Photo By Staff Sgt. Breanna Klemm | Airmen assigned to the 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron stand in front of the...... read more read more
The 97th Logistic Readiness Squadron presented a historical rock in front of LRS headquarters to honor fallen and warrior Airmen alumni of the Basic Combat Convoy Course (BC3), October 4, 2019, at Altus Air Force Base, Okla.
The creation of the BC3 program was requested by the Army for Air Force personnel to augment convoy duties in Iraq. This later led to the creation of BC3 at U.S. Army Camp Bullis, Texas, in which the Air Force trained transportation Airmen with the skills necessary to conduct convoy operations in hostile territory in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Airmen were provided qualifications on multiple assault rifles, taught rules of engagement and tactical communication, practiced convoy maneuvers and what to do during enemy fire along with how to protect themselves and their wingmen.
“The first graduating class of BC3 was deployed overseas in June 2004,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Juan Recendiz, a quality assurance evaluator assigned to the 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron. “As each class graduated, it became the norm to leave something behind, such as a mural painted on one of the largest rocks available.”
Out of the many rocks painted throughout the years of BC3, the Mighty 97th proudly received the second largest rock that was painted from Camp Bullis. It represents and honors fallen comrades for their sacrifice, commitment and dedication to the safety of this country. Many of the Airmen Warriors that went through this grueling course have since been awarded for their bravery, patriotism and valor. The Heritage Rock honors those who have fallen and those who still stand.
“Since its inception, more than 1,500 Airmen have been trained for convoy operations and have traveled over three million miles in convoy operations,” said Recendiz. “Graduates of BC3 have since been recommended for a Silver Star, have received more than 150 Bronze Stars, 100 Purple Hearts and 30 Meritorious Service Medals.”
During the ceremony, speeches were given by multiple Airmen who graduated from BC3. Each Airman shared personal stories, lessons learned and difficult memories that have not been revisited in many years. Although they were young Senior Airmen at the time, the now Staff, Tech., and Master Sergeants told their stories of BC3.
“Before we left for BC3, our families were told that we may not return, and that was the moment I realized that this was not fun and games,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Robert Black, the vehicle maintenance NCO in charge assigned to the 97th LRS. “From these missions, I learned the importance of comradery, the meaning of family and how important life really is to you, because you don’t know how much something means to you until it is gone.”
Although it is one of many, this rock carries a long history with it. Thousands of Airmen have gone through this course, served proudly and left their mark on the biggest boulder they could find. As said by the speakers at the ceremony, the lessons learned throughout their time in BC3 are irreplaceable and can only be learned in a few places, including this course.
“There were certainly a lot of lessons learned during this course, but the one that stuck with me is that necessity is the mother of invention,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Krebs, the deployment and distribution flight superintendent assigned to the 97th LRS. “Our training changes based on the tactics of the enemy, as do our tactics and procedures. The purpose of this course was to feed the most updated and current tactics to Airmen, so we are able to beat the enemy.”
The BC3 course provided deployed vehicle maintenance operators the lifesaving skills and warfront tactics they needed to conquer the enemy. Throughout this grueling course, young Airmen learned many valuable life lessons that they have carried with them throughout their careers. The 97th LRS honors the ultimate sacrifice paid by BC3 graduates through the display of the Heritage Rock, a symbol of courage and valor, to constantly remind Airman warriors of the call they may have to answer some day.
| Date Taken: | 10.09.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 10.18.2019 12:47 |
| Story ID: | 346992 |
| Location: | ALTUS AFB, OKLAHOMA, US |
| Web Views: | 70 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 97th LRS Honors BC3 Warriors with Heritage Rock, by SSgt Breanna Klemm, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
