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Vol. 47, No. 52 Thursday, December 26, 2019 News/Features: page 3 Comminity leaders immerse News/Features: page 7 Annual Tech Expo News/Features: page 3 Doggone bombs Community: page 14 Events, Chapel, more... Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week Photo by Senior Airman Adam R. Shanks A 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief marshals a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft before taxiing for takeoff from MacDill Air Force Base, Dec. 9. Aboard the KC-135 were members of the 91st Air Refueling Squadron, who deployed to support rapid global mobility and aerial refueling efforts overseas. 91st ARS first squadron-wide deployment - page 8

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Page 1: 91stARSfirstsquadron-widedeployment - page8macdillthunderbolt.com/122619/McNews122619.pdf · Vol.47,No.52 Thursday, December 26, 2019 News/Features:page3 Comminityleadersimmerse News/Features:page7

Vol. 47, No. 52 Thursday, December 26, 2019

News/Features: page 3Comminity leaders immerse

News/Features: page 7Annual Tech Expo

News/Features: page 3Doggone bombs

Community: page 14Events, Chapel, more...

Week in photos: page 4Images from the week

Photo by Senior Airman Adam R. Shanks

A 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief marshals a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft before taxiing for takeoff fromMacDill Air Force Base, Dec. 9. Aboard the KC-135 were members of the 91st Air Refueling Squadron, who deployed tosupport rapid global mobility and aerial refueling efforts overseas.

91st ARS first squadron-wide deployment - page 8

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2 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, December 26, 2019 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

MacDill ThunderboltPublisher: Joe DeLuca

Editor: Nick Stubbs

The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by the Times Publish-ing Company, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S.Air Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an autho-rized publication for distribution to members of the U.S. mili-tary services on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill Thunderboltare not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the

U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Departmentof the Air Force or the 6th Air Refueling Wing.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, includinginserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement bythe Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force,6th Air Refueling Wing or the TImes Publishing Company of theproducts or service advertised.

For retail advertising, call (813) 226-3318.Everything advertised in this publication shall be made

available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard torace, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status,physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit

factor of the purchaser, user, or patron.News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submitted

to the 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office, 8208 HangarLoop Dr., suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621. Call the Thunderboltat 828-2215. Email: [email protected].

Deadline for article submissions is noon, Wednesdays toappear in the next week’s publication. Articles received afterdeadline may be considered for future use. All submissions areconsidered for publication based on news value and timeliness.

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

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE

The Action Line provides two-way communication between the6th Air Refueling Wing commander and the MacDill community. Per-sonnel may submit questions, concerns or comments via email [email protected] or Facebook @6thARWCommandTeam

Website: www.macdill.af.mil

Facebook: www.facebook.com/

MacDillAirForceBase

Instagram: macdill_afb

Twitter: @macdill_afb

MacDill on theweb

NEWS/FEATURES

For information about base operations during emergencies or natural disasters, call the Straight Talk Line at 828-4163

by Col. Stephen SnelsonCommander, 6th Air Refueling Wing

The holiday season provides an opportunity topause and reflect back over the past year, recog-nize the accomplishments of our team and preparefor the challenges we will face in the New Year.

To our Team MacDill Airmen and families—thank you!

Over the last year, the wing supported Opera-tions Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel,executing more than 3,000 combat missions in theU.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility.

The wing also provided humanitarian relief dur-ing the aftermath of Hurricane Michael by provid-ing assistance to 140 families and 11,000 personnelwho were evacuated from Tyndall AFB, Florida.

Team MacDill also had the honor of hostingthe Department of Defense Wounded WarriorGames. We came together with the local commu-nity to showcase over 300 athletes competing in14 events to a worldwide audience.

Looking back at this past year, I’m amazed byyour everyday accomplishments. Whether it be the39 major command awards or our security forces,

contracting and force support squadrons beingrecognized as the Air Force’s best. All of these ac-complishments culminated in the 6th Air Refuel-ing Wing being presented the Air Force Outstand-ing Unit Award. Thank you for your dedicationas you continue to carry out our vital worldwidemission. Your incredible efforts have made a dif-ference in 2019!

Additionally, I want to thank our Tampa Baycommunity partners. Without the support of thecommunity we could not accomplish our vital na-tional-security missions. On behalf of Team Mac-Dill, thanks to each and every one of our commu-nity partners for your continuous and unwaveringsupport.

Finally, I want to thank our deployed servicemembers who are currently away from homeguarding our nation’s freedom. Please join meas we keep every Airman, Soldier, Sailor, Ma-rine, Coast Guardsman and their families in ourthoughts and prayers.

The New Year will give us the opportunity toimprove our flights, squadrons and the Air Force,and we need all of you mentally and physicallyready to make that happen. So, during this hol-iday season, I hope you find some time to relaxwith your friends, family, or loved ones and pre-pare to tackle 2020.

But, as you celebrate the season, remember todo so responsibly and encourage those around youto do the same. Be a good wingman and take careof each other. The holiday season can be a difficulttime and a simple gesture of kindness can bright-

6th ARWCommander: Thank you!

U.S. Air Force photo

Colonel Stephen P. Snelson is the Commander,6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base.He is responsible for the wing’s worldwide com-bat air refueling and airlift missions and providesinstallation support to Headquarters U.S. Cen-tral Command, Headquarters U.S. Special Op-erations Command and 31 other Joint missionpartners. As the Commander, he is responsiblefor the security and well-being of the base’s18,000 employees and their families, along with$2.8 billion in base property and capital assets.See THANK YOU, Page 6

But, as you celebrate the season,remember to do so responsibly andencourage those around you to dothe same - Col. Stephen Snelson

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NEWS/FEATURES

by Senior Airman Caleb Nunez6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

With armed guards at the gates and regulated access, a military instal-lation can seem like a mystery to the outside community. In order to in-crease public awareness, the Air Force has a responsibility to inform andeducate local community leaders about the mission beyond the gate.

The Honorary Commander Program does exactly this - it helps fostera supportive relationship between the community and the Air Force byproviding opportunities to share experiences with each other.

Here at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, honorary commanders areselected every two years and paired up with squadron, group and wingcommanders to experience the mission of the 6th and 927th air refuelingwings. During this term, the honorary commanders gain access to thebase and immerse with units across the wing to gain first-hand experi-ence on how the mission gets accomplished.

On Dec. 12, 2019, approximately 30 honorary commanders from aroundthe Tampa Bay community participated in an immersion tour of the 6thMaintenance Group.

The tour began with opening remarks from Col. Steve Snelson, the 6thARW commander, followed by a history presentation and an introductionto MacDill’s mission. The honoraries then toured the 6th MXG to include

Community leaders immerse with MacDill maintainers

by Airman 1st Class Shannon Bowman6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

Success on the battlefield is dependent uponthe ability of Airmen to execute their duties atan optimum level. Units from different special-ties lean on each other’s experience and exper-tise to be able to execute missions with preci-sion.

For Airmen to perform without hesitationdownrange, teams must be willing to go outsidethe wire to perform sweeps and provide security.

Amongst those on the frontline, are Airmenwith the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron explosiveordnance disposal flight, and the 6th SecurityForces Squadron. These units take on the riskand the responsibility of ensuring the safety oftheir fellow Airmen.

For this reason, the 6th CES/EOD flight heldan integrated training with 6th SFS militaryworking dog teams, aeromedical technicianswith the 927th Aeromedical Staging Squadronand veterinary technicians with the U.S. ArmyPublic Health Activity, Fort Gordon, MacDillbranch, from Dec. 9 to 13, at MacDill Air ForceBase, and Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida.

The training allowed the participating units0to integrate their field training operations so

Doggone bombs: TeamMacDill integrates joint force counter-IED training

Photo by Senior Airman Caleb Nunez

Honorary commanders from the 6th and 927th air refueling wings pausefor a group photo in front of a KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air ForceBase Dec. 12. The honorary commanders toured the 6th MaintenanceGroup to gain first-hand experience on how the mission gets accom-plished.See LEADERS, Page 10

See DOGS, Page 11

Photo by Airman 1st Class Shannon Bowman

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight, the6th Security Forces Squadron and the 927th Aeromedical Staging Squadron ruck march throughAvon Park Air Force Range, Fla., Dec. 11, 2019. The Airmen carried rucksacks weighing 35 to 50pounds during a field training exercise to simulate real-world deployment operations.

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Photo by U.S. Army CPT Jennifer Cruz

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., center, the commander of U.S. Cen-tral Command; Gus Malzahn, left, the head coach of the Auburn Tigers football team,and Philip John Fleck Jr., the head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, pose fora photo at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Dec. 12.

WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Airman Christopher Quail

Retired Col. Charles McGee, a member of the Tuskegee Airman, high-fives Airmen during his visit to Dover Air Force Base, Del., Dec. 6. McGee, whowas celebrating his 100th birthday at Dover AFB, served a total of 30 years in the Air Force, beginning with the U.S. Army Air Corps, and flew a total of409 combat missions during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

Photo by Senior Airman Dylan M. Gentile

Gen. Timothy Ray, Air Force Global Strike Command com-mander, and Col. Michael Jiru, Air Force Materiel Commandprogram executive officer, depart the MH-139A Grey Wolfhelicopter shortly after their arrival Dec. 19, at Duke Field,Fla. The aircraft is set to replace the Air Force’s fleet of UH-1N Huey aircraft and has capability improvements related tospeed, range, endurance and payload.

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NEWS/FEATURES

by Senior Airman Adam R. Shanks6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

Looking at Airman Leadership School’s Class 20A at MacDill Air ForceBase, one would see many bright-eyed faces. Uniforms are crisp and ser-viceable. Personal appearance is sharp and presentable. They’re displayingthemselves as the new front-line supervisors they are soon to become, oncethey’ve broken into the NCO tier.

But one man in attendance stands out from the rest.He has a uniform complete with a nametape and chevrons on his sleeve,

but the left side of his chest reads: Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s Office.Cpl. Tommy Herr, the first-ever law enforcement officer to attend the

Chief Master Sgt. Aubert E. Dozier Airman Leadership School at MacDill,joined Class 20A to offer his perspective while also gaining knowledge fromprofessional military education.

“As an HCSO first-line supervisor, it was an absolute honor to have beengiven the opportunity to attend ALS at MacDill,” said Herr. “Throughoutmy experience, I was welcomed and encouraged by all levels of Air Forcecommand.”

Master Sgt. Matthew Orlando, the ALS commandant at MacDill AFB,was one of the leaders that encouraged Herr to join.

“It was fantastic to have Cpl. Herr join our class and the program,” re-marked Orlando. “He already had around 15 years of experience and hereally brought a different perspective that enhanced the course.”

First-ever LEOattendsMacDill Airman Leadership School

Photo by Senior Airman Caleb Nunez

Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Office Cpl. Tommy Herr, accepts an AirmanLeadership School (ALS) diploma from U.S. Air Force Col. Stephen Snel-son, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, during his ALS graduation, Dec.4, 2019, at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. Herr joined 27 service members asthe only civilian of the class and the first-ever law enforcement officer toattend ALS at MacDill AFB.

See LEO, Page 13

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But, as you celebrate the season, remember to do so responsibly and encourage thosearound you to do the same. Be a good wingman and take care of each other. The holidayseason can be a difficult time and a simple gesture of kindness can brighten someone’sday. Every Airman is an integral part of our Air Force family and we need to be there foreach other during the good and challenging periods of our lives.

Your incredible and even heroic efforts during 2019 have not only embodied the AirForce core values, but demonstrated exceptional innovation and ingenuity above and be-yond the already high demands placed on you every day.

It is an honor and privilege to serve beside the men and women of Team MacDill. Onbehalf of Col. Robins and Chief Greene, I want to wish you a joyous holiday season and Ican’t wait to see what we accomplish in 2020!

THANK YOUFrom Page 2Correction

Due to modifications to the policy regarding baseaccess for veterans as detailed in a story about thenew legislation in the Dec. 19 edition of the Thunder-bolt, veterans with a zero percent service-connecteddisability rating who earn above the HUD incomethreshold, and are not eligible for a VHIC, will be is-sued a VA Health Eligibility Center form for installa-tion and entry to the stores.

The new legislation does not grant escort or spon-sorship privileges. Veterans with a VHIC and prima-ry caregivers, who are granted access to the installa-tion and to base amenities under this law, will not beable to bring family members or guests with them,unless their relatives or guests have their own issuedVHICs or ID cards.

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6th Air Refueling Wing

Technology evolves as quickly as the threatsagainst America’s military. Those threats are notfought by just the Department of Defense andour allies - it takes the innovative minds of themilitary combined with the high-speed technol-ogy developments of our community to make themission happen.

In an effort to keep the edge ahead of this ad-vancing threat, Team MacDill supported morethan 60 technology-driven companies fromaround the country travelled to MacDill AirForce Base, to speak directly with service mem-bers about technologies and how innovation canbenefit the military mission during the annualTech Expo, Dec. 13, 2019. The 6th Force SupportSquadron supported the Tech Expo which washosted by the Armed Forces Communicationsand Electronics Associations Tampa, St. Peters-burg Chapter and directed by Federal Direct Ac-cess Expositions.

“It’s important for us to meet with service

NEWS/FEATURESWe have the tech; TeamMacDill hosts Annual Tech Expo

Photo by Staff Sgt. Heather Fejerang

Technology-based company representatives interact with service members during the annual TechExpo at MacDill Air Force Base Dec. 13. The 6th Force Support Squadron supported the eventwhich was hosted by the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Associations, Tampa-St.Petersburg Chapter and directed by Federal Direct Access Expositions.See EXPO, Page 12

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by Senior Airman Adam R. Shanks6th Air Refueling Wing

The 91st Air Refueling Squadron, along with KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, deployed to AlUdeid Air Base, Qatar, in early December 2019.

This marks the first time the entire 91st ARS deployed together as a squadron to sup-port rapid global mobility and aerial refueling efforts overseas, marking a historic milestone forthe time-tested unit.

“I’ve deployed multiple times before, but never how we are deploying now,” said Capt. AliRizvi, 91st ARS executive officer and pilot. “In the past, we deployed as crews, so we’d travelwith an aircraft and join up with crews from places like McConnell [AFB, Kansas] or FairchildAir Force Base, [Washington].”

Rizvi explained that with previous deployments, it was one thing to build bonds with otherKC-135 Stratotanker crews from around Air Mobility Command, but it’s something else to de-ploy with the men and women he sees every day while at home station.

“Once we’re overseas, our missions will be just like we trained together for, which is awe-

some,” said Rizvi.Maj. Mark Puffenbarger, a 91st ARS pilot, added that unit cohesion will help keep the deploy

ment a simple process despite it occurring during the holida“Since we’re all deploying before the holidays, our brothers

fueling Squadron and members throughout 6th Operations Group hafamilies and friends while we’re away,” said Puffenbarger

From aircrew flight equipment preparing dozens of ctirelessly to load pallets with equipment, and install them on the KC-135sunits all over MacDill.

Before their deployment, the fall festival event, allowed the 91stfamilies together to network, and learn about support agencies that can assist with anythingwhile their loved ones are away.

“The support we received going into our deployment preparation,to the aircraft to take off has been overwhelming,” said Rivzi.easy, so to know my family is in good hands while I’m awabout.”

91 ARS participates in first squadron-wide deploymentMembers of the 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron and the 6th Operations Group load cargo onto a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft at MacDill Air Force Base Dec. 6. The cartion for a historic deployment of the entire 91st Air Refueling Squadron to Southwest Asia.

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added that unit cohesion will help keep the deploy-ment a simple process despite it occurring during the holiday season.

brothers and sisters with the 50th Air Re-fueling Squadron and members throughout 6th Operations Group have come in to support our

said Puffenbarger.rom aircrew flight equipment preparing dozens of chemical suits, to the 6th OG working

and install them on the KC-135s, support came from

allowed the 91st ARS members to bring theirand learn about support agencies that can assist with anything

“The support we received going into our deployment preparation, all the way until we steppedsaid Rivzi. “Not every deployment can be

way is a lot of stress I don’t have to worry

on-wide deployment

Photo by Senior Airman Adam R. Shanks

Members of the 6th Operations Group stretch a cargo net over a pallet of equipment in preparation for a 91stAir Refueling Squadron (ARS) deployment at MacDill Air Force Base Dec. 2. In early December, the 91st ARSdeployed more than 50 Airmen with 10 KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft to support global air refueling missions inareas of Southeast Asia.

Photo by Senior Airman Ashley Perdue

Dec. 6. The cargo was loaded in prepara-

Photo by Senior Airman Adam R. Shanks

Members of the 91st Air Refueling Squadron board a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft before deploying from Mac-Dill Air Force Base Dec. 9. The 91st ARS deployed as a squadron to support rapid global mobility and aerialrefueling missions.

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the fabrication flight, fuel cell services, amongst other sections.“It was extremely rewarding to see first-hand how everyone proudly works together to

ensure the tankers are ready to go,” said Shay Romine, director of human resources atThreeBridge Solutions and honorary commander of the 6th Comptroller Squadron. “Im-mersion days like these allow the Airmen to educate us and empower us to be the bestcommunity ambassadors we can be in return.”

After touring and speaking with maintenance Airmen, the immersion finished with alunch at the dining facility and words from Snelson about how MacDill’s Airmen impactthe overall mission of the Air Force.

“Our mission isn’t about generating airplanes,” said Snelson. “It is about protectingour entire way of life and our Airmen, they make the difference.”

The Honorary Commander Program has the significant role of bridging the gap be-tween the community and the military members behind the gate, and immersion dayslike these have helped make that gap smaller and smaller since its inception in 2009.

LEADERSFrom Page 3

Photo by Senior Airman Caleb Nunez

Honorary commanders from the 6th and 927th air refueling wings pause for a groupphoto in front of a KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base Dec. 12. The honor-ary commanders toured the 6th Maintenance Group to gain first-hand experience onhow the mission gets accomplished.

Photo by Senior Airman Caleb Nunez

U.S. Air Force Col. Steve Snelson, the 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, speaks tohonorary commanders before their immersion tour of the 6th Maintenance Group atMacDill Air Force Base Dec. 12.

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that they could build an understanding of howthe teams can more effectively operate as a sin-gle unit.

What began with classroom instruction atMacDill AFB, transferred to a three-day longfield training exercise at Avon Park AFR con-sisting of land navigation, tactical combat ca-sualty care, defensive fighting scenarios anddismounted counter-improvised explosive deviceoperations.

“We identified a need for more EOD fieldtraining and we wanted to set up an exercise tofully integrate with MWD handlers so we canshare our standard operating procedures andlearn how each team operates in the field,” saidStaff Sgt. Alexander Thibodeaux, a 6th CES/EOD team leader.

According to Staff Sgt. Brian Lepes, a 6thSFS military working dog handler, the exercisewas a great learning experience for the militaryworking dog teams.

“Participating in these trainings is a hugebenefit because we get to practice proceduresthat are essential for down range operations,”said Lepes. “We then use the knowledge gainedand pass it on to other handlers back at ourhome kennel.”

Lepes explained that the field training exer-cise allowed the 6th SFS MWD handlers to dem-onstrate what they bring to the fight.

“We get to show the capabilities of our teams,how we lead from the front and can serve as amajor force multiplier,” said Lepes.

The 927th ASTS and Army PHA, Ft. Gordon,added another dynamic contribution to the fieldtraining exercise, by providing instruction onTCCC and MWD emergency care.

“It is important to incorporate the basics ofemergency care into field training,” said StaffSgt. Ronnie Perez, a 927th ASTS aeromedi-cal technician. “Providing care is a skill that ishighly perishable and needs to be practiced, soAirmen are prepared to implement those skillsin high stress environments.”

Thibodeaux explained, that the field trainingexercise was intended to put the Airmen throughdifficult scenarios in an austere environment,where they could proactively practice skills thatcannot be replicated at the home station.

“The guys were physically and mentally ex-hausted, however certain Airmen stepped upto lead the team, and together they effective-ly overcame the challenges placed in front ofthem,” said Thibodeaux.

DOGSFrom Page 3

Photo by Airman 1st Class Shannon Bowman

A simulated improvised explosive device (IED)is uncovered during a field training exercise atAvon Park Air Force Range Dec. 11.

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members and have a presence,” said Sam Weber, a Cohesity account execu-tive. “But our main purpose is letting the DOD know that we are here tosupport their mission.”

Some vendors have a current connection with the military and othersare in attendance to learn what the military mission needs, just as servicemembers attended to learn how the community supports and connects withthe DOD.

“Events like the Tech Expo are important because it shows how muchsupport we draw from the community,” expressed Maj. Robert Sherlock, a91st Air Refueling Squadron pilot. “They’re providing the infrastructure forus to complete our missions.”

The purpose of the expo was to expose military members to innovativepractices and give vendors the opportunity to ask members of Team Mac-Dill exactly how they can adjust their products to better support the mis-sion.

“Technology is forever changing and a lot of the missions happeningaround the world are technology focused,” explained Jade Ruiz, FDAE di-rector. “This event is a fantastic way to see what current programs areavailable, where they’re headed in the future and also find a plethora ofdifferent companies that people didn’t realize were out there that can meetthe needs of the mission.”

As warfare continues to change, the military will partner with commu-nities to continue to innovate and inspire change with events such as theTech Expo.

AFCEA is a non-profit international organization, which seeks to de-velop networks between people involved in science, technology, engineeringand mathematics by creating a medium for the ethical exchange of infor-mation. For more information visit: https://afceatampa.org/.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Heather Fejerang

A U.S. Air Force pilot with U.S. Central Command speaks with vendorsduring the annual Tech Expo at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., Dec. 13,2019. Team MacDill supported more than 60 companies who flew in fromaround the country to speak about the benefits of technology in modernmilitary life.

EXPOFrom Page 7

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Orlando explained that he’s been working to invite local Tampa agen-cies to send a person to ALS, and Herr happened to be the first.

“It was an easy sell; what we’re teaching poses a huge value to Airmen,but to a law enforcement supervisor as well,” said Orlando. “I’m trying tocreate a total force aspect of our class, so having active duty, guard, re-serve joint partners such as the U.S. Navy or U.S. Coast Guard and locallaw enforcement builds upon our community partnership.”

Although he had zero military experience beforehand, the way ALS isstructured allows soon-to-be supervisors to gain the proper knowledge tolead others, no matter what uniform they wear.

“I enjoy attending different leadership classes and learning new per-spectives to help continue my leadership development,” said Herr. “ALSwas suggested by members of my training division and they indicatedthat it would be a rewarding, yet challenging experience.”

During class discussions, Air Force culture and core values were talkedabout extensively. Despite Herr not being an Airman himself, he was stillable to take in the ideations of military service.

“I’ve worked to become a Florida Law Enforcement instructor, andoverall I was impressed with the course’s structure and implementation,”

said Herr. “The course promoted the development and retention of infor-mation and tactics that were taught during instructor-led discussions.”

Herr explained that one thing that stood out to him most during histime in ALS, was the professionalism and respect that everyone displayedtowards one another.

“During our physical training, everyone worked together and encour-aged each other to excel,” said Herr. “ALS did an excellent job of encourag-ing teamwork and healthy competition within both flights of students.”

ALS physical training has the reputation of being intense, but friendlycompetition came in forms of “gatorball” and volleyball.

“I enjoyed playing those, especially because we won,” laughed Herr.“But my final highlight of the course was graduation, what an electrifyingcrowd and experience.”

After 192 hours of training in ALS, Herr graduated with 27 other ser-vice members and even earned the school’s only Commandant Award.

“Herr performed with the tenacity and tact of a great supervisor duringhis time with us,” added Orlando. “No matter what uniform he wears, I’mconfident in his ability to lead and mentor his fellow law enforcement of-ficers, and even Airmen.”

LEOFrom Page 5

Be sure to visit the official 6th Air RefuelingWingwebsite atwww.macdill.af.mil

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COMMUNITYEVENTSTuesdaySurf’s Edge Club

New Years Eve Dinner & Party.Celebrate going into the New Yearat the Surf ’s Edge Club. Dinnerserved from 6-9 p.m.. Bar opens at6 p.m. Boomers Bar & Grill open6-10 p.m. Party: 9 p.m.-1 a.m.. Forpricing and reservations call 840-2020.

MacDill Bowling LeaguesThursday Night Men and/or

Women Mixed Trios. 12 Week PrizeFund Money League. Three peopleper team. Three-game handicapformat. League meeting will beheld Jan. 2 at 5:30 p.m.. Bowlingstarts Jan. 9. To register and forpricing or other info call 828-4005.

DecemberYouth Soccer Registration. Open

for ages 5-12. Specific documentsrequired for registration (registra-tion is not complete until all formsare on file) for full details andpricing, call Youth Sports at 828-7956 or visit: https://tinyurl.com/uzp8ukj

JanuaryNew Year Better You! Partici-

pate in the Fitness Center’s in-centive training program. Partici-pants use the Body Fat Scale to getthe readings once a week. Whoeverloses the most body fat wins. Win-ners announced Jan. 31. Prize tothe top male and female. To regis-ter and more info, call 828-4496.

Mark your calendar• Jan. 10 - Club MembershipBreakfast• Jan. 10 – Bowling Club Member-ship Appreciation Day• Jan. 16 – Club Membership Lun-cheon• Jan. 18 – UFC Fight Night #246• Jan. 19 – Golf Club MembershipAppreciation Day• Jan. 23 – Career Fair• Jan. 31 – Valentines Craft Ba-zaar

Protestant serviceSunday - 11 a.m. - combined worship

6 p.m. Thrive (contemporary worship)

Islamic serviceFriday - 1:30 p.m. Prayer

Catholic MassSaturday - 5:30 p.m. - Mass

Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - Mass

Monday-Thursday - 12:10 p.m.

(Blessed Sacrament Room)

For all other faith groups or for any questions, please contact the Chapel by visitinghttp://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel or calling 828-3621

CHAPEL SCHEDULE

Civic leaders fly!U.S. Air Force Col. Stephen Snelson, the 6th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) commander, talks with 6th ARW civ-ic leaders aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from MacDill Air Force Base Dec. 17. Snelson piloted thefamiliarization flight which featured a refueling of a C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base Charleston, S.C.

Be sure to visit the official 6th Air RefuelingWingwebsite atwww.macdill.af.mil

Photo by Airman 1st Class Ryan C. Grossklag

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