Force support, development, sustainment, regeneration Published Oct. 20, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Logan Tuttle 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Force Support Squadron takes their self-proclaimed mantra "cradle to the grave and everything in between" very literally. In fact, they are responsible for everything from child care to education and training, dining facilities, the fitness center, clubs, auto hobby shops, and mortuary affairs. "When Airmen come into work on a daily basis, they have to know their family and loved ones are taken care of," said Capt. James Anderson, 52nd Force Support squadron operations officer. "We take care of the family so the Airmen can focus on the mission." In fact, Captain Anderson said when he talks to people about how much the 52nd FSS really does, they're amazed. They also provide ID cards, ensure Airmen attend required professional education, validate positions for Airmen to be employed, and run both the airman leadership school and first term airman center. "The FSS has approximately 630 Airmen, both civilian and military, who work very hard to develop, sustain, and regenerate other Airmen," said Woodrow Wilson, 52nd FSS deputy commander. "We have important roles we must accomplish to enable mission success." "We should be your first thought for everything. At least ask and if we can't do it we can point you in the right direction," Capt. Anderson said. Sabers appreciate the services the 52nd FSS provides, and respond well to the support, he said. The squadrons's mission is to take care of the entire military community that encompasses the Spangdahlem area, to include retirees. "Being away from home and outside of the United States, I think [Airmen] are more prone to come in and see us and use our facilities because it's a comfort zone as well - something familiar," Captain Anderson said. With all the hard work the FSS has put in to taking care of Airmen and their families, the result is noticeable. Spangdahlem FSS programs have the highest customer satisfaction rating in the Air Force, with a satisfaction rating of 98%, from more than 16,000 surveys collected annually. Captain Anderson said the most rewarding part of working with the FSS is the customers. "We take care of the Airmen. We develop them, sustain them, and regenerate them so they can put munitions on targets. We take care of their families so they can be productive in accomplishing their mission," Mr. Wilson said. "Hands down, there is no greater sense of purpose than serving our Airmen in the world's greatest Air Force. The bonus is working with the high caliber young Airmen that we see every day."