Col. Jamie Fontanella, USAFR—315th Airlift Wing Commander
Sept 3, 2013: For the second installment in our Military Series, Colonel Jamie Fontanella, Commander of the 315th Airlift Wing, discussed our Citizen Airmen – the men and women who are a part of our Air Mobility Command. These Citizen Airmen are men and women who work alongside us each and every day. Colonel Fontanella is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and commenced his career as a Navy helicopter pilot upon graduation. In 2001, Colonel Fontanella joined the Air Mobility Command flying the C-5, and spent most of his time training other Airmen. He assumed duties as deputy operations group commander of the 349th Operations Group in 2007. Today he oversees the 2,500 Charlestonians who are a part of the 315thAirlift Reserve Wing.
The 315th Airlift Reserve is very involved in our community. One of its core values is Service above Self, which all Rotarians can identify with. While most think that being in the Air Force Reserve involves a commitment of “one weekend a month, two weeks per year,” Colonel Fontanella explained that the men and women in the Reserve give so much more. Their Reserve job is a part-time job, but just one of their three jobs. Citizen Airmen must balance being in the Air Force Reserve, being a citizen and having a family life. Reservists are business owners, teachers, and sometimes our bosses. They buy homes, vote, pay taxes, and send their children to local schools.
In the past, most Air Reserve personnel were trained as Active Duty Soldiers. However, due to the economy, the retention rate is at an all-time high for those Active Duty Soldiers. As a result, the Air Reserve is now being forced to train its own. Many of the Air Force Reserve pilots are airline pilots. These pilots have the same requirements as active duty pilots, typically consisting of about 6-7 days per month on average to stay current. This training is critical so that the Air Reserve will always be combat-ready. The 315th Airlift Wing is combat-ready with rapid mobility. The Air Force maintains the weapon systems as well as the equipment and the Air Reserve brings the people to the equipment. In conflict, the Air Reserve asks for volunteers. Charleston has not had to institute involuntary service since 2003. These Air Force reservists work with Active Duty Officers.
There is total force integration between the Air Force, Air National Guard, and the Air Reserve. The retirement age for these reservists is typically delayed until age 60.
In addition to being combat-ready, the Air Force Reserve provides humanitarian and disaster relief worldwide. Colonel Fontanella remarked that when there is a crisis and the United Nations is there, you will see a C-17 with a Charleston Tail Flash – often Charleston Air Force reservists bring the United Nations personnel to the disaster. The Charleston Air Force Reserve also provides emergency medical services. Within 24-36 hours of injury, they can get a medical team into combat. If the medical personnel are there within 24 hours of combat injury, then there is a 95% chance that the Soldier will survive.
These brave men and women exemplify service above self in a way that is invaluable to our country. In addition to leading busy lives just like we do, these Citizen Airmen make enormous sacrifices every day to protect each and every one of us.
Abby Edwards Saunders, Keyway Committee