Growing org enhances profession, strengthens networking

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt Evette Wissler
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  As a member of the Air Force, there are a multitude of organizations Airmen can join to enhance and support their career development. Most Airmen are aware of the larger organizations, such as the Air Force Sergeant's Association and the Air Force Association - but there are also career-specific programs available.

One of these organizations is the Logistics Officer Association, which is comprised of more than 3,200 military officers and civilians in logistics fields around the globe. The group organizes activities to develop and enhance logistics in the National Security Environment, and to foster innovation and collaboration.

The Iceman LOA chapter held their first event of the year at Petro Star, Inc., a local refinery that distributes its products throughout Interior and Northern Alaska. Its customers include rural Alaskan communities such as Anaktuvuk Pass and Wiseman; military bases such as Fort Wainwright, Fort Greely and Eielson Air Force Base; commercial customers such as Fort Knox Gold Mine and Alyeska Pipeline; and the North Slope industrial market.

"The purpose of the LOA is to enhance the military logistics profession," said Capt. Sarah Booth, 354th Fighter Wing Commander's Action Group director and LOA secretary. "At the refinery, we visited our local logistics partners and discussed their role in supporting Interior Alaska as well as Eielson AFB."

The event gave the logisticians at Eielson a chance to visit community partners and get a better understanding of the refinery process and how Petro Star supports Eielson with over 15 million gallons of jet fuel a year.

"I can honestly say the Iceman chapter gained more than experience, but an appreciation for the oil refinery process. Petro Star were wonderful hosts, true professionals and deserve USAF logistics officers respect," said Maj. James McArthur, 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander and President of the Iceman Chapter of the LOA.

Locally the LOA has been dormant, but the Iceman Chapter is coming back stronger than ever under the leadership of Major McArthur. They currently have 15 members and are always looking for more.

"The Chapter's mission is simple: to expand and enhance the professional development of our members," said Captain Booth. "We have terrific logistics and maintenance officers within the 354th Fighter Wing and this new team is excited about sharing our experiences, enhancing operations, and learning from each other."

To learn more about LOA or to join the local Iceman Chapter, contact Captain Booth at 377-5785 or online at www.loanational.org.