919th SOW salutes spouses with special day

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Monique Randall
  • 919th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
Duke Field, FL. --  Duke Field officer and enlisted spouses gathered here Nov. 1 for an opportunity to see what their loved ones accomplish during a unit training assembly for traditional reservists and Air Reserve Technicians. Dubbed "Spouse Flight," the half-day event opened with a welcome, words of appreciation and a mission briefing from Col. Steven Chapman, 919th Special Operations Wing commander. He covered the wing's organizational structure, the jobs each reservist performs, current events and deployments. The spouses also viewed a short video on air operations before Colonel Chapman offered to answer their questions.

Spouses then traveled to the parachute shop and engine shop for facility tours and equipment briefings. The special day was highlighted by a 45-minute flight aboard an MC130E Combat Talon 1 where they were given a chance to walk around the aircraft in flight, ask aircrew members questions and view the cockpit as the aircraft cruised along the Gulf coast.

"Colonel Chapman started us off with a superb presentation on the various aircraft and squadrons throughout the base," said Yvonne Peters.

At the parachute shop the spouses were briefed by Tech. Sgt. Chris Becker, an aircrew flight equipment craftsman. Sergeant Becker spoke to the spouses about his shop's primary duties and responsibilities. These duties include disassembling, assembling, inspecting, fabricating, cleaning, repairing and packing aerospace weapon system components such as protective clothing and upholstery. He also covered thermal radiation barriers, protective covers, flotation equipment, emergency evacuation systems and parachutes.

"My experience was great," said Faith Anderson. "I enjoyed seeing all the preparation that goes into getting everything ready for our soldiers -- the parachutes, rafts, sewing and especially engine work. I have more of an appreciation for what you do now. The briefing was informative. I was very impressed with the (wing) safety record. What an accomplishment!"

"I thought the parachute shop did a great job at taking us through the manufacturing and assembly of items not just parachutes," Ms. Peters said. "I was chosen to deploy the one-person raft, which was rather cool."

At the 919th Maintenance Squadron engine shop, spouses were greeted and briefed by Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth Potter, 919th MXS Propulsion Flight chief. Chief Potter briefed them on the primary duties and responsibilities of the engine propulsion shop, which includes inspecting, maintaining, modifying, testing and repairing propellers, turboprop and turbo shaft engines, jet engines, small gas turbine engines and engine ground support equipment.

"I learned something new in the engine shop, so I would say that was extremely informative," Ms. Peters remarked. "I had no idea the engines were manufactured by Rolls Royce. I like how the chief is operating his squadron as far as doing all the maintenance at once so an engine doesn't have to keep being rotated out. I'm sure this saves a lot of time and money.

"My father retired after 21 years in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic, so the engine shop presentation was near and dear to my heart," she continued. "I grew up with the sights and sounds of aircraft, engines, jet fuel, lubricants, etc., so it brought back many fond childhood memories."

After the tour of the engine shop, the spouses received a flight safety brief, and then took a group photo before they boarded their flight.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my experience on the spouse flight," said Katheryn McFadden. "Getting to go up to the flight deck on the aircraft was what I liked the most. The two members of the flight crew that assisted us were a riot and made the flight enjoyable too. All of the briefings were informative, although I didn't understand too much in the engine shop, however the presentation was good. I really learned a lot about the floatation devices and safety of our flight crews."

Ms. Peters summed up her feelings about the day's events.
"My experience was tremendous," she said. "I loved every minute of it." 


Proclamation by the President of the United States of America, George W. Bush:

"Military spouses embody the courage, nobility of duty, and love of country that inspires every American. On Military Spouse Day, we pay tribute to the husbands and wives who support their spouses in America's Armed Forces during times of war and peace.
 
The legacy of military spouses began when colonial Americans were fighting for independence. Martha Washington boosted the morale of her husband's troops by visiting battlefields and tending to the wounded. Since then, members of our Armed Forces have served our Nation accompanied by the steadfast love and support of their spouses and families. 

While our men and women in uniform are protecting our country's founding ideals of liberty, democracy, and justice, their spouses live with uncommon challenges, endure sleepless nights, and spend long periods raising children alone. Many military spouses are also committed volunteers, serving other military families and local communities. Our Nation benefits from the sacrifices of our military families and we are inspired by their courage, strength, and leadership."