TOP STORY > > LRS to hold free car inspections

By Senior Airman Tim Bazar
314th Airlift Wing Strategic Information Flight


More than ten 314th Logistics Readiness Squadron Airmen are taking time Saturday to provide deployed or deploying Airmen and their spouses with free car inspections.

Base vehicle maintenance technicians are inspecting vehicles 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the auto hobby shop (Bldg. 450) Saturday to help Airmen’s families have a little peace of mind while their sponsors are deployed.

“Providing Airman-to-Airman support is a big deal to our ‘loggie’ troops,” said Lt. Col. Rhonda Soto, 314th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander. “I’m extremely proud of the way our folks have stepped up to provide this free service to Airmen and their families.”

Vehicle inspections will include, but are not limited to checking: lights, fluids, brake systems, tires, exhaust and other safety-related items.

The same inspection at a local automotive repair shop would cost around $19.95 plus tax.

The inspection will allow Airmen poised to deploy or their spouses to bring in their primary vehicle to undergo the multi-point inspection. The squadron’s vehicle maintenance technicians are ASE certified, and will provide written documentation listing vehicle problems, said Tech. Sgt. Brian Huffman, 314th LRS general purpose vehicle maintenance NCO in charge.
“During the 10-15 minute inspection, we will be available to answer questions and give repair options to Airmen or their family member,” said Sergeant Huffman, who spearheaded the project. “Although we will not perform maintenance or repairs on the vehicle, we will give them all the data they need to feel comfortable taking their vehicle to a repair shop and know what needs to be fixed.

“Peace of mind is important when it comes to vehicle repairs,” said Sergeant Huffman, “because people are always on guard when it comes to trusting repair shops. Since this is a no-profit service done by our own Airmen, you know you can trust the findings.”

Knowing what’s wrong with a vehicle prior to taking it in to a repair shop could cut down on repair costs, said Colonel Soto. Plus, since the service is provided under the “wingman concept,” customers can trust the quality of work.
“The idea of a fair assessment before going downtown makes you feel comfortable — like you know how to handle your business,” said Colonel Soto.

“You have the ammunition to say, ‘This is what’s wrong; how much will it cost to fix it?’”

Another car inspection will be held Feb. 3 at the hobby shop.

Airmen or spouses interested in a vehicle inspection can contact their sponsor’s first sergeant to schedule an appointment or call 987-6996.