Vol. 39, No. 14 Friday, March 26, 2010

www.macdill.af.mil

A BLAST! 2010 AirFest wows Tampa Bay - page 12

Photos by Staff Sgt. Joseph Swafford Jr. COMMENTARY I’m a servant, and proud of it by Col. James “Slim” Morgan swered those questions in the positive. You 6 OG/CC need to know that servicemembers like you Have you ever wondered why the military make a huge difference, even when you don’t is called “the Service?” It is no accident. The see it. I need go no further than recent events members of the military have proven time in Haiti. Since the earthquake, over 325 and again that they are truly servants to relief missions have flown through MacDill their country, their community and the world. and made a difference in the lives of thou- I believe this description of the Service, and sands of people! You might ask, “How does servicemembers, sets the standard that all my job matter?” It matters because our mis- of us should strive to attain. While “Service sion could not be accomplished without every before Self” is a stated core value of the U.S. member. Sure you won’t impact every mission Air Force, I believe it is the foundation for all and your impact may be indirect, but what servicemembers in all military branches. you do matters. That said I also realize how the long hours, Take the 3-level in the DFAC who made the multiple deployments, challenging issues, box lunches for the aircrew who flew the long family separations and sacrifices can start missions…or the bus driver who took the AE one doubting the worth of their service. With crew from the hotel to the aircraft, so they, in a mere 6% of the American population serving turn, could go to Haiti and save lives…or the in the military, it can seem that we make no fuels technician who troubleshoots and re- difference. After all, what can so few do? It pairs a leak and saves the mission…or the bil- is the rare servicemember who hasn’t gone leting reservationist who made sure the flight through this phase. crew had rooms so they could get crew rest. I For me, it was when I hit 20 years and could go on, but my point has been made. You faced the decision of staying in or retiring. and I are servants who make a difference in I looked at my accomplishments and bal- the lives of many people…even those we will anced them against what I had put my family never meet! through. I was TDY for 9+ years of my first Undoubtedly, you and your families will 20, my two oldest attended 3 high schools have to make sacrifices as you continue to Col. James “Slim” Morgan each, my youngest lived in 4 states before she serve. Sacrifice is a natural part of service. turned 4, my wife gave up an established ca- Think of anyone you respect for their service, worth it, just remind yourself that you have reer, and I had missed countless holidays and you will see that they also made sacrifices: chosen to be in the service of the United family events. Sure, I had a successful ca- Mother Theresa, Ghandi, Martin Luther King States and what you do matters...what you reer, and was doing what I loved. But I kept Jr, your first sergeant, your commander and do makes a difference...what you do is honor- coming back to two questions: “Had it been yes, YOU. able and right…what you do is SERVE. I am worth it?” and “Was I making a difference?” So the next time you start wondering if honored to serve with you and I thank you for Since I hit 25 years in May, I obviously an- what you do counts or if your sacrifices are your service and sacrifice!

the Air Force or the 6th Air Mobility Wing. News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submitted MacDill Thunderbolt The appearance of advertising in this publication, includ- to the 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office, Bldg. 299, at ing inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement 8208 Hangar Loop Drive, Suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621, or Publisher: Denise Palmer by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air call the MacDill Thunderbolt staff at 828-4586. Email: thunder- : Nick Stubbs Editor Force, 6th Air Mobility Wing or Sunbelt Newspapers, Inc., of [email protected]. the products or service advertised. Deadline for article submissions is noon, Thursdays to The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by Sunbelt Newspa- Everything advertised in this publication shall be made appear in the next week’s publication. Articles received after pers, Inc., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to deadline may be considered for future use. All submissions Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, are considered for publication based on news value and time- publication for distribution to members of the U.S. military physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit liness. services on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill Thunderbolt are factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. Every article and photograph is edited for accuracy, clarity, not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Display advertising or classified advertising information brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Stylebook government, the Department of Defense, the Department of may be obtained by calling 259-7455. and Libel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101. NEWS/FEATURES Your T-bolt Today Article 15 rundown Over the past five months, the MacDill Legal NEWS/FEATURES: page 4 Office processed 15 nonjudicial punishment ac- tions under Article 15, Uniform Code of Mili- FY 2010 spending guide tary Justic, involving Airmen in the 6th Air Mo- bility Wing and associate units here. Common offenses included misuse of government travel NEWS/FEATURES: page 4 cards, viewing or storing unauthorized materi- al on government computers, and drug-related Women’s History offenses. The drug offenses included wrongful use of marijuana, wrongful use, possession, and distribution of prescription drugs, and use of in- toxicating substances such as “spice.” Pursuant NEWS/FEATURES: page 4 to AFI 36-3208, paragraph 5.55.2 and section 6K, members who are found to abuse drugs will Chief’s Group award be discharged unless they meet seven specific retention criteria and are granted a waiver by the General Court-Martial Convening Authority. DIAMOND SHARP: page 8 On Oct. 23, 2009, an airman first class from the 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron This week’s winner received Article 15 nonjudicial punishment for disrespecting an officer and failure to go. His duction to the grade of staff sergeant, forfeiture punishment consisted of a reduction to the of $250.00 for two months, and a Reprimand. NEWS/FEATURES: page 12 grade of airman basic, suspended forfeitures of On Dec. 6, 2009, an airman first class from $699.00 for two months, and a Reprimand. the 6th Security Forces Squadron received Ar- On Nov. 4, 2009, an airman first class from ticle 15 NJP for drunken incapacitation for du- AirFest a blast the 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron received ty and being AWOL. His punishment consisted Article 15 NJP for wrongful use of marijuana. of a reduction of grade to airman, suspended His punishment consisted of a reduction to air- forfeiture of $784.00 for a month, and a Repri- COMMUNITY: page 20 man and a Reprimand. mand. On Nov. 9, 2009, an airman first class from On Dec. 11, 2009, an airman first class from Events, movies, more... the 6th Dental Squadron received Article 15 the 6th Communications Squadron received Ar- NJP for misusing a government travel card, ticle 15 NJP for distributing a controlled sub- failing to secure medical records, and failure to stance. Her punishment consisted of a reduc- go. His punishment consisted of a reduction to tion to the grade of airman and a Reprimand. the grade of airman, 20 days extra duty, and a On Dec. 14, 2009, an airman from the 6th Reprimand. Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received Ar- On Nov. 16, 2009, an airman first class from ticle 15 NJP for possessing the intoxicating the 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron re- substance “spice,” in violation of an AMC/CC ceived Article 15 NJP for wrongful use of mari- general order. His punishment consisted of a juana. His punishment consisted of a reduction reduction to the grade of airman basic and a to the grade of airman and a Reprimand. Reprimand. On Nov. 18, 2009, an airman first class from On Jan. 8, an airman from the 6th Commu- the 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron re- nications Squadron received Article 15 NJP for ceived Article 15 NJP for making a false official using a fake ID and underage drinking. His statement and failure to go. His punishment punishment consisted of a suspended reduc- 6 AMW DUI Prevention Corner consisted of a reduction to the grade of airman tion to the grade of airman basic, forfeiture of $100.00 for two months, and a Reprimand. DUIDUI this this year: year: 1 1 (3 (Jan. Jan 3) 10) basic, forfeiture of $699.00 for two months, and a Reprimand. On Jan. 12, a senior airman from the 6th DUIs lastlast year: 11 11 Safety is a state of mind. On Nov. 23, 2009, a technical sergeant from Security Forces Squadron received Article 15 CreateAccidents a sound are the driving result planof the 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron received NJP for possessing the intoxicating substance before youan absent drink; mind.and stick to it! Article 15 NJP for being Absent Without Leave. His punishment consisted of a suspended re- See ARTICLE 15, Page 10 NEWS/FEATURES 6 CONS guide to spending FY10 funds by 2nd Lt Michael Kauffman July 30 6th Contracting Squadron u Services under $100,000 Aug. 13 The first deadline is fast approaching. Con- u Commodities/Supplies under $100,000 tinue to plan your unit’s FY10 spending accord- ing to these dates: Contracting Squadron Contacts: April 2 u Specialized Flight, CENTCOM/SOCOM/ u Construction over $100,000 JCSE/SOCCENT, contact Edward “Jerry” Sim- u Services over $2,000,000 mons, 828-4783 May 28 u Performance Management Flight, Civil Engi- u Construction under $100,000 neers and Avon Park, contact Douglas Willard, Did you know? u Services $100,000 - $2,000,000 828-7454 by Master Sgt. Alana Vollmer u Commodities/Supplies over $2,000,000 u Base Support Flight, 6th AMW units and oth- 6th Air Mobility Wing Legal Office July 1 er tenant units, contact Crystal Life, 828-4784 u Service recurring requirements (rentals and u Government Purchase Card Program, GPC PMAs) holders, contact Kevin Nesmith, 828-4095 In honor of Women’s History Month, the u Commodities/Supplies $100,000 - $2,000,000 u Closeout Monitor, general inquiries can be di- committee will be publishing a series of “Did u Begin submitting Planning BVJs for GPC rected to James “Kirk” Krempasky, 828-7482 You Know” tidbits and facts about women in history. Here are this week’s facts:

u In 1916, Jeannette Rankin of Montana, is the first woman to be elected to the U. S. House of Representatives.

u In 1925, Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyo- ming, became the first woman to serve as governor of a state.

u In 1926, American Gertrude Ederle be- came the first woman to swim across the English Channel.

u In 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic.

u In 1933, Frances Perkins is appointed secretary of labor by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, making her the first woman member of a presidential cabinet.

u In 1953, Jerrie Cobb is the first woman in the U. S. to undergo astronaut testing.

u In 1960, Oveta Culp Hobby becomes Chiefs Group award presented the first woman to receive the MacDill Chiefs Group members with Staff Sgt. Jessica Buddi, USSOCOM counter terrorism U. S. Army Distinguished Service Medal.

analyst at the MacDill Chiefs Group Warrior Award presentation at the USSOCOM head- u In 1964, Margaret Chase Smith of quarters at MacDill. Once a month, the Chiefs Group selects an Airman, technical sergeant Maine, became the first woman nominated and below, to receive the MacDill Chiefs Group Warrior Award. This award is presented to for president of the United States by a ma- Airmen for going above and beyond. jor political party.

AMC commander: ‘Air Mobility Airmen continue to answer the call’ by Gen. Raymond E. Johns, Jr. just the iron, but our Total Force AMC commander Airmen and civilians who make the mission happen. You have SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, been working at an incredible pace Ill. — When the President an- for the past eight years, and now nounced 30,000 more U.S. troops your country is once again asking were needed in Afghanistan, it was to “surge” so we may defeat those no surprise that mobility Airmen who oppose our freedom. would play a major role in helping When I assumed command, I make this a reality. In fact, many said I couldn’t be prouder to be of you at home and abroad have your commander. I was wrong. already worked overtime to ensure These past few months, I have ex- the first wave of troops reached perienced this command’s global Afghanistan safely and quickly. mission first hand, and I can now Without affecting your day-to- say with confidence that I grow day operations, you have already prouder of you each and every day. airlifted 3,711 U.S. Marines into Please know, I thank you and your Afghanistan’s area of operations. families for all you continue to do Although AMC’s continued efforts every day to safely and smartly will likely require the full comple- deliver on our promise to provide ment of our available airlifters and Unrivaled Global Reach for Amer- tankers, I am very aware it’s not ica...Always.

Diamond Sharp Staff Sgt. Michael A. Ragsdale Job Title: Airman Leadership School Instructor 6th Force Support Squadron Home town: Hopkins, South Carolina

Short-term goals: Complete my bachelor’s degree and apply for Officer Training School.

Long-term goals: To learn a second language.

Advice to others: Do your best all of the time, not just when it’s convenient for you.

Role model (s): My Uncle Jim, for always believing in me. He passed away in 2001 but remains the most caring person I have ever met.

15 NJP for possessing and using a controlled Air Mobility Wing Staff received Article 15 article 15 substance. His punishment consisted of a re- NJP for misusing a government computer. From Page 3 duction to the grade of airman first class and His punishment consisted of a suspended re- “Aphrodisia,” in violation of an AMC/CC gen- a Reprimand. duction to the grade of senior airman, 15 days eral order, and for burning a candle in the On Jan. 19, a senior airman from the 6th extra duty, and a Reprimand. dorms. His punishment consisted of a sus- Logistics Readiness Squadron received Article On Jan. 28, a staff sergeant from United pended reduction to the grade of airman first 15 NJP for possessing prescription drugs not States Central Command received Article 15 class, forfeiture of $497.00 for two months, and in his name. His punishment consisted of a NJP for misusing a government travel card. a Reprimand. suspended reduction to the grade of airman His punishment consisted of a suspended re- On Jan. 19, a senior airman from the 6th first class and a Reprimand. duction to the grade of senior airman and a Logistics Readiness Squadron received Article On Jan. 21, a staff sergeant from the 6th Reprimand.

Photo by Senior Airman Linzi Joseph Aidan Sless, son of Patrick Sless of Orlando, plays with the controls of Army Medical Evacuation Blackhawk HH60L during the 2010 AirFest. The Medevac was from the Clearwater F Company 5-159th Aviation.

Photo by Senior Airman Linzi Joseph Photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph L. Swafford Jr. Aidan Sless, son of Patrick Sless of Orlando, Roger Buis flies OTTO The Helicopter plays with the controls of Army Medical Evacua- into a severe dive, thrilling the AirFest tion Blackhawk HH60L during the 2010 Airfest. The crowd. Medevac was from the Clearwater F Company 5- 159th Aviation. AirFest successful despite inclement weather by Senior Airman Anna-Marie Wyant Afternoon events included the “OTTO” helicopter demonstration and 927th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs aircraft demonstrations by a P-51 Mustang, F-15 Eagle and C-17 Globe- master III. USSOCOM also performed a parachute demonstration. More than 30,000 people gathered on the flight MacDill Air Force The last to perform were the Blue Angels, which wowed the crowd Base line Sunday, the last day of AirFest 2010, the base’s annual air with precise flight formations, incredible speed and daring maneuvers. show. The Blue Angels, the Navy’s flight demonstration team, headlined Approximately 100,000 people attended AirFest Saturday. this year’s event. The demonstrations Saturday and today were scheduled to be identi- The base’s gates were open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with cal, but because of possible thunderstorms this afternoon, AirFest was opening ceremonies beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday. Events began with suspended for approximately two hours, during which no demonstra- the singing of the National Anthem as a U.S. Special Operations Com- tions took place. Attendees were asked to return to their vehicles as a mand jumper parachuted from plane with an American flag waving safety precaution. After weather conditions improved, people were al- from his parachute cords. Shortly thereafter, a KC-135 Stratotanker lowed back on the flight line to watch the rest of the show. from the 6th Air Mobility Wing here flew by to welcome the crowd. Although some aircraft were unable to perform today, the Blue An- Other morning events included a C-54 demonstration by the Berlin gels did not let the wet runway slow them down. The team’s renowned Airlift Historical Foundation and demonstrations by a T-6 Texan, B-25 demonstration was worth the wait for those who stayed on the base Mitchell Bomber, Super Decathlon and T-28 Trojan. despite the rainy weather. Photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph L. Swafford Jr. The Navy Blue Angels perform during the 2010 Airfest at MacDill Air Force Base March 20. The show headliners bear blue and gold paint, the official colors of the U.S. Navy. The Blue Angels are scheduled to fly 68 air shows at 35 air show sites in the United States during the 2010 season. Photo by Senior Airman Linzi Joseph Aidan Sless, son of Patrick Sless of Orlando, plays with the controls of Army Medical Evacua- tion Blackhawk HH60L during the 2010 Airfest. The Medevac was from the Clearwater F Company 5- 159th Aviation.

Lt. C.J. Simonsen, pilot of Blue Angel #7 , signs a autograph for a child from Make-A-Wish Foundation during the 2010 AirFest. The AirFest was the host to spectacular aerial demonstrations, static displays and featured the Blue Angles. The 100,000 spectators who at- tended the first day of the two-day show witnessed firsthand the capabilities of the armed forces.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph L. Swafford Jr. NEWS/FEATURES Not only that, census data is used to deter- and their families. Census coming to MacDill mine the electoral districts within the states and Take for example, the military population sta- to allocate federal funds of around $400 billion tioned overseas including personnel deployed for Special to the Thunderbolt yearly to local, state and tribal governments in our wartime efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan in addition to tracking changes and trends in the addition to U.S. military on ocean going vessels MacDill members living on base are asked to population. with a homeport outside the United States. All standup and be counted when the U.S. Census Thomas Jefferson appointed by President these personnel will have to be counted because, Bureau begins fulfilling its decennial mission of George Washington as secretary of state got the as mentioned, their numbers assist in determin- counting the noses of everyone in America later first US census going in 1790. After data was ing the allocation of seats in the U.S. House of this month. collected, it was determined that the population Representatives. Every 10 years, on years ending in zero, for of the new nation was approximately four mil- Here at MacDill the problem is less complex. the last 21 decades this government agency has lion. Our people who live in family housing on base been tasked with gathering data about our na- Counting the military is particularly challeng- received the standard census questionnaire tion’s population. Our Constitution mandated ing for the Census Bureau as most civilians will through the mail, with instructions to mail it we should do this for a number of important rea- be counted at their usual residence-- the place back to regional Census Bureau locations when sons, with one being the population information where they live and sleep most of the time. This completed. obtained determines how many seats in the U.S. may not so apparent for people in the military House of Representative each state will have. See CENSUS, Page 18

were scheduled to be identical, but because of 30,000 people still attended the last day of Air- airfest thunderstorms Sunday afternoon, AirFest was Fest 2010 and saw the Blue Angels, the Navy’s From Page 12 suspended for approximately two hours, dur- flight demonstration team, perform the last The last to perform were the Blue Angels, ing which no demonstrations took place. At- show of this year’s event. which wowed the crowd with precise flight for- tendees were asked to return to their vehicles Although some aircraft were unable to per- mations, incredible speed and daring maneu- as a safety precaution. After weather condi- form Sunday, the Blue Angels did not let the vers. Approximately 100,000 people attended tions improved, people were allowed back on wet runway slow them down. The team’s re- AirFest Saturday. the flight line to watch the rest of the show. nowned demonstration was worth the wait for The demonstrations Saturday and Sunday Despite the suspension of activities more than those who stayed on the base despite the rain. census From Page 14 Famous facts about your U.S. Census Those in base housing who do not return their census questionnaire for one reason or other (TDY, etc) within a reasonable amount of time will u 1790 First official census taken after the American Revolution. receive a visit at their quarters from a Census Enumerator sometime from Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, originally the drafter of The May to July. Base residents who desire part time employment with the Declaration of Independence, was responsible for the first census. U.S. Census during this final collection phase are urged to contact the Air- Population of new nation was determined to be 3.9 million. man & Family Services Center on base for more information. u 1850 First decade in which census attempted to record every Those members residing in MacDill dormitories as of April 1 will have member of every household. American Indians officially counted their census questionnaires delivered to them by their dorm managers to for the first time but only those who “renounced tribal rules.” Indian be completed and returned for pick up later by outside census personnel. population: 40,000. Total nation: 31 million. Chief Richard Lee, 6th Mission Support Group Superintendent, will be the u 1890 This census was first to be compiled on a tabulating ma- point of contact during this phase of the enumeration process. chine. It reduced the time to tabulate the census from seven years Col. Larry Martin, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, has met with (hand counting) to two and half years. Total population of the nation: Tampa U.S. Census officials recently and has pledged base support for the 62 million. data collection operation encouraging all personnel to fill out their census u 1920 The fourteenth Census estimated population of U.S at 106 questionnaires and return them promptly to the agency. million, first time recording the population exceeded 100 million. Trust the Census to keep it quiet u 1940 New privacy law made 72 years the time any census data The US Census wants to count everyone living in our country. To do would be available for public inspection. so, it means that confidentially is the agency’s special trust under law u 2010 This decade will be the 22nd census. with the citizens and non-citizens who fill out the questionnaire.

MACDILL COMMUNITY EVENTS Friday Arts & Crafts Center FREE Introduction to Digital & Traditional Scrapbooking Class from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 828-4413 to sign up!

Surf’s Edge Club March Membership Madness! Live music, door prizes, and food & beverages galore from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Club members: FREE! Spouse $12.95 Guests: $14.95

SeaScapes Beach Club Live entertainment – Tommy “Bahama” Arnold at the Tiki Hut starting at 5:30 p.m.

Sunday MacDill Bowling Lanes Open Sundays from 1-8 pm! Sunday Family Special – 2 people Photo by Airman 1st Class Linzi Joseph $20.00; 4 people $30.00. FOD walking! Senior Airman Megan Seawell, 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron supply journeyman, holds a Includes 2 games, shoes, 1 large trash bag for her co-worker Staff Sgt. Jesus Quintero-Chavez, 6th LRS supply craftsman, to place pizza and a pitcher of soda (Avail- the trash he collected during the FOD (foreign object damage) walk at MacDill Air Force Base able from 1-7 p.m.). March 22, 2010. The FOD walk was conducted to remove the amount of debris that remained on the flight line after the 2010 MacDill Airfest . Monday Membership Madness Dine on Mondays at any club fa- cility and receive a lunch special for $5.50 *no additional discounts. CHAPEL SCHEDULE Open to Everyone! Protestant services Catholic services Surfs Edge Club: Hamburger/ Sunday - 9 a.m., Traditional Service Saturday - Mass, 5:30 p.m. Cheeseburger, Fries and Small So- 10:30 a.m., Religious Education, Noon, Gospel Service Sunday - Mass, 10:30 a.m. da from 11am-1 p.m. & 9 a.m., service, FamCamp Multipurpose Center Monday to Thursday: Mass, 12:10 p.m. Bayshore Club: Crunch & Munch Tuesday -Noon, Promise Keepers Saturday - Sacrament of Reconciliation, 4:30 p.m., (or by ap- All-U-Can-Eat Buffet from 11 a.m.- Wednesday - 10:30 a.m., Women of the Chapel pointment) 1:30 p.m. Thursday - 11:30 a.m., Officers’ Christian Fellowship Islamic services SeaScapes Beach Club: Chicken For more information regarding the Chapel or Chapel servic- Friday - 1:15 p.m. Tenders (4) Fries and Small Soda es, call 828-3621. Jewish services - Call 828-3621 from 11a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday AT THE MOVIES $4 for adults / $2 for children 828-2780 Surf’s Edge Club NEW “Meals in Minutes” Lunch Friday - 7 p.m. Saturday - 3 p.m. Saturday - 7 p.m. Buffet – Soul Food from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. THE WOLFMAN (R) No showing FROM PARIS WITH LOVE (R) Visit www.macdillfss.com