Q. How did you get into AGE?
I entered the AF under the “open mechanical” career field and at the time this was the only AFSC (Air Force Specialty Code –their job series in the Air Force). That enabled me and my wife, who was already in as an air traffic controller, to be stationed together.
Q. What has been your most exhilarating experience while enlisted?
Being an AGE mechanic and deploying as the lead aircraft pro-super for the 116th J-STARS.
Q. What major awards/decorations are you most proud of?
Winning the coveted Lt Gen Leo Marquez award as both an NCO and SNCO at two different bases. [Note: This is an annual award and only one person can be selected in their category throughout the whole Air Force. In this case, Tomczak was selected as the very best in the non-commissioned officer category one year and the best senior non-commissioned officer in another year. Award winners are honored at a banquet in Washington D.C. and their photos posted in a Pentagon hall honoring their selection.]
Q. If not in AGE where would you be?
I’m not exactly sure, but it would definitely entail aircraft maintenance.
Q. What are some major trends you have seen developing over the past 20-30 years?
Personally, leading from the front and setting the example along the way. Recently, introducing the AFSO 21 (Air Force Smart Operations 21) into my current AGE flight. I’m a huge proponent of doing things smarter not harder and ensuring everyone has an opportunity to have input/buy-in regarding daily operations.
Q. What AGE-old nuggets of wisdom would you like to pass on to our readers?
Basically, AGE could be categorized as “the forgotten enablers.” AGE does not get the credit other shops get simply because we are not “hands-on” maintainers of aircraft. However, as the old saying goes, “No Air Power Without Ground Power!”
