Home away from home: first sergeant supports 52nd FW GSU

Photo By Staff Sgt. Ali Stewart | U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 701st Munitions Support Squadron and their family members, along with Belgian nationals, come together for KB Wings at Kleine Brogel Air Base, Belgium, January 24, 2020. The 701st MUNSS periodically hosts morale events like these to strengthen the relationship between U.S. and Belgian forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alison Stewart)  

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, GERMANY

02.20.2020

Story by Airman 1st Class Ali Stewart 

52nd Fighter Wing

First sergeants are tasked with the responsibility of caring for Airmen in ways that reach beyond the normal methods. For Master Sgt. Kevin Feeney, 701st Munitions Support Squadron first sergeant, the job description comes with the added responsibility of being a resource for over 23 AFSC’s and 150 Airmen at the 701st MUNSS at Kleine Brogel Air Base in Belgium.
The 701st MUNSS is a geographically separated unit of the 52nd Fighter Wing, which means that Airmen there have the same leadership and resources as they would at Spangdahlem, despite being located more than two hours away.
Feeney is the only first sergeant, or “shirt”, at Kleine Brogel and is able to get to know his Airmen on a more personal level.
“At Kleine Brogel I get to spend a lot more time with my Airmen,” said Feeney. “I get to understand what my Airmen do, and see the 23 AFSC’s we have here.”
Feeney says there are benefits of being at a small GSU and his position as a shirt here is different to any of his previous first sergeant duties at larger bases.
“I’ve been able to work on satellites, work shifts at the DFAC, and I really enjoy it here,” said Feeney. “When you’re at a main base, you kind of get caught up in the machine of things.”
However, there are many things that make living at a GSU difficult for Airmen stationed at Kleine Brogel.
“There aren’t many options for Airmen stationed here, because it’s in a very rural area,” said Feeney. “We have to find ways to compensate for that, so we have a lot of morale boosting events.”
One such event has become a fan-favorite with the 701st MUNSS Airmen: KB Wings.
The event is looked forward to by Airmen and Belgian air force counterparts alike, and consists of a picnic style luncheon featuring wings, fries, and Belgian beer.
“It is an opportunity to come together and have a good time,” said Feeney. “We get to leave work a little early and enjoy some good food.”
KB Wings has been a tradition for a few years and is one of the many morale events that Feeney attends with his Airmen.
Despite being 130 miles from the 52nd FW, Feeney finds ways to help his Airmen adapt to living in a rural area while going above and beyond with his duties as a first sergeant, a unique opportunity at a GSU.

• Date Taken: 02.20.2020
• Date Posted: 02.20.2020 03:15
• Story ID: 363451
• Location: SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, DE