EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- A constant stream of noise bounces from the walls of the Two Seasons Dining Facility. Whether it’s a vacuum cleaner, a mop sloshing against the tile or the hum of cheery voices taking a break from the RED FLAG-Alaska 16-3 daily activities, the dining facility, commonly referred to as the DFAC, is always full of life.
Senior Airman Leilani Martin, a 354th Force Support Squadron food specialist apprentice, said the DFAC can serve between 300-400 people each meal during RF-A exercises.
“We extend our hours during RED FLAG to try and accommodate for flight scheduling,” said Martin. “Whether they are Airmen in the dorms, cash paying customers or individuals who are TDY here, we see a lot of faces through the days.”
Staff Sgt. Theda Shaw, the 35th FSS NCO in charge of the First Term Airmen’s Center out of Misawa Air Base, Japan, is on temporary duty here to help with the DFAC. Her primary Air Force Speciality Code is in services, so coming to Eielson takes her back to her roots.
“There’s a pretty seamless integration process,” said Shaw. “The Airmen and NCOs here welcome me as one of their own, and it’s been great getting back in the DFAC.”
Shaw started in the DFAC as an Airman, so coming back as an NCO has been a change for her.
“RED FLAG is a great opportunity for young Airmen,” said Shaw. “It provides new training environments and helps prevent Airmen from becoming complacent. It’s hard being programmed to work, work, work like before, but now I have to take a step back and let the Airmen do it.”
During RF-A, the DFAC Airmen and augmentees provide more meals than on a normal schedule. It helps to have augmentees in place so more options can be provided to the customers, Martin explained.
“Our mission is to serve people,” said Martin. “Having the extra sets of hands makes it an easier transition from normal operations to RF-A season.”
Shaw said she enjoys being TDY here during this time to assist the Airmen wherever she may be needed.
“There’s an influx of people,” said Shaw. “There could be triple the amount of people for a meal, or there could be the typical amount. That’s why I’m here, to provide back up in case they get swarmed.”
The DFAC staff works hard to get the job done, Shaw explained.
“I enjoy coming here,” said Shaw. “The Airmen, NCOs and staff are phenomenal; they are easy to work with and they ensure the mission is met. You couldn’t ask for anything more.”