UP CLOSE: Senior Master Sgt. Justin Erwin

This week’s Up Close features Senior Master Sgt. Justin Erwin, 94th Airlift Wing religious affairs superintendent. Up Close is a series spotlighting individuals around Dobbins Air Reserve Base.

Where are you from?

Belleville, IL

Why did you join?

I worked with a lot of veterans when I was younger in my hometown at Sears department store and they encouraged me to join. I also did not want to go to college at that point in my life, so the military route worked for me.

What do you do on the civilian side?

I’m a civil engineer at Air Force Reserve Command.

Favorite Air Force Experience?

My experience with the Chaplain Candidate Intensive Internship. It was a summer program for chaplains in seminary. I was the superintendent for the program for several years. It was a good opportunity to mentor and mold the future of the Air Force.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy hiking and outdoor activities

Personal/professional goals?

I plan to finish my Masters in Business Administration and tack on Chief Master Sergeant.

Best Advice Ever Received?

Find a mentor.

Something Nobody Knows About You?

I attend each Olympic games. My friends and I went to Korea, Brazil, and we are on the way to Japan for the next games.