Vol. 40, No. 51 Thursday, December 20, 2012

See page 10

Graphic by Tech. Sgt. Tanika Belfield

by Gen. Paul J. SelvaCommander, Air Mobility Command

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. — After years away, Ricki and I are overjoyed to re-turn to Air Mobility Command. It feels like we have come back home, just in time for the holidays.

To you, the more than 130,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian men and women who make up our Mobility Air Forces, we could not be more proud of your accomplish-ments. You have shown us that the impossible is possible. You’ve shown us that all we need to do is imagine what can be done and we can do it. It is the efforts of all of you that make it all work.

As we celebrate the season, we join Chief Kaiser and Debbie in asking a few simple

things. Please take a moment to remember our deployed Airmen and their families who are not able to be together for the holidays. And remember those in need, especially the families rebuilding their lives in the after-math of Hurricane Sandy and the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Because each person is important to the Air Force family, we have to take care of each other to make our mission -and our lives-successful. Please be mindful of those around you, keep them close in your thoughts, and help them feel cared for during the holidays.

Please remember that each of us has the right to be respected, and each of us also has the responsibility to respect others. I trust that in the spirit of this joyous season, we will all remember to be good wingmen, and con-tinue to care for each other.

COMMANDER’S CORNER

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.

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

Display advertising or classified advertising information

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

to the 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office, 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 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 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.

AMC commander: Home for the holidays

Prior to the Aircrew Standardization and Evaluation visit, the 91st Air Refueling Squadron training shop scrubbed more than 100 train-ing folders and training programs, to ensure compliance with Air Force instruction.

The inspection team noted the exemplary use of digital mediums, which allowed efficient use and access to training resources for stu-dents, supervisors and instructors. The ASEV team lauded the 91st ARS training shop with an overall Excellent score.

6th Air Mobility Wing shout-outs

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

Gen. Paul J. Selva

DEAR WING MA’AM: The holidays are coming. This was a difficult year for me. I’m feeling anxious about how I will be able to balance work, my new relation-ship, seeing my family and staying afloat financially this season. Every year around this time I start to feel the pressure of not having enough time to get everything ac-complished. Any tips on how to keep my cool? ~ Tom Turkey

DEAR TOM: Society tells us we are supposed to look forward to the holidays as a happy time of fellowship and cheer. What happens to many people is they feel overwhelmed, rushed and tired. These feelings

can turn into the holiday blues. Feeling stressed out and depressed can be prevented.

This year, try being more reasonable with your time. Decide what events are a priority to you and organize your time accordingly. Avoid overbooking yourself and stick to a schedule. Over indulging during the holidays will exacerbate your depression. People who are depressed should not drink alcohol because it is a depressant.

Additionally, part of feeling blue is dependent on the lens you view the world through. Is the sky partly cloudy or partly sunny? Is the glass half empty or half full?

Lastly, try to give yourself a break by participating in some mental or physical activity that you enjoy.

Take a Zumba class, get a deep tissue massage, go to church, bike ride down Bayshore Boulevard or take your dog to Fort DeSoto Park. Infuse your life with activities that give you a better perspective on what is important in your life!

This was a difficult year for me

Dear Wing Ma’am is written by Capt. Christy Cruz, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Wing Ma’am works as the Family Advocacy officer and clinical therapist at MacDill AFB. If you

want to ask Wing Ma’am for advice, please send your questions to 6MDOS.sgoh@us.af.mil. Let-ters are kept anonymous. Rights are reserved to edit published letters for style and length.

Not every question can be answered. This col-umn seeks to educate readers and should not be used as a substitute for seeking professional assistance.

Your T-bolt Today

Briefs: page 6 News to know

NEWS/FEATURES

News/Features: page 10

Holiday joy

News/Features: page 12 Holiday hours of operation

Community: page 17

Events, Chapel, more...

Week in photos: page 4

Week in photosby 1st Lt. Roberta Parker99th Air Refueling Squadron

I knew from the day I joined the Air Force that I would be tasked to deploy. I just never knew that I would have so much fun doing it. While it was difficult being away from my hus-band and missing the birth of our dog’s eight puppies (they were so cute). I had an incred-ible experience on my first deployment to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. I learned a great deal, interacted with incredible people and was im-pressed by how much the base had to offer to keep me entertained.

I became mission ready on the KC-135 in June and deployed by the end of August. On this trip, I was fortunate that both my aircraft

commander and boom operator were experi-enced with more than 8,000 combined flight hours and would keep me out of trouble.

Unfortunately, trouble found us soon enough, as I’m sure it does for every deployment. With a handful of flights under our belt, we had a string of emergencies. After having mainte-nance issues and rushing to a spare tanker for an on-time departure, our gear wouldn’t raise. We unfortunately could not complete the mis-sion and someone was sent in our stead, but I would much rather prefer gear that wouldn’t rise over gear that wouldn’t lower. We also had an issue with our radios all going out, forcing us to yell at each other in the dark.

After completing a full day of refueling in the Area of Responsibility and flying back to base, we suddenly lost all of our navigation systems. In an instant we reverted from a multi-functional navigation system with pin-point precision capability, to that of the first airplane flown by the Birmingham Air Na-tional Guard – the JN-2 Jenny. All that was available to us was an airspeed indicator, a magnetic compass and a clock.

See THERE I WAS, Page 14

MacDill Services Fri 21 Dec Sat 22 Dec Sun 23 Dec Mon 24 Dec Tue 25 Dec6th Force Support Squadron Family Day Christmas DaySurf’s Edge Club 1500-1900 Closed Closed Closed ClosedChild Development Centers 0630 - 1800 Closed Closed 0630-1500 ClosedFamily Child Care 0830-1730 Closed Closed Closed ClosedHuman Resources 0730 - 1530 Closed Closed Closed ClosedResource Management 0730-1730 Closed Closed Closed ClosedFitness Center 0430-2300 0600-1800 0600-2300 0600-1800 ClosedGolf Course 0630-1730 0630-1730 0630-1730 0630-1400 ClosedGolf Course Snack Bar Grill 0630-1330 0630-1330 0630-1330 0630-1330 ClosedBowling Center 1500-2200 Closed Closed Closed ClosedInformation, Tickets & Travel: Leisure Travel

0900-1700 Closed Closed Closed Closed

Tickets Only 0900-1700 Closed Closed Closed Closed

Library 0900-1700 0900-1700 Closed Closed Closed

SeaScapes 1100-2100 1500-2100 Closed Closed ClosedDiner’s Reef Cont. Breakfast Brunch/Supper 0530-1900 0630-1900 0630-1900 0630-1900 0630-0930

Midnight Meal TraditionalChristmas Meal

1030-1900

Midnight Meal Midnight Meal Midnight Meal Midnight Meal Midnight Meal

2300-01000 2300-0100 2300-0100 2300-0100 2300-0100Veterinary Clinic 0800-1600 0800-1600 0800-1600 Closed ClosedOutdoor RecreationMarina 0700-1700 0700-1700 0700-1700 Closed ClosedBuilding 60 1000-1800 1000-1500 1000-1500 1000-1500 ClosedSkeet Range 0800-1400 0800-1400 0800-1400 Closed ClosedMain Pool Closed Closed Closed Closed ClosedYouth CenterPreteen 1200 - 1800 Closed Closed Closed ClosedTeen 1200 - 1900 Closed Closed Closed Closed

School Age 0630 - 1800 Closed Closed 0630-1800 Closed

Arts & CraftFraming & Engraving Shops 0900-1700 Closed Closed Closed ClosedAuto Shop 1100-1900 Closed Closed Closed ClosedWood Shop 0900-1700 Closed Closed Closed ClosedMilitary Personnel Section 0730 - 1530 Closed Closed Closed ClosedCivilian Personnel Section 0730 - 1530 Closed Closed Closed ClosedBase Education Office 0800 - 1600 Closed Closed Closed ClosedAirman & Family Readiness Center

0800 - 1600 Closed Closed Closed Closed

‘There I was...’First deployment an incredible experience

News/Features: page 6

Airman & Family Readiness

“I became a more confident copilot, made some new incredible friends, and gained a valuable perspective on the importance of my role in the Air Force.” - 1st Lt. Robeta Parker

WEEK IN PHOTOS

Staff Sgt. Debra Rojas, 6th Medical Support Squad-ron medical material journeyman, waits as Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver, au-tographs a shirt.

Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver, speaks with Airmen from the 6th Medical Group during a meet and greet at MacDill Air Force Base, Dec. 11.

Master Sgt. Jason Stiyer, 6th Civil Engineer Squadron Airman dorm leader, takes a photo of Staff Sgt. Jason Santiago, 6th Security Forc-es Squadron patrolman, and Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver, during a meet and greet at MacDill Air Force Base, Dec. 11. Jackson talked about his personal experi-ences with his family members who had served in the military, and thanked the Airmen for their service as well.

Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver, speaks with a group of Tinker El-ementary School students about fitness and healthy eating habits during his visit to MacDill Air Force Base, Dec. 11. Jackson is involved in a youth health and fitness campaign focused on increasing the wellness of young fans, by encouraging them to be active for at least 60 minutes a day.

Photos by Senior Airman Adam Grant

by Airman 1st Class Sarah Breer6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Service members and their family face unique challenges every day. The MacDill Air Force Base Airman & Family Readiness Center is here to help.

Don’t be fooled by the name, the A&FRC is

in place to help service members, retirees and family members, regardless of their branch of service.

Family is a huge part of life for most people. To support the diverse needs of families in the military, the A&FRC offers a variety of pro-grams such as the Exceptional Family Member Program, family readiness programs, quality of

life programs, play groups, a school liaison offi-cer and Military Family Life Consultants.

Elizabeth Waters, A&FRC Director, said working with customers of all developmental stages is her favorite part of working at the A&FRC, emphasizing how it is rewarding for her to help those who are in distress.

Events for families are held often, like de-ployed family events, “give parents a break” program and mock deployments for kids. De-ployed family events include activities such as a family skate night, bowling, or a meal. The CARES event is a mock deployment exercise put on for fifth graders at Tinker Elementary School each year.

Family events are some of the most impor-tant the A&FRC host, said Tech Sgt. Tashiana Sanders, A&FRC readiness NCO.

“The family events we hold bring people to-gether and allow families to become closer,” Sanders said. “Events let families know about all of the resources we offer in a low stress, ca-sual environment.”

An A&FRC opened in the Brandon area be-cause numerous service members and their families live in that community, Waters said.

Together, the A&FRCs are ready to take care of the needs of military members across the services and their families.

Spouses of military members are cared for as well.

The Air Force mandates a Key Spouse Pro-gram is established at each base. Each unit on a base has at least one spouse who represents them in the Key Spouse group. Their main job is to make sure spouses know they are taken care of, especially when members are deployed.

The A&FRC also offers the Heartlink pro-gram for new military spouses in all branches. Heartlink’s goal is to teach new spouses about all of the resources available to them and their families. Childcare is provided during the meet-ings.

In addition to assisting families and spouses, the center offers career and transition assis-tance. Newly arriving service members can bor-row a variety of items from the loan locker until their household goods shipment arrives. Those moving to or away from MacDill can utilize the relocation assistance program. Members leav-

NEWS/FEATURES

See A&FRC, Page 9

Airman & Family Readiness Center here to help

by Airman 1st Class Sarah Breer6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Airmen who live in the dorms experienced firsthand how much the MacDill Air Force Base community cares for them Dec. 12.

Operation Dookie Drop, organized by a com-mittee of the MacDill Military Officer Spouse’s Club members and spearheaded by Marta De-Thomas, MOSC adviser, took place to give Air-men a taste of home during the holiday sea-son.

After Thanksgiving, the MOSC began asking for Team MacDill to donate cookies to give out to Airmen living in the dorms, said DeThomas.

Team MacDill answered the call for cookies in force. Hundreds of cookies in many variet-ies, shapes and sizes lined tables in MacDill’s dining facility as dorm Airmen lined up to fill their bags with baked goods.

Airmen chose as many cookies as they want-ed from the wide selection to enjoy for the holi-days.

Many military members live far from family and friends. The holiday season can be a lonely one. Part of the purpose of the cookie drop was to show Airmen living in the dorms that, while they are away from home, people still care.

“It is amazing that people take time out of their day to do something for the Airmen in the dorms,” said Airman 1st Class Ashley Holimon, 6th Medical Group ophthalmology technician. “A lot of the time we feel neglected. It is the same thing day in and day out for us. It shows the pride people have in us by what they are doing for us in the holiday season and through-out the year. It makes us feel like we are home again, as if our parents just baked us cookies.”

Smiles filled the room at the DFAC as Air-men filled their bags and talked with other Airmen, senior Air Force members, members of MOSC and volunteers.

As Airmen left the cookie drop they were given letters from the Tampa community, col-lected by the Red Cross.

For five years the Florida West Coast Red

Cross has been collecting donations of letters from the community to give to military mem-bers who are deployed and at their home sta-tions, said Jill Valenti, Florida West Coast Red Cross board member. Community members write to military members. Children write and draw pictures for military members. Groups gather letters from their members to donate.

“One woman starts writing letters at the beginning of the year and writes all year,” said Valenti. “When she is finished she brings around three hundred letters to us to give to military members.”

Senior Airman James Godsey, 6th Air Mobil-ity Wing fire protection office, said he enjoyed being able to gather cookies.

“Cookies are my kryptonite,” he said while holding a bag of goodies bursting at the seams.

Events like the cookie drop and letters from community members are an indication of the support the MacDill and Tampa communities have for military members, especially during the holiday season.

MacDill shows dorm Airmen it cares with cookie dropNEWS/FEATURES

ing the military and spouses can use the transi-tion and employment assistance programs and career building workshops.

There are many other services offered by the A&FRC that can be used by members and their families. A resource center with comput-ers, printers, scanners, fax machines and much more is available.

There is a Single Airmen Program available to service members who live on and off base. The group does social activities throughout the month.

A legal assistance program and a casualty as-sistance program are also offered.

“Members need to come in and tour the place,” said Waters. “Sit down and have a talk with a staff member to really learn about what we offer.”

In addition to offering many services, the A&FRC provides competent expertise.

Every member of the staff has valuable ex-perience, Sanders said. Each member has life experiences that help them know how to help people that come in, be it military experience, a spouse or child of a service member, or being a civilian working with the military.

To work at the A&FRC, each staff member has to be competent in all areas of the program, and an expert in at least one.

For example, Sanders is the readiness NCO. She knows a lot about preparing for and mak-ing it through a deployment. She can get family members through a deployment smoothly. She knows how to transition back into life after a deployment. She is the resident expert on readi-ness.

The staff is knowledgeable and is able to help people with most of their needs.

If the center doesn’t offer a service, then the A&FRC will refer members to where where it is provided, said Waters.

Any service member who needs something should stop by the A&FRC, because chances are, there is a program or service available to help with any need.

A&FRCFrom Page 6

In support of federal holidays and AMC family days, there will be no patient care for anyone in the MacDill and Brandon medi-cal facilities Dec. 24, 25, 31, and Jan. 1. Call 827-9930 or 827-9210 for more info. For emergency care, visit the nearest emergency room.

Clinic holiday closings

Photo by Airman 1st Class David Tracy

Members of the British Armed Forces serve refreshments during the annual Coalition Night at MacDill Air Force Base, Dec. 6

Photo by Senior Airman Melissa Paradise

Staff Sgt. Dennis Danone, United States Central Command member, his wife Nicole and their son Dominick, 6 months old, pick out Dominick’s first holiday tree during the Trees for Troops event at MacDill Air Force Base, Dec. 11.

Photo by Airman 1st Class David Tracy

Airman 1st Class Cornelius Bransah, 6th Aerospace Medicine Squadron public health technician, places a wreath on a veteran’s grave during Wreathes Across America Day and Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Fla., Dec. 15.

Christmas cheer for all

Photo by Senior Airman Melissa Paradise

Staff Sgt. Dennis Danone, United States Central Command member, his wife Nicole and their son Dominick, 6 months old, pick out Dominick’s first holiday tree during the Trees for Troops event at MacDill Air Force Base, Dec. 11.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Linzi Joseph

Airman 1st Class Vincent Vitek and Hardrick Houston, 6th Security Force Squad-ron entry controllers, collect cookies during Operation Cookie Drop at MacDill Air Force Base, Dec. 12.

Photo by Airman 1st Class David Tracy

A group of women perform a traditional Spanish Flamenco dance during the annual Coali-tion Night held at MacDill Dec. 6.

Christmas cheer for all

MacDill Services Fri 21 Dec Sat 22 Dec Sun 23 Dec Mon 24 Dec Tue 25 Dec6th Force Support Squadron Family Day Christmas DaySurf’s Edge Club 1500-1900 Closed Closed Closed ClosedChild Development Centers 0630 - 1800 Closed Closed 0630-1500 ClosedFamily Child Care 0830-1730 Closed Closed Closed ClosedHuman Resources 0730 - 1530 Closed Closed Closed ClosedResource Management 0730-1730 Closed Closed Closed ClosedFitness Center 0430-2300 0600-1800 0600-2300 0600-1800 ClosedGolf Course 0630-1730 0630-1730 0630-1730 0630-1400 ClosedGolf Course Snack Bar Grill 0630-1330 0630-1330 0630-1330 0630-1330 ClosedBowling Center 1500-2200 Closed Closed Closed ClosedInformation, Tickets & Travel: Leisure Travel

0900-1700 Closed Closed Closed Closed

Tickets Only 0900-1700 Closed Closed Closed Closed

Library 0900-1700 0900-1700 Closed Closed Closed

SeaScapes 1100-2100 1500-2100 Closed Closed ClosedDiner’s Reef Cont. Breakfast Brunch/Supper 0530-1900 0630-1900 0630-1900 0630-1900 0630-0930

Midnight Meal TraditionalChristmas Meal

1030-1900

Midnight Meal Midnight Meal Midnight Meal Midnight Meal Midnight Meal

2300-01000 2300-0100 2300-0100 2300-0100 2300-0100Veterinary Clinic 0800-1600 0800-1600 0800-1600 Closed ClosedOutdoor RecreationMarina 0700-1700 0700-1700 0700-1700 Closed ClosedBuilding 60 1000-1800 1000-1500 1000-1500 1000-1500 ClosedSkeet Range 0800-1400 0800-1400 0800-1400 Closed ClosedMain Pool Closed Closed Closed Closed ClosedYouth CenterPreteen 1200 - 1800 Closed Closed Closed ClosedTeen 1200 - 1900 Closed Closed Closed Closed

School Age 0630 - 1800 Closed Closed 0630-1800 Closed

Arts & CraftFraming & Engraving Shops 0900-1700 Closed Closed Closed ClosedAuto Shop 1100-1900 Closed Closed Closed ClosedWood Shop 0900-1700 Closed Closed Closed ClosedMilitary Personnel Section 0730 - 1530 Closed Closed Closed ClosedCivilian Personnel Section 0730 - 1530 Closed Closed Closed ClosedBase Education Office 0800 - 1600 Closed Closed Closed ClosedAirman & Family Readiness Center

0800 - 1600 Closed Closed Closed Closed

HOLIDAY HOURS

While I appreciate the challenge and nostal-gia that comes from navigating off such basic instruments, 20 miles from Iran, I’d rather not. While I was frantically searching my checklist to find what procedure applied, (despite the hours of experience, no one on our jet had seen this issue) my aircraft commander requested that the two F-15s 20 miles ahead of us turn around and navigate us home. Upon finding the appropriate checklist, we were able to re-sume our own navigation home. Those F-15s probably didn’t think much of turning around, but we were grateful for their help.

It is easy to think that the KC-135 does not have a glamorous mission when compared to fighters and bombers. After all, I’m not shoot-ing missiles, dropping bombs or gathering in-telligence vital to daily operations. I’m serving a support function that enables other jets to fly.

But then there are times when I realize how important our mission is. My first flight in the AOR we were re-tasked to refuel two F-16s that, due to weather, were below their bingo fuel and would not be able to make it home. My father, who flew the F-111 and F-16 before he retired in 1993, assured me that the back side of a tanker is sometimes the most beauti-ful site he’s ever seen. Based on the email of thanks from the lead F-16 pilot that day, I’d say they felt the same way.

At home station, while there is a desire to meet our scheduled receivers, a broken jet can sometimes slow us down or even prevent us from taking off. In a deployed environment, I’ve learned that a cancelled sortie not only affects the entire day’s mission but can nega-

tively affect the troops on the ground. In a way this is a circle of support. I won’t be able to provide gas to the fighters supporting ground troops if maintenance doesn’t fix the jet, if ser-vices haven’t provided lunch for my 10 hour mission, or if Host Aviation Resource Manage-ment doesn’t provide me with flight orders. No one is a one man show in the Air Force and ev-eryone requires the support of someone else.

When the time came for the deployment to come to a close I was more than excited. The day before our flight home we started mission planning and discovered we would have HR (human remains) on our flight. Learning about this addition immediately changed my outlook on our return flight. It put into somber per-spective the importance of our mission and the risks people take. I speak for my entire crew when I say it was an honor to fly those two Ar-my soldiers and their escorts out of the desert and home to their final resting place.

When all was said and done during my two month deployment, I left with 150 combat hours in the KC-135, doubling the amount of hours I had built up at home in the preced-ing four months. I became a more confident co-pilot, made some new incredible friends, and gained a valuable perspective on the impor-tance of my role in the Air Force.

On top of all of that, I was there to see the civilian clothes come to Al Udeid, a milestone for many. And while Qatar is nowhere near one of my top travel destinations, I’m looking for-ward to my next deployment, which I expect to be even better now that I know exactly where the ping pong tables are.

THERE I WASFrom Page 3

Congratulations to the newest NCO Academy Class 13-1 grads:

6th Contracting Squadron Lakeisha Gamble

6th Operations Support Squadron Patrick Gray

Joint Communication Support ElementChristian Hayden Nicholas Hoppe

U.S. Central Command Nicholas Hoppe

6th Maintenance SquadronBenjamin Schramm

6th Medical Support SquadronSharonda Waldon

Distinguished Graduates Christian Hayden

Newest NCO Academy graduates named

McClelland Avenue, east of Marina Bay Drive, will be closed to allow work trucks to move excavated fill dirt across the road between Jan. 7 and Jan. 12, during the hours of 6 a.m. and 5 p.m.

McClelland east of Marina Bay Drive will be closed completely Jan. 21 through Jan. 26 for installation of a culvert under the road.

McClelland Avenue closure

MACDILL COMMUNITYEVENTS

21-29 DecMacDill Lanes

Kids Bowling Special $1 a game, $1 shoes.

FridayBay Palms Golf Complex

South Course Re-opens. Make your tee time today! 840-6904

Boomers Bar & Grill Friday Bash! 3-7 p.m. Bar

snacks & drink specials! Guaran-teed $100 club card drawing, Bar Bingo, and DJ!

SaturdaySeascapes Beach House

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

MacDill LanesPool Tournament at 4 p.m. $5

entry. $100 returned in prize fund. Sign up at front desk.

TuesdayDiners Reef Dining Hall

Christmas Meal from 10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Mark Your Calendar… January 2 – New Year 5K Run

at 7 a.m. at the Fitness CenterJanuary 2 – Red Cross CPR/

First Aid, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bran-don A&FRC

Adult, Infant, and Child CPR and First Aid Certification Course. Cost for course TBA; will advise participants as soon as cost is confirmed through Red Cross. Participants need to bring their own lunch and cash payment for the instructor. To register for this course, contact the A&FRC Bran-don at 813-655-9281.

Protestant servicesSunday - 11 a.m. - Contemporary ServiceSunday - 9:30 a.m. - FamCamp 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

Stepping upCol. Scott DeThomas, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, and Tech. Sgt. William Widener, 6th AMW command chief executive, tack on the rank of Master Sergeant to the only Stripes for Exceptional Performers selectee in the 6th AMW, Master Sgt. Kim Widener, 6th Dental Squadron NCO in charge of reception and records, Dec. 12 at MacDill. The Air Force STEP program selects less than 200 out-standing Airmen each year, to be instantly promoted to the next rank.

Photo by Senior Airman Senior Airman Melanie Bulow-Kelly

by retired Col. William Graham

Thank you for supporting our Retiree Appreciation Day on Oct. 20. Next year, we plan to host the RAD event sometime in November. Tax filing for 2012 is now the next event on our calendar.

The tax class for training RAO tax preparers and volunteers has been scheduled for Jan. 7 for two weeks. We will begin taking appoint-ments for tax filing Jan. 14. Remember to call the tax appointment line at 828-0248, as these appointments fill up quickly.

We will start tax preparation service Feb. 4. If the RAO did not pre-pare your tax return the previous year, you will need to bring a copy of the return you filed for that year. Should you have a problem with someone using your tax information, do not hesitate to call the Social Security Administration at 1-855-722-3506.

You may have been aware that you will receive a cost-of-living ad-justment of 1.7 percent on all your government pay (retired pay, Social Security, VA, SBP) on Jan. 1. Those of you on the basic SS rate (people having income less than $85,000 per person or $170,000 per couple)

will see an increase of $5 per month on your Medicare Part B. If you are in a higher income bracket, your increase will be $42 per month.

Walgreens is still not accepting prescriptions from Express Scripts (your mail order prescription service). You are encouraged to use The Mail Order Prescription system. Prescriptions can also be filled at the MacDill AFB pharmacy or the MacDill clinic in Brandon. The MacDill prescription service is one of the largest in the Air Force. Thousands of prescriptions are filled weekly through this service.

The MacDill Optometry Care office located in the Army and Air Force Exchange Service mall is available for your eye care needs. You can get eye exams and prescriptions at this office by calling 840-1161. Walk-in hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

TRICARE for Life beneficiaries or active duty military can get one free exam per year. However, there is a $20 fee for those who need a refraction test (Medicare does not cover this). TRICARE Prime benefi-ciaries get an eye exam every two years.

The MacDill AirFest 2013 featuring the Blue Angels is scheduled for April 6 and April 7. We will have more details for you in the coming months.

May all of you enjoy the holiday festivities with families and friends. We wish you a safe and happy forthcoming New Year.

NEWS/FEATURESRetiree Activities OfficeA message from the director