Chief Elder savors 37-year Air Force career

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Dan Oliver
  • 932nd Airlift Wing
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE Ill-- --  
Ever since Chief Master Sgt. George Elder can remember he's had a fascination for mechanical things--especially airplanes.

That fascination and passion for working with his hands has resulted in a stellar 37-year military career. This month, Elder will retire and bid farewell to the 932nd Airlift Wing, a unit he's been a part of since 1980.

During that time, he's helped guide the 932nd Maintenance Squadron through airframe and mission change.

"Change has been a constant ever since I joined the Air Force. Change is always around the corner," Elder said.

The chief has held a variety of maintenance jobs during his Air Force Reserve career: C-9 engine mechanic; structures, inspection shop. He also taught C-9 engine systems to the 375th Maintenance Squadron members.

Going out the door, Elder had the pedal to the metal.

On Sunday afternoon of the January drill, Elder still had some 300 emails to read and then prepare for a TDY--all in about 24 hours.

The modest maintenance superintendent wouldn't have it any other way.

Elder grew up in the small town of Perryville, Mo., the son of a Navy Reserve recruiter. He was taught the value of work and discipline. So, joining the military was a simple decision. And, it was a different time--Vietnam and the draft were still simmering.

"I thought enlisting in the Air Force was an excellent way to start a career."

When he joined in August 1974, Watergate was boiling and disco music was on the radio. Air Force utility uniforms (fatigues) were olive drab and Elder's first Air Force job was air cargo.

It didn't take long for the mechanically-inclined Elder to cross-train into aircraft maintenance. By 1978, he was assigned to the 64th Organizational Maintenance Squadron. He would eventually become a reservist and was assigned to the 932nd Maintenance Squadron in 1980.

The years from 1980 until 2003 were the heyday of the C-9A Nightingale and the aeromedical mission at Scott. It was a dynamic time for 932nd crew chiefs and maintainers.

The flight line was always busy, which kept us (maintenance crews) on the go, Elder said.

Still, the most memorable maintenance challenge Elder faced was with the C-140. Back in the day, C-140s were used for airborne testing of airfield navigational aids.

The entire fleet of C-140s at Scott was grounded due to cracks in the wings.

"I had an opportunity to be temporarily assigned to the structures shop. The maintenance team riveted and patched those C-140s for five long months." For aviation buffs, the last C-140A to be retired is on display at the Scott Heritage Air Park.

The biggest organizational challenge the Wing faced, Elder said, was moving from an associate to a unit-equipped status. Also, embracing the new C-40C.

"We had to develop people while we were doing the mission," he said. Commanders and supervisors were committed to the challenge, he added. He is proud to have been part of that historic transition.

Elder said that while he has enjoyed a long and successful career at the 932nd AW, he doesn't consider himself a Wing icon.

"The various jobs and tasks I've taken on were just roles you take."

Elder is a proponent of preparing Airmen not only in technical skills, but taking all the PME, management courses and developing leadership skills.

His parting thoughts to younger Airmen are "to seek out opportunities for which you will broaden your experiences. It will pay dividends later."

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Five bonus questions for Chief Elder:

1. What is your official retirement date? 22 February 2012
2. When did you join the Air Force? 23 August 1974
3. Who is the most memorable person in your career? "There were a number of individuals, but I'd say retired Lt. Gen. Paul Carlton. He was the hospital commander at Scott years ago and he knew about my background. He asked me to work on and maintain his private airplane, which I did for several years."
4. What is the biggest change you've seen in crew chiefs and aircraft mechanics through the years? "Guys used to work on their cars and motorcycles off-duty. You don't see that much anymore."
5. What are your retirement plans?  "I have many plans, but one is restoring an old Cessna airplane I own and later on take some flying lessons."