Boy Scout Connection Found in War Zone

Defend America News ^ | Tech. Sgt. Veronica Aceveda

[SandRat]

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. David Tarnowski (right), 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, was once the Boy Scout leader of Airman 1st Class Ian Zerby, 379th Civil Engineering Squadron. The two recently reunited after deploying to Southwest Asia. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Veronica Aceveda
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ian Zerby, Chief Master Sgt. David Tarnowski
Boy Scout Connection Found in War Zone
By Tech. Sgt. Veronica Aceveda 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 30, 2006 — For 96 years, the Boy Scouts of America has provided a common ground for thousands of boys, teens and men across America. For one 6-year-old Tiger Cub member, an affiliation with the Boy Scouts and one particular assistant scoutmaster led him to become an outdoorsman and an airman. Airman 1st Class Ian Zerby, now 19, is an emergency management journeyman with the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron here. Ironically, his former Boy Scout leader and mentor, Chief Master Sgt. David Tarnowski, is also stationed in the area. He's the chief flight engineer for the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. The two, from Troop 829 in Youngstown, N.Y., recently had a reunion after not having seen each other for several years. "I recognized his face, but he was taller," said the chief adding, "He's actually taller than I am." Zerby said he definitely knew who (the chief) was, but snickered, "He's a little more grey." In addition to numerous camping trips, Tarnowski, a reservist at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y., also had a hand in exposing the young Ian to a countless number of airshows and aircraft.	"I actually went to visit him once in Niagara and got to talk to some of the pilots and loadmasters," said Zerby, who shortly after decided to join the active-duty Air Force. "I'm real proud of him," said Tarnowski. "I had heard Ian was interested, but I never knew he actually joined until here." Before the two officially found out the other was deployed here through a mutual friend of their families, they discovered they had actually been sharing the same "cadillac" every day. It's what the two have shared in the past that keeps them bonded to this day. "Pretty much, any of the outdoor skills I know were taught by (the chief)," said Zerby. "Because of those many adventures like camping and canoeing, it's kind of hard for me here since I have to work indoors." The avid outdoorsman already has his next vacation planned.  "I'm going to Pennsylvania to go fishing, hunting and camping when I get back to the states," said Zerby. Tarnowski, who also had four sons involved in the Scouts, said it feels great knowing he had such an influence on Ian. In all, the chief spent more than 10 years volunteering with the Boy Scouts. While he's not actively involved now, he said the people who support Troop 829 are still some of his best friends.

[SandRat]

[JRandomFreeper]

Chief has a definite SE Grin going on. We've got several old, crusty Chiefs in my Wing. God love 'em.

I've been coined by lots of folks, including SecAF. My most treasured coin is from a Chief. They run the world.

One day, I'll grow up, and keep my stuff squared away, and talk to God and Generals, and be a Chief. God and Generals willing.

/johnny

[Romanov]

Nice article!

[hiredhand]

I keep track of MY Chief to this day. He retired a couple of years ago. I even sent him the link to this thread!

...yes...Chief's "run the world". :-)

[nuke rocketeer]

Our troop has 4 boys currently on active duty, 3 of them eagles. My oldest son in the Marines, One is a reactor operator aboard the Reagan, one in the Army stationed in DC, and one in the Coast Guard in Alaska. The Scoutmaster is an active duty Lt Col in the Army.

[Calpernia]

For one 6-year-old Tiger Cub member, an affiliation with the Boy Scouts and one particular assistant scoutmaster led him to become an outdoorsman and an airman.

Airman 1st Class Ian Zerby, now 19, is an emergency management journeyman with the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron here.

Ironically, his former Boy Scout leader and mentor, Chief Master Sgt. David Tarnowski, is also stationed in the area. He's the chief flight engineer for the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[eyespysomething]

Wow. It always surprises me to see how young these guys look!

That's a neat story. His mentor did good and must be very proud of him!