A/TA dedicated to mobility mission

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The Airlift Tanker Association is dedicated to helping make sure "American military forces continue to have the air mobility capability required to implement U.S. national security strategy."

Sounds rather dry doesn't it? It probably would be to most people, but that is what the Web site for the group states. However, the organization is much more than that mission statement. It is about hard-working mobility professionals coming together to be a part of something larger than themselves.

"The Airlift Tanker Association is a professional organization that focuses on mobility and the future of mobility," said Tech. Sgt. Shannon Wall, 319th Maintenance Operations Squadron unit training manager and local chapter secretary.

"But it is more than just that, being a member gives us a real insight into the Air Mobility Command mission and how our wing fits into the picture," she said.

Becoming a member is an easy process said Sergeant Wall, who has been a member for eight years and a chapter officer for two.

"All a person has to do is contact an executive board member here at Grand Forks or they can fill out an application on the A/TA Web site," she said.

According to Sergeant Wall, the association is not simply for those military members who actually operate the jets.

"Membership in the A/TA is greatly expanding and there are just as many people working in BDUs or ABUs as there are in flight suits. This group is for everyone involved in the mobility mission," she said.

There is also larger benefit to being part of the association. Enlisted members from airman basic to chief master sergeant can apply to be awarded an education grant from the A/TA in the amount of $200. Members must be in current standing with the association and currently pursuing a course of study in an accredited degree program. They must also have their commander's recommendation and be assigned to an air mobility operational or support function.

Members interested in applying for the grant or becoming a member should visit the A/TA Web site at www.atalink.org for more information or contact Sergeant Wall at 747-4855.