Through Airmen’s Eyes: Living the dream

KADENA AIR BASE, JAPAN

05.04.2017

Story by Airman 1st Class Quay Drawdy 

18th Wing

Airman 1st Class Alex Raleigh, a native of Newark, New Jersey, works as an aerospace propulsion specialist with the 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, maintaining engines for F-15 Eagles.
Raleigh knew he wanted to join the military from a very young age, but couldn’t decide on a branch until middle school.
“I knew I wanted to join the Air Force after going to airshows as a kid,” said Raleigh. “It was just so amazing seeing them fly I wanted to interact with the pilots and the planes themselves. It was then I decided I was going to work on aircraft.”
The long-standing decision he made as a child to join the military shows in his work.
“You can definitely tell he’s wanted to do this for a long time,” said Senior Airman Jeffrey McGraw, 67th AMU aerospace propulsion journeyman. “He’s always eager to learn and is very hands-on with everything he does. He’s one of the best new Airmen we have.”
Raleigh was a part of his high school’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps while also taking automotive maintenance courses to prepare himself for the reality of working on machines in the Air Force.
“I started working with a recruiter when I was 17,” said Raleigh. “I knew I wanted this job, so I put it at the top of my list and I was incredibly excited when I found out I got it. I chose this job and I love what I do.”
The love for what he does is clearly seen by those that work with Raleigh.
“I work right alongside him and he’s incredible to work with,” said McGraw. “He’s fun, outgoing and is so eager to learn, he’ll take the tools out of my hands so he can try things for himself. He’s very by the book and is always striving to get things right the first time.”
The gravity of his chosen career isn’t lost on Raleigh.
“The first time I worked on a jet I knew would be flying, I was very nervous,” said Raleigh. “The life of the pilot hangs on every tiny detail. One mistake could be fatal, but working with a team to get everything accomplished is an enormous help. After doing it every day, though, I’ve become much more confident.”
Despite the pressures of his job and being thousands of miles from home, Raleigh couldn’t be happier with what he does.
“This job is a dream come true for me,” said Raleigh. “I love what I do, my family is very proud of me and I’ve learned a lot more than I thought I ever would. It has all been a fantastic experience.”

• Date Taken: 05.04.2017
• Date Posted: 05.04.2017 03:56
• Story ID: 232508
• Location: KADENA AIR BASE, JP