Pennsylvania Guard senior NCO, Newport native, supervises protocol operations for deployed wing

Photo By Master Sgt. Jenifer Calhoun | Senior Master Sgt. Christopher C. Shull, superintendent of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing protocol office, stops for a photo on the flightline while working on a distiguished visitor visit Jan. 23, 2010, at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia. Shull is deployed from the Pennsylvania Air National Guard's 193rd Special Operations Wing at Middletown, his hometown is Newport, Pa., and he currently resides in Harrisburg, Pa.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

05.09.2010

Story by Senior Airman Jenifer Calhoun 

380th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA - In his 17 years of service with the Air National Guard, Senior Master Sgt. Christopher C. Shull said he's never had the same challenges and opportunities he's seen as the superintendent of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing protocol office at a non-disclose base here.

In his four-month deployment, Shull has supported visits by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen. That's in addition to managing a myriad of official ceremonies to include changes of command, a dining-in and a chief induction ceremony.

"As the protocol superintendent, my responsibility is to assist the protocol officer in charge coordinate visits," said Shull, who is deployed from the Pennsylvania Air National Guard's 193rd Special Operations Wing at Middletown. "My duties include administrative assistance, building lodging reservations and setting up catering requirements and office calls or unit mission briefs. I have to make sure the small details are accomplished to make the visit as smooth as possible."

To do his deployed job, Shull works with his officer in charge to coordinate with the U.S. Embassy and host nation officials to ensure high ranking visitors and dignitaries have legal clearance to enter the country, transportation, lodging, accessibility to service members, security, meals and their luggage gets where it needs to be, and communication needs are met.

The 380th AEW protocol office coordinates and plans various military ceremonies and official events and ensures all military traditions and customs and courtesies are properly performed during all ceremonies. They are also the first representative for wing and wing commander who visitors meet. They also schedule, coordinate and orchestrate every detail of every minute of a distinguish visitor's time while they are visiting the installation.

"Protocol plays a very important role in a deployed location - especially with the interaction with wing leadership and through DV visits," Shull said. "The team is responsible for all the preparation, coordination and execution of DV visits so we stay pretty busy."

Shull's protocol team has also been awarded for their excellence at supporting the mission. Shull, along with protocol officer Capt. Sandra Byrum, earned the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Team of the Month for March 2010.

In joining the military more than 17 years ago, the senior master sergeant said he's been able to fulfill aspirations to see the world and be a part of something greater than himself.

"As a full-time member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, I have traveled the world and experienced things that many only read about," said Shull, a native of Newport, Pa., and current resident of Harrisburg, Pa. "I have met and worked alongside some of the finest men and women the Air Force has to offer during my 17-year career. My wife and daughter have enjoyed the stability to remain in one place that the Guard offers."

Shull said he also believes military members should take the opportunity to deploy.

"Everyone who has taken the oath should deploy at least once during their career," Shull said. "When you are deployed, one gets a better understanding of the mission and why we are doing what we are doing to assist the bigger picture."

• Date Taken: 05.09.2010
• Date Posted: 05.09.2010 09:09
• Story ID: 49355
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)