An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Feb. 6, 2020

Airman serves in multiple fire protection roles

By Senior Airman Caleb Vance 130th Airlift Wing

MCLAUGHLIN AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, W.Va. – Senior Airman Nate Arthur is a fire protection craftsman assigned to the 130th Fire and Emergency Services, West Virginia Air National Guard, who also holds many titles in the civilian sector.

Arthur is a native of Frazier's Bottom, W.Va., and a 2004 graduate of Herbert Hoover High School in Elkview, W.Va. Upon graduating, Arthur began his fire service career at Milton Volunteer Fire Department. Arthur later became a professional firefighter for the City of Nitro. He joined the 130th Airlift Wing in 2015.

Arthur works full-time for the 130th and has multiple civilian roles, including the Winfield Volunteer Fire Department training officer, president of the Putnam County Fireman's Association, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 4889, and an adjunct fire instructor for West Virginia Public Service Training.

He teaches various fire and emergency service classes and is program coordinator of the CPR/first aid program and unit health monitor for the 130th FES.

His goals in his civilian life are to continue serving his community as a first responder and fire service instructor while providing for his family. His military goals are to continue to progress through the ranks, gaining as much experience and training while mentoring younger Airmen.

"It's awesome to be just a small piece in the overall picture of contributing to the mission of the West Virginia National Guard and the United States Air Force," he said. "The 130th is like a small community made up of highly skilled individuals from across the state; this is our family away from family."

Arthur's favorite moment as a member 130th was in 2018 when he deployed to Al Udeid Air Force Base in Qatar, where the Fire Department averaged more than 200 calls per month.

"The skills I learned in my four years as an Air Force firefighter were finally coming together," he explained. "I was proud to be able to represent the 130th and WVNG in a high tempo location such as that."

Although his favorite moment as a member of the 130th separated him from home, he says two events that hit closer to home were the highlights of his life.

"The best day of my life is a tie between two things," said Arthur. "It's the day I married my wife, Lola, and the day I became a father."

Arthur credits his family for being his support system to push him to continue to do great things. Along with his other children, Arthur and his wife have fostered seven children.

"Through all my endeavors, my wife and children have always supported me," Arthur said. "In 2017, my wife and I felt the calling to start fostering children, and through fostering our family is continuing to grow, bringing more love and support into our lives."

His service has not gone unnoticed by his peers and supervisors.

"Nate is an outstanding Airman," said Master Sgt. James Cole, the 130th Fire and Emergency Services fire chief. "His community service, work here at the unit, and everything else just exemplifies what kind of person he is."

 

 

Related Articles
Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, adjutant general of Louisiana, discusses briefing details with Col. Augusto Villalaz, director of the Joint Staff for the Louisiana National Guard, during the annual Hurricane Rehearsal of Concept (ROC) Drill at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, May 21, 2025. The drill helps synchronize plans and strengthen coordination across LANG’s senior leadership ahead of hurricane season.
Louisiana Guard Rehearses Emergency Plans for Hurricane Season
By Capt. Peter Drasutis, | May 28, 2025
NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard conducted its annual Hurricane Rehearsal of Concept (ROC) Drill at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Baton Rouge May 21, uniting key personnel across multiple commands to refine...

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, sling load a reduced range practice rocket to a Moroccan CH-47 Chinook during a multinational sling load operation at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in TanTan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations - preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win.
New Hampshire Guard Teams with Morocco for Sling Load Training at African Lion 2025
By Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester, | May 28, 2025
TAN TAN, Morocco – Soldiers assigned to the 744th Forward Support Company (744TH FSC), 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard partnered with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR), for...

From left, Sgt. Edward Acda, Lt. Col. Vern Perez, Sgt. 1st Class Celine Taitano, Capt. Ryan Arellano, Staff Sgt. Jovencio Mortera, and Sgt. Avery Tyquiengco of the Guam National Guard participate in Balikatan Cyber Defense Exercise, Manila, April 27, 2025. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the U.S. and Philippine armed forces designed to strengthen the alliance, showcase the capable combined force, and demonstrate the commitment to regional security and stability. (Courtesy asset)
Guam Guard Participates in Balikatan 2025 Cyber Defense Exercise
By Mark Scott, | May 28, 2025
MANILA, Philippines – A team of cyber professionals and an intelligence analyst from the Guam National Guard attended Balikatan 2025, participating in the three-week Cyber Defense Exercise alongside teams from various...