Keesler civilians return to the fight Published Oct. 8, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Greg Biondo 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- More than 1,000 Keesler Department of Defense civilians returned to work Oct. 7, after a four-day furlough initiated by the government shutdown. Eric Fanning, acting Secretary of the Air Force, stressed that while not all DOD civilians across the board were recalled, every member is still vital to the mission. "From day one, our primary focus has been to rapidly get as many people back to work as soon as possible; and we will continue those efforts," said Fanning. "We are a team, a family -- always have been. We will not be a fully-functioning organization until the last member returns." According to Sherry McGrath, 81st Force Support Squadron chief of civilian personnel, the recall was made possible due to DOD guidance for implementation of the "Pay Our Military Act." "Recall procedures were initiated yesterday for all civilians to report to work today for their regular schedule," said McGrath. "I was excited that a decision was made to recall all civilians at Keesler, including the civilian personnel office staff, to resume our very critical mission in support of our military." While the furlough lasted four days, team Keesler members felt the strain of having a reduced force and welcomed the civilian employees back with a sense of appreciation for their contributions to the fight. "Our civilians are part of a professional force that has been stressed due to the shutdown and furlough," said Maj. Jayson Cabell, 81st Comptroller Squadron commander. "Many times, it's not even about the money, it's about the pride they have in their work. Our civilian professionals care and love their job because of the impact they have on our Airmen, the Air Force, and our nation." "The furlough was not meant to be a reflection on the value of the work they perform, but for some, it was very personal," he added. "The recent recall highlights the fact that without our civilians, we're not a complete team. We need our civilian teammates to operate at our maximum potential and it's great to have them back."