Crew Chiefs “OWN IT” with their morale car

Published Dec. 5, 2012
By Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Two crew chiefs from Minot Air Force Base have taken the 5th Bomb Wing commander, Col. James Dawkins' mantra of "OWN IT" to a whole new level.

Senior Airman Bernardo Muratalla, 69th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, and Senior Airman Neil Ayers, 23rd AMU crew chief, have created their own version of a morale car.

The car in question is a 1994 Geo Metro 4-door. The Airmen wanted to do something to try to boost morale and let everyone know how proud they are to be working at the premier B-52 base in world.

"We wanted to make something simple to boost morale," said Muratalla. "It was Ayers' idea to put "OWN IT" on the car, and I immediately agreed."

According to Senior Master Sgt. Douglas Ente, 69th AMU superintendent, the "OWN IT" car was discovered by 5th BW command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Jurgella. Jurgella snapped a photo of the car as it was parked in the dorm 205 parking lot. Further research went into seeing what prompted the activity.

The car's owner was found to be Muratalla, who is a proud assistant dedicated crew chief of aircraft 0033. Muratalla, along with Ayers, wanted to take "OWN IT" to a different level.

"Both Airmen are proud crew chiefs who really enjoy being part of the best bomber crew chiefs in Air Force Global Strike Command," said Ente.

The two crew chiefs have been adding more items to the car to enhance its morale-boosting qualities.

"The 'NO SOLICITORS' sticker is a reminder that the car is not for sale," said Muratalla. "Any suggestions on how to improve the car would be greatly appreciated."

Ayers has also found other ways to showcase his pride. He has spelled out "OWN IT" in Christmas lights on his house on base, letting everyone in the neighborhood see how he feels about Minot's mission.

"It's great to see two Airmen who truly show pride in their job and the mission at Minot AFB," said Colonel Dawkins. "They had an idea on how to boost morale in their own way and they ran with it. It showcases the "OWN IT" spirit here at Minot is alive and well."

These two Airmen show how pride in the mission here at Minot can be contagious. What starts as a simple two-word phrase on a poster or car, can spread to those throughout the base. They hope it will prompt all of Team Minot to show how Minot's Airmen are truly among the best in the Air Force.