Indispensable Published June 14, 2015 By Senior Airman Sean D. Smith Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- It can be easy to take things for granted in the rhythm of day-to-day life. The elements most important to the mission aren't always the most obvious. The mission of the 5th Medical Group demands a great deal of equipment and resources and there are people responsible for making sure everyone has what they need. Staff Sgt. Jessica Schillo is the NCO in charge of dental logistics at the 5th Medical Group. Schillo orders supplies, manages her office's budget and makes sure things work the way they're supposed to at all times. She monitors hazardous waste materials and ensures they are disposed of properly and is also the NCOIC of safety and radiology. "I coordinate purchasing new equipment, but my job is really to facilitate whatever the commander deems necessary for our providers to work," Schillo said. "Sometimes there's new equipment that we need, or our own equipment is out of date and needs to be replaced." Hidden away in her office, Schillo may not be the most visible figure in the 5th MDG, but the impact of her role is felt throughout the base. In addition to upholding safety standards and managing inventory, she performs maintenance on equipment when malfunctions occur. "Sterile instruments are a necessity," Schillo said. "So if both of our sterilizers go down, that's mission stoppage. Having equipment is just the beginning; you also have to keep it running. We need good working equipment for our patients." Schillo has been stationed at Minot Air Force Base for seven years. "I've learned a lot," she said, explaining that more time in her job has led to an accumulation of useful skills. "After all the years, the flood and sequestration, I've learned more jobs." Schillo went on to say that the best thing people can do to help keep things running efficiently is to communicate their needs. "No one knows if something's broken unless someone speaks up," she said. "And we can't get you what you need unless we know you need it." Schillo described situations demanding long hours and tireless work behind the scenes, but for her the medical mission is absolute. "Our mission is patients," Schillo said. "So whatever happens, we're going to keep it all running so we can see patients and take care of them."