Tropical training: 442nd provides support in paradise

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wesley Wright
  • 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, HAWAII --  Approximately 30 reservists from the 442nd Force Support Squadron deployed here for training June 11, from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.

The group is primarily comprised of Airmen from the 442nd Services Flight. The reservists in this unit have broad responsibilities, each of which directly impact the quality of life for active-duty, National Guard and Reserve Airmen.

The reservists will provide customer service at the fitness center and undergo refresher training to prepare and serve food at the base dining facility and flightline kitchen.

Tech. Sgt. Everett Samuels Jr., services specialist, was assigned to the base fitness center, which is operated by the Navy. Samuels, a prior-service Marine, said he thinks it is a valuable learning experience working with another military branch.

"It's their ball -- their court," he said. "But we are always thinking, 'Is there anything we can learn from them to make our processes more efficient at home station?'"

Staff Sgt. Jon Summers II, fitness specialist, said working cross-service is indeed challenging, citing differing rules on safety, health, dress and regulations in the gym.

Summers and Samuels also received training on how to plan intermural sports, tournaments and other events that help Airmen with the physical training program.

"They've taught us how to handle requests for Air-Force level sports," Summers said. "If someone thinks they are good enough to compete beyond the base or area level, we can now process that paperwork and get it going."

For reservists, the training is valuable as they too are eligible to compete in professional-level Air Force athletics.

Samuels said at the end of the day, their job all boils down to one thing - sustaining a quality of life for other military members.

"It's all about customer service -- basically, how well-satisfied that person is coming in and leaving," he said. "It's important for us to meet their needs and help provide a better quality of life for all Airmen."