Page 12 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt, March 2021

12 March 2021 News http://www.luke.af.mil Thunderbolt News Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt 13
Thunderbolt
March 2021
http://www.luke.af.mil
www.aerotechnews.com/lukeafb
Chaplain’s thoughts ... LEADErS (from Page 5) hearing their challenges, and we owe it • Survivor Advocacy Councils
• Invisible Wounds Initiatives
(to) them to build a strategy that ensures
said. “We are working to build a culture
where we help leaders put their people our Airmen, Guardians, and families get • Family, Child, & Youth Programs
the care they need, wherever they are, and
• Morale, Wellness, and Recreation pro-
Friendship is a discipline We’ve discovered that, during a race, I am pretty good requires intentionality to step out of the shadows of first. We want to help empower leaders to whenever they need it.” grams, and more.
from about mile 12 to 15, right where he tends to get your life and into the light where others can see you. execute their missions and maintain good In order to develop that strategy, the Popular websites include Air Force Re-
by Chaplain (maj.) tired. In fact, he’s admitted that in those moments he’d This is hard to do, especially when we understand order and discipline, while also remaining Operation Arc Care team will define the silience, Child Care Aware, Military One-
Tim JACoBS like to “put an arrow” in my back! However, I’ll hit the that it is in our very nature to hide. In the Bible, in an connected with their team so they can lead Department of the Air Force vision and a Source — which includes Military Spouse
wall around mile 17, right when he gets a second wind. event known as The Fall — when Adam and Eve eat with compassion, empathy, character and five-year goal to identify strategic areas Education and Career Opportunities, the
56 FW IMA Chaplain grace, while treating every human with
At that point I honestly start to hate him, because I of the forbidden fruit — the first thing they do is hide. of focus. Spouse Resiliency Toolkit — as well as apps
I recently ran a 20-mile can barely keep up. But we stay together, and that’s They hide from each other, and they hide from God. dignity and respect.” “We also want to give our Airmen and such as Air Force Connect.
trail race in the Estrella what makes us better. We have been hiding from each other ever since. But The plan is to remove policy barriers and Guardians the freedom to innovate; make “We’re using community-focused pro-
Mountains, 10 miles south I have come to believe that friendship, like anything the Bible also says, “A man of many companions may identify initiatives that improve the expe- sure they are adequately resourced and in- grams customized by major command,
of Luke. To my surprise I fin- else that is good, is a discipline. It’s one thing to merely come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer rience of care for Airmen, Guardians, and formed; and afforded the space for informa- base, and garrison-levels because they
ished 25 minutes faster than hang around people so that you are not alone. It’s than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). It is my hope that family members, according to Col. Laura tion sharing and collaboration,” Ramos said. are best suited for answering the needs of Airman’s Creed
I did in the same race last another to surround yourself with people whose very every single Airman here at Luke has a friend like Ramos, Air Force Resilience strategic part- Resiliency resources for Airmen, Guard- their Airmen, Guardians, and families in
year. How did that happen? presence helps you become a better you. It requires that. Life on earth is a long-distance run, and there nership division chief. ians and their families include: their unique locations,” Ramos said. “We I am an American Airman.
I wasn’t in better shape. In letting people into your life far enough to see your are going to be times where you get tired and want to “With this task force, you will find that • Airmen and Family Readiness Centers recognize that having a worldwide presence I am a Warrior.
fact, I had just come off of a weaknesses and even address them. Ironically, with quit. We need each other. spouses and family members are included • Chaplains makes us a ‘community of communities’ and I have answered my Nation’s call.
leg injury. The answer, I believe, is my friend Mike. Mike all our amazing technology, it has never been easier Mike and I are now training for a 50K, our first and have a significant role in Operation Arc • Military Family Life counselors while many needs are universal, some are I am an American Airman.
Care; and our working sessions are designed
is my running buddy, and to be honest he frustrates to simply disappear. Just make a few excuses, stop re- ultramarathon. I know I’m going to get pushed. But to include stakeholders from the installa- • Leadership, such as unit commanders, specific to certain units, missions, people, My mission is to Fly, Fight, and Win.
supervisors, first sergeants, etc.
me. We go on these long training runs and he talks the turning texts, and you’ve effectively “ghosted” someone. I also know I’m better off with a friend than trying tions and major commands,” she explained. • Civilian Employee Assistance programs areas, and geographic locations.” I am faithful to a Proud Heritage,
Guidance will be provided for wings to
entire time, enthusiastically, while keeping a pace that Thus, anyone can easily maintain the appearance of to go it alone. For more information, or to speak with “This is a holistic effort that incorporates • Key Spouse Programs help communicate new policies, programs A Tradition of Honor,
is faster than I’d go alone. I ask him questions to keep connectivity while going through life completely alone. a Chaplain or Religious Affairs Airman, contact the feedback and ideas from across the DAF.” • Community Support Coordinators and address emerging issues. And a Legacy of Valor.
him talking so he’ll slow down, but it rarely works. True friendship, however, is a discipline because it Chapel: 623-856-6211. The intent is to create a Department of • Equal Opportunity Liaisons “When my teammates and families hear I am an American Airman.
the Air Force resilience strategy that will • Family Advocacy Programs ‘resilience,’ we want them to think about Guardian of Freedom and Justice,
differ from traditional strategies written in • Legal Services how they can optimize their performance My Nation’s Sword and Shield,
VirTUAL (from Page 1) USSF (from Page 1) “It’s truly a unique opportunity to not only step the past, she explained. Instead, the strat- • Health Promotion programs through mental, physical, emotional and Its Sentry and Avenger.
into a boyhood dream but be a part of something egy will be adaptive and offer a baseline for • Exceptional Family Member Programs spiritual health, all in the face of potential I defend my Country with my Life.
group wasn’t an option, the wing commander determined the best “I was unsure whether I would accept my transfer really historic.” installations while providing leaders with • Mental Health Clinics adversity,” Tudor said. “Are leaders at every
course was to do this in a virtual manner.” invitation,” said, Cirre. “But, I believe joining the Shuck explained Chief Master Sgt. of the Space tools to take care of AG&F. Operation Arc • Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention echelon involved? What resources will we I am an American Airman.
Hooser teamed up with the 944th FW Public Affairs office and other Space Force will be a positive step in my military Force Roger Towberman was a crucial motivator Care is currently in phase two, with expec- programs have at your fingertips to click on or call to Wingman, Leader, Warrior.
Reserve Citizen Airmen in the wing to brainstorm and plan the virtual career, as well as my personal life. Taking that first on his decision to accept this opportunity. tations of moving to the next phase by the • Sexual Assault Prevention and Re- make an appointment that helps you find I will never leave an Airman behind,
event. The planning team considered various social distancing options step forward out of your comfort zone is all it takes “Chief Towberman has been very open and frank end of March. sponse Coordinators their way? Are we providing those resources I will never falter,
such as live streaming and video conferencing. to achieve something great.” that we will be building a new force from the “Our people are the most important re- • Members of the Interpersonal Violence and are they readily available for all forces And I will not fail.
“We were looking for ways to convey the awards ceremony,” said Capt. Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Shuck, 607th Air Control ground up, that we will be not just filling a role source we have,” said Chief Master Sgt. of Task Forces and family members to understand and use?
Monique Roux, 944th FW Public Affairs chief. “We looked at trying video Squadron cyber transport systems specialist, ex- but creating it,” said Shuck. “I’d say the sky is the the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass. “We’ve been • Air Force Wounded Warrior Programs That is what we want to get after.”
switching and cutting to live feeds at other locations which was our goal plains though he is signing a new contract with a limit but it’s the Space Force, so there really isn’t
originally, but that presented other limitations we weren’t prepared for.” different branch, he believes this is just the next a limit anymore.”
Other issues presented themselves as the planning team continued to stage of progression for his time in service. According to an FAQ posted on the USSF web-
explore options. “I don’t feel like I’m leaving the Air Force, in the site, “the Space Force will evaluate the need for
“Our biggest concern was to make sure we recognized our Airmen slightest,” said Shuck. “April 2021 would have made more transfer opportunities after (this) initial
properly and eliminated as many technological issues as possible,” said it 10 years in the Air Force, and I’m not leaving transfer process is complete.”
Roux. “If we chose to use live feeds at all ten locations we planned to any of it behind, I’m bringing it with me. The good “Keep an eye on the news for information and
broadcast from, we would have dealt with audio feedback most locations, and the bad will be brought to the table as lessons MyPers for your eligibility opportunity,” said
and a lot of moving parts as we switched around. Additionally, with units learned, so that the Space Force can move forward.” Shuck. “Be proactive. If you want it, go get it. Don’t
across the base and the country trying to live stream the event, they Shuck spoke on the excitement of helping to lay wait for it.”
would have experienced buffering and connection issues, and the last the foundation of this new branch. For more information on transferring to the
thing we wanted was for the celebration of our Airmen to be interrupted “I’ve always been in love with space and how it’s Space Force, visit https://www.spaceforce.mil/
by technical problems.” really the next step in human exploration,” he said. Transfer/.
After working through all of the options, the planning team determined
that the best solution was to produce a fully prerecorded ceremony.
“We were fortunate to find a member in our communications flight,
Senior Airman Jed Morgan, who has incredible skills and is self-taught
in film making,” Hooser shared. “He volunteered to help and was the
main editor on this project, bringing with him great vision and ideas. It
was because of his input and his experience that the award ceremony
presentation was top-notch.”
The opportunity to work on such a high-visibility project made a big
impression on Senior Airman Morgan.
“I practiced new skills, made new contacts, and found a way to make
an impact on the wing as a whole,” said Morgan, 944th Force Support
Squadron client systems technician. “This opportunity gave me a greater
sense of purpose for the role I have now.”
The 2020 Annual Awards Ceremony was aired online during the
February Unit Training Assembly as a sports broadcast-themed show.
Airmen cheered as nominees from their respective units were announced,
“sponsored by” various units across the wing.
“We tried to find ways to still bring the same level of significance these
awards deserve even though we had to adapt to a new environment,” said
Hooser. “The team worked through numerous courses of action to find
the best solution to celebrate the annual award nominees and winners
in this unprecedented time.”
Greenwald expressed his feelings about the presentation and all the
hard work that went into it.
“I’m extremely proud of our planning team’s determination to deliver an
engaging event that was focused on the Airmen,” he said. “This speaks to 6.5” AD SPACE
the resilience we have as a unit, that we can take any challenge and turn Airman 1st Class Caleb F. Butler
it into a positive for us; that we weren’t going to let a pandemic and social Airman 1st Class Caleb E. Cirre, 607th Air Control Squadron cyber transport systems specialist,
distancing take away the opportunity to do the right thing by recognizing poses with the U.S. Space Force flag after a ceremonial swear-in, Feb. 5, at Luke Air Force Base.
the members of this wing.” This ceremony officially ends his service in the Air Force, transferring him to the U.S. Space Force.