Fifty years of heritage (edition 4) Published Feb. 10, 2011 By Eric M. White 910 AW/PA YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- Each Thursday in 2011, the 910th AW/PA office will republish a historic article or highlight from the archive along with a brief commentary. In the case of articles, we will publish exact copies of the originals, so any grammatical or typographical errors are intentional reproductions. Each week will feature a different year in Youngstown Air Reserve Station (YARS) history, beginning with 1957 and ending with 2007. Article 4: Echoes of excellence The Air Force Reserve of the 1960s was very different than the Air Force Reserve of today; yet a few things remain constant. The Air Force conducts Operational Readiness Inspections (ORIs) to test and ensure unit large-scale deployment capability and preparedness. The 910th Airlift Wing completed its most recent Operational Readiness Inspection April 5, 2008. The ORI required more than 18 months of preparation. About 400 910th Airlift Wing Reservists deployed to Gulfport, Miss., Combat Readiness Training Center, for the inspection. Col. John "Woody" Almind, IG Team Chief for the 910th portion of the inspection, delivered the results. "This is the best reserve unit that I've had the pleasure to inspect. Without a doubt, you are the best. Congratulations, your hard work has definitely paid off. We came to validate your compliance, your programs, your processes, and ultimately your readiness and you came through with flying colors. I know you'll agree that it wasn't easy. We gave you a tough, hard look and you came through. It was obvious that you prepared very hard and you definitely delivered," said Col. Almind. The 910th Airlift Wing's next ORI is scheduled for June, 2013. Col. Fritz Linsenmeyer, commander of the 910th Airlift Wing, looks toward the ORI and the preparations which are scheduled to begin in October, 2011. "We all know we can get the airplanes off the ground and deliver on time and on target; no one does it better than the 910th Airlift Wing," Col. Linsenmeyer said. "The ORI is a way to validate and ensure we are able to do our mission in an austere environment, under difficult and challenging (otherwise known as simulated chemical attacks) circumstances. I know the 910th will be well-prepared and ready for the inspection; prior planning and preparation will ensure our success." In this installment of 50 Years of Heritage, we look back through the chronicles of Youngstown Air Reserve Station to find that current operations are built on a legacy of success. These two letters from Lt. Col. Randall W. Hendricks, commander of the 757th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS) in 1960, share preparatory thoughts and post-inspection gratitude with the members of the 757th TCS. From the January, 1960 Buckstone Carrier: Operational Readiness Inspection The forthcoming ORI will be held on the next training week-end Feb 27 and 28 with the inspection party arriving at Youngstown on 24 February. The actual ORI will commence on 24 Feb. with inspection of the ART element, records, and working areas of detachments. The Operational Readiness Test portion of the ORI will begin on with Aircrew and Staff Briefing on Friday night Feb. 26 and continue until completion, scheduled for Sunday evening after all areas are properly cleaned and secured. Needless to say all efforts by individuals and sections should have been completed Sunday Jan. 10 in preparation for our most important Inspection of the year. Any individual in doubt as to this readiness should contact his supervisor, before Feb. 13, with his problem or suggestion. The squadron staff will hold a special staff meeting Feb. 13, 1960 to gather any loose ends together and assure complete understanding and coordination of pertinent requirements of a Wing Operation Order which should be available approximately 1 Feb. 1960. Any special information required in the Wing Operation Order or any late developments will be published and mailed to all members of the Youngstown Reserve Organization. Please remember the following points and come fully prepared for superior performance during the ORI. 1. Have your person and uniform neat, clean and proper according to regulations (a) Haircuts, (b) Shaves (c) Shoes (d) Caps etc. 2. Know your job and chain of command. 3. Keep your areas neat. I certainly wish to thank each and every individual of this organization for his sincere cooperation and devotion to duty in the preparations thus far; I feel we have the capability to perform in a very satisfactory manner. The results of this inspection and test should prove our contentions that the personnel of the 757th Troop Carrier Squadron and its various detachments from 459th Wing are ABLE, WILLING, and by combination, READY. Lt. Col. Randall W. Hendricks Commander From the February, 1960 Buckstone Carrier COMMANDER"S MESSAGE ON O.R.I. The 757th Troop Carrier Squadron received a Satisfactory rating as a result of the Operational Readiness test conducted 27-28 February by the 14th Air Force Inspection Team. The actual point scores will not be available for several weeks. The following is a resume of the Inspection Team Critique on a sectional basis: a. Operations and Training was rated Satisfactory with Exceptions. Questionable areas were: 1. Pilots' Ground Flight Training Records. 2. Ground Training, where there was a lack of a preplanned OJT Program and Training Schedules. 3. The Personal Equipment issuing system. b. Personnel and Administration: Satisfactory. Condition of files: Excellent. c. Supply: Satisfactory with Exceptions. d. Maintenance: Satisfactory with Exceptions. 1. In-commission rates much higher compared with previous year. e. Supporting Detachments: Satisfactory with Exceptions. Questionable areas were: 1. Air Police Security System. (a) Lack of organized ground posts, communications and pass lists. 2. Communications: Lack of radio-teletype capability due to equipment being out of commission. f. Inspection in ranks: Satisfactory with Exceptions: 1. Some shoes needed shining. Work shoes worn by some individuals. 2. Some insignae tarnished. One man without insignae. 3. Very favorable comments on the overall appearance of uniform and hair cuts, including general neatness. g. I wish to thank each individual for the support rendered during this Inspection. The spirit in which you maintained this maximum effort under extremely adverse weather conditions is indicative of the 757th TCSq personnel to satisfactorily perform their assigned duties an Unit Mission.