Mapley enjoys life on the court, in the Guard

by SSgt. Samara Taylor
127th Wing Public Affairs

2/25/2014 - SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich.  -- The Michigan Air National Guard scores with one hoops-playing Airman.

A college basketball player in his civilian life, Airman 1st Class Andrew Mapley has also been serving for the past three years in the Michigan Air National Guard. He works as a structural Journeyman in the 127th Civil Engineer Squadron at Selfridge Air National Guard Base here.

"The unit and guys are fun to work with; the environment is fun and everyone is treated with respect," he said.

Mapley said he would eventually like to make a career in the National Guard. As a member of CES he performs and manages activities to provide facilities and infrastructure supporting the United States and allies.

He joined initially joined the Guard to receive money for school, however found his experience in the Guard much more rewarding. He said he recognizes the changes the military has made in his life, noting that it trained him to be disciplined and more responsible. He was recognized for his accomplishments as a nominee for Airman of the Year in 2013. He believes the military has provided him with many advantages in his life. Tech. Sgt. Dan Gerlach, a Structure Supervisor with the 127th CES, states Mapley is a dedicated and hard worker in learning his craft he has the drive to learn and is a team player.

Mapley is also a full-time student. He obtained a basketball scholarship at Schoolcraft Community College, where he plays as a forward and center on the college's basketball team. He anticipates graduating in the spring of 2014 with an associate's degree in liberal arts. His future goal is to get a bachelor's degree in Sports Management.

Comprised of approximately 1,700 personnel and flying both the Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft and the Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, the 127th Wing supports Air Mobility Command, Air Combat Command and Air Force Special Operation Command by providing highly-skilled Airmen to missions domestically and overseas. The 127th Wing is the host unit at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which marks its 97th year of continuous military air operations in 2014.