Power production Airman a hard charger

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  An Airman from the 36th Civil Engineer Squadron's power production flight is leading the charge when it comes to on-duty performance, education, volunteerism and exemplifying the Air Force standard.

Airman 1st Class Derrick Bolhofner, 36th CES power production apprentice, was selected by Master Sgt. Robert Barnett, 36th CES acting first sergeant, as Andersen AFB's 'Top Performer.'

Some of Airman Bolhofner's day-to-day duties include ensuring all generators on base are in working order and function properly, managing the water wells off-base, setting up and taking down barrier cables on the runway and ensuring the power plant at Detachment 5 has 24-hour power service.

Power production wasn't Airman Bolhofner's original job assignment. He spent time in Survival Evacuation Rescue Escape, or SERE, training before moving on to power production.

The O'Fallon, Ill., native attended college for four years before joining the Air Force, coming within eight classes of completing a double major in English literature and history. He also has two associate's degrees, including his Community College of the Air Force degree.

"I come from a family that has a military background," Airman Bolhofner said. "My dad was a former Marine, Ooh-rah! There was a lot of Army in our family - no Air Force. I'm the first.

"Growing up five minutes away from Scott AFB, Ill., there are a lot of Air Force families in my area. I knew I'd join the military after four years of school. This is a great catalyst for young individuals who need money for school, which a big reason why I joined."

Airman Bolhofner deployed to Iraq within two months of his arrival to Andersen, but since he returned, he has found many things to help him make the most of his time here.

"I enjoy scuba diving, playing guitar and volunteering for Big Brother Big Sister program," Airman Bolhofner said. "I'd like to volunteer at Guam Animals in Need as well."

The hard-charging, motivated spirit Airman Bolhofner exhibits shines through to his peers and his leadership.

"Airman Bolhofner definitely has a can-do, will-do attitude," said Tech. Sgt. Charles Paulson, 36th CES NCO-in-charge of the power production flight. "There's no task that he won't take on. For being a younger Airman, he's got extensive job knowledge. He's definitely the tip of the spear when it comes to setting the Air Force standards with the other Airmen - his uniform's always top-notch and [he has] good customs and courtesies as a whole. He's untouchable in that area."