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FSS members take to the field for training

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Douglas Hays
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  Members of the 434th Force Support Squadron may have gotten out of the kitchen, but they still rattled pots and pans during the August unit training assembly.

Approximately 25 434th Sustainment Flight Airmen set up a single palletized expeditionary kitchen, or SPEK, as part of annual field training Aug. 8.

"From the time it hits the ground until we are serving a meal should take four hours," said Chief Master Sgt. William Somers, 434th FSS superintendent. "We did just that, serving dinner to about 50 people that night."

The training provided the 434th FSS Airmen with skills useful in a deployed environment.
"This is what we deploy with to bare-base locations," Somers explained. "It gives us an opportunity to serve a hot meal almost anywhere."

In addition to setting up the SPEK, the teams also trained in setting up tents, mortuary affairs, lodging, and recreation and fitness functions in a field environment.

"It was a great training experience, and one that is required annually," said Master Sgt. William Archer, 434th FSS services specialist.

The 434th FSS is comprised of the mission support flight, sustainment flight and civilian personnel. The unit blends military and civilian personnel functions along with services to support the 434th Air Refueling Wing's home station and deployed requirements.

The 434th FSS is part of the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the globe in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer