Maintainer reflects on 37 year career during final mission Published Aug. 27, 2015 By Staff Sgt. Trevor Saylor 934th Airlift Wing Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AB, GERMANY -- For Master Sgt Dave Bugni, an expediter with the 934th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS), the long flight to Germany was one to remember. He won't have minded the early morning departures, or the rain at RAF Mildenhall. In fact, he savored all of it because after seven deployments, countless trips around the world, and 38 years as a member of the Air Force Reserve, this is Sergeant Bugni's final trip before he retires in November. Originally based out of Milwaukee, Bugni has spent 17 years as an Air Reserve Technician since moving to the 934th in 1997. A deployment in support of Desert Storm in 1990 and Oman in 2012 bookend the seven deployments Bugni has been a part of. Out of all of the trips he's been on, South America stands out among his favorite places he's been. "I've gotten to go places I never would have otherwise," he said. "I've had a great career; traveling is what I'll miss the most after retirement." As an Expeditor, Bugni is responsible for ensuring all aircraft on the flightline are prepared for flights, and all pre- and post-flight inspections are done as efficiently and accurately as possible. He has to track and manage inventory, and be aware of the flight schedules to ensure all aircraft are prepared and ready for flying at all times. The flight line has become a second home to him, but he's looking forward to a new chapter in his life after retirement. The chance to spend time with his three children, ranging in age from 32 to 37, and his five grandchildren has him excited. He plans to use his GI Bill benefits to attend school for industrial automation, and perhaps eventually work part time. While that remains to be seen, Bugni says he will make the most of this final trip to soak in everything he can."