JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Airman Basic Saenz Tejeda a fleet management and analysis apprentice in the New Jersey Air National Guard is weeks out of technical school and is faced with the care of more than 160 vehicles at the 177th Fighter Wing, Egg Harbor, N.J.
While the task appears daunting, FM&A trainer, Mr. Ken McCay, of the 108th Wing Fleet Management, here, stepped in to provide on-the-job training and after a month, says she’s ready.
“I’ve trained about 10 people to do FM&A at the 177th and Tejeda picks up on lessons quick,” he said.
McCay has more than 20 years of experience in the field, to include 10 years with the 177th before coming to the 108th in 2010. His familiarity of both wing’s programs makes him the perfect trainer.
“I’m satisfied with how Mr. McCay taught me, said Tejeda. Getting one-on-one training, I learned more than I would have in a big classroom and I was able to actually do something for the [177th] shop. I set a new plan in place for the entire fleet.”
Over the past couple of years, due to no fulltime FM&A manning and high work load, the shop needed new maintenance plans that incorporated Air Force Instruction updates and business rule changes.
“I had to void over 1,500 work orders that were waiting to be closed, said newcomer Tejeda. They were orders that were opened by the mechanics and system generated.”
While building preventive maintenance plans was a big item that Tejeda mastered, her training included much more.
She also learned how to handle work orders, warehouse operations, how to manage vehicle rotations between units and how to use the Defense Property Accountability System for a myriad of tasks.
When it comes to vehicles, fleet management sees everything.
All issues come through us [FM&A],” said McCay. So Tejeda also reviewed the administrative processes for ordering and receiving repair parts, accidents and abuses, billing and interfacing with dealerships for new vehicle purchases and recalls.
“I’m an organized person and I find this job satisfying, said Tejeda. Everyone has been nice and has contributed to my training, she said. When my annual tour days end I will be a traditional Guardsmen. I will do whatever it takes to earn a full time position.”
With her time at the 108th ending March 30, Tejeda will join a small part time team of FM&A Guardsmen at the 177th FW. She thanks everyone for their care and the opportunity to be here.