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Thank a civilian Airman today

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Michael Grismer Jr.
  • 375th Operations Support Squadron commander
Anyone who has ties to Scott knows that AMC's Showcase Wing enables combat power with a well integrated team of active duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian Airmen who deliver world-class support to the warfighter on a daily basis. 

Civilian wingmen are an often over-looked group of unsung heroes who enable combat power at Scott and in deployed areas, where they voluntarily put themselves in harm's way to support the war on terror. 

The 375th Operational Support Squadron could not accomplish our mission without the many talented and dedicated civilian Airmen who work side-by-side with our uniformed Airmen at home and while deployed. 

They control airspace, manage airfields, provide aircrew training and flight equipment support, as well as keep our aerospace ground equipment and transient aircraft supported 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

They volunteer for squadron, base and community events and work holidays and weekends, to allow uniformed Airmen to spend time with their families. 

Yes, these are the same civilian Airmen who mentor their officer and enlisted wingmen, help Airmen and families in need and graciously take on additional duties not in their job description. 

The movement to an Expeditionary Aerospace Force has blurred the military and civilian personnel distinction and enabled the capability of our joint team. 

As we look to mentor our future Air Force leaders, we need to take advantage of the shared experiences of military and civilian Airman alike. 

The 375th OSS is blessed with standout civilian Airmen at every level, including some with 30-plus years of civil-service expertise, retired chiefs, former major command functional managers and even the first Air Force female to lead tactical combat convoys. 

Yes, this humble former NCO also earned a Bronze Star for exceptionally meritorious service as a convoy commander in Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

I encourage all Airmen to please take a moment today to recognize and thank the civilian teammates in your workplace.