over. I didn’t believe it at first, but I talked to my squadron commander and he assured me I was going home in just a few days. I quickly packed my bags and began to get everything

ready to depart. I had an out-processing checklist just like I did when I was at home station. I cleaned my room and turned in my linens, got my bags on a pallet to be loaded onto the KC-135 the following morning and when I woke up we stepped to the jet. A few hours later we were on our way back home.

All together, I must say my first deployment was amazing. I loved my time away from the usual routine we find ourselves in every day. I learned a lot about my job, about myself, and about this awesome world we live in. I made quite a few friends also who I hope to cross paths with sometime down the road through-out my military career. A little advice for anyone about to go on their first deployment, just keep a positive attitude and do your best, ask for help if you don’t know what to do, and hopefully you’ll soon enough find yourself back home reminiscing about your good times and adventures abroad.

Courtesy photo

Senior Airman Jason Aurich, an aviation resourse manager, in front of one of the KC-135 Strato-tankers he managed during his depoloyment for Operation Unified Protector.

All together, I must say my first deployment was amaz-ing. I loved my time away from the usual routine we find ourselves in every day.

- Senior Airman Jason Aurich

MacDill Ed Needs AssessmentMacDill AFB Educational Needs Assessment

offered every three to five years will run now until Dec. 30. Complete your Needs Assessment online at https://afvec.langley.af.mil/needs/ and select “MacDill” from the drop-down. Let us know what your educational needs are. Last day to make your voice heard is Dec. 30.

NARF meetings The National Active and Retired Federal Em-

ployees Association, South Tampa Chapter 109, meets at 12:30 p.m. for lunch with the meeting following at 1 p.m. at the Tampa Buffet, 3904 S. Dale Mabry Hwy (Britton Plaza), on the second Monday of each month. The next regular meet-ing is scheduled for Jan. 9, 2012. For more in-formation, contact Terry Zitek (813) 251-5611,

or Betty Tisdale at (813) 837-1438.

Trees for TroopsTrees for Troops is scheduled for Dec. 8 in

the parking lot of Building 72. Active Duty mili-tary have first access from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ev-eryone else with base access is from 1 to 3 p.m. Limit one tree per family. For more information, call 828-3055.

Army Warrant Officer briefU.S. Army Warrant Officer Recruiting brief-

ings are scheduled for Dec. 6, 7 and 8 in Room 204 of the Education Center at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. For more information, visit goarmy.com/warrant or contact Chief Warrant Officer Nate Barley at Nathaniel.barley@usarec.army.mil.

Jingle Bell JogJingle Bell Jog is scheduled for 7 a.m. Dec. 14

at the Short Fitness Center. For more informa-tion, call 828-4496.

Ed and commissiioning changesEffective immediately, the Airman Education

and Commissioning Program is suspending all new student starts. This suspension directly af-fects the 2011 AECP selection board. The board results for the April 2011 AECP selection board will not be released. AECP students currently in the program will continue until graduation and commissioning so long as they continue to meet all program requirements. Questions should be directed to Major Scott Gilson or Pearlene Patterson at HQ AFROTC/RRUE, at (402) 294-3408 or (334) 953-7945.

BRIEFS

operating hours, servicing and other airfield re-strictions. This first step is crucial; identifying roadblocks and removing them (or finding ways to work around them) before mission execution enables mission success.

Approximately seven to 10 days prior to an overseas mission, or three to five days prior to a stateside mission, aircrew schedulers within the squadron assemble the right mix of Airmen to execute the tasking. They balance train-ing needs with aircrew qualifications, health, and schedule availability. Squadron aviation resource management personnel assemble the mission orders, mission critical documents and a myriad of administrative support, including details such as passports and/or visas for over-seas trips. Finally, the crew receives the mis-sion and begins their detailed mission planning, contacting base or airfield agencies at enroute stops, checking flight plans, confirming parking, servicing and arranging lodging and ground transportation.

Aircraft commanders sometimes work with the Defense Attaché Office, whose officers act as coordinators with foreign personnel to overcome

logistics roadblocks . Flight engineers evaluate servicing availability and obstacles, flight atten-dants plan meals, and all details are confirmed with contacts within the DV’s staff. Finally, when all is in order, the crew – the team - is ready to begin the mission.

To provide 5-star service to a four-star takes a team of MVPs. Weather forecasters, tower controllers, ground maintenance and support personnel are at the top of the list. As crews file their flight plans, they evaluate weather from origination to destination including flight level winds and temperatures, hazards such as tur-bulence, icing and thunderstorms.

The quality and depth of this information directly impacts the route of flight selection, mission timing and safety of those aboard the aircraft. Next, ground, tower and enroute air traffic controllers guide the aircraft safely from parking location to the runway, climbout and throughout the enroute structure. They ensure separation between hazards such as other air-craft, birds, and turbulence, many of which a crew may never see. Upon arrival, Transient Alert personnel direct the aircraft to a safe parking location as the DV and party deplane. An on-time arrival for the party is essential to ensure enough time to travel to their next event.

During often brief ground times, DV airlift crews rely on host base support including fuels, fleet service, weather, airfield management, and others who handle water, ice and trash. Some-times aircraft need repair before the next leg of a mission; transient maintenance is used to get the jet “right for flight.” Thirty minutes before the party arrives at the jet, the crew is in posi-tion with flight clearance received, takeoff brief-ing complete and ready for another journey (re-peated as often as the DV itinerary demands).

In all cases, the aircrew receives a critique – which measures performance in many cat-egories. The high marks for outstanding per-formance result from teamwork in planning and execution. Much like a football team who fails to score in the red zone, poor marks on critiques result from an inability to execute – often caused by a breakdown in communication, teamwork, or planning. Our squadron’s marks average 4.8 out of 5 stars in seven categories, which I attribute to great teamwork with our partners in airlift – the medical, mission sup-port, and maintenance professionals who work behind the scenes, and sometimes on the scene, to help ensure our four star leaders are trans-ported with safety, comfort, and reliability. Thank you for what you do, each and every day.

AIRLIFTFrom Page 3

Air Force Major General Harold M. McClelland Award:

6th Communications Squadron

A1C Elizabeth N. Jacobson Award: Senior Airman Kevin A. Eells, 6th Security Forces Squadron

Outstanding Civilian Manager:Ernest K. Thompson Jr.,

6th Communications Squadron

Outstanding Civilian Specialist:Richard M. Black,

6th Communications Squadron

Outstanding Cyberspace Systems SNCO:

Senior Master Sgt. David A. Cox, 6th Communications Squadron

Outstanding Knowledge Operations Management Airman:

Senior Airman Steven A. Aurthur, 6th Communications Squadron

Outstanding SF Flight-Level Civilian – Supervisory:

Officer Jesse W. Gabbart, 6th Security Forces Squadron

Outstanding SF Flight-Level NCO: Tech. Sgt. Michael W. Chickadel,

6th Security Forces Squadron

Outstanding SF Flight-Level SNCO: Master Sgt. Nancy J. Hinostroza,

6th Security Forces Squadron

Outstanding SF Support Staff Civilian: Keith A. Turney,

6th Security Forces Squadron

Outstanding SF Support Staff SNCO: Master Sgt. Patrick S. McNally, 6th Security Forces Squadron

Security Forces Augmenter SNCO: Master Sgt. Ernest J. Stephens IV,

6th Security Forces Squadron

Congrats to the following MAJCOM-level award winners

NEWS/FEATURESWelcome, new Airmen

The following First Term Airmen have arrived to MacDill directly out of technical school becoming the newest addition to our team. The 6th Air Mobility Wing wishes them the best of success on MacDill!

6th Air Mobility Wingu Airman 1st Class Caldwell, Robert, Har-rogate, Tenn.u Airman 1st Class Hinchee, Christopher, Sacramento, Calif.

6th Communications Squadronu Airman 1st Class Michaels, Robert, St. Petersburg, Fla.u Airman 1st Class Ramirez, Vincent, Newark, N.J.

6th Logistic Readiness Squadronu Airman 1st Class Schultz, Catherine, Baldwin City, Kan.

6th Medical Support Squadronu Airman 1st Class Gamez, Noel, Lehigh Acres, Fla.

Photo by Airman Basic David Tracy

A team of Airmen seal up a seam on their ship with duct tape, one of the materials the competition al-lowed, and perhaps the most critical.

Staff Sgt. Kris Echols, 91st Air Refueling Squadron in-flight refueler, cuts out one of the final pieces of his team’s boat during the 2011 Build-a-Boat Regatta, Nov. 18, on MacDill Air Force Base. Teams had approximately three hours to construct boats out of cardboard and duct tape then race them in Tampa Bay.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Shandresha Mitchell

Members of the 91st Air Refueling Squadron row vigorously to catch up with the opposing team during the base’s annual Boat Regatta at the base beach Nov. 18. The Boat Regatta was hosted by MacDill’s Outdoor Recreation center and promoted team building for everyone who participated.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Shandresha Mitchell

The 6th Communications Squadron won first place with a time of 48.26 seconds in the annual Boat Regatta. Second place went to the 6th Contracting Squadron, and third went to the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron. The winner of the Most Dramatic Sinking was the 91st Air Refueling Squadron, and Best Design went to the 6th Operations Group (pictured).

Photo by Airman 1st Class Shandresha Mitchell

Members of the 91st Air Refueling Squadron drag their soaked boat out of the water.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Shandresha Mitchell

Staff Sgt. Jason Espurvoa and Staff Sgt. Derek Johnson, 6th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, drag the remains of their card-board boat away from the water after it sank.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Shandresha Mitchell

The 6th Communications Squadron won first place with a time of 48.26 seconds in the annual Boat Regatta. Second place went to the 6th Contracting Squadron, and third went to the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron. The winner of the Most Dramatic Sinking was the 91st Air Refueling Squadron, and Best Design went to the 6th Operations Group (pictured).

Photo by Airman Basic David Tracy

Airman 1st Class Christopher Chambers and Staff Sgt. Kevin Rocha, 6th Maintenance Squadron, secure the side of their boat. All the boats were made of only cardboard and duct tape.

We’re looking for a few good Gingerbread Men. (And cookies, brownies, and other fresh-baked holiday treats.)

The mission: Spread TLC to some VIPs: MacDill’s Dorm Residents! Your task: Bring cookies in disposable containers to Chapel Annex Two or the Brandon Clinic from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mon., Dec. 13. Want to do more? Volunteers are being recruited to accept cookie donations, decorate the Dining Hall and serve goodies to the troops. Not able to bake? Not a problem! Donations of gallon Ziploc bags and large disposable (i.e., Ziploc, Gladware) containers also needed. Questions or to volunteer: Contact Michele Richoux, lmrichoux@gmail.com

THANK YOU for supporting our single and unaccompanied Dormitory Residents!!

~ Holiday Season~

Base Christmas Tree Lighting Tuesday, 6 December Festival Starts @ 1530 Program Starts @ 1730

CENTCOM Parking Lot near the Bayshore Gate

Join in the celebration with various activities, Tinker Elementary School Choir, and a chance to meet Santa &

Mrs. Claus! Christmas Services

Saturday, 24 December 1700 Gospel Service

1900 Candlelight Service 2300 Catholic Christmas Eve Mass

Sunday, 25 December 0900 Praise Service 1030 Catholic Mass

New Year’s Weekend Saturday, 31 December

1730 Catholic Mass 2200 Gospel Watch Night Service

(Breakfast provided) Sunday, 1 January 0900 Praise Service 1030 Catholic Mass

MacDill Chapel Services December 2011

~Weekly Chapel Services~

Catholic Services Weekday Schedule:

1210 Daily Mass Monday-Thursday Reconciliation Monday-Thursday by

appointment

Saturday Schedule: 1630 Sacrament of Reconciliation

1730 Mass

Sunday Schedule: 0900 Religious Education

1030 Sunday Mass

Protestant Services Sunday Schedule:

0900 Praise Service 0900 FAMCAMP Traditional Service

(FAMCAMP Multi-purpose center) 1200 Gospel Service

Muslim Services

Friday: 1315 Muslim Prayer

*For all other faith group inquiries, please contact the base chapel at

(813) 828-3621

Chapel Bible Study 4 Women– Conclusion to the series, “Grace for Every Trial.” 7,14 December from 0930-1100 in the chapel conference room. New series will start 11 January. Please call base chapel at 828-3621 for more information. AWANA Program – 7, 14 December for children ages 2– 6th grade. Family Dinner at 1700. AWANA Program 1745 –1915. Registration: $10 / Vest & Books: $10 (per child) Program will resume on 11 January. Please call Mrs. Lavelle at 828-8564 for more information. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) – Christmas Party, 6 December at 1900 inside the Harbor Bay Housing Office. Come out and join other moms for support and fellowship. Contact Heidi Spencer by e-mail at spenceandheidi@yahoo.com or by phone at 813-415-2799 for more information.

A real kickMaj. Zach Davidson, 927th Air Refueling Wing, recently took home top honors as a mem-ber of the Air Force Rugby Team. Davidson’s team beat the U.S. Coast Guard team 55-7 at the Armed Forces Rugby Tournament recently, with Davidson joining their ranks for the first time. The team drew from all ranks and locations around the Air Force, one from as far away as Vogelweh Air Station, Ger-many. Davidson said, “The competition was well on the level of my civilian men’s league and I had a blast play-ing with my Air Force breth-ren.”

Photo courtesy of Maj. Zach Davidson

contingency via “Operation Global Thunder.” You guys nailed this exercise, and there were so many that stood out, like all of our supe-rior performers: 2nd Lt. Scott Heinlein, Staff Sgt. Daniel J. Marshall, Senior Air-man Kyle Bradford, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Chase, Staff Sgt. Willie Hayes, Senior Airman Daniel Iannarelli, Senior Airman Ryan Wertzema, Airman 1st Class Zach-ary Tierney, Master Sgt. Jesse Lopez and Tech. Sgt. Jerrod Klein, 1st Lt. Timothy Gaydosh, Chief Master Sgt. Doug Earle, Senior Master Sgt. Jason Tiek, and Mas-ter Sgt. Shawn Chelette, Tech. Sgt. Alan Culpepper, Lt. Col. (Dr.) Christine Stahl, Master Sgt. James Glickman, Thomas D. Sanders, 2nd Lt. Jennifer Krutka, Master Sgt. James Register, Staff Sgt. Robert Harper, Senior Airman Michele Stroud, Staff Sgt. Luis Vega, Tech. Sgt. Caleb D. Bennett, Tech. Sgt. Kraig Waters, Master

Sgt. Alejandro Ray, 1st Lt. Andrew Lee, Maj. Leslie Picht, Maj. Darren Spencer, Capt. Russell Healy, 1st Lt. Tyler Allerd-ing , Airman 1st Class Leslie Davis and Airman 1st Class Stephen Cross.

I don’t think I can ever remember having so many outstanding performers for one ex-ercise. Thank you for taking care of business, when it counts the most.

Another huge performance came from the 310th Airlift Squadron’s Staff Sgt. Jamilya

Jackson, who is a passport monitor. She con-sistently takes care of our mission partners, and spends many off duty hours improving her work center through painting and laying carpet. She also filled the NCOIC vacancy for one month keeping the squadron tracking at a 99 percent mission reliability rate. Great job Jamilya.

It’s an exciting time to be at MacDill and you are truly the finest Air Mobility Wing on the Planet!

CORNERFrom Page 2

by Mack DillThe Pigskin Picker

Are you ready for a rematch between LSU and Alabama or will Oklahoma State be able to sneak into the mix? Let’s see what’s on tap.

For the game of the week I’m going with the surprise choice of the Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay. Just looking at the numbers for of-fense, these teams match up pretty evenly, but the Panthers get a slight advantage with their run game. For the Bucs, their issues with silly penalties and turnovers are killing them. Caro-lina’s record is not as good as Tampa’s, but their stock is on the rise while the Bucs are on the decline.

If Tampa Bay can keep getting the ball to LeGarrette Blount for another big day of rush-ing, the Panthers are weak at stopping the run. Cam Newton, the rookie phenom for Carolina, is well on his way to breaking records and picking up Rookie of the Year, so this is a great opportu-nity for the Bucs to welcome him to the league properly. That means having a disciplined defen-sive unit that steps up, makes tackles and puts pressure on the QB. Here’s the thing: Tampa Bay cannot expect QB Josh Freeman to be the “comeback kid” every Sunday. He’s making poor choices and forcing throws and it’s costing them wins. Instead, the coaching staff should be con-centrating on how to get their defense together. I’m not a believer in a head coach who is also a defensive coordinator. It’s not working for the Bucs. Ultimately though, I’m a believer in the team and talent pool. I’m picking Tampa Bay.

Now let’s take a look at the NCAA and talk about some championship games!

First off, the SEC Championship game be-tween LSU and Georgia. Congratulations to the Georgia Bulldogs. You started the year with two losses, wanted to can your coach and are now playing for the championship in the tough-est conference in all of college football. For all of your hard work of stringing together so many

victories, you get the privilege to play against the most physical team in the NCAA, the LSU Tigers. Georgia’s QB, Aaron Murray does a great job of getting the ball to multiple receiv-ers, but he’s up against a Tiger team that forces turnovers - lots of them. LSU’s offensive line will have their hands full with the Bulldog’s Jarvis Jones who is the best pass rusher in the SEC and has the most sacks at 13.5. LSU is just too powerful for the Bulldogs. They’re stingy with offensive touchdowns, don’t let any one opponent carry the ball for 100 yards, and consistently create turnovers. The SEC Championship rarely disappoints, so you’ll definitely want to tune in. For my pick however, I’m going with LSU.

Oklahoma at Oklahoma State – Would it be too cliché to say this has all the makings for a modern day “Shootout at the OK Corral”? Pret-ty corny, but pretty true. OSU is ranked 2nd in the country for passing offense and Oklahoma is ranked 3rd. The Sooners average about 11 more yards rushing per game than the Cowboys. The Cowboys score about seven more points per game than the Sooners, but they also allow about seven more points per game than the Sooners too. So who will win? Well, I can’t give home team advantage to OSU, they’ve let the Sooners beat them the last four times they were in Still-water. The Sooners have beat the Cowboys eight straight times, but they haven’t faced a team that has as many weapons as this Cowboy team. The drought ends in Stillwater, Oklahoma and the Cowboys beat the Sooners!

Virginia Tech vs Clemson – It’s the ACC Championship game and Clemson already beat Virginia Tech on Oct. 1. In fact, they beat them like a drum with a score of 23 – 3. It was pretty ugly to say the least, but Hokie QB Logan Thom-as used it as a launch pad for getting smarter, tougher and much more dangerous. Clemson had momentum, then lost it. Their offensive line is full of holes and Virginia Tech can take advan-tage. I look for a big win for Virginia Tech. Look for Clemson in the Chik-Fil-A Bowl.

The Pigskin Picker 1st and 10 …

See PIGSKIN, Page 22

MACDILL COMMUNITYEVENTS

Friday - 7 p.m. Footloose (PG-13)

AT THE MOVIESSaturday - 7 p.m.

Paranormal Activity 3 (R)

Saturday - 4 p.m. The Three Musketeers 2 (PG-13)

$4.50 for adults / $2.25 for children 828-2780

FridayBay Palms Golf Complex

Demo Day from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Come try out all the latest in equipment at the driving range.

MacDill LanesClub Member Appreciation

from 6-8 p.m. All club members and their family members bowl FREE!

SaturdayBase Library

Trim the Tree at 11 a.m. Come decorate the tree in the Children’s Room. Cookies will be served.

Monday - FridaySeaScapes Beach House

Daily Early Bird Dinner Spe-cial 4:30-6:30 p.m. Home-style fa-vorite meal with iced tea or foun-tain drink $7.

Arts & Crafts CenterHoliday Open House begins!

Stop by and browse our unique gifts, enjoy a snack, a glass of wassail, and register for door prizes!

MondayPLAYpass Event

PLAYpass participants stop in at the Arts & Crafts Center and receive a voucher for 2 FREE games of bowling & shoe rental at MacDill Lanes on Tue, Dec 6 from 12-3 p.m.

TuesdayChristmas Festival & Tree Lighting

Festival starts at 3:30 p.m. Tree lighting & Santa at 5:30 p.m. In the CENTCOM parking lot near the Bayshore gate.

Protestant servicesSunday - 9 a.m. - Praise Worship Service 9 a.m. - FAMCAMP Service (Bldg 2017) 12 p.m. - Gospel ServiceIslamic servicesFriday - 1:30 p.m. - Prayer Service

Catholic servicesSaturday - 4:30 p.m. - Confession

5:30 p.m. - Mass

Sunday - 10:30 a.m. - Mass

Monday to Thursday: 12:10 p.m. - MassFor all other faith inquiries or to view upcoming event information, call the Chapel at 828-3621 or visit the

website at www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel

CHAPEL SCHEDULE

The 927th Air Refueling Wing Honor Guard is made up of Air Force members who represent the highest standards of the Air Force and their nation in the ceremonies they perform at celebrations and military funerals. The group’s most recent duty was at the Greater Tampa Bay Chamber of Com-merce Veterans Day celebration.

Photo courtesy of honor guard member Master Sgt. Matthew Jordan

Wisconsin vs Michigan State – The Big 10 finally gets a championship game and this one is almost too close to call. Here’s another game where each team has played the other in the regular season. This time, Michigan State beat the Badgers on a last-second play that still brings tears to any true Wisconsin fan. This game will be all about seeing if the Spartan’s exceptional rushing defense can stop the Bad-gers exceptional rushing offense. Just for a little spice, both teams will be looking to put big pres-sure on the QBs. Wisconsin’s QB Russell Taylor handles pressure much better than MSU’s Kirk Cousins, so that edge goes to the Badgers. In fact, I’m going to say it’s going to make the big-gest difference in the game. Wisconsin avenges its earlier loss and beats the Spartans.

UCLA at Oregon – The PAC-12 has a cham-pionship game, but the best teams aren’t play-ing in it. Since USC isn’t eligible for the post season, UCLA backed into the championship. The Bruins just don’t have much going for them right now. They just got hammered last week by USC with a 50-0 score, their coach has been fired, but still gets to coach this game, and they have to play one of the most explosive offenses

in the country. Oregon wins by double-digits.Green Bay at New York Giants – Poor Gi-

ants. They look so good, then they look so bad. They started this week with a brutal loss at New Orleans and they’ll end the week playing a well-rested Green Bay team. Sorry Giants, I don’t think your season is done, but I don’t see you getting past the Packers. Green Bay wins.

NY Jets at Washington – So is this how it will go from now on with the Jets? Take some losses, try to scare QB Mark Sanchez into doing his job, and then get a good game out of him? Sure, he had four TD passes, but Coach Rex Ry-an can really thank both the rushing offense and rushing defense for last weekend’s win against Buffalo. The Redskins looked impressive with their passing game as well as working the run. Additionally, some help from their defense to contain the passing game was especially handy. I still don’t have confidence in the Jets or their QB to make the plays. I’m going with Washington.

Detroit at New Orleans – Shame, shame, shame on Detroit’s Ndamukong Suh for what you did on Thanksgiving. A two game suspen-sion might upset you, but it really hurts your team. I’m sure the Saints fans can appreciate your efforts. The game is on NBC if you want to watch it like the rest of us. Saints win.

Dallas at Arizona – We might get to see the

return of Cardinal QB Kevin Kolb, and that may make for an interesting match-up. Arizona was looking good last week, but let’s face it – they were looking good against the Rams so it’s hard to really know how good they really are. Dal-las is playing very well, but they’ll need to work on their pass defense. That weak link in their game may be something that a seasoned QB can pick apart. Tony Romo, my favorite target, has done well and played with more maturity, so I’m going all-in once again for the Cowboys.

Atlanta at Houston – Poor Houston is run-ning out of QBs and their highly touted run game ran off and left them last week. The Texans are now down to 3rd string QB, rookie T.J. Yates, who was a great college prospect, but is being thrown into the fire. Houston will need to count on the run game getting back into gear – at least until Yates gets more comfortable. Atlanta is in the driver seat for this game. QB Matt Ryan is lethal with his passes, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt if Michael Turner and company would amp up their run game to make the entire offense click. Ultimately, Atlanta’s defense will get the job done against the Texans. They’ll stop Hous-ton’s run game and force young Yates to throw. I’m picking Atlanta for the win.

Don’t forget to cheer for our home team and, as always, I hope your team wins.

PIGSKINFrom Page 20