Believing in Yourself and in the Mission

Photo By Sgt. Tricia Andriski | Senior Airman Troy Chauvin of the 104th Fighter Wing, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., fulfills his dream to serve in the Massachusetts Air National Guard.  

MA, UNITED STATES

04.28.2021

Story by Sgt. Tricia Andriski 

Massachusetts National Guard Public Affairs

Fulfilling lifelong dreams takes dedication, hard work and perseverance. Getting the timing right is also important so that when an opportunity presents itself, you can take action. Senior Airman Troy Chauvin of the 104th Fighter Wing, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., did just that. After working many years in the civilian world, he took a leap of faith and joined the Massachusetts Air National Guard. Chauvin is now living the dreams he had for many years by serving his country and supporting his fellow Airmen.
“Aviation has always been close to my heart and a huge interest to me as a child,” said Chauvin, who was in civil air patrol when he was young and took flying lessons as a teenager.
Chauvin learned early on that he was interested in joining the military. “It was a family friend’s father, he was in the Air Force and I got my love for the military from him. He brought me to my first airshow,” said Chauvin.
“I had dreams and aspirations of becoming an Air Force fighter pilot. Due to life circumstances I wasn’t able to fulfill that dream, but I was able to enlist at a later age and still join the Air Force and support the Air Force warfighter mission,” said Chauvin.
Chauvin has spent much of his life focusing on his family and civilian career. Working as a civilian municipal police officer from a young age, Chauvin has been able to develop problem solving abilities and people skills. Chauvin encourages anyone who is considering joining the military to utilize the skills they have learned at their civilian job and apply them to a military career.
“Basic training wasn’t easy,” said Chauvin, who enlisted at the age of 39. Being away from home and his children was one of the most difficult parts of the experience, but there were also upsides.
“It was nice to be a role model for younger trainees. I was able to mentor them with life experience,” Chauvin said.
Chauvin now works supporting the Airmen so they can focus on their mission. “I took a job in personnel to help people,” said Chauvin.
Chauvin appreciates his experience in the Air National Guard, “My wing is phenomenal. Being a member of the 104th Fighter Wing is like being part of a family. People look out for each other. The feeling of family and camaraderie, that starts from leadership, from the top down.”
Chauvin has always loved the Air Force. Joining later in life, he is grateful to have the opportunity to serve and give back to his country alongside his fellow Airmen. He encourages others to join, no matter their age.
“Become a role model and mentor someone, teach them what you know,” said Chauvin, “You still have a lot to bring to the table.”

• Date Taken: 04.28.2021
• Date Posted: 04.28.2021 11:47
• Story ID: 395009
• Location: MA, US