18th OSS

Airman 1st Class Jonathan Potter, 18th Operations Support Squadron, briefs a group of spouses about the use of aircraft life support equipment as part of a tour through the unit Nov. 30, 2007. The squadron opened its doors to the spouses as a way of thanking them for their support. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher A. Marasky)

18th OSS

A mother places an infant in a small life raft designed specifically for babies as part of a tour through the 18th Operations Support Squadron Nov. 30, 2007. The squadron opened its doors to the spouses as a way of thanking them for their support. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher A. Marasky)

Spouses tour 18th OSS

Published Dec. 3, 2007
By Staff Sgt. Christopher Marasky
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AB, Japan -- The 18th Operations Support Squadron opened its doors Nov. 30 to provide unit spouses a closer look into their daily activities.

Spouses were treated with an all-day tour through various buildings and facilities where the 18th OSS mission is carried out.

"It's a good thing for the spouses," said Capt. John Daur, 18th OSS chief of mission operations. "They get to come in and see the different aspects of the squadron, what their military spouses do on a daily basis."

The tour covered many areas of the 18th OSS from aircraft life support, to the control tower and the command post where they started their day with a mission briefing.

Hands-on demonstrations allowed the guests to try out a number of things, such as wearing a parachute.

"It's really interesting," said Lori Brown, wife of Gary Brown, a civilian air traffic control specialist with the 18th OSS. "We are getting to see some really fascinating equipment up close and personal."

"It's amazing, I've never had an opportunity like this," she said.

The 18th OSS provided all the transportation, Airmen to brief the spouses and overall made it a fun and eventful day said Capt. Tim Ewing, 18th OSS chief of current operations.

"They will have the opportunity to see things that most do not get to see," said Capt. Ewing before the tour.

Whether trying on a parachute or getting a briefing the spouses seemed to enjoy the opportunity to learn about the unit.

"They are really well prepared," said Mrs. Brown. "They seem excited to show us all the equipment they specialize in, and to share their knowledge with us."

Despite being busy preparing for the upcoming local operational readiness exercise, the squadron Airmen were more than happy to host the event.

"The 18th OSS is happy to bend over backwards for the spouses," said Captain Ewing. "They do the same for us all the time, especially during exercises or deployments."

This is one way for the 18th OSS to pay the spouses back and say "thank you" for their years of contributions to the Air Force, said the captain.