100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
2/25/2015 - RAF MILDENHALL, England -- A role not traditionally filled by women is vehicle mechanic. In days gone by it was men up to their elbows in grease, working the wrench and changing tires on government vehicles. But those days are long gone and one such woman hoping to change the stereotype is Airman 1st Class Carly Reuter, 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron Vehicle Maintenance journeyman from Grangeville, Idaho.
"Reuter has broken stereotypes from the day she set foot on RAF Mildenhall," explained Master Sgt. Adam Morrison, 100th LRS Vehicle Management superintendent from Beckemeyer, Illinois. "During our first conversation, I asked her why she wanted to be a vehicle mechanic. Her answer was, 'I chose this career because I don't think many women do.' From that moment on, Carly has proven to be a quick and steadfast learner. She doesn't shy away from challenges and is constantly seeking out opportunities to grow both professionally and personally."
This "have-a-go" attitude has won Reuter the Performer of the Month award in the Airman category for the flight.
A vehicle mechanic wasn't her first choice of military career, but she knew she wanted to roll up her sleeves and get her hands dirty to serve her country in the most challenging manner she could think of.
"I've been in for just over a year," Reuter said. "I joined in 2013, and this is my first base. I joined as a general mechanic, and thought I was going to be a mechanic on the planes because that's what everyone assumes."
Her supervisor is glad she ended up in this assignment as she's a valuable member of the team.
"Reuter won this award because she embraces her role in the mission," said Tech. Sgt. Amy Chandler, 100th LRS Vehicle Maintenance NCO in charge of general purpose from New Orleans, Louisiana. "She was a driving force behind a 95.1 percent mission-capable rate for vehicle management, which is impressive considering our low manning during the month of January. Reuter is eager to learn, she asks relevant questions and is strong enough to ask for help; this is what makes her one of our best."
Reuter said it's her supervisors and those in the shop that she works with day-to-day that make the job all the more worthwhile for the young Airman.
"I like being in this setting; it's a really good group of people here," Reuter explained. "Of course the setting is going to change so it's not just that. I also like learning new things."
Before she enlisted, she was a different person and her career choice may have surprised her friends back home. But far from letting the uncertainty of a new life in a new country put her off, she proved her critics wrong and overcame any doubt she had.
"Before I joined the military, people told me 'you couldn't do that, that's not something you could do, that's not you' -- but I proved them wrong," the Idaho native said proudly.
Her positive attitude helps in her in work. She is new to the job and is learning but her skills develop as she experiences new challenges, in her work and personal life.
"The fact that every vehicle is different can be a challenge," Reuter added. "Just because one vehicle has a problem and another vehicle has the same problem, it doesn't mean it's going to be the same solution. So it takes a lot of practice."
Practice is making perfect for this Airman as she continues to grow.
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