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Thursday, September 18, 2014
Vol. 42, No. 37
News/Features: page 3
Career management
News/Features: page 3
Healthcare to Health
Week in photos: page 4
Images from MacDill
This Could Be Your Future!
Military Assignment Opportunity
News/Features: page 8
White House recruiting
White House Lawn Photograph by Daniel Schwen
White House Communications Agency (WHCA) is committed to recruiting the best and the
brightest. WHCA members come from all Services, with varied levels of experience and
multiple specialties. Members assigned to WHCA will provide direct service to our mission in
Washington, DC or on a travel team in support of the President, Vice President, First Lady,
and others as directed.
Military Job Opportunity for Servicemembers in the following skills:
Army Enlisted: 12H, 12W, 12Y, 25B, 25C, 25E, 25L, 25M, 25N, 25P, 25Q, 25R, 25S, 25T, 25U, 25V, 25W, 25X, 35L,
35P(RU), 35Y, 36B, 42A, 88M, 91B, 91D, 91E, 92A, 92Y, 94E, 94F, 94L, 94W, 94Z
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Community: page 20
Events, Chapel, more...
Home again - page 12
Photo by Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
Master Sgt. Marcin Dziurawiec, U.S. Central Command physical security NCO, talks to his daughter after returning from deployment Sept. 9, at
MacDill Air Force Base.
COMMAND CORNER
18th Air Force: commander’s intent
“The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible...”—Dwight D. Eisenhower
Mobility Airmen,
The men and women of 18th Air Force, Air
Mobility Command and the Air Force serve
our nation on the foundation of our core values; integrity, service and excellence.
Those who have come before us have taught
us there is no replacement for virtue, character, dignity and respect. This holds true for
today’s Airmen as well, and if we choose to accept a lesser standard, we do so at the risk of
tarnishing our image in the face of the nation.
If we fail, the reputation of all who serve is
tarnished.
Lead
We have the most professional and combatready force successfully performing the mission on a global scale. I ask you to lead boldly
and accept nothing less than impeccable
moral courage. Have the strength of character
to step up and do the right things even in the
most difficult situations. Ultimately you are
accountable not only for your actions, but also
for failing to take action when necessary. Our
legacy of excellence is built on an adherence
to exacting standards and we will not accept
anything less.
Challenge
Integrity, Service and Excellence carry special meaning for all of us and we share these
values with the great warriors and public
servants of the past. I challenge each of you
to reaffirm your commitment to our core values by finding new ways to live these values
each and every day. This reaffirmation will
strengthen the trust between Airmen, and our
commitment to one another.
Thank you for what you do to move this enterprise in the right direction and remember
that it is an honor to be called an “Airman.”
Carlton D. Everhart II
lieutenant general, USAF
commander
Lt. Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II
Be sure to visit the MacDill Air Force Base web site at www.macdill.af.mil
MacDill on the web
COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE
Website: www.macdill.af.mil
The Action Line provides two-way communication between the 6th Air
Mobility Wing commander and the MacDill community. A 24-hour recording service is provided so personnel may submit questions, concerns or
comments. Email macdillwingcommander@us.af.mil.
MacDill Thunderbolt
Publisher: Brian Burns
Editor: Nick Stubbs
The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by Sunbelt Newspapers, Inc., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air
Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized
publication for distribution to members of the U.S. military
services on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill Thunderbolt are
not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the U.S.
government, the Department of Defense, the Department of
the Air Force or the 6th Air Mobility Wing.
The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement
by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air
Force, 6th Air Mobility Wing or Sunbelt Newspapers, Inc., of
the products or service advertised.
Everything advertised in this publication shall be made
available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to
race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status,
physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit
factor of the purchaser, user, or patron.
Display advertising or classified advertising information
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
MacDillAirForceBase
Instagram: macdill_afb
Twitter: @macdill_afb
may be obtained by calling (813) 259-7455.
News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submitted
to the 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office, 8208 Hangar
Loop Dr., suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621, or call the MacDill
Thunderbolt staff at 828-2215. Email: thunder.bolt@us.af.mil.
Deadline for article submissions is noon, Wednesdays to
appear in the next week’s publication. Articles received after
deadline may be considered for future use. All submissions
are considered for publication based on news value and timeliness.
Every article and photograph is edited for accuracy, clarity,
brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Stylebook
and Libel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101.
NEWS/FEATURES
The Air Force Career: It’s in your hands
by Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr.
6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
“You have to manage your own career,” said
Senior Master Sgt. Melissa Walters, 6th Force
Support Squadron career assistance advisor.
This was one of Walters’ comments during
the Career Management Options professional
enhancement course, Sept. 5.
Airmen were informed about their enlisted
career options, to include retraining, special duties and force management programs for Fiscal Year 2014. To ensure they were fully knowledgeable, the Airmen were also instructed on
what applications to access on the Air Force
portal and how to navigate them.
“I didn’t learn a lot of this stuff until later
into my career,” said Walters.
Information was divided into categories concerning first-term Airmen and non-commissioned officers.
Walters provided an informal setting enabling those attending to freely ask questions
and receive all their desired information.
As an extra benefit, Walters touched on additional topics, such as the recent revising of the
Enlisted Performance Report, before concluding the course.
The Career Management Options course
plays an important role in ensuring that Airmen remain informed about all the options
available to them concerning their careers.
Courtesy graphic
However, it’s solely up to each individual Airman to take their respective career into their
own hands and make use of this information.
“Nobody is more interested in your career
than you,” said Walters.
Healthcare to Health: Helping military dependents and retirees stay healthy
by Kimberly Huff
Health Promotion educator
The Air Force is striving to keep military dependents and retirees as healthy as possible with an
exciting new initiative called Healthcare to Health
or H2H.
The Group Lifestyle Balance
Program will provide adults with
the tools necessary to develop
and maintain healthy eating and
active living habits for better
The H2H program has been implemented at Scott,
Mountain Home, Peterson, Shaw, Tinker and MacDill Air Force Bases. The bases were chosen based
on the number of dependents, the types of programs
currently offered, and the reported health concerns
of the non-active duty population. The H2H team at
MacDill is associated with the Family Health Clinic
and will service the on-base community as well as
the Brandon community. The team includes Maria
Benedict and Kim Huff, both health promotion educators, and Julie Schwartz, a registered dietitian
The Healthcare to Health team will be launching
two new initiatives designed to encourage people to
make healthier choices. The 5,210 Healthy Military
Children educational campaign is aimed at creating healthy eating and physical activity habits in
children, and The Group Lifestyle Balance Program
focuses on the development of healthy living and
weight management techniques for adults.
The 5,210 Healthy Military Children campaign
encourages the adoption of eating five servings of
fruits and vegetables daily, limiting the amount
of “screen time” to two hours daily, engaging in at
least one hour of physical activity daily and having zero sugary drinks each day. The target of this
initiative is to provide parents and other members
of the community with the necessary resources to
create the 5,210 habits in children in the MacDill
community.
The Group Lifestyle Balance Program is a series
of classes that will provide adults with the tools necessary to develop and maintain healthy eating and
active living habits to decrease the risk of diabetes
and other conditions, reverse pre-diabetes, and promote better health and improved quality of life.
The Healthcare to Health team is working with
several clinics in the 6th Medical Group at MacDill and the Brandon clinic, as well as the Child
Development Centers, the Youth Center, Tinker Elementary School, The Airmen & Family Readiness
Centers and many other organizations on base to
launch both programs this fall. For more information about either program, call 827-9405.
Courtesy graphic
WEEK IN PHOTOS
The 6th Civil Engineer Squadron hosts
Col. Daniel Tulley,
6th Air Mobility Wing
commander, and
Chief Master Sgt.
Matthew Lusson,
6th AMW command
chief, at the Crash
Fire Station on MacDill Air Force Base,
Sept. 10. Tulley and
Lusson also visited
the emergency operations center and
the military working
dogs kennel for the
new commander’s
immersion.
Photo by Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr.
Photo by Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
Col. Daniel Tulley, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, sits
down with Rick Kriseman, mayor of St. Petersburg, Sept. 10,
in St. Petersburg. This is the first time the current mayor has
met with the 6th AMW commander.
Photo by Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr.
Col. Andre Briere, 6th Air Mobility Wing vice commander, talks to Bobbie O’brien,
WUSF 89.7 News reporter, during an interview at the University of South Florida
Sept. 10.
NEWS/FEATURES
Air Force revamps AEF
WASHINGTON (AFNS) — The Air Force will deploy Agile Combat
Support Airmen under its redesigned air expeditionary force construct
Oct. 1.
The primary purpose of the redesign was to look at ways to deploy
more ACS Airmen with their units and standardize dwell times across
the Air Force as much as possible to present a consistent Air Force capacity to the warfighter.
While the construct was approved in April 2013 by Air Force Chief of
Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, the first deployments under this construct
will be October 2014. Under the revised AEF construct, installations will
deploy larger numbers of Airmen from the same unit under a 1:2 deployto-dwell ratio for active component, ACS Airmen. The revised construct
establishes an 18-month battle rhythm where an Airman may deploy for
six months and be home for 12. This will allow wings to more effectively
posture their forces to meet global mission requirements as well as continue home station training.
In the past, Airmen deployed as individuals or small elements via
“tempo bands” based on their Air Force specialty codes. Those Airmen
met downrange from bases across the Air Force.
“Our Airmen have performed superbly in their individual deployments
under the current AEF structure for the last 11 years,” Welsh said. “This
new construct will facilitate even better teamwork and unit performance
during deployed operations. I visited a deployed squadron last year that
was manned by 81 Airmen from 41 different bases! While we’ve proven
we can be successful with that approach, we believe the new AEF model
is a more efficient way to get the job done.”
While there are some other subtle changes, the most noticeable
change to ACS Airmen will be a stabilized battle rhythm at 1:2 deployto-dwell ratio. Some Airmen will see this battle rhythm as an increase
in their deployment vulnerability. Requirements for most skill sets have
remained constant. However, those who deployed less frequently may be
more vulnerable. Not all Airmen will be selected for deployment in their
vulnerability window.
Air Force leadership has worked very hard to secure 1:2 as the standard battle rhythm therefore reducing the number of Airmen who will
deploy at rates greater than 1:2. While this is the goal, there may still be
some high-demand specialties that may deploy under a different scheduling construct.
“Previously, Air Force specialty codes played a large role in determining an Airman’s battle rhythm and deployment location; the redesign
focuses on aligning Airmen to deploy with their unit,” said Col. Stephen
Hart, the Chief of War Planning and Policy Division. “Deploying with
members of their own unit increases continuity of work, allows our junior
Airmen to deploy with their supervisor, trainers, and enhances the skills
See AEF, Page 16
White House Communications Agency recruiting military members
Special to the Thunderbolt
White House Communications Agency (WHCA) is committed to recruiting the best and the brightest. WHCA members come from all Services, with varied levels of experience and multiple specialties. Members
assigned to WHCA will provide direct service to our mission in Washington, DC or on a travel team in support of the president, vice president,
first Lady, and others as directed.
There are military job opportunities for service members in the following skills:
Army enlisted: 12H, 12W, 12Y, 25B, 25C, 25E, 25L, 25M, 25N, 25P, 25Q,
25R, 25T, 25U, 25V, 25W, 35L, 35P(RU), 35Y, 36B, 42A, 88M, 91B, 91D,
92A, 92Y, 94E, 94F, 94L, 94W, 94Z.
Navy enlisted: BU, CE, CTI (RU), CTM, CTN, EM, ET, IC, IT, MC, PS,
SW, YN.
Air Force enlisted: A3Xi, IB4X1, 1N3X1(RU), 1S0X1, 2S0X1, 3A1X1,
3D0X0, 3D0X1, 3D0X2, 3D0X3, 3D0X4, 3D100, 3D1X1, 3D1X2, 3D1X3,
3D1X7, 3E6X1, 3N0X2, 3N0X5, 3S0X1, 3S2X1, 6C0X1, 6F0X1.
Where: Base Theater, 2420 Florida Keys Ave., MacDill Air Force Base.
When: Tuesday, Sept. at 9 a.m.
For more information, contact Senior Master Sgt. Melissa Walters at
828-1229 or Master Sgt.Jason Olivencia at 828-1310.
This Could Be Your Future!
Military Assignment Opportunity
This Could Be Your Future!
Military Assignment Opportunity
White House Lawn Photograph by Daniel Schwen
White House Lawn Photog
Courtesy graphic
White House Communications Agency (WHCA) is committed to recruiting the best and the
brightest. WHCA members come from all Services, with varied levels of experience and
multiple specialties. Members assigned to WHCA will provide direct service to our mission in
Washington, DC or on a travel team in support of the President, Vice President, First Lady,
and others as directed.
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NEWS/FEATURES
Putting a face to the voice; MacDill controllers shadow at TIA
by Senior Airman Melanie Bulow-Gonterman
6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MacDill Air Force Base’s 6th Operations Support Squadron air traffic
control tower and Tampa International Air Traffic Control recently implemented a controller mentor program to provide MacDill controllers with a
better understanding of how the two missions intermingle.
The Tampa MacDill Mentor Program allots 6th OSS air traffic controllers to spend an entire shift with a Federal Aviation Agency volunteer
counterpart, most of whom are prior military controllers.
“The program is designed to show MacDill controllers the overlying
approach control’s operation,” said Greg Mathes, TIA ATC staff specialist. “However, the benefits are even greater as the program enhances an
already outstanding relationship.”
Controllers follow their assigned FAA counterparts throughout the day,
shadowing them as they work various radar and tower positions. The Airmen directly observe how the Tampa airspace traffic is controlled.
Photo by Senior Airman Melanie Bulow-Gonterman
“The mentor program with Tampa International affords MacDill’s air
traffic controllers an immense opportunity to liaise with a FAA facility,” Senior Airman Dylan Laurenson, 6th Operations Support Squadron air
said Master Sgt. Tyrone Wilson, 6th OSS tower chief controller. “This not traffic controller, listens as Jill Carr, Tampa International Airport ATC
only provides a unique mentorship, it gives an insider’s look at adjacent specialist, explains how flight operations work at Tampa International
See TOWER, Page 16 Airport control tower, Sept. 10.
MacDill gets early present
for Air Force birthday
by Bill Polson
6th Air Mobility Wing historian
T
he 6th Air Mobility Wing and family members at
MacDill Air Force Base received an early Air Force
birthday present Sept. 9. Six flight crew members
of the 91st Air Refueling Squadron and three maintenance personnel safely returned to MacDill after spending the past three months serving in the U.S. effort to
combat the latest international crisis in Southwest Asia.
While deployed, they flew and maintained the KC-135
Stratotankers jointly responsible for providing aerial refueling for U.S. aircraft involved in the operations. Some
of these refueled aircraft dropped pallets of supplies as
part of a humanitarian aid effort in northern Iraq, while
others performed airs trikes on military targets of the
extremist forces known as the Islamic State of Iraq and
the Levant.
“We are very proud to have done this,” said Capt. Donnie Hart shortly after landing and receiving hugs from
his girlfriend and family, including from his 86-year-old
grandfather, a World War II veteran. “As a result of us
being over there, we were saving lives and helping people from getting attacked needlessly by these ruthless
people.”
Two other 91st ARS crew members, Capt. Ryan Christie and 1st Lt. Kaylyn Leibrand, also contributed to these
operations, despite having departed MacDill earlier in
the year on a routine deployment.
“It’s important to do what we can to help and protect
the citizens who can’t protect themselves and the assets
we have in the country,” said Leibrand. “We are fueling
assets in the air who are able to assist with the situation
for Iraqi troops and civilians on the ground.”
Members of the returning crew, including Capt. Matt
Swee and Capt. Joseph Brzozowske, will receive approximately two weeks to spend with their families before
they return to active duty.
As the Air Force prepares to celebrate its 67th birthday Sept. 18, these returning crew members know they
may have to go back to Southwest Asia in the not-toodistant future–depending on the president’s new strategy for dealing with the insurgent group. Regardless of
the new directives for the region, Lt. Col. Gene Jacobus,
the commander of the 91st ARS, said his squadron is
prepared.
“We are always ready for an uptick in operations,”
said Jacobus. “We maintain a hundred percent deployment readiness every day, so that we don’t have to wait
for the call; we’re leaning forward ready to put crews on
the road at any time.”
Members of the 91st Air Refueling Squadron hug their loved ones after returning from
Base.
Capt. Donnie Hart, 91st Air Refueling Squadron pilot, poses for a photo with his family, w
his deployment Sept. 9, at MacDill Air Force Base.
Photo by Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
m deployment Sept. 9, at MacDill Air Force
Photo by Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
(From Left) Col. Daniel Tulley, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Lusson,
6th AMW command chief, and Col. Brian Smith, 6th Operations Support Squadron commander, are
among the first to welcome members of the 91st Air Refueling Squadron back from deployment
Sept. 9 at MacDill Air Force Base.
A KC-135
Stratotanker
with redeployers from the
91st Air
Refueling
Squadron taxis
on the flight
line Sept. 9,
at MacDill Air
Force Base.
Photo by Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
which was there to welcome him back from
Photo by Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
927th ARW News
Optometrist finds fulfillment
through humanitarian service
by Staff Sgt. Adam Borgman
927th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
The Air Force Reserve is a volunteer force comprised of Airmen with
different goals and aspirations. Some are drawn to continue their service
after several years on active duty, while others want to take advantage of
education benefits. Some members want the chance to give back to their
community.
For U.S. Air Force Capt. Roxanne Buffano, 927th Aerospace Medical
Squadron optometrist, her motivation to join the U.S. Air Force Reserve
came from her desire to give back to those in need, specifically hoping to
volunteer on humanitarian missions.
In June Buffano received her chance, along with two optometry technicians assigned to her squadron. The members volunteered to support
Tropicare 14, a 10-day joint service humanitarian mission providing free
Photo by Staff Sgt. Adam Borgman
health care for populations throughout the Hawaiian Islands. While deployed, Buffano examined approximately 600 patients in a matter of Capt. Roxanne Buffano, 927th Aerospace Medicine Squadron optomdays, but during her time there, it was one patient who stood out more etrist, took time away from her civilian practice to participate in TROPICARE 2014. While deployed she performed approximately 600 eye exSee EYES, Page 21
ams for the under-served population in Kauai, Hawaii.
tower
From Page 10
facility operations.”
The Airmen return to MacDill AFB with a
better understanding on how their operation fits
into the Tampa approach operation and the constraints their FAA counterparts work under on a
daily basis.
“With aircraft operations decreasing across
the Air Force, partnerships like these allow our
controllers an opportunity to observe the Crew
Resource Management practices of sister facilities that have a much larger traffic volume,” said
Wilson. “On top of facility observations, 80 percent of MacDill controllers will get a first-time
immersion into a RADAR environment.”
This program not only benefits the Airmen,
but also the Tampa controllers, because it allows
them to visit MacDill’s control tower.
“In the arena of air traffic control, controllers
throughout the world speak to their counterparts
at adjacent facilities daily; rarely having the opportunity to meet face to face,” said Mathes.
The program expects to continue into the future to accommodate the future generation of
controllers in both the Air Force and FAA.
“We sincerely appreciate the men and women
at MacDill who have voluntarily signed up with
the Air Force to serve and protect our country
and our freedoms,” said Laurie Zugay. TIA Air
Traffic Manager. The Tampa MacDill Mentor
Program is also our way of saying, ‘thank you.’ ”
AEF
From Page 6
and management of
wing missions.”
According to Hart,
there are benefits to
the Airmen and to the
service, as it allows
the Air Force to better
understand its available capacity and it
allows Airmen to have
a better idea of when
they will be deploying
within the given year.
For Airmen maintaining expeditionary
readiness, it’s “busi-
ness as usual.” Airmen should continue
preparing themselves
and their families for
deployment, and ensure they are ready to
go when called.
For more information on AEF battle
rhythm and individ-
ual base dwell times,
Airmen should contact
their local unit deployment manager or base
deployment manager.
(Senior Airman Jason J. Brown, 633rd
Air Base Wing Public
Affairs, contributed to
this article.)
MACDILL COMMUNITY
EVENTS
Saturday
Boys & Girls Day for Kids
Must be a registered member
of the Youth Program or SchoolAge Program, 9-18 years old. Free
event will be held at one of the local BGCA; transportation to and
from the event will be provided.
Famarama Bowling
Fun starts at 5 p.m. Kids bowl
for $1.50 a game from 5-8 p.m.
Food Specials! Call 828-4005 to reserve your lane.
Sunday
Bay Palms Golf Complex
Club Member Appreciation –
free golf and cart to AF Club card
members. Call 840-6904 to make
your tee time today. Must show
valid Club card when checking in
at the Pro Shop.
MacDill Lanes
NFL Sunday Ticket & Football
Frenzy Program – Watch allL the
games. Open 12-9 p.m. Food and&
drink specials, bowling specials,
billiards, darts and corn hole. For
more information call 828-4005.
Thursday
Base Theater
Free movie: “Captain America
– The Winter Soldier” at 5:30 p.m.
Everyone welcome and feel free to
bring your own food and drink.
Diner’s Reef closed for work
Where to eat? For more information, menus and hours of operation, log on to: tinyurl.com/macdilleats
Find out what’s going on MacDill log onto www.macdillfss.com
Remembering
Photo by 2nd Lt. Patrick Gargan
Veterans salute as the colors are presented during the Patriots Day Remembrance ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park and Rear Admiral Leroy Collins Jr. museum in Tampa, Sept. 11. Col. Daniel Tulley, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Lusson, 6th AMW command
chief, attended the ceremony on behalf of MacDill Air Force Base.
CHAPEL SCHEDULE
Protestant service
Sunday - 11 a.m. - Contemporary Service
Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - FAMCAMP Service
Islamic service
Catholic services
Saturday - 5:30 p.m. - Mass
Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - Mass
Monday-Thursday - 12:10 p.m. Mass
Friday - 1:30 p.m. - Muslim Prayer Service
Call the chapel at 828-3621 for more information or visit the chapel web site
at http://www.macdill.af.mil/macdillchapel.
eyes
From Page 14
than the rest.
“I had an American military veteran come in for a glaucoma screening, he was unaware that he could go to the Veterans Administration to
receive treatment,” she said. “I talked with his daughter and when they
coordinate transportation for him he will be able to get the treatment he
needs.
“I found that a lot of people don’t get treated because they just don’t
know their options.”
Not only were veterans affected with health issues, small children
were impacted as well. Due to their lack of knowledge about health risks
and symptoms, poor eyesight became normal.
“There were so many little kids whose parents didn’t know their children weren’t seeing well, until they came in,” said Buffano. “We put a
pair of glasses on them and it just changed their world; they can now see
that there are individual leaves on a tree rather than just green blobs.”
When not fulfilling her Air Force Reserve commitment, Buffano runs
a private optometry practice in Plant City, Florida, where she sees about
30 patients per week.
Buffano loves what she does and is very passionate about leaving a
mark in her profession. The skills she has gained from the Air Force
Reserve and her private practice led to her be recognized as the Young
Optometrist of the Year by the Florida Optometry Association.
Buffano’s aspiration to leave a mark is not fulfilled by civilian accolades. That can only be accomplished through seeking out opportunities
where she can provide her skills to the many people in need.
“It is so powerful and rewarding to have the opportunity to help
change even one life,” she said. “When you can help those kids see clearly
for the first time, or to help a veteran receive the care he or she earned,
it makes it all worth it..
“Just think about it. If someone has gone their entire life not being
able to see properly, and you get them the right treatment, they change
into a newer, happier person.”
The grueling 12-hour work days, with heart-wrenching stories and
little sleep while deployed, led Buffano to admit the work was physically
exhausting and mentally challenging.
“I wish I was mentally prepared for how draining it was due to the
long days,” she said. “It was definitely one of the hardest things I have
done in my life, but also one of the most rewarding.”
She said that if she were to give advice to anyone interested in participating in a similar humanitarian mission, she would without hesitation
tell them to do it.
“It’s worth it, I would encourage anyone and everyone to do it at least