Behind the scenes Airmen get ‘A Closer Look’

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Greg Nash
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs

Whether it’s digging beneath the surface to find plumbing infrastructure or looking under a microscope to sift out jet fuel sediments, some of Moody’s lesser known missions remain behind the scenes, but that’s about to change. 

A new video series, produced by 23d Wing Public Affairs broadcasters, will place these Airmen under a magnifying glass and experience the grit and grime of several trades to better understand and appreciate their jobs during ‘A Closer Look.’ 

“There’s a lot of things you don’t take into account for when you think about the small pieces that make up the bigger picture to complete the mission,” said Senior Airman Kyle Saunders, 23d WG PA broadcaster. “Every job, no matter how big or small the role is, matters because everything connects. It’s obvious that the Air Force [specializes] in aircraft but to fly, you need fuel.

“There’s also plenty of other jobs with equally important requirements that we forget to think of until we see it in person,” Saunders added. “I didn’t know how important and strenuous these jobs were until I did them and now I understand how every little intricacy affects the mission.”

Bearing the Georgia heat and sweaty smells for several weeks, Saunders performed interim duties for multiple Air Force Specialty Codes. As he changed oil filters and performed lab diagnostics, Airman 1st Class Evan Valance, 23d Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator, was happy to give an outsider on-the-job training.

“Seeing someone else without prior experience doing the job is a good feeling,” said Valance. “It shows how far I’ve come along and it was cool to see someone in awe of what’s a normal everyday occurrence me. You sometimes take for granted what you’re accustomed to. But in this job, complacency is never good because we deal with dangerous, combustible material.

“It felt good to see Saunders help drain a sump and issue a diesel run,” Valance added. “I didn’t expect him to do this well with only a basic understanding of the job. Being able to help mentor and supervise him and his appreciation of our impact was rewarding.” 

For A1C Jason Previlon, 23d LRS mobile distribution, these benefits enhance the military’s ‘one team, one fight,’ culture, which he feels is necessary to accomplish the mission.

“Understanding how different jobs operate to support the mission is important,” said Previlon. “The ability to see firsthand how in-depth other occupations are and how they relate and rely on each other adds perspective to better co-exist. 

According to Previlon, this cohesion is best exemplified when he has to hot refuel an aircraft on the flightline. 

“There’s no feeling like the pushback from the gust of wind from the [HH-60G Pavehawk’s] helicopter blades when I’m conducting a hot refuel,” said Previlon. “It makes me feel entrenched in the fight working up close and personal with the crew chiefs and seeing the pilots in action. These engagements are a good avenue to meet some great people and do cool things.”

Whether it was ensuring sewage lines were tightly sealed or safeguarding oil filters from cross contaminating, the high octane jobs resonated most with Saunders. After days of smelling like jet fuel, he said he was proud to hear that the pungent fumes on him ‘smelled like freedom.’

“I accumulated a lot of sweat and oil stains, but I’m happy with this opportunity overall,” said Saunders. “It was good to get insight and a visual of the things most people normally don’t see because we’re busy in our own professions. Seeing how another career field makes the mission move to fulfill a small part of the bigger whole is something I’ve embraced.”

Although he won’t have to incorporate the lessons learned throughout the process to apply to video editing or perfecting his craft, Saunders admits he’d be up for the challenge of making his interim duties full time. 

“AFSC’s can phase out and you may have to go to another career field to complete the mission,” said Saunders. “There would obviously be a learning curve and plenty of on-the-job training, but I think anyone can add to these missions if they mentally prepare themselves and see the significance of their job. It’s a good feeling to see your work in action. The Airmen have been great to work with in the process and we hope they see how influential their work is.”

To watch the series, stay tuned for the premier on the Moody Facebook page and www.moody.af.mil, August 15.