DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- On Sept. 15 through 17, 2017 Airmen assigned to the 317th Airlift Wing flew to Charlotte, N.C. to talk with veterans who were previously assigned to the 317th Airlift Group.
These Airmen had the opportunity to hear stories from the veterans, show them the C-130J Super Hercules in a static display, learn about the heritage of the 317th AW as well as assist in humanitarian efforts for Haiti.
“During that weekend, we had the chance to go out to the reunion in Charlotte, N.C. to speak with veterans from the 317th Veterans Group,” said Capt. Korie Schaeffler, 40th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules aircraft commander. “I learned a lot about the 317th AW; it has been stationed all over the world and the Airmen assigned to it have done some amazing things.”
The Airmen sat down with the veterans at multiple social events where they had the chance to hear their stories about when they served in the U.S. Air Force.
“We got to hear these stories about when flying was a bit more uncommon than it is now,” said Schaeffler. “There was one gentleman who was in the 317th AG in 1944, making him the oldest guy there. He told us about his experiences as one of the Jungle Skippers, which is a group of Airmen that belonged to the 317th AG during WWII which operated in the Pacific Theatre.”
During this experience, these Airmen became more aware of the importance of their job as well as the heritage of the Wing.
“I learned a lot about our unit and I learned about how things used to be done as well as how they’ve changed,” said 1st Lt. Gavin Warmbold, 40th AS C-130J Super Hercules pilot. “There’s a lot of amazing things these men and women did with less than what we have now. After talking to them, I realize why we do what we do and why we put so much time into things before we actually fly and start the mission.”
Along the way, the Airmen also had the chance to aid in humanitarian efforts for Haiti through the Denton Cargo Program, which provides transportation for approved humanitarian assistance commodities destined for approved countries.
The program is a space available program meaning that there are no guarantees regarding the availability of transportation or completion of a shipment. The program is active in most areas of the world but it is more difficult to obtain transportation to more distant countries.
“We picked up four pallets with boxes full of clothes at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind. and took it to Charleston, S.C. where at some point it will make its way to Haiti,” said Schaeffler. “It was very last minute but we looked at the list and decided, ‘Why not? We can do this!’”
The Airmen that participated that weekend came back to Dyess with a better appreciation for the unit and were much more knowledgeable about the history.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity we got to hang out with some really great men and women with amazing stories,” said 1st Lt. Billy Vine, 40th AS C-130J Super Hercules pilot. “For me, the best part about the experience was actually being able to learn more about the 317th and its history and know that we’re a part of that.”