The sky's the limit for Maryland National Guard Soldiers

WAINWRIGHT, Alberta - As the rotors of a UH-60 Black Hawk spin faster and faster, blurring together in a circular streak against the vibrant hues of a setting sun, a flight crew prepares for takeoff.

The pilots may get the glory and adoration of those watching from the ground as they gracefully lift the beast into the sky, but they know a successful mission isn't possible without their crew chief.

Becoming a crew chief is a progression from maintenance and repair to actually riding in the seat behind the cockpit and guiding the pilots on the flight. It requires dedication and hard work, which is nothing new for two Maryland National Guard Soldiers who chose the position.

They are only a few years into their careers, but their love for the job and willingness to learn has them flying high on the path to success.

Spc. Austin Poe, a 23-year-old crew chief with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, grew up in the aviation world. His grandfather was a pilot in Vietnam and his father was also a crew chief in the Army. The Baltimore resident said he first rode a helicopter when he was six months old, and for him, the attraction of flying is simply being in the sky.

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