MARTINSBURG, W.Va. -- Two airmen from the 167th Airlift Wing supported the Reserve Component National Security Course at the National Defense University at Fort McNair, Washington D.C. in January and February.
Airman 1st Class Joseph Mousch and Airman 1st Class Lindsey Plotner provided administrative, logistical and audio visual support for two, two-week seminars offered to senior enlisted and senior officers of the U.S. Reserve Components, allied officers, and select interagency civilians and industry fellows working in national security.
Both Airman received high accolades from the seminar’s leader, U.S. Coast Guard Capt. F.H. Schaefer, who stated in a letter of appreciation that their performance was absolutely superb.
Last fall, Chief Master Sgt. Ronald Glazer, 167th Airlift Wing Command Chief, received a request for support for the course from a representative of the National Defense University. He forwarded the request to supervisors at the wing and asked for volunteers.
Glazer said that both Mousch and Plotner came highly recommended by their supervisors.
Plotner, an aircraft fuel system specialist, said she volunteered for the duty because she wanted to step outside of her comfort zone and learn about something that she knew very little about.
“It also offered me the opportunity to be around a number of high ranking personnel from many different branches and allowed me the chance to take in some of the vast knowledge that they have gained throughout their years of service,” Plotner said.
Mousch, a communications, navigation and mission systems apprentice, said he volunteered for the duty to show that he is a hard worker and he is capable of adapting to new work environments.
Mousch said the skill sets he has attained from his primary duty proved useful in supporting the course.
“I was knowledgeable and comfortable with working with new electronic devices and systems,” Mousch said.
Plotner said that her primary duty involves climbing inside of fuel tanks and getting dirty but that she had to bring a very different skill set to this particular mission.
“I think it's extremely important to be versatile in the military,” Plotner said.
Mousch echoed her sentiments. “I learned from this experience to always be open to go new places and be willing to test your abilities in a new field of work,” he said.
Plotner and Mousch both noted that supporting the course broadened their own knowledge of national security issues.
“It really showed me how each branch plays such a huge role for the United States military and how we have to continue to be cohesive to become stronger as a whole,” Plotner said.