Gameplan results in LRS success

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mona Villalobos
  • 908th Airlift Wing
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  This time of year, most Americans have one thing on their minds ... football. With that in mind, three flights of the 908th Logistics Readiness Squadron set out on annual tour to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.

The 10-day evolution involved months of teamwork and coordination between the 908th LRS and its active-duty host, the 633rd LRS.

A successful mission cannot be achieved without a strategic game plan and implementation of key elements. These are: teamwork, goal setting, discipline, perseverance and the high of the experience.

There was an instant sense of partnership from the moment the 908th LRS stepped foot off the plane. This made the working relationship an even greater experience. When you're part of a football team, understanding one's role and teammates is critical. In the Air Force, trusting one's wingman to do his/her job is of utmost importance.

Wherever there is measurement, there is a chance to set goals for improvement. Major Gregory Boschert, commander of the 633rd, set a goal to provide support for the following areas: manning, warehouse inventory, and base housing. By including everyone on the team-oriented goals, it helped them become accountable for their part of the overall team. 

Football requires discipline and hard work. Our team internalized these requirements by staying focused on their goals.

The Command Support Staff trained and assisted with file plans. The Traffic Management section assisted with out-processing more than 50 active-duty members for deployment. The Materiel Management section conducted a Mobility Readiness Spares Packages inspection and validated more than 1,504 line items valued in access of $19,000.

"Training requires discipline in order for us to reach our potential," said Master Sgt. Quintin Rudolph. "Our team gained a vast amount of training, but was not limited to the duty section. They stepped it up another level and led squadron PT, formed flights for unit formation, and planned icebreaker gatherings for our host."

Due to deployments and a high turnover rate, the 633rd performed with minimal manning. As soon as 908th teams were trained they immediately went to work cutting their host's processing time in half.

Although training and hard work were expected during the expedition, the Reservists more than filled the shoes of their active-duty counter-parts. The 908th LRS members left a positive impression and renewed respect for the Air Force Reserve.

"We provided support in a time of need, and they in turn reinforced our Airmen with knowledge and proficiency to ensure a qualified and proficient workforce," said Capt. Eric Withers. 

Planning and executing an expedition is an experience most Airmen never forget. Winning a game or getting an outstanding rating after an inspection is a huge adrenaline rush, and the emotions are a high you can't buy. The 908th LRS team returned with a "high" and experience they too will never forget.