Packing the chute

Tech Sgt. Christopher Schwan, 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., Aircrew Flight Equipment Specialist reservist, holds up a parachute used by combat search and rescue operators here. Schwan was honored as the Recruit Fire Fighter of the Year for Brevard County. He was chosen out of 70 recruits for 2012. As a fire fighter, Schwan uses the same inspiration he uses here, saving lives. "I love both of my jobs, they both give me the opportunity to save a life," said Schwan. (U.S. Air Force photo/2nd Lt. Leslie Forshaw)

Parachute packing

Tech Sgt. Christopher Schwan, 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., Aircrew Flight Equipment Specialist reservist, makes sure cables aren't tangled as he starts to pack up a parachute used by combat search and rescue operators here. Schwan was honored as the Recruit Fire Fighter of the Year for Brevard County. He was chosen out of 70 recruits for 2012. As a fire fighter, Schwan uses the same inspiration he uses here, saving lives. "I love both of my jobs, they both give me the opportunity to save a life," said Schwan. (U.S. Air Force photo/2nd Lt. Leslie Forshaw)

Parachute packing

Tech Sgt. Christopher Schwan, 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., Aircrew Flight Equipment Specialist reservist, folds up a parachute used by combat search and rescue operators here. Schwan was honored as the Recruit Fire Fighter of the Year for Brevard County. He was chosen out of 70 recruits for 2012. As a fire fighter, Schwan uses the same inspiration he uses here, saving lives. "I love both of my jobs, they both give me the opportunity to save a life," said Schwan. (U.S. Air Force photo/2nd Lt. Leslie Forshaw)

Packing the chute

Tech Sgt. Christopher Schwan, 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., Aircrew Flight Equipment Specialist reservist, divides up the cables on a parachute as he begins to pack it up. The parachutes are used by combat search and rescue operators here. Schwan was honored as the Recruit Fire Fighter of the Year for Brevard County. He was chosen out of 70 recruits for 2012. As a fire fighter, Schwan uses the same inspiration he uses here, saving lives. "I love both of my jobs, they both give me the opportunity to save a life," said Schwan. (U.S. Air Force photo/2nd Lt. Leslie Forshaw)

Double duty life saver

Published May 4, 2012
By 2nd Lt. Leslie Forshaw
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

PATRICK AIR FOCE BASE, Fla. -- Rescue Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing here make saving lives their business. From the maintenance Airmen working on a rescue wing aircraft, to the procurement Airmen making sure supplies are ordered to get the job done- everyone is an integral part of the life-saving network.

One Citizen Airmen wears a dual hat in the life-saving business; Tech Sgt. Christopher Schwan is an aircrew flight equipment specialist within the wing's operational support squadron, and at his civilian job, he's a firefighter and was recognized as the Brevard County Recruit Firefighter of the Year, 2012.

"I was completely surprised and blown-away," said Schwan who maintains survival equipment and trains rescue operators, which includes pilots, aircrew, pararescuemen and combat rescue officers on combat and water survival .

He credits his family's support and his passion military service for being able to strike the fine balance between both a military and civilian career. It's not an easy task he said.
"I learned leadership values in the Air Force," said Schwan. "You learn respect and how to treat people. It's similar to the fire department with starting on the bottom of your chain of command and working up from there."

"I use what my parents taught me every day of my life," Schwan said. "They have accomplished major obstacles in their life. They raised me to keep improving and, most important, never settle."

The 920th RQW's motto, "That others may live," resonates through him as a reservist and a firefighter.

"You have a chance to save a life," he said. "Even the most routine call could turn into something different."

The same holds true for his reserve duty as someone who trains rescuers how to survive prior to missions on their survival equipment.

"When I'm working here, I miss being a firefighter," Schwan said. "When I'm working as a firefighter, I miss it here."

The recruit firefighter of the year is award to a firefighter during their first year of work. Schwan was chosen out of 70 new firefighters in county.

"Schwan exemplifies a true 'Citizen Airman,'" said Col. Jeffrey Macrander, 920th RQW commander. "He supports his nation through his military duty as a Reservist with the 920th RQW, and also serves his community. It was my honor to attend his award recognition ceremony."

For more information on the 920th RQW, visit their website, facebook and twitter.