Airmen of the Burgh: Senior Airmen Howard and Kresge

Hardly any good deed is done without teamwork. At the 911th Airlift Wing, each Reserve Citizen Airman has to be able to depend upon their wingmen to launch the mission forward.

As structural engineering journeymen with the 911th Civil Engineering Squadron, Senior Airmen Terique Howard and Adam Kresge are indispensable assets to the mission, said structures superintendent Senior Master Sgt. Frank Monacelli.

“Neither of them work construction full time, but in the unit they do whatever’s asked of them,” said Monacelli. “They go above and beyond and volunteer for extra duty to get better and better at their skill.”

The two Airmen are part of the team that serves as the structural backbone of the wing. Their duties encompass maintaining the buildings and framework across the base.

“If anything gets broken when it comes to base engineering, people call us and we come out just to fix it,” said Howard.

Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Howard directly joined the Air Force Reserve in 2016. Kresge, meanwhile, transferred to the 911th AW from active duty service at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana.

Though they came to the wing by different means, they each joined for educational purposes and for personal growth through experience.

Kresge, who was raised in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, is currently attending Columbus State Community and pursuing a nursing degree. He said that though his military experience and civilian career are quite different, there are skills consistent between the two that will help to propel both to new heights.

“[Military service] taught me to look at any situation from all angles,” said Kresge. “It’s good to be able to see all options available. I also serve in a professional role here the same way I would as a nurse, so getting that experience with face-to-face communication helps me to communicate with people in a positive way.”

Howard’s passion for structures began as a child, he said. He was fascinated with walls and rooms at an early age and was intrigued by what separated one room from another. It’s no surprise, therefore, that he also studies civil engineering at Cleveland State University as a civilian.

“I think it benefits both sides,” he said. “At school, I’m learning the more ‘bookish’ parts and the paperwork. Here, I’m learning the hard work and the hands-on training. They go hand in hand.”

The different balances between civilian career and military career is nothing new to the Air Force Reserve. However, Monacelli explained that Howard and Kresge are evidence of a new kind of drive for Reserve Citizen Airmen.

“Those guys are perfect examples of the new era of Airmen coming in,” said Monacelli. “They’re coming in while working toward degrees, and they’re willing to learn. That’s exactly what we’re looking for- people who are able to handle multiple roles at once.”

Kresge and Howard advise incoming Airmen to work closely with their wingmen and to constantly strive for more, knowing that any and all experience will be beneficial in the future.