U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Bobby Foreman, operation manager for the Utah Air National Guard’s 151st civil engineering, has been with the UTANG for 16 years. In 2007, he started off in emergency management, then transitioned into being a material controller in 2013. Today, Foreman’s main priority is to help classify, process, and schedule his shop's work orders.
“The focus of civil engineering is preventive maintenance,” said Foreman. “We want to keep what we have going. I prioritize the work, that way the preventive maintenance does not fall behind while we are doing projects to renovate, improve, or correct deficiencies in the building.”
Additional duties that Foreman is tasked with are the management of the operations and maintenance budget and the sustainment repair and modernization budget, as well as being a security manager, an anti-terrorism representative, and an emergency management representative.
“What has been important to me is just that I am ready," said Foreman. “If we were to get into an engagement, I know I could bring my technical expertise to building bases.”
Foreman has been dedicated and committed to the CE department because of the care and consideration from his coworkers and the value he sees in his work, helping the base to the best of his abilities. There was a time in his career when he felt like he was at a low point. He started failing his physical training tests, which led to a rank reduction. However, his coworkers and friends were by his side and reignited his drive to succeed.
“I feel like this is my family,” said Foreman. My very large, sometimes dysfunctional, very caring family.”
For future members interested in civil engineering, Foreman believes that the experience gained from working in tech school can easily translate to a civilian job. There are electrical trades, heavy equipment operators, HVAC services, and several other career options within this field. Foreman is grateful to be a member of the UTANG and is adamant that this is the best decision he has made.