An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Massachusetts Air National Guard dad deploys with his son for final time

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Bonnie Harper
  • 104th Fighter Wing
WESTFIELD, Mass. --  A 22-year-old maintenance millwright was eager to join the Massachusetts Air National Guard, but he didn't want to just build upon his mechanical skills.

He wanted to make a difference and serve in a unique career field that wasn't found in the civilian world.

While meeting with a recruiter to choose a career field, Donny Masciadrelli looked out onto the flightline at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Massachusetts. His bright-blue eyes widened as the recruiter pointed out the Airmen working underneath an A-10 aircraft.

"Those are the weapons guys," the recruiter said as he pointed to the Airmen arming the aircraft. "And the ones with the trailers are the munitions workers." "What's the difference?" Donny asked. The recruiter explained that the munitions shop builds the ammunition and delivers them to the aircraft, whereas the weapons personnel inspect and re-inspect the weapons and load them on the airplane. His choice was simple.

Read Full Story >>