Three generations serve

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Eric Peterson
  • 120th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office
GREAT FALLS, Mont. --  
On October 30 Eric Fletcher raised his hand, completed the oath of enlistment administered by 120th Logistics Readiness Commander Lt. Col. Jennifer Cinq-Mars, and became the third generation of his family to serve in the Montana Air National Guard.

Two family members who retired from the MTANG joined others gathered in the Larsen Room of the 120th Airlift Wing Headquarters Building to witness Eric's enlistment.

His mother, retired Master Sgt. Angela Fletcher, served as a member of the 120th Medical Group and completed her career as the NCO in charge of medical administration. She retired with 20 years and one day of service.

His grandfather and Angela's father, retired Senior Master Sgt. Mitchell Martin, began his service as a member of 120th LRS and later transferred to the 120th Communications Flight. When he retired he served as the wing information manager and completed more than 35 years of total service.                                        

Angela said she began discussing MTANG career opportunities with her son six months ago. He considered joining the United States Marine Corps but changed his mind when presented with the benefits of belonging to the military organization his family members belonged to.

Both mother and grandfather were proud Eric decided to follow in the family's footsteps and join the MTANG.

"I'm very happy that he has decided to join," said Angela. "It took a lot of convincing and I'm glad that he finally saw the light. I guess that would be a good way to put it." 

"I'm really proud, really proud," said Martin. "That makes three of us in the family, one generation after another to get in. This is awesome."

A senior at Great Falls High School, Eric will be joining the 120th LRS as a supply specialist and is looking forward to adding more time to the 55 combined years of the family's generational longevity with the MTANG.

"My plans are to come back here, build the GI Bill up and take some online classes," said Eric. "Then I'll just see where the world takes me from there."

Eric leaves Great Falls to attend basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas in the summer of 2016. After graduating from basic he will continue his logistics career field technical training. He's excited to learn his new career and return to Montana to continue his family's tradition of service.                            

Martin is encouraging his grandson to complete at least a 20-year-career with his membership in the MTANG.

"I guarantee that I will be talking to him about it," said Martin. "I did, my daughter did, so I would think it would be good that he did."