Maintainer Impresses Senior Leaders

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. J. Justin Pearce
  • 403rd Wing
Keesler AFB, Miss. --  Almost as soon as they got off the aircraft, top U.S. military leaders were shaking the hand of a tall Reservist from Keesler who made an even bigger impression during his deployment to the Middle East. 

About the same time most Reservists here were facing the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, 1st Lt. Bo Shelton, an officer with the 403rd Maintenance Group, was reporting in to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. 

This was his first deployment as an officer, having served many years as an enlisted maintainer before trading in his stripes for bars. 

At the 380th he was charged with a slew of duties critical in keeping the base’s flightline and aircraft operations running. His efforts weren’t unnoticed. He was given a coin by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine Gen. Peter Pace, the U.S. military’s top-ranking officer, during his visit to Southwest Asia to personally thank troops for their contributions to the war on terror. 

In addition, he also received a coin from Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, Gen. T. Michael Moseley, who also invited the lieutenant to attend one of his focus groups. 

General Moseley remembered the lieutenant’s name because of his insightful comments at the focus group during a discussion on multigenerational leadership.  Lieutenant Shelton said he heard that an article on his topic is planned for the Aerospace Journal. 

At the end of his tour, all the shops he supervised were awarded “Team of the Month” at least once. 

“That means I was doing my job… I was taking care of my people, and I was able to see the fruits of my labor,” he said. “I saw attitudes change and people motivated.” 

Lieutenant Shelton earned further recognition when he was named Company Grade Officer of the Month in December. 

“I became an officer to become a leader,” he said. “Awards don’t mean anything to me, it’s about my troops.” 

Lieutenant Shelton said the tour helped him gain knowledge about his career field and leadership that he couldn’t get back home. 

He was responsible for maintenance operations, in charge of line and refueling operations, as well as intelligence and surveillance in support of aircraft maintenance. 

Also tasked with transportation alert, he was responsible for coordinating standard protocol for the arrival of distinguished visitors on the base. 

During his three-month deployment, he changed the attitudes of active duty troops toward the Reserve through his hard work, influence and ability to motivate his troops, causing “a chain reaction of motivation.” 

Chief Master Sgt. Billy Evans, maintenance superintendent during the deployment, said the lieutenant’s work ethic was incredible. 

“He wasn’t afraid to go in there and do the job, getting right beside them and rolling up his sleeves,” he said. “He showed the kind of care and concern for people that made them want to better themselves, and I was blessed to have served with him.” 

At the end of his deployment, Col. William Pombey, vice commander, told him he made a lasting impression and a huge difference in his short time there. 

“That means I’m taking care of my people,” said Lieutenant Shelton. “We had to fight the ‘Reservist’ stereotype when we arrived, but when we left, they knew who Reservists are,” he said. “It’s nice to know we can make a difference.” 

After his return from deployment, the lieutenant pinned on Captain’s bars and started looking for another deployment opportunity that will allow him to lead and learn and continue to make a big difference.