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Airman 1st Class Christopher Burns, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, helps Rielley Ketterman put on a firefighter suit Sept. 29, 2013, at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del. The Dover Air Force Base fire department was in the Monster Fun Zone to teach the public about fire prevention. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Ashlin Federick)

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Capt. John Pickering, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordinance disposal flight commander, and Airman 1st Class Andrew Vitale, 436th CES EOD apprentice, help Frank Rusek put on bomb squad suit Sept. 29, 2013, at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del. The bomb squad volunteered during race weekend to demonstrate their capabilities to the public. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Ashlin Federick)

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Senior Airman William Watkinson, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, teaches Nasir Goode from Philadelphia how to hold the fire hose Sept. 29, 2013, in the Monster Fun Zone at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del. Watkinson volunteered to show some of the tools the Dover Air Force Base firefighter use. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jared Duhon)

Team Dover, USO connect with NASCAR fans

Published Sept. 30, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Ashlin Federick
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Members of Team Dover and the USO volunteered Sept. 27-29 at the Dover International Speedway in Dover Del., to help race fans understand mission of the organizations they represent.

Staff Sgt. Justin Bogushefsky, 436th SFS flight sergeant, said it is important to have the ability to tell the public what the base actually does and how it supports the city.

"It seems as if there are two powerhouses, as far as income, for the city, and they are the race track and Dover AFB," said Bogushefsky. "What better way of demonstrating it to the public than putting the two together."

Other Dover AFB first responders, including the explosive ordnance disposal team and the fire department, provided static displays for race fans.

"I think it is important to show the public what the Air Force is capable of doing and allowing them to know a little bit of what we can do on base and our capabilities so we can be called for mutual aid," said Senior Airman William Watkinson, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter.

Members of the USO also provided displays explaining USO's mission, which is to lift the spirits of America's troops and their families. They also showcased the "USO on Wheels," which is designed to support troops serving in remote areas and locations.

John Brunson, USO mobile unit coordinator, said it is important to show the close tie between the military and the USO.

"We have existed for (about) 70 years and we are still going strong. In my opinion the USO has never changed it is still providing the same opportunities," said Brunson.