Youngstown team takes first at AFRC Force Support Readiness Competition

DOBBINS ARB, Ga.--Four of the eight 910th Force Support Squadron team members demonstrate recovering human remains during the 2010 AFRC Force Support Readiness Competition held November 1-4, 2010. The 910th team took first place out of five competing teams. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Amber Leone

Youngstown team takes first at AFRC Force Support Readiness Competition

DOBBINS ARB, Ga.--Members of the 910th Force Support Squadron Readiness team are donning chemical warfare protective equipment during one one the ten judged events of the 2010 AFRC Force Support Readiness Competition held November 1-4, 2010. The 910th Force Support Squadron took first place out of five competing teams. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Amber Leone)

Youngstown team takes first at AFRC Force Support Readiness Competition

DOBBINS ARB, Ga.-- Members of the 910th Force Support Squadron Readiness team properly tag, plot, photograph and record detailed information concerning search and rescue recovery operations. This event was one of ten events judged during the 2010 AFRC Force Support Readiness Competition held November 1-4, 2010. The 910th Force Support Squadron took first place out of five competing teams. (U.S. Air Force photo /Tech. Sgt. Amber Leone)

Youngstown team wins AFRC Force Support Readiness Competition

Published Nov. 8, 2010
By SrA Valerie Smock
910th Public Affairs

DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Members from the 910th Force Support Squadron Readiness Flight won first place in the 2010 Air Froce Reseve Command Force Support Readiness Competition here Nov. 1-4.

FSS members competed against other Airmen from McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., Duke Field, Fla., Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, and Dobbins. This is the second year for the event however, this is the 910th's first time competing.

"The Air Force Reserve Command put together a command-wide Readiness Challenge to check unit readiness," said Major Tom Latsko, the Force Support Squadron Operations Officer and team leader.

Airmen were tested in 10 events, including Meal Preparation, Mortuary/Search and Recovery and Physical Fitness.

Tech. Sgt. Cathleen Young, assigned to FSS as the Lodging noncommissioned officer in charge, said the team from the 910th excelled in a number of categories.

"Meal Prep and Mortuary/Search and Recovery really set us apart," said Sergeant Young. "One of the evaluators said if everyone knew search and recovery as well as we did, it would make his job a whole lot easier. We did that well."

To prepare for the challenge, the team trained for eight days in October.

"We had help from a lot of different people, including Aerial Port Squadron, Emergency Management, Operations and Security Forces," said Major Latsko. "They set up a good thorough training schedule to [help us] become proficient in all those training areas."

Each unit competing against the 910th had participated in the Readiness Challenge before. The FSS members not only worked hard to prepare, they worked well together.

"It was definitely a close group with the same sense of humor," said Sergeant Young. "We were getting our work done, but having a good time doing it."

Knowing when to work and knowing when to play paid off. This team of professionals brought their game and took top honors.

"Anytime you can assemble a team of qualified people with desire and a determination to win it's a great feeling," said Major Latsko.