DUKE FIELD, Fla. (AFNS) —
Some family traditions run deeper than others, but for many years there have been few issues extra customary than serving the nation for 2 Citizen Air Commandos assigned to the 919th Special Operations Wing.
Capt. Brock Harrell, 859th Special Operations Squadron pilot, has all the time admired the dedication and sacrifice exemplified by his father, Chief Master Sgt. Mark Harrell, 919th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron plane upkeep superintendent. Father’s Day supplies a possibility for him to precise gratitude for his dad’s influence on his life.
“My father was a huge inspiration in my decision to join the Air Force,” Brock mentioned. “I think it all started when we watched crop-dusters buzz over the fields and watched air shows together.”
After graduating highschool, Brock enrolled in school and shortly thereafter determined to hitch the 919th SOW. He started his profession in an enlisted place as a loadmaster for the fifth Special Operations Squadron. His grandfather served within the Air Force, his father served, and now it was his flip.
“I always thought it was a good idea for him,” Mark mentioned. “He actually started at the bottom until he got familiar with the Air Force and worked his way up.”
In 2016, Brock made his approach to Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, to earn his fee so he might pursue his dream of flying. At the top of the rigorous nine-week course, Brock celebrated this new path together with his father and grandfather.
“I was surrounded by Air Force members from an early age and made a conscious effort to talk to Airmen who inspired me,” Brock mentioned. “I always knew I wanted to be a pilot, but just took a longer route to get there.”
Now, his focus is on balancing the calls for of flying for the Air Force with work and his commitments at residence.
“My family is very supportive of my military career,” Brock mentioned. “They don’t like it when my father or I go away, but they understand the sacrifices we have to make when we serve.”
His family has utilized packages such because the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program and Military One Source to assist preserve their resiliency earlier than and after deployments.
Outside of his common Air Force duties, Brock helps his father Mark run a farm in Alabama. His father oversees 100 acres of farmland with 33 cows. They each assist mow and deal with the cattle.
“It’s my full-time job outside of what I do for the Reserve,” Mark mentioned. “My son likes to help out, but I think it’s more fun for him than anything. Whether it’s on the farm or supporting his military career, our family is tight.”
Brock now has two children of his personal and famous whereas they haven’t expressed a need to hitch the service fairly but, that might change later. Until then, the Harrell family’s custom of service stays ever current at Duke Field.
“Brock is carrying on the legacy that I started here years ago,” Mark mentioned. “This is a volunteer job, and he’s making a difference.”
With Brock’s father nearing retirement, he cherishes the few events when their duties permit them to see each other if just for a short second. At the top of the day, he hopes his contributions made an influence on the squadron and is glad to hold on the family legacy of supporting the 919th SOW mission.
“I’m proud to be an Airman and to carry on the tradition,” Brock mentioned. “I love protecting our country and I want to be the best leader I can be while getting the job done.”
