Citizen Airman and Key Spouse' core values build lives

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Adam C. Borgman
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All You Do… not just the core values of the U.S. Air Force, but also values that Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Bley and his family live by.

Bley, the operations and training superintendent of the 45 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron’s communications section, has served in the Air Force Reserve for 17 years and has never turned down an opportunity set a positive example for those around him.

“I really enjoy being in the Air Force,” Bley said. “The opportunity to establish a solid foundation of leadership has paved a way for me to thrive in my military career as well as my civilian job.”

As a Reserve Citizen Airman, Bley works as a traditional reservist on base at least one weekend per month and two weeks per year. His full-time civilian job is with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office where he serves as a Deputy in the School Guardian Unit.

With his time in the Air Force Reserve he has continued to polish himself into the stellar Senior non-commissioned officer he is today. Because of his dedication to leadership, job performance, community involvement and significant self-improvement, he was recently recognized as Air Force Reserve Command’s Aeromedical Evacuation Communications SNCO of the Year.
Four others in his squadron were also recognized for their excellence, allowing the squadron to be awarded 20% of the total AE Annual awards for Air Force Reserve Command.

“The Aeromedical Evacuation mission requires a great commitment,” said Lt. Col. Karen Reiff, 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. “Whether it be AE crewmembers, communications or ground support, the 45th AES stands ready to take on any challenge and is extremely proud of all our AE Annual Award winners!”

Prior to the award ceremony, Bley had a different ceremony, one that led him to walk out with additional responsibility, a little more pay and new rank.

Effective June 1, after 17 years of service, Bley was promoted to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, a rank that Bley worked hard to achieve.

In addition to the hard work and dedication to the mission on base, Bley credits all his successes to the relationship he and his wife share. He felt so passionately about her being involved in all capacities of his life and military career, he asked if she would be willing to participate in the 927th Air Refueling Wing’s Key Spouse Program.

“She does so much to support me, I felt it was important to allow her into this world of mine on base while also being able to support the other Airmen and their families when in need,” he added. “She’s been a Key Spouse for about 3 years and has been loving to be a part of the wing and I couldn’t be more proud of her.”

The U.S. Air Force Key Spouse Program and is an official Air Force unit family readiness program designed to enhance readiness, personal/family resiliency and establish a sense of Air Force community. Key Spouses are commander-appointed and serve as a vital resource to command teams in an effort to support Air Force families. The strategic vision is to increase resiliency and unit cohesion amongst military members and their families throughout the military life cycle.

In her nearly 3 years, Lauren Bley, has been able to accomplish more than just the tasks assigned. She has gone above and beyond the expectations, resulting in her being named the Key Spouse of the Year for 2018 by the 927 ARW commander, Col. Doug Stouffer.

“It really is humbling to receive an award for doing something I really enjoy and love learning about,” said Lauren. “I really have to thank my husband for helping me learn, relate and understand what families need to stay resilient and keep a cohesive family in times of need.”

As they smiled at each other, love poured into the room. Both crediting the other for their happiness and successes!

“Tim is a hardworking and loving husband and father to our fur babies at home,” Lauren said. “His motivation drives me to be the best woman in every capacity.”