Page 2 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt, June 2021

2 June 2021 Commentary http://www.luke.af.mil Thunderbolt news Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt 3
June 2021
Thunderbolt
http://www.luke.af.mil
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PHONE NUMBERS Committed to family, country Luke Airman saves 28 lives in Westgate shooting

Airman and Family Readiness Center .................... 623-856-6550
Airman’s Attic ......................................................... 623-856-6415
Armed Forces Bank ................................................ 623-535-9766 by Tech. Sgt. by Senior Airman locked the doors and closed three garage-like rolling security
Base Exchange main store ...................................... 623-935-2671 CouRTneY RiChARDSon CAiTLin DiAz-GoRSi doors from the outside, putting himself at risk.
Base taxi .................................................................. 623-856-6866 “You could still hear people yelling and running,” said
Beauty shop ............................................................. 623-536-1897 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Walker. “I didn’t really think about me; I thought about
Chapel ..................................................................... 623-856-6211 When envisioning a superhero, you might imagine some- saving others. In that moment, you have to decide: flight or
Chapel (after duty hours) ........................................ 623-856-5600 Being a service member, a parent, and a spouse can be one who is fictional, has special powers and who is abnor- fight. I chose fight.”
Child development center ....................................... 623-856-6338 difficult — especially if your spouse doesn’t understand mally strong — in other words, someone who is not like the After four deployments and numerous active shooter ex-
Clothing sales .......................................................... 623-856-6310 how flexible you have to be to serve your country. One lo-
Club Five Six .......................................................... 623-856-6446 cal couple now has a much greater understanding of that average person. ercises during his eight years in the Air Force, he said his
Command post ........................................................ 623-856-5600 flexibility. For one Airman, his childhood dream of becoming a su- actions felt second nature.
Commissary ............................................................ 623-935-3821 During the April 2021 Unit Training Assembly, the perhero became his reality. Tech. Sgt. Michael Walker, 309th “Training for a situation like this is a lot different than
Community center ................................................... 623-856-7152 924th Fighter Group congratulated Reserve Citizen Air- Fighter Squadron aviation resource manager, received the the actual thing,” said Walker. “We always tend to think, ‘I
Computer IT service desk ..................................... DSN 945-2900 2021 Air Force Sergeants Association William H. Pitsen- would have done things like this in the moment,’ but what
Crime Stop .............................................................. 623-856-6666 man Master Sgt. David Hart on his reenlistment, and barger Heroism Award March 17. The AFSA presents the would you have actually done? I took what the Air Force
Dental clinic ............................................................ 623-856-2273 simultaneously welcomed his wife, Jennifer, into the unit award annually to an enlisted Air Force member who has taught me and applied it to the situation.”
Dermatology ........................................................... 623-856-2273 as she stood beside her husband and raised her right hand performed a heroic act — on or off duty — resulting in the Walker risking his life for those around him during a
Dining hall .............................................................. 623-856-6396 to enlist for the first time.
Dorm management .................................................. 623-856-7841 Master Sgt. Hart is the 924th Maintenance Squadron saving of life or the prevention of serious injury. catastrophic event came as no shock to those who know him.
Education center ...................................................... 623-856-7722 Propulsion Flight superintendent, leading 21 Airmen in Walker was credited with helping save the lives of 28 peo- “It was not a surprise that he jumped into action in the
EMERGENCY ONLY ............................................................. 911 the repair and overhaul of 221 A-10 Thunderbolt II engines ple while off-duty in 2020, during an active shooter incident midst of a dangerous (and) deadly situation to help others,”
Equal opportunity .................................................... 623-856-7711 valued at $1.9 billion. He manages the propulsion Repair in the Westgate Entertainment District, Glendale, Arizona. said Master Sgt. Ashley McGee, 310th Fighter Squadron
Eye clinic ................................................................ 623-856-7965 On May 20, 2020, Walker was having dinner with friends. superintendent and Walker’s previous supervisor. “He was
Falcon Dunes Golf Course ...................................... 623-535-9334 Network Integration program and maintains the engine Near the end of his meal, he noticed people running outside not thinking of his life when he exposed himself outside
Family health clinic ................................................. 623-856-2273 health of fleet for 83 A-10s, in support of Air Combat Com- the restaurant, followed by the sound of multiple gunshots. where the shooter was located. He only thought about the
Family housing ........................................................ 623-388-3515 mand’s largest Flying Hour Program.
Fire station .............................................................. 623-856-6641 “Sergeant David Hart is one of the most committed and He immediately ran to the front entrance to barricade the safety of the people around him.”
Firestone Car Care .................................................. 623-271-8104 dedicated members of the 924th Fighter Group,” said Chief doors where, according to Walker, he stood around 10 to 15 Walker explained that the experience made him more Senior Airman Caitlin Diaz-Gorsi
Fitness center .......................................................... 623-856-6241 Master Sgt. Henry S. May, 924th FG superintendent. “As feet from the shooter’s back. self-aware and cognizant of his surroundings. His actions to Tech. Sgt. Michael Walker, 309th Fighter Squadron
Flight medicine ....................................................... 623-856-2273 one of the original members of the 924th, Sergeant Hart has “All I could think about was locking the doors and getting protect and defend those around him in the face of danger aviation resource manager, helped save the lives of 28
Food court ............................................................... 623-935-2671 people safely inside,” said Walker. display his dedication to the Air Force’s core value of service people during an active shooter incident May 20, 2020,
Fort Tuthill .............................................................. 623-856-3401 provided a stabilizing influence through every challenge Walker said he guided all the restaurant staff and custom- before self. in the Westgate Entertainment District, Glendale, Ari-
Fraud, waste and abuse hotline ............................... 623-856-6149 and change the unit has undergone.” ers into the kitchen to hide and told them to barricade the “I signed up (for the military) for a reason,” said Walker. zona. For his actions, Walker was awarded the 2021 Air
Hobby shop ............................................................. 623-856-6722 In the beginning of his career, Master Sgt. Hart served kitchen doors so they could only be opened from inside. He “I know why I put this uniform on every day. I didn’t think Force Sergeants Association William H. Pitsenbarger
Housing assistance section ...................................... 623-856-7643 six years on active duty at Travis Air Force Base, California,
Housing facilities section ........................................ 623-856-3007 switching to the reserve in 2009, while maintaining the then retrieved the keys to the restaurant’s front doors from that my mom could have lost a son and my brother could Heroism Award. AFSA presents the award annually to
Housing maintenance .............................................. 623-935-2676 same job — aerospace propulsion craftsman. the manager. As he watched the shooter walk away from the have lost a brother; I thought about saving others. I wouldn’t an enlisted Air Force member who has performed a he-
Identification cards .................................................. 623-856-7832 In 2012, Master Sgt. Hart married his wife, Jennifer, front entrance of the restaurant, Walker exited the building, have done it any other way.” roic act, on or off duty.
Information, tickets and travel ................................ 623-856-6000 Courtesy photo
Law enforcement desk ............................................ 623-856-5970 and three years later they welcomed their daughter Chloe Reserve Citizen Airman Master Sgt. David Hart, 924th
Legal assistance ...................................................... 623-856-6901 Ann-Marie Hart. Maintenance Squadron Propulsion Flight superinten-
Library ..................................................................... 623-856-7191 “There are many things that have changed in the mili- dent, reenlists while his wife, Jennifer Hart, takes her
Lodging office/switchboard .................................... 623-856-3941 tary over the years, but one thing that has not changed is first oath of enlistment in the U.S. Air Force Reserve at Luke AFB improves launch, recovery with new app
Maintenance control center ..................................... 623-856-5469 the sacrifice and hardship endured by military families,” Davis-Monthan Air Force Base April 10. Airman Hart will
Marine Corps .......................................................... 623-856-2417 May said.
Marine Corps 24-hour duty desk ............................ 602-421-5806 As she debated her decision, Airman Hart spoke with her begin basic training in June 2021 while Master Sgt. Hart
Marketing ................................................................ 623-856-3245 stays behind to continuing serving in the unit and rais- by Airman 1st Class tracks previously unreported data that
Medical appointments ............................................. 623-856-2273 husband about the culture and benefits of the Air Force Re- ing their 6-year-old daughter. DAviD C. BuSBY highlights negative trends helping to
Military equal opportunity ...................................... 623-856-7711 serve. He believes his service had just a slight effect on her
Military pay ............................................................. 623-856-7028 joining, even as she considers it as “a little later than most.” 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs refine scheduling, execution and debrief
Navy Operations Support Center ............................ 602-353-3008 “I respect his commitment, hard work, and dedication to Master Sgt. Hart is very supportive of his wife’s commit- processes.
OB/GYN clinic ....................................................... 623-856-2273 his career and look forward to pursuing my own,” Airman ment to her country and can’t wait to see her thrive. The Air Force prioritizes the search Everyone involved in launch and recov-
Office of Special Investigations .............................. 623-856-6821 Hart said. “My driving motivation to enlist was to impress “I am proud of her enlistment,” Master Sgt. Hart said. “I for new ways to streamline processes, ery operations can reduce radio chatter
Optometrist ............................................................. 623-856-2273 upon our daughter that anything is achievable when you look forward to seeing what she will bring to our already track progress and increase efficiency by keeping all parties informed about
Orthopedic clinic ..................................................... 623-856-2273 as a whole. Members of the 56th Fighter every aircraft within the shared app.
Outdoor recreation .................................................. 623-856-6267 put your mind to it. I believe the benefits of joining will be great 924th FG. She is a very smart and driven person. I Wing introduced a new way of complet- “It’s basically a Google Doc sheet,” said
Pass and registration ............................................... 623-856-4880 beneficial not only financially but mentally. I hope to instill believe she will bring a lot not only to the plans, scheduling,
Patient advocate ...................................................... 623-856-8968 a stronger confidence in myself and my abilities.” and documentation side but the 924th as a whole.” ing the mission through the Spark Cell Tech. Sgt. John Kellogg, 310th Aircraft
Pediatric clinic ........................................................ 623-856-2273 The unit proudly welcomes Airman Hart with open arms. As with any job, there is a risk of conflict of interest but Initiative, KILA. Maintenance Unit flight line expediter.
Pharmacy refill call-in ............................................. 623-856-3969 “Despite the challenges of being a mother and military the leadership of the 924th FG has taken steps to support KILA is an app created by Capt. Wesley “It’s made it way easier to keep track
Photo services ......................................................... 623-856-6168 spouse, she chose to serve,” May said. “This situation is the husband and wife. “Rock” Reid, 56th FW Spark Cell lead, of potential problems, especially when
Post Office ............................................................... 623-935-1343 unique to our unit as Jennifer Hart is the first unit spouse, “Although both members of the Hart family will be serv- while he was stationed at Kunsan Air it comes time for our jets to take off. All
Public affairs ........................................................... 623-856-6011 to my knowledge, to initially enlist after her husband has ing in the same Fighter Group, they will work for separate Base, Korea. The app is named after the expediters have access to the app. As
Recycling information ............................................ 623-856-4749
Retiree Activities office .............................................623-856-3923 been enlisted and serving over the course of his career. Be- organizations,” May said. “The Harts will have separate KILA flight line at the same base. soon as you press that button, any new
Rodgers Travel ........................................................ 623-856-6894 ing able to enlist together with her husband’s reenlistment commanders, as well as other layers of leadership between “KILA is a digitization of the launch info shows up on everyone else’s iPad
Safety ...................................................................... 623-856-6941 enabled both Jennifer and David Hart to experience the them, to preserve the integrity of their positions and the and recovery process,” said Reid. “It com- instantaneously. It’s near second-nature
Security forces .........................................................623-856-5970 unique bond of military and matrimony.” organization.” bines the Fighter Squadron’s maintainers to use it on the flight line.”
Security incidents .................................................... 623-856-7777 on the flight line and the Maintenance Reid expressed his opinion that the
Service calls CE maintenance ................................. 623-856-7232 Operations Center, or MOC, into a shared KILA program has a bright future and
Sexual Assault Prevention/Response ...................... 623-856-4878
Shoppette ................................................................. 623-266-0040 Thunderbolt editorial staff Luke Air Force Base website and social media and is the source for articles and collaborative space, (allowing us to) now can only improve from here.
Sick call ................................................................... 623-856-2273 Publisher ....................................................Aerotech News and Review photos published in the Thunderbolt. The Thunderbolt editor is authorized to use track the sortie launch and recovery “KILA is a success, but is not the pro-
South Gate VRC ...................................................... 623-856-4768 Editor ....................................................................................... Amy Lamb photos and articles from other .mil or .gov websites. process.” fessionalized product that we want to
Submission deadline is at noon the 15th day prior to the month of publication.
Straight-Talk line ..................................................... 623-856-7064 Designer .................................................................................Tinna Sellie Contributions for the Thunderbolt can be made via email to amy@aerotechnews. He and his team at Kunsan pored over scale to the rest of the Air Force,” he said.
Telephone repair (Base) .......................................... 623-856-4400 Advertising sales ................................................................ 877-247-9288 com. The editor can be reached at amy@aerotechnews.com. the program, referencing programming “Keeping with ‘accelerate change, or lose,’
Thrift store .............................................................. 623-935-5782 Luke Air Force Base The Thunderbolt uses material from the Armed Forces Information Service, Air videos and technical guides to make the the way to improve KILA is to develop
Ticket/tour office ..................................................... 623-856-6000 Commander.................................................Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder Force News Service, AETC News Service and other sources. All advertising is han- best product for the mission and success- something better in three months and
Travco ......................................................................855-896-7939 Public affairs chief ................................................Capt. Candice Dillitte dled by Aerotech News and Review. They can be reached by calling 877-247-9288.
Travel management office household goods ........... 623-856-6425 Command information ...................................... Tech. Sgt. Clint Atkins Contents of the Thunderbolt are not necessarily the official views of, or en- fully making an app that has been in use then something even better in the three
TMO passenger travel ............................................. 623-856-7035 dorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense or the Department at Kunsan since Sept. 15, 2020. Reid has months after that. I want to fail quickly
Transient alert ......................................................... 623-856-6204 Editorial Information of the Air Force. Airman 1st Class David C. Busby since tailored the app for use at Luke and fail in the right direction.”
Travel pay ............................................................... 623-856-7028 For past issues of the Thunderbolt, go to The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supple- Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Judd, 310th Aircraft Maintenance Unit flight line expediter, uses the AFB, with use beginning March 24. Continuous innovation and the willing-
Vehicle maintenance ............................................... 623-935-6576 www.aerotechnews.com/lukeafb/ and click on PDF edition ments, does not constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised by KILA app May 14 at Luke Air Force Base. The app has been in use at Luke AFB since The app gives users access to sched- ness to improve despite setbacks is the
Veterinary services .................................................. 623-856-6354 The Thunderbolt is published by Aerotech News and Review, a private firm in no the DOD, the DAF or Aerotech News and Review. Everything advertised in this March 24 and has revolutionized the launch and recovery process for the F-35A Light- uled lines for the entire day, including key to active growth, through all levels of
Weather ................................................................... 623-856-6805 way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the 56th publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard
to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap,
Wellness center ....................................................... 623-856-2273 Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. This civilian enterprise Air Force news- political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. All ning II and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. Through streamlined communication and new essential data such as maintenance an organization. With empowerment and
paper is an authorized monthly publication for members of the U.S. military services.
Youth center ............................................................ 623-856-7470 The 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office prepares all editorial content for the photographs are Air Force photographs unless otherwise indicated. ways of completing the mission, the Air Force builds its lethality and teamwork to pro- requirements, when the engine starts, collaboration, the Air Force gets stronger,
vide airpower anytime, anywhere. when the aircraft parks and more. It also faster and smarter every day.