Vol. 41, No. 5 Thursday, February 2, 2012

Graphic by Tech. Sgt. Tanika Belfield COMMANDER’s CORNER Mission accomplished with perfect precision; global reach proven by Col. Matt Molineux 6th Operations Group commander

Recently the 6th Air Mobility Wing and 927th Air Refueling Wing launched eight KC-135 stratotanker aircraft with minimum interval timing and perfect precision for the first time in over a decade. The wings continuously practice three-ship formation flights, but rarely set out to execute an event of this magnitude, so it is particularly noteworthy. The obvious question is why is this significant? Who cares? The simple answer is “Global Reach.” This exercise of putting a lot of air refueling assets and hundreds of thousands of pounds of fuel in the air in a very short time- Photo by Tech. Sgt. Tanika Belfield frame demonstrates a unique capability that KC-135 Stratotankers lined up and ready to go during the recent “Elephant Walk” exercise. Col. only the United States has—the ability to Matt Molineux, inset. project airpower anytime and anywhere in the world. No other nation can do this. We have this for routine repairs on Jan. 31. Since our as- quickly and efficiently to ensure mission suc- capability because of our tankers—gas stations signed aircraft are required to fulfill worldwide cess in demonstrating this critical Air Force in the sky—that deliver fuel to airlift, fighter, higher headquarters missions even during the capability. Do you realize the venerable KC-135 and bomber assets continuously and at will. runway closure period, we chose this time to aircraft are over 50 years old? The maintenance U.S. forces must provide a rapid, tailored disburse our jets to other operating locations. professionals in both wings continued to work response with a capability to intervene against After this momentous large formation takeoff, their magic and accomplished a significant a well-equipped foe, hit hard and terminate most of the aircraft conducted missions over the MacDill milestone. I’d say it was a good return quickly. Rapid global mobility lies at the heart southeastern United States then recovered else- on our tax dollars! of U.S. strategy in this environment—without where. Runway repairs will take approximately Additionally, this exercise demonstrated the the capability to project forces, there is no con- a month and then we’ll have the majority of our excellent relationship we share with the Tampa ventional deterrent. Air refuelers are the life- aircraft back on station. air traffic controllers and the Federal Aviation line of global reach—increasing range, payloads Executing a large mission such as this takes Administration. In conjunction with the Tampa and flexibility. teamwork. I’m proud of the active duty and re- controllers, 6th Operations Group air traffic As you may know, MacDill closed its runway serve operators and maintainers who worked See COMMENT, Page 12

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE The 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- [email protected]

fense, the Department of the Air Force or the 6th Air Mobil- may be obtained by calling 259-7455. MacDill Thunderbolt ity Wing. News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submit- Publisher: Terry Jamerson The appearance of advertising in this publication, in- ted to the 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office, Bldg. Editor: Nick Stubbs cluding inserts or supplements, does not constitute en- 25, MacDill AFB, FL 33621, or call the MacDill Thunderbolt dorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department staff at 828-2215. Email: [email protected]. of the Air Force, 6th Air Mobility Wing or Sunbelt Newspa- Deadline for article submissions is noon, Thursdays to The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by Sunbelt News- pers, Inc., of the products or service advertised. appear in the next week’s publication. Articles received af- papers, Inc., a private firm in no way connected with the Everything advertised in this publication shall be made ter deadline may be considered for future use. All submis- U.S. Air Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to sions are considered for publication based on news value authorized publication for distribution to members of the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, and timeliness. U.S. military services on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-mer- Every article and photograph is edited for accuracy, clar- Thunderbolt are not necessarily the official views of, or it factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. ity, brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Style- endorsed by the U.S. government, the Department of De- Display advertising or classified advertising information book and Libel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101. NEWS/FEATURES Your T-bolt Today Safety is the goal; complacency is the enemy by Nick Stubbs in a letter to the command’s leaders. News/Features: page 4 Thunderbolt editor To allow for maximum participation and to the maximum extent possible, Johns directed 927th ARW Col. key player Speed may kill, but complacency is right up that AMC operations and training be limited there and is responsible for a major portion of on safety focus day. This will afford Airmen the injuries and deaths of service members. time to focus on mishap trends and the need to News/Features: page 6 Reminding everyone not to let complacen- constantly maintain our safety focus in day-to- cy creep into their lives and to practice good day air mobility operations. Black History Month safety habits was the aim of a series of safety Held at the base theater for all members of briefings Jan. 27, said Tech. Sgt. Tanisha Wil- Team MacDill, the briefings were designed to, News/Features: page 10 liams, 6th Air Mobility Wing NCOIC of ground “give everyone a snapshot of what (tragedies) safety. can happen,” said Williams. The message was The event was part of Air Mobility Com- punctuated with stories of actual accidents, Annual award winners mand’s safety focus day. their consequences. Pictures helped drive the “This is an opportune time as we come off point home further. News/Features: page 13 the holiday ‘slow’ period to refocus our atten- “We want everyone to avoid complacency,” tion and reinvigorate a safety mindset,” said Williams said. “When you do the same job day Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., AMC commander, Space A goes Facebook See SAFETY, Page 12 Get children to school on time! life. Our nation is as grateful for their sacri- Sports: page 16 Parents of Tinker Elementary students, fices as for those of our service members. our student tardiness rates are high. A tardy We can and must do better. Let’s treat Tin- student disrupts the classroom and deters ker with the special respect it deserves. We Pigskin Picker the rest of the students from learning. This is must all do our part to ensure these great cause for concern at any school, but especially children have the best learning environment Community: page 17 troubling at a predominately military family we can give them. school. These children are special. They en- Thank you, Col. Dave Almand, 6th Air Mo- dure hardships to include family separation, bility Wing vice commander, and proud Tin- Event, movies, more... frequents moves, and interruptions to family ker parent

Mich. man, Ariz. MacDill welcomes new u Airman 1st Class Jonathan Kissee: Lacon, Ill. u Airman 1st Class Cody Whiting: Enoch, Utah Airmen to the team 6th Medical Operations Squadron 6th Operations Support Squadron The following first term Airmen have arrived u Airman 1st Class Jacob Burgess: Grand Rap- u Airman 1st Class Michael Shambo: Las Vegas, to MacDill directly out of technical school be- ids, Mich. Nev. coming the newest addition to our team. We are u Airman 1st Class Rachel Parker: Bethel, Ohio excited to have them at “America’s Best Wing” u Airman 1st Class Natasha Price: Murfrees- 6th Security Forces Squadron and wish them the best of success on MacDill! boro, Tenn. u Airman 1st Class Zade Becker: Sheridan, u Airman 1st Class Cecilia Schonian: Modesto, Wyo. 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Calif. u Airman 1st Class Rudy Dominguez: Phoenix, u Airman 1st Class Jordan Johnson: Poulsvo, u Airman 1st Class Lee Speight: Davenport, Ariz. Wash. Fla. u Airman 1st Class Jennifer Foerman: Lake- land, Fla. 6th Communications Squadron 6th Medical Support Squadron u Airman 1st Class Alexander Rodriguez: Fort u Airman 1st Class Brent Harmor: Mukilteo, u Airman 1st Class Alysia Bosier: Bronx, N.Y. Smith, Ark. Wash. u Airman 1st Class Jasmin Muniz: Lawton, u Airman 1st Class Felecia Rodriguez: Williams- Okla. burg, Penn. 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron u Airman Scott Thompson: Mays Landing, N.J. u Airman 1st Class Randy Felch: El Paso, Texas 6th Maintenance Squadron u Airman 1st Class Sierra Westmark: Olympia, u Airman 1st Class Seth Greene: Fitchburg, u Airman 1st Class Jonathan Prather: King- Wash. 927th ARW NEWS The last way station of the war: 927th ARW colonel plays key role in Iraq drawdown

Photo by Airman 1st Class Shandresha Mitchell As a hometown hero, Col. Ted Matthews, vice wing commander of the 927th Air Refueling Wing, based out of MacDill Air Force Base, greeted news crews and friends after nearly nine months in Iraq. While in Iraq, Mathews commanded the 407 Air Expeditionary Group, a unit charged with runway operations for the last military airport to close with the drawdown efforts. by Staff Sgt. Shawn Rhodes his active-duty comrades, he is also eligible 927th Air Refueling Wing for combat deployments. He returned last De- cember after a nine-month tour where he com- In 2003, Nasiriyah, Iraq, was one of the first manded the 407th Air Expeditionary Group. It battle zones of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Eight was this group that was charged with running years later, an air base outside the city was the the flightline and air operations for Ali Air Base, Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Rhodes last way station for U.S. troops as they made in addition to training and mentoring the Iraqi Way to go! their way to Kuwait in the south, and then to Air Force unit there. Staff Sgt. Jaclyn Harris, a member of the their families that waited for them in the states. “Before I deployed, I had a lot of concerns,” 927th Air Refueling Wing, was recently When seven tons of cargo and 40,000 troops said Mathews. “I knew the lives of those I com- awarded the Joint Service Acheivement were leaving Iraq, they relied on the leadership manded depended on me.” Medal by Col. Rodney Bryan, commander and dedication of one man who was pivotal in Mathews took command of the 407th AEG of the 927th Mission Support Group. Har- ensuring their safe return. The man responsible and immediately realized he would have to ris was recognized for her work with Unit- for the operating the flightline was Tampa re- work as the middleman between multiple cul- ed States Central Command, where she servist Col. Ted Mathews. tures - the Iraqi culture and the different Amer- was pivotal in conducting more than 50 Mathews is a traditional reservist with the ican military cultures. airlift missions that equipped and trained 927th Air Refueling Wing here. Unlike his ac- “The Army is set up for and used to doing Afghanistan National Army and security tive-duty counterparts, Mathews serves in the forces. Air Force and has a full-time civilian job. Like See IRAQ Page 8

NEWS/FEATURES February is Black History Month Women in black history: Sports by Airman 1st Class Katherine Ogletree 6th Communications Squadron

“Nothing is going to be handed to you – you have to make things happen.” – Florence Griffith- Joyner. Considered “The World’s Fastest Woman,” Florence Griffith-Joyner, better known as “Flo-Jo,” was a very rare talent indeed. Born Dec. 21, 1959, in Los Angeles, Calif., by age 7, Florence began running be- coming a star athlete at an early age. One of the most memorable moments of the 20th century was when Florence Griffith-Joyner be- came an Olympic track and field champion during the 1988 Seoul games. Florence Griffith-Joyner See BLACK HISTORY, Page 7 BLACK HISTORY From Page 6 Flo-Jo took the very essence of women’s track to an elevated level as appointment as co-chair of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness she broke world records in the 100 and 200-meter events, stunning the and Sports, and sharing her expertise and enthusiasm for fitness across world she ran a 100-meter world record of 10.49 seconds and 200-meter the nation. Her excellence in all endeavors inspired fans to achieve and world record of 21.34 seconds that has still not been challenged. set their own heights. She won three gold medals in the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, and an- As we celebrate Black History month we remember the life and ac- other gold medal in the 1987 World Championships in Rome; along with complishments of Florence Griffith-Joyner and the many other strong, a plethora of accolades. talented black women in our history. Florence Griffith-Joyner was not only a success in the track realm, Please attend “The Tea Party” play sponsored by the Black History but also had a range of talents she excelled in such as fashion design, Month committee Feb. 22 as we pay tribute this year’s theme “Black acting, writing, and sports casting. Another great achievement was her Women.” IRAQ From Page 4 without ... to roughing it. To make sure we had electricity and water at the very end of our time there, I had to make sure our Air Force civil engineers learned how to make water so we would have it to drink,” Mathews said. While everyone spoke the same language within the American services there, the language barrier and cultural differences between the 407th AEG and the Iraqi Air Force unit there was another challenge altogether. “It was hard to motivate their Soldiers and Airmen. Our challenge was driving them to be self- reliant and self-sufficient. I think they’re going to be successful,” Mathews said. Because of their key location and pivotal role in the drawdown, Mathews’ troops were targets for insurgents. While they worked around the clock to funnel all the troops and supplies through the last way station, they had to deal with the combat going on inside their own walls. “We weren’t safe there. We were rocketed more in the time I was there than in the three years prior,” Mathews commented. Upon his return to the states he added, “It’s great to wake up every morning and not have to worry about a rocket attack.” Mathews had the opportunity to address some junior troops of the reserve unit during one of their unit training assemblies. These are the days of the month when reservists put on their uni- form, go to their home station, and work to keep themselves ready to fight America’s battles. He en- couraged them to take their training seriously and to be proud of the role they play in the military. “Every second in this building training and every moment in the field, you should know what’s going on,” Mathews told the troops gathered around him. “It’s quite an experience for a 19 or 20 year-old to take a rocket attack. They did not falter, and they did not fail. These young Airmen had to train another military to do their jobs on the airfield, and provide them with the knowledge and skills they’ll need to succeed in combat.” Mathews said that he could not tell the difference between reservists, active duty, or National Guard troops. They were all Americans, and all working toward the same goal. Although many reservists are used to serving in the military one weekend a month, many like Mathews are being asked to take on a heavier load. “The days of the ‘one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer’ still fit some of our reservists, but typically the nation requires much more. Mathews, for example, was gone for nearly nine months, and that’s a high price for an employer,” said Col. Dave Pavey, the commander of the 927th Air Refueling Wing. “It’s important that our community partners understand the importance of the new operational role we’ve asked our reservists to assume. It’s not just ‘one weekend a month’ any longer.” With drawdowns in Iraq and also in the defense budget, Pavey believes reservists like Mathews will be the future of a successful Air Force. “Our folks meet all the same mobility requirements at a fraction of the cost of the active duty,” Pavey said. “As the U.S. goes into an increasingly austere budgetary cycle, they look for where they can get the best bang for the buck. The Air Force Reserve is an outstanding value in that regard.” Like all service members, Mathews had to do more with less. He began his deployment com- manding hundreds of people, but as the numbers dwindled and the mission requirements in- creased, Mathews had to make sure he could still accomplish his mission. “We started out with 300 people, and by the end we only had 62. We all had to work together to make sure those troops and cargo made it out,” Mathews said. Pavey believes this success was due to the hard work and determination of the troops and Mathews’ dedication to them. “Mathew’s desire to protect his Airmen was second only to his passion for successfully complet- ing the U.S. mission in Iraq,” Pavey said. “His strong character and sense of family got him through that. He was the right officer at the right time to be there, and he safely brought home all his Air- men.” What Mathews will remember most about his deployment are the many faces of his troops and the great work they did for the Iraqi people and for America. “I’ll always remember how hard they worked, and how privileged and honored I was to be their commander,” Mathews said. “People need to be proud of the young Americans in the service. Their professionalism, dedication, and sacrifices help to preserve all our freedoms and our way of life.”

Major Michael Dailey, 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Senior Airman Andrew Glaser, 6th Medical Group, ac- commanders,accepts the 2011 Company Grade Officer cepts the 2011 Airman of the Year award. of the Year award on behalf of 1st Lt. Joshua Levine, 6th Maintenance Group, who is currently deployed.

Master Sgt. Michael Chickadel, 6th Mission Support Mr. David Brown, 6th Mission Support Group, accepts Group, accepts the 2011 Noncommissioned Officer of the 2011 Category I Civilian of the Year award. the Year award.

Master Sgt. Jesse Lopez, 6th Mission Support Group, Mr. Jesse Gabbert, 6th Mission Support Group, accepts accepts the 2011 Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the 2011 Category II Civilian of the Year award. Photos by Airman First Class Melanie Bulow-Kelly the Year award. Major Michael Dailey, 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Col. Matthew Molineoux, 6th Operations Group command- commanders,accepts the 2011 Company Grade Officer Edward Simmons, 6th Mission Support Group, accepts er, accepts the 2011 First Sergeant of the Year award on of the Year award on behalf of 1st Lt. Joshua Levine, 6th the 2011 Category III Civilian of the Year award. behalf of Master Sgt. Angela Gibson, 911th Air Refueling Maintenance Group, who is currently deployed. Squadron, Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina.

Mr. David Brown, 6th Mission Support Group, accepts Senior Airman Remington Burnette, 6th Mission Sup- Master Sgt. Donald Deming, 6th Civil Engineer Squad- the 2011 Category I Civilian of the Year award. port Group, accepts the 2011 Honor Guard Airman of ron Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight chief, accepts the Year award. the 2011 Team of the Year award.

Mr. Jesse Gabbert, 6th Mission Support Group, accepts Col. William Dinse, 6th Dental Squadron commander, Members of MacDill AFB honor guard march forward to the 2011 Category II Civilian of the Year award. accepts the 2011 Honor Guard Noncommissioned Of- present the colors at the 2011 MacDill Annual Awards ficer of the Year award on behalf of Staff Sgt. Abraham CeremonyJan. 27, 2012 at MacDill Air Force Base. Chavez, 6th Medical Group, who is currently deployed. BRIEFS Chapel seeking Youth Ministry Coordinator OSI hosting recruitment event The MacDill chapel is accepting bids for a part-time youth ministry The Air Force Office of Special Investigation Detachment 340 is seek- coordinator, paid by the chapel tithes and offering fund. A minimum of ing highly qualified Air Force applicants for special agent investigative two years experience in designing and leading a comprehensive youth duties at various, worldwide duty locations. ministry is required. Bid documents can be picked up at the base If you are an Air Force senior airman through technical sergeant or chapel, building 355, weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Resumes and 2nd lieutenant through captain, or an interested civilian with a bach- sealed bids will be accepted through Feb. 28. Interviews will be con- elor’s degree, and have a desire to be a member of a highly challenging, ducted February 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Chapel. The sealed bids will diverse career field then AFOSI may be the right team for you. The be opened at noon, February 29, in the Chapel conference room and the event will take place at the base theater Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. basis for award will be “best value to the government.” Anyone with in- For more information contact Special Agent Paul Greene, 828-4921. terest may attend. The Youth Ministry Coordinator will be required to complete a background check. For additional information, contact Staff Florida Strawberry Festival free admission Sgt. Elizabeth Stewart at 828-3621. Active duty, reserve, retired and military veterans along with law enforcement and first responders (EMS & firefighters) will receive free admission with a valid ID to the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, March 7. For more information contact Keelee Tomlinson, 752-9194. SAFETY From Page 3 in and day out, monotony can set in and it’s easy to get careless and to forget about safety.” Getting that message to stick in minds all year is the difficult task the safety office faces, said Williams. “It depends on the individual and how much attention they give it,” she said. “Some might retain it (the message of safety) for a week or a month, others might take it in and apply it forever.” The later is the rare case, however, so the safety team will continue to pound the message home and hold periodic safety events and cam- paigns to keep the idea of good safety practices in everyone’s mind. When Williams says “everyone,” she means it. There are career fields that may involve more dangerous activities than others, but safety should be a concern for all. “Regardless of career field, every one has its risks,” she said. “You could injure yourself lifting a box in the office.” AMC officials expect the safety focus day will promote positive trends in terms of complacency, attention to detail and adherence to stan- dards. In addition, they hope it will also highlight key issues requiring the command’s attention to continue safe and effective mission accom- plishment. (Portions of this story were taken from an article by Master Sgt. Kim- berly Spinner, 18th Air Force Public Affairs) NEWS/FEATURES Space A terminal on the Web with new Facebook page by Nick Stubbs visitors a current look at actual flights. Thunderbolt editor The new information outlet is particularly useful this time of year, when a lot of military retirees are wintering in Florida, said Waters. Customer service is a hallmark across “We have a lot of retirees in Florida in the winter months,” said Wa- the 6th Air Mobility Wing, but nowhere ters, but “in the summer we also have a lot of families with kids here.” is there more emphasis on taking care Prior to the new Facebook page, users of Space A either had to call of the customer than at Space Available or stop in to get current schedules. Waters said making the informa- Travel, where the team at the air termi- tion available on the web was a natural. nal recently took service to a new level “It’s a very good way to distribute the information, and definitely with a new Facebook page for fliers. reaches a lot of people,” Waters said. Select terminals under Air Mobility Command have started the pages to better serve customers by providing current information on scheduling flights at MacDill. One of the most anticipated features, and perhaps the most useful for travelers, is an active, current schedule of seats available. Updated continuously, visitors of the page can find out what flights are available out of MacDill with just a few clicks from any internet device.

The Facebook page features everything travelers need to know about the Space A services, with the highlight being actual screen shots of the terminal’s schedule of Space A flights posted for page visitors. - Tech. Sgt. Craig Waters

“As a Department of Defense asset, Air Mobility Command is unique in the fact that we are responsible for transporting eligible DOD card holders and their families around the world,” said Col. William Zeck, Air Mobility Command’s air transportation chief. “What we want to do is provide our travelers with enough information to plan their trip and enjoy their Space-A traveling experience.” In order to help travelers plan accordingly, passenger terminals will post historical flight information on individual Facebook pages. Cus- tomers can expect to see the number of flights, destinations, number of seats available, number of seats filled and lowest Space-A category reached posted to the passenger terminal’s page. The page can be found easily by typing in a search at www.Facebook. com for “MacDill Space A,” said Tech. Sgt. Craig Waters, NCO in charge of the Small Air Terminal. Waters said the Facebook page features everything travelers need to know about the Space A services, with the highlight being actual screen shots of the terminal’s schedule of Space A flights posted for page visitors. The image is updated as flight schedules change, giving NEWS/FEATURES COMMENT Congratulations to the following standouts From Page 2 Congratulation to the following colonel selects Outstanding Pricing u Lt. Col Jamie Dermer, 91st Air Refueling Squadron u Runner Up: Civil Engineering Services Team, 6th Con- representatives fa- u Lt. Col Brian Smith, 6th Operations Group tracting Squadron cilitated the massive departure, successfully Secretary of the Air Force Professionalism in Con- Outstanding Contracting Enlisted Member-Airman demonstrating the tracting-Supervisory u Winner: Senior Airman Karla Alvarado, 6th Contract- MacDill Air Force Base u Winner: Edward Simmons, 6th Contracting Squadron ing Squadron airfield and runway as a critical national Secretary of the Air Force Professionalism in Con- Outstanding Performance in a Source Selection- security and power projection platform. tracting-Non-Supervisory Operational So, this event was a u Runner Up: Shon Emily Johnson, 6th Contracting Squadron u Runner Up: Theater Plans Synchronization for HQ US- demonstration of a ca- CENTCOM, 6th Contracting Squadron pability critical to the Outstanding Contracting Unit-Large Air Force’s post-Cold u Winner: 6th Contracting Squadron, MacDill AFB War strategy of “global Congratulation to the following Team MacDill mem- reach - global power,” Outstanding Contracting Officer-CGO bers for being selected for AMC’s Phoenix Stripe but Gen. Curtis LeMay u u Runner Up: 1st Lt. Kim Swarts, 6th Contracting Squadron Tech. Sgt. Jason Gerdeman, 6th Communication Squad- still would have been ron proud as the iron leapt u Outstanding Contracting Officer-FGO Tech. Sgt. Christine Selby, 6th Aerospace Medicine Squad- off the runway nose u Winner: Lt. Col. Derek Blough, 6th Contracting Squad- ron to tail and slipped ron u Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Gregory, 6th Operations Support the surly bonds with Squadron precision. The Airmen Outstanding Contracting Civilian-GS-11 and Below u Staff Sgt. Brandon Bednarski, 6th Comptrollers Squadron of MacDill executed it u Runner Up: Joyce Wright, 6th Contracting Squadron u Staff Sgt. Raymond Johnson III, 911th Air Refueling perfectly and touched a Sqaudron soft spot in the heart of Special Recognition u Cassaundra Grace, 6th Force Support Squadron this Strategic Air Com- u Winner: Michael Terranova, 6th Contracting Squadron u Sherman Joyce, 6th Force Support Squadron mand baby! Great job everyone! NEWS/FEATURES African Americans in aviation history profiled during February Courtesy Air Force News Service dice and segregation to also fulfill their dreams. FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Then there are the Tuskegee Air- Md. (AFNS) -- After more than a men, men like Benjamin O. Davis decade into the 21st century, our Jr., Lee Archer and C.D. “Lucky” Air Force today is made up of a mix Lester, who proved through their of ethnic backgrounds -- people who valor and bravery in the skies that work together for common goals African Americans were just as im- and missions. But throughout our portant in the fight as their White history, even throughout much of counterparts. the 20th century, that hasn’t always We’ll profile some of the impor- been the case. tant transition men and women The beginning of February who were early pioneers in the Air kicks off African American History Force, as well as others who are still Month, and to honor that heritage, making their mark today. There’s at www.af.mil the Air Force will even a TV and movie personal- profile a different man or woman ity who transcended her role as a each day; a person in aviation or Air fictional pioneer in space to make Force history who helped pave the great strides in recruiting African way for the Air Force we have today. Americans into the space program.

We’ll begin the series with Bes- A total of 29 profiles in 29 days: Air Force graphic sie Coleman, a young woman at the Some may surprise you, others may Throughout the month of February, the Air Force will profile transitional beginning of the 20th Century who be familiar favorites, some you may African American men and women who were the early pioneers of the was forced to leave her country to even know personally, but all were fulfill her aviation dreams. We’ll and are important role models and Air Force, along with others who are still making their mark on history then showcase men like Eugene trailblazers not only for their race, today. A total of 29 profiles - one a day for the month - will be presented Bullard and William Powell who but for aviation and the U.S. Air on the Air Force web site at www. af.mil. Above is the official Air Force struggled against extreme preju- Force as well. poster honoring African American heritage for 2012. SPORTS So what’s in store for us on Super Bowl Sun- Then you have the history-making duo of 1st and 10 … The Pigskin Picker day? Well, besides the game, we’ll have plenty of Belichick-Brady who are looking to make it a by Mack Dill good commercials to watch. Look for the usual fourth Super Bowl win in 11 years. They already The Pigskin Picker suspects. There are also a bunch of rookie ad- have the record for being the winningest coach- vertisers who are dipping their toes in the deep QB combo in NFL history, so what’s one more, Well Sports Fans, this is it. The big game … end of the advertising pool. With spots running right? Can the Giants really match up against the whole enchilada … all the marbles ... the Su- $3.5M for 30 seconds, you know that the enter- something that just seems like destiny? per Bowl! I’m so excited; I haven’t slept since tainment value will be high. Let’s hope anyway. Now all is not sunny for New England. While last week. Well, that’s not entirely true. I did Then there’s Madonna who will be working Gronkowski did travel with the team, he did so manage to catch a three-hour nap during the it out during the half-time show. The reports with a limp, a walking boot, and he has yet to Pro Bowl. Seriously, I watched about five min- are she’s nervous because she “has to put on practice with the team. Sure, he’ll be there on utes of it, decided they looked like a bunch of the greatest show on earth in the middle of the Sunday, but how effective will the big man be people sleepwalking in clown outfits, and turned greatest show on earth.” Elton John has come with that high ankle sprain? For some reason, I off the TV. online and offered her the not-so-nice-advice of just have it in my mind that Coach Bill Belichick But we’re not here to talk about that over- “make sure you lip-sync good.” is overstating the injury just to throw the Giants hyped flag football game. We’re here to talk Let’s just hope the Material Girl stays true to off balance. We’ll see when Gronk comes tearing about the Super Bowl and make the final pick form and comes up with something to talk about out of the tunnel on Sunday. of the season. So who’s it going to be – the New on Monday morning. The halftime shows in the The other issue for the Pats is their defense. England Patriots or the New York Giants? past have been about as entertaining as the Pro The good news is they aren’t the Packers who Well, I did hear from a few people on this mat- Bowl. Am I on that one again? ranked 32nd in defense during the regular sea- ter. Patriot fans are counting on QB Tom Brady Okay, the word on the street is that there will son. The bad news is they were ranked 31st. Let having a much better game than the one he had be a football game happening during all of the me put that in Patriot-speak: they are wicked- against the Ravens. Here’s how they figure his carnival that is the Super Bowl. So after Kelly awful. They are extremely weak in the second- performance will improve: “he’s a golden boy Clarkson belts out the National Anthem – peo- ary, and that’s just where Eli and company like – there’s no way he’s going to lose this game!” ple are actually betting on how long she takes to to work. That doesn’t bode well. There you have it. Can anyone argue with that do it – we finally get to wrap up the season with And speaking of the Giants, maybe I’m going type of analysis? a terrific match-up. to just refer to them as the “Sleeping Giants.” But that’s not the only thing Pat fans are say- Here’s what I’m seeing. Late in the season, the alarm went off and they ing. I heard from one person who summed it all I love the story line surrounding the Patri- woke up to become the hottest team in the NFL. up rather eloquently with, “Gronk!” Of course ots. Not only is this a game of getting revenge During the season you got to see either the de- he was referring to that mountain of a tight end, against the Giants, but it’s the culmination of fense play or the offense – but you rarely saw Rob Gronkowski who takes up a lot of space and a season spent honoring Myra Kraft, the late both at the same time. Now, they are a machine has great hands that seem to catch anything wife of owner Robert Kraft. I wrote about this knocking offensive lines back on their heels, brought his way. last week and this angle has really emerged as closing passing routes and stuffing the run. Not to be outdone, fans of the New York Gi- a key theme for the Patriots. It’s hard to not pick Then, QB Eli Manning comes out, gets banged ants like to point to the fact they love playing them to win just based on the idea of honoring up but gets up each and every time to deliver the underdog. A few have begged me to pick the someone all season long by wearing her initials laser-guided passes to receivers who rarely drop Pats just because that will assure the Giants a over their hearts. That’s what I love about sports balls. Although they’ve had problems with mov- win. Ouch. “People love picking against us, but – you can’t ever count out a team playing with ing the ball on the ground, they should be able to we don’t care.” Are you sure about that? their hearts on the line. See Pigskin, Page 18 MACDILL COMMUNITY EVENTS Friday Boss & Buddy & Friday Bash Bring your Boss! Bring your Buddy to Boomer’s Bar & Grill! Join the fun beginning at 3 p.m. FREE Bar snacks, drink specials, bar bingo, DJ, music & fun. Club members sign up to win $100 cash. Not a member? Sign up. E1- E4 receive FREE membership. Call 828-1453.

MacDill Lanes Club Member Appreciation from 6-8 p.m. All club members and their family members bowl FREE!

Monday-Friday Surf’s Edge Club Global Tastes Lunch Buffet from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Cost $8. Mon: Latin; Tue: Italian; Wed: Asian; Thu: Mexican; Fri: Americana

Monday-Friday Photo by Airman Basic David Tracy SeaScapes Beach House ARRRRRGH! Daily Early Bird Dinner Special Members of the Top 3 with the float they created for the Gasparilla street parade held annually in 4:30-6:30 p.m. Home-style favor- Tampa. The replica pirate ship bounding through waves was part of the procession over the week- ite meal with iced tea or fountain end, when the city kicked it up and celebrated the symbolic plundering of Tampa by legendary drink $7. pirate Jose Gaspar. Monday Tops in Blue Show at 7 p.m. in Hangar 3. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. No ticket Protestant services Catholic services necessary – general seating. For more information call 828-3055. Sunday - 9 a.m. - Praise Worship Service Saturday - 4:30 p.m. - Confession 9:30 a.m. - FAMCAMP Service (Bldg 2017) 5:30 p.m. - Mass Tuesday 12 p.m. - Gospel Service Islamic services Sunday - 10:30 a.m. - Mass Arts & Crafts Center Monday to Thursday: 12:10 p.m. - Mass Learn to Draw & More! 4-6 p.m. Friday - 1:30 p.m. - Prayer Service For all other faith inquiries or to view upcoming event information, call the Chapel at 828-3621 or visit the Open to ages 12 & up. $25 per website at www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel month. Thursday AT THE MOVIES $4.50 for adults / $2.25 for children 828-2780 Arts & Crafts Center Tot Time Craft Class from 2-3 Due to slow and declining sales at the base theater, the Army and Air Force Exchange p.m. For ages 3-5 years old. $2 per Service has decided to no longer show movies on MacDill AFB. Patrons can look forward child. to exciting new programming and special events in the near future. Thank you for your understanding and support during this time of transition. pigskin From Page 16 work the rush effectively against the Pats. Using their run game will be a great way to eat up time and keep Tom Brady on the sideline. If he’s not in the game, it’ll be difficult for New England to put points on the board. All the Giants really need is to have a few third and short situations. No other team works third down con- versions as well as they do, and it’ll demoralize the Pats each and every time they convert. So here it is. New York fans, don’t get too nervous but I’m going all in for your Sleeping Giants to repeat their win of four years ago against the Pats. I don’t think this is going to be a high-scoring game, but I think it will have plenty of memorable moments and it will be a great end to a great season. And Kelly Clarkson will take 2 minutes and 15 seconds for the national anthem. Enjoy the game!