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Civilian teammate provides outstanding customer service

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  For John Dresel, 341st Medical Operations Squadron optometry technician, Malmstrom Air Force Base has always been considered home.

“Great Falls is my hometown,” said Dresel. “I was also stationed here twice during my time in service.”

Dresel retired at the rank of master sergeant as an independent duty medical technician assigned to the 819th RED HORSE Squadron.

He said there was no question on whether or not to stay in Great Falls after left the service.

“Great Falls is home,” said Dresel. “I am married and I have two children; a daughter in college and a son who is a junior in high school here in town.”

Dresel currently works in the optometry clinic continuing his drive to serve in the medical field.

Although Dresel isn’t as much “hands on” with patients as he used to be as an IDMT, he still provides care where he can in optometry by being the first face patients see as they walk into the lobby.

Part of Dresel’s duties at the clinic include administering preliminary testing to patients before they are seen by the doctor.

“For the last three years I have worked here in the optometry clinic,” said Dresel. “I do preliminary testing and customer care.”

Military members come and go, and civilian optometrist interns are only at Malmstrom for a short period of time, but Dresel remains constant and is highly regarded.

“He is a professional who works hard,” said Captain Chad Bechtle, 341st MDOS optometrist. “Our customers love him and I receive positive comments about him all the time.”

Dresel exemplifies the Air Force core values of service before self and excellence in all we do.

He also helps to maintain the wing’s priority of taking care of Airmen and their families.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Dresel recently received his second group level quarterly award since 2011.

Dresel received the Civilian Category 1 award for the 2016 third quarter.

“He’s smiling all the time and is happy to be here,” said Bechtle. “I’ve worked in offices before where the customer service wasn’t always the best, but that is not the case here. I’ve had no issues where (Dresel) is concerned.”

Thanks in large part to Dresel, the optometry clinic runs as smoothly as possible and customers are always greeted with a smile and genuine care.

Dresel also said that he has no plans to leave Great Falls or Malmstrom Air Force Base anytime soon.

“I love it here,” said Dresel. “This is my home.”