Page 2 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt, September 2020

2 September 2020 Commentary http://www.luke.af.mil Thunderbolt news Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt 3
September 2020
Thunderbolt
http://www.luke.af.mil
www.aerotechnews.com/lukeafb
PHONE NUMBERS Let our core values be your Polaris Adjusting the brakes …

Airman and Family Readiness Center .................... 623-856-6550
Airman’s Attic ......................................................... 623-856-6415
Armed Forces Bank ................................................ 623-535-9766 by Col. can look up through the specially Last August, September and Octo-
Base Exchange main store ...................................... 623-935-2671 CRAIG DReSCHeR designed roof to see the North Star ber, I personally went to each squad-
Base taxi .................................................................. 623-856-6866 908th Airlift Wing so they can find their way back on ron to deliver Diversity and Inclusion
Beauty shop ............................................................. 623-536-1897 course. training. If you recall, I stipulated
Chapel ..................................................................... 623-856-6211 MAXWeLL AIR FORCe BASe, As I examine the many, many that we will be much better as an
Chapel (after duty hours) ........................................ 623-856-5600 Ala. — Almost two years ago, I had challenges that our wing faces, I organization if we include everyone;
Child development center ....................................... 623-856-6338 the opportunity to visit the Air Force sometimes wonder what direction we will have a great mix of diverse
Clothing sales .......................................................... 623-856-6310 Academy with many of the leaders
Club Five Six .......................................................... 623-856-6446 to take. What’s the best course of ac- thought which will yield the best
Command post ........................................................ 623-856-5600 of 22nd Air Force, where I found a tion and what’s best for our Airmen? solutions. If we respect everyone, we
Commissary ............................................................ 623-935-3821 beautiful base and campus full of Like Polaris showing the way, I find ALL will have the same opportunity
Community center ................................................... 623-856-7152 rich history and traditions. One of that no matter the challenge or the to compete on a level playing field.
Computer IT service desk ..................................... DSN 945-2900 the highlights was a tour of one of the circumstance, guidance can be found Chief and I consistently ask you to
Crime Stop .............................................................. 623-856-6666 newest buildings, Polaris Hall. Polaris in our Core Values. Integrity First, let us know if there are barriers in
Dental clinic ............................................................ 623-856-2273 (another name for the North Star) is a Service Before Self, and Excellence your way (do you remember the one
Dermatology ........................................................... 623-856-2273 very modern building designed to fos- In All We Do will apply regardless of lane on the track that had a higher
Dining hall .............................................................. 623-856-6396
Dorm management .................................................. 623-856-7841 ter collaborative, innovative problem the current crises we find ourselves hurdle to get over?)
Education center ...................................................... 623-856-7722 solving with teams of Airmen. in. Woven into each of the three val- We kicked off two initiatives last
EMERGENCY ONLY ............................................................. 911 The other purpose of the building ues is respect: respect for yourself, August. The first was to gain approv-
Equal opportunity .................................................... 623-856-7711 is to house the cadet honor court. Be- respect for the organization and al to have an Alabama State Univer-
Eye clinic ................................................................ 623-856-7965 fore sophisticated navigation systems respect for each other. We all have sity plane complete with nose art and
Falcon Dunes Golf Course ...................................... 623-535-9334 were developed, people navigated by the responsibility to hold each other an outreach event to celebrate the
Family health clinic ................................................. 623-856-2273 using the North Star. The concept of accountable to respecting the Core official unveiling. We have made a lot
Family housing ........................................................ 623-388-3515 the building is if a cadet has done
Fire station .............................................................. 623-856-6641 Values and each other. It’s integral of progress and are on track for an
Firestone Car Care .................................................. 623-271-8104 something to stray off course and ap- to the success of each team and the early September unveiling, perhaps
Fitness center .......................................................... 623-856-6241 pear in front of the honor court, they organization at large. See PolARiS, Page 7
Flight medicine ....................................................... 623-856-2273
Food court ............................................................... 623-935-2671
Fort Tuthill .............................................................. 623-856-3401 Airman 1st Class Wesley De Leon, 56th Component Maintenance Squadron aircraft
Fraud, waste and abuse hotline ............................... 623-856-6149 Facing unconscious bias head on, key to healing hydraulic systems journeyman, torques adjusting assemblers onto an F-16 Fight-
Hobby shop ............................................................. 623-856-6722 ing Falcon brake housing Aug. 17, 2020, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Hydrau-
Housing assistance section ...................................... 623-856-7643 lics specialists ensure the hydraulic and pneumatic systems work properly, guar- Photos by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moede
Housing facilities section ........................................ 623-856-3007 anteeing the landing gear is functional. The hydraulics flight works on F-16, A-10 Airman 1st Class Wesley De Leon, 56th Component Maintenance Squadron
Housing maintenance .............................................. 623-935-2676 by Maj. Discrimination in a culture will initiate division in any Thunderbolt II and F-15 Eagle landing gear and brakes for Luke and other bases to aircraft hydraulic systems journeyman, torques adjusting assemblers onto an
Identification cards .................................................. 623-856-7832 AuDRIC BILLS organization if left unchecked. For those of you in uniform ensure Air Force mission success. F-16 Fighting Falcon brake Aug. 17, 2020, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.
Information, tickets and travel ................................ 623-856-6000 who are uncomfortable with the subject matter, my advice
445th Airlift Wing
Law enforcement desk ............................................ 623-856-5970 Equal Opportunity Office is learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. It is
Legal assistance ...................................................... 623-856-6901 imperative. Encouraging these conversations and talking
Library ..................................................................... 623-856-7191 WRIGHT-PATTeRSON about the trauma are the initial steps toward healing.
Lodging office/switchboard .................................... 623-856-3941 AIR FORCe BASe, Ohio — Education Center leads Airmen to success
Maintenance control center ..................................... 623-856-5469 On May 25, 2020, the death of Building relationships and earning trust among team
Marine Corps .......................................................... 623-856-2417 members help identify our unconscious bias behaviors and
Marine Corps 24-hour duty desk ............................ 602-421-5806 George Floyd brought a long- develops understanding for your fellow Airman.
Marketing ................................................................ 623-856-3245 standing issue to the forefront “Trust is earned in the smallest of moments. It is earned
Medical appointments ............................................. 623-856-2273 of society that, in many ways, not through heroic deeds, or even highly visible actions, but by Airman 1st Class According to Cooper, many education centers at other
Military equal opportunity ...................................... 623-856-7711 has been ignored. through paying attention, listening, and gestures of genuine CALeB BuTLeR bases have changed their operations to solely telework-
Military pay ............................................................. 623-856-7028 Courtesy photo This appears to be true be- care and connection.” ing due to Coronavirus Disease 2019, however, Luke
Navy Operations Support Center ............................ 602-353-3008 Maj. Audric Bills cause it does not affect every- 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs AFB has specialists in their office ready to assist.
OB/GYN clinic ....................................................... 623-856-2273 445th Airlift Wing Equal one directly. Some may not ~ Brené Brown The 56th Force Support Squadron Education Center
Office of Special Investigations .............................. 623-856-6821 Racial discrimination or inequality in any organization, “To be honest, COVID-19 hasn’t really changed our
Optometrist ............................................................. 623-856-2273 Opportunity Office even understand the full mag- simply put, is an injustice. Change and unity will not supplies Airmen with information about resources and pro- operations,” said Clicquot-Mack. “Earlier on, some of
Orthopedic clinic ..................................................... 623-856-2273 nitude of it, but racism exists. happen unless everyone participates. Everyone has the grams the U.S. Air Force offers, which aid in achieving their us worked remotely, but we’ve always had somebody
Outdoor recreation .................................................. 623-856-6267 The Air Force’s stance on unlawful discrimination, specifi- responsibility to address discrimination (racism) at the educational goals. in the office to answer phones or to assist students via
Pass and registration ............................................... 623-856-4880 cally racism, is “zero tolerance.” But this is only relevant if lowest level — this is the most effective approach. The Education Center provides Airmen and their families email. So, in actuality, we’ve always been here to help
Patient advocate ...................................................... 623-856-8968 the situation is substantiated. From the Equal Opportunity Commanders, directors, first sergeants, supervisors with assistance to enroll in college courses, officer commission- from day one.”
Pediatric clinic ........................................................ 623-856-2273 perspective, racism is difficult to prove because people shy ing programs or transition out of the Air Force with programs Cooper explained that in doing their best to keep
Pharmacy refill call-in ............................................. 623-856-3969 away from the conversation. and subordinates must ensure all appropriate resources such as Skill Bridge and more.
Photo services ......................................................... 623-856-6168 are utilized to stamp out negative behaviors that promote everybody safe during the pandemic, most counseling
Post Office ............................................................... 623-935-1343 Now, amid civil unrest, these conversations need to be bigotry and hate. “Our main goal is to make Airmen aware of all of the educa- sessions are conducted by phone although exceptions
Public affairs ........................................................... 623-856-6011 had. Here is why: 12% of the entire wing is Black/African “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for tional benefits they have available,” said Tina Clicquot-Mack, can be made for those who need extra help.
Recycling information ............................................ 623-856-4749 American and another 5% identifies with other ethnic good men to do nothing.” 56th Fighter Wing education services specialist. “We guide “We’ve also had people that are like ‘I just can’t do
Retiree Activities office .............................................623-856-3923 backgrounds. ~ Edmund Burke them with the educational degrees that they want to work my funding request, I can’t do it,’” Cooper said. “That’s
Rodgers Travel ........................................................ 623-856-6894 When a racist event occurs, be it an undertone or an Again, leaders you are encouraged to have sit-down on, so that they get the most out of what the military offers.” okay you can schedule an appointment, come up here,
Safety ...................................................................... 623-856-6941 overt action, it’s traumatic in nature. On top of that you conversations or sensory sessions with your Airmen and Airmen from a variety of career fields are reaping the ben- and we’ll sit with you at the computer to help you do
Security forces .........................................................623-856-5970 feel alone. I speak from experience. efits of the Education Center programs to propel them into it. If you have a hard time navigating it’s really better
Security incidents .................................................... 623-856-7777 address the feelings concerning our current environment.
Service calls CE maintenance ................................. 623-856-7232 future careers, as well as providing them with useful skills to have somebody over your shoulder, saying ‘okay this
Sexual Assault Prevention/Response ...................... 623-856-4878 for their day-to-day mission. is where you go to do this, now do this.’”
Shoppette ................................................................. 623-266-0040 Thunderbolt editorial staff Luke Air Force Base website and social media and is the source for articles and “The education office guided me to the College Level Ex- Cooper emphasized the importance of planning for
Sick call ................................................................... 623-856-2273 Publisher ....................................................Aerotech News and Review photos published in the Thunderbolt. The Thunderbolt editor is authorized to use amination Program (CLEP) and Tuition Assistance programs the future, even if you don’t have it all figured out.
South Gate VRC ...................................................... 623-856-4768 Editor ...........................................................................Deborah leuthold photos and articles from other .mil or .gov websites. which I have utilized to help begin my career in nursing,” Choosing to pursue higher education is a great way for
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 56FWPAThunderbolt@ said Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder, 56th Fighter Wing Airmen to hone leadership skills for their current field
Telephone repair (Base) .......................................... 623-856-4400 Advertising sales ................................................................ 877-247-9288 us.af.mil. The editor can be reached at 623-856-5998 or deborah.leuthold@us.af.mil. Public Affairs photojournalist. “I couldn’t be happier with the as well as provide them with the required education for
Thrift store .............................................................. 623-935-5782 Luke Air Force Base The Thunderbolt uses material from the Armed Forces Information Service, Air opportunities and programs that are given to Airmen that
Ticket/tour office ..................................................... 623-856-6000 Commander.................................................Brig. gen. gregory Kreuder Force News Service, AETC News Service and other sources. All advertising is han- the career they desire after separation or retirement.
Travco ......................................................................855-896-7939 Public affairs chief ...............................................Capt. Candice Dillette dled by Aerotech News and Review. They can be reached by calling 877-247-9288. want to go to school.” “Come talk with us and we’ll help you because we
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- Education services specialists help people with career really want to see you be successful,” Cooper said.
TMO passenger travel ............................................. 623-856-7035 dorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense or the Department readiness by defining goals and finding future careers that “Whether you’re going to be in the Air Force for four
Transient alert ......................................................... 623-856-6204 Editorial Information of the Air Force. suit their interests. years or 24 years, there’s going to be a time when you
Travel pay ............................................................... 623-856-7028 For past issues of the Thunderbolt, go to The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supple- “We don’t tell you what school to go to or what degree to have to get out into the civilian world, let’s get you
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 get, but we can provide you with the resources to help you,” prepared for that.” graphic by Airman 1st Class Caleb Butler
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 said Sandra Cooper, 56th FW education services specialist.
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 Cooper explained education professionals are pas-
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 “We start out with interests and inventories tests that the sionate about leading Airmen and their families to the nice when somebody comes back and says, ‘Thank you
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. Air Force has, just to get Airmen thinking about what they next step in success. so much; I finished my degree!’ The excitement is like
enjoy doing.” “We’ve got a feel-good job,” Cooper said. “It’s really getting to be a mom all over again.”