=VS 5V Thursday, July 6, 2017 - macdillthunderbolt.commacdillthunderbolt.com/070617/McNews070617.pdf · =VS 5V Thursday, July 6, 2017 ... an Air Force-wide initiative, squadron revital-

Tampa Bay Times | Thursday, July 6, 2017 | 1THU

Thursday, July 6, 2017

2 WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Thursday, July 6, 2017 MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE

The Action Line provides two-way communication between the 6th Air Mobility Wing commander and the MacDill community. Per-sonnel may submit questions, concerns or comments via email to [email protected].

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COMMENTARYMobility Airmen,

On July 4th 1776, our founding fathers em-barked on one of the greatest democratic ex-periments in human history. They stood firm for what they believed and offered their lives as sacrifice for the freedoms they cherished. Today I am proud to stand next to you as we defend those freedoms. The resolute spirit, sparked by our founding fathers so many years ago, burns bright in the hearts of those who love our coun-try and enjoy its freedom today. You are an im-portant part of the unbroken line of patriots that

has defended that freedom for over 241 years. I encourage you to pause for a moment this

weekend and think about the importance of why we serve. While spending some well-earned time relaxing with your family and friends, keep the more than 4,500 Mobility Airmen that are cur-rently deployed in your thoughts. Come back to work rested and recharged because our mis-sion never stops and the sun never sets on AMC. Thank you for your dedication and service to Air Mobility Command and to our great nation.

Together, we deliver Rapid Global Mobility Now and Tomorrow!

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT Thursday, July 6, 2017 WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM 3

NEWS/FEATURES

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.— As part of an Air Force-wide initiative, squadron revital-ization teams visited Scott Air Force Base and Air Mobility Command June 22 to 23.

It was one of 20 visits planned across the Air Force from February to August 2017. These vis-its are driven by Airmen to promote best prac-tices, identify areas of improvement and provide opportunities to discuss constructive ideas that would be applicable to all squadrons.

The squadron revitalization plan is composed of four phases.

The first phase involves a study into the prior climate, its readiness and data gleaned from In-spector General reports and retention rates.

In January 2017, a survey was sent to 65 thousand Total Force Airmen as part of phase two. The survey, which was also sent to former squadron commanders, provided part of the in-formation that helped to create what Brig. Gen. Stephen L. Davis, squadron revitalization team lead, considers to be “quick wins.”

These were solutions that led to changes such as an increase in first sergeant authorizations,

a command support staff increase by 1,600 over the next five years, Air Force-level squadron commander and superintendent training, and delegating waiver authority to squadron com-

manders for reenlistment without PME completion. The third phase focuses on in-person inter-

views and focus groups to find targeted ideas

With so many different types of individuals serving in the U.S. armed forces, it’s no wonder that many of them have special talents hidden away.

For Airman 1st Class Tristian Bieller, a Base Honor Guardsman, and personnel specialist assigned to the 6th Force Support Squadron, magic tricks and illusions help him build rela-

tionships with service members while perform-ing his duties as a personnel specialist and Base Honor Guardsmen.

It all began three years ago after Bieller watched a friend of his perform a simple card trick.

“My buddy showed me a card trick, and all I could feel was shock and awe about what had happened,” said Bieller. “At that moment, I wanted to learn how to make other people feel that same thing.”

Since first seeing his friend perform, Bieller has extended his knowledge base by constant-ly practicing, while also performing for service members throughout his career.

“I performed for a major general in the Army while we were waiting to make him a new Com-mon Access Card,” said Bieller. “For him, I took five blank blue cards and transformed them into a royal flush of five red cards.

He recalled another impromptu performance:“Another time I took two Airmen and had one

pick a card and the other hold an orange; I then

MAGIC, Page 13

- Airman 1st Class Tristian Bieller

REVITALIZATION, Page 14


WEEK IN PHOTOS


While most people were planning barbecues and festivities this past Memorial Day, Maj. Robert Simmons, 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Medical Service Corps officer, marched 40 miles alongside 80 veterans and patriots, from Pomona, California to the Riverside National Cemetery to bring awareness to the veteran suicide rate.

“Twenty two a day, according to a Veterans Administration report; 22 veterans commit suicide each day,” said Simmons. “One is too many!”

The participants who gathered at sunset for the fourth annual ruck march, organized by the Veteran Suicide Awareness Project, Riverside, California, were asked to carry at least 22 pounds in their rucksacks, one pound per daily suicide.

“This hits home for me; Tech. Sgt. Evita De la Cruz, one of my troops from a former unit, is a widow of an Army soldier that committed suicide.” said Simmons. “Once I found out she was one of the organizers for this march, I wanted to be part of it; I wanted to show her my support; that was three years ago.”

Along with the weighted rucksack, participants also carry a small flag with a photo and the name of a service member who committed suicide.

MARCH, Page 11

NEWS/FEATURES


NEWS/FEATURES

Many people are dazzled by the beautiful sights common to the United Kingdom, and would jump at the chance to visit the patchwork fields and elegant country gardens, or some of the cities like Liverpool and Oxford.

For one Airman, the chance to follow his grandfather’s footsteps and serve in the United States armed services was more enticing.

Senior Airman John Jordan currently serves as a crew chief on KC-135 Stratotanker Aircraft at MacDill Air Force Base. He is also a member of the Base Honor Guard program, which allows him to see different aspects of the Air Force, while simultaneously developing himself as a professional and as an Airman.

His grandfather was one of the many reasons he decided to dedicate his time and service to the country that gave them both so much.

“My grandfather was a lieutenant in the United States Army in 1958,” said Jordan. “I want to commission eventually and follow in his footsteps.”

He had to finish school first and decide if that was the right decision.

“When I finished school in the UK, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life,” said Jordan. “Then I started thinking, and real-ized I wanted to serve in the U.S. military and get in touch with my American heritage.”

Jordan takes pride in every aspect of his job as a maintainer, as well as his duties in the Base Honor Guard.

“Being a crew chief, we spend a lot of hours working, but the results are extremely satisfy-ing when we see our aircraft take off,” said Jor-

dan. “On top of that, being in the Base Honor Guard has really reaffirmed the choice I made to join by showing me the bigger picture of ser-vice and sacrifice, while teaching me that those who served before us are just as important.”

Jordan has hopes and goals to serve his coun-try to his greatest ability while learning the true meaning of service and sacrifice.

“Being part of the Honor Guard, they have to spend a lot of time away from home in or-der to provide the funeral honors,” said Master Sgt. Angela Wright, NCOIC of MacDill Honor Guard. “I think he has also mastered the lesson of resiliency, because he has to be prepared for a detail at any moment’s notice.”

Serving his country means not only making his family proud with his individual accomplish-ments, but making his country proud.

“My grandfather is extremely proud of me joining,” said Jordan. “He actually pushed for me to join the Air Force instead of the Army, because he said I would have better opportunities here.”.

For Jordan, joining the Air Force has also in-spired a member of his family to follow in his footsteps.

“I think joining has inspired my brother to be a part of something bigger than himself,” said Jordan. “He is going to join as soon as he fin-ishes school.”

Jordan says his goal is to continue to strive for improvement in his career and personal life by soaking up the knowledge he receives now and passing it on later down his path.

“Coming to the United States, I believe, has changed my life for the better,” said Jordan. “It has opened a lot of doors and avenues that I could pursue, and it’s the best way I can serve my country.”



Olympic archers Khatuna Lorig and Vic Wunderle held an archery camp at the Youth Center on MacDill Air Force Base June 19-23.

This event was part of a summer program consisting of camps and activities designed to improve and maintain the physical, social and mental well-being of the youth.

“When we received the opportunity to come and teach archery to the kids, we jumped at the idea,” said Wunderle. “We gave them a good in-troduction to the sport, as well as our perspectives of life as an Olympic athlete and what it takes to excel in both sports and life.”

The students learned how to properly hold a bow by determining their dominant eye and selecting the appropriate gear to match. The domi-nant eye is more accurate in aiming and judging distances, which makes it more important than hand-dominance when it comes to shooting ar-rows.

After selecting suitable equipment, the children learned how to as-sume the correct shooting stance, which is positioning the body perpen-dicular to the target with feet shoulder-width apart before pulling the

string toward the face, drawing back and releasing the arrow.“You could see the difference between Monday and Friday,” said Kayla

Johnson, a child and youth program assistant at the Youth Center. “You could actually see their progress and how they learned to encourage their teammates; I was proud of them.”

Wunderle believes archery may provide more than sport.“Archery teaches a lot of life values to the kids,” said Wunderle. “It has

been found that on days when they have it in school, there is higher at-tendance, better participation, and the kids score higher on test scores because it helps with their focus.

“There’s a lot of great benefits for youth to get involved in sports in general, and especially archery.”

Wunderle, a three-time Olympian and 44-time national champion who has been shooting since the age of 5, hoped to impart the importance of respect, eating healthy, and education during his time with the students.

“I’m hopeful that many of them took home some good lessons and some good values that they can carry on to help them become better peo-ple in life,” said Wunderle. “If I can be a positive influence to these kids, I would consider this camp a success; I have big hopes that they will go on and do great things.”




“For the last two years I have carried Army Sgt. Shawn “Ranger Smurf” Reilly, who deployed to Afghanistan and committed suicide in 2011,” said Simmons. “This year I de-cided to also carry a photo of Air Force Staff Sgt. Zachary Barton, who deployed to Qatar, was stationed at Ellsworth AFB and committed suicide in 2013.”

As the ruck-march progressed and darkness set in, the group spread out. Simmons, an avid marathon runner, pulled ahead of the group and soon found himself alone with his thoughts.

“Throughout the night, I thought about what could have possibly been going through their minds to make them want to commit suicide and leave behind family and friends that way,” said Simmons. “As a corporal with the Riverside Sheriff Department in California for 19 years, I have seen many suicides and cannot help but think about the tragic circumstances that would cause someone to do that.”

Simmons completed the 40-mile march in just under 13 hours, and plans to continue to participate for as long as his legs will allow.

“To me the all-night ruck march symbolizes the darkest hours of an individual considering suicide who has made it through the night with either prayer, encouragement from others, or even the help from a complete stranger. “As the sun comes up, they have persevered to find the strength to carry on, even if for just one more day; that is why I do this every year.”



shuffled the deck in front of everyone and he placed the card back in the deck,” Bieller said. “At that point I took the orange, cut it open and inside was the chosen card.”

Performing magic tricks has allowed Bieller to become more comfortable in the presence of high-ranking service members while providing a way to interact with all service members he works with.

“I personally believe it has helped my confidence by per-forming in front of people,” said Bieller. “It has improved my social and speech skills, along with my ability to relate to individuals to make them feel more comfortable in a strange environment.”

Bieller continues to dazzle people with his ability to perform complex magic tricks flawlessly with little to no preparation.

“Bieller is a great Airman; he always wows his peers with his magic tricks,” said Senior Airman John Jordan, a Base Honor Guardsman, and a periodic inspection crew chief assigned to the 6th Maintenance Squadron. “On top of that, in the workplace he is always striving to improve not only himself but also the rest of us.”


and solutions through field visits conducted by a core team of six people and teams of 25 major command representatives comprised of Total Force Airmen.

The team is disciplined in their data collection process to make sure an issue is fully understood before making recommendations.

“We’ve had great engagement from Airmen of all ranks and we really value their contribution,” said Chief Master Sgt. Robert Stamper, revital-izing squadrons lead chief. “They came ready to give their input and are critical to this endeavor of revitalizing the squadrons.”

Along with these interactions, a web-based, crowd-sourced platform allows Airmen across the Total Force to submit insights into the current challenges they face, along with recommended solutions.

“We’re going to talk to thousands of Airmen as we go to all ten MAJ-COMs, including the Guard and Reserve, however we won’t be able to vis-it with every single person across the Air Force,” said Davis. “Our crowd-sourcing idea website allows every Airman to provide ideas and to vote and comment on ideas proposed by others.”

The first challenge featured on the website, posted in March and closed in June, averaged 3,000 views per day, with more than 600 ideas and 16,000 votes.

A second set of challenges is already on the website. This set address-es higher headquarters support to squadrons, centralized/decentralized

support to squadrons, job-specific training, improving feedback and hav-ing the option for an open ideas forum. Information gathered from the interviews and focus groups will provide the data for phase four. As the core team for squadron revitalization starts creating solutions, they will bring in members of the MAJCOM representative teams to help in the process.

“These are not all quick fixes,” said Stamper. “Some initiatives will take several years. While more difficult, they are really going to set us up for success and how the Air Force will operate in the future.”

The core team is working with the Air Force Survey Center to place specific questions in the Total Force Climate Survey to help gauge how squadrons are doing as this moves forward.

“Squadron revitalization is not a destination, it’s a journey,” said Davis. “It’s about always striving for our squadrons to be the best that they can be and not losing sight that they are the core unit of the Air Force.”

Air Mobility Command is also addressing squadron revitalization through the Aviation Retention Task Force.

Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II, Air Mobility Command commander, stood up the task force to generate, collect and build upon innovative ideas in addressing the pilot and maintainer shortage. The ultimate goal is to in-corporate AMC recommendations into Headquarters Air Force initiatives to achieve aviation manning, mission accomplishment and readiness.


COMMUNITY

For all other faith groups or for any questions, please contact the Chapel by visiting http://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel or calling 828-3621

Surf’s Edge ClubMembership Breakfast from

6:30-9 a.m. Club members free; non-members: $7.95. Call 828-1466.

MacDill Lanes & Family Fun Center

Glow-A-Rama Family Fun Night from 5-9 p.m. 50-cent games for all bowlers under the age of 15. DJ, prizes and PizzaRama Buffet. Adult: $11.95 • 9-12 yrs: $5.99 • 8yrs & under: $2.99 • Sundae Bar: $1.99 (kids free) Call 828-4005.

Customer Service ID CardOpen 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. on a walk-

in basis to service the first 50 customers to assist with getting a new/updated ID cards. Call 828-6673.

MacDill Lanes Watch for free UFC 213 Gar-

brandt (c) vs. Dillashaw. Doors open at 9 p.m. Fights begin 10 p.m. “Smack Down Chow Down” food specials. Club member exclu-sive deals. Call 828-4005.

Base TheaterFree movie. “Smurfs: The Lost

Village” (PG). Doors open at 1:15 p.m. Movie starts at 2 p.m. Over-flow parking available in the SO-COM parking garage.

Base TheaterFree movie. “Fantastic Beasts

& Where to Find Them” (PG-13). Doors open at 1:15 p.m. Movie starts at 2 p.m.

Base TheaterFree movie. “Life” (R). Doors

open at 6:15 p.m. Movie starts at 7 p.m.

www.macdillfss.com


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