56th RQS recognizes 352nd SOG member for outstanding contingency operation support

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Marelise Wood
  • 352nd Special Operations Group Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England --  Tech. Sgt. Jaclyn Owens, 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron, received a surprise presentation Dec. 6, 2011, before the 352nd Special Operations Group daily commander's update brief.

Owens was presented with a framed photo by 1st Lt. Fraser, on behalf of the 56th Rescue Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, in appreciation for her support to that unit during Operation Odyssey Dawn.

Owens is the group's NCO in charge of current operations. Her section's responsibilities include coordinating flying schedules and events with off-base agencies, securing aircraft diplomatic clearances for various exercises and deployments, and coordinating with the 100th Air Refueling Wing for refueling support -- processes that have become second nature to her.

Fraser was a new member of the 56th RQS when his squadron was tasked to provide support during Operation Odyssey Dawn. Getting in the aircraft and flying was no problem, the paperwork however, was another story.

"We're used to flight planning in the United States where we control the airspace," said Fraser. "We weren't familiar with the processes here. Someone mentioned contacting the 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron and Tech. Sgt. Owens answered the call."

Owens said she remembers the day the call came in. It was a short-notice request and she was swamped with requirements for the group, but she still wanted to help.

"They needed help getting clearances and they needed it almost immediately, so I cleared it with my supervisor and began working it," said Owens.

Fraser said he was more than grateful.

"Owens took the utter chaos I presented her with, processed it all, and got us the clearances we needed incredibly fast," said Fraser. "Our aircraft had already taken off, so I was able to call them en-route and give them the clearance information so they could proceed with the mission."

Owens said she was thankful for receiving the recognition, but acknowledged that it was a team effort.

"It wasn't just me, it was my whole office," she said humbly. "This is our job, it's what we do, so there's really no need for recognition, but I'm grateful."

Fraser said he wanted to ensure he took the opportunity to recognize Owens, and to also show appreciation for the overall support his squadron had received.

"It's her, it's her shop, it's the 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron giving her the time to dedicate that support to our unit," he said. "We've been a unit here for about five years and there are things we're still trying to work through. Thankfully, we've just gotten incredible support from all of the 352nd Special Operations Group."

The 352nd SOG commander said he's proud of Owens and her positive representation of the group.

"Sergeant Owens could easily have said it wasn't her job to support an organization outside her command, but she didn't," said Col. Gary McCollum, 352nd SOG commander. "I am proud to say she responded exactly how I expect all our Air Commandos to respond ... by finding a way to say 'yes' in order to help our teammates achieve mission success. This is just one example of her exemplary 'can-do' attitude."