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One flight – several missions

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chris DeWitt
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFPN) --  They provide the base food, a place to sleep, somewhere to work out, a book to read, official ceremony honors and and help families when Airmen die. 

These are the unique responsibilities of one diverse group of people -- those who work in base services squadrons. Here, it's the job of the 2nd Services Squadron Combat Support Flight. 

Five sections make up the CSF: readiness, library, food services, fitness center and lodging. 

Readiness 
Readiness members support the mission by tracking and scheduling training requirements, acting as unit deployment managers and conducting mortuary affairs. 

“We’re not a typical readiness office,” said Capt. Andres Duran, officer in charge of plans and force management. “Our folks are all dual and triple hatted.” 

An additional function of the readiness section is the Honor Guard, which is composed of men and women from various base organizations. 

“We provide funeral honors to active duty, retired military and Air Force veterans,” said Master Sgt. Anthony Blake, NCO in charge, base honor guard. “That is the main reason for the base Honor Guard program.” 

“In addition to funeral honors, we provide posting of Colors for numerous base and local community functions,” he added. 

Barksdale is responsible for more than 47,000 square miles to include some areas of Texas, but some things have changed because of this summer’s extreme weather. 

“Since hurricane Katrina, Keesler Air Force Base has given us 17 of their parishes,” Sergeant Blake said. “(Katrina) has significantly affected us because we were unfamiliar with the new territories. Now, rather than a one-day event, most of them are considered TDYs because of travel restrictions.” 

“Since we have assumed the new parishes, we have conducted seven funerals,” he added. 

The men and women of the honor guard provided more than 300 funeral honors in the finest fashion this year and are truly ambassadors to Barksdale, Sergeant Blake said. 

Library 
Another element of the CSF is the base library where their mission is just as diverse as their parent squadron. 

“We have a three-fold mission,” said Mrs. Fran Morris, library director. “To support the Air Force mission, academics and quality of life.” 

The library has more to offer the men and women of Barksdale than books. 

“Most people think of us just as books,” Mrs. Morris said. “We also have VHS tapes, DVDs, books on CD and books on tape for adults and children. Other services offered include extensive CLEP and DANTES study materials, fax and copier services, and we offer reference services for mission questions and academic support. 

“We also have a computer lab complete with 16 new computers,” she said. “An added feature is a parents’ computer next to a kids’ computer, so the parent can work on the computer work while the child plays educational games right next to them.” 

The library also offers several different programs to support quality of life. 

“Our adult reading program encourages adults to read or listen to books, for which we provide incentives,” the director added. “Similarly, we offer a reading program designed to encourage children to read through the summer.” 

Another program geared for adults is ‘Net Results – an internet computer instruction on finances, taxes, health issues, travel and some basics in Microsoft Word and Excel. 

“You can characterize us as being first-stop, one-stop information source,” she added. 

Food Services 
An added component of the CSF, which is tucked away on the flightline, is the Touch-N-Go Flight Kitchen. 

Master Sgt. Robert Hauer, manager of the flight kitchen, said Barksdale is unique in the aspect of having an expanded kitchen because most bases with flight kitchens just provide boxed meals for fliers. 

“The Touch-N-Go provides an opportunity for our flightline personnel to get a hot meal,” Sergeant Hauer said. “Because their missions don’t allow them to leave, we provide that for them.” 

Supporting fewer customers allows the flight kitchen an opportunity to make changes to their menu and incorporate new ideas. 

“We try to think outside the box here, we have daily specials like Taco Tuesday,” the sergeant said. “We try to get away from hamburgers and fries daily. It’s the little things that break up the monotony of everyday life.” 

As well as changes to the menu, the flight kitchen can also implement other customer suggestions. 

“We listen to our customers. Our upcoming meatball sandwiches are because of customer feedback,” he added. “You have to be customer service oriented to be in this business.” 

Fitness Center 
Like the other sections in the CSF, the fitness center hosts a diverse range of programs and fitness opportunities for the Barksdale community. 

“We can do anything an individual needs to reach a healthier lifestyle,” said Mr. James Dich, fitness center director. “We do assessments, fitness prescriptions and limited nutrition guidance. 

“Additionally we provide one-on-one training and try to hold at least one special program a month,” the director commented. 

Mr. Dich also explained that the fitness center wasn’t only for those who want to change their lifestyle. 

“We also support those already living a healthy lifestyle and provide equipment and facilities to support them,” he added. “The fitness center is totally committed to supporting the ‘Fit to Fight’ initiative.” 

With all of the programs and other activities offered Mr. Dich credits his staff for making it all come together. 

“If it wasn’t for the staff and the customer service, most of these programs wouldn’t happen,” he said. 

Lodging 
Lodging also has a diverse task in supporting the mission of the CSF. 

“We provide clean, safe and comfortable quarters for authorized military and Department of Defense civilians who are TDY, on leave, or PCSing to, through or from Barksdale,” said Mr. George Featherston, general manager, Barksdale Inn. “We also ensure all transient and space-available visitors receive the best quarters and customer service possible while visiting Barksdale.” 

Mr. Featherston explained some issues he believes are the most unknown about lodging. 

“Most of the base populace is not aware they can have their family members who are visiting stay at lodging, provided space is available,” he said. “Also, lodging rates are not set by the managers, the Air Force sets the rates and once set, they are non-negotiable except at the Air Force level.” 

Fifty-five civilians and 22 military individuals make up the lodging section and keep it operating around the clock, but it’s their attitude that really matters, Mr. Featherston said.
“All employees have a desire to provide the best service possible to lodging’s guests,” he said. “(They) genuinely care for other people.” 

One flight, one team 
Capt. Robert Altemus, CSF officer in charge, gave two key elements to maintaining the various sections. 

“Organization and communication,” he said. “Communicating enough to keep everyone on the same page.” 

With more than 250 people in the flight, keeping everyone on the same page requires a planned approach. 

The captain accomplishes this by, “consistent accountability with rewards and with discipline – holding people accountable in the responsibilities given and taking appropriate measures when things go well, and when things don’t go so well.” 

Despite the diverse role and the unique requirements of the flight, the captain said he enjoys being a part of the mission. 

“I like it because it is so diverse,” Capt. Altemus added. “It’s something new, a different task, a different challenge every single day.” 

“Having good activity managers and good members makes all the difference in the world,” he said. 

Whether you are picking a book, pounding the treadmill, grabbing a bite to eat or checking in for the night, the men and women of the CSF will be there making sure your needs are met.