KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The Air Force Safety Center is proud to announce John "Jay" Guetersloh as the Headquarters Air Force Volunteer of the Quarter for the 1st Quarter, recognizing his exceptional dedication and selfless service to both the community and the nation. Guetersloh's commitment extends far beyond his duties as chief of remotely piloted aircraft safety at the Safety Center, showcasing a profound passion for helping others and contributing to meaningful causes.
Guetersloh's volunteer efforts are as diverse as they are impactful. His heart for service animals shines brightly through his work with Canine Companions, a national non-profit organization that provides highly trained service dogs to people with disabilities.
For over nine years, Guetersloh and his family have welcomed fluffy bundles of potential into their home, raising puppies from just eight weeks old to eighteen months. This isn't just about providing a loving home; it’s about imbuing the young pup with the critical skills necessary to become a life-changing service dog for a physically disabled veteran. This demanding commitment involves countless hours of training and socialization, as well as providing all food, veterinary care, and other necessities, highlighting the significant contribution Guetersloh made in shaping the dogs’ future role.
"It's an incredibly rewarding experience," Guetersloh explained. "Knowing that you're playing a part in giving someone their independence back is what makes all the early mornings and the challenges worthwhile."
Guetersloh's dedication to Canine Companions doesn't stop there. He spearheaded a soda can tab collection drive, accumulating a staggering 10,000 tabs. This seemingly small act has a significant impact. These funds are crucial for adopting, training, and providing ongoing support for service dogs, ensuring they can continue to aid physically disabled citizens and wounded veterans.
But Guetersloh's commitment to service extends beyond the ground. With a keen eye for aviation safety, he volunteers as a hot air balloon team crew member. His expertise and dedication have been instrumental in enabling seven successful sorties, totaling over eight hours of flight time, as well as the triumphant completion of two balloon races.
"Safety is paramount in aviation, and that extends to hot air ballooning," Guetersloh stated. "I'm passionate about ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved."
His skills and passion were further recognized when he was hand-picked to serve as a crew member for the National Park Service's Smokey the Bear balloon. Guetersloh played a vital role in captivating 350 spectators and raising public awareness about natural resource conservation for 15 NPS sites across New Mexico.
“Jay is a true example of someone who cares about Air Force Safety and about giving back to the community," said Col. Tyler Berge, chief of the Aviation Safety Division. "He's the kind of guy who really walks the walk when it comes to the Air Force core values…Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.”
Guetersloh’s contributions are not only measured in dollars and hours, but in the immeasurable impact he has on the lives of others. Congratulations to Jay, a true example of excellence in service.