Dedication during the holidays Published Dec. 17, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Apryl Hall Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The holiday season is a time of year that most people look forward to. It is a time to spend with family members, enjoy extravagant meals and take well-deserved breaks from busy work schedules. The luxuries so many take for granted during this time of year are not able to be enjoyed by everyone at Minot Air Force Base. Despite missing out on the majority of the holiday festivities, the Airmen of the 91st Security Support Squadron's key and codes control center and missile security control units do not let it deter their dedication to the mission. The Airmen in the KCCC and MSC units play crucial roles in missile security, requiring those offices to have mandatory manning at all times. While most Airmen are enjoying days off of work during the holidays, a select few are required to be out in the field. "MSC and KCCC are the central nervous system and the gateway for the missile complex," said Master Sgt. David Kolnes, 91 SSPTS first sergeant. "Their 24/7/365 mission is often overlooked as many of us are enjoying the holiday season." For Senior Airman Averill B. Curameng, 91 SSPTS/KCCC, it is not so much a sacrifice as it is him helping out his team members, he said. "My counterparts have families, kids, so obviously I would want them to spend more time with them," said Curameng. "I'm more than happy to work the holidays." "We crack jokes, have fun," said Curameng. "We do what we have to enjoy the holiday too." Curameng rarely ever thinks about having to miss special holidays, he said. He has no trouble remembering his purpose here, and that is enough to keep him motivated. "I look at the bigger picture," said Curameng. "I came here to do a job, and without us being out there, who else would do it?" Tech. Sgt. Joshua English, 91 SSPTS/MSC assistant noncommissioned officer in charge, finds it easy to stay motivated during the holidays due to the importance of his job, he said. "At the end of the day, we will do what we have to and ensure that the job is done right," said English. Additionally, the constant interaction and support from the three group commanders, the wing commander and the vice commander also helps the MSC Airmen cope with missing the holidays, said English. "They reiterate the importance of our mission and provide tremendous job satisfaction," said English. Not only does leadership motivate the unit throughout the year, but the commanders, chiefs and first sergeants also make special trips to the field during the holidays just to support those who are not able to be with their families, said English. "They come down and make it all about us instead of simply the mission," said English. "It helps keep the morale up in the office." Although the KCCC and MSC Airmen do have unique schedules that prevent them from enjoying the holidays in the same way as so many others do outside the security forces career field, they are not the only units who make sacrifices during the holidays. During the weeks ahead, while much of the nation is celebrating together, there will be many others dedicating their holiday season to the mission. "There are sacrifices made by all security forces members during the holiday season," said English. "We are just a small piece of the puzzle that makes up the security forces family here at Minot," said English.