Charleston's Mini-C-17 team seeking new members Published July 28, 2010 By Senior Airman Dani Shea 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The "Spirit of Hope, Liberty & Freedom" may be small but it does a lot to represent Charleston Air Force Base. Making appearances at everything from baseball games and parades to company picnics and even the courtyard at the Pentagon, the miniature replica of the C-17 Globemaster III is always a crowd pleaser. However, the mini-C-17 does not please the crowds by static display alone. The team, comprised of volunteers from both the 315th and 437th Airlift Wings, travel alongside the mini-C-17 to numerous events spreading knowledge of the Charleston mission. And now they are seeking new members. "Members of the mini team are often the faces of the 315th Airlift Wing and the Air Force Reserve to the community," said Second Lieutenant Joe Simms, 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs. "As a member of the Mini C-17 team you'll be able to be an ambassador for the 315th and Charleston Air Force Base. It's a very rewarding position and offers opportunities to travel and meet people from all over the country." Tech. Sgt. Chris Fabel, 315th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, is one of the founding team members who also heralds volunteering with the mini-C-17 team as a rewarding experience. "It's great fun," says Sergeant Fabel. "You get to go out there with good people and meet lots of interesting folks. People are always asking questions, from children to grandparents." Team members are responsible for maintaining the mini and displaying it. Members of the team may assume the roles as mini C-17 driver or driver of the truck and trailer they take to various events. To become a member, candidates must fill out an application and have signed endorsements from their supervisor, first sergeant and their squadron commander. "The job is mainly learned via on-the-job training," said Sergeant Fabel. "When we get a request, we'll send out an email to all members to see who is available. If the team member is new, we like to send them out with other experienced team members until they feel more comfortable with the process. It really is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested." For more information on joining Charleston's Mini-C-17 Team, please contact the 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs office at (843) 963-2034 or email 2nd Lt Simms at Joseph.Simms@Charleston.af.mil for an application. Stay up to date with the 315th Airlift Wing at http://www.315aw.afrc.af.mil/. Follow the 315th on Facebook and Twitter.