7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
5/27/2014 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- "Congratulations! Your application has passed the screening process and you've been selected for assignment to the 89th Airlift Wing Presidential Logistics Squadron."
These were the words Staff Sgt. Billy Trusty Jr. read in an e-mail pertaining to his next assignment at Andrews Air Force Base, Md.
Trusty, a 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron B-1B Lancer crew chief, received the chance of a lifetime to join the ranks of Airmen who are selected to perform maintenance on Air Force One (VC-25). He applied for this five-year special duty assignment while deployed to Southwest Asia last year.
"The last e-mail I saw about the presidential support team was when I deployed," Trusty said. "I realized it was an awesome opportunity, so I started the application process immediately."
Trusty had been thinking about the chance to be a part of the Air Force One fleet after seeing fellow Airmen get picked up for the job, while constantly seeing e-mails about open positions.
"I wanted to try something new," Trusty said. "You learn something new every day on the B-1, but I wanted to learn about different airframes as well. This is a great opportunity to expand my aircraft knowledge and set myself up for success in the future. Not a lot of people can say they have had the privilege of maintaining Air Force One."
The B-1 crew chief was doubtful about his chances of getting the job, as he didn't want to get his hopes up. Prior to starting the application, he thought about it for a few days and figured it was more than worth a try.
"All the work I've put in at Dyess and everything I've learned will be useful at Andrews," Trusty said. "It feels pretty exciting, but overwhelming at the same time. I know this job is very competitive, so I'm just thankful my name was on that list."
Trusty is also thankful for his leadership who helped steer him in the right direction.
"Tech. Sgt. Hansen was my first supervisor, and he showed me the ropes of the B-1," Trusty said. "Tech. Sgt. Barney has taught me a lot about the administrative aspect of being a noncommissioned officer. I also appreciate the flight chiefs, because they are very understanding and helpful."
Tech. Sgt. Jay Barney, Trusty's supervisor, sees the potential in him and his embodiment of the Air Force's core values.
"Staff Sgt. Trusty shows a lot of aspiration and he performs outstandingly at his present position," said Tech. Sgt. Jay Barney, 7th AMXS B-1 expeditor. "He is a great asset to the 7th AMXS, and I have no doubt he is worthy of laboring in the presidential support function. Trusty is, as his name points out, a very trustworthy NCO. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of working with him, and he has always impressed me with his work ethic and abilities. He gets the job done."
Barney also notes Trusty's character and positive attitude. He is known in the shop for his sense of humor and upbeat personality.
"Staff Sgt. Trusty's sense of humor has been a great asset to our unit for combating the stressors present on the line. He cracks jokes and provides any other form of comic relief, which helps lighten the mood throughout the shift," Barney said. "He always has a positive attitude, which seems to be rare these days. He cares about the mission, unit and the people. It shows in the way he conducts himself on and off duty. I'm proud to be associated with him and can't wait to hear about all the great things he will be doing throughout his career."
Like any job that involves ensuring the safety of the commander in chief, Trusty already knows what lies ahead as far as the importance of this line of work.
"Just being able to work for the president is a high honor," Trusty said. "I am looking forward to working on an aircraft with such significance. I will be responsible for changing parts and ensuring the aircraft is safe for the president and other distinguished leaders."
Dyess is Trusty's first base where he made his mark as an Airman and transitioned into a noncommissioned officer. As he embarks on his new journey, he hopes to build on the foundation he's been a part of at the 7th AMXS.
"I will miss being a dedicated crew chief and basically owning my own jet," Trusty said. "My shop is like a family to me since I've been here for seven years, so I hope to develop this type of relationship at Andrews."
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