CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Senior Airman Marcus Ohler is a member of the 14th Airlift Squadron and has been stationed at Charleston AFB for about four years.
He recently returned from a deployment to Southwest Asia where he had the opportunity to take a new Airman and use his own knowledge to train him to become a fast, safe and knowledgeable loadmaster. Airman Ohler said, it went from me having to check up on a secondary, to each of us always being where we needed to be without saying a word.
When stationed at Charleston AFB, Airman Ohler works as a C-17 Airdrop Instructor Loadmaster who is responsible for performing preflight, flight and post flight checks of C-17 aircraft systems and cargo. Airman Ohler also instructs students to compute aircraft weight and balance, where he demonstrates the use of aircraft emergency equipment and is directly responsible for the safety all passengers on board.
According to Airman Ohler, what he likes best about his job is being able to work hard non-stop, but at the same time having a great mental aspect. Loadmasters always have to think 10 steps ahead, doing calculations and trying to keep a safe, quick environment. Also, Airman Ohler loves his job is always changing, whether it be the cargo, location or even the situation.
Airman Ohler's future goals include continuing his career as a loadmaster, finishing up his CCAF and bachelors degree and he wants to eventually become a C-17 evaluator.
While deployed, Airman Ohler volunteered to take cross trainees as well as U.S. Air Force Academy cadets on a tour of a static aircraft during deployment. He also volunteered multiple times to move and pack blood and plasma for injured service members.
"The dedication and tenacity of Airman Ohler serves as a true example of how hard work pays off," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Rodgers, 14th Airlift Squadron instructor loadmaster. "His can do attitude encourages and motivates other to achieve even higher heights."