Airmen of the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron’s “Firehawks” from Wurzburg, Germany, recently paid a visit to the Elim Christian Center in Lwowek Slaski, Poland, to “adopt” for Christmas what they thought would be a small group of children from impoverished families. There were many more children than the ASOS airmen realized would be in the “off the beaten path” area of Poland, says Lt. Col. Joseph Dill, 2nd ASOS commander. In addition to spending time with the children and providing them with “presents” of soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, the airmen helped in renovation work at the center. SMSgt. Russell Hastings, 2nd ASOS first sergeant, says, “We were able to knock out in one afternoon what may have taken month’s” for the center.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.