Area men and women fly with the 109th – Karolyn De Vito
This is the second of a two-part series on members of the 109th Airlift Wing based in Scotia. After focusing on the home lives of
George Alston
of Delmar and Bradt Primary teacher
Karolyn De Vito
last week, this week we focus on how they perform their military duties in Greenland during a recent deployment.
See the photo gallery from Greenland here
See Part 2 of
George Alston’s story here
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland ` It is 5:25 a.m. Greenland time (3:25 p.m. in New York); it is show time for the 109th Airlift Wing for the New York Air National Guard.
The air crews are moving around, albeit slowly, attempting to find coffee in the small kitchen at the barracks at building 664 at Kangerlussuaq.
A clear voice echoes from down the dark cement-block hallway.
`Make sure you put the room keys in the can on the table,` First Sgt. Karolyn De Vito said as she walks by. `The bus will be here in five, let’s be ready.`
`OK, First Shirt,` responds a lieutenant colonel.
De Vito, 34, teaches K-2 physical education at Bradt Primary School in Rotterdam as her full-time job, but also serves as a master sergeant in the 109th This week in Greenland, she is the first sergeant for the unit.
The first sergeant, nicknamed `first shirt,` is the Air Force’s version of the logistics manager.
`As first sergeant, I am responsible for the recreation, morale, discipline and welfare of the soldiers and officers and act as an advisor to the commander,` De Vito said.
On each deployment, one person is designated as first sergeant for the time of the stay, but De Vito serves in that capacity back at Stratton as well.
First sergeant is a special duty assignment at the 109th for three years, then there is an option for three more, according to De Vito.
`She makes sure people in the unit are up to Air Force standards,` Maj. Carlyle Norman, deployment commander for Greenland, said. `She is sort of a sergeant at arms for us.`
`I am the eyes and ears for the squadron command,` De Vito said, `and an advisor to the commander, especially regarding legal issues.`
De Vito is the first line in dealing with problems.
`She is an advocate for personnel. The first shirt’s job is to correct the problem immediately at the lowest level possible. When paperwork is involved, it comes to my level,` Norman said. `Her job is to keep me informed. If someone is injured or there are problems with personnel or the rooms, I have to report back to Schenectady.`
While problem solving is a part of the job, morale is a key factor for the soldiers when the unit deploys.
`When we are here [Greenland] or especially in Antarctica, we are a long way from home and away for weeks at a time.` Norman said. `During our down time we try to plan activities that keep their minds off being so far away.`
`In Greenland there are lots of outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking and running. Many of the guys spend free time outdoors,` he added. `Greenland is unlike Antarctica, where it is a lot colder, so we have more indoor activities.`
This summer is the first time the 109th brought several mountain bikes to for the crews to sign out.
`There is a lot of terrain to ride on, and it has been a popular thing for people to do on their off time,` she said. `but we still have indoor activities as well.`
During this trip to Greenland, De Vito ran a dodge ball tournament, and bus rides to the Duty-Free and the only local store.
`The tournament was a lot of fun. We had good participation and no serious dodge ball injuries,` she said with a smile.
Kangerlussuaq also has a gym where the crews can play basketball and racquetball, and the 109th has its own recreation center, called the Roost, with a club, a Wii gaming system, a DVD player, couches, a kitchen, card tables and pool table.
`For morale, the Roost is huge,` Norman said. ` It is our personal recreation center for us. It is where we can relax and be together.`
`In Greenland, we have the opportunity to bond with the crews and get a chance to train,` Lt. Col. George Alston said. `There is not that time in Antarctica. It is a full sprint down there. We log about 6,000 flying hours in four months down there.`
When it comes to logistics, De Vito makes it happen. She coordinates all transportation and accommodations for the unit in down-to-the-minute details.
Although Kangerlussuaq is a small community in terms of population, it is not easy to get around. It is more than a mile from the barracks to the only store at the other side of the settlement and about a half mile to the landing strip. Walking is the method most used to get around in Greenland, but some things are too heavy to carry.
When flying in the Polar Regions, all 109th crew and passengers must carry a survival bag with Arctic clothes in case they get stranded on the ice, as well as their regular gear and food for their trip. Since the extra baggage cannot stay on the plane, that leaves a lot of gear for transportation.
The unit only has one bus and a minivan to shuttle crews back and forth to the flight line, so De Vito has to be in constant contact with flight operations.
`She will coordinate with me so we can schedule transportation around flights,` Norman said. `Weather and maintenance constantly change our schedules and we have to get everyone to and from the airplanes. Sometimes it is unbelievable how quickly things change.`
De Vito also coordinates with the scientific support team to make sure they are ready to fly.
`I work with the KISS (Kangerlussuaq International Science Support) manager to make sure everything is right,` she said. `I make sure our facilities are clean, deal with maintenance issues and [ensure] that everyone has a ride.`
Shuttling crews and passengers to and from airplanes is the priority, but De Vito tries to make accommodations for everyone.
`She gets along with everyone and disseminates information well about what is going on,` Capt. Dave Zielinski said. `Her job is to assist the command [and all of us] and she does it well.`
For De Vito, logistics were not always in her job duties. When she first enlisted in the Air National Guard, she was trained and served as a medical technician in the Aero Medical Evacuation Unit at Stratton, but keeping up on the training was tough.
`It was hard because there is so much training to keep up.` De Vito said. `We had to fly a med flight every three months plus keep current on all our [medical] training.`
Two years ago, she applied and got one of the first sergeant positions at the 109th.
`I approach all that I do with the same level of energy and passion,` she said. `Whether it is teaching, coaching or doing things up here, you have to handle it the same way. I hold my self to high standards, and I expect them to do the same.`
For more pictures of De Vito in Greenland click below.
Karolyn De Vito Greenland Pictures
5 images in the Karolyn De Vito Greenland Pictures album
“
Area men and women fly with the 109th – Karolyn De Vito
This is the second of a two-part series on members of the 109th Airlift Wing based in Scotia. After focusing on the home lives of
George Alston
of Delmar and Bradt Primary teacher
Karolyn De Vito
last week, this week we focus on how they perform their military duties in Greenland during a recent deployment.
See the photo gallery from Greenland here
See Part 2 of
George Alston’s story here
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland ` It is 5:25 a.m. Greenland time (3:25 p.m. in New York); it is show time for the 109th Airlift Wing for the New York Air National Guard.
The air crews are moving around, albeit slowly, attempting to find coffee in the small kitchen at the barracks at building 664 at Kangerlussuaq.
A clear voice echoes from down the dark cement-block hallway.
`Make sure you put the room keys in the can on the table,` First Sgt. Karolyn De Vito said as she walks by. `The bus will be here in five, let’s be ready.`
`OK, First Shirt,` responds a lieutenant colonel.
De Vito, 34, teaches K-2 physical education at Bradt Primary School in Rotterdam as her full-time job, but also serves as a master sergeant in the 109th This week in Greenland, she is the first sergeant for the unit.
The first sergeant, nicknamed `first shirt,` is the Air Force’s version of the logistics manager.
`As first sergeant, I am responsible for the recreation, morale, discipline and welfare of the soldiers and officers and act as an advisor to the commander,` De Vito said.
On each deployment, one person is designated as first sergeant for the time of the stay, but De Vito serves in that capacity back at Stratton as well.
First sergeant is a special duty assignment at the 109th for three years, then there is an option for three more, according to De Vito.
`She makes sure people in the unit are up to Air Force standards,` Maj. Carlyle Norman, deployment commander for Greenland, said. `She is sort of a sergeant at arms for us.`
`I am the eyes and ears for the squadron command,` De Vito said, `and an advisor to the commander, especially regarding legal issues.`
De Vito is the first line in dealing with problems.
`She is an advocate for personnel. The first shirt’s job is to correct the problem immediately at the lowest level possible. When paperwork is involved, it comes to my level,` Norman said. `Her job is to keep me informed. If someone is injured or there are problems with personnel or the rooms, I have to report back to Schenectady.`
While problem solving is a part of the job, morale is a key factor for the soldiers when the unit deploys.
`When we are here [Greenland] or especially in Antarctica, we are a long way from home and away for weeks at a time.` Norman said. `During our down time we try to plan activities that keep their minds off being so far away.`
`In Greenland there are lots of outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking and running. Many of the guys spend free time outdoors,` he added. `Greenland is unlike Antarctica, where it is a lot colder, so we have more indoor activities.`
This summer is the first time the 109th brought several mountain bikes to for the crews to sign out.
`There is a lot of terrain to ride on, and it has been a popular thing for people to do on their off time,` she said. `but we still have indoor activities as well.`
During this trip to Greenland, De Vito ran a dodge ball tournament, and bus rides to the Duty-Free and the only local store.
`The tournament was a lot of fun. We had good participation and no serious dodge ball injuries,` she said with a smile.
Kangerlussuaq also has a gym where the crews can play basketball and racquetball, and the 109th has its own recreation center, called the Roost, with a club, a Wii gaming system, a DVD player, couches, a kitchen, card tables and pool table.
`For morale, the Roost is huge,` Norman said. ` It is our personal recreation center for us. It is where we can relax and be together.`
`In Greenland, we have the opportunity to bond with the crews and get a chance to train,` Lt. Col. George Alston said. `There is not that time in Antarctica. It is a full sprint down there. We log about 6,000 flying hours in four months down there.`
When it comes to logistics, De Vito makes it happen. She coordinates all transportation and accommodations for the unit in down-to-the-minute details.
Although Kangerlussuaq is a small community in terms of population, it is not easy to get around. It is more than a mile from the barracks to the only store at the other side of the settlement and about a half mile to the landing strip. Walking is the method most used to get around in Greenland, but some things are too heavy to carry.
When flying in the Polar Regions, all 109th crew and passengers must carry a survival bag with Arctic clothes in case they get stranded on the ice, as well as their regular gear and food for their trip. Since the extra baggage cannot stay on the plane, that leaves a lot of gear for transportation.
The unit only has one bus and a minivan to shuttle crews back and forth to the flight line, so De Vito has to be in constant contact with flight operations.
`She will coordinate with me so we can schedule transportation around flights,` Norman said. `Weather and maintenance constantly change our schedules and we have to get everyone to and from the airplanes. Sometimes it is unbelievable how quickly things change.`
De Vito also coordinates with the scientific support team to make sure they are ready to fly.
`I work with the KISS (Kangerlussuaq International Science Support) manager to make sure everything is right,` she said. `I make sure our facilities are clean, deal with maintenance issues and [ensure] that everyone has a ride.`
Shuttling crews and passengers to and from airplanes is the priority, but De Vito tries to make accommodations for everyone.
`She gets along with everyone and disseminates information well about what is going on,` Capt. Dave Zielinski said. `Her job is to assist the command [and all of us] and she does it well.`
For De Vito, logistics were not always in her job duties. When she first enlisted in the Air National Guard, she was trained and served as a medical technician in the Aero Medical Evacuation Unit at Stratton, but keeping up on the training was tough.
`It was hard because there is so much training to keep up.` De Vito said. `We had to fly a med flight every three months plus keep current on all our [medical] training.`
Two years ago, she applied and got one of the first sergeant positions at the 109th.
`I approach all that I do with the same level of energy and passion,` she said. `Whether it is teaching, coaching or doing things up here, you have to handle it the same way. I hold my self to high standards, and I expect them to do the same.`
For more pictures of De Vito in Greenland click below.
Karolyn De Vito Greenland Pictures
5 images in the Karolyn De Vito Greenland Pictures album
“
Area men and women fly with the 109th – Karolyn De Vito
This is the second of a two-part series on members of the 109th Airlift Wing based in Scotia. After focusing on the home lives of
George Alston
of Delmar and Bradt Primary teacher
Karolyn De Vito
last week, this week we focus on how they perform their military duties in Greenland during a recent deployment.
See the photo gallery from Greenland here
See Part 2 of
George Alston’s story here
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland ` It is 5:25 a.m. Greenland time (3:25 p.m. in New York); it is show time for the 109th Airlift Wing for the New York Air National Guard.
The air crews are moving around, albeit slowly, attempting to find coffee in the small kitchen at the barracks at building 664 at Kangerlussuaq.
A clear voice echoes from down the dark cement-block hallway.
`Make sure you put the room keys in the can on the table,` First Sgt. Karolyn De Vito said as she walks by. `The bus will be here in five, let’s be ready.`
`OK, First Shirt,` responds a lieutenant colonel.
De Vito, 34, teaches K-2 physical education at Bradt Primary School in Rotterdam as her full-time job, but also serves as a master sergeant in the 109th This week in Greenland, she is the first sergeant for the unit.
The first sergeant, nicknamed `first shirt,` is the Air Force’s version of the logistics manager.
`As first sergeant, I am responsible for the recreation, morale, discipline and welfare of the soldiers and officers and act as an advisor to the commander,` De Vito said.
On each deployment, one person is designated as first sergeant for the time of the stay, but De Vito serves in that capacity back at Stratton as well.
First sergeant is a special duty assignment at the 109th for three years, then there is an option for three more, according to De Vito.
`She makes sure people in the unit are up to Air Force standards,` Maj. Carlyle Norman, deployment commander for Greenland, said. `She is sort of a sergeant at arms for us.`
`I am the eyes and ears for the squadron command,` De Vito said, `and an advisor to the commander, especially regarding legal issues.`
De Vito is the first line in dealing with problems.
`She is an advocate for personnel. The first shirt’s job is to correct the problem immediately at the lowest level possible. When paperwork is involved, it comes to my level,` Norman said. `Her job is to keep me informed. If someone is injured or there are problems with personnel or the rooms, I have to report back to Schenectady.`
While problem solving is a part of the job, morale is a key factor for the soldiers when the unit deploys.
`When we are here [Greenland] or especially in Antarctica, we are a long way from home and away for weeks at a time.` Norman said. `During our down time we try to plan activities that keep their minds off being so far away.`
`In Greenland there are lots of outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking and running. Many of the guys spend free time outdoors,` he added. `Greenland is unlike Antarctica, where it is a lot colder, so we have more indoor activities.`
This summer is the first time the 109th brought several mountain bikes to for the crews to sign out.
`There is a lot of terrain to ride on, and it has been a popular thing for people to do on their off time,` she said. `but we still have indoor activities as well.`
During this trip to Greenland, De Vito ran a dodge ball tournament, and bus rides to the Duty-Free and the only local store.
`The tournament was a lot of fun. We had good participation and no serious dodge ball injuries,` she said with a smile.
Kangerlussuaq also has a gym where the crews can play basketball and racquetball, and the 109th has its own recreation center, called the Roost, with a club, a Wii gaming system, a DVD player, couches, a kitchen, card tables and pool table.
`For morale, the Roost is huge,` Norman said. ` It is our personal recreation center for us. It is where we can relax and be together.`
`In Greenland, we have the opportunity to bond with the crews and get a chance to train,` Lt. Col. George Alston said. `There is not that time in Antarctica. It is a full sprint down there. We log about 6,000 flying hours in four months down there.`
When it comes to logistics, De Vito makes it happen. She coordinates all transportation and accommodations for the unit in down-to-the-minute details.
Although Kangerlussuaq is a small community in terms of population, it is not easy to get around. It is more than a mile from the barracks to the only store at the other side of the settlement and about a half mile to the landing strip. Walking is the method most used to get around in Greenland, but some things are too heavy to carry.
When flying in the Polar Regions, all 109th crew and passengers must carry a survival bag with Arctic clothes in case they get stranded on the ice, as well as their regular gear and food for their trip. Since the extra baggage cannot stay on the plane, that leaves a lot of gear for transportation.
The unit only has one bus and a minivan to shuttle crews back and forth to the flight line, so De Vito has to be in constant contact with flight operations.
`She will coordinate with me so we can schedule transportation around flights,` Norman said. `Weather and maintenance constantly change our schedules and we have to get everyone to and from the airplanes. Sometimes it is unbelievable how quickly things change.`
De Vito also coordinates with the scientific support team to make sure they are ready to fly.
`I work with the KISS (Kangerlussuaq International Science Support) manager to make sure everything is right,` she said. `I make sure our facilities are clean, deal with maintenance issues and [ensure] that everyone has a ride.`
Shuttling crews and passengers to and from airplanes is the priority, but De Vito tries to make accommodations for everyone.
`She gets along with everyone and disseminates information well about what is going on,` Capt. Dave Zielinski said. `Her job is to assist the command [and all of us] and she does it well.`
For De Vito, logistics were not always in her job duties. When she first enlisted in the Air National Guard, she was trained and served as a medical technician in the Aero Medical Evacuation Unit at Stratton, but keeping up on the training was tough.
`It was hard because there is so much training to keep up.` De Vito said. `We had to fly a med flight every three months plus keep current on all our [medical] training.`
Two years ago, she applied and got one of the first sergeant positions at the 109th.
`I approach all that I do with the same level of energy and passion,` she said. `Whether it is teaching, coaching or doing things up here, you have to handle it the same way. I hold my self to high standards, and I expect them to do the same.`
For more pictures of De Vito in Greenland click below.
Karolyn De Vito Greenland Pictures
5 images in the Karolyn De Vito Greenland Pictures album
“
Area men and women fly with the 109th – Karolyn De Vito
This is the second of a two-part series on members of the 109th Airlift Wing based in Scotia. After focusing on the home lives of
George Alston
of Delmar and Bradt Primary teacher
Karolyn De Vito
last week, this week we focus on how they perform their military duties in Greenland during a recent deployment.
See the photo gallery from Greenland here
See Part 2 of
George Alston’s story here
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland ` It is 5:25 a.m. Greenland time (3:25 p.m. in New York); it is show time for the 109th Airlift Wing for the New York Air National Guard.
The air crews are moving around, albeit slowly, attempting to find coffee in the small kitchen at the barracks at building 664 at Kangerlussuaq.
A clear voice echoes from down the dark cement-block hallway.
`Make sure you put the room keys in the can on the table,` First Sgt. Karolyn De Vito said as she walks by. `The bus will be here in five, let’s be ready.`
`OK, First Shirt,` responds a lieutenant colonel.
De Vito, 34, teaches K-2 physical education at Bradt Primary School in Rotterdam as her full-time job, but also serves as a master sergeant in the 109th This week in Greenland, she is the first sergeant for the unit.
The first sergeant, nicknamed `first shirt,` is the Air Force’s version of the logistics manager.
`As first sergeant, I am responsible for the recreation, morale, discipline and welfare of the soldiers and officers and act as an advisor to the commander,` De Vito said.
On each deployment, one person is designated as first sergeant for the time of the stay, but De Vito serves in that capacity back at Stratton as well.
First sergeant is a special duty assignment at the 109th for three years, then there is an option for three more, according to De Vito.
`She makes sure people in the unit are up to Air Force standards,` Maj. Carlyle Norman, deployment commander for Greenland, said. `She is sort of a sergeant at arms for us.`
`I am the eyes and ears for the squadron command,` De Vito said, `and an advisor to the commander, especially regarding legal issues.`
De Vito is the first line in dealing with problems.
`She is an advocate for personnel. The first shirt’s job is to correct the problem immediately at the lowest level possible. When paperwork is involved, it comes to my level,` Norman said. `Her job is to keep me informed. If someone is injured or there are problems with personnel or the rooms, I have to report back to Schenectady.`
While problem solving is a part of the job, morale is a key factor for the soldiers when the unit deploys.
`When we are here [Greenland] or especially in Antarctica, we are a long way from home and away for weeks at a time.` Norman said. `During our down time we try to plan activities that keep their minds off being so far away.`
`In Greenland there are lots of outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking and running. Many of the guys spend free time outdoors,` he added. `Greenland is unlike Antarctica, where it is a lot colder, so we have more indoor activities.`
This summer is the first time the 109th brought several mountain bikes to for the crews to sign out.
`There is a lot of terrain to ride on, and it has been a popular thing for people to do on their off time,` she said. `but we still have indoor activities as well.`
During this trip to Greenland, De Vito ran a dodge ball tournament, and bus rides to the Duty-Free and the only local store.
`The tournament was a lot of fun. We had good participation and no serious dodge ball injuries,` she said with a smile.
Kangerlussuaq also has a gym where the crews can play basketball and racquetball, and the 109th has its own recreation center, called the Roost, with a club, a Wii gaming system, a DVD player, couches, a kitchen, card tables and pool table.
`For morale, the Roost is huge,` Norman said. ` It is our personal recreation center for us. It is where we can relax and be together.`
`In Greenland, we have the opportunity to bond with the crews and get a chance to train,` Lt. Col. George Alston said. `There is not that time in Antarctica. It is a full sprint down there. We log about 6,000 flying hours in four months down there.`
When it comes to logistics, De Vito makes it happen. She coordinates all transportation and accommodations for the unit in down-to-the-minute details.
Although Kangerlussuaq is a small community in terms of population, it is not easy to get around. It is more than a mile from the barracks to the only store at the other side of the settlement and about a half mile to the landing strip. Walking is the method most used to get around in Greenland, but some things are too heavy to carry.
When flying in the Polar Regions, all 109th crew and passengers must carry a survival bag with Arctic clothes in case they get stranded on the ice, as well as their regular gear and food for their trip. Since the extra baggage cannot stay on the plane, that leaves a lot of gear for transportation.
The unit only has one bus and a minivan to shuttle crews back and forth to the flight line, so De Vito has to be in constant contact with flight operations.
`She will coordinate with me so we can schedule transportation around flights,` Norman said. `Weather and maintenance constantly change our schedules and we have to get everyone to and from the airplanes. Sometimes it is unbelievable how quickly things change.`
De Vito also coordinates with the scientific support team to make sure they are ready to fly.
`I work with the KISS (Kangerlussuaq International Science Support) manager to make sure everything is right,` she said. `I make sure our facilities are clean, deal with maintenance issues and [ensure] that everyone has a ride.`
Shuttling crews and passengers to and from airplanes is the priority, but De Vito tries to make accommodations for everyone.
`She gets along with everyone and disseminates information well about what is going on,` Capt. Dave Zielinski said. `Her job is to assist the command [and all of us] and she does it well.`
For De Vito, logistics were not always in her job duties. When she first enlisted in the Air National Guard, she was trained and served as a medical technician in the Aero Medical Evacuation Unit at Stratton, but keeping up on the training was tough.
`It was hard because there is so much training to keep up.` De Vito said. `We had to fly a med flight every three months plus keep current on all our [medical] training.`
Two years ago, she applied and got one of the first sergeant positions at the 109th.
`I approach all that I do with the same level of energy and passion,` she said. `Whether it is teaching, coaching or doing things up here, you have to handle it the same way. I hold my self to high standards, and I expect them to do the same.`
For more pictures of De Vito in Greenland click below.
Karolyn De Vito Greenland Pictures
5 images in the Karolyn De Vito Greenland Pictures album
“
Area men and women fly with the 109th – Karolyn De Vito
This is the second of a two-part series on members of the 109th Airlift Wing based in Scotia. After focusing on the home lives of
George Alston
of Delmar and Bradt Primary teacher
Karolyn De Vito
last week, this week we focus on how they perform their military duties in Greenland during a recent deployment.
See the photo gallery from Greenland here
See Part 2 of
George Alston’s story here
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland ` It is 5:25 a.m. Greenland time (3:25 p.m. in New York); it is show time for the 109th Airlift Wing for the New York Air National Guard.
The air crews are moving around, albeit slowly, attempting to find coffee in the small kitchen at the barracks at building 664 at Kangerlussuaq.
A clear voice echoes from down the dark cement-block hallway.
`Make sure you put the room keys in the can on the table,` First Sgt. Karolyn De Vito said as she walks by. `The bus will be here in five, let’s be ready.`
`OK, First Shirt,` responds a lieutenant colonel.
De Vito, 34, teaches K-2 physical education at Bradt Primary School in Rotterdam as her full-time job, but also serves as a master sergeant in the 109th This week in Greenland, she is the first sergeant for the unit.
The first sergeant, nicknamed `first shirt,` is the Air Force’s version of the logistics manager.
`As first sergeant, I am responsible for the recreation, morale, discipline and welfare of the soldiers and officers and act as an advisor to the commander,` De Vito said.
On each deployment, one person is designated as first sergeant for the time of the stay, but De Vito serves in that capacity back at Stratton as well.
First sergeant is a special duty assignment at the 109th for three years, then there is an option for three more, according to De Vito.
`She makes sure people in the unit are up to Air Force standards,` Maj. Carlyle Norman, deployment commander for Greenland, said. `She is sort of a sergeant at arms for us.`
`I am the eyes and ears for the squadron command,` De Vito said, `and an advisor to the commander, especially regarding legal issues.`
De Vito is the first line in dealing with problems.
`She is an advocate for personnel. The first shirt’s job is to correct the problem immediately at the lowest level possible. When paperwork is involved, it comes to my level,` Norman said. `Her job is to keep me informed. If someone is injured or there are problems with personnel or the rooms, I have to report back to Schenectady.`
While problem solving is a part of the job, morale is a key factor for the soldiers when the unit deploys.
`When we are here [Greenland] or especially in Antarctica, we are a long way from home and away for weeks at a time.` Norman said. `During our down time we try to plan activities that keep their minds off being so far away.`
`In Greenland there are lots of outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking and running. Many of the guys spend free time outdoors,` he added. `Greenland is unlike Antarctica, where it is a lot colder, so we have more indoor activities.`
This summer is the first time the 109th brought several mountain bikes to for the crews to sign out.
`There is a lot of terrain to ride on, and it has been a popular thing for people to do on their off time,` she said. `but we still have indoor activities as well.`
During this trip to Greenland, De Vito ran a dodge ball tournament, and bus rides to the Duty-Free and the only local store.
`The tournament was a lot of fun. We had good participation and no serious dodge ball injuries,` she said with a smile.
Kangerlussuaq also has a gym where the crews can play basketball and racquetball, and the 109th has its own recreation center, called the Roost, with a club, a Wii gaming system, a DVD player, couches, a kitchen, card tables and pool table.
`For morale, the Roost is huge,` Norman said. ` It is our personal recreation center for us. It is where we can relax and be together.`
`In Greenland, we have the opportunity to bond with the crews and get a chance to train,` Lt. Col. George Alston said. `There is not that time in Antarctica. It is a full sprint down there. We log about 6,000 flying hours in four months down there.`
When it comes to logistics, De Vito makes it happen. She coordinates all transportation and accommodations for the unit in down-to-the-minute details.
Although Kangerlussuaq is a small community in terms of population, it is not easy to get around. It is more than a mile from the barracks to the only store at the other side of the settlement and about a half mile to the landing strip. Walking is the method most used to get around in Greenland, but some things are too heavy to carry.
When flying in the Polar Regions, all 109th crew and passengers must carry a survival bag with Arctic clothes in case they get stranded on the ice, as well as their regular gear and food for their trip. Since the extra baggage cannot stay on the plane, that leaves a lot of gear for transportation.
The unit only has one bus and a minivan to shuttle crews back and forth to the flight line, so De Vito has to be in constant contact with flight operations.
`She will coordinate with me so we can schedule transportation around flights,` Norman said. `Weather and maintenance constantly change our schedules and we have to get everyone to and from the airplanes. Sometimes it is unbelievable how quickly things change.`
De Vito also coordinates with the scientific support team to make sure they are ready to fly.
`I work with the KISS (Kangerlussuaq International Science Support) manager to make sure everything is right,` she said. `I make sure our facilities are clean, deal with maintenance issues and [ensure] that everyone has a ride.`
Shuttling crews and passengers to and from airplanes is the priority, but De Vito tries to make accommodations for everyone.
`She gets along with everyone and disseminates information well about what is going on,` Capt. Dave Zielinski said. `Her job is to assist the command [and all of us] and she does it well.`
For De Vito, logistics were not always in her job duties. When she first enlisted in the Air National Guard, she was trained and served as a medical technician in the Aero Medical Evacuation Unit at Stratton, but keeping up on the training was tough.
`It was hard because there is so much training to keep up.` De Vito said. `We had to fly a med flight every three months plus keep current on all our [medical] training.`
Two years ago, she applied and got one of the first sergeant positions at the 109th.
`I approach all that I do with the same level of energy and passion,` she said. `Whether it is teaching, coaching or doing things up here, you have to handle it the same way. I hold my self to high standards, and I expect them to do the same.`
For more pictures of De Vito in Greenland click below.
Karolyn De Vito Greenland Pictures
5 images in the Karolyn De Vito Greenland Pictures album
“
Area men and women fly with the 109th – Karolyn De Vito
This is the second of a two-part series on members of the 109th Airlift Wing based in Scotia. After focusing on the home lives of
George Alston
of Delmar and Bradt Primary teacher
Karolyn De Vito
last week, this week we focus on how they perform their military duties in Greenland during a recent deployment.
See the photo gallery from Greenland here
See Part 2 of
George Alston’s story here
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland ` It is 5:25 a.m. Greenland time (3:25 p.m. in New York); it is show time for the 109th Airlift Wing for the New York Air National Guard.
The air crews are moving around, albeit slowly, attempting to find coffee in the small kitchen at the barracks at building 664 at Kangerlussuaq.
A clear voice echoes from down the dark cement-block hallway.
`Make sure you put the room keys in the can on the table,` First Sgt. Karolyn De Vito said as she walks by. `The bus will be here in five, let’s be ready.`
`OK, First Shirt,` responds a lieutenant colonel.
De Vito, 34, teaches K-2 physical education at Bradt Primary School in Rotterdam as her full-time job, but also serves as a master sergeant in the 109th This week in Greenland, she is the first sergeant for the unit.
The first sergeant, nicknamed `first shirt,` is the Air Force’s version of the logistics manager.
`As first sergeant, I am responsible for the recreation, morale, discipline and welfare of the soldiers and officers and act as an advisor to the commander,` De Vito said.
On each deployment, one person is designated as first sergeant for the time of the stay, but De Vito serves in that capacity back at Stratton as well.
First sergeant is a special duty assignment at the 109th for three years, then there is an option for three more, according to De Vito.
`She makes sure people in the unit are up to Air Force standards,` Maj. Carlyle Norman, deployment commander for Greenland, said. `She is sort of a sergeant at arms for us.`
`I am the eyes and ears for the squadron command,` De Vito said, `and an advisor to the commander, especially regarding legal issues.`
De Vito is the first line in dealing with problems.
`She is an advocate for personnel. The first shirt’s job is to correct the problem immediately at the lowest level possible. When paperwork is involved, it comes to my level,` Norman said. `Her job is to keep me informed. If someone is injured or there are problems with personnel or the rooms, I have to report back to Schenectady.`
While problem solving is a part of the job, morale is a key factor for the soldiers when the unit deploys.
`When we are here [Greenland] or especially in Antarctica, we are a long way from home and away for weeks at a time.` Norman said. `During our down time we try to plan activities that keep their minds off being so far away.`
`In Greenland there are lots of outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking and running. Many of the guys spend free time outdoors,` he added. `Greenland is unlike Antarctica, where it is a lot colder, so we have more indoor activities.`
This summer is the first time the 109th brought several mountain bikes to for the crews to sign out.
`There is a lot of terrain to ride on, and it has been a popular thing for people to do on their off time,` she said. `but we still have indoor activities as well.`
During this trip to Greenland, De Vito ran a dodge ball tournament, and bus rides to the Duty-Free and the only local store.
`The tournament was a lot of fun. We had good participation and no serious dodge ball injuries,` she said with a smile.
Kangerlussuaq also has a gym where the crews can play basketball and racquetball, and the 109th has its own recreation center, called the Roost, with a club, a Wii gaming system, a DVD player, couches, a kitchen, card tables and pool table.
`For morale, the Roost is huge,` Norman said. ` It is our personal recreation center for us. It is where we can relax and be together.`
`In Greenland, we have the opportunity to bond with the crews and get a chance to train,` Lt. Col. George Alston said. `There is not that time in Antarctica. It is a full sprint down there. We log about 6,000 flying hours in four months down there.`
When it comes to logistics, De Vito makes it happen. She coordinates all transportation and accommodations for the unit in down-to-the-minute details.
Although Kangerlussuaq is a small community in terms of population, it is not easy to get around. It is more than a mile from the barracks to the only store at the other side of the settlement and about a half mile to the landing strip. Walking is the method most used to get around in Greenland, but some things are too heavy to carry.
When flying in the Polar Regions, all 109th crew and passengers must carry a survival bag with Arctic clothes in case they get stranded on the ice, as well as their regular gear and food for their trip. Since the extra baggage cannot stay on the plane, that leaves a lot of gear for transportation.
The unit only has one bus and a minivan to shuttle crews back and forth to the flight line, so De Vito has to be in constant contact with flight operations.
`She will coordinate with me so we can schedule transportation around flights,` Norman said. `Weather and maintenance constantly change our schedules and we have to get everyone to and from the airplanes. Sometimes it is unbelievable how quickly things change.`
De Vito also coordinates with the scientific support team to make sure they are ready to fly.
`I work with the KISS (Kangerlussuaq International Science Support) manager to make sure everything is right,` she said. `I make sure our facilities are clean, deal with maintenance issues and [ensure] that everyone has a ride.`
Shuttling crews and passengers to and from airplanes is the priority, but De Vito tries to make accommodations for everyone.
`She gets along with everyone and disseminates information well about what is going on,` Capt. Dave Zielinski said. `Her job is to assist the command [and all of us] and she does it well.`
For De Vito, logistics were not always in her job duties. When she first enlisted in the Air National Guard, she was trained and served as a medical technician in the Aero Medical Evacuation Unit at Stratton, but keeping up on the training was tough.
`It was hard because there is so much training to keep up.` De Vito said. `We had to fly a med flight every three months plus keep current on all our [medical] training.`
Two years ago, she applied and got one of the first sergeant positions at the 109th.
`I approach all that I do with the same level of energy and passion,` she said. `Whether it is teaching, coaching or doing things up here, you have to handle it the same way. I hold my self to high standards, and I expect them to do the same.`
For more pictures of De Vito in Greenland click below.
Karolyn De Vito Greenland Pictures
5 images in the Karolyn De Vito Greenland Pictures album
“
Area men and women fly with the 109th – Karolyn De Vito
This is the second of a two-part series on members of the 109th Airlift Wing based in Scotia. After focusing on the home lives of
George Alston
of Delmar and Bradt Primary teacher
Karolyn De Vito
last week, this week we focus on how they perform their military duties in Greenland during a recent deployment.
See the photo gallery from Greenland here
See Part 2 of
George Alston’s story here
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland ` It is 5:25 a.m. Greenland time (3:25 p.m. in New York); it is show time for the 109th Airlift Wing for the New York Air National Guard.
The air crews are moving around, albeit slowly, attempting to find coffee in the small kitchen at the barracks at building 664 at Kangerlussuaq.
A clear voice echoes from down the dark cement-block hallway.
`Make sure you put the room keys in the can on the table,` First Sgt. Karolyn De Vito said as she walks by. `The bus will be here in five, let’s be ready.`
`OK, First Shirt,` responds a lieutenant colonel.
De Vito, 34, teaches K-2 physical education at Bradt Primary School in Rotterdam as her full-time job, but also serves as a master sergeant in the 109th This week in Greenland, she is the first sergeant for the unit.
The first sergeant, nicknamed `first shirt,` is the Air Force’s version of the logistics manager.
`As first sergeant, I am responsible for the recreation, morale, discipline and welfare of the soldiers and officers and act as an advisor to the commander,` De Vito said.
On each deployment, one person is designated as first sergeant for the time of the stay, but De Vito serves in that capacity back at Stratton as well.
First sergeant is a special duty assignment at the 109th for three years, then there is an option for three more, according to De Vito.
`She makes sure people in the unit are up to Air Force standards,` Maj. Carlyle Norman, deployment commander for Greenland, said. `She is sort of a sergeant at arms for us.`
`I am the eyes and ears for the squadron command,` De Vito said, `and an advisor to the commander, especially regarding legal issues.`
De Vito is the first line in dealing with problems.
`She is an advocate for personnel. The first shirt’s job is to correct the problem immediately at the lowest level possible. When paperwork is involved, it comes to my level,` Norman said. `Her job is to keep me informed. If someone is injured or there are problems with personnel or the rooms, I have to report back to Schenectady.`
While problem solving is a part of the job, morale is a key factor for the soldiers when the unit deploys.
`When we are here [Greenland] or especially in Antarctica, we are a long way from home and away for weeks at a time.` Norman said. `During our down time we try to plan activities that keep their minds off being so far away.`
`In Greenland there are lots of outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking and running. Many of the guys spend free time outdoors,` he added. `Greenland is unlike Antarctica, where it is a lot colder, so we have more indoor activities.`
This summer is the first time the 109th brought several mountain bikes to for the crews to sign out.
`There is a lot of terrain to ride on, and it has been a popular thing for people to do on their off time,` she said. `but we still have indoor activities as well.`
During this trip to Greenland, De Vito ran a dodge ball tournament, and bus rides to the Duty-Free and the only local store.
`The tournament was a lot of fun. We had good participation and no serious dodge ball injuries,` she said with a smile.
Kangerlussuaq also has a gym where the crews can play basketball and racquetball, and the 109th has its own recreation center, called the Roost, with a club, a Wii gaming system, a DVD player, couches, a kitchen, card tables and pool table.
`For morale, the Roost is huge,` Norman said. ` It is our personal recreation center for us. It is where we can relax and be together.`
`In Greenland, we have the opportunity to bond with the crews and get a chance to train,` Lt. Col. George Alston said. `There is not that time in Antarctica. It is a full sprint down there. We log about 6,000 flying hours in four months down there.`
When it comes to logistics, De Vito makes it happen. She coordinates all transportation and accommodations for the unit in down-to-the-minute details.
Although Kangerlussuaq is a small community in terms of population, it is not easy to get around. It is more than a mile from the barracks to the only store at the other side of the settlement and about a half mile to the landing strip. Walking is the method most used to get around in Greenland, but some things are too heavy to carry.
When flying in the Polar Regions, all 109th crew and passengers must carry a survival bag with Arctic clothes in case they get stranded on the ice, as well as their regular gear and food for their trip. Since the extra baggage cannot stay on the plane, that leaves a lot of gear for transportation.
The unit only has one bus and a minivan to shuttle crews back and forth to the flight line, so De Vito has to be in constant contact with flight operations.
`She will coordinate with me so we can schedule transportation around flights,` Norman said. `Weather and maintenance constantly change our schedules and we have to get everyone to and from the airplanes. Sometimes it is unbelievable how quickly things change.`
De Vito also coordinates with the scientific support team to make sure they are ready to fly.
`I work with the KISS (Kangerlussuaq International Science Support) manager to make sure everything is right,` she said. `I make sure our facilities are clean, deal with maintenance issues and [ensure] that everyone has a ride.`
Shuttling crews and passengers to and from airplanes is the priority, but De Vito tries to make accommodations for everyone.
`She gets along with everyone and disseminates information well about what is going on,` Capt. Dave Zielinski said. `Her job is to assist the command [and all of us] and she does it well.`
For De Vito, logistics were not always in her job duties. When she first enlisted in the Air National Guard, she was trained and served as a medical technician in the Aero Medical Evacuation Unit at Stratton, but keeping up on the training was tough.
`It was hard because there is so much training to keep up.` De Vito said. `We had to fly a med flight every three months plus keep current on all our [medical] training.`
Two years ago, she applied and got one of the first sergeant positions at the 109th.
`I approach all that I do with the same level of energy and passion,` she said. `Whether it is teaching, coaching or doing things up here, you have to handle it the same way. I hold my self to high standards, and I expect them to do the same.`
For more pictures of De Vito in Greenland click below.
Karolyn De Vito Greenland Pictures
5 images in the Karolyn De Vito Greenland Pictures album
“
Area men and women fly with the 109th – Karolyn De Vito
This is the second of a two-part series on members of the 109th Airlift Wing based in Scotia. After focusing on the home lives of
George Alston
of Delmar and Bradt Primary teacher
Karolyn De Vito
last week, this week we focus on how they perform their military duties in Greenland during a recent deployment.
See the photo gallery from Greenland here
See Part 2 of
George Alston’s story here
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland ` It is 5:25 a.m. Greenland time (3:25 p.m. in New York); it is show time for the 109th Airlift Wing for the New York Air National Guard.
The air crews are moving around, albeit slowly, attempting to find coffee in the small kitchen at the barracks at building 664 at Kangerlussuaq.
A clear voice echoes from down the dark cement-block hallway.
`Make sure you put the room keys in the can on the table,` First Sgt. Karolyn De Vito said as she walks by. `The bus will be here in five, let’s be ready.`
`OK, First Shirt,` responds a lieutenant colonel.
De Vito, 34, teaches K-2 physical education at Bradt Primary School in Rotterdam as her full-time job, but also serves as a master sergeant in the 109th This week in Greenland, she is the first sergeant for the unit.
The first sergeant, nicknamed `first shirt,` is the Air Force’s version of the logistics manager.
`As first sergeant, I am responsible for the recreation, morale, discipline and welfare of the soldiers and officers and act as an advisor to the commander,` De Vito said.
On each deployment, one person is designated as first sergeant for the time of the stay, but De Vito serves in that capacity back at Stratton as well.
First sergeant is a special duty assignment at the 109th for three years, then there is an option for three more, according to De Vito.
`She makes sure people in the unit are up to Air Force standards,` Maj. Carlyle Norman, deployment commander for Greenland, said. `She is sort of a sergeant at arms for us.`
`I am the eyes and ears for the squadron command,` De Vito said, `and an advisor to the commander, especially regarding legal issues.`
De Vito is the first line in dealing with problems.
`She is an advocate for personnel. The first shirt’s job is to correct the problem immediately at the lowest level possible. When paperwork is involved, it comes to my level,` Norman said. `Her job is to keep me informed. If someone is injured or there are problems with personnel or the rooms, I have to report back to Schenectady.`
While problem solving is a part of the job, morale is a key factor for the soldiers when the unit deploys.
`When we are here [Greenland] or especially in Antarctica, we are a long way from home and away for weeks at a time.` Norman said. `During our down time we try to plan activities that keep their minds off being so far away.`
`In Greenland there are lots of outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking and running. Many of the guys spend free time outdoors,` he added. `Greenland is unlike Antarctica, where it is a lot colder, so we have more indoor activities.`
This summer is the first time the 109th brought several mountain bikes to for the crews to sign out.
`There is a lot of terrain to ride on, and it has been a popular thing for people to do on their off time,` she said. `but we still have indoor activities as well.`
During this trip to Greenland, De Vito ran a dodge ball tournament, and bus rides to the Duty-Free and the only local store.
`The tournament was a lot of fun. We had good participation and no serious dodge ball injuries,` she said with a smile.
Kangerlussuaq also has a gym where the crews can play basketball and racquetball, and the 109th has its own recreation center, called the Roost, with a club, a Wii gaming system, a DVD player, couches, a kitchen, card tables and pool table.
`For morale, the Roost is huge,` Norman said. ` It is our personal recreation center for us. It is where we can relax and be together.`
`In Greenland, we have the opportunity to bond with the crews and get a chance to train,` Lt. Col. George Alston said. `There is not that time in Antarctica. It is a full sprint down there. We log about 6,000 flying hours in four months down there.`
When it comes to logistics, De Vito makes it happen. She coordinates all transportation and accommodations for the unit in down-to-the-minute details.
Although Kangerlussuaq is a small community in terms of population, it is not easy to get around. It is more than a mile from the barracks to the only store at the other side of the settlement and about a half mile to the landing strip. Walking is the method most used to get around in Greenland, but some things are too heavy to carry.
When flying in the Polar Regions, all 109th crew and passengers must carry a survival bag with Arctic clothes in case they get stranded on the ice, as well as their regular gear and food for their trip. Since the extra baggage cannot stay on the plane, that leaves a lot of gear for transportation.
The unit only has one bus and a minivan to shuttle crews back and forth to the flight line, so De Vito has to be in constant contact with flight operations.
`She will coordinate with me so we can schedule transportation around flights,` Norman said. `Weather and maintenance constantly change our schedules and we have to get everyone to and from the airplanes. Sometimes it is unbelievable how quickly things change.`
De Vito also coordinates with the scientific support team to make sure they are ready to fly.
`I work with the KISS (Kangerlussuaq International Science Support) manager to make sure everything is right,` she said. `I make sure our facilities are clean, deal with maintenance issues and [ensure] that everyone has a ride.`
Shuttling crews and passengers to and from airplanes is the priority, but De Vito tries to make accommodations for everyone.
`She gets along with everyone and disseminates information well about what is going on,` Capt. Dave Zielinski said. `Her job is to assist the command [and all of us] and she does it well.`
For De Vito, logistics were not always in her job duties. When she first enlisted in the Air National Guard, she was trained and served as a medical technician in the Aero Medical Evacuation Unit at Stratton, but keeping up on the training was tough.
`It was hard because there is so much training to keep up.` De Vito said. `We had to fly a med flight every three months plus keep current on all our [medical] training.`
Two years ago, she applied and got one of the first sergeant positions at the 109th.
`I approach all that I do with the same level of energy and passion,` she said. `Whether it is teaching, coaching or doing things up here, you have to handle it the same way. I hold my self to high standards, and I expect them to do the same.`
For more pictures of De Vito in Greenland click below.
Karolyn De Vito Greenland Pictures
5 images in the Karolyn De Vito Greenland Pictures album
“