FSS holds Columbus AFB up with many pillars

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Keith Holcomb
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  From bowling and 5k’s to a 2018 Wings Over Columbus, the 14th Force Support Squadron is responsible for the management of military and civilian employees, education services for base members, professional military education programs and family support programs.

Their impact keeps the quality-of-life for Airmen and their families high so together they can Produce Pilots, Advance Airmen and Feed the Fight.

“The 14th FSS offers a very diverse and broad spectrum of services to the wing,” said Christian Graham, wing process manager. “Everything from the Fitness Center, to bowling, lodging, outdoor recreation, the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Military Personnel, Civilian Personnel, and the Manpower Flight, where I work.”

Graham manages the Continuous Process Improvement program and provides CPI expertise for the wing. Units like manpower, Child and Youth Services, Community Services and more are employed with numerous civilians and Airmen ranging from their first year in, to over 50 years of experience on Columbus AFB.

“My daily work involves managing the CPI program while planning and coordinating upcoming Black Belt level CPI projects,” Graham said. “I have daily interaction with CPI practitioners assisting them with current or upcoming CPI projects. CPI is one aspect of the Manpower Flight, but our flight also assists commanders manage their resources via authorization change request (ACR) to the unit manning document and other manpower requirement type of requests.”

The 14th FSS manages CPI processes, but also is constantly working with the 14th Civil Engineer Squadron and the 14th Contracting Squadron to maintain, repair, and upgrade force support facilities across Columbus AFB.

With projects like the new Fit Trail and Fitness Center renovations being accomplished and many more things on the horizon, Maj. Douglas Hickey, 14th FSS commander, said it’s hard work, but it’s rewarding work to be supporting the Team BLAZE community.

Some of the hard work includes large involvement with events across base, such as the 2018 Wings Over Columbus Air and Space Show or the many triathlons held on base.

“All of these things come back to taking care of our customers,” said Senior Airman Kyle Beath, 14th FSS force management journeyman. “Our customers are the number one priority. You go into any personnel or force support section and you’ll see people smiling and happy to assist you in the capacity they can.”

The squadron continues to serve and have many projects and events on the horizon.

Patriot Fest will be a family friendly event held July 6 with two bands provided by the Air Force Entertainment and the Air Force Services Activity. The Bowling Center Refresh Project is trying to have a July 16 start date to recreate the bowling center look and add new equipment, flooring and furniture. In late August the 14th Force Support Squadron is scheduling an Alpha Warrior Meet and Greet and familiarization on the Battle Rig obstacle course for Team BLAZE members as well.

With a range of diversity and components, the 14th FSS sounds like a jack-of-all-trades to some, but is another hard working and essential squadron for all on Columbus AFB.