Stationed in Kyrgyzstan

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Robert Barnett | Master Sgt. Misty Plott is the superintendent of the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center at Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan. While most of the military personnel at the Transit Center are deployed here, Plott is stationed here on a short tour. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Robert Barnett)  

TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, KYRGYZSTAN

11.05.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Robert Barnett 

376th Air Expeditionary Wing

MANAS, Kyrgyzstan - When Master Sgt. Misty Plott arrived at Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, she knew she was in it for a long time. While nearly everyone around her was deployed to this location, Plott has a permanent change of station: a one-year short tour.

There are many similarities between the deployed airmen and this permanently stationed master sergeant. She lives in a dorm room, has to put in requests to travel outside of the Transit Center and receives many of the same entitlements as deployed members do. She even works 12-hour shifts, six days a week. However, some things are different. For example, she gets a cost of living allowance, and her basic allowance for subsistence is charged every time she goes to the dining facility. While others redeploy home, she doesn't.

"I've been stationed here about 10 months," said Plott, superintendent of the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center, which also works with the U.S. Air Forces Central A-4 logistics to issue protective equipment to protect Airmen passing through the Transit Center to Afghanistan. The mission of the ETDC is to issue, collect and preposition individual protective equipment for warfighters. "I've seen multiple rotations come and go."

She has seen four rotations of members deployed for four months, and three rotations of members deployed for six months.

"I'm active with the 'Manas Top 3'," she said. "I've coordinated the birthday meals every month for six months. I've led Asian-Pacific Heritage Month. I did the Hispanic Heritage banquet. I'm also the Combined Federal Campaign representative for the Transit Center, and we're almost at that $50,000 goal; can't wait to get there."
Plott was the 'First Four' mentor and has been involved in several fund-raising projects. She was also the Ozyornoe school mentor as part of 376 ELRS's humanitarian project, among other various outreaches.

"We did a Hispanic Heritage fiesta party, and that [Asian-Pacific Heritage Month] luau was one of my favorites," she said. "The '5/6' put on a 'Filthy 5K' that was an amazing experience and a lot of fun to be a part of. I guess for me, as a senior noncommissioned officer, the most rewarding thing was being the 'First Four' mentor, to be able to touch that many airmen across the installation and hopefully make a difference in their lives and their careers."

As her year comes to an end, the ETDC superintendent is in the process of passing on her various projects to others.

"I'm still doing the CFC, but we're training everybody that's going to take my place in these various projects," she said. "New people have a different perspective; they can go out there and make it their programs as well. So, I'm still actively involved in the 'First Four' and the CFC."

She enjoys the friendships she's been able to make throughout the year.

"I've built amazing relationships with a lot of people and it's hard to actually let them go," she said. "I've got several airmen that I look in on from time to time."

While professionally her time here has been a success, she looks forward to returning to her family. The Moulton, Ala., native moved from Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. to the Transit Center, and will return there for her follow-on assignment.

"It's hard being without your family for a year," she said. "My husband has been my hero. He's active duty and a single parent taking care of three children and managing a tight schedule right now. I feel like I'm on vacation compared to what he's doing. I'm very appreciative of his support. I'm very grateful for the influence he's had on my children day in and day out."

Looking back, Plott knows she's accomplished a lot, and is leaving a professional legacy.

"It's been very rewarding in the area of my job and the amount of airmen that flow through here," she said. "By the time I leave here, my gear will have protected more than 12,000 airmen. There aren't very many people that can say that. Doing our job is very important."

• Date Taken: 11.05.2013
• Date Posted: 11.08.2013 02:36
• Story ID: 116487
• Location: TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, KG