Photo By Airman 1st Class Tiffany Clark | Master Sgt. James Dunn, Fuels Superintendent for Alpena Combat Readiness Training...... read more read more
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ALPENA, MI – It is rare to know what you want out of your career at the young age of thirteen, but for Master Sgt. James Dunn, fuels superintendent for the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, MI, the military was the only option.
“I knew in seventh grade that I would make a career of being in the military,” smiled Dunn, who grew up in John Day, OR, which has a population of 1,600 people. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do in the military, just that I wanted to be in it.”
He began his career by enlisting in the Army National Guard in Baker City, OR, in March of 1981. During his nine years serving in the Oregon Army National Guard, Dunn was trained in transportation fuels and thus began his love for what he does.
Seeking new opportunities for himself and his family, in 1990, Dunn made the switch from green to blue as he left the Army Guard behind, joining the Air National Guard's 142nd Fighter Wing, Portland, OR. Dunn was yet again given the job of receiving, issuing, and taking inventory of the Petroleum, oils and lubricants (POL) for the Wing.
“I am just a humble gas passer,” Dunn said through a very large grin, “I enjoy being on the flight line as the aircraft come in, it’s a really neat experience to be able to do what I get to do. I actually have eight trucks coming in to be processed, received and distributed today. I have been in POL for my entire career, from when I first started in the Army 36 years ago to current day.”
Over Dunn's long career, a lot has changed in the Air Force. The way his job has developed has made it easy to continue his work for the Air National Guard.
“There are a lot more rules and regulations since I first enlisted,” said Dunn, the smile forming on his face again, as he ran his hands over his short hair. “The Air Force is a lot better at keeping its people safe, so the changes have been for the better. It also helps that I love what I do; it’s a great job and I’m satisfied with it.”
In October of 2002, Dunn bid on an active guard reserve (AGR) job at Alpena CRTC, Alpena, MI, where he continued his work with fuels, participating in the joint Exercise Northern Strike every year since its inception in 2012.
Northern Strike is a National Guard Bureau-sponsored exercise uniting service members from many states, multiple service branches and a number of coalition countries during the first three weeks of August at the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center and the Alpena CRTC, both located in northern Michigan and operated by the Michigan National Guard.
“This is an incredible experience,” said Dunn. “Doing Northern Strike every year really makes what I do feel worth it. This year, since Aug. 1, we have issued 213,000 gallons of fuel to the 20 A-10 jets that are here. This has been the biggest year yet for air refueling, I really do love it.”
Dunn will complete the remainder of his career at Alpena CRTC and plans to enjoy his retirement with his wife on their farm in Oregon, rebuilding old tractors and enjoying their two grandchildren.
However, he did offer some advice for Airmen just beginning their career.
“Just listen, and learn as much as you can from those that outrank you,” said Dunn. “I think that’s the best advice you can give anyone: just listen.”
| Date Taken: | 08.09.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 08.10.2018 10:14 |
| Story ID: | 288195 |
| Location: | ALPENA, MICHIGAN, US |
| Hometown: | ALPENA, MICHIGAN, US |
| Web Views: | 257 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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