AirFest 2009: One to remember

C
M Y K
Vol. 36, No. 14
Friday, April 3, 2009
AirFest 2009: One to remember
Story, page 3
More photos, page 13
COMMENTARY
Good leadership at core of team success
by Master Sgt. Herbert Johnson
6th Air Mobility Wing Top III President
I believe leadership is the most essential
part of an organization. Leadership provides
a shining example of what individuals aspire to. Good leader inspire, motivate, and
bring out the absolute best in a team. They
encourage forward thinking, creativity, open
communications, and taking the initiative.
Effective leaders welcome ideas from everyone; even if the ideas challenge the traditional way of thinking. You are an effective
leader; If you build confidence, demand excellence, set the example and are genuinely
concerned about your people.
I always try to support my troops and
peers by ensuring that they have the tools to
accomplish what needs to be done. The Air
Force today has many challenges, and it is
our duty as Airmen to maintain and enforce
the highest standards. I listen to the people
that work with me and around me, realizing
I need to what is going on with everyone on
the team. In many cases; it helps me to understand the best approach to a situation.
Leadership is not a “cookie cutter model”.
My goal is to create an atmosphere where
everyone is valued and know how important
they are to the team. When people don’t
know how they fit, then it may allow them to
think they are not needed. This is a difficult
situation to handle, but using each person’s
experience and knowledge it can be worked
out. I believe that respect from the team is
earned; not thru title or rank, but showing
ability, humility, agility, appreciation, and
gratitude. My goal is to be an effective leader, who is approachable and supportive.
Chief Master Sergeant Lewis Singleton,
Superintendent 6th Medical Group coined
the phrase “Leadership is not “like-me ship.
There will be times when your leadership
may be challenged or a decision not welcomed. However, as long as I know I have
the trust of my subordinates and I’m adhering to policy, standards and our core values, I
can take comfort in knowing that I you can
get through difficult situations or a tough
decision. The bottom line is, as a leader we
must lead with mission accomplish accomplishment priority number one.
I believe leadership is not about intentions, but about behavior. People model your
behavior not your intentions. Leaders must
know that subordinates are watching how
they behave. Seeing how a leader responds
to adversity, often times, makes others more
willing to follow and work toward a common
goal. Consequently, when my troops see how
I respond to daily situations it makes them
more inclined to follow my lead and to work
in harmony.
You must not only be willing to lead; but,
also demonstrate followership and be a team
player. Organizations flourish or flounder
because of leadership or in some cases, a
lack thereof. Subordinates value leaders that
make them feel empowered. No one knows
all the answers; a successful leader takes advantage of the diversity within the team and
uses it to make the team better.
Leadership is a large word that means
many things to many of us. It is important
Master Sgt. Herbert Johnson
to know that leadership is about people and
management is about processes. Leadership
is also influence and I must use my influence
to make the people around me better while
accomplishing the mission. We must all use
our leadership to help the 6th Air Mobility
Wing live up to its vision as “America’s Best
Wing”.
ACTION LINE
The Action Line provides a two-way communication between the 6th Air Mobility Wing commander and the MacDill community. A 24-hour recording service is provided so personnel may submit questions, concerns or comments. Call the Action Line at 828-INFO (4636)
MacDill Thunderbolt
Publisher: Denise Palmer
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
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The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement
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Display advertising or classified advertising information
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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
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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
AirFest leaves lasting impression
NEWS/FEATURES: page 4
Court Martial
NEWS/FEATURES: page 4
Pakistan partners
NEWS/FEATURES: page 6
New Web inprocessing
DIAMOND SHARP: page 7
A top performer
Photo by Master Sgt. Michael Gaddis
Huge crowds of spectators flock to the entrance of the 2009 MacDill Air Force Base Air Fest
Mar. 28. The crowds swelled to 75,000 people for the first day of a two day show. This year’s Air
Fest boasts the world-famous U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Aerial Demonstration Team as the
show headliners.
by Airman 1 st Class Katherine Holt and Senior
Airman Tania Reid
6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
BRIEFS: page 8
News to know
NEWS/FEATURES: page 13
AirFest 2009 photos
NEWS/FEATURES: page 16
New DES process
NEWS/FEATURES: page 18
Tinker awards day
NEWS/FEATURES: page 19
Bike safety important
COMMUNITY: page 20
Bike safety important
AirFest 2009 has come to an end, but the
memories live on. The lure of the daring aerial
aircraft acrobatics, the parachute jumpers, tours
of the ground displays and the many booths
drew the more than 135,000 spectators to the
show March 28 and 29.
Team MacDill opened their doors to the residents of Tampa and the surrounding areas Saturday morning to bright blue skies and perfect
weather drawing large crowds. Even though the
weather conditions Sunday were poor, it wasn’t
enough to stop the crowds from being thrilled
and excited by performers.
“I think the show was really great,” said
Thomas McCLean, MacDill AirFest spectator.
“It has been 20 years since I’ve been watching
the air show and the aerial performance is still
amazing.”
With static displays from all branches of the
military filling the flightline, children of all ages
were able to experience what an Airman, Soldier, Sailor, Marine and Coast Guardsmen might
experience on any given day. Static displays like
the KC-10 Extender gave community friends
and families the opportunity to walk through
the aircraft, climb into the cockpit and talk to
operators about the aircraft and its capabilities.
Static displays weren’t the only thing on the
tarmac those two days, food and souvenir vendors were also available for the thousands of
spectators.
The aroma of dozens of vendors permeated
through the air attracting all taste buds. Vendors were selling everything from hot dogs to
gyros; lemonade to ice cream.
With the temperatures Saturday and Sunday
afternoon, hovering in the high 70’s to the low
80’s, ice cream was a big hit.
“We have sold a lot of ice cream this weekend,” said Staff Sgt. Raina Sewell, 6th Air Mobility Wing Equal Opportunity. “Adults and
children alike were lining up to cool down with
some cold treats.”
With mouths full, spectators looked to the sky
to be blown away by the many military and civilian demonstration teams. Civilian demos like
the T-6 Star flown by Bill Leff and the Super
Decathlon flown by John Black contributed to
the acrobatics in the sky. Saturday guests got
to enjoy the one-day only flyover from the B-1
Lancer, the backbone of America’s long-range
bomber force. The F-15E and the A-10 Thunderbolt made the sky roar with their speed and
agility.
To complete the high-flying day of fun was
the Thunderbirds. As the Air Force’s precision
flying team, this unique group of dedicated professionals representing the best of the best in
Air Force capability for maintenance and flying
took to the skies in a dynamic display of calculated movements and speed to match. The team
did not disappoint, as the crowd cheered and
clapped with each pass.
Team MacDill was, once again, able to show
the community a glimpse of what the military
does and is capable of. AirFest 2009 left the
audiences remembering the aerial demonstrations, static displays and professionalism of the
U.S. military.
“The show was terrific,” said Mr. McClean.
“As long as there’s an AirFest at MacDill I will
be here to attend.”
NEWS/FEATURES
Airman receives confinement, pay and rank reduction
6th Air Mobility Wing Judge Advocate’s Office
On Tuesday March 10, attorneys from the
6th Air Mobility Wing Judge Advocate’s office
prosecuted the Special Court Martial of Senior Airman James Lee Joseph. SrA Joseph
was charged with the wrongful use of cocaine,
misuse of a government vehicle, being incapacitated for duty due to drunkenness, going from his place of duty on more than one
occasion, and three absences without leave.
Because the case was referred to a Special
Court-Martial, the maximum punishment
was 12 months confinement, fine, forfeiture
of two thirds pay, a reprimand and a bad conduct discharge.
Presiding over the case was Col Dawn R.
Efflein, Chief Military Judge, United States
Air Force. Representing the US Government
were Capt Matt Thompson, 6 AMW/JA, and
Maj T. Shane Heavener, Senior Trial Counsel
Maxwell AFB. SrA Joseph was represented
by Capt Bradley A. Morris, Area Defense
Counsel.
Pursuant to a pretrial agreement, SrA Joseph pled guilty to all charges and specifications. During the litigated sentencing proceeding, the Government called SrA Joseph’s
former first sergeant to testify about the im-
pact of the crimes on the unit. The Shirt testified that after the September 2008 incident,
then SSgt Joseph was moved to an administrative job, thus leaving his prior section
short one NCO. The prosecutors also admitted into evidence the follow-up to an earlier
Article 15 that resulted in SSgt Joseph’s reduction to the grade of Senior Airman. SrA
Joseph previously was ordered into pretrial
confinement by his Commander due to his repeated misconduct.
The Defense focused their sentencing case
on SrA Joseph’s post traumatic stress disorder which he developed after a combat deployment to Afghanistan in 2006-2007. To
elaborate on that subject, the Defense called
SrA Joseph’s mother and aunt who both testified to dramatic changes in SrA Joseph’s behavior and mental state on his return.
A forensic psychologist also gave lengthy
testimony on SrA Joseph’s mental state and
the effects of PTSD as they related to the
charges and specifications. Testimony was
also received from a Chief Master Sergeant
who was SrA Joseph’s chalk commander in
Afghanistan. The Chief testified to the intensity of the operations and the physical and
mental strain this placed on the unit. Finally
the Chief testified about SrA Joseph’s service
in Afghanistan characterizing it as “heroic
and reliable.”
Following the close of the evidentiary portion of trial, both sides presented oral arguments. The military judge sentenced SrA
Joseph to 105 days confinement, forfeiture of
$1,000 a month for two months, and reduction to the grade of E-3. SrA Joseph’s time
in pretrial confinement will be deducted from
any approved sentence of confinement.
Courts-martial are open to the public.
Members are encouraged to see their military
justice system at work. As with any courtroom proceeding, you must be respectful of
the seriousness of the event by turning off cell
phones and entering quietly, but otherwise,
military members (or those with base access)
are free to come and go as they so desire.
Viewing a Court Martial is an excellent
learning opportunity. If you are interested in
viewing a trial, please contact the legal office
for a schedule of upcoming trials.
The nature of the legal field is such that
court dates are subject to change, but a legal
office representative will give you the most
up to date information that is available. The
next trial, a Special Court Martial, is scheduled for March 31 in the courtroom in Building 299.
Pakistan a critical partner
in Global War on Terrorism
by Maj. Cristian Popovici
Romanian Air Force, Coalition
Public Affairs
Pakistan is one of the Coalition
partners which joined the Global
War on Terror in March 2002.
Among the other nations, they are
fully involved in fight against insurgents in Afghanistan.
Pakistan is represented in
CENTCOM Coalition Coordination Center by a liaison team.
I took the opportunity to sit for
few minutes with BG Abbasi Masqood, Pakistan Senior National
Representative, and ask him to
tell us about his fatherland.
Pakistan is a land enriched by
majestic mountains, gushing rivers, fertile plains, sprawling deserts, captivating beauty and rich
heritage.
Pakistan was carved on the
world map under the dynamic
leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on Aug. 14,
1947.
Due to its location on the crossroads of Middle East and Central
Asia, Pakistan has always been a
geo-strategically important country. It has 325 mile long border
Courtesy photo
with China in the north, 1 mile
The Pakistan liaison team, led by BG. Masqood (center), SNR. Pakiwith Afghanistan in the NW, 564
stan joined the Coalition at U.S. Central Command in March 2002.
miles with Iran in the west, 1,809
miles with India in the east and mountains with lush green valleys 97% Muslims and Christians,
more than 621 mile long coast line in northern areas and majestic Hindus, and others making up the
stretching along the Arabian Sea snow covered peaks which are also remaining 3%.
in the south. Pakistan has a total called the ‘roof of the world’.
Pakistanis are warm hearted,
area of 546,806 sq miles.
Pakistan is divided into four amiable and very hospitable peoIn Pakistan, within a span of provinces namely Sindh, Balu- ple. The geographic area of Pakifew hundred miles, you could enjoy chistan, Punjab and North West stan has been the cradle of a civisea shores with beautiful beaches, Frontier Province. Besides these lization and dates back to more
cosmic sandy deserts of Thar and provinces are the federally admin- than four millennia, however, it
Rajhistan, green fields of Pun- istered tribal and northern areas.
was Islam and Islamic traditions
jab, semi-mountainous arid lands
Pakistan has a population of that finally took roots and formed
See PAKISTAN, Page 10
of the Pothohar plateau, gigantic 160 million people comprised of
NEWS/FEATURES
Finance inprocessing takes on a new face via Web
by Senior Airman Brandon Bednarski
6th Comptroller Squadron
The next time you Permanent Change of
Station your finance inprocessing will likely
be on the Web. The days of waiting weeks to
complete a PCS In-processing voucher for active duty Air Force members will soon become
a thing of the past! The PCS In-Processing
System is deploying to the Air Force. Effective Apr. 6, MacDill AFB will implement PIPS.
PIPS offers a secure, paperless process to submit PCS financial documents with automated
assistance for the member. This process is accomplished using a “DTS style” approach to
guide the member through PCS Inprocessing
by conducting an interactive interview session
that explains PCS entitlements based on information provided by the member. PIPS may
be accessed via a secure web site application,
eFinance, using their common access card and
pin at https://efinanceworkspace.wpafb.af.mil.
Once a user navigates to the PIPS site, the
system will use an easy to understand question and answer session to walk the member
through the process of PCS Travel from start
to finish. The system’s technology makes it virtually impossible to overlook even the smallest
detail when completing a PCS-In voucher.
Because we know this may be a confusing
transaction in a military career, we focused on
the need for an accurate, relevant information
exchange. Several questions will be asked, for
example – Are you PCSing to an overseas location or within the continental United States?
PIPS will use this response to present a briefing containing the correct information based
on where the member is going. Included in
this briefing are links to entitlements, rates
payable and frequently asked questions on the
PCS move.
The information provided includes:
• Travel Entitlements
• Mileage
• Per Diem
• Dislocation Allowance
• Basic Allowance for Housing
• Temporary Lodging Expense
• Family Separation Allowance
• Enlisted Meal Deductions
• Advance Military Pay
• Advance Basic Allowance for Housing
• Cost of Living Allowance
• Temporary Lodging Allowance
• Overseas Housing Allowance
• Hardship Duty Pay–Location
• Imminent Danger Pay
• Combat Zone Tax Exclusion
For members arriving at MacDill AFB,
PIPS will automate and standardize the documentation portion of the Financial Services
In-Processing briefing. Active Duty personnel
may view a demonstration video of PIPS by
visiting the Money – Finance Central Website
or go directly to the PIPS page at https://www.
my.af.mil.
Contact the Finance Office at 828-5377 or
828-5379 for further information.
https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-f/USAF/ep/contentView.do?contentType=EDITORIAL&contentId=1608109&channelPageId=-1073755560&programId=1609306
Diamond Sharp
Airman 1st Class Nelson O. Bekederemo
6th Medical Operations Squadron
Job Title: Aerospace
Medical Technician
Apprentice
Home town: Tulsa,
OK
Short-term
goals:
Long-term
goals:
To finish my Career
Development Courses ahead of time and
make Senior Airman
Below the Zone, and
start college courses.
Complete at least 20
years of active duty
service, strive to earn the title of CMSgt of the Air
Force. If I do decide to go commissioned, I will work
toward full bird and above.
Advice to others: Don’t be the one that sits to the
side and lets life pass you by. It’s guaranteed no one
will feel for you or even notice.
Role model (s): Myself; no need to “emulate” or “imitate” others. I like who I am and what I became.
Why did you join?: To discipline and better myself,
to deploy, to get a better education and to serve for a
greater cause.
BRIEFS
Lifeguards needed
MacDill AFB is now hiring for Lifeguards.
Applicants must have an approved and current nationally recognized certification in lifesaving and water rescue methods and skills,
as well as basic first aid training and CPR
(both child and adult) training. Logon to www.
Macdillservices.com click on CAREERS, then
download and complete the Lifeguard Application Package. Prior military will need to
submit a copy of their DD Form 214 (Member
4 copy). Applications can be mailed to 6FSS/
FSMH, 8011 Tampa Pointe Blvd, MacDill AFB,
FL 33621-1604. You may also submit your applications in person to our office; we are located 3rd Floor Pass & ID Building 373. To fax
your applications, please fax to DSN 968-5450
or (813) 828-5450. For additional information
please call 813-828-2911.
Coaches needed
The Youth Center is looking for individuals
interested in coaching all youth sports (basketball, soccer, baseball, cheerleading, etc) as
well as, officials, umpires and referees. Basketball season is in full swing and individuals are
needed to call the games. Any help is appreci-
ated. Games where helped is currently needed
are played Saturdays at 12:00 & 1:00 pm. If
interested please contact Peter.Schmidt-02@
macdill.af.milb r call the Youth Center at 8287956.
STAR II
The Airman & Family Readiness Center has
a new program for military spouses of active
duty Air Force. STAR II is a free small business development class sponsored by Air Force
Aid Society for Air Force spouses to provide
tools for spouses to establish a portable career.
Spouses of active duty Air Force are invited
and highly encouraged to visit the Airman &
Family Readiness Center at 2306 Florida Keys
Ave or call (813)828-2721 (POC: Dora Mays) to
sign up for the program. This program is in
cooperation with the University of South Florida’s Small Business Development (SBDC). A
series of three classes will be offered.
Wanted: Two dorm managers
The 6th Mission Support Group is looking
for a sharp Staff Sergeant and a sharp Master
or Technical Sergeant to fill the positions of
Dormitory Manager and NCOIC. This is a twoyear controlled tour with an option for a oneyear extension in the 9D000 duty AFSC. Dormitory managers are dedicated to taking care
of our greatest resource: our Airmen. They
ensure the quality of life, safety, and security standards of our facilities are maintained
at the highest level. Please submit copies of
your last five Enlisted Performance Reports, a
single page SURF and a commander’s release
statement. Please contact Chief Master Sgt.
Richard Lee, 6th Mission Support Group, at
828-4545 if you are interested.
Reward top performers
MacDill AFB’s Tony Jannus Chapter of the
Airlift/Tanker Association sponsors an award
program. Within the two categories E-1 to E4, and E-5 to E-6, members from all five services compete for base-wide honors, winning
an Airlift/Tanker Association Performer of the
Quarter trophy, and the option of joining the
Tony Jannus Chapter. The theme for nomination packages is “How the Individual’s Performance Contributed to Air Mobility”. Nominee
must be stationed at MacDill AFB, no attached
personnel. Simply type five main bullets, with
no more than two supporting sub-bullets
(maximum of 15 lines), on an AF Form 1206
(save in .xfd format) listing actions and results
from January to March 2009 (Do not add filler
or job descriptions, focus only on job performance). Please submit nominees via e-mail to
[email protected] by close of business
Wednesday, Apr. 8.
PAKISTAN
From Page 4
the main spring of Pakistan’s cultural heritage.
Urdu is Pakistan’s national language and
English is official language. Eight different regional languages depict the rich cultural diversity.
Pakistan is vibrant member of international
community and believes in friendship to all, internationally accepted norms of good neighborhood and peaceful co-existence on equity basis.
Pakistan remains committed to the charter of
United Nations and enjoys good bilateral relations with neighboring and regional countries.
Their Armed Forces are ranked amongst the
highly professional forces of the world. Ready
with the modern weapon systems, they have a
credible nuclear deterrence also.
Pakistan has always supported the U.S. and
has been a member of numerous military alliances with the USA. Pakistan remained in
the forefront during the Soviet occupation of
Afghanistan and suffered the consequences of
the occupation, the fall-out of which remains a
major destabilizing factor at the regional level
even today.
Pakistan joined the International Coalition
to fight the menace of terrorism based on a total policy commitment. Conscious of the threat,
the Government and armed forces of Pakistan
are determined to continue their utmost efforts against terrorism. Pakistan has deployed
over 120,000 troops supported by aviation to
fight against terrorism. It is manning over 800
border posts along the Pakistan – Afghanistan
border under hostile weather and terrain conditions, to stop cross border infiltration of suspected terrorists.
The Pakistan Navy has been an active member of the Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan,
a Coalition to fight against terrorist activities
at sea. This coalition is working under the
command of NAVCENT and Pakistan is the
only regional country which is part of this arrangement under the nomenclature of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Pakistan has coordinated and assisted the
US forces during their induction into Afghanistan including provision of required airspace,
necessary administrative/security arrangements at ports and air bases and arrangements for emergency stationing of US aircraft
for support of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, Pakistan is supporting the Coalition in
general and US in particular for their logistic
supply through Pakistan.
Being an important Coalition partner
against terrorism, Pakistan has suffered greatly being on the forefront of this global effort. It
has suffered economically, socially and in terms
of human cost. A total of 1,467 brave men have
been martyred and other 3,662 injured during
AirFest 200
Photo by Master Sgt. Mark Borosch
Spectators wait in line to view a E-4 Sentry, one of many static displays at MacDill’s Air
Fest 2009.
A high-flyin’ good time
A
pril showers may have come a little early over the weekend, but it
wasn’t enough to dampen the spirits of thousands of MacDill guests
who came out for AirFest 2009.
In the end, the famous U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team
won out over the equally famous Tampa Bay thunderstorms, giving spectators everything and more they’ve come to expect from Team MacDill.
Other aerial artists put in winning performances as well, proving thrills,
chills along with lots of fascinating aircraft technology for Tampa Bay area
aero-fans. With a combined attendance of some 135,000, this year’s event was
a winner and one to be remembered.
Photo by Airman 1st Class Linzi Joseph
Photo by Airman 1st Class Linzi Joseph
Daniel and brother David, sons of Adrinana
Collins of Tampa, race to top of the rock climbing exhibit.
Deon Esterhuizen and son Ryan, 3, of Tampa, view a static display during
AirFest at MacDill Saturday. The numerous static displays gave visitors the
chance to get up close to aircraft the public rarely has a chance to examine
so closely.
09: One to remember
Photo by Senior Airman Nancy Hooks
Captain Greg Thomas signs a autograph for Gracie Johnson from the Make
A Wish foundation. Capt. Thomas performs a special show for special show
guests during the Air Fest.
Photo by Master Sgt. Mark Borosch
Spectators spent a lot of time with their eyes cast
skyward over the weekend of AirFest 2009. From
thrilling aerial displays of precision and power, like
the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration
team (inset) to civilian shows and the U.S. Special
Operations Comman parachute jump team, there
were plenty of excuses for kinked necks.
NEWS/FEATURES
Traumatic Stress Response Team ready to respond
by Maj. Clayton Wilson
6th MDG Mental Health Flight Chief
An assignment at MacDill Air
Force Base is “a dream come true!”
Most of us enjoy living in Tampa
due to the sun, fun and relaxation
it offers. On the other hand, we are
aware of the potential of hazardous
weather disasters, including flooding and damage from hurricanes.
Many might not know where to
turn should a disaster strike MacDill AFB. The Traumatic Stress
Response Team (TSRT) at MacDill
AFB is on standby 24 hours a day
and ready to assist the MacDill
AFB community in the event that
mass violence, disaster or other potentially traumatic events should
occur.
Members of the team include
mental health counselors, chaplains and community readiness
technicians. Through exercise and
training, TSRT members are prepared to implement a variety of
key components when disaster
strikes home. TSRT services include ensuring basic needs are met
for families, providing psychological first aid, screening and referral for additional mental health
assistance, distributing situation-
specific information and education
and recovery monitoring. You can
also receive up to four one-on-onesessions without opening a Mental
Health record or without any form
of documentation. While we hope
that nothing traumatic will ever
happen to us or our loved ones, if
something does happen, the TSRT
is here to help. Commanders can
access the TSRT through the Command Post 24 hours a day for consultation to determine what is
needed for specific situations. For
more information on the TSRT, call
the Mental Health clinic at 813827-9170.
New DES to streamline process
by Maj. Derrick McKercher
6th Medical Group TOPA Flight Commander
Under an agreement between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, a joint Disability Evaluation
System has been initiated, also known as the
Medical Evaluation Board process, to improve
timeliness, effectiveness and transparency of
the DES process. This new program will have
the same legal authority and merit as the ex-
isting DES process but it will incorporate: a
single, comprehensive, claims-based VA template medical examination, a determination
of fitness by Military Departments’ Physical
Evaluation Boards and a single-source VA
disability rating for use by both Departments.
Service Members will be guided through the
process by their personal Physical Evaluation
Board Liaison Officer) who will counsel them
on the process and advise them of their rights
and responsibilities. Prior to any eventual
transition to the VA, members will meet their
own Military Services Coordinator who will
advise them of all of their rights as an honored Veteran of the United States. The goal
is to provide Service Members the fairest and
most efficient disability evaluation process
available.
Service members who qualify for this program will automatically be enrolled beginning Apr. 1.
For further information, telephone 813827-9981/82/83/93, or visit the program staff
at the base clinic, located on the 1st floor,
room C-174, Monday through Friday from
7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
NEWS/FEATURES
‘Uhuby Unnby!’
Mrs. Traci Ebenezer, Tinker Elementary 5th
grade teacher, holds the microphone for Mrs.
Debbie Eger, Tinker Elementary 1st grade teacher, while she tries to say “chubby bunny” with a
mouthful of marshmellows at Tinker Elementary
here, Mar. 31. Mrs. Eger participated in a teacher
competition, representing her 1st grade class,
during a spirit ralley. The spirit rallies are held
every nine weeks to present different awards to
the outstanding classes. Awards range from the
golden broom, given for the cleanest classroom,
to the golden computer, given to the class with
the most Accelerated Reader points. Another
award is given during the rally: the spirit stick.
The spirit stick is given to the class with the best
behavior during the rally.
Photo by Airman 1st Class Linzi Joseph
FITNESS
Stay fit, stay safe; tips on biking for positive results
by Col Ken Lewis
Commander, 927th Air Refueling Wing
Fitness is very important
not only for military qualifications but also for individual health. As the emphasis on being physically
fit grows so does the number of people we see in the
MacDill AFB fitness center
and on the running paths.
The number of bicycle riders on the base has risen
as well. I am one of those
riders. I crank out around
100 to 150 miles a week on
the roads of MacDill AFB.
Lately the rider population
on Tuesdays and Thursdays has doubled. With
the increase in bicyclers
we need to increase awareness on the part of motor
vehicle operators sharing
the roads. We also need
bicycle riders to adhere to
rules of the road. With the
combined effort we can all
remain safe while driving
and exercising.
SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT! Before a cyclist
takes to the streets he or
she needs to ensure they
have a good helmet, reflective clothing if required
and certainly lights on
front and back if riding at
night. Bicyclists who use
the roads will normally
stay to the right hand side
and within the bike lane if
one is present. If there is
no lane, the cyclist should
stay close to the white line
on the right. Bicyclists
using the roads need to
stop at stop signs and stop
lights. It all seems simple
but there are some areas
for concern. When a cyclist
is using the road and wishes to turn left, they are expected to signal and then
merge into the left lane.
They will follow the traffic
signals through the turn
and then stay to the right
side of the road or in the
bike lane after the turn.
Right hand turns still require the proper adherence
to traffic signals.
The groups of riders on
MacDill AFB contain some
exceptional athletes with
years of cycling experience.
The speeds they travel are
sometimes consistent with
the speed limits on base.
These groups will normally ride single file but will
often take the right lane
especially if the road is in
poor condition on the right
side. They will abide by all
the same rules of the road
described above.
The motorist/cyclist relationship must be one
of mutual respect with
safety as the #1 priority.
The base populace needs
to be aware that there are
many cyclists sharing the
roads. Look for them while
driving; . Undersome are
traveling as fast as cars
and some are going slower.
While you should expect
them to follow the rules of
the road, give them enough
space to avoid hitting them
if mistakes are made.
Since some of these cyclists
are traveling upwards of
25 to 30 miles per hour
you need to give them the
same space you would give
any motor vehicle. Avoid
pulling out in front of them
while. Avoid passing them
and then turning in front of
them. When passing a cyclist move completely over
to the next lane instead of
squeezing between them
and oncoming vehicles.
Watch for their signals especially when approaching
an intersection.
Areas for special vigilance on MacDill AFB include; the stop light south
of the Bayshore gate where
many cyclists will signal
and, enter the left lane
for a left hand turn and
the area south of the MacDill gate where the traffic cones force riders into
the right lane. Also riders
often move from the bike
lane to the left lane in order to make a left onto the
boundary road towards the
control tower.
Vigilance and simple
courtesy on the part of both
rider and motorist will
help keep everyone safe.
MacDill AFB is a beautiful
place and with a little emphasis on safety, we can all
enjoy it together.
MACDILL COMMUNITY
EVENTS
Today
Surf’s Edge Club
Boomers Bingo Extravaganza is today at the Boomers Bar and Grill starting
at 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday
Surf’s Edge Club
Drive by pizza is available Tuesday, Apr. 7 behind
the Surf’s Edge Club from
4 until 6 p.m.
Wednesday
Surf’s Edge Club
There will be a Pinochle
Tournament at the Surf ’s
Edge Club Wednesday, Apr.
8 from 7 until 9:30 p.m.
Thursday
Bayshore Club
All you can eat Crunch
and Munch is at the Bayshore Club Thursday, Apr.
9 from 11 a.m. until 1.30
p.m.
Photo by Airman 1st Class Linzi Joseph
March Warrior honored!
Tech. Sgt. Unhye Zipay, 6th Air Mobility Wing command section, receives the Chief’s Group Warrior Award
from Chief Master Sgt. Michele Flaherty, CENTCOM, and Chief Master Sgt. Derrick Crowley, 6th Air Mobility
Wing Command Chief, on the flightline here, Mar. 27. Once a month an Airman, Tech Sergeant and below,
is nominated by the chief’s group for going above and beyond. The winners are presented with a certificate
and a chief’s group coin.
CHAPEL SCHEDULE
Protestant services
Sunday - 9 a.m., Traditional Service
10:30 a.m., Religious Education, Noon, Gospel Service
Tuesday -Noon, Promise Keepers
Wednesday - 10:30 a.m., Women of the Chapel
Thursday - 11:30 a.m., Officers’ Christian Fellowship
For more information regarding the Chapel or Chapel services,
call 828-3621.
Catholic services
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)
Jewish and Islamic services
Call 828-3621 for information
AT THE MOVIES
Base Theater closed for renovations