TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Thirty years ago Loren Nickell began his Air Force career as a fuels specialist. Today he leads the 349th Air Mobility Wing’s Airman and Family Readiness Flight as the director.
“My mission is to have everyone taken care of, whether it’s airmen, dependents, or retirees -- the focus is readiness and connecting people to the resources that are available to them,” said Nickell. “We’re one big family here.”
The 349th A&FRF’s mission statement is, “providing Airman and family support services, contributing to the mission readiness, resiliency and wellbeing of the Air Force Reserve community.”
The senior master sergeant was formerly an Air Reserve Technician with the 349th Logistics Readiness Squadron, and recently transitioned to the 349th Force Support Squadron as a general schedule civilian employee.
“He was our most dedicated troop when I commanded the LRS, and the wing's best logistics planner,” said Col. Roderick Grunwald, 349th Mission Support Group commander. “He's been a huge part of our success across the Mission Support Group and has helped plan, train, and execute deployments for over 3,500 reservist during his tenure.”
Nickell brings with him several decades of federal service and a big picture point of view.
“His vast knowledge from his career and experiences really help guide and mentor others,” said Tech. Sgt. Ashley Daga, 349th A&FRF Reserve Readiness noncommissioned officer. “For being a new director and rolling into a big event (Operation Family Circle), he helped make it a success. He’s really been a great help.”
Taking on the new position is another way to continue service, give back and help others, as he’s done throughout his career, said Nickell.
“I love working here at Travis,” said Nickell. “Uncle Sam has taken care of me and my family. I would not be where I am without the help and guidance of mentors such as, Col. Roderick Grunwald and retired Chief Master Sgt. Michael McGillivray.”
With the integration and co-locating of reserve and active duty units, he voiced his opinion of how that is advantageous to the units.
“Being co-located with the 60th [AMW Airman and Family Readiness Center] is a really big win for the 349th,” said Nickell. “We’re building stronger relationships and cohesiveness with our host to better serve our people.”
For more information on the A&FRF, visit www.travisafrc.com to read about their available resources.