SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- We sat down with Airman 1st Class William Gentry, 20th Healthcare Operations Squadron aerospace medical technician, to get to know him and how he helps make the Shaw community happier and healthier. Gentry is best known for his hard work ethic and get-it-done nature in the shop. You can also catch him after work working on his car and watching Alabama football.
Where are you from?
I’m from Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Why did you decide to join the Air Force?
I joined the Air Force to get out of my hometown, I wanted to do something different with my life.
How long have you been at Shaw?
Two and a half years.
What is your favorite part of South Carolina?
My favorite part of South Carolina is that it’s just like North Carolina, it’s close to home and there are great sunsets.
How would you describe a normal day?
I start seeing patients at 7:40 a.m. I mainly see newborn babies up to 17-year-olds. I also go over and help immunizations when I can. It’s pretty random what I do from day-to-day.
What is your favorite sport? Team?
Football, I’d say Alabama.
What is in your cargo pocket?
Keys and lotion for my new tattoo, which is dog tags representing me and my grandpa who served.
What is one word that describes how you lead?
Blunt. I don’t like to sugar-coat things.
What is one Air Force resource you found that is incredibly beneficial?
The education opportunities in the Air Force in general. I’m actually certified as an EMT. Other branches that went through the same training I did don’t have that certification stay on their record like the Air Force does.
What’s your outlook mailbox look like?
If it doesn’t pertain to me, I delete it.
What is one thing you wish people knew about your job?
Some people assume since I work in the medicine field that I know everything about medicine, but I don’t. I work mostly with kids and that’s the stuff I know.
What is your least favorite task and how do you make sure you get it done?
My least favorite task would be calling to reschedule for people that didn’t show up to their appointments. If we see someone didn’t show up, we schedule a phone appointment so we remember to call them about it.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Making people feel better, I like helping people.