Little Rock Airmen make big impact at A/TA national convention

  • Published
  • By Capt. Joe Knable
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
NASHVILLE, Tenn. --  NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Airmen from Little Rock Air Force Base played a significant role in the 41st Airlift/Tanker Association convention and symposium Oct. 29 through Nov. 1 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville.

The four-day convention featured various seminars and large-pitch briefings featuring top Air Force leaders including Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff, and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy, both of whom highlighted Little Rock Air Force Base Airmen in their presentations.

General Schwartz, in a motivational message explaining that "we all count" and every job an Airman does is critical, highlighted Capt. Wendy Kosek, a 19th Airlift Wing staff judge advocate. "Particularly in a time of war, ladies and gentlemen, this is a team sport," General Schwartz said of all Air Force members, particularly those who are deployed or deployed in place.

General Schwartz highlighted the training Captain Kosek received during the Advanced Contingency Skills Training Course at the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. and the quick reaction of her teammates that she attributes to saving her life.

On Aug. 21, while on a convoy in Iraq, Captain Kosek's vehicle was struck by an explosively formed projectile, or EFP, an improvised explosive device that is formed to directly penetrate armor and release shrapnel in all directions. She was injured on her hand, face and leg. Shrapnel from the EFP had entered her calf, broke her tibia and lodged itself behind her knee, millimeters from striking a major artery in her thigh and nerves. After three surgeries, she is doing well and will recover use of her leg.

Among others, Chief Roy highlighted Airman 1st Class Destiney Dowdy, a 19th Medical Group aerospace medical service journeyman who was injured Aug. 12 while serving as a medic with Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan, Afghanistan.

During a return trip to her forward operating base, the vehicle Airman Dowdy was riding in was struck by a remote-detonated, 150-pound improvised explosive device. Airman Dowdy sprang into action providing life-saving first-aid to the three severely injured soldiers in her vehicle and helped load them on a helicopter.

"Folks, that's our Airman. We are in the fight," said Chief Roy of Airman Dowdy.

Other keynote speakers at the convention included Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, United States Transportation Commander commander, Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, Air Mobility Command commander, Gen. Roger A. Brady, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, Air Education and Training Command commander, and many others.

Among the many seminars available during the convention, one of which featured Medal of Honor recipients Col. Joe Jackson, was one led by several Total Force Integration squadron commanders including two who report to the 19 AW:

Lt. Col. Eric S. Mayheu, commander of the 30th Airlift Squadron, 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard; and Lt. Col. Carlos H. Ortiz, commander of the 52nd Airlift Squadron, Peterson AFB, Colo.; both of whom report to the 19th Operations Group. Along with four others, Colonel Mayheu and Colonel Ortiz gave a general overview of the establishment and bed-down of active and reserve associate units as the future of airlift operations.

The 30 AS is the first C-130E active-associate unit. The active-duty squadron works under the operational control of the Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing, which provides operational support and aircraft to the 30 AS and active-duty aircrews. Administratively, the 30 AS reports to the 19th Operations Group, which provides funding, equipment and personnel.

Similarly, the 52nd AS reports to both the 302nd Airlift Wing, Colo., and the 19th OG.

Of the approximately 4,000 attendees at the convention, 220 of them were part of Little Rock AFB's Razorback chapter, said Maj. Anna Murray, Little Rock AFB project officer for the 2009 convention. These attendees included active duty and Arkansas National Guard members, officers and enlisted Airmen, retirees and spouses.

It is amazing that more Little Rock AFB members did not take advantage of this great opportunity, said Lt. Col. Ken Walters, 19th Airlift Wing director of staff. Colonel Otey, 19th Airlift Wing commander, did not set a cap on how many people could register. He hopes that more people, especially more enlisted members, will be part of the Razorback chapter and will get to experience an A/TA convention.

Tech. Sgt. Brian Castillo, A/TA Razorback chapter's president, is one of only a few chapter presidents of his rank. Some chapters have colonels as presidents, said Major Murray.

The A/TA convention is a fantastic professional development and education opportunity as well as a unique opportunity to network with people in your trade. "The convention happens every year and next year we hope we can exceed this year's numbers," said Major Murray.

The next convention will be held in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 28-31, 2010.

(Capt. Amber Balken, Airman 1st Class Rochelle Clace, and the Wyoming National Guard contributed to this article.)