Warren-Dawn, the final stretch

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston
  • 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale AFB, La. --  An individual, who will more than likely be described as an icon at the 307th Bomb Wing when she retires from military service, has been sworn in for the last time.

Senior Master Sgt. Laraine Warren-Dawn, services superintendent, 307th Force Support Squadron, took her final oath from Brig. Gen. John J. Mooney III, commander of the 307th Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., surrounded by family and friends March 16, 2011.

Sergeant Warren-Dawn has a long and distinguished career with the Reserve Wing at Barksdale AFB, which began in 1981 when she left Shreveport, La., for Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. After Food and Bakery School Training at Lowry Air Force Base, Colo., she reported to the 917th Wing later that year and was assigned to the 917th Civil Engineer Squadron at Barksdale.

As an Air Reserve Technician for the 307th BW, Sergeant Warren-Dawn's day-to-do activities revolve around all of the activities of Services. She develops goals and objectives, reviews and revises policies, procedures, and mission objectives, and implements quality improvements. She also briefs the Wing, Mission Support Group and FSS Commanders regarding issues ranging from unit status on lodging to all issues related to Services operations and administration.

"Serving my country has been very satisfying. I've met many great people throughout the years," said Sergeant Warren-Dawn. "This job is like a second family, my Services members know I care a great deal about them. There is nothing I wouldn't do to help them."

"This is also one of the best part time jobs you can ask for; and with all the benefits, that's a bonus," she said.

There are few areas in where Sergeant Warren-Dawn's dedication to her "second family" is more noticeable than lodging. She handles all of the Wing's lodging for the main and alternate Unit Training Assembly's (UTA) accommodations at seven local hotels, with a yearly budget of $900,000.00.

"The lodging program has been my biggest challenge," Sergeant Warren-Dawn said. "But, the biggest reward is that although it has taken several years, I think we are having fewer problems with it."

This is the last reenlistment for Sergeant Warren-Dawn. Louisiana is her home, and she will follow her father and husband who both retired at Barksdale AFB.

"I have a strong commitment to the United States Military; I work to instill this trait in the airmen under my supervision," said Sergeant Warren-Dawn. "I really feel after 35 years, it will be time to hang my hat up and allow the younger group to take over. That's the reason we are mentoring them, so they will be prepared to take over. The 307th Bomb Wing is one of the best reserve units in AFRC, and I have visited a great number of them in the past 30 years."

Sergeant Warren-Dawn has already started preparing for retirement, although it is a few years down the line.

"I will be able to travel more and spend more time with my family. I won't have to say, 'oh we can't do that this weekend, I have a UTA," Sergeant Warren-Dawn said. "I will be able to commit full time to volunteering at school with my grandkids and the Bossier Parrish Head Start Program, which is dear to my heart."