By Renee Hatcher
NAVAIR Public Affairs

When 42-year-old Army Reservist John Baranowski, deputy program manager for logistics for the EA-18G in NAVAIR’s F-18 Program Office, was recalled to active duty last February, he didn’t expect his office assignment with the U.S. Central Command would result in anything extraordinary.

He was wrong. It was this assignment that would take him from a comfortable desk in Tampa, Fla. to the war torn streets of Afghanistan. It was there that he would be reminded of what a significant role NAVAIR plays in the security of the nation. And, it was from Afghanistan that he would return with a renewed sense of pride in being an American.

When he arrived in Afghanistan, the first thing Baranowski saw was a squadron of AV-8Bs operating out of Bagram Air Base and providing air support for the ground troops.

“When I saw the Harriers at Bagram, I instantly thought back to NAVAIR and the long hours of hard work the military and civilians put in here to support our deployed folks,” he said. “There are real people out there who depend on us to make sure the pilots are trained properly and the aircraft can operate safely.”

Baranowski has logged 20 years of service between active duty and the reserves. Last year, he was recalled to work in the Civil-Military Operations Division in the U.S. Central Command’s Plans and Policies Directorate.

“I know staff work in Tampa doesn’t sound too exciting,” he said, “but the U.S. Central Command is the eye of the storm and it was definitely an experience.”

His yearlong commitment to the Army took him to Afghanistan for two weeks on two separate occasions. Baranowski’s time there brought a little more excitement and has been one of the most significant experiences of his life.

“I have never been to a place like Afghanistan,” he said. “You feel for the people when you see them living in houses that are destroyed and have no electricity or running water and it’s 20 degrees. That really puts things into perspective and renews your appreciation for America.”

The Army Civil Military Operations Division has rebuilt more than 100 schools, hospitals and orphanages in Afghanistan. During his time in Afghanistan, Baranowski oversaw the progress of these projects and was involved in coordinating the distribution of humanitarian daily rations.

“Our strategy was to show the Afghan people that we’re on their side,” he said. “Our motto was to win hearts and minds with our “concrete leaflets” – the structures that the U.S. government renovated.”

Now back at home, Baranowski is again serving his country with a renewed faith and dedication to his work at NAVAIR.

PHOTO CUTLINES:

John Baranowski is joined by Marine Lt. Col. Jim Maxwell in front of a mosque in Kabul.

John Baranowski stands with friends, Lt. Col. Jim Maxwell and Capt. Cameron Sellers, at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.