VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE – Within the huge expanse of Vandenberg Area Pressure Base, the place the missions of area exploration and protection converge, one Airman stands out because the heartbeat of the bottom transportation unit.
U.S. Air Pressure Senior Airman Devreountre Buchanan, a floor transportation dispatcher with the thirtieth Logistics Readiness Squadron, has grow to be an integral a part of the workforce, exemplifying the Air Pressure’s dedication to excellence and dedication to service.
“I grew up on my grandparents’ farm in Dumas, Arkansas,” Buchanan recounted. “There, I developed a reference to nature and discovered the worth of dedication.”
The values of dedication and dedication Buchanan discovered from his rural upbringing turned the guiding ideas of his life. These values propelled him to take the courageous step of enlisting within the Air Pressure in September 2020, recognizing it as a pathway to a brighter future, not just for himself but additionally his household.
“My father and grandfather each served within the U.S. Military,” Buchanan defined. “My grandfather served within the Vietnam Conflict, and my father did a tour in Iraq. I felt a civic accountability to service and pursued a Bachelor of Science in Prison Justice. Following commencement, a detailed buddy, who was then enlisted within the U.S. Air Pressure, inspired me to hitch. These three folks served as my unofficial recruiters, introducing me to army life, offering details about profession alternatives and enlistment procedures.”
Earlier than his task to Vandenberg Area Pressure Base, Buchanan accomplished a brief tour at Osan Air Pressure Base, South Korea, as a floor transportation operator. The data he acquired throughout that tour turned an asset he introduced with him to Vandenberg.
Buchanan’s day by day duties are as numerous because the cargo he manages. Alongside his fellow Airmen, they embody the unit’s motto of “Preserve it Transferring!” Their main position is to take care of the bottom’s steady operation, together with duties like supporting tractor trailers, forklifts, bus actions, and the secure transportation of significant rocket parts and personnel.
“My position entails reviewing and processing automobile requests, guaranteeing their compliance with Air Pressure Directions and official use insurance policies,” stated Buchanan.
Buchanan’s journey at Vandenberg has not solely contributed to the bottom’s mission, but additionally his private progress. It has honed his job administration abilities and instilled in him the worth of constructive criticism.
“Probably the most efficient methods I can develop is thru constructive criticism,” stated Buchanan. Moreover, the distinctive nature of the mission has enabled him to develop a multi-capable ability set, an asset for his army profession.
Past his day by day routine, Buchanan has had the privilege of collaborating in extraordinary alternatives. One such expertise was his involvement within the closing launch of the United Launch Alliance’s Delta IV Heavy rocket from Vandenberg Area Pressure Base on Sept. 24, 2022. Buchanan had the respect of escorting U.S. Air Pressure Lt. Gen Donna Shipton, deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Pressure for Acquisition, Know-how and Logistics, to witness this historic occasion.
Throughout the launch, Buchanan witnessed the ability of the world’s most potent operational rocket, able to lifting practically 62 tons of payload into low-Earth orbit.
“The data I gained from this expertise left me impressed and desirous to contribute much more to the formidable endeavors of the Air and Area Pressure,” he stated.
Neighborhood relations have additionally been a particular a part of Buchanan’s journey. Whether or not escorting visiting dignitaries or native leaders, corresponding to Lompoc Mayor Jenelle Osborne, Buchanan has been a gracious host, providing invaluable insights into Vandenberg’s mission.
Buchanan’s dedication and flexibility in dealing with numerous duties have earned him excessive reward from his superiors and colleagues. U.S. Air Pressure Tech. Sgt. Terry Austin, Buchanan’s supervisor and NCOIC of the bottom transportation ingredient, praised Buchanan’s character, management, and work ethic.
“Senior Airman Buchanan is very enthusiastic and all the time shows an expert perspective and picture,” stated Austin. “His management qualities have grown throughout his task right here, setting an excellent instance for the junior Airmen coming in from tech college and different bases.”
Austin nominated Buchanan for Area Launch Delta 30’s weekly recognition program, often known as “Hawk of the Week.” The award, offered by the SLD 30 commander, honors members who embody the core values of the Air and Area Pressure. On June 21, 2023, Buchanan acquired this award in entrance of his supervisor and SLD 30 management.
“As Senior Airman Buchanan’s future unfolds, there is no such thing as a doubt that he’ll proceed to make a big affect, guaranteeing the bottom’s steady operations and leaving these he encounters crammed with admiration and gratitude,” stated Austin.
