BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Defense Contract Management Agency-Afghanistan team members celebrated Air Force Staff Sgt. Steven McNair’s reenlistment on Washington’s Birthday to the sound of Army Apache attack helicopters on the flight line here.
According to Army Maj. Ranee Rubio, DCMA-Afghanistan lead staff officer, the event required considerable coordination without McNair’s knowledge.
“It was a challenge to keep the location a secret from him considering he helps run the operations office where they know the daily ins and outs of the organization,” she said.
McNair, assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base as an aerospace propulsion craftsman the past eight years, was anxious to support war efforts and volunteered to deploy. He was selected for the DCMA-Afghanistan team where he serves as Operations non-commissioned officer-in-charge.
“Staff Sgt. McNair has done a remarkable job as the Operations Non-commissioned officer, performing the job of three individuals as the unit downsizes,” said Rubio. “He wanted a simple and low-key re-enlistment ceremony, but we saw it fitting to surprise him with a more exciting and rare venue for an airman — in front of an Army Apache helicopter.”
Army Col. Anthony Wizner, DCMA-Afghanistan commander, recited the oath of enlistment as Air Force Master Sgt. Shonpatrick Jenkins and Air Force 1st Lt. Kurt Carlson proudly displayed the American flag. The celebration continued as team member and former Apache pilot Army Maj. Mike Galvin provided an overview of the Apache and its capabilities to the guests.
“It was a nice surprise and I was excited to be able to sit inside an Apache,” said McNair. “This re-enlistment has definitely been the most memorable in my career.”