Little Rock AFB Airman built by family legacy

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Mercedes Taylor
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Events that occur in early childhood can create the foundation of someone’s life; they have a monumental effect on one’s future.

Airman Tristan Liberty, a 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron mission generating vehicle equipment apprentice, wouldn’t be where he is today if it weren’t for his grandfather, Danny Crosland.

Growing up in Lexington, South Carolina, Liberty worked on cars with his older brother at his grandfather’s shop, Dan’s Automotive.

“When I was in elementary school, he would come pick us up and we would spend time with him instead of going to day care,” Liberty said. “We would work at the shop with him and learn everything we could.”

His grandfather taught him basic mechanic skills such as changing tires, oil changes, and battery and electrical systems.

Liberty knew exactly what he wanted to be when he grew up.

“I came into the Air Force knowing I wanted to be a mechanic because of my grandfather,” Liberty said. “Because of what I was taught growing up, I was very comfortable with my work setting when I started working here. I knew about safety procedures because of what my grandfather taught me.”

Today, Liberty works with a team of 40 Airmen at the Vehicle Maintenance shop to support approximately 400 vehicles at Little Rock Air Force Base, and was selected to appear in a Department of Defense logistics readiness technical schoolhouse video.

“Since day one, Liberty has excelled at all assigned tasks,” said Master Sgt. Michael Johns, 19th LRS Vehicle Management superintendent. “His motivated ‘can do’ attitude and eagerness to learn has propelled him to stand out as a star performer.”

Liberty credits his success and achievements to the values instilled by his grandfather.

“Working with my grandfather in my childhood makes me a better Airman,” Liberty said. “He never told me how to be a good person. He showed me how to be one. I saw how he treated his customers. The honesty and respect he gave and earned from them. He did teach me a lot about vehicles, but that does not compare to him helping me become the person I am today.”