Page 12 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt, August 2021

12 August 2021 News http://www.luke.af.mil Thunderbolt Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt 13
Thunderbolt
August 2021
http://www.luke.af.mil
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TALEnT (from Page 2) Katie Babbitt,
spouse and
made inquiries about the likelihood of get- Tony Baril, 56th
ting a venue on base. Force Support
“I knew of events that were happening Squadron Depart-
throughout the year on base to get these ment of Defense
folks stage time,” said Rowe. “They (band civilian, wave at
members) just needed the opportunity to the crowd July
shine and bring their talents to the forefront 1, during the
so everybody could see what they’re capable FreedomFest
of doing.” Fourth of July-
In just a few short weeks after the initial celebration event
Facebook post, auditions, and a couple of at Luke Air Force
practices, the group already had a venue Base. The event
booked. was their first big
“We found out there were numerous “gig” together
events on base that can potentially utilize where they per-
live music,” said Teresa. “The whole group formed as Termi-
had the opportunity to perform at the Photos by Master Sgt. Louis Vega Jr. nal Leave.
FreedomFest celebration.”
FreedomFest is an annual Fourth of July
celebration event held on Luke AFB. It was band is named Terminal Leave. They play “There is something to be said about
the group’s first big “gig” together where they classic rock and modern hard rock. having an entertainment group that’s from
all performed. One Reserve Citizen Airman Providing a creative outlet for people in the base you are at,” said Eyman. “You have
and band member shared his thoughts about the military with a passion or interest in that pride, like ‘those are our guys,’ and
the opportunity to play at the celebration. music to come together is top priority for you’re more of a participant of your own
“Playing for my fellow Airmen and their the musical group. entertainment.” A Squier Mini Precision Dakota Red bass
families was a great experience,” said Mas- “People mention Tops In Blue with nostal- Where and when the group will play guitar sits on stage July 1, during the
ter Sgt. Mark Eyman, 944th Civil Engineer gia,” said Teresa. “They miss it. We thought next is currently undetermined, however, FreedomFest Fourth of July celebration
Squadron electrical systems supervisor. it would be wonderful if all the bases around according to Rowe, they are expecting to event at Luke Air Force Base.
“FreedomFest took me back to when I was the nation had one designated point of con- perform at future base events and the local
a high schooler, and I used to play gigs on tact to say, ‘we are forming a music group, community. ing music exciting,” said Greenwood. “I’ve
base when my dad was active duty in the anyone interested, come.’ It boosts morale “We are already forming new playlists, never played in front of an audience before,
Air Force.” and creates safe environments for people to and everyone in the group is optimistic and so I definitely had some nerves leading up
The 24-member group, known collectively express themselves musically.” excited to perform again.” said Rowe. to and during the performance. But, once we
as the Fighter Country Talent Squad, is Tops In Blue was a song-and-dance troupe, Greenwood expressed his enjoyment in got on stage, it was really satisfying to be
comprised of two separate bands. One band which played a mixture of modern pop, clas- finding people with similar musical inter- able to perform the songs we had worked so
is called Soundwave, which plays an eclectic sic rock and oldies. They toured and played ests as well as playing his first “gig.” hard on and share them with the audience.
assortment of music genres including coun- at various U.S. Air Force installations before “I found the idea of joining other musi- Hopefully, people enjoyed listening to them
try and Disney-oriented music. The second disbanding in 2016. cians with a passion for playing and creat- as much as we enjoyed playing them.”

SeARCh (from Page 10) ences in the number of people with counting,” said MacKenzie. “Luke
SeRViCeS (from Page 4) and without disabilities who are Air Force Base mentors have made
“I look forward to making my employed,” said MacKenzie. “Only a a difference in our program and the
Like her counterpart, Struble, Larson says she also finds own money and continuing work small percentage of people with dis- lives of our interns. This partnership
a great sense of pride in being an EFMP-FS coordinator. on base as a kitchen attendant at abilities are employed.” has allowed our interns to be a part
She described her experience as gratifying and one of the Luke’s dining facility,” said Parker. MacKenzie added that people with of a community that is bigger than
most important roles in her career. “Project SEARCH has helped me a disability are much more likely to themselves. We look forward to con-
“This has been one of the most fulfilling jobs I’ve had in very much. It gave me a pretty good live in poverty than people without tinuing to collaborate and grow our
my tenure with the Air Force,” said Larson. “Our goal is to view on learning job skills.” disabilities, which highlights the program together.”
positively impact each of our EFMP families by providing Just as Project SEARCH aids in importance of Thunderbolt Nation For more information on Project
a place to share concerns, celebrations and milestones. We supporting members who are look- supporting this organization and its SEARCH, contact the 56th Fighter
listen to family’s needs and try to provide as many on and ing to improve upon their skill set, members. Wing Airman and Family Readiness
off base support options.” it also assists with members’ overall “Luke Air Force Base and West- Center at (623) 856-6168 or Tiffany
Struble said the EFMP being able to offer a variety of livelihood. MEC Project SEARCH have had MacKenzie at tiffany.mackenzie@
support services, to include support through difficult times, “In Arizona, there are large differ- a partnership for three years and west-mec.org.
might be the most impactful tool the EFMP-FS coordina-
tors use.
“There are always movements, transitions and devia-
tions happening, but the EFMP family support team can
help ease stress and provide guidance through those trying
times,” said Struble. “It’s important to celebrate individuals
and recognize their resilience when faced with hard times,
which is an effort that the EFMP family support team at
Luke Air Force Base always remembers to highlight.”
If feeling overwhelmed on where to start with the EFMP,
Struble recommends a simple solution of finding basic
information through attending an EFMP installation
orientation, which is held quarterly.
“We highly encourage all EFMP families, people interest-
ed in learning about the program, leaders and supervisors
to attend,” said Struble. “The orientation is a great place
to gather an abundance of information on the Exceptional
Family Member Program.”
Additionally, attendees will receive more information
on EFMP-FS, EFMP-Identification and Enrollments and Courtesy photo
EFMP-Assignments. Project SEARCH interns, instructors and Maj. Tomika Smith, left, 56th Force Support Squadron operations
To learn more, families can visit the A&FRC, call (623) officer and interim commander, pose for a photo during a Project SEARCH graduation, May, 20, at the Re-
856-6426/6840/6550 or go to the the Department of the naissance Hotel, Glendale, Arizona. After completing a nine-month internship at Luke Air Force Base, interns
Air Force family vector website at https://daffamilyvector. received recognition for their various accomplishments and achievements. The partnership between Luke
us.af.mil. AFB and Project SEARCH offers a unique opportunity for interns to build relationships with service members
through mentoring, thus enhancing the bond between members of the local community and Luke AFB.