Warrior Games on - Page 8

Vol. 47, No. 26 Thursday, June 27, 2019

News/Features: page 3 First AFAC since the storm

News/Features: page 3 VCSAF visits

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

News/Features: page 6 Key Spouses meet

Warrior Games on - page 8

Photo by Airman 1st Class Ryan C. Grossklag U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Russell Ruth, a wounded warrior athlete, practices a discus throw at MacDill Air Force Base June 20. Community: page 15 In preparation for the Department of Defense Warrior Games, Ruth trained at MacDill the week of June 17 for shotput, Events, Chapel, more... discus and the 100 meter run.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, June 27, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 1 NEWS/FEATURES Changes to Post-9/11 GI Bill transfers effective July 2019 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs or Selected Reserve) on the date of approval and agrees to serve four additional years in the armed forces from the date of election. WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS)—The u Has at least 10 years of service in the armed forces (active duty and/ transferability option under the Post-9/11 GI Bill allows service members or Selected Reserve) on the date of approval, is precluded by either stan- to transfer all or some unused benefits to their spouse or dependent chil- dard policy (by service branch or DoD) or statute from committing to four dren. additional years and agrees to serve for the maximum amount of time al- The request to transfer unused GI Bill benefits to eligible dependents lowed by such policy or statute. must be completed while serving as an active member of the Armed Forc- u Transfer requests are submitted and approved while the member is es. The Department of Defense determines whether or not you can trans- in the armed forces. fer benefits to your family. Once the DoD approves benefits for transfer, u Effective 7/12/2019, eligibility to transfer benefits will be limited to the new beneficiaries apply for them at Veterans Affairs. service members with at least 6 years but not more than 16 years of ac- The option to transfer is open to any member of the armed forces active duty or selected reserve service. So service members with more than tive duty or Selected Reserve, officer or enlisted who is eligible for the 16 years of service should transfer benefits before 7/12/2019. Post-9/11 GI Bill and meets the following criteria: For more information, go to https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_ u Has at least six years of service in the armed forces (active duty and/ transfer.asp.

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

Be sure to visit the official 6th Air Mobility 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 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, June 27, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT NEWS/FEATURES Tyndall holds first FTAC class since Hurricane Michael by Airman 1st Class Bailee Darbasie 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

The 325th Force Support Squadron rotated new Airmen through the First Term Airmen Course for the first time since Hurricane Mi- chael at Tyndall Air Force Base, from June 17- 21. FTAC was postponed after the hurricane due to a halt on incoming permanent party orders. “We’re grateful for FTAC to be up and run- ning again,” said Master Sgt. James Rollins, 325th FSS career assistance advisor. “It means we’re getting more Airmen which is what Tyn- dall really needs now.” First-term Airmen face unprecedented challenges stemming from the damage sustained by the installation. To prepare them, FTAC put a stronger emphasis on resiliency during the week-long course. “We’ve tailored our resiliency program to touch on the unique challenges this set of Air- men will need to face,” Rollins said. “We try to focus on how to manage and overcome quality of life and financial issues due to living on a destroyed base.” Rollins said this new rotation of Airmen is important because their strength and deter- mination will set the stage for future Airmen coming to Tyndall. “These Airmen will be the professionals Tyn- dall needs to help grow into a better and stronger base,” Rollins said. “We’re happy to provide Photo by Airman 1st Class Bailee Darbasie them with the training and resources needed First term Airmen are taught the importance of proper social media use during a First Term Airmen to transition into the best Airmen they could be briefing at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Friday. This rotation of Airmen was the first since Hurricane for Tyndall.” Michael devastated the base.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Stephen W. Wil- son, Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, interacts with spectators at the Department of Defense War- rior Games, Tampa, Sunday. Wilson toured the event site at the Univer- sity of South Florida, meeting with Warrior Games athletes and their families. The games will run through Sunday, when closing ceremonies will be held. For a complete schedule of competition times and loca- tions, visit www.dodwarriorgames. com.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Ryan C. Grossklag

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, June 27, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 3 WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Staff Sergeant James R. Crow U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Kristina Coble, Team Air Force Warrior Games athlete, receives a cold-towel compress after a race during the Depart- ment of Defense Warrior Games track competition in Tampa June 22. Warrior Games athletes have overcome significant physical and psychological challenges not always visible to others and have demonstrated that life continues after becoming wounded, ill or injured.

Photo by Senior Airman Caleb Nunez Courtesy photo U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Brian Williams, a wounded warrior A family poses for a photo during the annual Family Jam at the MacDill athlete, returns a serve during a wheelchair tennis match against the Chapel, June 8. More than 250 members of Team MacDill gathered at the U.S. Army at the Department of Defense Warrior Games in Tampa Sun- 90s themed dance party for dinner, a costume contest and camaraderie. day. This year’s DOD Warrior Games hosted 13 sporting events in a Paralympic-style competition.

4 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, June 27, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT NEWS/FEATURES The 2019 DoD Warrior Games are Underway in Tampa by Airman 1st Class Alexis Saurez 927th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

More than 300 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans from all four U.S. military branches, U.S. Special Operations Command and five partner nations are in the Tampa Bay Area until Jun. 30 competing in adaptive sports for the 2019 Department of Defense Warrior Games, hosted by U.S. Special Operation Command. This is only the second time the Warrior Games are being held in public venues and not on a military installation. The games are free to watch, open to the public and offer a rare opportunity to watch and be inspired by wounded warriors who have shown incredible resilience as they overcome significant physical and psychological challenges to compete in adaptive sports all around Tampa. Crowd support is a huge benefit for the athletes as well. “Warrior Games provide opportunities for athletes to heal and to regain confidence,” said Scott Danberg, this year’s Sports Director. “When the service members walk into the ceremony and hear the crowd cheer, the value Photo by Senior Airman Caleb Nunez and support really sink in.” The opening ceremony was held June 22 at AMALIE Arena. The crowd U.S. Air Force wounded warrior athlete Staff Sgt. Brian Biviano serves was packed, and the ceremony kicked off with a procession of teams as they a ball during a wheelchair tennis match at the Department of Defense Warrior Games in Tampa Sunday. Wounded warrior athletes are one ex- entered the arena to high-energy music and were welcomed with standing ample of how adaptive sports and athletic reconditioning activities play ovations from the crowd. Comedian Jon Stewart was the emcee and came a fundamental role in recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration of service See GAMES, Page 13 members.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, June 27, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 5 NEWS/FEATURES 18th AF, Fairchild key spouses address education partnerships, license reciprocity by Airman 1st Class Whitney Laine 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash.— Moving to a new area presents unique challenges to military families. Spouses often need to look for new jobs, children move to new schools and the support networks families have relied on change with new scenery. Key Spouses are one resource the Air Force calls on to offer support to families throughout arrival, transition and establishment at their new assignments. Kelly Barrett, the 18th Air Force commander’s spouse, and Trish Simpson, wife of the 18th Air Force Command Chief, visited Fairchild to gain insight about Team Fairchild Key Spouse efforts aiding Airmen and families. They also saw and discussed efforts to improve children’s education and license reciprocity for spouses. “Our family has been tested by multiple Photo by Airman 1st Class Whitney Laine moves and changing schools throughout our Medical Lake High School Cardinal Connections Peer Ambassador Team members speak with years, especially when Chris and I were both on Kelly Barrett, 18th Air Force commander spouse, and Trish Simpson, 18 AF command chief spouse, active duty,” said Simpson. “The Key Spouses at Medical Lake, Washington, May 22. Cardinal Connections is a military children education initia- tive that helps new military students find their classes, have someone to eat lunch with and help See KEY SPOUSES, Page 12 introduce them to other students.

6 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, June 27, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT HOW WE ENSURE YOUR DRINKING WATER IS SAFE ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMERS WITH The FGUA’s MacDill AFB Water System routinely monitors The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled SPECIAL HEALTH CONCERNS for contaminants in your drinking water according to Federal water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants and State laws, rules, and regulations. Except where springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the in drinking water than the general population. Immuno- indicated otherwise, this report is based on the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1 to December 31, land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring compromised persons such as persons with cancer minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have 2018. Data obtained before January 1, 2018, and presented in this report are from the most recent testing pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or or from human activity. other immune system disorders, some elderly, and done in accordance with the laws, rules, and regulations. infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These Contaminants that may be present in source water include: As authorized and approved by the EPA, the State has people should seek advice about drinking water from (A) Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, reduced monitoring requirements for certain contaminants to their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE (AFB) which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by less often than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants are not expected to vary significantly systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. Cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants PWS ID# 6296193 are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline from one year to another. As a result some of our data may (B) Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals, which 2018 ANNUAL DRINKING WATER be more than one year old. (1-800-426-4791). can be naturally - occurring or result from urban stormwater QUALITY REPORT runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. HOW TO READ THE TABLE HOW TO REACH US We are pleased to present to you this year's Annual Water (C) Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a In the table below, you may find unfamiliar terms and If you have any questions about this report or concerning Quality Report. This report is designed to inform you about variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater abbreviations. To help you better understand these terms your water utility, please contact the FGUA’s MacDill AFB the quality water and services we deliver to you every day. runoff, and residential uses. we've provided the following definitions: Utility Operations Center at (813) 828-3984 or visit our web We are committed to ensuring the quality of your water. If Action level (AL) – the concentration of a contaminant which, if (D) Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and site at http://www.fgua.com. The FGUA office at MacDill you have any questions or concerns about the information exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of AFB is open from 7:30 AM until 4:00 PM, Monday through provided in this report, please feel free to contact us. system must follow. industrial processes and petroleum production, and can Friday. also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and Maximum contaminant level or MCL – the highest level of a The FGUA encourages its customers to become involved in septic systems. WHERE YOUR WATER COMES FROM contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as decisions that may affect the quality of their drinking water. close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment The David L. Tippin Water Treatment Facility (DLTWTF) (E) Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally Customers interested in becoming involved may attend technology. occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and regularly scheduled meetings of the FGUA Board of produces the City of Tampa’s drinking water and is the sole source of drinking water for MacDill AFB. The Maximum contaminant level goal or MCLG – the level of a mining activities. Directors. These meetings are advertised in your local contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or newspaper and also on the FGUA’s web site. primary source of water for the DLTWTF is the To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes Hillsborough River with treatment by: coagulation, expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety. regulations, which limit the amount of certain contaminants flocculation, sedimentation, ozonation, pH adjustment, Maximum residual disinfectant level or MRDL – the highest in water provided by public water systems. The Food and SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT PLAN filtration, disinfection, and fluoridation. The City also level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for In 2018, the Florida Department of Environmental purchases water from Tampa Bay Water (TBW) that is evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants. contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same Protection (FDEP) performed a Source Water Assessment produced from groundwater, surface water, and protection for public health. for the City of Tampa Water Department. The assessment desalinated seawater supplies. Maximum residual disinfectant level goal or MRDLG – the level Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be results are available on the FDEP Source Water of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or The FGUA uses sodium hypochlorite and ammonium expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the expected to contain at least small amounts of some Assessment and Protection Program website at sulfate to form the chloramine compounds that use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants. contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not www.dep.state.fl.us/swapp. supplement the disinfectant provided by the City of necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. ppm – parts per million or milligrams per liter is one part by weight Tampa and required by state and federal regulation. We More information about contaminants and potential health of analyte to one million parts by weight of the water sample. also use a corrosion control inhibitor to reduce the effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental leaching of lead and copper from water pipes and ppb – parts per billion or micrograms per liter is one part by weight Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at of analyte to one billion parts by weight of the water sample. plumbing fixtures. 1-800-426-4791.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, June 27, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 7 MacDill, Tampa Bay fire-up DOD Warrior Games story and photos by Airman 1st Class Ryan C. Grossklag 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Over 300 athletes from the U.S. as well as Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom’s armed forces, have flocked to MacDill Air Force Base to compete in the Department of Defense Warrior Games, which began Friday. The DOD Warrior Games, sponsored by United States Special Op- erations Command, were established in 2010 to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, ill and injured service members and introduce them to adaptive sports. Competitors include active-duty service members and veterans with upper-body, lower-body, and spinal cord injuries; traumatic brain injuries; visual impairment; serious ill- nesses; and post-traumatic stress. “Anyone who comes out to witness the games will see that these athletes are not defined by their injuries,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Lauren Montoya, an athlete representing the SOCOM team. Montoya was a member of the Army Cultural Support Team as- signed to a Special Forces unit in Afghanistan beginning November 2013. While on task, the truck Montoya operated as a gunner rolled over a roadside bomb and she became pinned by the equipment on board. Montoya sustained a crushed heel bone, as well as muscle and nerve damage to her foot and lower leg, requiring nine surgeries over the course of a year in attempt to salvage her limb.After fighting the U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Joseph A. Pate, a wounded warrior athlete, prac- option for so long, Montoya had no choice but to opt for amputation. tices archery at MacDill Air Force Base June 18. Many wounded warriors trained Montoya shows gratitude to represent those who’ve been less fortu- at MacDill ahead of the 2019 Department of Defense Warrior Games, June 21-30, nate than herself, and sees the Warrior Games as a way to channel her in Tampa Bay. emotions. “It’s a very personal thing to get out and put 110 percent into what- ever I’m doing,” said Montoya. “I try to make sure I’m honoring others sacrifices through my actions.” Warrior Games provides the athletes an avenue to compete and bond with other service members from around the world. First time com- petitor U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Russell Ruth has spent this week being inspired by all the success stories from fellow competitors and looks forward to the high rate of competition. “We’re out here to compete and win, but also to support each other no matter the branch,” said Ruth. “We have an opportunity to heal and be with like-minded people who’ve been through similar situations.” Ruth, who joined the SOCOM team as a late active duty addition, finds himself in the games after being shot in the chest in March of this year during an attempted robbery of a restaurant, suffering a col- lapsed lung. “You meet some of the most interesting people here and staying in touch opens the doors to be able to give back to others,” said Ruth. “Observers will see that we are wounded veterans, but we’re capable of anything.” Montoya and Ruth’s stories are just a small fraction of those that can be told and displayed by the over 300 competitors representing their nations in this years Warrior Games. The events kicked off Friday, with the official opening ceremony taking place at Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa Saturday. The games conclude with closing ceremonies Sunday. Competitions are free to the public and all are encouraged to attend and cheer on the athlete.The U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Russell Ruth, a wounded warrior athlete, practices a discus thr schedule of events can be found at www.dodwarriorgames.com. Force Base June 20. In preparation for the Department of Defense Warrior Games, Ruth trained at MacDill the week of June 17 for shotput, discus and the 100 meter run.

8 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, June 27, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Canadian Armed Forces Warrant Officer Damien Pittman and Master Warrant Officer John O’Neill, wounded warrior athletes, practice sitting volleyball at MacDill Air Force Base June 19. Pittman and O’Neill ventured from their home nation to participate in the Department of Defense Warrior games taking place June 21-30.

f Sgt. Russell Ruth, a wounded warrior athlete, practices a discus throw at MacDill Air U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Lauren Montoya, a wounded warrior athlete, runs at MacDill Air Force Base June 20. Montoya is a track and field arrior Games, Ruth trained at athlete representing the United States Special Operations Command team at the Department of Defense Warrior Games taking place June 21-30 in Tampa.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, June 27, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 9 The 6th Contracting Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base will host a Pitch Day event in order to obtain innovative solutions or potential new capabilities that fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, or provide potential technology advancements.

Here is how MacDill Pitch Day works: 2. Select companies with an invite will pitch their solutions to Mac- Dill AFB. Companies whose solutions are selected will sign a contract 1. Refer to FedBizOps for the Commercial Solutions Opening and and receive an initial payment at the Pitch Day event via a Govern- more info. Companies must submit a white paper and a pitch deck for ment Purchase Card. Immediately following the Pitch Day event, we evaluation via email. Refer to FedBizOps for more info. A government will begin partnering with companies to deliver their solutions. evaluation team will evaluate the proposals and invite companies to For more information contact Mr. Jace Anders at [email protected]. Pitch Day in Tampa. mil

10 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, June 27, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Friday, June 21 Tuesday, June 25 Friday, June 28 Golf Prelim, Eagles Golf Course Archery Finals, Tampa Convention Center Shooting Finals, Tampa Convention Center 8:00 a.m. –4:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. –2:00 p.m. Indoor Rowing, Tampa Convention Center Wheelchair Rugby Finals, Tampa Convention Center Saturday, June 22 2:00 p.m. –8:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m. Track, University of South Florida Wheelchair Basketball Prelim, Tampa Convention Center Wheelchair Basketball Finals, Tampa Convention Center 8:00 a.m. –4:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. –8:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. –8:00 p.m. Golf Finals, Eagles Golf Course 8:00 a.m. –4:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 26 Saturday, June 29 Mountain Bike Demonstration, Alafia State Park Cycling Road Race, MacDill Air Force Base Swimming, Long Aquatic Center 8:00 a.m. –4:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. –6:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. –5:00 p.m. Opening Ceremony, Amalie Arena Wheelchair Rugby Prelim, Tampa Convention Center 7:00 p.m. –9:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m. Sunday, June 30 Sitting Volleyball Prelim, Tampa Convention Center Wheelchair Volleyball Finals, YuenglingCenter Sunday, June 23 3:00 p.m. –8:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. –4:00 p.m. Field, University of South Florida Closing Ceremonies, Amalie Arena 8:00 a.m. –6:00 p.m. Thursday, June 27 7:00 p.m. –9:00 p.m. Wheelchair Tennis, University of South Florida Shooting Prelim, Tampa Convention Center 8:00 a.m. –4:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. –2:00 p.m. Cycling Time Trial, Bayshore Boulevard Wheelchair Rugby Prelim, Tampa Convention Center 8:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m. Sitting Volleyball Prelim, Tampa Convention Center Monday, June 24 3:00 p.m. –8:00 p.m. Archery Prelim, Tampa Convention Center 8:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m. Powerlifting, Tampa Convention Center 2:00 p.m. –8:00 p.m. Wheelchair Basketball Prelim, Tampa Convention Center 3:00 p.m. –8:00 p.m.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, June 27, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 11 KEY SPOUSES From Page 6 here have done an amazing job with the [Fairchild Edu- cational Excellence Team] to work with the school systems in the surrounding area to pave the way toward easing the stressors of changing schools, transferring credits and maintaining a high grade point average.” FEET was established by the Team Fairchild Airman and Family Readiness Center school liaison officer and spouse leadership to build relationships with off-base school districts to ease the pressure off the PCS process. “FEET has proven to be influential in school districts throughout Spokane County,” said Steve McMul- len, 92nd Force Support Squadron A&FRC school-liaison officer. “To date, it has engaged with Cheney and Medical Lake School Districts, Spokane Public Schools, briefed more than 180 people and has been instrumen- tal in policy changes that have, and will continue, to have lasting effects on military families.” Another hurdle for military families during a PCS is lack of license reciprocity, a state-to-state agreement for professional certifications in one state to be honored by another. Many spouses have careers that require a state-specific license, and if they are tasked to move to a new state, it can take months and cost hundreds of Photo by Airman 1st Class Whitney Laine dollars to become re-certified. “License reciprocity is being addressed Department (From right to left) Kelly Barrett, 18th Air Force commander spouse; Kris Salmi, 92nd Air Re- of Defense-wide with the National Governor’s Associa- fueling Wing commander spouse; and Mary Heathman, 92nd ARW vice commander spouse, tion in efforts to make the process more streamlined for visit with a Child Development Center class at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, May spouses moving state-to-state,” Barrett said. 21. Barrett toured the CDC and other family quality-of-life providers throughout her visit. The Air Force recently launched new spouse re-licen- sure reimbursement program, which provides financial relief up to $500 to spouses who must obtain state occupational re-licensures or re-certifications during a permanent change of station or assignment across state lines. “This is a great opportunity,” Barrett said. “Our senior leadership’s efforts will impact dual-income families going forward to mitigate wasting time, pro- ductivity and income in the process of gaining license approval.” Balance in this lifestyle isn’t easy. It is so important for each level, from leadership to spouses, to continue to support each other in day-to-day life as we do on squadron deployments, Barrett added. While the Air Force recruits Airmen, it retains families. A main goal is to provide them with an effective support structure such as the A&FRC, quality family housing, child care and youth centers, and access to first-rate health care. Airmen and spouses can find more information about employment programs at www.afpc.af.mil/Benefits- and-Entitlements/Employment-Resources/. General information about career and education pro-

grams for spouses is available from an installation’s Photo by Airman 1st Class Whitney Laine A&FRC and the Department of Labor website at https:// Kelly Barrett (third from left), 18th Air Force commander spouse, and Trish Simpson (far www.veterans.gov/milspouses, and the Department of right), 18th AF command chief spouse, pose for a photo with Team Fairchild key spouses at Defense Spouse Education and Career Opportunities Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, May 21. Barrett and Simpson visited Fairchild to gain Program at https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil. insight about Team Fairchild Key Spouse efforts that aid Airmen’s families.

12 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, June 27, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT GAMES From Page 5 out after a faux news video claimed the torch for the games had been stolen. The torch was carried by multiple athletes and passed around the arena before finally being used by USSOCOM Commander Army Gen. Richard Clarke, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and WWE wrestler Titus O’Neill to light the cauldron. Gen. Clarke and Mayor Castor spoke to the crowd along with Mr. Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO of the Fisher House Foundation and U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor. All spoke about the unbreakable spirit of the athletes and their families and how they are proof life continues after becoming wounded, ill or injured which inspires many. The show ended with a concert from country music star Hunter Hayes. It is Jon Stewart’s fourth year participating in the War- rior Games and when asked why he makes the time to participate, he was quick to answer. “I keep coming back to the games for these athletes,” he said. “They don’t give up, so I’m not going to give up on them.” The athletes are fiercely competitive and train throughout the year to prepare, but the games are about so much more than just the medals earned. Through adaptive sports and reconditioning activities, service members get help with healing in a multitude of ways throughout their recovery and reintegration process: mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. “Being part of the Warrior Games is both rewarding and inspiring,” said U.S. Army Spec. Christopher Dalton Mask, Army golf team member. “It’s motivating to still feel part of something bigger.” Teams representing the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy, U.S. Special Operations Command, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Netherlands and Denmark are competing in archery, cycling, golf, indoor rowing, powerlifting, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis, track and field through Jun. 30. The Paralympic-style sports competition will be held throughout the Tampa Bay area, including AMALIE Arena, the Tampa Convention Center, Clearwa- ter’s Long Aquatic Center and the University of South Flor- ida. The Warrior Games will conclude June 30 with the closing ceremony back at AMALIE Arena. For more information go to www.dodwarriorgames.com.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, June 27, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 13 U.S. Army Maj. Gen. James B. Linder, United States Special Operations Command chief of staff, greets U.S. Air Force Gen. Stephen W. Wilson, vice chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, at MacDill Air Force Base Saturday. Wilson arrived at MacDill to attend the Department of Defense Warrior Games going on now through Sunday. For a complete schedule of the games, visit www.dodwarriorgames.com.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Ryan C. Grossklag

14 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, June 27, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT COMMUNITY EVENTS Saturday-Sunday Base pool open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. for recreational swim

Sunday Base Theater Free movie: “RV” (PG). Doors open at 1:15 p.m. Movie starts at 2 p.m. Overflow parking available in the SOCOM parking garage.

Tuesday, Wednesday & Fri- day Base pool open 6-8 a.m. & 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. for lap fitness swim. 2-6 p.m. for recreational swim.

Wednesday Base Theater Free movie: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (G). Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Movie starts at Give me your best shot! Photo by Tom Gagnier 11 a.m. Tampa Bay Buccaneer, Matt Gay squares off with a 6th Security Forces Squadron service member in a padded suit during a demonstration of security force capabilities at U.S. Central Command (USCENT- Thursday COM) headquarters, June 11. Buccaneer rookies visited the headquarters for a meet-and-greet with staff Base pool open members and to learn about USCENTCOM’s mission. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. for recreational swim CHAPEL SCHEDULE Now – Aug. 31 Kids bowl free program Protestant service Catholic Mass 1-6 p.m. Bowl two free games Sunday - 11 a.m. - combined worship Saturday - 5:30 p.m. - Mass 6 p.m. Thrive (contemporary worship) every day. Register at www.kids- Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - Mass bowlfree.com. Subject to lane Monday-Thursday - 12:10 p.m. availability. For more information Islamic service (Blessed Sacrament Room) call 828-4005 Friday - 1:30 p.m. Prayer

Mark your calendar For all other faith groups or for any questions, please contact the Chapel by visiting http://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel or calling 828-3621 u July 6 - UFC Fight Night #239 u July 8 – MacDill Council for Ed- ucational Excellence meeting u July 12 – Membership breakfast u July 12 – Red, White & Blue 5k Fun Run u July 12 – Glow-A- Rama: Family Fun Night

www.macdillfss.com

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

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, June 27, 2019 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 15 16 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, June 27, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT