Vol. 39, No. 45 Friday, October 29, 2010 Halloween Photos - page 14 Photo and graphic by Senior Airman Linzi Joseph COMMANDER’s CORNER More Team MacDill standouts by Col. Lenny Richoux will focus on community best practices, lessons 6th Air Mobility Wing commander learned and the way-ahead for the Tanker community. If you attend the conference, share Last week the 927th Air Refueling Wing and what you you’ve learned with those who were 6th Air Mobility Wing team completed a gener- unable to attend. ation exercise to test our readiness capabilities. Last week I came back from Phoenix Rally During our exercise we were inspected by a held at Scott AFB. Phoenix Rally is AMC/CC’s group from Air Mobility Command Operations Commander’s Call for AMC’s Expeditionary Directorate, and expectedly, the after-action Mobility Task Force commander, Wing-level comments and suggestions from our inspecting commanders and AMC staff. We talked about visitors were some of the best I’d heard in my ways to operate in a constrained fiscal environ- career. You all are doing an outstanding job, ment and best practices gained from opera- and your hard work with training and readi- tions such as the Haiti earthquake response. Col. Lenny Richoux, left, speaks with Staff Sgt. ness were reflected during the exercise. Re- One theme that was emphasized over and over Justin Smelker, as Airman 1st Class Justin member, this wasn’t the final exam; it was the again was analog leadership…caring for one Worcester looks on. mid-term. Keep it up! another on and off the job. Many of our fellow I want to recognize 6th Security Force Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines are un- Society for Clinical Pathologists conference in Squadron’s Amn 1st Class Curtis Gardner der a lot of stress. Let’s take care of each other, San Francisco. who I recently coined, and Staff Sgt Daniel especially as the holidays approach. Mr. Bert Gore recently completed Air Com- Sprague and Senior Airman Jay Pee Espe- Kudos to the 6th Medical Group’s Senior mand and Staff College, an 18-month program, jo from 6th Operations Support Squadron for Airman Jonathan Flanagan for his selec- in 14 weeks. He serves as Laboratory Man- their stellar performance during the exercise. tion for the Diamond Sharp Troop Award. Fla- ager for Clinical Laboratory Services at the 6 Many of our base members and I will be at- nagan is a Medical Laboratory technician cur- Medical Group. tending the Airlift/Tanker Association Conven- rently assigned to the Brandon Clinic. He has Thanks to the greatest Air Mobility Wing on tion and Symposium this weekend. Seminars also been selected to attend the 2010 American the face of the planet! COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE Q: Why has CentCom taken over the com- leviate this problem? protocols, the 6th Mission Support Group, missary and retireee affairs parking areas? - Marge Moore Security Forces Squadron and other base On three different occasions during the past agencies are enforcing punitive measures on month I tried to shop at the commissary and A: To the concerned those who are using Commissary and AAF- after driving around the parking area for 15 spouse, thank you for your ES parking, but aren’t shopping inside the minutes gave up and went to Publix. I called Action Line submission. facilities. the commissary and was told that there were MacDill AFB does not have The rule is: The first parking offense is re- few shoppers inside. a readily available resource corded. The second offense results in a 30- As the wife of a retiree the commissary of personnel to constantly day suspension, and the third offense is a represents quite a savings on groceries and monitor Commissary and one-year suspension of on-base driving privilege. to be unable to shop there because of no AAFES retail store park- All personnel are being informed about available parking spaces is not acceptable. ing lots. The 6AMW and USCENTCOM are the consequences of violating the standing Surely parking was considered when build- working with DOD officials to construct parking guidelines. The standing guideline ing the new CentCom facility? a long term parking solution. In the mean for parking is that all parking slots with the Parking is going to only get worse as our time, we rely on personal integrity to ensure exception of designated rows (marked center visitors from the “frozen north” arrive for personnel park in appropriate locations. For rows) in the Commissary and AAFES park- the winter months. What can be done to al- those who choose to violate agreed-upon ing lots are reserved for customers only. Congratulations to the following selectees and alternates for Maj. Alex Millman, 6th Medical Support Squadron their selection to attend Developmental Education for the Sum- Maj. John Kelley, 911th Air Refueling Squadron - alternate for Inter- mer of 2011: mediate Developmental Education Primary Designee for Air Command and Staff College Lt. Col. Jamie Dermer, 6th Operational Support Squadron - alternate Maj. Ben Retzinger, 6th Maintenance Operations Squadron for Senior Developmental Education NNEEWWSS//FFEEAATTUURREESS Your T-bolt Today Commentary Suicide: when it hits home NEWS/FEATURES: page 4 by Lt. Col. Nathan H. Johnson even saw my sister. I guess that’s understand- ‘There I was’ 6th Medical Support Squadron commander able given my age and the circumstances of her death. I always wondered what was going Oct. 30, 1977 on in her life that would make her commit sui- NEWS/FEATURES: page 4 was like most cide. As a squadron commander, I try to use other Sundays. my experience to help others pay attention to Retiree appreciation LSU had beaten family and squadron mates and point to the Ole Miss the night devastating effects of suicide on the family. before. I didn’t I wish I could have just once talked to my NEWS/FEATURES: page 10 do my homework sister, but people can’t return from the grave, that was due the or at least that is what I thought until several Cyber security next day. My im- weeks ago. mediate future My father passed away in late August. Part was a trip to of my responsibility as one of three surviv- NEWS/FEATURES: page 15 church, see my ing sons was to clean out his house. Going friends there, and through all the old pictures brought back a lot Article 15s return home for My sister Kate, 1977 of memories. My brothers and I talked more the big NFL game about Kate in a three-day period than in any of the day, the other time of our adult lives. On my last day NEWS/FEATURES: page 18 Saints vs. the Rams. of cleaning, I started sorting through a desk Everything was great, I was 9 years old, in my father’s room. This desk was an area MacDill Airman AMC Icon and I was the king of my universe. We even that the kids were never allowed to touch. On got out of church early. When I got home, I top of this desk was a dusty notebook with a jumped on my bike, rode up to the convenience yellowed cover, and in cursive writing: “Kate NEWS/FEATURES: page 20 store and bought the latest Batman comic. I Johnson.” had just enough time to return home before It was the diary of the last two months of kickoff. When I returned, I saw a police car at my sister’s life. Although I knew it would be Proper disposal of medicine my house. No big deal, I thought. My brother emotional, I decided to read it. Within the had probably been illegally riding his motor- pages of that 33-year-old notebook, I found cycle again. But I saw my mother on our front some things that I want to pass along, because COMMUNITY: page 25 steps and she looked upset. I can still remem- it’s not often we get too peer into the mind of ber her words, just like it was yesterday, “Your someone thinking about suicide. Events, movies, more... sister seems to have killed herself.” With that Suicide minus 54 days – In referring to her short statement, my life changed forever. best friend, she said “I love you!” On being Annual Women’s Health Seminar To me, my sister Kate was unmatched in at School, “God, it’s lonely here.” On her older Luncheon Wednesday beauty, smarts, and friendliness. She took brother, “I don’t know what I would do without me everywhere. When she went on a date, I him.” On missing home, “Mother called me. I sometimes came along. Her friends were my guess she was a little bit worried. I love her The annual MacDill Health and Well- ness Center/Memorial Hospital of Tampa friends! so much – especially when I’m away.” seminar will be held Wednesday from 11:30 In the late summer of 1977, Kate went off Suicide minus 52 days – I love me brother a.m. to 1 p.m. at Maggiano’s Little Italy, 205 to college. I was sad, but was happy a month so much. I love it here! Westshore Plaza, Tampa. or so later when she returned home. I didn’t Suicide minus 51 days – My algebra teacher The keynote speaker is Eric Harrison, really understand why she came home, but I is so nice; I’ll even make it in Algebra! M.D., national director of advanced cardiac was happy. I don’t remember all that much Suicide minus 49 days – It’s getting to be imaging - Iasis Healthcare director, USF/ about the next couple of months, only that more like home now every day. Met Mike at Memorial Hospital Cardiac Imaging. Also very rapidly we had a funeral. My mother was the gas station, I hope we’ll start to date be- speaking is Barbara Nedervelt, advanced placed in a mental institution, and instead of fore too long. nurse practitioner, women’s health, Mac- coming home to family after school, I went to a Suicide minus 47 days – I love my Chemis- Dill. family friend’s house. try class. My dream this quarter is to make Seating is limited. Call the HAWC 828- I do not remember the last time I talked or See COMMENTARY, Page 6 4739 for a reservation. NEWS/FEATURES ‘There I was’ Deployment filled with crucible moments by 1st Lt. Gilberto Perez ney began with a monthlong pre- cal equipment in the combat zone 6th Air Mobility Wing deployment training at Ft Dix, makes every link critical. There NJ, where I was learning various was great satisfaction and sense Welcome to some insights from skill-sets in preparation for my of purpose in knowing I was able my first deployment. My com- deployment. I worked as a battle to secure reach-back capability to mander notified me in November, captain in the Joint Network Op- my brothers and sisters at arms 2009 that I was deploying to Ba- erations Control Center-Afghani- throughout the battlefield. gram Afghanistan in support of stan (JNCC-A), where I facilitated In a joint environment, I re- Operation Enduring Freedom. I command and control through the ceived a first-hand view of each was grateful for the opportunity delivery of voice, data, and video service’s unique attributes. How- to serve the United States, a coun- networks to combat forces. The ever, foundational values of integ- try that has given my family so lack of communication redun- 1st Lt. Gilberto Perez much. In January 2010, my jour- dancy and dependency on tacti- See THERE I WAS, Page 20 RETIREE APPRECIATION DAY - Mark your calendar ! Saturday, November 13, 2010 has been designated Retiree Appreciation Day by Colonel Lenny J. Richoux, 6th Air Mobility Wing Commander at MacDill Air Force Base. Colonel Richoux invites military retirees of all service branches to visit MacDill AFB on this special day to acquaint themselves with benefits and services available at various base facilities. Please refer to the schedule of events below for details. New this year: Representatives from the 6th Force Security will be present to introduce DBIDS and to register ID cards for retirees and their dependents. Retiree Appreciation Day 2010 - Schedule of Events Time Events Location 7 A.M. to 1 P.M. Pay-as-you-go Brunch Base Dining Facility Hillsborough Loop Dr. Bldg 263 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. Wine Tasting Class Six Store 8 A.M. to Noon Health Fair (cid:214) Glaucoma screenings MacDill Clinic (cid:214) Cholesterol Measurements 3250 Zemke Ave. (cid:214) Blood Pressure Checks (cid:214) Health Care Symposium (cid:214) Flu shots (will be given depending on availability of flu vaccine) (cid:214) TRICARE (Clinic Atrium) 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. Pay Record Review (cid:214) DFAS representative will provide consultation Retiree Activities Office VA Benefits Survivor Benefits Legal Assistance 8 A.M. to 11 A.M. (cid:214) Wills – New or update Legal Office Walk-In service available for only 85 people – Come early !! 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. (cid:214) Powers of Attorney and general consultation Legal Office 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. ID Card and DBIDS Awareness (cid:9)Speakers from 6th Security Forces Squadron: Retiree Activities Office o Officer Reginald Henderson o SSgt Victor Ferreira (cid:214) ID card registration with DBIDS Retiree Activities Office (cid:214) ID Card Issue or Renewal Pass and ID - Building 373 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. Casualty Assistance Pass and ID - Building 373 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. Vehicle Registration Armed Forces Bank Information Booths in the Space-A Travel Base Exchange Food Court Retiree Associations (MOAA / TREA) Airman and Family Readiness Center Recreation Facilities Volunteer Coordinator Bayada Nurses Home Care Specialists Florida National Cemeteries American Military Retirees Association (AMRA) (cid:45)There will be prize drawings sponsored by the MacDill Class Six Store and the UPS Store. In addition, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service and Commissary will offer discount coupons and provide free refreshments. CoMMeNTARy From Page 3 straight A’s. Maybe it’ll come true! Suicide minus 46 days – Found out I have been going to the wrong English Class. That’s how bright I am. Met Brian in my Algebra class. I hope he asks me out. I am going to church tonight. Got a letter from Donna, I am so glad! Suicide minus 45 days – I am about to get everything straightened out. Suicide minus 42 days – I am taking a nap this afternoon. One day at a time sweet Jesus. Suicide minus 42 days – Brian asked me for my phone number, and he bought me some coffee! Suicide minus 40 days – Brian called and so we went out to get a coke. He’s different from all the other guys; he is the real loyal type. Suicide minus 39 days – Brian is very nice, but he wants to get serious. Suicide minus 37 days – I love my hometown! I was so glad to see Jan! Suicide minus 36 days – I went to see my dear friend, I don’t know what I’d do without her. Suicide minus 35 days – The pain I feel. The hurt, all part of growing up. I told Mama that I didn’t know how much I loved my family until I left them. Suicide minus 34 days – College is not right for me. I’ve wasted so much money. It’s all such a big mistake. But I’ll stay in my room until November 17th (17 days after suicide, the last day of class). God, please be with me. I’m not ever coming back to this place. It’s prison to me. PRISON. And I want out, so bad. Suicide minus 29 days – I was not very happy with my birthday. I’m eigh- teen years old and I have to grow up now. I bought two pair of blue jeans. Suicide minus 28 days – Sat by Mama at Church. Went to see Bonnie (grave of friend who died in car accident). It was so beautiful. Suicide minus 27 days – I am on a diet. The weather is beautiful. Suicide minus 9 days – Today I found out I was flying high. Suicide minus 8 days – Well, now if any is the time to face reality? What is reality? I guess it’s life. Life is looking for me – me for it. I’m eighteen with nothing pressing upon my shoulders. This is the biggest burden to bear. There are all kinds of possibilities for which my life may lead. Love – I want and need love desperately. But one must not look for love, love will find who it desires to find. Kate Johnson, who are you? What do you want? One day soon, we will all find out! Forgive Kate, please forgive. Please, Please, Please. It’s hard, so very hard. But I must continue. I must, I must. There were no other entries. Kate died of a self inflicted gunshot to the chest on Oct. 30. I am not a clinician, but there are several things I learned from reading Kate’s diary. First, there is always hope. In the early days of September 1977, Kate was full of optimism. I am impressed by how often she used the word “love” to describe her relationship with friends, family, home- town and school. Things can rapidly change from good to bad. I am not sure what hap- pened, but unmet personal expectations and disappointments are things we should not ignore, and ever forget the importance of professional help. I know Kate felt tremendous love from family and friends. This was a temporary situation that would certainly have been avoided with profes- sional help. Kate would have celebrated her 51st birthday this month. Please keep an eye out for your family and friends, and if you have or are thinking of harming yourself, please do yourself and your family a huge favor and seek help. This one small act of courage will pay divi- dends for generations to come. NEWS/FEATURES Cyber Security: everyone’s responsibility what can you and your family do? The first step is to be more aware – to understand what risks are out there. Dangers include viruses which can attack your entire sys- by Richard J. Smith tem – someone breaking into your system and altering files – someone 375th Communications Squadron using your computer to attack others – or a stranger gaining personal information about you or your family from a picture posted on Face- SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – October was Cyber Security Book. month across the United States. Although the term “cyber security” As individuals, the steps we need to take are clear, and they will sounds very high tech, it’s something everyone can and should under- make a big difference: stand. • Install and activate firewalls for your computer and internet con- Cyber Security involves protecting information online – everything nection from e-mail to cell phones, digital cable to airplane navigation, online • Make sure your anti-virus and anti-spyware software is installed shopping to medical records. Consider that from the time the telephone and up-to-date was invented in 1876 it took another 50 years for the first transatlan- • Check your computer settings to make sure your operating system tic phone call to be placed, and almost 80 years before all Americans and applications are automatically patched could even dial long distance. • Practice good online habits by not visiting suspect sites, down- By comparison, the first commercial web browser came out just over loading suspicious documents or attachments, or opening e-mail from 15 years ago, and today the vast majority of Americans are online, people you don’t know as are more than a billion-and-a-half people around the world. But • Back up your files regularly and use strong and secure passwords the very openness of the Internet, one of its great strengths, is also • Begin educating your children early about staying safe online. its greatest vulnerability. The 9/11 hijackers used travel sites to plan Every time you log on to a computer, we’re entering a cyber battle- their attacks. field. Equip yourself and your family with the knowledge to stay safe The federal government recently set up a cyber security department and secure. For more information, contact your organization’s infor- and is hard at work coming up with a plan to protect cyberspace – but mation assurance officer or the wing information assurance office at