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Service members with children will benefit from the Child Tax Credit, which doubled under the latest tax law from $1,000 to $2,000. The re- fundable portion of that credit is increased to $1,400. See the chart below for the new income limits. There is also a $500 credit available for depen- dent children and adults over the age of 17.

Single Married Tax Year 2018 $200,000 $400,000 Tax Year 2017 $75,000 $110,000

Another important deduction for service members is moving expenses. This deduction was eliminated for most Americans, but not for service members. Moving expenses reimbursed by the military will not need to be reported as income, and expenses not reimbursed by the military will be \

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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]. Instagram: macdill_afb Twitter: @macdill_afb

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2 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, June 21, 2018 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT NEWS/FEATURES 4HJ+PSS(PYTHUTHRLZ(K]HUJLK+LZPNUH[LK4HYRZTHU I`(PYTHUZ[*SHZZ(ZOSL`7LYK\L UI"JS.PCJMJUZ8JOH1VCMJD"GGBJST

After an intense 13 days of classroom and practical weapons training, Airman 1st Class Damon Tillis, an entry controller with the 6th Security Forces Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base, proved himself as an advanced designated marksman. An ADM performs as the sniper and spotter on a two-person team. They must protect flightlines, act as over-watch, and render special weapons and tactics duties for other Security Forces op- erations, such as Emergency Services Teams. “Tillis hit the ground running as soon as he in-processed to MacDill,” said Tech. Sgt. James Terry, 6th SFS Flight Sergeant. “He was deter- mined to be part of the Emergency Services Team as soon as he completed his career development courses, of which he earned a 90 percent on.” To become part of the EST, an additional duty 7OV[VI`(PYTHUZ[*SHZZ(ZOSL`7LYK\L for SFS troops, Tillis had to pass rigorous physi- <:(PY-VYJL(PYTHUZ[*SHZZ+HTVU;PSSPZHULU[Y`JVU[YVSSLY^P[O[OL[O:LJ\YP[`-VYJLZ cal and mental tests to prove himself out of his :X\HKYVUWYV]PKLZV]LY^H[JOK\YPUN;HTWH)H`(PY-LZ[ H[4HJ+PSS(PY-VYJL)HZL4H` 400-member squadron. Once earning his role (SVUN^P[OILPUNHULU[Y`JVU[YVSSLY;PSSPZPZHTLTILYVM[OL,TLYNLUJ`:LY]PJLZ;LHTHUK on the 11-member EST, he pushed himself even YLJLU[S`NYHK\H[LKMYVT[OLKH`(K]HUJLK+LZPNUH[LK4HYRZTHU*V\YZLPU-VY[)SPZZ,S7HZV further by applying for the Advanced Designat- ;L_HZ ed Marksmanship course in Fort Bliss, El Paso, about a month to prepare.” “Tillis is a great asset to the team; the skills he Texas. Tillis is one of only three ADM’s on MacDill’s brings from the ADM course is vital to our suc- “I found out that I was going to ADM in Febru- EST; he is the Airman the team relies on for ex- cess,” said Tech. Sgt. Trevor Griffith, 6th SFS/ ary and left in April,” said Tillis. “That gave me pert special weapons and tactics actions. See SHOOT, Page 13

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Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and U.S. Air Force Academy cadets flew aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during Operations Air Force, June 14 at MacDill Air Force Base. For the first time during Operations AF, Team MacDill enabled cadets to experience a flying classroom to gain leadership lessons while over 35,000 feet above ground. Operations AF is a development program hosted by more than 60 AF bases around the world. It provides cadets from all over the nation an opportunity to shadow military members and receive mentorship. Three groups of cadets will experience Operations AF at MacDill over the sum- mer. “This is a great opportunity to give these cadets a firsthand experience

of what it is like to be in the Air Force,” said Capt. Christopher Flaute, the 7OV[VI`(PYTHUZ[*SHZZ:JV[[>HYULY MacDill Operations AF director assigned to the 50th Air Refueling Squad- <:(PY-VYJL(PYTHUZ[*SHZZ+LQHOUH`-VY[HIVVTVWLYH[VYHZZPNULK ron. “It is also an innovative opportunity to cultivate an educational envi- [V[OL Z[(PY9LM\LSPUN:X\HKYVUIYPLMZ9LZLY]L6MMPJLY;YHPUPUN*VYWZ ronment conducive to inspiring these future leaders while answering any 96;*JHKL[ZVU^OH[[VL_WLJ[K\YPUNH2*:[YH[V[HURLYHPYJYHM[ questions they may have.” YLM\LSPUNMSPNO[H[4HJ+PSS(PY-VYJL)HZL1\UL;OL96;*JHKL[Z At MacDill the cadets had the unique opportunity to not only see the VIZLY]LK OV^ H IVVT VWLYH[VY ^VYRZ HUK L_WLYPLUJLK [OL IVVT See CLASSROOM, Page 14 VWLYH[VYWVKK\YPUNHYLM\LSPUNTPZZPVU

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, June 21, 2018 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 3 WEEK IN PHOTOS

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4 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, June 21, 2018 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT NEWS/FEATURES º>L*HYL.\PKL»UV^H]HPSHISLMVYHSS(PYTLU [O(PY4VIPSP[`>PUN7\ISPJ(MMHPYZ

Air Mobility Command launched a new online resource called the “We Care Guide” that connects Airmen to a list of resources that can meet their needs. “In March 2017, Maj. Gen. Thomas Sharpy, Air Mobility Command dep- uty commander, gave his concurrence to press with the development of an ‘easy button’ that would reside on all personnel desktop[s] that literally puts resources one-click or touch away from assistance,” said Ivera Harris, AMC community support program manager. The AMC Community Action Team selected the categories and charged Scott Air Force Base with building a template which can be eas- ily replicated and standardized across all AMC bases. When someone clicks on the “We Care Guide” on their desktop, it im- mediately takes them to a webpage full of 33 different categories, such as addictions, family assistance, legal assistance, and health concerns. The categories contain resources listed below them in order of relevance. This same information is available 24 hours a day on the http://www.macdill. af.mil/About-Us/WeCare/ link. Ronald Draper, 6th Air Mobility Wing community support coordinator, added that, “The We Care Guide will provide immediate access to informa- tion about our helping agencies on base and even some within the DoD.

See CARE, Page 13

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WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) — The Air Force Materiel Command Employ- ee Assistance Program at Wright-Pat- terson Air Force Base is developed to provide civilian employees confidential resources to help manage normal, ev- eryday life challenges that may affect job performance and personal well-be- ing. EAP services are also available for dependent and other household family members to assist with any life chal- lenges, no matter how large or small, that adversely affect their ability to function suc- cessfully in their day-to-day operations. Services provided by EAP include counseling, financial services, legal services and Worklife4you. Danna Plewe, Air Force EAP manager, said EAP is a bundle of services that individu- als can take advantage of free of charge. “These services are a person’s right to take advantage of; they are not tracked or monitored,” said Plewe. Employees having difficulty balancing their life issues can meet or speak with an experienced, licensed EAP counselor who may provide consultation, assessment, short- term problem solving counseling and referral services. “If an individual has a fear or concern about being seen by EAP on base, there is the ability to be referred to an off-base partnership provider,” said Plewe. This would be a licensed mental health professional in the community who supports EAP benefits to ci- vilians.” The Air Force has approximately 22,000 affiliate providers worldwide and can provide services in up to 80 languages. No matter if the issue relates to work, relationship, family, health, finances, substance use or something else, the EAP can help - 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Financial information, as well as planning tools, are available to assist members with assessing budgets, savings and investing strategies. Also, this tool can help with figuring out if it’s advantageous to buy or lease an automobile. EAP also covers free consults with a lawyer or financial expert. The legal benefit does not include any assistance for labor or employment matters. According to Plewe, EAP is not just a service people can take advantage of when there is a crisis. Employees can call anytime for information on a variety of stressful subjects. In addition, EAP can provide consultation and management coaching resources for supervisors and managers. Consultants try to assist supervisors to identify issues before they become problems and support their employees. The goal is to enhance their employ- ees’ productivity. Consultations will assist supervisors with how to confidently refer employees to the EAP, while reinforcing that the EAP is a voluntary service, and no employee can be forced to use it. Supervisor consultation can be obtained 24/7, 365 days a year by calling the EAP’s toll-free number. At Wright-Patterson AFB, AFMC offers a newer EAP program called Worklife4you. See ASSIST, Page 10

6 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, June 21, 2018 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT NEWS/FEATURES 9LM\LS[VYLTLTILY!;LHT4HJ+PSS;V[HS -VYJLZ\WWVY[ZJVTTLTVYH[PVUMSPNO[

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[O(PY4VIPSP[`>PUN7\ISPJ 927th Operations Group. sion but proved flexibil- (MMHPYZ “Not only did we get it right, ity and Total Force strength we galvanized our relation- when tasked the same day The 927th Air Refueling ship between the 927th Air to provide aerial refueling Wing and the 6th Air Mobil- Refueling Wing and the 6th support during an oceanic ity Wing combined efforts Air Mobility Wing here at crossing. to ensure a multinational Team MacDill.” “It was a challenge that training mission received The MacDill aircrews we were ready to take on; the fuel needed to honor avi- were originally committed putting fuel in the air is ation history, June 12. to a different training mis- See FLIGHT, Page 15 Team MacDill’s KC-135 Stratotanker refueled a 96th Bomb Squadron B-52 Stratofortress from Barks- dale Air Force Base, Louisi- ana, propelling the bomber to join French fighters over Étain, France, to commemo- rate the entrance of U.S. avi- ators into World War I, 100 years ago. “It was imperative that our Total Force Integration team got this right,” said Maj. Marc McAllister, the deputy commander of the

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PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.H. — A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 6th Air Mobility Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, forward deployed to Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire, to rally in support of Swift Response 18, June 6, by providing in-flight refueling. Four C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the 62nd Airlift Wing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, and four C-17s from the 437th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, carried more than 600 U.S. Army paratroopers from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to Eastern Europe to strengthen the interoperability of the U.S. Global Response force with both Allied and partner forces. MacDill’s KC-135, piloted by Capt. Craig Wojt- kiewicz, who is assigned to the 50th Air Refueling Squadron, refueled a C-17 from the 437th AW over the Atlantic Ocean while en route to their drop zone. Refuelers help build “air bridges” across con- tinents and oceans, enabling U.S. and Allied force to reach any corner of the planet. Wojtkiewicz was evaluated throughout his trip to New Hampshire, and the flying mission to support SR18. Known as a “checkride,” this evaluation is re- <:(PY-VYJL(PYTLUHZZPNULK[V[OL[O(PY4VIPSP[`>PUN4HJ+PSS(PY-VYJL)HZLJVUK\J[HWYLMSPNO[IYPLMPUNWYPVY[VHYLM\LSPUNTPZZPVUPUZ\WWVY[VM,_LYJPZL:^PM[ quired for an aircraft pilot to move from the title 9LZWVUZL 1\UL H[7LHZL(PY5H[PVUHS.\HYK)HZL5/;OL[LHT^HZ[HZRLK^P[OYLM\LSPUNH*.SVILTHZ[LY000HPYJYHM[MYVT[OL[O(PYSPM[>PUN1VPU[)HZL of co-pilot to aircraft commander. Coincidentally, *OHYSLZ[VU:*LUYV\[L[V,\YVWLHZHWHY[VM[OL<:(YT`,\YVWLSLKL_LYJPZL9LM\LSLYZOLSWI\PSKºHPYIYPKNLZ»HJYVZZJVU[PULU[ZHUKVJLHUZLUHISPUN<:HUK(SSPLK Wojtkiewicz received his evaluation during SR18 MVYJLZ[VYLHJOHU`JVYULYVM[OLWSHUL[ which involves 12,000 participants from seven na- tions. “It was nerve-wracking to say the least,” laughed Wojtkiewicz. “On one hand I had my evaluators watching my every move and grading my decisions, but I was also piloting an aircraft necessary to get those C-17s to their mark. “It’s incredible to see afterward how important our job truly is, by extending the reach of our na- tion’s support.” Flying in formation on June 8, the eight C-17s received their fuel from KC-135s and KC-10 Ex- tender aircraft. Later that day, the paratroopers landed across Poland, Latvia and Lithuania. “No nation stands alone, and no nation’s immune to the threat of violence posed by terror,” said U.S. Army Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, commander, U.S. European Command. “We’re definitely stronger to- gether, and we’re more effective as a team.” <:(PY-VYJL:LUPVY(PYTHU(\Z[PU/VSILY[H2*:[YH[V[HURLYJYL^JOPLMHZ As one of the premier military crisis response ZPNULK[V[OL[O(PYJYHM[4HPU[LUHUJL:X\HKYVU4HJ+PSS(PY-VYJL)HZL]PZ\HSS` training events for multi-national airborne forces PUZWLJ[ZH2*H[7LHZL(PY5H[PVUHS.\HYK)HZL5/1\UL ;OLPUZWLJ[PVU in the world, SR18 aims to bolster the airborne <: (PY -VYJL :LUPVY (PYTHU 9`HU :LPSLY H IVVT VWLYH[VY HZZPNULK [V (*.SVILTHZ[LY000HPYJYHM[HZZPNULK[V[OLUK(PYSPM[>PUNMYVT1VPU[)HZL3L^PZ JHTLWYPVY[VHYLM\LSPUNTPZZPVU[VZ\WWVY[,_LYJPZL:^PM[9LZWVUZL H<: forces of the U.S.’s partner nations and provide cri- [OL [O (PY 9LM\LSPUN :X\HKYVU 4HJ+PSS (PY -VYJL )HZL YLM\LSZ H * 4J*OVYK>HZOWYLWHYLZ[VYLJLP]LM\LSV]LY*HUHKHK\YPUN,_LYJPZL:^PM[9LZWVUZL (YT`,\YVWLSLKL_LYJPZLMVJ\ZLKVUHSSPLKHPYIVYULMVYJLZ»HIPSP[`[VX\PJRS`HUK sis response quickly and effectively no matter the .SVILTHZ[LY000HPYJYHM[V]LY[OLLHZ[LYU<:1\UL+\YPUN[OLYLM\LSPUN  :9 1\UL (2*:[YH[V[HURLYHPYJYHM[MYVT4HJ+PSS(PY-VYJL)HZLHZZPZ[LKPU LMMLJ[P]LS`YLZWVUZL[VJYPZPZZP[\H[PVUZ4HJ+PSS»Z2*HZZPZ[LKI`YLM\LSPUNH location. TPZZPVU[OL*HPYJYL^YLMYLZOLK[OLPYPUMSPNO[YLM\LSPUNX\HSPMPJH[PVUZ YLM\LSPUNHMVYTH[PVUVM*ZLUYV\[L[V,\YVWLHZHWHY[VM[OLL_LYJPZL *.SVILTHZ[LY000HZZPNULK[V[OL[O(PYSPM[>PUN1VPU[)HZL*OHYSLZ[VU:*

8 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, June 21, 2018 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, June 21, 2018 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 9 LMSPNO[IYPLMPUNWYPVY[VHYLM\LSPUNTPZZPVUPUZ\WWVY[VM,_LYJPZL:^PM[ NH*.SVILTHZ[LY000HPYJYHM[MYVT[OL[O(PYSPM[>PUN1VPU[)HZL I\PSKºHPYIYPKNLZ»HJYVZZJVU[PULU[ZHUKVJLHUZLUHISPUN<:HUK(SSPLK

<:(PY-VYJL:LUPVY(PYTHU(\Z[PU/VSILY[H2*:[YH[V[HURLYJYL^JOPLMHZ ZPNULK[V[OL[O(PYJYHM[4HPU[LUHUJL:X\HKYVU4HJ+PSS(PY-VYJL)HZL]PZ\HSS` PUZWLJ[ZH2*H[7LHZL(PY5H[PVUHS.\HYK)HZL5/1\UL ;OLPUZWLJ[PVU LY000HPYJYHM[HZZPNULK[V[OLUK(PYSPM[>PUNMYVT1VPU[)HZL3L^PZ JHTLWYPVY[VHYLM\LSPUNTPZZPVU[VZ\WWVY[,_LYJPZL:^PM[9LZWVUZL H<: WYLWHYLZ[VYLJLP]LM\LSV]LY*HUHKHK\YPUN,_LYJPZL:^PM[9LZWVUZL (YT`,\YVWLSLKL_LYJPZLMVJ\ZLKVUHSSPLKHPYIVYULMVYJLZ»HIPSP[`[VX\PJRS`HUK (2*:[YH[V[HURLYHPYJYHM[MYVT4HJ+PSS(PY-VYJL)HZLHZZPZ[LKPU LMMLJ[P]LS`YLZWVUZL[VJYPZPZZP[\H[PVUZ4HJ+PSS»Z2*HZZPZ[LKI`YLM\LSPUNH VUVM*ZLUYV\[L[V,\YVWLHZHWHY[VM[OLL_LYJPZL *.SVILTHZ[LY000HZZPNULK[V[OL[O(PYSPM[>PUN1VPU[)HZL*OHYSLZ[VU:*

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, June 21, 2018 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 9 NEWS/FEATURES [O*VU[YHJ[PUN:X\HKYVUJSVZ\YLHUKSPTP[LKZLY]PJL The 6th Contracting Squadron (6 CONS) will convert to a new Con- chase requests not awarded in PD2 before the conversion will transition tracting Writing System called “CON-IT” July 13-18. CON-IT is a CAC to CON-IT. No action is required by requesting activities. Leading up to enabled, web-based contract writing system that modernizes, standard- CON-IT conversion and during the conversion period, requiring activities izes, and integrates acquisition functions. During the conversion period, may continue to submit fiscal year 2018 purchase requests (AF Form 9) 6th CONS will be unable to award new contracts or modifications. Pur- in DEAMS. No adverse impact to closeouts is expected.

(::0:; -YVT7HNL Worklife4you services can also help 24/7 with items such as parenting, free number to access the traditional EAP service or the newer Worklife4y- adoption, special needs and aging loved ones. ou services. “Worklife4you is like a concierge service that you can call to assist with EAP services are confidential within the limits of the law. In some states, about any everyday challenge,” said Plewe. “To access Worklife4you mem- this means counselors cannot disclose the details about a visit without the bers simply need to go to the website. It takes place predominantly over the member’s permission unless the person is a danger to themselves or to phone. However, individuals can ask to be transferred to a local affiliate.” others. Additionally, if the person is involved in the abuse of a vulnerable Worklife4you can also assist with finding care givers for individuals who person, or is a national security threat, the law states the counselor must are caring for elderly parents or help search for childcare resources. report these details to the appropriate authorities. The EAP number also provides civilian members with immediate access For assistance call 1-800-222-0364 (1-888-262-7848 TTY), or visit for to a counselor in times of high stress or immediate need. EAP www.FOH4You.com or for Worklife4you www.worklife4you.com (use Plewe emphasized how easy it to get information. Simply call the toll- code USAF).

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10 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, June 21, 2018 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, June 21, 2018 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 11 NEWS/FEATURES >V\UKLK>HYYPVYMPUKZW\YWVZLPUZOHYPUNZ[VY` I`0SRH*VSL 5FBN&HMJO1VCMJD"GGBJST

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — From her seat in the helicopter, she saw her aircraft de- scend below the blast protection walls and won- dered why it didn’t land. Then things went ‘side- ways.’ On Oct. 11, 2015, Col. Laurel Burkel, Air Mo- bility Command, was rescued from the mangled wreckage of the helicopter crash in Afghanistan. Burkel lived to tell her story, but Maj. Phyllis Pelky, Master Sgt. Greg Kuhse, and three NATO partners were lost. She recently shared her story of resiliency dur- ing a Wounded Warrior Care Ambassador work- shop event at the 53rd Wing. The senior navigator said as she lay injured in a hospital bed in Kabul, her thoughts kept going back to her Airmen, Pelky and Kuhse. She asked where they were, but her leadership said, “don’t worry about that now.” The Michigan native was transported to Land- 7OV[VI`>H`UL*SHYR stuhl, Germany and fitted with a halo neck brace. *VS3H\YLS)\YRLS(PY4VIPSP[`*VTTHUKZWLHRZ[VHNYV\WVM^YP[LYZK\YPUNHTLKPHLUNHNLTLU[ The brace prevented further injury to her spine PU>HZOPUN[VU+*)\YRLSZ\Y]P]LKHIYVRLUULJRHM[LYZOL^HZYLZJ\LKMYVTH5(;6OLSPJVW[LY from her broken neck and damaged vertebra. JYHZOPU(MNOHUPZ[HUPU “Imagine six screws in your skull. The tight- ening of those halo screws to stabilize my spine Through participation in, then joining the Am- Since then, she has shared her story as an Am- was miserable, but it did good work,” said Burkel, bassador program, she learned the value in help- bassador more than 10 times. currently the division chief of Air Mobility Com- ing other wounded warriors tell their story. “I want to do whatever I can do to let the rest mand’s Aviation Energy and Innovation Division. “People need these talks,” said Burkel. “They are of the Air Force know we have this program,” she “I credit my recovery to my discipline for fitness.” powerfully affected by the stories our warrior share.” said. “There are people walking around in pain Burkel underwent months of self-driven reha- Lt. Col. Ian Cunningham, 53rd Wing chief of for a long time not knowing this program exists.” bilitation. Since then, the 49-year-old made a full safety, said he experienced a mix of feelings when Air Force Wounded Warrior Program Ambas- recovery and returned to flying status. he saw his friend again at the event here. He sadors speak to groups of Airmen across the Air During that time, she shared her experience hadn’t seen Burkel since her accident. Force on behalf of the AFW2. The AFW2 program with leadership and other audiences. It was her “I was amazed what the human body and mind enrolls more than 102 warriors a month, accord- recovery care coordinator who then suggested are capable of. I was somber to think of what she ing AFW2. she attend an Air Force Wounded Warrior Am- went through and the friends we lost that day,” For AF WW resources, visit woundedwarrior. bassador class. said Cunningham. af.mil.

12 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, June 21, 2018 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT *(9, -YVT7HNL This tool will strengthen relationships between supervisors, subordinates, and family members as we build a resilient community and take care of each other.” AMC has many programs and services to support Air- men and their families. Sometimes these resources can be hard to find, which leads people to think their resources are limited. This can cause frustration and confusion for Airmen, their families and their unit leaders. “There are issues that are consistently at hand and im- pact every segment of our population: reducing suicides, sexual assaults, spouse abuse, child abuse, on or off duty safety, and other negative behaviors that impede mission readiness, said Harris. “We constantly search for ways to address these issues; this tool is Airmen-tested and AMC Airmen say ‘the command hit the mark.’ ”

:/66; -YVT7HNL EST Entry Team Leader. The ADM course began with classroom instruction on mastering weapon system nomenclature and various in- depth fundamentals. The remainder of the course took place on the range, where teams practiced weapons firing in sce- narios of both known and unknown distances. “The one other Airman and I (rucked) together and re- minded each other that failing was not an option,” said Til- lis. “Anything you’re going through now doesn’t last forever; you just have to get through it to get where you want to go.” Tillis is still riding high from the training experience. “I thought the school was unbelievably informative and educational,” he said. “I didn’t think it was possible to learn so much in such a short time span and the instructors were great.” Moving forward, Tillis wants to attend as many schools as possible to further his technical skills, such as the U.S. Army Sniper School and Snipercraft. “Tillis spends 40 hours a month conducting EST train- ing and honing his skills, and is always willing to help his fellow Airmen,” said Terry. “During the time that Tillis was selected for EST, he was the only Airman on the team and has since inspired his fellow Airmen to take advantage of the unique opportunities that MacDill has to offer.” Going beyond the call of duty, Tillis dedicates his free time alongside his SFS team to ensure MacDill stays safe, ultimately allowing the mission to succeed.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, June 21, 2018 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 13 *3(::9664 -YVT7HNL mission in action, but receive lead- ership insight during a flying class- room on board a KC-135. While witnessing aerial refueling firsthand, cadets gained senior en- listed leadership perspective from Chief Master Sgt. Michael Lemond, who has served for 27 years and is the 6th Mission Support Group su- perintendent. “The reason why MacDill is inno- vative is because we are investing in experiential learning through in- centive flights on an actual military aircraft, which has been unprece- dented until recently,” said Lemond. This opportunity was unique be- cause, after all, how many people can say they’ve been in a classroom at altitudes in excess of 35,000 feet? “One of the purposes of the flying classroom is to build enthusiasm and interest in (future leaders),” said Flaute. In a collaborative effort to pro- vide an all-inclusive experience, the cadets were able to interact with Airmen from various career fields during their two-week stay on base. 7OV[VI`(PYTHUZ[*SHZZ:JV[[>HYULY “This experience is priceless be- cause it gives insight to careers, <:(PY-VYJL9LZLY]L6MMPJLY;YHPUPUN*VYWZ96;*JHKL[ZWH\ZLMVYHWOV[V^P[O*OPLM4HZ[LY:N[4PJOHLS skill sets, and the day-to-day opera- 3LTVUK[OLZ\WLYPU[LUKLU[HZZPNULK[V[OL[O4PZZPVU:\WWVY[.YV\WHSVUN^P[O2*:[YH[V[HURLYHPYJYL^ tions of Airmen on base in an en- H[4HJ+PSS(PY-VYJL)HZL1\UL;OL96;*JHKL[ZVIZLY]LKPUMSPNO[YLM\LSPUNVMHUV[OLY2*HPYJYHM[[V vironment not utilized until now,” L_WLYPLUJL4HJ+PSS»ZTPZZPVUH[^VYR said Lemond. “The professional de- velopment of future Airmen is ex- tremely important to the Air Force because giving them this opportu- nity only reinforces their desire to be a part of our family.” As a result of the four-hour in-air refueling incentive flight, MacDill displayed its unmatched aerial re- fueling, as well as its dedication to developing the nation’s future lead- ers. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime expe- rience and I feel lucky enough to be one of few to be in the cockpit dur- ing the flight,” said Cadet 3rd Class Ethan Torres, a student of Detach- ment 035 at California State Uni- versity, Fresno. “I’ve never done anything like this before; it is un- forgettable and it makes me more 7OV[VI`(PYTHUZ[*SHZZ:JV[[>HYULY invested in my coursework and in <:(PY-VYJL*HKL[3[*VS4H[[OL^,U[ULYHZ[\KLU[VM+L[HJOTLU[H[*LKHY]PSSL

14 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, June 21, 2018 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT ;(?,: -30./; -YVT7HNL -YVT7HNL deductible. what we do; there’s no other option,” said Master Sgt. Kevin McGrath, superintendent of Finally, you may have heard about State and Local Tax- the 927th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “We work in a dynamic environment and are es deduction. In the past, taxpayers could deduct the taxes expected to meet challenges as they come.” they paid to their home state from their income for pur- Ground crews from the 6th AMW and aircrews from the 927th ARW collaborated to poses of their federal taxes. Basically, the federal govern- ensure the rapid refueling of the 96th Bomb Squadron’s B-52 during the first leg of its mis- ment would not double-tax you on state taxes. For 2018, sion. Carrying more than 180,000 pounds of fuel, the tanker crews successfully offloaded the SALT deduction is capped at $10,000, which means over 65,000 pounds of fuel to the bomber, proving Total Force Integration is a key compo- if you pay $11,000 in state taxes, you will only be able to nent to global air superiority and unbreakable alliances. deduct $10,000 of that amount from your income when you “Our Total Force team rose to the challenge of this tasking and performed beautifully,” file your federal taxes. said Lt. Col. Dean Rancourt, aircraft commander and evaluator pilot assigned to the 63rd To better illustrate these changes, consider a basic Air Refueling Squadron. “While our 927th aircrew members were handling the complexi- example: You are married with one child with a house- ties of the change in coordination with air traffic controllers, both the 927th and 6th main- hold income of $70,000 per year, including your spouse’s tenance teams were scrambling to make the fuel load and aircraft changes to make this income, but excluding housing allowance and other non- happen.” The fueled-up bomber successfully flew alongside the Armee de l’Air over Étain, France, taxable income. Below is a chart showing how the new where the first U.S. combat aerial bombing took place during WWI on June 12, 1918, dem- tax laws change your 2018 tax burden. As you can see, the onstrating the close resolve and cooperation of the U.S. and its steadfast ally France. new tax laws not only affects your taxable income, but also “I was extremely proud of my aircrews’ ability to make this mission change happen,” taxes that income at a lower rate. said McAllister. “This was successful only because of our deep-rooted partnerships be- tween the 927th ARW and the 6th AMW, both operations and maintenance!”

For the majority of taxpayers, the new tax code should result in a reduction in the withholdings from your pay- check and tax savings when you file your 2018 tax return. Keep in mind the initial savings will likely be spread out over the year, but could total several hundred dollars. It should also be noted that filing your taxes next year is likely to be much easier since a large portion of the popu- lation is expected to benefit from the increased Standard Deduction and will no longer need to itemize deductions to maximize their tax refund. Note: This article should not be construed as tax ad- vice. Not all deductions and tax situations were covered in this article. Consult a professional tax preparer if you have questions.

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MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Š Thursday, June 21, 2018 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š 15 COMMUNITY &7&/54

)ULGD\ 6th Annual Vincent Jackson Youth in Action Camp Held at the MacDill AFB Health & Wellness Center, inside the Short Fitness Center from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. *The camp is free and open to children between the ages of 6-12 who are from a military family. To register, go to: https://jacksonin- action83foundation.launchtrack. events/register/6th-annual-vincent- jackson-youth-in-action-camp. Space is limited and in high demand. *No federal endorsement intended.

6XQGD\ Base Theater Free movie: “I can Only Imag- ine” (PG). Doors open at 1:15 p.m. Movie starts at 2 p.m. Overflow parking available in the SOCOM parking garage.

0RQGD\)ULGD\ Bay Palms Golf Complex Golfers Lunchtime Special from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Cart and 7OV[VI`:[HMM:N[;VYP3VUN greens fee $10 per person (all the :DWFKIXOH\HV golf you can play, with a cart, in the 4HQ 9`HU :U`KLY HJ[PUN PUZWLJ[VY NLULYHS ^P[O [OL [O (PY 4VIPSP[` >PUN \ZLZ IPUVJ\SHYZ [V L]HS\H[L above two-hour window) Call 840- TLTILYZMYVT[OLHSLY[HPYJYL^K\YPUNL_LYJPZL>VY[O`7OVLUP_1\UL ;OLL_LYJPZLWYV]PKLK[YHPUPUN 6904 for details. VWWVY[\UP[PLZ[V[LZ[HUK]HSPKH[LJVTTHUKJVU[YVSHUKVWLYH[PVUHSWYVJLK\YLZ

0RQGD\6XQGD\ MacDill Lanes Summer Break Kids Special $1 $)"1&-4$)&%6-& per game, $1 shoe rental (Children 3URWHVWDQWVHUYLFH under 18). Call 828-4005. 6XQGD\DP)DP&DPS %OGJ5DFFRRQ&UHHN  &DWKROLF0DVV 6DWXUGD\  SP0DVV 7XHVGD\ 3URWHVWDQW:RUVKLSDP Box Office Bistro 6XQGD\DP0DVV Taco Tuesday $5.75. Two soft ,VODPLFVHUYLFH 0RQGD\7KXUVGD\SP tacos, chips and salsa and a 16 oz. )ULGD\SPSP3UD\HU %OHVVHG6DFUDPHQW5RRP drink. Warmed 8-inch tortilla filled with lettuce, tomato, choice of meat For all other faith groups or for any questions, please contact the Chapel by visiting (chicken, fish or beef) with a side of http://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel or calling 828-3621 taco sauce. (Cheese, onion and salsa optional) Club members under $5 buck lunch. Club members get $1 off. Call in your order at 840-0084.

7KXUVGD\ Base Theater Free movie: “7 Days in Entebbe” (PG-13). Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Movie starts at 7 p.m.

16 Š WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Š Thursday, June 21, 2018 Š MACDILL THUNDERBOLT