Vol. 39, No. 01 Friday, January 1, 2010

Last half of 2009: spirit, , achievement - see Page 4 COMMENTARY Christmas 2009 one to remember by Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol being every day. is now my seventh deployment would not be 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs Second, I wish for those who have been de- possible. Thank you, Bobbi, and I love you for ployed and returning home at this time of year all you do. SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) — It’s 5:30 to know that I thank them for holding down I’m also thankful for the people who sup- a.m. on a Christmas morning and I’m waiting the fort. I thank them for doing the hard work port our military. On my way to Southwest for a flight that will take me through Afghani- of defending our freedoms in far away places Asia, there were so many people who did many stan and then over to my deployed location in so everyone can enjoy a happy and safe holiday things to make the transition from being at Southwest Asia. I can’t help but think, “Is this season back in the comfort of their homes. home station to being deployed much easier. a great way to spend Christmas?” My answer Next, I wish for continued success for all From those volunteers who spent their time to myself is simple: It depends. the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines I’m in airport terminals helping military mem- I say it depends because it is all in the eye of deployed with for the next number of months. bers feel more at home in an unfamiliar place the beholder. For me, being deployed on Christ- May we all come home safe and pronounce to to those in my hometown who wish only the mas boils down to the simple fact that someone our families that we have been successful in best of success for my deployment, I want to has to be away from home during times like our deployed duties. say thank you for your support. The people this and now it’s my turn. Is it what I wish for? behind the scenes who provide the support for No, but what I wish for has no bearing on the Giving thanks the military are our unheralded heroes and I fact that as an American Airman, my duty to In my 18 years of military service, there is thank you. my country is as important as those duties to little doubt I would have made it this far with- I also want to thank my Air Force family. my family. out the support of one very special person: my Wherever I go, no matter the location, seeing With that said, I have some deployed Christ- wife Bobbi. To her I am so thankful for not only a friendly Airman’s face is beyond comforting. mas wishes and would like to express some what she has done for me, but for all of the Air To be around people of moral character and thankfulness to many who stand by us while Force as well. this professional caliber makes me proud to deployed. Bobbi has spent many years volunteering be among them. Thank you America’s Airmen. to make life better for our Air Force families, You are truly the best. Wishes all without asking for anything in return. If As this Christmas day passes, and as I board First, I wish for my family -- my wife, chil- “service before self” could apply to someone, it’s the Air Mobility Command airlifter that will dren, grandchildren, mother and father, broth- her. Her countless thousands of hours support- take me to my new home away from home, I’ll ers and sisters -- and many others to have the ing families of deployed members, the military keep all of what I said as a solid reminder that happiest of holidays. I hope their time together, community in general, and me and our family serving in our military is a privelege and all even though I’m not there, is as joyous as it should not go without mention. She is my one those who stand behind us are special people. can be. I love them all and pray for their well true wingman and without her, going on what Thanks to all and to all a happy holiday season!

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 Base Exchange holding grand reopening

NEWS/FEATURES: page 4

Part II of Year in Review

NEWS/FEATURES: page 5

Register for Air Force Marathon

NEWS/FEATURES: page 7 January 2010

GET BACK TO BASICS! Focus on the details of specific hazards and work practices, you can easily forget to step back and look at the "big picture." Fundamentally, that means developing an all-around "safety attitude"--keeping safety in mind at all times and in all situations--not just at work, but also at home and on vacation. In fact, nearly 90 percent of fatal injuries and two-thirds of nonfatal but disabling injuries to American workers occur away from the job. Be alert to the most hazardous situations. Part of safety basics is knowing the most common causes of death and serious injury so that you can stay particularly alert to these possible hazards.

Why It Matters...

There are more than 100,000 accidental deaths per year in the United States, Think safety including close to 5,000 in the workplace.

More than 3 million Americans suffer disabling injuries on the job each year.

Emphasize the "secret weapon" against accidents. Actually, the secret weapon isn't really all that secret ... it's common sense! Remind employees to:

* Reading the label on a chemical container before using it * Wearing all required PPE whenever known hazards are present * Removing or avoiding any possible slipping, tripping, and falling hazards * Making sure flammable and combustible materials are kept away from sources of ignition * Never disable or circumvent safety devices, such as machine guards * Staying away from power lines or any type of energized electrical equipment * Asking a supervisor for help and guidance if they are not sure how to do a job safely

DUI/DWI PREVENTION CORNER How to Spot a Drunk Driver The Tampa Area Safety Council and your MacDill Wing Safety Office remind you to watch out for these signs of possible drunk driving: COMMUNITY: page 9 *Excessive or very slow speeds *Swerving or straddling the center line *Ignoring traffic signals *Driving in the dark with headlights off *Vehicle running with operator sleeping at the wheel If you see any of these signs, maintain a safe following distance or clear the way for the vehicle. In all cases, notify the local police as soon as possible. SAFE RIDE ALERT CAB For Info Contact Your Unit’s Movies, Chapel, more First Shirt!

2010 MacDill AFB Varsity Softball Interest Meeting/Varsity Tryouts SPORTS: page 12 When: Wed & Thurs, 6 & 7 Jan 2010 Where: MacDill AFB Softball Complex

Time: 1630-1830L

Who: Anyone wishing to compete for a spot on the 2010 MacDill AFB Varsity Softball Team Varsity softball tryouts Photo by Nick Stubbs What you will need: Gloves, Shoes, Comfortable Softball Attire, and a winning spirit

Who to contact with questions: JD Barnes (SOCCENT) 828-6252 The Base Exchange is holding a Grand Re-Opening Jan. 13, and all customers are invited to [email protected] Note: Must be present both days to be considered come by for the ceremony at 8:30 a.m. The Exchange is newly renovated, and includes new mer- chanidising innovations, new cosmetic lines and an expanded PowerZone. Special to the Thunderbolt “Customers will have the opportunity to register for valuable door prizes and enjoy re- Exchange customers here at MacDill are in- freshments,” said Ms. Santee.“We are extreme- vited to help the Army and Air Force Exchange ly proud of the new main store and feel our Service (AAFES) celebrate the Grand Re- customers here at MacDill will enjoy shopping Opening of the newly renovated Main Store/ here more than ever. Mall/Food Court Jan. 13, according to Rebecca “The new facility has a number of merchan- Santee, general manager. dising innovations, including new cosmetics Grand opening ceremonies, scheduled for lines; Carol’s Daughter, Smashbox, Philosophy, 8:30 a.m., will feature remarks by Col. Larry an expanded PowerZone,” Ms. Santee said. Martin, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, In addition, the Exchange features an up- and Ms. Santee. dated Garden Shop.

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 person- nel may submit questions, concerns or comments. Call the Action Line at 828-INFO (4636) Year in review:

NEWS/FEATURES Year in review: Second half of 2009 marked by spirit, sacrifice, achievement

Part II of II by Nick Stubbs Thunderbolt editor

The second half of 2009 was one of highs and lows – moments of pride and happiness, tempered by tears and sadness for MacDill warriors lost. July got rolling with a bang, when months of hard work and prepara- tion paid off for the members of the 6th Operations Group, which re- ceived not only an overall grade of “Mission Ready” on their 2009 Air Mobility Command Aircrew Standardization and Evaluation Visit, but received news they scored the highest of any Active Duty unit in two and a half years in Aircrew Performance by earning an “Outstanding.” All 47 of the in-flight check rides were graded “Q-1” (Passing), with no busts and eight KC-135 aircrew earning “Exceptionally Qualified” scores. “To put this in perspective, it takes 10 percent to get an ‘Outstanding’ Photo by Senior Airman Angela Ruiz rating and we had 17 percent,” said Col Jon Klaus, commander, 6th Op- Senior Master Sgt. Craig Hall, 6th Civil Engineering Squadron, Fire De- erations Group. partment, sings “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” and won the Air “I am extremely proud of the men and women of the 6th Operations Mobility Command MacDill Icon July 10. Group,” said Col Klaus. “The group has worked extremely hard over the The 927th Air Re- last year in preparation for this inspection and it paid off.” That rec- fueling Wing was ognition was in addition to the 927th Air Refueling Wing scoring and honored with a Outstanding in the ASEV. An inspection team from Headquarters, Air “Mission Ready” Mobility Command conducted an Aircrew Standardization/Evaluation status and “Excel- Visit of the 927th ARW in conjunction with the 6th Air Mobility Wing lent” rating during June 8 to 15. This evaluation was a comprehensive inspection of aircrew the Aircrew Stan- training support, training and standardization and evaluation programs dardization/ at the operations group and squadron levels. Evaluation. “I was very impressed, you all did an outstanding job. This was a su- perb team effort. This group is mission ready and I would go to war with them in a minute,” said Col. Michael Fernandez, inspection team chief. “This was a superb ASEV. You hit a home run!” Unit achievement was not the only level of recognition given in Au- Photo by Tech Sgt. Denise Hauser gust, as Senior Master Sgt. Craig Hall, 6th Civil Engineer Squadron deputy fire chief was named the winner of the MacDill Air Mobility Command Icon show held at the Surf’s Edge Club, July 10. He will go on to represent the base at the command contest scheduled for Scott AFB, IL, later this yea The Air Mobility Command Icon competition, loosely based around the TV show, American Idol, is an AMC commander initia- tive designed to showcase the vocal talents of all the communities under its command. Winners from the base communities then go on to the finals at Scott AFB and, if successful, will win cash prizes At MacDill, the 6th Force Support Squadron’s marketing team invited contestants base-wide to compete in the karaoke style show and display their vocal talents for a chance to win cash prizes. After the many performances, the final decision was made and Sergeant Hall emerged as the winner with his version of singer Nat King Cole’s “Don’t Get around Much Anymore.” The first patients walked through the doors of the new MacDill Clinic in Sept. The clinic replaced an aging medical facility and marked the start See YEAR, Page 6 of a new era in medical care. NEWS/FEATURES 2010 Air Force Marathon registration open Friday, Jan. 1 14th annual event to be held Sept. 18 Special to the Thunderbolt

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH – Online reg- istration for the 2010 Air Force Marathon will be open to the public today, Friday, at 12:01 a.m. (EST) at www.usafmarathon.com. The 26.2-mile race will be held Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010 on the grounds of the National Museum of the United States Air Force. A half marathon and 10K race will also be held on the 18th. The Air Force Marathon and Wright State University will continue the tra- dition of hosting a 5K race on Friday, Sept. 17 on the local campus of Wright State Univer- sity. The annual Sports and Fitness Expo will be held Sept. 16 and 17 at the Ervin J Nutter Center. “With the increasing popularity of our race we anticipate a sellout for 2010, and I am en- couraging people to register early,” said Molly Louden, Air Force race director. Photo by Ben Strasser The Air Force Marathon will offer a New Runners and wheel racers participate in opening ceremonies for the 2009 Air Force Marathon Year’s Resolution registration special on all at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The 14th annual Air Force Marathon is scheduled for races beginning Jan. 1, 12:01 a.m. and will Sept. 18, 2010. Registration for the 2010 marathon opens Jan. 1. continue through the day until 11:59 p.m. This take advantage of the lowest prices of the The Air Force Marathon is presented by one-day-only registration special will offer the year,” said Louden. Northrop Grumman and Boeing. marathon at $65, the half for $55, 10K for $25, Register online at www.usafmarathon.com In addition to the online registration form, and the 5K for only $15. on Jan. 1, for the one-day-only New Year’s Res- those interested can view all details of the “If you know you’re going to run, why not olution special. marathon at the online Web site. NEWS/FEATURES year From Page 4 At the end of the month, MacDill would was 24 years old. have the honor of hosting the Air Force A pancake breakfast for families of de- Honor Guard, which entertained a crowd ployed members, with Col. Larry Martin, in Hangar 3. The Drill Team is the travel- 6th AMW commander serving up flapjacks ing component inspiring Air Force aware- himself, was a fun event in September. ness among military and civilian audiences The 6th Medical Group opened the doors by performing a complex drill routine. In of the anticipated medical clinic for business all they do, the Drill Team personifies the here at the base. integrity, discipline, teamwork, and profes- The 6 MDG members made the final sionalism of every Airman and every Air move and bid farewell to the MacDill Family Force mission. Treatment Center Sept. 25, when Col. Den-

In September, MacDill itself was the hon- nis Beatty, 6th Medical Group commander, Photo by Airman First Class Rylan Albright oree, recognized on its 70th birthday. The treated his last patient at the old clinic. Airman defended their simulated Defense Fighting event was combined with the 62nd birthday However, they opened the doors of the new Position with water guns during the Enlisted Combat of the Air Force. MacDill Clinic with Col. Lawrence Martin, Dining In Aug. 21. More than 350 servicemembers “We get the big air base,” was the headline 6th Air Mobility Wing commander and Col. participated in the event, which was full of fun and in the Tampa Tribune in 1939. It marked the Dave Cohen, 6 AMW vice commander as the camaraderie. birth of what would go on to become MacDill first patients. Air Force Base. Both first patients were taken for a walk- MacDill is one of the longest operating air through of the facility before leaving to their bases in the U.S., and one with a varied and scheduled appointments where they ob- interesting history as a major influence on served and tested some of the services of- local and military history. Flying operations fered. began in 1941, when the field’s mission in- Other patients at the clinic came for both cluded training pilots to fly the B-17 Flying scheduled appointments and to view the Fortress. By 1942 that mission converted to new structure. training B-26 Marauder pilots. Difficult to In fun event, servicemembers from Mac- fly and land due to its short wingspan, after Dill were joined by Tampa Bay Buccaneer several accidents, the slogan “One a day in players and cheerleaders to take on troops Photo by Senior Airman Angela Ruiz Tampa Bay” became popular. Nine of the 12 deployed to Qatar and Iraq in a Pro vs. GI The MacDill Air Force Base Honor Guard conducts combat groups that flew the B-26 in Europe Joe video game competition Sept. 29, at One a flag-folding presentation at the memorial service were trained and activated at MacDill but Buc Place, the Bucs training facility in Tam- for 1st Lt. Joseph D. Helton Jr., Sept. 18. Lieutenant despite the plane’s difficulties, the B-26 had pa. Helton died Sept. 8, near Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds an exemplary record, having the lowest loss The competition was made possible by suffered from an improvised explosive device. rate of any Allied bomber during the war. non-profit support organizations Pro vs. GI B-29s, B-47s, KC-97 tankers, F-84s, F-4s, F- Joe and the Uniformed Services Organiza- 16s and other aircraft would all be in Mac- tion in an effort to provide the troops with a Dill’s future, until it became home to the 6th much needed break from the daily stresses Air Mobility Wing and its KC-135 tankers of a deployment. in 2001. The concept behind Pro vs. GI Joe is to September brought a sad moment, when provide troops serving all over the world MacDill memorialized 1st Lt. Joseph D. Hel- with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take ton Jr. Lieutenant Helton of Monroe, Ga., on their favorite professional athlete or ce- died Sept. 8, near Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds lebrity in heated head-to-head video game suffered when enemy forces attacked his ve- competitions online and in person. hicle with an improvised explosive device. October opened on a sad note, with a me- Photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Swafford Jr. Lieutenant Helton was assigned to the 6th morial service held for a Marine assigned to Servicemembers from MacDill AFB along with Tam- Security Forces Squadron and is the fourth Combat Assault Company, 3rd Marine Divi- pa Bay Bucs players and cheerleaders played “Rock 6th Air Mobility Wing member killed in ac- sion. Band Smash Hits” against troops deployed to Qatar tion since Sept. 11, 2001. Lieutenant Helton Gunnery Sgt. Aaron M. Kenefick, who during a Pro vs. G.I. Joe online video game competi- See YEAR, Page 8 tion at One Buc Place in Tampa, Sept. 29. January 2010

GET BACK TO BASICS! Focus on the details of specific hazards and work practices, you can easily forget to step back and look at the "big picture." Fundamentally, that means developing an all-around "safety attitude"--keeping safety in mind at all times and in all situations--not just at work, but also at home and on vacation. In fact, nearly 90 percent of fatal injuries and two-thirds of nonfatal but disabling injuries to American workers occur away from the job. Be alert to the most hazardous situations. Part of safety basics is knowing the most common causes of death and serious injury so that you can stay particularly alert to these possible hazards.

Why It Matters...

There are more than 100,000 accidental deaths per year in the United States, including close to 5,000 in the workplace.

More than 3 million Americans suffer disabling injuries on the job each year.

Emphasize the "secret weapon" against accidents. Actually, the secret weapon isn't really all that secret ... it's common sense! Remind employees to:

* Reading the label on a chemical container before using it * Wearing all required PPE whenever known hazards are present * Removing or avoiding any possible slipping, tripping, and falling hazards * Making sure flammable and combustible materials are kept away from sources of ignition * Never disable or circumvent safety devices, such as machine guards * Staying away from power lines or any type of energized electrical equipment * Asking a supervisor for help and guidance if they are not sure how to do a job safely

DUI/DWI PREVENTION CORNER How to Spot a Drunk Driver The Tampa Area Safety Council and your MacDill Wing Safety Office remind you to watch out for these signs of possible drunk driving: *Excessive or very slow speeds *Swerving or straddling the center line *Ignoring traffic signals *Driving in the dark with headlights off *Vehicle running with operator sleeping at the wheel If you see any of these signs, maintain a safe following distance or clear the way for the vehicle. In all cases, notify the local police as soon as possible. SAFE RIDE ALERT CAB For Info Contact Your Unit’s First Shirt! year From Page 6 served as the admin- The 310 AS was in Blue did a show month prior, Novem- on their keel with home,” said Mrs. Julia istration chief at U.S. presented the Alber- at the Ford Amphi- ber marked the official 28.46 seconds. Third Martin, wife of 6th Air Central Command Rowley Trophy at the theater Nov. 2, light- grand opening of the place went to 6 CES/ Mobility Wing com- from 2004 to 2007, National Business ing up the stage with new MacDill Clinic. CED, 29.56 seconds. mander Col. Larry was killed in action Aviation Association the high-energy vo- Commanders, Airmen, As the year came Marin. “We couldn’t during combat opera- Annual Meeting and cal, instrumental and civilians, and other to a close, MacDill got do this without the tions in eastern Af- Convention, Oct. 2 in dance performances distinguished guests into the holiday spirit wonderful help of our ghanistan on Sept. 8, Orlando, Fla. for which the group from the medical field with the official light- spouses and retir- following an ambush “We were up against is best known. In the cut the ribbon Nov. 6 ing of the base Christ- ees from all the mis- that also killed three two Navy units,” said show was for the opening of the mas Tree Dec. 2. Fam- sion partners here other Marines and a Lt. Col. Jennifer Upt- Staff Sgt. Aisha new 252,000- square- ilies from the MacDill at MacDill. We have Navy corpsman. mor, 310 AS command- Smith, 6th Aerospace foot clinic. A wide va- community gathered such a caring sense of Kenefick, a 12-year er. “It was an amazing Medicine Squadron, riety of guests from to hear Christmas community, of taking Marine from Western feat and a humbling who was a touring the MacDill Air Force carolers, watch the care of others, that is N.Y., was assigned to experience to win.” member of Tops in Base and Tampa com- Christmas tree light just fantastic and al- an embedded training The annual awards Blue. munities, attended up, and to visit Santa. ways make our cookie team with the Com- spotlight flights in- Members from the the celebration of the The festivities con- drives a huge success bined Security Transi- volving superior air- Army Honor Guard official opening. tinued Dec. 8, at Co- – especially for our tion Command, which manship performed in carried the casket of Nov. 17 was Wing- alition International young service mem- trains and equips Af- customer Gulfstream U.S. Army Spc. Eric N. man Day at MacDill, Night held in Hangar bers in the dorms.” ghan security forces, aircraft and highlight Lembke upon arrival with members from 3. Coalition Night has On Dec. 16 MacDill in the Sarkani Dis- significant real-world to MacDill Air Force many units participat- been an annual event and the 6th AMW got trict of Kunar prov- business and special- Base, Nov. 5. Special- ing in a day of compe- since 2004, where the greatest Christ- ince when the incident mission aviation oper- ist Lembke died of tition and physical military representa- mas present ever in happened. ations by Gulfstream wounds suffered when challenges. The Wing- tives and their fami- the return of wound- Another outstand- operators. The trophy his vehicle was struck man Day events in- lies from 56 coalition ed warrior Staff Sgt. ing unit of the 6th is named for Carl Al- by an improvised ex- cluded group physical nations display their Steve Light, who was AMW was recognized ber and Fred Rowley plosive device on Oct. training, a fire truck native customs, while wounded in an impro- in October. The 310th who, in 1958, made 23 in Afghanistan. pulling challenge, providing traditional vised explosive device Airlift Squadron re- the first flight of a Specialiist Lembke and a visit from guest cuisine to the guests. attack in Afghanistan ceived world-wide rec- Gulfstream aircraft. was assigned to the speaker, Interna- Through this event March 29, 2009. He ognition Oct. 21 when November was a 569th Mobility Aug- tional Boxing Hall of the Coalition nations was the only survivor Gulfstream Aerospace month of teamwork, mentation Company, Fame member Angelo at U.S. Central Com- of his Humvee crew. named it one of the in- competition and fam- 4th Engineer Battal- Dundee. mand demonstrate Airmen in atten- augural winners of the ily fun. ion, Fort Carson, Colo. Nov. 20 marked the their gratitude to the dance of the cere- Gulfstream Outstand- The Air Force per- Though it opened return of the fleet – people of MacDill AFB mony at the Officers ing Flight Award. forming group, Tops for business the the fleet of cardboard and the Tampa Bay Club heard his tale boats, that is. area who support the of survival, his advice The boat regatta is Coalition in Tampa, to stay positive, and hosted by the base’s and the deployed forc- how he will continue outdoor recreation es they represent. his Air Force career center and promotes The annual Opera- despite the injuries team building. Each tion Cookie drop was a it took him months to team uses cardboard, big hit, with hundreds overcome. duct tape and ingenu- of cookies distributed Sgt. Light said he ity to build a boat that to dorm residents. was grateful for the must then be paddled “This is a wonder- support from fellow in a race against other ful opportunity for servicemembers, but teams. people from the Mac- that he is more grate- First place was won Dill community to ful “for all my broth- by the 6 LRS/TMO provide our dorm res- ers and sisters out team, posting 28.15 idents, who represent there serving, espe- seconds. Second place all military branches, cially those who gave went to JCSE/J3, right with a little touch of everything.” MACDILL COMMUNITY EVENTS Vol. 38, No. 49 Friday, December 11, 2009 Happy New Monday-Friday Year! Bayshore Club Happy holidays and Crunch & Munch All-U-Can-Eat the best in 2010 from Buffet from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. the staff of the MacDill Thunderbolt and 6th Tuesday Public Affairs. It has Surf’s Edge Club been a pleasure pro- NEW “Meals in Minutes” Lunch viding the Wing, the Buffet – Soul Food from 11 a.m. – 1 mission partners at p.m. MacDill, and the great- er Tampa Bay com- Wednesday munity with news and Short Fitness & Sports Center features during what New Year’s 5K Run - 6 January. has been an eventful Run at 7 a.m. at the Fitness Center. and interesting 2009. An official King of the Road Event We look forward to – sponsored by Stadium Toyota & another great year in USAA* *No federal endorsement of 2010. sponsor intended.

Surf’s Edge Club NEW “Meals in Minutes” Lunch Buffet – Homestyle from 11 a.m. Photos by Senior Airman Rylan Albright Lighting it up! – 1 p.m. (Left) Erickson Mathieu, 5, Kitty Mathieu, 3, and Ainsley Mathieu, 5, left to right, children of Maj. Miles Mathieu, United States Central Command, pose for a photograph by their mother during the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Youth Center Ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Dec. 2. Families from the MacDill community gathered to hear Christmas carol- LEGO CONTEST – 6-8 January ers, watch the Christmas light up, and have an opportunity Attention all Lego builders! En- to visit Santa. (Above) Ainsley Mathieu, watches the light- Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ing begin. See additional photo, page 13 ter your best creations in the Youth Center Lego Contest. Winning en- tries will be displayed in the Youth Center lobby. Photos of all entries CHAPEL SCHEDULE will be submitted to Lego Club Protestant services Catholic services magazine. Elementary school youth Sunday - 9 a.m., Traditional Service Saturday - Mass, 5:30 p.m. can build their creations from 3:30- 10:30 a.m., Religious Education, Noon, Gospel Service Sunday - Mass, 10:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. and middle school youth & 9 a.m, service, FamCamp Multipurpose Center Monday to Thursday: Mass, 12:10 p.m. from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday -Noon, Promise Keepers Saturday - Sacrament of Reconciliation, 4:30 p.m., (or by ap- Wednesday - 10:30 a.m., Women of the Chapel pointment) Thursday Thursday - 11:30 a.m., Officers’ Christian Fellowship Islamic services Surf’s Edge Club For more information regarding the Chapel or Chapel servic- Friday - 1:15 p.m. NEW “Meals in Minutes” Lunch es, call 828-3621. Jewish services - Call 828-3621 Buffet – Mexican/Spanish from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. $4 for adults / $2 for children 828-2780 SeaScapes Beach Club AT THE MOVIES Evening Special – All-U-Can-Eat Spaghetti includes garlic bread, Friday - 7 p.m. Saturday - 3 p.m. Saturday - 7 p.m. salad, and small soda $7.95 No showing - Planet 51 (PG) 2012 (PG-13) Happy New Year

2010 MacDill AFB Varsity Softball Interest Meeting/Varsity Tryouts

When: Wed & Thurs, 6 & 7 Jan 2010

Where: MacDill AFB Softball Complex

Time: 1630-1830L

Who: Anyone wishing to compete for a spot on the 2010 MacDill AFB Varsity Softball Team

What you will need: Gloves, Shoes, Comfortable Softball Attire, and a winning spirit

Who to contact with questions: JD Barnes (SOCCENT) 828-6252 [email protected]

Note: Must be present both days to be considered