31 and counting

Photo By Staff Sgt. Michael Janker | U.S. Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Paul Moore, 107th Attack Wing Operations Group Superintendent and Meterological Technician Supervisior, stands for a portrait in the 107th Attack Wing Operations Group building on Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Niagara Falls, New York, June 1, 2020. Moore has served 31 years in the New York Air National Guard with the 107th Attack Wing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Michael Janker)  

NIAGARA FALLS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AIR RESERVE STATION, NY, UNITED STATES

06.11.2020

Story by Airman 1st Class Michael Janker 

107th Attack Wing

31 and counting. That’s how many years Senior Master Sgt. Paul Moore from Kenmore, New York, has been serving his country and community with the 107th Attack Wing, New York Air National Guard.
Moore, who initially had no plans of joining the military, has spent the past 31 years with the 107th conquering challenges, changes, and many different jobs.
Moore joined the 107th when he was 19 years old as an Aerospace Ground Support Equipment Mechanic, in the Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
“Bottom line is really college wasn’t for me” said Moore. He spent the majority of his career in Aircraft Maintenance.
“I could almost diagnose equipment from the seat of my workbench”, said Moore. Plateauing in his specialty and wanting to expand his knowledge, Moore would seek out other opportunities.
`In 2008 Moore became a Quality Assurance Aircraft Inspector. This was his first AFSC, or Air Force job, conversion.
Three years later a job became available for Aircraft Ground Support Equipment Supervisor.
“It was a perfect fit, and I was looking for a supervisor role”, said Moore.
During the years from his role as the Quality Assurance Aircraft Inspector and Aircraft Ground Support Equipment Supervisor, Moore shared responsibilities and worked directly with the Air Force Reserve, at Niagara Falls Reserve Station.
Working with both components, the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve, created many decision making challenges, Moore explained.
“Creating a happy healthy work environment was probably one of my biggest goals, because there was a lot of stress when we merged with the Air Force Reserves”, said Moore.
Together they created a good working relationship with cohesive leadership that Moore believes played a major role in the success they had. Up to this point that was the most challenging moment in Moore’s career.
“As human beings we never like change”, said Moore, “just accepting change was probably the biggest challenge up to that point in my career.”
However, the challenges and the change was far from over. In 2014 the Air National Guard unit disassociated with the Air Force Reserve unit on Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. With the 107th’s mission changing, it would no longer be home to its own active flight line with its own aircraft to maintain on base.
“There was hundreds of people who were either going to find a new position, or be out of a job, so that added a whole new level of stress to my career”, said Moore. Not only was Moore worrying about the people under his leadership, but also worrying about finding a job himself.
“I wanted to stay in this unit, I love this unit”, he said, “I live 20-minutes away, and it’s been good to me.”
Moore ended up finding a job in the weather career field. Moore found interest in a few other jobs, but weather really intrigued him. When he was selected for the position Moore was happy to have found a new home, he said.
After a lengthy training school to be proficient in his new career field, Moore returned home to the 107th providing weather support to remotely piloted aircraft.
“Basically our job is to give the pilots and crew weather globally”, said Moore. If we see dangers like thunderstorms or ice we are to re-route them, He said.
“It is challenging and every day is different,” Moore said, “It’s fantastic and I think it’s a great career field.”
Reflecting back on his career, Moore explains the importance of having positive leadership, and positive attitude.
During his first enlistment, he wasn’t sure he would stay in the Air National Guard for another enlistment, he said. Moore explains it wasn’t until he had the right supervisor, Chief Master Sgt. Edward Jeffers, that he began to get excited for his entire career ahead.
“I think attitude is everything,” said Moore.
Moore enjoyed taking direction during his time in the military, and believes it is a positive leadership quality which relates to his success.
“To be a good leader, you need to be a good follower,” he said.
It’s important to try not to get tunnel vision, He explains, stay with it and always look for opportunities.
“It’s been a great career path for me and I think it would be a great career path for others”, said Moore.
Now, Moore continues his career in the 107th Attack Wing, taking on a new role as the newest Operations Group Superintendent.

• Date Taken: 06.11.2020
• Date Posted: 06.17.2020 07:00
• Story ID: 372220
• Location: NIAGARA FALLS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AIR RESERVE STATION, NY, US
• Hometown: KENMORE, NY, US