LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Tech. Sgt. Raymond Jauch, 96th Aerial Port Squadron air transportation specialist, is set to retire with over 28 years of military service in August 2019 at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.
Jauch is known throughout the 913th Airlift Group as a friendly, happy and humble guy who has seen it all through his Air Force career. You would never know that behind those laughs and joyful disposition, Jauch witnessed monumental events such as the Camp David accords and participating in Operation Bright Star in 1981.
Jauch joined active duty Air Force in 1980, when the U.S. was facilitating negotiation peace deals. Tensions were high, but the Camp David accords laid the groundwork for a permanent peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, which was negotiated at President Jimmy Carter’s retreat.
Shortly after, Operation Bright Star was generated in 1981 where Jauch was part of the initial team in the joint exercise. Today, the combined command-post and field-training exercise continues to be a substantial exercise aimed at enhancing regional security and stability between the U.S. and Egypt.
After separating from active duty Air Force, Jauch started his career as a construction worker until joining the Air Force Reserves in 1997.
As a Traditional Reservist, Jauch was one of the many members of the 96th APS who were called onto active duty orders in 2004 to mobilize at Pope Field, South Carolina. Then shortly deploying downrange in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“We deployed together and experienced the busiest times of our careers,” said Senior Master Sgt. Brad Womack, 96th APS superintendent. “As air transportation specialists assigned to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, Southwest Asia, we were the main logistics hub responsible for moving all the ammo throughout the AOR [area of responsibility] to the joint forces involved in the Battle of Fallujah.”
During drill weekends, Jauch is known for his knowledge about his career field as well as his off-the-wall hobbies.
“He is always willing to help out and do his part in training exercises,” said Tech. Sgt. Dillion Lawerence, air transportation specialist. “I always remember him trying to sell items bought from a flea market or online. It would be stuff like 100 black VHS tapes. It’s 2019 and he is out there selling VHS tapes.”
“He certainly is known as a character,” said Womack. “When it comes down to getting the mission done, I know what he’s done and I know he passes on his experience to the young Airmen. He certainly has a positive influence and has developed our up and coming leaders within the unit.”
From a legacy of service, Jauch’s uncle was a prisoner of war in Korea and another uncle survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. Jauch’s own father deployed to Korea and Vietnam; continuing the long line of national service.
“I’m a military brat, born at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas,” said Jauch. “Their stories are the reason why I joined the military. To do my part.”