SVS helps airmen stay fit, fed, entertained
by Senior Master Sgt. Gene LaDoucer
506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
1/7/2004 - KIRKUK AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) -- Adopting the slogan “Not without us,” airmen of the 506th Expeditionary Services Squadron routinely take on the daily challenge of keeping the people assigned here fed, fit and entertained.
“You can’t sustain a long-term forward presence and world-class combat capability … without bringing services professionals to the fight,” said Maj. Bob Marasco, 506th ESVS commander. “We aren’t the actual trigger pullers, but we feel we enhance the capabilities of those (who) drop the bombs or do the shooting by making sure they are well fed, recreated and fit to fight.”
Since mid-October, the 506th ESVS team has served about 160,000 meals and stockpiled more than 800,000 liters of water and 22,000 Meals, Ready to Eat with a value of more than $2 million. In addition, they have awarded more than $5,700 in prizes during various events.
Through the fitness and recreation centers, the dining facility and other facilities and services, the squadron’s airmen said they strive to meet the needs of those deployed here.
“I think our major success is the outstanding food coming out of the dining facility every day,” said Major Marasco, who is deployed here from Minot Air Force Base, N.D. “That’s especially true of the holiday and birthday meals prepared by our joint team of Air Force and Army chefs.”
“It is all about leadership and enthusiasm; you see it every time you walk in the dining facility -- they are all smiling and happy about being there and giving us the best food and recreation in the (area of responsibility),” said Senior Master Sgt. Ben Hoover, 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron superintendent. |
|
|
|
Printable story
E-mail story
Advanced Search
