Loggies earn Logistics Effectiveness Award Published May 10, 2018 By Douglas Hays 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- As an adjective, daedalian means ingenious, intricate and confusing.As an award, it defines the 434th Logistics Readiness Squadron.Grissom’s 434th LRS was selected as Air Force Reserve Command’s Daedalian Maj. Gen. Warren Carter Logistics Effectiveness Award winner for 2017, an award given to the best logistics readiness squadron in the command for its impact on mission accomplishment and overall logistics distinction.There’s a sign on a door in one of the LRS sections that states: “Beyond this door are the 434th ARW LOGGIES. We solve problems you don't know you have in ways you are not capable of understanding."While the job may seem daedalian-like to some, to the Air Force it just means that loggies get things done!“My favorite part about being a loggie is getting to see the ‘big picture’ of how the Air Force works as a whole,” said Tech. Sgt. Jesse Vanengelenhoven, 434th LRS logistics plans craftsman. “Seeing deployments get planned from the top down is interesting.”Add to that the challenges that an ever-changing world brings to landscape of military operations and hurdles are created.“We have to change with it, and in this career field we constantly have to adapt with the changes in the structure of the force,” Vanengelenhoven said. “Having to quickly problem solve when things don’t go according to plan is awesome to me!”At Grissom the main reason the base exists is the flying mission and the KC-135R Stratotankers that are stationed here.Due to Grissom’s LRS personnel, Grissom was able to expedite aircraft parts valued at $9.5million to maintain the command’s highest mission capable rate and one that is 13 percent higher than the command requirement.“LRS supply strives to expedite receipt of all mission critical parts,” said Master Sgt. Angel Carpenter, 434th LRS material support technician. “We do this by taking a proactive approach rather than be reactive. It takes extra steps, but we can cut down the wait time to get the critical parts we need as expedient as possible.”Their penchant for getting things done hit home when Mother Nature hit South Florida.Their humanitarian effort included deploying members and equipment in support of Hurricane Irma relief efforts as Grissom sent one of the largest contingents of relief workers and supplies.“Building pallets, running a forklift and moving cargo on a plane is no picnic,” said Master Sgt. Angie Hall, 434th LRS logistics craftsman. “However, opportunities like that leave a lasting impression on the lives we are helping, and the satisfaction of doing it is it’s own reward.”Those helping hand efforts weren’t limited to the continental United States.Under the provisions of the Denton Act, logistics personnel helped arrange and load more than 43,000 pounds of emergency food to Haiti and 15,000 pounds of supplies to Ukraine."We enjoy getting to work on humanitarian operations,” said Tim O’Brien 434th LRS logistics manager. “Our logistics machine works well when it comes to flexing military muscle, and it is very rewarding to be able to use those same skills to help people in need around the globe.”That sentiment trickled down to the worker level as well."I could feel the pride and meaning knowing that we were supporting humanitarian needs,” said Senior Airman Aron Miller. “Always being a helping hand in the world when duty calls is something that is cherished as an Airman."Not content to rest on their laurels, Grissom’s LRS embraced the continuous process improvement movement by consolidating three warehouses and work centers.“The consolidation of the warehouses and work centers has allowed the LRS to run more efficiently and align us with how regular Air Force is structured,” said Senior Master Sgt. Zach Gaumer, 434th LRS installation deployment readiness cell superintendent. “With many procedural changes over the years the two operations overlap and some duties have even transferred.”Grissom’s leadership was happy to see the LRS recognized for their efforts."Our logistics personnel prove again and again they are the best at what they do," said Col. Scott Russell, 434th Mission Support Group commander. "I'm particularly thrilled that this is a team award and not recognizing any one individual. It shows that the diverse elements of the unit are able to come together as a team and get the Air Force mission accomplished."“I’m so proud of the LRS and honored to be a part of a great team,” said Lt. Col. Kathleen Labahn, the commander of the 434th LRS during the award period.The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. The Citizen Airmen from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
