Vol. 41, No. 30 Thursday, July 25, 2013

Boom simulator goes online - page 12

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brandon Shapiro Pictured is the viewpoint from a boom operator’s perspective as he trains in a KC-135 Stratotanker Boom Operator Weapon System Trainer. The BOWST is a fully simulated, large-scale procedural trainer for with replicated aircraft systems, controls, and functions within a complete aircrew boom compartment. Critical Days of Summer, week 10: Trampoline safety - page 18 COMMANDER’S CORNER Sailors and Marines that just arrived from oth- First impressions er bases around the world. This summer I am by Col. Andre Briere one of those new Airmen, and for the remain- 6th Air Mobility vice commander der of this column I’d like to give you my first impressions of MacDill AFB and its’ people. I’d like to thank Col. DeThomas for lending My first day as your new vice happened to me this space to thank all of you incredible coincide with the series of wing “all-calls” Col. Team MacDill Airmen for giving my family and DeThomas held on the topic of sexual assault. I such a warm welcome to this amazing base! One of the key phrases he conveyed that day is Our first month here has definitely given us seared into my memory, and I hope you caught a flavor for how dynamic, busy and wonderful it as well. He said that we as professional Air- the MacDill and the greater Tampa Bay com- men should and must treat each other with munity are to live and work in. We feel very “dignity, trust, and respect.” lucky to be here, as I’m sure all of you do as If you’ll allow me to “geek-out” briefly and well. draw on my academic interest in philosophy One of the great things about military com- and ethics, this concept of basing ethical be- munities is that we get an opportunity to get havior on the dignity of the individual has a fresh eyes on our installations and programs deep history in western philosophy. It is relat- every PCS season. Because so many new folks ed to the notion first espoused by the German move in and out of our bases each summer, it philosopher Immanuel Kant of never using gives us a chance to hear new perspectives and other people as a “means” to an end but instead find out what we look like to Airmen, Soldiers, See CORNER, Page 22 Col. Andre Briere

6th Air Mobility Wing shout-outs enzo for four distinct reasons. First, he was proud of how Larenzo The 99th Air Refueling “Black Knights” would like to represented the Air Force and how excited and proud he was of recognize Staff Sgt. William “Hammy” Larenzo for his outstanding being a crew chief. Second, the general felt tired trying to keep up work as a dedicated crew chief for the 117th Air Refueling Wing, with Larenzo as he quickly and proudly showed off his work area Sumpter-Smith Base, Birmingham, Ala. Lt. and talked about his love of his job. Third, Larenzo made McDew Gen. Darren McDew, 18th Air Force commander, recently coined feel old by making him tell stories he hasn’t told in 20 years. Fi- Larenzo for his outstanding work and dedication to the unit’s Total nally, McDew felt respected by how Larenzo intently listened and Force Association. McDew said he would never forget meeting Lar- genuinely cared about every one of his stories.

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE Commander’s vision To view Col. Scott DeThomas’ re- The Action Line provides two-way communication between the 6th Air marks on his vision for MacDill AFB, Mobility Wing commander and the MacDill community. A 24-hour recording go to www.macdill.af.mil and then click service is provided so personnel may submit questions, concerns or com- on “Col. DeThomas’ priorities, mission, ments. Call the Action Line at 828-INFO (4636) or email macdillwingcom- and expectations video” in the upper [email protected]. left corner.

government, the Department of Defense, the Department of may be obtained by calling 259-7455. MacDill Thunderbolt the Air Force or the 6th Air Mobility Wing. News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submitted Publisher: Bill Barker The appearance of advertising in this publication, includ- to the 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office, 8208 Hangar Editor: Nick Stubbs ing inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement Loop Dr., suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621, or call the MacDill by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Thunderbolt staff at 828-2215. Email: [email protected]. Force, 6th Air Mobility Wing or Sunbelt Newspapers, Inc., of Deadline for article submissions is noon, Wednesdays to the products or service advertised. appear in the next week’s publication. Articles received after The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by Sunbelt Newspa- Everything advertised in this publication shall be made deadline may be considered for future use. All submissions pers, Inc., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to are considered for publication based on news value and time- Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, liness. publication for distribution to members of the U.S. military physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit Every article and photograph is edited for accuracy, clarity, services on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill Thunderbolt are factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Stylebook not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Display advertising or classified advertising information and Libel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101. NEWS/FEATURES Your T-bolt Today ‘You can’t fly without supply’ Week in photos: page 4

Images from around MacDill

Briefs: page 6

News to know

News/Features: page 8

Quick-thinking cabbie awarded

News/Features: page 12

World-class simulator debuts Photos by Staff Sgt. Brandon Shapiro (Above) Airman 1st Class Luis Gonzalez Velez, 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron, performs an inventory check at MacDill Air Force Base. Members of the 6th LRS provide logistical support News/Features: page 18 to sustain the worldwide mission of the 6th Air Mobility Wing, two war-fighting commands and 38 mission partners. (Below) Airman 1st Class Luis Gonzalez Velez, 6th Logistics Readiness Critical Days of Summer Squadron, stocks equipment at MacDill.

Community: page 21 by Airman 1st Class Vernon L. Fowler Jr. 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs Events, Chapel, more... n the Air Force, no one job is more impor- tant than another. Each is needed to keep Settlement of estate Ithe Air Force ‘machine’ running smoothly so that the mission can be carried out malfunc- Lt. Col. Jay A. Vietas, commander of tion-free. the 6th Medical Support Squadron, re- Without all the necessary components the grets to announce the death of Senior Air- Air Force possesses the lives of our Airmen, as man Douglas Caldas, formerly assigned to well as the mission, can be placed at risk. 6th Air Base Wing/6th Medical /6th The 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Medical Support Squadron/Diagnostic MacDill Air Force Base, specifically supply, is Imaging Flight. Lt. Col. Mark W. Sankey, a crucial component in maintaining the instal- 6th Medical Support Squadron, has been lation’s overall readiness. The unit makes this appointed as the summary court officer evident each time its personnel sound off their to handle the disposition of the personal signature catch-phrase “you can’t fly without property of Caldas. Anyone indebted to or supply!” having a claim against the estate of Cal- Maintaining inventory, among many things, das should contact Lt. Col. Mark Sankey is a very important part of the 6th LRS’s job. at 813-827-9630 or DSN 968-9630. Its personnel must always ensure that equip- See SUPPLY, Page 16 WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Airman Shandresha Mitchell Col. Scott DeThomas, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, passes the 6th Maintenance Group guidon to Col. Reginald Godbolt, during a change of command ceremony at MacDill July 18.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Tori Schultz Members of Team MacDill participate in the Personnel Deployment Function line during a mobility exercise at MacDill July 14. The PDF line consists of various base agencies centralized in one location in an ef- fort to streamline the pre-deployment process.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Tori Schultz Airman 1st Class Sean Brown, a 91st Air Refueling Squadron cargo load team member, provides direction to a Halverson loader during the mo- bility exercise at MacDill July 14.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Tori Schultz

Senior Airman Meagan Rymer, 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron lo- Photo by Senior Airman Shandresha Mitchell gistics technician, loads cargo on a scale during a mobility exercise at Airmen from the 6th Air Mobility Wing stand in formation before the MacDill July 14. The primary objective of the MOBEX was to accomplish Wing Warrior Workout at MacDill July 12. and evaluate MacDill AFB mobility processing procedures.

BRIEFS Ceremony honoring military widows designated collection box located in your workplace. Boxes will be picked There will be a ceremony honoring military widows from 10 to 11 a.m. up on July 31 and Aug. 28. For more information contact: 6th AMW staff, at the base chapel July 25. The MacDill community is invited to attend. 2nd Lt. Julian Ireland at 828-4092; 6th MDG, Master Sgt. Todd Schuler Key note speaker will be retired Col. William Graham, MacDill Retiree at 827-9338; 6th MSG, Tech. Sgt. Yvette Prioleau at 828-4254; 6th MXG, Activities Office director. For more information contact Barbara Scott at Master Sgt. Christopher Gulotta at 828-6844; and 6th OG, Capt. Jesse 831-9556. Rosal at 828-9614.

Commissary will close Mondays Tinker summer closing The commissary will close on Mondays through Sept. 30 as a result of fur- Tinker Elementary will be closed during the summer, reopening July loughs because of sequestration. Other days of operation remain Tuesday 29. Hours of registration will be Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. through Sunday. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. until Aug. 9. Monday-Friday op- erations will resume Aug. 12. MacDill CAP open house The MacDill Aviation Cadet Squadron is hosting an open house from MARC book club meetings noon to 4 p.m. at their new facility, Building 38 next to the base pool, Aug. The MacDill Area Resilience Center Book Club had an enthusiastic 10. The MacDill community is welcome to attend and learn more about showing last meeting. “Calico Joe” was selected as the club’s first month’s programs. Membership in the Cadet Squadron is open to read. It can be downloaded to an e-reader for free from the base library. teens ages 12 to 18 and adults may join as senior member volunteers, Next meeting will be at 5 p.m. on July 25 and we’ll discuss the first month’s pilots and mission staff. For more information contact Lt. Joe Mora at 954- novel. “Joe” is a father-son reconciliation novel that centers on baseball in 604-0704 or email [email protected]. the early 1970’s, so next meeting will have a baseball theme. Wear a favor- ite jersey or cap, and enjoy ball park goodies. For more information, con- Food drive for local food banks tact Lt. Col. Rachelle Nowlin at [email protected] or 827-9529. Federal employees are joining together to collect food nationwide for See BRIEFS, Page 14 local food banks. Bring non-perishable food items and place them into a

NEWS/FEATURES

Photo by Airman 1st Class Vernon Fowler Jr. Peter G. Himes, Tampa cab driver, stands with Jane Castor, Tampa Police Chief, and Col. Peter Santa Ana, 6th Mission Support Group commander, after receiving the Citizen’s Award at the Tampa Police Department, July 9. Himes prevented a passenger from reaching MacDill Air Force Base and potentially causing harm to its personnel and civilians. Cabbie awarded for quick thinking by Airman 1st Class Vernon L. Fowler Jr. overhearing disturbing comments from his pas- 6th Air Mobility Public Affairs senger, Himes quickly took action by triggering a silent alarm, sending a signal to dispatchers What would your immediate response be if which alerted the Tampa Police Department some form of suspicious activity came to your (TPD). attention? Himes said that one of his first thoughts was Would you get away from the scene as quick- the need to stop the car before reaching the ly as possible? Pretend as if you didn’t see any- gates. “I would rather overreact and be wrong, thing and continue life as usual? Or would you than do nothing and something happens.” quickly take action and report it to the proper Shortly after informing the local authorities, authorities? TPD pulled over the cab and apprehended the Fortunately, one individual, Peter G. Himes, passenger for questioning. a Hillsborough County taxi driver, took it upon For his quick action Himes received the Cit- himself to prevent a potential threat from ever izen’s Award from Jane Castor, Tampa Police reaching his requested destination— the gates Chief, in a ceremony on July 9, 2013. Col. Pe- of MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. ter Santa Ana, commander of the 6th Mission According to the police report, Himes’ pas- Support Group, also presented Himes with a senger displayed unstable behavior and made certificate and commander’s coin to express the comments such as “on a mission” and “take care installation’s gratitude. of a few people.” “Himes’ actions were very much appreciat- After witnessing suspicious behavior and See CABBIE, Page 20

NEWS/FEATURES Don’t miss PLAYpass summer deals, activities by Nick Stubbs Thunderbolt editor

Making life easier and activities more afford- able for Air Force members and families is the idea behind the PLAYpass program, and eligi- ble participants are reminded that PLAYpass can help make summer a lot more fun. Launched in 2011, the PLAYpass program saves Airmen returning from deployments, families of deployed Airmen and families of Airmen at dependent-restricted assignments to

take advantage of hundreds of dollars in sav- Air Force graphic ings and freebies for services from sports and The PLAYpass, which supports deployed Air recreation, trips and child care. Force members and families, offers discounts Youth programs, swimming lessons, instruc- and free events and services, many of them tional classes, teen camps and sports programs summer activities for children and adults. for youths and adults are among the many of- ferings redeemable via the PLAYpass card. Youth Center For more information, call Tech. Sgt. Tashiana Piano classes on Mondays and Thursdays for Sanders at 828-1815 or visit www.myairforce- ages 5 to 18. Times are 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mon- life.com. days and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays. Call for available times. Fees up to $50 are covered by Arts & Crafts the PLAYpass, with monthly fees set at $112 Free wood shop usage fee ($3 per hour val- for half-hour sessions. ue) Intramural basketball Start Smart Basket- Free auto shop lift fee ($5.50 per hour value) ball registration will be Sept. 3 through Oct. 4. Child Development Center The six-week program is for youths 5 to 11, and Hourly child care, good for up to 10 hours of is free for PLAYpass holders. A copy of a birth care per child where space is available certificate and a physical taken within the past Short Fitness Center free A la Carte Class year is required. ($5 value) Intramural soccer and Start Smart Soccer Free A la Carte Class Card ($40 value) registration will be held through Aug. 2 for One free personal training session ($45 val- children 5 to 11. Cost is $30 for Youth Center ue)+ members, $45 for non members and free for PLAYpass holders. The Smart Start program Golf course for 3 and 4 year-olds costs $36, but is free for Five-day class is $49, with a PLAYpass hold- PLAYpass holders. ers receiving a $25 discount. The class teaches Dance classes for children 2 to 10 include etiquette and gold lessons, with complimentary ballet, tap, jazz, cheer, tumbling and hip hop club rental, three-hole graduation scramble. start in September. Classes are monthly and Call 840-6904 for schedule. $49 per child for 30 minutes, $56 for 45 min- Daily golf specials raning from $12 to $31 utes and hour classes, and $80 for cheer and for PLAYpass holders, depending on rank and tumbling. Up to $50 of fees are covered by the time of day. PLAYpass.

www.myairforcelife.com

MacDill BOWSTs about saving millions on training by Staff Sgt. Brandon Shapiro 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

aving millions, training more, and reducing maintenance costs; what was once a pipedream is now a reality at Mac- SDill Air Force Base. On July 12 MacDill cut the ribbon on the Air Force’s fifth KC- 135 Stratotanker Boom Operator Weapon System Trainer, initi- ating a savings of roughly $16 million annually. While there is nothing that can replace actual training in a KC-135, BOWST brings an affordable alternative. How is this possible? The average operating flight cost for a three-hour KC-135 re- fuel training mission is just shy of $20,000, while the BOWST completes the same mission for a miniscule $900. Now, add the costs of the estimated 860 annual “sim” flights that MacDill plans to forecast during fiscal year 2014, and $17 million is re- duced to about $850,000! What exactly is the BOWST? The BOWST is a fully simulated, large-scale procedural train- er for aerial refueling with replicated aircraft systems, controls, and functions within a complete aircrew boom compartment. Add in the remarkable detailing, scaled design, mimicked re- fueling sounds, and the belly down refuel operating position, and even a seasoned operator forgets they are on the ground and not soaring at 30,000 feet. “All of the instruments are exactly the same; the BOWST is an amazing alternative,” said Senior Airman Travis Burnett, 91st Air Refueling Squadron boom operator. “This is as real as you can get.” Not only does the trainer make it possible to qualify “booms” more economically and efficiently, it allows instructors to input 68 possible in-flight emergencies and operating malfunctions. “One of the greatest things about the BOWST is that we can enter malfunctions and prepare the operators before they expe- rience problems in the air,” said retired Chief Master Sgt. Jim Morman, a 30-year boom operator and quality assurance repre- sentative for the simulator. “It’s all-weather, day or night, and we can bring up any airplane that is air-refuelable in the Air Force inventory.” Currently, between MacDill’s 6th Air Mobility Wing and 927th Air Refueling Wing, there are 48 boom operators, so having the BOWST will prove to be an extremely useful tool for training ac- tive duty and reserve Airmen. “Bottom line... it’s going to save a ton of money and create a better crew force,” exclaimed Mormon. Additional Information: The Air Force contracted the construction of nine BOWSTs, with the final four simulators to be delivered at Seymour John- son Air Force Base, N.C., Grissom Joint Air Reserve Base, Ind., March Air Force Base, Calif., and Scott Air Force Base, Ill. A series of computer screens make it possi- ble for Boom Operator Weapon System Train- ing instructors to view trainee progress, se- lect weather conditions and aircraft, display geographical locations and much more. The realistic nature of the simulator is one of the distinguishing factors that make the BOWST such an integral training tool.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brandon Shapiro

Senior Airman Travis Burnett, 91st Air Refuel- ing Squadron boom operator trains on Mac- Dill Air Force Base’s new KC-135 Stratotanker Boom Operator Weapon System Trainer. The BOWST is a fully‐simulated, large‐scale proce- dural trainer for aerial refueling with replicated aircraft systems, controls, and functions with- in a complete aircrew boom compartment.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brandon Shapiro

Col. Scott DeThomas, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, Airman 1st Class Darhon Ham- brick, 91st Air Refueling Squadron boom op- erator, Col. Douglas Schwartz, 927th Air Re- fueling Wing commander, Col. Andre Briere, 6th Air Mobility Wing vice commander, and Col. Bradford Anderson, 927th ARW vice com- mander, cut the ceremonial ribbon opening the new KC-135 Boom Operator Weapon Sys- tem Trainer at MacDill Air Force Base July 12. The BOWST at MacDill is the fifth to be made operational Air Force wide.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Sarah Breer

Background photo by Staff Sgt. Brandon Shapiro DIAMOND SHARP BRIEFS From Page 6 Senior Airman Robert Gregory 6th Maintenance Squadron PCSing overseas with a pet? The veterinary clinic needs to eval- Job Title: 6th Maintenance Squadron crew chief uate your pet at least six months be- fore you change to an overseas duty Hometown: Battle Creek, Mich. station. Some countries require ex- tra shots, vaccinations and a special Short-term goals: I want to become a U.S. Air Force Surviv- tracking chip that the veterinary clin- al, Evasion, Resistance and Escape specialist and every day ic must sign off on before your pet can try to improve myself to become a better Airman and person. travel with you overseas. Please do not wait until the last Long-term goals: Ultimately I want to take my career as far minute to have your pet checked out, as possible in the military - right now that is my main focus. I because your pet will not be allowed to am still working on my goals - my life is consistently changing travel with you. For more information and I’m enjoying the ride. call 828-3558 or 828-3559. Advice to others: Take what you can from the right people, other than that you need to make your own experiences and Help Us Celebrate Heritage your own mistakes to be yourself. Join us at the 66th Annual Air Force Ball Sept. 21 at the Hilton Role model and why: Senior Master Sgt. Carlos Chavez, Tampa Downtown from 6 p.m. to 11 Master Sgt. Alfons Hofrichter, and Staff Sgt. Christopher p.m. There will be a social hour, live Ceaser are my role models. These three individuals have real- band and a guest speaker. For more ly pushed, challenged and groomed me to be a better Airman. information, visit the website www. tampaairforceball.com.

Using your trampoline safely

u Supervise children at all times. Not recommended for children under 6 years of age. u Only allow one person to jump at a time, especially on rectangu- lar trampolines. u Place the trampoline well away from trees, play areas and other structures and on level ground. u Use adequate protective padding around the supporting bars, springs and surrounding landing surfaces. u Use a safety net. u Make sure users jump in the center of the trampoline. u Somersaults or high-risk maneuvers should be avoided without proper supervision and instruction. u Check the trampoline regularly for tears or wear and damage to springs.

Injury Facts:

u Most injuries occur among children between 5 and 14, and when children are unsupervised by parents or adults. u More than half of the injuries occur on the trampoline itself. u Two thirds of injuries involve two or more children using the trampoline at the same time. u Use your common sense and good judgment.

Photo by Senior Airman Michael Ellis Airman 1st Class Luis Gonzalezvelez, 6th Logistics Readiness Squad- ron, verifies serial numbers on equipment July 10, 2013, at MacDill Air Force Base SUPPLY From Page 3 ment and supplies remain adequately stocked to meet every request. This is because Airmen must be properly equipped to do their jobs. It is essential to be prepared to fully combat any situations that may present themselves. “My job is important because without supply the Air Force could not be mission ready,” said Airman 1st Class Luis Gonzalez Velez, 6th LRS supply journeyman. “If we fail to meet customer needs, then the Air Force will not be able to meet mission requirements.”

cabbie From Page 8 ed,” said Santa Ana. “Because of it the local and MacDill communities were saved.” “I’m very humbled,” said Himes after receiving his awards. “I’m just a Pirate’s Log: 25 July 2001 driver who reacted like he was taught to do.” (Editor’s note: Everyone is encouraged to stay alert whether at home, work or even while driving. Always keep an eagle eye out for suspicious behaviors. The Eagle Eyes program is an anti-terrorism initiative that enlists the eyes and ears of Air Force members and citizens in the lo- cal community against the war on terror. If you observe any suspicious activity, anytime during the day or night, you can call the MacDill AFB Defense Operations Center at 828-3322. For additional information con- tact Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 340 at 828- 4921, or email [email protected]. However, any reporting of Tales from the Sixth: The first of three CͲ37A aircraft was delivered to the 310th actual activity should go through the 6th Security Forces Squadron at AirliftSquadronatMacDill.Thesenewcommandtransportjetsprovidedsupportfor the Unified Combatant Commands, most notably U.S. Central Command and U.S. 828-6322). SpecialOperationsCommand.Earlierin2001,the310thwasresurrectedatMacDill after shutting down in 1999 at Howard Air Force Base, Panama – ten years after participatingintheoperationthatoustedPanamaniandictatorManuel Noriega. In 2001,thesquadron’snewcommander,Lt.Col.EdenMurrie,becamethefirstwoman insixthhistorytoleadaflyingsquadron.Today,Brig.Gen.Murrie istheDirectorof AirForceServices,Headquarters,U.S.AirForce.She isscheduledtoretirenextweek. MACDILL COMMUNITY EVENTS Friday SeaScapes Beach House Friday Bash from 4-8 p.m. Bar snacks and drink specials. Guar- anteed $100 club card drawing, Bar Bingo - $1,000 jackpot, trivia and DJ. Family Fun Night starts at 5 p.m. Food and drink specials. $2-and-under menu items for kids. Kids activities. Free ice cream sundae bar (peanut free) with all meals.

Friday-Saturday SeaScapes Summer Nights Open 4-9 p.m. Evening dinner specials. Come relax and enjoy the view.

Saturday MacDill Lanes & Family Fun Center Over 50’s Tournament at 1 p.m. $25 entry. Courtesy photo Tuesday Backpacks to school! The Airman & Family Readiness Center held its 3rd Annual Back to School Fair July 17. Twenty one MacDill Lanes & Family Fun military and civilian volunteers packed and gave out 536 backpacks filled with school supplies do- Center nated to the A&FRC. Thirty one agencies, such as Tinker Elementary School, Hillsborough county Brown Bag Lunch & Bowl from schools, family advocacy, the dental clinic and many others set up informational booths for patients 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Bring a lunch and and children to ask questions. bowl for $1.50 per game. Remind- er DFAC right across the street. Single Airman Bowl for free.

Wednesday Bay Palms Golf Complex Wednesday Night Scramble from 5-7 p.m. $20; $15 for AGF card holders. Two-person scram- ble. Includes golf, cart, food and drink after the round, and gift cer- CHAPEL SCHEDULE tificates. Protestant service Catholic services Sunday - 11 a.m. - Contemporary Service Saturday - 5:30 p.m. - Mass Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - Mass Thursday Islamic service Base Library Friday - 1:30 p.m. - Muslim Prayer Service Monday-Wednesday - 12:10 p.m. Mass Children’s Summer Reading Program Wrap-up party at 10:30 a.m. Call the chapel at 828-3621 for more information or visit the chapel web site at http://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel. corner From Page 2 always respecting them and acting in ways that maximize their dignity Chief Mazzone and I (as the two newest members of the wing lead- and autonomy. In other words, dignity, trust, and respect describe the ership team) have had the privilege of visiting many of you at your sacred bond we have with each other as an Air Force family. It is the squadrons and agencies. I know I speak for both of us when I say that very basis of ethical behavior. It is also the core of the contract that our we have been blown-away by the amazing professionalism and innova- military has with the American people. tion of both the 6th Air Mobility Wing and 927th Air Refueling Wing. American families send their sons and daughters into the military, In nearly every office and shop on this installation, active duty and specifically the Air Force, because they believe that their children will reserve Airmen work together, side-by-side and are indistinguishable in be treated with fairness and respect as they learn to work in cohesive their professionalism and effectiveness. Team MacDill has taken total units able to defend the . Break that bond of trust and our force integration to a level that I have never seen at any other base in “all-volunteer” force ceases to function properly (in terms of recruiting, our Air Force…truly impressive! retention and etc.). In this regard, the problem of sexual assault in our Cathy and I are looking forward to meeting you and your families as military goes to the very core of our character as a service and profes- we become fully integrated into Team MacDill. As a new guy just hit- sion. I hope you all will commit Col. DeThomas’ words to memory as I ting the ground, my first impression is incredibly positive. It is a true have. honor and privilege to work alongside you and to continue to fulfill our That was a powerful and moving first day on the job. Since that day, wing motto of “Parati Defendere”…Ready to Defend.

Visit the official MacDill Air Force Base website at www.macdill.af.mil