BEEliners commander’s perspective

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Timothy Boyer
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --   This week marks the 70th anniversary of the BEEliners, and rich in history, the 21st Airlift Squadron plans to honor those currently serving and those who served in the past as BEEliners.

Lt. Col. Joe Dingman, 21st Airlift Squadron commander, joined the team in May 2011. He is affectionately known by those serving in his command as "the BEE Keeper."
"Getting to work with the 21st Airmen everyday and having the opportunity to be a part of delivering airlift to the fight is the best part of being the commander here," he said.
Though he has not been here for even a year, Dingman has led a history-making team of BEEliners.

"One of our deployed air crews - Capt. Aaron Jones, C-17 Globemaster III pilot, and crew -- flew the last U.S. aircraft out of Iraq on Dec 11, 2011," he said. "To be able to be a part of that historical flight and be a part of closing out operations in Iraq is of great significance."

The current mission of the 21st AS BEEliners is critical to our nation's success.

"We deliver not only troops, but also critical cargo, supplies and aeromedical evacuation teams," Dingman said. "A large part of our mission is also to move the injured."

Dingman said the BEEliners are able to set up a compact hospital in the back of a C-17 aircraft for medical transport. He also emphasized the importance of the ability of the crew to move the injured in a timely manner.

"In less than 24 hours after a roadside bomb attack in a deployed location, we can have an Airman or Soldier in a stateside hospital receiving the care needed to survive," he said.

There is also an important aspect of the BEEliners mission having to do with humanitarian efforts, Dingman said.

"Our squadron was able to deliver the first search and rescue teams into Haiti after the earthquake in 2010," he said. "We can deliver food, water and supplies to those who need them during a crisis - but what we take pride in the most is offering those in need the chance to survive. Our BEEliners don't just deliver 'things,' they deliver hope."

The BEEliner heritage is not lost to Dingman, who draws inspiration from those who came before him.

"I have enjoyed visits from multiple Vietnam and Korean War veterans who tell their stories of dedication and sacrifice from when they served as BEEliners," he said. "During this 70th Anniversary celebration we hope to pass on those stories and the rich heritage to the next generation."

There is a sense of pride in joining the ranks of the BEEliners with those who have already served.

"I feel very proud to be a part of the 21st Airlift Squadron's tradition of excellence," Dingman said. "It is a joy for us to be able to celebrate the history, legacy and tradition of the past and present BEEliners. Now we want to pass this legacy on to the next generation. This is not just a celebration of today, but an investment in tomorrow."