MILITARY
Ryan Boyd
Passionate Husband, Airman, and Life-long Learner
By Dustie M. Clements
As a child, Ryan Boyd loved playing soccer and riding his bicycle around town. Boyd grew up inspired by his father and grandfather who were both Army veterans. Learning about the military through his family helped push Boyd in the direction of service. While he joined a different branch, the military was in Boyd’s blood. “No one talked me into it or had to convince me, I went to the recruiter on my own.” After talking to a recruiter next to a favored pizza place, Boyd quickly joined the Air Force. “The next thing I know I was on my way to beautiful San Antonio, TX!” Military Service Boyd is now a Master Sergeant, E-7 with a special and life-saving job. His specialty is Aerospace Ground Equipment or AGE. With the equipment Boyd uses, he and his fellow airmen test the aircrafts without having to leave the ground. “Some of it is used to help simulate conditions in flight or cool the aircraft the way it would if it were flying. That way the aircraft maintainers can check if it is working properly without having to fly the plane.” Fewer in-air malfunctions mean fewer accidents and safer flying conditions.
Around the World and Back Traveling is on most people’s bucket lists, and Boyd has been all around the world. Working for the Air Force, Boyd has enjoyed working in Portugal, Japan, and England. Boyd’s favorite place to live was Terceira Island in Portugal, where he savored the culture and food, not to mention the sights. From any point on the island, a beautiful view of the ocean is available. “I really enjoyed going to the bullfights in the summer months. They don’t hurt the bulls, they just let “I want people to them run know that I loved through the streets serving my country and the these last 20 years, villagers test their and I would do it all to try again in a heartbeat. luck not to get gored.” Along with traveling the world, Boyd has had the opportunity to visit all but five US states. “Now that I’ve called them out, I’ll have to visit sometime in the future.” The views, food, and fun are just bonuses for Boyd, though, who truly enjoys what he does. “I want people to know that I loved serving my country these last 20 years, and I would do it all again in a heartbeat. There’s nothing more satisfying than a job well done.” Skillbridge Today, Boyd is an intern for Elevate Rapid City through the DoD Skillbridge program. “Every day at Elevate is a bit different. I have been spending time with each person who works here and trying to learn as much as possible.” The program helps active duty military members have a smooth transition from military to civilian life after they leave the service. “It is an opportunity that allows us to participate in an internship or job skills program during the last six months that we serve. The Airman shows up to the alternate duty location instead of reporting to the base every day.”
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