100th MXS Airman balances family, mission

  • Published
  • By Gina Randall
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  The sweat drips from his brow and he knows he has paperwork to complete before his work is done. After the long drive home through narrow, twisty roads, with the rain beating down on the windshield, his eyes grow heavy.

Arriving home, his son shouts ‘Daddy!’ and runs into his arms, his son wants him to help with an art project that he’s been waiting all day to proudly show off. The Airman tugs off his boots, sits down surrounded by his family, and they share stories about their days.

For Senior Airman Tyler Harvey from the 100th Maintenance Squadron, family is the reason he serves each day, and the reason he began a journey that took him around the world.

“My family keeps me going,” said Harvey, 100th MXS shift leader of consolidated tool kits. “They support me and work hard at home because they understand that what we, as Airmen, do is important. We are a team. My family supports me and is ready for anything. My wife is a beast when it comes to manning the homefront, and knowing that it's taken care of allows me to be focused on my work and my goals.”

His desire to ensure a good future for his family is why he embarked on a career that wasn’t just another job, but a way of life.

“After high school, I went to college to work on motorcycles, I did that for three years. Then we had a family and I wanted stability for them,” Harvey explained. “We have three sons now and family time is everything to me. A family isn’t replaceable. They have feelings, dreams and goals of their own and it’s important for me to help them succeed. They’re the ones who are there for me always, and I have to be there for them.”

The Airman combines his love for automobiles with wanting to have his sons make the most of the outdoors.

“We got into go-karting,” he added. “So we have karts we take to the track near base. My kids get to meet people their own age from the local community, and we all have fun! ”

As a boy Harvey shared a dream many youths had after watching popular films, a dream that would one day lead him to answer that call.

“When I was really small, I wanted to be a fighter pilot. I think every kid goes through that phase,” Harvey laughed. “But I never really saw myself in the military until I had a family. That was when I started thinking about how I wanted to support them, while allowing them the opportunity to see the world. I have no regrets.”

Harvey makes the most of his downtime after a hard day taking care of the mission. His role on base may not be everyone’s ‘cup of tea,’ but for this maintainer, he couldn’t be happier knowing he’s ensuring the aircraft are ready to take to the skies.

“We maintain the three different aircraft: the CV-22 Osprey, KC-135 Stratotanker and the MC-130J Commando II,” he explained. “To a lot of people, it’s dirty and stinky, but it’s fun to get inside the tanks, and you feel like you have accomplished something. The confined areas, the tight spaces, getting around and through the tanks can be challenging, but I love it.”

Like many other Airmen, it’s the feeling of being a part of a team — one team, one mission — that makes any task more enjoyable.

“I see my Air Force family every day and if they are struggling with anything it affects all of us,” Harvey said. “I care about them and enjoy seeing them happy. We even get together from time to time for BBQs or dinners. We just bring all our families together.”

Teamwork is vital to achieve success safely.

“We work in three man crews because we need an attendant and runner in case the maintainer (entrant) in the tank is unable to exit for any reason. Every person on our team is trained and qualified for in-tank rescue — safety first,” he said. “The people I work with are great and we all keep a good attitude because it’s a job that isn’t enjoyable unless you have a fun crew to work with. Our shop is full of very talented individuals who are highly motivated.”

His work means that tankers can take to the air with vital fuel to bring to the fight. His leadership value his expertise.

“Airman Harvey is one of the finest Airmen I have worked with over the last 19 years,” said Tech. Sgt. Harold Phillips, 100th MXS Fuel Systems Maintenance assistant section chief. “He brings his A-game to work every day. We work a lot of hours and weekends here at the fuel shop, Airman Harvey is always the first to answer his nation’s call.”

Although he’s still a young man with his whole career ahead of him, Harvey wishes to dedicate his journey in life to the military, and make the most of all that it has to offer.

“I’ll be serving the military until I retire. It’s a good life for family. It’s predictable as long as you stay out of trouble,” he laughed. “You can keep moving up and taking the opportunities, there are places to go, it’s fun and I couldn’t wish for anything else.”