DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- During the month of June 2017, a total of 76 Airmen from the 7th Mission Support Group were given the opportunity to participate in the Wing Familiarization Program.
“I really enjoyed it,” said Airman 1st Class Jeremy McNulty, 7th Communications Squadron cybersecurity technician. “It’s to get Airmen out there and let them experience parts of the base they don’t usually get to see. It’s nice to get the whole picture of what goes on here.”
This program is an exciting opportunity to expose Airmen to various missions across the installation and show them just how much their hard work contributes to the execution of the various Team Dyess missions.
“I’ve learned a lot of things that go on around base,” said McNulty. “You sometimes forget when you’re behind a screen all day that not everything is paperwork; there’s a lot of groundwork, moving around and cooperation that needs to happen and that takes time. It’s amazing to see where that time is spent in order to support the mission.”
This month’s program included tours of the 7th Medical Group, a tour of a B-1B Lancer, a martial arts demonstration and a firearms demonstration by the U.S. Marine Corps Detachment 1, and visits to other units.
The immersion provides Airmen a better understanding of the various organizations on base and that it takes multiple career fields working together to provide combat airpower anytime, anywhere.
“I realized today that the Medical Group does a lot more than just see patients,” said Airman 1st Class Jack McKeown, 7th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance technician. “I know now that there’s a lot more behind-the-scenes actions that goes on and it’s incredible to see just how they work.”
Along with discovering how other squadrons work, Airmen that participate in this program have the opportunity to witness how their work impacts other units.
“I see how a lot of what I do on a daily basis influences other squadrons,” said McNulty. “It’s great to see that my hard work is helping the rest of the base in one way or another.”
The program lasted approximately three weeks and provided the flexibility for participants to choose units and times that fit their schedules.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to tour other squadrons and understand what they do in support of our mission here,” said McKeown. “It was an awesome experience.”