Pinaire finds calling, named Airman of the Year Published Feb. 14, 2014 By Tech. Sgt. Douglas Hays 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Sometimes a person has to find the right fit, which is exactly what one Grissom firefighter did, propelling his career to unexpected heights. Senior Airman Kenneth W. Pinaire Jr., 434th Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection journeyman, was recently selected as the 434th Air Refueling Wing Airman of the Year for 2013. "This is probably the greatest accomplishment in my Air Force career so far," said Pinaire, a 6-year Air Force veteran who recently cross-trained to be a firefighter in August 2012. "I never thought I'd win Airman of the Year, but I finally found a job that makes me want to push myself to be better." And, push himself he did in 2013 as he completed a rigorous seasoning training program and devoted more than 160 hours of off-duty time to achieve his emergency medical technician basic certification. During that time he also mastered 100 hours of hazardous materials technician certification, completed three aircraft firefighting vehicle licenses in two-thirds the average completion time and finished 12 hours toward his Community College of the Air Force degree in fire science. "(Pinaire) set new standards," said Maj. Paul Brenner, 434th CES commander, of the 2007 Maconaquah High School graduate. "He has a true passion for learning." It was that passion for knowledge in his craft that paid out big dividends in 2013 as he saved both lives and property. Due to Grissom's mutual aid agreements with the surrounding areas, the 25-year-old Airman had even greater opportunities to use his training in the local community. Pinaire was first on scene of a trench collapse that trapped a patient, said Brenner, adding that he secured the scene and provided medical care to include oxygen therapy that saved the patient's life. He was also the primary medic at a vehicle rollover accident on U.S. 31 near the base, where he helped expedite getting a patient to a trauma center for advanced care, the commander continued. "The best thing about last year would be getting out in the community and helping them with things like car wrecks, where you're with patients and telling them, 'hey, we're here for you and we're going to do everything we can to help you out,'" said Pinaire. "It feels good to make that big of a difference." It wasn't only medical runs that set Pinaire apart last year. He responded to a KC-135R Stratotanker fuel spill and contained more than 50 gallons of fuel, which protected both the $39.6 million aircraft as well as then environment. He also responded to an off-base fire helping stop nearly $80,000 in structure loss. And, while Pinaire serves as a Grissom firefighter as a traditional Air Force reservist, he doesn't let his service to the community stop there as he dons the firefighting gear of the Pipe Creek Volunteer Fire Department, a local department just outside Grissom's gate. "I joined Pipe Creek to gain more experience because with Grissom not having a large response area we don't get a lot of fires, but with Pipe Creek I get more runs and more involved with the community," he explained. "Even if it's small stuff, doing the job more makes me better." He's said he's also been able to share some of his Air Force training with the volunteer fire department, making the community safer. "With the training I've received at Grissom I'm one of the more highly trained fire fighters," said Pinaire, adding that he's also served as an instructor for aircraft fire training, helping Purdue and Columbus, Ind., airport firefighters achieve Federal Aviation Administration certification. Even when not on duty with either fire department, becoming a firefighter has brought him into the fold of a special family 24/7. "They tell you it's a brotherhood when you go into it, but you don't really realize it until you're actually doing the job that there are guys who are willing to do anything for you, and you'd do for them," said Pinaire. "It's fun being able to work with a bunch of guys with whom you have so much in common." And, while he now fits like a glove into his new family and role as a life-saving firefighter, his new path almost never happened. "It was something I always thought about doing, I just didn't think I had the resources to do it," Pinaire explained. "I got talking to people one day about being a volunteer firefighter, which got the gears turning and the next thing you know I was talking about cross training into the unit. "Ever since then I've absolutely loved it," he elaborated. "It's the best decision I've ever made in my life." The Peru, Ind., native said he now fully embraces his role and all the responsibilities that come with it, especially as a role model. "One of my most memorable moments was when I was doing driver's training on Engine 8 driving through Eagles Pointe, and we came to a stop sign where a school bus was dropping little kids off and when they got off the bus they were waiving and smiling at us, and even the kids on the bus were rolling down the windows," said Pinaire. "It made me remember when I was a kid how cool it was to see a fire truck and see firefighters and I was finally a firefighter getting to see that excitement. "I love being someone that kids or younger people look up to and say, 'I want to be like that,'" he continued. "It's a really good feeling when you have people that look up to you." While being a role model for kids is important, Pinaire also offered some advice to his fellow Airmen about how they can achieve both careers success and happiness. "It may sound cliché, but follow your dreams," he shared. "If there's something you want to do, go for it. "I have a philosophy now of 'why not?'" he concluded. "You only get to live once, so why not try?" Pinaire will now join three other 434th ARW annual award winners to compete at the 4th Air Force level. The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
