Vol. 39, No. 03 Friday, January 15, 2010

Photo by Senior Airman Angela Ruiz

Gen. Raymond Johns, the new commander of Air Mobility Command, meets with Staff Sgt. Steve Light, 6th Communications Squadron, while making his first visit to MacDill Jan. 6. Sergeant Light recently returned to duty after six months of recovery from injuries he suffered while de-ployed to Afghanistan.

New AMC commander visits MacDill - page 10

www.macdill.af.mil

MacDill ThunderboltPublisher: Denise Palmer

Editor: Nick Stubbs

The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by Sunbelt Newspa-pers, Inc., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for distribution to members of the U.S. military services on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill Thunderbolt are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department of

the Air Force or the 6th Air Mobility Wing.The appearance of advertising in this publication, includ-

ing inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, 6th Air Mobility Wing or Sunbelt Newspapers, Inc., of the products or service advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron.

Display advertising or classified advertising information may be obtained by calling 259-7455.

News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submitted to the 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office, Bldg. 299, at 8208 Hangar Loop Drive, Suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621, or call the MacDill Thunderbolt staff at 828-4586. Email: thunder-bolt@MacDill.af.mil.

Deadline for article submissions is noon, Thursdays to appear in the next week’s publication. Articles received after deadline may be considered for future use. All submissions are considered for publication based on news value and time-liness.

Every article and photograph is edited for accuracy, clarity, brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101.

COMMENTARY

by Staff Sgt. Vanessa YoungDefense Media Activity-San Antonio

In October, I went to cover a story at the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regenera-tion Group facility on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Thousands of retired Air Force, Navy and coalition aircraft are retired at this “bone yard.” Pilots used these aircraft to shoot down MiGs in the Vietnam War, pa-trol New York City after 9/11 and transport servicemembers home from Operation Iraqi Freedom. I was impressed by the history parked in this desert facility.

Then I met the maintainers who worked there, and I was in awe.

These maintainers don’t perform typical aircraft maintenance. These maintainers tear these “old birds” apart and cannibalize their parts so they can be reused in the active fleet. On any given day they could cut the wings off of an F-15 Eagle, remove avionics from a C-130 Hercules or pull the wheels from an A-10 Thunderbolt II; all in an effort to regenerate the Air Force inventory.

Aircraft maintenance on a typical flight-line is labor intensive and at times danger-ous. These mechanics don’t work on a typical

flightline. There are no hangars to shield them from the 110 degree desert heat. The fa-cilities’ fences don’t keep out the rattlesnakes, scorpions and other animals common to a desert climate. And since parts are constantly being removed, when they enter an aircraft they have to be extra vigilant for missing floor panels, protruding wires and decrepit compo-nents that could fall off the aircraft.

None of these maintainers are active-duty military; however, most of them are former Air Force or Navy aircraft maintainers. I spoke with a few of the maintainers who have been turning wrenches since the Vietnam War -- tearing apart the same aircraft they were charged with keeping in the air.

Why would these guys still want to do this after all of these years?

The bad economy? Possibly. But looking in their eyes and listening to them talk about the aircraft they work on, the challenges they face and the Airmen they help, I knew it was something more.

It’s something more than overtime pay that makes them stay after hours or come in on the weekend to get a critical part to an Air-man downrange. It’s something more than the opportunity to work on aircraft that keeps

them working under the extreme conditions of the Arizona desert.

The white overalls they wear today have replaced the battle uniforms of their day, but it is evident their commitment to the mission hasn’t changed. Almost everyone I spoke with told me how proud they were to still be able to support Airmen, but played down the fact that they were, at times, as integral to keeping an aircraft in the air.

I expected to be impressed by the thou-sands of planes. I expected to be humbled by the history of the aircraft. I even expected to be completely dwarfed by disassembled C-5 Galaxies.

I didn’t expect to be inspired by the dedica-tion of these aircraft “cannibals.”

My mission was to write about how the “bone yard” saved the Air Force money. I quickly realized this story was about more than a money-saving storage facility; it’s the people who make this organization successful. For all the time they spend in the sun, these civilian Airmen deserve their time in the limelight.

To the men and women of the 309th Aero-space Maintenance and Regeneration Group: thank you for your service.

Inspired by cannibals

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 per-sonnel may submit questions, concerns or comments. Call the Action Line at 828-INFO (4636)

by Maj. Cheryl Magnuson6th Medical Group Public Health

Jan 10 - 16 is National Influenza Vaccina-tion Week.

Vaccination is the single best way to protect yourself and the people you love from influenza. The 6th Medical Group Immunizations Clinic is currently vaccinating against both H1N1 flu (formerly called Swine flu) and seasonal flu vi-ruses. Immunization technicians are visiting squadrons around the base to make sure all active duty members receive their mandatory flu shots and stay mis-sion ready. The vac-cine supply is now sufficient and every-one is encouraged to receive the vac-cines. Stop by the clinic, located in the northeast corner of the Medical Group and get protected against flu. TriCare members may also obtain their H1N1 flu shots at CVS Pharmacies.

This Flu season has been a very long one and it shows no signs of letting up. The H1N1 flu started causing problems back in June and has become the most common flu virus circulating in the local area and around the country. As of Jan. 5, there’s been 10 deaths of military medical beneficiaries attributed to H1N1 flu (two active duty members, five fam-ily members and three retirees – fortunately none locally). The 6 MDG has also seen cases of other seasonal flu viruses. Seasonal flu usu-ally peaks in this area after the holidays when the snowbirds arrive in droves. Therefore Pub-lic Health members recommend vaccinating against both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu. You can receive both shots at the same time.

Through the years, millions of seasonal flu vaccines have been given safely, and this year millions of people have also safely received the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. A separate vaccine was

made to protect against 2009 H1N1 flu since this new virus was detected after production of the seasonal flu vaccine had already begun. The H1N1 flu vaccine is produced in the same way by the same manufacturers as seasonal flu vaccine. Any side effects that have occurred since people started receiving the 2009 H1N1 vaccine have been similar to those experienced following seasonal influenza vaccine. Detailed information is available at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/vaccine_safety.htm

Flu vaccines are very safe and ef-fective and closely monitored for any potential side ef-fects. It’s important to realize the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. Why? Because the inject-ed flu shot contains inactivated (killed) viruses, and the na-sal spray contains attenuated (weak-ened) viruses and cannot cause flu ill-

ness. If you get the flu soon after getting the flu vaccine, it means that you may have been exposed to the virus shortly before getting vac-cinated or during the two-week period it takes the body to gain protection after getting vac-cinated, or you are sick with a non-flu respira-tory virus with symptoms similar to those of the flu.

While vaccination is the most effective way to avoid the flu, other preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, use of hand sanitizer, covering your cough with tissue or sleeve, staying home or away from others when sick and disinfection of common surfaces are also advised.

For more information, visit these Web sites or contact Public Health at 827-9601:http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htmhttp://www.hillscountyhealth.org/http://fhp.osd.mil/aiWatchboard/http://www.vaccines.mil/

NEWS/FEATURESIt’s not too late to vaccinate Your T-bolt Today

NEWS/FEATURES: page 4

MacDill HAWC tops in AMC

NEWS/FEATURES: page 10

AMC commancer visits

NEWS/FEATURES: page 4

HAWC’s Craft honored by DoD

DIAMOND SHARP: page 12

Airman recognized

COMMUNITY: page 17

Events, movies, more

BRIEFS: page 6

News to know

Lose it!Looking for a way to shed those extra

holiday pounds?Ingram’s Karate Center of Carrollwood

wants to help you.During the month of January, Ingram’s

Karate Center is offering a free Total Fit-ness program. Everyone 18 and up is wel-come. Total fitness combines cardiovascular exercise, strength and endurance training, and flexibility enhancement to help you in-corporate fitness into your lifestyle. Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m.

For information call 813-969-4777 or visit www.ingramskarate.com.

TRAFFIC ALERT: page 12

Road work traffic routing

1051

TRAFFIC DETOUR PLAN

Rev. Date: 8 Jan 2010

Barricades Along Traffic Side

Lane To Be ClosedThru Early May

Mac

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Cones BetweenOpposing Traffic

by Nick StubbsThunderbolt editor

The 6th Air Mobil-ity Wing’s Health and Wellness Center has done it again, winning Air Mobility Command HAWC of the year for the fourth time. That puts the HAWC in the running for Air Force HAWC of the year – another honor it’s held in the past.

“It’s just a testament to all the members of the HAWC,” said Lt. Col. Paul Gourley, 6th Aerospace Medicine Squadron commander, “We’ve got quite the HAWC here.”

The news also was welcomed by Joan Craft, director of the HAWC.“It’s great,” she said. “Everyone works so hard here and it’s great when you are recognized for

the work and the things you do.”It’s all familiar ground for the HAWC, which was top HAWC in AMC three previous years, tak-

ing top Air Force honors once. Whether there is a repeat of the Air Force award will be revealed at a conference at the end of the month in Washington D.C.

“It would be fantastic if we could win Air Force again,” said Ms. Craft. “That would be the top-per of a very good year.”

HAWCs are evaluated based on a variety of criteria related to the maintaining and improve-ment of the health and well being of the base population. The number and effectiveness of health, fitness and nutrition programs, along with staff and expertise, all play a factor. Sticking with what works, but never being afraid to investigate new programs and techniques has been a key to the MacDill HAWC’s success, said Ms. Craft.

“We have a good track record of our programs being measurably effective,” she said. “We also try to stay at the leading edge of the technology and equipment available.”

A good example of that technology is the Bod Pod automated body fat analysis machine. Users slip into a Spandex suit, and by just sitting in the pod, get a digital readout of their body fat per-centage. The computer of the unit stores the information, which means it can compare previous readings to the past, providing an excellent yardstick for those using it as part of a fitness and diet program to achieve a set goal.

Another unique system at the HAWC is the gate analysis machine, which evaluates the run-ning gate of the user, helping them fine tune their style to reduce stress and injury to feet, ankles and legs, as well as information that can be used to find the right running shoe for the individu-al.

Combined with a host of programs and informational campaigns geared toward putting people on the right path to health and fitness, and a great enthusiasm for always trying to do more for the base population, the MacDill HAWC is a standout when it comes time for annual recogni-tion.

“They (the members of the HAWC) are never satisfied with the status quo,” said Colonel Gour-ley. “They’re always finding new ways.”

NEWS/FEATURESHAWC wins top AMC honor; up for AF award

Photo by Nick Stubbs

HAWC members with loaner bikes used in the Bike-It program, just one of the innovative programs that helped the HAWC win top AMC honors for 2009.

by Nick StubbsThunderbolt editor

News that the MacDill Health and Well-ness Center is the top HAWC in Air Mobility Command for 2009 was great enough, but it didn’t stop there. Joan Craft, director of the HAWC, was singled out for her detailed anal-ysis of 10 years of tobacco cessation programs run by the center, the work selected as the winner of the Health and Lifestyle category in an annual recognition program adminis-tered across the DoD by TriCare.

She will receive her award at a conference in Washington, D.C. at the end of the month.

“I was totally overwhelmed when I got the e-mail (announcing the selection),” said Ms. Craft.

The retrospective analysis of tobacco ces-sation efforts tracked programs and tactics, along with success rates over a 10-year peri-od. Meticulous recording of data, and a pack-rat mentality that kept the paperwork and computer files around “all that time,” permit-ted the analysis work.

“We had all this data and I decided to do something with it and see if it had value,” said Ms. Craft.

The committee that evaluated the work confirmed that it did.

From community outreach and partner-ships, effectiveness and participation in pro-grams as it relates to the time of day classes are held, to class location and other minutia, the data proves to be a wealth of information about what works and what doesn’t.

“The idea was to determine what makes a successful program – all the things that fac-tor in,” Ms. Craft said.

The HAWC’s programs a success rate that serves as a good model. While MacDill cannot boast the lowest level of smokers and tobacco users, it is below the Air Mobility Command and Air Force average, a testament to pro-grams like Smoke Signals, a program used ef-fectively by the HAWC.

“It was outstanding news,” said Lt. Col. Paul Gourley, 6th Aerospace Medicine Squad-ron commander, adding that the “recognition of Joan for her work” is doubly sweet coming on the heels of the AMC HAWC of the year title.

HAWC director Craft wins DoD honor

Civil Engineer Customer Service moveThe Civil Engineer Customer Service Center has moved to building

11. To get to the customer service welcome desk, you may park in the parking lot off of Hangar Loop between the CE warehouse compound and CE Readiness building (Bldg 12). Walk through the pathway of Bldg 347 and over to the front entrance of Bldg 11 “6 CES Customer Service.” For directions to the new location, call 828-4351 or 828-4352.

Town Hall meeting A town hall meeting will be held Jan. 27 at 5 p.m. at the Base The-

ater. All base personnel are invited to attend the event, which offers the opportunity to get questioned answered regarding base living and ser-vices. A free showing of the The Princess and the Frog” will be screened immediately following the event.

Retiree Activities Office Tax ReturnsThe Retiree Activities Office is now taking appointments for 2009

Tax Returns beginning Feb. 1. To make an appointment call 828-0248.

Florida Voting informationFlorida Voters, submit your ballot request NOW for the Feb. 2 Spe-

cial Primary Election to fill the congressional vacancy for the 19th Con-gressional District including parts of Broward and Palm Beach. Send

BRIEFS

See BRIEFS, Page 8

Federal Post Card Application ballot NOW to ensure enough time to receive, vote and return your ballot. The online version of the FPCA and Florida’s instructions on how to fill out and submit the form are available at www.fvap.gov. Ballot request deadline is Jan. 26.

Additional assistance can be obtained through your Unit Voting Assistance Officer.

Union RepresentationBargaining Unit Employees are reminded

that under Section 7114(a)(2)(B) of Chapter 71, Title 5, U.S.C., employees have the right to be represented at any examination in con-nection with an investigation if: a. the employ-

ee reasonably believes that the examination may result in disciplinary action against the employee, and b. The employee requests rep-resentation. For more information, contact 6 FSS/FSMC at 828-4511.

Base Pool ClosureThe Base Pool is closed for repair. Reopen-

ing date to come.

BRIeFSFrom Page 6

by Airman 1st Class Katherine Holt6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., commander of Air Mobility Com-mand, and his wife, Diana, visited MacDill AFB, Fla. Jan. 5-7. Since taking command of AMC Nov. 20, the general has made it his top priority to see the air mobility mission “through the eyes of the Airmen.”

General Johns’ visit to MacDill was his first, full installa-tion visit to an active duty base since taking command. While at MacDill, he was immersed in the “One Team-No Seam” phi-losophy of the 6th Air Mobility Wing and the 927th Air Refuel-ing Wing, visiting facilities, meeting Airmen, and even hand-ing out SrA Below the Zone stripes.

“It is great to see two wings brought together,” said General Johns about the partnership of the 6 AMW and 927 ARW. “It is necessary to preserve the richness of guard, reserve and active duty.”

General Johns also commended both wings on their deploy-ment abilities and explained that he understood the Airmen of today will be raising their families different than the Airmen of the past.

“When I first entered the Air Force there were no deploy-ments,” he said. “We arrived at our new base and stayed there.” Many would classify today’s operations tempo as a “surge,” but as Gen Johns pointed out, for those who joined the military in the last nine years, this is “business as usual.”

The general also emphasized to MacDill’s Airmen the criti-cal need of all skills, across both wings. “The military exists to defend the homeland,” said General Johns. “With that, the Air Force exists for global reach, global power, and global vigi-lance.”

General Johns also recognized the Air Force’s newest master sergeant, Christopher Dehm, 6th Logistics Readiness Squad-ron, whom the general STEP promoted the day before.

Before his departure from MacDill AFB, General and Mrs. Johns were provided an aerial tour of MacDill and the sur-rounding Tampa Bay community by the Hillsborough Coun-ty Sheriff ’s Department’s Aviation Division, in order to get a bird’s-eye view of the base’s footprint and infrastructure.

Gen. Johns makes first visit to MacDill as

AMC Commander

hoto by Senior Airman Angela Ruiz

General Raymond Johns, Air Mobility Command, commander, talks with Staff Sgt. Steve Light, 6th Communications Squadron, about his recent homecoming at MacDill Air Force Base Jan 7. Sergeant Light returned to MacDill after spending more than six months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center recovering from his wounds he suffered while deployed.

Photos by Senior Airman Angela Ruiz

(Top) General Raymond Johns, Air Mobility Command commander, asks the 6th Air Mobility Wing’s base honor guard “who has been in the Air Force for less than eight years?” (Above) Senior Airman Kristina Zacherl, 6th Operations Squadron, air traffic controller, briefs General Johns on the base’s airspace congestion and drop zone at the air traffic control tower. General Johns took command of AMC, Nov. 20, since then he has made it a top priority to see the air mobility mission “through the eyes of the Airmen.” He came to MacDill Jan. 6.

hoto by Senior Airman Angela Ruiz

General Raymond Johns, Air Mobility Command, commander, talks with Staff Sgt. Steve Light, 6th Communications Squadron, about his recent homecoming at MacDill Air Force Base Jan 7. Sergeant Light returned to MacDill after spending more than six months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center recovering from his wounds he suffered while deployed.

Background Photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Swafford Jr.

Job Title: Finance customer ser-vice technician

Home town: Monroe, Mich.

Short-term goals: Preparing for my Senior Airman responsibili-ties and finishing my associates degree.

Long-term goals: Making Staff on the first try and finishing my bachelor’s degree in 3 years.

Advice to others: It’s never about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep on moving - Rocky Balboa

Role model (s): My father, be-cause he showed me how to be ev-erything I never thought I could be.

Airman First Class Angelina M Cardella 6th Comptroller Squadron

Diamond Sharp

Construction continues through MayNew Bus Shelter at North East Corner of Zemke Av-

enue and MacDill Avenue The new bus shelter construction started Thursday

and is scheduled to be completed by early May. The project requires the west bound lane of Zemke

Avenue be shifted to the center of the roadway to accom-modate the construction and protect the workers.

We appreciate your patience during the construction period.

1051

TRAFFIC DETOUR PLAN

Rev. Date: 8 Jan 2010

Barricades Along Traffic Side

Lane To Be ClosedThru Early May

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Cones BetweenOpposing Traffic

by Jason Kirkpatrick 6th Civil Engineer Squadron

Those interested in protecting and improving MacDill’s shoreline may be interested in volunteering for one or both of two upcoming events. One is an off-site trip to a nearby (man-made) salt marsh to dig up marsh grass plugs. Event two is a marsh grass planting event at the oyster reef site on the golf course.

Event one (marsh grass dig up) is Feb. 3. A 15-passenger van will de-

part the base at 8:30 a.m. and drive to the nearby marsh site and dig up marsh grass for about two hours and return to base by noon. All ma-terials and supplies needed for the work are provided.

Event two is Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. to noon. Meet at the FAM Camp location, followed by planting the marsh grass plugs gathered from the previous day. All the equipment and supplies needed are provided.

Contact Jason Kirkpatrick at Jason.kirkpatrick@macdill.af.mil to sign up. Call (813) 695-3206.

Oyster reef project dates set

MACDILL COMMUNITYEVENTS

Protestant servicesSunday - 9 a.m., Traditional Service10:30 a.m., Religious Education, Noon, Gospel Service& 9 a.m, service, FamCamp Multipurpose CenterTuesday -Noon, Promise KeepersWednesday - 10:30 a.m., Women of the ChapelThursday - 11:30 a.m., Officers’ Christian FellowshipFor more information regarding the Chapel or Chapel servic-es, call 828-3621.

Catholic servicesSaturday - Mass, 5:30 p.m.Sunday - Mass, 10:30 a.m.Monday to Thursday: Mass, 12:10 p.m.Saturday - Sacrament of Reconciliation, 4:30 p.m., (or by ap-pointment) Islamic servicesFriday - 1:15 p.m.Jewish services - Call 828-3621

CHAPEL SCHEDULE

AT THE MOVIESFriday - 7 p.m. Armored (PG-13)

Saturday - 7 p.m.

Ninja Assassin (R)

Saturday - 3 p.m. No showing

$4 for adults / $2 for children 828-2780

FridaySurf’s Edge Club

NEW “Meals in Minutes” Lunch Buffet – Seafood from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Surf’s Edge ClubDrive by Pizza every Friday from

4-6 p.m. Large Cheese: $7 Large Pepperoni: $9 AF Club Members Save $1 use a Mac”Deal” Buck

Tuesday-FridayBayshore Club

Crunch & Munch All-U-Can-Eat Buffet from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

TuesdaySurf’s Edge Club

NEW “Meals in Minutes” Lunch Buffet – Soul food from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

WednesdaySurf’s Edge Club

NEW “Meals in Minutes” Lunch Buffet – Homestyle from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

ThursdaySurf’s Edge Club

NEW “Meals in Minutes” Lunch Buffet – Mexican/Spanish from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

SeaScapes Beach ClubEvening Special – All-U-Can-Eat

Spaghetti includes garlic bread, salad, and small soda $7.95

For more information, please visit our Web site at www.mac-dillfss.com

Free-fallin’Members of the United States Special Operations Command Parachute Team, the “Para-Comman-dos,” conducted a jump at Skydive City in Zephyrhills, Fla., Tuesday. The Para-Commandos conduct regular training at Skydive City, in addition to participating in large media events and air shows.

Photo by Senior Airman Rylan Albright