The First and the Last

Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, Va. - U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. David Ludinich and Airman First Class Kyle Cramer, both of the 87th Aerial Port Squadron, build a pallet as they participate in Patriot Partner, an annual exercise held at various air force bases around the country. Patriot Partner is a joint forces exercise and the 2008 Patriot Partner Naval Station, Norfolk, Va. hosted three Aerial Port Squadrons, and one Air Guard squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Charlie Miller)

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The First and the Last

Published Aug. 19, 2008
By Tech. Sgt. Charlie Miller
445th Airlift Wing

Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, Va. -- For 87th Aerial Port Squadron member Master Sgt. David Ludinich, 56, Patriot Partner marks his last annual tour. The sergeant is retiring after 36 years of military service. For 87th APS member Airman First Class Kyle Cramer, 19, Patriot Partner marks his first annual tour. The airman has been with the 87th since October of 2007. The last and the first have met.

"I like to tell young airmen like A1C Cramer to volunteer for any school they can get into; it's going to pay off in the long run," said Sgt. Ludinich, also known as Lugnuts to his aerial port co-workers. "Keep up with your Professional Military Education, PME is invaluable.

"Being a civilian and a reservist goes hand in hand. Learn all you can, that's what the military is built on; schooling," the sergeant said. "The military schooling can help your civilian career, too."

Airman Cramer, who has an older brother in the 87th, reported to the aerial port less than a year ago and likes what he is seeing. "I'm planning to stay in" the airman said adding that the only snag to that plan would be his civilian job.

"The guys here, like Sgt. Ludinich, know how to do the job and have taught me a lot. They have shown me how to do things the right way and also some short cuts to save work. The first few times throwing cargo nets on pallets I think they were laughing at me but I've been receiving good mentoring," the airman said.

Both the airman and the sergeant we assigned to the same work section and shift at Patriot Partner. Coincidence? Doubtful. The last and the first have met and the story ends well.