Marine Maj. Brent Camron Reiffer is a UH-1N helicopter
instructor pilot with the Marine Corps Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron
One based at Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz. The instructor pilot, who
wanted to be a Marine since he was 10 years old, is now an Operation Iraqi
Freedom combat veteran. Courtesy photo
(Click photo for screen-
resolution image); high-resolution
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The roots of Reiffer's American pride were put down early on.
"Back when I was 10 years old, I joined the Young Marines," said Reiffer. "I
did really well and quickly learned that I was good at basic military stuff –
marching, rappelling, rafting, camping, patrolling, (and) following and giving
orders."
It was then that he realized he wanted to be a Marine.
After graduating from East Kentwood High School in Grand Rapids, Mich., his
hometown, Reiffer headed off for boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San
Diego, Calif. A bachelor's degree in aviation management technology from
Eastern Michigan University, Officer Candidate School in (1990) and flight
school (1995-1997) followed before he went off to the fleet.
Reiffer is now a UH-1N helicopter instructor pilot with the Marine Corps
Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One based at Marine Corps Air Station,
Yuma, Ariz. He said his duties allow for exposure to "all the different
backgrounds that make up Marine Corps aviation."
"Typically, an aviator will only get exposure to the other aircraft type
communities during (weapons and tactics instructor courses)," Reiffer said. "I
can talk to, and learn from, a wide range of Marines - from an FA-18 pilot to
an airfield services officer to a low-altitude air defense officer - on a daily
basis."
As an instructor pilot, he helps to instruct and certify all of the instructors
in Marine Corps Aviation units. In addition to holding semiannual WTI courses,
he said, his unit provides specific training called "Desert Talon" to units
heading to Iraq.
As part of his responsibilities, Reiffer, who also serves as the assistant
operations officer, plans for the WTI and Desert Talon courses.
While his job affords him the opportunities to lead and advance his career, it
doesn't come without strings. Reiffer said that being away from his family –
both overseas and at home - has been the biggest sacrifice associated with his
duty to his country.
"The length of time away from my children will never be able to be made up," he
said.
Though the time may never be made up, Reiffer will have stories of his time
away to share with his children – ages 5, , 2, and 7 weeks - as they grow.
"Of all the various memories that I have of being in the Marine Corps, one that
will always stay with me is the night I was in the jungle of the Philippines
when Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991 and the resulting aftermath," he said. "We
dug ourselves and others out of the rain-soaked ash at Subic Bay Naval Base
without running water, toilets (or) hot food for three weeks."
When faced with a situation like the one in the Philippines, it's Reiffer's
pride and patriotism that get him through.
"I … take great pride in knowing that while patriotism comes and goes with a
lot of people, mine is deeply entrenched," he said. "When I retire, I can
always look back and know that I contributed in numerous ways, always gave my
best effort and served my country honorably."
Reiffer was activated with the 1st Battalion, 24th Marines during Desert Storm
and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom Phase I. On March 26, 2003, during OIF-1,
he piloted his aircraft to a hard landing. The crew suffered injuries, but all
survived.
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