Support Airman of the Week: SrA McIlrath

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

Senior Airman Robert L. McIlrath, 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs photojournalist and native of Savannah, Georgia, has been in the Air Force for four years and is the Support Airman of the Week at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, for the week of April 11-17, 2017.

 

Most significant accomplishments:

  • Having the opportunity to be stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.

  • Winning three individual MAJCOM awards.

  • Being selected as Senior Airman Below The Zone.

  • Serving as a Base Honor Guard member for nearly two years.

Airman’s story:


“I grew up in a small town with one stoplight and one gas station,” McIlrath said. “A town where most people are perfectly satisfied staying the rest of their lives and doing the same thing their parents did for a living. I wanted something different.”

 

“I originally wanted to join the Marine Corps but got offered a better job with the Air Force,” he said. “The past four years have had their ups and downs but I do not regret my decision to join the Air Force. I know there are thousands of people that would kill to be in the position I’m in so I try not to take my life in the military for granted. I’m hoping to cross train or get orders soon but the needs of the Air Force come first and I support that.”


Supervisor’s comments:


“He has grit,” said Staff Sgt. Kyle E. Gese, Public Affairs operations NCO in charge. “I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Airman McIlrath for the last two years. He is a valuable team member and contributes largely to the success of our organization. When called upon, he takes action without hesitation and is always looking for ways to contribute to the continuous process improvement of our office. His many military accomplishments do not do him justice as he is a bold, intellectual and dedicated Airman whom without, our organization would suffer. He is a valuable asset to our team and the U.S. Air Force. I have no doubt he will do great things wherever the military takes him.”