Sheppard Airmen return April 17: the best way to train is to train by fire

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Two Sheppard Airmen who faced the 8.8-magnitude earthquake that hit Chile Feb. 27, returned safely April 17.

The two Airmen spent a total of 60 days in Santiago, Chile. After the earthquake struck the instructors had to innovatively train their Chilean air force students while assisting with local relief efforts.

Master Sgt. Anthony Amborn, 373rd Training Squadron Detachment 10 chief, and Staff Sgt. Stephen Ondrovich, 373rd TRS KC-135 Communications and Navigations Course instructor, both from Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., were initially sent to Chile to train Chilean air force students. However, on Feb. 27, their mission turned into an opportunity unlike any other.

When the earthquake struck at 3:24 a.m., Sergeant Ondrovich woke up and could barely keep his balance. But the floor wasn't the only thing moving.

"The earthquake lasted for about 90 seconds, but it seemed a lot longer than that," Sergeant Ondrovich said. "When the trembles began, the beds started to shake and move across the floor. The TV slid all the way to the other side of the room and the door jam basically exploded. After we got out of our rooms, we bolted down the stairs."

After everyone was out of the building, he said they were in the streets for about six to eight hours.

"Our first thought was to find food and water," the sergeant said. "The city was in disarray and the people in the streets seemed confused. After a few hours we were taken to the embassy and were able to call our families."

The training team subsequently received orders to transport available fire fighters and move field kitchens and hospital equipment to Concepción, Chile.

Sergeant Amborn said this was a very unique experience for him, not only because of the transition from training to real-world operations, but because it gave the students an experience that is uncommon for them.

"Because their military is different, the students don't normally get to travel with the aircraft, but in this case they were able to get that experience," the sergeant said. "Everyone will tell you that the best way to learn is to train by fire, and that is definitely what they were able to do."

Sergeant Amborn also said the time he spent in Chile was unlike any other during his career.

"This experience really makes all of my years of training worth it," the sergeant said.

Lt. Col. Henry Myers, 373rd TRS commander, said he was really proud of the two sergeants and all of the Airmen that helped with the Chilean relief efforts.

"This really shows the flexibility in 'Air Power'," the colonel said. "It almost seemed effortless for them to instantaneously transition from training to real-world operations. I am glad to see them come home safe and sound."