Protocol uses team work to get the mission accomplished

Published June 6, 2014
By Senior Master Sgt. Allison Day
386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Like a scene out of a movie, six vehicles caravanned to the flightline Sunday evening, their tires kicking up dust as they rolled downhill on a dirt road towards their destination. Each slid to a stop, like a well-rehearsed chorus, one after the other until they were aligned in perfect formation.

The drivers and escorts all waited patiently for the arrival of some of the nation's most distinguished visitors, our wounded warriors.

Behind the scenes of this DV movement, one of many that happens each day on The Rock to support Operation Enduring Freedom, was the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing's protocol office.

"It's a job that requires an extreme amount of coordination and organization. It is imperative for us to coordinate with U.S. embassies, military bases and various liaisons to ensure that smooth (distinguished visitors) transitions are made," said Maj. Charles Day, 386th AEW protocol chief. "We handle approximately 55 distinguished visitor movements each month and that makes us the busiest protocol office in this area of responsibility."

Each visit is referred to as a movement. One moment can be a single person or multiple people and are usually planned two to four weeks in advance.

Today is only one of a number of distinguished visits handled by the protocol office and not an easy feat considering the hours of meticulous planning that's required and the possible likelihood of delays.

In this particular case, the aircraft transporting the wounded warriors was delayed.

"Delays like this can happen and protocol must remain in constant touch with everyone who is supporting the arrival to keep them up to date on changes," said Day.

It is almost 8 p.m. when the group of wounded warriors finally arrives and is welcomed by protocol and members of the greeting team.

Previously, the group of six wounded warriors transitioned through here to Afghanistan as a part of Operation Proper Exit. This operation provided these soldiers an opportunity to recover from internal and external injuries sustained on the battlefield. Now, this particular DV movement handled their transition back to the U.S. from Afghanistan.

To ensure these movements are perfectly executed, the four-person protocol team deals with various on base agencies to get their mission accomplished. Two hours before the guests arrived, protocol coordinates with agencies such as Services to arrange meals and Operations for flight arrival times.

"We could not do our jobs without all those we depend on to make it a success including our greeters," said Day. "Depending on who's visiting or transiting through, we always need to schedule a representative from base leadership to greet them."

Everything with protocol continues to be synched until the last minute. Day credits his team with the success of a seamless operation. They are very supportive of the mission and they do it with great attitudes, he said.

"Protocol drives operations when it comes to taking great care of our commanders, distinguished visitors, and distinctive transient passengers such as our beloved wounded warriors," said Chief Master Sgt. Geoff Weimer, 386th AEW command chief. "They have magnificently managed round-the-clock and rapidly changing schedules, at multiple locations, with very rare opportunities for time off. The entire team is selflessly dedicated to mission success."

Day, who deployed from the Military Entrance Processing Station, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Tech Sgt. Sarah Gann, a Guardsman from 144th Force Support Squadron, Fresno, California enjoy the unpredictability of the job that requires flexibility from each member.

"I don't mind the hours; they're a perfect fit for me," said Gann, who deployed here in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. "This is my first time working in protocol and it's been an awesome experience. We have a great team and we all work really well together.

Gann can't quite believe her luck to have ended up supporting such a great mission, she said.

"We have had visitors every single day of my deployment," said Day, who deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and has been here almost a year. "And so, as we say goodbye to the wounded warriors it will not be the last visit, but of course, one of the most memorable."