A time for training, dedication and camaraderie

  • Published
  • By Maj. Jose Cardenas
  • 445th Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  They come from all walks of life, professions and backgrounds. But for two weeks they are Airmen working together in their respective career fields alongside their host active-duty counterparts to refine and hone their skills toward a common goal.

Approximately 60 individuals from the 445th Logistics Readiness Squadron performed their annual training at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, July 11- 25. Unit members from supply, transportation, vehicle operations, vehicle maintenance, traffic management, logistics planners and fuels provided support to the active duty LRS unit. They were joined by members of the 445th Communications Flight.

The 445th is not the only one that benefited from this TDY. The active-duty Airmen learned from the reservists' vast professional experiences and knowledge. The 445th provided support to the 100th LRS that currently has Airmen deployed. The unit was also undergoing their Operational Readiness Inspection. The relief in workload allowed the 100 LRS troops to concentrate on their war fighting skills while the 445th LRS kept the mission going.

Some of the objectives of the two weeks at Mildenhall were explained by Lt. Col. Richard Johnson, logistics readiness officer. "We train all year. Our annual training is the best opportunity to put the skills to use. One goal is to be proficient and the only way to do that is through hands on work. Our second goal lets the reserve troops work side-by-side with their active duty counterparts and see what Total Force is all about."

Tech. Sgt. Mike Tungate, a supply technician, echoed the importance of the training. "I'm got some really good training at Mildenhall. Being here for two weeks was really fantastic! Jumping in on day one and assisting where we could to help out as they prepared for their ORI brings a great sense of satisfaction and enjoyment of being a reservist simply because I enjoy being in the Air Force. The people and camaraderie is something I just don't get in the civilian world."

Lt. Col. Don Wren, 445 LRS commander, spoke highly of the dedicated men and women of the 445th. "When you look at today's Air Force Reserve, we are an operational reserve which means that our members have to be ready. They have to be trained to be relevant and that fits within the AEF (Air and Space Expeditionary Force) construct so when we deploy we are identical to the active duty. When anyone steps into any work center they cannot identify any of our members from active duty in terms of skill qualifications or professional behavior."

The pride of the Airmen is evident in their behavior, attitude and professionalism as they walk in the footsteps of those that came before them at this historic location, upholding the legacy that has created the Total Force that it is today.

Master Sgt. Rebecca Spencer, noncommissioned officer in charge of materiel management, reflected on being a reservist. "Being in the reserves, serving our country, being given the opportunity to work with others and better understand the mission, illustrates how we all play our part and that's very important for me. I'm serving my country, and I really enjoy this job. It's a wonderful opportunity to see the world and work with other people in the military with a wide variety of backgrounds."

The two-week training provided opportunities for good hands on experience, training and detailed knowledge in each respective career field. Being a reservist provides the opportunity to meet others, learn new ways of doing things, see new cultures and experience life.

"These deployments are huge morale builders. The Airmen make this work ...it's the Airmen who are the key to this. They want to be here, they want to do their jobs, and they want to contribute to the mission," added Colonel Wren.