28th AMXS secretary launches B-1

  • Published
  • By by Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Instead of coming to work, answering phones and working on performance reports, Breein Balistreri, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander's secretary, suited up in coveralls and headed to the flightline, April 5.

Thanks to the Airmen of the 28th AMXS, Mrs. Balistreri was able to live out her dream of launching a B-1B Lancer.

"I was nervous, excited and happy to be given the opportunity to get out of the office and see what the Airmen are doing on the flightline," she said. "I always see them coming in from work dirty, but I never got to experience the true reality of what they do - until today."

Mrs. Balistreri said the squadron truly worked together to offer her this unique opportunity. They even made her custom coveralls, identical those worn by crew chiefs. On the right lapel, they embroidered "Bree the Riveter," as a homage to Mrs. Balistreri's collection of Rosie the Riveter memorabilia.

"I have posters of Rosie all over my office," she said. "So the squadron went out and made me these special coveralls. It was really nice of them to do this for me."

Lt. Col. George Holland, 34th Bomb Squadron weapons systems officer, said the extra effort was well deserved by Mrs. Balistreri, who recently won the 2010 28th Bomb Wing Civilian of the Year, Category 1 award.

"Bree is absolutely phenomenal," he said. "I think it's awesome she got this opportunity. It's great to have people come out, see this side of the base and understand the mission better."

After the B-1 was successfully taxied out to the runway, Mrs. Balistreri was able to reflect on the opportunity she had just experienced.

"I loved it! I want to do it again," she exclaimed. "This ranks at the top of the list of best moments in my life."