Vol. 47, No. 9 Thursday, February 28, 2019

- page 8 News/Features: page 2 6th AMW key player in Red Flag exercise 6th FSS best in AMC

News/Features: page 3 MacDill Youth of Year

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

News/Features: page 5 AMC chief recounts journey

Photo by Senior Airman Ashley Perdue U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Maurice Johnson, a 157th Maintenance Group crew chief, Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H., Community: page 15 conducts pre-flight operations on a 6th Air Mobility Wing KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during exercise Red Flag 19-1 at Events, Chapel, more... Nellis AFB, Nev., Feb. 6. More than 2,900 personnel from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force participated in the realistic training exercise designed to enhance combat readiness and survivability.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, February 28, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 1 NEWS/FEATURES 6th FSS named best in AMC

by Marvin Krause 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

The 6th Force Support Squadron was recognized as Air Mobility Com- mand’s nominee for the Gen. Curtis E. LeMay award for best large installa- tion-level force support squadron of the year for 2018. The award recognizes leadership, customer service, support and quality- of-life programs provided to joint military members and their families. The accolade highlights the squadron’s mission to provide world-class education, physical fitness, hospitality, manpower, personnel and family support to Team MacDill and the Tampa Community according to the 6th FSS commander, Lt. Col. Kimberly Lichte. “We’re honored to have been selected by AMC as the best force support squadron in the command,” said Lichte. “I am so proud to lead such an amazing team! Every day the members of this squadron come to work fo- cused on taking care of families, operating with trust, and supporting the Photo by Airman 1st Class Scott Warner warfighters in the wing and our joint mission partners.” U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kobe Cole, a food service journeyman as- The 6th FSS is a diverse squadron comprised of more than 600 dedicated signed to the 6th Force Support Squadron, transports cold food items at military and civilian professionals who manage and maintain a multifac- MacDill Air Force Base May 30. Cole is part of a dining facility team that eted mission that includes providing lodging, child care, recreation, food serves approximately 262,000 meals annually. services and much more to Team MacDill’s personnel and their families. In 2018, the 6th FSS modernized the Airman Leadership School’s pro- mately benefit military-connected children through the MacDill Council for gram by securing $45,000 of innovation funds for electronic tablets to ef- Educational Excellence. fectively deliver their curriculum. The 6th FSS will represent at the Air Force-level Additionally, the Military Personnel Flight implemented a new online for the best FSS in the Air Force. identification card renewal system to ease walk-in wait time for customers The LeMay Award was named in honor of Air Force Gen. Curtis E. Le- visiting the Air Force’s largest identification card section. May who, in addition to his aviation accomplishments, had a life-long inter- Furthermore, the squadron supported Hurricane Michael evacuees by est in support and quality-of-life programs provided to Air Force members hosting a town hall with local supporting agencies and executing $177,000 and their families.The Curtis E. LeMay Award was first awarded in 1965. of Air Force Assistance Fund grants. It started as an award for the best morale, welfare and recreation program The squadron also received the Pete Taylor Partnership of Excellence in the AirForce and has evolved through the years to services andnow Award, recognizing their successful partnerships and projects that ulti- force support. See LEMAY, Page 6

For information about base operations during emergencies or natural disasters, call the Straight Talk Line at 828-4163

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE MacDill on the web Website: www.macdill.af.mil The Action Line provides two-way communication between the Facebook: www.facebook.com/ 6th Air Mobility Wing commander and the MacDill community. Per- sonnel may submit questions, concerns or comments via email to MacDillAirForceBase [email protected] or Facebook @6thAirMobilityWing- Instagram: macdill_afb CommandTeam Twitter: @macdill_afb

MacDill Thunderbolt U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. of the Air Force or the 6th Air Mobility Wing. News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submitted Publisher: Joe DeLuca The appearance of advertising in this publication, including to the 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office, 8208 Hangar inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by Loop Dr., suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621. Call the Thunderbolt Editor: Nick Stubbs the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, at 828-2215. Email: [email protected]. 6th Air Mobility Wing or the TImes Publishing Company of the Deadline for article submissions is noon, Wednesdays to The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by the Times Publish- products or service advertised. appear in the next week’s publication. Articles received after ing Company, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. For retail advertising, call (813) 226-3318. deadline may be considered for future use. All submissions are Air Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an autho- Everything advertised in this publication shall be made considered for publication based on news value and timeliness. rized publication for distribution to members of the U.S. mili- available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to Every article and photograph is edited for accuracy, clar- tary services on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill Thunderbolt race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, ity, brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Stylebook are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit and Libel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101.

2 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, February 28, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT NEWS/FEATURES MacDill’s 2018 Military Youth of the Year a repeat winner by Airman 1st Class Scott Warner 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Gregory Davis, a 17-year-old high school senior at Jesuit High School in Tampa and member of the MacDill Youth Center, was presented the 2018 Military Youth of the Year award during a ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 11. Each year, MacDill selects one student as a Youth of the Year represen- tative, and this year Davis was awarded the prestigious honor for the sec- ond time by 6th Air Mobility Wing’s Vice Commander, Col. Troy Pananon. “Mr. Davis was our Military and State Youth of the Year back in 2016 and is a very bright and well-spoken student,” said Loretta Gaines, the 6th Force Support Squadron assistant youth director. “His willingness to give back has always impressed me over the five years I have known him.” During his acceptance speech, a humbled Davis made it clear that al- though receiving this award is satisfying, it is what he will do after re- ceiving it that really matters to him. “What I am most proud of at this point is being able to continue work- ing on ‘Virtual Respect, an anti-cyber bullying campaign,” said Davis, who founded the campaign in 2017. To be eligible for the Military Youth of the Year award, a candidate must be between 14 and 18 years old, a member of the MacDill Youth Center, and excel in their commitment to community service, academic Photo by Airman 1st Class Scott Warner success, good character and citizenship and establishing long-term goals. Davis, who is also a child of a military veteran, has demonstrated why Gregory Davis, a 17-year-old senior at Jesuit High School in Tampa and he was selected for the award as he deflected attention from himself and member of the MacDill Youth Center, receives the 2018 Military Youth used his platform to highlight good causes he has been a part of. of the Year award from Col. Troy Pananon, the 6th Air Mobility Wing “Mr. Davis has accumulated 465 volunteer hours within our commu- vice commander, at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 11. Davis received the nity since his freshman year and he constantly looks for new ways to help award for his outstanding commitment to community service, academ- out others,” said Gaines. ic success, good character and citizenship, and establishing long-term See YOUTH, Page 10 goals. He will now go on to compete at the state level. Wilson, Goldfein order ‘100% review’ of all base housing by Charlie Pope The results will give senior civilian and mili- across the Air Force’s sprawling operation and to Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs tary leaders a more thorough understanding of provide a blueprint for addressing the problems. the extent and severity of the problems and help “Our Airmen and their families should have ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—Responding to inform responsive solutions. military housing that will not adversely impact reports of poorly maintained and unsafe housing In addition to walk-throughs with residents their health and safety,” Wilson and Goldfein across several installations, Air Force Secretary that “will document any health or safety risks,” wrote. “More importantly, they should have con- Heather Wilson and Chief of Staff Gen. David L. the directive requires command teams to “solicit fidence that they can identify problems without Goldfein on Feb. 19 directed commanders at every feedback from their Airmen about any health or retaliation or fear of reprisal. This is about taking base worldwide to conduct a “100 percent review” safety issues in the housing they occupy.” care of our people.” of the condition and safety of all military housing While witnesses at the Feb. 13 hearing told The directive also said suggested that senior by March 1. senators of appalling conditions that went unad- Air Force leaders will be responsible for identi- Asserting that the housing conditions reported dressed, Wilson and Goldfein also directly con- fying and helping resolve a host of problems in Feb. 13 during a Senate Armed Services Commit- fronted comments about instances where the housing where Airmen and their families live. As tee and in media reports “are not acceptable,” the on-site management responsible for the housing described during the Senate hearing, those prob- Air Force’s two leading officials took steps to en- ignored valid complaints. lems include the presence of black mold, rodent sure that senior military commanders are person- “Most troubling was the concern some families infestation, flooding, radon and faulty wiring. ally aware of the conditions that exist in military had that, if they reported a problem, they would In addition to in-person reviews, Wilson di- housing at their bases. face retaliation for speaking up,” Wilson and Gold- rected the Air Force Inspector to review The effort, which begins immediately, will be fein wrote in their message to wing commanders. how the Air Force responds to complaints about the housing equivalent of a safety stand down. “The health and safety of our Airmen and conditions at base housing.The Air Force is also The goal over the next 10 days is to conduct a 100 their families is commander business,” Wilson conducting policy review to identify any directives percent in-person health and safety check of all and Goldfein bluntly wrote, adding that a “stan- that impede commanders from appropriately re- 74,500 family housing units in the Air Force. dard checklist” will be used to ensure consistency sponding.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, February 28, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 3 WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Airman 1st Class Frank Rohrig Retired U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Frank Bell Jr., national historian for the 9th and 10th Horse Cavalry Associations, shares experiences from his early years in the Air Force as the guest speaker during the Black History Month observance at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 21. Bell has a passion for his- tory, continuing research on the African American experience, and their life in the military and their communities following separation from military service. The theme for National Black History Month February 2019 is “Black Migrations.” This year’s theme emphasizes the movement of people of African descent to new destinations and subsequently to new social realities.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Benjamin T. Hayes Photo by Senior Airman Javier Alvarez Reserve Airmen work side-by-side with active duty and coalition military Kylan Nathey, a field operations manager, carries a cross from Chapel partners to palletize, load and transport urgently needed aid to Colombia 2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Feb. 15. The chapel was severely dam- for eventual distribution to Venezuelans, Feb. 16. The U.S. military has a aged by Hurricane Michael, a category 4 storm that made landfall on long history of supporting national and international relief organizations to Oct. 10. The demolition marked the beginning of a long process to clear provide aid to people impacted by life-threatening crises and disasters. out damaged structures to make way for new construction.

4 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, February 28, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT AMC command chief shares path to conquering steepest mountains by Tech. Sgt. Jodi Martinez Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.—Chief Master Sgt. Terrence Greene walked toward his office desk, which blocked the corner of a third-story window overlooking . As he moved, he waved his hands and talked about his plans to rearrange his new office at Air Mobil- ity Command. “We’re going to open all this up,” he said. “We’re going to let the light in.” Over the next two hours, Greene offered a look at the off-road path that led him to his current position as the AMC command chief. Upon meeting him, Greene exudes a mountain-like persona. He stands tall, confident, and sharp, and his speech is grounded in core values and high standards. His tone is direct, yet calm and friendly. When he enters a crowded room, he often starts off with a gleaming smile and an AMC chant, letting his voice fill every corner. “Proud to be!” yells Greene during his trademark entrances. “AMC!” The crowd responds. This first impression is what could be expected of a man who has given over 30 years of service to his country with four previous stints as a com- Photo illustration by Tech. Sgt. Jodi Martinez mand chief. His biography shows a shining reputation. Chief Master Sgt. Terrence Greene, Air Mobility Command command Originally joining for education and opportunity, Greene enlisted in chief, smiles to a room full of future and current squadron command- 1988. Throughout his career, he earned the John L. Levitow Award during ers of AMC, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Jan. 7. Greene is the principal Airman Leadership School and was recognized as a distinguished gradu- adviser to AMC Commander Gen. Maryanne Miller and her senior staff ate for both the Noncommissioned Officer and Senior Noncommissioned on matters of health, welfare and morale, professional development, Officer Academies. In 1994, he conquered his personal goal of earning and the effective utilization of more than 83,300 total force enlisted per- See CHIEF, Page 11 sonnel assigned and contributing to the command.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, February 28, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 5 NEWS/FEATURES Greater Tampa Chamber honors MacDill military members special to the Thunderbolt u 927th Air Refueling Wing Officer of the Year: Capt. David Sidnam u Joint Communications Support Element Noncommissioned Officer of The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce recognized a dozen Team the Year: Master Sgt. Jasmine Howell MacDill members and others at its annual Military Appreciation event u Joint Communications Support Element Officer of the Year: 1st Lt. Mat- held Friday at Sheltair in Tampa. thew Nixon In its 21st year, the 2019 event was a grand salute to Tampa’s armed u U.S. Central Command Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Master forces, and according to the Chamber, a way to “recognize the contribu- Sgt. Thomas Whitten tions of MacDill Air Force Base to our community.” u U.S. Central Command Officer of the Year: Lt. Commander Scott Curtin The event featured remarks from Danny Burgess, executive director of u U.S. Special Operations Command Noncommissioned Officer of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The catered affair featured live Year: Petty Officer First Class Ashley Bordelon entertainment and was attended by many Tampa Bay community leaders u U.S. Special Operations Command Officer of the Year: Capt. Joseph Pas- and business head, and Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn. Winners included: trovich u 6th Air Mobility Wing Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Tech. Sgt. u The University of Tampa ROTC Cadet of the Year: Cadet Erika Roy Brayden Foley u University of South Florida ROTC Cadet of the Year: Cadet Hunter u 6th Air Mobility Wing Officer of thy Year: Capt. Ilma Vallee Johnson u 927th Air Refueling Wing Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Master u The Bob Cutler Award Winner: Gregory Celestan, Celestar Corporation Sgt. Susan Libertz LEMAY From Page 2 The 6th FSS’s hard work and dedication also led to them winning “This award is indicative of the passion this team has to support an additional team and individual award. Senior Airman Jennifer our service members and families,” added Lichte.“We recognize the Miranda, a fitness specialist, won the installation-level Force Sup- important role that our squadron has to ensure others are mission port Airman of the Year Award and the Military and Airman and ready and that their families are taken care of throughout life’s mile- Family Readiness Flight won the Force Support Capabilities Award. stones.”

6 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, February 28, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, February 28, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 7 6th AMW refuels Red Flag story and photos by Senior Airman Ashley Perdue 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev.—Airmen and air- craft from the 6th Air Mobility Wing MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, teamed up with U.S. and allied air forces dur- ing combat training exercise Red Flag 19-1 here Jan. 29 - Feb. 15, 2019. Red Flag is a three-week exercise designed to train and prepare participants on combat readiness and survivability, while integrating the five core functions of the U.S. Air Force: intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, command and control, air superiority, strike and personnel recovery. Close to 2,900 personnel from the U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force, and Royal Australian Air Force participated in this exercise. One MacDill KC-135 Stratotanker and nu- merous Airmen, including two aircrews from the 6th AMW, supported the exercise at Nellis AFB and over the Nevada Test and Training Range north of Las Vegas. “MacDill’s refueling made it possible for the fighters to be able to participate in their specific exercises, whether they’re strike missions, personnel recovery, air superior- ity, or to accomplish their desired learning objectives,” said A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew assigned to MacDill Air Force Base walk to their air Maj. Paul Seal, detachment commander for the Red Flag during exercise Red Flag 19-1 at Nellis AFB, Nev., Feb. 7. More than 2,900 personnel from the U.S. Air For Tanker Task Force and 50th Air Refueling Squadron pilot Australian Air Force are participating in the realistic training exercise designed to enhance combat r at MacDill AFB.“MacDill has the primary role of mission planning, getting the crews where they need to go out and execute the mission.” With multiple targets, realistic threat systems and an opposing enemy force that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world, Nellis AFB and the NTTR are the home of a simulated battlefield, providing combat air forces with the ability to train and fight together in a peacetime envi- ronment, and to survive and win together. MacDill’s KC-135 accumulated 130 flying hours across 12 flying days and offloaded a total of 1.5 million pounds of fuel during the exercise to hundreds of aircraft including the B-52 Stratofortress, E-3 Sentry, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor, and the F-35 Lightning II. According to Seal, MacDill had members supporting the mission from the ground to the sky. Maintainers kept the aircraft running and aircrew took care of the equipment on the jet. “When it comes to the operations support personnel, they’re making sure the squadron aviation resource man- agers are cutting our orders and making sure we’re flying the way we need to be,” Seal explained. “We have the com- munications crew who take care of all of our computer se- curity and our intel personnel who are getting us mission prepared.” With Red Flag held multiple times a year at Nellis, each exercise is different than its predecessor to ensure the U.S., its allies, and coalition partners are prepared to combat ad- versaries anytime, anywhere in the world. “The training here is specifically tailored to simulate the deployed environment and to teach units repetition in sce- U.S. Air Force Capt. Avi Rizvi, a 927th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker pilot, and Maj. Paul Seal, the detachment commander for the Red narios they may encounter during their deployments,” Seal Flag Tanker Task Force and 50th ARS pilot, both assigned to MacDill Air Force Base, prepare for a r continued. “Red Flag takes inputs from individual units on at Nellis AFB, Nev., Feb. 7. Rizvi and Seal were part of two MacDill aircrews providing vital aerial r direct learning objectives they would like to achieve and bat training exercise. they provide a scenario for the units to be tested.” See RED FLAG, Page 10

8 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, February 28, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ce Base walk to their aircraft in preparation for an aerial refueling mission U.S. Air Force Capt. Avi Rizvi, a 927th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker pilot, MacDill Air Force om the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Base, conducts a pre-flight briefing during exercise Red Flag 19-1 at Nellis AFB, Nev., Feb. 7. More than cise designed to enhance combat readiness and survivability. 2,900 personnel from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force are participating in this realistic training exercise designed to enhance combat readiness and survivability.

vi Rizvi, a 927th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker pilot, and Maj. Paul Seal, the detachment commander for the Red U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Norman Germer, a 91st Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker boom e for a refueling mission during exercise Red Flag 19-1 operator, MacDill Air Force Base, prepares to refuel U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft during exercise Red oviding vital aerial refueling support during the multi-national com- Flag 19-1 at Nellis AFB, Nev., Feb. 7. Germer was part of two aircrews from MacDill AFB providing aerial refueling during the combat training exercise that prepares the U.S. and its allies to fight and win together against adversaries.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, February 28, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 9 RED FLAG YOUTH From Page 8 From Page 3 Red Flag’s continued success can be attributed to the Another one of the charitable causes partnerships that are not only happening between the Davis leads is a photography club at his different U.S. units, but through the allies and other na- high school. tions to ensure success of future conflicts. “Organizations have contacted us “I think this training is great for many different crews to outright purchase the rights of our to come together and practice how we employ our capa- photos for their own use and we use the bilities and support the bigger Air Force,” added Tech. profits we receive to fund financial aid Sgt. Marcus Hudson, chief boom operator for the RFTTF programs at my high school for less for- and 50th ARS boom operator. “We are in a controlled en- tunate students,” said Davis. vironment that allows us to practice techniques, tactics Besides participating in fundrais- and procedures, and meet up afterwards to discuss what ing, Davis uses his free time to help went right and what we can improve on.” others through his work through Sci- Red Flag was established in 1975 as the brain child ence, Technology, Engineering, and of Col. Richard “Moody” Suter and one of the initiatives Math, or STEM, camps. Additionally, he directed by Gen. Robert J. Dixon, then commander of was the keynote speaker at last year’s Tactical Air Command, to better prepare our forces for MathAlive! exhibit at Glazer Children’s combat. Lessons from Vietnam showed that if a pilot Museum in Tampa. survived his first 10 combat missions, his probability of “My passion is volunteer work,” said survival for remaining missions increased substantially. Davis enthusiastically. “I’ve always had Red Flag was designed to expose each pilot to his first the luxury of having good people and 10 simulated combat missions here at Nellis, allowing places to go to when I needed help, so them to be more confident and effective in actual com- it’s rewarding to be able to give back Photo by Airman 1st Class Scott Warner bat. to those within my community that Gregory Davis, a 17-year-old senior at Jesu- This same principle continues to guide Red Flag to- haven’t always had that luxury.” it High School in Tampa and member of the day, with the goal of preparing Air Force, joint, and co- Davis looks forward to competing for MacDill Youth Center, speaks after receiving alition pilots, aircrew and operators to fight against a Florida’s State Youth of the Year award the 2018 Military Youth of the Year award at peer-level adversary in any combat environment. once more. MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 11.

10 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, February 28, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT CHIEF From Page 5 a nursing degree, and in 1998, he was recognized as the U.S. Air Force Transportation NCO of the Year. But according to Greene, true leadership extends beyond what’s written in a one-page biography or a yearly performance report. “When we’re afraid to talk about how we’re human, we’re seen by our Airmen as this perfect thing, like life is perfect -- and it is not,” said Greene. “We have to be careful with that. We have to create an environment of trust, and some of that also means revealing a little bit about yourself.” Greene was born in Guyana, a country that borders the northern tip of Brazil and extends to the Atlantic Ocean. He could be viewed as a product of the ‘American dream,’ where hard work intersected with opportunity and created success, but his start in life was marked with some heavy challenges. Greene climbed his first mountain when he was just three months old, after the death of his mother. “Dad was abusive, so that was her way out,” said Greene. “I grew up with an aunt, was never legally adopted and called her mom because that’s all I knew.” According to Greene, he felt the sting of feeling like an illegitimate child. He grew up with his aunt and cousins, but never felt a sense of belonging. Well into life, he continued to struggle with the fallout of his biological mom’s passing. “You look back and your brain always goes to ‘what if?’” said Greene. “For years and years I blamed myself for my mom’s suicide. Had I not been born, this would not have happened.” It wasn’t until he joined the military, where he had access to resiliency training, coun- seling and supportive leadership, that he began to forgive, both himself and his mother, and to heal. “Life is not easy,” said Greene. “You’ll get there, but life is a series of steps. And so is a career.” See CHIEF, Page 12

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, February 28, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 11 CHIEF From Page 11 Greene’s past has a direct impact on the ways in which he chooses to heart. When you know all of that, trust is there, and you can move moun- lead. To Greene, leaders must take on the role in loco parentis(in place of tains.” a parent), just as he experienced when he joined the military. As AMC’s command chief, Greene represents more than 80,000 total According to Greene, strong discipline overlapped with genuine care force enlisted personnel assigned to the command. Greene says his focus and love is key to the development of great Airmen. is to help Airmen move the mountains that stand in their way, allowing “You need to take care of that young man, young woman,” said Greene. them to simply focus on the mission and take care of each other. “It’s not just about their job; it’s about their life… some of them come from “As the AMC command chief I speak to the boss,” said Greene. “So that’s strong families, some of them not-so-strong families, but everyone has a one of the things I want to do for our Airmen - to be that voice, get stuff story.” out of their way and let them enjoy serving our nation.” Greene was conversational and relaxed but also forthright. He ap- Greene plans to use base visits, interpersonal communication, and so- proached the interaction in the same way Gen. Maryanne Miller, AMC cial media to connect with the enlisted force. In return, what Greene commander, described how he approached the start of their working rela- wants is simple; for Airmen to be great Airmen, leaders to be great lead- tionship. ers. “It was an instant connection,” said Miller. “The day he and I sat down “Leaders must cultivate an environment in which our Airmen can he said, ‘Hey, let’s get to know each other. Tell me about yourself.’” thrive,” said Greene. “To be a team that’s what you have to have, that con- Miller started through a Rolodex of career milestones and qualifica- nective tissue.” tions that make up a four-star general at face value. But Greene inter- Greene leaned to the side of his chair, resting his chin on his thumb jected. and index finger and took a moment to reflect. “No, no, no,” said Greene. “Tell me about yourself. Tell me who Ms. “We all enlist for different reasons,” said Greene.“But around five to Maryanne Miller is.” eight years in, something happens for Airmen. That thing that happens is Greene’s persistence to get to know the person, not just the uniform, no consistent. It’s the sense of family, it’s the sense of community. A sense of matter his or her rank or accolades, is what solidified him as “the right belonging and this motivates us to actually ‘join’ the Air Force.” choice” for Miller. Greene looked off into the distance and sighed. “That’s a hard conversation, to open your heart to somebody and say, “We’ve got great people,” said Greene. “I’m on the eve of my career, but I ‘Okay, here it is, Chief,’” said Miller. “I know this teammate; I know his tell ya, I wish I was joining again.” Military Save Week, Feb. 25 - March 2 Special to the Thunderbolt From the desk of your Military and Family Readiness Center Personal Finance Coun- selor, there are three great reasons you should join the Military Save Week movement. 1. It is a fantastic opportunity to take a financial “snapshot” of your life and rate the health of your personal savings. We are busy people and need more than ever some form of financial planning. MSW is a worldwide financial readiness celebration focused on saving. 2. Follow the building of wealth movement! Since 2007, more than 300,000 (and count- ing) service members and their family members have taken the Military Saves Pledge, a new and improved online savings tool to help you create a simple savings plan. 3. Military Saves is win-win for achieving your financial goals. When you take the Military Saves Pledge, you join a huge network that can encourage your success. The MilitarySaves.org team has free resources to help you make a plan to save and reduce debts. You can even receive customized communications, including the option to receive savings-specific text messages and reminders.

12 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, February 28, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, February 28, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 13 NEWS/FEATURES MacDill Pharmacy implements new messaging system Special the Thunderbolt chief, highlighted the electronic prescription option. “Rather than patients having to drive to Pharmacare to turn in a hard- The MacDill Main Pharmacy and Brandon Clinic Pharmacy recent- copy off-base prescription and then wait even longer to pick up that pre- ly implemented a TRICARE Online Secure Messaging feature. Patients scription, off-base doctor offices have the capability of inputting the pre- can now email the MacDill Main Pharmacy, Brandon Clinic Pharmacy, scription electronically,” she said. “This allows patients to activate the or the Pharmacare Pharmacy to ask questions about their prescription, prescription(s) through the Tricare Online Secure Messaging feature or request prescription transfers, and activate electronic prescriptions. To call Pharmacare ahead of time to activate the prescription(s), saving a access this feature, patients can visit www.TOLSecureMessaging.com to significant amount of time for the patient.” register. Patients may also utilize TRICARE Online to request prescrip- Patients may also utilize the Pharmacare’s drop-box to leave hardcopy tion refills. off-base prescriptions, which will be automatically processed and made Senior Master Sgt. Jvalyn Vaughn, the 6th MDSS Pharmacy flight available for pickup on the next business day after 12 noon.

MacDill Retiree Appreciation Day is today The MacDill Retiree Affairs Office will be hosting Retiree Appreciation Veterans Affairs will be at the base clinic. To honor our retirees, the base Day for all retirees Thursday, Feb. 28 at 9 a.m. All MacDill agencies will Honor Guard will perform a National Flag ceremony and there will be a be participating, including the military personnel flight ID card section, cake cutting at 11 a.m. base legal office, and pharmacy. Representatives from the Department of Please take the time to see MacDill’s tribute to our retirees.

Be sure to visit the official 6th Air Mobility Wing website at www.macdill.af.mil

14 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, February 28, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT COMMUNITY EVENTS Friday Surf’s Edge Club Membership breakfast from 6:30-9 a.m. All American break- fast featuring a omelet station and more! Great place for a staff meeting. For more info call 840- 2020.

SeaScapes Beach House Rockin’ Rodeo Family Fun Night from 5-9 p.m. DJ, with coun- try western music/line dancing, mechanical bull, mining for gold, horseshoes, cow roping. Cowboy buffet and kids meal available for purchase. For more info call 840- 1451

Saturday MacDill Lanes & Family Fun Center UFC 235 fight night with free entry. Fights begin 10 p.m. “Smack Down Chow Down” food specials. Club member exclusive deals. Call 828-4005. Greetings! Photo by Airman 1st Class Scott Warner Sunday Retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Duncan McNabb greets Staff Sgt. Adam Branch, a 6th Security Forces Squadron Base Theater marine patrolman, during an Airlift Tanker Association (ATA) visit to MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 15. During Free movie: “Fantastic Beasts: their visit, the ATA members met MacDill Airmen to learn about their missions. The Crimes of Grindelwald” (PG- 13). Doors open at 1:15 p.m. Movie starts at 2 p.m. Overflow parking CHAPEL SCHEDULE available in the SOCOM parking garage. Protestant service Catholic Mass Sunday - 8 a.m. - traditional worship Saturday - 5:30 p.m. - Mass 11 a.m. - contemporary worship Thursday Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - Mass Surf’s Edge Club Monday-Thursday - 12:10 p.m. Newcomers Information Fair Islamic service (Blessed Sacrament Room) from 11 a.m. – noon. Welcome to Friday - 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. Prayer MacDill Info Fair. Open to all ac- tive duty, civilians and spouses For all other faith groups or for any questions, please contact the Chapel by visiting stationed at MacDill AFB. Call http://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel or calling 828-3621 828-0145.

Base Theater Free movie: “Overlord” (R). Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Movie starts at 7 p.m.

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MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, February 28, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 15 16 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, February 28, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT