62nd OG gives back to spouses

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Frances Kriss
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Frequent deployments, tours of duty, humanitarian missions and training flights may lead loved ones to ask, "What are they doing up there?"

More than 100 loved ones got the chance to find out April 14 when they took to the skies as part of the 62nd Operations Group spouse orientation flight.

The purpose of these flights is to familiarize military spouses with the unit aircraft and mission to enhance their understanding of the military member's role and contribution to the Air Force mission.

"This is just a small way to give back to our spouses," said Col. Paul Eberhart, 62nd OG commander. "These types of intangible paybacks help to strengthen families because the spouses get a better understanding of the mission and get a chance to see what their loved ones do. It is an investment in the relationships of our Airmen."

This was the first time an orientation flight was hosted for the entire 62nd OG.

"We're excited for this opportunity to show them what we do," said Capt. Mike Zinkgraf, 8th Airlift Squadron chief executive officer and one of the planners for the event. "We want to 'wow' them and open their eyes a little. It's also a reward for putting up with us always being away from home."

Before boarding the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, the spouses were treated with a light breakfast and then separated into two C-17s for the flight. Aboard the C-17s, the group watched a forklift loading demonstration followed by a combat off-load demonstration.

While flying, the loadmasters opened the ramp doors and the spouses were able to view Mt. Rainier and the Washington state coastline. In addition, they had a chance to sit up in the cockpit area.

"This was definitely a cool and memorable experience," said Amber Whitcomb, wife of Senior Airman Brian Whitcomb, 8th AS instructor loadmaster. "My favorite part was when they opened the doors and we were able to look out. This will be something I will look back on and be proud of what my husband does in the Air Force."

The 62nd OG consisting of four active duty flying squadrons: 4th, 7th, 8th and 10th AS. These squadrons share responsibility for manning two forward deployed expeditionary squadrons.

The 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron mission is to provide global strategic airlift, airdrop, aeromedical evacuation and humanitarian relief, to create an air bridge for personnel, equipment and supplies throughout central and southwest Asia.

The 62nd OG also provides manning for the 304th EAS, supporting Operation Deep Freeze, which is a 13th Air Force-led Joint Task Force responsible for the coordination of strategic airlift, field support airlift, emergency response and aeromedical evacuation in Antarctica.