Hispanic Heritage Month - Page 8

Vol. 48, No. 41 Thursday, October 8, 2020

News/Features: page 2 Major award

News/Features: page 3 Heritage Room remake

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week Hispanic Heritage Month - page 8

News/Features: page 5 Hot refueling

Graphic by Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute The poster depicts Staff Sgt. Ladislao “L.C.” Castro, the assistant engineer and waist door .50 caliber gunner on a B-24 Liberator bomber named “T-Bar” of the “Flying Eightballs” in the 506th Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 8th Community: page 14 Air Force. We celebrate him in correlation with National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15. Formerly known as His- Events, Chapel, more... panic Heritage Week, in 1988, during the President Ronald Reagan administration, the observance period was extended to a month and received its new name. NEWS/FEATURES Selfless leadership leads to award for 45th AES major by Staff Sgt. Xavier Lockley 927th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

Maj. Christopher Dorion, a flight nurse with the 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, earned the Air Force Reserve Command Aero- medical Evacuation Field Grade Officer of the Year award for his role during a five-month de- ployment to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, where he forward-deployed and led air evacuations and the Critical Care Air Transport Team in support of special operations missions. Addition- ally, at MacDill Air Force Base, Dorion revamped flight operations creating 30 training scenarios for new members of the squadron. “I found out that I won at an aeromedical evacuation senior leadership conference,” Dorion said. “They put a slide up with the annual award win- ners and I saw my name. Immediately I felt hum- bled because there is no way I could’ve achieved this without my team at Bagram, the members of the 45th AES and mentorship along the way.” Flight nurses have a number of responsibili- ties not found in most nursing settings. Aero- medical evacuations use cargo aircraft. Environ- Photo by Staff Sgt. Xavier Lockley ments in which crews are sent can be noisy, hot U.S. Air Force Major Chris Dorion, 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron flight nurse, teaches Se- on the ground, cold in the air. They operate at nior Airman Harelimana Mhayamaguru, 45th AES air evacuation technician about the Propaq moni- high altitudes, which can significantly reduce tor and defibrillator on Oct. 3 at MacDill Air Force Base. The Propaq MD monitor/defibrillator is an available oxygen. Privacy is difficult to provide ultra-lightweight, airworthy deice that provides advanced monitoring capabilities. and resources that are normally taken for grant- ed like medical supplies, oxygen, electricity, and security, manage the patients’ luggage, and as- Ohio, to learn about the unique requirements medications, are in a limited supply until the sist passengers. and challenges of aeromedical evacuation. Dorian crew can reach the ground and get to the hospi- Air Force flight nurses complete specialized tal. Additionally, they have to consider mission training at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, See AWARD, Page 12

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

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 Refueling Wing commander and the MacDill community. Per- sonnel may submit questions, concerns or comments via email to MacDillAirForceBase [email protected] or Facebook @6thARWCommandTeam Instagram: macdill_afb 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 Refueling 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 Refueling 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 Refueling 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, October 8, 2020 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT NEWS/FEATURES 91st Air Refueling Squadron revitalizes heritage room by Senior Airman Scott Warner 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

While some units are pleased with having a break room to have lunch, the 91st Air Refuel- ing Squadron takes pride in going above and be- yond for their “heritage room.” The 91st ARS heritage room will have newly refurbished tables, reupholstered chairs, frost- tinted front doors, a custom wood-finished countertop, a built-in wall chalkboard with repainted walls and flooring in a massive renovation. “This means a lot for any flying squadron since heritage rooms hold a rich tradition in the Air Force flying realm,” said Maj. Doug Karl, the 91st Air Refueling Squadron assistant director of operations. “Some Airmen have learned more from the stories they heard in their heritage rooms than they have on a routine flight. It’s a place for us to learn, allowing all of us to become better professional aviators while con- tinuing to be the best Air Force in the world.” Photo by Senior Airman Scott Warner Before the renovations, the 91st ARS shared U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Charles Wasz, a 91st Air Refueling Squadron casual status pilot awaiting a heritage room with the 50th Air Refueling training, paints a wall in the 91st ARS heritage room at MacDill Air Force Base Sept. 29. Heritage Squadron on base, but now, the 50th ARS has rooms can range from being meeting areas to break rooms where flying squadron Airmen gather to See HERITAGE ROOM, Page 6 socialize between flights. moved to Hangar 5 on base freeing up the 91st ARS heritage room to be completely redesigned Air Force releases new military tuition assistance approach for FY21 Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs ny of our service members as possible each year,” These adjustments apply to both undergradu- said Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, deputy chief of staff ate-level and graduate-level classes. Recognizing WASHINGTON (AFNS)—Department of the for manpower, personnel and services. “In 2013, there may be potential reasons for exceeding the Air Force officials announced a $3,750 military under sequestration, tuition assistance was sus- annual cap, waivers to the policy are available tuition assistance cap per fiscal year that will go pended for some time and our service members for unique circumstances. For example, members into effect for college courses beginning Oct. 1. were negatively impacted. As we go forward and whose degree program requires a lab class exceed- budgets get tight, we want to prevent that from ing the $3,750 limit by one semester hour or two happening again and we made hard decisions in quarter hours, or those working on a unique de- “Tuition assistance is a key and order to keep this program viable and accessible gree deadline may apply for a waiver. to our force.” Consult Air Force Instruction 36-2670 Total central in-service education benefit, Credit hour limits remain the same at $250 per Force Development and Air Force guidance memo- but it’s only one of several avenues semester hour and $166.66 per quarter hour. randum 2020-02 for details. members can use to get their de- Applications will be routed using normal proce- “Tuition assistance is a key and central in-ser- dures on the Air Force Virtual Education Center vice education benefit, but it’s only one of several grees and minimize out-of-pocket online platform. Airmen and Space Professionals avenues members can use to get their degrees and expenses,” - Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly may apply for tuition assistance up to 45 days pri- minimize out-of-pocket expenses,” Kelly said. Air or to the start of their class date. The adjustments Force officials noted comparing school costs, re- should help equitably stretch funding, but should searching other resources such as Post-9/11 GI Bill Previously, military tuition assistance limits fiscal year funds become exhausted at year end, benefits, Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Edu- were $4,500 per fiscal year, but adjustments were service members who did not get their applica- cation Support’s, or DANTES, subject standardized required to ensure the program remains fully tions approved will have to wait until the new fis- tests, or DSST, college-level examination programs, available and fiscally sustainable while meeting cal year’s funds are available to apply for tuition or CLEP, pursuing Community College of the Air an increase in participation rates, the number of assistance. Force degrees and other funding sources such as courses taken and course costs. “Tuition assistance aids in the development scholarships and grants as parts of the overall edu- “While usage by our Airmen and Space Pro- of a highly-educated and skilled military force,” cation benefit to help minimize expenses. fessionals is fantastic and we’re encouraged by Kelly said. “By making these adjustments, we en- Contact your local education and training office the number working on their degrees, we need sure this key benefit continues for all Airmen and and your college counselor to explore all addition- to make sure the benefit is accessible to as ma- Space Professionals.” al funding opportunities.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, October 8, 2020 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 3 WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Allred A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refuels a U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility on Sept. 22. The KC-135 delivers a global-reach aerial capability to support joint and coalition aircraft, and provide war-winning airpower throughout the world.

Photo by Master Sgt. Joe Harwood Photo by Senior Airman Kayla A. Palmer Airmen assigned to the 179th Airlift Wing follow procedures during a readi- Capt. Charlene Sufficool, 354th Fighter Squadron A-10 pilot, sits in the ness exercise Sept. 26 in Mansfield, Ohio. The mission readiness exercise cockpit of an A-10 Thunderbolt II, Sept. 17 at Davis-Monthan Air Force is designed to familiarize Airmen with performing all aspects of support- Base, Ariz. The 354th FS has more than 20 A-10 aircraft, which provide ing the C-130 Hercules mission during chemical, biological, radiological or close air support, forward air control and combat search and rescue for nuclear strikes. four combatant commanders worldwide.

4 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, October 8, 2020 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT NEWS/FEATURES 379th AEW conducts first KC-135 hot refueling in USAF by Tech. Sgt. Michael Battles 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

AL UDEID AIR BASE, QATAR—To advance the agility of Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Airmen from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing performed a validation and verification of the first hot refueling of a KC-135 Strato- tanker in the U.S. Air Force on Sept. 21. The certification, which involved members from the 379th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron and the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, es- tablished the ability to refuel a KC-135 with one or more engines running at Al Udeid. According to Lt. Col. Frederick Jackson, 379th EAMXS commander, having this ability at Al Udeid directly supports the wing’s resilience. “Hot refueling KC-135s puts agility at the forefront,” he said. “KC-135s can now land at Al Udeid without shutting off their engines, regenerate the aircraft as long as there is fuel on location, and then reliably and quickly take back off to fulfill another mission.” During a hot refuel, maintainers will usher in an aircraft that has just Photo by Staff Sgt. Heather Fejerang completed a mission, conduct an inspection, coordinate with the aircrew A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 379th Air and then conduct refueling. Once refueled, the aircraft is marshalled and Expeditionary Wing is refueled during a hot refueling training scenario at relaunched to immediately conduct their next mission. Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Sept. 21. Personnel from the 379th Expeditionary In order to conduct the certification and be implemented, a three-phase Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness training program was developed, which included familiarization, hands-on, Squadron and 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron attended the and demonstration and certification. training. The certification they receive will enable personnel to refuel a See REFUEL Page 11 KC-135 while one or more engines run.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, October 8, 2020 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 5 HERITAGE ROOM From Page 3 to solely fit the 91st ARS mission and colors. What makes this renovation special is it is being mostly done by the Airmen who belong to the 91st ARS. “This was an idea that a few of us in the squadron planned out on napkins and then we just went for it,” said Karl. “Capt. Sproul sent out a request for volunteers that have any skills or work with remodeling, and we were over- whelmed with the response we got.” Airmen have contributed to painting, carpen- try, reupholstering, and even wood craftsman- ship to build a plank-style wood countertop to reflect their official pirate patch that they wear on their uniforms. “I like to do wood working and have built fur- niture for my own house, so this was easy way for me to help give back to the squadron,” said Karl. “I am not alone in wanting to make this a place for people to be proud of and continue that heritage into the future.” While the scope of the renovation is big, no project is too big, nor is any detail too small, as every aspect of the room is being considered for the remodeling. “I think one of the coolest features is the patches from previous pilots and aircrew members that border around the entire room,” said 2nd Lt. Charles Wasz, a 91st ARS casual-status pilot awaiting training.“As someone who just arrived in June and knew very little about this squadron, I can now see the rich history and Photo by Senior Airman Scott Warner heritage of the aircrew members who have come Patches from previous 91st Air Refueling Squadron pilots and aircrew members are being incorporated before me dating back to the squadron’s incep- into the design of the 91st ARS heritage room at MacDill Air Force Base Sept. 29. Heritage rooms can tion.” range from being meeting areas to break rooms where flying squadron Airmen gather to socialize be- In an all-hands-on-deck effort, the members tween flights. of the squadron are buying into the new heritage room and it is already positively impacting but we are all there for anyone whenever they “Ultimately, just making our heritage room a the squadron. need it, and that it’s ok to ask for a time out.” place that brings the squadron pride, where peo- “This also allows us to get to know each other What once began as just an idea written on ple will want to hang out in to bring some moral in the squadron better, become even more of a napkins, has now become a project of personal and camaraderie back into the unit is the pur- family, which in turn, helps build our resiliency pride and as one of the founding idea-makers, pose behind this,” said Sproul. “It will be even as a squadron with a high ops tempo,” said Karl. Capt. David Sproul, a 91st ARS KC-135 Strato- more meaningful and special once manning is “It allows everyone to know that we are all busy, tanker pilot, couldn’t be happier with. back to 100 percent following COVID ops.”

6 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, October 8, 2020 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT FEATURES Air Force partnership helps rare woodpecker thrive

Photo by Senior Airman Destinee Sweeney Hutch Collins, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron threatened and endangered species biologist, holds baby red-cockaded woodpeckers after placing identification bands on them at Poinsett Electronic Combat Range in Wedgefield, S.C., May 30, 2018. The woodpeckers are an endangered species that live in old-growth pine forests and reside in large family clusters.

by Jennifer Schneider Air Force Civil Engineer Center Environmental Directorate

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS)—The red cockaded woodpecker is making a come- back, thanks to partnership efforts between the Air Force and multiple public and private organizations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service highlighted Depart- ment of Defense conservation efforts Sept. 25 during a cer- emony at Fort Benning, Georgia, marking the proposed downlisting of the red cockaded woodpecker from “endangered” to “threatened.” ”We are celebrating not just incredible conservation success and legacy, but also the spectacular way the mission was achieved – through commitment, passion and creativ- ity of diverse partners,” said Aurelia Skipwith, USFWS director. The woodpecker was listed as endangered in 1970. Since 1994, the Air Force has increased populations by 178% and its installations now house 585 active potential breeding groups. Proactive forest management and close partnerships with the USFWS and state agencies and universities continue to play a vital role in population recovery, said Kevin Porteck, the Air Force Civil Engineer Center’s Air Force natural resources subject matter expert, which supports the planning, programming, budgeting and execution of installation natural resources requirements. See BIRDS, Page 10

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, October 8, 2020 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 7 MacDill celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

by 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

rom Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, MacDill AFB will observe Fand celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when the contribution of Hispanic Americans who have served and are serving now are recognized. The observance started in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson’s administration as a one-week celebration called Hispanic Heritage Week. Years later, President Ronald Reagan proposed extending this celebration into a month-long event. It was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988, officially designating the 30-day period starting on Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as Na- tional Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Honoring the Past, Securing the Future!” Hispanics and Hispanic-Americans make contributions in many fields that enable the greatness of America. Their contributions to the defense of this nation, the arts, sports, public service, research and development, non-profit organization management, civil rights, politics, business, agriculture, and the service industry enable America to maintain its competitiveness, relevance, and position in the global landscape as the leader of the free world. Hispanic Americans played an immeasurable role in the United States’ Armed Forces during World War II by serving bravely and with distinction from the initial attack on Pearl Harbor to the last days of the Pacific campaign. Sixty men of Hispanic heritage have been awarded the Medal of Honor. The award comes through the National Defense Authorization Act, which called for a review of Jewish American and Hispanic American veterans from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War to ensure that no prejudice was shown to those deserving the medal. It is the highest military decoration presented by the United States government to a member of its Armed Forces. Of the sixty Medals of Honor, two were presented to members of the United States Na- vy, thirteen to members of the United States Marine Corps and forty-six to members of the United States Army. Forty-two of the Medals of Honor were presented posthumously. The nation remains forever indebted to WWII veterans, who not only forever changed the course of history, but who demonstrated selfless service and sacri- fice in defense of global peace and security. We remember the legacy of the “Greatest Genera- tion” by Honoring the Past, Securing the Future. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, MacDill AFB will observe and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when the contribution of Hispani don Johnson’s administration as a one-week celebration called Hispanic Heritage Week. Years later the 30-day period starting on Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’ America. Their contributions to the defense of this nation, the arts, sports, public service, research and development, non-pr its competitiveness, relevance, and position in the global landscape as the leader of the free world.

8 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, October 8, 2020 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Graphic by Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute om Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, MacDill AFB will observe and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when the contribution of Hispanic Americans who have served and are serving now are recognized. The observance started in 1968 under President Lyn- ears later, President Ronald Reagan proposed extending this celebration into a month-long event. It was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988, officially designating the 30-day period starting on Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Honoring the Past, Securing the Future!” Hispanics and Hispanic-Americans make contributions in many fields that enable the greatness of ch and development, non-profit organization management, civil rights, politics, business, agriculture, and the service industry enable America to maintain ee world.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, October 8, 2020 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 9 BIRDS From Page 7 “Our ranges are home to a diversity of wildlife, and with increasing urban development around them, these installations can become the last refuge for some species like the red cockaded woodpecker,” Porteck said. Since 2012, the Air Force has restored more than 23,000 acres of longleaf pine forest, and now boasts more than 373,000 acres of actively managed longleaf pine, with plans to plant an additional 3,000 acres this winter at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. In addition, AFCEC’s Air Force Wildland Fire Branch has been an essen- tial contributor for ecosystem management, av- eraging more than 140,000 acres of prescribed burns annually. Eglin AFB, Florida, home to the Air Force’s largest population of red cockaded woodpeckers, effectively increased its potential breeding groups from 184 to 507 since 1994, surpassing a 2009 recovery goal of 350 groups. Natural resources managers at Eglin AFB implement periodic controlled burns and conduct timber sales to maintain and enhance the landscape of mature longleaf pines and ensure Photo by Senior Airman Destinee Sweeney the type of open understory preferred by the woodpeckers. The installation also drilled more Hutch Collins, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron threatened and endangered species biologist, looks for baby red-cockaded woodpeckers in a tree cavity at Poinsett Electronic Combat Range at See BIRDS, Page 15 Wedgefield, S.C., May 30, 2018.

10 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, October 8, 2020 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT REFUEL From Page 5 “The team came together, identified a warfighter requirement, and developed a plan to get these procedures through the system. In what could have easily taken one-year … we did it in 60 days,” Jackson said. “We did this through clearly articulating a requirement, developing draft procedures, sticking to timelines, working weekends and through COVID-19 both at [Al Udeid] and state- side. Lt. Col. Isaiah Oppelaar, 340th EARS commander, said that developing the ability for hot refueling enables not only his KC-135 squadron to quickly return to mission, but others within the AOR. “[Hot refueling] provides the ability to recover and turn the KC-135 to another mission without depowering the aircraft or losing the source of bleed air required to restart the engines,” he said. “[It] provides increased flexibility and combat capability from the same number of aircraft by reducing the time required to turn the aircraft to another mission.” Jackson also stated that this certification was a historic mile- stone for Al Udeid and the U.S. Air Force. “The first time in history,” he said. “It was an honor and a privi- lege to be a part of this team. Watching maintenance, operations, logistics and engineering smiling and fist bumping, once the hot refuel was completed safely was one of the highlights of my ca- reer.” This is the second hot refueling training conducted at Al Udeid. Photo by Staff Sgt. Heather Fejerang In August 2020, the 379th and 332nd AEWs conducted a hot-pit Members of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing huddle before a KC-135 Stratotanker training and aircraft arresting system certification with F-15E aircraft hot refueling training scenario for certification at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Strike Eagles to enhance the ability to support hot refueling for Sept. 21. The training, the first for a KC-135, will enhance refueling mission capa- fighters. bilities and cut the refueling time in half.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, October 8, 2020 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 11 AWARD From Page 2 also uses his experience to connect with patients. “With in-flight patient care, there are a multi- tude of different variables to consider while working but one thing that I think you have to remember is that the patient needs to be comforted,” Dorion said. “The patient often feels a sense of fail- ure for not finishing the mission but I always try to convey that we need them healthy to fight later down the line.” In his civilian job, Dorion serves as an ER nurse at Tampa General Hospital. But for the past few months, he’s taken on the role of filling in as the chief nurse for the 45th AES. Lt. Col Victoria Matthews, 45th AES director of operations, expressed her gratitude for Dorian’s selfless attitude and leadership. “While we were deployed to Bagram, you could really see how Chris stayed actively engaged with the tasks brought his way,” said Matthews. “His crew had many missions that ran late, missions they did with special operations and he was always trying to keep his crew motivated because there were long days, but his selfless leadership carried them.” Dorian stated that part of the aeromedical evacuation culture is being mindful of the potential for stress and exhaustion. His squadron members have worked together to develop a strong support system in which the crews on standby will help with loading and offloading of the hundreds of pounds

of gear onto an aircraft before and after a mission Photo by Staff Sgt. Xavier Lockley regardless of time or length of the mission. U.S. Air Force Major Chris Dorion, 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron flight nurse, teaches “I’ve learned along this journey to be ready and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Harelimana Mhayamaguru 45th AES air evacuation technician, willing to help the next guy, don’t be the guy that about the dry seal chest drainer on Oct. 3 at MacDill Air Force Base. The Express chest drain keeps to himself and not share your nuggets of wis- integrates precision dry suction regulation, and a dry seal one-way valve technology for patient dom,” said Dorion. “Awards are great but a team safety. that helps you get there is even better.”

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

12 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, October 8, 2020 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT WelcomeBACK! Open Monday–Friday•7am-2pm

BREAKFAST ALL DAY AnyDanish&Tall GourmetCoffee 2.95 TRIPLE “S” BROWNBAG LUNCH DEAL Soup •Salad •Sandwich 7.50 •CupofSoupofthe Day •½ PressedCuban Sandwich •Garden Saladwith Choice of Dressing POWER EATS QUINOABOWLS IN&OUT 6.00 Southwestern •Greek Mandarin•Summer Blend Buy AnyLunch Special & Add aIcedTea or aCoffee 1.75 SpecialsSpecialsls RegularMenu AlsoAvailable macdillfss.com ESM Welcome! CALLIN DINEIN/OUT (813)828-RICK (7425)

SAFELY SERVING Rickenbacker’s located YOU in Main LobbyofMacDill Lodging VQ.

GourmetCoffee&Tea •Espresso •Frappuccino’s BakeryDelights •BreakfastSandwiches Grab &GoSnacks•Deli Sandwiches

The Links BAYPALMS GOLF COMPLEX Beef Hot Dog 2.50 Smoked Sausage 3.25 ESM lcome! Hot Link 4.00 We Grilled onions upon request Putts-n-Chips (Sides &Bowls) Fries or Sweet Potato Fries 2.25 Onion Rings 2.75 8 Chips 1.25 IR8 N Soup of Day 2.75 Cup of Chili 2.95 Side Salad 1.75 Keto Fresh Fruit Cups 2.95 Grill Mini Golfers Children under 12yrs old Includes cookie or seasonal fruit &asmall fountain drink Breakfast •Lunch •Grab &Go Fries n’ Chicken Strips (2) 5.50 Choice of sauce: sweet-n-sour,BBQ or ranch POWER Fries n’ Slider (1) Plain or cheeseburger 5.95 EATS Refueling Station Medium Fountain Drink (12oz) 1.25 Large Fountain Drink (16oz) 1.50 Iced Tea1.50 Bottled Water 1.50 Bottled Soda/Gatorade 1.75 Coffee 1.50 Coffee Refill .75 IR8 N Hot Tea2.50 Orange Juice 1.75 Grill Swing Oil Open Tue-Sun Domestic Beer -Draft 3.25 8Iron Grill Breakfast served 6:30-10:30am Domestic Beer -Pitcher 5.95 Grill open 10:30am-1:30pm (813) 828-1507 Grab &goavailable 6:30am-1:30pm Domestic Beer -Can 3.25 Premium on Tap5.50 1803 Golf Course Ave, Bldg. 726 Call Ahead Orders &Take-Out Available Craft on Tap6.25 MacDill AFB, FL •33621 (813) 828-1507 Wine 3.00 We are “Grab &Go” Available TaxFree! Salads, Deli Sandwiches, Power Eats Bowls, www.macdillfss.com Chips, Snacks &MORE! rev.9/30/20 www.macdillfss.com

MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT u Thursday,October 8, 2020 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 13 COMMUNITY EVENTS 8 Iron Grill open at Bay Palms Golf Complex Open Tuesday-Sunday from 6:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. come try your Break- fast Favorites, Steak Burgers, Sand- wiches, Quinoa Bowls, Salads & MORE! Catch up on the news and sports on six big-screen TVs. ESM welcome. For full menu visit: https://macdillfss.com/images/ AllImages/pdfs/GolfCourse/8-Iron- Menu_92520.pdf

Virtual ‘Give It A Try’ triathlon Held Oct. 9-11 by the Short Fit- ness Center, participants have three days to complete a mini triathlon that includes a 3-mile run, 15-mile bike (using either a stationary and/ or road bike), and either a half-mile swim or an additional 2-mile run. Track your progress with your choice of fitness app, then private message the Short FC Facebook page, including a screenshot of you completing U.S. Air Force photo the event. Shirts given to all par- Congrats to the Bolts ticipants (while supplies last). First Airmen from the 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base display a Tampa Bay Lightning flag place male and female wins. For prior to participating in a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft flyover of Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, more information, call 828-4496. honoring the Lightning’s Stanley Cup championship Sept. 30.

MPF ID Cards Services resuming for walk-ins Beginning Oct. 1 the MacDill ID CHAPEL SCHEDULE cards section will be resuming walk- Protestant service Catholic Mass in hours for CAC-holders from 7:30 Sunday - 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.- combined worship to 11 a.m., Monday through Friday Sunday - 9 a.m. - Mass 6 p.m. Thrive (contemporary worship) for the following services: CACs ex- 5:30 a.m. Mass piring within 30 days, Initial CAC Monday-Thursday - 12:10 p.m. issue, Initial issue or lost retiree, Islamic service dependent or DAV cards. Appoint- Friday - 1:30 p.m. Prayer (Blessed Sacrament Room) ments for the same services will be scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday For all other faith groups or for any questions, please contact the Chapel by visiting through Friday by emailing 6fss. http://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel or calling 828-3621 [email protected], calling 828-2278 or 828-6638.

Extension on expired dependent and retiree ID cards The Department of Defense has extended Uniformed Services ID cards (dependent and retiree ID cards) until June 30, 2021. USID cardholders can use expired cards for benefits such as the commissary and exchange services, installation ac- cess, and Tricare through that date. For additional detailed information about this policy update please visit https://www.cac.mil/Coronavirus/ Be sure to visit the official 6th Air Refueling Wing website at www.macdill.af.mil

14 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, October 8, 2020 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT BIRDS From Page 10 than 1,500 artificial nest cavities as potential nest sites for the birds. crease since 1994, going from 23 active potential breeding groups to 45, Recovery efforts there have been so successful that the installation said Brent Bonner, Avon Park environmental chief. donated 212 juvenile woodpeckers to enhance other populations in the Likewise, Poinsett Electronic Combat Range at Shaw AFB, South Caro- region. lina, increased their populations from three potential breeding groups to “As the installation commander of Eglin Air Force Base’s 464,000-acre 33 since 1994. reservation, I can’t tell you how proud I am of this phenomenal accom- Successful recovery of the woodpeckers not only benefits the species, plishment, and how important it is to ensuring our critical mission of but also provides the Air Force greater flexibility for mission sustainment national defense continues,” said Brig. Gen. Scott Cain, 96th Test Wing and expansion. commander at Eglin AFB. “For the past 30 years, the Eglin Natural Re- “If the population of a particular species on a military installation be- sources Office, known as Jackson Guard, has been effectively using fire comes imperiled and warrants protection by law, the result can be restric- and numerous forestry techniques, such as drilling artificial cavities and tions on the use of an Air Force range for training and testing activities,” translocation of juveniles, to ensure mission success. My thanks go out to Porteck said. “By sustaining ecosystems and biodiversity, the Air Force our partners in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, without whom we could provides a landscape that can sustain military testing and training activ- not have achieved this goal.” ities now and in the future while simultaneously conserving our natural Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, also achieved a population in- heritage.”

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, October 8, 2020 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 15 16 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, October 8, 2020 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT