Vol. 42, No. 25 Thursday, June 19, 2014

News/Features: page 3‘There I was...’

News/Features: page 3Polyglots Airman

Week in photos: page 4Images from MacDill

News/Features: page 14MacDill then and now

Community: page 20Events, Chapel, more...

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany Liddon

Members from the 6th Mission Support Group participate in a two-minute ammo can lift during the Marine Combat Fitness Challenge at MacDill Air Force Base, May 30. The challenge consisted of a half-mile run, two-minute ammo can lift and a maneuver under fire course.

Semper Fi-tness - page 12

by Lt. Col. Sharon Gober6th Medical Operations Squadron commander

Each day we make choices. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross states, “I believe that we are solely responsible for our choices, and we have to accept the consequences of every deed, word, and thought throughout our lifetime.”

In making decisions about my own career and family planning, I have been reflecting on this topic and challenge you to do the same. Force shaping, deployments, busy schedules, unemployment, professional military educa-tion, classes, promotions, raising children, cooking dinner, cleaning the house, staying connected with family and friends—the list of demands on us is endless. Sometimes it is overwhelming to think about how we are go-ing to achieve all the tasks on our lists or how we can maintain balance in our lives. So I challenge each of us to make positive, healthy choices. Our motivations should stem first to improve ourselves, then for those we love who surround us, and finally, for our coworkers and colleagues, who may actually be influenced to make better choices themselves after observing our behavior.

One of the first choices we make is attitude. Each day, I challenge you to choose a positive attitude. In the words of Martha Washington, “the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon

our circumstances.” The reality is that we can-not control all of our circumstances; therefore, it becomes critically important to approach each day with a positive attitude. Slowing down, taking a deep breath and methodically working through circumstances will go a long way in choosing to overcome negativity or chal-lenges in life.

Some of you, however, will say that you just don’t have what it takes. We often get wrapped up in worry that we aren’t as talented as the next person or that the circumstances we face are just too much. However, in the conver-sational banter of good friends as written by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter is called out by his friend: “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” Con-sistent, reliable choices make us who we are and give us results, far more than our capabili-ties. Choose to work hard, choose to eat well and choose to augment your life with a balance of hobbies, loved ones and mindful meditation. The sum of our choices adds up far more than the initial gifts and talents we start with.

Finally, I challenge us to be content. From a quote attributed to Buddha, “health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, and faithfulness the best relationship.” While I don’t want to use this to be an excuse to slack on achieving goals, I also believe that there are many times when our envy results in the belief that others or other circumstances are always better. I challenge you to appreciate what you have, acknowledge your success, and

know when you have done your best. When we consciously choose to do what is right and with a positive attitude, we may just find that our abilities far exceed our wildest dreams. It is then that we can feel fulfilled and at peace with where we are in our lives—we can ac-cept our choices. At the end of the day, “one’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes... and the choices we make are ultimately our responsi-bility.” (Eleanor Roosevelt)

MacDill ThunderboltPublisher: Bill BarkerEditor: 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.

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Display advertising or classified advertising information

may be obtained by calling (813) 259-7455. News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submitted

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, 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 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.

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 record-ing service is provided so personnel may submit questions, concerns or comments. Call the Action Line at 828-INFO (4636) or email macdillwing-commander@us.af.mil.

Website: www.macdill.af.mil

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MacDillAirForceBase

MacDill on the web

ChoicesCOMMENTARY

Lt. Col. Sharon Gober

NEWS/FEATURES

by Senior Airman Sean Brown91st Air Refueling Squadron

There I was, making a mad dash with my co-pilot to the dining facility to grab food for a mission with an unknown duration.

We had just been alerted and told to stand by for our take-off time. This wasn’t my first time being deployed to The Transit Center at Ma-nas, Kyrgyzstan; I had been there earlier that year in the spring. As a boom operator on a KC-135 Stratotanker, it is my job to fly the boom on the back end of our aircraft into another aircraft’s receptacle for aerial refueling. The KC-135 operates with a crew of three: aircraft command-er, co-pilot, and boom operator. On most deployments a crew does practi-cally everything together including flying, eating and other activities just to keep each other entertained. In a way, your crew becomes your deployed family because you look out for each other.

After our dining facility raid, we returned to the aircraft to find that we didn’t need to rush at all. Our take-off time wasn’t for another hour. My crew decided to get back in the 15-passenger Chevy van we rode in. Even though the heat was on full and max blower, it still wasn’t an effec-tive countermeasure to the frigid temperatures produced during Janu-ary. Before my deployment, I would always ask people who had deployed during the winter months at Manas how cold it actually got there. Each person would give the same facial expression and just respond with “cold.” I now completely understand the facial expression they gave and their response of what “cold” really meant. We planned on absorbing as much heat in the van before going back onto the bitter cold aircraft.

‘There I was...’

See ‘THERE I WAS’, Page 21

by Senior Airman Melanie Bulow-Gonterman 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

University of Alaska Anchorage Chancellor Edward Lee Gorsuch once said, “Learning a for-eign language not only reveals how other societ-ies think and feel, what they have experienced and value, and how they express themselves, it also provides a cultural mirror in which we can more clearly see our own society.”

For Senior Airman LadyCiara Eime, 6th Comptroller Squadron command support staff, learning languages has become second nature.

Eime was born and raised in the Philippines, speaking Tagalog, which was the household

Courtesy photo

Senior Airman Sean Brown deployed to The Transit Center at Manas, Kyr-gyzstan as a boom operator in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As a boom operator on a KC-135 Stratotanker, it was his job to fly the boom on the back end of the aircraft into another aircraft’s receptacle for aerial refueling.

A polyglot Airman

See LANGUAGE, Page 16

U.S. Air Force graphic by Senior Airman Melanie Bulow-Gonterman

Senior Airman LadyCiara Eime, 6th Comptroller Squadron command support staff, was born and raised in the Philippines. She can speak six different languages to include Cebuano, Taga-log, Chavacano, Mandarin, English and Nihongo.

Hard work, long days, freezing temperatures: Great times

WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Airman Melanie Bulow-Gonterman

Col. Peter Santa Ana, 6th Mission Support Group commander, passes the guideon to Maj. Jenny Hanson-Brownfield, 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander, during a change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, June 11. Brownfield was previously stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.

Members of the 91st Air Refueling Squad-ron stand at parade rest as Lt. Col. Gene Jacobus, the new 91st ARS command-er, speaks during a change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, June 13.

Photo by Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr.

Photo by Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr.

Col. Brian Smith, 6th Operations Group commander, passes the guide-on to Lt. Col. Gene Jacobus, 91st Air Refueling Squadron commander, during a change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, June 13.

by Senior Airman Melanie Bulow-Gonterman 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

“It was the middle of the night and my moth-er came to wake me up.

“Upon waking up, I heard helicopters over-head and the sound of tank engines echoed throughout the city. It was scary at first be-cause I did not know what was going on, but once I saw the troops start patrolling the streets my nerves were put at ease.

“At that point, I viewed them as heroes,” re-called Staff Sgt. Arjune Haynes, 6th Medical Operation Squadron NCO- in charge of the Cardiology Lab services, reminiscing on his experience of living through “Operation Just Cause,” the U.S. invasion of Panama to over-

NEWS/FEATURESAirman keeps hearts beating

Photo by Senior Airman Melanie Bulow-Gonterman

Staff Sgt. Arjune Haynes, 6th Medical Operation Squadron NCO- in charge of the Cardiology Lab services, reviews images from an echocardiogram June 11 at MacDill Air Force Base. Haynes joined the Air Force in 2006. During his tenure, he has been a part of Operation Enduring Free-dom and has saved numerous lives. See HEART, Page 16

by Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr.6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Many readers would probably doubt that having a global positioning system mounted in their vehicles could be harmful in any way. Un-fortunately, the potential damage to your car is a danger that does exist; especially during the summer season.

A GPS is powered by what is called a lithium battery. When exposed to extreme heat, this battery can overheat and eventually explode.

The reason why? The inside of a car can reach up to 138 degrees Fahrenheit in just 90 minutes. That is definitely not far-fetched con-sidering how high the temperatures can get

here in Florida. It is very common for people to install a GPS

in their vehicles and not remove it from the car when it is parked for an extended period of time. It’s a habit that can lead to a disaster, and it also applies to cell phones, tablets, digi-tal cameras, and other devices that use lithium batteries.

The damage that these batteries can do to your car is a serious, but they also can be life threatening. The potential of injury to an indi-vidual and their family members getting into a vehicle just as the battery has reached its boil-ing point should not be taken lightly.

All in all, the safety of the driver and pas-sengers is the number one priority, but avoid-ing the stress of paying the costs of repairs or replacing the vehicle altogether, is something to consider, as well.

So continue to be safe, be smart, and be sure to remove that GPS from the car if you’re plan-ning on leaving it for an extended period of time.

Summer car safety: GPS can do harm as well as goodNEWS/FEATURES

Courtesy photo

The damage that lithium batteries in a GPS can do to your car is a very serious matter. In ad-dition to damage to the automobile, they can also be life threatening for a driver and pas-sengers if they enter a vehicle just as an over-heated battery is reaching its explosion point.

The inside of a car can reach up to 138 degrees in just 90 minutes. When exposed to extreme temper-atures, a lithium battery in a GPS can explode.

by Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr.6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

It is not an everyday occurrence to receive a letter from a former pres-ident of the United States and his family requesting that something be donated on their behalf. Steve Angelozzi, a retired federal Department of Defense employee with 33 years of experience with the U.S. Navy, re-ceived one such honor.

Angelozzi, a New Jersey native, was given the privilege of donating a rocking horse to the base chapel at MacDill Air Force base, on the behalf of former President George W. and First Lady Laura Bush. What makes this even more special is that Angelozzi built the rocking horse with his own two hands.

“I built my first rocking horse in 1988 for my 2-year-old son and am in the process of building my 41st now,” said Angelozzi. “It normally takes 50 or more hours to make, so I spend about two or three hours a day within a five week period.”

Many people will wonder how Angelozzi even came into contact with President and First Lady Bush.

“I am very fond of the Bush family,” said Angelozzi. “So I decided to write them a letter expressing my desire to donate horse number 39 to the president and first lady’s newly born granddaughter, Mila.”

To the surprise and excitement of Angelozzi, a response letter came back to him. The letter stated, unfortunately, that they were unable to accept the gift but donating it on their behalf would make them very ap-preciative.

Angelozzi decided he would give it to the nursery in the MacDill base chapel, to be available for any children who would like to play with it.

Currently, Angelozzi has donated 8-10 rocking horses to various peo-ple and places, to include a wounded warrior, an honor flight here in Florida, Operation Shoebox, and several charities in Virginia.

“I enjoy building them; I do it as a labor of love,” said Angelozzi. “I give them to charities and good friends who are expecting grandchildren.

“I hope it gets put to good use…I’m pretty sure it will.”

NEWS/FEATURESMacDill base chapel receives donation from President Bush

Photo by Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr.

Steve Angelozzi, a retired federal Department of Defense employee, poses with the rocking horse he donated to the base chapel at MacDill Air Force Base, June 12. Angelozzi donated the rocking horse on behalf of former President George W. and First Lady Bush.

Tech. Sgt. Sharicus Banks, 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron, drags Senior Airman Jadene Bowers, 6th LRS, during the 10-yard casualty drag portion of the Marine Combat Fitness Challenge, May 30 at Mac-Dill Air Force Base.

Senior Airman Jared Arledge and Tech. Sgt. Marc Arthurs, 6th Communications Squad-ron, throw simulated grenades during the Marine Combat Fitness Challenge at MacDill Air Force Base, May 30. Participants received more points for throwing the simulated grenades into the center of a tire.

1st Lt. Amanda Urban, 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron, participates in the low crawl during the maneuver under fire course as part of the Marine Combat Fitness Challenge at MacDill Air Force Base, May 30. The maneuver under fire course consisted of a low and high crawl, 10-yard casualty drag, 75-yard fireman carry, 75-yard ammo can carry, and throwing a simulated grenade.

Photos by Staff Sgt. Brittany Liddon

Semper Fi for a day

Senior Airman Samuel Perry, 6th Communications Squadron, carries two 30-pound ammo cans during the maneuver under fire course portion of the Marine Combat Fitness Challenge.

Staff Sgt. Michael Olbrecht, 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron, carries Tech. Sgt. Kurt Kienzle, 6th LRS, during a 75-yard fireman carry, one of the several components of a Marine Combat Fitness Challenge at MacDill Air Force Base, May 30. The chal-lenge helped promote esprit-de-corps, U.S. Marine Corp. perspective, fitness and fun among the Airmen of the 6th Mission Support Group.

1st Lt. Amanda Urban, 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron, participates in the low crawl during the maneuver under fire course as part of the Marine Combat Fitness Challenge at MacDill Air Force Base, May 30. The maneuver under fire course consisted of a low and high crawl, 10-yard casualty drag, 75-yard fireman carry, 75-yard ammo can carry, and throwing a simulated grenade.

Photos by Staff Sgt. Brittany Liddon

Semper Fi for a day

An early model B-17C Flying Fortress sits outside then Hangar Two at MacDill Air Force Base, circa summer 1941. Similar early versions of the Flying Fortress were later placed in a large train-ing pond on base to teach flight crews how to escape aircraft that had ditched in water. The first primary mission of MacDill during World War II involved training Airmen to fly and operate bomber aircraft.

Photo provided by retired Air Force Master Sgt. Denny Cole/Sam Massey collection in the University of South Florida

Photo by Retired Air Force Master Sgt. Denny Cole

THEN AND NOW

Sometime in the early 1990s, the hangars were re-numbered. Hangar Two became Hangar Five, which today serves as the primary facility for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-ministration’s aircraft.

language. Her mother and father, both from different cultural backgrounds, widened her language skills to include Cebuano and Chava-cano, native tongue of her father, and Manda-rin, her mother’s native language.

Growing up she dreamed of coming to the United States and fulfilling the American dream, so she began to save her money. Her mother and father encouraged her to invest her money and time in education because once that was complete the possibilities for their little girl were endless.

“I always wanted to learn about different cul-tures and I love to travel,” Eime said.

Her parents instilled these words into her throughout her childhood: “You must finish a higher education for wisdom, it’s the only wealth that cannot be stolen or taken away from us.”

“My parents always told me that people who know more about other cultures are knowl-edgeable and know their way around life,” said Eime. “Learning their language is the best weapon you can use to battle the challenges that life may bring you.”

Eime’s expanded language tools in place, and with the small amount of money she saved and help from the Philippines president and an American telecommunications company, Eime earned a Bachelor’s of Science in international business administration and graduated Cum Laude.

After graduation, with no knowledge of the English language, a telecommunications com-pany moved her to St. Louis, Missouri, where she worked for a few years until an American motor company offered her a job as a trainer-supervisor. Due to her job responsibilities, she traveled to call centers in the Philippines, India and China. When the company downsized in 2007, Eime lost her job.

Eime did not know a single word of English when she came to the states. Her husband, pri-or U.S. Navy, learned Tagalog and helped her learn English. Within a year, she was able to have conversations with people without using her Tagalog/English dictionary.

“Learning different languages is the main key for you to understand their culture and will help you deal with different types of peo-

ple with different personalities, where you can work together to succeed,” said Eime.

It was not until her husband received orders to Japan that she immersed herself in the Jap-anese culture and learned Nihongo.

In March of 2011, she made the decision to join the Air Force. A week after meeting with a recruiter, she was shipped to basic where she was assigned a job as a personnelist.

“Knowing six different languages has defi-nitely enhanced my Air Force career,” said Eime. “It has allowed me to relate with the diversity of people in the military as well as see problems and solutions from different perspectives.

“These perspectives are accompanied by the heuristics that define how individuals search for solutions which strengthens our force.”

Eime hopes to commission and is currently waiting to hear if she has been accepted into the Nurses Enlisted Commissioning program.

“Growing up in a family of languages has been a major stepping stone in my success,” Eime said. “Through perseverance and hard work, I was able to fulfill my ultimate goal of living the American dream.

LANGUAGEFrom Page 3

throw the military dictator of his country, Manuel Noriega.Haynes, a native of the Republic of Panama, was 9 when this event

occurred. He knew from that day forward that his destiny was to be an American Airman.

“After surviving Operation Just Cause and realizing the impact that this mission brought to my country, I felt I needed to give back to the nation that saved my country,” said Haynes.

Haynes came to America in 2000 with high hopes of pursuing his dreams of joining the military. He met with a recruiter who gave him a practice Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, which he did not pass. He studied for a couple months and went to take the actual ASVAB, but to his disappointment he did not pass.

“At that point I became very discouraged and convinced myself that

it was not for me,” said Haynes. “I gave up on my dream and started working a medical technician job in Staten Island, N.Y.”

After a friend came to visit him and reminded him why he came to the U.S., Haynes decided to give the Air Force another shot. This time he passed the ASVAB and started his journey in the Air Force on Sept. 16, 2006, as a cardiopulmonary craftsman.

One distinctive encounter he had with a patient was when he was the first to respond to a Code Blue (inpatient emergency). He arrived at the scene and the patient had no pulse. He used a defibrillator and oxygen to stabilize the victim, who was then transported to Tampa General Hospital.

During his tenure, he has supported Operation Enduring Freedom and has saved numerous lives.

HEARTFrom Page 6

NEWS/FEATURESby Staff Sgt. Brittany Liddon6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

It’s summertime and the kids are out of school for the next three months; it’s a perfect time to take vacation. However, don’t forget a few safety tips when planning your summer travels.

Before hitting the road for your summer vacation, preparing the vehicle is just as im-portant, if not more important, than preparing yourself. Making sure your vehicle has been serviced and is ready for the trip is one of the first things you should make sure you do dur-ing the planning phase of your trip.

Having an emergency kit and some extra water in the car can only help the process. It is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

Always be aware of other drivers on the road. You may be well rested and safe on the road, but you have to make sure that you are aware of other drivers as well.

It’s a known fact that summer is hurricane season in Florida. When planning your trip, and along the way, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to frequently check the weather conditions.

Simply following the rules and using risk

management can decrease accidents and im-prove safety. Summer is a great time for fam-ily and friends to come together and create

lasting memories. Utilizing simple safety tips can help keep everyone safe and out of harm’s way.

Summer travel safety

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany Liddon

MacBones, 6th Air Mobility Wing safety skeleton, sits in a car, ready for summer travel at Mac-Dill Air Force Base, June 12. When preparing for travel this summer, make sure to check your car or have it serviced to prevent any potential complications during your travel.

Job Title: Military justice paralegal

Hometown: Millport, Ala.

Short-term goals: Complete 5-Level CDCs with at least a 90 EOC score

Long-term goals: Earn Master’s Degree in the criminal justice field

Advice to others: Never think that you are finished learning something. There is always knowledge to gain from others. Also, do not rely on others to make your ca-reer successful. No one cares about your career more than you do.

Role model and why: My mother, Susan. She is a retired Master Sergeant in the Air Force. As I was growing up she taught me many things about the Air Force. Having room inspections since I was 10 years old prepared me for some of the military way of life. I believe that since my Mom was in the Air Force, it gave our family some structure and a “bigger picture” that we were proud of and are still proud of today.

Staff Sgt. Jessica L. Bauer6th Air Mobility Wing judge advocate

DIAMOND SHARP

MACDILL COMMUNITY

Protestant serviceSunday - 11 a.m. - Contemporary Service Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - FAMCAMP Service

Islamic serviceFriday - 1:30 p.m. - Muslim Prayer Service

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

Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - Mass

Monday-Thursday - 12:10 p.m. Mass

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

EVENTSFridaySeaScapes Beach HouseLive Music. Crab Night. 3-8 p.m. The everyday bar menu is also available from 4 p.m. until close. Buckets of... •1lb. snow crab legs, 1lb. shrimp $17.50 • 1lb. snow crab legs, 1/2lb. shrimp $13.65 • 1lb. snow crab legs $9.75 • 1lb. shrimp $9.50 • 1/2lb. shrimp $6.50 *All portions are served with Old Bay potatoes and corn, melted butter • Pitchers of beer $4.

SaturdayFamarama BowlingFun starts at 5 p.m. Kids bowl for $1.50 a game from 5-8 p.m. Food specials; Call 828-4005 to reserve your lane.

Seascapes Beach HouseSteak-n-Date Night served from 5-8 p.m. Creole seasoned or black-ened rib eye with garlic roasted potatoes, fresh vegetable du jour and crispy French bread and but-ter $15.95. Add a house salad with your choice of dressing $1.95. Ask about our dessert and drink spe-cials.

Saturday-SundayBase PoolRecreational swimming 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

TuesdayMacDill Lanes & Family Fun CenterSingle Airman Lunch & Bowl from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Free games and shoes.

ThursdayBase TheaterFree movie: “Saving Mr. Banks” at 5:30 p.m. Everyone welcome and feel free to bring your own food and drink.

Rockin’ itSteve Angelozzi, retired federal De-partment of De-fense employee, and rocking horse number 39 pose for a picture with mem-bers of the 6th Air Mobility Wing cha-pel at MacDill Air Force Base, June 12. Angelozzi do-nated the rocking horse on behalf of former President George W. and First Lady Bush.

Photo by Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr.

CHAPEL SCHEDULE

The air-to-air refueling mission, in support of ground troops in Af-ghanistan, had been flown out of the Transit Center for over a decade. In the aerial refueling community, this expeditionary location became a home station away from home station. Just before Christmas, the com-mander explained the official base shut-down sequence. We were identi-fied as one of the last eight crews to continue Operation Enduring Free-dom missions until the mid-February end date.

From the driver’s seat of the van, I was admiring the towering snow-capped mountains that surrounded the base. I’ll never know why my mind put everything together at that moment, but it did. I realized this deployment would be far more memorable than the previous. As my eyes

moved down from the mountains, they caught a glimpse of the cold, bleak landscape that was the base. With less military aircraft occupying ramp space and removal of HESCO barriers daily, it began to look bare. Other than realizing I needed to start taking pictures of this place, I fi-nally had that, “whoa, I won’t ever be coming back here” feeling.

Events are relative to each individual. To some, a description of a grim, bare base during freezing months would not seem rewarding. To me though, all the hard training, long days, and cold temperatures were worth what I will forever be able to say I was a part of. My crew was part of the end of an era.

‘THERE I WAS’From Page 3

Military spouses holding seminar for office seekers In Gear Career for Military Spouses and Military Spouse JD Network will co-host the second Homefront Rising event in Tampa, June 19. This is a one-day intensive seminar that provides military spouses with the information and resources needed to pursue roles in local, state, and na-tional politics. For details and media passes for the event, contact Homefront Rising by

email at hfr@hfrising.org or by visiting their website at http://hfrising.org.

Vacation Bible SchoolThe MacDill Air Force Base chapel is hosting a free ecumenical Vaca-

tion Bible School for ages 3 to 8th grade June 23 to 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the chapel.

BRIEFS