TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. —
There are many reasons airmen choose to serve their country. For one airman in the 325th Communications Squadron here, it was all about a change of pace and a steady future.
Air Force Airman 1st Class Randy West, who hails from Greenwich, Ohio, is a radio frequency transmission systems apprentice. His job is to maintain radio equipment that is used to communicate with aircraft and various base organizations.
Before he joined the Air Force, West spent more than three years building lawnmowers. Realizing factory work wasn't for him, he searched for another path.
“When I was in high school, my dad pushed me to join the Air Force,” West said. “He recognized the opportunities, and saw how they could benefit me.”
Joining the Air Force
Looking back on that advice, he explored his options in the Air Force. He enlisted on Jan. 24, 2017, and attended basic training.
“Basic was about what I expected,” West said. “Show up, and get yelled at for a while and do what you are told to do when you are told to do it.”
During basic training, he received his job selection as a radio frequency transmission systems technician.
“It's really interesting when you get down into the circuit card level on radios,” West said.
Being an airman has also enabled him to pursue wrestling.
“I have been…
