Texas mobility Airmen impress AFRC logistics director

by Tech Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino
433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

6/9/2014 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND -- Brig. Gen. Gary Blaszkiewicz, director of Logistics, Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, visited the 433rd Logistics Readiness, 26th and 74th Aerial Port Squadrons, June 7-8.

His tour began with a mission briefing at the 433rd LRS. Afterwards, he addressed the Airmen and presented Senior Master Sgt. Elizabeth N. Lopez, 433rd LRS Quality Assurance superintendent, with one of his coins.
Lopez rebuilt a program that had failed a recent inspection. When the program was re-inspected it became a candidate for benchmarking across Air Force Reserve.

"I was very impressed that he made a conscientious effort ensure that Airmen are recognized," Lopez said.

In addition, members of the 26th and 74th APS demonstrated their skills for Blaszkiewicz on using and loading vehicles to place palletized cargo on aircraft.

"You seem to managing it pretty well," Blaszkiewicz said after watching the port dogs, as they are known, demonstrate their talent.

"I am glad he took the time to come see us. Out of all the units, he picked ours," said Senior Airman Orlando Garcia, 74th APS. Garcia, who flawlessly placed a loaded pallet on a K Loader, was under the watchful of the general during the demonstration.

"I was nervous because I had so many people watching me, but it was good to practice our skills and show that we know safety and procedures," he said.

"It was good to see effective training for what they do on a day to day basis, I enjoyed it a lot," Blaszkiewicz said.

"I am very proud of the port dogs and the LRS, they continue to be battle ready," he said.