Supply techs smile their way through work

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Armando Vasquez
  • 108th Public Affairs
March 27, 2010 --  As the October 2011 mandatory wear date for Airman Battle Uniforms approaches, issuing the ABUs to all enlisted personnel is the responsibility of the Logistic Readiness Squadron's supply technicians.
Providing more than 1,000 personnel with individual uniforms and gear might feel like an insurmountable task, but it's something that has to be done.
"I am extremely busy, but I still love this job," said Staff Sgt. Cindy M. Morgan, a 108th Wing Logistic Readiness Squadron supply technician at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.
"It can be hectic at times, but you're helping people," added Senior Airman Esmiralda Ayala, also a supply technician with the 108th Wing LRS.
Ayala's future goal is to become a pilot and earn her degree in computer science. She currently resides in Newark, N.J., but grew up in East Orange.
It's a lot of pressure to juggle her civilian live and her military duties, said Ayala. But working here with people who enjoy their work "makes it fun," said Ayala.
With pleasant greetings and big smiles on their faces, the members of the Individual Equipment section are preparing to accomplish the task one Airman at a time.
"We are in full swing," said Morgan with a big grin.
Morgan, a Brielle, N.J. native is a full time technician and prepares daily to receive new gear she previously ordered for incoming Airmen. Because of this, she maintains two government issued credit cards in case of uniform emergencies.
"One is for regular personnel and the other is for deployers," said Morgan.
There are times when their section might be approached by an Airman preparing to go to school within a week and the Airman is in need of uniforms, said Morgan. So out comes the plastic.
At other times, they receive requests for uniforms and equipment from deployers and have almost no time to order them through their regular channels, so the credit card is used to make the purchase at the local clothing and sale store, said Morgan.
With ordering ABUs for 108th Wing personnel, assisting deployers, and exchanging unserviceable uniforms for other personnel, the LRS work area can be hectic at times. That doesn't stop Morgan or Ayala from smiling and enjoying the work they do.