April Featured Airman of the Month

  • Published
  • By A1C Ashley Ramirez
  • 146th Airlift Wing
April 1, 2011 --  The April Featured Airman of the Month is Senior Master Sergeant Ronald Nester, an Instructor Loadmaster from the 115th Airlift Squadron. SMSgt. Nester is also this year's 146th Airlift Wing Senior NCO of the Year!

1. When did you enlist in the Air Force, how long have you been in the service?
I delayed enlisted in the active duty Air Force in May 1979 and went to basic training 7Sep79. I left active duty 28Apr88 and enlisted in the 146th in October 1988. I'm closing in on 32 years of service.

2. What motivated you to enlist in the Air Force?
I didn't really want to go to college and I wanted to travel so joining the military seemed like a great idea. My Dad was prior Navy and told me if I joined any branch to join the Air Force. Since I was only 17 years old both he and my Mom had to sign allowing me to enlist.

3. How has being an Airman changed your point of view on life?
It's made me appreciate being an American and even more respectful of the sacrifices of those who have served before me.

4. What's the most important lesson you've learned in the military?
 That if you keep your nose clean you can go as far as you want in your career.

5. What is your favorite part/memory about the Air Force?
I guess all of the places I have been and the hundreds of people I have met over the years. I am still in contact with people I served on active duty with back in the 80's. I think that's pretty cool.

6. If you could deploy anywhere in the world, where would you go?
 I spent 3 years on Guam and a year in Korea. I'd like to make it back to both of those places someday just to see how much things have changed.

7. If you could choose any Air Force job, which would it be? Why?
Probably a pilot. I love flying airplanes and teaching people to fly so I think that would be fun. I spent 10 years as a Flight Engineer on C130-E models and had the best times ever!

8. Where did you grow up?
I was born in Oxnard Ca. and grew up in Port Hueneme. I lived here until I graduated from Hueneme High School and left for basic training in 1979.

9. What is your civilian job?
I'm an Air Technician currently working as the Ground Safety Manager for the 146th AW. I've been in that position since September of 2004.

10. What are your hobbies?
 I enjoy camping and flying planes most of all. I also get together with some friends and ride bicycles on weekends. I just try and stay active; it keeps your mind sharp.

11. What would people be surprised to know about you?
Oh gosh, the two that come to mind are that I actually like to cook even though I am horrible at it and that I say I hate dancing but I have a blast doing it!

April Featured Airman of the Month

  • Published
  • By A1C Ashley Ramirez
  • 146th Airlift Wing
April 1, 2011 --  The April Featured Airman of the Month is Senior Master Sergeant Ronald Nester, an Instructor Loadmaster from the 115th Airlift Squadron. SMSgt. Nester is also this year's 146th Airlift Wing Senior NCO of the Year!

1. When did you enlist in the Air Force, how long have you been in the service?
I delayed enlisted in the active duty Air Force in May 1979 and went to basic training 7Sep79. I left active duty 28Apr88 and enlisted in the 146th in October 1988. I'm closing in on 32 years of service.

2. What motivated you to enlist in the Air Force?
I didn't really want to go to college and I wanted to travel so joining the military seemed like a great idea. My Dad was prior Navy and told me if I joined any branch to join the Air Force. Since I was only 17 years old both he and my Mom had to sign allowing me to enlist.

3. How has being an Airman changed your point of view on life?
It's made me appreciate being an American and even more respectful of the sacrifices of those who have served before me.

4. What's the most important lesson you've learned in the military?
 That if you keep your nose clean you can go as far as you want in your career.

5. What is your favorite part/memory about the Air Force?
I guess all of the places I have been and the hundreds of people I have met over the years. I am still in contact with people I served on active duty with back in the 80's. I think that's pretty cool.

6. If you could deploy anywhere in the world, where would you go?
 I spent 3 years on Guam and a year in Korea. I'd like to make it back to both of those places someday just to see how much things have changed.

7. If you could choose any Air Force job, which would it be? Why?
Probably a pilot. I love flying airplanes and teaching people to fly so I think that would be fun. I spent 10 years as a Flight Engineer on C130-E models and had the best times ever!

8. Where did you grow up?
I was born in Oxnard Ca. and grew up in Port Hueneme. I lived here until I graduated from Hueneme High School and left for basic training in 1979.

9. What is your civilian job?
I'm an Air Technician currently working as the Ground Safety Manager for the 146th AW. I've been in that position since September of 2004.

10. What are your hobbies?
 I enjoy camping and flying planes most of all. I also get together with some friends and ride bicycles on weekends. I just try and stay active; it keeps your mind sharp.

11. What would people be surprised to know about you?
Oh gosh, the two that come to mind are that I actually like to cook even though I am horrible at it and that I say I hate dancing but I have a blast doing it!