Customs, courtesies essential for protocol

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Carranza
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Behind the scenes is a recurring series featuring Airmen in units that have big impact, but low visibility.

"If you think base events run smoothly and are uniformly crisp, then protocol was behind the scenes," said Staff Sgt. Asia Cook, 60th Air Mobility Wing Protocol specialist.

Wing Protocol maintains a code of traditional precedence, courtesy and etiquette in manner of military, diplomatic, official and celebratory ceremonies.

"We are in charge of organization and proper execution of all military customs and courtesies and hosting obligations," Cook said. "We keep the wing commander abreast of any substantial visits or military ceremonies on base."

The special duty has a work load with an average of 150 man hours in the coordination and execution of a typical visit.

"We are the people that make every important military event feel just as important as it is," Cook said.

Last year the protocol office accomplished 41 change of commands, more than 60 retirements, 20 promotion ceremonies, 20 distinguished visitor visits and 20 wing-level events.

"Our office would not be as successful as it has been if it were not for the team we have," said Tech. Sgt. Shametra Medlock, 60th AMW Protocol NCO in charge. "The strong leadership of the NCOs we have, has enabled us to execute our mission."

The office not only supports the 60th AMW, but also the 349th AMW, 621st Contingency Response Wing and partner units as well.

"I love protocol because we are given installation commander support to advise all base leadership on the proper way to host and manage any and all military functions," Cook said. "We are given to interact with every career field on base. I get to be part of the big milestones that makes someone's career memorable."

Along with Cook and Medlock, Senior Master Sgt. Alicia Skinner, Tech. Sgt. Lennex Dennis, Staff Sgt. Ian Stevens, and the recent addition of Capt. Jamie Johnson make up the protocol team.

"Being the NCOIC here has allowed me to grow as a leader," Medlock said. "It is because of the NCOs I have working with me. We are truly a family."