CHARLESTON AFB, S.C. –
Opening a crate full of uniforms sounds like a simple task, but for one Airman here, it was life-altering.
One fall, Airman 1st Class Eukenya Lewis, 38th Aerial Port Squadron, was going through some boxes filled with Citadel memorabilia from his time as a student, when he found a folder lying on top of a pile of uniforms.
"I always knew I wanted to go back to the school, so I kept my uniforms in a crate," Airman Lewis said. "I was going through the crate and there was a whole packet on the Air Force Reserve."
Lewis had to leave the military college the semester before due to the financial costs. He said his sister started college that same fall and having two children in college simultaneously would put too much of a financial strain on his parents.
"I never thought I'd be in the military and still don't remember getting that folder," he said.
Within two months, he was at Lackland AFB for basic training and two months later he was activated. Airman Lewis completed the Aerial Port Seasonal Training Program here, which is often referred to as "Port Dawg University."
"I trained in every area of aerial port; fleet, pax, ramp and cargo," Airman Lewis said. "It was a good experience because I got to do Operational Readiness Inspections in three of the four areas."
Airman Lewis' military career began quickly and his performance continued this trend. While at STP, he completed his Career Development Courses in a week and a half, allowing him extra instruction time.
Using his Air Force education fund to his advantage, Airman Lewis was able to head back to school and continue his education.
January brought new training for the young Airman when he returned to the parade grounds and classrooms at the Citadel as a squad corporal in Romeo Company.
His military journey began with an informational folder packed with his Citadel uniforms and ironically, his new Air Force uniform would bring more opportunities in his return to the campus.
"My first two weeks back I had to wear my Air Force uniforms since my Citadel uniforms didn't fit anymore," he said. "I've kind of become a mini recruiter for the Reserve. Anytime someone asks questions about the military, they always come to my room. I've gotten two buddies from my company to join."
After receiving uniforms that fit, Airman Lewis' service in his Air Force uniform didn't slow down. On weekdays, he was Squad Corporal Lewis and weekends, Airman Lewis.
As he returned to campus, he volunteered for an aerial port team preparing for the 22nd Air Force Aerial Port Roundup 2009.
"He has a great attitude, is willing to participate and is a hard worker," said Senior Master Sgt. Donald Bull, acting operations superintendent for the 38 APS. "He not only takes time from school but gives 100 percent on the other side."
Airman Lewis is the sole alternate on the roundup team, which means he had to train and prepare for all six events in case he was needed to fill in. The competition, which took place March 13-15 at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Atlanta, challenge aerial port squadrons in all areas of aerial port functions. More than 90 Airmen competed in the event making up 18 different teams from around 22nd Air Force.
Throughout the competition, Airman Lewis could be seen cheering his team on, reviewing information with his teammates before an event and cracking a joke when needed.
"It has been a good experience to volunteer for this roundup," said Sergeant Bull. He said that volunteering for this competition is an extra duty and "you've got to take your hat off to [Airmen Lewis taking time out] like that."
Airmen Lewis will hang up his Citadel uniforms in December 2010, but he plans to wear his Air Force uniform for at least the next 15 years.
After reflecting on his time in the Air Force Reserve so far, "I love it," he said.