Senior Airman: Colby McCarthy

Senior Airman Colby McCarthy enjoys a day
in the woods with his pal Ruger.

Corvallis native, Colby McCarthy made the decision to join the U.S. Air Force thirteen years ago. He is a third generation service member. His grandfather was in the Navy and his father was in the Coast Guard.

“I chose the military because I knew it would give me valuable training and a way to pay for college in the future,” said McCarthy.

When entering the Air Force, McCarthy started out as E1, Airman Basic. He left as an E3, Senior Airman.

The U.S. Air Force took McCarthy all over the world. He was stationed in Oman, Afghanistan, Turkey, Germany, and Iraq. While in Iraq he was at Balad Air Base and Tallil Air Base. In the U.S. he was stationed in Texas, New Mexico, and Mississippi.

For four years McCarthy worked on welding, rough framing and concrete work. During his deployment he wasn’t on the front line with a weapon. His job was to make repairs to aircraft hangers.

“It did feel good to be able to do my part and what I was trained to do,” said McCarthy.

McCarthy has many memories from his deployment.

The memories that remain are the friends he made while deployed, and the friends he continues to keep in close contact with. The time he spent in the service was enjoyed and he has no regrets.  

When it came time for him to re-enlist, the Air Force had an abundance of troops and they weren’t allowing many of the men and woman previously enlisted to re-enlist. He was forced out. There were too many people in his career field.

After being forced out of the service, McCarthy began working as a drill rig operator for the next eight years. Last year, he quit his job to begin a college career at LBCC. He is currently working towards getting his Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree, so that he can get an electrician apprenticeship. He goal is to work for the Electrician Union.

For those considering the military, McCarthy has some helpful advice.

“Look at all the military branches and choose the one that will give you that most experience that will be useful for a career, if and when you get out of the military.”

The military isn’t for everyone, If you have questions or concerns contact your local recruiting agency. An army of one starts with the first step in the right direction.