DUKE FIELD, Fla. -- Throughout 2016, 919th Special Operations Wing public affairs will highlight the Airmen of specific flights throughout the Reserve wing here. There will be four installments in this series. The Airmen of aircrew flight equipment
The AFE flight is part of the 919th Special Operations Support Squadron. Their mission is to train aircrew on lifesaving skills in the event of an ejection or aircraft crash. They also account for and maintain the life support equipment used during the flight and/or crash such as parachutes, helmets, radios, vests, survival kits, etc.
Master Sgt. Mitch Harris
Harris has been a reservist for seven years. He left active-duty after 10 years of service. He has always been a part of the aircrew flight equipment career field. He serves now as an air reserve technician in the shop.
He said he left active duty to finish his degree, but joined the Reserve to “remain part of the team.”
“The best part of being in the reserve is being part of a family,” he said. “The bonds are just as strong as active-duty.”
Harris said what he likes most about his job is knowing the equipment his team maintains could save the lives of aircrew members one day.
Staff Sgt. Joshua Riggs
Riggs joined the Air Force as a Reservist and has been with the wing for 13 years.
He said he followed in his father’s footstep by joining the Reserve. He has taken advantage of the Reserve’s tuition assistance program and is currently on continuous orders within the AFE flight.
Staff Sgt. Autumn Rouke
Rouke is a 12-year Airman, nine active-duty and three years in the Reserve. She left active-duty to finish her degree. She completed it and is currently back in school for nursing.
Rouke, like Harris, said she likes being in the Reserve and with the wing because it feels like family when she is on duty.