Test of the Best!
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Vol. 40, No. 31 Friday, August 5, 2011 Test of the best! Photo by Airman 1st Class Michael Ellis MacDill Air Force Base’s security forces team races through the combat endurance obstacle course at the 2011 Air Mobility Command Rodeo on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 28. The Rodeo is the premiere event held by AMC to test the capabilities of wings under the command. More Rodeo pictures, page 10. COMMANDER’s CORNER Great job at AMC Rodeo; some Team MacDill standouts by Col. Lenny Richoux people who think differently than you do. 6th Air Mobility Wing commander By challenging your own assumptions, you stand a better chance of tackling challenges Last week our Air Mobility Command Ro- in unique, mutually supportive and beneficial deo participants did a great job representing ways. Our military is diverse and that diver- the 6th Air Mobility Wing at McChord AFB, sity is one of our strengths. Wash. Each of us has a role in our small and large I’m proud of their accomplishments. Lt. groups. Your small group could be your family Col. Michael “Cosmo” Babyak was respon- or your squadron. Do your part to make your sible for managing MacDill’s 36-member team, group successful. Participate in discussions and we were honored to have two special and team building events; encourage others guests and close friends of MacDill attend. around you to participate. They were Mr. Jackson Speake, a local I receive feedback from many of you who business leader and one of our honorary com- are participating in events like the Boss and manders Mr. Hayward Chapman. I want to Buddy Nights, Wing Sports Days or the Din- extend a hearty thanks to the South Tampa ing Ins and other occasions like those that are Photo by Senior Airman Michael Ellis Chamber of Commerce for its support of- giving you the chance to bond and grow as a Col. Lenny Richoux, 6th Air Mobility Wing com- fered to our MacDill AFB team for Rodeo. team. If there are other things that encourage mander, with members of the MacDill Air Mobility During Rodeo we sharpened our skills with team spirit that we aren’t doing on the base, Command Rodeo team as they recover after a run seven international teams representing air pitch the idea around and make it happen. through the competition’s obstacle course. forces from Europe, the Middle East and Asia There were a lot of great events that hap- works in the Joint Communications Support in competition and camaraderie. pened last week. Thanks to all of the contes- Element. Sullivan will represent MacDill at I am also proud of the experiences joint tants and members of the cheering crowd who Scott AFB, IL, Oct. 20. exercises teach all of us as we coordinate and attended the Air Mobility Command Idol tal- Another member of the MacDill team I’d harness our strengths. I’m inspired by the ent contest that 6th Force Support Squadron like to congratulate is the recently promoted friendships we made and singular focus from put on last week. I want to congratulate the Chaplain (Lt. Col.) David Buttrick, the a diverse collection of airmen. first place winner, U.S. Central Command’s base chaplain. The work the base chaplains The Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Petty Officer 2nd Class Yarrick Conner and chaplain staff are doing definitely doesn’t Schwartz recently spoke about the enhanced and to the winner who will represent Mac- go unnoticed. He and his staff are focused on effectiveness diversity builds. Dill at the Air Mobility Command-level of the I challenge you to surround yourself with contest, Tech. Sgt. Chastity Sullivan who See COMMANDER’S, Page 18 COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE The Action Line provides a two-way communication between the 6th Air Mobility Wing commander and the MacDill community. A 24-hour recording service is provided so personnel may submit questions, concerns or com- ments. Call the Action Line at 828-INFO (4636) or e-mail macdillwingcom- [email protected] fense, the Department of the Air Force or the 6th Air Mobil- may be obtained by calling 259-7455. MacDill Thunderbolt ity Wing. News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submit- Publisher: Denise Palmer The appearance of advertising in this publication, in- ted to the 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office, Bldg. Editor: Nick Stubbs cluding inserts or supplements, does not constitute en- 25, MacDill AFB, FL 33621, or call the MacDill Thunderbolt dorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department staff at 828-4586. Email: [email protected]. of the Air Force, 6th Air Mobility Wing or Sunbelt Newspa- Deadline for article submissions is noon, Thursdays to The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by Sunbelt News- pers, Inc., of the products or service advertised. appear in the next week’s publication. Articles received af- papers, Inc., a private firm in no way connected with the Everything advertised in this publication shall be made ter deadline may be considered for future use. All submis- U.S. Air Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to sions are considered for publication based on news value authorized publication for distribution to members of the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, and timeliness. U.S. military services on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-mer- Every article and photograph is edited for accuracy, clar- Thunderbolt are not necessarily the official views of, or it factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. ity, brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Style- endorsed by the U.S. government, the Department of De- Display advertising or classified advertising information book and Libel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101. NEWS/FEATURES Your T-bolt Today Meet the new 6th News/Features: page 4 SFS commander A Rodeo win for the 6th Thunderbolt staff News/Features: page 4 Lt. Col. James Zirkel assumed command of the 6th Security Forces Squadron last week. 927th flies reverse for Rodeo He took time out to introduce himself to the MacDill community and answered a few ques- tions from the Thunderbolt. News/Features: page 10 Thunderbolt: What do you expect of the Dining In a hit Airmen under your command? News/Features: page 14 Zirkel: Adherence to the core values and a positive attitude. Airfield Operations Thunderbolt: Who are your favorite lead- ers and role models and why? MacDill Community: page 17 Zirkel: I admire people who are able to cut Events, movies, more... through the emotions and politics of a decision and make the tough call to do the right thing. Thunderbolt: What does it mean to you to Lt. Col. James Zirkel be a commander? pier with the house and the location. Mac- Zirkel: Command is a privilege and an Dill is my dream assignment, it was my first ATV safety honor; it is a special trust and confidence choice and I am ecstatic to be here. placed in me by the Wing Commander. It car- Case study: A 24-year-old senior airman ries with it an enormous responsibility. That Thunderbolt: Is there anything else you was operating an all terrain vehicle with a said, I am very excited to command the 6th would like to add? 25 year old staff sergeant passenger on a Security Forces Squadron. gravel road at a high rate of speed. The se- Zirkel: There has been a lot of attention in nior airman encountered a sharp right turn Thunderbolt: When you hold your first the media about the national debt. Each of us and lost control, rolled the ATV and struck commander’s call what is the first thing you may not be able to affect change at the nation- a fence. are going to tell your Airmen? al level, but we certainly can in our homes. The senior airman received minor cuts I made a commitment to live debt free four and bruises, and the staff sergeant pas- Zirkel: After I introduce myself I am going years ago – no more credit cards or car loans. senger received a concussion and fractured to thank them for their service, let them know It wasn’t easy, I had to follow a budget and shoulder. how much I appreciate what they do for Mac- make some hard decisions on wants versus The state highway patrolmen who inves- Dill AFB, the Air Force and the country. Oth- needs. I felt like a weight was lifted off of tigated the mishap determined the senior er key topics will include the family culture of me once everything was paid off. I’ve shown airman operator was under the influence of the squadron and expectations. hundreds of people how I did it since then and alcohol at the time of the mishap. would be happy to assist anyone who is affili- Bottom line: Always wear DOT-compli- Thunderbolt: What are your thoughts ated with the military and is serious about ant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, about MacDill and living in Tampa? getting out of debt. over-the-ankle boots and gloves. Never ride Feel free to give me a call at 828-2047 if you under the influence of alcohol. Zirkel: I live on base and could not be hap- are interested. NEWS/FEATURES Team MacDill returns from When left becomes right: 927th Rodeo; gets warm welcome ARW fly in reverse at Rodeo Photo by Airman 1st Class Michael Ellis Photo by Staff Sgt. Greg C. Biondo MacDill Air Force Base’s maintenance team holds their well-deserved Maj.