LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- From an early age, Staff Sergeant Tyler Blythe knew he was destined to be in the Air Force. His grandfather and uncle both served in the Air Force, who continue to inspire him in his career. Blythe enlisted into the active duty Air Force at 18 years old as a maintenance crew chief stationed in Arizona. While deployed in 2015, Blythe was trusted to recover a severely damaged U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J aircraft and derelict helicopter. His efforts helped salvage equipment and parts and he was recognized for his work by the Marine Air Ground Task Force Commander. His hard work and dedication did not stop while deployed, after returning to home station Blythe was recognized through quarterly awards.
After eight years of active duty service, Blythe transitioned to the Air force Reserves to help align his professional goals with his wife’s job. Currently specializing in fuels system repair, he found his passion for mentoring and training fellow Airmen. “There is always something to learn and I’m happy to lend my experience to others,” Blythe said. “My prior military experience and current job as a C-130J contracted crew chief provides me a breadth of knowledge across career fields. I do what I can to cultivate that thirst for knowledge and set an example among fellow Airmen and contractors.”
During the Air Force Reserve 913th Airlift Group’s first deployment in 2019, Blythe was a guide for many first time deployers. “Even if the issue didn’t fall under my area of responsibility I jumped in to help,” he said. “Whether that was helping troubleshoot fuels issues on other aircraft or help a fellow Airman get adjusted to the deployed structure, I’m happy to do what I can.”