Civilian Airman: Service before self

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shanice Williams-Jones
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
What defines an Airman? Is it the uniform, the rank or the contract of enlistment to serve in the U.S. Air Force?

Many believe it’s a combination of all three.

However, a large population of the U.S. Air Force serve in civilian attire and without military rank. They support and even deploy with their uniformed comrades to accomplish their shared mission. They are our civilian Airmen.

One civilian Airman has gone above and beyond in his 38 years of service to the U.S. Air Force at the Liberty Wing.

“I’ve been with the Air Force at Royal Air Force Lakenheath since I was 16 years old and I don’t plan on going anywhere,” said Richard Morton, central warehouse supervisor assigned to the 48th Force Support Squadron. “I love my job with the Air Force and it’s provided me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and do so much.”

His eyes shift to the left and his head tilts just slightly as he shares a pivotal moment during his early years of working at the bowling alley at RAF Lakenheath.

“I remember when they bombed Libya and we lost an aircraft,” said Morton. “I was approached by the wing to engrave the medals that were posthumously awarded to those who were killed. It was a humbling experience and I will never forget it.”

This was only the beginning of Morton’s growing legacy in helping to shape the Liberty Wing.

According to Daniel A. Girimonte, resource management flight chief assigned to the 48th Force Support Squadron, the core values; integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do, are not only embodied by our uniformed Airmen, but by our civilian employees as well.

“Richard embodies all of that,” Girimonte said. “Being a good Airman is all about taking care of others, and his achievements throughout the years have only helped the base grow,” said Girimonte.

Morton has accomplished many self-help projects throughout the installation and acquired many resources to advance the 48th Fighter Wing.

Some resources include securing a marquee for Liberty Wing events. Morton procured a generator to support base-wide events and at no cost to the wing, he manufactured a customized transport vehicle for that generator which a storage trailer for other event items.

“He’s my jack-of-all-trades. No matter what the project is, he is the one that I can count on,” Girimonte said. “He rises to every challenge and when he notices a problem, he needs no prompt to work on a solution.”

According to Girimonte, Morton always has the U.S. Air Force’s common goals and interests in mind.

Morton scratches his head and leans forward in his chair linking his fingers.

“There is one thing I am happy that I can be of service with for the Air Force,” said Morton. “There’s no continuity when people leave due to permanent change of station. My status as a British national allows me to provide that continuity for the Air Force.”

The international partnerships established between United States Visiting Forces and our host nation go deeper than most realize. Airmen welcomed by their host nations become a part of a part of a tight-knit family.

“I’m a big family man and I find that as a part of the U.S. Air Force, I am a part of a bigger family,” Morton said. “The people I’ve met throughout the years have become forever friends and I still stay in touch with a lot in the states.”

Military friendships are unique. Some Airmen form strong bonds that are forged quickly and their relationships are continuously tested by time and distance.

Girimonte said Morton created countless bonds and touched many who pass through the Liberty Wing with outstanding Airmanship.

“I’ve been involved in the military my entire life, and I know being an Airman means that you take care of one another,” Girimonte said. “No matter the situation, you are always there for whoever needs it. Doesn’t matter if you’re civilian, active duty or a dependent, as long as you’re there to take care of each other you’re an Airman. When I think of an Airman, I think of Richard.”