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From Airman to General

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob M. Thompson
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

“All I’ve ever wanted to do in my life is join the Air Force,” said Airman 1st Class Andrew Green, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron missile maintainer.

Originally from Green, Ohio, Green has known since he was six years old he wanted to join the military. His grandfather, who served at Pearl Harbor with the Marine Corps, was his biggest influencer for answering his nation’s call.

From a young age, Green’s grandfather told him stories about his time as a Marine, which really inspired Green.

“I asked him what the highest rank in the military is and he told me four-star general,” said Green. “I didn’t know what they do and he told me ‘they change people’s lives.’ I knew right there, that’s what I wanted to do; I wanted to join the military and become a general.”

Green’s grandfather passed away a few years later, but his influence still weighed heavily on Green’s decision to pursue a life in the military.

“He was the kindling for me wanting to join,” said Green. “He gave me a path, something I could grab a hold of.”

From that point on, Green, with the support of his family, spent his adolescent years preparing for the military and his eventual Air Force career.

“As a missile maintainer, I work on intercontinental ballistic missiles,” said Green. “My work helps to protect our nation, preserve peace and maintain the nuclear surety of the United States.”

ICBMs are critical components of the national defense strategy. Responsible for servicing and maintaining them, missile maintainers ensure these assets are fully operational at all times by planning, organizing and performing every service necessary to keep these systems in pristine working condition so they’re ready when needed.

“Just like a vehicle, ICBMs require routine maintenance and care,” said Green. “Our responsibility is to perform routine maintenance on ICBM components to ensure they are always ready to go at a moment’s notice.”

While Green is enjoying his job now as a missile maintainer, his aspiration to become a commissioned officer is still his goal for his future.

“My goal still is to be a general,” said Green. “Right now, these are my dreams, but dreams only happen if you put in the effort, put in the time and surround yourself with the right people.

“I met a lieutenant general who called me ‘General Green’ and it changed my life,” said Green. “It was super humbling because I’m just an A1C but he believed in me and that I could achieve my dream.”