=VS5V Thursday, September 6, 2018

(K]HUJLK[YHPUPUNMVYIVVTLYZJHYNVJYL^Z WHNL 1HZV)HDWXUHVSDJH &DUU\LQJWKH+RQRU)ODJ

1HZV)HDWXUHVSDJH &$70DLPVKLJK

1HZV)HDWXUHVSDJH 6WURQJDVLURQ

1HZV)HDWXUHVSDJH )DOOHQKHURKRQRUHG

7OV[VI`:LUPVY(PYTHU(KHT9:OHURZ <:(PY-VYJL(PYTHUZ[*SHZZ4LNOHU:`S]PHH2*,_[LUKLYIVVTVWLYH[VYMYVT[OLUK(PY9LM\LSPUN:X\HKYVU &RPPXQLW\SDJH 1VPU[)HZL4J.\PYL+P_3HRLO\YZ[5L^1LYZL`\ZLZ[OL*HYNV3VHK;YHPULYH[;YH]PZ(PY-VYJL)HZL*HSPM(\N;OL (YHQWV&KDSHOPRUH *3;OLSWZ2*,_[LUKLYIVVTVWLYH[VYZILJVTLWYVMPJPLU[H[SVHKPUNJHYNV)VVTVWLYH[VYZZLY]LHK\LSYVSLHZ[OL` M\UJ[PVUHZSVHKTHZ[LYZVU[OL2*,_[LUKLYHZ^LSS NEWS/FEATURES -YVTZLH[VZOPUPUNZLH/VUVY-SHNMSPLZOPNO I`(PYTHUZ[*SHZZ9`HU*.YVZZRSHN UI"JS.PCJMJUZ8JOH1VCMJD"GGBJST

When former U.S. Army Sgt. Chris Heisler was gifted the Honor Flag by the Texas House of Rep- resentatives following the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center buildings in New York, he had not quite realized the adventure that await- ed him. Seven million miles and still traveling, this American flag’s journey spans land, sea, and space. It tells the story of patriotism, leads the way with pride, and honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice. “Putting my time in was something I just be- came accustomed to as a way to show respect for the uniformed personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Heisler. The Honor Flag’s story began when Heisler traveled to New York to attend funeral services and memorials for the first responders lost in the 9/11 attacks. Heisler’s original intention was to present the flag to the widow of a police officer during his funeral service, thus ending the Hon- or Flag’s journey. “Upon handing the widow the flag, she re- quested that I hold onto the Honor Flag and cherish it for what it meant and what it repre- *V\Y[LZ`WOV[V sented,” said Heisler. -VYTLY<:(YT`:N[*OYPZ/LPZSLYWYLZPKLU[HUKJOPLML_LJ\[P]LVMMPJLYVM;OL/VUVY5L[^VYR Heisler stated that he has personally traveled ^OPJOHKTPUPZ[LYZYLX\LZ[ZMVY\ZLVM[OL/VUVY-SHNWVZLZMVYHWVY[YHP[^P[OHZLY]PJLKVN with the flag for most of its’ journey, with the ex- /LPZSLYYLJLP]LK[OL/VUVY-SHNMYVT[OL;L_HZ/V\ZLVM9LWYLZLU[H[P]LZMVSSV^PUN[OL H[ ception of the flag’s presence on Space Shuttle At- [HJRZHUK[YH]LSLK[V5L^@VYR[VWYLZLU[[OLMSHNH[TLTVYPHSZLY]PJLZMVYMHSSLUMPYZ[YLZWVUKLYZ See FLAG, Page 14

-VYPUMVYTH[PVUHIV\[IHZLVWLYH[PVUZK\YPUNLTLYNLUJPLZVYUH[\YHSKPZHZ[LYZJHSS[OL:[YHPNO[;HSR3PULH[  

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE 4HJ+PSSVU[OL^LI 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

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·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´$VVRFLDWHG3UHVV6W\OHERRN DUHQRWQHFHVVDULO\WKHRIILFLDOYLHZVRIRUHQGRUVHGE\WKH SK\VLFDOKDQGLFDSSROLWLFDODIILOLDWLRQRUDQ\RWKHUQRQPHULW DQG/LEHO0DQXDOµDQG$LU)RUFH,QVWUXFWLRQ

2 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, September 6, 2018 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT NEWS/FEATURES [O:-:JVTIH[HYTZ[YHPULYZHPTMVYL_JLSSLUJL I`5PJR:[\IIZ 7KXQGHUEROWFEJUPS

The pop, pop of rounds from rifles and handguns echoes across Marina Bay Drive, over the fairways of the base golf course to the east, and south to the sands of the MacDill beach. The source of all the commotion is the 6th Security Forces small arms firing range, which is set off the west side of Marina Bay and backed by a massive sand embankment that stops bullets from flying into nearby Tampa Bay. This is where Team MacDill shoots. It’s also where a dedi- cated team of SFS members store and maintain small arms, train and qualify Airmen and others on the service rifle and pistol, along with nu- merous other firearms-related duties. With the exception of security forces, slinging rifles and strapping pis- tols isn’t something one generally thinks of when it comes to Airmen, but that doesn’t mean Airmen are not called upon to shoulder M4s or strap on M9s in combat zones or force-protection scenarios. Some may not realize it, said Tech. Sgt. Nicole Olgivie, NCOIC of the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance facility, but virtually every Air- man—from attorneys in the legal office to cooks in the dining facility—is required to learn to use and care for the two primary service weapons. It’s all about readiness. A new AFI imposed this year means Group B Airmen must repeat small arms qualification training every 36 months. The policy will keep 7OV[VI`5PJR:[\IIZ the shooting skills of Airmen a lot sharper than in the past, said Tech. ;LJO:N[9HUKHSS7LYY`SLM[HUK:[HMM:N[(UKYLRH4VVK`JVTIH[ Sgt. Randall Perry, a combat arms instructor. HYTZPUZ[Y\J[VYZJSLHYHU4YPMSLH[[OL*VTIH[(YTZ;YHPUPUNHUK 4HPU[LUHUJL*(;4MHJPSP[`H[4HJ+PSS(PY-VYJL)HZL;OL*(;4JVU See COMBAT ARMS, Page 4 K\J[ZMPYLHYTZ[YHPUPUNHUKTHPU[HPUZ[OLZOVV[PUNYHUNLHUKHYTVY`

(PYTLU:VSKPLYZZ[YLUN[OLUQVPU[ZRPSSZPU,_LYJPZL7YLKPJ[HISL0YVU I`:LUPVY(PYTHU;Y`WOLUH4H`O\NO OE"JSMJGU8JOH1VCMJD"GGBJST

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. (AFNS) — Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing participated in a joint exercise with the 82nd Airborne Division to drop equipment and personnel at two drop zones during Exer- cise Predictable Iron Aug. 20 to 24 at Pope Field, North Carolina. Airmen from the 7th and 8th Airlift Squadrons crewed two C-17 Globe- master IIIs to assist more than a thousand Army paratroopers in the exer- cise as joint training between the 62nd AW and 82nd Airborne. “It is crucial that the Air Force and Army work well together because without each other the mission fails,” said Capt. Jared Barkemeyer, 7th AS pilot and aircraft commander for one of the C-17s. “Without the reliable transport the Air Force provides, the Army could not execute their objec- tives in a timely manner via airdrop. “The airdrop insertion at a mass scale is something no other nation in the world can provide,” he continued. “But, without the Army, the Air Force would strictly serve an air-land mission and, as a service, we would become 7OV[VI`:LUPVY(PYTHU;Y`WOLUH4H`O\NO less flexible to user requests.” (U UK(PYIVYUL+P]PZPVUWHYH[YVVWLY^HP[Z[VQ\TWV\[VMH*.SVIL The Airmen worked alongside Soldiers to load equipment onto the air- THZ[LY 000 MYVT 4J*OVYK -PLSK >HZO K\YPUN ,_LYJPZL 7YLKPJ[HISL 0YVU craft, as well as with jumpmasters and paratroopers to help them maintain ULHY7VWL-PLSK5*(\N(PYTLUMYVT[OLUK(PYSPM[>PUN^VYRLK their readiness requirements for airborne missions. ^P[O[OLWHYH[YVVWLYZK\YPUN[OLL_LYJPZL[VOLSW[OLTTHPU[HPU[OLPYHPY See IRON, Page 6 IVYULYLHKPULZZYLX\PYLTLU[Z

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, September 6, 2018 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 3 *64)(;(94: -YVT7HNL “I’ve had (in past training sessions) a couple of senior master sergeants who’ve been in (the Air Force) 20 years and they hadn’t fired since basic,” said Perry. “That’s fixed (with the new requirement).” It increases the workload on instructors, but Olgivie said the upside is better prepared Airmen. “I’m happy about that — more than the just-in-time training,” said Olgivie of the new requirement. “It’s help- ing them to become more proficient.” The combat arms team has many responsibilities that go beyond qualifying Airmen, and they include qualifying other service members, including those attached to U.S. Central Command at MacDill. Regular maintenance of weapons stored in the armory and used by units on base, gauging weapons to ensure they are in spec, managing am- mo programs, in addition to maintaining the range, dispos- ing of spent brass, dust collection and dealing with hazard- ous materials are just some of the crew’s responsibilities. Since other branches, including outside law enforce- ment agencies use the firing range, the team also has a range officer training program to ensure those leading firing at the range are certified and approved to use the range. On top of it all, the combat arms team members are security forces members, who have to pull gate and other law enforcement duties when needed. “Combat arms is essential (so) we always make it work—nights, weekends, whatever it takes,” said Olgivie. One of the upcoming challenges combat arms personnel will be undertaking is integration of the new U.S. service pistol, a military version of the 9 mm Sig Sauer 320, which will replace the Berreta M9 adopted in 1985. The military Sig will carry the M17 designation in its full-size version, and M18 in its compact version. Perry said it isn’t known when the new pistols will ar- 7OV[VI`5PJR:[\IIZ rive at MacDill, but when they do, a program of training will commence to ensure a smooth transition. ;LJO:N[5PJVSL6SNP]PL5*60*VM*VTIH[(YTZHUK:[HMM:N[(UKYLRH4VVK`HJVT “It’s something that will be done gradually and phased IH[HYTZPUZ[Y\J[VYPUZWLJ[HU4THJOPULN\U[OH[^HZYLJLU[S`YLWHPYLK in,” he said. Like every endeavor undertaken by the combat arms team, the aim will be to ensure Airmen and other shooters achieve the proficiency they need to maintain combat ef- fectiveness and contribute to mission success.

:[HMM:N[(UKYLRH4VVK`HJVTIH[HYTZPUZ[Y\J[VY^P[O [OL[O:LJ\YP[`-VYJLZ:X\HKYVU[HRLZHPTVU[OLMPYPUN SPULH[[OL*VTIH[(YTZ;YHPUPUNHUK4HPU[LUHUJLMHJPSP[` H[ 4HJ+PSS (PY -VYJL )HZL ;OL YHUNL PZ \ZLK I` ]HYPV\Z \UP[ZPUHKKP[PVU[V[OL[O(PY4VIPSP[`>PUNPUJS\KPUNVMM IHZLSH^LUMVYJLTLU[

7OV[VI`5PJR:[\IIZ

4 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, September 6, 2018 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT NEWS/FEATURES 4HZ[LY:N[1VOU*OHWTHUOVUVYLKH[(PY-VYJL4LTVYPHS I`:[HMM:N[(S`ZZH*.PIZVU 4FDSFUBSZPGUIF"JS'PSDF1VCMJD"GGBJST

WASHINGTON (AFNS) — Family has been known to show up for each other during times of both joy and sorrow. So when the Air Force’s most recent Medal of Honor recipient was honored at the Air Force Me- morial, there was no question that his loved ones, his Air Force Special Operations family and the Airmen who call him “hero” would test the venue’s maximum capacity limit. Air Force leaders, and the family of fallen combat controller Master Sgt. John Chapman, unveiled his name on the memorial’s Medal of Honor recipient wall during a ceremony Aug. 24 in Arlington, Virginia. “It’s been a long time since we’ve gathered together like this – not to mourn a loss, but to celebrate a life – and to celebrate the proud legacy of our special operators,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Gold- fein. “Today, we’re all air commandos…because this is an Air Force mo- ment – a time to bring together those from our past, our present and our future.” This event was the last of three initial ceremonies held in Chapman’s honor. 7OV[VI`:[HMM:N[*OHK;Y\QPSSV According to Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright, defin- :LJYL[HY`VM[OL(PY-VYJL/LH[OLY>PSZVUZWLHRZH[4HZ[LY:N[1VOU ing moments in one’s life can be described as meaningful experiences that *OHWTHU»ZUHTL\U]LPSPUNJLYLTVU`H[[OL(PY-VYJL4LTVYPHSPU(Y stand out in memory, and they provide a connection to those who experi- SPUN[VU=H(\N*OHWTHU^HZWVZ[O\TV\ZS`H^HYKLK[OL4LKHS ence them together. VM/VUVYMVYHJ[PVUZVU;HR\Y.OHY4V\U[HPUPU(MNOHUPZ[HU4HYJO See MEDAL, Page 12 

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, September 6, 2018 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 5 0965 -YVT7HNL “Every jump I’ve been on the Air Force has been extremely helpful, ac- 62nd AW maintenance support that kept the aircraft mission ready all commodating and willing to work with us,” said Maj. Brian Plover, 173 week.” Cavalry Scout, 2nd Brigade operations officer. “I have had no issues at all During one of the personnel airdrops, the Army also practiced dropping with the Air Force in my time jumping or as a jumpmaster.” the caster assisted A-series Delivery System, which is a new method to A benefit of the joint exercise was determining where there may be short- drop door bundles, a container of equipment pushed out the doors of an falls and strengthening those areas to become more efficient or effective. aircraft. “It’s important that the Air Force participate in these events to ensure that “It’s pretty much a door bundle on wheels,” Plover said. “It’s a new thing, we are ready to do what our nation expects of us, which is to insert the 82nd every jump we push out a CAADS. It holds supplies that are needed imme- Airborne anywhere in the world within a short time frame,” Barkemeyer diately, such as water, food or ammo.” said. “Also, during these events we identify shortcomings between the two While the exercise provided the Airmen with the opportunity to work services and eliminate them in order to strengthen our joint-force initiative.” alongside Soldiers, it also provided a chance for Air Force crews from other Over the course of three days, Airmen and Soldiers dropped 40 tons of squadrons to work together. equipment, such as armored vehicles and re-supply containers, as well as “I thoroughly enjoyed participating in this exercise all week,” Barke- 1,005 paratroopers. meyer said. “Working with my crew from the 7th AS, as well as the crew “Working with the Army was great,” Barkemeyer said. “Inserting hun- from the 8th AS, was awesome. We worked really well as one unit and had dreds of jumpers into an objective area tests the crew’s abilities, as well as fun doing it.” strengthens our habit patterns. The 82nd jumpers are some of the toughest Exercise Predictable Iron provided the opportunity for the Air Force and service members around and being able to airdrop them is an honor. Army to strengthen their skill sets together and work toward a common “The exercise was a total joint success,” he continued. “The Army users goal. Exercises such as this one help accomplish the Defense Department’s received all the training they needed as scheduled, and the 62nd AW pro- enduring mission to provide combat-credible military forces needed to de- vided every lift on time thanks to the aircrews as well as the outstanding ter war and protect the nation’s security.

)LZ\YL[V]PZP[[OLVMMPJPHS[O(PY4VIPSP[`>PUN^LIZP[LH[^^^THJKPSSHMTPS

6 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, September 6, 2018 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, September 6, 2018 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 7 <:(PY-VYJL(PYTHUZ[*SHZZ4HYR4VVYLH2*,_[LUKLYIVVTVWLYH[VYMYVT[OLUK(PY9LM\LSPUN:X\HKYVU1VPU[)HZL4J.\PYL+P_ 2* ,_[LUKLY IVVT VWLYH[VYZ MYVT 1VPU[ )HZL 4J <:(PY-VYJL:[HMM:N[+LYYLSS=HUUH2*,_[LUKLYIVVTVWLYH[VYPUZ[Y\J[VY^P[O[OL[O6W 3HRLO\YZ[5L^1LYZL`\ZLZ[OL*HYNV3VHK;YHPULYH[;YH]PZ(PY-VYJL)HZL*HSPM(\N;OL*3;OLSWZ2*,_[LUKLYIVVTVWLYH[VYZ .\PYL+P_3HRLO\YZ[ 5L^ 1LYZL` \ZL [OL *HYNV 3VHK LYH[PVU:\WWVY[:X\HKYVU^LHYZ[OYLLKPTLUZPVUHSNSHZZLZK\YPUNOPZZPT\SH[VY[YHPUPUNH[;YH]PZ ILJVTLWYVMPJPLU[H[SVHKPUNJHYNV)VVTVWLYH[VYZZLY]LHK\LSOH[[LKYVSLHZ[OL`M\UJ[PVUHZSVHKTHZ[LYZVU[OL2*,_[LUKLYHZ^LSS ;YHPULYH[;YH]PZ(PY-VYJL)HZL*HSPM(\N;OL*3; (PY-VYJL)HZL*HSPM(\N OLSWZ2*,_[LUKLYIVVTVWLYH[VYZILJVTLWYVMP JPLU[H[SVHKPUNJHYNV

“The whole environment is much more realistic,” said Tabor. “That transition from simulator to boom operators that the training is better than what we used in the past.” aircraft is much more believable visually than it was in the past.” Another training upgrade that is now better from what was used in the past is the new cargo load (K]HUJLK[YHPUPUNWYLWHYLZIVVTVWLYH[VYZ This is a welcomed upgrade since the simulator hosts many students throughout the year. trainer. The CLT is a life-size model that allows boom operators to become proficient at loading car- “We train all active duty and reserve Airmen here at Travis and other locations, we also train for- go. This is extremely important because boom operators are duel-hatted and serve as loadmasters Z[VY`HUKWOV[VZI`3V\PZ)YPZJLZL eign students from Italy and the Netherlands who have air-refueling capabilities,” said Tabor. “We on the KC-10. Ricky Jackson, aerial port lead for Pinnacle Solutions oversees the training. UI"JS.PCJMJUZ8JOH train over 600 students each year.” “It’s a mock KC-10 Extender aircraft from the cockpit door back which was built from the ground TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, CALIF. — Within the past year, KC-10 Extender boom operators Training courses include the initial qualification course, an instructor upgrade course and a up,” said Jackson “The Air Force did an amazing job purchasing everything we needed to make the have been receiving cutting-edge, three-dimensional simulator training and life-size cargo load requalification course. Every boom operator is required to complete the two-day refresher course training as realistic as possible.” training that are benefitting the career field around the world. The training is a welcomed site since every quarter once certified. The most demanding and time-consuming course is the initial training Although training has only been in place less than a year, course instructors have already built KC-10s, aircrews and maintainers have continuously deployed since Operations Desert Shield and course. a variety of courses. There’s an initial qualification course, a requalification course and a refresher Desert Storm. “The initial qualification course is a 38-day intense scenario-based simulator training,” said Ta- training course. And because this is the only CLT in AMC, the trainer is getting a lot of use. Travis Air Force Base, California, was the first base in Air Mobility Command to receive the up- bor. “Students must pass the course, then pass the Air Force administered evaluation in the simula- “We built this CLT for boom operators so they could experience different types of load configura- graded 3D simulator and is the only base in AMC with the new state-of-the-art cargo load trainer. tor before they can start refueling in the aircraft.” tions,” said Jackson. “The 21-day initial qualification course allows students from all over to experi- The Boom Operator Trainer, referred to as BOT, has been upgraded with an advanced Visual Sys- So far, the upgrade is seen as a success among those boom operators who have trained under both ence scenarios they’ll potentially see on the aircraft.” tem Replacement. The new BOT-VST provides greater capabilities than the old one, said Rob Tabor, systems. Staff Sgt. Derrell Vann, 60th Operations Support Squadron KC-10 Extender boom operator For one student, the training has been valuable as a new boom operator in the Air Force. Airman KC-10 Extender boom operator instructor and contractor with FlightSafety International. instructor, appreciates what the new upgrade brings to the table. 1st Class Meghan Sylvia, 32nd Air Refueling Squadron KC-10 Extender boom operator, Joint Base “The new system has the ability now to produce a three-dimensional visual image; we’ve gone “I like the new system compared to the old one,” said Vann. “The visuals give you a more realistic McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, said she’s more prepared now having used the CLT. from a flat rear projection display to a culminated 4K display,” said Tabor. “Instead of projecting an view of what it actually feels like refueling aircraft.” “This is my third temporary duty to Travis training on the CLT, we don’t have one at Joint Base image onto a flat screen, we’re now projecting the image onto an 11 foot mirror.” Vann is responsible for training other boom operators at Travis and has received mostly positive McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst,” said Sylvia. “Having a full-scale CLT is very advantageous. The training The upgraded image now provides boom operators a sense of depth they could previously only feedback from those who have used the new system. provides us a foundation on how to properly load equipment before going out and doing the real experience in an aircraft. “The upgrades are definitely worth it,” said Vann. “I’ve gotten a lot of good feedback from other thing.”

8 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, September 6, 2018 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, September 6, 2018 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 9 10 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, September 6, 2018 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, September 6, 2018 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 11 4,+(3 -YVT7HNL “This week has been a series of defining moments for all of us,” Wright said. “This is a historic week as an Air Force, and for the special operations community, as we celebrate the life and heroism of John Chapman. It’s our sacred duty to honor all Airmen for their sacrifices, but none more im- portant today than John.” Over the last 25 years, the special tactics community has received the majority of the Air Force’s valor awards, receiving 11 Air Force Crosses, 78 Silver Stars, 652 Bronze Stars – 360 with valor, and 132 Purple Hearts. “You may very well be quiet professionals, but your gallantry and your bravery does not fall upon deaf ears,” Wright said. Chapman is the first special tactics Airman to receive the Medal of Honor, earned for his actions on Takur Ghar Mountain in Afghanistan March 4, 2002. Upon receiving the medal, Chapman was posthumously promoted to the rank of master sergeant. “The United States Air Force, Air Force Special Oper- ations community, and in particular, combat controllers, will long remember John’s life of selflessness, relentless drive and above all, his courage,” said “Father of Special Ops” retired Col. John “Coach” Carney. “Young Airmen of the future will learn of John’s saga and benefit greatly from his story. His display of courage will continue to in- spire future members of our special operations forces, and he will not be forgotten.” Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson shared that when Chapman’s widow, Valerie, received news of his death, she grew even closer to the Air Force family, and ex- plained how she continues to take care of Gold Star fami- lies today. “Valerie has become a first responder of sorts for other families when terrible news comes,” Wilson said as she introduced Valerie to the packed audience. “Whenever she gets the call, she is there.” For Valerie, it’s an honor. “I am thankful for these heroes who serve and pro- tect our country, and I’m humbled my husband was one of them,” Valerie said. “I am eternally grateful to the Air Force as a whole, in particular my special tactics commu- nity, and – in my humble opinion, the best family ever – my combat control family. As we leave this Air Force memorial today I ask each and every one of you to share John’s story. He’s the definition of a true hero. Continue to tell the stories of all our fallen and wounded warriors. Never stop saying their names.”

12 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, September 6, 2018 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, September 6, 2018 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 13 -3(. -YVT7HNL lantis and the International Space Station in 2011 for NASA’s final shuttle mission. Heisler was spending over $70,000 on travel expenses each year in order to deliver the flag for ceremonies and presentations. To alleviate the costs, Heisler and his wife, Cynthia, a retired police officer, purchased a truck and trailer to hit the road on their own when satisfying requests for the flag. When the Heisler’s are not on the road travelling, they stick close to family in Tampa by residing at the FAMCAMP Annex on MacDill. Much like many other patriotic Americans, Heisler was motivated to vol- unteer for a greater cause following the 9/11 attacks and decided to enlist in the Army at 34 years old. It didn’t take long before Heisler found himself serving overseas. “When I deployed to Iraq in 2003, I brought the Honor Flag along with me,” said Heisler. “I was there 11 months and 18 days before injury caused

by an exploding mortar round landed me in the hospital.” 7OV[VI`(PYTHUZ[*SHZZ9`HU*.YVZZRSHN While in the hospital, Heisler received a request to present the Honor Flag at the memorial for three police officers who died in the line of duty in ;OL/VUVY5L[^VYR[YHPSLYV^ULKI`MVYTLY<:(YT`:N[*OYPZ/LPZSLY Midland, Texas. Given his medical condition, Heisler could not physically ZP[ZH[-(4*(47(UUL_VU4HJ+PSS(PY-VYJL)HZL(\N fly back to the U.S. for the services, and allowed the flag to be transported ence of honoring those who gave their lives working for a greater cause. to Midland under special care. “It’s incredible honoring the heroes who serve with a passion for helping The Honor Network, which Heisler founded to manage the operating others,” Cynthia said. “It’s a dream come true to honor the lost family mem- functions of requests and use of the Honor Flag, takes pride in caring for bers, the flag represents the sacrifice of my brothers and sisters who will be the Honor Flag and is particular about its use in memorials and ceremo- remembered for doing what they love.” nies. Exclusivity is maintained in the handling of the flag; only current or The Heislers maintain a busy schedule thanks to the constant travel former uniformed personnel are allowed to hold the flag. When handling they do with the Honor Flag, but aim to ensure its presence is available to the flag, it must be carried firmly pressed to the body, as seen in Honor memorialize lost personnel. Guard presentations. Lastly, every person who carries the flag must wear “We get more requests for the flag than we can keep up with,” said clean, white gloves provided by The Honor Network. Heisler. “I feel this flag represents the true spirit of patriotism and I intend After spending 20 years in the line of duty, Cynthia cherishes the experi- on keeping it moving as long as I can.”

14 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, September 6, 2018 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT COMMUNITY &7&/54

)ULGD\ Surf’s Edge Club Membership breakfast from 6:30- 9 a.m. Club members free; non- members: $8.45

MacDill Lanes & Family Fun Center Fiestarama Family Fun Night from 5-9 p.m. 50-cent games for all bowlers under the age of 15. $3.25 per game for everyone else. DJ, pi- nata, door prizes and taco fiesta buffet. Buffet: adults: $12.99; 9-12 yrs: $10.99; 8 yrs & under: $2.99. Dessert bar: $2.99 (Kids free) Call 828-4005.

6DWXUGD\ MacDill Lanes & Family Fun Center UFC #228 Fight Night Woodley vs Till. Free entry. Doors open at 9 p.m. Fights begin 10 p.m. “Smack *RRGGRJ 7OV[VI`(PYTHUZ[*SHZZ(SL_PZ:\HYLa down chow down” food specials. (TPSP[HY`^VYRPUNKVNWLYMVYTZHKLTVUZ[YH[PVU(\N H[4HJ+PSS(PY-VYJL)HZL*P]PJSLHKLYZMYVT Club member exclusive deals. Call >YPNO[7H[[LYZVU (PY -VYJL )HZL [V\YPUN 4HJ+PSS ^LYL HISL [V SLHYU HIV\[ [OL [YHPUPUN [OH[ [OL TPSP[HY` 828-4005. ^VYRPUNKVNZHUK[OLPYOHUKSLYZNV[OV\NO

6XQGD\ Base theater $)"1&-4$)&%6-& Free movie: “Jurassic World: Fall- 3URWHVWDQWVHUYLFH en Kingdom” (PG-13). Doors open 6XQGD\DP)DP&DPS %OGJ5DFFRRQ&UHHN  &DWKROLF0DVV at 1:15 p.m. Movie starts at 2 p.m. 6DWXUGD\  SP0DVV 3URWHVWDQW:RUVKLSDP Overflow parking available in the 6XQGD\DP0DVV SOCOM parking garage. ,VODPLFVHUYLFH 0RQGD\7KXUVGD\SP 7KXUVGD\ )ULGD\SPSP3UD\HU %OHVVHG6DFUDPHQW5RRP Base theater For all other faith groups or for any questions, please contact the Chapel by visiting Free movie:. “Superfly” (R). Doors open http://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel or calling 828-3621 at 6:15 p.m. Movie starts at 7 p.m.

0DUN\RXUFDOHQGDUV s3EPTn"OWLING#LUB-EMBER Appreciation s 3EPT  n !& ST "IRTHDAY Boomers Bash s 3EPT  n #RAFT "REWING  Class s3EPTn2YDER#UP#ONFUSION 2 Person Tournament s3EPTn'OLF#LUB-EMBER!P- preciation Day s3EPTn-EMBERSHIP,UNCH *RW1HZV" s3EPTn$UELING0IANOS3HOW If you have an announcement or story idea for your think would be great for the MacDill Thunderbolt, just let us know at [email protected]

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, September 6, 2018 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 15 16 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, September 6, 2018 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT