BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –
Whether checking into lodging, exercising at the gym or getting a meal at the dining facility, during Unit Training Assemblys chances are the person assisting is from the 940th Services Flight.
Services' troops perform a wide array of duties during each training weekend and hone their skills in a limited amount of time.
“On UTAs our troops rotate between food, lodging and the fitness facility,” said Master Sgt. Bryan Nicolos, NCOIC, 940th Services Flight. We train an average of six to eight hours a day. Our training is done on a rotational basis where we assign our folks to six months of food then rotate to lodging for another six months and so on,” he said.
Each member of the Services' team plays an integral role in completing the mission. In order to create an environment where knowledge is constantly exchanged, the 940 SVF has implemented a system that allows for optimal training.
“We try to utilize all of our resources and the abilities of our Airmen. Basically, we have work center supervisors who are senior NCOs and they monitor the overall training of our NCOs and Airmen. They usually work from the office and visit the training site,” Sergeant Nicolos said.
“Our on-site supervisors are our NCOs and provide direct hands-on-training to our Airmen at their training site. Although it may seem like standard military procedure, it's actually pretty unique. In the past our active duty counter parts would train reserve Airmen, but this system allows our members to give and receive training from reservists too,” said Sergeant Nicolos.
“As an NCO I help train members on-site,” said Staff Sgt. Jay Chappelle, services journeyman, 940 SVF. “My rotation right now is at the fitness facility, so I teach them everything from running the register to quality assurance,” Sergeant Chappelle said.
Services members must also train for other critical duties.
“We're also responsible for mortuary affairs, which is done at Dover Air Force Base, Del.,” said Sergeant Nicolos. “There is no greater honor than taking care of fallen soldiers and returning them to their families with dignity and respect. When we conduct this aspect of our job, we do so with zero defects, meaning we don't make mistakes.”
“Our sole purpose is to honor these Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors by insuring we've done our job correctly. It's a difficult job given the nature of it, but it's also very rewarding,” said Sergeant Nicolos.
The 940 SVF members have a strong desire to share their knowledge at all levels.
“It's nice here because if somebody doesn't know something there's always somebody else willing and eager to bring you up to speed,” said Staff Sgt. Damon Jacobs, Services specialist, 940 SVF. “If you're willing to learn there's always somebody there to teach you.”
Part of what makes training so rewarding for Services' members is their commitment to teamwork, a commitment that is fostered and encouraged among all members of the flight.
“We do well as a team. I think a lot of that is due to our teambuilding efforts,” Sergeant Nicolos said. “We consistently recognize those who are doing a good job. For example we have a “You Rock” award, which is given by one Services' member to another each UTA. It's recognition from their peers and I think that really means a lot to them.”
“This is a very rewarding job, and we're responsible for so many areas,” Sergeant Jacobs said. “It's nice because each day is different and we're always doing something new.”
While the Services' team does face some difficulty in trying to train one weekend a month, Sergeant Nicolos sees a positive side to it as well.
“I think our Services' members are really well rounded, because they train only two days a month they're expected to learn a lot in a short period of time. It makes our folks adaptable and knowledgeable about every facet of their job.”
“Our members are really dedicated to the job and always give 110 percent. I'm really proud of them and proud to be a part of the team,” Sergeant Nicolos said.