LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Basic Military Training Instructors performed a dress and appearance triage on Col. Joe “20 Grit” Contino’s service jacket at Lackland AFB Texas, Jan. 25, 2024.
According to Contino, 914th Air Refueling Wing commander, he was saved by BMT Instructors Master Sgt. Jennifer Dowling and Tech. Sgt. Ericha Guyote, who insisted they could make alterations on the fly before he presided over the basic training graduation ceremony this week.
When the MTIs saw that his jacket was not up to standards after Contino picked it up from the tailor, they knew they could correct it on the spot.
They were able to use their skills to make some last-minute alterations—only minutes prior to his keynote address.
“When I stepped on those yellow dots at basic training all those years ago, I knew I was in good hands; and it’s the same today!” said Contino.