Boomer Training - Page 8

Vol. 48, No. 11 Thursday, March 12, 2020

Boomer training - page 8

News/Features: page 2 AirFest salutes community

News/Features: page 3 Black Hisory Month

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

News/Features: page 6 Skillbridge to the future

Photo by Airman 1st Class Ryan C. Grossklag U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Simpson, the 18th Air Force command chief, views Airman 1st Class Malachi Gre- Community: page 15 man, a 50th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, refueling a KC-46 Pegasus aircraft from McConnell Air Force Base, Events, Chapel, more... Kan, aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, Jan. 30. The flight was the first two-and-two formation of KC-46 and KC-135 aircraft. NEWS/FEATURES MacDill to salute community with Tampa Bay AirFest by Airman 1st Class Shannon Bowman 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

The countdown is on! Team MacDill is pre- pared and Tampa Bay AirFest is back! For more than 80 years, the Tampa Bay community has extended unwavering support to MacDill Air Force Base. In recognition of the support from the local community,Team Mac- Dill will once again open its installation gates, fill its flight line with some of the world’s most incredible aircraft and host a weekend of amaz- ing aerial performances for the public. “Team MacDill is fortunate to receive such outstanding support from the Tampa Bay community,” said Col. Steve Snelson, the 6th Air Re- fueling Wing commander.“AirFest is a simple way for us to show our appreciation to the community who helps us to accomplish our global mission.” Tampa Bay AirFest 2020 is scheduled to occur on March 28-29, at MacDill AFB, and MacDill is looking to continue its reign as the best military air show site. “We want this to be the best AirFest yet,” said Maj. Justin Kellett, the Tampa Bay AirFest director.“We won the best military air show in 2018, and we’re looking to make this year’s

event even better.” Photo by Airman 1st Class Shannon Bowman Headlining this year’s event is the U.S. Navy U.S. Air Force Maj. Justin Kellett, the Tampa Bay AirFest 2020 director, conducts an interview Flight Demonstration Squadron, better known with media Feb. 27 on the flight line at MacDill Air Force Base. Representatives from the Tampa as the Blue Angels.AirFest will also feature Bay area flew on a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, during an air refueling training exercise, to pro- See AIRFEST, Page 14 mote AirFest 2020 and inform the community about the mission at the 6th Air Refueling Wing.

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

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE MacDill on the web Website: www.macdill.af.mil The Action Line provides two-way communication between the Facebook: www.facebook.com/ 6th Air Refueling Wing commander and the MacDill community.Per- sonnel may submit questions, concerns or comments via email to MacDillAirForceBase [email protected] or Facebook @6thARWCommandTeam Instagram: macdill_afb Twitter: @macdill_afb

MacDill Thunderbolt U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. of the Air Force or the 6th Air Refueling Wing. News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submitted Publisher: Joe DeLuca The appearance of advertising in this publication, including to the 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office, 8208 Hangar inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by Loop Dr., suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621. Call the Thunderbolt Editor: Nick Stubbs the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, at 828-2215. Email: [email protected]. 6th Air Refueling Wing or the TImes Publishing Company of the Deadline for article submissions is noon, Wednesdays to The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by the Times Publish- products or service advertised. appear in the next week’s publication. Articles received after ing Company, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. For retail advertising, call (813) 226-3318. deadline may be considered for future use. All submissions are Air Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an autho- Everything advertised in this publication shall be made considered for publication based on news value and timeliness. rized publication for distribution to members of the U.S. mili- available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to Every article and photograph is edited for accuracy, clar- tary services on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill Thunderbolt race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, ity, brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Stylebook are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit and Libel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101.

2 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, March 12, 2020 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT NEWS/FEATURES Black History Month; honoring the past, securing the future story and photos by Senior Airman Ashley Perdue 6th ARW Public Affairs

Every year during the month of February, Black History Month is celebrated with a different theme. This year’s theme was “Honoring the past, securing the future,” as a commemoration of the 75th anniversary of WWII. African Americans played a tremendous role A participant of the Black History Month observation lun- Yvette Lewis, the Hillsborough County Branch NAACP during the war years and cheon laughs during a speech at MacDill Air Force Base President, waves after being introduced as a distinguished helped win the freedom Feb. 27. Every year during the month of February, Black guest for the Black History Month observance luncheon at each American enjoys to- History Month is celebrated with a different theme. This MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 27. African Americans played day, despite the struggles year’s theme is ‘Honoring the past, securing the future,’ a tremendous role during WWII and helped win the free- they faced with their own as a commemoration of the 75th anniversary of WWII dom each American enjoys today despite the struggles freedom and equality. and the role black service members played in it. they faced with their own freedom and equality. JB San Antonio-Lackland training annex dedicated to fallen Medal of Honor recipient by 1st Lt. Jasmine Manning Special Warfare Training Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO,Texas (AFNS)—With family, friends and fellow Airmen in attendance, the Chapman Training Annex was offi- cially renamed during a ceremony March 4. Previously known as the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Training An- nex, it was renamed in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Master Sgt. John A. Chapman, an Air Force combat controller who gave his life fighting in Afghanistan in 2002. “Today we honor the tremendous courage, the selflessness and the pa-

triotism of Master Sgt. John Chapman,” said Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Photo by Sarayuth Pinthong Gen. Stephen W. Wilson, who was the keynote speaker during the ceremo- Valerie Nessel, spouse of Master Sgt. John A. Chapman, speaks to at- ny.“Chapman was a great warrior, a steadfast friend, a selfless patriot and, tendees during a renaming ceremony at Joint Base San-Antonio, Texas, above all, a man of unquestionable character. For John, it was always about March 4. The former JB San Antonio-Annex, home of special warfare those on his left and those on his right – it was about others.” training, was renamed the JB San Antonio-Chapman Training Annex in While conducting reconnaissance operations in Takur Ghar,Afghani- honor of the service, heroism and ultimate sacrifice of Master Sgt. John stan, on March 4, 2002, Chapman’s helicopter was attacked by enemy A. Chapman. Chapman was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor fighters with heavy machine-guns.The attack caused a team member to for his action in Takur Ghar, Afghanistan. fall from the aircraft. After egressing the area in the damaged helicopter, Chapman and his team volunteered to return in a second helicopter in an effort to save their teammate. Once on the ground, Chapman stormed an “While there are a number of extremely high awards presented in the enemy bunker, cleared the position and moved from cover to engage an- aftermath of this battle, the story of John Chapman’s gallantry simply other enemy machine gun emplacement. stands above them all,” said Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, commander of Air Educa- During this second assault, Chapman was struck and injured by enemy tion and Training Command. “If we ever needed an example of Air Force fire. Despite severe, mortal wounds, he continued to fight against multiple core values in action, John Chapman is it.” enemy personnel until his death. See MEDAL OF HONOR, Page 12

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, March 12, 2020 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 3 WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Ralph Branson Airmen assigned to the 1st Expeditionary Civil Engineer Group construct flooring at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Feb. 25. The on-site crew is replacing struc- tures damaged by a recent ballistic missile attack.

Photo by Capt. Kip Sumner Photo by Airman 1st Class Quion Lowe Capt. Kristin Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team pilot and Airman 1st Class Nathan Brooks, 849th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, prepares for takeoff prior to a practice flight at Hill Air Force assistant dedicated crew chief, helps with a phase inspection on an F-16 Base, Utah, Feb. 6. The demonstration team, assigned to the 388th Fight- Fighting Falcon at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Feb. 18. The 849th er Wing, is now part of Air Combat Command. AMXS Airmen and phase-inspection section Airmen accomplish F-16 maintenance as soon as possible to minimize the downtime of the aircraft.

4 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, March 12, 2020 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT NEWS/FEATURES Gen. Charles Q. Brown nominated to be next AF chief of staff by Charles Pope moving from a decades-long priority on combat- Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs ing and containing terrorism to a new era of Great Power Competition. As part of that new fo- ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—Gen. Charles cus, the Air Force and entire U.S. military must Q. (CQ) Brown Jr., the commander of Pacific Air be trained, ready and properly equipped to con- Forces, a decorated pilot who has held key com- front, deter and if necessary, defeat, challenges mands and served as a military advisor at the from Russia and China. It also comes at a time highest levels, has been nominated to serve as of heightened challenges from North Korea and the Air Force’s 22nd Chief of Staff, Secretary of other geopolitical shifts across Asia. Defense Mark T. Esper announced March 2. Brown is deeply familiar with the Korean Pen- If confirmed by the Senate, Brown would as- insula and Asia. That is a result of his command sume one of the two highest positions in the Air of Pacific Air Forces, a sprawling endeavor in Force from Gen. David L. Goldfein, who is retir- which he leads 46,000 Airmen spread over half ing June 30 after four years as Chief of Staff. the globe and devises policies and tactics that Brown would be the first African-American to guarantee mission success in an increasingly serve as a service chief. complex and dangerous part of the world. “I am truly honored and humbled by the nomi- “The United States Air Force will be well nation to serve as the Air Force’s 22nd Chief of served by the formidable talents of CQ Brown,” Staff,” he said. “If confirmed, Sharene and I look Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett said. forward to building upon the legacy of Gen. Dave “He has unmatched strategic vision and opera- and Dawn Goldfein and the many airpower gi- tional expertise. His leadership will be instru- ants before who have served our Air Force and mental as the service continues to focus on the our nation with such dedication.” capabilities and talent we need to implement the Brown, known across the Force as “CQ,” will National Defense Strategy.” U.S. Air Force Photo take command of an Air Force in transition, one See CHIEF OF STAFF, Page 10 Gen. Charles Q. Brown

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, March 12, 2020 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 5 NEWS/FEATURES Skillbridge helps service members transition to civilian workforce by Holly Logan-Arrington Robins Air Force Base Public Affairs

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS)—Skillbridge helps make the future less uncertain for service members separating from the military. The program is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, on-the-job training or internships during the last 180 days of service. Skillbridge connects service members with industry partners in real- world job experiences, said Angela Daniels, Robins Air Force Base Educa- tion and Training Office training management specialist and Skillbridge program counselor and program manager. “Skillbridge is an excellent opportunity as service members plan for life after the military,” Daniels said. “Skillbridge matches civilian opportunities to member’s job training and work experience at the end of their military duty. Members can enhance their marketability and post-separation career prospects by participating in a Skillbridge opportunity.” Enlisted and officer ranks may apply, as long as they have 180 days of service or fewer remaining prior to date of separation with an honorable discharge, including general discharge under honorable conditions. Addi- U.S. Air Force graphic by Haley Janes tionally, members must have at least 180 continuous days of active service, Skillbridge is an opportunity for service members to gain civilian work obtained approval from their unit commander and agree that participation experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, on-the-job in Skillbridge can be terminated at any time if mission requirements dic- training or internships during the last 180 days of service before transi- tate. tioning into the civilian workforce. Members must complete a counseling session with a Skillbridge counselor and speak to their respective commander for approval to participate selves up for immediate entry into a new career – typically with the indus- in the Skillbridge program. try partner – but also to have time to use terminal leave, so long as it does Next, the service member should contact the company he or she would not total more than 180 days combined. like to complete Skillbridge with and submit the vetting checklist, retire- Daniels said Skillbridge is a great opportunity for our service members ment order, if applicable, along with a detailed training plan and complete to explore new job skills or expand on current military skills. official Skillbridge application once given the go-ahead via Air Force Vir- “Participating in Skillbridge can ease the stress around military separa- tual Education Center. tion,” Daniels said. “Members gain critical work experience and training The Skillbridge counselor then considers the application for approval opportunities that are directly connected to a post-service career.” and emails the military member’s commander for consideration for ap- Daniels said often members experience a direct-hire from Skillbridge proval. participation, with no period of unemployment and learn if the company is If the military member is participating in the Skillbridge program out- a good fit for them before they separate from the military. side of the 50-mile radius, then the application is submitted to the mem- While the program isn’t mandatory, the Defense Department encourages ber’s major command for a Permissive Temporary Duty assignment. Upon service members to participate in Skillbridge and other career skills op- approval, the military member will receive a PTDY letter. portunities. Daniels said most programs are less than four months, which allows For more information, service members may visit the Skillbridge DoD members not only to receive their industry-related training and set them- website.

6 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, March 12, 2020 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT 6th CONS guide to FY20 purchases

by 2nd Lt. Alex Callage 6th Contracting Squadron

As we finish another month in 2020, it is important to remember that the current fiscal year began Oct. 1. Near the halfway point, it is crucial for organizations to plan for their upcoming requirements and coordinate those requirements through the 6th Contracting Squadron as early as possible. The 6th CONS mission is to purchase contracting requirements for the 6th Air Refueling Wing, 927th ARW and our mission partners as needed to accomplish their mis- sions. Contracting works for you and we will do our best to ac- quire the items that you request. However, by law, there are certain regulations that contracting officers must abide by when making purchases. Therefore, sole-source and brand

See FY20, Page 12

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, March 12, 2020 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 7 U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cory Drummond Jr., a 50th Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) boom operator instructor, explains boom operator aircrew procedures to Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Simpson, the 18th Air Force command chief, aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker, Jan. 30. Aboard the flight, Drummond oversaw boom operator training for Airman 1st Class Malachi Gr operator, while training Senior Airman Ashley Upton, a 50th ARS boom operator, on how to be an instructor.

mond Jr., a 50th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator instructor trainer in our job, so we constantly train so that we get the best of the best, Delivering excellence Drummond stated that incoming Airmen from Altus typically spend four to six months in upgrade training; taking advantage of the time to learn their career MacDill boom operators train for refueling perfection tency in MacDill’s Boom Operator Weapon System Trainer air refueling craft. story and photos by Airman 1st Class Ryan C. Grossklag “The BOWST is one of the most essential pieces of a boom operator’ 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs no danger,” said Drummond. “I can push Airmen to the limit mentally so that they gain that experience and prepare for when something goes wrong.We can make sure that everybody is ready and willing to here’s a saying in the Air Force about refueling aircraft, something along the lines of nothing ac- do the job as fast as possible and keep the pilots that don’t see what goes on in the bac complishes mission success without tanker aircraft gas. This saying rings true in Tampa. Refuel- be.” Ting aircraft such as MacDill Air Force Base’s KC-135 Stratotanker are vital to mission success Boom operators’ responsibilities extend past their air refueling qualifications and keeping other military aircraft flying all over the globe. fully ready and able aircrew members.As aircrew, Aboard the KC-135 on a typical flight sits a pilot, copilot and a boom operator, whose priority in-air is pilots steering the aircraft, but the 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron to deliver fuel to the connecting aircraft. Boom operators begin their refueling careers at Altus Air Force and running. Operators remain diligent in pre-flight and in-flight c Base, Oklahoma, but their training never stops. smoothly as possible. “Training here depends on the person, the person has to be able to show that they’re competent “Ninety percent of my job is backing up the pilots and the other 10% is refueling enough to fly so they don’t mask mistakes and they don’t freeze up,” explained Staff Sgt. Cory Drum- 1st Class Malachi Greman, a 50th ARS boom operator who completed upgrade training in F

8 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, March 12, 2020 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT A KC-46 Pegasus assigned to McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., ap- proaches a KC-135 Stra- totanker assigned to Mac- Dill Air Force Base for a refueling, Jan. 30. The flight displayed refueling of the KC-46 by MacDill’s KC-135, showing the Air Force’s latest refueling capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Malachi Gre- man, a 50th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, completes pre-flight inspections on a KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base Jan. 30. Boom operators have aircrew responsibilities extending past their in-air refueling capabilities; they also aid pilots by watching and lis- tening to anything occur- ring in the aircraft to ensure a safe flight. es to Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Simpson, d the flight, Drummond oversaw boom operator training for Airman 1st Class Malachi Greman, a 50th ARS boom

Air Refueling Squadron boom operator instructor trainer.“We can’t afford to freeze up “There is so much going on as far as checking gauges, I’ve heard pilots tell us at the end of the day that so we constantly train so that we get the best of the best, no matter what.” the smartest one on the jet is the boom operator because he has a bird’s eye view of what is going on. Altus typically spend four to six months in upgrade They’re flying the jet but we can see anything that pops up so it’s very vital to be a good crewmember as taking advantage of the time to learn their career, fly with instructors and test their compe- back up to the pilots.” Trainer, a simulator for boom operators to hone their Fully qualified boom operators know the ins and outs of the aircraft they spend hours at a time in, and take responsibility for aircrew procedures from take-off to landing. They are in constant communi- “The BOWST is one of the most essential pieces of a boom operator’s career because in house, there’s cation with the pilots, keeping 100% situational awareness to the status of their flight and see to the Airmen to the limit mentally so that they gain that experience pilots’ needs in-air. e can make sure that everybody is ready and willing to Boom operators take pride in not only having a front row seat in viewing their role in the Air Force’s do the job as fast as possible and keep the pilots that don’t see what goes on in the back as safe as can mission, but understanding the widespread reach of their mission responsibilities. “Everybody’s playing a certain part to fulfill the mission and being a vital role player as a boom op- their air refueling qualifications, maintaining roles as erator makes me feel a lot better because I’ve always wanted to play a major part in something, no mat- , they build working relationships with not only the ter what it is,” said Greman. “To be able to give back to the Air Force and give people freedom is really Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airmen who keep the aircraft up gratifying – to be called a fully mission qualified boom operator is definitely a long accomplishment and Operators remain diligent in pre-flight and in-flight checks to ensure each flight flows as I’m just excited for what the future has in store for me.” The KC-135 has a maximum capacity of 200,000 pounds of fuel to accomplish its air refueling mis- king up the pilots and the other 10% is refueling,” confessed Airman sion, and boom operators train relentlessly to deliver on that mission. As the saying goes, nothing kicks ARS boom operator who completed upgrade training in February. tail without tanker fuel.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, March 12, 2020 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 9 CHIEF OF STAFF From Page 5 As Chief of Staff, Brown will play a central role in fully integrating and Brown’s background and education, his commands and experience, posi- connecting warfighting operations that allows information to be collected, tion him well for the demands and expectations of the job. analyzed and shared across all domains – air, sea, land, cyber and space – He graduated in 1984 from Texas Tech University with a degree in civil and among all services. engineering and earned his commission – with distinction – through Air “CQ Brown is one of the finest warriors our Air Force has ever produced. Force ROTC. He’s led worldwide – in the Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa,” Gold- Throughout his 35-year career, Brown has been guided by what he de- fein said. “When it comes to global, operational savvy there’s nobody stronger. scribes as his “four tenets” – execute at a high standard; be disciplined in Congratulations to Gen. Brown on his nomination to be our next Chief.” execution; pay attention to the details; and have fun. As Chief of Staff, Brown will also be a principal ally and partner in sup- “Regardless of our respective ranks and positions, we must execute to porting the newly created Space Force. the best of our abilities and we must do it right the first time because the “Gen. CQ Brown is the right strategic leader at the right time for the application of airpower is serious business where half-hearted efforts and United States Air Force,” said Gen. Jay Raymond, Chief of Space Operations. playing for second place are not options,” he said during a 2018 speech. “He clearly understands the evolving and complex strategic environment we A command pilot with more than 2,900 flying hours primarily in the face and recognizes the importance of integrating across all domains to com- F-16 Fighting Falcon, including 130 combat hours, Brown held key roles pete, deter and win. On behalf of the 16,000 men and women assigned to the in operations against Libya and in the air war against the Islamic State United States Space Force, congratulations on the nomination!” group.Across his career, Brown has commanded a fighter squadron, two Brown will sit as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and represent the fighter wings and U.S. Air Forces Central Command. Prior to his current Air Force to the public, to Congress, industry partners as well as allies. The assignment, he served as the Deputy Commander, U.S. Central Command. Chief of Staff is responsible for devising and articulating Air Force priori- He also held other senior positions that will serve him well as the ser- ties, for shaping the service’s culture, budget and priorities as well as orga- vice’s chief military officer.They include serving as commandant of the Air nizing, training and equipping the Air Force’s 685,000 active-duty, Guard, Force Weapons School from 2005 to 2007 and, from March 2014 to June Reserve and civilian personnel. 2015, as director, Operations, Strategic Deterrence, and Nuclear Integra- “Gen. Dave Goldfein has been a tireless servant leader as Chief of Staff in tion, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe. championing the Air Force our nation needs. This is important, yet difficult Importantly, he also has an up-close understanding of the Chief of Staff, work that will only grow more complicated as the security environment con- having served as Aide-de-Camp to the 15th Chief of Staff, Gen. Ronald R. tinuously changes in this era of Great Power Competition,” Esper said. Fogleman and as the Executive Action Group Director for the 22nd Sec- “With Gen. CQ Brown’s nomination, comes the right level of talent and retary of the Air Force, Michael B. Donley and 19th Chief of Staff, Gen. experience for the job to hone Airman lethality and readiness; strengthen Norton A. Schwartz. He also served as a National Defense Fellow at the bonds with allied and partner air forces, and to do this efficiently,” he said. Institute for Defense Analyses.

10 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, March 12, 2020 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, March 12, 2020 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 11 MEDAL OF HONOR From Page 3 In August 2018, Chapman was posthumously presented the nation’s highest award for valor and heroism. He is the fourth Air Force enlisted Airman to earn the Medal of Honor. “Renaming this annex is extremely fitting and speaks volumes about John as an operator and how he lived and died,” said Valerie Nessel, Chap- man’s wife. “Each trainee will know John and learn about his actions. The operator has to want with every fiber of their being to become an operator. When doubts enter, one must remember John on that mountain top.” The Special Warfare Training Wing conducts initial entry training cours- es at the annex for Airmen pursuing combat control, pararescue, special reconnaissance and tactical air control party specialties. “These gates through which Sgt. Chapman walked 30 years ago, will now bear his name,” said Wilson. “The brave men and women who follow in his footsteps and commit themselves to live by the ethos ‘first there, that others may live’ shall forever be reminded of John’s uncompromising service to this nation and of his unbreakable commitment to his brothers and sisters in arms.” Chapman entered the combat controller training pipeline at Lackland Air Force Base in 1989. “When I think of John, I think of a special warfare continuum,” Webb Photo by Sarayuth Pinthong said. “On that day, Chapman represented the best of who we, Airmen, as- U.S. Airmen participate in the memorial push ups during a renaming cer- pire to be. He represents the ideals of special warfare. He represents a con- emony, at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, March 4. The JB San Antonio- tinuum of the excellence that has gone before, the excellence of today and Lackland Training Annex, home of Special Warfare training, was renamed the excellence that is still to come.” the JB San Antonio-Chapman Training Annex in honor of the service, her- Chapman Training Annex is only the second Air Force location named oism, and ultimate sacrifice of Master Sgt. John A. Chapman. Chapman after an enlisted member. Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is named after Cpl. was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his action in Takur Frank Scott, the first enlisted member to lose his life in an aircraft in 1912. Ghar, Afghanistan. FY20 From Page 7 name justifications should only be used on a very limited basis. Please keep supplies (Including GSA) over $2,000,000 that in mind when prioritizing your requirements for Fiscal Year 2020. June 12: Service recurring rentals and preventive maintenance agree- Government purchase card holders can make purchases up to $10,000 ments commodities and supplies (including GSA) $250,000 to $2,000,000 for commodities, $2,500 for services and $2,000 for construction projects. July 24: One time services up to $250,000 Certain circumstances will allow for up to a $25,000 purchase. Please dis- August 7: Commodities and supplies (including GSA) up to $250,000 cuss this potential option with the GPC program coordinator. Air Mobility Command Priority Day for Defense Finance and Accounting To allow 6th CONS to process your contracting requirement in a timely Service: Sept. 22, 2020 (Estimated) manner, please start planning your requirements now and avoid the rush AMC Final Push Day (Closeout): Sept. 28, 2020 (Estimated) during July through September. Points of contact: For FY20 requirements, coordination with 6th CONS is absolutely criti- Closeout: Kirk Krempasky 828-7482 cal before the following dates: Wing: Jace Anders 828-4784 March 27: All construction projects regardless of cost services over Construction: Douglas Willard 828-7454 $2,000,000 Mission partners: Jerry Simmons 828-4783 May 15: Services between $250,000 and $2,000,000 commodities and GPC: Rene Roman 828-3110

12 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, March 12, 2020 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT MILITARMILITARYY LONGLONG DRIVE DRIVE QUALIFIERQUALIFIER MacDill AFB Golf Course 14 March|0900–1400 DJ | Food | Fun | Prizes Military Long Drive Qualifier competition, PLUS a Long Drive Contest for children (6-17), women, seniors and a unique “Hickory Shaft” competition for ALL!

Enter the 2020 Military Long Drive qualifiers for a chance to win a $400 Pro Shop gift certificate and a trip to the Military Long Drive Competition Championship televised by the World Long Drive. See contest rules & entry form at www.macdillfss.com The Military Long Drive Qualifier competition is open to all Active Duty, Retired, Reserve and Coast/National Guard members, as well as all Military Service Veterans at least 18 years old with valid identification. 2nd and 3rd place prizes will be awarded to event participants. For more information & to register call the Bay Palms ProShop at (813) 828-0046

*No Federal Endorsement Implied

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, March 12, 2020 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 13 AIRFEST From Page 2

Photo by Senior Airman Sheyvon Pombo U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kylie Strawser (left), a KC-135 Stratotanker boom operator with the 50th Air Refueling Squadron, provides a safety briefing to media members prior to an air refueling training flight at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 27. MacDill invited the media to fly on a KC-135, to help inform the community about the mission at the 6th Air Refueling Wing, and AirFest 2020.

demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force’s F-22 Raptor and F-16 Viper demonstration teams, among others. Numerous static aircraft displays will be on site, and a Blue Angel’s kids zone will be available for children attending the event. Food and beverages can also be purchased at the event. After two years of planning and immeasur- able anticipation, AirFest is on the horizon. MacDill is ready for the eyes of Tampa to be on the skies over MacDill. “We are proud to open our doors for Tampa Bay AirFest 2020,” said Chief Master Sgt. An- thony Green, the 6th ARW command chief. “This is a fantastic opportunity for the public to wit- ness first-hand the professionalism of Team MacDill’s Airmen, and also experience some adrenaline-pumping aerial displays.” MacDill’s gates will open at 8 a.m. both days

of the event, and performances will take place Photo by Airman 1st Class Shannon Bowman from 11:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. A KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew from the 50th Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) meets on the flight For more information, including a complete list- line Feb. 27, 2020 at MacDill Air Force Base prior to an air refueling training flight. During the ing of performers and displays at Tampa Bay Air- training, the 50th ARS refueled a C-17 Globemaster III, based out of Joint Base Charleston, Fest 2020, please visit www.tampabayairfest.com. South Carolina.

14 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, March 12, 2020 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT COMMUNITY EVENTS Friday Gladiator 2.0 From 8-11 a.m. teams of 2 or 4: test your endurance, speed, strength and ability with a 3-mile relay, a barricade run, a wheelbar- row/bear crawl, a sledge-hammer swing, and more. Prizes awarded to the first-place teams. Call Staff Sgt. Tracey Green at the Short Fit- ness Center, at 828-4493 for more information.

Bowling Club Member Appre- ciation Day From 6-8 p.m. at MacDill Lanes & Family Fun Center. All club members and their family members bowl for free. Call 828-4005.

Saturday Military Long Drive qualifier At the Bay Palms Golf Complex Photo by Airman 1st Class Ryan C. Grossklag from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. DJ, food, fun Command chief visits and prizes. Military Long Drive U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron pause for a photo with Chief Master Sgt. qualifier competition, plus a long Jason France, the command senior enlisted leader at U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, drive contest for children (6-17), Ill., at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 27. France visited MacDill to tour facilities within the 6th Maintenance women, seniors and a unique Group, 6th Mission Support Group, 6th Operations Group, 50th Air Refueling Squadron as well as the Joint “Hickory Shaft” competition for all. Communications Support Element. For more information and to register, call the Bay Palms pro shop at 828-0046. CHAPEL SCHEDULE Protestant service Catholic Mass Tuesday Sunday - 11 a.m. - combined worship Saturday - 5:30 p.m. - Mass St. Patrick’s Day 5K Fun Run 6 p.m. Thrive (contemporary worship) Meet 7 a.m. at the golf course Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - Mass parking lot. Come out in your most Islamic service Monday-Thursday - 12:10 p.m. festive attire for the chance to win Friday - 1:30 p.m. Prayer (Blessed Sacrament Room) a prize. Prize goes to top male and female runner as well. Prize give- aways throughout the event. For For all other faith groups or for any questions, please contact the Chapel by visiting more info, call Staff Sgt. Green at http://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel or calling 828-3621 828-4493. Sponsored in part by PT Solutions.* *No federal endorsement of sponsor intended.

Membership luncheon Held at the Surf’s Edge Club from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Everyone welcome. Featuring corned beef and cabbage, shepard’s pie, sides and desserts. Club members free. For more information and pricing call 840-2020. *Reservations only required for parties of 10 or more. Be sure to visit the official 6th Air Refueling Wing website at www.macdill.af.mil

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, March 12, 2020 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 15 16 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, March 12, 2020 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT