Life support on and off the job: reservist overcomes handicaps to care for others

Airman, Dec, 2004 by Chance Babin

Though he's from the city known as the "Big Easy," life has been anything but that for Master Sgt. Mike Varnado.

Born with deformed legs and raised in an inner-city housing project, some people might say Sergeant Varnado had two strikes against him before his life in New Orleans really started. But thanks to a strong mother and good influences, he overcame his handicap.

Sergeant Varnado credits the Air Force with helping save him from a life of poverty and uncertainty. So it's fitting that he chose a career that allows him to ensure the safety and survivability of others. Today, he's the noncommissioned officer in charge of aircrew life support for the 706th Fighter Squadron, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans.

"The Air Force is the best thing that ever happened to me," Sergeant Varnado said. "I was so glad the Air Force took a chance on me." That, he said, gave "me a shot at success."

Sergeant Varnado's mother tried to make a decent life for him and his four siblings in an environment dominated by drug dealers and criminals. And born with severely bowed legs and cleft feet, he walked with metal braces. At 3 years old, his legs were broken and reset to straighten them. He spent two years in a hospital--it became a second home.

At the hospital, a woman he met left a lasting impression. She rocked and comforted the boy. And she told him God would always be with him.

"I've been through some rough times in my life, but that woman's words have always stuck with me," he said. "She made a difference in my life."

Sergeant Varnado's decision to join the military was something he never imagined as a child lying in a hospital bed. He hoped to join, but thought he would never get the opportunity because of his birth defect. But the Air Force took a chance on him and told him "we think you can do it."

"That saved me from what I might have become," he said. "There was nothing to take me any further, not in the projects."

So, in 1974 Sergeant Varnado joined the Air Force and spent four years at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. His plan was to return home and care for his mother. He did that. But he didn't want to give up on the Air Force. So he joined the Reserve and the 926th Fighter Wing. Twenty-six years later, he has no regrets.

The unit was full of caring, family oriented people who instantly "cared about you," he said. "You became part of a real family."

He soon set his sights on helping the people that made him feel so welcome. And he wanted to prove he was worthy of the job. The life support job kept him busy and soon made him ignore his personal hardships. That hasn't changed in three decades.

"I'm doing something most people don't get a chance to do, working with highly experienced pilots and their equipment," he said. "I get to make a difference in people's lives, which also makes a difference in my life."

The Air Force has been Sergeant Varnado's springboard to a better life. And it allowed him to do something else. Because whether in his life support shop, church or Children's Hospital, Sergeant Varnado is tireless about giving back to those who gave him so much.

He enjoys interacting with kids, confident in his ability to positively influence their lives--especially those from a background similar to his.He relishes the opportunity to tell his story.

"I vowed to always go back to Children's Hospital," he said. "They are all my brothers and sisters there. I know what it's like. That's why I do what I do."

Career Field Facts

1T1X1--Aircrew life support

Assigned: 1,847

Duties: Maintains pilot's flying equipment and pilot's recurring training on such tasks as survival training, chemical warfare, pilot egress training and night vision devices.

Civilian application: None.

Master Sgt. Mike Varnado

NCOIC aircrew life support, 706th Fighter Squadron, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans

Years in Air Force: 30

Hometown: New Orleans

Reasons for joining: "I wanted to be part of the Air Force ever since I was a kid. I felt inspired by flight. The Air Force stood out to me. I can't even measure how high my enthusiasm was for the Air Force."

Assignments: Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.; Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans.

Coming up: Working with Mayor Ronnie Harris, Gretna, La., on a committee to form a partnership between the city and the military for a mentoring program for area youths.

Best thing about job: "Every day I'm challenged to see what more I can give. It requires something of me daily. They get the best of me every day."