Project TRANSAM continues to flourish Published June 21, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. Doug Hays 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind -- Caring people with big hearts...that's how the director of Indian Health Services described those working with Project TRANSAM. Steve Caesar, from IHS in Rockville, Md., was one of about 25 people who met at Grissom to discuss TRANSAM, its mission, its accomplishments and its future. The visitors got an eyes-on-look at the program and heard the success stories of a solid vision focusing on sharing excess federal equipment with Native Americans in need. The visitors included members from Air Force Reserve Command, the Air National Guard, IHS, as well as other local officials who not only reflected on the past, but planning for the future. "This is a feel good thing," said 2nd Lt. Jessica Smith, an Air National Guard innovative training program manager. The program is multi-beneficial. In addition to the benefit received by recognized Indian communities, it's also beneficial to the Air Force as aerial port and supply personnel can receive hands-on training that is crucial for skill level upgrade. "It is a win-win situation," said Master Sgt. Gary Hochenberger, TRANSAM project chief. All the items received by the program and reallocated by HIS are done in conjunction with training on the ground and training missions for aircraft and aircrews. "It's a great bang for the buck," said Maj. Chuck Carty, Air Force Reserve Command's chief of curriculum and technology. Grissom serves as a hub for receiving, storing and shipping excess government equipment. Military personnel from a variety of bases serve here under 45-day temporary duty assignments to train and earn upgraded skill levels in their career fields.. "Many of the people that complete training here will often deploy to the desert, or other high-tempo locations," Sergeant Hochenberger said. "We're happy with the arrangement we have, and the support the base provides to us," said Cmdr. George Styler, TRANSAM coordinator with the U.S. Public Health Service. "We have a very good working relationship," he said while touring the TRANSAM warehouse. All parties said they saw the potential for growth in the future, and Grissom's role in that growth. The meetings and tours weren't all about the past, but also leanings into the future. "We're forming relationships," Mr. Caesar said. "We're meeting people, sharing ideas, learning about both our deficiencies and capabilities. We're setting the foundation to keep moving forward."
