RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
While it applauded the vital role transportation plays in the daily life of every American Airman, National Transportation Week also honored the contributions of those who ride, roll, drive and fly for a living in a week-long recognition culminating in several events held Monday through today.
"This week honors the transportation industry and the more than 10 million men and women involved in keeping the military's and our nation's planes, trains, trucks, and buses running year-round," said Victor Wherry, 902nd Logistics Readiness Squadron chief, traffic management flight.
As an integral part of this national celebration, Joint Base San Antonio witnessed the signing of a proclamation by Air Force Brig. Gen. Leonard Patrick, 502nd Air Base Wing commander, May 21 in the Randolph Air Force Base vehicle operations compound.
As part of the nation's 2010 celebration of NTW, the 902nd LRS sponsored a NTW 5th Grade Poster Contest at Randolph Elementary.
"The poster contest is one of the most exciting community outreach programs we have to introduce students to the value of transportation," Mr. Wherry said. "We invited teachers to use this contest to encourage students to explore the importance of transportation and its benefits to society today and in the future."
The 902nd LRS observed NTW by sponsoring an educational expo at Lackland Independent School District. The expo educated the high school audience about transportation's contribution to the industry and America's defense. The expo showcased transportation professionals, vehicles, informational boards and briefers which encouraged and increased student interest in pursuing transportation-centric careers.
"One in seven jobs in the United States is directly linked to transportation," Mr. Wherry said. "Our transportation system here at Joint Base San Antonio covers every mode and method."
Those modalities include flight-line aircrew shuttle service, military taxi, distinguished visitor transportation with surreys, airline reservations, deployment travel arrangements, school bus service, and household goods and cargo movement by plane, train, truck and boat, he added.
"The Traffic Management and Vehicle Operations and Management employees on Fort Sam Houston, Lackland and Randolph AFBs installations keep the entire transportation system mission ready," Mr. Wherry concluded.