Teamwork reaches back to junior ROTC

  • Published
  • By Maj. Robert Couse-Baker
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (AFPN) --  While flying combat missions over Iraq, 1st Lt. Brian Huster is never alone.

As a co-pilot on a KC-10A Extender, he is part of crew of four aviators, and he is connected with the team of thousands of U.S. and coalition troops fighting the global war on terrorism. But for this new flier, there is an additional person with whom the link is unique and enduring –- his former Air Force Junior ROTC instructor.

“If it wasn’t for Lieutenant Colonel Jim Webb, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Huster said,

Stationed at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., but assigned to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing at forward-deployed location in Southwest Asia with, Huster said he learned a lot from his instructor.

“He taught me the value of keeping my options open, to be one who is able to make good decisions instead of one who has decisions made for you,” Huster said.

Applying that philosophy to studies and maintaining his integrity in high school and college made it possible to achieve his dream to fly Air Force jets, he said. Huster’s success in becoming an Air Force pilot has been a source of pride for Webb.

“I’m very proud of Brian. He is indicative of the very top cadre who pass through the doors of an Air Force (junior) ROTC unit. It is a cadre of young men and women who have a vision about their contribution and dedication to their nation,” said Webb, the instructor for Destrehan High School in New Orleans.

“It’s kind of cool to know you’re making a difference,” Huster said. “It feels good seeing (events) you’ve contributed to become events you see on the news. You know you’re helping to make things better for the people on the ground -– the soldiers and Marines, and the people of Iraq. It’s the basic (things) that really matter.”

From the start, Webb said he recognized Huster as a cut above.

“Brian always challenged himself in a quiet and reserved way. He did not seek a leadership position for the sake of being the top dog. He wanted to make a contribution. I would say that characteristic is what made him shine above fellow students,” Webb said.

Not everyone in junior ROTC eventually flies jets, but that is not the intent, Webb said. The goal is to make better citizens and people who may produce results for the nation in many positive ways.

“The program allows them all to develop their leadership skills, general knowledge and appreciation of citizenship as they mature toward their goals. Their dedication may come to fruition in a variety of careers,” Webb said.

After graduating from high school, Huster attended Louisiana State University as an ROTC student. Flying jets for the Air Force was one of many possible career choices open to him.

During his initial pilot training, terrorists struck America. Watching the news on television, Huster said he realized he could be called upon at anytime.

Throughout this time, Webb and Huster spoke and exchanged e-mail, and Webb, the teacher was learning from his former student.

“Brian is also a mentor to me. He shared his considerations throughout most of his endeavors and sought advice. In doing such, he challenged me to understand the dilemmas of his generation and offer the best possible advice. He has kept me young, in spirit, as I looked for answers for him, myself and future cadets,” Webb said.

Meanwhile, 7,000 miles from New Orleans, Huster said he is having the time of his life in one of the most versatile jets in the air.

“I owe a lot to Lieutenant Colonel Webb, he taught me to do (my) best to keep (my) doors open,” Huster said. “(And) I still owe him a flight.”