End of an era: 315 AW Airman and Family Readiness senior NCO retires Published July 23, 2012 By Lt. Col. Bill Walsh 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Joint Base Charleston, S.C. -- The very definition of a family man is someone who takes care of his or her family with unconditional love. At the Airman and Family Readiness Flight here, Master Sgt. Sid Hursey fits that definition to a tee; however, it's not just his own family he has been taking care of for the last 28 years. Hursey has been taking care of other Airmen and their families as part of his job, but more importantly, his passion. "He would go to people's homes and fix their toilets while the member was deployed," said Lisa Sweatt, chief of Airman and Family Readiness for the 315th Airlift Wing. "That's the kind of person Sid is." Hursey started his Air Force career as an aircraft maintainer, and he later transferred to Airman and Family Readiness which seemed to have been his military calling. When asked what would be a perfect day in the Reserve, he said any day which he can help other people. Hursey currently lives just outside of Augusta Ga., where he works for the veterans hospital as an air condition mechanic. When he's not working, Hursey enjoys spending time with his wife. Not a day goes by when Hursey doesn't take time to reflect upon his military career and the numerous opportunities he has had to help people in need. "After 9/11, we all pulled together as a family helping each other," said Hursey. "That was a great opportunity to help other people." As the noncommissioned officer in charge, Hursey is wrapping up a career with a big job. Airman and Family Readiness touches the lives of every Airman assigned to the 315 AW. He served on long-term orders three times in his impressive career and stated that he will miss all of the people he sees and interacts with each month. "I'll miss all my friends the most," said Hursey. "The unit training assembly (UTA) is always a great time to come together and see everyone." As Hursey retires, he won't be leaving the Air Force too far behind because his son Adam is going into his sixth year of active-duty service. Hursey hopes that his 28 years of service was a model that his son, and others who continue to serve, can look at and emulate. "Sid is a true American patriot," said Sweatt who spent 13 years as his supervisor and friend. "He wouldn't tell you himself, but he has opened his own wallet and spent money to help our people." Wife Debi and daughter Skylar joined many others here July 22 as Lt. Col. Jerry Bishop officiated during Hursey's retirement ceremony. "The key ingredient to everything I've done, and will do, in my life is God and family," said Hursey as he moves from one chapter of his life to another.