Living a Maintenance Life

This fourth of July weekend we celebrate our countries 245th birthday. We also get a double tap of episodes showcasing amazing Airmen and people. Malisha Rickerson from St. Petersburg, Florida represents not only the biggest, baddest, and best Munitions Squadron in the world, she represents the United States, the Air Force, a proud Haitian background and her family. Listen to her experience prior to Kadena and how she is navigating life at her first duty station. Her presence motivates me to ...

Welcome to season 2. A few times in my career I have been cursory with younger Airmen. Many of the times I found myself doing this I was proven wrong and more so humbled. I would like to introduce you to two Airmen who took a different road before starting their Air Force careers. Stephen Campbell and Joshua Colliluori have maturity and experience to offer. Listen to these Shogun maintainers as they represent the Component Maintenance Squadron's Precision Measurement and Equipment Labor...

As the season comes to a close I get a chance to interview my boss, William F. Ray. With a change of command happening in 48 hours I get a chance to say good bye with the person who pushed me to start this podcast. The Air Force operates in the sliding door world of constant change. As this door slides closed other opportunities emerge, bottle necks change, and work in progress is altered. Thank you for rallying our team to fly a lot and take care of Airmen.

You can hear his voice from the other side of the building. James Cash has the discipline and drive that is unrivaled. His path has not been easy and I am sure he would not have had it any other way. From an Airmen on the Kadena flight line to being a Chief Master Sergeant and now, our Civilian Deputy Group Commander. This episode is filled with his raw delivery and lessons learned. Listen to one of those people who commands respect and people flock to for advice. Listen to my friend an...

We have all heard the war cry of AMMO. If you ain't AMMO you ain't...you finish the sentence. Scott Layne is one of most influential leaders in our Group. The Senior is from West, Virginia and left his small town to move up the civilian management chain. Ten or so years later he heard his nation call and he answered. Listen to the man who inspires his Airmen so much they overwhelmingly sent emails, messages and told me face to face that I HAVE to interview.

From the countryside of Colombia to Queens, New York this Flightline Expediter is not mad he is just passionate. Meet Christian Marquez, a newly selected Master Sergeant who values his team and keeps a Fast and Furious like tight knit circle. If you want to know where to get Chinese Food and good New York pizza at he is your guy. Christian values hard work out of himself and others...I know his father is proud.

Meet my next guest Jennifer Rogers who is a Commanding Officer with a unique perspective. She is a University of Texas graduate who is hooking her Maintenance professionals by listening, holding high standards, and taking care of them. Listen to her Air Force journey that is deeply rooted in the family business.

From working hard on a farm in Texas, Colton Fite has set some goals for himself. Then after further evaluation he redefined his goals and started over again and then did it yet again. Careful not to be defined by any one thing, Colton is moving forward in life, starting with his marriage and education at the forefront. Listen to this 23 year old trying to make his way.

Landon Elliot comes by the lab and shares his unique maintenance experience right before changing locations. His journey has taken him from Spokane, Washington to Okinawa, Japan with some interesting pit stops that include India. This humble and dedicated leader is the Shogun Wing's Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Sit back and listen to one of our Maintenance pros as he finds balance at work and at home.

We have had a blend of both Enlisted and Officer perspectives on this podcast. In this episode we will hear from a Maintenance Professional who lived both lives. Tyler Gibson shares his personal stories about adversity, hard work and family. This maintenance way of life is changing and he is one of these influential leaders ushering this change along.