My name is Staff Sergeant Blaine “Tyler” Roberts. I put my middle name is quotations, because that is the name that I normally go by, so please, call me Tyler! I am currently serving as the active duty enlisted Air Force recruiter for the Mt. Pleasant and surrounding area. I have been in the Air Force for 11 years and boy, has it been great. Now, I’d be lying if I told you my career this far has been without its struggles and challenges, but, the good most definitely outweigh the bad. Before becoming a recruiter, I was stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force base in Goldsboro, North Carolina. I spent 9 years at Seymour, working as an Aircraft Hydraulics technician. My primary responsibility was to maintain components off of the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon and the A-10 Thunderbolt.

Before I joined the Air Force, I knew I wanted to do something hands on, and I also knew that I did not want to take the traditional route and go to college because I wanted to get into a trade of some sort. This is when my brother, who was serving in the Marine Corps at the time, suggested that I look into the Air Force, because he knew that my love for aviation, and mechanics could be offered to me in the Air Force. The second that I walked into my recruiter’s office, I knew that this is what I wanted to do with my life.

I have had the privilege of being able to travel to different countries, and all across the U.S. - on the Air Force’s dime. For that, I am truly thankful for the life that the air force has allowed me to live, and given me the opportunity to do things I would have never been able to do had I not joined. I have been able to become proficiently trained at my job, while earning college credits along the way. I have also been able to enjoy my hobbies and interests in my own time while being in the Air Force.