913^th: Facts of a Falling Unit , the Sarge speaks out

What is it that makes people have such a bad outlook on a closing, but not yet closed unit? The answer is put simply as “Operation Covert Closure” After being told that we would be closing everything else has been seemingly classified “top secret”. It is no wonder, and it doesn’t take a brain surgeon or rocket scientist to figure out that the reason people here at the 913^th Airlift Wing are not happy is because we are being fed lie after lie.

    We were told that the unit was closing and that’s fine, however no closing date was given to us. When the higher tier of our fine military bureaucrats would come here and they would be asked the question they all said they did not know. We knew when the 111^th ANG knew we were going to close before we knew our date of closure which was strange. Could is be they wanted to wait until sixty days out, when they absolutely had no other choice but to tell us? Could it be they were afraid of people taking their future into their own hands and finding jobs elsewhere? The answer is simple: YES!!!! That being said lets keep pressing forward.

    We were told job placement assistance would be available which is actually true. Here’s the problem. It’s a broken system, and just another way to run over quiet a few people. Although the system has worked for a small group of people, many find themselves in a position to get another job having full qualifications, only to be stonewalled because they are not, and I quote, “highly qualified” .Which brings me to the next subject, Why is it’s the only reason we receive any information at all is because we have to fight tooth and nail to get it?

Should members of a closing unit have to go to their Congressman and Senator to get the answers that are only well- deserved??   NO!!!!!!!!!!

In fact, it sounds insane but, it’s our life here at the 913^th. It was always said that the planes/jets come before the people, but what kind of justification can be given as to the treatment of the people when there are no planes/jets and, the people are treated like crap. The cover up is always worse than the crime!!!

   As far as the 913^th Gala was concerned, I only have one thing to say. Would you go to a formal party where the guest of honor is the same person who helped put your future in jeopardy?? NO!!!

The only reason some people went was because they have invested so much time here and they get to see some old friends coming back to visit. Here’s my advice to the leadership: you’ll find that simply telling people the cold hard facts, and the truth , bring out better attitudes in everyone, regardless of good or bad news is. Help people get the jobs they deserve and simply said, “help us, help you!!!”