Vol. 36, No. 17 Friday, April 24, 2009

Remembering the Holocaust page 12

by Lt. Col. Rob Croskery U.S. Special Operations Command

I’mapproachingthesunsetofmycareer.Soldieringhasbeenamagnificentride,packedwithwonderfulmemoriesandfriend-ships.TheU.S.ArmyassignedmetotestthePatriotMissileSystematWhiteSandsMissileRange,NewMexico(whichlaterknockedSCUDsoutofthesky).I’veen-joyedacoldbeerwithNATOal-liesinaBlackForestTaverninGermany,swumatWaikikiBeach,marchedonthePlainatWestPoint,metaplaneatafreezingairportinNorwayandaccompa-niedafourstargeneraltothesigningofaninternationalagree-ment.I’verepelledfromhelicop-ters,parachutedfromaC-130un-derastarlitsky,andcommandedthefirstFitnessTrainingCom-panyatFtBenning,Georgia,runbyelevenincrediblytalenteddrillsergeants.I’veservedastheproj-ectofficertofinishtheCombatConvoyVideo,instructedsoldiersinSpecialOperationsatFtBragg,andbeenafriendandassociate

ofsomeofthefinestmenandwomenthatdonnedauniform(inallservices).TobepartoftheUSmilitaryhasbeenthegreatesthonorofmylife.Astheyoungergenerationtakesover,IwishallofyouGodspeed.

Idon’tpretendtoknowevery-thing,buthere’sasinglethoughtgleanedfrommymilitaryadven-ture:“Alwaystipthemaid”.Whenyou’releavingyourtemporarydu-ty,andyouleaveyourhotelroom,youhaveachoiceofwhetherornottoleaveatip.Manypeopledonot.Somedon’tevenknowtocon-siderit.

ButasarepresentativeoftheUSmilitary,Ihopeyou’llleaveafewdollarsforthepersonwhocleansyourroom.It’seasynottotiphim/her.It’seasynottothinkaboutit.Oddsareyou’llneverseeheragain.Oddsare,infact,youdidn’tseeherduringyourentirestay.Oddsareyourbossdidn’torderyoutotipthemaid.

Nevertheless,tippingheristherightthingtodo.It’spartofherwage.It’showshecaresforherchildren.Soitbenefitsher.And

itsetsyouapartasapersonwhodoestherightthing,evenwhenthereisnoimmediate,tangiblebenefittoyou.Tippingthemaidisalsopartofthemilitaryculture;knowingwhatisright,anddoingwhatisright.That’sright:it’saduty.

AsaplebeatWestPoint,Ilearnedthe“book”definitionofduty:“doingwhatoughttobedone,whenitshouldbedone,withoutbeingaskedororderedtodoit.”Putanotherway,dutyistheinternalawarenessthatguidesyourdecisionswhenyouhavenotbeengivenguidance.(Closelyakintodutyiscon-science).Theconceptembracesbe-ingattentivetothosearoundyou,attentiontodetail.Itsuggeststhatyouareawareoftheneedsofothers.Itsuggestsamoralcom-pass.Ifyou’readoctor,itmeanscaringforapatientwhenyouwouldrathervacation.Ifyou’realawyer,itmeanstakingcareofyourclientsevenwhenit’sincon-venientandifyoudon’tgetpaid.Ifyou’reinthemilitary,itmeansputtingtheneedsofyourbrothersandsistersinuniformaheadof

yourownsothatthemissiongetsdone.

Therearemanywonderfulles-sonsaboutsuccessfullivingthatthemilitaryteaches.ButonethatIhopeIremember,asIreturntothecivilianworld,isto“alwaystipthemaid.”It’sasimpleduty.

MacDill ThunderboltPublisher: Denise Palmer

Editor: 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, Bldg. 299, at 8208 Hangar Loop Drive, Suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621, or call the MacDill Thunderbolt staff at 828-4586. Email: thunder-bolt@MacDill.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.

COMMENTARYWhy we always tip the maid — a thought from a retiring Soldier

Lt. Col. Rob Croskery

ACTIONLINE

The Action Line provides a two-way communication between the 6th Air Mobility Wing com-mander and the MacDill community. A 24-hour recording service is provided so personnel may sub-mit questions, concerns or comments. Call the Action Line at 828-INFO (4636)

NEWS/FEATURES Your T-bolt Today

NEWS/FEATURES: page 4

Court martial

NEWS/FEATURES: page 4

Rabies season

NEWS/FEATURES: page 8

Year-end closeouts

NEWS/FEATURES: page 8

Chapel wants your thoughts

NEWS/FEATURES: page 12

Remembering the Holocaust

SPORTS/FITNESS: page 14

Smart Start Baseball

NEWS/FEATURES: page 16

Spring fire prevention

COMMUNITY: page 20Events, around MacDill

BRIEFS: page 17

News to know

The Accreditation Association for Ambula-tory Health Care will conduct an accredita-tion survey of the 6th Medical Group May 11through15,2009.

The purpose of the survey will be to evalu-atethe6MDG’scompliancewithAAAHCstan-dardsforambulatoryhealthcareandtodeter-mine ifaccreditationshouldbeawardedto,orretained by, the 6 MDG. Through an empha-sisoneducationandconsultation,theultimatepurpose of the accreditation process is to im-provethequalityofhealthcaredelivered.

The 6th Medical Group has voluntarily re-questedthissurveyasameansofassistingitsown efforts to improve the delivery of qualityhealthcare.Membersofthegeneralpublic,pa-tients and individuals on the staff of this or-ganization, believing that they have pertinentandvalidinformationaboutthisorganization’sprovision of health care or compliance withAAAHC standards, may request an informa-tion presentation with AAAHC surveyors atthe time of the survey for the purpose of pre-sentingsuchinformation,orcommunicatesuch

information in writing or by telephone to theAAAHC.Allinformationreceivedfromidenti-fied individuals at or prior to the survey willbe considered in making the accreditation de-cision. The information presented will not bedebatedwiththereportingindividual.

Requests for presentation must be receivedatleasttwoweekspriortothesurveyinordertoallowsufficienttimetoschedulethepresen-tations. Requests for public information pre-sentations or reporting of pertinent and validinformation may be communicated in writingorbytelephonetoAAAHCatthefollowingad-dressandtelephonenumber:

Accreditation Association for AmbulatoryHealthCare,Inc.

5250OldOrchardRoadSuite200Skokie,IL60077Telephone:(847)853-6060FAX:(847)853-9028

(Courtesy of the 6th Medical Group. Informa-tion provided by the AAAHC)

Clinic undergoes accreditation survey

Week of April 15 – April 21, 2009 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign ends May 1 This year's Air Force Assistance Fund "Commitment to Caring" campaign, which began Feb. 9 and ends May 1, provides Airmen the opportunity to contribute to any of the four official Air Force charitable organizations. Now in its 36th year, 100 percent of designated AFAF contributions benefit active-duty, Reserve, Guard, retired Air Force people, surviving spouses and families. People can contribute through cash, check, money order or payroll deduction to the following organizations: -- The Air Force Aid Society provides Airmen and their families with worldwide emergency financial assistance, education assistance and an array of base level community enhancement programs. -- The Air Force Enlisted Village charity supports the Bob Hope and Teresa Villages as well as the Hawthorne House. The fund provides homes and financial assistance to widows and widowers (55 and older) of retired enlisted people. -- The Air Force Villages charity supports the Air Force Village in San Antonio and Village II in the Texas Hill Country, as well as life-care communities for retired officers, spouses, widows or widowers, and family members. -- The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation provides rent and financial assistance to widows and widowers of officers and enlisted people in their own homes and communities. Contributions to the AFAF are tax deductible. For more information, visit the Air Force Assistance Fund's Web site at http://afassistancefund.org/. Local installation project officers and unit representatives are available to provide more information on these charities and ways to contribute to the AFAF.

Find Airman's Roll Call Online Here: http://www.af.mil/library/viewpoints/

Airman's Roll Call is designed for supervisors at all levels to help keep Airmen informed on current issues, clear up confusion, dispel rumors, and provide additional face-to-face

communication between supervisors and their teams.

This year’s Air Force Assistance Fund“Commitment to Caring” campaign, whichbegan Feb. 9 and ends May 1, providesAir-men the opportunity to contribute to any ofthe four officialAir Force charitable organi-zations.

Nowinits36thyear,100percentofdesig-natedAFAFcontributionsbenefitactive-duty,Reserve,Guard,retiredAirForcepeople,sur-vivingspousesandfamilies.

Peoplecancontributethroughcash,check,moneyorder orpayroll deduction to the fol-lowingorganizations:

u TheAirForceAidSocietyprovidesAir-menandtheirfamilieswithworldwideemer-gency financial assistance, education assis-tanceandanarrayofbase levelcommunityenhancementprograms.

u TheAir Force EnlistedVillage charitysupportstheBobHopeandTeresaVillagesaswellastheHawthorneHouse.Thefundpro-videshomesandfinancialassistancetowid-ows and widowers (55 and older) of retiredenlistedpeople.

u TheAirForceVillagescharitysupportsthe Air Force Village in San Antonio andVillage II in theTexasHillCountry,aswellas life-care communities for retired officers,spouses, widows or widowers, and familymembers.

u TheGeneralandMrs.CurtisE.LeMayFoundationprovidesrentandfinancialassis-tancetowidowsandwidowersofofficersandenlistedpeopleintheirownhomesandcom-munities.

ContributionstotheAFAFaretaxdeduct-ible.Formoreinformation,visittheAirForceAssistanceFund’sWeb site at http://afassis-tancefund.org/.Localinstallationprojectoffi-cersandunitrepresentativesareavailabletoprovide more information on these charitiesandwaystocontributetotheAFAF.

(Courtesy Air Force News)

Air Force Assistance Fund campaign ends May 1

NEWS/FEATURES

From the Staff Judge Advocate Office6th Air Mobility Wing

On Tuesday, March 31, 2009 prosecutorsfrom the 6thAir MobilityWing JudgeAdvo-cate’sofficetriedtheSpecialCourtMartialofAirman James R. Welch. Airman Welch waschargedwithonespecificationofderelictionofdutyandonespecificationofwillfulattempteddestructionofgovernmentproperty.

Forthesecrimes,AirmanWelchfacedamax-imumpunishmentofoneyearofconfinement,afine,forfeitureoftwo-thirdspay,areprimandand a bad conduct discharge. Capt. John So-kohl, 6AMW/JA, and Capt Brett Landry, Se-niorTrialCounsel,RandolphAFBrepresentedthe United States.AirmanWelch was repre-sentedbyCapt.EzraGlanzerandCapt.David

Dickinson,AreaDefenseCounsel.TheDeputyChiefTrialJudgeoftheAirForcepresidedoverthe case.AirmanWelch pled not guilty to allcharges and specifications and opted to havethecaseheardbeforeapanelofofficers

AirmanWelchwasaccusedofattemptingtoshredmedicalrecordsthathehadadutytofile.He worked in the central records unit at theclinichereandoneofhisprimaryresponsibili-tieswastoplaceincomingmedicalrecordsinapatient’spermanentchart.Ratherthanfiletherecords,heslidthemintoasecuredshredbin.Fortunately,therecordswererecoveredbeforetheycouldbedestroyed.

Duringthetrial,thegovernmentcalledvari-ous co-workers and supervisors who workedwithAirmanWelch. The government openedthetrialwithtwocivilianco-workerswhotes-tified that they suspectedAirmanWelch wasshredding medical records rather than filingthemasheshouldhave.Thetwoworkerswerethe first to open the shred bins where theyfound multiple documents that they immedi-ately recognized as being assigned toAirmanWelchforfilingpurposes.

Thenextwitness,Tech.Sgt.MelindaPeersthe noncommissioned officer in charge of thecentral recordsunit, verified that the civilianco-workershadapproachedherwiththeirfind-ings. She also testified that she conducted amorethoroughsearchoftheshredbinsintheunit which yielded nearly 600 pages of medi-caldocumentationthatshouldhavebeenfiledbyAirmanWelch.ThegovernmentthencalledAirmanWelch’sfirstlinesupervisor,whosub-stantiatedthatAirmanWelch’sbehavior,whichincludedhavingmorefreetimethanotherAir-men, could lead one to conclude that he wasnotdoinghisassignedduty.

Finally, thegovernment calleda fellowair-manwho testified thathe sawAirmanWelchplace a stack of medical records into a shredbin.Thedefensevigorouslycross-examinedall

the witnesses.After a nearly two hour delib-eration, the panel of officers returned with afinding of guilty to all charges and specifica-tions.

During the sentencing portion of the trial,the government called Dr. August Hein, 6thMedicalGroupchiefofstaff.Dr.Heinprovidedapowerfultestimonythathighlightedjusthowdangerousthedisappearanceofsomeofthere-covereddocumentscouldhavebeen. Someofthe recovered records involved difficult to re-placeclinicalassessmentsfromoutsideprovid-erstopatients’primarycareprovidersonthebase.

Ultimately, the members sentenced Air-manWelch to a Bad Conduct Discharge, fourmonthsofconfinementandareductiontoE-1.

For his crimes,AirmanWelch will carry aFederal Conviction on his record for the restofhis life.His sentence should serveasa re-minder that failure toperformone’sdutycanhave serious consequences both for the indi-vidualaswellas thosewhodependuponyouto perform your duty. It should also serve asavaluablereminderthateachandeverydutywithin theAir Force impacts overall missionaccomplishmentandeffectiveness,andthatnoassignmentshouldbetakenlightly.

Courts-martialareopentothepublic.Mem-bersareencouraged to see theirmilitary jus-tice system at work.As with any court-roomproceeding,youmustberespectfuloftheseri-ousnessoftheeventbyturningoffcellphonesand entering quietly. Military members andanyoneelsewithbaseaccessarefreetowatchallorsomeoftheproceedings.

If you are interested in viewing a trial,pleasecontactthelegalofficeforascheduleofupcoming trials.The nature of the legal fieldissuchthatcourtdatesaresubjecttochange,but a legal office representative at 828-4422willgiveyouthemostup-to-dateschedulein-formationavailable.

Airman convicted of shredding of documents in Special Court Martial

Pets and wildlife of MacDill; what is the risk of rabies?by Spc. Jeanie Hettler6th Medical Group animal care spe-cialist

MacDillAirForceBasehastheunique environment to play hosttomanyspeciesofwildlifeacrossits acres. Although there are no

major reasons residents shouldnotfeelcomfortableandsafewhileon base, there are a few hazardsthatmayhavebeenoverlooked.

According to MacDill AFB In-struction 31-102, Control ofAni-malsandPets,astrayanimal“in-cludes any domesticated animal

notvaccinatedorregisteredinac-cordancewiththisinstructionandlaws of the state, or not properlyunderthecontroloftheownerasestablishedby regulationor law.”There have been numerous occa-sionswherepetsarelefttiedout-side in their yards unsupervised.

Some pets were even found wan-deringtheneighborhoodswithnoownerinsight.Thiscreatesaseri-ousproblem.DuringthemonthofMarch2009,thereweresixrecord-edanimalbitestoMacDillperson-nelwiththreeofthesebitesoccur-

See RABIES, Page 6

ring on base. Some of these incidents were aresultofanunsupervisedanimalwhichplacesboththeanimalandhumansatrisk.

This installation has numerous species ofwildlifeincludingtheverypopularrabieshost,the raccoon. Fortunately, we have not iden-tifiedany rabid raccoonshere,but theyhavebeen found in Hillsborough and surroundingcounties.

If ananimal comes into contactwitha ra-bidraccoonorotherrabidanimal,theydonothave to be bitten in order to contract rabies.If the infected raccoon scratches and/or spitsat the animal, they are at risk.The virus istransferredthroughsaliva.Oncethetransferhas taken place, if the animal is not currenton its rabies vaccine, the only options are toeuthanize,orquarantinethepetinananimalservices facility for at least six months. Fora human bitten by an unvaccinated, stray orwildanimalandpotentiallyexposedtorabies;post-exposure prophylaxis (“rabies shots”)shouldbestartedassoonaspossible–prefer-ablynolaterthan10daysafterthebite.Post-

exposure prophylaxis consists of one immu-noglobulin shot and five additional vaccinesgivenoverthecourseof28days.Thevaccina-tionsareadministeredtotheupperarm.Thevaccine must be given before signs of rabiesoccur.Oncethediseasebecomessymptomatic–itisfatal.

Ifapersonisbittenbyananimal,thefirstthing to do is thoroughly cleanse the woundwith antiseptic soap and flush it profuselywith warm water. Identify and contain theanimal involved if possible, but do NOT putyourself oranyoneelseat further risk of an-otherbite.Duringnormaldutyhours,contacttheFlightSurgeon’sofficeforanappointment(828- CARE or 827-9805). If the bite occursafterhours,notifyTriCareandseektreatmentatanUrgentCareFacility.ContacttheFlightSurgeon’s Office or the Public Health Office(827-9601)thenextday.

Theviolationofanimalcontrol regulationsis not only a bite risk to residents and pets,but also opens up opportunity for the spreadofintestinalparasitessuchashookwormsand

giardia.These parasites are spread throughanimal feces. Ifananimal is leftunattended,thereisnowayoftellingwhetherornottheyhavedefecated.Anunsuperviseddogthatdef-ecatesandisnotpickedupafter,isputtingtheresidentsandotherpetsatrisk.

Having to deal with all the possibilitiesthatcanresultfromanunsupervisedpetcanbe very inconvenient and sometimes heartwrenching.Toavoidissuessuchasaccidentalbites, contact with wildlife, rabies exposureandthespreadofintestinalparasites;alwaysmaintaincontrolofyouranimals.Intheeventthatyouoryourpetarebittenorscratchedbyan animal, wild or domesticated, seek treat-ment immediately! Delaying medical treat-mentcouldmeanseriousconsequences.

Make certain your pet animals are up-to-dateonall theirvaccinations–especiallyra-bies!

For further information,pleasecontact theMacDillVeterinaryTreatmentFacilityat813-828-3560ortheMacDillPublicHealthSectorat813-827-9601.

RAbieSFrom Page 3

Pleasekeepthesedatesinmindasyouplanforendofyearmoniesspending:May 29

u Constructionunder$100,000,Services$100,000-$2,000,000andCommodities/Suppliesover$2,000,000July 3

u Service recurring requirements (rentalsandPMAs)Commodi-ties/Supplies$100,000-$2,000,000

u BeginsubmittingPlanningBVJsforGPCJuly 31

u Servicesupto$100,000Aug 14

u Commodities/Suppliesunder$100,000For questions contact:

u Specializedflight,CENTCOM/SOCOM/JCSE/SOCCENT,contactEdwardSimmonsat828-4783.

u Performancemanagementflight,civilengineersandAvonPark,contactSahinSonmezat828-7454.

u Basesupportflight,6AMWunitsandothertenantunits,contactRonaldMusicat828-4784.

u Governmentpurchasecard,contactReginaHeightat828-7457.General inquiries canbedirected to the closeoutmonitor, James

Krempaskyat828-7482.

end of year contracting closeout dates

NEWS/FEATURESby Nick StubbsThunderbolt editor

And the surveysays….

In an age of polls,questionnaires andfocus groups on allmannerofthingsfrompolitics to soft drinkpreferences, the Mac-Dill Chapel is fish-ing for some opinionsabout matters a littleclosertotheheart.

The Chapel is run-ning itsannual onlinesurvey,askingasmanybasepersonnelaspos-sible to log on, fill inthe anonymous formandsubmit it.The re-sults help shape theservicesandprograms

theChapelwillofferinthe coming year. Thequickandeasysurveyform can be accessedatwww.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=BNS0LHQcWDIqC6BFaoCtQw_3d_3d.

The form will beavailable through theend of April. The re-sults will be distilledbychaplainsandCha-pel staff to identifyneedsandwantstofillthespiritualandpracti-calneedsofparishioners.

“We usually are al-readyontrackwithfil-ingtheneedsofpeoplefor themostpart, butwedolearnthingsandmake adjustments,”

saidStaffSgt.AnthonyDeoike,a chaplainas-sistantandthepersonwho setup the onlinesurveyform.

The survey is doneeachyeartoensuretheChapelisintunewithwhatthebasecommu-nityneeds,hesaid.

Andthoseneedsaregrowingandevenmoreimportantas thebaseresidential populationgrows, said Chaplain(Capt.)DallasLittle.

“What we’ll be see-ingsoonasnewhous-ing opens and moreandmorepeoplemoveon base, is a greaterneed (from the Cha-pel),” said ChaplainLittle. He notes thatrecent trends are to-wardadesireformorefamily programs andactivities, as well asprayergroups.

Chaplain (Maj.)Herbert Coker, whoheads the Protestantchaplain programs,willbetheonetakesinthesurveyresultsanddecides the Chapel’sresponse, said Chap-lainLittle.

Withafewdaysleftbefore the survey pe-riod ends, ChaplainLittlesaidanyonewhowant to help deter-mine the offerings attheChapelshouldaddtheirthoughtsintothemix.

“It (the survey) isagreat way to find outwhatpeoplearethink-ingandwhatisimpor-tanttothem,”hesaid.

base Chapel wants to know

by SrA Tania Reid6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

ThreesurvivorsoftheJewishHolocaustjoinedagroupofservice-members from around MacDillAir Force Base at the base chapelApr.21inobservanceofYomHashoah.

YomHashoah, translated inEnglish to“adayof remembrance,”was highlighted to commemorate the lives and heroism of the sixmillionJewishpeoplewhodiedintheHolocaustbetween1933and1945.

“Thisisthefirsttimethatthebasechapelmembershavehostedthis event,” said Pedro Canabal, 6thAir MobilityWing equal op-portunityspecialist.“WegotamessagefromtheHolocaustMuseuminWashingtonD.C.thatApr.21wouldbetheInternationalDayofRemembrance.”

MacDill’s chapel was chosen to host the survivors this year astheytellthestoryofHolocaust.

Thethemeforthisyearwas“Neveragain,whatyoudomatters.”The three survivors, Rabbi Isidore Greengrass, Cantor WilliamHauben and Mrs. Rosa Madiano-Miller recalled their memories of

livinginconcentrationcampstothecongregation.Mrs. Miller born in 1929 in Greece to an Italian Jewish family

rememberedthetimeasbeingverysad.Shelostfriendsandfamilywhilelivingattheconcentrationcamp.

AfterWorldWarIIMrs.Madiano-MillermarriedSheldonMiller,aNavyCapt.assignedtothePublicHealthServiceattheAmericanEmbassyinAthens.TheytraveledthroughouttheworldextensivelyandwhentheyreturnedtotheU.S.in1965Mrs.Modiano-Millerbe-ganacareerwiththeCentralIntelligenceAgencyandlatertheasalinguist.Mrs.Modiano-MillerlivesinTampaandhastwodaughterswholiveinFlorida.

ThenextspeakerCantorHaubensurvivedfourNaziSlavelaborcamps.

Heexplainedthemeaningofthenumbersmarkedontheconcen-trationcampmembers’arms.

ThemarkswereonthearmsbecausemostoftheJewswereuni-versitygraduatesandtheNazisonlywantedtheirphysicalnotmen-tallaborherecalled.Nowanauthor,CantorHaubensaidthat,

“Aslongaswearealivethereishope,realizingthathopemeantto continue to safeguard what was Jewish...and the essence of his

existence.”Hisbookistitled“MiraclesandWonderofMySurvival.Additionally,RabbiIsidoreGreengrassbornin1912isaholocaust

survivorandalsoapublishedauthor.Due tohisyouthfulness, theNazi’s thought they would benefit by relocating Rabbi GreengrassandputtinghimtoworkinawarlaborcampatanotherlocationinGermany.

Subsequently,thatwarlaborcampwasliberatedbytheAmericanmilitarywhosavedthelifeofRabbiGreengrassandothersurvivors.His book is titled “Judaism is Indestructible a Rabbi’s HolocaustMemoir.”

HesurvivedtheBirkenau-Auschwitzdeathcamps.Oneofthenu-merousmeaningfulexcerptsofhisbookrecountsasecretPassoverSeder at the camps in 1943. In complete darkness and under thewatchfuleyesofNaziguards, theyobservedtheholidaywithmat-zohs,raisins,andotherPassoverproductsbroughtinsmallpackagescarriedbyparentsandsmallchildrensenttothegaschambers.

AftertheserviceallattendeeswereinvitedtosampleJewishko-sherfood.

TheobservanceofYomHashoahbeganApr.19andwillconcludeApr.26.

Holocaust survivors visit MacDill

Photo by Senior Airman Nancy Hooks

Rabii Rivkin shares his thoughts and prayers during the Yom Hashoah at the base chapel, April 21, 2009. The Yom Hashoah, a day of remembrance, is a day to honor the millions of Jews, Non-Jews, and Liberators during World War ii. During this Holocaust Observance, all military members from Macdill are welcome to interact with some of the individuals who survived the concentration camps.

Photo by Senior Airman Nancy Hooks

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Guttveg, 927th customer service technician, prays during the mourner’s prayer during the Yom Hashoah at the base chapel, April 21, 2009. The Yom Hashoah, a day of remembrance, is a day to honor the mil-lions of Jews, Non-Jews, and Liberators during World War ii. During this Holocaust Observance, all military mem-bers from Macdill are welcome to interact with some of the individuals who survived the concentration camps.

Never Forget

by Airman 1st Class Katherine Holt6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Ithasbeen76yearssincetheriseofAdolfHitlerandtheeffectsofhisreignarestillseentoday.OverthecourseofHit-ler’sregime,morethan6millionmen,womenandchildrenweresystematicallymurderedbecauseoftheirrace,religionandpoliticalbeliefs,thelargestdemographicbeingJews.

The rise of the Nazi party began 14 years after the endofWWI. From 1918 to 1933 they became the most power-fulparty inGermany.OnJan.30,1933PresidentPaulvonHindenburgappointedHitlertoChancelloroftheNaziparty.TheDachauconcentrationcampwascreatedwithinmonthsofHitler’sappointmentandthiscampbecameatrainingcen-ter for concentration campguardsand later commandants.Thetraineesweretaughtterrortacticstodehumanizetheirprisoners.

Concentrationcampsweren’ttheonlywaytoisolateJew-ishresidentsofGermany.

AccordingtotheTeacher’sGuidetotheHolocaust,in1933theregimepassedcivillawsthatbarredanyoneoftheJew-ishfaith,fromholdingcertaincivilservicepositions,legalormedicalpositions,andanyuniversitypositions.

TheNurembergLawswereestablishedin1935.Thelawsstripped the civil rights of the German Jewish citizens oftheir civil rights.TheGermansused race,not religiousbe-liefs,todefineJewishpeople.

OnSept.1,1939,HitlerinvadedPoland.Thisinvasionof-ficially startedWWII. Hitler wasted no time in setting uptheconcentrationcamps,forcedlaborcamps,exterminationdeath camps, andprisoner-of-war camps.Chelmnowas thefirsttobeginoperationinlate1941.Allothercampsbeganoperationin1942.

TheJewishpopulationcouldnotstandbyandwatchtheirpeoplebedestroyed.AresistanceagainsttheNazisbegan.

AccordingtoATeacher’sGuidetotheHolocaust,theresis-tancetookmanyformsthroughoutWWIIandtheHolocaust.Theywereplannedandspontaneousevents;theirmenwerearmedandunarmed.

In 1945Allied troops entered into Nazi-occupied territo-ries conducting the last rescueand liberationof concentra-tioncamps.Detailedphotographsweretakenofthedevasta-tionandspreadquicklyshowingtheworldwhattheNazi’swereresponsiblefor.

To this day, people all over the world still recognize thelossanddevastationofthistimeinhistorybyhonoringYomHaShoah,theHolocaustRemembranceDay.

The history of the Holocaust

by SrA Tania Reid6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

ThreesurvivorsoftheJewishHolocaustjoinedagroupofservice-members from around MacDillAir Force Base at the base chapelApr.21inobservanceofYomHashoah.

YomHashoah, translated inEnglish to“adayof remembrance,”was highlighted to commemorate the lives and heroism of the sixmillionJewishpeoplewhodiedintheHolocaustbetween1933and1945.

“Thisisthefirsttimethatthebasechapelmembershavehostedthis event,” said Pedro Canabal, 6thAir MobilityWing equal op-portunityspecialist.“WegotamessagefromtheHolocaustMuseuminWashingtonD.C.thatApr.21wouldbetheInternationalDayofRemembrance.”

MacDill’s chapel was chosen to host the survivors this year astheytellthestoryofHolocaust.

Thethemeforthisyearwas“Neveragain,whatyoudomatters.”The three survivors, Rabbi Isidore Greengrass, Cantor WilliamHauben and Mrs. Rosa Madiano-Miller recalled their memories of

livinginconcentrationcampstothecongregation.Mrs. Miller born in 1929 in Greece to an Italian Jewish family

rememberedthetimeasbeingverysad.Shelostfriendsandfamilywhilelivingattheconcentrationcamp.

AfterWorldWarIIMrs.Madiano-MillermarriedSheldonMiller,aNavyCapt.assignedtothePublicHealthServiceattheAmericanEmbassyinAthens.TheytraveledthroughouttheworldextensivelyandwhentheyreturnedtotheU.S.in1965Mrs.Modiano-Millerbe-ganacareerwiththeCentralIntelligenceAgencyandlatertheasalinguist.Mrs.Modiano-MillerlivesinTampaandhastwodaughterswholiveinFlorida.

ThenextspeakerCantorHaubensurvivedfourNaziSlavelaborcamps.

Heexplainedthemeaningofthenumbersmarkedontheconcen-trationcampmembers’arms.

ThemarkswereonthearmsbecausemostoftheJewswereuni-versitygraduatesandtheNazisonlywantedtheirphysicalnotmen-tallaborherecalled.Nowanauthor,CantorHaubensaidthat,

“Aslongaswearealivethereishope,realizingthathopemeantto continue to safeguard what was Jewish...and the essence of his

existence.”Hisbookistitled“MiraclesandWonderofMySurvival.Additionally,RabbiIsidoreGreengrassbornin1912isaholocaust

survivorandalsoapublishedauthor.Due tohisyouthfulness, theNazi’s thought they would benefit by relocating Rabbi GreengrassandputtinghimtoworkinawarlaborcampatanotherlocationinGermany.

Subsequently,thatwarlaborcampwasliberatedbytheAmericanmilitarywhosavedthelifeofRabbiGreengrassandothersurvivors.His book is titled “Judaism is Indestructible a Rabbi’s HolocaustMemoir.”

HesurvivedtheBirkenau-Auschwitzdeathcamps.Oneofthenu-merousmeaningfulexcerptsofhisbookrecountsasecretPassoverSeder at the camps in 1943. In complete darkness and under thewatchfuleyesofNaziguards, theyobservedtheholidaywithmat-zohs,raisins,andotherPassoverproductsbroughtinsmallpackagescarriedbyparentsandsmallchildrensenttothegaschambers.

AftertheserviceallattendeeswereinvitedtosampleJewishko-sherfood.

TheobservanceofYomHashoahbeganApr.19andwillconcludeApr.26.

Photo by Senior Airman Nancy Hooks

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Guttveg, 927th customer service technician, prays during the mourner’s prayer during the Yom Hashoah at the base chapel, April 21, 2009. The Yom Hashoah, a day of remembrance, is a day to honor the mil-lions of Jews, Non-Jews, and Liberators during World War ii. During this Holocaust Observance, all military mem-bers from Macdill are welcome to interact with some of the individuals who survived the concentration camps.

SPORTS/FITNESS

Photo by Nick Stubbs

Workin’ itDay one at his new assignment at MacDill and Chris McClung wasted no time keeping to his routine of physical fitness. He hit the base gym for some work on the free weight stations during a break from settling into his new job in information operations at U.S. Central Command.

StartSmartBaseballisadevelopmentallyappropriate introductory baseball programfor children3-4yearsold.Start SmartBaseball

Registra-tion is April20toMay8.

The pro-gramteacheschildren thebasic motorskills neces-sary to playorganized tee ball, baseball and softball ina fun and non-threatening environment.Aparentmustattendeachsessionwiththeirchild.The program focuses on teaching thechildren and their parents skills in throw-ing,hittingandcatchingwithoutthethreatofcompetitionorthefearofgettinghurt.

Thesix-weekprogramstartsMay20andends June 24.The program will start at 5p.m.andendat6p.m.andwillbeconductedattheYouthCenterGymnasium.Thefeeis$36,whichincludesaparticipationmanual,a bat and ball set, a glove and two kooshballs.

For more information contact theYouthCenterat828-7956

Start Smart Baseball signups

Job Title: Maintenancemanagementanalysis

Home town: SimiValley,CA

Short-term goals: RuntheAirForceMarathonatWrightPatter-sonAFB,OH.

Long-term goals: Finishmybachelor’sdegreeinSportsandHealthSciences

Advice to others: Don’teverletanyonetellyouthatyouthatyourgoalsarenotattainable,theywillbeaslongasyouputintheeffortandpersevere.

Role model (s):Mymother,sheissokindandloving;Istrivetobeasgoodofamotherassheis.

Why did you join?:Totravelandgetaneducation

Staff Sgt. Brandy J Jones 6th Maintenance Operations Squadron

Diamond Sharp

by Master Sgt. Michael Wilsbach6th Civil Engineer Squadron Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention

Springishereanditistimetoputawaytheseasonal decorations, and prepare for sum-mer activities. Spring-cleaning is an annualritual for many people and the ideal time tocheckourhomesandyardsfordangerousma-terials,unsafeconditionsandensureourfami-lies are safe from potential fires.We all tendtoaccumulateclothes,boxesandotherthingsthroughouttheyear.It’samazinghowquicklyourgaragesandbasementsfillupwithstoragesoit’simportanttocleanthoseouttopreventpilingitemsthatcancontributetothespreadoffires.Hereareafewfiretipstolookfordur-ingyourannualspring-cleaning:

u Checkandcorrectfrayedordamagedwir-ing:It’sagoodidealtocheckallapplianceandextensioncordsforfrayedordamagedwiring.

u Clean behind large furniture and appli-ances: It’s always a good idea to move yourappliancestovacuumandcleanbehindthem.Not only will you make sure the area is freefromdustandlintthatisafirehazard,butitwillextendthelifeofyourfurnitureandappli-ancesaswell.

u Cleansmokedetectors:Lightlyrunavac-uumoveryoursmokedetectorsandchangethebatteries.Thiswillensureproperoperationintheeventofanemergency.

u Barbeque Grills: Place grills at least 15feetfrombuildingsandoverhangs.Storechar-coal in a dry, cool location. Be sure to thor-oughlyinspectyourgrillbeforeuse;BBQgrillsare a favorite winter hiding place for smallanimals.

u Recycle:Getridofoldnewspapers,maga-zinesandjunkmail.These itemstendtopile

NEWS/FEATURES

See FIRE PREVENTION, Page 18

Spring is time to start thinking fire safety

Quarterly Awards Ceremo-ny

The QuarterlyAwardsCeremonywillbeMonday,April27at3 p.m. at the Surf ’sEdge Club ballroom.Please contact yourfirstsergeantformoreinformation.

6 AMW Promotion and Recognition Ceremony

The monthly Rec-ognition/PromotionCeremony for Aprilhas been moved to 4p.m.Wednesday,April29 at the Surf ’s EdgeBallroom. Starting inMay2009,allmonthlyRecognition/Promo-tion Ceremony’s willbe on the last dutyday of the month, at4 p.m., Surf ’s EdgeClubballroom.Pleasecontact your first ser-

geant for more infor-mation.

Coaches needed!TheYouthCenteris

lookingforindividualsinterestedincoachingall youth sports (bas-ketball, soccer, base-ball,cheerleading,etc)as well as, officials,umpires and referees.Basketball season is

in full swing and in-dividuals are neededtocallthegames.Anyhelp is appreciated.Games where help iscurrently needed areplayed Saturdays at12and1p.m.Ifinter-ested please contactPeter.Schmidt-02@macdill.af.mil or callthe Youth Center at828-7956.

Summer VPK Sign up

Tinker Elemen-tary is now takingapplications for theirSummer VoluntaryP r e - K i n d e r g a r t e nProgram. The pro-gram runs Mondaythrough Thursday,June10–July30.Thehours are 7:30 am –6:00pm.TheSummer

VPK Program is freeand is taught by cer-tified teachers.To beeligible, your child’sbirth date must fallbetween Sept.2, 2003andSept.1,2004andthey must not haveparticipatedinaVPKProgram during theschool year. If youhave any questionsor are interested in

the program, pleasecalltheschoolat840-2043.

Hole-in-oneMr.GaryBourland,

amemberoftheMac-DillGolfComplex,re-cently scored a hole-in-one Mar. 24 on theSouth Course at the7thhole.

BRIEFS

upandcangreatlycontributetothespreadoffire.

u Remove leaves and trash from carportsand garages: Combustible materials such asleaves and paper products are dangerous iftheyareexposedtoheatedautomobilecompo-nents.

u Properly store flammable liquids andhomechemicals:Makesurethatgasolineandhome chemicals well marked and out of thereachofchildrenandpets.Allflammables,i.e.,gasoline should be stored in a cool dry placeoutside the house. Also properly identifiedandstoredhouseholdchemicalsandoutofthereachofchildrenandpets.

u Planyourescape: This isagoodtimetositdownwithyourfamilyanddiscusswhattodointheeventofafireandidentifyyourmeet-ingplaceoutsidethehouse.

Wehopethesetipswillhelptogetyoustart-edonyourwaytoasafeandenjoyablesummerseason.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorconcerns,pleasedirectthemtotheMacDillFirePreven-tionOfficeat828-4236.

FiRe PReveNTiONFrom Page 16

MacDill firefighter fo-cus a water hose on a burning housing unit on base. brush fires are the greater threat at MacDill, but anything from care-lessness to faulty elec-tronics components can cause a fire. Prevention and planning is the key to avoiding disaster.

Photo by Nick Stubbs

MACDILL COMMUNITY

TodaySurf’s Edge Club

The Quarterly AwardsCeremonywill beheld intheSurf’sEdgeClubBall-roomFriday,Apr. 24at 3p.m.

Surf’s Edge ClubDrivebypizza isavail-

ableFriday,Apr.24behindtheSurf’sEdgeClubfrom4until6p.m.

MondayBayshore Club

An all-u-can eat anddrink crunch and munchwill be held at the Bay-shore Club Monday, Apr.25from11a.m.until1:30p.m.

TuesdaySurf’s Edge Club

“A Taste of the South”Country Buffet will beservedat theSurf’sEdgeClub from11a.m.until1p.m.

WednesdaySurf’s Edge Club

ThePromotion/Recogni-tionCeremonywillbeheldin the Surf ’s Edge ClubBallroomWednesday,Apr.29at4p.m.

Surf’s Edge ClubTherewillbeaPinochle

Tournamentat theSurf ’sEdge Club Wednesday,Apr. 29 from 7 until 9:30p.m.

ThursdaySurf’s Edge Club

Bingo Extravaganza isThursday Apr. 30 at theSurf’sEdgeClub startingat5:30p.m.

EVENTS

Base Theater closed for renovations

Protestant servicesSunday - 9 a.m., Traditional Service10:30 a.m., Religious Education, Noon, Gospel ServiceTuesday -Noon, Promise KeepersWednesday - 10:30 a.m., Women of the ChapelThursday - 11:30 a.m., Officers’ Christian FellowshipFor more information regarding the Chapel or Chapel services, call 828-3621.

Catholic servicesSaturday - Mass, 5:30 p.m.Sunday - Mass, 10:30 a.m.Monday to Thursday: Mass, 12:10 p.m.Saturday - Sacrament of Reconciliation, 4:30 p.m., (or by ap-pointment) Jewish and Islamic servicesCall 828-3621 for information

CHAPEL SCHEDULE

AT THE MOVIES

Wing run!Col. Larry Martin, 6th Air Mobility Wing Commander, addresses the wing after the monthly wing run on the flightline here, Apr. 17. This month the run began at 7 a.m. and the monthly runs will continue to begin at 7 a.m. for the duration of the summer. The run was the kick-off event for “back to basics” day, in which each office took time to evaluate its processes and focus back on its mission.

Photo by Airman First Class Katherine Holt