341st LRS checks rides for free

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Dillon White
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen's from the 341st Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance shop will perform free inspections on privately owned vehicles from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Oct. 23 and 24 to help Malmstrom Airmen and their families prepare for winter driving.

The crew also inspected vehicles last weekend. No appointment is necessary and inspections are conducted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Every inspection covers a vehicle's exterior, interior, under hood and under carriage for things like fluid leaks, seat belt and horn operation, as well as other preventative maintenance checks on belts, tires, fluid levels, suspension and steering components.

The inspections prevent break downs by identifying small problems before they become large ones that can leave motorists stranded in winter weather, said Tech. Sgt. Barry Love, 341st Logistics Readiness Squadron resource advisor, who has been on base since 1995.

"For people to come in now, it's proactive," he said. "If they don't, then their car may break down and that's reactive. If you wait until winter, it's too late."

Also inspecting cars on Sunday was Airman 1st Class James Skare, a Columbia Falls, Mont., native and 341st LRS vehicle maintenance apprentice.

"It's nice to see something besides HUMVEEs, F-150s and Chevy 1500s," Airman Skare said jokingly, "Honestly though, it's nice to help people - we had someone come in yesterday that thought the low mark on their dipstick was the full mark."

Airman Skare said he had fun over the weekend too and planned to volunteer his time next weekend as well.

"I appreciate the guys coming out," Sergeant Love said. "This isn't mandatory and it's a great way for us to give back to the people on base - they came in on their own accord to inspect people's vehicles and I just hope to see a good turn-out of people who want their vehicle inspected before winter."

For more information about the inspections, call the vehicle maintenance shop at 731-6316.