One board at a time

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Ramps are not hard to build, but the boards must be just right. Senior Master Sgt Adrian Darby slides in the next board for a ramp that was used by Master Sgt.. Chris Scher's wife on her return home from the hospital. Sergeant Darby is a quality assurance superintendent and Sergeant Scher is quality assurance aircraft inspector. They both work with the 916th Maintenance Operations Flight, Air Force Reserve.

Family helping family

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- On a cold and frosty Saturday morning, (left to right) Senior Master Sgt. Adrian Darby and Tech Sgts. Jeff Verrett and Mike Marshall took time out to build a ramp for Master Sgt. Chris Scher's wife before returning home from the hospital. All three reservists work for the 916th Maintenance Operations Flight as quality assurance inspectors.

Reserve members go above and beyond to help one of their own

Published Aug. 9, 2007
By Senior Airman Randy LeMay
916th Air Refueling Wing

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- However, as part of the condition of her release from the hospital a wheelchair ramp had to be built to permit access in and out of the house.

"I have always felt that serving in the United States Air Force is like being part of a very large family," said Sergeant Scher. "Sometimes you just have to ask your family for help."

Between working, sleeping and visits to the hospital, Sergeant Scher did not know what to do about the ramps and getting his wife home.

During the last few months, help has appeared from all sections of the 916th Air Refueling Wing, added Sergeant Scher.

"I was one of the first to get a phone call," said Master Sgt. Steve Sperling, crew chief with the 916th MXG. "I gathered up about seven members of the 916th ARW to help with whatever he needed and we were there."

Therefore, on a very cold and frosty Saturday morning in the spring, a group of my 916th MXG co-workers showed up with tools, supplies and a plan to build two ramps.

"I actually went back a second time to help," stated Sergeant Sperling. "We finished the day before she was to be released from the hospital."

Thank you, my 916th family, for your kindness, prayers and the ramps, said Sergeant Scher. In no time, the aircraft maintainers completed the work, and within a week, I was able to bring my wife home.

"Getting back home to her kids was the best therapy she could have," said Sergeant Scher. "She is now walking and making her way to a full recovery."