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910th welcomes Acting Assistant SAF for Manpower and Reserve Affairs

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jeffrey Grossi
  • 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Daniel R. Sitterly, the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (SAF) for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, visited Youngstown Air Reserve Station Oct. 13-14, 2017.

Sitterly aids in executing the responsibilities of the Secretary of the Air Force in the supervision of manpower, military and civilian personnel, Reserve component affairs and readiness for the Department of the Air force.

Around 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 13, Sitterly boarded a 757th Airlift Squadron C-130H Hercules and flew here. Along the way he observed an aerial spray capabilities demonstration. Upon landing at YARS, Sitterly was greeted on the flightline by Col. Dan Sarachene, 910th Airlift Wing (AW) commander.

For the next two days, Sitterly met with several squadrons of the 910th AW and got a taste for its way of life.

The visit provided the opportunity for Sitterly to get out in the field and up-close with Reserve Citizen Airmen who function as a result of the decisions, programs and policies of his executive agency office, said Sarachene.

Lt. Col. Scott D. Stewart, commander of the 910th Security Forces Squadron, coordinated the visit.

“He was my boss for six months when I first went to the Pentagon until he took up his current position,” said Stewart. “When I attended the going away of the Secretary of the Air Force at the beginning of this year, I almost literally ran into him and invited him out here and he was more than happy to see what we do.” 

On the second day of his trip, Sitterly expressed how much he enjoyed getting out into the field, especially after visiting the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance (CATM) facility and rappelling at the 910th Civil Engineer Fire Department rappelling wall.

Sitterly said he appreciated and encouraged the honest and sincere questions that were asked by the Airmen. These topics addressed issues such as time awaiting technical training, the amount of time spent on computer-based training and fitness and readiness standards.

“He was able to get into very thoughtful conversations, so much so it was hard to stay mindful of the schedule,” said Stewart. “The quality of the Airmen here truly shined. When you’re able to have honest dialogue and honest conversation, that’s what shows the quality of people. We did that. We illustrated a positive attitude and that we’re engaged here at the 910th.”

Sitterly said that before the visit to YARS, he was unfamiliar with the aerial spray mission.

“The ability to host decision-makers and having them see our Airmen, installation and mission up close is invaluable,” said Sarachene. “YARS is a fantastic place to serve. We enjoy outstanding facilities and an exceptional workforce comprised of Civilians, Reservists and Contractors--seeing is believing. By keeping our facilities first rate and maintaining the highest readiness, those decision-makers know YARS is a reliable installation, and we can effectively operate with the resources provided. That instills confidence in their future decisions when additional resources are available or new missions need a home.”