911 answers Willow Grove's call for assistance

PITTSBURGH AIR RESERVE STATION, Pa. -- Recently, several members of the 911th Airlift Wing flew to Willow Grove Air Reserve Station, Pa., to participate in a job fair being held there.

The job fair was conducted due to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission's decision to close the Air Reserve Station, Oct. 1, 2007, as part of the president's defense budget for 2008.

A base closing can be a difficult and hectic change for many people, both military and civilian, but at Willow Grove ARS a planning group is working diligently to ease the process of relocating.

All personnel at Willow Grove ARS will be put in the Air Force Reserve Command database or "clearing house" which will place them at the top of the list for vacancies at other military installations.

To ensure personnel are given the help and resources needed to find job openings at other bases, a contingency planning group was formed. According to authorities at the 913th Airlift Wing, located at Willow Grove ARS, the group met every two weeks to come up with a solution on how to organize the transfer of hundreds of military personnel. Part of the solution was to also provide them with the necessary information to ensure continued service and a successful transition.

The planning group decided a job fair with representatives from bases within the local area could provide information about their installation and any Air Force Specialty slots that are available.

People from various 911th Airlift Wing units on base such as; the Aeromedical Staging Squadron, Military Personnel Flight, Maintenance Squadron, Security Forces Squadron and Operations Group were present to help place Airmen and provide information about the base.

Lt. Col. John Vallrugo, performance planning officer for Willow Grove ARS, assisted in the organization of the job fair.

"This turned out to be five times bigger than we ever expected, I'm very pleased with the turnout that we had today." Lt. Col. Vallrugo said.

"I'm glad to see everyone here despite the unfortunate circumstances, but I will always remember all of the proud warriors I have served with on this installation when I was commander here at the 913th. And I am very proud of each and everyone," said Brig. Gen. Richard Severson.

For some, having to leave is especially difficult.

"I started my career here 18 years ago, was born and raised in this town and all of a sudden I am asked to leave. It is going to be hard for anyone to just pack up and move on but the symbolism of this place will never change and will always be with us," said Master Sgt. Jesse Manis, an information systems manager for the wing commander.