Page 2 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt, March 2021

2 March 2021 News http://www.luke.af.mil Thunderbolt News Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt 3
March 2021
Thunderbolt
http://www.luke.af.mil
www.aerotechnews.com/lukeafb
PHONE NUMBERS Air Force to allow longer braids, Through trying times, these Airmen prevailed

Airman and Family Readiness Center .................... 623-856-6550
Base taxi .................................................................. 623-856-6866 ponytails, bangs for women CouRTNeY RiChARDSoN their formal attire and celebrate with a perfectly planned geographical make-up of the wing. The 944th FW is
Airman’s Attic ......................................................... 623-856-6415
Armed Forces Bank ................................................ 623-535-9766
by Tech. Sgt.
Base Exchange main store ...................................... 623-935-2671
meal and formal ceremony. This year COVID-19 changed
headquartered at Luke Air Force Base, but has three
Beauty shop ............................................................. 623-536-1897 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs how the awards were presented, but not the celebration geographically separated units, the 944th Operations
Chapel ..................................................................... 623-856-6211 for one wing. Group Detachment 1 at Holloman Air Force Base, New
Chapel (after duty hours) ........................................ 623-856-5600 by Each year Air Force units around the world recognize The 944th Fighter Wing produced a virtual awards Mexico, the 414th Fighter Group at Seymour Johnson
Child development center ....................................... 623-856-6338 SeCReTARY their top performers from the previous year. The members, ceremony to honor their top performing Airmen of 2020. Air Force Base, North Carolina, and the 924th Fighter
Clothing sales .......................................................... 623-856-6310 oF The AiR FoRCe along with their leadership and families, typically don Pulling off the event was a challenge due to the Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The
Club Five Six .......................................................... 623-856-6446 nominated members usually all merge to attend the cer-
Command post ........................................................ 623-856-5600 Public Affairs emony and find out who the winners are. In accordance
Commissary ............................................................ 623-935-3821 with the Center for Disease Control’s safety protocol, the
Community center ................................................... 623-856-7152 ARLiNGToN, Va. — As an outcome
Computer IT service desk ..................................... DSN 945-2900 of the 101st Air Force uniform board, 944th FW Commander, Col. James Greenwald, made the
Crime Stop .............................................................. 623-856-6666 Air Force women will be able to wear choice not to cancel the celebration, but to modify how it
Dental clinic ............................................................ 623-856-2273 their hair in up to two braids or a was conducted.
Dermatology ........................................................... 623-856-2273 single ponytail with bulk not exceed- “It’s been a little over a year since the last time
Dining hall .............................................................. 623-856-6396 ing the width of the head and length we gathered together in the hangar for a traditional
Dorm management .................................................. 623-856-7841 wing commander’s call,” said Greenwald during a vir-
Education center ...................................................... 623-856-7722 not extending below a horizontal line tual command address to members of the 944th FW.
EMERGENCY ONLY ............................................................. 911 running between the top of each sleeve
Equal opportunity .................................................... 623-856-7711 inseam at the under arm through the “Since then, the COVID pandemic has restricted our
Eye clinic ................................................................ 623-856-7965 shoulder blades. In addition, women’s U.S. Air Force graphic by Corey Parrish ability to gather in large groups and prompted us to
Falcon Dunes Golf Course ...................................... 623-535-9334 bangs may now touch their eyebrows, Beginning in February, female Airmen will be able to wear their hair in up experiment with a variety of new ways to communicate.
Family health clinic ................................................. 623-856-2273 but not cover their eyes. to two braids or a single ponytail with bulk not exceeding the width of the Today’s combination virtual Commander’s Call and
Family housing ........................................................ 623-388-3515 These new changes will be effective head and length not extending below a horizontal line running between the Annual Awards Ceremony is the latest in our efforts
Fire station .............................................................. 623-856-6641 top of each sleeve inseam at the under arm through the shoulder blades. to communicate effectively and safely in the current
Firestone Car Care .................................................. 623-271-8104 upon publication of the new standards In addition, women’s bangs may now touch their eyebrows, but not cover environment.”
Fitness center .......................................................... 623-856-6241 in Air Force Instruction 36-2903 in
Flight medicine ....................................................... 623-856-2273 February. their eyes. Through careful planning, each unit gathered at their
Food court ............................................................... 623-935-2671 “As I outlined in Action Order A: Air- respective duty locations, and watched the live-streamed
Fort Tuthill .............................................................. 623-856-3401 men, this decision is a commitment to “In addition to the health concerns nity to maximize their talent and serve.” ceremony at the same time as their counterparts across
Fraud, waste and abuse hotline ............................... 623-856-6149 supporting the Airmen We Need and we have for our Airmen, not all women Members must adhere to current occu- the country.
Hobby shop ............................................................. 623-856-6722 sustaining the culture and environment have the same hair type, and our hair pational safety, fire and health guidance, Throughout the virtual awards ceremony the nomi-
Housing assistance section ...................................... 623-856-7643 standards should reflect our diverse and mishap prevention procedures em- nees watched as their names and official photos ap-
Housing facilities section ........................................ 623-856-3007 of excellence that will continue to make peared for each category, and each received a medallion
Housing maintenance .............................................. 623-935-2676 the Air Force an attractive career choice force,” said Chief Master Sergeant of the phasizing when and how to mitigate the Tech. Sgt. Courtney richardson signifying their selection as a finalist in their annual
Identification cards .................................................. 623-856-7832 for Airmen and families,” said Air Force Air Force JoAnne S. Bass. “I am pleased potential for injury from hair of varying Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 944th Mission Support Group gather to watch the 944th Fighter Wing 2020 An-
Information, tickets and travel ................................ 623-856-6000 Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, we could make this important change for lengths around machinery, equipment, award category. Upon the announcement, the winners
Law enforcement desk ............................................ 623-856-5970 Jr. “I’m thankful for the feedback and our women service members.” power transmission apparatus or moving nual Awards Ceremony at Luke Air Force Base, Jan. 30. The wing leadership cancelled the typical ceremonial din-
Legal assistance ...................................................... 623-856-6901 research conducted from a number of In addition to addressing issues as- parts. Airmen are encouraged to reach ner due to COVID-19, opting to announce and celebrate the winners virtually. See PrEVAiLED, Page 6
Library ..................................................................... 623-856-7191 women leaders, the Women’s Initiative sociated with personal health and hair out to their safety office for assistance
Lodging office/switchboard .................................... 623-856-3941 loss, adjusting female hair standards in analyzing any potential hazards, as
Maintenance control center ..................................... 623-856-5469 Team, the Air Force uniform board, and
Marine Corps .......................................................... 623-856-2417 our joint teammates.” supports ongoing efforts to address diver- applicable. Celebrating 80 years of training pilots for the fight
Marine Corps 24-hour duty desk ............................ 602-421-5806 The Air Force uniform board convened sity and inclusion in the ranks. Earlier Another idea considered by the board
Marketing ................................................................ 623-856-3245 virtually in November 2020 to discuss this year and in her role leading the related to beard wear for men. Unlike
Medical appointments ............................................. 623-856-2273 ideas sourced from Airmen across the Defense Department’s Diversity Board, with women’s hair standards, there
Military equal opportunity ...................................... 623-856-7711 Air Force who participated in a dress and then-Secretary of the Air Force Barbara are no known health or hair loss issues by Staff Sgt. Since WWII, the squadron has been
Military pay ............................................................. 623-856-7028 appearance crowdsourcing campaign. M. Barrett played a prominent role in associated with current male grooming TYLeR J. BoLkeN involved in supporting campaigns during
Navy Operations Support Center ............................ 602-353-3008 Participants on the board included 19 supporting these types of adjustments standard compliance. As such, the Air the Korean War, and in more modern day
OB/GYN clinic ....................................................... 623-856-2273 to ensure a more inclusive culture in Force plans to continue under the cur- 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Office of Special Investigations .............................. 623-856-6821 diverse Airmen of various ranks from Southwest Asia.
Optometrist ............................................................. 623-856-2273 across the major commands and head- the services. rent male grooming standards without A birthday has a way of evoking many Sullivan explained that they are still
Orthopedic clinic ..................................................... 623-856-2273 quarters directorates. The Air Force chief of staff approved adjustments. Beards are currently feelings such as sentiment, reflection, answering the nation’s call, which has led
Outdoor recreation .................................................. 623-856-6267 The board reviewed all ideas including the policy after considering feedback permitted in conjunction with medical and celebration. In the military, service them to supporting operational efforts on
Pass and registration ............................................... 623-856-4880 a recommendation from the Air Force’s from the force, the uniform board recom- exceptions such as shaving waivers or members celebrate the birthdays of their seven different deployments across the
Patient advocate ...................................................... 623-856-8968 Women’s Initiative Team. Thousands of mendation, and the professional image for approved religious accommodations. respective units to commemorate legacy, globe in the past five years.
Pediatric clinic ........................................................ 623-856-2273 women across the Air Force provided and standards of the Air Force and U.S. At this time, Guardians will adhere to reiterate mission, and forge the path Since inception, the unit has been de-
Pharmacy refill call-in ............................................. 623-856-3969 military. the female grooming standards of the Air activated and reactivated per the needs
Photo services ......................................................... 623-856-6168 feedback to the Women’s Initiative Team, forward.
Post Office ............................................................... 623-935-1343 stating constraints to hair grooming “We remain committed to removing Force. Eventually, the U.S. Space Force January 15th marked the 80th birth- of the Air Force, but through it all, have
Public affairs ........................................................... 623-856-6011 standards resulted in damage to hair, barriers to service,” said Lt. Gen. Brian will develop its own policy. day of the 69th Fighter Squadron. It is always been focused on training pilots.
Recycling information ............................................ 623-856-4749 migraines and in some cases, hair loss. Kelly, Air Force deputy chief of staff for Numerous other ideas from the board assigned to the 944th Operations Group The mission of the 69th FS, since 2010,
Retiree Activities office .............................................623-856-3923 The detailed work done by the Women’s manpower, personnel and services. “In an are still under consideration for imple- stationed at Luke Air Force Base. has been to train Air Force pilots in com-
Rodgers Travel ........................................................ 623-856-6894 Initiative Team to research and support all-volunteer force, we want fully quali- mentation and will be released in the The 69th FS was originally activated bat tactics in the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Safety ...................................................................... 623-856-6941 the recommendation was greatly appre- fied volunteers who are representative of future. For more information, consult AFI as the 69th Pursuit Group on Jan. 15, “The 69th FS is fully integrated with
Security forces .........................................................623-856-5970 ciated by the uniform board. the nation to see us as a great opportu- 36-2903 Dress and Appearance. 1941, in support of World War II. They the 56th Fighter Wing’s F-16 pilot train-
Security incidents .................................................... 623-856-7777
Service calls CE maintenance ................................. 623-856-7232 were responsible for training fighter pi- ing mission, which has produced more
Sexual Assault Prevention/Response ...................... 623-856-4878 lots to send to the fights in Europe and than 1,000 new or requalifying F-16
Shoppette ................................................................. 623-266-0040 Thunderbolt editorial staff Luke Air Force Base website and social media and is the source for articles and the Pacific, according to Jessica Lawson, pilots in the past 10 years,” said Sullivan.
Sick call ................................................................... 623-856-2273 Publisher ....................................................Aerotech News and review photos published in the Thunderbolt. The Thunderbolt editor is authorized to use 944th FW Historian. Sullivan recognizes the importance of
South Gate VRC ...................................................... 623-856-4768 Editor ....................................................................................... Amy Lamb photos and articles from other .mil or .gov websites. The past 80 years has seen 14 presi- the unit’s legacy and holds his Airmen 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. dents, more fad changes in music and a high standard to continue it.
Telephone repair (Base) .......................................... 623-856-4400 Advertising sales ................................................................ 877-247-9288 com. The editor can be reached at 661-310-5712 or amy@aerotechnews.com. fashion than one can count, and a U.S. “Most of our squadron instructor pilots Tech. Sgt. Nestor Cruz
Thrift store .............................................................. 623-935-5782 Luke Air Force Base The Thunderbolt uses material from the Armed Forces Information Service, Air Lt. Col. Paul Killeen, 69th Fighter Squadron instructor pilot, makes his final adjust-
Ticket/tour office ..................................................... 623-856-6000 Commander.................................................Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder Force News Service, AETC News Service and other sources. All advertising is han- military that has evolved into having a have at least 2,000 flying hours in the ments prior to flight Dec. 17, 2020, at Luke Air Force Base. January 15 marked the
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. Space Force. Decades later, the lineage of F-16, which is well above the average 80th birthday of the 69th FS, of the 944th Fighter Wing. “The 69th FS continues to
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- training fighter pilots is still the squad- for pilots in this aircraft,” said Sullivan.
TMO passenger travel ............................................. 623-856-7035 dorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense or the Department ron’s primary purpose. “It’s an honor to lead the 69th as their train elite pilots for the fight,” said Lt. Col. Bradley Sullivan, 69th FS commander. “I
Transient alert ......................................................... 623-856-6204 Editorial Information of the Air Force. “We have the mission to train new and commander.” am looking toward the future — my hope is that the 69th will remain a highly func-
Travel pay ............................................................... 623-856-7028 For past issues of the Thunderbolt, go to The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supple- requalifying F-16 pilots,” said Lt. Col. The highly trained instructor pilots tioning training squadron, supporting the needs of the combat Air Force.”
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 Bradley Sullivan, 69th FS commander. continue the legacy of training future
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 Over the past eight decades, the constant lots,” said Sullivan. “I am looking toward the
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 “It’s humbling to be a part of that legacy. aviators in the single engine aircraft theme of training pilots for the fight carries future and know that the 69th will remain a
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 Here we are 80 years later still flying like their predecessors, except these days
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. single engine fighter jets training for in excess of 1,500 mph in the Fighting on in the unit. highly functioning training squadron, sup-
the Air Force.” Falcon. “The 69th FS continues to train elite pi- porting the needs of the combat Air Force.”