Returning home safely.
That's the most gratifying accomplishment for Clarence Reynolds, an Aviation and Missile Command Logistics Assistance Representative.
During his 10-plus years as a LAR, he has always been there to ensure CH-47 Chinook helicopters and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters complete their missions. There's a lot that Reynolds enjoys about being a LAR, but there is nothing like seeing a Chinook or Black Hawk crew and their helicopter return to base safely.
"It's all important to me -- the daily contact with our Soldiers and contractor work force; seeing the expression on a Soldier's face, either young or old, as you help them understand or repair something on the helicopter; the team work. But, the best result is always watching and seeing your aircraft and its crew return home safely after the mission is completed," Reynolds said.
As a CH-47 and UH-60 Airframe LAR, Reynolds provides technical assistance on maintenance standards, policies and procedures in the field to customers and commanders for all AMCOM-managed equipment. He monitors and analyzes readiness trends or issues, and takes action to optimize readiness rates. As with all LARs, Reynolds provides maintenance diagnostics, logistics monitoring support and software training through hands-on methods for formal and informal classroom training.
"We provide technical and logistics support on all managed equipment through all phases and facets of the equipment life cycle," Reynolds said.
"Because our sound judgment and technical expertise is so valued, we, as a group of specialists, can make decisions that commit the command to a course of action. In addition, we are sent into austere environments, often traveling alone and then integrating quickly into the unit we support."
During Reynolds' 26 years in the Army, through promotions from private to first sergeant, his career was focused on the Chinook. He worked in all leadership positions involving the CH-47A, B, C, D and now F models. With retirement, he entered the civilian workforce as an AMCOM LAR.
"I felt the LAR program is the best way that I can show my respect to our aviation Soldiers and especially give back to the CH-47 Soldiers the training and guidance that a group of special individuals gave me over many years," Reynolds said.
"I am proud to be a LAR and to share my knowledge. The best way to say is it 'giving back.'"
There's no doubt that Reynolds is more than qualified to serve as a LAR. But, his responsibilities take him beyond the duties of a 40-hour a week civilian employee.
"AMCOM LARS are the eyes and ears on the ground. So, with that being said, we are everywhere the aircraft are. In other words, we deploy a lot," Reynolds said.
"I am currently deployed in Iraq. During a deployment, we work seven days a week for six months or so until our replacement comes in. When we aren't deployed, we go to school to keep ourselves up-to-date with the latest technology. At times it puts strain on us because most of us LARS are older and we have families who need us, too."
Reynolds is on his sixth deployment. When Chinooks and Black Hawks fly, Reynolds job remains on the ground to ensure mission success.
"Besides the helicopters, I also support aviation ground support equipment associated with the Chinook or Black Hawk. I also support the civilian contractors and the supply support activities. But, most of all, I support the aviation Soldiers who are associated with these aircraft and all the special equipment that are required to be successful in their daily mission."
Reynolds enjoys the challenge of a LAR, and relies on his career-long experiences to ensure his success in the job.
"The ability to being flexible, a great listener and a team player is important in this job. Most of all, a great LAR has the ability to earn the respect and trust of all those who he or she comes into contact with," Reynolds said.
"I truly feel the AMCOM LAR is the best job within AMCOM as a whole. They are all very special individuals who are totally dedicated to the AMCOM mission."
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