Civilian Airman celebrates 30 years of federal service

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class J. Zuriel Lee
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Spending time in the military and time in civil service, Leonard Ashley, 97th Air Mobility Wing supply technician, celebrated 30 years of federal service April 4, 2014. Ashley researches and requisition parts for the U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft.

"If they need a part, I am going to get it," Ashley said. "I will turn this base upside down to get it. I've been in this job for 12 years. You become seasoned and knowledgeable, and you should use that knowledge in your abilities to enhance what you do. The mission is always first."

He recalled during his childhood, growing up close to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, he would enjoy watching planes. He also had an interest in taking his toys apart.
"My attraction toward airplanes -- I never wanted to fly them. My entire life I was intrigued by mechanics, why it does what it does," Ashley said. "I've always been close to the wrench. I've always been a mechanic, a technician."

Ashley said his joining the military was a path to his self-improvement.

"The Air Force is a golden opportunity," Ashley said, who served 14 years on active duty before exchanging his uniform for a career in civil service. "Doors are open everywhere constantly for improvement and upgrading your life. The Air Force is a great reward."

"I saw the worst and the military was my escape," Ashley said. "I was very fortunate to come into the military. I contribute a lot of my person to the early years of the Air Force, back in the 70s: establishing priorities, conducting yourself in public, always the diplomat, presenting yourself so that you don't bring shame to yourself or your family."

After joining the Air Force, Ashley had the opportunity to be stationed in Altus in 1986. The position of his current desk is only five feet from the place his desk sat when he first arrived.

To Ashley, the Air Force is comprised of different people who have come together for one common objective.

"We come from different races, religions, backgrounds, and we become a family," he said. "When my daughter was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, my family was taken care of and that is the Air Force, the epitome of a family. We come together to take care of our own."