A look at the other side

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Autumn Velez
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  All Airman contribute to the Air Force mission in some way, shape or form, but seeing how their contributions affect the Air Force's big picture is something that they may not get to experience first-hand.

Here at Dyess, top performing Airmen from across the installation were given a chance to see where they fit into the Air Force's big picture during a first of its kind, Impact Day Program, hosted by the 317th Airlift Group.

The Impact Day Program allows 7th Bomb Wing Airmen who are in supporting roles a chance to step away from their respective workplaces and spend the day learning about the 317th Airlift Group. It also allows Airmen the opportunity to see how their unique career fields directly impact overall Team Dyess mission success. This understanding strengthens the already solid relationship between the 7th Bomb Wing and 317th AG.

"As a C-130J pilot working as the operations officer of the 7th Force Support Squadron, I have had the privilege of working in both operation and support capacities," said Maj. Christopher Marron, 7th Force Support Squadron operations officer. "While working with the support personnel, I realized many have had little to no direct interaction with flightline operations."

After becoming familiar with the 317th AG, program participants were given an inside look at the actual training aircrews accomplish in order to be mission-ready. Participants even flew on a 317th AG C-130J to experience tactical maneuvers and watch an airdrop from the back of the aircraft.

"We were able to see firsthand the responsibilities of the aircrew," said 2nd Lt. Jeffrey Hartshorn, 7th Force Support Squadron.  "There is a lot going on, especially with the changes that came with the J-model."

The experiance was made personal when Airmen were given the chance to plug into the aircrafts communication system to speak directly with pilots and loadmasters during the flight.

"Accuracy and timely information is crucial in what they do and being plugged in to observe how that is accomplished was insightful," Hartshorn said.

In addition to the Impact Day, Marron introduced the Dyess C-130J Emissary Program. This program gives a select few individuals the chance to operate the unit's new C-130J simulator.

"Being able to visit the C-130J simulator was the best experience I've had since I joined the Air Force two years ago," said Airman 1st Class Ivan Cespedes, 7th FSS. "It  was a once in a life time experience to have the opportunity to see this amazing piece of modern technology and experience what it's like to be a pilot for a day."

Even though the program was intended to give Airmen insight about the 317th AG, it doubled as a learning experience for Airmen to take back to their workplaces.

"Seek first to understand, and then be understood," Hartshorn said. "This program helps in just that way. With Air Force manning decreasing and reduction and restraints most likely coming in the future, frustration and stress will most likely increase. The better we understand each other and where the other career fields are coming from, the more we are being proactive and setting ourselves up for success."