An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Reserve loadmaster transitions to recruiting service

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Bobby Pilch
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LIMA, PERU --  For many reservists, the notion of being a part of something bigger than themselves, and the benefits that come with the job are incentive enough to serve in the Air Force Reserve.

However, Tech. Sgt. Joseph D. Poltor, a loadmaster assigned to the 317th Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. , found himself wanting more - to become a recruiter and help people.

"For me, it's about giving young people the opportunity to change their lives," said Poltor as he travels on his last training mission in Lima, Peru. "The Air Force Reserve has provided me the ability to see the world and positively impact the lives of those less fortunate abroad. I want to share those experiences with future Airmen."

Poltor comes from modest means and grew up in the small town of Brookfield, Ohio, enlisting in the Active Duty Air Force just after completing high school in June 2002. His reserve career began in 2008 after completing six years of active duty service.

"I came from nothing and knew there was more out there than the town I grew up in," said Poltor sitting aboard a C-17 Globemaster III, one of the Air Force's most technologically advanced airlifters. "I have enjoyed Sushi in Japan, tea and crumpets in England and waffles in Belgium. I honestly, have dined around the world."

While describing his appetite for food, he also explains the educational benefits that come with being a member of the Reserve.

"I have a Bachelor's Degree, an associate degree from the Community College of the Air Force and a Master's degree from Capella University and can retire in ten years," said Poltor. "Today, I consider myself pretty successful and I want to let my future recruits know about these benefits."

According to Poltor, the selection process to become a recruiter is no easy task and there are limited opportunities for this position, but this is something he always wanted to do.

"I had to wait almost eight months to be eligible and there were only ten slots available," said Poltor. "It is intense. Out of the ten slots, only six of us made it."

While overcoming adversity seems to be a common attribute of this future recruiter, he touches on what he envisions as success in his new role.

"I look forward to having someone come back and thanking me for changing their life and appreciating the opportunity that I gave them," said Poltor. "I truly enjoy helping people."

As Polter sits in the loadmaster's seat one last time before taking on his new role as a freshly minted recruiter, he reminisces about past missions and looks forward to the challenges ahead.

"We truly make a change in the world," said Poltor as he remembers his humanitarian aid missions to Haiti following their devastating earthquake. "I know my new role with be a drastic change from what I have been doing for the past 12 years but now I can give someone else the opportunity to make a difference."