Photo By Master Sgt. Jenifer Calhoun | Secretary of Defense Robert Gates shakes hands with Senior Master Sgt. Michael R....... read more read more
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SOUTHWEST ASIA -- He grew up in Philadelphia -- a city known to be filled with more than one and a half million citizens one media source touted as "fiercely loyal" to their city. For 26 years, however, one of Philadelphia's native sons has been serving proudly in the Air Force and continues to do so while deployed at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia.
"I naturally feel proud, happy and still thrilled after 26 years to serve in the Air Force," said Senior Master Sgt. Michael R. Czekaj, operations superintendent for the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. "I joined the military to do just what I am doing now and to be part of something that was bigger than myself. My only regret is missing my family in Philadelphia, my fiancée Michelle, and most of all, my daughter Melissa."
As the 380th ECES operations superintendent, Czekaj leads a portion of the civil engineer squadron with many Airmen working behind the scenes.
"I hold a privileged position that oversees daily operations of structures, water and fuels, barrier maintenance and etymology sections in the multi-facetted civil engineer squadron," said Czekaj, who is deployed from the 99th Civil Engineer Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. "We complete large and small work requests to upgrade or maintain the base in our areas of responsibility through coordination with expert NCOs in each area. I am lucky to support 27 talented young craftsmen with carpentry, masonry, welding, sheet metal, locksmith, plumbing, fuels, aircraft barrier maintenance and pest management skills who really keep this base or any base properly functioning and operational."
In the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, there's also never a shortage of work for Czekaj's civil engineer Airmen. They support an infrastructure for a base of more than 1,900 Airmen who in turn support operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.
"As a senior noncommissioned officer, my specific career field is less important than my ability to provide management capabilities, leadership and hopefully some wisdom to the younger folks who I work with," Czekaj said. "I feel that their youth and energy combined with my experience are a winning combination for us to accomplish our mission."
The 380th ECES is a sub-unit of the 380th AEW. The wing is home to the KC-10 Extender, U-2 Dragon Lady, E-3 Sentry and RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft. The wing is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The 380th AEW supports operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.
| Date Taken: | 04.29.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 04.29.2010 02:04 |
| Story ID: | 48858 |
| Location: | (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) |
| Web Views: | 332 |
| Downloads: | 282 |
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