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POMA returns Youngstown civilians to job

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Bob Barko Jr.
  • 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office
YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio --  Personnel affected by the government shutdown-driven furloughs returned to work here, Oct. 7. They were able to get back on the job as a result of Department of Defense implementation of the Pay Our Military Act and as directed by Air Force Reserve Command.

"We're glad that our personnel are able to return to their jobs," said Col. James Dignan, 910th Airlift Wing commander, "Our people are our most important asset and we know the furloughs caused hardships for many of them."

Although DoD civilians including Air Reserve Technicians were back on the job, it was not back to "business as usual" since the government shutdown continued into its seventh day. The continuing lack of Defense appropriations has placed limitations on training for Traditional Air Force Reservists including Individual Duty Training, the status that Reserve Servicemembers are in to complete their monthly training weekends.

"At this time, we are planning and preparing for our rescheduled October Unit Training Assembly for our Traditional Reservists later this month," continued Dignan. "However, the completion of the scheduled training weekend is subject to change based on funding and other factors."

The majority of 910th Citizen Airmen usually complete their monthly training requirements in the first weekend or so of any given month. However, it was necessary to push the October 2013 UTA towards the end of the month due to the lack of funding as a result of the shutdown.

"We are hopeful the government reopens and funds are put in place soon so the 910th Airlift Wing can resume our mission at full capability including our Unit Training Assembly," said Dignan.

While it is uncertain how near future government funding including the looming "debt ceiling" issue will affect Youngstown Air Reserve Station and the 910th Airlift Wing, the commander said the unit will make every effort to complete its mission.

"We will continue working as close to normal as possible and as directed with the resources provided to us," concluded Dignan.