KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Mississippi -- With Air Force Basic Military Training coming to Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, due to COVID-19, the mission of the base has become to not only train, but create premier warfighters.
A team of Airmen from different units around Air Education and Training Command worked together to help the 81st Logistics Readiness Squadron issue uniforms to trainees at Keesler.
''Our purpose in coming here as a team is to support the training mission of Keesler and BMT,'' said Air Force Master Sgt. Melina Jimerson, 81st LRS BMT supply lead. ''Continuing to train through obstacles such as COVID-19 keeps our Air Force moving forward, so my team must stay resilient to do our part.''
The uniforms being issued to the trainees were supplied from the 502nd LRS at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The group had approximately a week to prepare and organize the process.
''We came in with limited equipment and time, and had to develop a system that would work,'' said Air Force Senior Airman Hope Curry, 81st LRS material management journeyman. ''Through trials and tribulations, the process became more natural. We overcame and adapted quickly to equip the trainees with what they need.''
Training Airmen safely and efficiently through COVID-19 has become possible with the units of AETC coming together as a team.
''Within our own units, we all have our own unique missions,'' Jimerson said. ''However, we've been able to combine our skills to support the BMT mission, which is to motivate, train and inspire the next generation of Airmen with the foundation to deliver 21st-century airpower without interruption.''