The Charlie West Spotlight for January 2020 is Senior Airman Nate Arthur, a Fire Protection Craftsman assigned to the 130th Fire and Emergency Services.
Arthur is a native of Frazier's Bottom, W.Va. and is a 2004 graduate of Herbert Hoover High School in Elkview, W.Va. Upon graduating, Arthur began his fire service career at Milton Volunteer Fire Department. Arthur later moved on to become a professional firefighter for the City of Nitro. He joined the 130th Airlift Wing in 2015.
Arthur works full-time for the 130th, but also holds many titles in the civilian sector, including the Winfield Volunteer Fire Department Training Officer, President of the Putnam County Fireman's Association, President of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 4889, and an adjunct fire instructor for West Virginia Public Service Training.
He teaches various fire and emergency service classes locally and is currently the program coordinator of the CPR/First Aid Program and Unit Health Monitor for the 130th FES.
His goals in his civilian life are to continue serving his community as a first responder and fire service instructor while providing for his family. His military goals are to continue to progress through the ranks, gaining as much experience and training throughout while simultaneously mentoring younger Airmen.
"It's awesome to be just a small piece in the overall picture of contributing to the mission of the West Virginia National Guard and the United States Air Force," he said. "The 130th is like a small community made up of highly skilled individuals from across the state; this is our family away from family."
Arthur's favorite moment as a member 130th was in 2018 when he deployed to Al Udeid Air Force Base in Qatar, where the Fire Department averaged more than 200 calls per month.
"The skills I learned in my four years as an Air Force firefighter were finally coming together," he explained. "I was proud to be able to represent the 130th and WVNG in a high tempo location such as that."
Although his favorite moment as a member of the 130th separated him from home, he says that the best days of his life are two events that hit closer to home.
"The best day of my life is a tie between two things," said Arthur. "It's the day I married my wife, Lola, and the day I became a father."
Arthur credits his family for being his support system to push him to continue to do great things. Along with his other children, Arthur and his wife have fostered seven children.
"Through all my endeavors, my wife and children have always supported me," Arthur explained. "In 2017, my wife and I felt the calling to start fostering children, and through fostering our family is continuing to grow, bringing more love and support into our lives."
His service has not gone unnoticed by his peers and supervisors.
"Nate is an outstanding Airman," said Master Sgt. James Cole, the 130th Fire and Emergency Services Fire Chief. "His community service, work here at the unit, and everything else just exemplifies what kind of person he is."