CUI - 26 days and counting: preparation tips page 3

Vol. 40, No. 42 Thursday, October 18, 2012 Retiree Appreciation Day special Schedule, map, more - page 12 Retired U.S. Army Col. George Brown, Air ...
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Vol. 40, No. 42

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Retiree Appreciation Day special Schedule, map, more - page 12

Retired U.S. Army Col. George Brown, Air Passenger Terminal volunteer, weighs a backpack at MacDill, Oct. 17. More than 1,000 volunteers, many of them retirees, assist 31 different base agencies on MacDill.

CUI - 26 days and counting: preparation tips page 3

COMMANDER’S CORNER

How about them apples?

by Lt. Col. Dave Pike 911th Air Refueling Squadron commander

Stop for a moment and imagine a big, red, juicy, perfect apple. Now think about the best squadron you’ve ever been a part of. Can you think of anything in common? Probably not... So how could thinking about an apple help make your organization the best it can be? Let me explain. I like to think of a great squadron as having three distinct elements that fit together to make one amazing unit. The image of an apple helps me visualize this. To keep it simple, think of an apple as having three parts. An apple has a core, the fruit surrounding the core and a protective skin. In comparison, I believe every great organization likewise consists of three elements. First and foremost, a great squadron has to have a firm foundation or core in order to operate and accomplish the mission. The core I’m describing as it pertains to a squadron is based

upon the U.S. Air Force core values: Integrity first, Service before self, and Excellence in all we do. When the climate in an Air Force squadron exhibits these values, a premier military organization is the result. Good order and discipline, compliance with guidance and instructions, and upholding standards are the fruits that come forth. Being a premier military organization is the core that must be established and nurtured to provide the required framework and structure for the organization to operate at its best. The second part of an apple is the fruit surrounding the core. This part of an apple dictates how good it is. The crisper, juicier and sweeter this part of an apple is, the better it is. Using this analogy, a squadron with a viable core will be surrounded by great fruit. This fruit permeates the entire organization and enables it to act like a high-performance team. Just as the crisp, juicy, fruit is better tasting Lt. Col. Dave Pike

See CORNER, Page 18

6th Air Mobility Wing shout-outs Capt. Matthew Miller recently returned from a deployment, where he flew 23 combat missions in the KC-135 offloading 1.3 million pounds of fuel to 116 receivers, both U.S. and

coalition partners. Miller noticed an engine behaving erratically, determined the engine should be shut down and performed a safe emergency landing. He

saved six wounded warriors by flying an air evacuation mission to Ramstein Air Base, Germany. He earned the Air Medal in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Commander’s vision

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE The Action Line provides 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 comments. Call the Action Line at 828-INFO (4636) or email [email protected].

MacDill Thunderbolt Publisher: Bill Barker Editor: Nick Stubbs

The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by Sunbelt Newspapers, 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, including 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

To view Col. Scott DeThomas’ remarks on his vision for MacDill AFB, go to www.macdill.af.mil and then click on “Col. DeThomas’ priorities, mission, and expectations video” in the upper left corner.

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, 8208 Hangar Loop Dr., suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621, or call the MacDill Thunderbolt staff at 828-2215. Email: [email protected]. 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 timeliness. 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.

NEWS/FEATURES Your T-bolt Today

Fire Prevention Week kicks off

News/Features: page 4 AMC commander visits News/Features: page 4 Former IG gives CUI tips News/Features: page 10 New SeaScapes ignites nights News/Features: page 12 Retiree Appreciation Day Briefs: page 16 News to know Community: page 21 Events, chapel, more...

Get CUI ready u Review the MICT checklist with the entire work center. This will clear up any confusion that may occur when an inspector ask about a process or procedure. u Make sure that Air Force standards and instructions are being adhered to. u Make sure your office shows respect by performing customs and courtesies. When an inspector walks into your work center or office, stand up and give your undivided attention. Make sure you answer questions with confidence. If you don’t have an answer, reply with “I don’t have the answer to that sir/ma’am, but I will get it for you.” See story on page 4 for CUI tips from a former Air Mobility Command IG.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Shandresha Mitchell

Staff Sgt. Sergio Melendez, 6th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Prevention specialist, explains the importance of fire safety to Tinker Elementary School students during Fire Prevention Week at MacDill, Oct. 9. by Airman 1st Class Michael Ellis 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs This year’s Fire Prevention Week kicked off with more than 500 on-base students touring MacDill’s crash fire station Oct. 9. The goal of Fire Prevention Week is “to inform and educate the population on fire safety, prevention, and post fire actions,” said Master Sgt. Richard Golen, 6th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Prevention office. This year was the first time Tinker Elementary School students went to the station, instead of the crew bringing a truck and a trailer demonstration to them. “I was surprised by the turnout and was super happy that we could coordinate with all the supporting agencies to make it possible,” said Staff Sgt. Sergio Melendez, 6th CES Fire

Prevention office. “With the tools and equipment that we cannot bring to them, they got a chance to see the things that help save lives.” Kimberly Field-Miller, Tinker Elementary School kindergarten teacher, described how excited the kids were to come to the fire station. Before the visit, they read books such as “Clifford the Big Red Dog” and did activities explaining firefighters’ jobs and equipment. Field-Miller’s class of kindergartners drew pictures to give to the firefighters, who work rotating 24-hour shifts protecting the base against fires and other hazards. “The most memorable experience this week was some of the students remembering me from last year, and telling me that this year was 10 times better because they were actually able to feel like a firefighter for at least a day,” said Melendez.

NEWS/FEATURES

Photo by Airman 1st Class Shandresha Mitchell

(Left) From left, Chief Master Sgt. Vicki Gamble, 6th Air Mobility Wing command chief, Col. Dave Pavey, 927th Air Refueling Wing commander, Marta DeThomas, wife of the 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, and Col. Scott DeThomas, 6th AMW commander, greet Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., commander of Air Mobility Command, as his aircraft arrives on the MacDill flightline Oct. 13. Johns took time to visit Team MacDill Airmen following a recent trip to the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility. (Bottom left) Johns addresses members from MacDill Air Force Base about his recent travels during an All-Call Oct. 15. During his visit, Johns answered questions, addressed concerns and thanked Airmen for their service and ability to answer the nation’s call at a moment’s notice.

Photo by Airman 1st Class David Tracy

Photo by Airman 1st Class Melanie Bulow-Kelly

Ex inspector provides insider CUI tips by Nick Stubbs Thunderbolt editor

The Consolidated Unit Inspection is just around the corner, and it’s a big one, combining several inspections in one. While everyone involved at MacDill may have a pretty good idea of what to expect, a few insider tips from a former inspector can go a long way toward ensuring all goes well, said Tony Bradley, a retired Air Force Inspector General now working at MacDill’s Emergency Management office. His first piece of advice is to recognize that inspectors are people, and that the Air Mobility Command inspector force is relatively small, utilizing a lot of augmentees to assist with the inspections. Bradley himself was an augmentee, called on to travel to AMC bases to conduct Unit Compliance Inspections. “Augmentees come from bases just like MacDill and have usually experienced the same issues — good and bad — that we may face,” said

Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr. speaks with Ms. Rhea Law, MacDill’s Command Advisory Council chair, during a social luncheon with local civic leaders Oct. 15.

Bradley. “It’s not uncommon for the inspectee to have more knowledge or a better compliance program than the inspector sent to evaluate.” That said, make no mistake about trying to pull anything over on the IG team, cautions Bradley. Inspectors have good sniffers and tend to dig when they sense a problem.

Bradley’s tips

Things to do: 1. Be up front and honest. Integrity is an Air Force core value for a reason. 2. Check references in office binders, operations instructions, appointment letters, etc. to ensure they are still accurate and necessary. Also try and avoid the referencing “shell game” where one reference sends the reader to another reference, and that reference sends them to yet another reference. 3. Archive previous documentation. There is usually lots of “fresh ink” on OIs, appointment letters, etc. just prior to a compliance inspection. The inspector usually likes to see two or three previous versions See TIPS, Page 6

Tips From Page 4

of the “most current” document. 4. Ask questions like: What are some of the best practices you’ve seen? How do you comply with this requirement at your installation? What are your recommendations to solve this problem? 5. Showcase your successes. If you have a good idea, process, procedure or program make sure the inspector sees it and understands why it’s successful. This is where the above-mentioned best practices come from. Things to avoid: 1. Don’t try and hide information. The IG has pretty much seen ev-

ery trick in the book. If he believes you are dishonest or hiding information, he will only dig deeper. 2. Don’t be the “talking head” of your unit. Give the inspector access to those individuals who are actively involved in a particular subject area. If the inspector is reviewing your security manager program and Staff Sgt. Jones runs your security manager program, let the inspector and Jones deal with it. 3. Don’t argue with an inspector. Elevate any concerns to your supervisor or commander, who can deal directly with the IG functional or team chief.

SeaScapes ignited; MacDill’s new night, weekend hot spot

by Nick Stubbs Thunderbolt editor

Tasty menu selections, drink specials, live bands, DJs, flashy lighting and thumping sound systems are not hard to find around Tampa Bay, making it hard to choose a partying, dining and good times weekend hangout. Add SeaScapes Beach House at MacDill to your list of options. The MacDill restaurant and bar has been a fixture at the beach for a long time, but until last week if you wanted a bite or a drink afterhours or on a Saturday night, you had to look elsewhere. That “elsewhere” was off base, said Caroline Rice, director or MacDill recreation and one of the driving forces behind SeaScapes’ new Beach on Fire promotion. There are new hours, new menu items and a host of theme activities Tuesday through Saturday evenings, said Rice. The changes are still new and word hasn’t spread to everyone, but so far it looks like the MacDill population is taking to the base’s newest night spot. “We had 20 people signed up for Texas Hold’em tournament on the first Tuesday it was

held,” said Rice. “That was a pretty good turnout for the first time.” The new hours at SeaScapes are: u Monday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. u Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., reopening 4 to 9 p.m. u Saturday 3 to 9 p.m. Beginning in November, SeaScapes will open Monday evenings for Monday Madness football nights with $2 drafts and chicken wings for 50 cents. “We’ve turned it into an all-day operation six days a week,” said Rice, who worked with SeaScapes managers to bring about the changes, which include a live band and free hors d’oeuvres on Saturday nights, and a DJ and trivia contest on Fridays. One of the biggest beneficiaries of the new SeaScapes could be dorm residents, many of whom do not own transportation, said Rice, who added that shuttle service will be available to and from the dorms on Friday and Saturday nights. A family night (Wednesdays) has been thrown into the mix, along with karaoke on Thursdays. It’s a lineup Rice believes will also attract many from the FamCamp, military members living off base, and those with base access who normally do not visit at night.

RETIREE APPRECIATION

Retiree volunteers k by Nick Stubbs Thunderbolt editor

Thousands are employed at takes more than those on the p such a large operation runn which is where the largest vo tion in the Air Force comes in. Hundreds of volunteers, mo tirees, are on the job at any MacDill, those numbers swelli year when retirees wintering arive and stay until spring. W things wouldn’t be the same tomers who use heavily volunt operations like the medical cl macy, the Airman & Family R ters and a host of other base s “Volunteers are such a vit

RETIREE APPRECIATION

Photo by Senior Airman Adam Grant

Barbara Rowley, 6th Force Support Squadron Outdoor Recreation volunteer, files documents at MacDill, Oct. 17. Rowley has volunteered at MacDill for 17 years.

key component of MacDill operations

MacDill, but it payroll to keep ning smoothly, olunteer opera. ost of them regiven time at ing this time of in Tampa Bay Without them, for many custeer-dependent linic, the pharReadiness Censervices. tal part of the

MacDill and surrounding community,” said Sonya Meier, interim volunteer resource manager. “They are able to provide on- and off-base agencies with invaluable experience and knowledge.” Not only do volunteers save MacDill money, they free up active duty members to focus on their core mission. “Every year, MacDill is able to save hundreds of thousands of dollars by utilizing the skills and experiences of the volunteer population, enabling the active duty members and the civilian employees to focus on other mission essential tasks,” said Meier. For volunteers, it’s not a one-way street, and most get as much or more reward from volunteering than they give in their time,

Photo by Senior Airman Melissa Paradise

(Above) Retired U.S. Army Sergeant 1st Class Stanley Martinelli, 6th Medical Group PharmaCare volunteer, pours medication into a pill counter at MacDill, Oct. 17. Martinelli and his wife have been volunteering at the pharmacy for almost four years. (Right) Jackie Wilder, a volunteer at the Bay Palms Golf Course, pulls weeds on MacDill, Oct. 17. Wilder has been doing landscaping work at the golf course for 25 years.

See VOLUNTEERS, Page 22 Photo by Airman 1st Class David Tracy

Halloween safety tips by Master Sgt. Richard Golen 6th Civil Engineer Fire Prevention Office

Here are eight safety tips that will help ensure a fun, safe Halloween this year: u When choosing a costume, stay away from billowing or long trailing fabric. u If a child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can see out of it. u Provide children with flashlights or glow sticks to carry for lighting as part of their costume. u It is safest to use a flashlight or battery-operated candle in a jacko-lantern. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution. Make sure children are watched at all times when candles are lit. When lighting candles inside jack-o-lanterns, use long, fireplace style matches or a utility lighter.

u Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations far away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters. u Be sure to place lit pumpkins far away from anything that can burn and far enough out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways and yards. u Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes. u Tell children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire. Have them practice, stopping immediately, dropping to the ground, covering their face with hands and rolling over and over to put the flames out. For more information contact the Fire Prevention Office at 8284236.

BRIEFS

Hiring fair for military spouses

A hiring fair exclusively for spouses of active duty members, guard, reserve, veterans and retirees will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Surfs Edge Club on MacDill, Oct. 23. There will be workshops to help spouses plan a career in a highly mobile environment. Computers and printers will be available to edit and improve resumes on site. Job seekers must preregister at hoh.greatjob.net. Call (202) 463-5807.

EFMP briefing

The MacDill Exceptional Family Member Program is hosting a briefing at the base theater, Nov. 3. Sign up by Nov. 1. It is for families, childcare providers, physicians, educators and other supportive agencies, to increase awareness on special education law, Individual Education Plan processes and Interstate Compact and Advocating. Pete Wright, an attorney that represents children with special education needs, will speak from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (lunch from 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.) Contact Kris Keyser at 828-0122, or email [email protected].

CORNER From Page 2

than mealy, withered, or rotting fruit, a high performance team structure will likewise make a squadron better than one that has a breakdown in teamwork. What are the characteristics of a high performance team? First, high performance teams are not afraid of hard work. They set high, but achievable goals and work together to accomplish them. Coaches come up with the practice schedule and game plan, they monitor performance, and they put key folks in the right positions to maximize that performance. They also recognize those that exceed expectations. Most importantly, high performance teams pull together and exhibit amazing cooperation, attention to detail and innovative solutions to problems when overcoming challenges. They are resilient and buckle down when times are tough. They constantly have each other’s backs and celebrate individual and team victories. They have a feeling of pride in themselves and in being a part of something bigger than they are. They are the best at what they do and most importantly— they win together! Undoubtedly, the better the team concept a squadron possesses, the better it will prepare for and perform in the big games (UCIs, ASEVs, HSIs, LCAPs and etc.) The third part of an apple is the skin. The skin holds everything together and protects the insides and more vulnerable parts. As the skin surrounds the apple, a squadron needs to be surrounded by the element of being a good family. Much like great teams, good families are resilient and supportive. They provide that special touch, spice to life, and the little things that make such a big difference in people’s live— especially during trying times. They also make time to have fun. Having a solid network in a squadron to provide a protective covering and also a fun outlet for members and their families is very important, but sadly, often neglected. Making the time and taking the effort to meet social needs while reaching out and taking care of folks during the difficult times is the skin. That skin forms a lasting bond that will protect and keep an organization together under tough circumstances. Maintaining fun and meaningful traditions and developing a sense of family adds that extra barrier from internal and external pressures. I truly believe that a squadron that can be a premier military organization, a high perfor-

mance team, and a family all in one, is unstoppable. This three-in-one concept is only possible through the sustained efforts of leaders and individuals coming together in all three aspects to achieve the higher purpose. We each have our talents and unique skills we bring to the fight. Think about where you as an individual (as a vital part of the organization) can plug in and make each part better. We can all work on being the absolute best military professionals and examples we can be. We can all be great wingmen. What about being a great teammate? Are you pulling your weight? Are you encouraging and cheering on those around you? Is your positive, can-do attitude contagious? Where do you fit into your unique squadron team? If you have questions or doubts maybe you should ask the coach or one of the assistants. Maybe you are the coach or one of the assistants. Does your game plan make sense? What about the family? Are you being a good brother, sister, guardian or parent figure? Are you looking for opportunities to add a little fun, restore the balance or make yourself available to volunteer in helping put on squadron family events? I challenge you to think about your unique talents and try putting them to use in different areas; try stretching yourself out of your comfort zone and doing things you may not have done. As we are working hard preparing for the upcoming CUI, I challenge you to take a minute to think about an apple. We are all in a premier military organization. We are all on the same team and in the Air Force family. Let’s continue to keep our focus, work diligently to accomplish the mission, win the big game and take care of our own— while having a little fun along the way.

MACDILL COMMUNITY EVENTS Friday

Surf’s Edge Club Friday Bash! 3-7 p.m. Bar snacks & drink specials! Guaranteed $100 club card drawing, Bar Bingo - progressive cover-all, and DJ! Oktoberfest Membership Dinner from 5:30-9 p.m. Members: free; non-members: $14.95. Seascapes Beach House Beach on Fire from 4-9 p.m. Fun “Fab” Fridays – BBQ dinner feature, DJ and trivia.

Saturday

MacDill Lanes Retiree Appreciation Day 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. $1 per game, $1 shoes. Free coffee & cake. Deployed Family Event Fall Festival 1-3 p.m. at Raccoon Creek. Join the fun for pumpkin painting, crafts for adults and refreshments! Call 828-0145 or 655-9281 to RSVP. Seascapes Beach House Beach on Fire from 3-9 p.m. Sassy Saturdays – Live band, drink specials, complimentary hors d’oeuvres from 3-6 p.m.

Tuesday

Seascapes Beach House Beach on Fire from 4-9 p.m. Texas Hold’em Tournament starts at 6 p.m. No entry fee. Win FSS gift cards. Chef ’s choice dinner feature.

Wednesday

Seascapes Beach House Beach on Fire from 4-9 p.m. Wacky Wednesday Family Night – Kids eat for $3.99! Southern style dinner feature.

Red Coats drop in

Photo by Senior Airman Rachelle Coleman

Patti DiPardo-Livergood, Kansas City Chiefs special projects coordinator and Red Coats representative, presents memorabilia for MacDill’s dorm residents to Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Waters, 6th Civil Engineer Squadron dorm leader, Airman 1st Class Jonathan Klenk, 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and dorm resident, and Staff Sgt. Cory Joseph, 6th CES dorm leader, at the Surfs Edge Club, Oct. 15. The Kansas City Chiefs Red Coaters came to Tampa for the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday. The base tour was part of their civic outreach program.

CHAPEL SCHEDULE Protestant services

Sunday - 11 a.m. - Contemporary Service

Islamic services

Catholic services Saturday - 5:30 p.m. - Mass Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - Mass

Friday - 1:30 p.m. - Muslim Prayer Service

Call the chapel at 828-3621 for more information or visit the chapel web site at http://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel.

October enlisted supplemental promotions announced From the 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Congratulations to the following selectees:

E-5

6th Comptrollers Squadron Logan Wilbur 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron Richard Harris 6th Medical Support Squadron Jason Jones 6th Security Forces Squadron Joshua Baker Christopher Johnson Christoper Rodriguez Patricia Zema

E-6

6th Security Forces Squadron Deborah Anderson Swen Swearingen

volunteers From Page 13

said Kathy Eldridge, who has been volunteering at the Airman & Family Resource Center in Brandon for more than six years. Her story is like many retirees who volunteer in that it is rooted in a desire to give something back to their country and military. In 2002, Eldridge’s husband, a retired Marine, died suddenly. The help from the MacDill A&FRC was so positive and so fast, she vowed to one day volunteer to help the center with its work. When she stopped working and had the time to help, she came aboard as an active volunteer. Today she works as a receptionist at the office, helping others navigate the services offered through the center. “By helping here I provide the service I got when I needed it,” said Eldridge. “This is a giveback situation for me, but I also enjoy staying busy.” Retired from the U.S. Postal Service, Eldridge said she’s always been customer-service oriented, which is why volunteering at MacDill is such a good fit. She also gives her time to the American Cancer Society and Meals on Wheels. “It’s about helping people,” Eldridge said. “It’s very rewarding.” While a large portion of the volunteer force at MacDill is retired, many younger people give their time, as well, said Liz Waters, director of the A&FRC. For them, volunteering can be a real resume booster. “Volunteering is an excellent way to make a difference in someone’s life and use your skills and experience to help and enrich the local community,” Water said. “Volunteering can also enhance future employment opportunities. For our youth it is especially useful when completing application forms (especially college) and is a great way for them to look at possible career choices and gain valuable job experience.”