WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- It’s been six years since the Mission Support and Services Flights unified, and three years since the Communications Flight joined the 445th Force Support Squadron. Now, with years behind them as a complete FSS, the members report nothing but success.
Proper steps were taken to begin the process of the merge and various restructures within the organization’s flights. Due to the teamwork, camaraderie, work ethic, and motivation of its members, the 445 FSS finds itself striving for continued success and to be the top FSS within the command.
“Life in Force Support Squadron is nowhere near typical. There are many functions that are covered in FSS. Being ready and willing to help when needed is the way to be when you are a part of the FSS team. We support, help and interact with everyone,” Chief Master Sergeant Kelly Kruger, 445 FSS superintendent.
The sections within the FSS have undergone many operational changes since the merge, but the changes have made the squadron more efficient for the wing members. This has allowed Airmen to gain support in all areas such as, but not limited to, human resource programs; education and training; morale, welfare and recreation: information technology and Airman and family support.
Although the missions differ between the five sections, one common goal is shared and remains the same, provide exceptional support to the wing. One element that services their fair share of customers is the military personnel section, customer support element.
Customer support provides services for all wing members and more. Anyone from Wright-Patterson, Air National Guard, Army Guard units and anyone affiliated with the Department of Defense can be helped in the customer support element.
Services like the newcomers program, wing family care program, creating identification cards, benefits plans for retiree’s, insurance entitlements, as well as serving as the family liaison officers that help the family and friends of Airmen and providing reliable resources to assist them and more. Nearly all needs can be met by customer support.
“Customer support is about the passion in helping others,” said Master Sgt. Jamie Pope, chief of customer support.
Pope challenges her Airmen and pushes them to, “rise and fall as a team” daily. She reminds them to strive for the three Air Force Core Values and encourages her team to mentor Airmen of different ranks to learn.
“I love helping others and I am happy to oblige. Often customers come in with an expectation of letdown written all of their face. For me to be able to smile, hear them out and say ‘let me help you with that’ sends them away with a better outlook on their FSS experience. It leaves me happy to know that I've done my job,” Pope said.
FSS boasts both military and civilian sides. Depending on the standing of the Airman, it will determine who they would reach out to for support. The unit strives to provide “Tip of the Spear” service and they do their best to ensure that all Airmen get the proper assistance required in a timely manner.
Since beginning her role as the wing’s first civilian personnel liaison in January of 2015, Victoria Errett is now in a position to help in civilians in many ways. She specializes in areas such as promotions, civilian retirements, student hires, and reassignments just to name a few areas.
Errett is currently trying to work on a program to help civilians within five years of retiring prepare for their retirement. Her goal is to provide civilians with the correct answers to the questions asked and remove the need to search in unreliable sources.
“The primary goal of FSS has remained on target and they are still moving in the right direction,” said Errett.
Kruger said FSS will become more efficient and helpful for all that will need their services when the process is completed. Although there has been a change in command, the vision has remained the same.
“As separate flights and elements, and squadron as a whole we have had our fair share of challenges and growing pains, and there’s always room for improvement, however I can say that for the first time since the merge, each flight is operating on all cylinders and as a superintendent, it is rewarding to witness their accomplishments, success and camaraderie,” Kruger said.
Editor’s note: Chief Master Sgt. Kelly Kruger contributed to this story.