happy thanksgiving! - photos page 12happy thanksgiving! - photos page 12 by col. matt molineux 6th...

Vol. 40, No. 47 Thursday, November 24, 2011

Photo by Senior Airman Linzi Joseph

Chief Master Sgt. Vicki Gamble, 6th Air Mobility Wing command chief, and husband Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Gamble, 6th Operations Squadron superintendent, enjoy an early Thanksgiving dinner at the Brandon Elks Lodge Nov. 17.

Happy Thanksgiving! - photos page 12

by Col. Matt Molineux6th Operations Group commander

I often ask myself what draws young Ameri-cans to join the military and once in the Ser-vice, what keeps them there. If we think about it, the vast majority of military members joined after 2001 so most were aware the nation was involved in an extended period of contingency operations and the deployment tempo was high. Therefore, there had to be some factor that kept young citizens signing up. I would suggest these standout Americans have the de-sire to serve and be a part of something larger than themselves.

In the Air Force, “Service Before Self” is one of the three enduring core values that distin-guishes our Airmen, Air Force civilians, and families from the rest.

That intrinsic quality deep in our being that motivates us to perform for our country, im-prove the processes within our units, and take care of our Wingmen is the fuel for innovation, efficiency and success that will ensure mission accomplishment in the austere fiscal environ-ment we find ourselves in. While I don’t sug-gest anyone in the past knowingly or intention-ally wasted resources, it’s critical today to find the most efficient way to accomplish our tasks in order to have enough to accomplish the mis-sion.

This isn’t a gloomy story about declining re-

sources. This is one of highlighting our greatest military resource — the people! Do you realize less than 25 percent of America’s youth is even “qualified” to join the Air Force? By the time all entrance requirements are met we are down to the precious few — the highest quality people the nation has to offer entering our Service. They are the top-notch patriots who have that spirit of service and teamwork required to suc-ceed.

When I took command of the 6th Opera-tions Group this summer I asked my Airmen to consider working within a specific priority cal-culus when approaching their daily tasks. The priority goes like this: nation, Air Force, and unit. We have to prioritize our resources, both time and money, to accomplish the tasks that will attain the nation’s priorities first, then those of the Air Force, and finally the unit’s. Any task we’re asked to do that does not con-tribute toward accomplishing these priorities is misplaced effort. Notice individual priorities aren’t included in these calculations. Is it that individual needs and priorities don’t count? Ab-solutely not.

Leaders at all levels are responsible for tak-ing care of their Airmen and Air Force civil-ians. Leaders look out for the priorities of those they supervise. Leaders ensure those under their care have the opportunity to develop to their full potential, get further education, and achieve their professional goals. Leadership at all levels —from airman to general — guided by the spirit of “Service Before Self” is what will guarantee the Air Force’s success.

So, when I reflect on the incredible gift of service the young patriots who voluntarily sign up in the Air Force provide, I remind myself to pause to appreciate that special quality that separates them from the rest. They have an-swered the “Call to Service” — to contribute to something larger than themselves. I am thank-ful for their commitment. I am aware of their sacrifice. And above all, I remind myself that their priorities are in my hands.

COMMENTARY

MacDill ThunderboltPublisher: Terry Jamerson

Editor: Nick Stubbs

The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by Sunbelt News-papers, Inc., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for distribution to members of the U.S. military services on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill Thunderbolt are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. government, the Department of De-

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

The appearance of advertising in this publication, in-cluding inserts or supplements, does not constitute en-dorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, 6th Air Mobility Wing or Sunbelt Newspa-pers, Inc., of the products or service advertised.

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

Display advertising or classified advertising information

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

ted to the 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office, Bldg. 25, MacDill AFB, FL 33621, or call the MacDill Thunderbolt staff at 828-2215. Email: [email protected].

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

Every article and photograph is edited for accuracy, clar-ity, brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Style-book and Libel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101.

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINEThe Action Line provides a 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 e-mail [email protected]

Answering ‘The Call’

Col. Matt Molineux,6th Operations Group commander

DEAR WING MA’AM: I’m new to the military and love it so far. I joined because I wanted to serve and liked the idea of be-ing a part of something big! I like my job and am happy I got MacDill AFB. Problem is, I am lonely. This is my first base and I don’t know anyone here. I haven’t seen anyone from my tech school and my spon-sor doesn’t even know I exist anymore. The folks at my work are cool but, they don’t invite me to hang out with them, because I am “under 21”--- so, they

leave me out. People here are not as friendly as they are back in my hometown. What can I do to meet some new people? ~New Kid on the Block

DEAR NEW KID: Welcome to the area! I can understand you are far away from your family and familiar surroundings. Trust me, we have all been there. Moving to a new assignment can be exciting but at the same time, you are starting from scratch with a new place to live and work, sights to see and new friends to meet. While connecting with others isn’t always easy, know that you can do it! If you like stay-ing fit, incorporate workouts into meeting new people at the fitness center (828-4496) . Get involved in a sport, join a league or participate in a group class such as spinning or Zumba! Another way to meet new people is to find others who like doing the same things you do. What

See WING MA’AM, Page 6

Your T-bolt Today

News/Features: page 12

Thanksgiving MacDill style


‘There I was’


SOCOM general retires

NEWS/FEATURES

Sports: page 18

Pigskin Picker


History comes home

This is my first base and I don’t know anyone

Dear Wing Ma’am is written by Capt. Christy Cruz, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Wing Ma’am works as the Resiliency Program man-ager and clinical therapist at MacDill AFB. If

you want to ask Wing Ma’am for advice, please send your questions to [email protected]. Letters 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 educated readers and should not be used as a substitute for seeking professional assistance.

by Lt. Col. James Dermer91st Air Refueling Squadron com-mander

Conducting air operations in today’s dynamic environment re-quires a total force effort and no weapon system throughout the Air Force has embraced this ethos as wholeheartedly as the tanker com-munity. While it is true the majority of KC-135 assets reside within the Air Reserve Component, it is the standardization of training and the one-team culture that enables all units to seamlessly integrate during contingency operations.

In March of 2011, a combined campaign led by NATO and numer-ous nations within the region began an operation to enforce a United Nations No-Fly Zone and ensure the protection of Libyan civilians from attack or the threat of attack. The operation which began as a US led effort quickly morphed from Operation Odyssey Dawn to the NATO led Operation Unified Pro-tector. Non-regime forces quickly

became aligned under a Transition National Council and set forward a path to remove their former ruler, Muammar Gaddafi, from power. In an effort to maintain its power, the Gaddafi regime used its military forces to crackdown on Libyan civilians. In return NATO orches-trated an aerial campaign to disable the regimes ability to attack its own people.

Due to the large geographic distances from NATO bases to Libya, combat aircraft required air refueling to extend their effective range and capability. Numerous NATO nations answered the call to provide refueling assets, as did the United States with its ability to fuel the fight. This essential mis-sion does not reside solely within the active duty, but in fact is largely embedded within the ARC. OUP once again highlighted the fact our nation relies not only on its active duty Airmen but requires Guard and Reserve participation to fulfill this critical refueling mission.

Shortly after Libyan operations

began, 19 units from around the US converged on a single base in Western Europe to form the “Calico Wing.” Over the course of seven months, units from nearly every KC-135 ARC Wing sent Airmen and aircraft to participate in OUP. Even more impressive was these Airmen participated as an all-vol-unteer force enabling AMC to re-direct active duty aircrews to other

Operation Unified Protector integrated operations

Lt. Col. James Dermer, 91st Air Refueling Squadron

commander

See OUP, Page 7

Community: page 21

Event, movies, more...

Commentary

NEWS/FEATURES

by Senior Airman Bernie Torres6th Force Support Squadron

As a member of the Armed Forces, when you hear the word deploy-

ment, many thoughts go through your mind. First and foremost, the time spent away from family, then the stress of out-processing, and fi-nally the wrapping up of the little details. During this particular deploy-ment, I was tasked as a Spanish Linguist for the Navy lead “Continuing Promise 2011.” The CP11 is a civil-military operation which includes humanitarian civic assistance, subject matter expert exchange, medi-cal, dental, veterinary and engineering support, and disaster response to partner nations. Through these missions, the United States shows its support and commitment to Latin America and the Caribbean.

With a joint Army tasking deployment under my belt, I felt very con-fident I would be able to integrate easily with the Navy. I arrived at Norfolk Naval Station, Va., as a one-man team with orders to report to the USNS Comfort (T-AH20) and join my linguist team. It didn’t take long to realize, I was way out of my comfort zone. Immediately, I was submerged in Navy terminology. It’s not a boat; it’s a ship. It’s not the DFAC; it’s a Mess Deck and always pay attention to the 2MC or loud-speaker. I learned calling a higher ranking Petty Officer “Sir” was a big No-No. It took me a couple of weeks to comfortably navigate the P-ways (halls) of the massive USNS Comfort because the halls all looked the same. To say the least, it was challenging. I really have to thank my Navy counterparts. They were always very helpful and ready to lend a helping hand to a confused Airman.

Our team included three officers, eight enlisted and one Navy reserv-ist. With mission stops in Jamaica, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Nicaragua,

Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Haiti, we were busy. A linguist is the focal point for everything from translating customs forms, wel-come letters and distinguished visitor food menus to planning visits to the ship. We reviewed all speeches ensuring the original message wasn’t lost in translation. The team was also rotated ashore to perform transla-tion duties during our mission stops. I had the pleasure to work with U.S. and, foreign military, civilian doctors as well as medical specialists who were providing support to the local population within the different Medi-

Helping our human race by doing my civic duty‘There I Was’:

Courtesy photo

Senior Airman Bernie Torres (rear, third from right) with members of his medical and humanitarian support team.

Courtesy photo

Senior Airman Bernie Torres leads a class of health workers during a session in Costa Rica. The information passed on through the classes is used to help ensure the health of local populations.

Courtesy photo

The USNS Comfort at port during a mission to Peru. The ship travels to multiple nations, providing medical support and training.

See THERE I WAS, Page 19

are some of your hobbies? Find groups in the local area that offer an activity you would nor-mally do alone, such as scrapbooking, marks-manship, car restoration, chess, camping, model building and fishing; these are all hob-bies that offer clubs in our local area you can join (828- 4413).

Volunteering is a great way to get acclimat-ed in a new location. You donate your time to help out a good cause and at the same time, meet others who share that interest. There are always opportunities to volunteer! Don’t forget your local chapel (828-3621) has faith-

based groups you can participate in also. An-other option is to look into group trips and outings available through Information, Tick-ets and Travel (828-2478). Lastly, be proactive and open to the experience of meeting new friends. With any of these activities you en-gage in, smile, introduce yourself and make sure to remain friendly and approachable. Ev-ery person you meet can potentially be a close friend in only a few months! Yes, it can be difficult to be the “new kid” initially, but by trying some of these suggestions, you’ll have plenty of new friends in no time!

WING MA’AMFrom Page 3

critical taskings without any loss of capability.In addition to the aircraft, Guard and Reserve air-

crews and maintainers brought a wealth of knowledge and experience that manifested itself with a 95 percent mission effectiveness rate. On the surface, this may appear an easy task, however, orchestrating this group required steadfast leadership from the Guard, Reserve and Active duty. Unlike many other current operations, OUP integrated KC-135s and Active Duty KC-10s into a single Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron all

working together to provide the Combined Forces Air Component Commander the necessary refueling assets to execute the daily Air Tasking Order.

What really distinguished the Calico Wing from other operations was the turnover rate of its forces. Nearly half the aircrews cycled in and out of theater each week. To counter the effects of this continual turnover, the staff capitalized on sound processes and crew experience to rapidly indoctrinate and prepare for combat missions. In the end, the frequent rotation

was beneficial as it prevented aircrews from exceeding maximum flight hour restrictions.

Ultimately people make the difference in any op-eration and OUP was no different. Leaders adapted to their environment and capitalized on the inherent capabilities of their situation. During Operation Uni-fied Protector, leaders and Airmen proved the value of integrated operations and the absolute necessity of Air Reserve Component in executing our nation’s strategic policy.

OUPFrom Page 3

by Bill Polson6th Air Mobility Wing historian

Lt. Col. Jim Ledbetter, Jr., has no relation to Lt. Kenneth Hinders-inn, but it doesn’t matter to him. About two weeks after this Veterans Day holiday, Ledbetter gave a proverbial tip of his hat to a World War II veteran he never knew with a gesture only a veteran could appreci-ate.

“It wasn’t just me, it was all seven members of my flight that wanted to help out,” said Ledbetter. “When we found out about Ken Hindersinn and everything he had been through, we wanted to help bring this part of his life back home.”

Ledbetter, a C-37 aircraft commander with the 310th Airlift Squad-ron, came across Hindersinn’s story during a stopover in Paris as part of an airlift mission in early September. Col. Bruce La Charite, the Air Attache in the U.S. Defense Attache Office in Paris, brought it to his attention.

“As it unfolded and I learned more, I was intrigued,” said Ledbetter.The story began in southwestern England, where Hindersinn was a

23-year-old fighter pilot assigned to the 83rd Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group, flying out of Royal Air Field Duxford, near Cambridge. At this time, six months before the D-Day invasion of Normandy, the Allies were attempting to fly more missions deeper into occupied Eu-rope in preparation for the upcoming invasion.

A veteran’s homecoming

NEWS/FEATURES

Photo by SrA Linzi Joseph

Members of the 310th Airlift Squadron with one of the two surviv-ing guns from a World War II fighter plane presented by the people of Gourbesville, France to the United States. The gun had been part of the P-47 Thunderbolt flown by Lt. Kenneth Hindersinn on his final mission over Europe Jan. 5, 1944.

See HOMECOMING, Page 15

Photo by Airman Basic David Tracy

Airman 1st Class Anastasia Sundquist, 6th Medical Group, bonds with her “Little Brother” Trenell, 6, while bowling Nov. 21, at MacDill Air Force Base. Team MacDill partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay for the annual event “Big for a Day,” in which volunteers from MacDill experience being “Bigs” for children from the community.


Photo by Senior Airman Melissa Paradise

Kids from Kimberly Fields-Miller’s kindergarten class get their hands painted different colors to create tur-key hand prints at Tinker Elementary. Students made hand-print turkeys and added a thanksgiving poem onto them in celebration of the upcoming holiday.

Family, food & funGiving thanks at MacDill

Photo by Airman 1st Class Shandresha Mitchell

(Left) Families line up to receive a free Thanksgiving meal provided by the Base Chapel, Nov. 15, at Mac-Dill Air Force Base. The dinner was open to all dorm residents, family members of deployed personnel, and TDY/unaccompanied personnel. Approximately 70 people attended. (Above) A box of donated food items for the Feeding America Tampa Bay Food Drive is filled to the top.


(Above) Staff Sgt. Lashonna Wooten, 6th Force Support Squadron food service shift leader, collects food items from the Feeding Ameri-ca Tampa Bay Food Drive’s box located in the Diner’s Reef at MacDill Air Force Base Nov. 20. (Left) Kimberly Fields-Miller, kindergarten teacher, passes out thanksgiving colored pa-per to some of her kindergarten students at Tinker Elementary School.


Photo by Senior Airman Melissa Paradise

by Gen. Ray Johns Commander, Air Mobility Command

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – As we gather together with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, this is the perfect time to reflect upon how much we have to be thankful for. For one, I’m thankful for the opportunity to work with all of you – Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, Civilians and Commercial Partners. Serv-ing selflessly, you all demonstrate tremen-dous commitment and dedication every single day. When the nation calls, you never hesitate. You say “goodbye” to your loved ones instead of “good night” and you go forward to deliver hope, fuel the fight and save lives. You answer the call so oth-ers may prevail.

Whether that call requires you to airdrop critical supplies to a re-mote post in Afghanistan, refuel aircraft to fight a ruthless dictator in Libya or provide aeromedical evacuation support in the midst of the Antarctic winter, you find a way to answer it with a “Yes.” Mobility air-craft often represent the first sign of hope for both warfighters on the ground and victims of natural disasters. But we must always remem-ber, the aircraft itself has no heart – it’s comprised of cold steel and titanium. The heart of the aircraft is found in the Airmen who make the mission go – aircrews, maintainers, porters, security forces, intel analysts, communications technicians… all of you!

Each and every one of you represents an integral part of this com-mand and an indispensible part of our Air Force. As such, it’s vital that safety remain a priority throughout the holiday season. The Air Force has designated Nov. 18 through Jan. 3 as its Holiday Safety Campaign to help raise awareness of personal risk management.

You may be driving across the country to spend time with loved ones – or just going a few blocks down the street – but in either case, it’s critical that you maintain situational awareness of road conditions and keep distractions to a minimum. Hazardous conditions, fatigue, speed-ing, alcohol and cell phone use can all make navigating the roadways very challenging. Plan accordingly, get plenty of rest, and have a Plan B ready, just in case.

Of course, for many of our deployed members, driving home for the holidays is not possible right now. Diana and I would ask that you hold all of our deployed Airmen in your hearts and remember them and their families this holiday season. Their wartime mission is a noble and necessary sacrifice to ensure our great nation can live in peace and security. We look forward to their safe journey home.

We wish all of you, at home and abroad, a very safe and happy Thanksgiving.

AMC commander: ‘Thank you for serving others’

COMMENTARY

Gen. Ray Johns

On Jan. 5, 1944, Hindersinn flew his P-47 Thunderbolt as the tail escort for a mission of B-17 Flying Fortresses headed toward Bor-deaux on a bombing raid. However, his flight was jumped by German Focke-Wulf Fw 190 fighters and his plane was hit. He managed to coax his badly damaged plane back to the Eng-lish Channel and was headed toward his home base. However, the radio was gone, the cock-pit had filled with smoke, and the plane be-gan losing altitude. He had to turn back from a certain death in the icy cold waters of the English Channel to face certain capture in oc-cupied Normandy, where he bailed out. Barely able to escape the crashing Thunderbolt as it descended, he landed on the roof of a farm house and was immediately captured by Ger-man soldiers. Meanwhile, his plane crashed into a small farm field to the west of Ste. Mere Eglise in Normandy. He spent the next year and half in the German prisoner of war camp known as Stalag Luft I in Barth Germany, on the Baltic Sea.

After the war, Hindersinn came back to his

home in Rhode Island, graduated from Brown University on the G.I. Bill, and became an en-gineer with a family of four before retiring in 1982. He died in 2003 at age 82.

But, there’s more…Last fall, while digging drainage ditches

with a tractor, workers pulled sheet metal out of the ground in Gourbesville, Normandy – just to the west of Ste. Mere Eglise, according to Col. La Charite.

“Upon excavation, the remains of Lt. Hin-dersinn’s P-47 were discovered,” La Charite wrote to Ledbetter in a recent email. “Many parts of the aircraft were recovered, to include all four cannons from the left wing. I viewed the cannons last winter when live rounds still filled the chambers and magazines. Only two of the four were able to be cleared and made safe by munitions personnel. The other two had to be destroyed.”

One of the two surviving cannons, a Brown-ing .50 cal. machine gun – in surprisingly good condition given its violent end – became the property of the land owner at the site of the

crash in Normandy. Meanwhile, the second gun began its long trek back home. In gratitude, the people of Gourbesville and the organization of Picauville se Souvient (Picauville remembers) presented it to the United States at a dedication ceremony to Lt. Hindersinn June 3, in conjunc-tion with the area’s D-Day ceremonies.

“In the end, I thought it would be an honor to see this piece of history returned,” added Ledbetter, who offered to drive the machine gun on the final leg of its journey.

About two weeks after Veterans Day, Ledbet-ter loaded the 75-pound machine gun of Ken Hindersinn’s P-47 into his vehicle and drove it the remaining 400 miles from his home in Tampa to the site of Hindersinn’s old squad-ron, now known as the 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron, located at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. – completing a total trek of nearly 5,000 miles after a delay of more than 67 years.

“To me, heroes are folks like Ken Hinders-inn, who at 23 years of age risked his life to serve his country and defend freedom,” Led-better said.

HOMECOMINGFrom Page 3

FarewellU.S. Army Lt. Gen. David P. Fridovich, U.S. Special Operations Com-mand, and wife Kathy (left), with Col. Lenny Richoux, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander and his wife Michele during the general’s retire-ment ceremony Nov. 13 at the Davis Conference Center. He has com-manded special operations forces throughout the world. His troops participated in operations in Haiti, Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the Philippines. Fridovich has served in a variety of staff and support positions, including assistant professor of military science at Norwich University.

Bayshore Boulevard Storm Drain Repair

Bayshore Boulevard will close between Eagle Park and Tinker Street starting Nov. 28 for a period up to two weeks. Traffic going to/from Tin-ker Elementary, Golf Course, and housing will be routed as shown on the map. This closure is to repair a storm drain culvert under Bayshore Blvd. During construction, traffic will be routed by Tampa Point Blvd. to Bayshore Blvd. on the north and south of the construction site. Drivers should pay attention to the contractor’s barricades, signs and lights.

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Courtesy photo

by Mack DillThe Pigskin Picker

Hey there Football Fans! Let’s see, if we’re keeping score. I got blasted last week with my NCAA picks. The NFL picks went much better except for the fact that the Giants let me down. Typical.

The Game of the Week is a no-brainer. I’m picking Arkansas at LSU in the “Battle of the Golden Boot.” This has been a fun season, and each week we see another stunning upset. Ar-kansas going into Death Valley and running all over LSU would make the season that much more enjoyable – and much more confusing. Ultimately though, the Razorbacks don’t run – they pass and LSU still has a defense that only allows 10 points per game. An Arkansas win would make for some great BCS drama, but I’m picking LSU for the win.

Now here’s your Thanksgiving treat. This week I’m going into the first-ever, 1st and 10 Lightning Round! With too many in-state ri-valry games to choose from, I’m going to try to hit some of the biggies. So let’s carve this tur-key and get going.

Texas at Texas A&M – Pretty even match-up on this one if you look at the schedule. They both have losses to OSU, Oklahoma, Kansas State and Missouri. A&M is much more effi-cient on scoring plus they’re playing at home. I’m taking Aggies over the Longhorns.

Georgia at Georgia Tech – “Clean, Ole-Fashioned Hate” – that’s how this rivalry is billed. If this were Week #3 of the season I’d be all-in for Georgia Tech. However, Tech has had some stumbles and the Bulldogs are get-ting stronger each week with a balanced of-fensive attack and a tough defense that allows less than 18 points per game. I’m going with Georgia for the win.

Alabama at Auburn – You’d be hard-pressed to find a rivalry that runs as deep as this one. Unfortunately, the competition left the football field and took an ugly turn last year when an Alabama fan admitted on a live, radio show that he went to Auburn and poisoned the famed Toomer’s Oaks that guard the entrance to Auburn University. Now, a year later, the oaks are struggling to live but it doesn’t look promising. Back on the football field, it looks like Alabama is sitting pretty for playing in a BCS title game. Since LSU plays Arkansas this weekend and Oklahoma State and Oregon both suffered upsets last weekend, it seems that all

Bama has to do is to beat Auburn at Auburn. They should be able to handle the young, Au-burn team, but how great would it be if Auburn shocked the world and beat the Crimson Tide? Revenge of the Oaks? It could happen.

Virginia Tech at Virginia – The winner of this game will win the ACC Coastal Division, so this is the time when it all counts. The Hok-ies of Virginia Tech have owned this rivalry in recent years by winning the last seven in a row. Virginia just got a big win over FSU last week, and seems to be comfortable playing the under-dog. This game will be all about which defense will be able to stop the run. Virginia Tech has been able to do that all season, so I’m giving the edge to Frank Beamer and Hokie Nation take this match-up.

Oregon State at Oregon – If you like Or-egon State, don’t turn the TV on for this game. I think it’s going to be ugly – we’re talking “did anyone get the license plate of that duck that just ran me over” ugly. Oregon just took a hard loss last weekend and they’ll want to take out their frustrations on Oregon State. Quack At-tack gets back on track and beat the Beavers at home.

Florida State at Florida – A rivalry game where the head coaches of each team share a beach house? It’s true. Florida Coach, Will Muschamp, and FSU Coach, Jimbo Fisher, are co-owners of a beach house so I’m officially call-ing this game, “The Mortgage Bowl.” Let’s see if it catches on. The Seminoles should be able to handle the anemic Gators - just like they should have handled Clemson, Wake Forest, and Virginia, right? (Yes, that was sarcasm.) Florida is hosting the game in The Swamp plus they’ll have a bunch of key players back in their line-up so that bodes well for them. All in all, even though FSU’s list of “the one that got away” keeps getting longer, I’m still a believer in the Noles Defense and believe they’ll be able to shut down the Gators. Florida State wins on the road, and Jimbo Fisher gets the beach house over 4th of July Weekend.

Ole Miss at Mississippi State – Ole Miss hasn’t won an SEC game this season and is al-ready looking for a new coach for next year. On the other side of the field, Mississippi State has a good team but has the rotten luck of being a good team in the same six-team division as the top three teams in the nation. A win for the Bulldogs makes them bowl eligible, and keeps their braggin’ rights for another 365 days. I’m picking Mississippi as the winners of this year’s Egg Bowl.

The Pigskin Picker 1st and 10 …

See PIGSKIN, Page 20

cal Civic Action Pro-gram. I assisted local nurses, doctors, and students in the teach-ing and exchanging of ideas during subject matter exchange ses-sions. I was also giv-en the opportunity to assist the director and members of the very professional U.S. Na-vy Fleet Forces Band during special events, news outlets and per-formances.

My days were long. Sometimes, I worked up to 18 hours trans-lating between pa-tients and medical staff as well as provid-ing verbal comfort to patients both ashore and on the ship. To say my days and my deployment were bor-ing would be the big-gest lie of my life. We touched so many lives and helped so many people. We con-nected and immersed ourselves into their culture. We worked together to provide a global force for good. I can honestly say this was my best deploy-ment, not because in the process I became a “Shellback” (Navy tra-dition when you cross the Equator), or the wonderful places I got to see and the many people I met or the friends I made along the way, but because “there I was” helping our human race by do-ing my civic duty.

THERE I WASFrom Page 4

Clemson at South Carolina – Both teams have a 9 – 2 record, and neither one has had a 10-win season since before the turn of the centu-ry. For Clemson, Sammy Watkins may be back in the line-up and he could be the difference in the game for the Tigers who love to throw. Here’s the bad news for Clemson: Carolina coach, Steve Spurrier, has his defense shutting down passing offenses. Last week against the Citadel, the Gamecocks only allowed only eight yards of passing. That’s not a typo, and I’m go-ing with South Carolina to win over Clemson.

Ohio State at Michigan - A man dressed in scarlet and gray walks into an Ann Arbor sports bar with a small dog under his arm. He says to the bartender, “Can I leave my dog here while I go to the Ohio State - Michigan game?” “A dog in my bar? No way.” “But he’s a special dog,” the OSU fan says. “In what way?” “Well,” says the Buckeye, “he’ll watch the game on TV with you. When OSU scores, he’ll walk up and down the bar on his hind legs. When Michigan scores, he’ll walk up and down the bar on his front legs. When Ohio State wins, he’ll do back flips the whole way down the bar and back.”

“Wow,” the bartender says. “What does he do when Michigan wins?” “I don’t know” says the Buckeye. “He’s only seven years old.” Time to teach that old dog a new trick. Michigan wins at home.

On the NFL side, we have some great games starting with Thanksgiving Day.

Green Bay at Detroit – First game of the day, and you probably haven’t even opened the can of cranberry sauce. Green Bay without a doubt has a phenomenal offensive package, but their defense isn’t very good at stopping their opponent’s passing game. Yes, the Packers are all that and a bag of chips in most categories, but when it comes to limiting their opponents in passing, they rank 31st in the NFL. Can you guess who ranks fifth in that category? Yes, that’s a Detroit staple, but Packers QB Aar-on Rodgers has a lot of targets to throw to so he should be able to avoid getting shut down. That’s what makes this match-up so good. We finally get a good Detroit game on Thanksgiv-ing, and it should have plenty of drama. Even the choice of Nickelback as the halftime act, has created controversy in the Motor City, so

you won’t want to miss that either. Lion’s de-fensive machine Ndamukong Suh and company will be looking to turn Aaron Rodgers into a hu-man wishbone, but I don’t see that wish coming true. Packers win in Detroit.

Miami at Dallas – I’ve had my reserva-tions about Tony Romo, but cannot get my head wrapped around what’s going on in Miami. Cowboys win.

San Francisco at Baltimore – The “Har-baugh Bowl.” Brothers John and Jim battle it out with teams from opposite coasts. Jim and the 49ers have the tough part: a short week and a trip across country. What I like about this game is both teams are so efficient at stopping the run. It will be interesting to see if the Ra-vens can stop San Francisco’s RB Frank Gore, who is nursing a sore knee. At the end of the day, I have to give the edge to the 49ers. They find ways to win and the Ravens, whose losses have been “what-in-the-heck-were-they-doing” contests to Tennessee, Jacksonville and Seattle. San Francisco gets a win on the road.

I hope you have a great Thanksgiving and, as always, I hope your team wins.

PIGSKINFrom Page 18

MACDILL COMMUNITYEVENTS

Friday - 7 p.m. No showing

AT THE MOVIESSaturday - 7 p.m.

No showing

Saturday - 4 p.m. No showing

$4.50 for adults / $2.25 for children 828-2780

FridayMacDill Lanes

Thanksgiving Day Special 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Everyone bowls for a $1.00

SundayMacDill Lanes

5 Game Scratch Sweeper Tour-nament at 12 p.m. Cost: $35.

Monday -FridaySeaScapes Beach House

Daily Early Bird Dinner Spe-cial 4:30-6:30 p.m. Home-style fa-vorite meal with iced tea or foun-tain drink $7

TuesdaySeaScapes Beach House

Grand Opening from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. FREE Samples, Giveaways and Fun!

TuesdayAirman & Family Readiness Center (MacDill)

Key Spouse Meeting from 6-8 p.m.

ThursdayOutdoor Adventure Trip

Last day to sign up for Vertical Ventures Indoor Rock Climbing trip on Sat, Dec. 3 from 1-5 p.m. Cost $40 per person.

For more information, visit our Web site at www.macdillfss.com

Protestant servicesSunday - 9 a.m. - Praise Worship Service 9 a.m. - FAMCAMP Service (Bldg 2017) 12 p.m. - Gospel ServiceIslamic servicesFriday - 1:30 p.m. - Prayer Service

Catholic servicesSaturday - 4:30 p.m. - Confession

5:30 p.m. - Mass

Sunday - 10:30 a.m. - Mass

Monday to Thursday: 12:10 p.m. - MassFor all other faith inquiries or to view upcoming event information, call the Chapel at 828-3621 or visit the

website at www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel

CHAPEL SCHEDULE

And the winners are...The 6th Communications Squadron won first place with a time of 48.26 seconds in the annual Boat Regatta at MacDill Air Force Base, Nov. 18. The Boat Regatta was hosted by MacDill’s Outdoor Rec-reation center and promoted team building for everyone who participated.


Job title: Customer service apprentice

Home town: Miami, Fla.

Short-term goals: To obtain CCAF degree, Earn Below the Zone.

Long-term goals: Obtain bachelor’s degree in child care.

Advice to others: Strive to be the best no mat-ter what obstacles stand in the way.

Role model and why: My mother, because she endured the responsibilities of raising my six other siblings after my father passed away.

Why did you join the Air Force: The Air Force provided direction I needed in life.

Airman 1st Class Andrea Hernandez6th Logistics Readiness Squadron

DIAMOND SHARP

Special to the Thunderbolt

Visiting Quarters Site preparation and demolition work on Florida Keys and Paul Smith Avenues will start Nov. 28.

The contractor will install an eight-foot construction fence with brown fabric around Buildings 312, 366 and 397 (Old Officers Club).

The contractor will work between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Florida Keys will remain open during this demolition.

Please be aware of large dump style trucks entering and leaving Florida Keys Avenue to these construction sites.

Visiting Quarters site preparation and demolition scheduled

happy thanksgiving! - photos page 12happy thanksgiving! - photos page 12 by col. matt molineux 6th...

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