Living a Maintenance Life

This is the "Living a Maintenance Life" finale. It will post on my final day serving in a maintenance organization. Shaun Hardy, Markus Anthony, and Tom Richey got next and these Chiefs have a ton to offer their teams. Cheers to all those on the flight line, in the back shops, and at the bomb dumps sacrificing for our country. Though these stories are unique they have a common fabric, patriotism and fortitude. Characteristics embedded into the DNA of every maintainer. It has been a privilege and honor to help tell these stories...or at least provide a platform. Signing off...LosAFjefe out!

Meet Sara Farris and Jill Limjoco, spouses who have been through and seen a lot. These perspectives represent their experience but may be similar to those spouses who are also living a maintenance life. This second to last episode is a remix after the original episode was  corrupted. Take a half hour and listen to these two share their story.

Over the past few year I have heard some grumblings about how our tribe does not care about the mental health of the team. Inject the True North team, along with embedded Chaplains and their religious affairs team...and also the Military Family Life Consultant with aid from Mental Health and the One Source Program. All are geared towards helping those who make this Air Force team work allow for self help and access to mental health professionals. Dr. Rogers and Mr. Veazy stopped by the studio and provided some insight. Listen and enjoy!

Carlos Gerena and Edwin Evans Jr came by the lab to share some perspective and our conversation turned more towards family and balance. Their early lives influenced their parenting style and is synthesized in the way they lead their teams . Learning from their surroundings helped prepare these two leaders to take care of others and get the mission done while trying to bring a family dynamic to the workplace.. Enjoy 

There are some of our listeners who may not understand this episode. Very little editing involved because Trevon Bush and Dashaun Jones spoke from their hearts and gave perspectives which may be hard for others to comprehend. These two friends are vastly different but also extremely similar. It was great just listening to them share a small part of their stories. Chase your dreams teammates...it's do or die. 

Had some fun guests on the latest episode. What started as a "MOC" Maintenance Operations Center episode changed to a conversation with three fun to talk to pros. Raymond Araiza, Darren Hernandez, and Jacob Strohman share their perspective at the LAML lab and it was a really fun time. Enjoy.

Eric Sparks, Blake Pace, and Robert Rivas Garcia are recent Airman Leadership School graduates. This symbolizes the initial step towards becoming a supervisor of Air Force Airmen. After recording this episode it is apparent we are in good hands as they tackle the responsibilities of leading in this volatile world. 

The past two months plus have been extremely busy but after a long hiatus here is a new episode. Don Bustamante and Kimoni Cush came by the lab to have a conversation. Take a quick thirty minutes and listen to these maintenance professionals share their story. As always it is my honor and an absolute pleasure to get to do what I do!

Over my career I have seen good people make bad choices. From these decisions come consequences which can break some people. These three Maintenance Professionals came into the lab to be open about poor choices that didn't break or define them. More so these mistakes revealed their strong character. Listen to how they explain how good leaders don't shy away from the work that needs to be done to hold people accountable, allow them to get back on track, and ultimately not give up on them. Enjoy

Special duties are difficult but can be rewarding especially if you want to try something new. It offers a different perspective for sure. Having served in two special duties I have seen my maintenance teammates go out there and kill it. I asked newly selected Chief, Val Andrade, as well as Kyle Wilson and Matthew Riley to swing by the lab and share their stories. 

Welcome to the first episode of the final season of Living a Maintenance Life. Ronnie "Throwback" Woods came to the lab and we had a candid conversation. Kadena's own ZZ Command Chief offers a perspective that I believe most can relate to. From the west side of Chi-Town this genuine leader opens up about life, leadership, struggles, and successes along the way. Cheers to this professional who cares about maintenance and respects what we do. Enjoy.

Chandler Donaldson and Jason Fox stopped by the lab to have a conversation. These types of conversations are typical in maintenance, they go all over the place without rhyme or reason. These two shared insight into their lives and a host of other topics. This was a really fun podcast to do because it was completely freestyle. Enjoy

We hear a lot about diversity and change, Kristian Johnsen, Stephanie Roberts, and Mark Endriss Leque represent some of the major changes in society, culture, and the military in general. It was great having them share their stories on living a maintenance life. Veterans serve in all shapes, sizes, genders, races, creeds, religions and other labels so here is a shout out to those Veterans who are Living a Maintenance Life, no matter who you are or where you are from.

There are times when we Maintenance Pros get pulled from their original jobs to do something else. A ton of stigma usually follows these changes, but take it from DaSjohn Moses and Christian Lawhorn with these forks in the road come challenges and perspective.   I had a really good time sitting down with these two self proclaimed nerds. Hope you enjoy. 

Meet a the McCarthy family, Sean and Katie. They serve the Air Force in different roles that merge in the most critical of places...the flight line. This Maintenance Operations Officer and Aircraft Commander balance demanding careers while raising the newest McCarthy, baby Lily. Listen to their story and you may hear some similarities with your experiences. Enjoy

Special shout out to Derrick Brooke who has dedicated his efforts to running the process improvement team. This maintenance professional is never satisfied with the status quo. He seeks ways to get after efficiencies, tears down roadblocks, and guide others to think outside the box. 

Here are three ruthless money making resilient smart asses. Eddy Odongpinyokene, Chris Santos and Devin Meek have different backgrounds and work in different squadrons but if you need something to get done...get them. Like most Crew Chiefs they are unapologetic grinders. One of my favorite episodes to produce. Take a listen.

Usually this podcast is 18th Maintenance Group specific but after meeting Garrett Bodie I learned that some expansion was needed. This maintenance professional serves across the flight line in the the 733rd Air Mobility Squadron. He was raised by good parents which in turn, led him down a path to be a good person. His hard working father also served in the Air Force and blazed a maintenance path for him to follow. From working in a furniture store to making a decision to join, this son was guided by an influentialfather who I know looks down and is proud. Enjoy.

The second you meet Alex Pagano you know that he is a mover and shaker. He motivates and inspires those around him. His story starts in New Jersey as a young hockey player who loved the aviation industry. Then fast forward a few years and he is making changes felt all across the Air Force and just as importantly, with his teammates. It was a pleasure to sit in the lab with him. Take a listen!

This episode is about a family who has had, and will have, vastly different Air Force experiences. Meet Dave Harvey, a Chief entering his final year in service as a Maintenance Professional and his daughter, Kaylynn Harvey, a Lieutenant entering her first year as a Maintenance Professional. Listen to their thought processes and experiences as the sun sets on one career and rises for another. Enjoy. 

Sometimes it takes a team of three and that holds true for weapons professionals. They roll out in packs and have each other's backs. Andrey Pohorelow, Matthew Curiale, and Simon Delaney tell their stories about the flight line and now the back shop. Representing one of the most close knit teams in maintenance, these teammates arrange an opportunity for others to die for their country. 

Listen a very distinct and close knit maintenance community, MFE or the Props Mafia, always fire it up! This panel was awesome in highlighting what growing up as an Engine professional was like for Tim Blas, Earl Denham, and Chris Hutson. Representing each enlisted tier these guys are proud as hell and funny to listen to. Enjoy!

This Aggie turned AMMO boss represents the biggest, baddest, and best Munitions Squadron in the Air Force. Along the way he endured a fair share of personal and professional adversities. Those experiences led him to his amazing teammate as well as showed him how to lead during the most difficult times. Ladies and gentlemen Daniel Gebhardt, a person I get the privilege to serve alongside here in the ZZ  Maintenance Group.  

Diamonds provide a unique perspective to their organizations. Again, there is no mold for what a maintenance professional is. We are unique and bring different skillsets to the fight. Here are three First Sergeant who come from a variety of different backgrounds that are taking care of those Living a Maintenance Life. Listen and enjoy. 

They say that danger is no stranger to an AGE ranger. Abelardo Salinas is living his best life with his wife and new born child. His parents came to the states to give him a better life and he took advantage. Listen to this California native as he shares his 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 be a better person and leader. Enjoy!

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 Laboratory and Avionics Flight.

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.

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. 

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 and our teammate the Civilian Leader.

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.

The person you are now will likely be different in ten years. This Shirt brings a dynamic background and a perspective that spans the globe. Taking care of those who are focused on mission execution is what Allen Limjoco brings to the fight. Listen to this motivated leader who genuinely cares for others. Northside, Strongside!

My next guest leads one of the most diverse aircraft maintenance squadrons in the Air Force. Hailing from a small border town he shows respect and honor to his family by continuing a legacy of hard work, never forgetting where he came from.  Lieutenant Colonel Perez is a natural leader, how could he not with the support base he has. Both he and his wife serve and sacrifice in order to live this maintenance life. 

Our Deputy is one of the most unique Maintenance Officers I have ever met. His perspective can give insight into different ways to get things accomplished. He is a three time Squadron Commander, Kadena alumni, former professor, and most importantly a family man. 

Our next generation leaders are here. It is a blast watching them get after it with a blend of tenacity and humility. Our Group's Company Grade Officers are hungry to lead, serve, and elevate our mission while taking care of our Airmen. Meet one of our Bleed Blue Bat Lieutenants who in next up to mic.  

Often I wonder who's got next?  Too easy.  These Shogun SNCOs are all over it.  The newly minted Senior Paul gives her story about being a Maintenance pro, raising a family, and life as a female in this maintenance life.  Honored to serve alongside people like Senior Paul who truly care about what they do and who they lead!

When you think of a maintenance Chief what does that look like?  To me it looks a lot like Chief Wiessner.  Only the third Weapons professional to serve in the highest Enlisted grade but believe me, she is raising the next generation to break that artificial mold.  She shares an inspiring story about how she came up in this maintenance world and how her upbringing prepared her for what lay ahead.  

Meet a NCO who is getting after it in all aspects.  A family man, a Flying Crew Chief, and a Maintenance professional.  TSgt Morgan shows and tells us why this next generation NCO is ready to take the reins and lead our Airmen.  Raw and uncut here is some perspective from a rescue maintenance pro. An absolute privilege to serve with him.  

We have changed, Airmen don't work like we used to.  I hear it all the time.  Consider reevaluating that mindset.  Our Airmen are hungry to learn and develop.  Meet an F-15 Maintenance Airmen who is as motivated as they come.  Ready to follow and bred to lead.  A1C Soper provides his perspective on growing up in a small town, family, and living a maintenance life.