CE member paves way with saxophone

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Scott Saldukas
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Operating large construction equipment while incorporating his love for music, one pavements and construction equipment craftsman has been displaying excellence in everything he does throughout his seven years in the U.S. Air Force.

Although 786th Civil Engineer Squadron Staff Sgt. Adam Will's first love is music his most daunting task due to Germany's worst winter in years is operating snow removal equipment on base. He entered the Air Force at 20 and was the first person in his family to join the military but comes from a family with a musical background.

"Music has been with Adam all his life," said Staff Sgt. Amanda Will, 86th Medical Squadron allergy specialist and wife of Sergeant Will. "Many of his family members are musicians, and they have taught him so many wonderful things. When it comes to his instrument, he truly shines. Who would have thought a heavy equipment operator could also play the saxophone?"

Aside from having musical talent, Sergeant Will had bigger plans with where he wanted to take his life.

"I decided to join the Air Force because music was all I knew while growing up, and I wanted to not only serve my country, but learn something new that would benefit me for life," he said.

Although he joined the Air Force to learn a new trade, he made use of his music skills when he went on a year-long tour with Air Force Tops in Blue in 2006.

"The best part of being in Tops in Blue was not only being an Air Force ambassador and a true professional, but performing for troops worldwide and boosting morale for those in deployed locations," said the alto and soprano saxophone player.

While on tour with the Air Force's premier entertainment showcase he said he gained numerous unforgettable moments.

"My most memorable moment was performing a show in Thule, Greenland, and then two days later arriving in Honduras for another show with the temperature jumping from negative 30 degrees to 90 degrees fahrenheit in that two day period," he said.

Even though his Tops in Blue days are over, he still finds time to play and support the Air Force through different public functions.

"I do still play," he said. "I've played the National Anthem for many events to include; Airman Leadership School graduations, retirement ceremonies, commander's calls, wing Dining-Ins and wing Dining-outs. More recently was a special performance at the 2010 Air Force World Wide Talent Contest in San Antonio, Texas, with a band called the Air Forces Most Dangerous Band."

While he still makes time to play his instruments, he has been working long hours to ensure the roads and flightline here are in the best possible condition for base personnel to function properly.

Some of the tasks a pavements and construction equipment craftsman may come across include: operating and performing maintenance on different construction equipment, performing airfield and street sweeper operations and identifying work order material requirements for repairing asphalt and concrete surfaces basewide.

Though the work is strenuous, being able to see the work accomplished offers a rewarding feeling.

"One of the best parts about my job is physically being able to see what I achieved," Sergeant Will said. "Whether it's fixing potholes or repairing airfield obstructions for the airfield here, you feel a sense of accomplishment. Downrange especially is where I feel most accomplished with full-depth airfield repairs, building foundations, roads, sidewalks, drainage and overall improving the forward operating base life for those deployed."

His motivation and hard charging attitude is also very apparent to those around him.
"He is my best noncommissioned officer and has a great attitude while displaying excellent leadership skills that goes well beyond his years," said Master Sgt. Philip Verley, 786th CES section chief and Sergeant Will's immediate supervisor. "There are many things that stand out about him, but if I had to pick one, I would say his professionalism."

With the good comes the bad, and for Sergeant Will, it is the long hours he works that limits the time he is able to spend time with his wife.

"One of the down sides of my job is not being able to spend a lot of time with my family because the job is very demanding in itself," said Sergeant Will, who hails from Joshua Tree, Calif.

Even though the hours keep him away from home, his wife is sympathetic to his endeavors.

"I would be lying if I said it wasn't tough, but I completely understand the nature of his job," she said. "Adam is such a hard worker and wants to support the rest of the guys in his shop as much as he can. He has a strong drive both personally and professionally, and puts his heart into everything he does; I think that truly makes him excel."

Wanting to excel at everything he does inspires others, whether it deals with operating heavy equipment or serenading an audience of military personnel, Sergeant Will gives 100 percent all the time.

"Honestly, he is my motivator," his wife said. "He is that person you can count on. When it comes to his job, Adam wants to learn all aspects not only to get through the day but to do well and help others succeed."