Law Month at MacDill page 14

24 Pages·2009·1.05 MB·English

Vol. 36, No. 21 Friday, May 29, 2009
Law Month at
MacDill
page 14
Photo by Senior Airman David Minor
Investigator Talmantes describes bike safety to the children at Tinker Elementary on May 12 during National Police Week, a part of Law Month
events coordinated by the 6th Air Mobility Wing. See page 14 for more on Law Month.
COMMENTARY
Of friends and family
by Co. Lawrence Martin NCO’s squadron commander with
6th Air Mobility Wing commander the news and made sure the NCO’s
wife would be notified quickly, and
Early Tuesday morning, before that she knew her husband was
the sun came up, I kissed my wife safe.
as she sent a few e-mails and Too often, our lives get busy.
kissed my sons as they slept. Part That Tuesday morning, I was get-
of my morning routine, to be sure, ting ready to go to the gym. My
but somehow this morning these wife was finishing her e-mails. Our
simple gestures meant even more kids were dreaming about what
to me. they would be doing in school or
I woke at 4:15 this cloudy morn- perhaps of the homework they’d
ing after Memorial Day to the forgotten. None of us gave much
strident ringing of my Blackberry. thought to what the others’ day
The call from my wing commander would bring. We were all too
counterpart at Bagram brought wrapped up in what WE would
bittersweet news. One of our be doing. But quiet, powerful mo- Photo by Senior Airman David Minor
NCO’s, a member of a Provincial ments like Tuesday morning re- Col. Lawrence Martin speaking at a Memorial Day service held in down-
Reconstruction Team in Afghani- mind me about what we owe the town Tampa Monday.
stan, had been seriously injured truly important people in our lives. Our go-go-go schedule often pre- nity to do these important things
by an improvised explosive device I hoped those four wingmen took vents us from taking the time now, say those precious words now
detonated near his vehicle. Luckily, the time in that last phone call or needed to let those who support us and not put them off until later. A
he was alive. Sadly, his four brave letter home to tell their spouses, and stand by us know just what paradox of our military life filled
American companions perished in their children, their parents, broth- they mean to us. We get sucked with PCSs, TADs and TDYs often
the day’s attack. er, sister, grandparents how much into the tiny, mundane details of places those we know best far from
I thanked my brother wing com- each meant to them, how proud day-to-day life and miss what truly where we are today.
mander and asked if he needed each were of them, how much they matters. Despite our best inten- You know those cell phone com-
anything. I could tell by his voice loved them and that they hugged tions, we let our most important mercials that invite you to create
that no, there was nothing any- and kissed them on their last visits messages slip away for when we a circle of friends and family? Who
one else could do. He alone had to home. I hoped these airmen had let have “more” time. And… sadly, we would be in your circle? Make the
make those four much more pain- their friends know just how impor- never do. time today to call them to say you
ful calls that morning. And I had tant that friendship was. A Tuesday morning like this one care.
a few to make as well. I called our Our lives today are too hectic. reminds us to take every opportu- I did.
ACTION LINE
The Action Line provides a two-way communication between the 6th Air Mobility Wing
commander and the MacDill community. A 24-hour recording service is provided so person-
nel may submit questions, concerns or comments. Call the Action Line at 828-INFO (4636)
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The appearance of advertising in this publication, includ- to the 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office, Bldg. 299, at
ing inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement 8208 Hangar Loop Drive, Suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621, or
Publisher: Denise Palmer
by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air call the MacDill Thunderbolt staff at 828-4586. Email: thunder-
Editor: Nick Stubbs
Force, 6th Air Mobility Wing or Sunbelt Newspapers, Inc., of [email protected].
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NEWS/FEATURES
Asian Pacfic Islander month celebrated
Your T-bolt Today
Many notable Asian Americans in history
NEWS/FEATURES: page 4
Equal Opportunity Office Shanghai, China. These lifesaving documents
Beating the heat, Part II allowed thousands of Jews to leave Austria and
There were men of steel who built our trans- escape death. After 40 years of diplomatic ser-
continental railroad, made a splash riding vice that included ambas-
HEALTH/WELLNESS: page 6 waves in Hawaii, saved thousands of Austrian sadorships to Egypt, Mex-
Jews during the Holocaust and one made his ico, Bolivia, and Colombia,
mark walking the halls of Congress. As athletes, Dr. Ho retired to San Fran-
Lose a tooth?
politicians, architects and scientists, they’ve cisco, California. At age 89,
not only changed the way we view America -- he published his memoirs,
they’ve transformed the way we experience the “Forty Years of My Diplo-
world. Meet just a few of our country’s most ac- matic Life.” Dr. Ho died in
NEWS/FEATURES: page 8
complished Asian Americans. 1997, an unknown hero of
Duke Kahanamoku World War II.
Your visit to the MDG like going to airport King of the Waves Dr. Feng Shan Ho
Duke Kahanamoku came to be known as the Dalip Singh Saund
father of international surfing, but the Hawai- A political pioneer
HEALTH/WELLNESS: page 12 ian native made his first splash as a swimmer Dalip Singh Saund made history in 1956
at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden. when he became the first Asian elected to Con-
Born in Honolulu in 1890, Kahanamoku struck gress. Born in India in 1899, Saund came to the
Help for kids with autism
gold by setting a world United States in 1920 to study at the Univer-
record in the 100-meter sity of California, Berkeley, where he earned a
free-style and earned a doctorate degree in mathematics. Despite be-
FEATURES: page 14
silver medal in the 200- ing highly educated, Saund discovered that his
meter relay. He won two career options were limited due to anti-immi-
Law Month celebrated
more golds at the 1920 grant feelings in the U.S. As a result, he worked
Antwerp Olympics, a in farming for the next 20 years. At the same
silver at the 1924 Paris time, Saund began fighting discriminatory laws
NEWS: page 15 Olympics, and a bronze against Indians. In 1949, he and other Indians
at the 1932 Los Angeles finally earned the right to become U.S. citizens.
Duke Kahanamoku
Olympics. Kahanamoku’s In 1956, Saund left the fields of California for
EXERCISE, EXERCISE ...
swimming and surfing the halls of Congress. He served three terms
talents caught the attention of Hollywood, and in the House of Representatives, working to
over the course of nine years, he appeared in improve U.S.-Asian relations. Saund’s political
BRIEFS: page 15
nearly 30 movies. Kahanamoku went on to career was cut short when he suffered a stroke
serve as sheriff for the City and County of Ho- while campaigning for a fourth term. Still, he
News to know nolulu for 26 years. opened the door for Asian Americans to enter
Dr. Feng Shan Ho U.S. politics.
A True Lifesaver Chinese men working on the Union Pacific
SPORTS: page 20 Dr. Feng Shan Ho single-handedly saved Railroad in the late 1800s
thousands of Austrian Jews during the Holo-
Men of Steel
caust. When Dr. Ho arrived in Vienna in 1937
In 1863, construction began on the transcon-
Fantasy of Flight military days as a Chinese diplomat, Austria had the third
tinental railroad—1,776 miles of tracks that
largest Jewish community in Europe. Just one
would form a link between America’s West and
year later, however, the Nazis took over Aus-
East coasts. While thousands of European immi-
tria and began persecuting Jews. Although they
grants worked on the westbound Pacific Union
tried to flee, Austrian Jews had nowhere to go
COMMUNITY: page 24 rail, there was not enough manpower to build
because most of the world’s nations would not
Events, around MacDill the Central Pacific line, which snaked through
accept Jewish refugees. Against all odds, many
the rugged Rocky and Sierra Nevada Moun-
would survive thanks to Dr. Ho. As Chinese
tains. In 1865, Central Pacific officials hired 50
General Consul in Vienna, he went against his
See ASIAN, Page 10
boss’ orders and began issuing Jews visas to
NEWS/FEATURES
Tips to keep cool in the heat of Florida summer
Part II of III
by Senior Airman Tania Reid area, and drink clear juice or a sports bever-
6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs age. With shade and rest, faintness or dizziness
should subside promptly. If cramps persist for
When the temperature soars and humidity more than an hour, see a doctor.
rises, it’s time to take precautions to avoid dan- 2. Heat exhaustion comes next. Your body
gerous health consequences such as overheat- temperature is still normal, but your skin is
ing, heat stroke and overexposure to the sun. cold and clammy, you’re thirsty, become unco-
With the 101 Criti- ordinated and feel dizzy. You may feel faint,
cal Days of Summer and your heartbeat may be rapid. You must im-
in full swing vigi- mediately be rehydrated with water, salt and
lance is key. Watch minerals. If these symptoms persist even after
for signs of overheat- you’re cooled down, see a doctor. Only let per-
ing and heat stroke sons exhibiting these symptoms have water or
in those most suscep- sports drink if they are fully conscious and can
tible such as seniors, protect their own airway, as nausea and vomit-
children and people ing are also signs of heat-related illness.
with chronic illness- 3. Finally, there is heat stroke. If you’ve let
es. things get to this stage, you’re in serious trou-
However, everyone ble. As your condition deteriorates, your body
is at risk. According actually stops sweating - so beware of dry,
to the medical news hot red skin. Your body temperature is above
today and the con- 103 degrees Fahrenheit, your skin is dry and
sumer energy center flushed, the pulse is strong and rapid, the per-
early, symptoms of son’s mental state is impaired, and a coma is
overheating can sneak up when least expected. likely. At this stage immediate treatment is re-
It may cause a person to feel lightheaded and quired.
weak as well as have a touch of nausea. The se- If you see someone with these symptoms, call
rious problems develop when symptoms are ig- for an ambulance. While awaiting its arrival,
nored and additional fluids are not taken right get the victim out of the heat. Loosen or re-
away. move clothing, wrap the person in wet towels or
Here are the major symptoms of overheat- clothing, and apply ice packs around the neck,
ing, heat exhaustion and heat stroke and some the groin and under the arms and knees (where
U.S. Air Force photo
safety tips to help you cope with health emer- the blood flow is greatest and closest to the sur-
gencies during the dog days of summer. face). Do not allow oral hydration if mental im- • Stay in air-conditioned areas or use cooling
Three Stages of Overheating: pairment is observed and it is usually present fans to speed sweat evaporation.
1. Initially, exertion in heat or lack of water in this condition. The primary cause of overheating and heat
(or loss of water and salt from heavy sweating) The best defense is prevention. exhaustion is dehydration and a loss of elec-
will cause cramps; painful spasms that usual- Here are some precautions you can take... trolytes such as sodium. Dress appropriately,
ly center in the legs, but can also occur in the • Wear light weight, light-colored loose-fit- apply sunscreen, avoid strenuous work or ex-
abdomen and arms. (A note regarding “thirst”: ting clothing. ercise between the hottest hours. Generally, try
By the time your body tells you that you are • Apply sunscreen with a Sun Protection to stay well-hydrated and take in extra salt (for
thirsty, you’re already mildly dehydrated.) Factor (SPF) rating of at least “SPF 15” to ex- those of you who can use salt). Drink water or
Also, persons poorly hydrated, or poorly ac- posed portions of the body a sports beverage even though you don’t feel
climatized to heat, or standing for long periods • Limit exposure during the hottest hours: like it - you can’t count on your thirst mecha-
(or who stop, stand abruptly after working, ex- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. nism to prompt you. So follow these tips to stay
ercising) in the heat, may feel suddenly weak • If possible, avoid strenuous work or exer- cool and safe during these 101 Critical Days of
and dizzy, or may actually faint! cise outside. Summer.
Should you get cramps, or suddenly feel weak • Take advantage of shade in the environ- Editor’s note: This is the second part of a three
or dizzy, stop what you are doing, rest in a cool ment or wear a wide-brimmed hat. part series on tips to keep cool this summer.

HEALTH/WELLNESS
Have a knocked-out tooth?
• Saliva (spit into a clean cup and place the
tooth)
by Maj Aura M Cisneros
• Milk (a good choice considering relatively
6th Dental Squadron
bacteria free environment)

• Water (if nothing else is available)
With the sunny days of summer, come out-
• Keep your dentist’s appointments for fol-
door activities and adventurous spirits. While
low up
we do everything we can to make sure our
summer days are injury free there are those
What SHOULDN’T you do?
accidents that can’t be avoided.
• Pick the tooth up from the root
If you find yourself with a knocked-out, or
• Scrub a dirty tooth
“avulsed”, tooth this summer there are some
• Wait a couple days for a Dental visit…the
things that can be done to help this serious
sooner the better for success!
dental emergency and save your tooth.
Why do you need a dentist?
What SHOULD you do?
• To determine if the tooth can me reim-
• Rinse the tooth gently with running water
planted
• Contact a dentist as soon as possible. Call
• To prescribe antibiotics and medicine for
the emergency number at MacDill’s clinic to
pain managament
call a dentist.
• To check for soft and hard tissues injuries
• Place the tooth in a clean cup and keep it
• To ensure proper follow up in case root
wet (moist) with:
canal or further treatment is needed
• Hanks solution (Save-A-Tooth) or saline
For more information call the 6th Dental
solution
Squadron at 813-827-9400.
U.S. Air Force photo

HEALTH/WELLNESS
Your visit to the 6th Arrival at Clinic (Ar- the waiting area to a about how you can body else!
riving at the airport) treatment room prevent future injuries Post-Appointment
Medical Group: It’s just
• Check-in at the clinic • You will be asked and illnesses Duties (Post-flight
waiting area at your questions about the • Don’t forget to turn Duties)
like going to the airport!
show-time purpose of your visit off your cell phone! • Remember to take
by Lt Col Barbara tions (original forms • Screening is part of • Vital information your personal belong-
Krause signed by a provider) your healthcare visit. about your physical Visit with your Pro- ings upon exiting the
Health Care Integrator, • Your current list of This may involve any status will be mea- vider (Take-off/In- clinic
6th Medical Group
medications or all of the following: sured and recorded. flight Mission) • After your visit with
• Questions for your • Verifying proper This may include any • Meet with your the PCM you may be
Pre-visit Preparation
healthcare provider identification of the following: tem- healthcare provider required to
(Pre-flight prepara-
• Arrange care for chil- • Filling out forms or perature, heart rate, • During your visit: • Complete follow-up
tion)
dren who do not have questionnaires respirations, blood • Receive the best care paperwork.
• Receive your pre-re-
an appointment • Reviewing your med- pressure, height and and treatment the 6 • Visit the Radiology
corded phone message
• Every effort will be ication list weight. MDG has to offer (X-ray) Department,
reminder on the duty
made to notify you in • Learn how to take Lab, Immunizations
day prior to your ap-
advance of any chang- Preparing for your Your Safety Briefing care of yourself Clinic, and/or Pharma-
pointment
es or delays Assessment (Board- • Your medication list • Be sure to get your cy before departing.
• What to pack:
• Leave your home or ing the aircraft) will be compared with questions answered Thank you for
• Your ID and insur-
office early in case of • An aerospace medi- your electronic health about your condi- choosing the 6th Med-
ance cards
ical Group as your
heavy traffic cal service technician record tion—you know your-
• Applicable prescrip- medical treatment
will escort you from • We will talk to you self better than any-
facility and arriving
early for your appoint-
ment. Buckle your
seatbelt, avoid using
your cell phone while
driving and have a
safe journey home! If
you have any ques-
tions, please contact
us at (813) 828-CARE
(2273).

SPORTS/FITNESS
AMC seeking 2009 Air Force Marathon participants
by Mr. Scott Black Team members will be selected based upon at their own expense. Other events include a
Headquarters Air Mobility Command submitted AF Form 303. The completed forms wheelchair division of the marathon (consist-
should be submitted through your base Fit- ing of hand-cranked and push-rim divisions),
The 13th annual United States Air Force ness Center by Jul. 3. half marathon, individual 10K, and 5K. The
Marathon will be held Sep. 19, at Wright-Pat- Those selected will be notified by HQ AMC/ USAF Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K
terson AFB in Dayton, OH. A1S and placed on Permissive TDY for the are held on Sep. 19 and the 5K race is held on
Air Mobility Command will again sponsor marathon. Sept. 18 at Wright State University.
an active duty team comprised of both male In addition to the official AMC competitive Please contact your Fitness Center at 828-
and female runners representing various age team, all others interested in competing in the 4496 for additional Air Force Marathon infor-
groups who compete in the full marathon. Air Force Marathon are encouraged to do so mation.
ASIAN
From Page 3
Chinese laborers to discrimination because New York. At age nine,
lay down a section of they looked different Ma made his musi-
track. Their work was from the white work- cal debut at the famed
so well done, they de- ers. Although they of- Carnegie Hall in New
cided to recruit more ten outperformed oth- York City. Since gradu-
Chinese men. In the er laborers, they were ating from the Julliard
end, nearly 12,000 paid less. Despite all School and Harvard
Chinese railroad of the hardships, the University, Ma has
workers were hired Chinese laborers never played as a soloist with
to perform dangerous quit. Thanks to their orchestras around the
work that white men hard work, America world. He has recorded
refused to do. They became the first conti- 50 albums and collect-
dammed rivers, dug nent to have a coast-to- ed more than a dozen
ditches, and blast- coast railroad. Grammy Awards. He
ed tunnels through Magnificent Musi- is also dedicated to
mountain ranges. cian bringing music into
Hundreds of men Yo To Ma the lives of young peo-
died on the job. The One of the world’s ple through education
Chinese also faced great musicians, Yo-Yo programs and family
Ma began studying concerts. Ma plays two
the cello at the age of instruments—a 1733
four. As a toddler, he Montagnana cello and
and his parents moved a 1712 Davidoff Strad-
from Paris, France, to ivarius.