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Aviation Maintenance Technician Day – May 24, 2019

Carl Buhler, Brig Gen (ret), US Air Force

aviation maintenance picture for Carl Buhler article

Today, May 24, 2019, is Aviation Maintenance Technician Day.  According to National Day Calendar, “[t]hrough the efforts of Richard Dilbeck, in 2001, the FAA created the prestigious Charles E. Taylor Master Mechanic Award to honor AMTs, who had served at least 50 years in aircraft maintenance.  The following year, California Senator Knight introduced a resolution honoring Aviation Maintenance Technicians annually in honor of Charles Taylor’s birthday.”

Then, on May 24, 2007, “a United States House of Representatives resolution supporting the goals and ideals of a National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day was introduced. Congressman Bob Filner of California was the sponsor of the resolution” states a wikipedia post.

As a retired US Air Force aircraft maintenance officer, I’ve had the honor to witness the incredible effort and results of aviation maintainers.  In fact, while serving as the Ogden Air Logistics Complex Commander in Utah a few years ago, I spoke at an Air Force Maintenance Professional of the Year banquet. During my speech, I stated “aviation maintenance has been a cornerstone of military aviation since powered flight was first achieved.  In 1907, the US Government put out its first bid for a ‘heavier than air flying machine’ … and with that, the need for aviation maintenance began. With this first air flying machine, the formal maintenance career was formed when the first non-flying mechanic, Mr Charley Taylor, arrived.  Charley then accompanied the Wright Flyer to Fort Meyer and became the first aviation maintainer.”

“Like Taylor, aviation maintenance technicians around the world work in the background, keeping civilian and military aircraft safe. On May 24th, we recognize their achievements and humble history” states National Day Calendar.

The author, US Air Force Brigadier General (retired) Carl Buhler, is the CEO of Buhler Consulting, LLC which specializes in providing consulting services for aircraft maintenance, munitions, technology, SBIR, production, logistics, and supply.  Carl served on active-duty for almost three decades as a career aircraft maintenance, munitions, and logistics officer.  Carl is a member of the Air Force Association and the Logistics Officer Association.

#AviationMaintenanceTechnicianDay     

Indiana Seeking to Attract Veterans to Join Its Workforce

Carl Buhler, Brig Gen (ret), US Air Force

Carl Buhler

Veterans seeking full-time employment are being encouraged to search for jobs in Indiana. The state, in conjunction with numerous large corporations, is offering to pay $5,000 in relocation expenses for out-of-state veterans to move to Indiana through its Next Level Veterans Initiative (NLVI). Eric Holcomb, the governor of Indiana, has said that there are 85,000 unfilled jobs in the state due to a lack of qualified applicants for high-skilled jobs.

NLVI is hoping to provide a solution to that problem by partnering with INvets.org to match employers with suitably skilled veterans. Many of the available jobs require applicants with leadership experience.

While some of the positions start at an annual salary of around $35,000, many jobs have the possibility of rapid advancement to as much as $90,000 per year within four years. To learn more or to apply, visit INvets.org.

The author, Carl Buhler, is a graduate of Valdosta State College (now University), majoring in applied mathematics. He is a brigadier general in the United States Air Force. In addition to his nearly 30 years of service, Carl Buhler holds membership in the Military Officers Association of America and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.