Page 10 - Thunderbolt Nov. 2 2016

10 November 2016 NEWS Thunderbolt
944th Airmen support Exercise Valiant Shield
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by Maj.

944th Logistic Readiness Squadron
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE
— Members from the 944th and 452nd logistic readiness squadrons performed their annual training alongside the 36th LRS at Andersen AFB, in support of Exercise Valiant Shield 2016.
The biennial field training exercise provided the Airmen the opportunity to integrate and support more than 3,000 additional service members and U.S. civil service counterparts as well as 130 aircraft from the U.S. Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.
To support the mission, the 20 Airmen augmented the 36th LRS, some even backfilling vacant positions of members who deployed in support of real- world contingencies.
“From dispensing fuel, in- ventorying supplies, preparing shipments and heavy equipment repairs, the 944th LRS and 452nd LRS stepped up to the challenge and provided a total- force effort” said Chief Master Sgt. Steven George , 36th LRS chief enlisted manager.
Tech. Sgt. Aaron Franklin, 944th LRS vehicle maintenance craftsman, worked with the 554th Red Horse Squadron to reduce a backlog of heavy equipment that was waiting for diagnostics and repair.
“I was able to diagnose, repair and return to service five ve- hicles and pieces of equipment, some of which had been out of commission in excess of two years,” he said. “Additionally, I was able to instruct and train four active-duty Airmen on di- agnostic procedures, equipment use and repairs they were not familiar with.”
“It was wonderful to have the assistance of the reservists,” said Maj. Charlene Simpson, 36th LRS operations officer. “They helped us out tremendously.”
In addition to performing normal duties, the Reserve forces volunteered during their lunch hour at two local public elementary schools, reading to more than 800 students.
“Reading for the local school children was a great experience for our Airmen,” said Master Sgt. Matthew Walsh, 944th LRS NCOIC fuels. “I think they
Courtesy Photo
Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Raymond, 452th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels craftsman, reads to a class at Machananao Elementary School in Guam. Members from the 944th LRS and 452nd LRS volunteered dur- ing their lunch hour at two local public elementary schools, reading to more than 800 students during their annual tour at Andersen Air Force Base in support of Exercise Valiant Shield 2016.
BROTHERS
values and confidence to make them great leaders in the Air Force and continuously seekopportunitiestohaveapositiveimpact on those around them.
They are the rising leaders of tomorrow. They are committed to serving as ambas- sadors for the Air Force by setting the example for others and mentoring those
enjoyed kids.”
it even more than the
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around them so that when the day comes, the next generation is prepared to take their places as the influential leaders of the future.
Courtesy photo
Tech. Sgt. Nathan Jackson, 375th Communications Squadron

Air Force Base.
years as a supply technician. Luck followed Nathan and Nicholas, and they were both given a first-duty station in Oklahoma — Nathan at Vance AFB and Nicholas nearby at Altus AFB.
Their drive to reach out and impact oth- ers is evident in the paths they followed from there. Nicholas later became an instructor at Robins AFB, Georgia, while Nathan served as an instructor abroad at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom.
The brothers’ paths have taken them around the world and currently landed them in similar positions once again: Na- than is the NCO in charge of the official mail center at Scott AFB and Nicholas is the official mail manager of the official mail center at Luke AFB. Their commit- ment to excellence is demonstrated in their continuous pursuit of personal and professional development. Both brothers earned Community College of the Air Force associate degrees in information manage- ment and instructor of military science and technology. Nicholas went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in information technol- ogy and a master’s degree with honors in organizational leadership through Colum- bia Southern University. Nathan received a bachelor’s degree with honors in business information systems through Ashford Uni- versity and an MBA with a concentration in strategic leadership with honors through Trident University International.
The brothers remain committed to the organizations that instilled in them the

Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Jackson, 56th Communications Squadron

at Luke.