To Germany and back: Charleston exchange pilot flies home for air show

Photo By Michael Dukes | Maj. Rico Persy, 14th Airlift Squadron C-17 pilot, prepares for the opening day of the Berlin Air Show June 1, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. Persy is a native of Hamburg, Germany, and has been actively serving in Germany’s Personnel Exchange Program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tom Brading)  

BERLIN, BE, GERMANY

06.08.2016

Story by Senior Airman Thomas Brading  

315th Airlift Wing

A German Air Force pilot that has made Charleston his home, briefly returned to Europe with Airmen from the 315th Airlift Wing for the Berlin Air Show June 1-4.

Maj. Rico Persy, a Hamburg, Germany native, has served in the Germany’s Personnel Exchange Program for more than three years. Although a member of the German Air Force, he’s a “proud Pelican” currently assigned to the 14th Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, as a C-17 Globemaster III pilot.

“The opportunity to be a pilot with the U.S. Air Force has been incredible,” said Persy. “It’s given me the chance to work alongside the American military, and we’re able to learn from each other in the process.”

In addition to the friendships built between countries, Persy is able to utilize tactics and equipment similar to operations he conducted in Germany as a C-160 aircraft commander. While in the German air force, Persy completed a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan, as well as multiple deployments throughout Africa.

Regardless of where you’re from, some aspects of military life never change. Like being away from loved ones and military transitions. It can be stressful and Persy was no exception. His wife, mother, and two young children flew across the world to be with him, and he was unable to pick them up.

As his family was arriving in Charleston, Persy finished training at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Unfortunately; he was delayed and unable to meet them at the airport in Charleston. Feeling helpless, Persy was unaware of how his family would get adjusted to their new surroundings.

That’s when the 14th AS stepped in and Persy realized the bond the squadron had for each other. It was an unbreakable one that he shares to this day.

Knowing the dilemma Persy was in, the 14th AS stepped up for their fellow “Pelican.” The 14th AS Commander, Lt. Col. Mark Baran, and his wife Joy met the Persy family at the airport late in the evening to welcome them into their new home in Charleston. This was more than a relief. It was a testament to their dedication to family and taking care of each other.


“The 14th Airlift Squadron has taken care of me and my family from the start,” said Persy. “I’ve been a Pelican from day one, and always will be.”

Recently, his wife celebrated her birthday. More than fifty people came out to celebrate the occasion. From local neighbors to members of the 14th AS, the feeling of being inclusive and family is a continuing notion that Persy and his family have been grateful to have.

Persy is a seasoned traveler of the United States, from his high school days as a foreign exchange student in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, to basic pilot training in Arizona. Although he’s been around the country, Persy admits there’s “something special” about Charleston.

“Charleston’s weather, food, and overall lifestyle are all extraordinary,” said Persy. “But, it’s the local community; from my neighbors to my fellow Airmen that have proven Charleston to be exceptional.”

Countries may initially divide Persy with U.S. Airmen, yet many elements keep them united. Persy understands the burden deployments take on military families, the pride found in serving the military and the appreciation felt within his “adopted” local community.

“Whenever a stranger comes up and shakes my hand it feels great,” said Persy. “They see the German flag on my arm, but still understand we’re united in our mission, and we’re on the same side and having that support has been really great.”

According to Persy, the outgoing amount of patriotism in the United States is inspirational. The hospitality given to Persy by the Americans was fitting when the Germans returned the favor during the2016 ILA Berlin Air Show.

“It’s traditional for the German exchange pilot during the Berlin Air Show,” said Persy. “Coming back and being able to see my parents, other family members, and Germany is great.”

For the aircrew of the C-17 Globemaster III titled “The Spirit of Berlin”, Persy was more than their co-pilot; he was a diplomat of Germany, and quickly became their friend.

“Having Maj. Persy working alongside the 701st on this mission

• Date Taken: 06.08.2016
• Date Posted: 12.12.2016 08:33
• Story ID: 217268
• Location: BERLIN, BE, DE
• Hometown: BERLIN, BE, DE