First Deployment Offers Fuels Specialist Unique Perspective

Published Sept. 22, 2011
By Senior Airman Chuck Broadway
9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force/ Air Component Coordination Element- Iraq Public Affairs

ALI BASE, Iraq -- Airman 1st Class David Peterson is a fuels equipment specialist in the 407th Air Expeditionary Group at Ali Base. His primary role here is to supply fuel to the base's ground and air assets.

With less than two years in service, Peterson deployed for the first time, arriving here in July.

Still in the infancy of his Air Force career, Peterson has spent the past two months learning about the Air Force's deployed mission and what life is like for an Airman downrange.

Peterson tries to embody the whole-person concept that the Air Force looks for in their Airmen. By whole-person, Peterson looks to be the best Airman he can be, on and off duty by volunteering as a member of the base honor guard and performing additional duties around his shop.

"He's an excellent example of an Airman," Master Sgt. Carl Bortz, 407th AEG fuels superintendent said. "He's focused, determined and always looking to volunteer. He's actively involved at the shop and willing to learn the uniqueness of deploying."

Peterson's satisfaction in serving his country is high.

"I feel a great sense of pride serving my country over here," Peterson said. "To actually be over here is a great experience."

Providing fuel to keep planes in the air is an extremely important part of the overall mission, Peterson said. Getting troops the supplies they need and returning people home safely is a worthwhile experience, he said.

Peterson graduated from Benson High School in Tuscon, Ariz., in 2006. He enrolled at Cochise Community College in 2007. In 2009 he met Staff Sgt. Kevin Farr, an Air Force recruiter.

Farr, a former petroleum, oils and lubricants specialist, introduced Peterson to the career field. Months later, Peterson raised his right hand for the first time and officially became a member of the Air Force.

Following technical school at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, Peterson went to his first assignment to Minot Air Force Base, N.D. While there he learned valuable lessons about the Air Force's core values, the importance of continuing his education and the significance of community service.

Peterson refuels the B-52 Stratofortress at Minot AFB and is as part of a team that delivers massive firepower worldwide, on time, on target, every time.

After work, he spends time with his wife, Reina, and two children, Payton, 3, and Daxton, 6 months.

"We like to go out to eat, walk in the park and just enjoy life as a family," Peterson said. "Me and my wife love to be outdoors and play soccer or go running."

Being overseas and separated from his family for the first time has been difficult for Peterson. However, he stays in contact with his wife through the wonders of technology.

"I try to talk to my wife at least three times a week through email or Skype," he said. "The hardest thing for me is not interacting with my kids daily. I miss seeing them run around and growing."

When the mission ends, Peterson hopes to be home to witness his youngest child's first steps -- a memory that most parents will never forget.

When Peterson arrived in Iraq in July, he said his first steps off the plane were a big shock.

"When my feet hit the cement on the flightline, the heat got to me," Peterson said. "There's nothing like it."

Peterson said he's adjusted to the weather and the base quickly.

When his first enlistment is over, Peterson plans to raise his right hand once again and continue serving his country for at least 20 years.

Bortz added that Peterson has a bright future ahead of him and could one day be a chief master sergeant.

"He'd make a good chief," Bortz said. "I see no reason why he can't make rank the first time, every time and progress quickly."