Operation Partnership: Spring 2014

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ned T. Johnston
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Twenty-seven service members from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.,  were invited to partner up with 27 local civic leaders for day two of Operation Partnership May 8, 2014.

Day one of Operation Partnership on November 13, 2013, brought 25 civic leaders on base for a day-long base tour and a chance to receive on-the-job experience in different work sections around MacDill.

Day two allowed service members the opportunity to switch roles and head off to their civilian counterpart's respective work section for an afternoon off base and in the civilian work force.

The day started out at the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce for breakfast, a meet-and-greet session for the participating individuals, and opening remarks by Jon Bayless, chamber co-chair, and Col. Scott DeThomas, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander.

"Today is a great day," exclaimed Bayless. "We are honored to host all of you here today, and excited for what's to come of this. Today is not a beginning and an ending. We hope the connections you make here today, last for a lifetime."

From the GTCC, everyone was dismissed to head out to their respective work areas throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Senior Master Sgt. Henry Hewitt, 310th Airlift Squadron operations superintendent, reflected on his day with Peggy Steele, Tampa Electric Company manager of recruitment and staffing, at the Tampa Electric Company.

"One thing I found very interesting was that all the members of TECO seemed very close and more than willing to help each other succeed and overcome obstacles; very similar to how we operate in the Air Force and specifically at the 310th AS," said Hewitt.

When asked if he would recommend attending Operation Partnership to anyone in his squadron, Hewitt responded, "I highly encourage anyone who gets the opportunity to definitely not let it pass you by. It was a truly rewarding opportunity."