Stepping up to the plate

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Brad Sprague
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Janet Wankowski, 35th Mission Support Squadron chief of civilian personnel, doesn't mind fastening up her chinstrap and volunteering her time.

It's the second time in her 18 months at Misawa Air Base she has donned full individual protective equipment and worked alongside active-duty servicemembers.

"I have a staff of nine civilian personnel and they are all very supportive of me helping out," she said during the Operational Readiness Inspection. Misawa's ORI was held March 12-17.

"I'm considered mission essential," said Ms. Wankowski. "I told the mission support staff to use me 'wherever you need help.' I know what the squadron goes through and I knew they could use the additional manpower."

Ms. Wankowski worked from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the transition area keeping track of all the personnel that checks in during her shift.

"I log people in for their shift, ensure they are wearing the correct gear and have all the important information," Ms. Wankowski said. "I also log people out at the end of their shift."

According to Ms. Wankowski, the information from each person's identification card is entered into a database when they check in and provides base leadership a quick snapshot of the accountability of the Airmen in the fight.

"After being part of this, I understand how it all works," said Ms. Wankowski. "Now when I sit in the staff meetings with everyone else I can follow along ... I understand how all the pieces fit together."