Winter is the time for air conditioning

Photo By Sgt. Jason Mikeworth | Hugo Licon, a field service representitive, works to replace air conditioning system parts on a humvee at the Army Materiel Command Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Service Center at Logistical Support Area Anaconda.  

12.08.2005

Courtesy Story

207th Public Affairs Detachment

Now that December is here and the official start of winter is looming, memories of 130 degree summer days are fading. That doesn't mean Soldiers shouldn't start planning for next summer.

The Army Materiel Command Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Service Center is encouraging Soldiers to get the air conditioning units for their vehicles serviced now to beat the spring rush.

"Our workload is slow due to the cold season," Gerry Kesselbach, the shop lead for air conditioning services said. "We have the parts on hand and we have time. Everything is 100 percent in stock."

Kesselbach said last summer nearly half of all customers were turned away each day.
Shop statistics show that the month of May is nearly five times busier than November and December.

"The summer workload is unbelievable," Kesselbach said. "Last year the demand was so high we were out of a lot of parts. Hopefully we won't run into the same problem, but I have to assume that we will."

Although the shop works on a first come, first served basis, priority is given to combat logistics patrols that are just stopping by for a few hours at a time.

"Convoys, people who go outside the wire, we've got to get to them first," Hugo Licon, a field service representative, said.

The most common issue with air conditioning systems is dust clogging up the evaporator, Licon said. Soldiers can keep them clean by using an air hose at any maintenance facility to blow out debris. Once they go bad, Licon said, it can lead to lengthy repair times.

"The condenser can take four to five hours to replace," Licon said. "The evaporator is another one that can take four hours."

Long waits in sweltering heat with no air conditioning is something most Soldiers don't want to endure.

"I recommend people come in now so they don't have to wait in line," Licon said. "We want people to come here now, before the summer comes. That way nobody gets left out."

Licon said he is happy to help Soldiers out with their air conditioning issues.

"I did six years in the military, now I'm here for the Soldiers," Licon said. "I know what it's like to be out there in the heat with all their gear. For them to take care of themselves and get this done would be good."

Kesselbach said he couldn't stress enough the need to repair broken units.

"Air conditioning is essential. Right now, everybody forgets about it because it's not hot enough," Kesselbach said. "With all the armor and all the gear, it's a must to have air conditioning. It's a killer if you don't. You're going to pass out."

Kesselbach said he hopes everyone will take advantage of the slow winter season to prepare for the busy summer months.

"Think ahead," he said. "If you know it's broken, come now."

The AMC is located on the north side of Sustainer Street, east of Pennsylvania Avenue.

• Date Taken: 12.08.2005
• Date Posted: 12.08.2005 08:09
• Story ID: 3989