Tech. Sgt. Billie Hartman, 460th CES

Published June 5, 2009

TEAM BUCKLEY WARRIOR OF THE WEEK -- Tech. Sgt. Billie Hartman, an electrical systems supervisor from the 460th Civil Engineer Squadron is Team Buckley's Warrior of the Week for June 12 - 18.

Sergeant Hartman has given 12 years and eight months to the Air Force and hails from Lebanon, Pa. He shares his hometown with Sam Bowie who was notoriously selected number two in the 1984 National Basketball Association draft ahead of Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and John Stockton.

He enjoys playing with his six-month-old daughter, watching and playing baseball, basketball and football.

What is the combat capability that this person exemplified to earn the title, "Warrior of the Week?"
"Billie is a leader on and off the job," said Master Sgt. Ross Cannalte, 460th CES. "He continues to hone his skills at every opportunity making a positive impact in the local community and in his Air Force family. Billie is a hard-charging NCO with the right stuff."

How do your day-to-day duties impact the Air Force mission?
If electricity is not supplied to the buildings on base, the personnel in the buildings cannot complete their mission. If they cannot complete their mission, the Air Force mission does not get accomplished.

If you could change one thing about the Air Force what would it be?
Just one? I guess it would have to be the inflation of the Enlisted Performance Report system. Not everyone is a five. Some Airmen are not even a four and still get a five. The promotion system basically comes down to who studies more, which sometimes isn't fair because some people who deserve to be promoted aren't studying because they are busy with work, additional duties, family issues, taking care of children or helping subordinates with their issues.

Why do you serve?
I joined the Air Force to see the world. Since then I have been to numerous countries on six continents. Now that I have seen the opportunities other countries present their people and the living conditions of those people, I know this is the best country in the world. I serve to protect the best country in the world.

What has been your most memorable experience in the Air Force?
My most memorable moments have been traveling to different countries, seeing the different cultures, and meeting the different people in these countries.

What is your most memorable personal accomplishment?
My most memorable accomplishment is making technical sergeant.

If you were not in the military, where would you be? Why?
I would be in Lebanon, Pa. making the drive everyday to the Hershey Chocolate Factory to pack candy. Why? Nobody ever leaves that town.

Where would you like to be in 10 years? What will you be doing?
If I am still in the Air Force in 2019, I hope to be a chief master sergeant -- or a senior master sergeant with a line number -- and I hope to have a bachelor's degree in business management. If I have already retired I would still want that bachelor's degree to open my own bar or pub in the northeast part of the country.

Military accomplishments
-- Below-the-Zone, 1999
-- 690th Alterations Installation Squadron Airman of the 3rd Quarter, 2001
-- 690th ALIS Airman of the Year, 2001
-- 690th ALIS Non-Commissioned Officer of the year, 2007
-- 690th ALIS NCO of the 3rd Quarter, 2007
-- Community College of the Air Force degree 2007