MCLAUGHLIN AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, W.Va. –
The Charlie West Spotlight for December is St. Albans, W.Va. native Staff Sgt. Cody Carr, a Loadmaster Instructor, assigned to the 130th Aerial Squadron.
As a loadmaster, his primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, aircraft loading and off-loading, pre and post-flight aircraft and systems preparations, general care of crew and passengers, the release of airdrop cargo.
In the civilian sector, Carr is a Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician for the City of Nitro Fire Department. Additionally, he volunteers for the Pinch Volunteer Fire Department, the Ripley Fire Department, and the West Virginia Swift Water Rescue Team.
He joined the 130th in 2013 and is a 2011 graduate of St. Albans High School as well as Ben Franklin Career Technical Center. In his civilian career, Carr obtained certifications in Swift Water Rescue, Trench Rescue, Rope Rescue, and Wild Area Search. Additionally, Carr earned a level one and level two state fire instructor.
His civilian goals are to continue to progress in his department and to strive for excellence in his job.
"I want to be the best I can so that I can provide the best service to the citizens that I protect," explained Carr. "I also want to teach others the same passion, knowledge, and drive for this career that I have."
His military goals are similar. Carr stated that he wants to continue to learn every day so that he can serve the state and nation to the best of his ability.
In his free time, Carr enjoys kayaking, golfing, training future firefighters, and spending time with his family.
"The best days of my life were graduation from basic training and getting to see my family, and the days my kids were born," said Carr. "I am proudest that I have a healthy family, and that I'm able to work hard and provide for them."
Carr's favorite moment at the 130th was returning back from his deployment in 2017 and getting to hold his three-month-old daughter, who was born just before he deployed.
"I love flying, the experiences we get, and of course, the views," he said. "Everyone in our unit works so well together, and we're all here for one reason, so it's awesome to see it all come together."