#IAMIMSC: Capt. Ben Shearer

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#IAMIMSC: Capt. Ben Shearer

Duty title and unit: AFIMSC Detachment 4 Operations Branch Chief, Ramstein Air Base, Germany

Primary duty responsibilities: Each day I have the incredible opportunity to work alongside our two command fuels engineers, command electrical engineer and operations manager as we support U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa and the theater-unique engineering challenges we are asked to resolve.  

What’s the best part of your job?
My favorite part of any job I’ve done in the Air Force is simply working with others to solve problems and get the job done! The next best thing is finding ways to support the bases and their missions.

What’s a recent project that gave you a great sense of accomplishment? 
As part of my last role at the detachment, I was the project manager for the largest troop labor project in Air Force history: the construction of Air Base 201, Agadez, Niger. I was privileged to work closely with a few of the 500 plus RED HORSE troops who rotated in/out over three years to complete U.S. Africa Command’s #1 construction priority: a 6,200-foot runway in the heart of the Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa, home to multiple violent extremist organizations. It was an incredible experience to be a part of such a prolific endeavor displaying Air Force Civil Engineers’ core competencies!

Any claims to fame?
I’m not sure I have any of those. I simply strive to work hard at the job I’m given and leave each place in better shape than when I arrived.

Do you follow any mantra? 
I’m a big believer in not asking others to do what I’m not willing to do myself. One summer in high school while re-roofing a house, my boss had me pick up all the bits and pieces of shingles that had fallen in and around the bushes surrounding the house. I was feeling just a bit resentful that I had to work such a menial task when my boss came down and started working alongside me. I began thinking my boss’s time would be much better spent doing something else when he said, “Ben, I want you to know that I will never ask you to do something I won’t do myself.” Today, I’m grateful to be surrounded by hard working individuals willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission!