Vol. 40, No. 41 Thursday, October 11, 2012

Photo by Airman 1st Class Shandresha Mitchell

Maj. Chris Collins, 91st Air Refueling Squadron assistant director of operations, briefs a KC-135 Stratotanker flight crew on safety proce-dures and guidelines at MacDill, Oct. 2. The KC-135 flight crew was part of a three-ship formation to refuel a C-17 Globemaster III over Charleston, S.C.

CUI - 33 days and counting: preparation tips page 3

Maintainers keep ‘em flying - page 12

by Lt. Gen. Robert R. AllardiceAir Mobility Command vice commander

October is Energy Action Month. This year’s theme is “I am Air Force Energy.” As the theme implies, whether you are a mili-tary member, civilian or contrac-tor, your ideas are vital to improv-ing efficiency.

In the last 6 years, Airmen in Air Mobility Command have re-duced aviation fuel consumption 4 percent, ground fuel consump-tion 6 percent and facility energy intensity 18 percent. Some of these accomplishments, which many of you contributed to, are described below.

AMC Airmen reduced aviation fuel consumption 4 percent since

2006 by eliminating unnecessary cargo, flying more fuel efficient routes, cleaning engines regularly and even loading cargo to balance aircraft weight. Initiatives like these saved the Air Force $165 million, and allowed us to trans-port 24 percent more cargo while using 5 percent less fuel.

Since 2003 AMC Airmen have reduced facility energy intensity 18 percent by upgrading lighting with energy efficient technology such as fluorescent and LED, improving insulation around windows and doors, and modern-izing heating and air conditioning systems. These efforts reduced future utility bills while improv-ing the quality of the AMC work environment.

A recent example of Mobility Airmen embracing “Air Force En-ergy” can be found in Mobility Air Forces aircrew electronic flight bags. The 21-member AMC Elec-tronic Flight Bag team sought to deliver a single automated plat-form, consolidating paper flight references for 18,000 aircrew members assigned to more than 100 units across five major com-mands. This initiative will save $5 million annually in printing costs alone and a productivity increase of 22,000 man-hours, placing an emphasis back on the mission.

Moving from a paper-based electronic flight publication sys-tem to an electronic-based system not only improves operational ef-

ficiency and safety, but saves the Department of Defense signifi-cant time and money. The AMC

COMMANDER’S CORNER

MacDill ThunderboltPublisher: Bill BarkerEditor: Nick Stubbs

The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by Sunbelt News-papers, 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 De-

fense, the Department of the Air Force or the 6th Air Mobil-ity Wing.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, in-cluding inserts or supplements, does not constitute en-dorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, 6th Air Mobility Wing or Sunbelt Newspa-pers, 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-mer-it 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 submit-

ted to the 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office, 8208 Hangar Loop Dr., suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621, or call the MacDill Thunderbolt staff at 828-2215. Email: thunder.bolt@us.af.mil.

Deadline for article submissions is noon, Thursdays to appear in the next week’s publication. Articles received af-ter deadline may be considered for future use. All submis-sions 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 Style-

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE

The Action Line provides two-way communication between the 6th Air Mobility Wing commander and the MacDill community. A 24-hour recording service is provided so personnel may submit questions, concerns or com-ments. Call the Action Line at 828-INFO (4636) or email macdillwingcom-mander@us.af.mil.

‘I am Air Force Energy;’ ideas vital to efficiency

Thanks to the Air Force Ball committee for all its hard work:u Maj. Scot Berk u Maj. Taylor Johnston u Capt. Jermaine Campbell

u Capt. Donovan Matteson u Capt. Taylor Reynolds u 2nd Lt. Raymond Mims u 1st Lt. Melvin Boothe u Master Sgt. Adarryl Gourdine

u Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Chelette u Senior Master Sgt. Theresa Huertas u Master Sgt. Derrick Barnes

u Master Sgt. Derrick Alston u Master Sgt. Travis Clark u Master Sgt. Michelle Myers u Tech. Sgt. Shonna Ayers u Tech. Sgt. Cheryl Hill

6th Air Mobility Wing shout-outs

See CORNER, Page 14

To view Col. Scott DeThomas’ re-marks on his vision for MacDill AFB, go to www.macdill.af.mil and then click on “Col. DeThomas’ priorities, mission, and expectations video” in the upper left corner.

Commander’s vision

Lt. Gen. Robert R. Allardice

by Senior Airman Zachary McCarthy 6th Force Support Squadron

At the beginning of my deployment, I did not know what to expect. I knew there would be challenges deploying with the Army and Navy, and we would have to work together in order to succeed. There were many aspects of uncertainty, but the intense training I would have to endure was certain.

I did not know how to prepare myself men-tally for a 365-day deployment in a combat zone. I would be outside of my comfort zone, which was a mental load for me. Another un-certainty would be how to get into the warrior mindset and carry around two weapons at all times.

As a member of a provincial reconstruction team, we had to learn to be versatile and a jack of all trades. Our original PRT mission location changed due to the Taliban overrun-ning the forward operating base before we arrived. In the middle of training, we were

notified that we would be relocated to the Kandahar Province (Southern Afghanistan). When we arrived I was told that food services personnel were not needed, and I would be re-assigned to other jobs throughout the PRT. Our PRT mainly needed help in personnel, maintenance, supply, vehicle operations and in the tactical operations center. The team was rapidly trained to prepare for the new positions.

Two other Airmen and I were stationed at Kandahar Airfield working as logistical liai-son officers. Our primary mission was to en-sure that critical supplies made it to the FOB. Our PRT relied on us to ensure they were stocked with office supplies to weapons and vehicle parts. Imagine the UPS commercials, but with body armor, 100-degree heat and the occasional rocket attack.

Around the fourth month, I was relocated back to the FOB with the main body of our

Your T-bolt Today

News/Features: page 6 Elective surgery guidelines

NEWS/FEATURES

News/Features: page 4

Week in photos

u It is imperative that each work center remove or lock down any document or folder containing Privacy Act or Personal Identifi-cation Information located on the public and shared drives.

u Make sure that there is an AF Form 440 Bomb Threat Aid next to each phone. u Make sure supervisors and training managers have kept an accurate account of training and training documentation for their unit. This includes ADLS, upgrade and additional duty training.

Get CUI ready

News/Features: page 8

Guide to Halloween fun

Community: page 21 Events, chapel, more...

‘There I Was...’

News/Features: page 10

Energy efficiency

Courtesy photo

Senior Airman Zachary McCarthy, second from left, with fellow members of his unit while de-ployed to Dandahar Province, Afghanistan. His job was to ensure a steady flow of supplies to a forward operating base.

Kandahar deployment a great learning experience

See THERE I WAS, Page 22

News/Features: page 12

Keeping the tankers flying

News/Features: page 18

Operation Crime Stop

Mission Teammates: page 20

JCSE meets the challenge

WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Airman Adam Grant

Col. James Hodges, 6th Mission Support Group commander at MacDill Air Force Base, speaks in downtown Tampa about Air Force energy conservation initiatives, Oct. 5. Representatives from the Air Force, Army and Navy along with Department of Defense civilian engineers met to discuss future goals for renewable energy sources. The event had more than 600 individuals participate.

Photo by Senior Airman Adam Grant

Staff Sgt. Jasmine McKinney, 6th Communi-cations Squadron client service technician, removes random access memory from a com-puter at MacDill, Oct. 2. The RAM is removed and inspected before an upgrade is installed.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Shandresha Mitchell

Col. Kelly Martin, 6th Air Mobility Wing vice commander, gives opening remarks for the Hispanic Heritage Month 5k run at MacDill, Oct. 3. The Hispanic Heritage Month committee alongside the 6th Mission Support Group hosted the 5K run.

Courtesy of the 6th Medical Group

Active duty members serving in the U.S. mili-tary are required to complete a number of steps before obtaining any type of civilian elective or cosmetic surgery. Elective surgery performed on active duty military members must be co-ordinated through the 6th Medical Group, and

approved by the 6th MDG commander and the individual’s unit commander.

Military members must first meet with a health benefits advisor at the TRICARE office to go over the regulations for obtaining an elec-tive procedure. The briefing includes service specific regulations and potential effects on a service member’s career. Convalescent leave,

effects on Personnel Reliability Program mem-bers, follow-up care and financial responsibility are discussed.

The member must consult with their prima-ry care manager to discuss the procedure and have the PCM complete a record of counseling to be included in the package submitted for approval. Examples of elective surgeries are: breast augmentations, Lasik eye surgery, abor-tions, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and cos-metic surgery. Upon approval, members must pay out-of-pocket for any expenses related to the procedure and have enough leave for recovery.

Military members are advised to read and be familiar with their respective service regu-lations— Air Force (AFI41-210), Army (AR 40-400), Navy/Marine Corps (BUMEDINST 6320.72) and Coast Guard (COMDTINST M6000.1E). These publications will provide pertinent information needed before making a decision on whether to pursue civilian elective procedures.

Certain elective surgeries such as surgical procedures for the sole purpose of weight reduc-tion are prohibited. All members considering an elective procedure are encouraged to visit the TRICARE office on the second floor of the 6th MDG clinic, to discuss their options with a health benefits advisor; or phone us at 827-9900 (and choose option 3).

HEALTH/FITNESSNo elective surgery for active duty members without MDG OK

Col. Scott DeThomas, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, will host a Town Hall meeting at 5 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Harbor Bay Welcome Center, 8414 Fortress Dr, MacDill AFB.

The meeting is open to the base populace and will focus on initiatives to improve the quality of life on base, information on upcom-ing events, and provide an open forum for con-cerns.

Personnel working and living on MacDill Air Force Base are welcome and highly en-couraged to attend. Briefers from the follow-ing areas will provide information and answer your concerns: medical, 6th Force Support and Civil Engineer Squadrons, housing, schools, including on-base and local, as well as AAFES and the Defense Commissary Agency. Direct questions to the 6th Mission Support Group Command Section at 828-4545.

Town Hall meetng set

Courtesy of the 6th Security Forces Squadron

Halloween is an exciting night to allow children to get dressed up, go trick-or-treating, attend parties and get free goodies. As the MacDill community is looking forward to a safe and secure night of fun, the hours for trick-or-treating on base will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Oct. 31.

Harbor Bay at MacDill will be hosting their annual Hallo-weenie Roast from 3 to 5:30 p.m. The 6th Security Forces Squadron will be out to support this event and provide parents another opportunity to get last minute safety tips for a safe fun-filled evening.

Independence Park, Chevron Park, Heritage Cove, Freedom Cove, Lib-erty Cove and Staff Circle housing areas will be open for trick-or-treat-ing this year. For on base trick-or-treating, an adult is required to escort all children— unfortunately escorting adults cannot be in a costume.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treating experience follow these guidelines both on and off base:

u During the hours of darkness or limited visibility everyone should wear or carry an illumination device such as reflective belts or reflective

tape, flashlights or glow sticks to help increase visibility to cars. Contact Staff Sgt. Swen Swearingen at Swen.Swearingen@us.af.mil to get a free glow stick. Tinker Elementary students will be provided a glow stick during the Safe on Halloween briefing, Oct. 24. If your child does not receive a glow stick at school or at the Hallo-weenie Roast, the pumpkin patrollers will have plenty with them while patrolling. Just ask for one.

u Costumes should be made of flame retardant materials. If the cos-tume is homemade, please ensure to either use a fire retardant spray or fabric that has been treated with fire retardant. If a child is wearing a mask ensure the holes are big enough to see not only in front of them but peripherally as well.

u Adult’s costumes are only allowed within the confines of club facili-ties or inside personal living quarters. Costumes should be of good taste and not be designed or represent anything associated with terrorism or be perceived as a threat (i.e. toy guns).

u Never go inside someone’s house. Always accept the treats from the doorway only.

u Inform children not to eat any treats until they are brought home and properly inspected. Discard any treats that are not individually wrapped. Wash or peel all fruits.

u For safety reasons and out of consideration for others, only visit houses where the front porch lights are on. Residents, if you want chil-

NEWS/FEATURESGuidelines for a safe, fun Halloween night on MacDill

See HALLOWEEN, Page 16

by Airman 1st Class Michael Ellis 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Representatives from the Air Force, Army and Navy along with Department of Defense civilian engineers met in downtown Tampa Oct. 4 to discuss future goals for renewable en-ergy sources.

The symposium was one of several gather-ings, as military installations across the globe focuse on energy awareness and conservation during the month of October.

The annual integrated symposium fosters business opportunities and increases market interest, which boosts competition for more re-liable energy sources, said Col. James Hodg-es, 6th Mission Support Group commander at MacDill and this year’s spokesman on Air Force initiatives.

Hodges explained why the subject of conser-vation is important and personal for him.

“In the DoD, the Air Force is the biggest user… In the Air Force, the Air Mobility Com-mand is the biggest user (due to its mission of airlift, contingency response and air refuel-ing)… In AMC, MacDill ranks number one,” said Hodges.

As commander of the mission support group, Hodges oversees both engineering and contracting departments at MacDill which are tasked with cutting energy consumption.

The biggest user at MacDill, U.S. Central Command, is responsible for operations in Central Asia and for the last decade has been a pivotal part of the fight against terrorism.

With the war tempo diminishing and budget talks remaining at the forefront of military op-erations, CENTCOM representatives recently drafted a plan to reduce energy consumption, said Hodges.

Hodges also spoke on how the Air Force spent $9.7 billion in fuel and electricity last

year. While it is a large number, it’s a 4 percent decrease since 2006, amassing $165 million in savings despite cost being up 32 percent since 2003.

The Air Force will continue to strive to-ward becoming more environmentally friendly by “reducing demand, increasing supply and changing our culture,” said Hodges.

Part of cultural change involves investing for the future. At MacDill, more than $2 mil-lion was invested in an updated metering sys-tem.

“This will allow us to monitor and track overages — so we can identify and replace in-efficiencies,” said Hodges.

The Air Force also took the initiative to in-vest in smart metering, reduce facility energy usage by 20 percent by 2020, obtain 400 mil-lion gallons of alternative fuels by 2016 (cur-rently there are 1.3 million gallons purchased) and increase renewable sources by 6 percent.

NEWS/FEATURESEnergy symposium focuses on awareness, conservation

(Above) Maj. Chris Collins, 91st Air Refueling Squadron assistant director of operations, inspects the landing gear of a KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill, Oct. 2. (Left) Maj. Chris Col-lins, 91st Air Refueling Squadron assistant director of operations, and Airman 1st Class Trenton Scalf, 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, inspect the rear panel of a KC-135 Stratotanker on the flightline at MacDill, Oct. 2. The flight crew empties the rear panel during the pre-flight inspections to prevent excess water build-up.

Keep ‘em flyingPhotos by Airman 1st Class Shandresha Mitchell

(Above) Airmen from the 91st Air Refueling Squadron and the 6th Air Mobility Wing board a KC-135 Strato-tanker prior to departure at MacDill, Oct. 2. The flight-crew was a part of an air refueling mission involving three KC-135 Stratotankers that will maximize fuel and enhance combat capability. (Left) Airman 1st Class Kevin Brown, 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, conducts operations checks on the units of a KC-135 Stratotanker to ensure proper functioning be-fore take-off at MacDill, Oct. 2.

(Above) Maj. Chris Collins, 91st Air Refueling Squadron assistant director of operations, inspects the landing gear of a KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill, Oct. 2. (Left) Maj. Chris Col-lins, 91st Air Refueling Squadron assistant director of operations, and Airman 1st Class Trenton Scalf, 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, inspect the rear panel of a KC-135 Stratotanker on the flightline at MacDill, Oct. 2. The flight crew empties the rear panel during the pre-flight inspections to prevent excess water build-up.

Maj. Chris Collins, 91st Air Refueling Squadron assistant director of opera-tions, and Airman 1st Class Kevin Brown, 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squad-ron crew chief, inspects the engine safety panel of a KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill, Oct. 2. The engine safety panel holds an external fire suppression unit that releases fluid in the event of a fire.

EFB team is currently one of the three finalists vying for the 2012 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award.

The Department of Energy recognized the work of Airmen with six Federal Energy Management Program awards this year out of fifteen competitive nominations submitted by the Air Force. These winners will help save the Air Force more than $289 million, including 42 mil-lion gallons of jet fuel. Two AMC winners were identified, one from Headquarters AMC and the other from the 375th Air Mobility Wing, both at Scott Air Force Base.

The AMC Fuel Efficiency Office successfully implemented a mis-sion index flying optimization tool. The software gives pilots the most energy-efficient altitude and speed based on atmospheric conditions. AMC also secured funding for the KC-135 engine upgrade and KC-10 drag clean-up fuel efficiency initiatives. These three initiatives, offi-cials said, are projected to save the DoD $284 million over the next 10 years.

Liz Toftemark, Scott AFB utility engineer and energy manager, suc-

cessfully negotiated electrical contracts over the past two years that will save the Air Force $5.5 million. She helped implement energy-saving projects such as heating, cooling, lighting and window upgrades that will save $4 million over the life of the projects. Through her ef-forts, the base library now has a reflective “cool” roof and 55 skylights which reduced electrical usage 30 percent at the facility.

Additionally, Jim Shores, 22nd Operations Support Squadron short range scheduling chief, from McConnell AFB, Kan., was awarded $10,000 through the Innovative Development Employee Awareness program, for identifying a recalibration during KC-135 air refueling training missions. This recalibration will save AMC approximately $472,000 annually in fuel waste.

I commend each of you who have had an impact on making our Air Force more energy efficient thus far. Now, I challenge each of you to seek even more ways to create a culture of energy awareness and to identify and follow up on energy saving initiatives so that those dol-lars saved can continue to enhance our nation’s combat capability.

CORNERFrom Page 2

dren to visit your house, turn the porch light on. If not, leave it off.u For all the non-participating individuals driving on and off base pay

extra attention to crosswalks, intersections and the sides of the road. Kids are going to be extra excited and running across the street to get to other homes. Keep scanning your surroundings while driving.

u We encourage children to have their parent’s or guardian’s phone number written down (inside their candy bag is a great idea). If the child is separated, the pumpkin patrollers can immediately contact a parent or guardian with their location. Last year’s pumpkin patrol had four in-stances of lost children, all of whom were reunited with family members within 10 minutes.

u Finally, for all adults, stay alert for any suspicious activity and re-port anything unusual to the Security Forces Base Defense Operations Center at 828-3322.

The 6th Security Forces Squadron is looking for adults that would like to volunteer to assist at crosswalks and walking patrols. If inter-ested contact Swearingen at Swen.Swearingen@us.af.mil.

HALLOWEENFrom Page 6

by Senior Airman Rachelle Coleman6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Team MacDill has a new resource available when it comes to reporting crime – dial 828-3324 to reach Operation Crime Stop.

Operation Crime Stop is an Air Force-wide program and gives the public the opportunity to report suspected or actual crimes and remain anonymous.

Anonymous crime reports can include school crimes such as persistent bullying, domestic vio-lence, suspicious activity, threatening acts or be-havior, possession of weapons and the use or sale of illegal drugs.

“We realized that these programs are needed; the community knows that we can help them and it’s just about getting back to the basics,” said Tech. Sgt. Adrian Samuel, 6th Security Forces Squadron gate operations NCO in charge.

Operation Crime Stop differs from Eagle Eyes,

as Eagle Eyes is directed more toward antiter-rorism—such as seeing someone sitting outside the front gate taking pictures or counting people entering in the morning.

When you call (828-3324), Security Forces Air-men know someone is ready to report a crime in a MacDill neighborhood.

“It’s a dedicated hotline that allows the base populace to take a more active role in prevent-ing crime in their neighborhoods,” said Staff Sgt. Swen Swearingen, 6th Security Forces Squadron crime prevention NCO in charge.

It takes more than just Security Forces for the program to prevent crime.

“We need community involvement – that’s the only way this program will work,” said Samuel. “Report anything, whether or not it’s your own children or spouse. That’s why we make it anony-mous.”

Anonymity is a big part of having the separate line for callers.

“A lot of the times you’ll have the bystander effect,” said Swearingen. “You see something hap-pen and you’re just so shocked and worried about reprisal or the person committing the crime see-

ing you, and then you suffer for it.“Our main job is to prevent crime, not to get

anybody in trouble. We’re going to do everything we can to prevent it before it even happens.”

Security Forces Airmen review the calls each week to see if there are any trends in the crimes being committed.

“If we notice that there’s more vandalism, peo-ple’s cars being broken into in a certain area we’re going to take steps to prevent that,” Swearingen said. “A lot of people think military bases are 100 percent secure, that crime doesn’t happen at all on base and that’s not true at all.

“We see a lot of property stolen out of people’s cars just because they leave their door unlocked.”

In addition to a dedicated phone line, Opera-tion Crime Stop will help discourage burglary in the home and involves the owner marking their property with an identifying number.

Those wanting certain items registered can call to schedule an appointment to get their equip-ment engraved. The Tampa Police Department also offers assistance and is available for those who may not live on base and would like to regis-ter their valuables.

Operation Crime Stop kicks off at MacDill

NEWS/FEATURES

MISSION TEAMMATES

by Nick StubbsThunderbolt editor

The Sabalauski Air Assault School at Fort Campbell, Ky is one tough course, which is why several members of the Joint Communications Sup-port Element spent some time recently cramming for the demanding physical test.

Fifteen members of the MacDill-based JCSE’s 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sqaudrons traveled to Camp Blanding in Clay County, Florida to run through the ob-stacle course in preparation for Air Assault School, and 16 of their JCSE comrades joined them to challenge themselves. Capt. Ada Henandez, Fox-trot Troop commander, 2nd JCS, was there with some of her troops.

“It went very well,” she said, adding that the course was not only good prep for those heading to Air Assault School, but also a great test of skill and endurance for JCSE members who pride themselves on physical fit-ness and readiness for such challenges.

The JCSE members had an ace in the hole among them: a member of the unit’s Echo Troop who has been through the course, and who com-pleted Air Assault School.

“He demonstrated how to approach the obstacles and what you had to do,” said Hernandez. “It was good experience to have on hand.”

The course consists of nine stages. Participants must complete at least seven stages, including the first two, which are mandatory. Climbing rope, belly crawling under wire and operating at extreme heights are among the challenges on the course, said Hernandez, and if a participant has a weakness, it “becomes apparent.”

“If you have a fear of heights, you find that out right away,” she said.JCSE members dedicate a great deal of time to physical training, and

that paid off at Camp Blanding, Hernandez said.“They are in good shape to start,” she said. “(That’s) absolutely impor-

tant with something like this.”

JCSE members put to the test at Camp Blanding

(Above) Staff Sgt. Brett Majesky at the Weaver Ob-stacle. The weaver is exe-cuted by moving from one end of the obstacle to the other by weaving their bod-ies under one bar and over the next. (Right) Staff Sgt. Jose Cortes completes the last obstacle — “swing, stop and jump.” This ob-stacle is designed to give service members confi-dence in their physical abil-ities and develop agility.

Courtesy photos

MACDILL COMMUNITYEVENTS

FridaySurf’s Edge Club

Friday Bash! 3-7 p.m. Bar snacks and drink specials. $100 club card drawing, Bar Bingo - progressive cover-all and DJ.

Seascapes Beach HouseBeach on Fire from 4-9 p.m.

Fun “Fab” Fridays – BBQ dinner feature, DJ and trivia.

SaturdaySeascapes Beach House

Beach on Fire from 3-9 p.m. Sassy Saturdays – Live band, drink specials, complimentary hors d’oeuvres from 3-6 p.m.

SundayMacDill Lanes

Football Frenzy – Come out and watch the games from 1-8 p.m. Register to win prizes, club mem-bers receive $10 in food vouchers, food, drink and bowling specials!

TuesdaySeascapes Beach House

Beach on Fire 4-9 p.m. Texas Hold’em Tournament starts at 6 p.m. No entry fee. Win FSS gift cards. Chef’s choice dinner feature.

WednesdaySeascapes Beach House

Beach on Fire from 4-9 p.m. Wacky Wednesday Family Night – Kids eat for $3.99. Southern dinner.

Thursday Youth Center

Lights on afterschool and fall festival with free food, games, and lots of fun from 3-5 p.m.

Seascapes Beach HouseBeach on Fire from 4-9 p.m.

Thirsty Thursdays – Margaritas and karaoke. Mexican dinner.

Protestant servicesSunday - 11 a.m. - Contemporary Service Islamic servicesFriday - 1:30 p.m. - Muslim Prayer Service

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

Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - Mass

Call the chapel at 828-3621 for more information or visit the chapel web siteat http://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel.

CHAPEL SCHEDULE

Air Force photo

When driving, you can save gas by simply going the speed limit, as well as maintaining proper tire pressure. Better yet: try carpooling. Carpooling, even once a week, can save as much as 20 percent on commuting fuel costs.

PRT. Since I was already familiar with the Army supply system, I was designated as the supply sergeant. With this position, I was giv-en the responsibility to order proper amounts and types of supplies needed to conduct our missions, while staying within a tight budget. At first, the responsibility was a little over-whelming because I did not want to let my team down. If I messed up, we may not have enough ammo or food. To ease my anxiety, my leadership ensured I had the proper tools to get the job done successfully. My leadership recognized my hard work and effort, which made my job a lot easier.

I learned a lot throughout my deployment and it was a great experience. Much to my surprise, being deployed with other branches of service was not as bad as I thought it would be, and it built character. I believe all Airmen should experience deploying in a joint environment. Being deployed in a hazardous environment during freezing or rainy weather is an eye-opener. You quickly appreciate how well we have it in our outstanding Air Force.

THERE I WASFrom Page 3

Volunteer opportunity - Big For A Day Looking for 100 volunteers (Bigs) to mentor young children (Littles) between the ages of 5-15.

Mentoring runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 19. Volunteers will escort children around the instal-lation while attending multiple activities (lunch and shuttle service to various locations around MacDill will be provided). For more information or to volunteer, contact Master Sgt. Christopher Dehm at 828-8709 or christopher.dehm@us.af.mil by Oct. 17 with your name, unit, email address and phone number.

EFMP briefingThe MacDill Exceptional Family Member Program is hosting a briefing at the base theater,

Nov. 3. Sign up no later than Nov. 1. It is for families, childcare providers, physicians, educators and other supportive agencies, to increase awareness on special education law, IEP processes and Interstate Compact and Advocating. Pete Wright, an attorney that represents children with spe-cial education needs, will speak from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (lunch from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) Contact Kris Keyser at 828-0122, or email kristine.keyser.1@us.af.mil.

BRIEFS