Vol. 48, No. 6 Thursday, February 6, 2020

News/Features: page 3CENTCOM committed

News/Features: page 3Coronavirus: what to know

News/Features: page 2MacDill doctor awarded

Community: page 15Events, Chapel, more...

Week in photos: page 4Images from the week

Photo by Airman 1st Class Shannon Bowman

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Clayton Collier, a 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS) crew chief, inspects landing gear systems on a KC-135 Stratotanker, Jan. 23, 2020, at MacDill Crew chiefs assigned to the 6th AMXS perform aircraft maintenance and conduct inspections and servicing to ensure the KC-135 accomplishes its primary mission of global reach.

6th AMX keeping them flying - page 8

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 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 Refueling Wing.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, 6th Air Refueling Wing or the TImes Publishing Company of the products 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 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. News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submitted

to the 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office, 8208 Hangar Loop Dr., suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621. Call the Thunderbolt at 828-2215. Email: 6arw.pa.macdillthunderbolt@us.af.mil.

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

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

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE

The Action Line provides two-way communication between the 6th Air Refueling Wing commander and the MacDill community. Per-sonnel may submit questions, concerns or comments via email to macdillwingcommander@us.af.mil or Facebook @6thARWCommandTeam

Website: www.macdill.af.mil

Facebook: www.facebook.com/

MacDillAirForceBase

Instagram: macdill_afb

Twitter: @macdill_afb

MacDill on the web

NEWS/FEATURES

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

by Airman 1st Class Ryan C. Grossklag6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

On May 7 in Washington, D.C., one of MacDill Air Force Base’s own will be honored as the Air Force recipient of the Heroes of Military Medi-cine Award.

Maj. Thomas Beachkofsky, the 6th Healthcare Operations Squadron dermatologist, is receiv-ing the award for his contributions and research towards the advancement of patient care in di-agnosing skin conditions.

The award is presented by the Center for Public-Private Partnerships at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., and honors outstanding contributions by individuals who have distin-guished themselves through excellence and self-less dedication to advancing military medicine and enhancing the lives and health of service members.

“As a trusted military partner in medical re-search, it is HJF’s privilege each year to hon-or outstanding service members nominated by their respective service at the Heroes of Mili-tary Medicine dinner,” said HJF President and CEO retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joseph Carav-alho, M.D. “This is the 10th year HJF is present-ing the dinner to honor the heroes of military medicine.”

Within the 6th Medical Group’s dermatol-

MacDill dermatologist named Hero of Military Medicine

Photo by Senior Airman Adam R. Shanks

Maj. Thomas Beachkofsky, 6th Healthcare Operations Squadron dermatologist, uses a body scanner microscope to take a picture of a spot on his arm at MacDill Air Force Base Oct. 30. A new software upgrade allows a complex algorithm to analyze an image captured with a camera and rate the severity of the spot for a dermatologist to review.See AWARD, Page 12

NEWS/FEATURES

by Taylor KoopmanAir Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS)—Air Force leaders from the 325th Fighter Wing and the Tyndall Program Management Office shared their vision of the “Installation of the Future” with Airmen, their families and base personnel at a town hall meeting, Jan. 23, at Tyndall Air Force Base.

Airmen were offered two sessions to hear directly from base leadership as to what has been done so far and what is to come as the rebuild con-tinues.

“We are not just rebuilding Tyndall AFB,” said Col. Brian Laidlaw, 325th FW commander. “We are not rebuilding the base we had, but the base we need for the future. Part of what makes Tyndall (AFB) so valu-able for our nation is not just what it can handle today, but the potential it has for the future.”

Tyndall AFB is uniquely advantageous to the Air Force due to its geo-graphical position, allowing for largely unrestricted airspace over the Gulf Coast and high-growth potential, as well as its critical missions for Air Force lethality and readiness, Laidlaw said. The base is home to the

Tyndall AFB leadership share ‘Installation of the Future’ vision

by Tech. Sgt. Michael Charles378th Air Expeditionary Wing

PRINCE SULTAN AIR BASE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—United States Central Com-mand’s leadership team visited here Jan. 29, 2020.

U.S. Marine Gen. Kenneth McKenzie Jr., commander of CENTCOM and U.S. Navy Fleet Master Chief James Herdel, CENTCOM senior enlisted leader, visited PSAB during a tour of in-stallations in the combatant command’s area of responsibility. The visit marked McKenzie’s first to PSAB since assuming command of CENTCOM and the fifth stop in his tour of installations in the region over a two-week period.

The team’s visit to PSAB was an opportunity to showcase the strategic importance and opera-tional depth provided by the recently recommis-sioned 378th Air Expeditionary Wing.

McKenzie began the visit with discussions with the Royal Saudi Air Force PSAB operations support commander, Brig. Gen. Nasser Moham-med al-dosri. During the talks, McKenzie reaf-firmed the U.S. military’s commitment to coali-tion partners and to security and stability in the region.

“The roughly 3,000 personnel and significant

CENTCOM team visits PSAB, reaffirms commitment to region

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Clayton Lenhardt

Col. Brian Laidlaw, 325th Fighter Wing commander, discusses the im-pact of Hurricane Michael during a rebuild town hall meeting at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Jan. 23. The Tyndall Program Management Office and the 325th FW hosted two town hall meetings to update Airmen and their families on the rebuild process occurring at the base.

See VISIT, Page 14

Photo by Senior Airman Giovanni Sims

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. John C. Walker, left, 378th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, greets U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., right, commander, United States Central Com-mand, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jan. 29. The CENTCOM command team’s tour of installations in the command’s area of responsibility underscores the U.S.’s com-mitment to regional security, the flexibility of American military power, and the importance of military-to-military relationships with coalition partners.

See VISION, Page 12

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zoe Thacker

The Falcon 9 Starlink rocket successfully takes off Jan. 29, at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The Falcon 9, part of the Starlink Constellation, is a collection of satellites used to provide satellite internet access. The 45th Space Wing has so far supported two Starlink launches in 2020.

WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Kemberly Groue

Leslie Robertson, D’Iberville project coordinator, participates in an airfield management virtual reality demonstration during an airspace sustainability tour inside Cody Hall at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., Jan. 23.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. John Win

Staff Sgt. Alfer Thompson, a radio frequency transmission systems journeyman, as-signed to the 130th Engineering and Installation Squadron, is greeted by friends and family at Salt Lake International Airport, Utah Jan. 23. Thompson, along with other members of his unit, returned home after a six-month deployment in the Middle East.

NEWS/FEATURES

Military Health System Communications Office

FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFNS)—With news of the contagious and potentially deadly illness known as novel coronavirus grabbing headlines worldwide, military health officials say that an informed, common-sense approach minimizes the chances of getting sick.

Many forms of coronavirus exist among both humans and animals, but this new strain’s le-thality has triggered considerable alarm. Be-lieved to have originated at an animal market in Wuhan City, China, novel coronavirus has sickened hundreds and killed at least four. It has since spread to other parts of Asia. The first case of novel coronavirus in the U.S. was report-ed Jan. 22 in the state of Washington.

Anyone contracting a respiratory illness shouldn’t assume it’s novel coronavirus; it is far more likely to be a more common malady.

“For example, right now in the U.S., influen-za, with 35 million cases last season, is far more commonplace than novel coronavirus,” said

Coronavirus: What providers, patients should know

See VIRUS, Page 11

Photo by Airman 1st Class Elora J. Martinez

Senior Airman Alexis Lopez, dental assistant with the 319th Medical Group, demonstrates proper sanitary procedure by putting on a face mask at the medical treatment facility at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., Sept. 7, 2017. Lopez said in addition to personal sanitation, there are also mul-tiple steps taken to ensure treatment rooms are sanitary and prepared for patient use.

NEWS/FEATURES

by Claudette RouloDefense.gov

WASHINGTON (AFNS)—Voting season is fast approaching, and the Federal Voting Assistance Program is ready to help service members and families exercise the right to vote.

“The Federal Voting Assistance Program works to ensure service mem-bers, their eligible family members and overseas citizens are aware of their right to vote, and have the tools and resources to successfully do so-from anywhere in the world,” said David Beirne, FVAP director.

Voting is a personal choice, Beirne said, but he noted that many in the military community don’t realize the Defense Department has a program designed to assist them if they choose to vote. While FVAP is not a “get out the vote” program, he said, the program offers resources for the mili-tary community if they want to participate in the election process.

“There are many myths surrounding the military voting process, so the most important thing for military voters and their eligible spouses and dependents to know is that there are absentee voting resources on FVAP.govdesigned to meet their voting needs when they are deployed or stationed overseas,” Beirne said.

Want to vote? The Federal Voting Assistance Program can help

See VOTE, Page 10

DoD courtesy graphic

Voting season is approaching, and the Federal Voting Assistance Program is ready to help service members and families exercise the right to vote.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Clayton Collier, a 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS) crew chief, inspects landing gear systems, on a KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base Jan. 23.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michael Moffett, a 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron communication and navigation systems apprentice, starts a generator to supply electrical power to a KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base Jn. 23. Communication and navigation systems Airmen, inspect, repair and install integrated avionics systems to ensure proper function of flight instruments and traffic-collision avoidance systems.

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

With the ability to transfer a maximum fuel load of 200,000 pounds, the KC-135 Stratotanker has proven to be a key player in the mission success of the Air Force since the air-

craft began flying missions in 1956.The KC-135 has remained a reliable asset in extending the global

reach of the nation, but it is the aircraft’s maintainers who function as the true engine keeping the tankers airborne.

For the Airmen of the 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, at Mac-Dill Air Force Base, hard work is a common theme echoed throughout the squadron. The 6th AMXS Airmen are dedicated to their craft, and they constantly ensure that MacDill’s aircraft are ready to take the fight to the enemy at any time.

“Aircraft maintenance is tough, and can be a real grind,” said Se-nior Airman Eric Flores, a 6th AMXS electrical and environmental systems journeyman. “But even when we’re tired from working a 12 hour shift, or when it’s over 100 degrees on the flightline, we find a way to get it done and we take pride in our ability to do the job.”

Keeping MacDill’s KC-135s ready to fly 24-hours a day takes the effort of Airmen with specialty training in aerospace propulsion, com-

munications and navigations, electrical and environmental, guidance and control systems and crew chiefs banding together to move the mission forward.

“We put in lots of hours, but we go through it together,” said Tech. Sgt. Wesley May, a 6th AMXS aerospace propulsion specialist. “At the end of the day, it’s extremely rewarding to do your part, fix a problem and see that aircraft go up and complete missions.”

Not only do 6th AMXS Airmen ensure that the KC-135s remain mission ready, but they are the frontline of safety for the tanker’s aircrews.

“We understand the stakes of doing our job, and we know that mis-takes can be costly,” said May. “We want the aircrews to have full con-fidence in our aircraft, so we have to be extremely detail-oriented to uphold the quality assurance standards.”

Despite having to work long hours and manage through tough weather conditions, the Airmen of the 6th AMXS supported over 5,000 flight hours and 965 sorties for the 6th Air Refueling Wing in 2019.

“These are some of the hardest working people you will ever find,” said Airman 1st Class Trenton Carrere, a 6th AMXS crew chief. “They ask a lot of us as maintainers and it’s not always easy, but we still show up and we keep on driving.”

6th AMXS on the grind to make them fly

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Clayton Collier, a 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS) crew chief, inspects landing gear systems, on a KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base Jan. 23.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Trenton Carrere, a 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS) crew chief, fills a hydraulic fluid reservoir on a KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base, Jan. 23. In 2019, the 6th AMXS supported over 5,000 flight hours and 965 sorties.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Argen-ti (left), a 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squad-ron (AMXS) instrument and flight control sys-tems craftsman, and Tech. Sgt. Wesley May (right), a 6th AMXS aerospace propulsion specialist, look over a KC-135 maintenance checklist, Jan. 23, at MacDill Air Force Base. The 6th AMXS provides on-equipment mainte-nance including launch, recovery, servicing and repair of KC-135 Strato-tankers.

He recommends service members start the absentee voting process early, because it takes more time than voting in person.

Don’t know your state’s absentee voting rules?FVAP.gov has information on state and national voting guidelines, registering to vote,

using the Federal Post Card Application, and requesting absentee ballots. You can also use the site to check on the status of your voted ballot.

The Federal Post Card Application is a form military and overseas voters can use to register to vote and request absentee ballots for the year. Eligible voters should submit a new postcard every year and with every move to a new address.

Many states allow you to submit the FPCA electronically. The FPCA can be completed by using the FPCA online assistant, filling out the PDF or picking up a hard copy ver-sion from your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Is FVAP just for overseas voters?FVAP resources are designed to assist any service member, voting age dependent and

overseas citizens with voting so long as they are absent from their voting jurisdiction, Beirne said. Service members who are home and registered to vote in their home voting jurisdiction would vote by visiting their voting precinct on Election Day, he explained.

Not sure when your state’s elections are held?Check the primary election calendar for the date of each state or territory’s presiden-

tial primary, state primary and whether there will be candidates standing for the U.S. Senate and House during the general election.

Need to find your installation voting office?FVAP.gov can help you there, too, with its list of contact information for voting offices

around the world. You can filter the list by service branch, country and base name.

Didn’t get your absentee ballot?Use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot. The FWAB serves as a backup ballot if the

voter does not receive the requested absentee ballot in time. FVAP.gov offers an online assistant that guides users through the form-completion process, as well as a fillable PDF form of the FWAB for download.

Worried about sending your ballot by mail?FVAP coordinates with the Military Postal Service Agency and the U.S. Postal Service

to ensure the expedited return of voted ballots from overseas, Beirne said. In previous years, FVAP also worked with the services to ensure their operational conditions factor in the return of voted ballots. This is especially true for Navy ships, he said, who receive reminders to offload ballots before moving on with new operations.

Separating from active duty?FVAP.gov can help you and your voting-age family members transition your voter reg-

istration status in just one or two easy steps.

VOTEFrom Page 6

U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Dr. (Lt. Cmdr.) David Shih, a preven-tive medicine physician and epidemiologist with the Clinical Support Division, Defense Health Agency. He added that those experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness – like coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath and fever – should avoid contact with others and making them sick, Shih said.

“Don’t think you’re being super dedicated by showing up to work when ill,” Shih said. “Likewise, if you’re a duty supervisor, please don’t compel your workers to show up when they’re sick. In the short run, you might get a bit of a productivity boost. In the long run, that person could transmit a respiratory illness to co-workers, and pretty soon you lose way more productivity because your entire office is sick.”

Shih understands that service members stationed in areas of strategic importance and elevated states of readiness are not necessarily in the position to call in sick. In such instances, sick personnel still can take steps to practice effective cough hygiene and use whatever hygienic services they can find to avert hindering readiness by making their fellow service members sick. Frequent thorough hand-washing, for instance, is a corner-stone of respiratory disease prevention.

“You may not have plumbing for washing hands, but hand sanitizer can become your best friend and keep you healthy,” Shih said.

Regarding novel coronavirus, Shih recommends following the Centers for Disease Con-trol and Prevention travel notices. First, avoid all non-essential travel to Wuhan, China, the outbreak’s epicenter. Second, patients who traveled to China in the past 14 days and show symptoms including fever, cough or difficulty breathing, should seek medical care right away, calling the doctor’s office or emergency room in advance to report travel and symptoms, and otherwise avoid contact with others and travel while sick.

The CDC also has guidance for health care professionals, who should evaluate patients with fever and respiratory illness by taking a careful travel history to identify patients under investigation who include those with fever, lower respiratory illness symptoms, and travel history to Wuhan, China, within 14 days prior to symptom onset. PUIs should wear a surgical mask as soon as they are identified and be evaluated in a private room with the door closed, ideally an airborne infection isolation room if available. Workers caring for PUIs should wear gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection and respiratory protec-tion.

Perhaps most importantly, care providers who believe they may be treating a novel coronavirus patient should immediately notify infection control and public health au-thorities (the installation preventive medicine or public health department at military treatment facilities).

Because novel coronavirus is new, as its name suggests, there is as yet no immuniza-tion nor specific treatment. Care providers are instead treating the symptoms – acet-aminophen to reduce fever, lozenges and other treatments to soothe sore throats, and, for severe cases, ventilators to help patients breathe.

“Lacking specific treatment,” Shih said, “we must be extra vigilant about basic preven-tion measures: frequent hand-washing, effective cough and sneeze hygiene, avoiding sick individuals and self-isolating when sick.”

VIRUSFrom Page 5

F-22 Raptor simulator training program, the only Air Battle Manager School Air Force-wide, and is headquarters for the First Air Force – the eyes and ears that protect our nation.

“There are things we do here we quite simply cannot do anywhere else,” Laidlaw said. “These are not operations that can be easily picked up and moved to another location.”

Despite the fact that life at Tyndall AFB post-Hurricane Michael is not the same as life at other Air Force bases, Laidlaw encouraged the audi-ence not to be disheartened by what might appear to be varying degrees of progress in and around the base.

“The truth is, we are exactly where we predicted we were going to be when we set off on this journey 15 months ago,” he said. “This is what progress looks like. Every day we’re doing 90% of the missions we were doing prior to the storm with 80% of the people, and we’re doing it in only 50% of our facilities.”

Getting these important missions done in less than optimal conditions requires tremendous sacrifice out of each and every Airman, said Laidlaw. However, base leadership remains optimistic about Tyndall AFB’s ability to stay on track to become the “Installation of the Future.”

“Know that we have the funding we need to make it happen,” Laidlaw said. “We have complete commitment from our government and Air Force leaders, and we have a plan that has remained incredibly consistent since the very beginning.”

Col. Travis Leighton, PMO director, walked through Tyndall AFB’s master rebuild plan to explain how the base will move forward.

“This is an unprecedented opportunity for Team Tyndall,” Leighton said. “Nowhere else could you rebuild and reset an entire base like this. For context, new military construction Air Force-wide in an average year is $1.5 billion. You are doing twice that here at Tyndall (AFB).”

Leighton said some of the major changes Airmen can expect to see as the estimated $4.25 billion rebuild progresses include an overhaul of the Flightline District to make room for 72 new F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and other potential new weapons systems (such as the MQ-9 Reaper), and improved facilities on a walkable campus, including a community com-mons equipped with a new chapel, child development center, and bowling alley, among others. The Florida Department of Transportation is invest-ing $20 million in a flyover connecting the north and south sides of the base over U.S. Highway 98 to improve traffic flow at the base.

Increasing installation facility standards to not only ensure buildings meet resiliency expectations, but also look and feel like 21st-century fa-cilities is of vital importance to the rebuild, Leighton said.

“These standards will incorporate smart-building sensors, increased hurricane wind load levels, and design flood elevation specifications,” Leighton said. “But even the architectural designs will support energy ef-

ficiency and structural resilience.”Airmen can expect new facilities to look and feel similar to Tyndall

AFB’s fitness center – one of the few buildings on base to survive Hurri-cane Michael with little to no damage.

“We are living in a transitional state,” Leighton said. “Planning and design is going on right now. As we move into construction, there will be some new challenges with hundreds of contractors coming to the base. A lot of you will be working in temporary facilities, and there may be com-petition for parking, but your leadership is working hard to make sure your needs are met.”

With a current force of approximately 4,000 Airmen on base, including 1,700 active-duty service members and 1,200 family members, Laidlaw estimates manpower could potentially grow up to another 4,000 as Tyn-dall AFB’s missions become fully operational once more.

Newly arrived to Tyndall AFB, Airman 1st Class Jack Putnam of the 325th Security Forces Squadron appreciated the open communication about the future of the base.

“Back in tech school, nobody knew anything about Tyndall (AFB) other than it was hit by a hurricane,” Putnam said. “I thought it was pretty in-teresting to see the support we have not only from Congress, but the com-munity as well. I’m excited to see how the base grows and then to be able to have the opportunity to be a part of that.”

For Rochelle Lehr, a retired veteran and spouse, hearing the rebuild plan firsthand from base leadership was key to clearing up potential mis-conceptions and answering important questions.

“I think seeing the rebuild timeline was very important because a lot of people weren’t certain of that and misinformation does spread,” Lehr said. “But to see the architecture was wonderful. I was excited to see it, actually. The base of the future is exciting. What the Airmen of the future are going to have is amazing.”

The multiyear, multibillion-dollar rebuild is an unprecedented opportu-nity for the Air Force to adapt to the 21st century challenges it now faces while continuing to provide unrivaled airpower for the nation.

“I’m not going to sugarcoat it, it’s not going to be easy,” Laidlaw said. “The facilities we build now are going to house missions and protect re-sources our Air Force hasn’t even invented yet. We took everything we could learn from this terrible hurricane that has created so many head-aches for all of us, and we built a plan that will be flexible enough to be relevant to our Air Force 80 to 100 years from now.”

Tyndall AFB is scheduled to be fully operational and will begin to wel-come 72 new F-35 fighter jets in September 2023.

For more information on the progress the Program Management Office at Tyndall AFB is making on the rebuild, visit https://www.afimsc.af.mil/TyndallPMO/.

VISIONFrom Page 3

ogy clinic, Beachkofsky has been lauded for his use of a scanner which produces high-resolution images to log and track marks on lesions on his patients to aid in identifying skin conditions.

“It’s a huge honor and it’s a humbling accolade that more so speaks to the support I’ve had throughout my ca-reer,” admitted Beachkofsky. “I’ve been blessed with hav-ing good leadership that has always encouraged myself and others to be thoughtful and innovative.

Beachkofsky’s commitment to patient care extends far past his clinic at the 6th MDG; citing research groups he has long been involved with, dating back to his residency at Joint Base Lackland-San Antonio, Texas.

“I’m truly indebted with my family,” said Beachkofsky. “My wife understands my passion for medicine, without her support and my kids, I couldn’t do this at all.”

Beachkofsky will be one of five nominees celebrated at the awards dinner in an event that highlights these healthcare professionals across the Department of De-fense in their efforts to provide exceptional care to service members.

“Maj. Beachkofsky is this year’s Air Force awardee, one whose incredible accomplishments clearly highlight a distinguished medical career of service to our nation’s warfighters,” said Caravalho. “HJF is pleased to be able to present the Air Force Hero of Military Medicine Award to Maj. Thomas Beachkofsky at this year’s awards dinner.”

AWARDFrom Page 2

Photo by Senior Airman Adam R. Shanks

Maj. Thomas Beachkofsky, 6th Healthcare Operations Squadron dermatologist, dem-onstrates how a body scanner microscope works at MacDill Air Force Base Oct. 30. A new software upgrade allows a complex algorithm to scan an image captured with the camera and rate the severity of the spot for a dermatologist to review.

assets operating in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at bases like PSAB are a key contributor to our collective efforts and underscore our commitment to defend partners and deter those who would do us or our partners harm,” McKenzie said. “Deter-rence is born of capability and will. PSAB is key contributor to the capability part of that equa-tion.”

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. John Walker, 378th AEW commander, echoed the CENTCOM com-mander’s message.

“PSAB embodies a major step toward CENT-COM’s goal of establishing operational depth in the theater of operations,” Walker said. “PSAB’s build-up not only reassures our partners and al-lies, it also provides decisive defense, deterrence, and response options in the region.”

Following the meeting, McKenzie joined Walk-er in a tour of several locations in the U.S. forces areas of the installation. The tour included an in-depth briefing on the evolution of PSAB and discussions with base leaders on the future of the U.S. military in the region.

“PSAB’s build-up is a testament to the hard working Soldiers and Airmen of the U.S. armed forces,” Walker said. “The establishment of our combat power here wasn’t contracted out, wasn’t built by a second or third party – it was built by American service members. I can’t think of a better recent example of our Joint Force expedi-tionary capabilities than what we’ve witnessed at PSAB, and I couldn’t be more proud to show-case our all-star team to the CENTCOM com-mand team.”

While McKenzie focused on ensuring PSAB and Saudi partners had the resources and support to conduct the mission, Herdel joined U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Brent Chadick, 378th AEW command chief, to discuss quality-of-life issues affecting the Airmen and Soldiers of PSAB. Dur-ing their tour, they met with several Airmen, dis-cussed their deployment experiences, some of the improvements they have made within the wing, and how they are supporting the overall mission.

The groups later rejoined to host an all-call ad-dressing the majority of the Airmen on the in-stallation. Afterward they hosted a lunch discus-sion with first-line supervisors of all ranks at the wing’s recently opened Sand Hut Dining Facility and recognized several of the installation’s supe-rior performers.

“It’s important that the members I send into this AOR hear from the person giving the order directly,” McKenzie said. “Your help drives the

mission forward. It also makes us more cohesive and efficient when we have highly motivated members, like the ones here at PSAB, to ensure that mission is a resounding success.”

The CENTCOM team will continue its tour of installations with the intent to underscore the U.S.’s commitment to regional security, the im-portance of military-to-military relationships with regional partners and the flexibility of American airpower.

VISITFrom Page 3

Photo by Senior Airman Giovanni Sims

U.S. Marine Corps. Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., commander, United Stated Central Command, addresses U.S. service members during a commander’s call at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jan. 29. During the commander’s call, troops were able to ask questions and learn about the future status of operations at PSAB.

COMMUNITYEVENTSFridaySurf’s Edge Club

Membership Breakfast from 6:30-9 a.m. All American breakfast featuring an omelet station and more. Great place for a staff meet-ing. For more info call 840-2020.

MacDill LanesFamily Fun Night Mardi Gras

Glow Party from 5-9 p.m. Every-one welcome. 50-cent games for all bowlers under the age of 15, DJ, giveaways and lots of beads. Wear white and fluorescent cloth-ing. New Orleans buffet and kids menu. For more information and menu pricing call 840-1451.

SaturdayMacDill Lanes

UFC Fight Night #247: Jones vs. Reyes watch the fight at Mac-Dill Lanes. Free entry, fights be-gin 10 p.m. “Smack down chow down” food specials. Club member exclusive deals. #AFClubFrenzy@MyAirForceLife

SundayBay Palms Golf Complex

Sweetheart Golf Scramble 12:30 p.m. shotgun start on south course. Format: two-person scramble – non-handicapped. Two-person teams, both teammates tee off from their respective tee and the team chooses the best drive, both players hit from that spot, follow-ing this scramble format until the ball is holed out, with bogey being the high score allowed for any hole. Fees include golf, cart and credit book to winning teams. For more details and pricing, call 828-0046.

Mark your calendaru Feb. 14 – Run Your Heats Out 5K Fun Runu Feb. 14 – Golf Club Appreciation Dayu Feb. 14 – Valentine’s Dinneru Feb. 16 – Bowling Club Appre-ciation Dayu Feb. 20 – Fisn’n’Chick Luncheon

www.macdillfss.com

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 visiting http://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel or calling 828-3621

CHAPEL SCHEDULE

Running back gets lesson in evasionU.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jesse Soboleski, a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) noncommis-sioned officer in charge, demonstrates SERE capabilities to Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Con-ner, and MacDill Air Force Base Jan. 28. Professional athletes toured MacDill’s SERE, parachute riggers and KC-135 Stratotanker flight simulator and Boom Operator Weapon Systems Trainer facilities before at-tending a brief by Special Forces service members.

Be sure to visit the official 6th Air Refueling Wing website at www.macdill.af.mil

Photo by Airman 1st Class Ryan C. Grossklag