Vehicle maintenance starts at the 344th Training Squadron

Airman Cody Kirkum, Vehicle and Vehicular Maintenance Apprentice, is troubleshooting a malfunction on a Humvee at the 344th Training Squadron Det. 1, Vehicle Management Schoolhouse in Port Hueneme, Calif. This detachment educates over 1,500 students. Though many arrive directly from Air Force Basic Training, they can also be civilians, international students and members of other military services. This world-class training includes basic and advanced fire truck, material handling equipment, vehicle & equipment maintenance, and vehicle management & analysis courses. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Tech. Sgt. Thomas Kessler)

Vehicle maintenance starts at the 344th Training Squadron

Students leaving the Vehicle Management Technical Schoolhouse at the 344th Training Squadron Det. 1, Vehicle Management Schoolhouse in Port Hueneme, Calif. This detachment educates over 1,500 students. Though many arrive directly from Air Force Basic Training, they can also be civilians, international students and members of other military services. This world-class training includes basic and advanced fire truck, material handling equipment, vehicle & equipment maintenance, and vehicle management & analysis courses. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Tech. Sgt. Thomas Kessler)

Vehicle maintenance starts at the 344th Training Squadron

Students troubleshooting the anti two block micro switch on an Arva Crane at the 344th Training Squadron Det. 1, Vehicle Management Schoolhouse in Port Hueneme, Calif. This detachment educates over 1500 students. Though many arrive directly from Air Force Basic Training, they can also be civilians, international students and members of other military services. This world-class training includes basic and advanced fire truck, material handling equipment, vehicle & equipment maintenance, and vehicle management & analysis courses. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Tech. Sgt. Thomas Kessler)

Holiday Break for Students

Published Dec. 19, 2012
By Tech. Sgt. Thomas Kessler
344th Training Squadron

PORT HUENEME NAVAL BASE, Calif -- It's time to lock up the toolboxes, close the student study guides, and hang up the Air Force Uniform. It's time for a holiday break for the 344th Training Squadron Detachment 1, Vehicle Management Schoolhouse in Port Hueneme Naval Base, Calif.

The two-week pause will give students a chance to visit family and friends all over the nation, flying out as early as this Saturday. To most students, this will be the first opportunity to reunite with family since graduating from Air Force Basic Military Training. Unfortunately, Airman First Class Antonia Orneals' mother did not get to watch her march on that parade field nor did she get the chance to visit her the last weekend of BMT. Orneals' mother was having a surgery during BMT graduation and also missed the town pass.

"I am thrilled to spend this holiday with my family in Round Rock, Texas," said Orneals. "The Air Force and this schoolhouse have taught me a lot about myself and I can't wait to share these experiences with my mother, family and friends."

For Airman Basic Taylor Lorts, a fire truck maintenance apprentice from Missouri, it is about the break.

"I am looking forward to relaxing at home and spending the Holiday with my family and friends," said Lorts.

Before the students depart for the holidays, Master Sgt. Glenn Sivells, 344th TRS DET 1 First Sergeant, reminded the students to have an enjoyable and safe time with their families and to always be good wingmen.

The 344TRS, Det.1, Vehicle Management Schoolhouse educates over 1500 students per year arriving from basic training, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, civilians and from sister services. This world-class training facility offers courses in basic fire truck maintenance, material handling equipment maintenance, vehicle and equipment maintenance, vehicle management and analysis, and a fundamental automotive mechanics program shared with Navy students.