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Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, visits the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station June 8, 2024.

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Active Duty Airman lends a helpful hand to Niagara

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andrew Caya
  • 914th Airlift Wing
Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station --  An Active Duty Airman and his reserve counterparts have been assisting each other in various ways for more than a month here, at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y.
The Earthquake in Japan caused Staff Sgt. Shaun Hernick's transfer from Osan Air Base, South Korea to Yokota Air Base, Japan to become delayed.

Although he was not at his new station, Sergeant Hernick still wanted to still serve his country; so the Sergeant volunteered his services to the 914th Airlift Wing, while he was on leave en-route near his hometown Scottsville, south of Rochester N.Y.

As a U.S. Air Force Air transporter, the Sergeant has worked in various sections in military air transportation. However, Sergeant Hernick wanted to make the most out of his stay, here with the 914th Airlift Wing so he started training on something new to him
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"Since I have been here, I have been assisting the 30th Aerial Port Squadron packing parachutes and rigging heavy loads...and they have been a tremendous help teaching me how to do those procedures because I have little training on those tasks," said Sergeant Hernick.

Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Buschang 30th Aerial Port Squadron superintendent was very happy with Sergeant Hernick's work ethic and attitude and was grateful for the opportunity for the Sergeant to come work for the 30th Aerial Port.

"He has been an outstanding help for the unit. The squadron would love to have him come back and help us out more," said Chief Buschang. "We have been trying to get him to come into the reserves, if he ever leaves active duty."

When Sergeant Hernick goes back on active duty, he will head to his new station in the currently disaster-torn country of Japan. Despite the dangers of radiation and the massive cleanup needed, the sergeant said he is ready to be of help to the Japanese people.

"I'm really looking forward to going[ to Japan]," Said Sergeant Hernick. "I really want to get in with the recovery efforts there."