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Scott units mark National Defense Transportation Week

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joshua Eikren
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Scott Air Force Base celebrated National Defense Transportation Week May 10-16. Team Scott was invited to look at static displays and demonstrations of the vehicles vital to missions conducted by the base. There was also a 5K walk/run honoring fallen transportation personnel.

The National Defense Transportation Association looked to bring awareness and appreciation to the transportation industry by recognizing the professionals who make up the career field. The NDTA's theme this year was "Veterans in Transportation," emphasizing contributions of past, present and future military personnel in the transportation industry.

"It is important to recognize this week because vehicle operations, air transportation, fuel and other transportation units and sections that help us to move cargo and personnel are key elements in the military," said Staff Sgt. Richard Krauze, 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron NCOIC of Training Validation and Operations. "There are people out there who do not know what we do or how we do it, and this week allows us to show people this."

Scott Air Force Base has numerous organizations that rely heavily on having good transportation networks. U.S. Transportation Command oversees transportation for the entire Defense Department. The 618th Air Operations Center (TACC)is responsible for mobility airlift around the world.

Krauze said there are people working in transportation units from across the military services, including civilian employees and contractors that should be recognized.
Multiple events were held throughout the week to include a static display and open house that allowed LRS members to interact with the base populace and explain what they've done through their careers.

Staff Sgt. Mark Tully, 375th LRS Air Transportation Journeyman, said, "We move everything as small as a paperclip in aircraft, to aircraft in aircraft. Not everyone knows what we move or how we move it, but this is an opportunity to share our stories and perspective."

Tully is a part of the Aerial Port Transporters, also known as "Port Dawgs," who participated in the Port Dawg Memorial Run May 15 at Scott Lake. Members ran a 5K and remembered eight of their fallen Port Dawgs.

"Port Dawgs are important because they make it possible to get people and cargo where they need to be," said Tully.

This year's Transportation Week brought members together to not only see who and what transportation is in the Air Force, but who it affects as well.

Krauze said, "Working in this section of the military has given me much appreciation for working behind the scenes to get the mission accomplished. It has opened my eyes to the fact that the Air Force is so much more than just flying planes. It has also shown me that every aspect of the Air Force is truly important because we all give that helping hand to the mission."