Schoolhouse unites father, son for C-130 mission

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Mercedes Taylor
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. (AFNS) --  Mentors come in many forms, whether they’re coworkers, supervisors or even friends, they provide personal and professional advice that can impact someone for the rest of their lives.

Airman Trevor Armentrout, 700th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, often receives guidance through one of his mentors, his father, Col. Jeffrey Armentrout, 302nd Airlift Wing vice commander.

The father-and-son duo were recently assigned as students at the 714th Training Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base, to attend the C-130 Center of Excellence. Jeffrey trained to become a C-130H pilot while Trevor trained to be a loadmaster.

“(Being at the schoolhouse) was a treat for me and his mother,” Jeffrey said. “We enjoyed some fun recreational excursions together and caught up with Trevor on all his Air Force training experiences.”

Before attending the technical school, the colonel spent 10 years on active duty as a C-5 Galaxy pilot. In 2000, he transitioned to the Reserves, where he has served for 17 years.

“In the Reserves, I’ve had to spend a lot of time away from my family,” Jeffrey said. “Every month I had to leave the house and disappear somewhere for a few days. When I was home, I focused on the things we could do together when we had the time. Both my boys were in the Boy Scouts, so I invested a lot of time doing that with them. I have the fondest memories of those experiences.”

It was during those times and throughout his son’s childhood, the colonel passed down family values to his son.

“He gave me a good life and I want to provide that for my children, someday,” said Trevor. “He raised me to want to be willing to help others. My father also made sure I knew I had to earn my way in life, so I want my children to know that too.”

In addition to helping others and working hard, Trevor felt the need to serve his country.

“Since my dad served in the Air Force, I thought I would serve my country too, but not in the same way he did,” Trevor said. “And then I thought, ‘why not go to school and join the military?’”

The choice to join the Reserves came at the recommendation of his father, as a way to serve and attend school.

Now that he has had some time in the Air Force, Trevor respects and understands what his father does even more.

“Whether he saw it or not, I always thought his job was important,” he said. “I always understood that, but going into the Air Force gave me an understanding of all he does. I understood why he would have to leave every so often, because he was supporting us and our country.”

Growing up with a father in the Air Force influenced Trevor to enlist and create his own career path, much to the delight of his parents.

“(His mother and I) are proud of his decision to serve,” Jeffrey said. “The Air Force has been a big part of our life and I know he will benefit from the experience. I’m hopeful that the Air Force chief of staff focus on revitalizing the squadron will improve Trevor's overall experience so that he continues a long and rewarding career.”

Although their time together was brief and they returned to their separate bases, the Armentrouts will serve together in the Air Force in the C-130H legacy, taking their values passed along to them through generations.