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    Meet 'Mobility Bob'

    Meet 'Mobility Bob'

    Photo By Master Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes | Robert Ness, 50th Logistics Readiness Flight Individual Protective Element technician,...... read more read more

    SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, CO, UNITED STATES

    08.15.2013

    Story by Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes 

    50th Space Wing Public Affairs

    SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - Ask Schriever airmen if they know "Mobility Bob" and most answer yes. He is the answer to every mobility questions. You need a gas mask? Call Mobility Bob. You need a deployment bag? Who are you going to call? Mobility Bob.

    Meet Mobility Bob, also known to his parents and family as Robert Ness. He is a 50th Logistics Readiness Flight Individual Protective Element technician, who manages more than 1,400 mobility bags and 750 gas masks for the 50th and 310th Space Wings.

    "As a technician, I project what the wings need for deployments and equipment, request money for items and buy new and improved equipment for Schriever airmen deploying downrange," said Ness.

    So how did Mobility Bob come to be?

    "It's the way I answer the phone, 'Mobility, Bob,'" Ness said. "The name caught on. I like it."

    Ness has been a constant fixture at the Schriever mobility section since 2005. He is actually one of the first people who established the section when it was converted from contract position to civil service.

    "He's been in since the American Revolution," joked Richard Molina, also a 50 LRF technician.

    "I'm the old guy here," Ness said.

    Like many civilian personnel, Ness served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1988. He joined when he was 18 years old.

    "When I came in, I became a patrol boat river operator in Nam," said the Vietnam veteran. "I joined because of JFK--John F. Kennedy."

    He was inspired by what President Kennedy said during his inaugural address, "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."

    And for his country, he did just that. Aside from being a Patrol Boat River operator of the 458th Seatigers, he also served as an infantry man and a drill sergeant. He was also honored with a Purple Heart during Vietnam War.

    "I loved being in the Army," said Ness, who retired as a staff sergeant.

    This passion also translated into his current service as a civilian Airman.

    "He is a dedicated professional; takes pride in his job, loves taking care of airmen and ensures every airman who deploys has the [best] mobility gear," said Terrence Galloway, 50 LRF. "He [enhanced] his section by receiving the latest equipment 'smart track system' improving weapons accountability."

    Ness said the day-to-day challenge of serving as a technician is why he works at Schriever.

    "It is for the satisfaction," he said. "You help new people out. You make sure the airmen have the stuff they need. It's challenging, but worth it."

    So the next time you need deployment-related equipment and call the mobility section, chances are you may hear, "Mobility Bob."

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 08.15.2013
    Date Posted: 08.15.2013 09:51
    Story ID: 112004
    Location: SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, CO, US
    Hometown: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US
    Hometown: RUSH, CO, US

    Web Views: 42
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN