Readiness NCO MOPPs up for last time

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Andrew Biscoe
  • 439 AW/PA
WESTOVER, Mass. --  Clad in MOPP-4 and peering through the confines of his gas mask, Senior Master Sgt. Alan Dedinas crouched on the ground in his bunker.

If you're counting, June's Operational Readiness Inspection was the seventh -- and last -- ORI for the veteran senior NCO.

And many of those Airmen who counted June's experience as their first, huddled around Sergeant Dedinas as he patiently reviewed a map, with diagrams, transition zones, sectors, and other lingo he reviewed through his mask.

As before, the base's leadership depended on Sergeant Dedinas to help determine the survivability of the base.

Most Westover reservists might know Sergeant Dedinas as the "readiness guy." Sergeant Dedinas recently wrapped up a 33-year career.

After serving on active duty from 1978 to 1982, Sergeant Dedinas joined the Air Force Reserve. He worked in life support and as a parachute rigger before joining the readiness flight in the 439th Civil Engineering Squadron, now known as emergency management.

Traditional reservists recognize and respect Sergeant Dedinas, not just because he has instructed thousands of Airmen in the proper wear of the JSLIST suit, battle dress overgarment, and the MCU-2 A/P mask, but because of the style in which he does it. He'll continue his instruction as a civilian in emergency management here.

"I can't think of anyone who will tell me they enjoy wearing this stuff," he said. "But I always try to tell people how important it is to know how to properly wear and maintain it. The masks are cumbersome and it takes practice to get it on in the eight seconds required. But it's equipment that could save your life -- and your buddy."

Those who have learned from him count him as one of the pillars of the Westover emergency management team.

"Whether it's donning his MOPP gear on the military side to his Level A (Bubble) suit as a civilian, Al Dedinas is someone you can always count on," said Robert Perreault, chief of emergency management. "I'm sure his mentoring to all of our emergency management junior NCOs and Airmen will truly be missed. But knowing Al, I'm sure he'll still lend advice when needed."

Sergeant Dedinas' knowledge goes well beyond the boundaries of Westover, Mr. Perreault said. His counterparts from Air Force Reserve Command and 22nd Air Force regularly call him to assist other reserve units in preparation for their ORE's and ORI's.

Sergeant Dedinas retires from the military July 31, though he will remain as a civilian in emergency management..

"I'll miss the uniform, the camaraderie, the excitement when a world event occurs whether it be military action or disaster relief, and how we may support it," he said. "And I'll miss the UTAs, and standing in a long line of people to process for a deployment -- "hurrying up and waiting.'"

But he'll line up any time for what he calls his passion.

"I'm just into this stuff," Sergeant Dedinas said, while adjusting his flak vest and helmet during the June ORI. "It's what I love to do."