WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. -- Versatility and flexibility. These are two characteristics of the Air Force Reserve and its Airmen that make it an indispensable part of the Total Force mission.
It is these characteristics that Tech. Sgt. Brian Nasuta, an Aerial Transportation specialist with the 58th Aerial Port Squadron, enjoys the most about his service as an Air Force Reservist.
“As Reservists, we are often not only adept and knowledgeable in our specific Air Force Specialty Codes,” said Nasuta. “But we are also able to bring in the skills and experiences from our civilian lives and careers to bring an entirely different perspective to the table. It is truly a unique and effective tool when it comes to critical thinking and problem solving.”
Aerial transportation specialist Airmen, like Nasuta, are responsible for a variety of tasks which include preparing, building, planning, inspecting, loading and unloading of all passengers and cargo for airlift.
“In my squadron I belong to the Special Handling section,” he said. “My roles include being a hazardous materials airlift inspector and being a joint inspector. I inspect and ensure that all cargo, whether it is hazardous materials, classified, sensitive, high-priority, vehicles, any cargo from our sister services and any cargo from civilian sources, is safe to be loaded onto any aircraft and flown.”
Nasuta said one of his most memorable Air Force experiences occurred while he was deployed to Southwest Asia in 2014.
“While deployed in 2014, there was a situation that required airdropping emergency supplies to civilians,” he said. “The Army riggers were overwhelmed, so I volunteered to spend a few days assisting in building the supply bundles in my time off from work. We were able to get food and water into the hands of thousands of stranded civilians, and all it cost me was a little time and sweat.”
When Nasuta is not working as an aerial transportation specialist, he trades in his military camouflage for a neon road construction uniform, a firefighting uniform and personal protective equipment.
“For my job in road construction, we mill roads and highways and sometimes have to take out entire roads in order to improve or repair drainage underneath them,” he said. “As for firefighting I have to be ready to respond to and face a vast number of emergencies that get called into the station.”
Some of Nasuta’s most memorable firefighting memories involved recues.
“Any time I have rescued and reunited a pet with its family from a fire has stood out to me,” he said. “Fires are tragic and scary, but the amount of joy and excitement and relief I've seen after bringing somebody their dog or cat is tremendous.”
Nasuta works hard to make a difference in both of his career choices.
“I try my hardest to teach and pass on everything I've learned,” he said. “I bring a positive mental attitude with me to every scenario.”
While both Nasuta’s military and civilian careers keep him busy, he still has some goals he is working to achieve.
“I hope to continue to meet challenges and provide support to those in need, both in and out of the military,” he said. “As far as my military career, I've considered becoming a First Sergeant. In my spare time, I'm in a band, and I hope to continue writing, recording and performing music!”
Nasuta has learned many things throughout both of his careers, but one thing stood out to him.
“Overall, if there is one piece of advice that I would like to pass on from what I have learned, both in and out of the service, it is the importance of being there for one another,” he said. “Be excellent to each other.”