Page 13 - Desert Lightning News April 7, 2017

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Mom, son grow up in big Air Force family
by Tech. Sgt. Julianne Showalter
145th Public Affairs
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A family atmosphere has long been rooted in the 145th Airlift Wing and the Dietz family champions this statement. Senior Airman Jonathan Dietz, of the 145th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, is the youngest son of Chief Master Sgt. Susan Dietz of the 145th Medical Group.
Jonathan Dietz is deploying for the first time in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel as a crew chief on the C-130 Hercules aircraft, but he is different in that his mother has been there to support and guide him throughout the process.
“We’re always here,” said 1st Sgt. Jennifer Moreau, 145th AMXS. In the Guard we don’t move like active military does every two years. You grow up through the ranks with each other. It’s like a brotherhood or sisterhood or an extended family whom you visit once a month. We push each other to succeed much like a family would.
“I think she’s done a great job raising him,” she said. “He’s a good person
and is making his own way by doing the work. It’s tough when you have a
U.S. Air National Guard photo/Senior Airman Sonia Clark
Chief Master Sgt. Susan Dietz, 145th Medical Group, hugs her son, Senior Airman Jonathan Dietz,
family member with such a big name,” Moreau said. 145th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, on the flightline before he boards a C-130 Hercules aircraft
Susan Dietz joined the military in June 1980 and has witnessed both of her sons, David and Jonathan, follow in her footsteps.
As a child, Jonathan Dietz remembers, with nostalgia, his mother serv- ing in the North Carolina Air National Guard.
at the North Carolina Air National Guard Base, Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Airmen of the 145th Airlift Wing are deploying in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel to provide tacti- cal airlift in the region.
“When I saw the name on the training roster, I recognized it,” Moreau
“I used to come out here as a kid all the time with my mom,” he said. “I said. “When he came back from technical training, I confirmed it. Yep,
grew up here, and because of her, I knew I always wanted to join.” that’s her son. I made sure he understood I wouldn’t give him any leeway
Jonathan Dietz did just that and enlisted in June 2013.
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