Airman volunteers in community, on base

by Gina Randall
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

9/5/2014 - RAF MILDENHALL, England  -- Master Sgt. Andrew Wilder is a 100th Maintenance Group unit deployment manager from Southaven, Mississippi. In his role he is responsible for preparing and deploying 100th MXG Airmen all around the world when they are called upon to serve their country. He takes pride in his work.

"I enjoy seeing the strategic view of the Air Force, the big picture," Wilder explained.

But Wilder doesn't just give his all when he walks into the office in the morning; he takes his drive and determination to make the world a better place home with him at the end of a busy day at work.

"If I hear about something, I try to get involved. There is always something I want to be a part of," Wilder said. "In the past, I've volunteered for the Air Force Ball and the Knucklebuster committees, but recently my focus has been on raising money for charities and exposing people to history."

He is passionate about helping service members, past and present, with his voluntary work with the 100th Bombardment Group at Thorpe Abbotts, Norfolk; the 390th BG at Parham, Suffolk; and the 95th BG at Horham, Suffolk where he is on the committee for the 95th BG Heritage Association. Even though Wilder isn't British, he gets involved in his local village while stationed thousands of miles from home.

His new home while stationed in England was a small village in Suffolk (he has since moved from that village).

"We had a tragedy a few years ago in the village where a little girl had a brain tumor; eventually she passed away from it," he said sadly.

Following the terrible loss of her daughter, the girl's mother started a charity. Wilder and his family jumped at the chance to get involved, and his wife and her friends organized a bazaar selling crafts to raise funds.

"It wasn't something I completely organized, but I got involved," the Mississippi native said. "You don't have to be in a leadership role to help out -- just do something, anything to help."

Wilder also organized an event in 2013 where he raised money for Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust in Cambridge, England. The family fun day raised 5,225 pounds and included a concert on a football pitch, car show, food stalls and games. Wilder coordinated 50 volunteers from RAF Mildenhall to come out and help.

"We made a heck of an event, and it made for phenomenal community relations," Wilder said.

The Airman also has a passion for what brought him to the Air Force 16 years ago -- military history. Wilder believes by looking back at those that served before him, today's Airmen and future leaders can strive for a better tomorrow.

History has always interested him, and he wanted to make the most of his time stationed in a part of the world where the historical events took place all those years ago.

So, he took a trip to the 100th BG museum at Thorpe Abbotts to learn more about it. At the museum, there were volunteers dressed in vintage and reproduction World War II uniforms and inform guests of the history of the Air Force and its members.

"I was blown away. They don't just put on an outfit; they know specific people and educate visitors, 'today I'm dressed as Maj. McKnight from the 95th BG'," Wilder reflected. "These people know so much about a foreign military that it blows my mind."

He didn't know any of the people on that rainy day in Norfolk. Today he looks back on the pictures taken on his visit with fond memories because now he's close friends with them.

That weekend he met a brass band which performed music from the period. Wilder saw an opportunity and arranged for them to perform to the base population at the 80th anniversary event held Aug. 15, 2014.

It was a success, but Wilder wants to do more, and for others to join him.

"I would like more support. I'd like Airmen to be beating the museum doors down every weekend," Wilder laughed. "I've been talking to the first sergeant to get groups together to go see the museum to show people what it's all about."

His leadership is proud of his accomplishments.

"I'm very proud to serve with Wilder," said Senior Master Sgt. Laquanese Townsend, 100th Maintenance Operations superintendent from Birmingham, Alabama. "He's the type of senior NCO that whatever he's involved in he gives it his all ... whether it's his job or his community involvement; he's definitely the type of leader the Air Force needs."