By Air Force Senior Airman Mercedes Taylor, 19th Airlift
Wing
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark., Dec. 7, 2017 — Mentors
come in many forms. And, whether they’re coworkers, supervisors or even
friends, they provide personal and professional advice that can impact someone
for the rest of their lives.
Air Force Airman Trevor Armentrout, a loadmaster, often
receives guidance from one of his mentors: his father, Air Force Col. Jeffrey
Armentrout, 302nd Airlift Wing vice commander.
Father and son were recently assigned as students at the
714th Training Squadron here to attend the C-130 Center of Excellence. Jeffery
trained to become a C-130H3 Hercules pilot for the Air Force Reserve’s 302nd Airlift
Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. His son trained as a loadmaster and
is serving in the Air Force Reserve’s 700th Airlift Squadron at Dobbins Air
Reserve Base, Georgia, while studying at Kennesaw State University, Georgia.
“[Being at the schoolhouse] was a treat for me and his
mother,” Jeffery said. “We enjoyed some fun recreational excursions together
and caught up with Trevor on all his Air Force training experiences.”
Family Time
Before attending the technical school, the senior Armentrout
spent 10 years on active duty as a C-5 Galaxy pilot. In 2000, he transitioned
to the Air Force Reserve.
“In the reserve I’ve had to spend a lot of time away from my
family,” he said. “Every month, I had to leave the house and disappear
somewhere for a few days. When I was home, I focused on the things we could do
together when we had the time. Both my boys were in the Boy Scouts, so I
invested a lot of time doing that with them. I have the fondest memories of
those experiences.”
It was during those times together that Jeffery passed down
family values to his son.
“He gave me a good life and I want to provide that for my
children, someday,” Trevor said of his father. “He raised me to want to be
willing to help others. My father also made sure I knew I had to earn my way in
life, so I want my children to know that too.”
In addition to helping others and working hard, Trevor said
he felt the need to serve his country.
“Since my dad served in the Air Force, I thought I would
serve my country too, but not in the same way he did,” he said. “And then I
thought, ‘Why not go to school and join the military?’”
“When my son brought up the idea of joining the Air Force,
he also indicated he wanted to go to school, so I suggested the reserve,”
Jeffery said.
Deeper Understanding
Trevor eventually joined the Air Force Reserve. Now that he
has had some time in the Air Force, he respects and understands what his father
does even more.
“Whether he saw it or not, I always thought his job was
important,” Trevor said. “I always understood that, but going into the Air
Force gave me an understanding of all he does. I understood why he would have
to leave every so often because he was supporting us and our country.”
“[His mother and I] are proud of his decision to serve,”
Jeffery said of his son. “The Air Force has been a big part of our life and I
know he will benefit from the experience. I’m hopeful that the Air Force chief
of staff focus on revitalizing the squadron will improve Trevor's overall
experience so that he continues a long and rewarding career.”
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