GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Some join the military and follow in their family’s footsteps, usually joining the same branch of service. Fewer end up in the same career field, even less are on the same base, and once in a while they happen to be in the same squadron.
Lt. Col. Chris Sharp, 316th Training Squadron commander, had been away from his son for roughly two years when Airman 1st Class Noah Sharp, a recent graduate from the linguist course, joined his squadron. Unfortunately for Noah’s family, this close proximity didn’t mean they could see their Airman.
For Chris this has been a bittersweet situation. “It’s been difficult because obviously it’s a small base,” said Chris. “We live on base so we see Noah basically everywhere we go. Understanding that there’s a purpose for what we’re doing here has kinda made it a little easier.”
Chris saw the situation as a way to show how the Air Force brings families together. Sometimes in ways you would not expect.
Although their contact was very limited Noah tried, unsuccessfully, to use his special relationship with the commander to push for certain things.
“I pushed for things like ABU shorts,” said Noah. “That hasn’t happened yet so I’d say it’s pretty clear I’m not getting any special treatment.”
During Noah’s graduation. Chris had the honor of pinning Noah with his job badge and officially making him a graduate of the linguist course.
At this graduation Noah hugged his family for the first time in a long time and talked to them freely.
Noah had no intention of following in his father’s footsteps. But, when he was told that his Defense Language Aptitude Battery scores qualified him to be a linguist, he took the job. And, like most linguists, he is extremely glad he got the job.
The Sharp family hopes their son experiences the same things they did. Both Chris and retired first sergeant, Tenny Sharp, were stationed at Kadena Air Base and hope that Noah follows in their footsteps. For now, Noah is going where the wind takes him.