“The Last Journey” #3 The Pax Men
Monday
27 July 2010
Ramstein Air Base, Pax-Terminal, Germany
In 1992 I began working ground operations for a large helicopter company in Hilo, Hawaii, at the international airport there. My job was to take care of passengers on and off the aircraft as well as coordinating their flights. I thoroughly enjoyed the many demands of the job. I’m still close friends with one of the owners of Blue Hawaiian Helicopters which grew to over 20-tour helo’s on four different Hawaiian islands. In subsequent years I held similar, but more stringent jobs for the United States military during combat operations in Balad, Iraq from 2004-2006.
Today, I find myself on the other end of the equations at the mercy of the “Pax-Men” here in Ramstein, Germany, as they handle all kinds of passengers going to and from this aerial port. It’s a long and frustrating process, but one I’m familiar with as I try to catch a hop into the war zone. The cliché, “hurry up and wait,” is just the way it is.
So I focus in on two Airmen that are doing their jobs amid the chaos of the Ramstein Pax Terminal. Meet SSgt Merrill Slepica and Airmen First Class Roberto Gonzales.
A Pax man hard at work.
SSgt Merril Slepica hails from Las Vegas, Nevada. At 30, he’s got some time in the Air Force, (eight years) and is on a track to do at least twenty. He loves his job and his positive attitude shows it. Slepica has been in air trans operations at Ramstein for the past five years. Previous duty stations included San Antonio, Texas, Japan and a stint in Afghanistan during 2007-2008. He has dealt with a wide range of services in this career field but his first love is parachute rigging. Slepica hopes soon to be stationed in Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, a forward headquarters of the United States Central Command.
When asked what makes his job here so meaningful, SSgt Slepica’s serious reply is, “Everything I do here is related to the entire big picture. When I send someone down range, a pallet with supplies for the war fighters, or a dependent, I become intent with that portion of the mission and support it with my whole being”. He adds, “I love this country with all I’ve got and to serve everyone is what I’m all about.”
Slepica went on to tell me how the Air Force has given him direction and discipline and that he feels quite blessed to be in the right place at the right time in his life. SSgt Merrill Slepica is married to his wife Amanda and they have a two and half year old son.
Then there’s 20-year-old Airman First Class Roberto Gonzales from Brownsville, Texas. He’s small in stature, quite trim and looks extremely sharp in his blues. He’s a southpaw and handles all kinds of manifesting paperwork and deals directly with the public throughout his work day. Gonzales joined the Air Force right after high school and has two years of service under his belt.
Airman Gonzales hard at work
Gonzales is extremely well mannered and smiles as I ask him some questions about his decision to enter the Air Force. Grinning he recalls, “I had heard that there were good opportunities.” He mentions that finances for college were another factor. Then we talk about his family. Gonzales is the second of three children, having an older sister and a younger brother. He comes from a typical tight south Texas Hispanic home where wealth was found not in bank accounts but rather in family traditions. Gonzales played clarinet throughout his school years but his passion was ‘jamming’ on lead guitar while his brother Pedro played bass. It was with Pedro and their band that he learned teamwork. Once again that grin appeared as he recalled times from back home.
Ramstein Air Base passenger terminal is Gonzales’ first assignment station. He originally came into the Air Force as an open mechanic but someone above him must have noticed his professional people skills which is a key requirement for handling passengers. I’m somewhat surprised that the fact that Gonzales is bilingual is such a bonus here. Evidently, many who transit Ramstein speak Spanish as their first language.
I asked Gonzales if he will make a career out of the Air Force. He replies, “Right now, I’m taking it one year at a time”. I ask him if he had ever heard of US Army four star General Ricardo Sanchez who hails from south Texas. He replies he had not. I take a long hard look at this young Airman and think you never know. Must be something in those good south Texas grapefruits that helps produce good men fit for service to their country.
And then there’s their boss, SMSgt Richard Rizzo, known as “Riz” to anyone who comes in contact with him. Riz is the Superintendent of the terminal and is the man who sets the professional tone for everyone under his direction.
In preparation for this trip, I actually started corresponding with Riz by email. Each day he comes to work striving to make a difference in at least four or five people who need that extra bit of time. Asking around a bit all the folks agreed that Riz really loves his job and is very, very good at it. Now I know first hand that his reputation is well earned and the United States Air Force is lucky to have him at one of the top PAax terminals in the world.
I’ve been waiting here in Ramstein now for what seems like an eternity and taking note of how things operate far removed from combat. Being here is another piece of the story. SMSgt Rizzo, SSGT Slepica and Airman First Class Gonzales, are serving their country and doing their part.
The “Pax-Men” have it under control. They’ll get you on your way. Enjoy the wait, it’s just one step in the journey.
Reporting,
Jim Spiri In The Stan
Candi, I love you and soon I’ll be home.
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