317th AG increases resiliency with Impact Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jonathan Stefanko
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Maintainers from the 317th Airlift Group learned the outcome of generating an aircraft when it flies and resupplies a drop zone Oct. 19 during Impact Day, a program introduced to raise resiliency and to provide a better understanding of the role they play in the Air Force.

The day began with a briefing explaining what aircrews should keep in mind during flight to protect the aircraft and aircrew.

"Maintainers have a tough job and it's easy for them to get frustrated when a plane comes in broken," said Capt. Nathaniel Clegg, 40th Airlift Squadron. "But the crew briefing they sat through shows that we try everything we can to avoid damage and coordinate with each other to keep not only the aircrew safe, but the aircraft as well."

Once briefed, maintainers toured where bundles are assembled and from there it was off to the drop zone where four C-130Js demonstrated various cargo airdrops.

"From my standpoint all I get to see is the paperwork side; creating orders and checking if the aircrew is qualified to fly. And that's about the end of it," said Staff Sgt. Kerry Prado, 317th Operations Support Squadron. "But because of this program, I am able to see how the mission is executed. I now have a better understanding of my role and how it contributes to the mission."

Impact Day has been held twice for the 317th AG and is expected to continue to ensure Airmen remember the importance of what they do.

"So far we have had a great outcome. Though the program is still evolving, I feel after a few more months, Impact Day will be an important part of staying resilient," Clegg said.

"We only see one small part to a large mission and Impact Day helps us realize the importance of what we do," Prado said. "If we slack off even a little or something is missed on our part, you can see how it could affect the safety of the aircrew. I would suggest any Airman who works on a C-130, no matter in what way, to be part of this program."