From the Frontlines: Tech. Sgt. Kurtis Schatzer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cody Ramirez
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. , --  Although, it is not likely to see the next Rambo trilogy based-off Air Force contracting deployments, without them the "Stallone-like" troops wouldn't survive. These contractors are the behind-the-scene warriors who keep troops supplied.

Tech. Sgt. Kurtis Schatzer, 509th Contracting Squadron contracting officer, who was deployed to Tallil Air Base, Iraq, August 2009 through February 2010 under the Joint Contracting Iraq/Afghanistan, Regional Contracting Center, is one of those warriors.

The Sergeant administered more than $16.2 million in contracts, which supported Tallil, its surrounding forward operating bases, and more than 15,000 Coalition forces. His work improved and maintained quality of life for servicemembers throughout the "sandbox."

"Everyone has their part while deployed," said Sergeant Schatzer. "My job, as a contracting officer, was to make sure everyone had the needed supplies to continue their mission."
His work brought many improvements to his area of responsibility. He helped cut down the amount of contracts, saving the Air Force $2.1 million. The construction of a water plant supplied the surrounding area with clean water that supported thousands of troops in Southern Iraq.

Also, management of custodial, septic, laundry and other daily needs-type contracts provided deployed servicemembers with some of the home-like comforts they were accustomed to.
During his deployment, he finalized 147 contracts, worth more than $35 million, while partnering with the 33rd Financial Management Company.
"While deployed, resources are more limited, so I had to contract a lot," Sergeant Schatzer said.

Compared to having five contracts at a time state-side, he watched over 60 at a time while deployed. Although his work was strenuous, he said he still had opportunity to spend some time outside the office.

"I got to work with the public occasionally," the Sergeant said. "It was nice interacting with the locals and seeing the differences and similarities between our cultures."
He also had the opportunity to visit the Zigorot, a four thousand-year-old temple to the moon goddess, Sergeant Schatzer said.

In recognition for his many accomplishments while deployed, Sergeant Schatzer was awarded the Senior Enlisted Non-Commissioned Officer of the Month for Principle Assistant Responsible for Contracting-Iraq.