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Kadena staff sergeant, Phoenix native, manages knowledge ops for deployed maintenance group

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Whether it's ensuring security management or supporting morale efforts all of the 380th Expeditionary Maintenance Group, Staff Sgt. Leonel M. Gallardo said he is busy doing whatever it takes to get the deployed mission done.

Sergeant Gallardo is the 380th EMXG knowledge operations manager at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia.

"My primary deployed duties include being the security manager for the maintenance group," said Sergeant Gallardo, who is deployed from the 18th Civil Engineer Group at Kadena Air Base, Japan. "The job consists of taking care of any and all operations security and anti-terrorism and force protection issues for the group. Also, any maintenance group members requiring new line badges, access to the command post or flightline are vetted and processed through me for proper security clearance and documentation to grant them that access."

Sergeant Gallardo also carries secondary duties including managing three accounts of automated data processing equipment, or ADPE, worth thousands of dollars. He also processes communications requirements and often steps in as a photographer for group events and recognition ceremonies.

"For example, I'll photograph the weekly and monthly maintenance group awards and print them out on photo paper to be displayed in unit recognition displays," Sergeant Gallardo said. "It's something I can do to help with morale and have our people recognized."

A native of Phoenix, Ariz., Sergeant Gallardo said he is proud to serve in the Air Force and the military.

"I love serving our beloved country through the Air Force," Sergeant Gallardo said. "What better way is there to travel the world, get a college education, receive excellent medical and dental benefits and provide service to country than by being a part of the U.S. armed forces?"

On being deployed, Sergeant Gallardo said he knows his support for the deployed mission has an impact. "Though we're not all in 'battlefield Airmen' Air Force specialties, we are a part of a greater system that provides much needed support to the boots on the ground," he said.

The 380th EMXG is a sub-unit of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. The wing is home to the KC-10 Extender, U-2 Dragon Lady, E-3 Sentry and RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft. The wing is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The 380th AEW supports operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.