Sergeant is one of a kind

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jeremy Larlee
  • Air Force Print News
CAMP ROBINSON, Ark. (AFPN) --  When this sergeant says he is one of a kind he really means it.

Master Sgt. Daniel Norwood is the Air Force's only military gunsmith and is the shop supervisor of the Army and Air National Guard marksmanship unit here. The Air National Guard has one position for a gunsmith and since 1991 it has been filled by Sergeant Norwood. There is also one civilian gunsmith in the Air Force located at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

The sergeant is responsible for creating and repairing rifles and pistols for the National Guard competitive firing teams and sniper school. 

With 15 years of experience under his belt, Sergeant Norwood said he often draws on his wealth of experience when dissecting a problem associated with a firearm.

"The experience definitely gives you an edge," he said. "I look at gunsmithing and gun repair as a doctor would look at a patient. I get the symptoms from the shooter and try to cure the problem."

Growing up in rural Rogers, Ark., the sergeant was introduced to firearms by hunting with his father, a former Marine and veteran of World War II. His first gun was a Daisy air rifle and firearms have been a passion for Sergeant Norwood throughout his life.

"It does make a difference when you come to work and enjoy what you do," he said.

The gunsmith, whose specialty is the .45-caliber service pistol, is also an accomplished shooter and said that helps him communicate with customers to understand their problems.

He also enjoys passing on advice to young students who pass through the sniper school.

"We take people who really didn't understand the concept of ballistics and marksmanship and we train them up to be quite proficient," he said. "I'm always willing to pass my knowledge on."

One of his most frequent customers, Tech. Sgt. Sean Wallace, said he enjoys working with Sergeant Norwood and respects his craftsmanship.

"He is extremely easy to work with," said Sergeant Wallace, the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the Close Precision Engagement course. "Anything we need is delivered to us very quickly. His work is also some of the best I have ever seen." 

Sergeant Norwood's shop contains top-of-the-line equipment which allows him to experiment with different firearm variations. One of his favorite creations was an improvement to a rifle rest that had not been changed since the 1950s. He finds it rewarding that military members across the world will benefit from his efforts.

"It is good to know that even after you are gone a part of you will stay behind through your work," he said.