Alaska Reservists cope with furlough

  • Published
  • By Capt. Ashley Conner
  • 477th Fighter Group Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  As the first week of civilian furloughs begins July 8, some Air Reserve Technicians, or ARTs, have taken pre-emptive steps to avoid the financial crunch the furlough will place on their family's finances.

After working his eight-hour day as the 477th Communications Flight superintendent, Senior Master Sgt. Neal Therrien heads to the local Anchorage Sam's Club to begin a five-hour shift as an Electronics associate each night.

"I began considering the second job when the furlough was first mentioned," said Therrien. "As time went on, I felt it would be better to find a job than waiting until I needed it."

The 11 furlough days will equate to a loss of nearly $4,000 for Therrien and his family who has also taken shifts every Saturday and Sunday. In addition to his 40-hour work week as an Air Reserve Technician at the 477th Fighter Group, he works on average an additional 24 hours at his second job.

The ART force is a type of Reservist that carries a dual status. During the week they work as full-time civil service employees for the Air Force and then they perform their military duties during the Unit Training Assembly over one weekend every month.

While most Alaskans spend their weekends camping and fishing Tech. Sgt. Jeremiah Frye, 477th Maintenance Squadron Quality Assurance inspector, spends one weekend performing military duties during the UTA and the remaining weekends in the month as a Fishing Sales associate at Sportsman's Warehouse.

"It cuts back on the free time you have with your family," said Frye. "But you try to adjust your work schedule so you can still make time to spend with the family. If I didn't have an understanding and supportive wife and family, it would be a lot harder."

While the furlough isn't an ideal financial situation it has given both Therrien and Frye the opportunity to use what the military has taught them at their civilian jobs.

"I use my military skills everyday I'm at Sportsman's. From dealing with customers to helping them prepare for an inspection," said Frye. "Its kind ironic but, working maintenance you read and use technical orders when doing any work on the aircraft. Well, Sportsman's has their own T.O. or manual that you have to follow and it lays out how the product will be labeled, displayed, assembled, and stocked."

The 477th Fighter Group currently has 113 ARTs assigned and another 12 civil service employees who do not carry a dual status that will be affected by the furlough.

"Our people are our most important asset. We are doing what we can to support them during this stressful time," said Col. Tyler Otten, 477th Fighter Group commander. "Financial stresses can be a distraction which can affect the mission. Many members of our team are being proactive to reduce these stresses so they can keep their mission focus. They stand as a testament to the quality of our force."