Total Force Integration: What does it mean for Luke?

Photo By Denise Lewis | Tech. Sgt. Benjamin R. Davidson, 944th Fighter Wing Detachment 1 ordnance mechanic, along with ordnance mechanics from the 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron inspect 20mm rounds that had come back from the flight line at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., Aug. 18, 2016. The 20mm rounds are processed through a Universal Ammunition Loading System after it has been flown to ensure serviceability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Denise Willhite)  

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, ARIZONA, UNITED STATES

08.18.2016

Story by Airman 1st Class James Hensley 

56th Fighter Wing

“TFI is not a foreign concept,” said Chief Master Sgt. Warren Massey, 944th FW specialist section chief. “The heavy community has been doing this for years. What TFI does is bring a Stabil Cadre to an ever evolving and dynamic organization meaning, we as the reserve act as a constant. We bring a vast knowledge of aircraft systems and years of experience to the fight.”
Reservists are spread out across the maintenance units to better aid the active duty Airmen complete the mission.
“We are currently embedded with almost every facet of maintenance on the F-16 and F-35,” Massey said. “We have personnel working side-by-side with our active duty Air Force brothers and sisters daily. This is a remarkable achievement. I have been in the TFI business for over 10 years now. The experience is priceless, and our Air Force is stronger because of it. Each person is an invaluable member on our team and has unique qualities we depend on.”
Staff Sgt. Natalie Semensow, 944th FW Detachment 1 nondestructive inspection craftsman, explained how reservists normally serve one weekend a month and two weeks out of a year and only earn retirement points during their time. However, reservists on orders receive benefits like medical and base allowance for housing while also becoming more proficient at the job.
“The reservists that are here on orders want to be here,” Semensow said. “It’s a privilege to be on orders.”
Semensow expressed reservists choose to be here and typically have families in the area. These coupled together increase morale and help the unit.
“I believe we can spread the feeling to the Active Duty Airmen we work with,” Semensow said. “We permeate and spread our excitement to learn the jobs we do, especially on orders, because we have more time to do so.”

• Date Taken: 08.18.2016
• Date Posted: 10.26.2016 19:03
• Story ID: 212990
• Location: LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, ARIZONA, US