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CHEYENNE, Wyo. - The 90th Missile Wing Protocol Office keeps
things running smoothly, whether it's a visit by the chief of staff
of the Air Force or a technical sergeant's retirement.
Historically military events have certain traditions and procedures
that must be met. These range from resources the base offers to the
position of the flag during a ceremony.
On Warren, the 90th
Missile Wing Protocol Office controls the reins, showcasing the best
Warren has to offer and ensuring events are handled properly.
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Senior Airman Alex Gunter, 90th Missile Wing protocol office, carries American and Air Force flags out of the wing headquarters building on F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., Aug. 10, 2015, on his way to set up for a retirement ceremony that day. Part of protocol's job is the attention to detail at ceremonies and other events that can make the difference in rendering the proper respect dignity to an event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Malcolm Mayfield)
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The Protocol Office consists of less than half a dozen
workers who accomplish their tasks in the background,
allowing others to enjoy the event or their visit.
"We work behind the scenes, supporting the wing during
anything that is formal or ceremonial," said Senior Airman
Alexander Gunter, 90th Missile Wing Protocol. "We are the
masters of ceremonies for any military event you can think
of."
The office plays puppet master during events,
coordinating each piece. All military members in protocol
are working temporarily outside of their original office.
The team is made up of two permanent civilian jobs and
three rotating military positions. Military members perform
a tour in the office, leaving their normal duties and adding
their unique backgrounds to the office.
"It's a good
thing that we come from different shops," Gunter said. "You
get a whole breadth of experience from people who want to be
in this office."
The team takes their job seriously,
something that can be seen in their work ethic and heard
from their peers.
"They are very committed to making
sure what they do is correct," said Capt. Alexander Foos,
90th Missile Wing executive officer. "I see them as a
mechanism in the 90th Missile Wing. They are diligently
working whenever a task is in front of them."
The
office performs various tasks, such as supporting promotion
ceremonies and retirements, with the largest portion
consisting of caring for distinguished visitors.
"Anytime somebody important comes to Warren, we will review
the itineraries, see where they are going and ensure
[everything is] hospitable," Gunter said.
Distinguished visitors range from high military leadership
to key individuals in the local community.
"When we
have a high visibility leader, like Gen. Welsh or Secretary
James, all [the base has] to do is focus on the mission
here," Foos said. "We get to present what we're doing at the
wing and don't have to worry about [the logistics] because
protocol has already taken care of that."
"We will
normally tag along on these trips to make sure if anyone
needs anything we're there to provide support," Gunter said.
Other events the office manages are civic functions,
which allow base leaders to interact with community leaders.
"Civic functions, usually dinners, are used to enhance
community relations," said Lorrie Welsh, 90th Missile Wing
Protocol Office chief. "It's important for the wing to stay
connected with the people in the community, and it's our job
to provide the opportunities for them to come together."
Welsh previously worked within the 90th Force Support
Squadron; however, after her position was phased out, she
joined the protocol office and has been working in the shop
for around five years.
"I have enjoyed all my years
here." Welsh said. "This is a beautiful base. There are
awesome people who come and go serving the U.S. Air Force
here at F.E. Warren. It's an honor to be able to host guests
and help them [learn] about our mission."
Together
the individuals in the protocol office have the right skill
set to support our mission.
"I really enjoy all the
people that work in protocol," Foos said. "They're very
personable, easy to talk to and easy to get along with,
which is really the type of person you need in protocol.
They are definitely the right people for that job."
By U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Malcolm Mayfield
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2015
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