Vol. 38, No. 40 Friday, October 9, 2009

Game on! Pros Vs G.I. Joes - page 12

by Bob Hughes6th Civil Engineer Squadron commander

What a great time to work at MacDill Air Force Base. MacDill has had a long history of sup-porting our nation’s defense, but has never been so instrumental in leading the fight as it is now. With that long history, comes facilities and infrastructure that are original construction from the early 1940s. We are working extremely hard at keeping these systems working, building for the current and future mission, replacing tired old pavement and utility systems, all at the same time. Hundreds of improvements are in progress or being accom-plished every day, and that’s just facility and infrastructure projects that are being worked at MacDill. There are several others in process improvement, coordination, and redistribution of workload that are intended to improve efficiencies, effective-ness, and just make life a little

easier. I know you have seen many of these projects as they have progressed through the construction process. I am quite confident that you anxiously await the completion of many of them because they create short term inconveniences. Some proj-ects are more challenging than others and some are longer than others, but they are only short term in the long range plan.

I always enjoy when the con-struction fences comes down. The recent opening of the new clinic will provide an improved environment for both our ser-vice providers and customers. It will also significantly reduce the amount of traffic on Bayshore but will admittedly increase traffic on the north end of the base. The recent opening of our new security forces facility also provides additional and better suited space for our defenders. In addition, the new headquar-ters facility for the 927 ARW will open next to the 6 AMW wing

headquarters building. This will provide additional administra-tive space, co-locate our wing leadership in a central area of MacDill, and only a short walk from each other. And very soon, the first occupants in our new housing will enter into leases that will ensure our develop-ment continues.

The books for FY09 are closed now, but our project work will continue. The typical cycle of investment decisions holds fa-cility and infrastructure work until the end of the fiscal year. All that means is that we will be starting newly funded projects in the next couple months. The good news is that the Air Force continues to invest in our recapi-talization, but it will come with some more inconveniences. Mac-Dill received funding to rebuild Hillsborough Loop Drive from Brown Pelican to Florida Keys Drive. You may have already seen work crews on site doing preliminary planning and locat-ing underground utilities. Soon traffic will need to be rerouted for paving work to begin. I know that this will be a difficult period

of construction for all of us, but the end result will definitely be an improvement. MacDill also received funding to replace one of our primary sewer lines along Bayshore. This will provide an-other long term benefit, but will require short term traffic dis-ruptions. Other facilities will be renovated for new occupants and many buildings will get painted or receive new roofs. Soon you will see demolition crews work-ing to remove the former secu-

MacDill ThunderboltPublisher: Denise Palmer

Editor: Nick Stubbs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMMENTARY

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

Bob Hughes

Short-term disruptions provide long-term benefitsA great time to work at MacDill

See COMMENTARY, Page 16

Your T-bolt TodayDEPLOYED NEWS: page 4

Go fly a kite

NEWS/FEATURES: page 12

Pros Vs Joes

COMMUNITY CORNER: page 14

NEW FEATURE: Regular events schedule

NEWS/FEATURES: page 6

Stoping abuse

NEWS/FEATURES

SISTER SERVICES: page 13

Fallen Marine memorialized

Sidewalk Closed until Nov. 14Running path sidewalk from Building 847 to

Building 303 is closed until Nov. 14 for replace-ment. For more information, contact William Stromberg at 828-4296 or Robert Thomas at 828-0845.

Don’t forgetTops in Blue world tour ‘09

Tops in Blue is scheduled to perform Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Ford Amphitheatre Log onto www.macdillfss.com for more information.

by Maj. Ernestine HarrisFamily Advocacy Program officer

The thrill and excitement of a new baby is one of life’s most wonderful, yet challenging experi-ences. New parents are faced with many chal-lenges to include breastfeeding, newborn baby care and how to soothe a crying baby. If only ba-bies came with operating manuals!

The “New Parent Support Program” is a pro-gram that helps ease the transition into parent-hood by providing education and support to mili-tary families during their pregnancy and birth, and throughout the first three years of child-hood.

The Family Advocacy Nurse provides home visits, telephone contacts, referrals to local re-

sources and consultations with families. The program also includes a variety of classes on parenting including; Newborn Baby care, Tod-dler care, Infant Massage, Baby Sign Language and a Dad’s 101 class. The New Parent Support Program hosts a playgroup on base Fridays at the Youth Center from 9:30 until 11a.m. Come out and meet other parents while bonding with your child through arts and crafts and free play.

The New Parent Support Program is a vol-untary program offered to all military branches of service. There are no fees required for your participation. The program is located within the Family Advocacy Program, 2nd floor, at the 6th Medical Group, MacDill AFB. For more informa-tion, contact Michele Rinearson, 6th MDG fam-ily advocacy nurse, at 827-9172.

New MacDill parenting program offering operator manuals for first-time parents

NEWS/FEATURES: page 20

Events, movies, more

New Clinic open Sept. 28 The new MacDill Clinic is open. From this-

date on, all appointments and medical services will be conducted in the new building, located at 3250 Zenke Ave. Clinic and appointment phone numbers remain the same. There are no emergency services available at the new clinic. Join the clinic for an open house Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

by Senior Airman Tania Reid 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

A clothesline of T-shirts hanging outside the MacDill Base Exchange Oct.1 may have looked like sidewalk vending to onlookers but to the survivors of domestic violence and the 6th Medical Group Family Ad-vocacy Program members the meaning rung deeper.

In an effort to streamline National Domestic Violence Awareness month the 6 MDG counselors hung t-shirts of dif-ferent colors and sizes at their booth. The display was created in support of the survivors of abusive relationships.

“We borrowed the T-shirts from the Tampa Domestic Vio-lence Shelter, CASA,” said Mr. John Navarro, 6MDG fam-ily advocacy outreach manager. “The survivors from the shelter wrote their story of how they were abused on the shirts let-ting others know that domestic violence is real.”

Not only did their writings

on the T-shirts tell the violent story but also the colors.

The colors were chosen based on the type of abuse the survi-vor endured and the outcome said Tech. Sgt Michelle Kehoe, 6th Air Mobility Wing victim’s advocate.

“Each color has a meaning,” said Sergeant Kehoe. “Blue and green are survivors of incest,

red, pink and orange are survi-vors who were raped, the black shirts are those who were dis-abled as a result of the attack and the white shirts were from those who did or didn’t survive the abuse.”

The theme was “Violence teaches violence. What legacy

Clothesline project airs out abuse issue

Photo by Senior Airman Nancy Hooks

Maj. Ernestine Harris, 6th Medical Group family advocacy of-ficer, and Mr. John Navarro, family advocacy outreach man-ager, review the clothesline project binder for Domestic Vio-lence Awareness Month, here Oct. 1.

See ABUSE, Page 18

by Senior Master Sgt. Rex Temple6th Air Mobility Wing Inspector General

Somewhere outside Kabul — At first glance it doesn’t look like much. The skeletal wood cross members are constructed of cheap bamboo rods. The deltoid-shaped face is made of thin crepe paper glued to a bent bamboo frame. They come in varied vibrant colors and the attached string is really not a string. Instead it is fabricated rayon line wound around a large plastic spool with two handles pro-truding from the sides.

What I just described is the composite materials of an Afghan kite. Kite flying (gudi parahn bazi –Dari for kite playing) has been a part of Afghanistan’s history for the past 100 years. What most peo-ple don’t realize is kite flying and kite fighting was outlawed during the Taliban era. The Taliban rulers deemed kite flying as un-Islamic. They used to beat up the children and break their kites when they were found to be defiant of the de-cree. Kite shops were burned down and shop owners were beaten and jailed for defying the Taliban law. So kite making went underground and kite flying was done secretive-ly. Since the ousting of the Taliban, the skies are once again filled with

bright multi-hued kites flying free-ly above the ground. Particularly since the Eid holy holiday, we have observed more kites too. One of my teammates was in the gun turret on a previous mission and estimat-ed 100 kites were soaring near Ka-bul, the capital city.

As I write this, it’s Jumaa (Fri-day-the Afghan off day) and the most popular day for kite flying. In the afternoon, some teammates and I joined the interpreters for a cultural and mentoring session of kite flying. They were the teach-ers and we were the students. This wasn’t just kite flying; they were engaged in kite combat or kite fighting the more popular termi-nology. I also cleared up a misper-ception about the rayon line used to fly the kite. Previously I thought only small portions of the line were coated with glass. Instead I discov-ered that the entire spool of line has powdered fine flecks of glass glued to the line. These microscop-ic shards create a razor sharp tool used to saw through the opponent’s kite line.

For protection, our Afghan hosts wound scotch tape around their fingers to avoid razor cuts. Based on the amount of cuts they had, the tape was ineffective and offered very little protection. At one point, our interpreter “D-man” allowed me to hold the kite line. It didn’t take long before I had a small pa-per cut. As I sensed the wind grow-ing stronger, I returned the kite steering to the master. But for the 10 seconds I held on to the line, I was feeling victorious and defiant against the Taliban. It was truly a symbolic victory.

I watched as “D-man” skillfully pulled the tension on his kite line and it would soar vertically into the cloudless sky. His opponents replicated the motion and when the kite reached a mutually agreed

upon height or position, they would engage in combat. Some ANA soldiers were too aggressive and moved in for the kill too quick-ly. “D-man” tugged on his line and with precision he sawed through their line. I watched as the ANA kite floated to the ground like a withering leaf falling from a tree. The village children too were at-tracted by the multi-colored kites flying freely above their home-steads and raced across the barren hillsides in pursuit of the lifeless kite. They seemed oblivious to the hidden landmines that were bur-ied during the last 30 years of war.

After the children retrieved the kites, they would needle their bod-ies through the reels of concertina wire and return the kites for a small reward. Each recovered kite was worth a $1.00. This was the same price the interpreters paid at the kite shop. The biggest kite expense is for a spool of line that retails for $10-$13 depending on the strength and length of the line. These plastic spools hold 4,000

– 15,000 meters of line with glass coating.

By the end of the day, “D-man” sliced through 6 kite lines and only suffered one loss as we patiently watched his kite disappear behind the sun drenched mountain peaks. Some lucky child will find the loose kite and it will take to the skies again in defiance of the distorted Taliban ideological beliefs. Today was another triumphant day (albe-it a small one) in brazenly defeat-ing the Taliban.

Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Rex Temple serves as Deputy Inspector General at MacDill and is now on his 4th Middle East deployment tasked with mentoring the Afghan-istan National Army (ANA) in Af-ghanistan. More in-depth details and pictures are available on his blog at http://afghanistanmylast-tour.com/ and you can also follow his tour in a weekly radio series on WUSF FM 89.7 in Tampa dur-ing National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered” and “Morning Edition.”

DEPLOYED NEWSFlying high against the Taliban; colorful kites dot the sky

An Afghan boy squeezes through concertina wire with his colorful kite of fragile grepe paper intact. Kite making and flying is part of Afghani-stan’s history and culture, and is a hobby dating back some 100 years.

By the end of the day, “D-man” sliced through 6 kite lines and only suf-fered one loss as we pa-tiently watched his kite disappear behind the sun drenched mountain peaks. ...Senior Master Sgt. Rex Temple

Sparkydrops by! Colonel Larry Martin, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, and Sparky the Fire Dog sign the Fire Preven-tion Week Proclama-tion here Sept. 28. Fire Prevention week is a national event that runs from Oct 4-10 this year.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph L. Swafford Jr.

Day One, Tuesday, Oct. 13 Time Event Location7:30 a.m. 5K Run Fitness Center8 a.m. 4 v 4 Football Football Field8 a.m. Bowling Bowling Center10 a.m. Dodge Ball Fitness Center1 p.m. Bowling Bowling Center

Day Two, Wednesday, Oct. 14 Time Event Location8 a.m. 3-on-3 Basketball Fitness Center8 a.m. Golf Golf Course 9 a.m. Racquetball Fitness Center 10 a.m. Track and Field Track For more information, call 828-4496.

Day Three, Thursday, Oct. 15 Time Event Location8 a.m. 1-pitch Softball Softball Complex8:30 a.m. Football/Softball Throw Softball Complex 9 a.m. Indoor Soccer Fitness Center10 a.m. Track and Field Track11 a.m. Bench Press Fitness Center Day Four, Friday, Oct. 16 Time Event Location8 a.m. Beach Volleyball MacDill Beach9 a.m. Horseshoes MacDill Beach 10 a.m. Tug O’ War MacDill Beach 11 a.m. Lunch MacDill Beach 12 p.m. Awards Presentation MacDill Beach

Sports Week 2009 schedule

by Airman 1st Class Victoria Baldwin6th Medical Nutritional Medicine Clinic

The use of dietary supple-ments has risen at an incred-ible rate in the last few years; sales of vitamins and minerals in America reaches $1.4 bil-lion annually and it’s easy to see why - go into any super-market or drug store and you will see a large selection of vi-tamins, minerals and supple-ments that claim to cure any ailment from lowering your blood pressure to clearing your sinuses to warding off various cancers. Before reaching for the next miracle pill, be sure to do research – there may be unmentioned, however documented, dangers that accompany these supplements.

As strange as it may sound, manufacturers of dietary supplements have more leeway in the production and distribution of vitamins and minerals than food producers do and they can legally print unsupported claims on their labels – they don’t need to have FDA approval in order to sell their products, which means there may be adverse effects on hu-mans, even ones thought to be safe. Vitamin A for example, is used in

HEALTHSupplements, vitamins, minerals: Be wary of potential dangers

See SUPPLEMENTS, Page 11

eye tissues for vision; however, excessive doses may produce ailments from birth defects to liv-er damage. Folic Acid has been shown to be es-sential to the proper development of the neural tube during an embryo’s development, though there have been no studies to prove the claims of reducing the chance of heart attacks or pro-longing one’s life.

If you are interested in adding a daily sup-plement or vitamin to your diet, here are a few suggestions to keep in mind:

u Ensure you talk to your health care pro-vider about which supplement you are consid-

ering. u Be sure to know the proper dosage for your

height, weight and age, and start with the low-est dosage and gradually increase it over time, never to exceed the recommended amount.

u Do your research before deciding to follow through with a supplement and note any re-ports of adverse effects people may experience.

u Be aware of possible adverse effects you may experience and be sure to contact your provider immediately.

u Check with your doctor to ensure that any medications you may currently be taking will

not have a negative effect when combined with the supplements you are interested in, this is especially important if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

u Be wary of sensational claims – remember: If it sounds too good to be true … it probably is!

For additional information about consumer warnings or general information, check the FDA website at http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov. For more information contact the Nutritional Medi-cine Clinic at Victoria.baldwin@macdill.af.mil or Agnese.walker@macdill.af.mil.

SUPPLEMENTSFrom Page 10

Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Joseph Swaf-ford6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TAMPA, Fl — Service members from Mac-Dill AFB were joined by Tampa Bay Buc-caneer players and cheerleaders to take on troops deployed to Qatar and Iraq in a Pro vs. GI Joe video game competition Sept. 29, at One Buc Place, the Bucs training facility in Tampa.

The competition was made possible by non-profit support organizations Pro vs. GI Joe and the Uniformed Services Organization in an effort to provide the troops with a much needed break from the daily stresses of a de-ployment.

The concept behind Pro vs. GI Joe is to pro-vide troops serving all over the world with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take on their favorite professional athlete or celebrity in heated head-to-head video game competi-

See PROS, Page 17

Master Sgt. James Jones, 6th Maintenance Group and members of the Tampa Bay Bucs cheerleading squad sing while Bucs running back Clifton Smith plays the drums during a game of “Rock Band Smash Hits” against servicemembers deployed to Qatar.

MacDill members take on the Bucs

Sing it loud!

Servicemembers from MacDill AFB along with Tampa Bay Bucs players and cheer-leaders play “Rock Band Smash Hits” against troops deployed to Qatar during a Pro vs. G.I. Joe online video game competition at One Buc Place in Tampa, Sept. 29. Pro vs. G.I. Joe is a non-profit organization.

Linebacker Adam Hayward han-dles the guitar for his team, work-ing through a “Rock Band” song in competition against the “Joes.”

by Sgt. Rick NelsonCombat Correspondent

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.—Tears rolled down the faces of attendees as civilian and service-members alike mourned over the loss of a Marine assigned to Combat As-sault Company, 3rd Marine Division during a Memorial Service held at the MacDill Air Force Base, Chapel Oct. 1.

Gunnery Sgt. Aaron M. Kenefick, who served as the administration chief at U.S. Central Command from 2004 to 2007, was killed in action during combat operations in eastern Afghanistan on Sept. 8, following an ambush that also killed three other Marines and a Navy corpsman.

Kenefick, a 12-year Marine from Western N.Y., was assigned to an em-bedded training team with the Com-bined Security Transition Command, which trains and equips Afghan se-curity forces, in the Sarkani District of Kunar province when the incident happened.

As Kenefick’s sisters and girlfriend gathered the strength to speak on his behalf at the chapel podium, the heartbroken sobs of attendants broke through the silence.

“He was a good strong man and was my hero,” said Kerry Crosby, Gunnery Sgt. Kenefick’s girlfriend. “I always called him my superman and will miss him greatly.”

Nick Romanak, a former Marine who knew him for nine years de-scribed Kenefick as a person who was motivated, dedicated to the Ma-rine Corps, his family, and his friends.

“Gunny Kenefick was my best friend, and was the kind of friend that you would always want by your side, someone who would always be there for you,” said the Bloomingdale, Mich. native. “We met each other when we both were stationed in Germany. He was at (Special Opera-tions Command, Europe) and I was at (European Command).”

Romanak added he considered Kenefick a hero, who always went above and beyond.

“He always took the difficult less traveled route that others wouldn’t necessarily take and was as always out front, always leading,” explained Romanak. “He was a warrior who volunteered to go to Afghanistan to be a team leader for the infantrymen when he was an admin chief and could have just hung out in the rear all day, but he chose to go to the

frontlines, to be the trigger puller, to be part of something special.” Their deaths marked the largest number of U.S. servicemembers as-

signed as Afghan National Army trainers killed in a single incident since the war to uproot terrorists and oust the Taliban began in 2001.

As the service ended, attendees made their way to the stage, which was filled with flowers and photo collages, in order to pay their condo-lences.

With a knot in his throat, Romanak added, “He was a great man, a great Marine, he’s someone who is irreplaceable and the loss of him has left all of us that were close to him with a piece missing that will never be replaced. If he was going to die he wanted to do it like a man and he did. He went guns blazing, and with dignity and respect.”

SISTER SERVICESTears fall during memorial service held for fallen Marine

Photo by Sgt. Rick Nelson

A Marine bows to show re-spect for Gunnery Sgt. Aaron M. Kenefick who was killed in action Sept. 8, 2009 while conducting combat operations in Afghani-stan.

Photo by Sgt. Rick Nelson

A memorial ceremony was held Oct. 1 in order to honor Gunnery Sgt. Aaron Kenefick who made the ultimate sacrifice and was killed in ac-tion on Sept. 8, while conducting combat operations in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Company Grade Officers CouncilThe CGOC meets at the Bayshore Club, SWAP, the

second Friday of the month at 3:30 p.m. For more infor-mation, e-mail the CGOC at 6amw.cgoc.2@macdill.af.mil. POC is Lt. Gilberto Perez

Chiefs GroupThe Chiefs Group meets at the Surf ’s Edge Club in the

Heritage Room the second Tuesday of the month from 12 to 1 p.m. For more information, e-mail the Chiefs Group at chiefsgroup@macdill.af.mil POC Chief Michele Flaherty.

Junior Enlisted CouncilThe JEC meets at the Enlisted Club in the Heritage

room the third Wednesday of the month at 3 p.m. For more information, e-mail Macdill.Noc3Dristo@macdill.af.mil POCs are Airman 1st Class Diana Plazas Ospina (President) and Senior Airman Toneda Smith (Vice-president).

AFSA Chapter 552The AFSA Chapter 552.meets at the Enlisted Club the

third Tuesday of the month in the Heritage Room at 11:30 a.m. For more information, contact Master Sgt. Lisa Pomeroy at 828-3231, Master Sgt. Aaron Sanchez at 828-3660 or Senior Master Sgt. Gerald Barnett at 828-4334.

MacDill Top 3The MacDill Top 3 meets at the Surf ’s Edge in the Heri-tage Room the first Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. For more information, e-mail the MacDill Top 3 at macdill-top3@macdill.af.mil

MacDill Enlisted Spouses ClubThe MacDill Enlisted Spouses Club meets at the base

chapel in Annex 1 the second Tuesday of month begin-ning with a potluck at 6 p.m. and meeting at 7 p.m. For more information, log on to www.facebook.com/macdill.esc or e-mail macdillesc@yahoo.com.

MacDill Boy Scout Troop 56The MacDill Boy Scout Troop 56 meets at Building 702

(Scout Program Hut) Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For more information, contact Tech. Sgt. Ryan Wheatley at 827-9391.

Retired Enlisted Association Chapter 58The Retired Enlisted Association Tampa Bay Chapter

58 meets at the Surf ’s Edge Club in the Heritage Room the third Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. For more infor-mation contact Juanita Anspach, REATBC 58 secretary at (813) 837-5065.

Community CornerNEWS/FEATURES

To add your professional organization to the list, E-mail macdillthunderbolt@macdill.af.mil

rity forces facility on Bayshore to expand the parking area with some much needed parking. The old clinic will be demolished in about one month and will increase our green space in our residential area. We will begin working plans that will incorporate that space to benefit the community that lives as a team on MacDill.

We often refer to “Team MacDill.” The saying typically is used to refer to our local representatives from all services and other nations that work here. It’s a unique mix of active duty, reserve counterparts, civilian, and contract employees. When it comes to funding investments, awarding and execut-ing, project work requires a much larger team effort. The team expands to include members from Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Headquarters Air Force, and all

of us that work at MacDill through the dis-ruption of growth and improvement.

So, fiscal year 2010 will be more of the same; ribbon cutting at new facilities, con-gestion on our roads, construction vehicles at our gates, and parking challenges in key areas on base.

Thanks for being a key participant on the team and working with us for the long term benefit and viability of MacDill. It’s really a good time to work here.

COMMENTARyFrom Page 2

tions online and in person.The deployed troops were surprisingly wel-

comed by their family members that came to One Buc Place to cheer them on in the compe-tition and were able to get some quality time for one-on-one conversations with their fami-lies through web chatting.

For the troops at MacDill the opportunity to spend a couple of hours with the professional athletes getting autographs and competing in video game competitions was priceless.

“This experience was great, you get to meet the NFL players,” said Senior Airman Scott Larson, 6th Communications Squadron, In-

stallation Spectrum Manager. “You get to see they are real people and have a good time with them, joke around and do normal things that they probably don’t get to do on an everyday basis.”

Buc players also benefited from the experi-ence as they were able to show the troops how much their service to the country is appreciated.

“It feels great,” said Josh Johnson, Tampa Bay Bucs quarterback. “It is a way for me to show my appreciation for what everybody overseas is doing to allow me to live in a free country and I am very appreciative of that.”

At times the competition was intense with

the troops winning at “Rock Star Smash Hits” and “Call of Duty 4; Modern Warfare,” while the professional athletes finished strong by winning at “Madden 2010.”

After losing to the troops early on in the competition Johnson had this to say. “It’s been a great experience to be in competition with them and see them with smiles on their faces and us going at it, they are winning right now but we will get them later, it’s been great so far.”

The two hour event flew by quickly and in the end Pro vs. GI Joe lived up to its motto of doin’ a little for those who do a lot.

PROSFrom Page 12

will you leave your child?” which highlighted how the abuse affected the children.

“Many times other persons are being affected directly or indirectly by violence in a relationship,” add-ed Mr. Navarro. “We try to show the patients how their children are af-fected,”

He said the chances of a child re-peating that violence in their own relationships are highly likely.

“Domestic Violence is about con-trol,” said Mr. Navarro. “The abus-ers are usually trying to control their significant other both men-tally and physically, they use words that hurt as much as a slap in the face”

However, there is hope for a sur-

vivor of an abusive relationship if detected early.

“Persons may not be willing to talk about their situation but once they do, they can start to heal,” said Maj. Ernestine Harris, 6MDG family advocacy program officer. “A good strong support system may also help shorten the time that a survivor is able to recover from the abuse.”

According to the National Co-alition Against Domestic Violence, more than 400 persons have been affected as a result of abusive rela-tionships.

“Research has also shown that a woman leaves a violent relation-ship at least seven times before they actually leave for good,” said Mr. Navarro. “However, the depar-ture period is considered the most dangerous time because then it

hits home to the abuser that they are about to lose control.”

The members at the Family Advocacy of-fice hope that promot-ing domestic violence awareness at the base can get both the abus-er and the abused the help they need.

“We are trained to provide pre-vention control to the person being abused and the abuser, “added Mr. Navarro. “Our intention is to get the abuser to call us at the Family Advocacy Program before talking to anyone else about the violent rela-tionship.”

The Family Advocacy Program provides several services to help prevent abuse in relationships. They include Domestic Violence Victim Advocate, Maltreatment In-tervention, Special Needs Identi-fication and Coordination Process,

the New Parent Support Program and Outreach.

The FAP counselors partnered with members of the MacDill Base Chapel, the Legal Office, Educa-tion Center and 6th Security Forces Squadron will continue their cru-sade around the base throughout the month to increase awareness to domestic violence.

For more information on domes-tic violence prevention log onto www.ncdav.org or contact the 6 MDG Family Advocacy Program at (813)827-9172.

ABUSEFrom Page 3

Photo by Senior Airman Nancy Hooks

The Family Advocacy Program and Sexual Assault Response Coordina-tor set up a display called the clothesline project for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, here Oct. 1 . The clothesline project is designed to help women and children break the silence about violence.

The 6th Medical Group ClosureThe 6th Medical Group will be closed on

Oct.30. There will be no services offered at the MacDill Clinic, the Brandon Clinic or at the PharmaCare Center. Normal business hours will resume on Nov.2.

FRC Event at FishHawk RanchThe MacDill Family Resource Center is host-

ing a Military Family Member Coffee Oct. 9 from 9:30 – 11 a.m. at the Osprey Club for all military members and their families residing in the FishHawk Ranch Community. Learn about services available to you through the Brandon satellite office of the Airman and Family Readi-ness Center. For more information or to sign up, call Gayle Cook at 655-9281.

Airman’s AtticThe Airman’s Attic is seeking volunteers to

help with donations and operating the store. The attic is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. serving E-1 to E-6 active duty and their family members. All branches are welcome to shop. All items are free.

Writing ClinicCome to the Judge Advocate sponsored Writ-

ing Clinics on the first and third Friday of ev-ery month in room 120 of the Education Office between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.. The clinic is open to anyone associated with the base including ac-tive duty, civilians, retirees, or family members. For more information, contact Ms. Colleen Otero at 828-9289. No need to RSVP.

MacDill Enlisted Spouses ClubThe MacDill Enlisted Spouses Club meets the

second Tuesday of every month beginning with a potluck at 6 p.m. and meeting at 7 p.m. Meet-ings are currently held at the base chapel in An-nex 1.MacDill ESC is open to all active duty, re-tired spouses of enlisted members and civilian and foreign equivalents. Find us on: www.face-book.com/macdill.esc or email us at macdillesc@yahoo.com.

Retiree Activities OfficeThe Retiree Activities Office (RAO) members

are in search of volunteers to prepare federal in-come tax returns for active duty, retirees, and

their family members for the upcoming tax sea-son. The RAO anticipates course materials will arrive in late November or early December. A two week training course is scheduled for Jan. 11, 2010. Some knowledge in the preparation of taxes is preferred. If you are interested in volun-teering one or two days a week, call the RAO at (813) 828-4555.

Pumpkin Safety Patrol volunteers needed

The 6th Security Forces Squadron is seeking volunteers for the annual Pumpkin Safety Pa-trol Oct. 31 from 6 to 10 p.m. Volunteers will be assigned duties as crosswalk guards and hous-ing safety patrols. The attire for the evening will be BDU or ABUs. Show time for all volunteers is 4:30 p.m. Please park and meet at the rear of the new Security Forces Building 203. Volunteers are being asked to bring an illumination device. A traffic vest will be provided. To sign up or for further information, contact Staff Sgt. Jedediah Hudgins at 828-2565, or to sign up via e-mail to Jedediah.hudgins@macdill.af.mil and provide your name, rank, squadron and duty phone.

BRIEFS

MACDILL COMMUNITYEVENTS

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

Catholic servicesSaturday - Mass, 5:30 p.m.Sunday - Mass, 10:30 a.m.Monday to Thursday: Mass, 12:10 p.m.Saturday - Sacrament of Reconciliation, 4:30 p.m., (or by ap-pointment) Jewish and Islamic servicesCall 828-3621 for information

CHAPEL SCHEDULE

AT THE MOVIESFriday - 7 p.m. The Final destination (R)

Saturday - 7 p.m.

Gamer (R)

Saturday - 3 p.m. All about Steve (PG-13)

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

Photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph L. Swafford Jr.

FridayBayshore Club

There will be a Hispanic Heri-tage Luncheon at the Bayshore Club from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. For reservations call Beth at 828-4545.

Bayshore ClubAn Oktoberfest Membership

Dinner will be held at the Bay-shore Club from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. The club staff is serving up all your German favorites. Live entertainment and drink spe-cials. Air Force Club Members: FREE; Spouse: $12.95; Non-Members: $14.95; Reservations for parties of six or more call 828-4756. Sponsored in part by Grow Financial* *No federal en-dorsement of sponsor intended.

Tuesday-FridayShort Fitness & Sports Center

Sports Week kicks off Oct. 13 with a 5K Run at 7:30 a.m. For a complete Sports Week Schedule, log onto www.macdillfss.com. Sponsored in part by Stadium Toyota* *No federal endorse-ment of sponsor intended.

WednesdaySurf’s Edge Club

There will be Drive by Pizza Wednesdays at the Surf ’s Edge Club from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Large Cheese: $7; Large Pepper-oni : $9. Air Force Club Members Save $1 use a Mac“Deal” Buck

ThursdaySeaScapes Beach Club

The Seascapes Beach Club will be having Taco Salad All Day & Night for $7.50, the meal includes a small fountain drink. Add a dessert for $2 – Key Lime Pie or Brownie Ala Mode

CFCCapt. John Sokohl, assistant 6th Air Mobility Wing staff judge advocate, Tony McKenna, Combined Feder-al Campaign Suncoast director, Chief Master Sgt. Derrick Crowley, command chief, and Julia Stevenson, local Federal Campaign coordinator, look on as Col. Larry Martin, Wing commander, kick off Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) with his personal contribution here Sept. 28. CFC is the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign. CFC runs from Oct. 16 through Nov. 16.