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Employer to drive nearly 200 miles for reservist

  • Published
  • By Airman Crystal Charriere
  • 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Road trips require three things; a long drive, good company and an exciting destination. It is almost 200 miles from Rigby, Idaho to Ogden, Utah: long drive, check. Husband and wife will drive nearly three hours to visit an employee who also serves in the Air Force Reserve: good company, check. The 419th Fighter Wing is holding its Outstanding Airman of the Year banquet where the employee may be named Airman of the Year: exciting destination, check.

Mr. Gary Blackham, a supervisor at the Naval Reactor Facility, plans to drive from Idaho to attend the awards banquet Feb. 26. One of his employees--Senior Airman Sterling Broadhead of the 67th Aerial Port Squadron--is in the running for the Airman of the Year award, and he believes it's important to show support for his employee and the Reserve.
"Our nation depends on reservists," Mr. Blackham said. "It's good for the nation. I support him and what he's doing."

Mr. Blackham said Airman Broadhead not only supports his country, but is also a hard-working and dedicated civilian worker.

"If he acts as an Airman anything like he acts here, he'll win," Mr. Blackham said. "He really attacks his work with enthusiasm and professionalism."

As a civilian, Airman Broadhead works for the Naval Reactor Facility as a field handling team leader. He and his nuclear fuel handler crew perform tests and analysis for the U.S. Navy. Airman Broadhead has worked for the company for six years, but has worked under Mr. Blackham for only two months.

"I'm very excited he's coming," Airman Broadhead said. "We have a good relationship, so I'm very glad he's going to be there. This will make it easier when I go on my annual tour and if I deploy."

To thank Mr. Blackham for his support, Airman Broadhead's squadron did something special for him.

"The awesome part was that my squadron offered to pay for his tickets," Airman Broadhead said.

Airman Broadhead has made many contributions to the 419th FW in the past year. He deployed to Haiti after it was hit by an earthquake in January 2010. He aided in the relief efforts there by loading and unloading the aircraft that hauled in relief supplies. He also helped bring home two trophies from the Port Dawg Challenge at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. last October. The challenge tested aerial porters' speed and accuracy in loading and unloading cargo, among other scenarios.

Reservists in the 419th FW are always grateful to have employers as supportive as Mr. Blackham. Each year the wing hosts about 50 employers for Employer Appreciation Day, where managers can see what their employees do during the UTA weekends, and where reservists can thank their supervisors.

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