MSAS air advisers, Guatemala military share tradition

by Master Sgt. Patrick Lombardo

571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron

3/21/2014 - LA AURORA AIR BASE, Guatemala -- The 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron has been conducting mobile training team seminars with the Guatemalan military since mid February at La Aurora Air Base, Guatemala.

The MTT focuses its efforts to improve mission support capabilities for counter narcotic operations within the country of Guatemala. An additional role the MSAS takes on is building partnership capacity, which plays a vital role in strengthening relationships to achieve mission objectives.

The BPC mission, carried out by Air Mobility Command's two mobility support advisory squadrons, is designed to promote regional stability by fostering key relationships and enhancing partner nation capabilities. The MSAS also supports 12th Air Force's continued engagements in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility of Latin America and the Caribbean. An important part of each engagement is to foster friendships and partnerships based on a common Airman culture, mutual respect and collaboration.

Capt. Jarret Flexman, 571st MSAS mission commander, saw an opportunity to further partnership interaction while conducting a senior NCO promotion ceremony for Master Sgt. Claude Winfree, 571st MSAS communications air advisor.

"This ceremony was not just an event for Master Sgt. Winfree receiving another stripe, but a celebration on his achievement to an exclusive senior group," Flexman said. "He has demonstrated the ability to master his specialty as a leader. The NCO ranks are the back bone of the Air Force and as a senior NCO he has become a leader amongst leaders."

This was the first senior NCO promotion ceremony celebrated abroad for MSAS.

Flexman said the event was an opportunity to showcase the importance of the U.S. Air Force's senior NCO ranks, but also the importance of empowerment of the NCO corps to the Guatemalan air force audience.

Winfree said he was honored to have Capt. Francisco Roberto Ruiz Cifuentes, Guatemalan army, to assist Master Sgt. Marc Slonecker, 571st MSAS Security Forces air advisor, tack on his new stripe.

"I just wanted to thank everyone for attending today," Winfree said. "I wish my wife and kids could be here to enjoy this with me, however, I do appreciate my military family being here to celebrate with me. It is an honor to have shared this with my Guatemalan military family as well."