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An Airman's story: Senior Airman Gregory Manora

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Phelps
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Gregory Manora walks up and down the rows of gun racks, silently counting as he unlocks each one. As he finishes up, a knock at the metal door signals the first Security Forces member is ready to check out their equipment for their shift.

Senior Airman Manora, originally from Washington, D.C., joined the Air Force on Nov. 27, 2007. He became the third generation of his family to join the Air Force. His grandfather and father, as well as two of his aunts had served in this proud tradition.

When he was first looking into the Air Force, he was interested at getting into something combat related such as special forces or combat control. However, his mother was a little worried about that, so to help ease her fears and stay combat related, he went the route of Security Forces.

Today, Airman Manora is a 20th Security Forces Squadron flight armorer and works in the armory.

"We can't just put anyone back here," said Staff Sgt. Ryan Wenger, 20th SFS. "Airman Manora is a sharp troop."

There are several things involved with being able to work in the armory, explained Airman Manora. To hold the position, one has to be a senior airman with their five level, learn the operating instructions of the armory, which are in a book about an inch thick, and to pass the quality control test.

"A lot of people don't like being back here because it is a huge responsibility," continued Airman Manora. "You have to keep accountability for every piece of ammunition and every weapon that Security Forces holds."

On top of that, he added, he has to keep track of who's qualified on weapons and who can and can't be issued weapons. He also holds onto confiscated weapons and evidence. In all, he is responsible for around $2 million worth of military equipment.

Airman Manora's responsibilities go beyond working at the armory.

"Working in the armory is considered an extra duty," said Sergeant Wenger.

He also goes out on patrol, checks the security of buildings on base, and relieves other Security Forces Airmen from their posts for chow breaks.

The primary role of patrolling is to maintain law and order on base and to ensure public safety, he said. He watches to make sure no one is speeding down the streets on base or has passed out from the heat.

"We try to cut down on the amount of traffic accidents," explained Airman Manora. "Most major traffic accidents are actually directly related to the speed of the driver."

He described the building checks as a hands-on, physical check of the exterior. As he goes through his checks for things such as locked doors, windows and ensuring there are no signs of break-ins or tampering.

"There are certain procedures if you do find something unsecure," he explained. "I have a check sheet where I mark it down as unsecure. Then, I call in to the desk to let them know there is a building that's unsecure, an unlocked door, and let them know where it's at. Then, the desk will determine what kind of security is needed for that building."

Keeping up with all of these different responsibilities keeps Airman Manora busy throughout the day.

"A typical day for me is usually getting to the squadron around 11:45 a.m.," he said. "Then I'll do inventory, unlock the weapons racks. Issue and turn in weapons from noon to 2 p.m. After that, I'll usually do some filing and paperwork for the inventory. Then, I go out and patrol and do building checks. Afterwards, I do chow relief for the flightline patrols. After they're done, I usually head back to the armory for the turn for the contract guards. Then, I head back to the desk to turn in paperwork and tickets and print up the duty roster for the next day."

Even though he stays busy, he wouldn't change it because his job helps out the entire mission.

"My favorite part about the job is the camaraderie, the group aspect," he said. "We always have to work as a team to get things done. It all coincides together. I have to issue weapons so that the police officers who are out there on the road can do their job. It all comes full circle. They come to me basically for anything. I'm part of the reason that's keeping everyone functional out on the road. We can't do anything alone, even if it's something minor like a traffic ticket. It's all about having your wingman's back."

His favorite moments as a Security Forces Airman have been on deployments.

"I think probably one of the best times that I had was when I was in Kuwait," he said. "We got to meet the locals over there. We would go and hang out with them in their tents off base, get to learn a bit of their culture and give a bit of our culture to them. It was just a great experience. It was an eye opener as well. You actually find out that you have a lot in common. Just because there's a language difference, an area difference or climate difference doesn't make you any less human."

Before joining the military, Airman Manora said that he had tried college, but didn't really care for it. Now, he sees the Air Force as his career his armory duty as great way to advance his career. In the future, he looks to transitioning out the armory and into another aspect of the Air Force such as the canine unit or combat arms.