Mission accomplished; ORI complete!

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Angela Brees
  • 190th ARW Public Affairs
FORBES FIELD ANGB, Topeka, Kan. --  ORI - The one test you can study for, but one you still question whether your efforts were enough on test day. With the pressure on, 190 ARW members tackled the test with a positive attitude, enthusiasm and a sense of urgency. 

In the end, the efforts resulted in a "high satisfactory" rating according to Col. Keith Lang, 190th commander. 

Although thunderstorms threatened a tumultuous start, 296 Coyotes departed Sunday, June 7, for Alpena, Mich., for the week-long, graded exercise. 

The deployers survived chemical attacks, missile strikes and ground attacks, including one four-hour stretch in full chemical gear. Luckily, the weather was cooperative with temperatures mainly in the 60s. 

"I was extremely pleased with the attitude and effort shown by each and every deployer," said Col. Kerry Taylor, 190 ARW vice commander. "We vigorously tackled each challenge, turning it into an opportunity." 

1st Lt. Penny Jamvold was also pleased with the feedback she received. "I heard over and over from the inspectors that the 190th had enthusiasm, positive attitude and a sense of urgency." 

The IG team chief agreed. In his executive summary of the inspection, Col. John Almind wrote, "the determination and pride of the entire 190 ARW team enabled them to complete this ORI with solid ratings. Operations, Safety, Civil Engineer, Legal, Financial Management, and Personally Identifiable Information Special Interest Item graded areas earned strong "Excellent" ratings. 

An ORI is never without challenges, and the challenges are unique to each member of the Wing. 

"Making the shift from working days to nights was very challenging - and going without my caffeine," said Capt. Diane Bellquist, Deputy Staff Advocate, lightheartedly. "But, it was a great learning experience." 

Lt. Col. Ron Krueger, MXS commander, worked in the Installation Command Center, which was a hubbub of activity each night. ICC members worked diligently to maintain a bird's-eye view of the war as scattered battlefield reports trickled in throughout the nights.
"It was challenging at times to get accurate information from field locations so we could make an accurate decision. It went well, but there was definitely a learning curve from the first to second night," he said. "But, by the second night, I felt that we were working as a well-oiled machine." 

190th firefighters also faced extensive challenges during the exercise, undertaking about nine scenarios. Taking a break after the redeployment was announced, the mood among a large group of firefighters was one of relief. 

"The IG always provided helpful feedback and said our last egress was textbook," said Airman Basic Dennis Burdiek. 

"I'm sure we aced it," said someone in the crowd. 

Beyond the stress of the various scenarios, the biggest challenges for the team were having a clear meaning of the rules and being armed with the necessary information to successfully complete the mission, said one. 

Thanks to the efforts of the Maintenance and Operations Squadrons, every flight during the exercise was on time. 

"(IG) messed with us a little, but we made the flight times every time," said Staff Sgt. Justina Call, flight management. "I think we all did a really good job - we had a great group. We have been prepping for a long time, so we all just kind of flowed together." 

"Communication and teamwork, making sure everyone is on the same page, will make you successful," said Call. 

Almind summed it up in the report. "Throughout the ORI, it was obvious that the 190 ARW prepared for this inspection and clearly demonstrated their readiness to support global mobility operations worldwide."