Liberty returns to Ellsworth Published Nov. 30, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Jarad A. Denton 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- While certain elements of military life may cause families to readjust their lives to deal with time apart from one another, these elements can also serve to bring families closer together. The Liberty family was reunited after Airman 1st Class Rachael Liberty, 28th Operations Support Squadron aviation resource management journeyman, swapped orders with another Airman at her technical school so she could come to Ellsworth and be with her family. Though Airman Liberty originally joined the Air Force for its travel and education opportunities, when the chance arose for her to come back home to Ellsworth, she couldn't refuse. "I've been at Ellsworth since I was four years old when my father was stationed here," she said. The chance to remain at Ellsworth holds special appeal for Airman Liberty's father, Senior Master Sgt. Charles Liberty, 37th Aircraft Maintenance Unit assistant NCO-in charge. "There are other bases that we enjoyed (being stationed at), but by staying at Ellsworth it worked out that we were able to keep both our kids in one school system," Sergeant Liberty said. "This was something that was impossible for my wife and I growing up military brats." According to Sergeant Liberty, his daughter's decision to enlist in the Air Force came as a small surprise to him. "She dropped this bomb while I was at the senior NCO academy," Sergeant Liberty said. "Her feelings were strong on the matter and she didn't want to go the route that her brother did with student loans." Sergeant Liberty said their family is very proud of Airman Liberty's decision to enlist. "She (Airman Liberty) has done our family a good service and her mother and I get lots of compliments on her character," he said. "The fact is she and her brother made it (parenting) very easy." "It has been a great life for all of us," said Sergeant Liberty. "We come from a family of Air Force members." Sergeant Liberty's father, mother, two sisters, his wife's father and youngest brother have all served in the Air Force. Both Sergeant Liberty and his wife are happy to have Airman Liberty stationed at Ellsworth. It's been great being back home, she said. My parents both appreciate the fact that I came here after tech school, and I get to have a home-cooked meal nearly every day. While Airman Liberty has put her travel goals on hold to be with her family, she has been able to continue her education goals while at Ellsworth. She is currently taking courses through National American University as well as several College Level Examination Program tests. Airman Liberty also competes in base volleyball with her father. "I raised competitive athletes, so it brings new meaning to the base volleyball season," Sergeant Liberty said. "She and I play on different teams; so far it's dad one and daughter zero and I like it that way." Sergeant Liberty has encouraged and supported his daughter's career choice wholeheartedly. He understands life in the military can be challenging and is proud of Airman Liberty for making the commitment to serve her country. "Nothing worth doing in this life is easy," he said. "If it was, everyone would do it."