Extra hands: citizen airmen answer the call for air mobility help at Ramstein

Citizen Airman, June, 2004 by Chance Babin

When a group of people is carrying a load and the weight increases, a few extra hands can help relieve some of the burden of the additional weight.

Moving loads--in the form of cargo or people--is the mission of an air mobility operation. When the loads increase, during wartime, for example, the extra work puts a heavy burden on the people responsible for the operation. To relieve some of the pressure, the Air Force often calls upon extra hands to help shoulder the burden.

Such is the case with the 723rd Air Mobility Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom dramatically increased the squadron's operations tempo, and it hasn't slowed down since. It quickly became apparent that the unit needed some extra help to handle the increased work load. Much of that help is being provided by members of the Air Force Reserve.

"Prior to 9/11, we were operating at a steady state," said Chief Master Sgt. David Eisenhuth, 723th AMS air transportation manager. "After 9/11, our work load increased 100 percent. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, it went up another 40 to 50 percent."

In recent months, Chief Eisenhuth said the pace has slowed somewhat, but the squadron is still operating at its post9/11 level. He said the unit couldn't survive without Reservists' support.

"They are a vital asset to this mission and this team," the chief said.

In March, 84 Reservists, as well as 24 members of the Air National Guard, were at Ramstein supporting the 723rd AMS.

"We're designed to be augmented (to handle increased work loads), whether it's from the active duty or the reserve components," said Col. A. Ray Myers, squadron commander. "That's just the way it was drawn out on paper. We're not manned for wartime contingencies."

Earlier this year, the 70th Aerial Port Squadron, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., and 30th APS, Niagara Falls International Airport Air Reserve Station, N.Y., were activated for one year and sent people to Ramstein for a minimum of 90 days.

"It's a good feeling," said Tech. Sgt. Fred Becking, 70th APS special handling supervisor. "We are giving the active-duty guys a break to slow down and not burn out, and we're helping the troops downrange and the people back home."

Sergeant Becking said being deployed stirs up mixed emotions. The Reservists don't like the idea of leaving their families and friends.

"However, it's a good feeling finally being able to do our job," he said. "Look at the contributions we are making."

One of the most gratifying parts of Sergeant Becking's job is dealing with the mail.

"I know I like to get my mail," he said. "For those downrange sleeping in tents, it's nice to get a package from a family member. I enjoy knowing we're getting their items to them."

A less enjoyable part of working in the special handling section, a department that deals with items that are being shipped that require special attention such as registered mail, rations and money, involves transporting human remains.

"It's part of the job," Sergeant Becking said. "It's a respect issue, and it's an honor to be in this position. We work hard to make the task as pleasant a moment as possible."

The squadron's involvement requires people to transfer caskets from one aircraft to another. During the transfer, the crews conduct a brief ceremony as a show of respect to the deceased.

"It does hit home as far as what's really happening in Iraq," Sergeant Becking said. "It's different watching it on TV. We actually touch it and read their names. It brings the war closer to the heart."

"Working at Ramstein, you feel closer to the mission," said Tech. Sgt. Delores Hall, 70th APS air cargo specialist. "If I had to do it again, I would. By being involved now, perhaps my son won't have to do this in the future."

Making sure Reservists are ready when they arrive at Ramstein and taking care of their needs while they're deployed is the job of Tech. Sgt. Jim Orpen, 723rd AMS reserve coordinator.

"I send them welcome packages and let them know what training is required before they arrive," Sergeant Orpen said. "I coordinate billeting, transportation and line badges for the flight line and make sure they get everything they need. Since we send them the information before they arrive, they come well trained and ready to hit the ground running."

Sergeant Orpen conducts a "hot wash" in the middle and at the end of the Reservists' tour to evaluate their overall experience. So far, despite a few little bumps in the road, he said, everyone has had an overall positive experience.

The relationship between the 723rd and Reservists isn't all one-sided. During their stay at Ramstein, the Reservists receive valuable training that will help with their career progression. In addition, they are exposed to various aspects of their job they may not get to see at their home unit.

"Our unit was activated a few months ago," said Senior Master Sgt. Steven Bennett, 76th APS, Youngstown ARS, Ohio. The 76th recently sent a group of Reservists to Ramstein for their annual training.