Features

Turning wrenches on, off duty

Story and photos by Airman Edgar Grimaldo
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
October 29, 2021
Members of the U.S. Air Force 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron stand inside their squadron headquarters at Ramstein Air Base, Oct. 19. Airmen from the 86 VRS work around the clock ensuring operations and vehicles run smoothly for United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa’s largest vehicle fleet.

Joseph Bulik was fascinated by vehicles as a kid.

Playing Need for Speed: Most Wanted and watching movies and T.V. shows were what really got the future airman first class interested in vehicles.

“I’m a big vehicle person,” Bulik, now an 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron vehicle management flight specialist, said. “I love muscle cars, Japanese Domestic Market cars, exotic cars, motorcycles. I just love vehicles in general. A car is basically a giant puzzle. Putting it together, figuring out what went wrong and fixing it is a great feeling.”

Before Bulik became the Airman he is now, he had to face his own set of problems. Having to work three jobs while also taking college classes, Bulik had to make some major changes.

“I had to ask myself, ‘Was I comfortable living this life, or do I want to join the military and get a career out of it?” said Bulik.”

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Joseph Bulik, 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron vehicle management flight specialist, inspects his car at Ramstein Air Base, Oct. 20. Bulik was recently recognized as Airlifter of The Week for his innovation in the workplace and educating maintenance shops on the importance of tools and equipment accountability. In turn, this ensures the sustainment of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa’s largest vehicle fleet of 1,700 assets, worth $240 million Oct. 14, 2021. Bulik’s passion for cars extends beyond the workplace, working on cars off and on duty, Bulik has plans on opening his own mechanic shop.

That was when Bulik decided to join the Air Force having heard many good things about it and not being happy with his current state.

As Bulik went through the recruitment process he had his eye set on a mechanic job, where he could not only pursue his passion and career in cars, but also pursue his degree.

“Getting a career repairing cars was a dream come true,” Bulik said. “Not only would I be working with cars all day, but I would also have the time to take college classes as well.”

Bulik made it his mission to not only become a great mechanic, but also to become a future police officer.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Joseph Bulik, 86 Vehicle Readiness Squadron vehicle management flight specialist, checks a vehicle’s battery level at Ramstein Air Base, Oct. 19. Bulik was recently recognized as Airlifter of The Week for his innovation in the workplace and educating maintenance shops on the importance of tools and equipment accountability. In turn, this ensures the sustainment of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa’s largest vehicle fleet of 1,700 assets, worth $240 million Oct. 14.

“Working at the shop has been an awesome learning experience,” Bulik said. “There are people with a lot of knowledge and wisdom and being in this environment has really made me grow not just as a technician, but more importantly, as a person.”

Bulik was recently recognized as Airlifter of The Week for his innovation in the workplace and educating maintenance shops on the importance of tools and equipment accountability. In turn, this ensures the sustainment of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa’s largest vehicle fleet of 1,700 assets, worth $240 million Oct. 14, 2021.

“As soon as he got here he hit the ground running,” said Staff Sgt. Paul Carress, 86 VRS general purpose heavy maintenance supervisor. “Airman Bulik is someone who will go out of their way to help out his fellow Airmen. He really cares about people and would be more than willing to take time out of his personal life if it meant helping someone else.”

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