Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base -- U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ben Evans is the Director of Complaints Resolution for the 151st Air Refueling Wing. Like many Americans, Evans was compelled to military service after the events of Sept. 11, 2001. He has held many positions throughout his career, starting first as a knowledge operations manager in the 151st Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office, he then transitioned to work in the 151st Communication Flight before commissioning as an officer for the Medical Group.
Evans has loved his career, particularly supporting the Airman of the Utah Air National Guard. “The thing I like the most is the camaraderie, the feeling that the Guard is family, and I really feel that when I come to drill,” said Evans. “People take care of each other here, and I have really enjoyed the relationships that I’ve built over the last 20 years.”
Evans is currently serving on a special Active Duty Tour underneath the Department of the Air Force Program Executive Officer for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management (DAF PEO C3BM) as a program manager working on the Advanced Battle Management System. “We’re building a Tactical Cloud-Based Command and Control weapon system for NORAD, USNORTHCOM and PACAF. Building one of the next systems that will be used for Tactical Battle Management, across the world, that's cool,” he said.
Looking back on his career, he feels that his service with the Utah Air National Guard has been a blessing for both he and his family.
“I never really anticipated serving this long when I originally joined,” said Evans. “Whether it be the health care benefits, traveling and seeing the world, or the education benefits, it gave me a springboard to get my life going and gave me a lot of opportunities that I wouldn't have had.”
When asked what career advice he would offer a potential recruit, he said to come in with your eyes wide open and allow yourself room to grow. “If you start in one area and you feel like that's not for you, go around, learn from other people, see what opportunities are there, you can go as far and as high as you want to go as long as you're motivated, work hard, and are a team player,” he said.