Honored! Photo by Airman Basic David Tracy Col

Vol. 40, No. 38 Friday, September 23, 2011

Honored! Photo by Airman Basic David Tracy Col. Lenny Richoux, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, and Col. Dave Pavey, 927th Air Refueling Wing commander, lead the crowd in the Air Force Song during the Honorary Commander Induction Ceremony, Sept. 16, at MacDill Air Force Base. The Honorary Commander program allows Tam- pa Bay area civic leaders to be highly involved with the missions of the 6th AMW and the 927th ARW. More photos, page 14 COMMANDER’s CORNER run for Sept. 23, and local historian, Dr. Wal- Exciting times lace Reyes will be the guest speaker for the by Col. Lenny Richoux observance luncheon scheduled on Oct. 14 at 6th Air Mobility Wing commander 11:00 a.m., Surf’s Edge Club. We’ve had plenty of reasons to celebrate We are in the middle of exciting times here recently. The Air Force celebrated its 64th at MacDill AFB. birthday, Sept. 18, and I want to extend grati- The school year had a great start and I want tude to Lt. Col. Michael Carney, Maj. Alex to tell you about a program that supports our Fafinski, The Tony Jannus Chapter of local schools. The Impact Aid Program provides the Airlift/Tanker Association and the Air federal reimbursement for every military- Force Ball Committee for making last week’s connected student enrolled in our local schools. Air Force Birthday Ball a huge success. Over Please fill out the cards the schools are sending 600 of you attended the awesome celebration Photo by Airman Basic David Tracy of Air Force tradition at the Tampa Convention home this month so that the school districts Col. Lenny Richoux, 6th Air Mobility Wing com- get an accurate account of military students Center, Saturday. Thanks to all of our military and civilian attendees which included many mander, inducts Henry Gonzalez, president by Oct 10. Impact Aid is an important source of Firm Solutions, during the Honorary Com- of funding for our military students, and they of our local community leaders who also made mander Induction Ceremony Sept. 16. deserve it. up a cross-section of 6th Air Mobility Wing’s Last week, we kicked off the base recogni- recently inducted Honorary Commanders and mander of 18th Air Force, as Lt. Gen. Robert tion of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is Command Advisory Council. Allardice becomes the vice commander of Air Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, and I want to high- Thirty-nine community leaders and Tampa Mobility Command. We look forward to his light a few star performers on the committee Bay neighbors, who partner with the base to command and deeply appreciate the guidance responsible for base awareness for this cultur- sustain our relationship with this great com- we’ve received and will continue to receive ally significant observance. Master Sgt. Jesse munity were inducted in the ceremony last from General Allardice. Lopez and Staff Sgt. Pedro Morales have weekend. Mr. Terry Montrose, Staff Sgt. On to another congratulations for recently the committee responsible for planning and Angela Ruiz, Senior Airman Robert Wag- selected leaders—6th Mission Support Group carrying out various events. goner, Senior Airman Rachelle Coleman had two outstanding Airmen chosen to attend We had a Hispanic Heritage food-tasting and Airman 1st Class Michael Ellis were in- Officer Training School. Staff Sgt. Alexander event with a mariachi band Thursday at the strumental in making the ceremony a success. Shivers and Senior Airman Kyle Bradford chapel annex. Thanks to Staff Sgt. Peter There’s no doubt we’ll experience a fruitful re- were selected among many in a highly competi- Flores for organizing the gathering. lationship with our Honorary Commanders and tive program. Each year, we observe National Hispanic community leaders. The 91st Air Refueling Squadron’s 1st Lieu- Heritage Month by celebrating rich Hispanic Another leadership change I want to rec- tenant Joe Pierce distinguished himself by cultures, contribution and history. The com- ognize is the change in the 6th AMW higher doing outstanding work as a mission planner mittee has planned the Hispanic Heritage 5k headquarters leadership. Congratulations to See COMMANDERS, Page 3 Lt. Gen. (sel) Mark Ramsay the new com-

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: Denise Palmer 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 Commentary Your T-bolt Today News/Features: page 4 Honoring the legacy of Lt. Helton by Col. James Hodges Scrub-a-dub 6th Mission Support Group Commander

This past week I had the honor of leading News/Features: page 8 the 2011 “Helton Haul” 5-K run named for the late 1st Lt. Joseph Helton. I was privileged AirFest is coming to be flanked by his mother, Jiffy Helton. She was deeply moved by the tribute shown by News/Features: page 12 members of the 6th Air Mobility Wing and Team MacDill in honor of her son. For those unfamiliar with the story of Lieutenant Hel- 310th helps children ton, he was a member of the 6th Security Forces Squadron who gave the ultimate sac- News/Features: page 16 rifice in Iraq on Sept. 8, 2009. While on pa- trol near Baghdad, during the second of two consecutive deployments for which he volun- Prescription take back teered, Lieutenant Helton was hit by an ex- plosively formed penetrator, one of the deadli- Diamond Sharp: page 22 est types of improvised explosive devices. The story of Lieutenant Helton’s life exudes the essence of the Air Force Core Values. He Col. James Hodges This week’s standout signed up for the military by entering the United States Air Force Academy in 2003 at That’s where our magnificent team steps MacDill Community: page 25 a time when America was confronting inter- in. The 6th Security Forces Squadron named national threats in the post-9/11 era. After its building in his honor and annually under- graduation from the Academy and receiving takes the “Helton Haul” so others can know of Events, movies, more... a commission as a lieutenant, he actively the lieutenant’s example. Lieutenant Helton sought to serve his country to the best of his should be an exemplar for us all in carrying abilities. During his Security Forces technical out our home-station and deployed duties in commander’s training, he was selected as the “Top Cop” by From Page 2 a manner that raises the bar for our personal his peers. As a new member of the 6th Secu- and collective commitment to the Air Force for the 2011 RED FLAG Alaska exercise. rity Forces Squadron, he aggressively learned Pierce expertly planned more than ten air Core Values. It’s clear his embodiment of the the home station mission while volunteering refueling missions a day over the two week “Service Before Self” ethic is unquestionable. for any deployment downrange that came period he was there. His dedication and hard How else could we describe his example in work were essential to the success of the ex- along. He simply hungered to serve America volunteering for a second consecutive tour ercise as a whole. in the most impactful way possible. He soon downrange rather than see the mission suf- 6th Operations Support Squadron’s Tech. got his chance in 2008 when he deployed for fer without an assigned flight commander to Sgt. Christopher Parente, NCOIC of Com- eight months as a flight commander with the lead and train Iraqi security forces, especially bat Crew Communications, supported his of- mission of training and operating with Iraqi when he had such fresh experience? His re- fice by sustaining normal operations during a Security Forces during the famed “surge” that cord also shows a personal internalization of critical low-manning period. He coordinated turned the tide in that operation. When he “Excellence in All We Do,” especially in being with his in-counterparts on communication finished his deployment, he saw there was chosen as the “Top Cop” in technical training security issues that needed special atten- another flight commander position that would and earning a flight commander position in tion to support deployed warfighters. He also be vacant. Rather than see that mission go combat as a young lieutenant. Joseph Helton worked with his career field functional man- unfulfilled, he volunteered to remain in Iraq is an example for us all and personally chal- ager to fix deficiencies throughout the AOR and answer his nation’s call once again rather lenges me to passionately pursue excellence and career field. than return home to comfort and safety. Sadly, and to seek opportunities to serve sacrificially. I am proud to serve with you in the finest in just the second month of his second deploy- See COMMENTARY, Page 10 Air Mobility Wing on the face of the planet! ment, he gave the ultimate sacrifice. NEWS/FEATURES MacDill ahead of the curve on jet engine washing by Nick Stubbs Thunderbolt editor

Hoping to save fuel and reduce maintenance, Air Mobility Command is experiment- ing with washing down KC-135 engines, but the practice is old hat at MacDill Air Force Base. The engine washing goes along with air frame wash downs needed to combat the salt residue that builds up due to MacDill being situated in the middle of a saltwater bay, said Staff Sgt. Steve Salido, a jet engine mechanic with the 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. The same procedures are followed at Kadena Air Base, Japan, and Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, both of which are located near the ocean. Salido has been working with subcontractors, who are testing the new engine washing systems, and a crew from the company was at MacDill last month to try it out. That the new device rinses engines with fresh water may not be new for the 6th AMW mechanics, its water recovery feature is. Photos by Master Sgt. Ken Stephens “Right now (with the current rinsing pro- Mike Ashmore, left, and Philip Romero, Eco Wash Team members from Pratt & Whitney, Dallas, cess) the water just goes through and comes Texas, install the wash hose of an ECO System to the front of a CFM International CFM56 engine out on the ground, and we can only do it in (F108 military designation) on a KC-135R Stratotanker at Scott AFB, Ill., on Aug. 24. The hose designated areas because of the waste water,” sprays water through the engine and washes off deposits and build ups. A June 2012 test report said Salido. “The system they are testing re- will help leaders analyze the value of an eventual Air Force-wide engine water washing program covers the water and reuses it.” for select engines. The engine washing is expected to reduce the Exhaust Gas Temperature Salido said the current system at MacDill is (EGT) margin by 5-6 degrees resulting in fuel savings and longer engine life. a power washer, and regulations require it be used at least every 90 days to clean salt resi- washed more than 340 jet engines in the test- due from the engines. ing program, which is being run by Air Force As for whether the process saves fuel, Sali- Materiel Command. do says a cleaner engine runs cooler, and the According to that story, so far, engine per- cooler an engine runs, the less fuel it burns. formance test data is positive, said Maj. Adam Engine washing at MacDill is a mainte- Langborgh, the AFMC water-wash program nance function, so no data has been collected manager. to determine the potential fuel savings, Salido “As more air flows through a clean engine, said, but added that those numbers might be it operates at reduced temperatures, which reveled by the testing going on in AMC now. means less wear and tear on the engine. Less “It would be interesting to see what the sav- wear and tear on the engine equals less main- ing might be,” he said. tenance,” he said. Salido said the subcontracting crew is try- The article goes on to call early test results ing to schedule another round of testing at on KC-135 engines “positive.” A June 2012 Atomized fresh water sprays into the engine MacDill to gather more data. According to a test report will help leaders analyze the value turbine, loosening and removing residue that Sept. 7 story published by Air Mobility Com- of an eventual Air Force-wide program, Lang- builds up over time. mand Public Affairs, the subcontractors have borgh said.

this inspection and keeping our wing connected information security. To do your part, please do Command Cyber Readiness to the Global Information Grid is the 6th Com- the following: by Lt. Col. Samantha Ray munications Squadron #1 priority. • Restart computers daily 6th Communications Squadron commander The CCRI covers both technical and non- • Always remove your CAC when you leave technical components. The 561 Network Op- your desk The Defense Information Systems Agency erations Squadron, located at Peterson AFB • Ensure classified networks are secured will conduct the 6th Air Mobility Wing’s Com- Colo., and the 6th CS are responsible for the • Log on to your SIPNET every Wednesday and mand Cyber Readiness Inspection Sept. 26-30. technical components of this inspection, these keep it up all day for patching This inspection is a detailed review of our base’s include, vulnerability scans, system patching, • Never connect unauthorized devices (ie cam- Information Assurance programs, all aspects of and virus protection … to name a few. The non- eras, cell phones, memory sticks, or iPod) to UNCLASS and CLASSIFIED networks, and technical components of the assessment are the your government computer analysis and scoring of critical cyber and physi- responsibility of the entire wing, these include: • Never bring cellular devices into areas that are cal assets that support these networks. Passing physical security, communications security, and See SECURITY, Page 8

and CAT III.CAT I, being the most critical, is a SECURITY “vulnerability that may result in a total loss of From Page 6 information or that provides an attacker imme- used to process classified information diate access into a machine, grants privileged • Properly sign-off on safes user access, bypasses a firewall, or results in a • Do not use communication closets for storage denial of service” and is the primary focus area Much like an Operational Readiness Inspec- for the 561 NOS and the 6 CS. All of the category tion, the 6th AMW will receive an overall grade scores are combined to give us the overall grade. of: Excellent, Outstanding, Satisfactory, or Un- We’re in the final countdown … we process satisfactory. DISA determines if we have vul- vast amounts of data essential to our National nerabilities on our networks and in our facili- Security and we must demonstrate that we are ties. The vulnerabilities will be classified into protecting it. Together we can achieve success categories by DISA inspectors: CAT I, CAT II, and guarantee continued access to the GIG.

Kickin’ it! Photo by Senior Airman Linzi Joseph Ofelia McCray, Better Bodies by OJ physical trainer, leads a session of step aerobics in the base gym during the Health-Fitness Expo at MacDill Air Force Base, Sept. 14. The annual Health and Fitness Expo was hosted by the Health and Wellness Center to give the MacDill community the opportunity to meet and discover services provided by countless community vendors and on-base resources. commentary From Page 3 The occasion of the recent “Helton Haul” gave us all a chance to reflect on Lieutenant Helton’s service and to honor his sacrifice. I ask each of you take a moment and think about that young officer taken in the prime of his life the next time you pass by Helton Hall. Remember his inspirational story and re-commit to your own personal, profes- sional, and organizational pursuit of “Integrity – Service – Excellence.” We miss you Joe, but your story lives on with us, the members of the 6th Air Mobility Wing and all our partners on Team MacDill.

NEWS/FEATURES clothing available in hopes to fill the box and 310th Airmen team up mail to Operation Outreach. “Four days later we had more clothes than I to help children abroad could imagine,” said Gomez. Two individuals in by Airman 1st Class Michael Ellis particular, Tech. Sgt. Jaton Belfield and Staff 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs Sgt. Kevin Sanchez, donated the bulk of the clothing, shoes and outerwear. On Sept. 6 through 9, members from the The cost to ship the clothes was more than 310th Airlift Squadron at MacDill Air Force $300. Base collected more than 150 pounds of cloth- When, Regina Push, the UPS store owner at ing for Afghan children. MacDill, found out where the boxes were going Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Gomez, 310th Airlift to be shipped and why, they covered the cost of Squadron flight attendant, saw a post on Face- shipping and generously donated the 18 tight- book from Capt. Donna Besley, who’s currently ly-filled boxes. with the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan, “Thanks to my unit that quickly came to- Photo by Tech Sgt. Tanika Belfield Combined Security Transition-Command and a gether to support a great cause, my friend Don- Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Gomez, Tech. Sgt. Jaton friend of Gomez, stating: na working hard in the deserts of Afghanistan Belfield and Staff Sgt. Kevin Sanchez of the 310 “I volunteer for Operation Outreach here in and the generosity of the UPS store here at Airlift Squadron, and Regina Pugh, the MacDill Afghanistan. We are an organization made up MacDill, we were able to combine efforts and UPS store owner, pose with photos of forward of U.S. Military, ISAF/NATO and civilians vol- make a difference and accomplish what could deployed Operation Outreach volunteer Capt. unteers. We are in need of the following items: not be done individually,” said Gomez. Donna Besley and some Afghan children. shoes, clothes, blankets and winter coats to dis- “I’m grateful to be a part of a unit that can tribute to families in need,” read Besley’s face- come together as quickly as they did and pro- grateful for the generosity of the UPS store here book post. vide much needed items for a great cause. I’m at MacDill AFB who enabled us, as Air Force The next day Gomez set up a box at the office grateful of the work my friend Donna is doing members, to combine our efforts and make a for fellow coworkers to donate any children’s while deployed to Afghanistan. And I’m also difference in the world,” said Gomez.

What an honor!

Photo by Airman Basic David Tracy Photo by Airman Basic David Tracy Motivational keynote speaker Dan Clark, addresses the audience Commanders from the 6th Air Mobility Wing and the 927th Air Refueling Wing along with honorary commander inductees stand together for a photo at the closing of the Honorary Commander Induction Ceremony, Sept. 16 at MacDill at the Honorary Commander Induction Ceremony Sept. 16. Air Force Base. Thirty-nine Tampa Bay area civic leaders were recognized as honorary commanders for specified units throughout the two wings.

Photo by Airman Basic David Tracy

Members of the 927th Air Refueling Wing sit alongside family members and community leaders dur- Photo by Airman Basic David Tracy ing the induction ceremony, The Honorary Commander program allows Tampa Bay area civic leaders Commanders from the 6th Air Mobility Wing and the 927th Air Refueling wing, along with honorary commander in- to be highly involved with the missions of the 6th Air Mobility Wing and the 927th ARW. ductees and family members, filled the conference room at the Davis Convention Center. Photo by Airman Basic David Tracy Commanders from the 6th Air Mobility Wing and the 927th Air Refueling Wing along with honorary commander inductees stand together for a photo at the closing of the Honorary Commander Induction Ceremony, Sept. 16 at MacDill Air Force Base. Thirty-nine Tampa Bay area civic leaders were recognized as honorary commanders for specified units throughout the two wings.

Photo by Airman Basic David Tracy Photo by Airman Basic David Tracy Commanders from the 6th Air Mobility Wing and the 927th Air Refueling wing, along with honorary commander in- Airmen in the MacDill Air Force Base Honor Guard, ceremoniously post the ductees and family members, filled the conference room at the Davis Convention Center. colors at the beginning of the Honorary Commanders Induction Ceremony. NEWS/FEATURES Taking back unwanted medications at the 6th Medical Group by Lt. Col. Royce Terry 6th Medical Group Pharmacy flight commander

On Sept. 23 and 24 the 6th Medical Group, 6th Security Forces Squadron, and the 6th Air Mobility Wing Drug Demand Reduction office will give the public an opportunity to prevent drug abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. During this time, Department of Defense ID card holders may bring all their old, expired, unused and unwanted medications for disposal to the MacDill pharmacies. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. On Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. collection points will be set up at the 6th Medical Group’s Clinic, PharmaCARE Pharmacy and the Brandon Pharmacy locations. On Sept. 24 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. a collection point will be set up at the 6th Medical Group Clinic. This is the second time that this service has been provided to ID card holders at

MacDill AFB. Last April, beneficiaries turned in 128 pounds of medica- Courtesy photo tions at four locations around the base. Master Sgt. Phil Brown with a drug collection receptacle from a past This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health is- Once again, the pharmacy drug collection effort is offering the oppor- sue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible tunity for DoD ID holders to rid their homes of potentially dangerous See TAKE BACK, Page 18 expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Chapel seeking Protestant contemporary worship leader take back The MacDill AFB Chapel is accepting bids for a part time Chapel Tithes & Offering Fund From Page 16 Protestant Contemporary Worship Leader. A statement of work can be picked up at the Base to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of pre- Chapel, Building 355, weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Resumes and sealed bids will be ac- scription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly cepted through, Oct. 3. Interviews/auditions will be conducted Oct. 3 and 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. at high, as are the number of accidental poison- the Chapel. The sealed bids will be opened at noon Oct. 5 in the Chapel conference room. Any- ings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies one may attend. The Protestant Contemporary Worship Leader is expected to start work Oct show a majority of abused prescription drugs 6. Applicants must be able to secure permission to enter a military installation (no felony con- are obtained from family and friends, including victions/arrests, drug free, etc.). For more information, contact Tech. Sgt. DeVoile at 828-3621. from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards. The Air Force Medical Service pharmacy community has done a fantastic job delivering the pharmacy benefit to their patient popu- lations. Last year Air Force pharmacies dis- pensed more than 10.5 million prescriptions to our beneficiaries. Unfortunately, as a result of changing health conditions, drug allergies or adverse drug reactions, our beneficiaries end up with partially used prescriptions filling their medicine cabinets. By getting rid of these items at this event, our homes and community becomes safer and it ensures that medications are properly disposed of to minimize any impact to the environment. Last year, Congress passed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amends the Controlled Substances Act to al- low an “ultimate user” of controlled substance medications to dispose of them by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them. The Act also allows the Attorney General to authorize long term care facilities to dispose of their residents’ controlled substances in certain instances. The Drug Enforcement Agency has started draft- ing regulations to implement the Act. Detective Eddie Garcia, 6th SFS chief of in- telligence & investigations highlighted that although there will be a police presence at collection sites; there will be no questions asked, however personnel will be available to answer questions or address concerns.

SPORTS Packers will best the Bears in game of the week to protect their QB and make this a defensive 66 points against Kansas. If you like watching 1st and 10 … The Pigskin Picker match-up. If they’re able to do that, they’ll offense – watch this one. Undefeated Georgia by Mack Dill slip by the Packers. Otherwise, it’s a beauti- Tech remains undefeated. The Pigskin Picker ful day in the Mr. Rodgers’ neighborhood – yes, LSU at West Virginia – this is getting I’m speaking of Aaron Rodgers - and Green Bay some good hype and should be a good game, but Hello Football Fans! I’m back this week runs away with it. My pick: Green Bay. LSU’s roster is looking healthy this week. Al- with my 1st and 10 picks. Last week’s picks Okay, now on to the college match-ups. though West Virginia’s Geno Smith did a great did pretty well, but I did take a hit with Flori- Arkansas at Alabama – a great SEC rival- job of using different receivers last week, LSU’s da State on the college side and the Eagles on ry, but it’s being played at home. The Crimson defense will put more pressure on him than the pro side. On a positive note, those games Tide will be too much for the Razorbacks. what he saw with Maryland. LSU wins this certainly didn’t disappoint, and it was another Tennessee State at Air Force - I’m going for one on the road. great football weekend. Now let’s put it in the irony on this one and saying that Air Force will Now let’s look at Sunday’s games. past and get to this week’s picks. win this game on the ground and not the air. Houston at New Orleans – Saints are back, I’m not one for drama, so let’s start with the Oklahoma State at Texas A&M – This is a Brees is throwing laser-like passes, and Sproles game of the week. This week, I’m picking one great match-up. Both teams are looking stron- has been a great replacement for Reggie Bush. of the great NFL rivalries: Green Bay Packers ger than ever, both are undefeated going into Houston’s looking good, but they haven’t been going up against the Chicago Bears at Chicago. Saturday, and this is the first conference game tested yet. That will happen this weekend. There’s nothing like a good, old-fashioned game for both. Looking at the threat of QB Brandon Look for the Saints to win at home. of smashmouth football and these two teams Weeden and WR Justin Blackmon, I’m giving New England at Buffalo – Don’t kid your- never disappoint. Here’s the problem though: the edge to #7 OSU over #8 Texas A&M. If you self on this one. This is a different Buffalo, and Jay Cutler’s offensive line doesn’t love him. I’m are a true fan of college football – watch this the Pats know it. Fitzpatrick is very mobile not a pro quarterback, and I didn’t stay at a game. and he sees the field very well. New England’s Holiday Inn Express last night, but I’ve been North Carolina vs Georgia Tech - No- secondary is a little shaky right now, so that practicing all week and I cannot throw a foot- body told Georgia Tech it wasn’t basketball sea- may be where the Bills take advantage. But ball with any accuracy when I’m lying on my son and, as a result, we are seeing some amaz- the Patriots have this guy named Brady who back. I don’t think Bears fans should expect Mr. ing scores. In the last three games they’ve put is throwing like a maniac and he spreads it Cutler to be able to do it either. Chicago needs 178 points on the board. Just last week, we saw See PIGSKIN, Page 24

DIAMOND SHARP Airman 1st Class Dustin Tatem 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squdaron Job Title: Aerospace maintenance apprentice.

Hometown: Erie, Penn. Short-term goals: Finish 5-level upgrade, four to six months ahead of schedule, and then finish earning the needed credits toward my CCAF degree. Put in a Below-the-Zone package next fall.

Long-term goals: Work toward completing a four year degree to put in a commission package within the next three years, if accepted I plan on working toward colonel. If I don’t commission, then I would like to work toward chief. Advice to others: Respect is never assumed it is earned. If you work hard no matter how mundane or unpleasant the task, and show initiative you will earn the respect of those around you.

Role model and why: My Dad, Senior Chief Petty Officer Robert Tatem (retired); because he taught me the work ethic I have today.

RETIREE APPRECIATION DAY - Mark your calendar ! pigskin Saturday, September 24, 2011 has been designated Retiree Appreciation Day by From Page 20 Colonel Lenny J. Richoux, 6th Air Mobility Wing Commander at MacDill Air Force Base. Colonel Richoux invites military retirees of all service branches to visit MacDill AFB on this around so everyone is a threat. At the end of the day Patriots win. special day to acquaint themselves with benefits and services available at various base facilities. Please refer to the schedule of events below for details. Denver at Tennessee – Will Denver fans pay me if I beg for Tebow New this year: The traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall will be on display at the Base to be put into the game? Here’s the thing: Denver has too many distrac- Exchange entrance, courtesy of AAFES and sponsors. tions and really don’t have a good feel on who’s healthy (thus the reason Retiree Appreciation Day 2011 - Schedule of Events Time Events Location Tebow was put in as a slot receiver last Sunday). The Titans on the other 7 A.M. to 1 P.M. Pay-as-you-go Brunch Hillsborough hand are now showing that they have a bigger arsenal than Chris John- (Base Dining Facility – Diner’s Reef) Loop Dr. Bldg 263 son. Look for Tennessee to stomp the Broncos at home. Tebow! Tebow! 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. Wine Tasting Class Six Store

Tebow! (Denver fans can make checks payable to…) 8 A.M. to Noon . V.A. . Health Fair MacDill Clinic Detroit at Minnesota – Is it possible that the Vikings will be 0 and  Optometry / Glaucoma screenings 3250 Zemke Ave.  Cholesterol Measurements / Blood Pressure Checks 3 after this weekend, and that two of those losses will be at home. Yeah,  Dental Clinic / Audiology / Dermatology very possible. Detroit wins.  Nutritional Medicine / Disease Management  Pharmacy Atlanta at Tampa Bay – I’m feeling good about the Bucs. When Free-  TRICARE / TRICARE Dental (Clinic Atrium) man is calling his own plays, he’s amazing. They are putting the ball in **Please note - Flu shots will not be available until October 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. Pay Record Review LeGarrette Blount’s hands a little more, and they’re playing at home. I’m  DFAS representatives will provide consultation Retiree Activities Office calling this one right now and saying that not only does Tampa Bay get V.A. Benefits - AMVETS Survivor Benefits the win, but they’ll be the lead story on SportsCenter! Now that’s a pre- Legal Assistance diction! 8 A.M. to 11 A.M.  Wills – New or update Legal Office

So that’s it for this week’s picks. Enjoy your weekend and I hope your 9 A.M. to 3 P.M.  Powers of Attorney and general consultation Legal Office team wins! 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. ID Card Issue or Renewal Pass and ID - Casualty Assistance Building 373

9 A.M. to 3 P.M. Armed Forces Bank Space-A Travel Information Retiree Associations (MOAA / TREA) Booths in the Airman and Family Readiness Center Base Exchange Recreation Facilities Food Court Volunteer Coordinator Florida National Cemeteries American Military Retirees Association (AMRA) Air Force Sergeant Association PAWS With A Cause - Assistance Dog Demonstration  Demonstrations by Assistance Dogs and Their Handlers Bayada Nurses Home Care Specialists Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay The Army and Air Force Exchange Service and Commissary will offer discount coupons and provide free refreshments. In addition, there will be prize drawings sponsored by participating vendors.

Please note … Events are subject to change.

MACDILL COMMUNITY EVENTS Friday Youth Center World-Wide Day of Play from 3-5 p.m. for ages 9-17 yrs old. Youth will participate in fun fitness games plus enjoy healthy refreshments.

Boomers Bar & Grill Friday Bash! 3-7 p.m. Bar snacks & drink specials! $100 club card drawing, Bar Bingo, DJ/ Trivia entertainment!

Surf’s Edge Club “Home-style Buffet” Member- ship Dinner from 5:30-9 p.m. Members: FREE; Non-members: $14.95. Reservations required. Call 840-2020.

Child Development Center 1 Open House from 4-5 p.m. A PLAYpass rep will be available.

Saturday EFMP/ResourceFair/Military Fun Day Photo by Airman Basic David Tracy 12-4 p.m. at Quantum Leap Remembering Farms Jenifer Helton, mother of 1st Lt. Joseph Helton Jr., carried the 6th Security Forces Squadron guide- on for the final leg of the Lieutenant Helton Haul Memorial Run, a formation run in remembrance of Monday 1st Lt. Helton, Sept. 14 at MacDill Air Force Base. Helton was killed in action Sept. 9, 2009 while deployed to Iraq. Bay Palms Golf Complex $15 Golf (E1-E4 $11.25) $10 Golf after 3 p.m. (E1-E4 $7.50) CHAPEL SCHEDULE Wednesday Protestant services Catholic services Bay Palms Golf Complex Sunday - 9 a.m. – Praise Worship Service Saturday - 4:30 p.m. - Confession $15 Golf after 1 p.m. (E1-E4 Noon – Gospel Service 5:30 p.m. - Mass $11.25) Islamic services Sunday - 10:30 a.m. - Mass Friday - 1:30 p.m. - Prayer Service Monday to Thursday: 12:10 p.m. - Mass Thursday Deployed Spouse Dinner For all other faith inquiries or to view upcoming event information, call the Chapel at Bell Shoals Church in Brandon 828-3621 or visit the website at www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel from 6-8 p.m. Deployed families come together, have a catered din- AT THE MOVIES $4 for adults / $2 for children 828-2780 ner, free childcare for kids and network. RSVP is required call Friday - 7 p.m. Saturday - 4 p.m. Saturday - 7 p.m. 828-0154 or 655-9281. For more information, visit our Rise of the Planet of the Apes Rise of the Planet of the Apes Final Destination 5 (R) Web site at www.macdillfss.com (PG-13) (PG-13)