Sergeants use job skills to save Tinker thousands of dollars

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. O'Brien
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla --  Where there's a will, there's a way; just ask Tech. Sgts. Patrick Alexander and Mitchell Zebert.

The two Airmen were recruited by 72nd Air Base Wing and 552nd Air Control Wing senior leadership to fix an inoperable marquee that outside contractors could not repair. Not only did they do it in 10 days, but they also repaired two other marquees and literally saved the Air Force thousands of dollars.

"We knew the technicians in the 552nd Maintenance Group's Air Force Repair Enhancement Program office had unique circuit card repair training and skills, and we knew they were part of the Tinker Team -- so we asked if they would try troubleshooting one marquee. They did better than that -- they fixed every one of them," said Col. Steven Bleymaier, 72nd ABW and Tinker installation commander. "These 552 warriors are incredible and truly exemplify the Team Tinker spirit of teamwork and figuring out the art of the possible. I'm thankful for their expertise and selfless efforts -- they've made a huge positive impact for everyone on Tinker."

Sergeant Alexander, former 552nd MXG AFREP manager who was recently reassigned to the 5th Manpower Requirements Squadron, said the project began in early March when the 552nd MXG commander, Col. Stella Smith, asked him and Sergeant Zebert to look at the scrolling-LED marquee in front of Indian Hills Lodge.

The air base wing had already had a contractor look at the marquee. The contractor suggested replacing it, which would cost upwards of $20,000.

Using their knowledge of aircraft, the sergeants spent a day troubleshooting the issue. They found a faulty computer processor chip was to blame. They also discovered the sign had been incorrectly wired and wrongly configured with the circuit card.

They waited on parts for a week, but when the job was complete, both sides were fully operational and it only cost $2.

"We went outside of our primary duties and fortunately saved the Air Force thousands in repair costs," said Sergeant Zebert, 552nd MXG AFREP Circuit Card technician.
While they waited, the Airmen checked out the marquee in front of the base chapel. Neither side worked.

"Within a half hour, we had completely taught ourselves a whole new style of circuits and were able to get one side working," Sergeant Alexander said. "It was a challenge to take our minds from aircraft maintenance and think outside of the box. It was completely different to go from how an aircraft functions to a sign and analyze and reverse engineer all aspects of what makes those marquees work. On an aircraft we have that information available with wiring diagrams, technical orders."

Once they had one side operational, the sergeants went into the chapel to speak with officials, only to learn the chapel staff didn't have the necessary software, standalone computer or phone line to change the message. They would need to submit a work order before the sergeants could do any more for it.

The next day, the sergeants ventured to the marquee between the Burger King and Base Exchange. The operators complained that this marquee was also inoperable. After troubleshooting it, the Airmen discovered it required a simple fix -- it simply needed to be restarted.

When Sergeants Alexander and Zebert reported their findings, the operators said they still couldn't change the message. While they had the software and a standalone computer, they discovered the phone line had been rerouted to the 3rd Combat Communications Group. Another work order needed to be submitted.

"Three signs were repaired and troubleshot within a week-and-a-half using basic electronic fundamentals that we were taught from day one," Sergeant Alexander said. "It was nice to be involved and bring more a Team Tinker concept. Even though we were assigned to the 552nd ACW, we are still here on Tinker and utilize all resources and personnel."