Kokomo dentist provides support Published Jan. 4, 2006 By SrA Chris Bolen with Senior Master Sgt. Rod Gunter and Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Mercier 434th ARW Public Affairs and 434th Maintenance Group Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind -- A Kokomo dentist was recently recognized for her above and beyond support to the base, and its mission. During Grissom’s Operational Readiness Inspection, Dr. Kimberly Beard was contacted on short notice to assist an Airman preparing to deploy to another base. The Airman, a member of the 434th Aviation Maintenance Squadron, lost a portion of a crown just prior to leaving for the inspection. The Airman’s supervisor was looking for options so the Airman would not miss the exercise. With time and options running out, the person's supervisor contacted Dr. Beard. The doctor quickly installed a temporary crown allowing the Airman to participate in inspection. The Air Force uses ORIs to test the readiness of units for deployment on missions worldwide. Following the completion of the ORI, Dr. Beard and her staff were presented with a copy of the 434th Air Refueling Wing lithograph and a squadron coin in appreciation for their valuable effort on very short notice. Dr. Beard said she considered it her contribution to the defense of the country. The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Personnel and aircraft from the wing routinely deploy around the world in support of various Air Force missions.
