Bagram Airman makes difference on 2 fronts

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joshua Jasper
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) --  An Airman deployed to Bagram Air Base is not only making a difference in the war on terrorism, but also in his Louisiana hometown. 

Tech. Sgt. Bruce BeeJay Johnson, an information manager from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and deployed with the 755th Air Expeditionary Group, has been positively influencing the lives of children and adults in the Orleans Parish School system for more than a decade. 

"When I was in school, my teacher used to tell me, 'There aren't enough books for little boys,' so I decided to help change things," Sergeant Johnson said. 

In 1994, he embarked on this mission by writing a series of books called "The Bee Jay's Book Series" to distribute throughout the school system. His childhood memories and experiences inspired the books. 

Since that time he has written more than 20 books, including one with his friend and co-worker Toni Tanner Castillo, which compiled firsthand accounts of Hurricane Katrina victims. 

"I lost everything during Katrina," he said, describing what inspired him to co-write the book, with the proceeds going toward rebuilding schools in the New Orleans area. 

"I am also working on a book here," Sergeant Johnson said. "It's called 'On the Road to Afghana Baby,' and it will be about my experiences, from the time I left home station, through Combat Skills Training at Fort Dix, N.J., until I leave." 

Despite a busy work schedule, he still manages to find time to write, often staying up late after work, as well as keeping a notepad with him to jot down ideas during the day. 

"I encourage everyone to keep a journal," Sergeant Johnson said. "You'll be surprised how interesting your day can be when you look back at it. Writing can be like therapy, everyone needs a little bit once in a while." 

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