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Air Force volunteers and Army riggers work hand in hand

  • Published
  • By Army Spc. Adrianne Vinson
  • 421st Quartermaster DET 4
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The beginning of 2013 has proved to be a busy time for the 421st Quartermaster Detachment 4 riggers with a high demand of missions but they have come up with a unique solution to accomplish the everyday missions.

The detachment has implemented the Air Force Volunteer Program to their weekly work schedule. Airmen, from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, who work alongside the riggers have been volunteering to help the detachment with various tasks such as prepping supplies and rigging loads for airdrop operations.

The program is overseen by the rigger unit's air load planner, Staff Sgt. Anthony Catlett, and supply non-commissioned officer in charge, Staff Sgt. Joseph Wright.

"The overwhelming interest and participation of these volunteers has been greatly beneficial to our mission completion and has provided grounds for camaraderie between the Army and Air Force personnel," said Catlett.

Those who volunteer their time and services are provided memorandums for record stating hours and what classes of materials were rigged during that time. However, there is an incentive for the Air Force volunteers known as the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. The MOVSM recognizes military members of active duty, reserve, and guard components who provide volunteer duties in their community far beyond what is expected from a service member. The only requirement for this award is that the volunteer agency reflects favorably upon the United States Military and the Department of Defense. Although there is no specific time requirement, most commanding authorities expect at least three years of consecutive volunteer involvement.

Among those who have volunteered with the detachment, three key individuals stand out among their peers for their overwhelming effort and service time. Tech. Sgt. Adam Barnes, a civil engineer, Staff Sgt. Vincent Gethings a C-5 maintainer, and Senior Airman Aaron Seigler, a civil engineer, are well on their way to earning the meritorious volunteer medal.

"Volunteering personal time is worth knowing that you're improving the moral and quality of life of the soldiers downrange in less fortunate conditions," said Barnes.