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C
M Y K
Friday, February 29, 2008
Vol. 35, No. 9
Hand-to-hand!
1st Lt. Hue Le and 1st Lt.
Jeffrey Paquette, both from
the 6th Communications
Squadron, demonstrate
the techniques used during Linear Infighting Neural Override Engagement
System training, while Staff
Sgt. Sovanna Tanner supervises from the rear. The
next three-week session of
LINES training begins Monday.
- Read about it, page 4.
Photo by Airman 1st Class Stephenie Wade
MacDill energy savings project reaches halfway point
by Nick Stubbs
Thunderbolt editor
If you’ve noticed work crews on step ladders
changing light fixtures, installing new thermostat controls or monkeying with the plumbing
or late, there’s a good chance it is more than
routine maintenance.
MacDill is about halfway through a retrofit-
ting process designed to save energy and conserve water — a $12 million project that in the
long run will more than pay for itself, said Bill
Gregg, the base resource efficiency manger.
Assigned the task of overseeing the upgrades and working with the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron, Gregg will be seeing the project through completion in January 2009. The
effort is part of an overall conservation policy
throughout the Air Force and DoD to save energy and net considerable savings.
While it will take a few months before “real
savings” are realized, the projection for MacDill is that once fully implemented, the new
technology and retrofitting of existing air conditioning, electrical and water supply equipSee ENERGY SAVINGS, Page 12
INSIDE TODAY
Straight shooting
Page 4
It’s a convoy
Page 6
Dad training
Air Force ‘above all’
Page 13
Page 17
Commentary
Endeavor to do what is right even when no one is looking
by Col. Randy Dobbins
386th Expeditionary Medical Group commander
Integrity.
It is our first core value in the Air Force,
but what is it.
In Air Force Doctrine Document 1-1, Leadership and Force Development, integrity is
defined as, “the willingness to do what is
right even when no one is looking. It is the
‘moral compass,’ the inner voice, the voice of
self-control, the basis for the trust imperative in today’s Air Force.”
Furthermore, Gen. Charles A. Gabriel, the
Air Force chief of staff from 1982 to 1986,
said, “Integrity is the fundamental premise
for military service in a free society. Without
integrity, the moral pillars of our military
strength, public trust and self-respect are
lost.”
Let’s look at how integrity affects our
lives. How many times have each of us blown
off finishing a project, and instead, taken
shortcuts to get it past the tasker? Do you
see any problem with that? I mean, heck, the
boss didn’t even notice.
What if this project entails the well-being
of an aircraft crew and, what if that airplane
crashed? A lack of integrity in this situation,
directly or indirectly causing the loss of these
lives would no-doubt come back to haunt you
... for the rest of your life.
Let’s tweak this issue to a more personal
note. Envision that a nurse injected the
wrong medication into your arm, and since
no one noticed, she signed the record saying
that the proper medication was given. Step it
up a notch and imagine that the medication
was given to your loved one, who could eventually suffer grave illness from this wrong
medication. See where I’m going with this?
Mistakes are made of course. It’s the nature of our being. Integrity; however, is the
strength to realize these errors, and admit to
them, which sometimes risks close personal
friendships.
Can integrity be a tough choice? You bet it
can. But you know what? You can sleep well
knowing that you did the “right thing.”
Seemingly little lapses in integrity tend to
lead toward larger “lapses.” Much as cancer
can spread throughout the body, loss of integ-
rity will spread throughout your being.
Of course we’re always vulnerable to being
swayed from the path of integrity. I suppose
you could call this “not paying close attention to your moral compass.” You know what
I mean, or you wouldn’t have read this far
-- yep, cheating. Cheating on a test, on your
job, on all of those patriots in the continental United States who trust you to make the
right decisions, or even on your “significant
other.” Let’s face it. As military professionals, our integrity is held above our civilian
counterparts. Once each of us raised our
right hand, we agreed to be held to a higher
standard.
So what do we do?
Every now and then, check your “moral
compass.” If in doubt of which way the needle
is swinging, talk to your wingman, your
supervisor or your chaplain. One of them
should be able to orient you to the right direction and get you back on track.
Remember, we’re all counting on each of
you to do the right thing. With the compass
in your hand, you’re on your way to a successful career and a great life.
The Enlisted Perspective: Airman heritage evokes pride
by Rodney J. McKinley
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force
We should all be very proud of our Air Force
heritage. It is outstanding to see photographs,
art and other memorabilia depicting a unit’s
heritage proudly on display when walking
through a dormitory, squadron or other facility. Through visual depictions of heritage, Airmen are better able to identify with their unit
mission and goals and are reminded their sacrifices are not forgotten. Think of the pride an
Airman would feel pointing to a photograph
hanging on the wall and saying, “Look! I was
there - I took part in that operation!”
Our Airmen - Officers, Enlisted and Civilians - have been engaged in continuous combat for more than 17 years. From Operations
MacDill Thunderbolt
Publisher: Carla Floyd
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
DESERT STORM and NORTHERN WATCH
beginning in 1991, to today’s fight on the
ground and in the skies of Afghanistan and
Iraq with Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM, Airmen are answering our nation’s call.
Even before our current fight to win the
Global War on Terror, more than 52,000 brave
Airmen gave their lives during World War
II alone on the ground and flying in B-17s,
B-24s and other aircraft - we must never
forget their sacrifices. Our Airmen continued the fight with courage and distinction
from the Sobaek Mountains of Korea to the
dense jungles surrounding Cam My, Vietnam.
While discussing our history, I encourage everyone who has the opportunity, to visit our
Air Force Memorial in Washington D.C. This
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.
Advertising information may be obtained by calling 2598104. For classified advertising call 657-4500.
monument embodies Airman Heritage and is
a magnificent place to reflect on our Air Force
past, present and future.
Our Herculean combat efforts were accomplished through the toil, sweat and blood
of our Airmen. Even today, Airmen are facing the enemy in battle with many paying the
ultimate sacrifice and giving their lives for
this great nation. Many Airmen also experience the loss of limbs, eyesight, suffer traumatic brain injuries, and other debilitating
injuries, and these Airmen represent us all
across America today - they too are part of
our heritage.
In addition to engaging on the battlefield, our Airmen have displayed honor and
courage through their involvement in lifeSee PERSPECTIVE, Page 5
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: [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.
To the point
Goal Day Tracker
Volunteers needed
The MacDill Retiree Activities Office is in need
of volunteers. The office assists retired military,
their family, and survivors in identifying, applying for, and receiving entitlements resulting from
the sponsor’s military service. The RAO also assists
individuals in the resolution of difficulties arising
from receipt or non-receipt of entitlements. Extensive training is available covering the subject matter necessary to provide counseling in these areas.
Call 813-828-4555.
Training for new dads
Family Advocacy Staff teaches a class for new
dads — DAD 101, which is eight hours of handson basic training on how to care for your new baby.
This is a program that can improve a father’s parenting skills. Call 813-827-9172 to register for the
March 20 class, which runs from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m..
DAD’S 101 BASIC Class is offered the third Thursday of every month.
Speed limit reduction
The speed limit on North Boundary Road beginning just east of MacDill Ave. has been reduced
from 35 mph to 25 mph. The 25 mph limit extends
to Hangar Loop Drive, where it remains 25 mph.
This speed limit reduction is intended to enhance
vehicle and pedestrian safety for people around the
CENTCOM Complex.
Other actions, such as additional crosswalks,
crosswalk warning signs, and street light improvements have already been implemented and are
yielding positive results. Please note this speed
limit change and continue to watch out for pedestrians.
Current as of Feb. 29
Staff Sgt. David J. Wakeman
482nd Security Forces Squadron
Airman’s Attic saves you money
Job Title: Security police
The Airman’s Attic welcomes all donations and
exists to defer some cost of living expense by providing donated clothing items, household items, etc
without cost to eligible Airmen, as well as active
duty members of all branches of the U.S. military
assigned to MacDill or any unit supported by MacDill. Eligibility is defined as active duty E-1 through
E-6 and their family member who have a valid DOD
ID card.
Those donating uniforms please note that regulations require all name tags be removed. The Attic
also needs volunteers for Fridays. Hours of operation are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10
a.m. to 2 p.m.
Why did you join the Honor
Guard: To make BTZ and earn
my CCAF degree.
Special memories: I will never
forget how fast my heart was racing during my first ceremony.
I was pretty nervous and really
wanted to do my best.
Advice to others: Do what’s
right; Do your best; Treat others
like you like to be treated.
Thrift shop deals
The thrift shop is open Tuesday, Wednesday and
Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the first Saturday
of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Consignments
are accepted on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.
to noon and Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. Volunteers
are needed.
Photo by Senior Airman Bradley Lail
LINES system gives Airmen life-saving self defense skills
by Nick Stubbs
Thunderbolt editor
Make no mistake, the LINE system of fighting is not to be confused with the country and
western dance of the same name. In fact, the
only thing ache and breaky in the Linear Infighting Neural Override Engagement System,
is perhaps your enemy opponent’s arm.
First Lt. Hue Le, 6th Communications
Squadron, one of the instructors for the upcoming LINE training course, said the training
begins Monday and runs every weekday from
3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. through March 21. Classes
typically have 10 to 25 students.
She said the free course is open to any servicememmber, but is particularly effective at
filling a gap in self defense training for Airmen,
who unlike Marines and Soldiers, do not as a
matter or course receive hand-to-hand combat
training. For more information on the LINE
classes, contact Lieutenant Le at 828-1003.
“If you don’t have any kind of formal training in self defense, this can be very valuable,”
said Lieutenant Le. “You can use it to defend
yourself against an enemy or defend your comrades.”
Airmen should consider that self defense
is not just for battle. Anyone could find themselves attacked while doing anything from
shopping to taking a walk, she said.
“It’s (LINE) not just for someone deployed or
in the Middle East,” said Lieutenant Le. “You
never know when you are going to have to defend yourself, family or someone else.”
Lieutenant Le said the LINE system has
been identified as a particularly aggressive system, but she added that students of the style
are able to “scale” it to their needs.
“You don’t have to use it to its fullest,” she
said. “Each situation is different and you don’t
have to kill someone for stealing your wallet,
but you may need to use enough force to protect yourself.”
For those servicemembers who believe in
today’s weapons technology and tactics make
hand-to-hand fighting a skill of little value,
Lieutenant Le cautions that not knowing how
to fight when a weapon is lost or taken from
you, or once the ammunition runs out, is not
a situation anyone wants to find themselves in.
“As unlikely as it might be, you want to know
what to do,” she said.
The LINE course is broken into six sections, starting with phase one, which is wrist
locks and counters against choke holds. Part
two deals with countering punches and kicks,
while part three addresses ground techniques.
Parts four and five deal with unarmed defense
against a knife and knife fighting, while the final segment is dedicated to “removal” of enemy
personnel.
Students are free to pick and choose which
sessions of training they want to attend and
are not obligated to learn all the tactics.
“There are certain parts of the training that
may not be needed or do not appeal to everyone,” said Lieutenant Le.
The classes will be held outdoors in a vacant field at the south end of the base near the
wastewater treatment plant. At least three,
and likely more, instructors will be teaching
the course.
All have been certified to instruct the system, which was developed by self defense pro
and former Marine Ron Donvito.
Lt. Col. Kevin Krouse, former 6th Communications Squadron commander, was instrumental in bringing the combat system to MacDill
after becoming a certified instructor in 2004.
While at MacDill, he taught some 200 Airmen
the 27 basic techniques of the system, holding
one instructor course before leaving for a new
assignment.
Photo by Airman 1st Class Stepenie Wade
Staff Sgt. Sovanna Tanner, 6th Contracting
Squadron (left) and 1st Lt Hue Le, 6th Communications Squadron, go at it LINES style in
a demonstration of the power of the self defense system. Classes begin Monday.
Straight shooting; Airmen learn to put lead on target at CATM
by Senior Airman Stephenie Wade
6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
“Safe, lock the bolt to the rear,
check chamber, safe,” these are
some of the most important instructions taught during the Combat Arms Training Maintenance
course range here.
The CATM class provides all
military members here small
arms ground weapons training
including proper employment of
weapons, from a 50 cal. to a 9 millimeter.
“Every Air Force base has a
CATM,” said Staff Sgt. David
Walker, 6th Security Forces Combat Arms instructor. “MacDill is
unique because we provide small
arms training to every branch of
service in the Department of Defense.”
Personnel deploying have priority and have to attend training 90 days before leaving. Individuals are not allowed to use the
range for personal use. The unit
deployment manager is in charge
of scheduling everyone for official
training. However, personnel are
in charge of bringing the required
equipment to train such as a gas
mask, Air Force Form 522, flak
vest and helmet.
The training starts out with
three hours of classroom instruction taught by two instructors
then the remaining time is spent
on the live fire range. Each class
has up to 28 people in attendance
During the firing portion of the
training, groups of seven people
are provided an instructor for supervision and instruction. There
is tower operator who calls out
the commands on the line and
instructors who signal with their
hand when the line is ready to fire.
Each student is given a certain
amount of practice shots to get the
See CATM, Page 7
Photo by Airman 1st Class Stephenie Wade
An OSI agent loads his 9 mm
magazine before getting ready
to shoot at the firing range.
perspective
From Page 2
saving humanitarian
operations and worldchanging training exercises around the globe.
Exhibiting these acts of
service within our facilities helps develop our
Airmen for their role in
the Air Force mission
and builds pride and esprit de corps in all. Our
Airmen are professionals
and we are so very proud
of all they do day in and
day out to preserve the
banner of freedom. We
show pride in our mission and our Airmen by
displaying our amazing
heritage!
Our Airman’s Creed
captures what our warrior ethos means, and
everywhere I go I see
Airman reciting the
creed from heart. It is
inspirational to see their
commitment as they say
the words and understand what they mean. I
have seen numerous eyecatching depictions of
the creed, and it makes
me proud. Just as these
Airmen have done, the
creed should be prominently displayed in every
Air Force organization
along with other notable
accomplishments.
We should make every
effort to honor our Airmen’s contributions and
sacrifices toward fulfilling the Air Force mission. We do that by highlighting and displaying
our Airman Heritage!
Female MacDill Airman driving convoys in Afghanistan
by Master Sgt. Demetrius Lester
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public
Affairs
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) — Regardless of what job an Airman may
have, being an Airman comes
first. And, as a member of the
most elite Air Force in history,
today’s Airman often gets the
same news that Senior Airman
Vanessa Velez received when she
was first notified of her 365-day
deployment. He or she is being
deployed.
“I was told, ‘you won’t be working vehicle maintenance; you will
be a driver,’” said Airman Velez,
who took the news in stride. “At
Fort Bragg I found out I wouldn’t
be driving shuttles, distinguished
visitors, or commanders around
in a car or bus like I was mistakenly told at my duty station.
I would be driving a fully loaded
Humvee outside the wire, in enemy territory at least five times
a week.”
Airman Velez recalls Lt. Col.
Bobby L. Robinson, who would
end up being her Provincial Reconstruction Team commander,
telling the team they would be
living in tents and riding outside
the wire.
“That’s when reality set in. At
first I was shocked and couldn’t
believe that a girl from the Bronx,
N.Y., was about to be a driver in
a hostile situation,” said Airman
Velez. “I hate to drive with a passion. I’m from New York.”
When Airman Velez arrived to
Afghanistan, she was assigned to
the Bagram PRT, whose mission
is to secure and rebuild a postTaliban Afghanistan by extending
the authority of the Afghan central government, improving security and promoting reconstruction. The PRTs, Airman Velez,
and her team lead in Afghanistan
have been so successful that Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice
has used them as the template to
help rebuild Iraq.
“My first convoy, I was so ner-
Photo by Master Sgt. Demetrius Lester
Senior Airman Vanessa Velez prepares for a convoy mission Feb. 10 at
Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. Airman Velez, who is a vehicle maintenance controller with the 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron at MacDill
has driven at least 120 convoys during her 365-day deployment in Afghanistan. She is a convoy driver with the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team.
vous that I kept stomping the
brakes until the brake line broke,”
said Airman Velez, a vehicle
maintenance controller with the
6th Logistics Readiness Squadron, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
“The heat and fluid from the
See CONVOY, Page 9
catm
From Page 4
rifle to the zero the rifle or
set the settings. For example, when qualifying for
the M16 rifle, trainee’s fire
50 practice shots then another 50 qualifying shots.
At the end, the instructors
count the shots on the target. Students need a minimum of 19 shots to qualify
out of the 50. Individuals
who score 43 or more to receive the expert rating and
marksmanship ribbon.
The instructors are
members of the 6th SFS.
“First you are selected
to become an instructor”
said Staff Sgt. Walker .
“Being a CATM instructor
is similar to being a dog
handler in security forces.
We have to receive additional training. The guard
and reserve have their own
security forces personnel
who are able to train also.”
The selected instructors
have to attend the initial
security forces training
and in addition, a nine
week course to become the
instructor.
In today’s war on terrorism there are no front
lines. The enemy can be
anywhere, at any time. It’s
not just the Army and the
Marines that are engaging
with the enemy. Air Force
personnel are subject to be
in a small arms fire fight
and should be prepared
the training provided
A moment in time: MacDill celebrates African American history
Courtesy of the MacDill AFB African American
Heritage Committee
Throughout the month of February the
MacDill AFB African American Heritage
Committee has given a variety of articles on
noteworthy black social leaders from America’s past. So, before we say goodbye once
again to the Black History month of celebration and recognition, here is our last article
for the month on some of the most prominent
contributors to America’s library of poetic literary works.
James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938), American author, lawyer, and diplomat, whose
writings and activities demonstrated his
deep consideration of black life in the United
States. Born in Jacksonville, Florida,
Johnson was educated at Atlanta and Columbia universities. In 1898 he became the
first black admitted to the Florida bar. He
practiced law in Florida until 1902, when he
moved with his brother, composer John Rosamond Johnson, to New York City. There they
worked as songwriters, having already collaborated on the well-known song “Lift Every
Voice and Sing” (1900).
They found success in New York, where
they wrote about 200 songs as well as a musical, The Shoo-Fly Regiment (1906). Later
Johnson served as U.S. consul, in Venezuela
from 1906 to 1909 and in Nicaragua from
1909 to 1912. He was field secretary of the
National Association for the Advancement of
Colored People (NAACP) from 1916 to 1920,
and in 1920 he became the NAACP’s first
black executive secretary. He held the post
until 1930, when he became a professor of
creative literature at Fisk University in Tennessee.
Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906), American poet, the son of former slaves, was born
in Dayton, Ohio. He was one of the first black
writers to gain national prominence.
He published his first volume of verse, Oak
and Ivy (1893), at his own expense. In 1896
the best of his poems appeared in a single
volume, Lyrics of Lowly Life, with an introduction by American writer William Dean
Howells. Howells noted that Dunbar was the
first black poet to express the lyrical qualities of black life and the black dialect.
After the publication of Lyrics, Dunbar
gave readings in the United States and Britain. He subsequently worked at the Library
of Congress. For most of his career Dunbar
wrote for a white audience, and he generally
avoided racial issues in his work. He wrote
See HISTORY, Page 10
Courtesy NAACP
James Weldon Johnson, noted American author, lawyer and diplomat, hailed from Jacksonville, Fla.
convoy
From Page 6
brake line started a fire ... in the middle of Charikar
District in Parwan.”
More than 120 missions later, no more brake stomping and no more fires. She continues to shuttle the
truck and mission commanders outside the wire on a
daily basis like she was told, but no buses or Landcruisers -- just her Humvee. Airman Velez believes she
has made a difference for both America and the Afghan
people during this war.
“I have learned so much about a lot of things especially my job and the Afghan people,” said Airman Velez,
who originally thought all Afghans were bad people. “I
had the mentality they were all al-Qaida and Taliban
until I talked to them. After spending time with the
Afghans, I learned they don’t like the Taliban either.
Everything has gotten better since my arrival in March
2007... even the roads have improved.”
When she’s outside the wire, Airman Velez is somewhat of a celebrity with the Afghan children.
“They get excited because they see a female Airman.
They want to touch my hair and earrings. The Afghans
want to learn and have a lot of questions. They want to
work and take care of their families like most ordinary
people do.”
This is Airman Velez’s third deployment in three
years, but she has no regrets.
“I am an Airman first, just like all the services have
been preaching,” added Airman Velez. “This shows, in
this day and age, you could be tasked to do anything to
support the war on terror.
“My job satisfaction comes from constantly thinking
about all the people’s lives I have in my hand,” said
Airman Velez, who’s primary job is getting people back
and forth from a mission safely. “My vehicle is my job.
I drive so much that my Humvee is my office. I don’t
have a computer, e-mail, or an office; I have a Humvee.”
history
From Page 8
several more volumes of poetry, as well as four
novels, the best known of which is The Sport
of the Gods (1902), the story of a black family
in a Northern city in the United States.
Dunbar also wrote four collections of short
stories. His Collected Poems appeared in 1913.
Langston Hughes (1902-1967), known for
using the rhythms of jazz and of everyday
black speech in his poetry. Hughes was one
of the first writers to portray the urban black
experience realistically. His poems typically
express the tribulations and sometimes the
joys of ghetto life in plain, spirited language
resembling the colloquial speech of American
blacks.
Hughes was born on February 1, 1902, in
Joplin, Missouri, and educated at Lincoln
University in Pennsylvania. He published
his first poem, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,”
in Crisis magazine in 1921 and studied at
Columbia University from 1921 to 1922. He
then lived for a time in Paris.
After his return to the United States, he
worked as a busboy in Washington, D.C.
There, in 1925, his literary skills were discovered after he left three of his poems beside
the plate of American poet Vachel Lindsay,
who recognized Hughes’s abilities and helped
him publish his first volume of verse, Weary
Blues (1926). Lindsay subsequently helped
publicize Hughes’s work.
Hughes wrote in many genres, but he is
best known for his poetry, in which he disregarded classical forms in favor of musical
rhythms and the oral and improvisatory traditions of black culture. Many of Hughes’s
poems are written in free verse and are documentary in tone.
In the late 1920s, when Hughes lived in
New York City, he became a prominent figure
of the Harlem Renaissance and was referred
to as the Poet Laureate of Harlem. His innovations in form and voice influenced many black
writers. Hughes also wrote the drama Mulatto (1935), which was performed on Broadway
373 times. Beginning in the 1930s, Hughes
was active in social and political causes, using his poetry as a vehicle for social protest,
and he served as the Madrid correspondent
for a Baltimore, Maryland, newspaper during
the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939).
Spouses giving
2008 scholarships
Applications are available for the MacDill Officers’ Spouses’ and Enlisted
Spouses’ Clubs Academic
Merit Scholarship Program
for the 2007-2008 academic year. The scholarships,
which can be used for tuition and books at any accredited college, university
or vocational school, will be
awarded to eligible military
dependents at a reception
in May.
Eligible applicants include graduating seniors,
current college students
returning for their senond, third or fourth year
and spouses enrolling in
or returning to school. Applicants will be judged on
several factors including
scholastic record, SAT/ACT
scores, extracurricular activities, community service
and work experience, and
an essay describing his or
her career goals and objectives.
Application packages,
containing complete eligibility requirements, application process and selection
criteria, can be obtained at
The Johnny Glenn Thrift
and Consignment Shop in
the mini-mall next to the
Post Office, the Airman and
Family Readiness Center
on MacDill, the Family Resource Center in Brandon,
or from any guidance counselor in a Hillsborough,
Pinellas, Manatee, Polk or
Pasco county high school.
The application deadline is
April 1.
The scholarships are
funded by proceeds from
the operation of thrift shop,
a Florida not-for-profit
corporation. Donations of
gently used clothing and
household goods are greatly appreciated.
For more information
about donating, consigning
or volunteering, please see
the manager, Ann Wheatley, during shop operating
hours.
For more information,
please contact: Christine
Stives at (813) 221-4606.
energy savings
From Page 1
ment will net MacDill $1.1
million a year in savings.
“A lot is based on the rising cost of energy, and as it
keeps going up, the savings
could be even greater,” said
Mr. Gregg.
So far the work is progressing well, with little
or no disruption, he said.
Workers are hopping from
building to building, swapping out fixtures, switches
and controls. That work is
ongoing, and retrofitting
base air conditioners with
equipment to recover heat
from chillers will be the
next major round of updates.
Those devices will capture heat generated in the
cooling process and utilize it to make hot water.
Putting the heat to work
rather than just allowing
it to dissipate is part of the
strategy of maximizing efficiencies to let as little
as possible go to waste.
Water-saving flush valves
that use less water to flush
toilets are being installed
in the same spirit.
“It’s an overall strategy
to address savings on several fronts,” said Mr. Gregg.
“It all adds up.”
The contract, which is
part of the Department of
Energy’s Southeast Region
Super Energy Savings Performance Contract, will
target a total of more than
half of the square footage
of the facilities on base, according to contract documentation related to the
project.
The documents detail
expected savings, noting
that 59.5 million BTUs of
energy will be saved each
year, with water savings of
13.8 million gallons a year.
The project also is expected to reduce greenhouse gases by 18.7 million pounds per year, along
with a reduction in volatile
organic compounds of 569
pounds per year. Other savings include reductions in
nitrogen oxides of 38, 500
pounds per year, carbon
monoxide by 3,350 pounds
per year and sulfur dioxide
by 63,900 pounds per year.
Basic training for new dads; lessons courtesy experienced dads
by Airman 1st Class Latanya Reid
6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
It’s not daddy’s day care but
more like a daddy pre-care, with a
staff of veteran dads teaching new
dads basic skills for surviving the
months before and after the arrival of their newborn.
The Family Advocacy Program
staff developed DAD 101 to improve expecting military father’s
childcare taking abilities and prepares them for the challenges of
parenthood.
“Basic training for new dads is
an 8-hour class that is taught the
third Thursday of every month,”
said Capt. Elisha Parkhill, 6th
Medical Operation Squadron
clinical social worker. “The program is intended to prevent child
abuse and show expectant fathers
ways to support both mother and
child.”
New dads who signed up for the
class are trained on the proper
way to hold and cradle a newborn,
bonding with their baby before
and after pregnancy, preparing
for labor and delivery along with
managing deployment and coping
with crying.
The participants who enroll in
the course have some misconceptions about having a new baby.
DAD 101 helps answer many of
those questions.
Staff Sgt. Steve McIntyre, 6th
MDOS medical technician and
veteran dad attended the class before both his children were born
and credits the DAD 101 basic
training course for preparing him
to be a father.
“I attended the class and it im-
proved my skills and strengthened
the bond with my family,” added
Sergeant McIntyre. “Now I’m a
veteran dad who gives advice to
expecting dads about their child’s
needs using displays and models
that are very hands on.”
Despite the training, the expectant fathers all come in with
concerns about how their lives
will change.
“I’ve found that the biggest
alarm most of them had was with
time,” he said. “Such as how much
time will they be able to spend
with their wives; so usually we
tell them that will change and
how.”
In addition to handling their
newborn babies, the fathers in the
military have to think about their
careers and deployments.
“Attending the class shows
them how to deal with being deployed before and after their child
is born,” said Captain Parkhill.
“They also need to know about
how to support the mother of the
child and what they can do to
share the responsibilities,” she
said.
Nevertheless the course has a
lot to offer for the first time dads
with little or no knowledge of parenting.
“DAD 101 is similar to basic
military training, we provide the
essentials to prepare them for
their newborn,” said Sergeant McIntyre.
With classes like DAD 101 the
FAP staff is able to help parents
and families in the military to improve their way of life and prepare
them to meet the challenges they
will face with first-hand training.
Oceanside’s Flagman: 74 years of dedication to U.S.
by Sgt. Michael T. Knight
MCB Camp Pendleton
MARINE CORPS BASE
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.
— He has been called a ‘super patriot’ by presidents, members of
Congress and the military generals.
Alex “Flagman” Kapitanski has
dedicated 74 of his 85 years to the
United States of America.
He survived Normandy’s beaches at age 18. He trudged through
the trenches in the Battle of the
Bulge and fought the Nazis in five
countries during the European
campaign. But long before the
Americans raised the Stars and
Stripes above Berlin, Kapitanski
had already taken his first steps
toward earning the title “Flagman.”
His love for the American flag
began at age 11, when he joined
the Boy Scouts in his hometown
of West Rutland, Vt. As a Scout,
he hung his first flag to honor
the local American Legion Post.
The legionnaire’s unselfish support for Boy Scouts and the community left a permanent impression, Kapitanski said. Since then,
he has displayed nearly 9 million flags at tens of thousands
of ceremonial functions all over
the United States, years after he
contributed towards raising flags
abroad during the fight against
Nazi Germany.
In 1940, Kapitanski joined the
Army as an aerial and ground reconnaissance photographer. During his European tour, he was
presented the Silver Star by Gen.
Dwight D. Eisenhower for jumping into a foxhole and taking a
German sniper prisoner. He later
recieved a second Silver Star by
Gen. Courtney H. Hodges, and
returned home wearing five campaign battle stars.
“I remember being assigned to
take a photo of Eisenhower’s meeting with delegates,” said Kapitanski. “He yelled at me when I got
Photo courtesy U.S. Marines
Alex Kapitanski reflects on his collection of plaques in his Oceanside
residence. The plaques represent decades of dedicated volunteer
work promoting patriotism and military support.
too close to some explosives in the
area.”
The accolades Kapitanski has
earned throughout the years are
too numerous to list, but he is constantly recognized for his selfless
volunteer work. One of his proudest achievements came Jun. 8,
2001, when he was officially made
an honorary Marine for his many
See PATRIOT, Page 16
Africa Partnership Station Continues Training in Mayumba
by L.t. j.g. Megan Shutka
Africa Partnership Station Public Affairs
MAYUMBA, Gabon (NNS) — Africa Partnership Station (APS) aboard High Speed Vessel 2 Swift arrived off the coast of Mayumba,
Gabon, Feb. 25, marking the ship’s fourth APS
engagement.
One week earlier, Swift made a brief stop in
Mayumba to disembark a team from Expeditionary Training Command (ETC), as well as
representatives of the Navy’s Meteorology and
Oceanography community for training with the
Gabonese Navy, Fisheries, National Parks, and
Merchant Navy and the non-governmental organization (NGO) Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
“During the APS planning process, training
needs in support of fisheries control and surveillance efforts at Mayumba National Park
were identified by WCS,” said Lt. Cmdr. Chuck
Bell, a civil affairs planner from Maritime Civil
Affairs Squadron 2, and the NGO activities coordinator for APS. “With the help of ETC, we
were able to put together a training package to
meet some of the needs of a variety of maritime
security stakeholders here in Mayumba.”
ETC is providing small boat handling, navigation and maintenance training to a diverse
group.
“What makes this training unique is that
it was facilitated by an NGO and includes not
only a military training audience, but civilian
maritime agencies with similar needs as well,”
Bell said.
In addition to the training, the Navy Meteorology and Oceanography team is taking part
in a series of meetings with WCS to better understand the NGO’s priorities. The team is also
conducting a site survey to help determine the
feasibility of a bathymetric survey proposal for
the area that has been submitted by WCS.
The visit will also consist of community relations activities at four local schools in Mayum-
ba, where the U.S. Navy Band from Commander, Naval Forces Europe-Africa Brass Quintet
will be performing.
APS is a U.S. Naval Forces Europe-led initiative, executed by a multi-national staff aboard
Swift and amphibious dock landing ship USS
Fort McHenry (LSD 43) to promote maritime
safety and security.
During its deployment, Swift will work with
various government and non-government organizations to support ongoing regional meteorological and oceanography initiatives, host fisheries training events, and deliver humanitarian
aid to African nations.
Overseen by a joint staff representing navies
of eight European, African and North American countries, APS ships are visiting ports in
Senegal, Liberia, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon,
Sao Tome & Principe, Togo and other African
countries to conduct training, complete humanitarian projects and build partnerships among
participating nations.
Warrior training
Photo by Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
Staff Sgt. Robert Graves leads a group of students in a military operations in urban terrain scenario during training Feb. 20 on a range
at Fort Dix, N.J. The course is taught by members of the Air Force Expeditionary Center’s Expeditionary Operations School and 421st
Combat Training Squadron and the course prepares security forces Airmen for upcoming deployments. Sergeant Graves is assigned
to the 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron from Vogelweh Air Base, Germany, and is a student in the Air Force Phoenix Warrior Training
patriot
From Page 14
flag decorations at ceremonies on Camp Pendleton. The 32nd Commandant of the Marine
Corps, General James L. Jones, bestowed the
honor upon Kapitanski.
“Your selfless service is cherished in our
Corps, and we thank you for your dedication,”
Jones said in a letter to Kapitanski.
In 2001, years of volunteering his services
at 1st Marine Division events also earned him
one of only 57 first edition 1st Marine Division
silver rings, originally crafted during World
War II.
“Because the number of rings are few and
the mold long since broken, I have directed
that they only be given to individuals whose
service to the 1st Marine Division has been
truly exceptional,” said retired Gen. Frank Libutti, former Commanding Officer, 1st Marine
Division. “I can think of no more fitting a tribute to a man who has actively supported his
community, the Marine Corps, and the United
States of America by serving as the finest ex-
ample of citizenship.”
During the 1980s, Kapitanski’s work also
captured the attention of President Ronald
Reagan. So impressed was the president, that
on a visit to Camp Pendleton, Reagan had a
Secret Service Agent track Kapitanski down
just to get a photo with him.
“Reagan said to me, ‘you’re a super patriot, and I’d like to have my picture taken with
you,’” Kapitanski said. The picture hangs on
a wall in his home, right next to the personal
Apostolic Blessing from Pope John Paul II.
“Kapitanski does all this purely for the love
of country, to promote patriotism and to support our men and women in service throughout the world,” said Albert Kapitanski, the
Flagman’s son. “He only thinks of others, never himself.”
Kapitanski’s flags and colorful speeches
about service have touched thousands of California residents over the years. Ken Grody,
the owner of a local truck dealership, and his
employees have grown to love Kapitanski as
they would any member of their family. They
gave Kapitanski a new van Dec. 5, decorated
with his large portrait covering the entire side
of the vehicle. The van is the second the dealership has given him.
“This is the least we can do for Alex,” said
Carlos Aly, a sales manager at the dealership.
“He is the greatest guy I have met in my entire life. He sacrifices so much of his precious
time and money to promote our freedom.”
For his work, Kapitanski has received two
Distinguished Public Service Medals, the
highest civilian award. The first was from
President Clinton’s staff, and the second from
President Bush. One of the letters submitted
to the president nominating Kapitanski for
the medal came from Gloria E. McClellan, former Mayor of Vista.“We need more men like
Mr. Kapitanski,” McClellan said. “When we
find a special person who gives his all to his
country, I feel we must honor him in all ways.”
Air Force is ‘Above All’ in new recruitment ad campaign
by Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON — The Air Force has a new
advertising campaign to recruit the next generation of Airmen as well as better inform people about the Air Force mission: “Above All.”
“The new slogan is admittedly a bold one,”
said Col. Michael Caldwell, deputy director of
Air Force public affairs, “but so are Airmen.”
This campaign accurately portrays Airmen
and how they’re executing the Air Force mission to ensure the security and safety of America now and in the future.
“’Above All’ is about what we do and how we
do it,” Colonel Caldwell said. “The job of the
Air Force is to defend America and we do that
by dominating air, space and cyberspace. The
new campaign and slogan captures our roots,
but also illustrates where we’re going as a service as the Air Force prepares to contend with
future threats.”
The purpose of the campaign is to create a
dialogue with potential recruits, their parents
and those most likely to influence young people to join the military about the critical role
the Air Force plays in defending America’s future, said Colonel Caldwell.
The “Above All” campaign kicks off this
month and will be prominent on television,
in print and, of course, in cyberspace. In addition to being shown at several sporting events,
“Above All” ads will be seen in magazines and
during commercial breaks on many top-rated
commercial and television news and entertainment programs, Colonel Caldwell said.
The campaign will feature real Airmen
performing their missions, like Staff Sgt. Lee
Jones from Barksdale Air Force Base, La. He’s
featured prominently in the campaign as a
warrior on the front lines of the Air Force’s
newest warfighting domain, cyberspace.
“I’m excited to be a part of this and to represent the Air Force this way,” said Sergeant
Jones, a computer systems operator and cyberwarrior. “’Above All’ is a great slogan because
See ABOVE ALL, Page 18
Photo by Senior Airman David Minor
Jennifer Scales fixes her daughter a plate at the
barbecue for housing residents sponsored by the
Housing Office Feb. 23. Despite cutting things short,
everyone had some fun.
above all
From Page 17
it says how we shine in what we do to defend our nation
and accomplish our mission.”
The Above All slogan was chosen over several other
phrases as the best description of the Air Force mission,
Colonel Caldwell said.
“From all the research we did about how people feel
about the Air Force - including civilians, Airmen and
representatives from other services - this was the phrase
that stood out the most,” said Colonel Caldwell. “This
campaign captures the professionalism of our Airmen,
our technological edge and our ability to meet today’s
threats while at the same time prepare for future challenges.
“When anyone in our Air Force family sees an ‘Above
All’ ad, we hope it reminds them that their role is important to America,” Colonel Caldwell said. “This campaign
makes it clear the Air Force’s mission ‘Above All’ is national defense and protecting the American people.”
Cold no obstacle for Civil Air Patrol SAREX evaluation
by Capt. Richard J. Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer, Group 2 Minnesota Wing
MINNESOTA — The Minnesota Wing successfully passed its first ever winter search
and rescue evaluation conducted by the U.S.
Air Force when the event was held Jan. 26 at
the Lake Elmo Airport, about 12 miles east of
downtown St. Paul.
Air Force Maj. Jeff Peterson, who led the
evaluation team, praised the 77 senior members and 42 cadets who participated in the
event.
“Right now the benefit of this
evaluation is that the Air Force
and the Minnesota Wing have a
better idea of what we are doing
right.”
- Capt. Tony Rossini
“You’re all volunteers giving up your weekend, despite the cold, to serve your country,” Peterson said.
“I applaud you.”
Every two years the Air Force tests the skills
of Civil Air Patrol wings across the country. The
last one in Minnesota was held in the summer
of 2006.
This year’s evaluation posed special challenges, since it marked the first time the wing
has been evaluated during the winter -- a time
of the year in Minnesota when cold tests the
limits of both man and machine.
“The effect cold has on equipment and people
made this a unique and challenging experience,
but we train year-round since the call for our
services can come at any time,” said Capt. Tony
Rossini, CAP incident commander and commander of the 130th Composite Squadron.
The low cloud ceiling and possibility of aircraft icing prevented any flights, but 25 ground
team missions ranging from search and rescue to photo reconnaissance were conducted in
temperatures around zero and wind chills of 20
below.
Although the scenarios were not real, Rossini said the Minnesota Wing takes the evaluations seriously.
“Whether it’s flying or ground team operations, experience is everything, and safety is everything,” he said.
“Right now the benefit of this evaluation
is that the Air Force and the Minnesota Wing
have a better idea of what we are doing right,
what we are doing wrong and what changes in
training are necessary to better serve our communities, state and nation.”
The Air Force’s Peterson summed things up
best: “Minnesota has a very competent wing.”
Photo by Capt. Richard J. Sprouse
Col. Steve Miller, Minnesota Wing commander,
provides an interview to KSTP, the ABC affiliate in St. Paul, during the Air Force evaluation.
The Minnesota Wing was recently evaluated
by the Air Force to assess its capabilities in a
winter search and rescue scenario. Every two
years the Air Force tests the skills of Civil Air
Patrol wings across the country. This evaluation was particularly challenging due to extreme cold.
Telecommunications Monitoring
and Assessment Program: think!
by A1C Jeffrey Cho and A1C Heather Jones-Proctor
100th ARW Wing Information Assurance RAF Mildenhall
Think Before You Speak! One of the most vulnerable
elements in the Air Force is the human operator, and
the inability of that operator to practice good Operations
Security (OPSEC). Valuable information is often leaked
unintentionally over unsecured telecommunication devices. Talking around a classified topic and paraphrasing to avoid classified terms does not secure or declassify information. The only way to protect information is
to use a STU/STE, SIPRNET, or other secure methods
of data transmission. The Secretary of Defense stated
“I have spoken publicly and privately countless times
about the dangers of leaking classified information. It is
wrong. It is against the law. It costs the lives of Americans. It diminishes our country’s chances for success.”
You can accidentally leak classified information. Therefore, we challenge you to please think before you speak,
and if there is any question whether the information
you are discussing is classified, use a secure communication method.
There are various means of reminding Air Force personnel not to discuss classified information over unclassified means. These include visual aids, DD Form 2056s
(the large red sticker that should be on your phone),
training and education, and AFI 33-219, Telecommunications Monitoring and Assessment Program (TMAP).
IAW AFI 33-219, A3.3.1. , the DD Form 2056 is to be
affixed to all telecommunications devices such as telephones, faxes, PDA’s LMR’s and pagers as a simple reminder. Furthermore, all fax covers, web pages, and
base telephone directories are to contain a notice not to
discuss classified information over unsecured communications media.
Training is another key factor in ensuring that our
information is protected. Training can be done at commander’s call, within the unit or office, or can be presented at annual STU III/STE training. Training should
be ongoing to ensure the widest dissemination of information.
Performing assessments is a way to thoroughly examine communications systems and avert classified information leaks and OPSEC vulnerabilities. IAW 33-219,
para 13.8.2., units are responsible for conducting quarterly spot-checks on all telecommunications systems to
ensure they are properly marked with DD 2056’s and
Notice and Consent Banners. The assessment provides
a final product that defines, investigates, and offers specific procedures for correction of problem areas. Such
actions deny adversaries access to critical information
and intelligence.
Calendar
Today
The monthly Wing Promotion and Recognition Ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. in the
Enlisted Club. Promotees and inductees must
report no later than 1 p.m. Practice for the ceremony at 1 p.m. and is mandatory for all promotees and inductees. Service dress uniform must
be worn to the practice. All award winners
must report no later than 2:30 p.m. Promotees,
inductees and award winners are required to
wear service dress uniform with current rank.
Light refreshments will be served immediately
following the ceremony.
u The MacDill African-American Heritage
Month luncheon celebration is at 11 a.m. at the
MacDill Surf’s Edge Club.
The theme for this year is “Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism.” The
guest speaker is Mr. W. Frank Fountain, Jr., senior vice president of External Affairs, Chrysler
LLC.
Cost is $13 per ticket. Tickets will be sold
until Feb 25 and no tickets will be sold at the
door. Menu includes choice of chicken parmesan served with spaghetti and garlic bread or
roast beef, au ju with green beans, roasted new
potatoes, tossed salad, roll, tea and water.
Contact the following people for tickets:
Master Sgt. Darin Murdaugh at 828-2807,
[email protected]; Master Sgt.
Dana Grier at 828-5505, dana.grier@macdill.
af.mil; Master Sgt. Roderick Israel, 828-2005,
[email protected]; Tech Sgt. Taneka Lyles, 828-5376, [email protected];
Major Flossie Lomax at 827-5112, lomaxfm@
centcom.mil; Staff Sgt. Raina Sewell, 828-3333,
[email protected].
u The author and subject of the novel “From
Huntsville to Hell” will be at the Base Exchange
to sign autographs and meet with readers. The
book details the career of Lt. Colonel M.B. Etheredge and was penned by Guy Wendell Hogue.
The biography details the joy, pride, blood,
tears, and fatalities endured by members of K
Company, 30th Infantry, 3rd Division in WWII
from the beaches of Italy and the rugged terrain of France — territory defended by a well
equipped and determined German Army.
March 1
dren of any active, retired, or reserve military
person with installation access priviledges. We
will be accepting donations and selling hotdogs on from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. in front of
the Commisary. If anyone has a trailer to donate or ideas where we can purchase one at a
low price, please contact Tanya Hamilton at
813-728-4800.
March 8
A salute the troops barbecue sponsored by
Law & Order Student Organization will be held
at Stetson University College of Law , 1401
61st. St. South, Gulfport. This is a charity event
aimed at collecting supplies for care packages
to send to servicemembers around the world.
Hours are 2 to 6 p.m. and activities include
a carnival, games, face paiting, horsshoes and
crafts for kids. Admission, food, and all activities are free and open to all. Those attending
are asked to each bring an approved item that
can be sent in a care package to a soldier stationed overseas.
MacDill Boy Scout Troop #56 desparately
needs a trailer to use for monthly camping and
other scouting activities. This MacDill historical troop offers scouting activities for the chil-
Chapel Schedule
At the Movies
Protestant services
Catholic services
Sunday - 9 a.m., Traditional Service
10:30 a.m., Religious Education, Noon,
Gospel Service
Tuesday -Noon, Promise Keepers
6 p.m., Pioneer Club(grades 1 to 7)
Thursday - 11:30 a.m., Officers’ Christian Fellowship
Friday - 10 a.m., Women of the Chapel
Saturday - 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 appointment)
Tonight 7 p.m.
Shows and times are
subject to change. Call the
MacDill Theater at 8282780 for complete listings.
Doors normally open 20
minutes prior to showtime,
but call the theater for
verification because they
may open earlier. Tickets
are $2.75. Children under
4 are free, unless it’s a Grated movie.
Sweeny
Todd
Call 828-3621 for information.
Coming soon
Mad Money
A comedy about three ordinary women who form an unlikely friendship and decide to
do something extraordinary
- rob one of the most secure
banks in the world. PG-13
First Sunday
A pair of criminals who take
a group of church parishioners
hostage while attempting to
rob the holy house, only to find
their captives slowly convincing them to repent and give up
their lawless lifestyles. PG-13
First
Sunday
Jewish and Islamic services
Mad Money
Saturday 7 p.m.
Sweeney Todd the Demon
Barber of Fleet Street
Story about a grisly revenge
by Benjamin Barker, a man unjustly imprisoned by a lecherous judge. Barker returns as
barber Sweeney Todd and exacts revenge. R
27 Dresses
27 Dresses
Jane is idealistic, romantic
and completely selfless – a perennial bridesmaid whose own
happy ending is nowhere in
sight. But when younger sister Tess captures the heart of
Jane’s boss – with whom she is
secretly in love – Jane begins
to reexamine her “always-abridesmaid...” lifestyle. PG-13