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Father, son work side by side

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt Holly Brown
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  An Airman from the Logistics Readiness Squadron here is following in the footsteps of his father. 

Airman 1st Class Bryan Burns, a customer service representative, began working down the hall from his father, Master Sgt. Michael Burns, 20th LRS customer service NCO in charge, two months ago. 

Sergeant Burns has been in the Air Force 22 years and stationed at Shaw for 11. Airman Burns spent three of those years here as his father's dependent. He will spend the next four years here as an active-duty Airman. 

As an experienced customer service representative, Sergeant Burns oversees the 77th Fighter Squadron supply activities, such as ordering aircraft parts. He inspects the squadron and makes sure everything is operating correctly. 

"Our situation is really unique," Sergeant Burns said. "We work in the same squadron and have the same job." 

Airman Burns said he chose the job because of his father's experience. 

"I was excited for him. It's not a glamorous job, like air traffic controlling, but it gives him a lot of opportunities on the outside," Sergeant Burns said. 

As a new customer service representative, Airman Burns is working on his career development course and on-the-job training. 

"Right now I process information in the base supply system," Airman Burns said. "I also answer the phone and take customer requests." 

Airman Burns said his father's experience came in handy during his technical training and is convenient at the squadron. 

"It's funny to walk in and say 'hey dad,'" Airman Burns said. 

"It's nice that we can talk about computer systems together, not that we talk about it at home or anything," Sergeant Burns said. 

The Burns' time together at the LRS will come to an end in March, when Sergeant Burns will PCS to Laughlin AFB, Texas. 

Sergeant Burns is considering retirement in a couple of years and returning to Shaw. His son serving a six-year enlistment and said he is unsure of his future career plans. 

Sergeant Burns said he would rather stay at Shaw to be near his family and friends, but he will make the best of his new assignment. Airman Burns said he also wishes his father would remain at Shaw, since he currently spends most of his time at his father's house, he said. 

"I'm not happy about it, but it comes with the territory," Airman Burns said. "There are worse places he could be sent."