CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Staff Sgt. Michael Ruiz is a C-17 instruments and flight controls craftsman with the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and has been stationed at Charleston AFB for two years.
As a C-17 instruments and flight controls craftsman, he is responsible for maintaining, operating, inspecting, servicing, generating and repairing aircraft at home station and in austere locations where specific maintenance capabilities may not be available. He also performs flying crew chief duties and is the squadron unit fitness program manager who oversees administration of the fitness program for unit.
He contributes to Team Charleston's mission by providing maintenance support for C-17 aircraft both at home station and abroad.
Sergeant Ruiz enlisted in the Air Force 6 years ago to travel, work on aircraft and get an education.
"I like my job because I get to travel around the world and see the impact our aircraft have," said Sergeant Ruiz. "Knowing I helped in allowing an aircraft to complete its mission is very rewarding."
Some of his future goals include obtaining a bachelor's degree and a private pilot's license.
"Anything you ask of Sergeant Ruiz can be considered done," said Master Sgt. Andrew Hutt, 437 AMXS Blue Knight Aircraft Maintenance Unit specialists section chief. "His energy, ethics, and enthusiasm are contagious and it's evident throughout our section. His technical knowledge and ability to get the job done right the first time is second to none."